I beg your pardon--pardon me!

Saturday question—If attitudes were contagious, would folks want to catch yours? I beg your pardon—pardon me! You don’t get it? Don’t make me stop this car and come back there!

I beg your pardon—Pardon me! World famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright built a house for industrialist Hibbard Johnson. One rainy evening Johnson was entertaining distinguished guests for dinner when the roof began to leak. The water seeped through directly above Johnson himself, dripping steadily onto his bald head. Irate, he called Wright in Phoenix, Arizona. Johnson said...You built this beautiful house for me and we enjoy it very much. But the roof leaks, and right now I am with some friends and distinguished guests and it is leaking right on top of my head. There was a pause on the line and after a few moments of silence Wright replied: Well Hib, why donâÂ?ÂTt you move your chair?

Beg your pardon--Pardon me! We are close to 65 and we get all these adds in the mail soliciting us for their supplemental heath insurance. This one company advertised—You won’t answer any health questions—You won’t undergo a medical exam—You won’t be turned down for any pre-existing conditions—You are guaranteed acceptance. Wow! Beg your pardon—Pardon me! All companies are required by law to do this. It just made me laugh. What ever it takes folks. It’s all about the money folks. They didn’t lie or cheat but just worked on the emotions of the easy ones. GerogeTheCrook says-- Cheaters cheat—liars lie… GerogeTheCrook, I know some of each. Some folks are unsalvageable and impenetrable—They need to be cut from the team and you need to recruit someone who you need on your team. Such is life.

My high school basketball coach (i.e. now 75 years old) emailed me this: 3 things in life, once gone, never come back 1. Time 2. Words 3. Opportunities. Oh those opportunities. Beg your pardon—Pardon me! I pray for opportunities, the ability to recognize them (i.e. so they just don’t fly over my head) and the courage to act on them. I liked my high school bb coach, always have and always will. He’s a good man. I remember him coming to see me after my mom’s died at my Uncle George’s house. I was 23 I think. It was very meaningful to me. Folks affect folks. I think he acted on an opportunity. Thanksamillion Coach Black, you’re a good man.

SusieQ prays--Pardon me God but show me the people around me who need my help. Make me a generous person, open with my time and knowledge, quick to include others in my activities. Amen. Maybe God might say—What we have here is a failure to communicate…clearly! Good communication is as stimulating as black coffee, and just as hard to sleep after. I beg your pardon God!

Beg your pardon God but I think I know more than you! “When the circumstances of your life start to shift (i.e. unravel a bit) at least consider that it might be due to God. When you find yourself in a state of confusion or curiosity about the way things are going, go ahead and ask him if there's something he'd like to say to you.” ~ Bill Hybels Is man good and bent evil by society, or is he born evil, and kept straight by society’s heavy hand? Most disturbing to me about this question is not its answer, but the reason for which it is most often involved. I was at the golf course recently and a friend came up to me and said—How can there be a God; my sister who is expecting her first two grandkids, has taught in a Christian school for 40 years and now has cancer. There are those who deny the existence of God and there are those who have witnessed too much to deny the unseen world, and envy themselves of the love of God. In this folks are the most hopeless of men. For there is not much hope to be found in hating a God, if you believe in Him. And there is not much future in it. LuckieEddie says--It’s a rare human who spends more time looking for truth than protecting their already-held beliefs.

At some point in our life we find out that our ideas did not work, but the God idea does. Deep down in every man, woman, and child is the fundamental idea of God. Faith in God greater than ourselves and miraculous demonstrations of that power in our lives are facts as old as the human race. Am I willing to rely on God or on myself? Pardon me God, I really thought I was really smart and knew more than you. MyFrieandJean says—Experience is a hard teacher, because she gives the test first, the lesson after the test. Such is life.

Pardon me! I beg your pardon! If you have money, smarts and influence, you have a lot of responsibility. Sure there has been injuries and deaths in taking charge, but none of them toooooooo serious! Andthisprettysweetgalsaid—It was when I had my first child that I understood how much my mother loved me. Pardon me! Anotherprettysweetgalemailedmethis--I have a funny story to share ... my cousin has ALS. This summer there was a benefit fundraiser for he and his family. His mom donated quarts of home-canned beef. They were put on the silent auction. Another of my aunts bid and purchased some of the jars. She then turned around and entered the canned beef at the county fair under her name ... and got a blue ribbon! My 1st aunt told me that and we just laughed and laughed. That is a hoot! Beg your pardon!

