don't miss out

Soooo do we continue to search for the lost gold in the Superstition Mountains?  Are we like Juan Ponce de León and continue to search for the fountain of youth? Do we buy lottery tickets to win the big jack pot? Do we look to find a deal that no one else could? We don’t want to miss out on the good stuff now do we! Or are they wild goose chases? Saturday question—Have you ever been on a wild goose chase?  

Warning: My friends, Roy a.k.a. The Fixer along with his assistant Rita, stopped by to fix my recliner that is suppose to swivel and rock but didn't do either very well.  He said I was off my rocker but did fix it by tightening a couple of my screws.!  Make sure you think about that when reading this "It's Saturday."

RichieRich who is a great do-gooder, says--Don’t miss out in life what life has for you! Enjoy life. I had breakfast with a long-time friend who is a good person with a good heart, my kind of person (i.e. that could be many of you folks).  ANYWAY, he admitted that he gets discouraged sometimes (i.e. now don’t we all, none of us live on the mountain top all the time but we do have valleys).  My friend is a real person, not a phony or a faker.  David in the Psalms laments about a third of the time but ends all his lament with a statement referring to God being his everything even though he didn’t understand it all. David is one of my heroes.  His story is soooo real and parallels much of my life (i.e. although I’m not near as great as he was for sure, not by a long shot).  I’m quite sure that my thoughts of life and your thoughts of life aren’t much different than many of David’s thoughts of life.  He just had a platform to expose his thoughts and wisdom that we are still reading about. God called David “a man after his Own heart!” Now that’s a wow! And that is hard to understand.

I am working on trying to learn stuff that I should have learned way earlier in my life but I didn’t.  I’m trying to  learn to not to have to learn stuff twice the hard way. Would you have done things differently in your life if you would have known back then what you know now?  I would have for sure.  I had a great conversation recently with a friend about a difficult cultural problem.  We had the greatest conversation, especially as my friend is much more exposed to it and has much more experience on the subject than I do.  I listened mostly.  Okay, maybe I said some dumb stuff once in a while; I usually do!  I don’t have many friends who I could have had this conversation with.  This person is special I would say, a real person with a good heart; my kind of person. Thanksamillion my friend. ItchieBitchie who seems to have a high pain threshold, says—Oh shoots, if things would have just gone a little different my life would be way different, just a couple of things that’s all.   

What kind of decision-makers are we? Are we impulsive, prone to make decisions with only a minimum of information? Do we respond to feelings or intuition? Or are we at the other extreme, analyzing and overanalyzing, even finding yourself suffering from “paralysis of analysis”? Or somewhere in between? OneSmartPerson says--The difference between average decisions and great decisions is the quality of information. Before you make a decision, do your homework. Measure twice, cut once. “The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice” (Proverbs 12:15). “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed” (Proverbs 15:22).

I find it interesting to read all kinds of books.  Some of you do too.  Some of you don’t read. Sorry but I think you are really missing the boat, my opinion. I was maybe 34 and was at a continuing ed class when the guy next to me asked me if I read—well, I have to read for my business and to get my degrees but not really a reader—you need to read; you are really missing out; go to the library and get a copy of Pilgrim’s Progress and the Bible and read those first.  I was familiar with the Bible but not with Pilgrim’s Progress soooo I did stop at the library and did read it. That was my start of reading. My family did not do a lot of reading and some of your families do. We can watch TV or read or do both, we have choices!!!!! Happenstance, na, I don’t think soooo!  Sooo after I wrote this I went on a walk in our park. There was this maybe 80-year-old guy reading while sitting in the sun.  I asked him what he was reading? He told me that he was 70 before he started reading—how did that happen—we were at my daughter’s place, and she had box of James Patterson books soooo I thought I would read one and the rest is history.  He then told me that he has about 5 authors that he likes that write mysteries, and I read them a lot. I also read the Bible every morning, but I sure have a hard time understanding it sometimes. Soooo there you go! (e.g.Tommy was taught in Sunday school that God answers prayers many times differently than the way we want them to be answered.  Also he learned that God loves us sooooo much that he will forgive all our sins no matter how bad they are. Tommy wanted a new bike really bad. He prayed and he prayed but never got a new bike. Soooo he stole a bike like just what he wanted and then asked God to forgive him).  C. S. Lewis said that Jesus was either a liar or a lunatic or the Lord. Oh ya, there is a lot of ideas about Jesus! Yes, Jesus is hard to understand for many.  Soooo what is your understanding?  Don't kid yourself folks!

Sooooo I said to a female pickleball partner who I really don’t know, you have a very good back hand (i.e just trying to be sincerely nice to her)—the reason I do is I have practiced a lot let me tell you erv. Sooooo we can get better at almost anything if we practice a lot (i.e. like what is important to you, whatever that may be). This gal is a gunner and a grinder in learning to play pb at a highest level her ability will allow it appears, maybe even obsessed. Many pickleball participants just want to have a good time, socialize, and get some exercise.  Maybe some folks’ motivation is different than other folks, do you think! MissPerfect who thinks she's the best horse in the stable but might not be, says—YaBut erv, age, accidents, and events in our lives do change how we think and act about many things.  Yes, I agree MissPerfect, they have stunning effects! I read somewhere and also heard a friend say recently, there is a time for everything (i.e. a time to hang up the hiking shoes)!

LuckieEddie who certainly is a big encourager, says--Don’t miss out on the good stuff of life.  CoachB says—"When you are around folks with a positive mentality it takes everybody to a different level. It’s the second law of thermodynamics. We shall improve.”  I believe that.  OneSmartPerson reminded me—Keep cheerful friends; grouches pull you down. I read what Tony Dungy said while eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it—“So much of what we do as human beings—so many of the mistakes we make and desires we have—flows from having very little self-esteem.  Many of us wear masks, strive for unworthy goals, get into bad relationships, compromise our integrity, or just blend in with the crowd because deep down inside we’re wounded and needy.”  Yikes, I hate that when Tony tells it like it is. 

Soooo I went to our park's parade last Saturday morning. I sat next to a gal who was a delightful lady from MN, A Godden Gopher. She has been married for 59 years and was 82.  The different clubs were in the parade and she said she did most of the activities in our park when she was younger.  She asked me how old I was.--77.  Do all the activates as there will be a day that you won't be able (i.e. don't miss out).  She told me she has had a great life and has a great family.  She was a very happy lady. Sooo, I was walking back to my tin hut and there was a car parked next to my place that had this on the back window.  I had to laugh. As I was walking past the front, these folks came to it and I asked a person if this was their car--yes--you must not like your car--I don't--how come--it breaks down all the time.  Ok, in your mind, profile this person--how old, male or female, what did they look like, what race?  How every you profiled this person, you are right!

