You may wonder why I where white
Why you never see me wearing black
And why there seems to be such joy
There is a reason for the outlook that I have
It is about hope for the poor and beaten down
Let the poor say I am rich, feeding their souls on our Lord
I wear the rainbow for the captives set free
Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty.
I wear the rainbow for those who hear the good news of great joy.
And who have listened to the words that Jesus said.
Who hear because of the beautiful feet that are sent out.
For all who have said, Here I am send me.
There has been total depravity since the fall I do suppose
And it is sad but true that materialism grows
But so we are reminded of the abundant life for those who believe
Someone needs to wear a rainbow on his back.

I wear it for the village who had no church
For now that place that has been transformed in Christ
I wear the rainbow for the lives that have been changed
Each week the mustard seed is becoming the strong tree
I wear it for the millions who have found new life in Christ
Believing in Jesus to save them from their sins
Well, there is much in this world that is not right
But people change everywhere His faithful go and shine the light
Now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation
Spread the news that Jesus Christ has come
But I will try to put a light on a hill
The night comes, but as long as it is day we must share hope
If only for this life we have hope in Christ, then I will wear black
But as long as there is hope in Jesus Christ
I’ll where a rainbow on my back

Johnny Cash has a different take on it.

Man in Black

Well, you wonder why I always dress in black
Why you never see bright colors on my back
And why does my appearance seem to have a somber tone
Well, there’s a reason for the things that I have on
I wear the black for the poor and the beaten down
Livin’ in the hopeless, hungry side of town
I wear it for the prisoner who is long paid for his crime
But is there because he’s a victim of the times
I wear the black for those who’ve never read
Or listened to the words that Jesus said
About the road to happiness through love and charity
Why, you’d think He’s talking straight to you and me
Well, we’re doin’ mighty fine, I do suppose
In our streak of lightnin’ cars and fancy clothes
But just so we’re reminded of the ones who are held back
Up front there ought to be a Man In Black

I wear it for the sick and lonely old
For the reckless ones whose bad trip left them cold
I wear the black in mournin’ for the lives that could have been
Each week we lose a hundred fine young men
And I wear it for the thousands who have died
Believin’ that the Lord was on their side
I wear it for another hundred thousand who have died
Believin’ that we all were on their side
Well, there’s things that never will be right I know
And things need changin’ everywhere you go
But ’til we start to make a move to make a few things right
You’ll never see me wear a suit of white
Ah, I’d love to wear a rainbow every day
And tell the world that everything’s okay
But I’ll try to carry off a little darkness on my back
Till things are brighter, I’m the Man In Black

All one Potato at Twisteez Lavasa

Here is an alphabetical list of eating places in Pune to keep from getting in a rut.

1000 Oaks
11 east street café
96K – Select Maratha Food
Aangan Restaurant
Aapli Aavd [SN]
ABC Farms
Abhishek VEG
Addah
All Spice
All Stir Fry
Aqua Marine
Aquarius
Arc Asia
Arlekkino Italian

Aromas ABC Farms
Arthurs Theme
Atrium Bar
Aurora Towers
Baan-Thai Restaurant
Baghban
Banana Leaf
Banjara Hills Restaurants
Barbeque Nation
Beverly Hills Hotel
Big wheels motoring café
Blue Nile Restaurant, Pune
Bohemian, Pune
Bounty’s, Pune
Burger King, Pune
Cafe Barista, Pune

Cafe Bollywood-nashik, Pune
Cafe Coffe Day, Pune
Cafe GoodLuck, Pune
Caramel, Pune
Casablanca – Pune, Pune
Casanova, Pune
Chaitanya, Pune
Chajja, Fort Jadhavgadh
Chillis
China Grill
China Park
China Park, Pune
Chinese Room Oriental, Pune
Chingari Restaurant, Pune
Choki Dani

