worldview

RickyRick says—"All our ideas, the thoughts that settle in our mind, come together to make up our worldview, the beliefs we build our life on…Our worldview determines our choices.” I’m guessing that none of us have exactly the same worldview as we have different genetics and have different past environments and have different current environments. 

M Scott Peck, M.D. in his book The Road Less Traveled said (i.e. soooo maybe it's his opinion but probably he is correct, maybe)--"It is not so much what our parents say that determines our worldview as it is the unique world they create for us by their behavior."

A young man and I were having a hotdog together at Costco. I get a big kick of Costco’s environment. We had a great discussion about how some retailers are now going away from self-check outs as they are being stolen blind. He said that his generation always uses self-check outs. He also said his age spends a lot of time on social media and many think it’s ok to steal from large corporations. Now that might be a change in a worldview.

Are you a cosmopolitan? The term cosmopolitan refers to someone who is familiar with and at ease in many different countries and cultures. A cosmopolitan person typically embraces diversity, is open-minded, and feels comfortable interacting with people from various backgrounds. It can also describe cities or environments that are characterized by a mix of cultures, ideas, and influences from around the world. I don’t think I am really a cosmopolitan. I have found a difference between The Great Northwest and the Midwest soooo how can I be a complete cosmopolitan? But it appears to me that with all the unrest, different opinions and wars going on, many folks have a hard time being a world cosmopolitan. Their worldviews seem to be different!

During our recent travels we have talked to folks from all over the world and the U.S. They all seem to be concerned about the future of our world. They told us about their countries, the good and the bad, and also about what they think of the U.S. It is very interesting to us. There are really many nice folks in the world. World travelers might not be a true cross section of the world, we understand that.

I have seen once again that kindness is always a common denominator with folks. Yes, it is. Here is a story, an analogy, about kindness to prove my point. Erin, our teenage granddaughter, likes animals. The neighbor’s cat climbs the six-foot backyard fence and comes in their back yard. Erin plays with the cat, gives it kindness, feeds it, etc. The cat sits on the backyard furniture to look in their house and paws at their door for Erin. And that is an animal!

Our pastor said Sunday, he was surprised that the major costume theme of the kids for the church's trick and treat was evil. And the probably #1 costume was that of a serial killer. He said--"What does that say of our world! Is that the worldview of our country or community?"

My world view can change and sometimes I get out of whack, and I don’t function well when I get my head missed up. Maybe to sum that up, it is when I’m not humble, I’m not a very good person when I get that way. And it’s hard to stay humble in the world we live in. Ok, we can be confident but still be humble I think and that is a great combination, my opinion. Sometimes I have events and situations in my life that really humble me. They really do affect me. I also am learning that certain things in life need time to develop, to play out. I need to give some things basically time to work out! I sometimes try to force things. It is hard to be patient. I also realize again that I'm not in charge of the universe; in fact I think I'm in charge of very little!

Marcus Aurelius said—He who lived in harmony with oneself is usually in harmony with the universe.

While eating my oatmeal with a half a banana on it I read this:  Pride says, “Forget you, God. I have my plans, dreams, and ambitions. I’m going to do what I want to do.” But the Bible urges us over and over again to choose humility over pride. James 4:6 says, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (GNT). And Proverbs 18:12 says, “Before honor is humility” (NKJV). Then James 4:10 promises, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor” (NLT).  

But then again, sometimes we don’t care what others say or think as we think we know everything! Yikes! Such is life!

In an essay titled “First and Second Things,” C. S. Lewis once observed: “...You can’t get second things by putting them first. You get second things only by putting first things first.”

Have a FUN day my friends unless you have other plans. (-:

erv

MyDeceasedFriendJean said--A person deserves a second chance, but keep an eye on them.

overhaul

3-Finger Jack says--Makeover, redo, detailing, rebuilding, slight alteration, cosmetic alteration are all forms of overhauling.

