Signs & Wonders Blog

All my life I’ve been a cat lover but in recent years developed an increasing appreciation for dogs. One in particular that I grew fond of recently passed away. When I first stayed with my friend Lorvin in 2013, he had two beagles named Rocky and Scooby. I noticed Scooby’s bark sounded like a seal. So we started calling him Seal Dog. I never got tired of hearing his “seal squeal.” Scooby wagged his tail while barking and howling for me. I believe he enjoyed the extra attention. Rocky usually wouldn’t bark when I tried getting him to do so. Seal Dog always responded instead. Lorvin got the idea of turning Scooby into a superhero . He ordered a Superman outfit for dogs since the “S” could also stand for Seal Dog. An Underdog outfit was ordered for Rocky who I nicknamed Überdog. Just for fun, I created videos of these characters. One of them was for a song I composed. “ Seal Dog Theme ” got played on the Dr. Demento radio show. Later when Lorvin got married, his wife Tanya insisted on...

Martin and me in 2014 It’s sad when friends of ours die but it’s also a time of rejoicing if they knew the Lord. We will see them again in heaven. Martin Wishnatsky was born on July 13, 1944 and raised in a conservative Jewish family. Originally from New Jersey, Martin graduated from Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts and then earned a Ph.D. in political science from Harvard University. During that time, his professors taught him to believe that God wasn’t real. A turning point happened in 1977 while in Hawaii. A gypsy woman ministered the gospel to Martin. He soon bought a Bible and became a completed Jew. After a few years working as a stockbroker and computer programmer on Wall Street, Martin moved to my birthplace of Fargo, North Dakota in 1991. He joined the Lambs of Christ, a pro-life group that peacefully protested in front of the state’s only abortion mill and saved the lives of many unborn children. (Ironically, I gave my life to the Lord in 1991 at my sis...

During my teens, the Bee Gees were my favorite singing group.   Ever since two of its members died (twins Maurice and Robin Gibb in 2003 and 2012 respectively), I’ve often wondered if either of them made it into heaven.   Recently while searching the Internet concerning that, I found a music video of a Bee Gees song I never heard before.   From a 1970 album and film called “Cucumber Castle”, Maurice performed “The Lord” with his brother Barry.   This may be the closest the Brothers Gibb ever came to writing and recording a gospel song.   Here’s a portion of its lyrics… What do you get for trying? Minute you're born, you're dying The body is six feet down The Lord said the soul sticks around Well, you can believe what you wanna But I know what I'm gonna do I'm gonna believe in the Lord When I’m out street evangelizing, a frequent response people give when asked why they would go to heaven is, “I believe in God.”   That’s a good...

Last night I received the news that Michael Jackson had died. The singer dubbed the “King of Pop” was only 50 years old. Michael’s career impacted many people’s lives including my own. In my late teens, I bought copies of his “Off the Wall” and “Thriller” albums. At 20 when I started pursuing a secular music career, I purchased a jacket similar to the one Michael wore in the “Thriller” video. While working as a nightclub disc jockey, I often played Michael’s music, which usually packed the dance floor. After committing my life to Jesus in 1991, I frequently prayed for Michael Jackson’s salvation. Because he was raised as a Jehovah’s Witness, I was concerned about his eternal destiny. A few years ago Michael reportedly met with preacher/motivational speaker Paula White. I had hoped Paula talked with Michael about the necessity of being born again. But then I also found out that Michael supposedly embraced Islam last November largely through the encouragement of his brother ...