When I don't pay attention

I get into trouble ‘cause I don’t pay attention. Yes I do. I was hiking on Silly Mt. the other day. Silly Mt. is close, about a 3 mile hike, it takes me less than an a hour, and I just sorta kinda enjoy it (i.e. it's my excercise mt. hike). The internet says it’s a 1.5 on a scale of 1 to 5 hike. ANYWAY I was looking down, thinking, and not paying attention. I went right by my normal trail—fork in the trail. Except for a short trial, I actually ended up doing the hike backwards than I normally do. You know what? The trail, landscape, and beauty really looked different doing it from a different direction. Maybe I need to look at my life backwards sometimes. Maybe it might have a different look tooooooo! You think sooooooo?  Oh ya, a MN guy on Silly Mt. said to me--Isn't it great to sweat in January!

ItchieBitchie says--Sooooooooooo PAYATTENTION! "If you miss out on what you've paid for, life won't give you your money back." We've all paid for the class of life. The minute the doctor eased our heads out of our mother's womb, we got a full scholarship. Your joy is all paid for. Your adventure is all paid for. Your tingles, thrills, and exciting moments of discovering every wonder imaginable are all paid for. We are all students in the class of life. Some of us will get more out of it than others. Some will nod off and miss most of what life has to offer. Some will cut class and leave early, never to return. Some will get distracted and miss the main points. Others will soak it in, learn, grow, and glow. There are those that will get more than their money's worth, every minute in every class in an ever-unfolding adventure. Another group spend their time watching a clock that freezes motionless like a shy freckled faced girl when eyes fall upon her and stare. You are in class, get all that you can. If you miss out, You won't get your money back. Soooooooo let’s get going, we’re burning daylight here folks!!!!!

When other folks don’t pay attention, usually they have trouble too. I got some new tires at Apache Sands. I was in the waiting area with several other folks. They all left except a lady and I. She came over and we started talking. She was getting her car’s oil changed and a couple of tires. She told me she and her husband were snow birds from IA for about 10 years and then sold their house and bought a double wide in a 55+ community. We talked some about the Suns (i.e. she was very knowelegeable—I was surprised). It has been a tough few years for her she told me. She had a double mastectomy and her husband had colon cancer. He went through surgery, chemotherapy, and then died of complications. Many of us have seen that and some of us multiple times. She said being widowed is harder than she thought (i.e. many of you can understand that). It’s sorta kinda like what Bruce a.k.a. a Secretariat said to me when we hiked to the top of Camel Back (i.e. my 5th time and Bruce's 1st)—What do you think Bruce?—It was harder than I thought it would be. I asked her if here husband believed in Jesus as his Lord and Saviour? She said he was a born again believer at the age of 78 (i.e. under new management). He always went to church but never really got it. Then one day he called me and was “ohsooooooexcited”. He told me he was saved. What happened she asked—our new neighbor came over and talked to me and “Bingo”! She told me that she misses him a lot. Their 55+ community had a memorial service last Sunday for all those who died from the park the last year during their park’s church service—21 died out of about 400. Ouchy ouchy! She said she cried once again. Can any of you relate to any of this? I think so folks. Sooooooooo folks, pay attention! Live is just a shadow!

If I don’t pay attention I can get myself in a big hole which is hard to get out. A hole as big as the one behind us here in the picture (i.e. a massive huge hole). Soooooooooooo pay attention folks. Talk about holes; Jacob was our check out at Fry's Grocery the other day. Jacob was maybe 22 and had holes in his ears with rings inside of them. Sorta kinda like what the Africans do. The holes which the rings supported were about half an inch in diameter. Soooooooo I said—Jacob, are those really holes in your ears—sure are (i.e. he took out one of the blue support bushing rings and showed us)—wow, did you punch big holes in your ears that big—no, no, you start with a pin hole and keep stretching them—oh I said. Such is life.

When Bruce and I hiked Camel Back we noticed that there were a lot of babes on the trail. We decided it was ‘cause of the Oregon/Auburn game (i.e. a lot of college gals and guys). Bruce said I was the oldest guy we saw on the hike. Maybe most older folks pay more attention and do something easier. I don’t know. We pay attention all right! When in Sodona and at the Grand Canyon, we noticed that we saw one Oregon fan to ever 10 Auburn fans. Why that was we don’t know. There were a lot of fans up there. ANYWAY that is why they like those bowl games in AZ (i.e. those folks go all over and spend $$$$$). On top of Camel Back we talked to two guys from Israel.  They were maybe late 20s or so.  They said most everyone in Israel likes the United States.  I asked them if they were Christians or Muslims?  No no, we are Jews (i.e. I guess that makes sense--da!).  So you don't believe Jesus is the Messiah then?  Oh, we aren't very religious, we were just born Jews.  Sooooooo, when is that war going to stop over there--they have been fighting for 2,000 years and they will probably fight for another 3,000 years they said (i.e. that doesn't sound promising folks). 

That gal at Apache Sands told me that she is sooooooo happy that her husband left her with enough money to live. She said some of her friends and family have to move in with their kids as they can’t afford to live alone (i.e. she said her sister only makes $900 a month and had to do that). WayneTheCanuck, a guy who I golf with, told me (i.e. he read in the paper so it must be right) that 13% of parents have to move in with their kids. I emailed our son and told him what we were all doing (i.e. living the life of Riley) and told him about the 13% of parents moving in with their kids---soooooo son, hold the spare bedroom for us)! Our son's response was-- maybe you should start saving a little more $$ per your last comment below. ;) Zippet-do-da, zippety-yah!!!! Oh ya, when at Apache Sands, I talked to the manager who is also a golfer. He said he was a tire technician for years but now the manager. He said he skinned up his knuckles many times when he wasn’t paying attention. Huh, interesting.


When I pay attention to what folks say who did something before, it usually works a lot better. When we were at the Grand Canyon and standing at the top of Angle Trail, two gals came up the trail from the bottom. We asked them—how was it—they said, TERRIBLE! They looked like they were going to die. I don’t think they had PPP a.k.a. proper prior planning. I had the opportunity to do it maybe 5 years ago and yes, it’s no cupcake folks. But you got to have PPP. I have communicated with a guy here in the Valley who gave me his blog of his training and hike. If any of you have hiked the Canyon or plan to, you might enjoy his blog. Pay attention to it!!!!! http://canyonwonders.blogspot.com/

These guys were paying attention all right. Remember folks, it’s all driven by $$$$$! Three guys were fishing on a lake one day, when Jesus walked across the water and joined them in the boat. When the three astonished men had settled down enough to speak, the first guy asked humbly, "Jesus, I've suffered from back pain ever since I took shrapnel in the Viet Nam war. Could you help me?" "Of course my son," Jesus said. When Jesus touched the man's back, the man felt relief for the first time in years. The second man, who wore very thick glasses and had a hard time reading and driving, asked if Jesus could do anything about his eyesight. Jesus smiled, removed the man's glasses and tossed them in the lake. When the glasses hit the water, the man's eyes cleared and he could see everything distinctly. When Jesus turned to heal the third man, the guy put his hands up and cried defensively, "Don't touch me! I'm on long-term disability."

AverageJoe says--Ya gotta pay attention erv and appreciate life; you are one lucky dog a.k.a Riley!  Another Secretariat sent me this statement--...Do you think when social security was implemented that anyone ever dreamed people would be using their check to play golf in AZ during the cold Iowa winters? – I suspect not – and hope not. You’re one of the lucky ones Erv and most importantly (I think) you are smart enough to recognize it. Enjoy!

GeorgeTheCrook says—Usually when a guy doesn’t pay attention, stuff happens. The stuff is usually bad! MissPerfect says—If I do my homework (i.e. pay attention) life seems to go much better. Well for me, if I get cocky, get toooooo aggressive or not aggressive enough, don’t ask questions, think I know everything, become pre-occupied, I have problems ‘cause I don’t pay attention. But I’m a guy!

It has taken me some time to get use to riding bike on the streets here in the Valley.  Most streets have bike lanes but even with that, it's scary for me when folks are driving their car at 45 mph a couple of feet from ya.  I really try to pay attention but I can't control the actions of someone else.  I ride right in the traffic when I want to turn etc.  ANYWAY  I was riding to Sun Life 55+ community to play ping pong with the boys.  A gal was on a bike on the sidewalk and asked me to stop as I was in the bike lane.  She said some guy was stalking her in a car.  What?  Ya he keeps turning around and I'm scared.  May I ride with you--sure--guys are weird and scary--hey, I'm a guy--yabut you aren't!  Now how does she know that?  I think it was 'cause I had my ping pong paddle strapped to the back of my bike (i.e. now that is something you see a lot of folks--real normal I bet she thought).  I bet that was it!  She just paid attention to that.  I wonder if she was legitimate or mentally ill or just a gal?  Such is life.

Their are a lot of snowbirds from Canada down here in the Valley.  Oh ya!  His & Hers Diaries - A True Canadian Story (i.e. I think these folks were from Thunder Bay)--HER DIARY Tonight, I thought my husband was acting weird. We had made plans to meet at a bar to have a drink. I was shopping with my friends all day long, so I thought he was upset at the fact that I was a bit late, but he made no comment on it. Conversation wasn't flowing, so I suggested that we go somewhere quiet so we could talk. He agreed, but he didn't say much. I asked him what was wrong. He said, 'Nothing.' I asked him if it was my fault that he was upset. He said he wasn't upset, that it had nothing to do with me, and not to worry about it. On the way home, I told him that I loved him. He smiled slightly, and kept driving. I can't explain his behavior. I don't know why he didn't say, 'I love you, too.' When we got home, I felt as if I had lost him completely, as if he wanted nothing to do with me anymore. He just sat there quietly, and watched TV. He continued to seem distant and absent. Finally, with silence all around us, I decided to go to bed. About 15 minutes later, he came to bed. To my surprise, he responded to my caress, and we made love. But I still felt that he was distracted, and his thoughts were somewhere else. He fell asleep - I cried. I don't know what to do. I'm almost sure that his thoughts are with someone else. My life is a disaster.  HIS DIARY My Snowmobile wouldn't start today, but at least I got...!