OurOldGolfBuddy, the OldIRS-Agent, told us on the 8^th tee box—Just remember boys if an IRS agent shows up at your door, don’t worry, it’s not a criminal case.  If it’s a criminal case, there will be more than one agent and they will have their guns drawn!  And remember, the taxpayers are always behind the 8-ball as the IRS never has to prove anything, but the taxpayers do!  And the IRS doesn’t care what the taxpayers think! Your opinion doesn't count!

I had a great opportunity to learn, especially from someone else’s lesson!  haha  I was having lunch with a couple of friends and one told this story about himself.  He was a high school hockey coach and one of his sons was the goalie.  He said—"I was very competitive back then and was really railing on the officials about a call.  Finally, my son skated over to me and put his big, padded goalie glove over my mouth.  I was humbled and realized that I was making a fool out of my self and embarrassing my son and my team.  This lesson changed my life.” Soooo a lesson from a teenage boy to father to me and maybe to you!  Big on the maybe! And all at no cost! What a deal! Saturday question—Do hockey players and coaches use a lot of bad language? I can’t imagine this friend using bad language! 

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

erv

MyFriendJean said--Past experience should be a guidepost, not a hitching post.

don't have a clue

Disclaimer: My FL friends say this about what I write in “It’s Saturday.” 

Hey, listen folks, I don’t believe what some folks say. In fact, I think half of what some folks say isn't true and the other half I don't believe! They really don’t have a clue. JoeBlow believes everything he hears on the news and on sitcoms and on advertisements and what the government tells him. (i.e. he is the sucker of the suckers). Propaganda is massive huge and it is very effective.  Don’t kid yourself. Even the experts don’t know what the truth is or maybe they don't want us to know. Or maybe they are fooled toooo!  We are told what we want to hear and then it’s milked for all it’s worth and that is the truth haha.  And it works. We are at a point now that we are really confused!  MissPerfect who has no control of her conscience, says--It ain’t fair. The only thing that’s fair is the Butler County Fair and that’s in June.

KnowItAllWanda says she knows all the answers but reality is, she doesn’t have a clue! I was in a recent meeting of maybe 12 folks and they all thought they had the answers!  I don’t think any of them had a clue! I couldn’t help but wonder where they got their information to make up their sure-shot answers! I just had an internal laugh! Many were soooo sure they were right! 

One financial advisor told me that the s and p 500 was -21% in 2022.  Another financial advisor said the market has regain 15% already this year.  Another financial advisor said—it’s only a dip.  Another financial advisor said—I don’t have a clue what is going to happen, the future is almost impossible to predict. Sooo, folks, you can believe whatever you want!  MyNeighobrDownTheStreet says—You can surely find someone who thinks the same as you! Demand is still pretty strong for real estate in our 55+ park but I have no idea what that means. I will be able to tell you much more in a year from now!  haha

This is what John (i.e. anybody can be a John) said—"Once each month I pray with our ministry’s global leaders. I am struck by the contrast of their prayers with mine. So many of my prayers ask God to solve a personal challenge or health condition in my or someone’s life. Of course, God cares about these things. But despite having many physical and personal challenges, the prayers of our global leaders nearly always focus on God’s Word and mission being accomplished, no matter the challenge.”  Maybe we don’t have a clue how it will get from point A to point B; maybe our personal pray plans are not accurate; maybe we don’t have a clue.  Here is a suggestion which I got from someone else—maybe pray in a different way (e.g. pray for the dying).  Yikes!  Maybe we don’t quite know how to pray for the dying.  Maybe we don’t have a clue.  Maybe we just should pray for the dying! Maybe we just think we know all the answers!  Maybe the answers are way bigger that our little human mind! Hey, I’m just a little ol’ farm boy from a mile and quarter south of Roseland, MN soooo what do I know!

As one motivational speaker used to say, “If it’s to be, it’s up to me!” That statement I wonder about but it sure is a 2023 mentality by a lot of folks.  It’s all about me! I can make anything happen; I’m in charge! Not! I think more like: The whole is greater than the sum of the parts. This process utilizes the gifts, talents and experience of each person involved. BUT that is my opinion and you might think I’m just messing with you or I'm messed up! I surely don't have the answers!

Sooooo I just talked to a friend/financial advisor about some money decisions I just made.  We talked about some investments I have with him and I questioned him about a questionable understanding I had on one.  He had the same understanding that I did about it.  He was going to get a hold of the right folks to find out what the correct understanding is about it.  Like my Daddy, Chester, use to say—erv, the best way to learn is to ask questions and especially asking the right questions to the right folks!  Bingo  MissPerfect says--erv erv, my hair stylist knows all the answers.  If you don't believe me, just ask her! Yabut she has an advantage as she has heard most everything! Now that is the truth for sure!

MyGoodOldGolfBuddies are really old but still are big hotdogs, as big of hotdogs as the hotdogs at Costco.  They have an advantage of being sooo old, that is they get life-time guarantees on everything they buy. Their days go by pretty fast as they go for a half hour walk but it takes them a hour and a half!  Our golf rounds take a little longer than normal as we spend one stop during our round replacing hearing aid batters. What a hoot, there are none better than these guys! Our relationship is really special (i.e. these guys are really neat)! Many folks would be "green with envy," of having these friends, it just doesn't happen all the time.  Although the phrase is ancient (i.e. probably as ancient as my golf buddies) and, therefore, the origin uncertain, one of the earliest uses of “green with envy” came from the pen of William Shakespeare. In Othello, Iago warns Othello, “Beware, my lord, of jealousy; it is the green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on.” 

John said soooo it must be right—"Did you know there are more than 45,000 Christian denominations in the world? We Christians are experts at dividing. We’ve been dividing since the first centuries of the church. We split over theology, politics, worship, sacraments, morality, and all manner of issues. Many attempts through time have been made to unite the church. We convene councils, confess creeds, and write catechisms. And still we split. How can this be?” And then there are major religions in the world.  They all can’t be right, can they?  LuckieEddie says--They all think soooo and say they are. I’m a Christian probably mainly because of Chester and Anna (i.e. my environment as a kid).  If I was born in India into a Hindu family, I probably would have been Hindu maybe. I wouldn’t have known any different. 

Sooooo I was at our little library in our park deciding if I wanted to read a certain novel.  A-SenorAverageJoe who I know from pickleball was reading the paper in a chair across from me.  He says--erv, I'm leaving for a month to stay with our son; he has health problems and I need to help him--sooo last year you said your relationship with your wife was not good, soooo how did that turn out--we got divorced--AverageJoe, are you a believer--yes I am erv, I was raised Baptist but my wife was Methodist soooo I changed and then she changed to Catholic sooooo I did tooo; they all believe in Jesus but I don't go to church now--how come--our Priest is a bad person and I can't handle that--peace and prosperity to you AverageJoe--thanks erv.

