pressure

Disclaimer—If you don’t believe in the Bible you don’t need to read this paragraph as it won’t make any sense to you, just skip it and go to the next paragraph. Dr J says—"The most important thing about your brain is the thoughts that dominate it. The Bible says, “Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace” (Romans 8:5-6 NIV).

Saturday question—How well do you operate under pressure?  Ok, using the scale of 1 to 10, rate yourself. It’s a fact that different people operate under pressure differently. In sports we call people who can operate under pressure, gamers. They love pressure and perform very well under it. And of course, there are others if they are under any pressure just can’t handle it. Just look around folks, it’s not rocket science! JoeFleeflicker says—I don’t think most people like pressure.

I had the opportunity to visit with a very smart person, and we had a discussion about the pressure of temptations and in particular with one temptation that some people have (i.e. his belief). He believes that folks need to fight this temptation and control it and not succumb to it. For some that is a lot of pressure on them. Of course, some do succumb and some don’t succumb. And if they succumb to it but then later on do a180, it’s a great success and blessing. Yes, it is! And some of you have done it! I applaud you!

What kind of pressure does society put on us the most. That pressure might be different for each person I would guess. Dr. J says—"Humility is a decision to listen, not to dominate. To give credit rather than take it. To find a way to serve others. If we practice humility intentionally and humble ourself in the sight of the Lord, He will lift us up, and our relationships will be better for it. Faith is better than fame, just as humility is better than pride.”

In the Yakima Valley everything is irrigated from water from the snowmelt of the Cascade Mountains. The annual participation in the Valley is about 8 inches annually (i.e. Yakima is in a desert). The water is retained in reservoirs and then channeled down to the valley as needed by the Titian Yakima Cannel  which is 12 miles long. There are cannels running off of that cannel that run all over the city and the valley which are manmade and mostly old. The water is then pumped by orchardists, ranchers, farmers and homeowners through their irrigation systems. Some areas create other reservoirs that can generate water pressure from gravity. This can create water pressure like up to 60 pounds. They tell me that it takes 2.31 feet of fall for one pound of pressure or called 1 PSI. That is way different than Iowa let me tell ya were ground is patterned title to get rid of excessive moisture.

I am not certain, but it looks to me that financial pressure is a massive huge pressure in America and the world (i.e. maybe the #1 source of pressure to humans). As I have said many times—It’s all about the money; don’t kid yourself. When it comes down to the brass tacks, it’s all about the money. It always has been! As my mentor would say—The world’s golden rule is, whoever has the gold rules the world. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that out. Money is worldly power; don’t kid yourself.

RickyRick says—"Jesus wants us to learn to be gentle and humble because aggression and arrogance are two of the biggest causes of stress and emptiness in life. Aggression is when we don't want to wait for anything, and we over-commit ourselves. It's the opposite of gentleness. Arrogance is when we t ry to control everything. Our ego is responsible for more stress and arrogance in our lives than we realize.”

Another pressure cooker is pressure caused by deterioration of the family which causes problematic family relationships; it can produce very stressful situations due to the breakdown of the family (i.e. it produces many different, stressful family dynamics). Those situations from these family relationships cause a pyramid of problems that are ugly and cause much pressure. Just look around folks. Most don’t have to look around; many have it in their families. It’s just our culture today.

As I see it, youth sports cause a lot of stress for children and parents. I do! It produces an overload of pressure for kids; it’s not always fun and it can be a disaster. Youth sports is a massive huge money maker (i.e. a massive huge business). A grandfather told me that his granddaughter is in 8^th grade and a very good runner. College recruiters are looking at her and following her. She has to run in races all over the country, has too! She has to eat a certain way, train a certain way or they won’t follow her if she doesn’t continue to have good times. She is sick of it. Tired of it to a point she dislikes it. It has changed her life. But isn’t that what kids want and maybe more what their parents want for their kids. A friend told me that he thinks youth sports are ruining our churches (i.e. and he is a very smart person). He thinks youth sports are way more important than going to church on Sunday. That is what he believes. Such is life.

I believe how Keziah says it—"Life today feels like a water current, so swift, loud, and full of interruptions. Digital noise, constant comparison, work and family demands, and the pressure to balance it all leave us adrift, without spiritual direction. Instead, hear David’s invitation: ‘Wait for the LORD, be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!’” 

Esther of Grace, who is a talented, local guest writer for It's Saturday, says--I saw a clip of an interview with a well known author who shared a bit on how she writes. What I took from this clip is we write best when we write with no one looking over our shoulder. Don’t worry about what others want or expect from us but use what we have from our positions in the world, from our experiences and our perspectives.  (I’m paraphrasing Barbara Kingsolver in her interview with Jenna Bush Hager) -- The good Lord knew what He was doing when He created each of us. We are individuals. We are unique. We each have a something to share, to offer in this world. -- I hope you have a chance today (and tomorrow, and next week!!) to share a bit of your journey with someone. Your story matters! 

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

erv

MyDeceasedFriend Jean said--Time is nature's way of keeping everything from happening at once.

running the race of life

Hope—There is no medicine like hope, no incentive so great no tonic so powerful as the expectation of something better tomorrow! And God is our hope.

We are all running the race of life, we are doing it right now. How is the race going for you? Do you feel like you are winning the race or losing the race? They (i.e. who ever they are) always say--It’s a long race sooo hang in there. In the poem Don’t Quit by Edgar Albert Guest it says—"Success is failure turned inside out - the silver tint of the clouds of doubt, and when you never can tell how close you are, it may be near when it seems afar; so stick to the fight when you're hardest hit - it's when things seem worst, you must not quit.”

I want to tell you a personal story about the running the race of life. I meet Heather and her son Raymond at Costco eating a hot dog while sharing a table. Heather and her husband work at the Flying H Youth Ranch about 40 miles from Yakima in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, a beautiful setting on 500 acres. Not a cattle ranch but they do have cattle. It’s a faith-based ranch that works with troubled boys between the ages of 14 and 18 who have many pretty serious problems of running the race of life (i.e. some criminal and some domestic or some of just getting along in life). I was very intrigued. I asked some questions and asked if Jeanne and I could come and visit the ranch, so we set up an appointment.

