Heckler

You might not want to read this "It's Saturday" as you might think I'm heckling you (i.e. shouting disparaging comments--upsetting your life--teasing or torturing or harassing or disrupting your life).

He said he lied to lessen the damage.  He lied saying he knew nutten about it but in fact he knew all about what they were talking about (i.e. sorta kinda lied about it).  A friend on the 5th green admitted he did that the other day.  He was just being transparent and real.  He said it was a good lie.  Saturday question--Is there such a thing as a good lie?  Or is a person just heckling himself.  My Mom., Anna, always told me to tell the truth.  You can never get in trouble telling the truth.  Joesixpack says--Yabut the truth might kill the sale (i.e. cost me some money or lose an account).  The customer is always right (i.e. it's all about the $$$$$$$ folks).  Ya gotta do whatever it takes to make Mr. Customer happy even if you have to lie or agree with him when your really don't.  It's called good business.  You really think soooooooo Joesixpack?  Is this a case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde?  Or maybe a case of Heckle and Jackal?  Or am I just heckling?  What do you think?

I read it in the paper so it must be right--Waterloo--Headline--79-year-old arrested for $7 sex offer! Ya don't get much for $7 anymore (i.e. but maybe it was a fair offer). Was he heckling her or was he for real do you think? WildWilly (i.e. age 79) says--I want to know what that guy eats for breakfast! Maybe, just maybe, the conversation went like this--Will you have sex with me for $7--absolutely no, who do you think I am--How about $100--absolutely no, who do you think I am--How about $1,000--absolutely no, who do you think I am--How about $10,000--okay--Now that we found out who you are, we need to negotiate a price! Such is life.

MissPerfect says--I don't want folks to think I'm different so I just muddle in the middle.  I have a strong fear of offending someone so I'll just muddle in the middle (i.e. wishie washie and don't believe in much).  I think it's okay MissPerfect to remove yourself if you are not compatible with some folks who believe that certain stuff is very important to you and not to them (i.e. not just trivia stuff but important stuff).  Hey, we live in America, you can believe basically what ever you want.  Sooooo don't heckle me if I don't agree with your belief and I won't heckle you if you disagree with my belief (i.e. to each their own).  What's important to me might not be important to you.  Can we agree with that.  We will wish each other well and each go our separate ways.  We still can be friends but not agree (i.e. soooooo suck it up cupcake).  That's fine with me.  Soooooo there you go!

I was going to heckle someone a little but decided not toooooooo 'cause of some heavy hittin' advice I got from a smart, nice friend who has a good sense of feelings (i.e a real person with a good heart--my kind of person). The advice was--don’t go too hard on him – Remember what you always told us – “You never know what’s going on in another person’s life”. I needed to be reminded of this.  I bit my tongue!  I get what she was saying.  Ya, I understood all right.  I do some of the orientations of volunteers for Wheaten Franciscan Health Care.  One of the policies what we talk about is the anti-harassment policy.  We talk about being careful with humor as it might be funny to you but very hurtful to another (i.e. we all don't think alike and aren't all programed the same).  To some it's funny and others it being heckled.  Sooooooo, I think I will not tease a.k.a heckle a friend.  I will just keep my mouth shut and by doing that, I will have no risk of hurting a friend.  Thanksamillion for the advice friend.  I appreciate it. Your advice was like a green light special!  Oh ya!

Some friends, Gene and Jan Lindaman from Westbrook, MN stopped last weekend.  Geno was here to attend his 50th class reunion as he graduated from Allison (i.e. he called me afterwards and told me his high school girl friend is on her 4th husband and looks like a witch).  50 year class reunion must make him pretty old--you do the math!  ANYWAY We played 9 holes before we went out for dinner.  He shot a 38.  Not bad for an old fart.  I think he would have done better but I heckled him the whole way around.  AverageJoe says--Quite looking in the shadows--you got a life to live.  What a hoot!

You ever get bad information? I have many times.  Maybe they want to make money off me and say "turn here" when really that's not the place I should turn.  It's good for them but not good for me.  It greases their pocket but isn't the best for me.  SlickTheBallHog says--This is the way but the reality is--it ain't!  Maybe those folks are like wild dogs when they get the taste of blood they just go crazy (i.e. much like the taste of chocolate for some of you).  Well, maybe some of those folks get the taste of money and they just go crazy (i.e. don't really care if they heckle you or not).  GeorgeTheCrook says--I would have told you to hit the brakes quickly!  Yes I would of.  The information they gave you is bad.  For that information to work, would be like pulling a rabbit out of a hat!  Ouchy ouchy! Advice from  Larrythefarmernextdoor--Everyone concentrates on the problems we're having in Our Country lately: Illegal immigration, hurricane recovery, alligators attacking people in Florida . . . Not me -- I concentrate on solutions for the problems -- it's a win-win situation. * Dig a moat the length of the Mexican border. * Send the dirt to New Orleans to raise the level of the levees. * Put the Florida alligators in the moat along the Mexican border.  Any other problems you would like for me to solve today? If you are a heckler, you gotta have a solution.  You just can't heckle someone or something!  I once was invited to be a feature speaker at a Christian Women's Club and they wanted me to speak about good business principles.  I did and told them to seek advice from good sources (i.e. not your bother-in-law who thinks he knows everything or or neighbor who has not been successful or from the carry out boy at the grocery store).  It didn't seem I was received very well.  They were mainly older women who many were widowed.  Anyway, it felt I was talking to the wind!  I have many #s on my cell phone who I can call for advice as I surely don't know much.  They are all good folks with good minds and good advice.  I use them (i.e. I heckle them until they give me their best advice).  And it's free!

This is from Dave's Nectar--Pastor Mark Batterson notes that “there are basically two types of people in the world: complainers a.k.a. hecklers and worshipers. And there isn’t much circumstantial difference between the two. Complainers will always find something to complain about. Worshipers will always find something to praise God about. They simply have different default settings” (i.e. programmed differently).  LuckieEddie says--I think some of those folks just hear different  noises and voices than I do.  Could be LuckieEddie.  At our Buddies Group Monday morning I think it was agreed on that heckling leaders have an effect on them (i.e. they modify their thinking after being heckled all the time).  ItchieBitchie says--It works, everyone likes to be liked.  So then the leaders lower their standards and then the folks they are leading lower their standards and the snowball continues.  CadillacJack says--It's a lot easier to drag someone down than lift someone up--and once you have dragged them down, they will hardly ever get back up to their previous standard.  Sooooooooo, there is a time a leader needs to stand up to their standard.  Either fight for what they believe or exit and get around folks who have the same standard.  Heckle heckle heckle!

I was sorta kinda heckled by a friend this week and maybe he didn't even know it and maybe he did.  It doesn't matter.  What matters is he affected me.  His heckling took away some of the hype in my life, some of my aggressiveness, some of my drive, loosed my spring some what and made my life more relaxed (i.e. I'm not in charge of the world).  Sooooooo his heckling took some of the pressure off.  His heckling I took personal.  After I had some time to digest it, I think he was very serious and it was more than just kidding.  He dissing my attitude probably did me good and he will never know how his heckling affected me I bet.  Such is life.

I gave my encouraging talk Sunday.  An acquittance of mine through business for many years came up to me afterwords and shuck my hand and said some encouraging words about my encouraging talk.  He is a senior and also a widower for maybe 2 years.  I asked him if he is lonely--Ya I'm skinny and need to gain some weight; I eat a lot but just can't gain any weight; I want to but just seems like I can't--I thought maybe he didn't hear me so I said--Are you lonely--I weigh 128 and I should weigh 165; my friend weighs 165 and he wants to loose weight.  I didn't quiz him any more.  Maybe he he was just heckling me!

I took a couple of my little friends to the Iowa Cubs game.  Soooo do we have a right to heckle players who make a massive huge amount of money if they don't perform?  A friend was telling me that he was telling another guy about some of his business problems.  The guy responded--You must make a lot of money if you have that many problems as usually folks who make a lot of money have problems.  He does!  MissPerfect says--Yabut I don't have a lot of problems and I make a lot of money.  Yabut MissPerfect you inherited and married your money!  Such is life.

We had dinner and went to the Michael Bubl`e concert this week with friends.  Had such a great time being with them.  ANYWAY there was no heckling there at the concert as the folks all seemed to love him (i.e. they hooted and hollered and paid big bucks to see him).  The concert started at 8 at the Wells Fargo Center in Des Moines.  The warm up group performed until 8:45, then a half hour break (i.e. sold concessions, DVDs and stuff--$$$$$), and then Micheal performed.  He entertained until about 10:45 (i.e. that's pretty late for a Thursday night unless you are retired and time means nutten.  So we drove back to our freinds' motel and got in our car and drove home.  We got home about 1:30.  Micheal is a hot performer but I always have a hard time understanding the words sooooooo it's less enjoyable to me (i.e. I'm not a big music person either but Arlene is sooooo....).  The next morning I had breakfast with a couple of friends (i.e. one of them heckled me I think).  I stopped at the library to read the Des Moines Register (i.e. my tax $$$$ at work) where I had a interesting conversation with a mother and her 3 year old daughter.  She told me her kids like to read and she really encourages them (i.e. heckles them).  I told her that is really good as reading helps kids soooooooo much with education.  I showed her a headline in the newspaper that read--fat fighting with kids.  It was an article that parents need to control (i.e. heckle) their kids to control their fat intake.  She said that their doctor encouraged her to control the intake of fat of her children at a very early age as once a young kid gets fat, it's very hard to control after that.  Huh, interesting. 