Brad, anybody can be a Brad, says—“Trust me, you have enough stuff.”  You don’t believe Brad no matter how loud he says that and how often he says that.  You want more stuff.  BettyEnvy who watches a lot of TV, says—You can never have enough stuff; it ain’t American. I had the opportunity to sit by a couple at a social function who are Fulltime RVers (i.e. they have no permanent house but live in their rv fulltime.  They have done this three years and have enjoyed it; as they say, it really works for us. They are very nice folks.  ANYWAY, they have all their stuff with them, that's it, no more stuff.  They say--It's amazing how little we really need to live very good.  

I don't have a clue if this is right but it sounds right to me.  And there probably is no way to prove it (i.e. it's not black and white) sooo...!  It is believed that a good night of sleep gives a person a more positive attitude on life.  Studies show that not enough sleep, folks remember more bad memories than good memories and that affects their lives and their dog's life! haha  It does make sense to me! What we think is what we'll be! Some folks doubt that statement and some don't believe it; there is a difference between those two thoughts also! They probably need more sleep! It does seem folks are grumpy when they don't get enough sleep! They need a nap!

JoeBlow says--I don’t have a clue why somethings stick with me like the dried up oatmeal does to my breakfast bowl and other things I forget like water sticks to the back of a duck.  And some of the stuff I remember isn’t worth remembering and some stuff I can’t remember is very important.  What in the world! SallyFromAustinville was in her bathroom and walked way across the house to her pantry.  When she got there, she wondered why she walked way across the house to the pantry soooo she went back to the bathroom.  She was siting on the throne and then remembered, there was no more toilet paper!

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

erv

MyFriendJean said--It is bad to think ill, but it is worse to speak it. 

don't give a rip

BigMouthHarriet who is a great button pusher, says--Hey, listen folks, rumors take on a life of their
own. I don’t think that statement is a rumor!  I also don’t think anything in this “It’s Saturday” is a rumor.  SusieQ who is a very good bushwhacker, says—BUT folks do like rumors soooo some of you might make it a rumor! Hey, listen folks, I can’t stop you from misunderstanding me. I can’t, it’s impossible. Saturday question—Have you ever been misunderstood? 

Dr. Seuss said--There is no one "you'er than you!"  You are unique. Your finger prints are unique, your iris pattern is unique, and your DNA is unique. There is no one like you. Soooo why should anyone think like you?

Hey Bub, very few folks give a rip what I say. I realize that. Take that into consideration when reading this “It’s Saturday.” I’m really not that important. It’s like I don’t make much of a ripple if I jump in the ocean.  Some of you are a little bigger and maybe you might make a little bigger ripple in the ocean. Big on the maybe. haha We are pretty little compared to the ocean folks no matter how important we think we are. It reminds me of this story I heard.  There was a lawyer, a preacher and a doctor all hunting deer in northern MI.  They see this 14-point buck in the clearing and all shoot at the same time. It falls dead soooo they all think they are the one who made the kill.  They all thought it was their deer head to mount on the wall in their living room (i.e. their wives just can’t wait).  A game warden came along and asked them what the problem was. They told him and he said he would examine the deer and he might be able to determine which one of them actually did kill the deer.  After his examination, he told them it was the pastor who killed the deer.  Sooooo they asked him—how can you tell—it went in one ear and out the other.

GeorgeTheCrook  who always has his antenna up, says--They don’t give a rip about the person but just pretend they do, they only care about their money!  CNBC says, soooo it must be right--Online romance scams took more than five hundred million dollars from victims in 2021. Often the scammers’ lives seem mysterious and intriguing to the victims, and the interactions and requests for money occur without the individuals ever meeting in person.

MissPerfect who likes to role the dice, says—Where am I anyway? When I look at my big picture of where I am, well now, that can change my perspective. Really folks. Yabut, I like to dwell on one little negative thing that’s not going my way which distorts my big picture (e.g. like someone hurting my feelings).  Why do I do that? Am I wacko or what!  I don’t know ItchieBitchie, I just don’t know. A friend told me that she talked to a mutual pickleball acquaintance/friend here in the park and they think I’m lonely.  Are you erv?  I don’t really think soooo, but I might be; now that is hard to measure, I think.  If I am, it’s just a small part of my big life. BUT I must admit, connections with folks are fun and they lift my spirt (i.e. some folks do that more than others, for sure).  You folks will read different things into that statement. haha  I will probably get misunderstood. Such is life.

I am in the process of making some small changes in my life, nothing earth changing at less yet!  Now I got you wondering again.  I had to laugh when Old-IRS-Bill, a golf buddy, asked me the first time he saw me this winter—erv, have you got engaged since I saw you; you kind of keep us in the dark! GeorgeTheCrook says--It's a good idea to keep IRS agents in the dark! Hey, my old golf buddies do really give a rip about me, they do, I think!  ANYWAY, if I change anything there is no guarantee that my life will get better but if I don’t change anything, I will bet for sure it won’t change! I think that every day we need to thrive to make our life better. I do! I try!

Some folks have told me that they have made new friends here down in the Valley.  Some have told me that they have really been blessed by God in their life by such friends. God has answered their prayers in unbelievable ways, incredible!  They are very thankful and humble about it.  These folks are remarkable and amazing, my opinion.  Sooooo I read what Matt (i.e. anybody can be a Matt) said in his writing—"Think about one of the greatest gifts you have received. I am not talking about something you found under the tree one Christmas morning. Think bigger, more miraculous. Maybe it was a time when you were out of work and a job materialized that could not be traced to all the resumes you sent out. Or when you were sick and got better much faster than the doctors thought you would. Or when you were very worried about someone you cared for and through a series of circumstances you still cannot understand, the problem was resolved. What was your response? Weren’t you so incredibly thankful?”  Or do we just didn’t give a rip after we get what we what!  Here is a story in the Bible that is soooo reflective of giving thanks that is soooo real--“Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, ‘Jesus, Master, have pity on us!’ When he saw them, he said, ‘Go, show yourselves to the priests.’ And as they went, they were cleansed. One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him – and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, ‘Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?’ Then he said to him, ‘Rise and go; your faith has made you well’” (Luke 17:11-19). Hey God, I have made some great friends who I really like, now that makes sense, down here in the Valley of the Sun and I say thank you God!  