We do overhauls! The company, WeFixYou, has several choices to choose from and different price ranges.   Positive rebuild $29.99 Appreciative rebuild $49.99, Bitchie rebuild $19.99 Joyful rebuild $39.99  TotalCompleteSurpiseOverhaul a.k.a. BigTimeRebuild is free but they don’t do it in house as they have a specialist that does it and He does it free and gives a money back guarantee. I have a friend who was an engineer for General Motors. GM brought in a hypnotist to hypnotize folks. My friend got hypnotized to quit smoking and it worked. The hypnotist offered to hypnotize him again for $10 and the hypnotist would make him a scratch golfer. My friend decided not to do it as it cost too much. As smart as he is, that was a dumb choice! What was he thinking! hahaha

I have never had our vehicle detailed but it can really make a car look a lot better. It sorta kinda like staging a house that folks want to sale. They are both forms of overhauling with a purpose. Maybe we should clean up our car, house or life to make it better! I don’t know but…! Friends listed their house and the person who took the pictures put furniture in their house with AI. Now that is just amazing. It made it look great! Is that being real?

We went and saw Superman a while back. It was entertaining to us even though we didn’t get it all! Some of it was really funny, some of it sorta kinda philosophical, some of it sorta kinda futuristic maybe, and some of it we had no idea but it was all loud and fast moving!!!! I did get a kick out of Robot #4. He wanted to be overhauled with a name and a personality. He got his wish and got the name of Gary! It made me think that some folks are like Robot #4. They really do need to be overhauled with an update! Reality is I think I might be one of them! Such is life.

Remember the TV program called Extreme Makeover maybe where they took a lady off the street and gave her complete make over a.k.a. overhaul. Then they showed her to her friends, and they couldn’t hardly recognize her.  I always wondered how she looked in three days! Hey, I have seen both men and women sorta kinda clean themselves up when they are looking for a man or a woman (i.e. make themselves more sellable). It works I think in many cases. CadillacJack says--But some after a couple years look the same again after they find their partner! Such is life!

PrecherManFriend says—"Contentment is the secret to inward peace. Soooo how can we get and have a contented life?  Life is a journey from one moment of vulnerability to another. So we should travel light and live simply.” My observation of folks is that some are much more content than others. Why is that do ya think? I really think there is a common denominator. It’s a pretty simple overhaul!

Here is an interesting experience we had. We had a plumbing problem. We called a friend from IA a.k.a. the IA-Wizard, a new friend here in Yakima, and a neighbor who we have become friends with and a family member for their advice and opinions. All of them contacted us back after a few days and asked how we were doing. That is the kind of folks they are. I guess that is why we like these folks! We got the problem resolved and saved probably a couple of hundred dollars or more!

Heads-up! Think about what a friend tells me--There is a difference between price and value (i.e. and this friend has a $100,000+ job--I know cause he told me soooo)!  Personally, I like value for my dollar! I think it's good stewardship. 

Have a FUN day my friends unless you have other plans. (-:

erv

MyDeceasedFriendJean said—Fair weather friends are useless in a stormy world.

two-edged sword

CrazyMarvin says—This It’s Saturday is crazy but a good kind of crazy, maybe! It’s Saturday and that means that it’s game day! Sooo pull up your pants and let’s get going!

I have learned from Dr. Peck that the difference between a pet and a spouse or child. Folks say they love them all. BUT a child we love them in a way to teach them so that they can leave the house and be on their own and not like a pet which is controlled. Yes, some parents mother hen their children and that is not love but they treat them like a pet (i.e. always have them under their thumb). Some call them helicopter parents. Unlike love for a pet, we should give them their independence and freedom to learn and grow up. That is what I read. It’s a two-edged sword! AverageJoe says--Yabut, folks like their pets!

Bar Harbor, ME voted to ban all cruise ships to come to their city. They were sick of all the folks of about 284 cruise ships that came to their port annually. BUT it was a two-edged sword as those cruise ships produced about 80% of the income for the city. Now the taxes had to go up and some businesses went broke and many folks are unhappy. It’s in court and will be for some time.

JoeBlow says--Money can be a two-edged sword. It seems like everyone wants a lot of money and some of you have a lot of money and others of you don’t. Money can solve a lot of problems but can also cause a lot of problems toooo. It always has and always will. Don’t kid yourself, it’s all about the money!

I read this as I was eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it--Through the Holy Spirit, Peter spoke familiar words and moved hearts: Indeed, “the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword,” piercing until it divides “the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Heb. 4:12). Saturday question—What are the thoughts and intentions of our hearts?