We're heading down to Des Moines this morning to spend the day with Chet, Jess and Charlie.  We are going to the Arts Festival.  TheBruce says it's the 7th best in the nation.  So there you go!  It's my 3rd trip in 4 days to Des Moines.  Such is the life of Riley. 

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

erv

MyFriendJean says-A sense of humor is like a needle and thread, it will patch up so many things.

Every Tom, Dick & Harry!

Disclaimer--I had Joesixpack read this "It's Saturday" before publishing it and he said it's just a bunch of blah blah blah blab.  Soooooooo it's your decision if you want to continue.  But remember, Joesixpack isn't just any ol' Tom, Dick or Harry, he's very unique and very opinionated.  He might think I'm a fool.  And you know what, he might be right.  BUT flip the pancake, I might think he's a fool.  And you know what, I might be right. 

Now every Tom, Dick and Harry knows--We are going to have a new grand baby.  Yes we are.  Many of you have many but when it happens to you, well, it's just special.  Heather and James are having a little boy.  Heather wrote this on facebook--Heather Mellema Woodworth Trading in sugar and spice and everything nice for snakes and snails and puppy dog tails.  Later she added--Heather Mellema Woodworth Thanks everyone! For those of you who know Erin, this was a confusing post because SHE is so not sugar and spice. She is snakes and puppy dog tails! Kate and Kamran: I already know about dirt, mud, and ALL things Thomas. She thinks we should name the baby Gordon! James and Heather already told me that the little boy will not be named Ervin Jr.  BUT James did add--If you pay for 4 years of college, we might reconsider!!!!  See it's all about the money folks.

I have been around a couple of folks recently that made me think.  They are very smart folks with advance degrees BUT it seems they have very little common sense (e.g. have an advanced degree but can't manage their own finances).  SusieQ says--Any Tom, Dick and Harry has common sense!  Ya that is right.  You don't have to be a rocket scientist to have common sense.  If a person is smart, has common sense, has a good personality and has a good heart, now that person will accomplish much in life.  Personally, I would rather be around a person who is an over achiever than an under achiever.  Folks who think they are really smart (i.e. and maybe they are and maybe they aren't) usually aren't much fun to be around.  AverageJoe asks--Can you teach someone common sense or is it something you have or don't have?  My little brother from the Big Brothers Program (i.e. now age 16) has great common sense, is smart, but doesn't like education.  He has great street savvy compared to some folks with high degrees.  Alex is going in the right direction and I'm proud of him. Common sense can be a massive huge advantage.  But even if you have great common sense, you have to apply it so you don't get into trouble.  Decisions have consequences.  And guess who makes the decisions. I pray that Alex makes good decisions and doesn't get in trouble. 

If you take and Tom, Dick or Harry and give him money, fame and power, very few can handle it.  The ones that do appear to be deep rooted in values and faith.  Most folks really can't handle success.  They get a get a big head and bad stuff happens.  I'm sooooooo tired of James/Wade attitude.  I really glad they got beat.  Talk about be cocky!  We all need to be careful that we don't get the Jame/Wade attitude thinking we are better than others.  It's nutten but problems as I see it.  But what do I know!  I know when I start thinking I'm more important that I really am, I get my head shrunk real quick and often (i.e. humbled).  It makes me feel like a big ol' turkey!  Such is life. 

FriskyAlice says--Not every Tom, Dick or Harry is happy.  I was talking to a guy who has built expensive custom houses for folks.  The new owners are all excited about their new houses.  After they move in, he has noticed that some are some what disappointed.  Why?  Well, they think this new expensive house will make them happy and it doesn't.  They are disappointed.  CadillacJack says--Happiness is the one quality in life which can never be found by seeking.  Now compare that to joy will ya.  Author Karen Mains offers this insight: “Joy doesn’t fluctuate with the ups and downs of life. Joy rises above my circumstances. Joy is a state of inner gladness and well-being as well as its exuberant outward expressions.” She reminds us that joy cannot be manufactured; joy cannot be summoned; joy cannot be demanded.  Sooooooo folks, every Tom, Dick and Harry can be joyful. I read this while eating my oatmeal with half an apple on in while sitting in our sun porch--Some of you have know the meaning of emptiness and loneliness. You have drunk from many wells and sipped honey from many flowers and stumbled into many blind alleys in your search for fulfillment.  But your hearts remained empty and unsatisfied.  Then you faced up to God and His claim on you, and you discovered purpose and objective for your lives...Some of you have set out in joyous abandon to find your happiness in the streets and marketplaces of the world.  But you became lost and disillusioned and afraid.  The exciting landscape became a devouring monster that threatened to dehumanize and destroy you.  You cried out for help, and you found that God was there among the milling masses. He restored courage to your hearts and meaning to your lives.  You discovered purpose and validity and significance in the loving acceptance of your God (i.e. Psalm 107 from Psalms Now by Leslie F. Brandt).  And you know what, that good feeling is available to any Tom, Dick and Harry.  Such is life.

Do you every sacrifice? I mean, do you every sacrifice? JoeBlow says--I sacrifice often. I give my old junk to folks who need some stuff, I will help folks if I'm bored and need something to do, I'll help my kid sometimes if I have a spare moment, and I'll even help my wife if it's raining out and I can't play golf. JoeBlow, I don't know if that is sacrificing. I read in the Book this--I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God stuff that cost me nutten! For every good you wish to preserve, you will have to sacrifice your comfort and ease. JoeBlow says--Ouchy ouchy! That's not for me, I'm tooooooo self-centered to do that. I only think of my self; what does sacrifice get you anyway? Sooooooo, there are a lot of Tom, Dick and Harrys out there who do a lot of sacrificing in this world. Are you one of them or a self-centered yahoo! If you're a fool, you probably won't know you are a self-center yahoo I bet. As a late friend use to say to me a lot--So there you go!

GerogeTheCrook says--Are fools really that dumb or do they just act that way! Sooooo strike up the band, we have something to discuss. MissPerfect says--well, he's just some any ol' ordinary Tom, Dick and Harry and he really doesn't know much. In fact, I know more than he does. Fools are fools defined by other fools maybe. Do you think. Have you every been a fool? Have you ever been fooled? Maybe you are a fool right now. You think sooooooo. Maybe you are and you don't even know it. Could be. Are you sometimes naive 'cause you don't want to face reality. Maybe you are a fool 'cause you were trained to be a fool and you don't even know it. WildWilly sure seems to do foolish things (i.e. my opinion). I wonder if he knows it. Or maybe I just think he does foolish things and I'm the real fool. God only knows. DanFool asks--Do folks like to be fools? Why are fools fools? Does greed make fools fools?

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything.

Act and react!

I don't know how you will act or react to this "It's Saturday'.  There is a 50/50 chance that 90% of what I say is 100% accurate! 

I went to the watch Kirby Dreyer play in the Futures (i.e. a step down of the LPGA) in Marion last weekend.  Remember I met her in AZ and we played some golf together.  ANYWAY I pulled into the parking lot of Hunters Ridge and was stopped by a police officer.  He asked it I was a VIP--I said I sure was--Great, I need to see your VIP badge--I don't have a VIP badge--Then you're not a VIP in this lot; you need to park down the street in the public lot!  I'm still a VIP now matter what he says (i.e. at least I think I am).  It was an act and react situation.  We both had a good laugh.  Such is life.

Act and react!  Oh ya.  Matthew Wicks, a junior in our community, did this film and won the national first prize (i.e. got $3,000)  It's about the FEMA (i.e. how they act and react) related to the tornado in Parkersburg.  It's excellent (i.e. my opinion).
 http://studentcam.viddler.com/videos/watch.php?id=20b8f9f9

A friend told me once again the other day that her father is her hero.  They are celebrating his 90th birthday this weekend.  ANYWAY one of the reasons she thinks he is her hero is that he just accepts things.  His faith is an accepting faith.  He doesn't question stuff or get mad at stuff that happens but just accepts stuff with a secure faith in God.  Wow!  That is how he acts and reacts folks. 

Act and react!  This is a reprint with permission from Rick Vesley, a friend who has Lou Gehrig's disease.  ~  List the five most important things/people in your life.  Your lists may have included family, children, spouse, parents, house, investments, health, friends, social life, sports (you have seen the t-shirts-baseball is life') among a few. In the message I used this illustration of making the list I first had people cross out number 5 the least important on the list and later number 4 the so on till you have one left. The message was as some people grow old they often to begin to experience loss of some things once valued as being very important. You may have or have had a parent or grandparent is going through or went through stages of life as they lose one after another the important things in life. Friends, mobility, house (independent living) spouse, parents, even children/grandchildren I'm not thinking that these loses are blessings. Maybe when we have loss something important we really start to appreciate what we do have.You may have seen where a person loss a secure job only to then begin following a dream of the past. An illness or accident that awakens one to embrace what they so long took for granted. Too often the tragedy is some have to lose something important before they final live. If we look at our list most likely they are all temporary things. The real hope is that we may have for our number one is our relationship with our Lord.  Not that we wake every day wondering what we might lose but what we can do to embrace what we have. We know tragedy strikes -look at the tornado victims in matter of minutes life changed as they knew it. My folks went to bed one summer night to awaken to the sudden death of their 15 yr old son. A young teacher died after a tree fell on her this past weekend. Life is fragile and our lists of important 'Things" are as well.  your thoughts--- what is really important in life. people-things-relationships-I know my list is ever changing----Blessing Rick Vesley

I don't know how the neighbors acted or reacted but...I took 3 church buddies to the Iowa Cubs game last night.  I had some free tickets from of of our insurance companies (i.e. you think I would pay $12 per ticket for those guys!--actually I would).  The Iowa Cubs are the Triple A of the Chicago Cubs and play in Des Moines.  It's about a hour and 45 minute drive.  Friday night is a fun night to go to a game as the crowd is usually larger and happier as they don't have to go to work in the morning (i.e. act and react).  They also have fireworks after the game (i.e. a fun night at the old ball park).  So I dropped off our minister and my mentor (i.e. 85 years old) at about 12:30.  God only knows what the neighbors are thinking (i.e. acting and reacting--can you imagine some of the stories Saturday morning on the phone and at the coffee shop).  Such is life.