Clover Highland- Shamrock
Coffee House
Coffee Jar

Colour of Spice
Copa Cabana, Pune
Copper Chocks, Pune
Costa Coffee
Cream Centre – Pune
Curry on the Top, Pune
Curve, Pune
Darios
Dario’s, Pune
Dominos Pizza
Dorabjee’s, Pune
Durga, Pune
Durvankur Dining Hall, Pune
Durvankur Restaurant, Pune
Easy, Pune
Esca, Pune
Eternia, Pune
Flags, Pune Thanks
Flavors, Pune Thanks
Food Court Kaliyani Nagar
food court, Pune Thanks
Food Link Court, Pune Thanks
Foodies Corner, Pune Thanks
Ganesh, Pune Thanks
Garden court, Pune Thanks
Gardenia , The Orchid Hotel, Pune Thanks
George Restaurant, Pune Thanks
Gloria Geans
Hard Rock Café
Herbs and Spices, Pune Thanks
Horn Ok Please, Pune Thanks
Hot Dog Stand Inorbat Mall
Hotel Aangan, Pune Thanks
Hotel Green Park, Pune Thanks
Hotel Kalinga, Pune Thanks
Hotel Mahabaleshwar, Pune Thanks
Hotel MH-09 Restaurant, Pune Thanks
Hotel Nagpur, Pune Thanks
Hotel Sarovar- Bombay Highway Pune
Ivy Family Restaurant & Wine Bar Thanks
Jalebi Junction, Pune Thanks
JJ Garden Vada Pav, Pune Thanks
Jyothi, Pune Thanks
Kalyan Bhel, Pune Thanks
Kalyani, Pune Thanks
Kangan, Pune Thanks
Kareems
Kasba, Pune Thanks
Kasturi Mastani House, Pune Thanks
Kayani Bakery, Pune Thanks
KFC
Kimling
Kiva, Pune Thanks
Kobe Sizzlers, Pune Thanks
Kohinor
Kollage, Pune Thanks
Koyla, Pune
Krostini, Pune
Kwality Restaurant,
la pizzeria, Pune
Lava at the Hotel Parc Estique, Pune
Le Courtyard Marriot, Pune

Le Kababiere, Pune
Le Meridian
Linger On Cafe, Pune
Little Italy
Mad House Grill, Pune Thanks
Madhuban, Pune Thanks
Mahesh Lunch Home, Pune Thanks
Mainland china, Pune Thanks
Makkhan Maar Ke, Pune Thanks
Malaka Spice, Pune Thanks
Malhaar (Shree Balaji Food)., Pune Thanks
Manmeet Chat Shop, Pune Thanks
Marz O rin, Pune Thanks
Mash
Mathura, Pune Thanks
Maurya Veg
Mcdonalds
Meghdoots
Metro Mix, Pune Thanks
Mezza9, Pune Thanks
Mirch Masala, Pune Thanks
Mirchi Kola, Pune Thanks
Mix – Pune, Pune Thanks
MOCHA, Pune Thanks
MONA FOODS, Pune Thanks
Mystic Masala, Pune Thanks
NIsarg, Pune Thanks
Not Just Jazz By the Bay, Pune Thanks
Oasis, Pune Thanks
Oh Calcutta!, Pune Thanks
Paasha at Pune Marriott Hotel, Pune Thanks
Panchami, Pune Thanks
Papa Johns
Paul’s Catering
Peter’s Pan
PIK-A-MEAL, Pune Thanks
Pinxx – Pune, Pune Thanks
Pizza Hut
Polka Dots, Pune Thanks
Post 91, Pune Thanks
Potoba, Pune Thanks
Prego, Pune Thanks
Prems, Pune Thanks
Pune Gate, Pune Thanks
Punjabi Rasoi, Pune Thanks
Punjabi Spice
Puran Da Dhaba, Pune Thanks
rainmaker’s, Pune Thanks
Rajdhani, Pune Thanks
Rajwada, Pune Thanks
Ramkrishna, Pune Thanks
Rice-n-Curry, Flavours of Bengal Thanks
Royal Symphony, Pune Thanks
Rugved, Pune Thanks
Rupali
Rutuja Bakery, Pune Thanks
Salsa – Corinthian Boutique
Sanskruti – A Cultural Garden… Thanks
Sarjaa, Pune Thanks
Savera, Pune
Seasons, Pune
Sentosa Resorts, Pune
Shabree Restaurant, Pune
Shangri la, Pune
Sheetal
Shiv Sagar fast food
shukriya, Pune
SICE [Something I Can Eat],
Sicilia Iltalian Restaurant
Signiture
SIGREE, Pune
Silk Route, Pune
Single Malt and Co., Pune
Skips, Pune
Skye, Pune
Smokin’ Joe’s, Pune
Soul Curry, Pune
Southern Spice
Soy – The Chinese Recipe, Pune
Spice Kitchen Marriot
Squisito, Pune
Stone Water Grill, Pune
Subway
Sujata Cold Drink House, Pune
sukanta, Pune
Supriya, Pune
Symphony, Pune
Tareef, Pune
Thaat Baat thali, Pune
Thali
The Best Brew, Pune
The Eatery, Pune
The Great Kabab Factory, Pune
The Great Punjab, Pune
The Northern Frontier, Pune
The Place: Touche the Sizzler, Pune
The Ship – Grill and Bar, Pune
The Terrace, Pune
The Yellow Chilli, Pune
Tiffins Veg Restaurent, Pune
Tiger Trail – Pune, Pune
Trikaya, Pune
Tutto bene Delicatessen, Pune
Twisteez Lavasa