I was walking in Randall Park on a beautiful fall day and met an older couple who where maybe in their late 80s who were walking arm in arm. I stopped and talked to them. They were from a nearby assisted living. They told me that that they were in an advance phase of their life but are enjoying it as much as they can. Our next phase will be heaven—are you believers—with all our heart, soul, and mind. We know where our eternity will be. Dr.J says—"Today the concept is no longer science fiction. Doctors can replace organs, bones, corneas, hands and arms, joints and hips, and even faces. Still, only one thing eventually takes care of the aging process—death!” Is earthly death a two edges sword?

I read this story recently--Holly LaFavers of Lexington, Kentucky, was stunned when 70,000 Dum-Dum lollipops arrived at her doorstep, along with a bill for $4,000. It turns out her second grader had ordered them on her phone when she wasn’t watching. It’s remarkable what one child can do! I think it is remarkable what you and I can do!  Yes, it is! Our life is a two-edged sword; we can do with it what we want. Such is life.

I/we had/have the opportunity to visit our children and grandchildren in Morrison, CO and Waukee, IA for long weekends (i.e. we are in Waukee today). We got to visit and see the grandkids in their activities (i.e. which seem to me can be two edged swords at time as most of you know). We get along, it appears, with our family and there seem to be no major problems. Many family relationships can be a two-edged sword as some of you know. Some kids really enjoy their parents or grandparents coming to see them and others not soooo much (i.e. and vice versa). That is just reality folks (i.e. if it quacks like a duck and walks like a duck, it's a duck)! And reality can be a two-edged sword as well! Such is life.

Saturday question--Are you or were you your mother's favorite child? Now that explains a lot of things!

Have a FUN day my friends unless you have other plans. (-:

erv

MyDeceasedFriendJean said--The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home.

about face

Roger Miller in the lyrics of a song of his, says—Ya can’t roller skate in a buffalo heard! But you can be happy if you've a mind to!

Dr. Scot Peck says—'We must continually expand our realm of knowledge and our vision through the thorough digestion and incorporation of new information.” Saturday question—How do we obtain new information? It appears to me that new information has been found forever. Sometimes we have to do an about face (e.g. like the world is flat—we’ll never go to the moon—the Titanic builder said in Hailfast “This ship can never sink”). Now even grandmas have tattoos! The culture is changing! Oh yes!

Ya can’t take a shower in parakeet cage! But you can be happy if you've a mind to!

"November 20, 1798, in his Last Will and Testament, Patrick Henry wrote: ‘If they had [faith in Christ] and I had not given them one shilling, they would have been rich; and if they had not [faith], and I had given them all the world, they would be poor indeed'.” My opinion folks—If we have faith in Christ everything else just falls into place. It’s like a breakthrough! Like an insurance umbrella policy! Sooo what is faith? Has faith changed with time? About face!

You can't go swimming in a baseball glove! But you can be happy if you've a mind to!

About face! I asked JoeFromEastport,Maine if I could take a pic of his cap—Sure, go ahead! Then we saw a guy walk past with a tee shirt on that said—I know a lot more when I drink!  Then a guy walked past who had a tee shirt on that said—I don’t have the answers but know a Guy that does! Then another person walked by with a tee shirt that said, change the tide!

You can't change film with a kid on your back! But you can be happy if you have a mind to!

People don’t have nightmares during the day, do they! How come everything seems worse at night when it’s dark (e.g. some folks with Alzheimer’s have sundown syndrome which causes them to do strange things when it starts to get dark; something happens in their brain; they don’t know what they are doing). About face, it seems when the sun comes up in the morning it’s a new day and life seems way better! That is why I really enjoy early mornings! About face!

You can't drive around with a tiger in your car! But you can be happy if you've a mind to!

This is an about face interesting experience:  We met and had dinner with a lady who came to the U.S. from Twain as a young woman. She learned how to speak English, got a M.A. and spent her business life as a financial advisor/broker in CA but recently moved to FL (i.e. she has become very financially successful). ANYWAY she has a legal Twainish name but changed her name to street names during her life. When she was in business, she wanted a more powerful name soo she changed her name to Jessie. After she retired, she has changed her name to a name she made up which has a special meaning to her. She said it has taken her two years to live up to that name but is accomplishing it. Isn’t that interesting. Sorta kinda an about face. She now wants to travel the world 120 days of the year to enjoy life and expand her knowledge of life. She is an amazing, unique lady! We enjoyed her company

You can't go fishing in a watermelon patch! But you can be happy if you've a mind to!