The boys come from all over the country and are sent by their parents who have to pay for the 18 months of being there (i.e. it’s a private ranch receiving no money from the government). The ranch is a certified school for their education and there is a mentor with the boys 24-7. They are taught how to act and behave by example and by rules and understanding. They are taught a belief in God and the Bible. The ranch has many opportunities in a wide ranch of activities. It is quite a challenge to help the boys with a change of their life, but it has a very high success rate. Pretty impressive, my opinion. They have some full-time staff who must raise their own financial salary for support like missionaries do. There are many volunteers from a wide range of abilities and interests who help the ranch in the changing of these boys. Again, very impressive! They currently have 11 boys at the ranch and have been doing this since1962 I think.

We asked Heather and her husband Caleb, what are the keys in changing these boys’ attitudes. First of all and most important, they have to want to change, if they don’t want to change they will not change; it’s impossible. To change their attitude is basically believing in God. They have to accept God and let God change them, we can’t!  We can be a big influence by our mentoring and teaching Jesus, but still God has to change them. Soooo a good prayer for us for these boys and for anyone, is to pray that they will accept God and let God change their heart. That is really a simple but a good prayer. Remember, these boys are at the end of the rope; society and their parents are at the” giving up point” for these boys. They might not ever make it in life in the way they have been running their race of life; maybe they might be incarcerated for life if they don’t change now. This isn’t a problem of having a few pimples folks, this is serious. If you have any interest in The Flying H Ranch, go to their web site.

Change is very hard; we all know that. We have a hard time changing one little habit in our life it seems. Look around, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that out. Sooooo, if these boys can change their major attitudes (i.e. a change that will affect them for the rest of their life), what a blessing it would be for them. Incredible and unbelievable. To me, that is really exciting!

Esther of Grace, who is a talented, local guest writer for It's Saturday, says--Lead, follow, or get out of the way. This is my husband’s motto which he shared with me when we were first married and were attempting to make dinner together, at the same time, in our very small kitchen. We didn’t quite have a rhythm yet, bumping into each other as we bustled around the kitchen, cutting up this, stir-frying that. Me trying to clean up the spills, him trying to drain the pasta. We have figured out we work best, 20 years later and in that very same very small kitchen, when only one of us is in the kitchen at a time. We both like to cook, we both like to lead and we both get in each other’s way. So, this arrangement we’ve grown accustomed to has worked quite well for us. -- Life is filled with many opportunities to use our gifts, explore our passions, serve one another, and learn something new along the way. We humble ourselves, stepping aside to allow someone the space to shine. We get out of our comfort zones by tacking a new project or taking a new approach to the task at hand. I like being part of a team - I like learning from others. I can’t imagine life without those two elements. So, lead, follow, or get out of the way… as much as I’ve enjoyed leading, I’m finding I really appreciate being able to step out of the way and finding something new to do. Life is grand! 

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

erv

MyDeceasedFriend Jean said—Family means no one gets left behind or forgotten.

living life

You can look at this pic and think one of two ways; one being like it's some child doing their best who we will encourage with a hug or someone who we think needs to learn to color in the lines (i.e. we are then dream crushers like us saying they could have done better)! You have a choice to pick one of those options about my writing in this "It's Saturday."

A buddy said in a text--I'm having a second cup to relieve my liver disease, depression and ...what was that last one?

“Among your many qualities, one I really admire is your zest for life; you live life and I love your attitude.” I told that to Jeanne on our hike down to the bottom of Cowiche Canyon and back on a beautiful fall day. I really enjoy folks who live life with zest ; they make me more joyful a.k.a. they ring my bell! Saturday question--What gives folks the zest for living life?

In 1938 Douglas Corrigan was scheduled to fly from New York to Long Beach, California. Instead he flew across the Atlantic to Dublin, Ireland, claiming a faulty compass. It earned him the nickname 'Wrong Way Corrigan.' Have we ever gone the wrong way or are we going the wrong way; I mean are we are not living life the right way! Ouchy ouchy!

Esther of Grace, who is a talented, local guest writer for It's Saturday, says--This time of year is bittersweet… my dad passed away three years ago this week. He was one of a kind, in the very best ways - and we miss him a great deal. I used to not like the beginning of the “er” months because it meant more darkness, more cold. But the year or two before my dad died, (he too, suffered from winter blues) we decided to discover the joys of the chillier months. Being outside plays a big part in my positive mental health so I am more intentional about getting the dogs out to play or go on walks. I found a really cool pair of walking shoes that have spikes on them (!!) and they work GREAT on those icier days. Listening to audio books or inviting a friend for a hike help make the time outside even more delightful. Now that both of our parents have passed away, my brother and I are more intentional about getting our families together during the holidays, keeping the traditions we once shared. So, even though October has hard, emotional days, I have chosen to say with open arms… Welcome Autumn, Hello Winter! I’m ready to live this one amazing life of mine, taking in the beauty that surrounds me! 

I was in a coffee group and the guys were talking how some dogs just don’t like certain folks and that is the way it is. A retired veterinarian said he had a dog that was very docile and way laid back but when Joe came in, he wanted to tear him apart. I guess dogs like some folks better than others. Why is that? I said to one of those coffee guys—I’ll see you Saturday morning for church clean up—no you won’t, I have a wedding that I have to go to, but erv, but I would rather clean up the yard at church! Not all guys like weddings it seems! Why is that? He was like that dog!

