Miracle Mindset

From A Sermon by James W Greer Time to Dream | Why Don’t You Dream?   (Romans 8:31, NKJV; Romans 8:37, NKJV; Jeremiah 1:7-8, TEV) Your dreams may be troubled, but God’s dreams for you are paramount, and they are good (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV). God’s dreams for your life are far greater than your own. They are not just bigger; they are exceedingly, abundantly more than you can think, dream, or even imagine (Ephesians 3:20, NKJV). God is going before you, arranging all the necessary circumstances for your dreams to come to fruition (Isaiah 45:2-3, TEV). When God gives you a dream, He takes responsibility for opening the right doors and creating the right circumstances (Revelation 3:8, NKJV). All you need to do is your part and then allow God to do His (Hebrews 4:3, NKJV; Hebrews 6:17, NCV).

Written By Ken Hulsey As our country's 250th birthday approaches, I thought that it would be interesting to put a few things into perspective. First, being old enough to have experienced our great nation's 200th birthday celebration back in 1976, I am somewhat surprised at small number of celebrations across the country. Back in 76, there was a certain sense of excitement about our nations bicentenial. Patriotic themed events and imagery were everywhere. There was a train containing our national treasures, like the Declaration of Independence and the Liberty Bell, touring the country so that every American would have a chance to see them. There was a fleet of tall (sailed) ships touring port cities. Overall, there was a sense of national pride that permeated everything. It was a truly magical time for our country.

 Story and Photos by Ken Hulsey This past Friday, our family decided to head west into Texas and revisit the town of Lufkin. On our trip there last year, we had lunch at Ray's Drive In, visited the Naranjo Museum of Natural History, and popped into the History Center in nearby Diboll. This time around, we brought our granddaughter along to share in the fun. The town of Lufkin has many family-friendly locations to enjoy, so many that we actually didn't get to them all in one day, so a return visit will have to be made in the near future.

 Story by Ken Hulsey I've been digging through my archives looking for interesting images to post. Since I've been writing about movies and television for well over twenty years, I have amassed a collection of hundreds of images, so weeding through all of them has been quite challenging. My main problem was simply finding a starting point.  

 Photos and Story by Ken Hulsey One of my favorite places here in Louisiana is the Plaquemine Lock State Historic Site. Every opportunity I get to enjoy this location, I take full advantage of it. In a state that sadly doesn't normally take the time to preserve historic places, the fact that the town of Plaquemine and the state of Louisiana actually took the time and spent the money to keep up this amazing location is nothing short of amazing. 

 Photos and Story By Ken Hulsey Our family has cherished our time hiking around Silverwood Lake for years, so I knew a day spent in nature would be a hit for everyone. This beautiful area has been a favorite of ours, offering fantastic opportunities for hiking (just remember to stay on the trails), fishing, boating, and camping. What’s great about Silverwood Lake is its ability to feel serene, even though it's conveniently located near the bustling areas of Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Orange County. Unlike nearby Big Bear Lake, which often gets crowded on weekends, Silverwood Lake allows you to enjoy a peaceful day if that’s what you’re after. 

Celebrate Independence Day at Freedom 4th in Albuquerque! From the City of Albuquerque  This year, the City of Albuquerque invites you to join a spectacular celebration of America’s 250th anniversary of independence at Balloon Fiesta Park. This family-friendly event promises an unforgettable day packed with music, food, and festivities. So, gather your loved ones and prepare for a joyful evening under the stars!

 From James W. Greer What does it really mean to "act like a man" according to Scripture? In this message, we explore God's design for biblical manhood and the responsibilities that come with spiritual maturity. True maturity isn't determined by age, strength, status, or success; rather, it is revealed through responsibility, conviction, and obedience to God. 

 Photos and Story by Ken Hulsey I have a knack for finding all kinds of pieces of Louisiana railroad history. This past week, I was traveling down Highway 1 from Shreveport towards Natchitoches when I spied a structure off to my right that my keen eye immediately recognized as a railroad depot. My suspicion was soon confirmed as I pulled up in front of the old Texas & Pacific Railroad depot that once served the nearby town of Powhatan. The location also included an old railroad crossing signal, a replica railroad water tower, and an old gas station.