I have some old friends who I play golf with (i.e. old in more ways that one haha).  I really like these guys.  Our leader, The Great Shedlowsky, says--"This game is hard enough without you guys talking all the time!" Soooo we treated him just like the pros.  We compared his score; it didn't seem to make much difference haha!  GovernmentMike was telling us how much he enjoyed his job through this life; the only thing I would have done different, he said, was invested more aggressively. Da!  He also said--A good doctor has to have a lot of patients! Da!  I asked TheIRS-Agent what his best line was. He said--They would put me at the end of the fancy table of the board room and give me a rickety old folding chair that was lower than their fancy mahogany board chairs to make me feel little (i.e. he's about 5.6" anyway sooo it didn't take much haha).  He would stand up and put his hands on the table and say--Ladies and gentlemen, this is a very simple game we will play, it's called "'proof or consequences!" It changed the tone of the room real quickly! These guys are a hoot!

I give a rip.  A person who I sure enjoyed being around told me this about themselves—I’m a little headstrong and set in my ways! She is and that is what makes her who she is. She makes me laugh. Hey listen, when you are dealing with folks who are in their middle 70s what can you expect. They don’t give a rip what others think of them (i.e. not toooooo much anyway but they do a little as they still have an image to protect). Hey, listen, when we are in our mid 70s we have a new chapter in life, especially if we are single. Mid 70s folks have been around the block a few times let me tell ya! They’re not rookies! Many are pretty gritty and can be as tough as nails. BUT in their inside, most are sweet and kind and give a rip! Most are pretty neat folks!

Soooooo I got up early the other morning, made myself a cup of coffee and was thinking about a certain situation in my life.  Not a bad situation, actually a very fun situation but sorta kinda a confusing situation to me.  You ever have any of those situations? I didn’t want to jump to a bad conclusion and was just pondering the alternatives and thought of this--The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who heeds counsel is wise. Do I think I am right and not thinking about it from both sides? The danger of thinking I’m right on the basis of my own opinion is that it leaves no room for hearing the opinions of others—of receiving counsel and wisdom from those wiser than me. This is really a fun process I am in; really fun. A friend recently asked me what I thought about a cultural debate and I said I didn’t know; I really don’t know. Then this friend went on and told me their opinion. I still don’t know but did listen to their opinion. It was refreshing to just listen. I read somewhere that wisdom and humility go together; pride and arrogance also go together. Hey, listen folks, when you are a little ol’ farm boy from a mile and quarter south of Roseland, MN, you take all the help you can get!

I was watching Division I Men’s Basketball the other night and was thinking how can all those guys stay academic eligible. Soooo I texted a couple of friends. One was a Dean at a Division I school and the other was a long time tutor for Division I athletes.  They both said great tutors maybe! I never hear of any of them being academic ineligible anymore. Huh, interesting. I don’t understand that; it sounds fishy to me. Soooo the other day I was dropping off a book at our park’s library and noticed that there were maybe 20 women in the pool room. I stuck my head in there and there was a guy giving them beginner lessons. Just happened that I knew a couple of the gals at the first table and the coach was teaching them the proper gripe and proper stroke.  I learned a lot in about 2 minutes. It seems it always helps to have a teacher, coach, mentor etc. who teaches us the proper methods when we start.  Huh, interesting. Now YouTube has a lot of tutorials that are very helpful for us to mimic. All good basketball shooters as an example pretty much shoot the same.  I realize that many of you don’t give a rip about shooting pool or shooting a basketball, but you do care about money investing, parenting, relationship skills, passing a test, taking all the advantages on your taxes, etc.

Abraham Lincoln, March 4, 1865, ended his ‘Second Inaugural Address’—"With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation’s wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan — to do all which may achieve and cherish, a just and a lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations.”  Do you think all the folks understood what he was saying?  Do you think all of us understand what he was saying? I don’t think our minds think alike and understand the same. They can’t. We have different genetics, different past environments, and different current environments.  Such is life.

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

erv

MyFriendJean said--Doing what you like is freedom...liking what you do is happiness.

mess

How do you know if I’m serious about what I write in this “It’s Saturday” or am just messing with you! I read this while eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it—"Be careful who you run with, be careful who you hang around with because their mess will get on you! And before you know it your whole mind and spirit has been corrupted by subtle associations.” ClazenaShowboat says--It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that out erv! Just look around will ya! But flip the pancake, being around high level thermodynamic energy sources will change your mind and spirt to a way better, higher level.  Soooo think about that! Soooo, my opinion, pick good sources to be around! 

I was leaving church the other Sunday and shook the pastor’s hand and said—Great service! It was a sincere comment.  Generally, a pastor will say something like, thank you.  But he said to me—You ok? I must of looked like a mess! His talk was about every name has a story (i.e. it was name tag Sunday).  We all have a story, some are more dramatic or longer that others. Especially he said—Our accepting Jesus as our Savior story if we have that story.  He talked about Saul’s story of his conversation on the road to Damascus when God changed his name to Paul and then as Paul Harvey would say—Now you know the rest of the story! But in 1970, Harvey shocked many of his listeners with his most famous broadcast. In the wake of Richard Nixon's expansion of the Vietnam War into Cambodia, Harvey said, “Mr. President, I love you. But you're wrong.”

I had lunch with longtime friends who were here in the Valley of the Sun.  They told me the story of some friends that has really affected me.  They are 72 and retired who had their retirement all planned out a.k.a. the good life. Their highly educated, professional daughter is a drug addict and has no interest in their child who is 3 years of age. They think their daughter might soon die of her addiction. They are raising this child. The father is in prison for drug trafficking.  Their story just has bothered me.  What a mess! And there are many such stories.  Maybe your story is as bad.  But there are soooooo many good stories tooooo! Saturday question—What is your story?

I have relearned (i.e. by a recent experience) that many folks really don’t want help to make their life story better or easier unless they can make money, especially free money! Really! Most prefer to continue to do what they are doing (e.g. they don’t really want to learn toooo much but just want to kick the same can down the same street like they always have; the old works for me is the mentality). That statement isn’t always correct maybe as there are many good folks who work very hard and are very good folks. What I read, it appears that maybe some of our society do not what to work hard and want an easy life given to them; they think they deserve it.  It really seems confusing doesn’t it. It feels like a mess to me.