Act and react!  We are active members in our local Presbyterian Church (i.e. we really like this church--the church is the folks who love the Lord).  It is of the Presbyterian USA denomination.  This denomination recently approved  the ordination of gay and homosexual pastors.  Probably 70% of our members don't know about it and probably don't care.  But the other probably 30% do know and do care.  We also could call our local church Aplington Community Church and 90% of the folks wouldn't care.  We want to worship God and not mess around with all this negative stuff.  Sooooooo we are having an informational meeting after our service this Sunday (i.e. it will be interesting to see how many care enough to show up).  How will folks in our church act and react?  How will leadership in our church act and react?  I don't know for sure (i.e. maybe I might be surprised but I don't think sooooo).  It will be interested.  Arlene and I sorta kinda know how we feel at this minute.  I read what one middle management personnel of the denomination wrote--"For Joe and Sally Pewstitter worship is still at 10:30 on Sunday AM. For those in leadership positions all the change may fuel some anxiety. Above all else I trust you will go on with your significant ministry in your significant church."  I guess we sometimes talk the way the folks who pay us decide we need to talk (i.e. many times it's about money folks).  Think about the pastors--how will they act and react?  They might not be able maximise their retirement plans; they might have spits in their church, they might have to take a stand as to what they believe; they might lose their job; it could be ugly!  To think that life will be the same and nutten is going to happen, is like putting your head in the sand on this issue folks (i.e. my opinion).  There will be action and reactions if we like it or not.  Such is life. 

My mentor says--Nutten is as good as it looks and nutten is as bad as it looks!  Do we every over react?  Do we ever under react folks?  Do we always know how we will react to a massive huge challenge in our life?  Well, we all have massive huge challenges in our lives.  We all act and react differently to challenges based on much impute in our life (e.g. faith, way we were trained, past experiences, genetically, people we are around, etc).  Some of those challenges are ugly and we what to say what my friend said to me about a challenge in my life--TheOldViking said--excuse my french   awwww shit!  We have no choice, we will act and react.  Such is life.

Act and react.  Joesixpack says--Between the great things we cannot do and the small things we will not do,
the danger is that we shall do nothing. Initiative is the willingness to begin and follow through.  GeorgeTheCrook says--Joexixpack, it's easier to do nutten! One of the most common causes of failure is the habit of quitting when one is overtaken by temporary defeat.

Gettin' back to going to the Futures Tourney last week end. I brought my bike along with the idea of stopping in Waterloo/Ceder Falls and ride some bike on the Cedar Valley Trails. Well after 6 hours in the wind and sun, I stopped for an ice cream cone at Mc Donald's and skipped the bike ride. When I got home I fell in my recliner and fell asleep. Act and react folks! Such is life.

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

swervin'ervin

MyFriendJean says--God has given us two hands, one to receive with and the other to give with.

windy with gusts

Disclaimer--What's this worth to you?  Maybe nutten so maybe you don't want to waste your time reading this "I't's Saturday" (i.e. to you it might just be wind with gusts) but then again, maybe, just maybe you might learn somethin'!  A guy just never knows now does he!  Such is life.

I'm a selfish and self-centered creature a.k.a windy with gusts !  Yes I am.  Some times I act like SlickTheBallHog. I want things my way and when I want them.  I have learned in life that I'm not in control of much and not near as important as I think I am (i.e. I think this is a small step in the right direction).  But then again I will have a hiccup!  Sooooo folks, do you know your forecast?  Can people improve their character by reason?  Joesixpack says--one of the primary laws of human life is that you become like what you worship; what's more, you reflect what you worship not only back to the object itself but also outward to the world around. Think about that you wise folks!  LuckieEddie says--Do something you always will remember!  What will you remember about your life? 

A family friend is getting married (i.e. he was a long holdout but at 37 is biting the bullet).  We like him a lot and have now met his wife to be.  We like her a lot too.  It appears to be a good match.  Arlene has a "bridge club" that they have met for maybe 30+ years.  They are the same ladies.  One has died  a couple of years ago so there are now seven.  The oldest is 74.  Arlene and I are the shortest married of the group being 42 years.  But we weren't always old you know!  ANYWAY these couples have bridal showers for each of the children when they get married.  This week we had a shower for JerBear and his wife to be Clarie.  We usually eat and play some games (i.e. basically just have some fun and get to know the friend's new spouse to be).  We played some games to find out about what we and they think about issues of how they see marriage.  It's sorta kinda fun.  All folks have different opinions about a lot of stuff (i.e. we are all programed differently by our past--the wind blows from different directions with gusts). We are who we are and that's just the way it is--AverageJoe says--Children observe their surroundings - the words and intonation used, the values and beliefs shared.  MissPerfect says--It's nearly impossible to change a person if they think a certain way.  You think you are going to change them but it just ain't going to work.  ~  I received this as part of my morning devotions Friday--This isn't applying in any form to JerBear and Clarie but is sorta kind timely when we think about marriage--Sooooooo read it as a general statement but if the shoe fits...some of you might say--I wish I would have thought about that earlier in my life.--I noticed something while watching a movie involving psychiatrists with patients.  It's generally not a good idea to become romantically involved with a mentally deranged person if you are their psychiatrist. Not only does that violate the code of ethics, but it's just not wise. Come to think of it, psychiatrist or not, you might want to really rethink it if you are on the verge of getting involved with someone and you suspect that their cheese has slid off the cracker. For someone, this issue is just what the doctor ordered. ~A MountainWings Original~Thank you for inviting MountainWings into your mailbox.  http://www.mountainwings.com/past/11154.htm

I know some folks that are windy with gusts!  Oh ya!  I don't believe half of what they say and the other half isn't true.  What they say means nutten!  Some folks who talk a lot and some times loudly are like wind with gusts.  They really aren't sayin' much and are a pain in the butt! 

Memorial Day in IA was very windy with gusts!  Not my kind of day.  I don't like wind.  If you do anything, wind is just sooooooo irritating.  PeggySue says--wind reminds me of my husband!.  Ouchy ouchy!  Tuesday is our men's league night.  It was windy again.  I hate wind even more when I play golf.  It just takes a lot of the fun out of it for me.  I know you folks at Rolling Hills Country Club think I'm just complaining 'cause it's just a typical day on the course for you guys.  Someone told me that most of the artificial flowers at the cemetery were blown against the fence (i.e. it was windy with gusts folks)!  You could just go to the fence and pick out the ones you like (i.e. better yourself if you wanted too).

I want your help if you will give it to me.  I have the opportunity to do a little talk about encouragement a.k.a. the greatest "shotinthearm".  I want some impute from you.  Tell me whatever about encouragement--examples, stories, what's best, anything and everything.  Will you do that?  I will be sitting by my computer just waiting for your reply and watching the wind with gusts! 

My mentor said while we were eating our weekly breakfast--I'm probably just a old cynical guy but it seems like our national debt is bad but not as bad as the mentality of our country.  Soooo what do you mean guy?  I mean that most folks want  the government to give them stuff and don't get after it.  We have lost our pride and are becoming socialistic (i.e. maybe that's a lot of wind with gusts).  GerogeTheCrook says--Give me give me give me and I don't want to do any work or have any responsibility or have any risk--I deserve it and don't your forget it!  SusieQ says--I like it when I can sit on the couch and eat chips all day and the government just gives me stuff.  It's a good life.  I think we should increase programs that give me more stuff (I'll vote for that candidate).  Sooooooo what is wrong with that.  It works for me and the rest of my family.  We have learned to do just fine.  We would like a 3-D TV to replace our digital big screen.  SusieQ, that sounds like a lot of wind with gusts!  I thought of my Dad, Chester.  His mother died when he was maybe 13.  He had to live with another family who took him in.  He had to work for room and board.  He had absolutely no money.  Eventually he grew up and bought a poor 80 acres for the taxes.  Paid it off, sold it and then bought 160 acres that I was raised on.  I remember the day he paid it off. He bought 4-row equipment--Chester said--Now we have it made erv; we'll do a lot of fishing now.  He got sick and died a couple of years later at age 56.  Sooooooo I never heard my Mom or Dad complain.  They made it work.  They were never given anything.  They just worked hard and did it.  They never were rich $$$$$ wise but were successful folks (i.e. my opinion).  They didn't inherited any money and never got anything free.  They had enough money to last them the rest of their life, unless they bought something.

I hope I'm a good friend and have been a good friend to my best friend (i.e. a good friend is like pure cane sugar from Hawaii).  Soooooo how do I know?  Just 'cause I think I am doesn't necessarily mean I am (i.e. I might be windy with gusts).  There are folks who think a lot of things but their thinking is hog wash (i.e. my opinion).  Sooooooo being a good friend might be different to different folks. Saturday question--Are you a good friend to your best friend or not?  Think about that folks.  Who is your best friend anyway?  DanFool says--Some folks are like a Odyssey White Ice 2-Ball Long Putter; they look good, cost a lot but don't seem to make much difference in their owner's game.  Huh, interesting. 

I found this wind with gusts interesting--Map of Religions  in 90 seconds. Especially sense our recent trip to Israel.    http://www.mapsofwar.com/images/Religion.swf

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--Earth provides enough to satisfy every man's need, but not every man's greed!
AtipfromKipspecializingingolfrelatedmentaldisorder50yearpractice--Eye on ball; Chin Up!