I haven’t got my tax return yet; the gov app keeps saying it is being processed. Sooo, I tried to call them (i.e. ten times and got the recording that because of heavy volume we can’t take your call) sooo I went down to the local IRS office. Jeanne and I walk in and two biggest, meanest looking officers with every possible armed assault stuff there is on them stopped us and wanted to know want we wanted in a stern voice. They said there are no agents available and gave me a card to call for an appointment. While we were doing this, an old frail guy about 90 who couldn’t hear very well came in and they scared the crap out that old guy (i.e. I think literally). It was really funny to me. And here is the rest of the story! Soooo I called for an appointment but low and behold I got a representative who’s name was Sylvia in Virginia. She asked how she could help me soooo I told her—let me check your return; we just need to verify your estimate amounts with you; can you give them to me—sure, I gave them to her—those amounts don’t match the figures we have—let me double check them—wooops, I gave you the check numbers and not the amounts. We had a big laugh. I gave her the correct figures and she said she would get someone right on it and I should get my refund soon; is there anything else I can help you with—there is but you don’t have enough time! We had another good laugh!

Will Rogers said--You never get a second chance to make a first impression.

Living life! A good old college friend who I played BB with at good old NW College called me and told me a story of one of their many grandkids. He signed a contract with a NFL team but needed knee surgery. He is recovering at the home of his parents in IA.  An old man from church invited him to go to coffee with him. He went reluctantly and found out there were 5 other old guys from church there as well. He had such a good time that he now goes every day; they even pick him up as he can't drive. He now knows all the gossip around town. He just enjoys these guys. He never expected that to happen. 

Am I in good shape? Are you in good shape? I’m thinking more like are we in good shape more like mentally and spiritually but also physically. Where are we at? Let’s look at our mindset. Can we say that you and I are happy, content, have peace and plain just feel good about ourselves, then we are living life right! If soooo, we can say we are in good shape; then I say to you keep it up? Here is my suggestion to all of us--Fill our minds and our souls with His Spirit of victory. It changes how we see challenges, success, and relationships.

I sent this text to my best friend--We've been friends for so long, I can't remember which one of us is the bad influence. His response--I'm so sorry, it has been me, if it weren't for you I would have gone off to deep end a long time ago. Now that you are absent most of the time it's my number one worry. The only thing I do better than you is communicate properly with women (i.e. some of you take what I say soooo literally, don't; this is just good, male friends bantering and loving each other). Now that is living life folks! Hey, let's not forget our friends and family.

Joel says in his book, The Art of Mediation—“Mediation is the learning of which we come to a place of transition where truth leaves the mind and enters the heart…if we have truth a.k.a. knowledge in our mind but not in our hearts, it’s pretty much useless.” That transition is learning to live life, my opinion. If we don’t make that transition; we will never have the real zest for life but only a self-centered worldly zest. Again, that is my opinion. And remember I’m just an little ol' farm boy from a mile and quarter south of Roseland, MN!

Our preacher Sunday told this story about living life of a college student for parents weekend at a small private, faith based college in a small town America--A popular bar for students had a sign on their door saying, Bring your parents for lunch and we will pretend we don't know you!  The college Chaplin posted a rebuttal to that sign saying--Bring your parents to church and we will pretend we know you!

We shared our table with Dan at Costco while I had my hotdog and Jeanne her salad (i.e. he had a noticeable zest for life). Dan was on his way to meet his old fraternity brothers at WSU for a reunion of sorts. He graduated in 1976. He mentioned his faith soooo I asked him if he was a believer--absolutely, that is the only way to live life; one of our fraternity brothers would say to other guys who were not believers: Even if I'm wrong about Jesus, it's a great way to life one's life.

The other morning I got up at 3:30, did my devotions, sat still while drinking some coffee, and just enjoyed the quietness in front of our little gas burning stove. It was soooo peaceful and refreshing. I renewed my zest for life. It was humbling. It really felt good; really good! My life is way better when I'm humble than when I'm cocky; it was a attitude adjustment once again. Coach B says—"Most people are like most people. They get what most people get and that’s what they don’t want. Well, if they don’t want that, then don’t do what they did.”

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

erv

MyDeceasedFriend said--Never speak unless you can improve on silence.

average and normal

"Many men go fishing their entire live, and never realize that it's not fish they're after."--Henry David Thoreau

Are we average and normal? Are we below average and normal? Are we above average and normal? Good questions! My Daddy, Chester, told me that most folks don’t think enough. You agree? I think that some people like to think, but others want to be told what to think, so they don’t have to do the hard part! SusieQ says—Thinking boggles my mind! MissPerfect thinks that most folks over think! AverageJoe says--Sooo you're good or bad either way! Ya but, C.S. Lewis says--" Use our minds."

I was reminded again that I'm a average and normal person. I was visiting with our son and he asked me if I went to the Iowa/Washington football game at Husky Stadium in Seattle--no no I stayed home and watched it from my recliner but I might go next time Iowa plays there--Dad, that will be in about 8 years before that will happen again; I think you missed your opportunity!

Sometimes normal and average is more powerful than being innovative, over the top, dynamic or above average. Sometimes simplicity and common is very powerful. I read what Dr. J said—"Just a simple word, a quoted verse, a proffered prayer, or a moment of testimony can have a remarkable, long-term effect. When it comes to witnessing, remember, little is much when God is in it.” I personally have learned that I am best when I am myself, just an average erv; just another bozo on the bus. Trying to be someone I’m not has never worked very well for me.

We toured the Grand Coulee Dam and were told that people argued for and against the project for many years before it was a "go ahead." Rufus Woods started in 1918 as a powerful megaphone to champion the idea; he had the ability to get people to listen and rallied the project. I think that great leaders have that ability; I think history proves that! 

I think I learned more from average and normal folks than I did from others who were above average or below average in my life, maybe ‘cause there are more average and normal folks! But I don’t really know who is average and normal sooo…! How about you? James or was it John, it doesn’t matter said this—“Average people repeat the same mistakes again and again, constantly surprised at the consequences. They never learn from their strengths or weaknesses and are doomed to struggle through life. In my 20s, I had 6 jobs in 8 years because I couldn’t see that the problem at each company was me. I was an average person.” From whom have you have learned the most in life? I wonder if above average and below average repeat the same mistakes just as often as average folks. What do you think? But then again, I don’t know who is normal and average.