Early one morning, I met this gentleman from Maryland who was an athletic director with this tee shirt. We talked about the importance of leadership and direction. At St. Johns, New Brunswick we walked up the hill to an old church (i.e. it was Sunday). It was Thrinty Church, a loyalist church established many years ago. Jeanne and I knelt and prayed together. It felt good. When we got back to the ship, we talked to a staff member who was from South Africa. She was 21 and she told us she was the youngest employee on the ship. She told us she walked up to the same church during her break and prayed as well—we asked her if she was a believer—of course I am; it is the foundation of my whole life—You seem really happy—you know where I get that happiness!

All you gotta do is put your mind to it! Knuckle down, buckle down! Do it, do it, do it!

About face—ItchieBitchie says, The important thing is whether we can slow down, be still, and appreciate life! Maybe we can do both at the same time. What do you think? That is what I thought!

I read this in one of my morning devotions from my PreacherManFriend –"In the movie Apollo 13, Flight Commander James Lovell radioed back to planet Earth after observing smoke and debris emitting from the space craft, ‘Houston, we have a problem.’ In like manner, we too have a problem. It is a problem as old as man and as destructive as any we have ever seen. There is no greater need than when we think we have no need. The Greeks called this arrogance hubris; the Bible calls it pride.”

About face! Eating breakfast one morning the guy next to us had this tee shirt on and I asked him if I could take a pic of it and him—Sure, my granddaughter gave it to me. He was from Harlem, NY. Now that sums up this It’s Saturday. Take that into consideration when digesting what you just read!

Don’t take any of this It’s Saturday toooo serious! Remember, you get what you pay for! I’m just another bozo on the bus! If you can read French, you know what the sign says that this nice lady bought who sat next to us at an afternoon break in Quebec City.

Have a FUN day my friends unless you have other plans. (-:

erv

MyDeceasedFriendJean said--A smile is a language that even a baby understands.

courage

A new friend in Yakima told us—Once I got a spine my job went a lot better!

Here are a couple of questions for you to answer. Why are some folks much more courageous and tougher than others? And, how come at times all of us are more courageous and tougher than at other times?

I know many folks who are courageous and tough, and I know many folks who are wimps! I want you to think of folks who you know who fit into both of those categories. Do you think there is a common denominator in folks in both of those groups do you think?

Long time friends of Jeanne told us about one of her favorite books of all time called Follow the River by James Alexander Thom.  She is a big reader with a house full of books! The book is about courage and being tough. It’s a historical novel on the true story of a pioneer woman. They suggested that I read it; sooo I did. I suggest you try it. It made me feel like a wimp! 

Coach Frentz, who is the head football coach at Iowa, set a record of winning more games than anyone ever in the Big Ten. I always don’t like his coaching philosophy, but I like him as a person, I think he is class. ANYWAY, I listened to his interview after setting the record. Again, he gave a lot of credit by being surrounded by good folks. I hear that over and over and over again. Soooo there must be some truth to that! It really doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that out! Flip the pancake, I have read many times that we should get rid of folks in our lives who are bad influence on us. That is just common sense, isn’t it! That might take a lot of courage to do, maybe! I wonder if we sometimes “buy into" the philosophy of folks with bad attitudes or actions which could really affect us negatively and we don’t even know it. I wonder!

I read an old timeless classic book, The Road Less Traveled by Scott Peck. It’s another book I suggest you read. In the preface of the book he says, “As a psychiatrist, I feel it is important to mention that I make no distinction between the mind and the spirit, and therefore no distinction between the process of achieving spiritual growth and achieving mental growth. They are one and the same.” Soooo I wonder if that has anything to do with courage and toughness! Mumm! I think it could. What do you think?

An old 84-year-old coffee drinking friend is courageous and tough but not really. He buys all his meals at Costco that are frozen so that he can just microwave them. He buys six weeks supply at a time. But he says--Once a month I buy a pint of ice cream; I like ice cream; I eat the whole thing in one day; I can’t help myself. Sometimes if there is a special on a quart of ice cream for about the same price, I buy it, but I also eat it all in one day as well! I can't help myself!