Written by Gene Stevens Trains, Trails, and Outlaws: Western Poetry & Stories III invites readers onto dusty roads, steel rails, and prairie paths where the American frontier still breathes. G.C. Stevens blends original Western poetry, short stories, personal photographs, RPPCs, postal history, and vivid historical sketches to celebrate Iowa and the Midwest as the doorway to the West.

On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress approved the design of a national flag. Image and Text from the Library of Congress Since 1916, when President Woodrow Wilson issued a presidential proclamation establishing a national Flag Day on June 14, Americans have commemorated the adoption of the Stars and Stripes in many ways–displaying the flag in front of their homes, parades, and other patriotic observances. Prior to 1916, many localities and a few states had been celebrating the day for years. Congressional legislation designating that date as the national Flag Day was signed into law by President Harry Truman in 1949; the legislation also called upon the president to issue a Flag Day proclamation every year.

Written by Ken Hulsey Over the past couple of weeks, I have heard a message being preached from several different pulpits, articles, and even songs. This message is that it is time for Christians to stop being silent, rise into action, and speak the truth publicly about the message of Jesus Christ and the state of society as a whole. I would also echo that it is time for Americans to speak out and openly combat the forces that want to change our nation into something that more resembles the totalitarian state of George Orwell's classic novel, 1984.

 From Warner Bros Global explorer Josh Gates returns for an all-new season of the Emmy® Award-winning series EXPEDITION UNKNOWN, packed with high-stakes adventures and monumental discoveries, premiering Wednesday, June 24 at 9 PM ET/PT on the Discovery Channel. From far-flung jungles and remote waters to vast, unexplored caves, Gates pursues his boldest missions yet, hunting for vanished civilizations, diving deep to document lost wartime wrecks, and chasing groundbreaking evidence behind the world’s most compelling mysteries.  

 Written by Ken Hulsey After taking a month off, I decided that it was time to resurrect one of my most popular features, entitled Retro Cartoon Rewind. As you can probably guess, this series features many of the classic cartoons that were once shown almost exclusively on network television between 6 and 12 in the morning on Saturdays. Most of us from that generation woke up with eager anticipation, knowing that we were about to enjoy several hours of programming aimed solely for kids. For many, these are some of our most treasured memories.

 Photo and Story by Ken Hulsey This past weekend, my wife found one of the old pictures that I actually didn't have in my archives. It is a photo of a lonely desert road in Nevada that she rendered in stark black and white. I think that the image in this form conveys a true sense of emptiness.  Terri labeled this photo 'On The Road to Vegas', a road that I have traveled down numerous times. On the road towards Las Vegas, your mind is preoccupied with thoughts of winning a jackpot at a slot machine or game table. There is an optimism that somehow Lady Luck is going to shine her grace upon you, and all your financial worries will be over. Since you are about to become rich, you can't help but fantasize about how big a house you are going to buy and what it would be like to dive into a huge pool of gold coins like Scrooge McDuck.

Written By: Ken Hulsey In my many attempts to review classic films, I often pass over really great movies, sometimes even passing over some of my personal favorites, to tie themes and past topics together. One such film that I have regrettably passed over, for far too long, is the 1986 action/comedy "Big Trouble in Little China". For those of you out there who know me pretty well, you understand that "Big Trouble" is one of my all-time favorite movies, so the fact that I have chosen it to begin getting back to talking about older films should come as no surprise.

 Celebrate Independence Day at Whittier's 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular! As the summer sun shines brightly and the warm breeze envelops Whittier, excitement fills the air for the town's annual 4th of July celebration at York Field! Mark your calendars for a day packed with fun, friends, and fireworks that you definitely won’t want to miss.

The Path to Independence: A Pivotal Moment in History As we look back at the tumultuous events leading up to the American Revolution, one point is particularly crucial: the deliberations within the Continental Congress during the summer of 1776. On June 10 of that year, Congress took a significant step towards independence by appointing a committee made up of five key figures to draft a Declaration of Independence. This famed committee comprised Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Robert R. Livingston, and Roger Sherman, with Jefferson tasked with the momentous job of authoring the statement that would articulate the colonies’ intentions toward their governance and relationship with Great Britain.

In a culture that often equates manhood with strength, success, status, or self-reliance, the Bible presents a different perspective. In this message, Pastor Steven explores what it truly means to "act like a man" according to Scripture. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 16, this sermon challenges men to take responsibility, stand firm in their faith, lead with humility, serve others sacrificially, and love like Christ. 