AverageJoe who pretty much puts his finger prints on everything, says--Everyone is messing with others now a days; it ain’t nuttin new. This is from a western novel of Louis L’Amour that says—"It pretty much as it was, now and the future. Why will it change folks.  I doubt if it will ever no matter what we think or say.”  I have tooooo admit that I can get frustrated when values, morals and thinking that aren’t going in the direction I think they should (i.e. much of it looks like a mess to me). It bothers me.  I want to be in charge and there is no way that I am or will ever be.  BUT obviously, some folks like things differently than I do; we don’t agree.  Soooo should I get away from those type of folks and situations as they bother me and I can’t control them anyway? I can’t fix the world. In fact, I can’t fix anyone. Like I say a lot—Folks are affected by their genetics, past environment and their current environment and it is really hard toooo and nearly impossible to change them, UNLESS it is something that’s major that they are involved in like facing death and even that might not change some folks. BUT FlipThePancake—Maybe, just maybe, the whole universe is listening to us! You think soooo, really! I don’t know. It doesn’t seem that way. Studies say that the average person speaks between 15,000 to 25,000 words a day. They say that the words of our mouth shape our world and maybe other folks' world.  Soooo what are we saying in those words?

Soooo I went to Lowes to get a new flapper for my stool. I used a self-check out kiosk but it charged me double.  I asked the self-checkout help gal what the deal was—you probably scanned it twice; it happens a lot (i.e. she could have said—you made a dumb mistake dummy, what were you thinking)—sooo now what do I do—go to customer service and they will refund one price.  Soooo I did and there was a gal in front of me at customer service that was mad, I mean hot about a dumb mistake she made—the customer service gal said to me—people blame us for their dumb mistakes; they just can’t accept that they made a really dumb mistake. We both laughed but I told her that she did take some abuse that was not necessary. She smiled. Saturday question—Do any of you ever make dumb mistakes?  Do you ever blame others for your dumb mistakes?  Oh, by the way, the gal who was making an ass out of herself had an outside appearance of being very nice (i.e. she looked like a queen) but it appears her inside was gruffy, a real…, I think a real mess, a…! I think maybe a big showboat! I really had a good laugh! The gal corrected my dumb mistake!

Saturday question--Are you a generous person? I went to the WM Phoenix Open last Friday compliments of a long time friend from WA. Her and her husband gave me the tickets (i.e. she is a sweetheart). I walked all 18 holes following Zach Johnson.  I never did that before.  ANYWAY, I think it was on 13 that I stopped at a concession stand to get a water and was waiting when a guy who was maybe late 20s started talking to me.  It went like this--He said, I want to buy you a Coors Lite sir--why would you want to do that--I like you and besides I'm much more generous after I have had a few a.k.a. messed up--thanksamillion, that was very nice of you--have a fun day sir--peace and prosperity to you--thank you sir. I don't know if he will remember buying me a beer until he gets his Mastercard bill! 

Soooo I was tired when I got back from the Phoenix Open and went and sat in the hot tube.  I shared it with two couples; one couple were "Ohio State Buckeyes" and the other guy of the other couple was a Episcopalian priest (i.e. the priest was a sister to the lady who was the Ohio State Buckeye).  Now that is a contrast folks haha.  The Ohio State Buckeye fans asked me being a IA Hawkeye fan what I thought of the Ohio Sate Buckeyes--we don't like you, you always beat us in football--who do you like worse, us or MI--we don't like either of you about the same.  We had soooo much fun.  These couples were the greatest folks.  The female Buckeye fan really asked me some tough questions about myself; I don't remember ever being asked such interesting questions.  They were great questions. Maybe these Buckeyes were just messing with me! A fun day I had in the Valley of the Sun!

They are messed up; two of my foursome have COVID!  Soooo I was talking to the one who doesn't other than me.  He told our foursome some time ago about a child of theirs that had outstanding athletic ability and was recruited by all the major universities.  He was offered athletic scholarships to many and could have gone to any place he wanted (i.e. really big time).  Then he had a medical issue and was not able to play athletics at that level again (i.e. a life changer). Sooo this friend and I were talking and he told me that that setback probably was the best thing that evet happened to their son--what!, how can that be--his personality with money and fame would not been good for him, it probably would have been hard on his life (i.e. messed his life up). He got into a profession that was perfect for him and has a very good life and has done well. I have always wondered if I would have been a little more talented physically and/or if I was a little more intelligent if my life would have been different.  But how do I know. Maybe my life would have been better or maybe worse.  But I always thought it would have been better. But maybe not! I will never know now will I!

You ever answer your own questions? I just did that! I do and have to laugh at myself sometimes. They can be simple questions or complex questions, oh ya.  All of a sudden, I know the answer and ask myself, why didn’t I think of that before!  It’s soooo obvious! Da! Do you think that this happens more when we get older?  Maybe when we are younger, we think we know all the answers but really don’t but just think we do and when we get older we wonder more if we are making the right decisions.  I don’t know, what do you think? Saturday question—Have you ever made a bad decision?  I have made many.  My mentor use to say—"erv, you got to make more good decisions than bad decisions but remember not all your decisions are going to be the right decisions.  Even successful money managers only make right decisions about 51% of the time and they are successful in the business." OneSmartPerson says—YaBut erv, it seems that some folks make more good decisions than others; seems like some folks get themselves in more messes than others.  Sooooo why is that OneSmartPerson? Maybe that is why most folks aren’t risk takers or entrepreneurs, could be! They can’t handle failures; it hurts tooooo much! SusieQ who can trip a person's trigger alright, says—erv, ya can’t make any bad decisions if you don’t make any decisions at all. That is why I just go with the flow of the crowd a.k.a. mob mentality. Remember folks, I’m just a little ol’ farm boy from a mile and quarter south of Roseland, MN!

I was told by TomSmart who is always right on the button, this—How we act and talk is a reflection of what is on our inside (i.e. guess he is saying that our actions and talk pretty much tell our story).  Abraham Lincoln said—You can fool all the people some of the time and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time. A friend wasn't paying attention and got himself in a mess.  He was walking along and maybe took a quick look at the 70+ agreed women doing water aerobics in the pool (i.e. as a friend from Butler County would say--I'll risk one eye!).  He fell off the trail into a jumping cholla cactus and had to go to emergency to get the spurs taken out! That will learn him!

We talked directly and indirectly in the hot tub about what our purpose of life is.  Soooo what is our purpose of our life?  It appears when we don't know our purpose we can get off track a.k.a. messed up. If we know our purpose it chances how we live our life; I believe that. I think my purpose of my life is different now at 77 then it was when I was when I was 40.  What do you think?  That is what I thought. Take courage folks, take courage. 

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

erv

MyFriendJean said--The biggest reward for doing is the opportunity to do more.

P.S. A friend since birth from two and half miles north of Roseland, MN said to me--erv,  do you ever wake up in the morning and look in the mirror and think… “That can’t be accurate.?!"

special effects

It's Super Bowl Sunday! Some of you folks just love trash talk, smack talk, taunting, baiting and excessive celebration a.k.a. special effects and some of you don't. TV shows a lot of it sooooo many of you must like it (i.e. it's all about what the folks want that brings in the money, don't kid yourself).  And others of you don't like cocky celebrating!  We are all different, aren't we.  Remember that when reading this "It's Saturday."  