There is an old saying--You can’t teach a person something that they think they already know! That is probably true I would guess. I have relearned that it’s hard to change a person’s thinking if they have it instilled in their mind. It is very hard to change and if it ever changes it will have to be done by the person themselves and that just doesn’t happen very often. Soooo my conclusion, I pretty much give up on them (i.e. pretty much throw the idea of changing them out the window). I will be much happier in just accepting them as they are. Their thinking has been formed by their genetics, their past environment and their current environment and it is what it is. It appears to me that certain patterns in different folks produce certain results, and they are hard to change (i.e. both good patterns and bad patterns). For me I have to be courageous and tough to accept that!

The one and only SusieQ says--I want to be courageous and tough, but I don’t want to! I mean I want to face reality, but I really don’t want to face reality. I talked to a friend who lost his wife. He has been a caregiver to her for years. He told me that his reality has changed once again. Reality keeps changing for me. And now once again I have to face the new reality. I can’t pretend it didn’t happen. I told him to be courageous and tough; you can do it. I believe he will as he has an internal strength (i.e. guess what that is).

I read about this concept of life that is exciting. We are to kill part of our old life and replace it with a new life a.k.a. rebirth like forming a new part of our life (e.g. if we are bitter about everything so we kill that attitude and have rebirth with looking at everything positive). Do you know how much happier that would make us. Another example, we can’t run anymore or don’t want so we replace it with walking with friends. We can’t walk anymore soooo we start reading and form a book group or a friendship group or something. Now that might take courage and toughness to do. And it might make life much more exciting! Just sitting on the couch eating chips does not cut the mustard!

Jeanne has found some renewed friendships at church. It appears that some folks go back to church when they get older. It’s sorta kinda a rebirth. I have found, it seems, that some of my best new relationships are at church. Is that a surprise to you folks?

Have a FUN day my friends unless you have other plans. (-:

erv

MyDeceasedFriendJean said—Traveling in the company of those we love is home in motion.

now what

Have you ever felt when things seem to be going bad that we think, now what can happen next? Human nature is that way when things are going bad we think everything will go bad for ever. Flip the pancake, when everything is going good we think, everything will go good for ever! My mentor would say to me—erv, nothing is as good as it looks and nothing is as bad as it looks! He also would say—erv, this toooo shall pass!

I woke up the other morning with an incredible feeling. The feeling was unbelievably refreshing! It was such a great feeling that I can’t even explain it. It was like I was a hot air balloon just floating along with nothing affecting me. I thought now what is going to happen! I can’t wait!

Well flip the pancake. The opposite of my feeling is what I read recently--A recent article in Psychology Today said, “Envy is our culture’s silent partner. We scroll social media and quietly compare. We see someone else’s good fortune—an award, a baby, a beach vacation—and feel a little sting, then a little shame about the sting. Nobody wants to admit it.” Yikes, that is negative but probably very accurate!

While giving thanks, I was reminded of a pattern in my life that I seemed to have forgotten (i.e. I got out of whack which I can do at times). The pattern is that I have had soooo many good things happened to me in my life (i.e. unbelievable good stuff; and your life isn’t any different than mine). And they just happened to me, I don’t deserve them, they just fell in my lap (i.e. like just out of the blue). I believe I have been privileged or blessed!  I have told some of you about this and you have said, ya but erv you have made them happen. I don’t know about that. Soooo why won’t that pattern of my life continue!  I think it will. Ok ok, I have had many negative things happen in my life as well (i.e. from my opinion) soooo why won’t they continue. I think they will as well.

I have written many times and have told many of you that I pray for opportunities and pray that I might recognize them and pray that I might have the courage to act on them. Soooo my future and your future are  mysteries; they are incomprehensible! Is it exciting to us or scary? Are we looking forward to it or dreading it? Is our finality going to be a victory or a defeat?

We have just spent some time on Elis Island and walked The Freedom Trail in Boston. Just think of the folks who actually lived and experienced those places and events in real life. We talk about unknowns. I can’t imagine their emotions about their futures! Surely, they had to say—Now what? But they surely were hoping for something better. All of my grandparents/great grand parents came from Holland sooo I’m the third or fourth generation in America. I would guess my grandparents/great grand parents came to America for a new and better life. I would guess many of your past generations did the same. You think they experienced any hardships? Da!