Pardon me but…Coach Black made me think more of my youthful days. Click on the picture to make it larger. I am the little toe head second from the back in second to the right row. My class (i.e. 4th grade at Roseland, MN) is in the right row. I got to sit with Bob Bruggers (i.e. back of me) and Mike Gort (i.e. ahead of me) who were in 5th graders. They were my buddies. At that time I’m sure I was ranked at least 6th academically in my class (i.e. there were only 6). When I graduated from 6th grade I know I moved up to at least 5th as Sammie Myskens (i.e. third in the row who was the pastor’s daughter) moved and Patricia Herman (i.e. first in the 5th grade row) was held back. Hey, don’t laugh, Donald Hoeskera and Jim Knoll who were the other two boys in my class both got PhDs and I only got a measly MA. Carol Lippert (i.e. the second girl in the 4th grade row) was the first girl I kissed. Yep, it was by the swing set I think in second or third grade (i.e. what an experience). The girl in the back of the 4th grade row was Pat Dykema, my first cousin. Oh yes, pardon me, do you see that I had bib overalls on (i.e. and I don’t think they were in style back then). One more thing, Don Hoeskra was the fist kid I got in a fight with—he gave me a bloody noise—I lost that fight! ANYWAY that was our picture of 4th, 5th and 6th grade with Mrs. Lincoln in good old Roseland Elementary. Oh yes, Bob Bruggers was a very outstanding athlete. He took us to the state bb tournament with Coach Black’s help. He ended up playing pro football. Pardon me folks but he did seem to struggle some with all the glory given him. Bob is still idolized by some in good old Danube/Roseland. I bet the folks in Roseland/Danube maybe don’t even know who Don Hoeskra and Jim Knoll are. Such is life.

I beg your pardon! But successful folks might be different to me than to you. Our friend/neighbor Henry Groenveld (i.e. 81) died this last week. I think he was a very successful guy. He had polio as a boy and it affected his walking. I asked him one time why he had such a good attitude and others just sit on the couch and eat chips drawing disability. He said—I just went forward. Sam Patterson, the old banker in town, asked Henry to work for him out of high school. He and his family thought that was a good opportunity. It was but he wished he had gone to college. Henry worked in a JD implement dealership for 32 years and was the county treasurer for 13 years. He was just a great, real guy with a huge massive good heart (i.e. my kind of guy). And best of all, he was a very humble man who loved the Lord. With Henry there was no gossip, no excuses, not stories, no blamin’ but he just stated everything in the positive (i.e. that’s hard for some folks as they only know negative and demoralizing stuff).

I beg your pardon! Excuse me! Have you noticed that there are very few folks who can handle “theworld’ssuccess”? Look around your community, on the professional sports scene (i.e. Tiger Wood’s world) or in the top management areas. Many mess their life up! It’s all about money and then we find out that it’s not all about money after all. GerogeTheCrook says—As sure as success will destroy a man, it will just as assuredly be imitated. I was told that a guy in a near by town threw a party last week end (i.e. we were not invited). At the party were very prominent politicians and a U of I head coach. I asked how come they were all there? 'Cause this guy maybe donates huge massive amounts of money to those folks. So how much do you think it would take to have them come to my party (i.e. everyone has a #)? It's all about money folks. JoeBlow says--It seems as if the golden rule has change to “do unto others what it takes to get their gold.” Such is life.

I beg your pardon! Excuse me! Here is another of my friends who is a successful person. We had a little church clean up the other day. 12 of us worked about an hour to make the outside look a little better (i.e. it looks like someone is living there again). A friend came and worked his butt off—it was a very hot humid day—he out worked me! He’s 87 years old. He doesn’t sit on the couch eating chips folks; he gets off the couch and does something. He’s a good man (i.e. a real person with a massive huge heart—and a strong back). ItchieBitchie says—The fastest way to find success and happiness is by giving. Life gives to the givers and takes from the taker; the world has a perfect accounting system. It seems to me that givers are happy folks and takers are unhappy. Why is that do you think? Such is life.

Pardon me; excuse me! MissPerfect says—Life has taught me that to fly, you must first accept the possibility of failure—those that don’t are much like a computer when it’s locked up! One more thing, don’t assume the assumption of tomorrow as it might not every come.

Peg your pardon! Pardon me! We can deny reality, but we can’t deny the consequences of denying reality. There is a moment in all acts when there is no turning back; the step over the cliff, the finger committing to the trigger and the hammer falling, the bullet erupting from the chamber, unstoppable…Many folks are mug-rumpers! Yep, they sit on the fence and never commit (i.e. have there mug on one side of the fence and their rum on the other). They teeter back and forth depending which way the wind of the discussion is (i.e. they gotta look good). Ouchy ouchy!

Pardon me! I beg your pardon! If you don’t want problems, don’t be a leader. The problem is when you identify each problem as a problem. When you do that, it often it becomes one of the problems you revisit every week, and it becomes a part of the “sameoldsameold”. Every time you call problems “problems,” you stop all ability to resolve them. Never call problems “problems” again, but call them “opportunities.” When you do that everything changes. Hmmmmmmmmm, suddenly there are no problems, just opportunities. ~ Stay away from energy vampires (i.e. they are toxie waste dumps of an attitude). ~ My nephew-in-law sent me a little sign this week that reads—If at first you don’t succeed try doing it the way your wife told you. ~ And remember—don’t think you are sooooooooo important; Most of the time we are only an extra in somebody else’s soap opera! Such is life.

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

erv

KR’s thought of the day—Everyone wants progress, but few want the chance that progress requires.

...y!