A really smart person, Sarah, who seems to have her stuff together says--Don't listen too much as how others appraise you as "...their views of you are variable: subject to each viewer's spiritual, emotional, and physical condition." I read that to mean that they might be full of bologna! But then again, I was pretty much an average student or maybe a little below average!

Are we every green with envy? Are average and normal people envious? Green with envy has long been linked to sickness. William Shakespeare made it popular calling it the green-eyed monster. Saturday question—Are some folks daemon possessed? I was in a conversation recently when a person called another person evil. Are certain people evil? If sooo, are evil people average and normal? I was taking a feeble, 86 year old lady to another doctor's appointment and she told me how she just dislikes a certain person. She said--"In fact, I hate that person" as she almost jumped out of her skin (i.e. she didn't look sooo feeble then let me tell ya)! I told her she better settle down or the doctor will increase your blood pressure medication!

Do you simply dislike some people? Is that normal and average? One smart person explained it this way-- It may be the person you sat beside on the airplane last week, but at least you won’t have to see him again. But what if that person is your relative? Or a coworker? Or someone in your church? They may be nice enough, but something about them rubs you the wrong way. It’s like the old nursery rhyme, ‘I do not like thee, Dr. Fell; the reason why I cannot tell’… RickyRick says--"Jesus never fails to help us love others (i.e. even Dr. Fell)...we should pray for people we dislike as we can't both dislike them and pray for them at the same time; it produces good results." AverageJoe says--I like to dislike some people, it makes me feel sooo good!

C used to be an average grade in public school grading but not anymore. They say B to an A is now average due to grade inflation caused by pressure of parents and college requirements. Soooo now a C grade basically is a below average grade to a failure. Huh, interesting.

Will Rogers said--"If you're ridin' ahead of the heard, take a look back every now and then to make sure it's still there."

Maybe it’s better to be above average than normal in some cases (e.g. if I need heart surgery I would like to have a above average/above normal person do it). What do you think? I suggest we try something to stretch our normality (e.g. maybe invite someone or some people to our home for breakfast, people who we aren’t very familiar with, it’s too easy to have people over who are our best friends, that’s not going to stretch us, that is just average and normal). ItchieBitchie says--It's really easy to be average and normal but to be above average and normal is much harder, now that's a different story alright!

A wise person told me this—Never trust those who own the truth; trust only those who are searching for it. I didn't ask him if he is average or normal though!

Esther of Grace, who is a talented, local guest writer for It's Saturday, says--"Do you believe you were created on purpose, for a purpose? What if it’s true? Would that truth change the way you approach each day? It might actually be fun to figure out what that purpose is - through all the stages and ages we encounter in life. There is always the change we might get caught up in the comparison game or maybe thinking that because we have a “boring” job, or an uneventful personal life, that we don’t make a difference. But remember on your walk this morning, you got to thank your local crossing guard for keeping the school-age kiddos safe. You sent a text to someone letting them know you were thinking of them. You helped your elderly neighbor dead head their flower bed before the first frost. And that ten you put in the bucket at the store - that helped buy a gift for someone who needed it! Every day we have a choice to be kind, to show respect, to forgive, to give, and to care. That is making one heck of a difference in my opinion!"

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

erv

MyDeceasedFriend Jean said--May you be a rainbow in someone else's cloud.

contentious

We were going down I-82 and got behind a gas transport; this is what they had on the back of their truck! Soooo beware, I'm not hauling milk in this "It's Saturday."

Do any of you need to have the last word all the time? Do any of you always think you are right? Can you just not say anything when someone says something and let it be; ya don’t have to add to it or take anything away from it but just let it be? Do any of you just like to argue to just argue? I wonder if that is me sometimes, yes I do! I think I can be contentious at times. The most popular antonyms for contentious are words that mean peaceful, agreeable, or undisputed.

Napoleon was quoted as saying that people rise "by their adaptability to circumstances, not always being right.”

What are your favorite synonyms for contentious? There are some colorful ones. What is the one that comes to your mind first?  Isn’t there a song that goes like this—what ever you can do I can do better?

We were having breakfast at Pismo Bay one morning when on our trip. I asked our waiter what his name was—Markus, who was about 19—where did you get your name—my mom was a believer and my dad wasn’t, my mom wanted it to be Mark and my dad didn’t sooo they compromised. Soooo which way did you go—my dad’s, I don’t believe in Jesus as my savior but believe there was such a person; I went to Catholic school for12 years; I’m spiritual but not religious and I don’t worship in any church or use any certain method. We wish you the best Marcus—thank you, I appreciate it.

I saw this in a window of a costal beach trinket shop. It caught my attention. What does being “cheeky” mean I thought. Is that a positive or negative statement. Is this a contentious statement. Are we pretty cheeky?

Am I being contentious with you or even with myself in thinking this thought? When we have a visit with a friend or family member (e.g. have breakfast together) it is different when we are "one on one" instead of let’s say when there is another person with us? I think another person can change the whole expression of the relationship; it becomes watered down or even completely changes like becoming saccharine; maybe more comfortable for some but not near as effective. I think we are not giving the relationship with this other person our complete attention; almost an easy way out; don’t talk about the real issues of friendship but just merely being wishy washy! We act more like a wet wash rag! That is my opinion.

Quarrelsome, argumentative, noncoachable, or, controversial! Do any of you remember the popular radio show that became a weekly tv program in the early 70 called the Bickersons. It was made by copying real people. What made it popular was because they turned harsh, relentless marital bickering into fast-paced and biting comedy that resonated with post-war American audiences. Saturday question--Do Bickerersons still exist today? Why do people bicker? I read in the Book it is because we always want our way a.k.a. thinking we are always right! Ouchy ouchy!

