Monday, March 18, 2024

Where the Green Grass Grows

 The celebration of life for my Uncle Victor was a 10.  So was the after party.  It's time to begin my journey home.  As Mother Nature ushers in a season, I find myself reflecting on all that has unfolded in these last days in Arizona.

The number one question I get from extended family is, "Why Iowa?"

I was born and raised in Phoenix.  I spent 22 years raising a family on the West Coast.  Now I find myself in Iowa, fully transformed in a place where the green grass grows.  No sprinklers are needed for my green grass.  Water is in abundance.  Traffic is sparse.  My answer to the question is simple... "Why not Iowa?"  This is music to my wife's ears.  My choice is to live in gratitude.  Yes, I'm thankful for my extended family.  I'm thankful I got to say goodbye to an uncle who was a major influence in my life.  

Blessings to my aunts, uncles, siblings, and cousins, who ventured to Springerville to say good-bye to my uncle.  And to the cousin I never knew until this adventure, I have a special note of gratitude.  Thank you for reaching out to me at the after party.  Only God knows why you asked me if I like Star Trek without knowing my affinity for science fiction.  Thank you for sharing the Star Trek tattoo placed over your heart.  I have a feeling you will enjoy how I use Star Trek as a way to share my own perspective of this complicated world we live in. Outsiders may call what happened a coincidence.  Maybe yes.  Maybe no.  I will be pondering the wisdom shared by my extended family on my way back to where the green grass grows.  Safe travels to my relatives who are heading home.  Have a great day.

Sunday, March 17, 2024

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Happy birthday to cousin Patty, and our daughter, Nicole.  We are celebrating your special day today in the white mountains of Arizona.  May you both be abundantly blessed.  Thinking of you.   

St. Patrick's Day is my favorite day of the year.  On this day I would like to make an announcement about the birth of my latest book.  Like all previous projects, this birth requires intensive care.  The front and back covers require corrective surgery before I can share "Live Long and Prosper: A Journey of Transformation" with the world.  

While you are waiting, you may want to preorder a Kindle version on Amazon.  Type Live Long and Prosper and include my name, Michael Mulligan.  Your Kindle version will be delivered to you on March 21st, another significant day in our family as two sisters are born on this day.

I would like to thank those of you who sent good thoughts and prayers during my 100 days of social media silence.  Today will mark the first day I return to share news of my book release.  For those of you expecting twin books, all I can say today is these twins will be Irish twins.  Keep me in your prayers.  Have a great day.  Happy St. Patrick's Day!

May green be the grass you walk on, May blue be the skies above you, 

That pure be the joys that surround you, May true be the hearts that love you.

Saturday, March 16, 2024

Time to Say Good-bye to My Uncle Victor

Farewell, Uncle Victor.  You finished the race.  I'm happy to be with your family today as we say good-bye.  Congratulations.  You showed all of us how to live life to the fullest.  You always knew how to light up a room, even in your darkest times, like your first recovery from pneumonia when you entertained the hospital staff with your harmonica.  May your soul rest in peace.  


Friday, March 15, 2024

Wheels Up

The book launch party scheduled for St. Patrick's Day has been canceled. "Live Long and Prosper" is currently in its final stages of production. We faced a setback when the Spock hand gesture, intended for the front cover, did not receive trademark approval. However, our art team at Elite Sports successfully executed a last-minute face transplant, providing an excellent substitute.

Unfortunately, the timing of these developments coincides with a somber event. My family on my mother's side is gathering to bid farewell to my uncle Victor, who passed away after battling pneumonia. His funeral will be held tomorrow in Springerville, Arizona, nestled in the White Mountains.

I am grateful to my employers for allowing me to attend my uncle's funeral. Following the service, we plan to celebrate St. Patrick's Day together, as our family has Irish heritage. My wife kindly lent me her emerald green Star Trek sweatshirt, originally intended for the now-canceled launch party. Surprisingly, Springerville's weather is colder than my hometown in Iowa.

After a morning round of pickleball, it's time to depart. Stay tuned for updates. I'll release "Live Long and Prosper" upon my return home next week. Wishing you all a great day.

Thursday, March 14, 2024

The Waiting Game

The finish line is in my sights.  This has been a long race.  Wheels up tomorrow.  I'm headed to my uncle's funeral in Arizona.  As far as races go, he finished his in dramatic fashion.  I'm thankful he spent part of his last chapter of his life with my wife and me while visiting in Iowa.  

I scrubbed my book launch party in order to be with my mom and her siblings at this difficult time.  Stay tuned for the book launch.  I will do my best to share something virtually while on the road.  Right now it's a waiting game.  The folks at Amazon are reviewing my submission.  Stay tuned.  Have a great day. 

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Book Submitted to Amazon

 "Live Long and Prosper" is at Amazon and awaiting final approval.  Stay tuned.  Have a great day.