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--Laughter is the sunlight of the soul!

PS—Here is something that helped a friend. He says it’s really good. Sooooooo pay attention.

http://lifehacker.com/5725282/how-to-create-and-stick-to-a-realistic-budget-with-mint

Recalculate

Disclaimer—If you don’t like what I’m writing about, just tell me to take a hike! I like to hike; do it almost every day. ANYWAY this last week one day I was really frustrated. I took a long tough hike, hot tubed and I was no longer frustrated (i.e. recalculated). Such is life.

Emotions--I have them all right. I always don’t show them (i.e. depress them). I have some emotions of joy and some emotions of sorrow. I sometimes don’t show either or both. It depends on my emotions! Yabut CadillacJack says--Each of us makes his own weather, determines the color of the skies in the emotional universe which he inhabits. Soooooo if I’m understanding your correctly CadillacJack, you are saying I have something to do with my emotions? Are you saying my attitude has a lot to do with my emotions and my life? Soooooo are you saying when I get sorta kinda cranky, I need to recalculate my attitude?

I sometime wonder if folks really care about other folks’ emotions (i.e. good or not soooooo good emotions). I don’t know. But then someone shows a little interest in ya (i.e. sorta kinda unexpected) and then I think maybe some folks do care (i.e. recalculated). When someone does something a little extra, something special, or does something out of the ordinary, then I think, wow, folks really do care about other folks (i.e. like send a special gift, make your favorite Christmas treat (i.e. Heather made my Dingo Balls), or call you unexpected). Saturday question—When was the last time you gave a gift anonymously?

My mentor tells me—Nothing is as good as it looks or as bad as it looks. I think he’s right about that. Many times we don’t know everything about other folks. In fact, I wonder if we know very much about the emotions of others we are around (i.e. what are they thinking). I look at some of these folks here in the Valley and just think everything looks so hunky doory. Then I spend some time around them and find out it isn’t (i.e. recalculated). No one would ever know. Flip the pancake—Many of these senior citizens are very talented. You would never know that until you get to know them and their emotions. Such is life.

There is soooooooo much that I don’t understand! There seems to be soooooooo much that needs to be fixed (i.e. and I can’t fix it). Do I sound confused? I am folks; yes I am; I am confused a lot! I think the world will always be confusing to everyone. That’s just the way it is. I think I’ll go and take a hike! When I’m confused I like to take a hike. Yes I do. David said one time—I will mediate on Your precepts, and contemplate Your ways. Yep, that is what he said. LuckieEddie says--The practical spiritual disciplines like solitude, stillness, listening for God are the tools with which we dig furrows in the heart to train us for recognizing God’s presence. And it is that Presence which abides with us in our “besieged cities.”

Senior snowbirds here in the Valley have young minds but have old bodies. Does that confuse you young folks? It might. I was pulling out of our gated 55+ community onto Broadway to do a hike on New Years Day. I had a red light and the car ahead of me, pulling out too, was a new Volvo convertible. On the MN license plate bracket it said—I go topless sometimes! When the light turned green, I sped up next to her to see who was driving. It was a senior female snowbird all right. Now I’m confused—was she talking about the car or her or both! I will never know! Such is life.

The clock is ticking folks! Here in the Valley there are a lot of good folks (i.e. no surprise). Older folks seem to appreciate things more and don’t take things soooooo much for granite it seems. Joesixpack says—Don’t take life for granite; many times we don’t appreciate folks and stuff until it’s taken away from us. Do you really appreciate what you have? I hope so. Such is life.

A widowed MN snowbird went back home for the holidays and had dinner at her son’s place. She was confused and suspicious! Her son had a female roommate Maria. During the course of the evening, she couldn't help but notice how pretty Anthony's roommate was. She had long been suspicious of a relationship between the two, and this had only made her more curious. Over the course of the evening, while watching the two interact, she started to wonder if there was more between Anthony and his roommate than met the eye. Reading his mom's thoughts, Anthony volunteered, 'I know what you must be thinking, but I assure you, Maria and I are just roommates'. About a week later, Maria came to Anthony saying, 'Ever since your mother came to dinner, I've been unable to find the silver sugar bowl. You don't suppose she took it, do you?' Old folks can get confused some times. Well, I doubt it, but I'll email her, just to be sure.' So he sat down and wrote: Dear Mama, I'm not saying that you 'did' take the sugar bowl from my house; I'm not saying that you 'did not' take it. But the fact remains that it has been missing ever since you were here for dinner. Love, Anthony Several days later, Anthony received a response email from his Mama which read: Dear Son, I'm not saying that you 'do' sleep with Maria, and I'm not saying that you 'do not' sleep with her. But the fact remains that if she was sleeping in her OWN bed, she would have found the sugar bowl by now. Love, Mama GeorgeTheCrook says—Those old snowbirds had those hormones when they were young too (i.e. some still do in their young minds but their bodies are old)!

A friend and I were talking the other day. He told me that he is involved in a potential investment and part of the ‘do diligent work’, he had the opportunity to talk to an elderly lady who was poor and lived in the investment. She said she would happy to visit with him but she had to leave by 6 to go to church. He said her living conditions were very very humble but she was sooooooooo happy. She plans to continue to work as she just loves her job. My friend said – I think I’m all mixed up! My friend is a very smart man; he will sort it all out and figure it out (i.e. recalculating). Yes he will. Hey, get the book The Ultimate Book that I mentioned last week.

I thought a lot coming back from CO (i.e. 13.5 hours) about that I want an opportunity. I don’t know what that might be but I want an opportunity. It doesn’t have to be big, glamorous, an attention getter or pronounced. It just has to be something that I have a passion for, fulfills me, does good, and is the right thing to do. Sooooooo God I’m ready. Then I thought, maybe I’m doing it now and don’t realize it. Na, it can’t be! Sooooooo I watched our pastor, Michael, on our church’s web site preach the Sunday message after Christmas. He kept asking what are you going to do the day after Christmas (i.e. recalculating)? I don’t have a clue (i.e. I’m confused right now) but it will all fall into my lap. Oh ya!

MissPerfect asks—So when you get confused, do you fight or flight? OneSmartGuy emailed me and told me to spend Social Security as fast as I can (i.e. I am). The reason is, he said, as soon as you bankrupt the Social Security, then I won’t have to pay anymore and we can start over. He seems to have an answer to the problem. It’s sorta kinda confusing right now as to where Social Security is going. But I tell you what OneSmartGuy, it ain’t bad enough yet; it’s really got to get bad before anything is going to change. Sooooooooo in the mean time, keep paying and I keep spending it!

I realized that when I accept myself who I am and where I am, I’m the happiest. I’m not happy when I want to be someone else other than myself. It’s when I want to be something else other whom I am that I really get confused. I can’t change my financial situation, my abilities, my talents, I won’t become famous, I won’t become anyone different than whom I am. I realize that and accept that. I’m okay with that. I need to be myself (i.e. recalculating). It’s sorta kinda like this—A golfer tells me he’s playing bad today. He plays 10 rounds and all those 10 rounds are about the same score. That is what kind of golfer he is. That’s just the way it is. He probably is not going to get better at age 70. I’ll bet he isn’t. But he can have a lot of fun playing golf! I think once a guy accepts his life, he can go from 0 to happiness in no time! Such is life.

I called a friend this week—it was his birthday. He was riding bike (i.e. he tries to do it 3 times a week). He has retired at a fairly young age. I told him he has a good life; he agreed. I asked him if he ever thought he would have life sooooooo good—no way. I remember when I lived with my missionary parents up there in those hills of Kentucky. We had no money and my dad would bring table scraps home from the cafeteria for our family to eat. We wore cloths that churches would send for the mission. You know what folks, he and his family all have good hearts. He is a good man. Yes he is. That’s my opinion of course!

A golf buddy told me this story on #7 tee box--Jill: I just don't understand the attraction golf holds for men (i.e. it’s confusing to me). Mary: TELL me about it! I went golfing with my husband one time, and he told me I asked too many questions! Jill: Well, I'm sure you were just trying to understand the game. What questions did you ask? Mary: I thought I asked legitimate questions . . . like, "Why did you hit the ball into that lake?"

Saturday question—What do you remember the most about Christmas? It could be an itty-bitty thing that you will never forget. For me, Arlene and I were taking care of Erin Monday. I was buying a new pair of hiking shoes. We stopped at Dicks as I had a coupon for $10 off. They didn’t have the shoes I wanted so Victor sent me to his competation that was also in the mall. They didn’t have my size so they sent me to Boulder Running Co. I bought them there—they even honored the $10 coupon from Dicks. Arlene was giving me a hard time about running all over for my hiking shoes. It was quiet for some time and then from the back seat, 3-year old Erin says---OH GRADPA! It’s what I remember the most folks.

Do you believe in manifest destiny? We had a gal who worked for us some years ago (i.e. I really liked her and still do—she’s a good one) say—erv, …happens! I think she was saying that stuff happens so don’t get soooo excited and don’t be sooooo surprised. ItchieBitche says-- As we practice on a daily basis placing our faith in a God of love and grace, we become better prepared for the impacts of trauma that inevitably strike (i.e. recalculating). I think we all have a lot of emotions that we don’t understand; we are all confused at times.