Facade or Real!

You might want to take this for face value!  Soooooooo what's face value?  In America everything is evaluated by how much it cost (i.e. $$$$$) it seems.  Maybe that's why it's soooooooo hard for some to accept salvation (i.e. 'cause all you have to do is ask for it--no cost to us).  I don't know.  What do you think?  Remember you didn't pay anything for this "It's Saturday" so you get what you pay for!  Such is life.

As many of you know, folks who I cannot stand are fakers a.k.a. JoeHollywoods!  I like real folks.  Fakers drive me crazy.  You know who they are usually.  Some of you and me are maybe fakers at times tooooooooo!  I hope I'm not but...!  Some of you think I am a fortunate guy.  Others of you think I am unfortunate.  Who really knows?  Does it make any difference what you think?  Does it make any difference what anyone thinks?  Does it make any difference what I think?  Can I accept my fate or is it God's will or maybe some of each?  I don't know for sure.  I guess time will tell.  And who really cares if I can accept my life or not--Really who really cares!  I do, yes I do!!  I feel very good about my situation (i.e. whether you think it's good or bad--I feel comfortable in feeling uncomfortable).  I'm very comfortable with myself (i.e. most of the time).  Yes I am.  Sooooooo am I fortunate or unfortunate?  It really doesn't matter to me.  I'm not like any other...or am any other...I'm me!  Such is life.

When in Israel, our guide kept mentioning that the Romans copied most everything from the Greeks (i.e. didn't really create much new).  They were fakers in that they always had a front but had no substance (i.e. nothing in their hearts) within.  Unlike the Jews who had much in their hearts.  King Herod a.k.a. cuckoo Herod built much but it was always for his personal protection (i.e. always worried someone was going to kill him e.g. Masada) or for show--he even put sings above the gates to the city telling folks that he was great and he was humble about it.  He was a fake and had a lot of window dressing and plaster idols. 

In the cartoon Hagar the Horrible--Hagar says to his son Hamlet--When you grow up you'll realize that...money isn't everything!  It's ninety-eight percent of everything but it ain't EVERYTHING!  I visited with a young man in the New York JFK Airport.  He was telling me that life in New York City for him is just survival (i.e. sooooo expensive soooooo he has several jobs just to make a living).  We talked about his iPhone and he told me--there is much more technology out there but they need to leak it out slowly so they can sell and sell and sell--have to have something new continuously (i.e. money money money).  He might be right. 

SusieQ says--We got married for better or worse.  He couldn't do better, I couldn't do worse!  Such is life.

Before everything else, getting ready is the secret of success.~Henry Ford~ No fake here folks.  I called a friend the other day (i.e. I think he's 42).  Some folks say they are going to do something but never do it (i.e. I know folks like that).  He didn't tell me that he was going to do it but he did it.  He did his first triathlon.  He said he has lost 40 pounds down to 173.  I figured if an old fart like you can hike and bike and do all that stuff, I surely can tooooooo!  I told him that I just told someone--a hero is one who has self-discipline.  My Daddy, Chester, always told me, self-discipline is the best discipline.  I told him I'm soooooo proud of him.  He's my hero.  No fake here folks--nutten but the real thing!  Sooooo I visited with our ex-neighbor while she was filing her vehicle with gas the other day.  I see her exercising (i.e. jogging and pushing the stroller) past our house sometimes.  She lost a lot of weight and looks great.  Sooooooo I asked her how much she lost.  She lost 40 pounds (i.e. back to her per children weight).   Soooooooo how did you do it--exercise 30 to 40 minutes a day; I feel soooooo great.  You look great and I'm proud of you (i.e. she's my hero).  Yes she is. Some things a guy can control and there are some things a guy just can't control (i.e. difficult can of corn to haul).  AverageJoe says--In those situations we can only control our attitude.  The things we can't control we just need to pray about.  I had three friends this week said they were going to pray for a miracle.  Do you believe in miracles?  Do you believe in pray.  Is it real or just a facade?

Abraham Lincoln said--“You may fool all the people some of the time, you can even fool some of the people all of the time, but you cannot fool all of the people all the time.”  ~  The label certainly appears to fit in the minds of British police--Scotland Yard, the UK's police force, has given Obama the security codename 'Chalaque' for his visit this week to the United Kingdom, the UK Daily Mail reports. The term is reportedly a Punjabi word meaning someone who is too clever for his own good, according to the newspaper. It is also said to mean 'cheeky, crafty and cunning'," the paper notes.  Hey, I read it in the paper sooooooo it must be right!  Such is life.

My buddy Aaron and I rode bike to Kesley corner and back Saturday (i.e. 11 miles).  We rode past the sale barn.  They were having a horse sale.  Aaron had never been to a horse sale so we stopped.  We saw a lot of horses, expensive cowboy hats, expensive belt buckles, expensive trucks, and expensive horse trailers.  ItchieBitichie says--The stereotype of those folks is "it's all for show" and those cowboys and cowgirls checks ain't no good!  Can you really tell  the folks who are really rich?  Sooooooo what's rich?  Okay, lets limit that to $$$$$ rich for this part of the discussion.  Go down your street or road and try to determine who has a lot of $$$$$.  Do you think you can really tell?  Might you be fooled?  Does stuff make them rich, even $$$$$$ rich?  It's really easy to fool folks with stuff I think.  What do you think?  Maybe they are an ego maniac and stuff builds their ego.  I talked to a guide as I was entering our bus one morning by the Dead Sea.  He lived to the west maybe 8 miles.  Where he lives is just desert mountains that look barren (i.e. a few sheep and camels literally) he told me.  He said it's the best place to live in all the world.  Why I asked.  The desert is real, not fakey.  He said he has traveled much of the world and much of the world is fakey (i.e. glitzy and commerical).  The desert is not fakey but real .  He said he wouldn't live any other place.  I asked our guide about him.  He is from a nomadic tribe and lives in the desert.  Huh, interesting!

One day, if you believe in a judgement day, it will be the real thing.  Folks won't be able to be a faker, can't buy your way, can't talk your way, can't be a phony.  Soooooooo what has inspired you to be who you are?  What inspired you to accept Jesus as your Lord and Saviour?  What has made you not to accept Jesus as your Lord and Saviour?  It's sooooooo hard to change.  The Muslims and Jews have disliked each other for years.  What will make the situation change.  I think, it will be something beyond human understanding.  Maybe the end of time (i.e. now that's beyond human understanding).  You folks and events affect my future.  Sometimes I'm just simply ignorant!  Sometimes my thinking is in a box within a box (i.e. pretty small and confined).

Can't fake your emotions (i.e. like when they make you cry).  Now that is the real stuff folks.  Your veneer sorta kinda breaks down doesn't it.  Such is life.

Soooooooo do you believe in miracles?  Do you believe in prayer or is it just a facade?  Texas Beer Joint Sues Church In Mt. Vernon, Texas. Drummond's Bar began construction on expansion of their building to increase their business. In response, the local Baptist Church started a campaign to block the bar from expanding with petitions and prayers. Work progressed right up until the week before the grand reopening when lightning struck the building and it burned to the ground! After the bar burned to the ground due to the lightning strike, the church folks were rather smug in their outlook, bragging about "the power of prayer ", until the bar owner sued the church on the grounds that the church . . ."was ultimately responsible for the demise of his building, either through direct or indirect actions or means." In its reply to the court, the church vehemently denied all responsibility or any connection to the building's demise. The judge read through the plaintiff's complaint and the defendant's reply, and at the opening hearing he commented, "I don't know how I'm going to decide this, but it appears from the paperwork that we have a bar owner who believes in the power of prayer, and an entire church congregation that now does not."

The world is real (i.e. brutally real).  I finished a book that I started in AZ and read another while riding in the plane on our trip.  The book I started in AZ is All The Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarthy.  It was in the AZ Republic as sorta kinda a classic of the SW.  I really enjoyed it.  Here are a few of the lines:  In the end we all come to be cured of our sentiments.  Those whom life does not cure death will.  The world is quite ruthless in selecting between the dream and the reality, even where we will not.  ~  What is constant in history is greed and foolishness and a love of blood and this is a thing that even God--who knows all that can be known--seems powerless to change.  ~  The world seems to care nothing for the old or the young or rich or poor or dark or pale or he or she.  Nothing for their struggles, nothing for their names.  Nothing for the living or the dead.  Actually this book is not that negative but it's about life of a young man who sets out on his own and finds out that the world is quite interesting.  The second book I read is A Choice Of Weapons by Gordon Parks.  My cousin's husband gave it to me to read.  My couz said I wouldn't like it.  She was wrong.  It's about Mr. Parks growing up as a black and how he suffered for it.  How the real world was very cruel to him because he was black.  A very good read about the reality of the world.  Such is life. 

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--The gem cannot be polished without friction.  Nor man perfected with out trials.

Carpe diem

Joesixpack says--erv, this week's version of "It's Saturday" is like you looking in the mirror, you don't look like much but it's you.  What I'm trying to say is -- erv might not be pretty to you but it's him!  Joesixpack, reality is reality soooooooo here we go!