Up and Above, Pune
Vashaili

Vashaili best South Indian

wadeshwar, Pune
Whispering Bamboo, Pune
YANA, Pune
Yellow Chillies, Pune
YMCA
Yo! China, Pune
Zaffran, Nagar Road Pune
Zamu’s Place, Pune
Zest, Pune

ZK’s, Pune

The hill has 103 steps.

I am blocked by dancing children at step 27

School children on their way down.

Parvati Hill has 5 temples on top of it.

The temple is the oldest heritage structure in Pune and was built in the Peshwa Dynasty rule.

The main temple, Devdeveshwara was completed under Nanasaheb Peshwa, in 1749.

Devdeveshwara temple is made of blackstone

Parvati Hill raises to a height of 2100 feet above sea level.

There is a Peshwar museum on top of Parvati Hill.

Parvati Hill gives you an amazing 360 degree view of Pune city.

 The construction began in 1830 and finished in 1910.

This was built in memory of the Maratha warrior Mahadji Shinde who was military general between 1760 and 1780.

Outside looking in

Mahadaji was instrumental in resurrecting Maratha power after the debacle of the Third Battle of Panipat in 1761, and rose to become a trusted lieutenant of the Peshwa, leader of the Maratha Confederacy, as well as the Mughal emperor Shah Alam II.

Mahadaji Shinde (1730–February 12, 1794), was a Maratha ruler of the state of Gwalior in central India.

During Mahadji Shinde’s reign, Gwalior became the leading state in the Maratha Confederacy and one of the foremost military powers in India.

Samadhi (memorial) of Shrimant Mahadji Shinde

It is maintained by Sindhia Devasthan Trust, Gwalior.

The architecture  reflects Rajasthani style.

In Daniel chapter 2 we are told that the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream. He not only wanted the dream interpreted but that interpreter must also tell him what the dream was. No chance for faking. This interpretation must be a supernatural event.

Only Daniel could interpret this dream. Not because Daniel was great, but in his words, “there is a God in heaven who reveals dreams.” Daniel 2:28

While you were watching, a rock was cut out, but not by human hands. It struck the statue on its feet of iron and clay and smashed them. 35 Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver and the gold were all broken to pieces and became like chaff on a threshing floor in the summer. The wind swept them away without leaving a trace. But the rock that struck the statue became a huge mountain and filled the whole earth. Daniel 2:34-35

Watch a video portrayal of the dream here

The rock is Jesus Christ and the mountain His Kingdom.

“In the time of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will crush all those kingdoms and bring them to an end, but it will itself endure forever. Daniel 2:44

The ultimate hope is Jesus Christ the Rock who became the mountain that fills the earth and endures forever.

At the second coming of Jesus this kingdom will be fully established and endure forever.

 Temghar Dam before reaching Lavasa

When you enter Lavasa you see this structure

I have gone to Lavasa by two means, bicycle and car. It is the best bike ride around Pune. Just look at this road.

It is 75 kilometers from Pune, about 45 kilometers from Chandani Chowk.

View of Lavasa from the top of Lavasa Ghat

You can stop in the information centre and then tour Lavasa by bus.

Or tour Lavasa by train.

Or Lavasa by boat.

This guy tried fishing at Lavasa but the security guards put a stop to that.

The view of the lake.

We love the playground at Lavasa

Plenty of places to eat at the Pavilion.

And the sunsets……………

very nice…………

 This sunset picture has a butterfly flying by

See Sahyadri Mountians Photo essay  Click here

Jesus said, “I have come to bring fire on the earth.” Luke 12:49

Getting this fire going was something that Jesus was eager to do. If fire is the work of Jesus on this earth then we should become spiritual pyromaniacs doing everything we can to see His fire spread. We become something like when Samson caught 300 foxes and tied torches of fire to their tails and released them into the fields to start fires (Judges 15:4-5). We are leading people to Jesus, training them in the scriptures and sending them out to tell others about the savior who brought light and rescued the darkness in the bondage of sin.  

Jesus never said the Kingdom of God is like a fire, but that is very similar to what Jesus meant when He said, I have come to bring fire on the earth. When Jesus spoke these words He wished the fire had already been kindled. He was looking ahead to His death on the cross. He mentions his “baptism” He must first undergo, which in this context is his death on the cross.