We went to a different church than planned Sunday. The Classic/Current church had some special service for the old pastor or something. We went to the 1st Presbyterian Church of Mesa (i.e. a city church). Jim and Gladys Free (i.e. our daughter-in-law Jessica’s grand parents from IL invited us to go with them last year. We seem to like this church—good music, innovative, up temple, mixture of ages, blended service, about 250 folks, good pastor etc. ANYWAY Pastor Brant Baker talked about emotions (i.e. happenstance, na I don’t think so). He said—Many Christians, including Presbyterians, are very comfortable being intelligent Christians but not emotional Christians; We can’t command emotions; Emotions follow actions, they come along for the ride; Love for each other and Christ is more a decision than an emotion (i.e. recalculating); We grow into Love! Hey, that is what he says. That sorta kinda helps me with my confusion about some things. Does that make any sense to you? A gal a few rows ahead of us had this on the back of her blouse—Tastefully simple! I like that description—Tastefully simple!

SamTheGoldDigger thinks he knows all the tricks! He doesn’t folks; he just thinks that. Folks go crazy for Gold don’t they. Remember reading about the Gold Rush. The ones who made the money were the prostitutes, saloon owners and the folks who sold the supplies. Everyone thought – Here is my opportunity to strike it rich; my luck will change. Money does sorta kinda confuses us sometimes (i.e. recalculating). Yes it does. Sooooooooo be careful that you don’t think toooooooooo much about money. It’s only money. Such is life.

AverageJoe says—If you say you aren’t confused or never have been confused, you’re full of baloney. You need to recalculate! Bruce and Deb are staying a few days with us. What a hoot! ANYWAY these folks aren’t confusing, oh no! They are good folks with good hearts. Bruce and I hiked Camel Back Mt. (i.e. how many of you have hiked it?). We talked about the darnest things. But what amazes me the most is he told me that he can go 7 hours without peeing! Now that’s confusing to me! How about you?  I was the oldest guy on the Mt.  Now that is confusing. 

I sound much like the Psalmist who laments the same way (i.e. confused). In the end he says—but my hope is in You my God and my friend (i.e. recalculating). David in Psalm 31 wrote that he was in distress and anguish, experiencing sorrow and loneliness, but he went on to say, “I trust in you, Lord… My times are in your hands…the Lord showed me the wonders of His love when I was in a city under siege.

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

erv

MyFriendJean says—A word of advice—don’t give it!

2011

Disclaimer—There were probably many, many times this last year when I may have…Disturbed You, Troubled You, Pestered You, Irrigated You, Bugged You, or got on your nerves!! Sooooooo today, I just want to tell you…Suck it up Cupcake!! ‘Cause there AIN’T NO CHANGES planned for 2011!

Joesixpack asks--If you could go back and change one thing over the past year, what would it be? Explain your answer.

It’s a New Year—A time when folks say—I’m going to change! Ya right! You know how hard it is to change. Most folks think they want to change but don’t. Most folks don’t have any self-discipline. They are fakers to themselves and finally say—I guess that’s just the way it’s goin’ to be! I can’t change. But you can, yes you can. Everyone can change if they really want to. That’s the key, do I really want to change. How much effort do I really want to put in. I know of an acquaintance who says he’s going to change but never does. I don’t think he’ll change until he dies (i.e. now that will be a change). I really do think that being in the AZ sunshine helps a guy with his thinking (i.e. my opinion). The other day I went to play ping pong and the guys were not as excited I thought. When I got home I told Arlene that and she said—It’s partly cloudy today and it 60 degrees—that’s why. I think she is right. We had weeks of high 70s and completely sunny—now that will affect a guy’s attitude! Such is life.

I read it in the paper so it must be right that this is the time of the year when many divorce papers are filed. Yep, they don’t want to spoil Christmas for the family and now the money crunch happens and…hits the fan. It takes True Grit to get through some things that aren’t sooooooo pleasant in life. James and I went to the movie True Grit when we were in CO. Now from what I see, divorce is a big change! I got an email from a friend back in IA. He fell on the ice and broke his pelvis and his wife had to have a pacemaker all in a week. Now that will change a guy’s plans in a hurry. Another friend send me pictures of the front and back of our house on December 27th. It looks pretty but I still think it’s a good time to get out of Dodge! Ya, weather can change things in hurry! Oh ya! Such is life.

We are hearing a lot about change from some government leaders—Sorry to tell ya, it ain’t goin’ to happen folks (i.e. things aren’t bad enough yet). They all say they are going to change but then say--but I want this and the next one says, I want this. At the end of the day, it’s the same as before or maybe we end up spending more. GeorgeTheCrook says--I’m a sucker in thinkin’ it’s goin’ work this time (i.e. no one wants to give up any benefits and actually want more). Yabut, I have been a sucker many times; it seems I fall for all those tricks every time.

MissPerfect says—Doc, I’ve gained 30 pounds in two months! I’m short of breath…I get dizzy and my clothes don’t fit!!! Be brutally honest doctor…should I go on a diet?

Change is hard folks; we usually want to do it the same as we did it before even if it didn’t work. My hat goes off to folks who can change without being forced toooooo! Two Minnesotan hunters got a pilot to fly them to Canada to hunt moose. They managed to bag 6. As they were loading the plane to return, the pilot said the plane could take only 4 moose. The two lads objected strongly. 'Last year we got six. The pilot let us take them all and he had the same plane as yours.' Reluctantly, the pilot gave in and all six were loaded. However, even on full power, the little plane couldn't handle the load and went down. Somehow, surrounded by the moose bodies, Sven and Ole survived the crash. After climbing out of the wreckage, Sven asked Ole, 'Any idea where we are?' Sven replied, 'I think we're pretty close to where we crashed last year.'

We are going to a church Sunday where we attended a Christmas concert. This church intrigues me. ANYWAY they have a Classic service as they call it and a Current serviced as they call it! That’s funny in itself I think. Change is hard folks. Something else that is funny to me is that the pastor gives the same message in both services, only the foreplay is different! Such is life.

New Year is a time we talk about money changes a lot.  Oh yes money!  I read in the AZ Republic that Bowl games’ expected impact on Valley: $420 million. Da-ching! Wow! Some of that $420 million will be IA money. That’s why they like IA to come—toooooo spend money! The bowl committees (i.e. cities where they are held) really don’t care who the teams are or who wins as it’s all about the $$$$$$! I know that but there are a lot of things I don’t know like—Why do my fingernails grow faster than my toenails or why do the nails on my thumbs or my big toes grow faster than their neighbors? Iowa vs. Missouri in the Insight Bowl set a new crowd record of 53,000 folks. I bet the committee was happy! Such is life.

Here's quite a money story.  I went to the Suns game last night (i.e. Arlene didn't want to go).  I scalped a ticket from this guy--he wanted $60--that's too much; I won't pay that much--how about 50--no way, I walked away--he followed me and said, okay 40--I'll give you 30--I can't do that; what are you thinking!  He followed me and said okay--upper deck middle section 4th row.  I get in their and he got me--it was not middle section but on the corner.  But it all worked out--the section I was in was selected to get a coupon from Frey's Grocery Store for a dollar worth of groceries for every 3-pointer the Suns made in the game.  The Suns made 12 3-pointers and the kid next to me left his on the floor sooooooo I got $24 worth of groceries.  Such is life.

I have the opportunity to play golf and make friends with Ken a.k.a King Kong and Wayne the Knuck. These guys are very wise and know all the tricks to save money. I just ask and they know. And you know what, it cost me nutten for all this advice! You may think that maybe I talk too much about money. Well, I was reading my devotions one day this week while eating my oatmeal with a half of banana on it and read this— God’s Word can help you organize our financial life in such a way that you have less need to worry and more time to celebrate…It’s easy to determine the importance money plays in God’s plan as there are more than seven hundred verses directly refer to its use. Sooooooo…!  Hey, these guys taught me what a Knuten Valve was.  I never heard of it before.  Do you know what a Knuten Valve is?

ItchieBitchie says—Ya have to have a starting point to change; New Years is a good starting point. I have friends and know of other folks who are really trying to make major changes their lives. I try to change my life daily. Change is hard. Most folks can’t change. I talked to a social worker at Quakerdale (i.e. a facility for trouble youth) recently. He has done this for 20some years; he says the young folks don’t respond as much anymore. They don’t respond to rules and authority near as much. He said—they get to be 18 and have about 5 kids from several relationships and the chain continues. Ouchy ouchy! Oh breaking that chain (i.e. change). I know of some folks who have broken that chain of their family history. I think these folks are heroes! Yes I do. I read this while eating my oatmeal with a half of banana on it—Each new day brings an opportunity to do some little thing that will help to make a better world…take each day’s happenings as opportunities for something you can do for God. So throw those chips away, get your butt off the couch and do something (i.e. it doesn’t have to be something great—most of us aren’t given that opportunity that will be in the paper—just a few—so be humble and do that one little thing). Do you get it? AverageJoe says--There are folks who need help and they don’t need to call 911 but just need you!

Here’s a different kind of top ten list—the top 10 reasons not to plan for retirement: Reason #10--I’m too busy #9--It’s too soon #8—It’s too late #7—I don’t need to # 6—I don’t have enough money to get started #5—My finances are a mess #4—The government will take care of me #3—Between my savings and my 401 (k), I will be fine #2—I don’t want to think about it #1—I don’t know how.