A pugnacious person! Do you or I need to have the last word about everything? Think about that? Do we always think we are right all of the time or have all the answers? Do we never agree with anyone or have to add our opinion because we think we are smarter than others? Do we like to disagree with everyone and everything? Do we think we are king of the hill? ItchieBitchie says—It’s hard to be humble when you are as smart as I am. MissPerfect says—Surely I would never act that way (i.e. who me) but I know people who do like my sister-in-law. Da!

Esther of Grace says--We decided to spend the morning at a new (to us) beach in southwest Maui. We love to snorkel, so we grabbed our gear and swam out, enjoying the incredible view. The colors were bright - coral, anemone, algae, sea urchins - some with long red spines, some deep black, and such a variety of equally colorful fish. -- My husband and I have a few hand signals when we snorkel. It is a good way to let the other person know what we've spotted - one for octopus, one for turtle, another for our favorite fish, and of course one for shark. Half-hour into our swim, he was enthusiastically giving me the shark signal. My eyes darted around me, my heart hammering in my chest. He motioned for me to follow him and I did. And there it was swimming 100 yards or more from us. A black tip reef shark. I had the underwater camera wrapped around my wrist, which didn't even cross my mind, mostly because I was focused on getting back to shore as quickly as I could. I am not a strong swimmer, but I could have broken records that day. My husband followed me, smart man. We got back on dry land and the first thing he said was "Did you get a picture?"  Pretty sure we know the answer to that question; for goodness sake I still wasn't even breathing normally. -- This happened a good ten years ago, and it is still brought up how safe that shark was and how could I have not taken a picture! I hold my ground, perfectly content with my decision to flee.  And let me have the last word that it was most definitely closer to 10 feet long, not a 3-foot-long pup. Don't even get me started.

A facetious person! There is a second hand store in Yakima that’s name is 7 times 7. I didn’t get it sooo I researched it. It is used in social media as saying finding something special, unique or a treasure. I never heard of it before. It’s called “the 7x7=49 Meme.”  Maybe I’m being contentious, but I think it’s crazy! I think it’s just syrupy talk. You like syrupy talk or do you like talk that's more like “get to the point." But syrupy talkers never are contentious it seems. Sooooo! Oh, by the way, Galen told us that San Francisco is 7 miles by 7 miles when we were touring it (i.e. I have no idea if that means anything but folks can argue that)! The tee shirt pic is my brother-in-law's. I guess you know how he feels! But that can be argued! Oh, what is the metaphor meaning of 70 X 7?

I was not trying to be disputatious but I was just plain bored. An YakimaBirderGuy invited me to go with him to a lecture by a world renowned birder about the migration of praetor birds. It sounded interesting so I went. The first 15 minutes was good but then the next hour and a half it was really boring to me. I told Rich that I had to go to the bathroom (i.e. I really did have to go). Rich came into the bathroom a little latter and said--let's go: I'm bored out of my gourd (i.e. I think he was just being nice to me as he is a birder). Lesson, I learned AGAIN that we all talk to long and write to long because we think we are really important (e.g. like we are the only folks who have grandkids or the only ones who ever went on a vacation). JoeBlow says--who, what, me?! But remember folks, I'm just a little ol' farm boy from a mile and quarter south of Roseland, MN. Now if the subject was something I was really interested in, it might have been a different story!!! hahaha

Who is a devil's advocate? My conclusion of the mater is--People often avoid contentious individuals because frequent arguing, criticism, or confrontation can make interactions feel tense and exhausting (i.e. basically it’s all about them). When I’m around folks where every conversation seems likely to become a debate, I would rather pull thistles bare handed. Even when BigBertha has valid points, her aggressive or combative manner wants to dominate; I prefer real folks with good kind hearts. CadillacJack says--Bottom line, contentious folks are a pain in the butt! That is CadillacJack's opinion! But any contentious person might want to argue that point!

FYI I have been told by an educated person in this area that oppositional behavior might be a disorder called Oppositional Defiant Disorder which can be treated.

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

erv

MyDeceasedFriend said--The best thing to give to your enemy is forgiveness.

stereotype

Well, I think we usually see what we are looking for or we don't see what we don't want to see!

Anonymous sent me a message sorta kinda saying that I stereotype! I do and so does anonymous! I’m stereotyping here, you stereotype as well as all humans do. An acquaintance told me about a special activity he did when he was in his mid-20s. Then he said, that was the happiest time of my life. Of what I know of his next 60 years of his life I can understand that. I’m stereotyping people with his type of lifestyle as it appears as those with his type of life style don't live a very happy life. My stereotype of course!

In Yakama, we walk in a neighborhood that we really like. It is an older neighborhood with older houses that are quint, almost fairy tale styles, with mature shrubs, mature trees and old brick fences/walls. They have court yards, gates, private areas, which are very inviting. They remind me of miniature old castles or estates of years gone by. Others must like them as well as they are very popular houses for folks to live in which makes them pricey. They just seem mysteriously romantic to me. I could live in one. I think a certain unique type of people live in these houses. I’m stereotyping here.

I think that for many, perception is reality.

This guy is not dressed as a typical hot dog eater at Costco. I stereotyped him; my stereotype was very positive! Just then a guy passed my table with a cart full, I mean full, of stuff. He had on a Seahawk tee-shirt on as did I. I said--go Seahawks--he said, go Seahawks back--tough loss Sunday--can't win them all--you got that right; he gave me a big smile and off he went. My stereotype of him also was very positive.

Some folks do not have a set of rules to follow in living their lives (i.e. they live with no rule book). They have no right or wrong, no correct lifestyle example to live by, no standards; basically they live by whatever they think is right and they don’t care how other people live their lives either; no play book or set of rules to follow (i.e. they play life by their ear or maybe feelings). They might not follow the civil laws or criminal laws if they disagree with them. I call this way of life “a free for all.” This way of life is confusing to me but obviously not to some. I’m probably stereotyping this type of person.