I was on my early morning walk on the golf course a day this week.  It was a beautiful morning.  The sun was coming up and glistening off the heavy dewed grass, the cardinals and wrens were talking to me, I smelt the fragrance of the blossoms of the various trees and there was no wind.  It was a great moment.  I told myself to really appreciate this moment as it will never happen again quite like this.  Then I started thinking about living my life moment by moment (i.e. not year to year or day to day but moment by moment).  I want to and will try I said. I say to our children--Enjoy every moment with your little girls (i.e. 3 and 1) as it won't be long and they will be driving!  GeorgeTheCrook says--If you are always living for tomorrow, it might never come.  Soooooooo folks appreciate each moment (i.e. maximise every moment).  WildWille says--You always seem to be in such a hurry and have sooooooo much on your plate; do you like being that way? You don't seem to enjoy each moment of your life; you are always working to have more!  Such is life. 

JoeBlow says--Carpe diem.  It is the Latin words that challenges us to maximize opportunities presented to us on any given moment.  It attracts unique individuals - true change-makers - to new realms of exploration and endeavor.  Today I am challenging myself to pursue new frontiers and fresh opportunities, recognizing that doing so will not be without its battles. But I'm encouraged! In the 8th century B.C., Israel's Creator God said to His people: "Carpe Diem. I brought you out of Egypt and conquered the Egyptian army, now I want to do an even greater thing. I have in mind a new 'exodus'"!  As we are told in the Bible's Old Testament, "Forget all the past - it is nothing compared to what I'm going to do! For I'm going to do a brand new thing. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a road though the wilderness of the world" (Isaiah 43:18-19).  Sooooooo folks seize the moment a.k.a grab the opportunity.  It's a trumpet call!  Oh yes.  Does any of this make any sense to you? 

SusieQ says--Sometimes it hard to see what's what!  It's hard to figure out how a guys is going to get from point A to point B.  Sometimes it hard to figure out the reason for stuff at the moment.  When on our trip to Israel, our group of 25 had many different experiences and emotions.  We ate together usually on tables of 4 or 3 or 6.  We really got to know each other eating more than at any other time probably.  Folks shared their valleys and mountain tops.  It's maybe easier to share when you don't know the folks and know that you might not every see them again or at least at a distance.  Everybody has mountain tops and valleys.  Arlene and I included.  Like LuckyEddie says--It's not if it's when!  Such is life.

All of us at many times have looked from the mountain top moments and from the valley moments.  I personally like the look from the mountain top better.  BUT I have looked from both places many times.  When I'm looking from the valley I wonder "what's going on anyway"!  But I think much like David--His understanding I cannot fathom--God is God--And that's the way it is.  There is soooooo much that I don't understand. The story is told of a king in Africa who had a close friend with whom he grew up. The friend had a habit of looking at every situation that ever occurred in his life (positive or negative) and remarking, "This is good!" One day the king and his friend were out on a hunting expedition. The friend would load and prepare the guns for the king. The friend had apparently done something wrong in preparing one of the guns, for after taking the gun from his friend, the king fired it and his thumb was blown off. Examining the situation, the friend remarked as usual, "This is good!" To which the king replied, "No, this is not good!" and proceeded to send his friend to jail. About a year later, the king was hunting in an area that he should have known to stay clear of. Cannibals captured him and took him to their village. They tied his hands, stacked some wood, set up a stake and bound him to the stake. As they came near to set fire to the wood, they noticed that the king was missing a thumb. Being superstitious, they never ate anyone who was less than whole. So untying the king, they sent him on his way. As he returned home, he was reminded of the event that had taken his thumb and felt remorse for his treatment of his friend. He went immediately to the jail to speak with his friend. "You were right," he said, "it was good that my thumb was blown off." And he proceeded to tell the friend all that had just happened. "And so, I am very sorry for sending you to jail for so long. It was bad for me to do this." "No," his friend replied, "This is good!" "What do you mean, 'This is good'? How could it be good that I sent my friend to jail for a year?" "If I had not been in jail, I would have been with you--understand.

A friend called me this week.  We became friends through the insurance business years ago (i.e. met him the first time in FL on a golf outing with IGF).  ANYWAY he was telling me he had to deliver a large renewal policy with some bad news.  After the client got mad and reacted in the way my friend expected, the insured realized the reality and they came to a feasible solution to the problem.  My friend said--Some times difficulties develop deeper relationships.  Yabut my friend, I don't like those moments; I don't care what you say!

SongManRuss, isn't  there a song that goes like moment by moment (i.e. moment by moment, O Lord, I am Thine)?  Talking about valleys and mountain tops make me think about the spiritual--Nobody Knows The Trouble I've Seen (i.e. sometimes I'm up and sometimes I'm down). Do you remember it?  FriendJim and I share the statement--Happenstance, na I don't think so!  I was eating my oatmeal with strawberries on it and the scripture of my devotions was--Philippians 4:6 which reads.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your request to God.  Then I read my emails and got my thought of the day--guess what, it was the same scripture with a story about a guy who was in a prisoner of war for 15 months and that is what he repeated many times every day.  I have no idea if you are in a valley today and many of you don't know where I am but this surely is a good verse to hang our hope on (i.e. my opinion). Huh, interesting. 

MissPerfect says--Sooooooooo erv, who makes you chairman of the board (i.e. an arrogant little shi*t) telling us all this stuff?  Chairman of the board actually came about in a strange way I was told on our trip.  We were looking at a ruin of a former building that was during the time of Christ.  It was built of cut rocks and very narrow in width.  The reason why sooooooo narrow is that it could not be wider than the header a.k.a. lintel cut rock that went over the walls.  Our guide told us that it was probably an eating area.  It probably had a board down the middle with benches that folks sat on on each side of the board.  The only place for a chair was at the end of the board.  Sooooooooo that is how the name developed--chair-man of the board!  That was the naming moment folks!  Such is life.

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--Take time to laugh, it is the singing that helps with life's load.

Realism with emotion!

Israel was a great trip. Very educational and entertaining and spiritual (i.e. I’m sure it produced different experiences for different folks. We went to listen to a speaker who talked about Jewish anti-Semitics for an hour one night. A guy in the group said—when you have 6 folks gather together you have 7 opinions. Soooooooo remember folks, some of this might be my opinion or opinions of others. Soooooooooo I say, remember that.

Our guide would say--Believe what I tell you! Look at me, I tell you something. He also said—Think quick in your mind, I have much to tell you AND believe what I tell you AND I declare you will be confused in Jerusalem (i.e. I was) AND Open your eyes and look at me! He was a Jew and one of the top guides in Israel (i.e. they told us) but still not a Christian (i.e. he knew the New Testament very well but…). He sometimes maybe Hebrewized us I think. He had a great brain full of unbelievable amount of knowledge but his heart did not accept Jesus as his Savior. I asked him after we went to a sculpture of the Fountain of the Tears (i.e. Holocaust Jews reacting to the crucifixion)--what he thought of that—I don’t understand it and don’t want to learn. He has been programmed to be a Jew! That’s just the way it is folks. SusieQ says--BUT art bypasses our head but enters our hearts! Listen to me, I tell you something—Most folks listen to what they are. I have learned a lot on this trip (i.e. seeing Israel poster sized looking through binoculars)—much much much. GeorgeTheCrook says—I can’t learn it for you. You got to learn the truth and what is real. It’s a life process. And what is real and true to me might not be real and true to you. Such is life.

Bethlehem, where Jesus was born (i.e. Church of the Naivety) and the Christian section of the Old Jerusalem (i.e. the Holy Suplclur) was actually disappointing to me. They were sorta kinda shrines where folks were worshipping a place and not Jesus (i.e. it felt pagan to me—like idol worship). I’m glad I went to both for the experience but they were a turn off. Palestine and Bethlehem in 2005 was 85% Arab Christian; now it is 1.3% (i.e. now basically all Arab Muslim). Why you ask? The tourists left (i.e. terrorism) and the Arab Christians make their living off tourists. 80% of all income comes from tourism (i.e. manly the wood carvings, olives, and oil from the olive tree). Sooooooooo the maybe a site of Jesus birth is needed for tourism (i.e. #1 attraction--#2 attraction is the Shepherds’ fields). I asked a 80 year old Arab Christian how do you get along with the Arab Muslims—People come and people go—money comes and money goes—it is what it is! Palestine is just an occupied area—not a country, not a state, it’s just a problem. ). Joesixpack says—If you can’t back up your believe with weapons, it means nutten!

I was reminded at Gethsemane that —Olive trees can’t be killed. You cut it off and it grows again. Shoots constantly grow up. Roots can be dried out and then replanted and a tree will start (i.e. the trees in the picture are 1,700 years old in the Gethsemane and still sprout up shouts). That represents that the Messiah cannot be killed. I didn’t know this though—the difference between green olives and black olives is only the time you pick them. Black olives are just ripper. Da!!! Hey I also learned that when we sing Hosanna Hosanna on Palm Sunday we are saying in Hebrew—Save us Save us! Huh, interesting.

My opinion from 10,000 feet! Different folks think differently all right. The temple is built and some other folks destroy it. Some other folks build it again and some other folks destroy it again! Some folks build a wall around Jerusalem and some other folks destroy it (i.e. several times). WHY will it stop? There has always been folks who don't like each other.  The Jews and the Muslims just don’t like each other either. They even have to live together in the same country. I just can’t imagine that. And then the Jews have the non-practicing Jews, the practicing Jews, the progressive Jews, the Orthodox Jews, the Ultra Orthodox Jews (i.e. these guys don’t work, don’t pay taxes, receive welfare from Israel, don’t serve in the military but just worship all day) and the Messianic Jews. The Jews can’t even agree. It sounds like Christianity!!!! I asked several folks why the Islamic Religion is growing sooooooo fast (i.e. not a fairytale folks)—two main reasons I heard a lot—The Muslims have 8 to 10 kids and the religion has strict guidelines that folks seem to like. Yes, I found Israel confusing (i.e. a lot of moving parts that don’t seem to fit very well). Our guide said that Jerusalem has about 250 folks each year who come and think they are Jesus—he called it the Jerusalem syndrome! There seems to be a lot of folks and group of folks who make a lot of noise but they all can’t be right. Some folks must be wrong don’t ya think? MissPerfect says—Just ‘cause your parents have taught you something or your culture did, doesn’t mean that it’s right.