UncleGeorge always told me—erv, it isn’t what you make, it’s what you save! I learned this saving idea form a retired GM engineer last year. He wanted to buy a tv for his office down here at the Fountain of the Sun. He went to Goodwill and purchased one on Saturday for half price of the normal price (i.e. Saturday is half price day) for I think $9. Soooooo I wanted a folding table and a chair to make a sorta kinda office in our bedroom. I called Goodwill and yes they had a table and some chairs. Soooooo I went down there to look at them. They would work. They wanted $14.99 for the table and $7.99 for the chair. The guy told me—come back in the morning and they’ll be half price. Soooooo Saturday morning I get down there at 8:45 and there were about 100 folks ahead of me waiting for the doors to open. A guy on a big Harley who was all leathered up, tattooed, dark glasses, a long beard (i.e. a real tough looking guy) drove up. He parks and gets in line next to me. He says—I stopped yesterday and hide the stuff I wanted so no one could find it very easily! Soooooo the doors open and folks are running to their hidden stuff. I get to where the folding table was—no table. Then I remember what the Harley guy told me so I looked in the back of some other stuff. Bingo! Some one else hid it but I found it. Sooooooo I bought what I wanted for $11.47! Now I know why that GM Engineer from MI is soooooo rich! Such is life.

Arlene needed some 50 dollar bills for gifts so I stopped at a bank on the way back from Goodwill. I gave the gal at the drive-up two 100s and asked her if she could change them. She asked if I had an account with them—no—we normally don’t do this unless you have an account with us—oh, sorry, it’s Christmas!—okay just this one time. Such is life.

CableGuyBrian came to hook up our cable, internet and phone (i.e. a bundle). I really liked Brian. He was in his 50s and was in management for many years but with the economy slowdown, he lost his current management job and was a cable hook-up guy. He likes cars so also works at a auto parts store. Brian was a real guy with a massive huge heart (i.e. my kind of guy). We really had a good time. ANYWAY he told me about his kids. One daughter is very smart but didn’t graduate from high school, got married to a guy who makes about $12,000 a month doing something with cell phone towers. Brian has told them to save their money—they spend everything they make and live from month to month. Well, he will be loosing his job. Brian’s other son makes good money, works hard, but doesn’t pay his bills which results in all kind of problems. This other daughter is normal (i.e. what’s normal). She is completing her education to be a nurse. She enjoys life but is not a spender. Sooooooo Brian, how does your children’s money management ways affect you?—they drive me crazy but I can’t change them! I would hire Brian if I was in the need of an employee. This guy would be a dynamite employee—no question. The only thing I wonder if he’s normal or not is that he and his wife have 7 cats—they just have a soft spot in their hearts for cats! He told me last week-end one of their old cats didn’t look good so he took it to an animal hospital and $456 later they found out it had urinary track infection, got some pills and got it better. $456 for a cat, one of seven!!!!! Hey, we all spend our money differently now don’t we!!!!! Such is life.

I read in the paper so it must be right—Basic math is key to wealth accumulation: Study found that couples who score well on simple mathematical concepts have more money. If you can answer these three questions you have the ability to accumulate more money than the average dog I guess—They call it the “numeracy” test. Here are the three questions: If the chance of getting a disease is 10%, how many people out of 1,000 would be expected to get the disease? If five people all have the winning numbers in the lottery and the prize is $2 million, how much will each of them get? Let’s say you have $200 in a savings account. The account earns 10 percent interest per year. How much would you have in the account at the end of two years? Answers—100, $400,000 and $242. GeorgeTheCrook suggests that if you have trouble with answering these problems, you should let your spouse or someone else handle the money in your life. Ouchy ouchy!

I saw on a billboard this statement—Thousands of men will die this year from the stubbornness! It was referring to guys not going to a doctor for a physical or a colonospicy. SusieQ says--Men can be stubborn folks. Yes they can. They don’t change very easily. LuckieEddie says—Women are too!

WildWilie says—In our modern culture, you’re a redneck if you are a saver! Most folks are spenders. How things have changed. AverageJoe says—Why save if the government will give you everything and bail you out of any problems. All ya got to do is bitch and complain. It has worked. Yabut, at some point money is going to change that attitude. It’s not bad enough yet. It’s really got to get really bad first. When it gets to a point where there is just no other way, then something will happen. We’re not there yet. It’s really got to get bad first. We are still living very good..

JoeThePlumber says--You can't make things happen just by wantin' 'em!  ItchieBitche says—Ya got to do more than just pray for it and then go and buy something! Uff Da! Ya gotta put some work into it (i.e. effort). Ya change is hard for most folks. If you want to change you personal financial situation, ya gotta have a written budget and stick to it (i.e. I read it in the newspaper so it must be right). Ya gotta have True Grit! All the good ones do it! One more thing the newspaper said--Without a plan, people will stay in the same situation.  Such is life.

This might change your life in a very good way.  Read The Ultimate Gift by Jim Stovall.  I just did.  It's not really a spiritual book, its not really a money book, but its really a wisdom book.  Get it at the library (i.e. free) or on Amazon for about $5.50 used.  It's about a 2 to 3 hour read.  I think it could change your life in 2011.  It's a good one folks (i.e. my opinion). 

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

erv

MyFriendJean says—Praises to a child is as water to a thirsty plant!

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from our family to yours. 

Arlene and I are in CO at James, Heather and Erin’s home for Christmas. Unfortunately Chet, Jessica, and Charlie were not able to join us. All our family is coming to see us in AZ in late February. That should be fun; we are looking forward to that.

We pray that Christmas will be special to all of you this year. We hope that we all can feel the love of Christ and share some of that love with some one else.

May God bless all of you in a very special way. And remember—The Story Never Changes but Jesus changes everything!

Erv & Arlene

More Christmas thoughts

Saturday question--Are you BC or AD?  SusieQ says-We don't see things as they are, we see things as we are (i.e. like my mentor says--we are all programed by our past).  Christmas is a very interesting time (i.e. in many ways).  Cadillac Jack says--To some folks, it's just one big fake--When we cannot find contentment in ourselves, it is useless to seek it elsewhere!   

I wonder if Christmas is maybe different to every person (i.e. our past sorta kinda programs us).  I don't know.  What do you think?  I wonder if Christmas has a little different perspective to every person on this earth?  It's sorta kinda like this--I was eating my oatmeal with half a banana on and doing my devotions.  I was sitting by the little table in our kitchen area which over looks the golf course when a member of the maintenance crew of the course came by to mow the fairway that was about 60 feet from me.  It was 7:45 and the temperature was 53 (i.e. it was another beautiful sunny morning).  This guy is a large Hispanic guy (i.e. 300 pounds+).  He had on heavy gloves, a heavy wool coat and under his helmet he had on a full face mask (i.e. one that only has holes for your eyes, nose and mouth).  If you were from the midwest, a guy would probably be bare back and be wearing shorts and sandals! 

Joesixpack says--Let’s ratchet up Christmas craziness! I asked for it…and I got it! Be careful for what you ask for…you might get it! But I wanted…and you gave me…! I don’t think I really wanted it but it looked soooooooo exciting. I must admit I didn’t know what I was asking for. Now I don’t want it even though I said I wanted it (i.e. instant gratification). Soooo take it away. No can do, you got what you asked for soooooo…! What’s the deal anyway? Didn’t you understand. No can do…I just can't take it back like a gift receipt from Target!  What do you think I am, Houdini!  The Jews asked for a Savior a.k.a. their King and they got it but they didn't like what they got!  Ouchy ouchy!

Arlene doesn't have her full hiking legs yet--she wanted a horse she said.  So we got her a horse who she called Swift Rider.  We hiked Hieroglyphic Canyon Trail in Gold Canyon last Sunday.  We hiked up the gulch to where the springs are and the clear pools of water.  The Hohokam Indians used this as their water hole and much more I have been told.  They did the carved images of men, antelopes and snakes on the huge massive rocks.  The Hohokam Indians were agriculture Indians and actually designed the canals and irrigation system that is basically still used for the Valley.  They were here about 300 to 1400 AD and then they disappeared (i.e. the whole civilization).  Some think it was famine or climate, or warfare or disease but no one knows for sure.  Arlene asks for something and she gets what she asks for (i.e. a happy wife is a happy life). It's Christmas for her every day!!!!

Here are some red hot reads -- Charles Dickens’ initial choice for Scrooge’s statement “Bah Humbug” was “Bah Christmas.”—Befroe settling on the name of Tiny Tim for his Character in “A Christmas Carol,” three other alliterative names were considered by Charles dickens. They were Little Larry, Puny Pete, and Small Sam—During the Christmas buying season, Visa cards alone are used an average of 5,340 times every minute in the United States—christams caroling began as an old English custom called Wassailing-toasting neighbors to a long and healthy life—The abbreviation of Xmas for Christmas is not irreligious. The first letter of the word Christ in Greek is chi, which is identical to our X. Xmas was originally an ecesastastical abbreviation that was used in tables and charts—Christmas was once a movable feast celebrated at many different times during the year. The choice of December 25, was made by Pope Julius I, in the 4th century A.D., because this coincided with the pagan rituals of Winter Solstice, or Return of the Sun. The intent was to replace the pagan celebration with the Christian one.