Quirky Quirky! I woke up in the middle of the night with this in my head—Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. Why, I have no idea. You might think it’s a bunch of malarky malarky folks. Um diddle diddle diddle um diddle ay ~ Um diddle diddle diddle um diddle ay ~ So when the cat has got your tongue ~ There’s no need for dismay ~ Just summon up this word ~ And then you’ve got a lot to say ~ But better use it carefully ~ Or it may change your life ~ One night I said it to me girl ~ And now me girl’s my wife! ~ She’s supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

Mushy mushy! A friend took his family to a movie recently. One of his buddies asked him how the movie was. He said—Mushy for him! From a man’s point of view, many men think woman talk mushy to each other (i.e. mushy mushy). Womanizers seem to have the way with women (i.e. say the mushy words) and some of those gals fall hook, line and sinker for that mushy talk). I hear sales people talk mushy with clients (i.e. try to be manipulative—tell them what they want to hear in a mushy way). Waitresses sometimes call me honey or sweetie or sweetheart. I’m not their honey, sweetie or sweetheart—that’s mushy. It’s a turnoff for me but maybe if you are some lonely guy who never gets any attention, it works for a huge massive tip. I don’t know. What do you think? Joesixpack says—I haven’t spoken to my wife for years. I didn’t want to interrupt her! Such is life.

Hotty hotty! I know a couple who were sorta kinda average Joes until the last of their parents died and they inherited a pot full of money and now they are hotty hotty! GeorgeTheCrook says—Money changes the “littlefolks” but the “bigfolks” stay the same good folks. These acquaintances are really strutting their stuff now let me tell you. They think they are the king and queen of the hill. They think their…doesn’t stink! Usually time has a way to bring us all back to reality (i.e. all men are humbled at some point in life). I read in a book a friend gave me to read, The Majesty of Calmness by William George Jordan. (i.e. the book is over a 100 years old) this: A man is to live his life as best he can; he is not to worry about the problems of justice, whose solution must be left to Omniscience to solve. Such is life.

Kooky kooky! MissPerfect says—He’s a kook! What’s a kook anyway? MissPerfect says--he’s a screwball! You think Jesus was a kook to many or still is? Are you a kook or do your do just whatever the leader of your peer group does (i.e. a “cookie-cutter person)? I have many friends who think for themselves (i.e. that’s why I like them). Some, actually most of them, in some form are kooks (i.e. they think for themselves—very independent thinkers—believe in themselves—are self-confident—are self reliant). I’m talking about most of you guys—YOU KOOKS! To be average is just being average (i.e. it’s soooooooo easy to be average—it takes an unique person to be above average). Average folks just follow what the media tells them (i.e. pretty generic). But the kooks are different. John The Baptist was a kook I guess, wouldn’t you? So I think most or you are kooky in a good way! A friend thinks I’m a kook as I rode in a tractor parade/ride sponsored by the radio station KLMJ Hampton. I was invited to ride by friends Ralph and Viv Mohwinkle. Ralph drove a 55 Oliver Super 77 and Viv drove a 35 AC WC and I drove a 57 AC D14. We rode about 60 miles in Franklin and Butler County stopping for breaks and lunch. I think I was the only guy with sandals, hiking shorts and a golf cap on. The conversations were about farming and tractors mainly. I asked a guy who I know that is sorta kinda a old farm machinery jockey what the D14 I was driving was worth—what ever it’s worth to you; if you see something you want, you better buy it as you might never have a chance again. WellFlipThePancake—A friend told me he made offers on 2 different houses in the great SW but didn’t’ get either one. After some time he said—Not getting those houses was the best thing that ever happened. What was I thinking! Oh one more thing—Viv drove the oldest tractor in the ride. The radio guy asked her to be interviewed as the driver and Ralph as the owner—she said—That’s my tractor; What’s mine is mine and what’s Ralph’s is mine! Hey Mark heard it toooooooo! Such is life.

Lucky lucky! I got to spend a day with our son. We played golf at Deere Run (i.e. where they hold the John Deere Classic). I so much appreciate the time we spend together. I’m one lucky dude (i.e. I have the life of Riley folks and I know it). Golf is sorta kinda an excuse for us to get together as golf does not define who we are but it’s just a form of recreation. Talk about a good life—a friend told me that he has such a good life (i.e. he recognizes it). There are many folks who have a good life but don’t recognize it or appreciate it. More Lucky Lucky and he didn’t think so at first. I had the opportunity to have breakfast with two World War II vets who are also my friends this week (i.e. one is 90 and the other is 84). They both are going to Washington D.C. as guests to see the war memorials. I’m real happy for them. One said to the other—ya just didn’t know in the morning if you would see evening. The other vet said back—I didn’t even know if I would see the next hour. They shared where they were in the war. One said he was in New Guinea. I asked him—Wasn’t it hot there. Yes it was; it’s right by the equator. Wasn’t there a lot of malaria there? Yes there was; a lot of mosquitoes; I got malaria. Don’t once you get that, you get it again? Yes I got it multiple times and they took me out of infantry and put me in supply in Australia; it was a big break for me as the infantry was not the place you wanted to be. It maybe saved my life. Lucky lucky!