    

SusieQ who is a variety pack, says folks just love special effects.  Soooo why is that SusieQ?

I don’t try to do everything that other retires do here in the valley or try to live their lifestyle.  How I do things might be different.  I might not have an interest in some stuff that they do or maybe my values are different or somethings what others do just aren’t important to me or I don’t want to spend the money. Maybe that is just being independent or something! haha BUT, I’m really quite okay with my lifestyle; pretty content. BUT I am thinking about painted part of the inside of my 399 sq. ft. tin hut here in the desert.  I plan to paint over the pink flowers that the previous owner liked.  I think I will do it myself. I’m not really a painter but it will be a new challenge, a new adventure.  A new look! I can do it. I will make it a game! I will get a lot of advice from many folks who are experienced. It will be like having a special erv effect, like special effects of Star Wars, well, maybe not that drastic! Folks do like special effects. Oh ya!

I’m thinking about you, you know who you are, who don’t use special effects but are the rock of your family. You are the ones who hold or have held your family together during tough times.  Your spouse maybe have left or was out doing special effects!  My hat goes off to you.  I’m especially thinking about you, you know who you are, you are very special. Amazing! No, you won’t get the Citizen of the Year Award and your name and pic won't be in the paper, but your family will be winners because of you. You are just plain a special person. Dynamite! One of a kind. And you might not even feel this way.  BUT you are. There is no question. You don’t use special effects, but you are soooo real, my kind of person. You know who you are!  Listen up, if I think that way, others do tooooo. I’m not that smart to be the only one who knows that and sees that.  I realize that you won’t get the attention that the special effects folks get. Oh no! BUT does it really matter? Not to me. You are a star in my eyes!  Yes you are. For sure.

MovieWatcherRenise says--It's a great special effect when folks share their life with someone else. We beat around the bush a lot in America right now, but reality is we are not animals or some other crazy thoughts who some think they are.  I heard PastorJohn, anybody can be a John, say that other countries are teaching their kids important information and we are teaching our kids crazy stuff. What is going on? It’s not going to work! Is that just his opinion folks? But a small percentage of America really likes these special effects and get a lot of attention and preference it seems. Sooooo maybe we need to share our own special effects with folks. What are your special effects? I know folks who always speak the positive and not the negative who make me happy (i.e. great encouragers). Now that is a pretty good special effect. I know a person who really could be bitter and discouraged but chooses not to be and is very happy (i.e. is really a great person, my opinion). You know who you are. When I see you, you have a sign on your back that I see that says “SPECIAL.” Sooooo stick-to-it!

Have you ever seen on TV when an egg is fried on hot blacktop?  I always wonder if it is real or if it’s just special effects.  I recently visited some friends who I have known for maybe 55 years who lived in Butler County but right on the county line. Now they live in the Valley of the Sun. They sent me an email and here is part of it--It made me laugh but it is also sad--Glad to hear you are out here now, hope all is going well for you. I had a weird summer, fell barefoot on the hot blacktop, and had a blister the size of a golf ball on the outer edge of my left heel. That meant six weeks of a burn nurse coming to our house three times weekly after we went the first two weeks not realizing it was so bad. When someone tells you an egg can be fried on a hot blacktop, believe them!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

I went to a presentation of Annie Oakie here in our community. I enjoyed it. She was part of the Wild West Show put on by Buffalo Bill (i.e. a show that had some true stuff in it and a lot of fiction a.k.a. special effects; Buffalo Bill gave the folks what they wanted to see and hear, a lot of action and a lot of noise, audiences from all over the world loved it! Annie Oakley was a major performer of the show.  Many folks thought it was a put on as they didn't think she could be that good of a shot (i.e. just special effects).  She had to prove herself that she was just that good. That made her reputation even more amazing.

I have a friend who is professional photographer.  With advanced technology they can do amazing things with pictures.  Just amazing.  Many folks don’t like to have their picture taken as they think they are prettier than what they actually are.  No problem anymore, they can now make ugly folks pretty! They ask—how do you want to look? For a few extra dollars, I can do.  How about making me look a little lighter through the middle? Can do! It’s sorta kinda special effects!

Sooo I decided to read a James Patterson book as I never have read any of his books (i.e. I think my golf buddies have read them all).  I decided to read Kiss the Girls, one of his most popular.  I checked online and saw that it was at the Mesa, Red Mountain Branch Library.  Soooo I looked for it in the fiction section but couldn’t find in amongst the 30+ of his books.  There was this attractive maybe 22-year old gal in the aisle soooo I asked her if she would help me—I will try. She couldn’t find it either and suggested I talk to one of the librarians. This pretty, little gal in the aisle had the worse smelling breath I have ever smelt; it was atrocious. It wasn’t just a bad stale last night beer breath, but it was a world class stinker.  I was 5 feet away from her and it was still appalling!  I went to the librarian, and she said some of his books are also in the mystery section. I found it amongst another 30+ of his books. I didn’t’ tell the gal she had such bad halitosis. She was soooo nice to me, sweet, and I didn’t’ what to hurt her feelings even though she could kill somebody with that bad breath before the day was over!. I just didn’t want to be a stressor! You think I should have? Will Rogers said—"Good judgement comes from experience. And a lot of that comes from bad judgement!” As I left the library I thought—I usually learn something at the library and this time I learned, erv, you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover! haha

For some of you this will make no sense whats soooo ever! I wonder if the smartest folks are the ones that can understand the un-comprehensible stuff!  erv, how can anyone understand the un-comprehensible stuff, it can’t be done.  What are you thinking.  Oh, I think it can be done and some of the smartest folks can do it. You might have 5 PHDs from Ivy League schools in a variety of subjects but if you can’t understand the un-comprehensible stuff, you aren’t really a very smart person, my opinion. My Daddy, Chester, had less than an eight-grade education but I think he understood the un-comprehensible stuff which made him a very smart person, again my opinion. ItchieBitchie says—C’mon erv, you got to have proof; if there is no proof it’s not fact and then I don’t understand it or believe it. ItchieBitchie, I would say, you aren’t very smart! You are just dealing with special effects of your mind like money and power and fame and position! Maybe you need to get smacked in the head a.k.a. humbled!  Ouchy ouchy! I was at Costco eating my $1.62 hot dog and diet Pepsi the other day. A guy came and sat with me. He told me he lost part of his stomach and part of his hand in the war in the Middle East and spent 5 months in a hospital in Houston.  Now his wife of 42 years died. He said these events have really change him mentally, spiritually and physically.  