Soooo I'm a purebred Dutchman, a purebred Friesland Dutchman to be exact. There probably are very few purebreds left in America I would guess.  We have hybrids in dogs, horses, corn plants, flowers, etc. We try to breed out defaults and bread in better qualities. Now, here is a question. Will AI develop human hybrids of higher quality? Now what?

A friend said to us--My husband says I'm trying to demasculinize him!  I asked her if she is--I don't' know but I'm bossy! Now what!

Have a FUN day my friends unless you have other plans. (-:

erv

MyDeceasedFrindJean said—Luck happens when preparation meets opportunity.

trouble's comin'

I don't think those of you who are reading this "It's Saturday" are an average cross section of America, my opinion. However there are striking things that you have in common. Raise your hand if you agree!

Saturday question--In your mind, do I talk about the kind of things that people shouldn't talk about?

Patty warned me that she is a ornery person. I said to her that I don’t know about that—just ask Pete here—Pete said, she can be ornery alright. 

I don’t have it in me any more. A guy at a Bible study said that about his desire to go fishing. He’s 80+. We went for an about 6 mile hike up 'er in 'em mountains the other day and I was really tired. I ain't what I use to be! Such is life!

Trouble’s acomin’! Have you ever thought what everyone is thinking but don’t say it?  Or have you said somethings that everyone else is thinking but they are scared to say it? Sometimes I’m very careful what I say around certain folks as they become very offended very easily if they disagree with me; soooo I just try to keep my mouth shut. But I find it interesting that some of those same folks can speak their opinion around me and expect me to listen and accept their opinion. Something doesn’t seem right here. Saturday question—Sooo what does it mean to be open minded?

TenaFromTheNorthSideOfTheBeaverRiver in Butler County says--Ok God, I'm sorry that I feel that those ladies think they are the elite and privileged. I think money changed their attitude and they lost their humility. But it seems that they get all the roses and me, and others don’t. It ain’t fair. They seem to have the attitude of being all puffed up. It is how I don’t what to be but yet I do want to be. Life is not fair, the only thing that’s fair is the Butler County Fair and that’s in June!

Violet Stillwater from Walla Walla, WA says--You can bet your life on it! Sooo what are you betting your life on Violet Stillwater from Walla Walla? Violet says--You know what it is: The goal stays the same but the strategy might evolve.

Trouble's comin'! A friend of Jeanne and now of mine says she is vain about how she dresses—I was raised that way by my parents and have been vain all my life. I know no difference. She also got really hurt by her husband cheating on her and she threw him out years ago. Now at 80, she continues to be very bitter towards men. These are a couple examples of a person’s past environment that has affected them. It is what it is! That it is!

A friend said that she has a sister-in-law who is hard to be around as she thinks she knows everything. Yikes! And my husband, who is her brother, agrees with me. Sooooo if she thinks that and her husband thinks that then others must think that too as they are smart but not that smart to be the only two that know it! Don’t kid yourself!

I have met two super senior women (i.e. in age and in quality) here in the Great Northwest that are something else. They, my opinion, are dynamite woman. I ask myself why are they so dynamite? Neither one of them has had an easy life nor would I say a pleasant life. Their attitudes are just amazing and have been all their life no doubt. I believe, my opinion, it is because of their genetics, past environment and current environment (i.e. a combination maybe).  And I found out by being with them that they both have a distinctive common denominator (i.e. you can guess what it is). And they are very enjoyable to be around. One is 91 who recently passed away and the other is 87! One was ready to die with no problem and the other has a serious significant other and they are going sailing!

RickyRick says—"Human beings wear out. You can’t burn the candle at both ends. If you’re discouraged, you may not really need to change anything major in your life. You may just need rest! Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is take a nap.”

Have a FUN day my friends unless you have other plans. (-:

erv

MyDeceasedFriendJean said--A person with big dreams is more powerful then one with all the facts.

jump for joy

"Tomorrow a stranger will say with masterly good sense precisely what we have thought and felt all the time." Ralph Waldo Emerson

Soooo what makes you jump for joy? I have asked myself that. Here are some examples for me that come to my mind: walking on the ocean’s sandy beach and having a sense of awe and wonder, sitting still and quietly in my chair early in the morning and being thankful, having a meaningful conversation with special people, doing something good or seeing something good done by others,....

