It’s one of the iconic moments in movie making. In the movie version of “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring,” Gandalf, the leader of the Fellowship of the Ring, declares to the evil spirit-being, Balrog, “You shall not pass!”

There’s an old Bob Dylan song, “Gotta Serve Somebody.” As with many Dylan songs, there’s truth to be found. As people of faith, we are called to be subject to a heavenly authority and an earthly authority. Romans 13 begins, Let every person be subject to the governing authorities.

I’m not sure where the phrase came from but recently I heard the words, “Hidden is not forgotten.” It resonated with me.

During these challenging days, either the best or the worst in people surfaces. I’ve got to say, my experience is pretty positive as I see people being gracious as they try to locate the essentials to survive.

I have always appreciated Psalm 121. On many mornings here in California I have looked at the mountains that surround the San Fernando Valley and thought of that passage.

Some folks are stubborn. You can probably think of one or two people right now who are hardheaded. Maybe it's you. Some people get something in their head and it is virtually impossible for them to change their mind or point of view. Facts or logic has no effect on what they think and do. And if you try to offer an opposing perspective they will often dig in even more.

Technology has changed our lives. So much of our communication is now done online or via a handheld device. There is so much good that has come from it and with the good comes the bad.

But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who have died, so that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have died.

I’m “old school.” I prefer well-crafted songs that have a great lyric and a solid melody. As I have composed songs over the years, I tried to never settle for that’ll do. I want every word and every note to be significant when the composing is complete.