Goofy goofy! I had a couple of unique opportunities this week and they just fell in my lap. One was at a golf outing when I got to visit with a guy who I really seem to like. ANYWAY we talked about some real stuff. He told me that without his parents’ help he would not be in the position that he is in. Then in Dollar General I ran into a friend who is smart, has her head on right, a good parent of three, and seems to understand life. She is associated with education and soon will be at it again. ANYWAY she said that some kids have such an advantage over other kids if they have loving and caring parents. So parents, don’t be goofy parents; really take the opportunity of being parents seriously. You have a huge massive opportunity/responsibility. Don’t be goofy goofy parents! “All that I am or hope to be I owe to my mother.” ~ Abe Lincoln

Yucky yucky! A friend told me about a situation he was involved in with a family member who has a hard time managing their money. We talked and agree that it is hard to change money management skills without a person having a strong desire to change—they want help to change but they really don’t. It’s much like our government spending. What do you think about the idea of you working until 70 before retirement? Yucky yuchy! At some point something has to change and it will if we like it or not. Such is life folks; you can’t continue to spend more than you make. My Uncle George said to me many times—It isn’t what you make it’s what you save.

Ouchy ouchy! When Chet and I played at the Deere Run, I shot a 95. It was a tough course and was toooooooo long for me (i.e. Chet calls my drives bunts) with way tooooooooo much trouble. I hit it in the fescue a.k.a. cabbage a.k.a crap a.k.a. …! You can’t score well when I can’t get to the par 4s in regulation and then hit it in the crap (i.e. ooooops!). It just doesn’t work. Ouchy ouchy. I wasn’t very cocky when I got done with that round (i.e. my hat was big for my head). I felt like a duffer a.k.a. hacker. But I can kick the ball around our little course in A’town fairly well at times and think I’m pretty good (i.e. it’s just a teaser). And then I play Deer Run and realize that I’m really not very good (i.e. reality sprouts it’s ugly teeth). Let’s put things in proper perspective (i.e. I’m not very good). Steve Sticker won the John Deere Classic this year with a 4 round total of 26 under par from the tips. I shot 24 over par from the blues/whites. If I would shoot the same score for 4 rounds I would have a total of 96 over par and he was 26 under which is a difference of 122 strokes. Ouchy ouchy!

Icky Icky! During the First World War, the army fliers developed this philosophy: “When you are in the air you will either be flying straight or turning over. If you are flying straight, there is no cause to worry. If you are turning over, one of two things is true: You will either right the plane or fail. If you right the plane, there is no cause to worry. If you fail, one of two things is certain: you will either be injured slightly or injured seriously. If you are injured slightly, there is not cause to worry. If you are injured seriously, one of two things will happen: you will either die or recover. If you recover, there is no cause to worry: and if you die, you can’t. Hey, my FriendJean says—Put your troubles in a pocket with a hole in it! That’s what she says folks.

Quirky Quirky! I rode my bike the other day and saw a small green tool chest half on the shoulder and half in the ditch. I turned around and it said on the outside something about plumbing supply. I opened it up and it was a tool with a couple of attachments that looked like it was used to expand pipes or something. I put it on my bike and took it home. I called KimThePlumber as it was near Kelsey and he operates out of Kelsey to see if maybe it was his. I left a message and said I found this tool that looks like is a plumbing tool worth about $50 and was wondering if by chance it was his. He called back and was happy. It was his and it wasn’t a $50 tool but a $450 tool. Only in small town folks! Such is life.

Gimmicky Gimmicky! When on that tractor ride/parade, we stopped for breaks and of course ate! On one stop I was in a group of farmers or retired farmers. I didn’t know anyone. The conversation went like this—Boy there is a lot of sudden death in the beans; it doesn’t look like the beans will do very well this year. Next farmer—Ya when you are on the tractor you can see the corn fields and there is a lot of yellow spots; the corn looks good from the road but it not as good on the inside. I know the farmer lingo folks—it was my turn next standing there in my sandals, hiking shorts and golf cap—Ya and the prices aren’t any good and the input costs are soooooooo high! Next farmer—Ya you got that right, it’s going to be hard to make any money this year! I was telling my golf buddy who is on our league golf team this (i.e. he’s a retired farmer who is now a landlord). He responded—They got to say that so the landlords don’t increase the rent! Gimmicky Gimmicky!

Wacky wacky! JoeBlow says—The mind is like a clock that is constantly running down. It has to be wound up daily with good thoughts (i.e. get around good folks—stay away from showboats and glory seekers and manipulators). Dwell on things that are honorable, just, and commendable. Don’t allow your thoughts to be hijacked by the negativity that seems to dominate our troubled world. Soooooooo whom will you please today; God or man? Some folks are just bores to me. Talk about boar-ing—The winner of the big boar contest at The Iowa State Fair weighed 1,212 pounds. Now that is a lot of boring! That’s a lot of porky porky pig all right! Porky porky! I read that they feed those boars donuts and rolls to fatten them up (i.e. sounds like us). Such is life.