AI says—"Joy is more than a fleeting feeling—it's a deep, abiding sense of delight and contentment that can spring from the simplest moments. True joy lives within us, arising from our experiences, our relationships, and our sense of purpose.” Do you believe in AI?

A typical, historical ocean front house on the beach has a unique look and feel. The look and feel is like “ The Old Man and the Sea” could live in them. The salted ocean breeze damages the exterior and gives it a weathered look. Usually, they are painted in certain colors which makes them feel more beachy. The aroma inside and out is just that of an ocean beach house (i.e. I can’t explain that aroma). Our ocean house we stayed in was just that. We had maybe a quarter of a mile walk out the back door through the evergreens, then through the beach grass and then over a sand dune to the ocean. It was really neat which we did several times. The whole experience gave us joy! We really can’t explain it in words. It had a certain aroma!

OneSmartPersonFromAcrossTheBay says--Having joy means you don’t act differently whether you’re at church, work, home, or the grocery store. It means you don’t segment your life. Is this true of us: What you see is what you get! Joy can’t be measured analytically but we can see it in folks who jump for joy. No question! On our way home from our trip we stopped for gas at Astoria, OR which is on the Colombia River. I was buying a diet Mt. Dew and the guy ahead of me was buying a tall Budwiser and a chili dog (i.e. it was 10 in the morning). He had knee high boots on and water-resistant pants. I asked him if that was his lunch or breakfast—I just got off work soooo it could be either he said in broken English—sooo where do you work—at the fish processing plant down the street on the river—what do you process—mainly salmon and shrimp but other kinds as well—that is why you smell fishy—that is the reason alright--you like your job—yes, I do; it’s hard work but it’s a good job—do they pay you well—yes they do; I’m very happy—I wish you the best guy—the same to you sir!

Do these folks in the picture look joyful or unjoyful to you? I think for sure there is a difference, my opinion. What do you think? Do we know joyful folks and unjoyful folks? Are we joyful or unjoyful. John Calvin said, “Those who are extremely anxious wear themselves out and become... their own executioners.”

Sweet Caroline--Good times never seemed so good. So good! So good!  SusieQ says—"We live in the present! We don’t live in the past and we don’t live in the future but we live in the present!  We live in our now world.” Joyous folks don’t seem to me to talk very much about what they did in the past but what they are doing now to make others have a better life. Really what we did 20 years ago is of little importance to most folks; they want to hear what you are doing in the present to make someone’s life better.  Those present looking folks bring joy as they are always looking  “to do the next right thing.” Of course, this is my opinion). And remember folks, I’m just a little ol’ farm boy from a mile and quarter south of Roseland, MN.

On our trip, some of Jeanne’s relatives took us out for dinner. It was my first time meeting them. We had a good time together. She told us this story about herself that shows us that we always don’t see things as they are (i.e. we misunderstand things at times). I was going into a building, and a guy had his arms out as I approached him. I thought he must know me, but I don’t recognize him sooo I went up to him and hugged him. He whispered in my ear, mam, I’m security and I’m asking you to put out your arms so I can frisk you for weapons!

I can’t laugh at her as I do the same! One morning I was going to put our luggage in the back of our vehicle and there was dog poop on the ground. I went and got some cardboard to pick it up and get rid of it before someone stepped on it. As I started to pick it up, the dog poop moved. It was a WA slug!

I hiked the trail to the bottom of the Cowiche Canyon the other day. Jeanne didn’t go with me as she is petrified by rattle snakes and really dislikes hot weather. It’s a moderate 2.2 mile hike out and back. I noticed by the traffic pattern that most folks walk on the hard packed part of the trail where there are few rocks, bumps, or unevenness. We are just like a cattle heard coming from Texas, we just follow the lead cow as it is easier walking. It really makes hiking a lot easier. Soooo isn’t that how we want our life to go? We like everything smooth, downhill and with the wind at our back! Well, folks, we all know it ain’t going to happen. Sooooo how can we obtain joy when the trail is tough?

Here is a concept to ponder that might make us jump for joy--It’s one thing to say we value something but it’s another thing to actually live it. That is putting values in action: not just saying values matter but actually living them. Pretty thought provoking for me! Of course we have to decided what good values are!!!! Like I wrote, we see things differently! Oh ya!!