I can either count my blessings or recount my disappointments (i.e. I have many of each)—I hope I focus my thoughts upon my blessings, my gifts, and my opportunities. I don’t deserve all the good stuff that has happen to me (i.e. most of it just fell in my lap).  I question sometimes if I deserve some of my disappointments.  Do I really deserve that.  How do I know what I deserve or should have—I have no idea.  If I got everything that I think I should have, man would I be a mess!  LuckieEddie says--We all just want "almostinstantgratification'!  I was practicing putting the other day and I said to an old guy who just putted three long puts that were real close to the hole—you don’t need to practice—yabut they didn’t go it!  My wife says I’m always complaining about my golf game—will you ever be happy—ya if I would score 18 on 18 holes!  I really have thought about this—We were at the stoplight pulling out of the Fountain of the Sun.  The light was red so I was waiting to make a left hand turn until Sossaman Rd.  The light turned green and I slowly started to enter the intersection and Arlene hollered—erv!  I stopped.  A big maroon Cadillac was coming down the Sossaman Rd probably about 50 mph and went right through the red light.  I don’t know if we would have had a collision but maybe and maybe not.  If we would have, now that would have been real bad (i.e. we might have been minced meat).  Now that would have really changed Christmas for us and our family.  Soooooo why did it happen that way?  I really don’t know.  Now that maybe was just a massive huge gift.  What do you think?  ItchieBitchie says--You seem sooooooo darn smart that you can pray for just the right stuff for yourself and your family.  How do you know what is "justtherightstuff" anyway?  I have a tendency to pray that God might lift you and me up as I really don't know "justtherightstuff" is for you and me.  I pray for wisdom, courage, and strength for you and me.  That's what I pray for a lot.  And I thank God a lot!  Oh yes, I do pray that little Erin and Charlie may know Jesus as their Saviour. 

Our attitudes of our hearts are critical (i.e. especially at Christmas)—my opinion. AverrageJoe says—Soooooooo are our actions. Soooooo bring resolutions to the issues.  Soooo maybe we need to give someone the gift of an opportunity. What do you think? Maybe give love and let yourself be loved. What do you think? Are you a loving person? Are you a lovable person? Opportunity--An honest, sincere, positive spirit is contagious and can be admired from afar..deep down inside positive people have hurts, problems and stresses.  The difference is they process these things mentally and they filter those challenges with problem-solving solutions that bring resolutions of the issues.  Here's your opportunity (i.e. I read this in the Arizona Republic so it must be right)--If you know a positive person, send that person a note of thanks.  Tell them how much you appreciate their spirit and faith.  Let them know how much they meant to you.  Now wouldn't that be a nice Christmas present.  I think so. 

I was waiting in line at the post office at the Fountain of the Sun.  I was visiting with a lady from MN and a guy from ND,  The guy said it was -8 in ND this morning; the lady from MN said the Twin Cities got over 20 inches of snow.  The guy said--this place is like eternity; the gal said--it sure is paradise!  Such is life.

We have had the opportunity to go to several Christmas concerts here in the Valley.  They have been very good.  There sure is a lot of talent, passion and hard work let me tell you!  I think I heard some new songs that I really like (i.e. innovative).  Maybe my most favorite was A Baby Changes Everything (i.e. goggle the lyrics if you have not heard them before).  I thought that was really good. 

I sorta kinda felt like I got a Christmas present.  I hiked Picketpost Mt. Monday.  It was rated as difficult and it was.  It was rather scary for me (i.e. I don't say that very often).  I didn't see anyone on this sorta kinds remote trail (i.e. it took me 4 hours--those of you who have hiked with me know I'm not the fastest).  When I got to the top (i.e. I ate my lunch) there is a mailbox that you can register your name.  No one was up there for a couple of days.  I thought if I slip or something, no one will find me for days (i.e. not really but...).  I should not have hiked it by myself.  It was tough but...I had much time to think.  I did fine--went and sat in the hot tub for a while when I got back so I was ready to go for Tuesday (i.e. golf and ping pong).  Such is life.

I golfed with a retired Chicago Police Officer this week.  Soooooooo is Chicago as corrupt as when you were there--ya probably.  Now everyone in the nation is buying votes--what do you mean--if you give entitlements, free bees, enhancements and bailouts, aren't you just buying votes?  It's like giving Christmas presents, the more and bigger you give the more the folks like ya!  Huh, interesting.  I parked next to another guy (i.e. from Milwaukee) who I play some golf with-On the trunk of his big white Cadillac he has this little Christmas scene with "Keep Christ in Christmas" written below it.  Huh, interesting.  So if we wonder if there is a God in the middle of all the commercial Christmas craziness, watch this youtube clip www.flixxy.com/hubble-ultra-deep-field-3d.htm

I hope you get all the figgy pudding you want for Christmas!  You deserve it.  Yes you do! 

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

erv

MyFreindJean says--If you must use a hammer, build something!

Christmas thoughts

Joesixpack asks—Have you ever thought God to be like Santa Claus? I mean like you’re some little kid; you beg long enough and hard enough and are persistent enough and then you’ll get what you ask for. Or if you are good or bad, you get what you want ‘cause it’s Christmas and everyone gets what they want at Christmas! Or you sit on Santa’s lap and tell him what you want and bingo; Christmas morning you get just what you want. Or maybe you think God is like grandpa, he lets you have everything and anything ‘cause he loves you and will send you home the next day (i.e. this grandpa is easily manipulated). MissPerfect says—hey, it’s Christmas, you get what you ask for if you’re good or even if you are bad. It’s Christmas and Santa gives you what you want and ask for. If you believe God is like a Santa Claus, you live in a fantasy world.

We went to a Christmas concert last Sunday night at the Pinnacle Presbyterian Church. It was suggested to us by two of my cousins. It was good. They had a freewill offering (i.e. that’s a free will offering). Free will—we get to decide—If you act like a jerk why would people like you. If you treat your wife lousy for 20 years why are you surprised that she leaves you. If you drink heavily for 30 years why are you surprised you liver doesn’t work. If you don’t save for your retirement why do expect to have money when you retire. If you don’t accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior why do you expect to go to heaven? Decisions have consequences folks. And there is only one person in charge of those decisions. Bingo! LuckieEddie says—Unless you believe in total pre-destination!

The Christmas story doesn’t make much sense to a non-believer of Jesus. I mean how can a non-believer believe in the virgin birth of Jesus and then this Jesus can forgive all your sins and give you eternal life. The academias seem to have even a harder time to understand that. Sooooooooooo, how much should knowledge and how much should emotion be part of Christmas? Saturday question—Do you really believe in the virgin birth of Jesus? I mean really believe it. Do you really believe in Father/Son/Holy Spirit as the Trinity? Is that hard for the human mind to understand? The Muslims, Hindus, Jews, Mormons and atheists don’t believe Jesus the Christ as their Savior. So what does Christmas really mean to them other as a holiday to get off work, eat and be merry?

They make it soooooooo easy to put up a tree now days. When we were at James and Heather’s, their tree (i.e. artificial of three years ago) top section didn’t light up. James replaced the fuses and it stayed lit for a few minutes and then died. The connection was real hot. So we took it back to Costco and they said they were all recalled. They said all their new tress have been recalled so they had none so they gave him his purchase price back of three years ago. We went to Home Depot but theirs were not as nice so they ended up purchasing a real Frazer fur for $32. When they checked out, the guy at Home Depot asked if they would like him to re-cut the truck—sure; would you like me to cut off the lower branches—sure; would you like me to wrap it in a plastic netting—sure! There was a young couple behind them and the guy asked them the same—the husband said, na I can do it—his wife said, are you crazy, of course we want that done (i.e. one smart gal).

Standing at the open airplane door at 13,000 feet, I said—do I really want to do this! Then my jump buddy pushed me (i.e. I paid my $179 and he wanted to be paid! I’m 65 today and for $179 I get the opportunity to jump out of a plane to celebrate my birthday. Wow! Yep, I did it at Eloy, AZ. http://www.skydiveaz.com/  The experience was just great but was made more fun ‘cause my childhood/stillmyfriend Dean Slagter from Roseland, MN jumped with me. They winter in Casa Grande near Eloy. When we were flying in the plane to 13,000 feet, I thought of two things—one was of Chester and Anna who both died at age 56 (i.e. what a shame—56) and the Tim McGraw song—Live like you’re dieing! We free fell for a mile and a half in 50 seconds (i.e. 120 mph). It was exciting but both Dean and I said, we don’t think our heartbeat went up at all. The pilot of the Otter plane was a cute young blond gal and we were strapped to some guys in there 20s. What could we do! We were just some 65-year-old guys celebrating our 65ths.

SusieQ says--The bigger the gift the bigger the thank you (i.e. the bigger I love ya). Ya, that’s what the world wants you to think but it just ain’t soooooooo SusieQ. No no! I read this while eating my oatmeal with a half of a banana on it looking out over hole #2 of the golf course—Give something to those who are having trouble, to those whose thoughts are confused, something of your sympathy, your prayer, your time, your love, your thought, your self…Give your best to those who need it and will accept it…Remember that the giving of advice can never take the place of giving of yourself. Put that in your pipe and smoke it while you are buying those throwaway trinkets for Christmas presents!

Tuesday, after playing some golf (i.e. a guy in our Lingsters group died on the course while playing), I rode my bike the 5.2 miles over to Sun Life RV (i.e. where George and Jane Abbas winter) and played ping pong with the boys (i.e. I enjoyed their company—nice guys but they play hard—they were better than I thought they would be for some old farts). Then I rode over the to Mesa Library (i.e. Red Mountain Branch). I went on line to have them hold the new book, Unbroken, for me but they said I had to come in in person and renew my library card. They had 7 copies of the book and I was #32 on the waiting list (i.e. must be a good book). I started reading it in A’town (i.e. Nancy got it for me but didn’t get it all read before we left). ANYWAY a very nice librarian helped me. I then asked her what her favorite SW book is. It was Blood Brother by Arnold Elliott. She said if I couldn’t find it, come back and she would help. She wrote it down so I went and looked for it. Looked under Elliott but couldn’t find it. So I went and found her and she went to Arnold, Elliott and Bingo. Man-o-man! This gal told me she has been working at the Red Mt branch for 40 years (i.e. for the last 5 years only on Tuesdays). You must really like it—yes I do. Such is life.