Spooky spooky! BankerAlTheSchemer says—Some banks have a special technique for dealing with business borrowers who can’t repay loans coming due: Give them more time, hoping things improve and they can repay later. Banks call it a wise strategy. Skeptics cal it “extendandpretend.” Spooky spooky!

Scary scary! FootWedgeCharle a.k.a. VeryCraftyCharlie says—You put an adult in a new situation and they respond pretty much like a 6-year old kid does! The new challenge is to lure a new generation to come to church. Some folks think the methods are scary scary! Many think we need to just continue doing it the same old way and if they don’t like it, they don’t have to come or go to a different church. CadillacJack says—Snap out of “themakebelieve” folks! They will do just that, stay home or go to a different church! SadyTheChurchLady says—I really don’t care about the future generation, I’m comfortable and that’s all that counts.

This person is an above average person (i.e. kooky). I really like this new acquaintance and what she says. I asked her if I could use a paragraph in our email conversation as it has some deep thinking (i.e. wisdom I think). She said I could as long as it is anonymous. ~ Only get one year from now to sharpen my skill to get myself a good faculty position. I feel time is pressing on me. In my life, it seems I have always tried to take the route less taken - an endeavor to distinguish myself from whatever community I am in. Even if I saw a shortcut, I tended to avoid it. Which of course make my life harder, but to me, more enjoyable and adventurous. To be honest, I do not know whether this is right or wrong. But for now and for the near future, I will keep on my "bad" habit... I predict this gal will do very well in life.

Skunky skunky! I read it in the paper so it must be right that Americans consider vacations, pets and the internet necessities in life. Chester and Anna, my parents, thought way different than me and I think way different than our children. Such is life.

Spunky spunky! I rode bike the other day. I ran into a 70+ year old guy who I know on the Cedar Valley Trails. We rode together for about 15 miles. We rode hard. I felt extremely energetic and didn’t have a problem. Soooooo why did I feel so spunky spunky on this day. Well, I think there are several reasons. The biggest was my attitude. I also have been riding a lot and think that helps. It was a beautiful day. I enjoyed this guy’s company. But maybe the biggest reason is that I had the opportunity to help someone in the morning and several folks visited with me that morning that made me feel oh so good. They influenced my attitude for the day and they didn’t even know it. Such is life.

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

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

erv

KR’s thought of the day—Be too busy to worry in the day…so you’ll be too sleepy to worry at night!

IthinksobutIdon'tknowforsure

Times change folks! IthinksobutIdon’tknowforsure! If you don’t change some stuff, it starts to look like middle ages before long. C. S. Lewis says—All that is not eternal is eternally out of date. We had a P3 party at our church—paint, pizza and praise. I was told there were 37 of us folks (i.e. kids and adults) who showed up to paint the educational rooms. Here is what a typical room looked before and here is a picture of a room after the P3. Which room looks the most inviting to a 10 year old do you think? Da!!! John Wesley once said—Catch on fire with enthusiasm and people will come for miles to watch you burn. Such is life.

Here is a pic of my friends of how they looked before the P3 and a pic of how they looked after the P3! Aren’t they something!

IthinksobutIdon’tknowforsure! MyFriendJean says—Some of us are like wheelbarrows—only useful when pushed and very easily upset. That statement makes me think about many folks in churches all over (i.e. talk a lot but don’t do much and are very touchy—showboats but not workers). And then when changes are made, they complain ‘cause they might have to do something (i.e. those kind of folks get under my skin!). That’s my opinion. Change is hard folks but it’s a certainty. That’s just the way it is if you like it or not. Some folks look at visionaries as “trick masters” with their full bag of tricks. Ouchy ouchy! SusieQ says--No matter what way you look at change, right without Love is wrong! Think about that folks. Joesixpack says—IthinksobutIdon’tknowforsure that God many times is trying to tell us something in big bold print but we still can’t read it! We’re blinded by our own huge massive egos. Ouchy ouchy!

IthinksobutIdon’tforsure! MissPerfect says--Reform is soooooooo urgently needed but it seems to take a huge massive catastrophe to really get anyone’s attention. I read in the London paper (i.e. so it must be right) that England test folks who are getting and want to get disability payments for the government. They put them into three classes—Disabled, disabled at this time but will be able to go back to work, and those who can work. Folks get 64 pounds being unemployed and 84 for being disabled so the unemployed folks are all trying to get disability. The payments have increased unbelievably in recent years (i.e. it’s all about money folks). They say—The Coalition Government has to have a reform of some kind as we cannot continue to operate this way—it just ain’t going to work. It’s very obvious that the good old U. S. of A will need to have a reform sometime or it will get real ugly folks (i.e. it’s hard as everything is done to politically correct to get reelected in the good old U. S. of A). I personally doubt if it will happen until it gets sooooooooooooo bad and then something will happen (i.e. Ithinksobutdon’tknowforsure). Ask Germany about that! Ouchy ouchy! Change is much like a rescuer helping a drowning person who is putting up too much of a struggle. The rescuer must first render the person still more helpless, until he or she is wholly at the rescuer’s mercy. Ya got to get to rock bottom before folks seem to look for help other than themselves (i.e. it’s an ego thing folks—my opinion). Such is life.