Personally I found the Jews and Arabs not overly friendly (i.e. are professionally friendly when they wanted your money). The younger Jewish folks were friendlier than the older folks. I think the Jews really think they are the chosen folks and act that way. They come across bossy, arrogant, opinionated, stubborn, demanding and full of pride about themselves (i.e. my opinion from 10,000 feet--others might not agree with me). The most touching event that happened to me came from the humblest of people and places. Every night someone would put chocolate in our room when we stayed in Jerusalem. The person would put it on my Bible (i.e. not on the bed, not on the dresser, not on the desk but on my Bible). The person who cleaned our room was an older guy (i.e. maybe 70 or so and bald who didn’t speak much English). As we were leaving after several days, I met him outside our room and asked him if he was the chocolate man—He said—ya, I am. I told him that I noticed that he put the chocolate on my Bible every night and that touched me. He shook his head in saying thank you. Are you a Christian—Ya I am—I am too. He shook his head in agreement and just smiled and said—thank you! Folks, now that is realism with emotion.

Where ever you go the Jews want to sell you something. There are gift shops and soviener shops everywhere. Everyone want to make a buck off the tourist. They are good at it and a lot of tourists spend a lot of money with them. There is a shop at every place you go. One of the Jewish salesman selling jewelry to us said this—I accept dollars, shekels, credit cards and even food stamps! Another entrepreneur salesman said to us—I take you to a lot of greeeeeat showppeein’—goooood prices! Not being critical here—I know that the Roman Catholics were the front runner in churches before Luther, Calvin and other boys got involved (i.e. do you know that protestant means protest), but every place where an event of Jesus maybe occurred, a Catholic church was built (i.e. they have and still do spend a ton of money--The Romans ran the world at one time). They all have a lot of trinket shops! The Catholics get all the breaks! LuckieEddie says—Location location location! Such is life.

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

erv

MyFriendJean says—Only the heart knows how to find what is precious.

If you have any interesting in learning more about our trip, check the travel company’s web site which has pictures and a blog global.expeditions http://web.me.com/global.expeditions

Walked where Jesus walked

103 years ago Tel Aviv (i.e. which means old new) was nutten but a sand dune compared to Jerusalem, which was there before Christ. I can’t hardly imagine that. LuckieEddie says—Tel Aviv is the new dog but with the same ol’ problem! But I think it’s a-changin’ folks (i.e. maybe). Israel is 65% desert and 10% mountains leaving only 15% for agriculture. Guess what their biggest problem is—you are right—water. Did you know that tourists don’t pay the 15% sales tax but locals do (i.e. they want tourists to come to their country)? If you talk to Jews, it’s a lot better to say you are a follower of Jesus and not a Christian as Christians have a bad connotation from the Crusades. I was reminded that the fish was the earliest mark of the Christianity, not the cross (i.e. it was a secret symbol as Christianity was underground). Also in Hebrew, Jesus was maybe not referred to as a carpenter but more likely a mason as building was 95% masonry work and 5% wood. Our guide told us that we will only remember about 1% of what he says but all of what he says and what we see will affect our life forever (i.e. I think he’s right)! Joesixpack says--Travel is seeing, experiencing, feeling and understanding.

Our guide says—I ask you a question. Just give me the wrong answer, it’s okay. He also says—I’m going to ask you a question and I’m going to answer it! A gal in our group keeps asking questions (i.e. me toooooooo). She kept quizzing him and he couldn’t seem to answer her question and said—After that, I can’t help you! I want to tell you something—look at me! SusieQ says—We are newbees, we believe anything and everything! Here are some answers to some of my questions--In Israel there are about 5.8 million Jews and 1.6 million Arabs (i.e. of a total population of 7.3 million). The size of Israel is about the same size as New Jersey. Israel is Socialistic. There is only one golf course in Israel--it's at Caesarea.  All male Jews must serve 3 years in the military after high school graduation and the females must serve 2 years. The Arab citizens of Israel don’t have to serve (i.e. but can if they want too). Now that doesn’t seem fair now does it (i.e. I guess the thinking is that Arabs won’t shoot other Arabs)! Nazareth is about 75% Arab Muslims. Nazareth when Jesus was little was maybe a fourth of a mile by fourth of a mile if that (i.e. nutten good comes out of Nazareth—that’s what they said). There is a Catholic Church called the annunciation church when the Angel came to Mary and announced what was going to happen. In the church, there is the house of Mary they say. Outside of the church was this sign (i.e. you might have to click on it to enlarge sooooo you can read). I was taking the picture when three gentleman asked me what I thought of that—I said, I was a follower of Jesus and don’t much care for it. One of the guys said, he was a follower of Moses (i.e. Jew) and he thought it was disrespectful. I asked him if he was a practicing Jew—sorta kinda he said, I don’t go to the Synogue but pray direct to God. He asked me where I was from and even what town in Iowa—he was from Tel Aviv and was in the movie business and did a move in Pleasantville, IA. Huh, interesting.

We had a whale of a good time at Joppa! Jonah didn’t think sooooo—but the big fish got him! Look behind the Arlene and see the wall to the city. About half of the wall was A.D. and the top part sometime after that. Isn’t that old. All the cities are built on a hill with a city gate next to the lowest part of the city (i.e. guess where all the cities got attached first). At the city gates is where the activity of the city really occurred. The king would sit there with his wisest group and discuss and the people would come and ask questions. The culture was pagan with many gods and sacrifices of life etc. (i.e. crazy crazy folks--not pretty folks). And the ruins are still there. There are many digs. Saturday question—If some day they dig up your notebook or a jug with your writings in it (i.e. like the Dead Sea Scrolls), what will they read about you?

Tourism is the #1 moneymaker for Israel, 2nd is agriculture and third is diamond cutting with 61% of the diamonds going to the U.S. Wherever we go there is a gift shop connected to it – it’s about the $ folks. They build a church or something as an approximate spot of some event to draw the tourist. Many times they can’t say exactly that a certain even happened at a certain spot but very close.

Moses was given the Promised Land flowing with milk and honey. Joshua led them into the land. God did not tell them who their neighbors were going to be! Ouchy ouchy! Israel, as our guide says—Is a sittin’ duck! Lebanon to the north, Syria to the East and Egypt to the south with the Mediterranean to the East. They have no real defense so an offense becomes their defense (i.e. maybe you remember that Israel bombed the Egypt and Syrian air strips a 7:45 am (i.e. by great surprise)—the war was basically over). I really enjoyed the history of the 6-Day war (i.e. lasted 16 hours). We went to the area where the ground war was fought. They won it with strategic planning and a huge motive to win as they have no place to retreat (i.e. get pushed in the ocean). They also claim they won ‘cause God was with the Jews (i.e. some folks think that’s just a righteous jingle). Sooooooo what does the Bible say?

We stayed three nights below see level! Now I never did that before—maybe we did in Holland (i.e. I’m not sure). The Sea of Galilee is 700 feet below sea level and the Dead Sea is 1,300 feet below sea level (i.e. the deepest point in the world where you will weigh the most and have the most oxygen). The Sea of Galilee has 33 miles of shoreline and the average depth is 85 feet. It produces one third of the water for Israel. LuckieEddie says--It’s just like any other lake; it has 5 good fishing spots (i.e. the same spots as the time when Peter and James fished it I bet). The Dead Sea a.k.a. as the Salty Sea (i.e. the place where the phrase “ the salt of the earth” came from. It’s soooooooo salty that we floated on the top (i.e. that just amazes me). The Dead Sea area was much prettier than I expected it (i.e. I really beautiful and inspirational sitting on our little balcony watching the sunrise over Jordon). A lot of history here as well--we saw a cave that maybe was where David caught up with Saul but decided not to kill him and the ruins of where the Dead Sea Scrolls were written and found and Masada. To get to the Dead Sea we drove through the West Bank (i.e. no rockets), Samara and Judie. Israel is soooooooo interesting (i.e. soooooo many conflicts in the country and around the country. Much has happened here and much will happen here in the future (i.e. my opinion). I think the Bible says that tooooooo. What do you think?

We did an aliea to the The City on the Hill a.k.a. Jerusalem. Oh Jerusalem, the place that has special meaning to the Christians (i.e. also many other religions of the world). Jesus was crucified, buried and rose from the dead. It’s a very special place. Hitler thought he had the final solution in the Holocaust (i.e. very tender event for the Jews with a total of about 6 million people killed) but the true Final Solution is Jesus dieing on the cross to give anyone and everyone who believes in Him every lasting life. The Final Solution is beyond total comprehension for me. Smelling the air of Jerusalem makes me smile! The empty tomb says it all—He is risen, He is risen! It is finished and Jesus is Lord. When I walk where Jesus walked, I get goosebumps.  Such if life.

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

erv

I was there

Shalom Chaverim (i.e. hello friends)

Disclaimer--There are sublininal messages in this "It's Saturday".  You won't see it, recognize it, or even know how it will affect you.  Soooooooooo guard your minds folks!  Then again, some of you might think this isn't kosher!  Such is life.

A shout from Iseral!  If you can't understand me, it's 'cause I am speaking Hebrew!  Ya right!  I do have my sanddles on folks if that means anything.  Yes, we are here in Iseral.  Now we can say--I was there!  Our family is worrried for our safety.  Hey, we hope we can dodge all the rockets and be in the differnt places when the bombs go off.  Oh, we will be okay.  When Arlene's mom went maybe 15 years ago, her group had armied gurards with them.  Hey, some things never seem to change.  Don't worry about us, we have life insurance and life assurance.  Such is life.