Oh by the way, in the book Blood Brother, Concise and the Apaches call winter, Ghost Face (i.e. that’s a good name). No Ghost Face here, it’s been in the 70s and next week it’s suppose to be in the 80s and there is seldom any wind. I call it Honey Face!!!! A couple from MN said to me the other day—Every day is sooooooo nice; we don’t get one day like this in MN all summer! Such is life.

I played with some guys from our park at the Links. Ron and I walked. Ron is 81 and does very well. He says he swims every day and tries to take care of himself. ANYWAY I asked Ron what his feelings were on Christmas—I like Christmas but don’t go over board. When we get older we make it much more simple but seem to enjoy it more. Stuff and more stuff just aren’t very important any more. Life and what’s important to me, is where my thoughts are (i.e. every time you hear a siren here, which is quite often, it usually means that another condo or park model will be for sale). Saturday question—Is your Christmas really fun or is it crazy?

MissPerfect says—My friend FredaTheFreeLoader a.k.a. as Slick’sTrophyWife (i.e. altered and high maintenance) thinks she’s bigger than the real meaning of Christmas. Ouchy ouchy! Yabut she looks nice and really can strut hers stuff!

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

erv

KR’s thought of the day—Modesty: Hoping that others will find out by themselves how great you are! MyFriendJean says—Brows may wrinkle, hair grows gray but friendship never knows decay.

L-Crap-O

L-Crap-O! You might want to take this with a grain of salt!

We were heading down the old stage coach trail a.k.a. the wild west trail in buffalo thunder country with our buck wagon really loaded (i.e. had the trunk and back seat packed like sardines). We usually get about 29 mpg but only got 23.5 mpg (i.e. we were loaded folks). In fact it was soooooooo heavy that the car squatted. I had to adjust the passenger side mirror. I was going about 80 so I reached down and thought I was pressing the mirror button but pressed the trunk button—the trunk popped open. Man-o-man! Luckily nothing fell out.

Hey, it’s not L-Crap-O turning 65 (i.e. Arlene turned 65 this week and I will turn 65 next week). Our health insurance went down about $6,000 in cost per year. They automatically put our SS payments in our checking account. Joesixpack says—age is just an attitude folks.

I read in the paper (i.e. so it must be right) that once you get 65 the marketing folks don’t target you any more. Huh, interesting. Personally “newthings” speak to my interest not to my age—maybe that’s just me but hey, my generation (i.e. ol’ codgers) has money folks. I think the marketing folks will change their attitude about the baby boomers here soon. I read in the paper, so it must be right) that the baby boomers generation (i.e. born from 46 to 64 a.k.a. the me generation) will inherit $14 to $20 trillion during the next 20 years and this generation will probably not leave a lot of that money to the next generation. Ra Ra or Ouchy Ouchy depending which generation you are in and which family you come from. There seems to be a massive huge difference folks – Life ain’t fair (i.e. the only thing that’s fair is the Butler County Fair and I think that’s in June). If you aren’t the ones inheriting the massive huge trillions, life might look L-Crap-O to you. GerogeTheCrook says—Yabut money isn’t everything but…! Sooooooo what, it’s only money but…! CadillacJack says--It’s the American dream to work hard and you will do well; the economy always rebounds—but how fast and how far are the questions folks.

Some folks seem to get all the breaks! Some may think I have the Life of Riley! I really do (i.e. my opinion). AverageJoe says—It seems like some are luckier than others. But remember--The only sure thing about luck is that it will change! Yabut AverageJoe—it sure seems like some folks are luckier than others. Some folks only experience L-Crap-O is seems! How come? Or is it my imagination. MissPerfect says—Some folks make their luck and some make their L-Crap-O. You think so MissPerfect? It just fell in our laps! We got to the Valley of the Sun (i.e. it was 77 today and no wind) on Tuesday night sooooooo on Wednesday we had to get our supplies at Freys. We didn’t know it but the first Wednesday of each month seniors get a 10% discount—that’s why it was sooooooo crowded! It just fell in our laps!!!! We plan to stay and play for a while.

The hardest fact in the world to accept is the inevitable mixture of evil with good in all things. What some folks have to endure; some real L-Crap-O! WildWilly says—Our lives are filled with uncertainty, hardship, sickness, and danger; Old Man Trouble, it seems, is never too far from the front door! A man placed some flowers on the grave of his dearly departed mother and started back toward his car when his attention was diverted to another man kneeling at a grave. The man seemed to be praying with profound intensity and kept repeating, "Why did you have to die? Why did you have to die? Why did you have to die? Why did you have to die?" The first man approached him and said, "Sir, I don't wish to interfere with your private grief, but this demonstration of pain is more than I've ever seen before. For whom do you mourn so deeply? A child? A parent?" The mourner took a moment to collect himself, then replied..."My wife's first husband." ~ I was at Casey’s recently and talked to a friend who he and I have called each other brother so and so for years. I said—I have not seen you for a long time—I don’t get out much, only on Thursday morning when someone comes in and stays with my wife—so how is she doing—okay—I have been a care giver for her for 8 years—wow, isn’t that hard—erv, you gotta do what you gotta do. This guy is quite a guy. My hat goes off to all of you care givers out there. You are very special folks. That is quite a gift you are giving!

It had looked so easy and short on the map. Life can be that way then I say L-Crap-O! I saw this on the back of a truck traveling to AZ—Traffic, if only it were as light as your beer--Miller Genuine Draft Light, 64 calories! We enjoy road trips—we eat our way across the country. No 64 calories stuff for us! I had the opportunity to hike Mt Falcon in CO. It’s one of my favorite hikes. I met a guy on the trial who was biking up the trial (i.e. very hard) who was taking a break (i.e. he was tired). I said—how’s it going—I’m suffering from toooooonmuch Thanksgiving eating; I’m 10 pounds over my desired weight and those 10 pounds are a monstrous disadvantage. I can ride it clean with no problems but with the extra 10 pounds it makes it much harder. Think about that folks. The two pics are from Mt Falcon; I always talk about it so maybe you might be interested in seeing it (i.e. pics don’t do justice but…). One is of the Red Rock formation where the amphitheater is located—some of you have been there for concerts etc.) http://www.redrocksonline.com/PUREENTERTAINMENT.aspx

and the other is of the Denver sky line. Then when I get in the back of the mountain, it is completely quite. http://www.co.jefferson.co.us/openspace/openspace_T56_R16.htm

JoeThePlumber asks--If there was one thing I could change in my life to lift it to it’s highest level, what would that one thing be? Are you comfortable with yourself during Advent? Really are you comfortable with yourself? ItchieBitchie says—we all don’t think the same things are important during Advent now do we. Where do we spend our time, energy and money (i.e. that will probably tell us what is important). Some spend much time putting up lights on their house (e.g. like the folks a few blocks from James, Heather, and Erin). I think they are crazy (i.e. that’s from a guy who doesn’t enjoy putting up lights at all—it’s L-Crap-O to me). I think those folks are related to Clark Griswold!

SusieQ says--It’s hard for someone with a massive huge heart to understand anyone who does not have a massive huge heart. Babies cry, eat, cry, sleep, cry, eat, cry, sleep. They cry a lot, get everything they want and still don’t seem happy some times. MissPerfect says—It seems that there are folks who cry a lot and are never happy either; it seems like the folks who cry the most are not very happy folks (i.e. L-Crap-O). Huh, interesting. SusieQ says—Think about this, if you are not content with what you have (i.e. always crying about it) and you were given twice as much as you have, would you still cry? Usually those folks who cry a lot a.k.a. crybabies, it has nothing to do with how much they have but about their contentment. Some folks will never be content and will always be unhappy. That’s just the way it is. Think about that in Christmas giving and receiving. I read this while eating a slice of banana bread (i.e. Heather made it for me—one of my favorites—she treats me oh soooooo good)—To truly desire to do God’s will therein lies happiness for a human being (i.e. more stuff doesn’t). You agree with that?

Oh snowballs! LuckieEddie says-- Death is more universal than life; everyone dies but not everyone lives. And that living is a decision of each of ours; and decisions have consequences. No snowballs for us here in AZ! Such is life!

L-Crap-O! TommyThePeacock says—Not everyone agrees with me at Christmas. I think my thinking is normal and correct (i.e. I’m right and you’re wrong) but…maybe it’s not. Now that can cause fights and disagreements. Just settle down TommyThePeacock, it’s not that bad—you say that but you don’t know my sister-in-law; she always wants to be the director of the orchestra! Hey, just let her do the directing and smile (i.e. don’t let her get under your skin—you’re going home in a few hours from the get-to-gather! Before we left, I had breakfast with my mentor. He told me that he was asked by a senior to drive him to the dentist. This guy, who we both know quite well, thinks he’s really something but isn’t (i.e. our opinion). My mentor told me—I just let him think that way! He thinks he’s doing me a favorite letting me drive him around. Slim’s View is—I have come to view this dynamic of human nature as a game of musical chairs: There is only one chair left and two players: Pride and Humility. When the music ends, there will only be a seat for one of them. One will win, the other will be vanquished. They cannot occupy the same space. JoeThePlumber says—Soooooooooo how is your Advent attitude?

A gal in our adult Sunday school class said—I get snooty at Christmas time! Hey, it’s the time to jolly not snooty! Again, we are all programmed by our past. Christmas time can be a happy time and a not so happy time. It depends on a lot of relative matter. SusieQ says—More diamonds are purchased at Christmas-time (i.e. 31%) than during any other holiday or occasion during the year (i.e. diamonds are a girl’s best friend). In America, the weeks leading up to Christmas are the biggest shopping weeks of the year. Many retailers make up to 70% of their annual revenue in the month preceding Christmas. Soooooooooooo Christmas should be “besttimeoftheyear” if diamonds and presents are the standard of making folks happy.