I went for a bike ride Saturday to Kesley (i.e. 14 miles SSW). There was a 12 mph wind from the SSW (i.e. I looked on underground weather when I got home). If you are not a biker, you have no idea how much difference that makes (i.e. huge massive difference). IthinksobutIdon’tknowforsure but it’s a lot easier when you have the wind on your back. Sooooooo here’s the deal I was thinking about—Wind is a great encouragement so do you think a compliment or encouragement might make the wind at someone’s back. What do you think? Assignment—Send an encouraging note to someone this week. Okay here is something else that I though about when biking—I have had sorta kinda a hard time slowing down since I got back from our trip (i.e. not focused correctly). Saturday I wasn’t comfortable just doing nutten (i.e. nutten according to my standards). I thought about the campers. They pull out Friday night with their $25,000 camper plus license, insurance, & maintenance, $35,000 pickup plus license, insurance & maintenance, and their $25,000 boat plus license, insurance, winterizing and maintenance and just sit and eat all weekend not feeling guilty about doing nutten. Why can’t I just sit and do nutten at home? I don’t get it. Maybe I need to spend $85,000 so I can sit and do nutten. Yabut if I bought that stuff plus camping site fee, purchase skies, tube, fishing gear, camping equipment, and other stuff to sit and do nutten, I would have no place to store all that stuff so I would have to build a $35,000 shed plus taxes and insurance. And you know what folks, all recreational equipment deprecates faster than diarrhea! Then I thought, we like to travel so we aren’t home many weekends plus we go to the grandkids several weekends, plus I usually have a couple of golf outings, plus there are always a couple of weddings that take up a couple of weekends, so that leaves about 2 weekends free and usually the weather is bad one weekend so that leaves one weekend to go camping and just sitting there eating and sleeping and not feeling guilty about doing nutten. I decided I just will be uneasy sitting in our sun porch eating and sleeping that weekend. It fits me just fine I guess. IthinksobutIdon’tknowforsure! Such is life.

IthinksobutIdon’tknowforusure! WildWilly says—Evil prevails when good men do nuttten! ~ Where you choose to place your trust will determine the direction and quality of your life. ~ Are you confused? Listen to the quiet voice of your Heavenly Father. He is not a God of confusion. Talk with Him; listen to Him; trust Him. He is steadfast, and He is your protector…forever. ~ God’s plan for you includes provisions for your spiritual, physical, and emotional health. ~ People are funny. When they are young, they will spend their health to get wealth. Later, they will gladly pay all they have trying to get their health back. Such is life. Folks, that’s just the way it is.

IthinksobutIdon’tknowforsure—Iknowforsure! I recently hurt Arlene’s feelings. Why do I do that (i.e. makes me wanta kick a can)! I don’t want tooooooo but I do. I know why, ‘cause it’s my big ego getting in the way (i.e. that sucker is hard to control sometimes folks). I want to be humble but it just flares up. I gain nutten by hurting her. TheProfessor says—When a guy wrongs another he injures himself in return—someway, somehow, sometime. I love Arlene; she is a very nice person, so why do I hurt her (i.e. this week 42 years ago we were married in Wichert Reformed Church, Wichert, IL on a hot summer day--some of you were there—that’s the biggest break I caught in my life folks marrying Arlene Schaafsma). I’m a real small person when I hurt her and a real big person when I’m humble. I know that but I’m such a jerk at times. My Mom, Anna, would be disappointed with me; she always told me to do what is right and I did not do what was right. I like it when Arlene is happy (i.e. a happy wife is a happy life and don’t you forget that boys). Soooooo, I apologized and she forgave me once again but will I ever learn? IthinksobutIdon’tknowforsure!

I didn’t see this happening! Oh no! Happenstance, na I don’t think so. That statement was taught to me by a friend. I like it. IthinksobutIdon’tknowforsure! We sat in the same pew Sunday with some good old friends. They gave me the book Hoops For Hope--Take Your Best Shot” by Austin Gutwein to read (i.e. my personal copy). It’s a short book but powerful to me. I was looking for a book to read—happenstance, na I don’t think so. ANYWAY it’s about a young boy who made a massive huge difference in many folks’ lives in Africa. It was on the major TV networks (i.e. maybe you have seen it). It’s a good short read—it affected me (i.e. encouraging to me). It seemed like I lost some of my focus lately (i.e. tooooooo much ervie). Then Arlene and I were in a big box place in the metro the other day and ran into an old basketball player who played for me maybe 35 years ago (i.e. a friend to this day). We talked and he shared that he has a stepdaughter who he and his wife are caregivers to (i.e. I didn’t know that). I put the book experience together with his care giving and this is my thought. There are soooooooooo many of you out there who are such great folks but no one really know how great you are. You are “differencemakeres” in many lives but no one really knows and why you are soooooooo great is that you don’t want others to know. You are the salt of the earth—you aren’t glory seekers, don’t want your picture in the paper, don’t want to be the citizen of the year, the fan of the year or don’t need to advertise how great you are. You are just greatest folks on this earth. In the book it said—Folks who help affect someone else’s’ life will change their own life (i.e. I believe that—my opinion). Givers are always happy folks; takers are always miserable folks (i.e. my opinion). I know a lot you personally and I know what you do for others (i.e. a little anyway). You are great folks with huge, good massive hearts (i.e. real folks—I really dislike fakers). You’re my kind of folks. You don’t have to figure everything out; you just do the right thing (i.e. it’s plain and basic folks—don’t try to be important in the world’s eyes—make it a small private thing—you do things that others don’t see or appreciate). One of my heroes, Abraham Lincoln said—In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count, it’s the life in your years. Soooooooooo don’t give up; continue to be generous with your time, ability, and your money. And do it with the right motive! Okay let’s get out there and do it folks! Do something bigger than yourself! Happenstance, na I don’t think so folks—A friend calls and wants have breakfast Friday morning (i.e. it was the icing on the cake). He reassured me that I had to get on the right focus again. He motivated and inspired me. MyFriendJean says—To be a good neighbor is one of life’s richest joys. Such is life.