I've been there!  I order breakfast from room service the other morning.  It went like this:  Morny. Rune-sore-bees--Oh, sorry. I thought I dialed Room Service--Rye, rune-sore-bees. Morny. Djewish to odor sunteen--Uh... yes. I'd like some bacon and eggs--Ow July den--What--Aches. Ow July den? Pry, boy, pooch...--Oh, the eggs! How do I like them? Sorry. Scrambled please--Ow July dee baycome? Crease?--Crisp will be fine--Hokay. An Santos?--What?--Santos. July Santos?--Ugh. I don't know... I don't think so--No. Judo one toes?--Look, I feel really bad about this, but I don't know what "judo--one toes" means. I'm sorry--Toes! Toes! Why djew Don Juan toes? Ow bow cenglish mopping we
bother?--English muffin! I've got it! You were saying toast! Fine--An English muffin will be fine--We bother?--No. Just put the bother on the side--Wad?--I'm sorry. I meant butter. Butter on the side--Copy?--
I feel terrible about this but...--Copy. Copy, tea, mill...--Coffee! Yes, coffee please. And that's all--One Minnie. Ass rune torino fee, strangle aches, crease baycome, tossy cenglish mopping we bother honey sigh, and copy. Rye?--Whatever you say.  Such is life.

Were you there when they nailed Him to the cross, Were you there when they crucified my Lord,.  Some of you think Easter is just hokay!  Others of you think Easter is, as our Sunday School teacher, Julie, called it, the meat and potatoes of our faith.  Saturday question--Do you believe, like the Jews here in Isearal, that the disciples just stole the body and Jesus never rose from the dead (i.e. it's a hokes)?--The Jews are sill waiting for the Messiah (i.e. they think the Christian version is just a "new popular jingle").  Will the real DanFool stand up (i.e. you remember that show on TV a zillion years ago)?  Iseral likes Americans; they like the support we give them as a country and they like the $$$$ we spend on toiurism looking at the places where the Bible talkes about (i.e. where Jesus's spend his life).  Oh ya they like our $$$$$$ folks.  It's all about the $$$$$.  ANYWAY mabe the the Jews are the DanFools or the Christians are the DanFools!  I beleive that Jesus is the Messiah (i.e. I beleive Jesus is a 104 mph over-hand fast ball).  Soooooo does that mean that the Jews are not saved and will not enter heaven?  GeorgeTheCrook says--One of us seem to be obfuscating the issue folks.  Chritians use the Eenie, Meenie, Miney, Moe selecting what they beleive.  Jews and Muslums don't.  They are much more religious (i.e. they have rules and laws they must follow).  Yabut they too have different believes within their religion it appears.

The gal who sat next to me on the plane from NY to Tel Aivi (i.e. meaning old new) was Judith (i.e. age 73). She was born in NY but lives in Jerusalem. She is a practicing Jew (i.e. there are Jews who don’t practice the Jewish customs of worship). She woke me up at about 3 a.m. (i.e. actually I wasn’t sleeping). She wanted me to see some Jews doing their morning prayers about 5 feet from us. She wanted me to see something that I won’t see in Iowa as she said. They put on the robes, pray shaawl, tefvlins,and hats will doing their prayers. Judith does her prayers at home but not when traveling. She is like me—get distracted and it’s hard to be always keeping our minds on prayer. Her prayers are not as extensive as this young man’s who was praying. Different Jews (i.e. or groups of Jews) do different things (i.e. much like Christians). They follow different teachings of different Rabbis. Judith and I talked for about 2 hours. She really was a smart gal who seemed to see the whole picture. Here is some of the information I learned: Israel is a country that is consistently in the survival mode (i.e. established in 1947). She said, Israel wants peace and will do almost anything for it (i.e. Israel wants live, live in peace). Israel says they want peace but it takes both parties to agree to have peace—not happening. Jews teach their history; history is not always accurate (i.e. depends who you talk to). There is a declining number of Christians as they are made uncomfortable by the Arabs in Israel so many are moving out of the country. Israel does not like Postulating. Security is strong and all youth must serve in the military. Judith doesn’t really think about heaven and hell much but just living a good live. She believes in Jesus but not as her Messiah a.k.a. Savior. I asked her what if Jesus is the Messiah and you are wrong—basically no response. She is very comfortable in her believe. She was a very nice lady who had a lot of knowledge. She asked me what my stereotype of a Jew is—A rich powerful person. She was surprised about that. She said there are many many poor Jews. This is just a little of what we talked about. Thanksamillion Judith for sharing with me. You made my life more knowledgeable. You are special.

Israel is a dot on the map but is very important part of history and the future history. MissPerfect says—big things happen in small places many times. Small people (i.e. don’t seem very important at the time, do major things in history. Oh yes. WildWillie says—It’s not how it looks but what happens is what is important and many times we don’t know what is happening at the time it happens. Many times we have to feel it instead of learning it. As our guide said yesterday—Reading the Bible in English is like kissing you sweetheart through a handkerchief (i.e. that’s because the translation in not in Hebrew and in Hebrew they are expected to understand the culture and customs)!

I think the smell in our hotel had a strange smell.  I told Arlene I think it smells like cammel.  Now I know why.  Such is life.

I stopped and saw MyFriendJean before we left--She gave me a fresh loaf of banana bread that had cranberries and rasins in it.  I ate about half of the loaf for lunch before we left and froze the other half.  As we were talking a male Cardnal came to her bird feeder next to her living room windo.  She told me that male cardnals won't let his mate eat with him untle he is done except during nesting time.  I was there and sw it folks! 

Hey, w're retired.  We were tired the other day day at Denver, and we were tired again iin New Yourk and we're tired today at Isral.  But, hey, we're enjoying be tired in our retirment (i.e. we got fire in our bellies--hot diggity dog).  Such is life. 

L'Hit-ra-ot (i.e. see you later)

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--A greedy father has thieves for children.
AtipfromKipspecializing in golf related mental disordrs 50year practice--arms=Y Rt amr highr then lft arm at address--chin up!

Sacrifice

Disclaimer--This "It's Saturday" could get exciting and challenging  so some of you might want to sit this one out!  Or it could be to you just some sugar with flavor!  It seems that all of us look at things differently many times depending on "howwehavebeenprogramedbyourpast"!

Who is that guy anyway?  He's a mess!  Speaking only for myself, I really can't grasp the total sacrifice of Jesus dieing on the cross for the forgiveness of my sins.  I realize I'm not very smart but that just boggles my mind (i.e. I have a pea sized human mind compared to Jeusus' heavenly mind).  I guess that is why I have to have faith.  13 of us did "The Twelve Seats At The Table" last Sunday for Palm Sunday.  I was James--One of the many lines I had to memorize was this:  I just don't understand why Jesus choose me, a poor ignorant fisherman to experience all these things.  And remember James was one of Jesus' three special confidants.  He didn't select the rich or famous or the learned but the poor and ignorant.  Huh, interesting.  But I tell you what, memorizing a page of lines was a challenge for me.  I had to memorize, not tell the story in my own words (i.e. that is a lot easier for me).  I told myself that I would do it.  I did it the best I could.  If Jesus sacrificed his life for me, I could sacrifice some of my time and stubbornness and do it (i.e. but it was not easy folks let me tell you).  I didn't want to regret it later that I didn't do it.  I didn't want to be haunted by the "what-if", if only," and "I should'f" later.  I wanted to give it my best shot (i.e. I prayed about it and for the other guys in the little play).  Now this is my attitude towards Easter--I have put some time into some real thought about Jesus dieing on the cross for the forgiveness of my sins.  I don't want some day to say:  "what-if", "if only", and "I should'f"!  Such is life in my pea sized brain folks.  It's not much but like I said, I'm not very smart.  I basically am just a poor ignorant retired insurance man and real estate broker. 

Last Saturday morning, we were invited to the appreciation day for the volunteers at Fansican Health Care as a reward for our sacrifice of time and effort (i.e. really I wonder if the volunteers don't get more out of it than the hospitals do).  Joesixpack says--Compassion can really change a person's life (i.e. change our fickle hearts).  They rented the Crossroad Theater and we could watch any movie that was showing.  They also gave each one of us and our guest a $7 voucher for concessions.  Did you know that a big tub of popcorn costs $7.  I couldn't believe it (i.e. that is inflation folks).  ANYWAY we settled for the kids' combo that was a little popcorn, a small drink and a PizyStix for $5.50.  I asked the gal who took my order what a PizyStick was--she said--sugar with some flavor!  We watched the movie Soul Surfer (i.e. an inspirational movie about the true story of the gal who was a surfer who lost her arm surfing).

It's really just one massive huge rodeo folks and you're the bull rider. How much will you sacrifice for security in your investments? I read this in the paper soooooooo it must be right--Three month T-bills are on sale. The government received $4.82 in bids for every $1 in debt offered for sale. Yield is 0.05%! Wow!  Folks must really think you guys are going to pay for the interest. They have a lot of faith in you--DON'T LET 'EM DOWN FOLKS!! Folks must feel secure that you will keep paying (i.e. are in good hands with you). I really don't like it that interest rates are that low now that we're retired and want a big fat return--I don't like it but I guess things happen that way! Joesixpack says--Ya can't get to be a fat cat with interest rates of 0.05%--Goin' to have to live off the kids when I retire. Listen Joesixpack, they ain't going to like your idea soooooo suck it up and get a second job, get the wife a job or something! Such is life.