Soooo do you know who Eutychus was? Okay, Apostle Paul was preaching at Ephesus. Eutychus was sitting in the window and fell asleep (i.e. Paul went on forever) and he fell three stories to his death.  Sooo Paul went down there and by the power of God, brought him back to life.  Would you believe in God if you were there and saw that?  Or would you say—it has to be some “special effects” like in the movies.  I still don’t believe.  Some folks are pretty hardheaded (i.e. it happens yet today). And do you know what Paul did then?  He preached tell daylight! I don’t think Eutychus sat in the window again though!

Have you ever really pondered—What do I really want?  Really, what do you really want? Soooo you say, you want a new car.  Is that what you really want?  That’s not flying very high.  You can do better than that, for sure. You need something that will give you special effects excitement! Something SPECTACULAR!  Out of this world amazement.  Try again you earthly, worldly thing! Anybody can get a new car! You don’t even need money to do that! Even the gals who want to be Miss Universe say they want world peace (i.e. the routine, standard generic accepted answer which will never happen unless…). JoeCowboy from Timbuktu, ND says—There can be peace and that peace comes from within ourselves and in order to get that you have to find peace with Jesus.  JoeLiberal from North Redwood Falls, Minnesota says—There are two schools of thought on that; there is a lot of distance from here to Timbuktu!

I had a discussion with some real smart folks about maturity.  Oh maturity!  Are you mature? Based on what comparison are you mature? We sorta kinda decided that age isn’t necessarily the same as mental maturity. We all know young folks who are mature mentally and even though not physically and some folks who are physically mature but not mentally. Sooooo I asked OneSmartPerson why?  They said maybe character qualities and experiences—what are they—the way different folks think—like genetics?—maybe. I have a great nephew who just enlisted in the Marines.  We talked by phone and I told him that I’m happy for him. I think it will mature him.  Military does that to a lot of folks.  BUT I’m thinking of a senior lady from Butler County who I think is still immature mentally.  She has never got there yet! My opinion of course! If she was asked, she might think differently. You have heard of first responders, well, her history says she's an instant responder! Ouchy ouchy! But I'm not giving up on her yet as it is written--There is more hope for a live dog than a dead lion!

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

erv

MyFriendJean said--It takes as much energy to hold out a helping hand as to point a finger.

P.S. "When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on."--Franklin D. Roosevelt   Do you think everyone understands that statement the same? Sooooo what is the knot?

topsy-turvy

I think there is a politician who admits he lies all the time and he still got elected (i.e. he's dishonest but honest about it).  He says that you can't get elected if you don't lie. He says--It's just being a politician and the folks really don't care. Really! I don't think soooo folks! As far as I know none of this "It's Saturday" is a lie but you might think differently. Opinions are not lies.  Please take that into consideration when reading it.  But some of it might be a little topsy-turvy in your thinking!  Now that could be!  But not a lie! Such is life.

This is called the Thacker Effect.  The psychological effect is sorta kinda interesting, but it doesn’t affect me in any way that I know of but it could and I don't even know it (i.e. that is scary).  But these types of pictures always make me smile.  BUT my life has and can go topsy-turvy at times. to be honest with you, I admit that.

When in Waukee, our son and I went for a long walk with Judy, the dog, Saturday afternoon.  We talked about a lot of stuff (i.e. it was most enjoyable to be able to do this even though it was cool).  One of the topics I talked about he didn’t say anything.  He has done this before in our discussions.  Sooooo I asked him why he doesn’t say anything when you disagree with me? Well Dad, it’s a relationship preserver; I don’t want to hinder our relationship.  That is pretty smart. When we cherish a relationship, we do not want it to go topsy-turvy soooo we just keep our mouth shut.  I do that many times. It really doesn’t make any difference what our opinions are anyway. Really!  Most times what we think and say, it’s just that, an opinion. Sometimes, I disagree with our adult children but say nuttin. It’s a relationship preserver.  Besides, I want to be invited back again to be around the grand kids! Soooo we have very little talk about religion, politics or money! Besides there’s not much time left soooo why screw up our good relationship now that we have had for all these years! I just go home after three days! haha But Judy seems to always understand me when I pet her! She is soooo understanding!

TwoOldBuzzards told me—But erv, most dogs in the U. S. are treated better than most folks in some countries! It’s no longer a dog’s life in Butler County! They get what they want when they want it! Yabut, the other day I was helping a super senor with some business.  She has a Chihuahua and its name is Buttons.  She treated it like a kid. I petted Buttons and the lady said that Buttons is such a good dog. A minute later Buttons popped on the floor. The lady said Buttons either wants your attention or you scared the crap out of her!

C. S. Lewis wrote, “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pain.” Pain is God’s megaphone. We rarely change when you see the light. We change when we feel the heat. Proverbs 20:30 says, “Sometimes it takes a painful experience to make us change our ways” (i.e. to make us go topsy-turvy). It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that out; we don’t change very easy if everything goes our way. And who likes things not to go our way!  LuckieEddie who is not a rouge, says—not me!

There’s the simple zoom lens, then there’s the ultra-wide-angle lens that even our cell phones have.  Each has its purpose. CoachB says—The higher you go the smaller stuff looks. And the higher you go and the bigger your perspective, the smaller things get. Things look really big to us when we are up close and sometimes we get all bent out of shape but many times it’s just small stuff when we get up higher and see the big picture. My mentor would say—erv, things are never as good as they look and never as bad as they look. How many times does ervie not see the big picture and gets all topsy-turvy when there's nuttin to get all excited about. I will tell you how many times, a zillion. I can get all bent out of shape alright! I read this while eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it—When we compare ourselves to others, our lives become tainted and even puffed up!  Ouchy ouchy! It also said—Many folks think they have it soooo good that they don’t need God; they think their life just can’t get any better!

A long time friend just called me and was telling me that he has a decision to make, that being if he should go to the Super Bowl or not (i.e. he's a die hard Chief's fan and was at the playoff game Sunday. I told him that's not a problem but an opportunity. Most folks would love your situation.  Money is not the problem but time is! Sooooo whatever decision he makes will be a good one! I like to make those types of decisions! Saturday question--Do we make most of our decisions "in the name of money?" JoeBlow says--C'mon erv, it's all about the money! Money makes the decision (i.e. for most folks but not all), just look around, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure that out! Such is life.

There were three frogs sitting on a log. One decides to jump. How many are left?  The answer is three ‘cause just because a frog decides to jump doesn’t change anything until it actually jumps.  Many times, we decide to do stuff but never do them. I many times say I wanna but a lot less times I say I’m gonna and a whole lot less times that I actually doit! Talk is cheap but it takes money to buy whiskey! Aren’t we something else; we are just plain topsy-turvy sometimes!