IthinksobutIdon’tknowforsure! We got our new taxes on our property (i.e. houses) in Butler County. Ours went up $96 to $2,410 annually on our house that is assessed by the assessor at $128,281. Some of you might think we life in a shack. We really don’t I don’t think, but everything is relevant. We built it in 1974 for $35,000 including the lot (i.e. my neighbor said he didn’t make any money on our house—ya right!). We were only going to live here a couple of years and then move on (i.e. had big plans). We are still in the same house. We had some money saved so we lived on one check and paid the house off with Arlene’s so in about 3 years we had the house paid for after paying our college debt. My Daddy, Chester, always told me—Interest is what you receive, not what you pay out. But he had an exception—I could borrow money on anything that appreciated in value, not depreciated in value. Ya gotta remember though we only made about $7,000 back then. Here is the story behind this: The new houses in P’burg (i.e. new ‘cause of the tornado) are all nearly twice the size and twice the insurance and taxes (i.e. some are paying 4 to 6+ thousand now). Ouchy ouchy! Yes, folks were treated right with insurance and some folks even took advantage of the insurance companies so…life goes on. Now some have got a big house and more expense. Much like having all the recreation stuff. So when asked to give to the church they say—We can’t afford it, our taxes are double and we have payments on our stuff, we have a tight budget. I’m not pointing fingers. I am really happy for many folks to have nice stuff. I really am. Many of you have huge massive incomes each year and have a huge massive net worth (i.e. everything is relevant) and are great givers (i.e. we need folks to make money and be good givers; otherwise there would be no mission projects) but I wonder if I do it right some times. I really do. IthinksobutIdon’tknowforsure!

I went into Scheels to price a seat pack for my bike (i.e. I just used duck tape and just taped my spare tube to my bike rack—it looked tacky a.k.a. cheap). Their selection was rather poor. As I was leaving I noticed their display of sunglasses past the check out (i.e. they know what they are doing folks—it’s all about money folks). I saw a pair I liked for $9.50. I bought a pair in Holland as mine broke a.k.a. cheap for 7.5 euros—I didn’t like them—I think they are girl glasses. ANYWAY I went to pay for them with my credit card. The gal said I needed my license as I didn’t sign the back of my card. I didn’t have it so I had to pay cash. It’s store policy she said and that’s why I don’t sign it. But I said to her—you know what, I used my credit card for maybe $5,000 in Europe and not once did they ask for my license. I IthinkIknowbutIdon’tknowforsure. Huh, interesting.

IthinksobutIdon'tknowforsure--IT'S SO DRY IN ARKANSAS ........ That the Baptists are starting to baptize by sprinkling, The Methodists are using wet-wipes, Presbyterians are giving rain checks, And the Catholics are praying for the wine to turn back into water! Hey, it’s not dry in IA, Iknowthatforsure!

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

erv

KR’s thought of the day—If you lighten the way for others, you’ll never be in the dark yourself.

Help Point!

Help Point! In the tube stations (i.e. subways) in London there were signs pointing to the Help Points. Help points were at certain strategic places which had three words under them—Fire, Emergency, and Information. Those could be good places to go if you have a problem folks.

GeorgeTheCrook says--Help point can be needed by us for many reasons; sometimes when we don’t even know it. Two friends were at a party held at the mansion of a billionaire. One said, “Wow! Look at this place! This guy has everything!” The other said, “Yes, but I have something he'll never have: enough.” Joesixpack says--I live simply. I hate waste and excess. I have a good apartment, a good laptop, and a few other basics. But the less I own, the happier I am. The lack of possessions gives me the priceless freedom to live anywhere anytime…Having too much money can be harmful. It throws off perspective. It makes people do stupid things like buy “extra” cars or houses they don't use - or upgrade to first class for “only” $10,000 so they can be a little more comfortable for a few hours.