MissPerfect says--Compassion can change a person--RightRightRight!  Care givers are like sacrifice flies in baseball (i.e. they provide a very valuable service but don't get much attention).  You caregivers are really something, I think.  You sacrifice much to make some one's life better.  Many times folks could not be able to live in their homes if it wasn't for a caregiver.  Some of you folks are unbelievable good folks.  My hat goes off to you and your sacrifice.  And you know what folks, the public, in many cases, have not a clue how much you sacrifice for another.  It's much like that sacrifice fly in baseball!  I think you are really something.  GerogeTheCrook says--Self-centered folks are not true caregivers 'casue they won't do it unless they can get some glory (i.e. puff themselves up).  Usually the glitzy and showy folks!  Ouchy ouchy!

I also learned this week that their is a difference between a caregiver and a enabler.  Enablers protect people a.k.a cover up for them like a parent pretends that their child isn't doing drugs, a spouse protects (i.e. makes excuses when their spouse can't control their spending), a enabler who keeps making excuses for a loved one who is an alcoholic, a enabler who covers for someone all the time 'cause a loved one can't function normally (i.e always pretending for them that there is nutten wrong) etc.  Enablers don't face reality 'cause they think they are helping the person who is not functioning normal (i.e. but everyone else seems to know it but the enabler doesn't want to see it I guess or they know it but it hurts soooooooo much to face reality).  I also learned this week that there is a massive huge difference between being an enabler and just being a kind person a.k.a compassionate person (i.e. and that's not a sacrifice folks)!  Such is life.

My Mom Anna cooked, baked, canned food, froze food, had a big garden, sewed for us and really just took care of us kids.  She worked very hard and I never heard her complain.  She was the nicest woman I have ever met.  She was also the spiritual leader of our home.  She taught me a lot.  The one thing she really emphasised was--erv, always do what is right.  I haven't and probably never will but I try.  She really sacrificed her life for her family and others around her (i.e. and I don't think she ever knew it).  She was not flashy or ever wanted attention but she was just a servant.  I wish soooooooo much that I could tell her that.  She died when I was 24 and she was 56 from cancer (i.e. she suffered through that miserable disease).  ANYWAY when she baked bread (i.e. I wish I could have some now) I was given the opportunity some times to kneed the dough mixing the yeast into the bread and then letting it sit and experience it rising.  I was always amazed how that worked (i.e. still am).  Yeast is good in this situation but I read what Jesus said while eating my oatmeal with a half of an apple on it, this--Be on your guard against the yeast a.k.a. leaven of the Pharisees which is hypocrisy (i.e. evil disposition of the Pharisees).  I sometimes wonder if I have some of that yeast a.k.a. leaven that the Pharisees had.  I wonder, come on erv, I have it!  Don't be so Pharisaical erv!  Joesixpack says--We all think we are better than we are!   Ouchy ouchy!

Don't think you are toooooooo good to do something.  I know some folks who think their...doesn't stink.  My Daddy, Chester, told me--erv, be around good folks who don't know they are great instead of being around folks who think they are great but really aren't (i.e. sugar with some flavor).  It's a lot more fun to be around those who are great and don't know it compared to the others.  That's what my Daddy told me.

Look deep, deep into nature,  and then you will understand everything better.~Albert Einstein~  Spring means cardinals (i.e. my favorite bird) singing or preaching or lecturing to me on my early morning walks and the emerging, blooming spring flowers.  They are signs of new life and new hope a.k.a. Easter.  Ya those are signs of the changing of the seasons here on earth.  Some other signs of changing of the seasons in our lives are: knees hurting, allergies acting up, changeofseasonheadaches, aching feet and sore muscles from working int the yard.  Mother Nature was mean to us this week with about 3 inches of snow (i.e. It's spring but it's no day at the beach folks let me tell you)!  Ouchy ouchy!  I never did understand why those birds came back sooooooo early.  It seems like it always snows on them.  Isn't there a saying that it has to snow on the Robins before it's spring or something like that (i.e. I think the ol'timers say--the Robins have to have their feet in snow three times on the north side of the tree before it's spring).  I guess it's the birds' sacrifice (i.e. a birds' life)!  Well, spring might be here if that's the case!  Maybe!  I wouldn't bet on it folks--it's Iowa!  It usually doesn't get nice until the middle of May.  Maybe we'll just take off for a couple of weeks--now that's a good idea! Such is life.

One of the new volunteers at the hospital orientation was a 24 year old gal who was a single mother of a 6 year old son.  She told me that she has been on her own since she was 18.  She was a hair dresser.  I said to her--how in the world can you do all these things with a 6 year old?  She said--I have a neighbor lady who is in her mid 70s who is an unbelievable support for me.  She takes care of my son a lot and I pay her very little per her request.  It seems like it puts meaning into her life.  My son just loves her.  Folks, maybe this gal has sacrificed her time and part of her life to make some one's life better (i.e. sorta kinda being a mentor to both of them).  You think so?  The other day a friend was passing by on business and stopped to play golf with me.  We were having a sandwich at noon and the students were playing during noon hour on the school ground  behind our house (i.e. our house butts against the school yard).  ANYWAY some kids (i.e. old enough to know better) were in our yard.  That was no problem but they were in our perennial flower garden running around.  The perennials were being damaged.  I hollered at them to get out of there.  I said to my friend, you would think any kid would know better than that.  He said--Maybe some kids don't have a clue 'cause their parents don't have a clue (i.e. it isn't their fault but there parents).  Sooooooooooo folks, how important is it for some kids to have a mentor anyway do you think?   I was talking to our neighbor Sandy the other day.  She takes care of her 2 grand kids each Tuesday.  I don't know if it's a sacrifice or not but she said she is tired at the end of the day.  It seems like it's a pleasure for her (i.e. she really enjoys the opportunity).  But she is a mentor if she realizes it or not.  Grandmas can influence their grand kids a lot.  Oh yes! 

Joesixpack says--There are a lot of folks who sacrifice for others and there are a lot of folks who almost do (i.e. there are a lot of almosts in some folks' lives).  I almost did it but didn't--almosts don't count folks--ya gotta do it!  Ya, life produces a lot of questions and answers, yes it does but almosts get you nowhere.  GerogeTheCrook says--Being a good guy is okay but being a great guy is really something.  Great folks don't have almosts, they get it done.  Those great folks seem to do things "smooth as silk" with perfect rhythm and timing.  Why is that do you think?  I wonder if there is some sacrifice to all that.  If you  are going to be a great friend, do you have to sacrifice at times?  If you are going to be a great parent, do you have to sacrifice some times?  If you are going to be a great spouse, do you have to sacrifice at times?  I think soooooo folks.  LuckieEddie says--Yabut my ego gets in the way sometimes.  Well suck it up cupcake and just do it!  Any one can be average!  Iron rusts from disuse; water loses its purity from stagnation...even so does inaction sap the vigor of the mind. ~Leonardo da Vinci~

I talked to a guy visiting at the church we attend a couple of weeks ago.  He asked me about retirement and what I thought of it and AZ.  They too visit AZ too but have a young family and is not at the retirement age.  I told him it's soooooooo different not to wake up in the middle of the night thinking about business stuff.  He said he could relate to that (i.e. sacrifice sleep thinking about business).  He said he keeps a legal sized yellow pad next to his bed, wakes up and writes down his thoughts and ideas during the middle of the night.  He said his kids can't understand that; they think there is something wrong with him.  Hey, I can relate to that; I use to do that.  Talk about sleeping, the other morning I was having breakfast with a friend when Larry came over and we talked about the price of corn!  He went on to say that he still has dreams of farming even though he's retired.  He said his doctor says that when you dream you are sleeping very soundly.  He says he has sleep apnea and has a machine now--incredible how much better he sleeps.  I'm fortunate that I'm a good sleeper and you know what--I dream a lot.  Do you?  WildWillie says--When we're sleep deprived, our ability to handle stress decreases.  When we're well rested, it's much easier to handle life's ups and downs.  When we are tired and/or tired we don't operate very well (i.e. lose our focus and our cool).  Such is life.

SusieQ says--Life has many battles. But some of you are warriors. I have had three friends tell me that they have sacrificed by eating less food and exercising more this winter.  They have lost 65 pounds, 30 pounds and 20 pounds (i.e. my hat goes off to you folks--I'm proud of you). They all told me that they feel--oh, sooooooo much better.  Huh, interesting.  LuckieEddie says--Winning goes into every win!  Ya, that winning is sorta kinda infectious now isn't it.  Yabut you have to have discipline.  My Daddy, Chester, told me--The best kind of discipline is self-discipline (i.e. sacrifice). And-U-KnowWhat--life is not fair (i.e. the only thing that's fair is the Butler County Fair and that's in June).  GeorgeTheCrook says--We need to press on and try to clear that old image from our minds and replace it with--I can do any thing, any where, any time! Some folks can only see negatives while others only can see possibilities!  CadillacJack says this about his brother-in-law ItchieBitchie--He has very poor self-discipline; he says--I can't do nutten !  At this point in his life with that attitude, he's who he is and that's not much!  TheCandianHonker says--Stretch yourslelf:  GetBackOutThere and met the Easter Bunny!  Sooooooooo what's the Easter Bunny in your life anyway.  Such is life.

I think what they are trying to say is if we all sacrifice a little and pick a little litter up, the world will be better.  What do you think?

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

ErvinJamesMellema not TheJames and not to be confused with LaBronJames

JeanMyFriend says--When faced with a challenge, look for a way, not a way out.
AtipfromKipspecializingingolfrelatedmentaldisordersfor50years--BkSwg--rotate heels slitely rt.--CHINUP!