A young man in his 20s shared my table with me while eating our hot dogs at Costco told me that he goes to a certain church here in the Valley. This church seems to be doing will with a lot of attenders. I asked him why they seem soo successful especially with the younger couples and families and he said—“Well, the church is clear that there are certain ways to live proper lives and they make it very clear and expect people to live that way; people like standards to live by.”

Jeanne and I went on a fun hike up ‘er in ‘em mountains recently and it was really fun and even maybe an accomplishment for us at our age. We interacted with other hikers and once again commented that hikers are happy folks; they love nature and being out exercising. They are unique people (i.e. is that a stereotype or reality). Related to that, I believe folks who believe in Jesus have a peace about them that shows when they interact with others and it even shows physically; it just shows up! Is that a stereotype or reality? Dr. J says--If we don’t have peace within ourselves, we can’t have peace with others.

I stereotype people as to how they talk, dress, their bumper stickers, if they keep their promises, if they are always mad at the world, their hair dos, if their cars are clean, what people eat, how they take care of their body, what they read, who their friends are, how their kids act, what their activities are, if they are kind, sweet, and caring, their hobbies, etc. Don’t kid ourselves, we stereotype folks. I wonder how folks stereotype me! Realities are a little fuzzy at times!

I think we don't always see people the way they are, we see them the way we are. 

A neighbor to the house we “house sat” in CA has this sign on the end of his drive. What do you think he looks like and what do you think he’s like? What is your stereotype of this person?  We met him and we know. You don’t. Now if I tell you that he has hair to his shoulders, a full face of hair with a full, long white beard, does that change your stereotype of him. Now if I tell you in this neighborhood the houses are in the 2m$ range, does that affect your stereotype? If I tell you that we were told that he is a nice guy and has a pottery shed in his back yard would that affect your stereotype? Now if I tell you he's a retired CA Highway Patrol officer would that affect your stereotype of him. C’mon, you know it does!

I think we sometimes mistake confidence for arrogance!

We think that traveling gives us the opportunity to see and be around people of many different life styles, beliefs, and ways of living a.k.a. a broad perspective. It seems to help break down our stereotypes, maybe. We learn to accept people more and accept them, maybe, even though we might have a hard time in agreeing with them, maybe. Anyway, it seems like it does for me, maybe! It seems to break the attitude of the old nursery rhyme, “I do not like thee, Dr. Fell; the reason why I cannot tell.” What is your stereotype of this traveler who has been around?

Esther of Grace says--"They were looking for a strong powerful king who would bring present day, present trouble freedom. Instead, he came quietly - humble, gentle, and kind. He turned what they knew upside down. He was not what they were expecting. He was more than they ever knew they needed. He is Love. His freedom for us is eternal. He is the King of kings."

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

erv

MyDeceasedFriend Jean said--To learn a subject well, teach it to someone else.

our accomplishments

Well well brown cow now what! I encourage you to sit down and write down your accomplishments that you have had in your life (i.e. or were given to us). We all have accomplishments that we feel are very important to us, maybe most of them others don’t even know about, they are very private. I think we need to applaud ourselves for what we have done (i.e. and thank God for them), it is good for our mental health. Humans, I read have a tendance to beat ourselves up a lot but don’t compliment ourselves enough (i.e. many folks are humble in recognizing their accomplishments but not all). Again, I really suggest you sit down in quit place and write your accomplishments down. You might even want to throw the list away when done with it, that is ok, but please write them down. I think it will do us good. I am going to do that! I hope you do too! I think most folks are much better than they think!

A form of thinking of our accomplishments was told to me by a golf friend yesterday. After we got done golfing we were siting on a little patio and talking before we left and he told me that every night and every morning he thanks God for the the blessings of his life. And this guy has not had an easy life. I asked him what he was going to do next--I'm going gambling; I gamble almost every day. Do you win--no--that is why they call it gambling and not winning!

Unsung heroes! Maybe our best accomplishments go unnoticed by others and maybe even we don’t even know how some of our accomplishments have affected others. They might even have results after we are dead, it could happen! We could be a hero in someone’s life (i.e. completely turn a person’s life around, a 180) and we will never know it.

Our circle of influence. CoachB says—Choose your friends carefully; influence is contagious. Yes, we influence others if we know it or not. You have influenced others; there is no doubt. That is quite an accomplishment. Think about that. Don’t discount the influence we have on others; they are great accomplishments. Dr. J says—Pray that God will give us the opportunity to be salt and life wherever we go.

Uplift people for no benefit for ourself; now that is an accomplishment. An uplift is an unbelievable accomplishment we can do to help others. There are many ways to uplift others. And you have done it and are doing it. How about praying for others!

Being givers! Volunteer efforts that you do are great accomplishments; good for the recipient and good for yourself; statics prove that. Hopefully all of us are givers in some way. People do it all over the world. Many of you are great givers of your time, talents and money. Giving money is a great accomplishment. And no one even knows that you did it. ItchieBitchie says—When we give to get attention, then it’s no longer a gift but a business deal.

Encouragement to others. Accomplishments are not considered the same by different folks even though the accomplishment might be the same thing (e.g. an underdog gets a college education). Those accomplishments are huge massive to one and to another its old hat that is just taken for granted. Jeanne worked with the Special Olympics and for some of the participants, completing a race is a major accomplishment and they are soooo happy what they accomplished; for another person they take it for granted (i.e. might not even appreciate they can do it). Think about accomplishments that are really special to you. You know what they are, only you know!