Have a FUN day my friends unless you have other plans. (-:

erv

MyDeceasedFriendJean said--A full cup must be carried steadily. 

gets my attention

This “It’s Saturday” is like “a spit in the ocean” in your life. I understand that! It hardly gets your attention! No question! But here is the spit!

Jeanne gets my attention in many ways! Oh yes! One such attention getter was her helping me develop a different attitude towards two people (i.e. a much better attitude) which has made my relationships with them much better. I don’t think this change would have happened if she wasn’t part of my life.

Another attention getter is that she has swayed me on (i.e. my current thinking anyway)  is that genetics play a bigger part of our lives than I gave credit tooooo before. There are now even genetic studies of folks and doctors can treat symptoms  from genetics before they happen. Now that is amazing. Sooooo, it really is your parents’ fault!!! hahaha At least much more than I thought previously, I believe. Sooooo, it appears to me, that we can’t do tooooo much about good luck or bad luck in the random selection of genes we got from the gene pools of our parents. You get what you got! Such is life!

Well, another attention getter that I believe in is that we can manage our lives (i.e. this area we have free will). Now there is a big selection in the  pot to pick from, a real smorgasbord of goodies! And some folks pick better and different than others it appears. We all have different live styles and thinking, and see life much different (i.e. there are choices for sure). Soooo we can’t blame everything on our genetics unless we want toooo! hahaha

A balanced life sure seems to be a big advantage for most folks—physically, mentally and spiritually. That gets my attention in folks that are balanced. Look around folks, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that out. That is my opinion of course. JoeAverage says--It means approaching each day with an awareness of how we pick our choices and habits—no matter how small—they can tilt the scales either toward harmony or chaos.

I see and hear folks constantly praising their dog or dogs. Ok, folks praise their kids and grandkids tooooo (i.e. and sometimes even their spouses)! It appears that everyone likes to be praised. It seems as though praise does get our attention! Dr.J says—"We are often so preoccupied with our petitions to our Father that we completely forget to praise Him for who He is and what He has done.” It appears to me that folks that appreciate and praise God are different kind of folks. I praise those folks; they get my attention!

It got my attention. We stopped and had breakfast in an ocean side logging town the other day. I asked the waitress what the clock that wasn't running with the worn out roof that was next door was all about—she said it has stopped running 20 years ago, but it does have the correct time twice a day! Sooooo I wondered if  folks say I have the wrong time! And then they say, his roof is worn out too! What's he all about?

On our trip we had many experiences, saw beautiful nature, had the opportunity to see and meet many people (i.e. some friends and relatives and others were strangers) who have different lifestyles, beliefs, and attitudes. We really enjoyed the diversity. Something that we saw in many enjoyable folks was their ability to be good listeners (i.e. some better than others of course). Soooo what is it to be a good listener? RickyRick says—"Jesus came to earth to defeat death and to destroy the devil’s work. What is the devil’s work? Messing up your heart by filling it with worry, guilt, anger, and confusion—and making you feel worthless and helpless and hopeless and aimless.” We sure were around a lot of good folks, yes, we were. You know who you are! We had a hoot!  Some of you are very good listeners which makes you exceptional folks, our opinion. Oh, if any of us want to be good listeners or better ones, here is how we can become one according to Dr.J—"The best way to learn most things is by doing and practicing them—(e.g. prayer is a discipline, a practice, that only gets better when it is exercised. The best way to learn to pray is to pray).”  As a younger couple from San Diego who we meet eating breakfast told us—You guys keep going; we want to be like you when we are your age but remember, we all have expiration dates! I asked them if they were believers. 

We felt like Lewis and Clark, maybe! They said—“We are now at the at the end of our expedition.” They said that when they got to the Pacific Ocean where the mouth of the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean.  We ended our last few days of our trek staying at a seaside beach house on the Pacific Ocean. It was really good! We both enjoyed walking on the beach while thinking and talking! Pretty simple but really great! I won’t tell you what we thought and talked about!  You can only guess!

Have a FUN day my friends unless you have other plans. (-:

erv

MyDeceasedFriendJean said--We don't meet people by accident. They are meant to cross our paths for a reason.