Written by Tina Martin I once read that the only person you should compete with is yourself—striving to be better and do better every day. This idea took some reflection because "competition" is a strong word and can stir up negative emotions. Instead, I believe that aiming to improve and make the most of our blessings should simply be our goal. If you don’t feel blessed, you might need help changing your perspective!

The Battle of Trois-Rivières: A Turning Point in the American Revolution The summer of 1776 was a tumultuous time for the American Revolutionary forces, marked by both bold ambitions and unforeseen challenges. Among the key events of this era was the Battle of Trois-Rivières, a confrontation that would have lasting implications for both American and British military strategies.

 Story and Photos By Ken Hulsey One of the things I truly miss about Southern California is spending leisurely days at the Southern California Railway Museum (formerly known as the Orange Empire Railway Museum). While sifting through an old folder of photographs from a few years ago, I rediscovered a treasure trove of images I took at the museum. The highlight was definitely the museum's operational steam locomotive, the former Ventura County Railway 2-6-2 No. 2. I thought it would be great to share some of these photos with fellow rail enthusiasts.

  True Freedom  Jesus said in John 8:32 NLT — And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. This is an incredible promise, especially if you need healing —whether the difficulty is an injury, illness, a financial hardship, a troubled relationship, or anything else.

The Significance of June 6, 1776: Washington’s Arrival in New York City On June 6, 1776, a pivotal chapter in American history unfolded as George Washington arrived in New York City around 1 p.m. Having spent two weeks in Philadelphia attending meetings with the Continental Congress, Washington understood that every moment counted in the fight for independence from British rule. His arrival in New York was not just a geographical milestone; it signaled a strategic shift in the burgeoning conflict between the American colonies and Great Britain. 

Photos and Story by Ken Hulsey It was a warm but comfortable summer night when the little lady and I pulled into the town of Williams, Arizona. Williams has always been one of my favorite destinations because it is the home of the Grand Canyon Railway, which is one of the best tourist railroads in America. I also have a soft spot for Williams because in the early 90s, my car broke down just outside of town, and I ended up being marooned there for almost a week. Despite not having any wheels, I spent my time walking around the town, eating in every single restaurant, watching the trains depart and arrive every day, and basically soaking in the atmosphere. Most people would have been very put out by the whole experience, but to tell the truth, it ended up being one of the best vacations of my life. I guess that in some way, I feel like I actually lived in Williams, if only for a week.

Photos and Story by Ken Hulsey  A great deal of my life has centered around traveling on or living near Route 66. In the early 70s, my family traveled the famed highway at least twice a year, traveling from California to Texas to visit family. For thirteen years, I lived in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where the old highway cuts the city down the middle, and then several years later, I would find myself in Victorville, California, where again Route 66 was once the lifeblood of the town. 

Photos and Story by Ken Hulsey It seems like my younger years were spent almost entirely looking out a car window. Our family was constantly traveling from California to Texas, then Texas to California, and then New Mexico to Texas and California. If you were able to follow any of that, you probably deduced that my family spent a lot of time traveling from our home to visit relatives in other states. No matter our locale, we were traveling twice a year to visit our relatives in Vernon, Texas. 

Photos and Story by Ken Hulsey  Way back in the 1970s, I lived in the small town of Vernon, Texas. At that time, Vernon was a vibrant place with numerous stores and restaurants. The town hosted an annual rodeo called the Santa Rosa Roundup , and for fun, there was a miniature golf course, and there was the small Plaza Theater to see a movie.

 Photos and Story by Ken Hulsey Halfway between Memphis and Nashville is the historic town of Jackson, Tennessee. Though you may not have heard of Jackson, just about everyone has heard of the town's most famous former resident, Casey Jones.  Just in case you haven't heard the tale of  his death and the song that transformed him into an American folk hero:

 Story and Photos By: Ken Hulsey Winston-Salem is a charming small city with excellent dining and a vibrant downtown district. The area is also rich in history, exemplified by the wonderfully preserved colonial-style village and museum of Old Salem. Visitors should be sure to explore the historic dwellings, streets, and sidewalks of this captivating destination, where treasures of the past await around every corner.