Belinda Hansen, F.O.S.H.A. Manager ended her article in the FOS sun times with this quote: “This is Christmas: not the tinsel, not the giving and receiving, not even the carols. But the humble heart that receives anew the wondrous gift – Christ.” Frank McKibbe

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

erv

KR’s thought of the day—To defy old age, just believe that you’re as good as you never were! MyFriendJean says—We need some clouds in our life to make a beautiful sunset (i.e. the AZ sunsets are usually just beautiful).

A friend sent me this youtube—It’s Christmas to me—one of my favorite songs done in a unique way in a unique place. Hope you enjoy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXh7JR9oKVE&feature=player_embedded#!

alittlelifterupper

We were dinner guests at some friends the other night (i.e. always a good time). ANYWAY we had a dessert called Tiramisu, it’s Italian and it means alittlelifterupper! Our friends are alittlelifteruppers and so was the dessert. It’s fun to around alittlelifteruppers and not soooooooo much fun to be around alittledragin’downers! Oh ya!

It’s starting to get cold in IA—My friend from the Chicago area sent me this--The Farmer's Almanac is predicting a very cold winter. It must be true because the squirrels are gathering nuts. Three of my neighbors have disappeared! Yep, we are in CO on our way to AZ for the winter. We are some of those squirrels. It’s alittlelifterupper for us folks. Such is life.

WHO IS JACK SCHITT ? For some time many of us have wondered just who is Jack Schitt? We find ourselves at a loss when someone says, 'You don't know Jack Schitt!' Well, thanks to my genealogy efforts, you can now respond in an intellectual way. Jack Schitt is the only son of Awe Schitt. Awe Schitt, the fertilizer magnate, married O. Schitt, the owner of Needeep N. Schitt, Inc. They had one son, Jack. In turn, Jack Schitt married Noe Schitt.. The deeply religious couple produced six children: Holie Schitt, Giva Schitt, Fulla Schitt, Bull Schitt, and the twins Deep Schitt and Dip Schitt. Against her parents' objections, Deep Schitt married Dumb Schitt, a high school dropout. After being married 15 years, Jack and Noe Schitt divorced. Noe Schitt later married Ted Sherlock, and because her kids were living with them, she wanted to keep her previous name. She was then known as Noe Schitt Sherlock. Meanwhile, Dip Schitt married Loda Schitt, and they produced a son with a rather nervous disposition named Chicken Schitt. Two of the other six children, Fulla Schitt and Giva Schitt, were inseparable throughout childhood and subsequently married the Happens brothers in a dual ceremony. The wedding announcement in the newspaper announced the Schitt-Happens nuptials.. The Schitt-Happens children were Dawg, Byrd, and Horse. Bull Schitt, the prodigal son, left home to tour the world. He recently returned from Italy with his new Italian bride, Pisa Schitt. Now when someone says, 'You don't know Jack Schitt,' you can correct them. Sincerely, Crock O. Schitt

Here’s a little lifter upper. You don’t control tomorrow so that means you are not God Almightily. Got it? I read this while eating my oatmeal with strawberries on it—Don’t brashly announce what you’re going to do tomorrow; you don’t know the first thing about tomorrow. He quoted that from the Book; in Proverbs. I heard a speaker named John at a metro church say recently—You are not the problem solver so don’t try to be one. We talked to a friend after the service and he said—yabut I’m a fixer; that’s hard for me. Da! The speaker said—The best medicine you can be for a friend, acquaintance, anyone is just being there (i.e. and keep you mouth shut—don’t give sure fire solutions to their problem). WildWilly says—Yabut, I like to give advice! John gave us guys this tip—When your wife is belly aching about something, don’t stop her half way through and tell her—do it this way (i.e. solve her problem). She really doesn’t want that. Just keep your mouth shut and listen and then say—Ah Ha! Ah Ha! And then go in the garage. Such is life.

MissPerfect says—Yabut it feels so good to be part of the “whatIthinkis” the mighty huddle a.k.a. the elite of the elite group! You remember in junior high when the ego group would include and exclude certain girls? They were very mean—it still happens today folks in junior high and also in adult life. I think so. I have noticed how this has changed a person I know. It appears that she is sorta kinda been accepted in “whatshethinksis” the royal huddle (i.e. upper crust) and now she is not the same (i.e. she is not near as nice—she thinks her…doesn’t stink anymore—my opinion). But she has been accepted and now the other folks are not important in her life—she’s in the elite junior high huddle—she thinks she has made it). Ouchy ouchy! Usually this attitude leads to a disastrous fall. My Daddy, Chester, would tell me—The greatest folks are the ones who are nice to the folks who can’t repay their kindness (i.e. these are the real elite of the elite). The false elite of the elite, don’t care about folks who are in need (i.e. they only think about themselves—my opinion). Great folks will sleep in a tent!—they are no better than someone else. They may be great folks but don’t show it by their “turnedupnose” behavior. This false elite huddle (i.e. when a group of women or men think they are better than everyone else and just associate with this little huddle) is very dangerous in churches and in real life—my opinion. Many folks like to be part of the “royal huddle”. This is why there are gangs, clubs and private associations. I really hope this person figures out that she is this way and changes back to her old way. I like her better the old way. But I understand that she probably thinks this makes her feel very important (i.e. the elite of the elite). Her actions are a downer to me but to her it seems like alifterupper I would guess (i.e. she has arrived)! Such is life.

I read this while eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it--You must admit your helplessness before your prayers for help will be heard by God…It is not theological arguments that solve the problems of the questioning soul, but the sincere cry of that soul to God for strength and the certainty of that soul that the cry will be heard and answered. Now that is alifterupper to me! But I must self-evaluate myself first. When I think I’m in charge (i.e. part of the false elite of elite and don’t need God) I’m not very receptive to God’s advice and love now am I. No I’m not. Saturday question—So who are you this day? Are you and I humble or proud?

Have you ever been down in the dumps? What’s your mental impression of dumps? Have you every needed alifterupper? Something to get you out of the dumps? So what gets you out of the dumps—what is the lifterupper? Who is the lifterupper? The lifterupper can come from the strangest places and the most unique folks now can’t they. GerogeTheCrooks asks--Are you alifterupper or a dragerdowner? I read this while eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it—“If I have not charity, I am become as sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal.” Charity means to care enough about other people to really want to do something for them (i.e. not just make a lot of noise and puff yourself up). A smile, a word of encouragement, or a word of love...use the odd moments of your day in trying to do some little thing to cheer up another person. Use your opportunities. Such is life.

What gets you down? What lifts you up? Back to that elite group again (i.e. I’m passionate about this—it gets my goat). I hope I recognize when someone needs encouragement and be an encourager. It seems to me that some folks in the elite group stomp on a person when they are not the standard they think they are (i.e. instead of helping them, they kick them when they are down). My Daddy, Chester, always said—Little people attack folks who are down and big folks help folks when they are down. The eliteoftheelite group reminds me of a hog that the other hogs pick on in a hog confinement—they pick on a certain hog until they kill it (i.e. ruthless). My Mom, Anna, told me always do what is right erv. I don’t think some of the folks who think they are the eliteoftheelite are doing the right thing. That’s my opinion. They have such an opportunity to use their talents to be soooooooo useful but decide to use it for their own gain it appears. Decisions have consequences. Such is life. Romans 12:16 says this—Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. I have a saying above my desk that reads—You are mature when you are in a position to hurt someone but decide not to. ItchieBitchie says—Now that could really be alifterupper! SusieQ says—This wanting to be the so called elite of the elite is an illusion much like giving a few Christmas presents will make everything happy and perfect! It’s an illusion! LuckieEddie says—Here’s the real deal, we need to be great this day and every day, not just on Christmas.

ItchieBitchie says--For those of you who really worry abut the illegal aliens issue, here’s alifteruper ~ “Illegal aliens have always been a problem in the United States. Ask any Indian.”

Alittlelifterupper! Joesixpack says--Remember folks, our own perception of ourselves is often clouded by emotions, experiences and self-evaluations (i.e. we are programmed by our past). You’re not maybe as bad as you think you are! What will I no longer tolerate in my life?

Change can be alittlelifterup or a dragerdowner! It probably all depends on our attitude I would guess. It appears that change is exciting for youth but threatening for older folks (i.e. generally). Oswald Chamber said it first (and best!) in his book My Utmost for His Highest: “Never live on memories; let the Word of God always be living and active in you.” Nothing shuts the ears of younger people faster than when they hear, “Back in my day,” or “Those were the good old days.” Sooooooo, throw those chips away, get your butt of the couch and do something! It’s up to you; decisions have consequences and you get to make the decisions. I recently stopped at a convenient store for a snack (i.e. junk food). The guy ahead of me at the check out purchased 3 packs of cigarettes—cost was $15.60. I said to the clerk—cigs are expensive!—ya they are; they are on special now, 3 for $15.60; normally they are $6 a pack! Okay now, wonder if we tax junk food like cigs? It would help our budget and also slim down the folks a lot I would guess (i.e. only a guess; probably we would subsidize the junk food eaters to off set the cost!—na, we wouldn’t do that would we?). Such is life.

Drove to Morrison, CO today to spend a long weekend with James, Heather and our little Erin (i.e. that’s alifterupper). Saw that the Hawks got beat by the Gophers (i.e. that alittledowner). Hope to hike Mt Falcon, celebrate Thanksgiving, celebrate Arlene’s birthday, take care of Erin on Monday, and then head down the road to AZ for the winter. I have the life of Riley all right! A biglifterupper.