I think all of you accomplish much more than others realize and even to yourself. You are good folks but could even be better so we all need to throw those chips away and get our butts off the couch and do something! That is my opinion. “True love is an act of the will—a conscious decision to do what is best for the other person instead of ourselves."--Billy Graham

I suggest you think about doing something unexpected for someone, something out of the box for you a.k.a. an accomplishment for you. Here is an example I got from my second cousin once removed-- FYI - I just read in the Omaha World Herald that Warren Buffett is stepping down from his position of "Chairman of the Board" of Berkshire Hathaway.  He just recently turned 96 years old, and his son will take over.  His quote this morning ----" Father Time always wins.  He has, however, been kind to me"----- I sent him a copy of the book Mere Christianity, by CS Lewis several years ago, highlighting a few choice paragraphs, and offered to meet him for lunch at a nearby Dairy Queen, (which he owns), but he did not take me up on the offer.  I even offered to buy his lunch.  Still waiting. The "Other Warren" in Omaha.

Esther of Grace says--"I went to a college whose football team is known more for its struggles than its successes. The students, fans, and alumnae don’t let this reputation define our school, or our experiences. We cheer for our team, we wear our colors proudly, we sing the fight song with passion, we encourage the next generation in attending. --- The truth is that a college is more than the football program. Ask any of us alum, and I bet we have oodles of stories to share about our experiences, our challenging classes and top-notch professors, the quaint town, the gorgeous campus… the family-feel… the friendships. Oh, and the cheese! Their creamery makes really good cheese."

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

erv

MyDeceasedFriendJean said--Work as though everything depended on you, and pray as though everything depended on God.

analyticals

 “It ain’t what you don’t know that gets you into trouble.  It’s what you know for sure, that just ain’t so” - Mark Twain

Remember folks, I’m just a little ol’ farm boy from a mile and quarter south of Roseland, MN where we basically back then made all our decisions by the seat of our pants; and that is about all we had to make our decisions on ! You know what I mean! No analyticals!

People say to me a lot, “you know” but I really don’t know a whole lot and the older I get I realize I even know less but they keep saying to me, “you know erv.” I have to stop them and tell them I really don’t know, tell me what I’m suppose to know. I do know Joe Whoknowseverthing thinks he knows everything but doesn't know what he doesn't know! You know him too. I bet you know what I mean! Joe Smart asks--How do we know what we don't know?

I follow Mariner baseball and sorta kinda enjoy it as a hobby since I now live in WA. They are hard for me to follow at times as they can’t hit very well. They are 29^th out of 30 major teams in hitting. Not too long ago they were the worst. It’s hard to win a whole lot with a team batting average of .232. That is what the analyticals say a.k.a. real data, the facts. Baseball and other sports are really using analyticals in making decisions, putting the odds in their favor in many coaching decisions they think. It’s sorta kinda having AI doing the coaching, you know!

The downside of making decisions from analyticals is that there are no feelings in decision making, no human side. No intuitive or using hunches or guesses or faith. It’s just facts. I also hear it’s done in education as well—to get into certain schools or areas of education it is based strictly on grades and test scores. I question if that is just a good idea, as then it is the analyticals that only count. They think the proof is in the pudding!

We were walking on the Pismo Beach Pier out unto the Pacific Ocean. We saw sea lions and sea otters and we met a couple, Earl and Judy, who live in Southern CA. We met them because I had my IA tee shirt on and they asked if we were from IA. They have strong connections with Orange City, IA which is the home of Northwestern College, my alma mater.  We had a great visit; they are Dutch folks who go to the Christian Reformed Church. Earl had this pin on with 2 question marks as you can see. I asked him what they are about.  First question is if you die tonight, do you know for certain that you’re gonna go to heaven and then the second question is when you get there why would the Lord let you in. Analyticals!

You know in many businesses, analyticlals are used for merit-pay. If you produce more, you get paid more. That is for profit businesses; non-profit organizations maybe not as much. You know that merit pay makes sense to some  but not to everyone. Maybe, if folks are good in what they are doing, they like the system and if…they don’t. You know what I mean!

You know the future sure appears to be heavy on analyticals with the use of AI. You know we can gather data and facts in incredible ways, in large amounts and at amazing speed. It’s bound to change our lives if we like it or not. As I was waiting in line the other day for my hotdog at Costco, another guy was waiting as well. He was a soft-spoken guy of about my age and said—I never thought I would order my hotdog at Costco on a computer, but I just did. I can’t imagine what our grandkids will be doing in the future and what their lives will be like. I’m worried for them.

Cal Raleigh of the Mariners was their star last year, I mean the big dog. This year he can’t hit (i.e. his batting average is .179). That really stinks. Most teams would not have him on the team and would send him down to the minors. Last year because he did soooo well, they extended his contract another 6 years for millions and millions of dollars. Now they don’t know what do do with the guy. Here is the flip side of the story—Last year he handled himself with great poise and humility with all his success. They say, this year he acts the same. He’s a class act but he can’t hit this year! Now what?

I read recently what Oswald Chambers said that really caught my attention. He said—“Beware of an abandonment that has a self-interested spirit in it. If we give something to God only because we want something in return, there is nothing of the Holy Spirit in our abandonment; it is miserable, commercial self-interest…When we are forced to choose between our natural relationships and Jesus Christ, most of us desert him.” Ouchy ouchy! Do the analyticals folks. You know what I’m talking about!

I had a problem with my laptop computer in that I couldn’t get the screen to extend. I thought I tried everything but no luck soooo I asked my MI-wizard for his advice. He said the normal—reboot! I tried that again but no success. I tried using the touch screen and all of sudden it got fixed; I have no idea what I did. The wizard then told me this—”Occasionally, I have seen older laptops (4+ yes old), start acting odd, due to the soder on the motherboard getting too hot and losing its connectivity. It's not super common, but older laptops which are not shut off regularly, are susceptible to this. It's kind of like if you've never slept to let your brain rest, you would start acting odd too.” You know what he is talking about. No analyicals needed folks!

We have had a lot of time in a beautiful setting (i.e. I call it as I l looked out the back window of the house we are at, I call it the Garden of Eden) and also walking on Pacific Ocean beaches to ponder, medicate and just think (i.e. a great opportunity to be still and quiet). You know the feeling! Well, I thought about a lot of things, no question. Some of my thoughts were perplexing and confusing and some very joyous! I admit it! Here is one of my many thoughts that I read and thought about--Keep what serves you or inspires you. Remove what distracts you.