Do you and I vacillate how we think, feel and look during the day, during the year and during our life?  Maybe we do and don’t even know it.  I always think that gals are much prettier when they are happy; when gals are unhappy, not soooo pretty my opinion! SweetLouise asks--Why do we let little stuff change us soooo much; they are soooo minor, yet we treat them like they are huge massive stuff.  We just are topsy-turvy for sure. 

It has been said--Our world promotes dissatisfaction with our lives, but contentment frees us of that feeling! Sometime between 1490 and 1510, Hieronymus Bosch painted a work he titled “The Garden of Earthly Delights.” Soooo what does this painting mean to you?  I guess the art experts back then didn’t all agree either. The world really wants us to have earthly delights.  BUT how do you compare? The world wants us to compare to each other; oh that comparison. My mentor would say—erv, the world’s measuring stick is money! The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 4:6, “It is better to have only a little, with peace of mind, than be busy all the time with both hands, trying to catch the wind.” Now that is a struggle for many on a consistent basis.  Oh, the delights of the earth! Soooo what are the delights of the earth toooo you? Do we get topsy-turvy sometimes in our thinking?  I do, yes I do.  AverageJoe who plays downhill,  says--The greatest things in life aren’t things. YaBut Dr.J says--Almost every reward or compensation in this life is reckoned on the basis of works: final scores in sports, annual sales numbers, academic grades, and promotions in the business world. Occasionally we encounter grace in the secular world, but not nearly as often as being rewarded for works. Soooo what is grace? BobbyTheGoldenJet says--Is it different things to different folks like interpreting a painting like Garden of Earthly Delights?

I got my old golf buddies all topsy-turvy when on the 5th tee I showed them this tee that was in my rental golf cart.  TheMI-Engineer who of course has an engineer mind, said--That's a pantographic tee! 

I had a flat tire, again, on my car.  I had to change it. I seem to have bad luck or a lot of opportunities! I found it fascinating that to get the lug nuts loose I literally had to stand on the wrench and then jump several times to get them loose (i.e. except for one lug nut that was way loose). Now how in the world, I thought, would a 120 pound 77-year old women get them loose; she couldn’t. BUT here is a tip that a smart pickleball buddy gave me that he read in his manual: after having tires put on your vehicle, it is recommended that you drive it for some miles and then retighten them as they can come loose.  A friend down here in the Valley of the Sun told me that last summer a wheel almost passed him that came off his camper that they were pulling.  Soooo the solution to loosen those lug nuts and tighten those lug nuts is for you gals is to gain some weight!  That will work. BUT also remember, money can fix a lot of earthly stuff (i.e. stuff under the sun but not for stuff under the heaven—That comes from Ecclesiastes; look for that next time you read it, it says it a lot; there is a big difference folks)! Well, jumping Jupiter!

I didn't play my best golf the other day.  Hey, that happens. A few weeks earlier I played some of my best golf.  My scores were way topsy-turvy.  I said to myself, erv, it's only a golf score!  When we put the word "only" into our perspective, it chances everything.  It's only money! It's only a car! It's only a pair of jeans! It's only...!  You put your own "only" in there.  Hey erv, it could be much worse!

Well, hold unto your horses!  I did a “hold unto your horses day” recently.  I had a lot of stuff happen to me and enjoyed the opportunities.  Yes, I did.  Sooooo I decided to spend time to appreciate them and think through all the situations.  Like being grateful for them.  Soooo trying to figure out where I am and where I want to go and what I want! I went for a long hike up ‘er in ‘em mountains to be alone.  That ought to do it! A old-time friend I made from pickleball asked me the other day--erv, when you go hiking up 'er in 'em mountains do you see God differently?  This guy who likes to spend time up in 'em mountains hunting. I like this guy, he has a good heart, my kind of guy!

Sooooo after my long hike I went and sat in the hot tube.  I got reacquainted with an acquaintance I made maybe 10 years ago.  He’s an old professional hockey player from Canada (i.e. he has few teeth left to prove it).  He has written a book for first time coaches.  He has coached well over 1,000 young people in lacrosse.  What is important he says is teaching young kids life skills and not put such an emphasis on winning. About less than .5 % of these kids will ever play professionally, about 2% will get some type of scholarship to play at the college level but all will need life skills in their life. Besides, he went on to say, 80% of sports ability is their DNA and the other 20% is such things as attitude, opportunities, practice, diet, and keeping your weight in check. BUT here I play pickleball and there are all kinds of tournaments to find out who is the best. Even in open play, the winners stay, and the losers sit down. You would think at age 77 relationships, relationship skills, and exercise would be by far much more important but winning is still very important to a lot of folks. Soooo we still get topsy-turvey! BUT that is my opinion. BUT I think that is really funny! 77YearOldCrazyMarvin says—erv, you are completely wacko, if you are not a winner in our culture, you’re nuttin! Let's face it! YaBut, UncleHeleoFromKentucky says--When the gonger gongs, the number of pickleball games we won will not be brought up but how you acted might (i.e. but I'm not certain about that--the Bible says there is only one thing that matters)!

I read early the next morning this what April wrote (i.e. anybody can be an April)--Our earliest experiences have a profound effect on how we view ourselves and on how we think God and others see us. We may grow up with confidence, or we may have a quiet, persistent voice in our minds that asks, “Am I really worthy of being loved?” Henri Nouwen speaks to this struggle when he writes, “Self-rejection is the greatest enemy of the spiritual life because it contradicts the sacred voice that declares we are loved.” Yet, for many of us, receiving this assurance may be a challenge."

I read this written by Tish Harrison Warren in her book, Prayer in the Night. 

I was having breakfast with a friend down here in the Valley and an older gentleman came up to me and said--East Lake huh!  He was the first and only person who knew what East Lake was so far; it was where Bobby Jones learned to play golf.  He’s one of my heroes.  I just read this story again and it tells you why I like Bobby Jones. Bobby Jones was an early golfer in the United States. At the U.S. Open in Massachusetts in 1925, he went to officials and told them he had accidently moved his ball slightly, violating Rule 18. They didn’t agree. It was on the eleventh hole, and they told him to keep playing. Jones refused, saying he really had moved the ball a bit. As a result of his honesty, he lost the game—by one stroke. Later he told the sportswriters who praised him for his honesty, “You might as well praise me for not robbing banks.” LuckieEddie says—erv, it seems that there aren't as many folks that care about being honest anymore. Oh, LuckieEddie, I think there are a lot of honest folks but the dishonest seem to get a lot of the attention maybe!

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

erv

MyFriendJean said—Ideas are funny little things...they don't work unless you DO.

P.S. We are the salt of the earth (Matt. 5:13), and to do any good we have to get out of the ‘salt shaker.’