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Why I Love Spock and His People

 It hurts my soul to see persecution in this world.  The Jewish people have been attacked more than any other group on the planet and these attacks have been going on ever since they were first held captive by the Egyptians in the days of Pharoah.   That's why I love Spock and all things related to Star Trek.  The actor who plays Spock draws on his Jewish roots to offer a gesture from his people which is meant to be a blessing for all of humanity.   I'm offering a deep dive into the history of the Jews in order to help fight antisemitism.  Maybe someday we can stop fighting and have peace. 

The Beginnings: In ancient times, the Israelites, descendants of Abraham, formed the twelve tribes of Israel. They established the Kingdom of Israel and later the Kingdom of Judah, with Jerusalem as its capital. King Solomon built the First Temple, a grand structure known as Solomon's Temple, around 957 BCE.

Egyptian Bondage and the Exodus: The Israelites faced oppression and enslavement in Egypt, setting the stage for the legendary story of Moses. Guided by divine intervention, Moses led the Israelites in a miraculous escape known as the Exodus, crossing the Red Sea. This event marked their liberation from Egyptian bondage.

Periods of Captivity: However, despite their freedom, the Israelites faced challenges. Disobedience led to the Assyrian conquest in 722 BCE, toppling the Kingdom of Israel. The Kingdom of Judah later succumbed to the Babylonian conquest in 586 BCE, resulting in the destruction of Solomon's Temple. The Babylonian Exile began, lasting for several decades.

Daniel's Vision and Interpretation: During the Babylonian captivity, the prophet Daniel, a wise and righteous man, played a significant role. In the time of King Nebuchadnezzar, Daniel had interpreted dreams and visions, including the famous incident involving the fiery furnace.

As the Babylonian Empire approached its fall, Daniel received a vision that revealed the rise of King Cyrus of Persia as the conqueror. This vision, recorded in the Book of Daniel, depicted the hand of God orchestrating events, including the fall of Babylon and the subsequent liberation of the Israelites under Cyrus.

Cyrus's Conquest of Babylon: Around 539 BCE, King Cyrus the Great of Persia initiated a series of military campaigns that eventually led to the conquest of Babylon. Cyrus employed a strategy that involved diverting the Euphrates River, allowing his forces to enter the city through the dried riverbed. This surprise maneuver caught the Babylonians off guard, and Cyrus was able to capture Babylon without much resistance.

Cyrus and Daniel's Legacy: As King Cyrus conquered Babylon, Daniel's visions were realized, showcasing the fulfillment of God's plan. Daniel, having served in the Babylonian court and witnessing the transition of power to the Persians, continued to play a role in advising the new rulers, including Cyrus. His faithfulness and wisdom left a lasting impact on the unfolding narrative of the Jewish people.

The Prophecy of Isaiah and Cyrus's Decree: Centuries earlier, the prophet Isaiah had foretold the liberation of the Israelites by a ruler named Cyrus. In a remarkable passage found in the Book of Isaiah (Isaiah 45:1-3), Cyrus's name is mentioned, and it is prophesied that he would be an instrument in God's hands to facilitate the return of the Israelites and the rebuilding of Jerusalem.

Moved by divine guidance, Cyrus issued a decree allowing the Israelites to return to their homeland and rebuild their temple. This act of liberation and the decree to rebuild was a fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy, as well as a realization of Daniel's earlier visions.

Return and Rebuilding: Under the leadership of figures like Ezra and Nehemiah, the Israelites returned to Jerusalem. With the blessing and support of Cyrus, they undertook the monumental task of rebuilding the Second Temple, completed in 515 BCE.

The Arrival of Jesus: Fast forward to the 1st century CE, Jesus of Nazareth emerges as a central figure. He preached a message of love, compassion, and the Kingdom of God. His teachings gained followers, and his ministry led to conflicts with religious authorities.

Crucifixion and Resurrection: Around 30 CE, Jesus was arrested, tried, and crucified by Roman authorities. This event became a pivotal moment in Christian theology. According to Christian belief, Jesus rose from the dead three days later, an event known as the Resurrection. This event is considered central to Christian faith, signifying victory over sin and death.

Legacy of Moses: The story of Moses, the Exodus, and the liberation from Egyptian bondage left an indelible mark on Jewish identity. It reinforced the importance of faith and obedience in the face of adversity.

Legacy of Daniel: Daniel's role in interpreting visions and prophecies, including those related to the rise of Cyrus, demonstrated his unwavering faith and wisdom. His legacy extended beyond the Babylonian captivity, influencing the unfolding narrative of the Jewish people.

Legacy of Cyrus: Cyrus's role in the liberation of the Israelites and the fulfillment of the prophecies in Isaiah earned him a favorable place in Jewish history. His ingenious conquest of Babylon, guided by divine intervention, highlighted his pivotal role in the historical narrative.

May God bless all who seek peace in this world and may he protect his people from the constant threat of extinction. I stand with his people. Have a great day.