The battle between the world and the spiritual will always be there I guess folks (i.e. a temporary lifterupper or a permanent draggerdowner. This is what I read while watching little Charlie eat her oatmeal recently (i.e. she eats it toooooo)-- “Well done, thou good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of the Lord.”—Arlene says there is a song with those words; really a good one! Those words are for many ordinary people whom the world may pass by, unrecognizing. Not to the world-famed, the proud, the wealthy, are these words spoken, but to the quiet followers who serve God unobtrusively yet faithfully (i.e. maybe not the folks who are part of the what some think is the elite of the elite huddle—the me generation). Maybe our temporary gratification here on this earth might be an illusion much like the thinkin’ that a few Christmas gifts will produce happiness (i.e. repeat). IthcieBitchie says—Yabut everybody tells me that I need to do that. Saturday question—Do you do whatever everybody tells to do and act a certain way to be accepted by the junior high huddle? WildWillie says--It takes a real storm in the average person's life to make him realize how much all those faking things aren’t really the real deal.

Here are a few special gift suggestions for you to give this Christmas season (i.e. my opinion). Soooooooo…maybe you might like them and maybe not—give some person the opportunity to cry (i.e. most folks don’t let folks express their feelings)—create an experience that will be remembered for every (i.e. not some stuff that no one remembers)—a letter of I thank you, I respect you, I’m proud of you, or I love you—A telephone call—a visit—a gift of time--tell someone of the Good News-- think of something special, unique and exciting. Joesixpack says—Happy memories are not related to stuff but to experiences—and don’t put pressure on others by your giving. Forget the stuff and trinkets (i.e. throw away stuff, garage sale stuff, and the re-gift stuff). Make your gifts lifteruppers! CadillacJack says—Do not set all your hopes and desires on material things. There is weariness in an abundance of things! TomThePeacock says—The worst gifts to give are: gifts with guilt; gifts with strings attached; gifts you buy for others that you want yourself!

GerogeTheCrook says—There are a lot of illusions out there folks sooooooooo be careful. Illusions like—Rudolph’s red nose might just be makeup!

This was agreatbiglifterupper to me—I got this email from my big sister (i.e. big sister only in age)--When I purchased my turkey I found one by Jennie O. Nostalgia tugged at my heart so I purchased it. Today I’m thawing it and I decided to check where it had been processed. You have already guessed. Yes, Willmar, MN. Happy Thanksgiving. Love, Myrt ~ Our Mom, Anna, went to work for Jennie O after my Daddy, Chester, died to pay her humble way (i.e. she was such a great Mom—I miss her. I’m thankful for our parents and also that my sisters (i.e. and families) and us get along soooooo well. I’m also very thankful that our children and their spouses and Arlene and I get along soooooo well. They have to be very special folks to put up with me! Most of you can appreciate that! Such is life.

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

swervinervin

KR’s thought of the day-- With a good hobby you can find yourself and loose yourself at the same time. MyFreindJean says—Patience is the companion of wisdom.

Sunday, a friend gave her personal testimony in church (i.e. she told who her King is). She touched folks—could you give your testimony? Our pastor, Michael, used the words found on youtube defining who is “My King”. I suggest you listen to it especially when we think about Christmas (i.e. my opinion). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzqTFNfeDnE

TY

ASGHTG A sweet, good hearted, tender gal wrote this for me--There once was a young girl (YG) who went to see her grandparents for Thanksgiving. YG's grandparents lived far away, and she had to travel over the river and through the woods (OTRATTW) to reach their house. When she finally arrived, YG was greeted with hugs and kisses and all the sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie (SPAPP) a girl could ever want. At the end of the day, her grandma piled YG's basket full of leftover SPAPP and sent her through the woods and over the river (TTWAOTR), back to her home sweet home. No wolves, no red hoods, just a happy YG with a full belly and a full basket.

A group of people meet in a social event. The first guy introduces himself, "My name is Larry, and I am a SNAG." Another guy says, "What's that?" "That means I am a Single, New Age Guy." The other one says, "My name is Gary, and I am a DINK". A woman asks, "What's that?" "That means my wife and I are Dual-Income, No Kids". The woman says, "That's nice. My name is Gertrude, and I am a WIFE". Larry says, "A WIFE? What's a WIFE?" She says, "That means, Wash, Iron, Fold, Etc." I had to alter this last acronym, as the Fold was a different word, which was not appropriate for my blog!

TYG—Thank you God. SQ Saturday question—If there was one word I would want my life to stand for, what would that word be?

A LondonTubeDriver said--"Your delay this evening on the PL Piccadilly Line is caused by the line controller suffering from E & B syndrome, not knowing his elbow from his backside. I'll let you know any further information as soon as I'm given any." Another LondonTubeDriver said this-- "Ladies and Gentlemen, I do apologize for the delay to your service here on the CL Circle Line. I know you're all dying to get home, unless, of course, you happen to be married to my ex-wife, in which case you'll want to cross over to the Westbound and go in the opposite direction”.

I get confused sometimes and am not as smart as the smartest dog. I sometimes make an ID ten T error? What's that you ask? Write it out....ID 10 T (a.k.a. IDIOT) ~ I have trouble getting my computer to do what I want it to do sometimes. It’s usually ‘cause I have an EBSAK error. What's that? Error between Seat And Keyboard.

A zillion years ago I fed hogs with a friend. I had the vet out one time and he told me he just came from a farmer who has PPM. So I asked, what’s PPM. He said—pisspoormanagement. That friend who I feed hogs with preaches PPP ~ properpriorplanning. CadeG says—Failing to plan is planning to fail. Yep, that’s what he says so it must be right.

WIDTG (i.e. whenindoubtthankGod) AverageJoe says—Giving thanks can really change a person’s attitude—BT big time—it gets you out of our ST Stinkin’ Thinkin’!

TommieThePeacock says—NFGGR New Federal Government Golf Rules
[cid:FAD97628C5704704B56032F7564114BE@Home] President BHO has recently appointed a GC Golf Czar and major rule changes in the game of golf will become effective in November 2010. This is only a preview as the complete rule book (expect 2000 pages) is being rewritten as we speak. Here are a few of the changes. GWH Golfers with handicaps: - below 10 will have their green fees increased by 35%. - between 11 and 18 will see no increase in green fees. - above 18 will get a $20 check each time they play. The term "gimme" will be changed to "entitlement" and used as follows: -handicaps below 10, no entitlements. -handicaps from 11 to 17, entitlements for putter length putts. -handicaps above 18, if your ball is on green, no need to putt, pick it up. These entitlements are intended to bring about fairness and redistribution of skills, and most importantly, equality in scoring. In addition, a Player will be limited to a maximum of one birdie or six pars in any given 18-hole round. Any excess must be given to those fellow players who have not yet scored a birdie or par. Only after all players have received a birdie or par from the player actually making the birdie or par, can that player begin to count his pars and birdies again. The current USGA handicap system will be used for the above purposes, but the term 'net score' will be available only for scoring those players with [cid:6C2FCDBC0B9F44618AA7DBE238731F58@Home] handicaps of 18 and above. This is intended to 'redistribute' the success of winning by making sure that in every competition, the above 18 handicap players will post only 'net score' against every other player's gross score. These new Rules are intended to FC FUNDAMENTALLY CHANGE the game of golf. Golf must be AF About Fairness. It should have nothing to do with ability, hard work, practice, discipline and personal accountability. This is the RTTD "Right thing to do".

Arlene is having Mary (i.e. OF our friend and owner and manager of Peppercorn Pantry) make a pie for our Thanksgiving dinner. It’s just not just ordinary pie; it’s the pie that made the Des Moines's 100 things you should eat before you die. ACT Angel Coconut Torte. MIIG Man is it good!

A golf buddy a.k.a. a friend told me he heard this on TV—A gal said—I’m interviewing AP Arnold Palmer here at APGC Arnold Palmer’s golf course in APL Arnold Palmer’s Lounge. Thank you AP Arnold Palmer for letting me interview you. AP Arnold Palmer responded—Thank you for the opportunity of you coming here. Huh, interesting. My friend said most folks would say—It's nutten or maybe you’re welcome but not AP Arnold Palmer, he thanked the gal for the opportunity. It’s sorta kinda like the Socratic method (i.e. named after Socrates) of teaching (i.e. answer the question with another question). They use that in law school I hear. ANYWAY that’s a pretty neat way of responding—always being thankful. That’s my opinion folks.

Thanksgiving is about thanking God. One form of thanking God is through prayer. The acronym for prayer is ACTS for many. A is for affirmation (e.g. Our Father who are in heaven, you are my savior, my friend, my rock etc). C is for confession (e.g. God I confess that I am a jealous person this day and I ask for forgiveness). T is for thanksgiving (e.g. these came from some songs—Lord when we look to You to recognize Your blessings and give You gratitude, You search us Lord You know our deepest part Please find in us a heart of thanksgiving!~I remember how faithful You are oh God. I say thank you!~ Wonder-a world of wonder-there is wonder-it’s such wonder just to be alive-I say thank you Lord!~Thank you-we say thank you; there is perfect wisdom in all that You do…We say thank you!~We gather with grateful hearts…with so many stories of how good You are-thank you God!). S is for supplication (e.g. give me this and give me that). CadillacJack thinks--The most powerful prayer is the prayer of thanksgiving (i.e. that’s his opinion folks.

A guest pastor at our church told this story—He was subbing for a 5th grade Sunday school class. The assignment was to have the kids write down—what God most wants to hear from them. Joey wrote down—GCMI—God, count me in!

TBTG—Thanks be to God.

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

erv

KR’s thought of the day—When you are thankful to others, you will be a much nicer person. MyFriendJean says—Do not resent growing old; many are denied that privilege!

PS—Are you doing what you should be doing? http://vimeo.com/16404771