I read this while eating my oatmeal with MI blueberries on in (i.e. MI blueberries are the best—It ain’t summer until I have MI blueberries on my oatmeal)—help point—God has placed His handiwork on display for all to see, and if we are wise, we will make time each day to celebrate the world that surrounds us. Today, as you fulfill the demands of everyday life, pause to consider the majesty of heaven and earth. It is as miraculous as it is beautiful, as incomprehensible as it is breathtaking. MissPerfect says—Those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music. Saturday question—What music do you hear? Such is life.

You might think I’m crazy but the morning after we got back from London, I rode 62 miles with some buddies on RAGBRAI. Hey, it was going through Parkersburg so I just had to do it (i.e. we ate our way across 62 miles). When you ride with 10,000 bikers, it’s a help point all right. It’s a good opportunity/experience. Maybe when I get older maybe I’ll check my help point and not do such crazy things—and maybe not. Like my friend says—Let’s get going, we’re burning daylight! Such is life.

Help point! I wonder if sometimes we miss it. It’s like we don’t get it! A rookie pitcher was struggling at the mound, so the catcher walked out to have a talk with him: "I've figured out your problem," he told the young southpaw, "you always seem to lose control at the same point in every game." "When is that?" asked the kid. "Right after the national anthem."

Help Point. SusieQ says--Learn to be silent. Let your mind listen to absorb. Have you ever felt like you’re all thumbs and other days every thing seems to go oh so great? Have days when you had little ambition—other days just full of ambition? Some days sooooo positive and others sooooooooo negative? Some days sooooooo happy and some days rather sad? Some days full of hope and other days you just plain lack hope? Some days you are so excited and other days just lack excitement? Why do we feel sooooooo much different from one day to the next? How do you feel today?

CadillacJack says--The best things in life are not things—be a Minimalist. My favorite pair of hiking shorts had a little hole in the back on my butt. It wasn’t very big (i.e. I must have caught it on a rock or something while hiking). ANYWAY Arlene said it looked terrible; you could see what color my boxers are. It didn’t bother me at all. I wore the shorts several times while in Europe and my family thought it was terrible tooooooooo! I think they were jealous!!!!!! So I bowed to their wish and took ‘em to a BeckyTheFixer to have her sew the hole shut. I also brought along a favorite shirt that was coming part under my armpit. When I picked them up BeckyTheFixer said—You are picking up your favorite hiking shorts and shirt—ya, I am; I just really like them. BeckyTheFixer said—it seems when we get older they just feel better; new stuff just doesn’t mean as much anymore. I responded—Isn’t that true. And she said—in general, stuff just isn’t as important. That could be a help point in our lives. What do you think? Huh, interesting.

JoeBlow says—We’re like so many pinballs bouncing around a world of blinking lights and buzzers. There’s lots of movement and noise, but it doesn’t add up to much. That is what he says folks. JeanMyFriend says—May your life be like arithmetic—Friends added, enemies subtracted, joys multiplied and errors divided.

I have said it all along—We’re all mentally ill but just to different degrees. I read this in the London paper (i.e. so it must be right) on our plane ride back home: Eccentrics "could be labeled as ill” -- Eccentrics could be labeled as having mental disorders under planned changes to diagnostic guidelines, experts say. Proposed new diagnoses in an American mental health guide used around the world ”shrink the pool of normality to a puddle”, said Prof Til Wykes, from the Institute of Psychiatry at King’s College London. So who is an eccentric anyway? There are really only two normal folks left in all the world—you and me!!!!! And I question you sometimes!!! Such is life.

Help Point! I got this message from one of our nieces who loves to travel and is very adventurous--Here's one of my favorite Mark Twain quotes for you ... seems appropriate now that you've "seen Europe." ~ Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.

Help point. Power is power no matter what you say. When entering Switzerland, you have to purchase a pass that you put on your windshield for 40 Franks (i.e. maybe to help maintain the many tunnels). My kid sister & brother-in-law took care of all the car expenses and then billed us for our third so she wanted to put it on their credit card. To do this she had to go into the office. I went along just for the experience/opportunity. There was a trucker there who was filling out some paper work when a little, young lady came in and from what I figured out, he was parked in an illegal spot. He, we think, sorta kinda argued with her about it and the discussion when back and forth. Even though she was a little mite, she had the power. She left and said, we think, you move it now or I will ticket you. He grumbled but left and moved his truck. Power and money reins. Such is life.

One of my Help Points has been the gals at my office (i.e. they are soooooo smart and charming toooooo). ANYWAY I stopped to do a little work at the office the other day and one of them said—Watching someone else and doing it yourself is two different things! Now isn’t that the truth folks. Such is life.

I had breakfast with a friend the other morning. He told me that he is stretching his life (i.e. getting out of his comfort zone). He's doing some things that he normally doesn’t do—so what are you doing? He told me that he has got involved with some people that he has put off for years (i.e. visiting with some family and friends). So how does it make you feel—GREAT! Help point! Quit thinking about your money and self; throw those chips away, get your butt of the couch and do something folks. It will make you feel a lot better. And one more thing—do it with gumption!

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

erv

KR’s thought of the day—To stay young, associate with youth…to grow old, try to keep up with them.