Jesus was eager to see the spiritual fires spread through the earth. His last words before the Holy Spirit came “like as of fire” He spoke “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 Nothing more was said by Him until the Holy Spirit came, the church was born and this fire spread through the world as recorded in the book of Acts.   

John made reference to fire is a symbol of the coming Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit comes to those who have put their faith in Jesus and allowed his work on the cross to pay the spiritual death penalty due for sin.  When John the Baptist introduced Jesus as the Messiah, he told of a “baptism of fire” which Jesus would perform. John told us that Jesus will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

This fire Jesus referenced was kindled on the day of Pentecost, They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. And the gospel fires spread:

Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.  Acts 2:41

And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.  Acts 2:47

…so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand.  Acts 4:4

.. More and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. Acts 5:14

In those days when the number of disciples was increasing Acts 6:1

So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.  Acts 6:7

Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it (the church) increased in numbers.  Acts 9:31

The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord. Acts 11:21

But the word of God continued to spread and flourish. Acts 12:24

The word of the Lord spread through the whole region. Acts 13:49

They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples. Acts 14:21

In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. Acts 17:30

Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God. This went on for two years, so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord.  Acts 19:8, 10

In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power. Acts 19:20

And you see and hear how this fellow Paul has convinced and led astray large numbers of people here in Ephesus and in practically the whole province of Asia.  Acts 19:26

The fires had burned in the first century to the extent Paul could say…But now that there is no more place for me to work in these regions. Romans 15:23

This fire is the source of divisions. The fires spread but as Jesus had predicted this fire came with the results of a sword that divided families. Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. ⁵² From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three. ⁵³ They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.” (Luke 12:51-53)

Those who are passionate followers of Jesus and filled with the Holy Spirit are “on fire for God.”  

When the fire jumped into the gentile field Peter remembered, ¹⁶ Then I remembered what the Lord had said: ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ Acts 11:16

Are you spreading the spiritual flames?

How many clouds rising in the west would a man have to see,
To understand spiritual reality?

You see a south wind blowing and you say
it will be a hot day and it turns out that way.

You can determine the weather from the appearance of the sky.
But about Jesus death on the cross have you ever asked why did He die?

You know what is blowing in the south wind.
Do you have eyes to see that Jesus died for all who have sinned?

And He was also saying to the crowds.
How is it you understand the signs in the clouds.

Jesus called them hypocrites for committing this crime.
They could not analyze this present time.

Luke 12:54-56

I was introduced to Major Taylor when my friend gave me what is now the first edition of   Major Taylor   by Andrew Ritchie. In this book you learn of Taylor’s strong Christian faith and his world record accomplishments.

“Taylor’s life story is one of the most fascinating stories ever told about any athlete–white or black.”

I remember the opening scene from Tracts of Glory   where Major Taylor beats a train on his bicycle. He was the fastest human in the world, no train, no horse rider could go faster than Taylor on his bicycle.  

biography video

Marshal Taylor lived in the USA in the late 1800’s and he was born to parents that were slaves. Marshal Taylor experienced freedom and he began to know a taste of freedom that his parents never knew. He had the privilege of being around some people who had never been slaves and were wealthy. One of them gave this boy Taylor access to a bicycle. In his day it was unheard of for a black man whose parents were slaves to have a bicycle. He had this opportunity and he learned to ride this bicycle. Eventually he found himself entered in a bicycle race. At the starting line those who were racing against him told him because he was a black man racing with the whites that they would kill him. They said as soon as they rode out of sight they would get to him, beat him, and leave him dead.

You can imagine what was going through his mind. When the starting gun sounded he was off like lightning, never looking back. He went on to win that race. It was the beginning of one of the most dramatic athletic careers ever know. This man Marshal Major Taylor became the star of the athletic world at the turn of the century. He was known as the fastest man in the world and literally nothing could travel as fast as him. There was no train that could go as fast as Taylor could ride. The automobile had not come along yet. Nothing could travel as fast as Major Taylor on his bike.

He had been poor and suddenly his name; Major Taylor became a household word in Europe and in America. He dined with dignitaries and he was the equivalent of what today would be a multi-millionaire. Here is a man who went from poorest poor to the highest height of riches and fame. Today the Olympic caliber Bicycle Track in Indianapolis bears his name. Another interesting story is how the Major Taylor Veledrome in Indianapolis would be named for Major Taylor.

“Life is too short for any man to hold bitterness in his heart.”—Marshall Taylor