Esther of Grace says--"Did you know walking is one of the best things we can do for our bodies? At least that's what I remember my doctor telling me years ago. Even better if we can find a hill or two to climb and get our heart rate up. Even better still to have a friend to walk with. And dare I say perfect if the walk is on one of our Valley's gorgeous trails, and my (energetic) pups are with us. --  We got our oldest pup just before the Pandemic. Who knew she was what would get me moving every day for those long months of feeling like we were pent up at home. I met new friends at the park, appropriately masked and distanced, and we walked and talked. It was so life-giving!  One of those friends continues to be one of my favorite walking partners... and accountability partners. Another healthy benefit for our body...and soul.  -- That same energetic pup and my newfound love to be moving outdoors got me connected to another friend who loves to hike. She introduced me to some great trails in our area. Inclines for our heart health, miles of wide-open space and fresh air for our body health, and deep conversations for our soul health. --  Sounds like a pretty good equation to me,  An energetic pup (or dear friend... or both) + great outdoors + a hill or two = Happy heart. Happy soul. 

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

erv

MyDeceasedFriend Jean said--The door of opportunity won't open unless we do some pushing.

past present future

My parents, Chester and Anna, sent me to school when I was the youngest kid in my class. Besides being young I was small for my age. What a disadvantage all through my school years in sooo many ways. That is the way they did it back then (i.e. what were they thinking!). My whole life might have been different if they might of  held me back for a year. But who knows, maybe it was better they didn't and maybe worse. But I think that decision affected me in my past, present and future. But I will never know now will I. But I want you to know that I was still in the top 5 in my class at Roseland, MN Elementary; there were only 5 in my class!

You ever make a phone call by mistake? Of course you did; we all do. I called a friend back and he said, I wasn’t calling you but just made a mistake; we had a great talk! I told him I do that, even more as I get older I think! Could be. It’s the aging process. A sweet old lady who I had the opportunity to drive to her doctor’s appointment, said to me—erv, aging is great as long as you don’t get sick; that’s the biggy! I asked my buddy at church for the cell number of Steve as Steve and I are going out for breakfast—he said, which Steve, there are three Steves—the old one—they are all old—the one who can’t hear very well—all three of them can’t hear very well. Oh man!

When we look in our rear view mirrors, wow, we think about many things alright! I wonder what the most common thought folks have when they think about their past. I have read many times that when people are about to die, they have many regrets of their past. Maybe we don’t think about such events when we are in the present and but do we wonder how our life will affect the future?

We are presently house sitting at our friends' house who Jeanne has been a friend with Linda since they were little girls in Yakama. Oh yes, we're taking care of their cat, Tim, as well! The first thing in the morning Tim comes into our bedroom and meows, then jumped on our bed, gets right in our faces, purrs, kneads and says good morning (i.e. I have never been around a house cat and didn't know what kneading was but I do now). I never experienced a house cat before in my past; but am now in the present; we might have a new future! Sooo for a week and a half we are going to explore the Pacific Ocean coast around Arroyo Grande, CA. 

Esther of Grace says--"I sit by the ocean Each wave brings a breath of peace Refreshed I walk on  --  Each one of us is either in the midst of a storm, about to head into a storm, just coming out of a storm, or know someone in a storm. It is good to know Who anchors us!"

Do you know any of these folks? Henry Doneit who has already finished it who represents the past, Doris Current who is represents the present who is on it and Stanley Braggadocious who represents the future as he’s bragging about what he’s gonna do. 

OneSmartLadyOnBismoBeach said--"Gratitude and thanksgiving always look back at the past though it may also take us to the present. But prayer always looks to the future.” King Solomon in Ecclesiastes says—There is no remembrance of men of old, and even those who are yet to come will not be remembered by those who follow. A friend back in IA kids me and said, erv, after you left Aplington, after about two weeks, all the folks forgot about you! I think he was kidding! But we all know it doesn’t take long! My new name is ervwho?

There is no medicine like hope, no incentive so great, and no tonic so powerful as the expectation of something better tomorrow. Now that is thinking about the future; very positive. ItchieBitchie says--"You can't get lucky if you don't take action. The best opportunity in the world is just a missed opportunity if you don't grab it." That opportunity is gone, it's in the past, never will show up again. I have said this many times—I pray for opportunities, I pray then that I might recognize them and then pray that I might have the courage to act on them.

When they planted the little trees and bushes, the folks down the street, thought they were soo cute (i.e. that was the past. Now they are an eye sore as they are way overgrown; it’s a mess (i.e. that’s the present). Some day those bushes and  trees will have to be cut down at a huge massive cost (i.e. that is the future). Wouldn’t it been easier to just trim the trees and bushes each year? Could this be an analogy to our life.

CoachB says--A person's prior history is a strong determinant of future performance.   

Past present future! Mike asked us what time it was which started a incredible conversation. Mike who owned a surf shop for 40 year was diagnosed with bladder cancer that metabolized to his brain and was told he had about a year to live. He said miraculously I no longer have cancer. He said--I thank God every day; I don't like to tell people about this as I think it might jinks me! Are you a believer--yes, I believe in Jesus but have many questions, I just don't understand many things but oh, I'm soooo thankful. It is my second time surfing after 3 surgeries and many drugs; I am very weak but got up on my knees today; I am sooo thankful to be alive and I praise Jesus every day. We prayed together right there on Pismo Beach!

Saturday question—Do we live our life in the past, present or future? Maybe we live in all three! Could be. Some folks talk continuously about their past, others about what they are doing currently with their lives and others about what they hope to do some day. When we talk to folks, it doesn’t take long to figure out where they are living their life, my opinion. What kind of person do we enjoy being around the most? What kind of person has probably the best mental health?

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

erv

MyDeceasedFriendJean said--People don't need our advice as much as our love.