December 25, 2010

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from our family to yours. 

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

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

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

Erv & Arlene

December 18, 2010

More Christmas thoughts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

erv

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

December 11, 2010

Christmas thoughts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

erv

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

December 4, 2010

L-Crap-O

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

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

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

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

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

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

It had looked so easy and short on the map. Life can be that way then I say L-Crap-O! I saw this on the back of a truck traveling to AZ—Traffic, if only it were as light as your beer--Miller Genuine Draft Light, 64 calories! We enjoy road trips—we eat our way across the country. No 64 calories stuff for us! I had the opportunity to hike Mt Falcon in CO. It’s one of my favorite hikes. I met a guy on the trial who was biking up the trial (i.e. very hard) who was taking a break (i.e. he was tired). I said—how’s it going—I’m suffering from toooooonmuch Thanksgiving eating; I’m 10 pounds over my desired weight and those 10 pounds are a monstrous disadvantage. I can ride it clean with no problems but with the extra 10 pounds it makes it much harder. Think about that folks. The two pics are from Mt Falcon; I always talk about it so maybe you might be interested in seeing it (i.e. pics don’t do justice but…). One is of the Red Rock formation where the amphitheater is located—some of you have been there for concerts etc.) http://www.redrocksonline.com/PUREENTERTAINMENT.aspx
and the other is of the Denver sky line. Then when I get in the back of the mountain, it is completely quite. http://www.co.jefferson.co.us/openspace/openspace_T56_R16.htm

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

erv

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

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

November 27, 2010

alittlelifterupper

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

swervinervin

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

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

November 20, 2010

TY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TBTG—Thanks be to God.

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

erv

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

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

November 13, 2010

I'm not a spender!

I’m not a spender! I kidded a friend who is the landlord of the family farm (i.e. she is maybe 80+ and widowed) that with all the money the farmers are making here locally, she will have to raise the rent to her daughter and son-in-law. She said—no, ya gotta treat family right! I don’t need much money, I’m not a spender!

MissPerfect says--The things that I can't have I want. And what I have seems second-rate. The things I want to do I can't. And what I have to do I hate. MissPerfect, you sound rather pessimistic to me. Joesixpack says--I don’t thing I would like to live with you. Are you ever satisfied? I don’t think I could afford you; you would be toooooooo high maintenance for me. You would drive me crazy with your attitude. MissPerfect says—I’m really not a spender (i.e. sounds like she needs a big spender). Ya right! You and I probably would never get along. Such is life.

I wouldn’t consider myself a spender (i.e. it all depends on who you compare me to I guess). I like value for my dollar is my thinking. ANYWAY I love much about small town. I met a friend for breakfast recently and was ten minutes late. My watch was slow—needed a new battery I guessed. So after breakfast I went to the True Value and they put a new one in for me for $4.06. Now that is small town folks. I just plain love that. So I started talking with the owners who, of course I have known for years. I don’t remember exactly how we got talking about this but—They met at Arlyns’ Department Store maybe about 44 years ago. It was her college job doing security for a company that Arlyns’ contracted with and Bob was the assistant manager. She said to him that his tie and shirt didn’t match one day. He took off his sport coat and he had a large coffee stain on his shirt. She gave him a hard time about that—he said he didn’t have any clean shirts. She said she would do his laundry for him. She said—he paid me once!!!! He’s not a big spender folks! He said—so I started dating her—it was cheaper to date her than to pay for her doing my laundry!!!!! He also told her he was studying to be a priest—you fell for that—ya, I must have been naive. They have been married for 42 years. Such is life.  PS  His dress still looks about the same!!!!

I said to Arlene—Man you have it hot in the house! I’m cold and I don’t like to be cold; don’t you turn it down. I just came from someone’s house and I about froze. We can afford it; I don’t want to be cold; you just take off some of your cloths if you’re hot! Maybe she thinks I’m not a spender; you think?

Woman’s Boutiques attract SusieQ (i.e. she thinks she’s a major celebrity) like road kill attracts buzzards! MissPerfect says—that is why they advertise—‘cause she is just a sucker for buying stuff. She a spender and her husband is not a spender. Ouchy ouchy! Do you think there seems to be a spender and a non-spender in most marriages? Are there ever two spenders? How about two non-spenders? Saturday question—Are you a spender or a non-spender? Is a spending habit learned or is it genetic? SusieQ, was your mother a spender? My mentor says—You can’t tell how much money a guy has by how he dresses but you can by how his wife dresses!

Last Saturday morning, my friend Aaron age 11, and I went and had breakfast at Penny Penguin down town A’town. I gave Aaron some money to go to the counter and pay. We each had 2 eggs, toast, he had orange and I had coffee. The bill was $6 and something. Aaron said to me—Man that’s not much! Then he and I went over to my MyFreindJean’s place and we played Mexican train dominoes. We all had a good time (i.e. Aaron and I had never played that before). Ya don’t have to be a big spender to have a good time. Here is another example—Sunday night I went into the sun porch and watched the most beautiful, magnificent fall sunset for about 45 minutes. It was out of this world (i.e. my opinion). And it didn’t cost me anything. Such is life in my head!

Last Saturday night I took Arlene on a cheap date (i.e. I’m not a spender). We went to a metro church and then to HyVee for Chinese. The kid at the cash register asked—do you have a 2for1 coupon—no—do you have one for us—yes I do. So it was really a cheap date. We bought a few grocers while we were there. Nate, the checkout, reminded me about a song sung by the Brothers Four that I use to listen to during my college days. I purchased some herring fillets in wine sauce (i.e. one of my favorites @ $2.89/lb—mabye I’m a spender). Nate was checking us out and checked my pickled herring and said—I really like pickle herring too. Then he said—but if I eat them all the time I don’t care for them as much; Ya have to eat them like an occasional treat. ANYWAY the song goes like this, "After You've been Eating Steak a Long Time, Beans Taste Fine": Now a friend of mine, way back in Chicago You know, he finally made his pile. Well he got himself a mansion on Butler and Sheff An' h He was livin' in the latest style; But I run into him, he was eatin' in a greasy spoon While parked in front was his big limousine. I said, "Buddy, you've got so much money How come you're in here, eatin' beans?" An' he said After you've been havin' steak for a long time Beans, beans taste fine. An' after you've been drinkin' champagne and brandy You gonna settle for wine. He said "The world is funny, and people are strange And man is a creature of constant change, and After you've been havin' steak for a long time Beans, beans taste fine." Hey, I did put something in the collection plastic pail at the church!!!!!!!

The Rebublicans’ battle cry was—we are not spenders! We’ll see now won’t we. Seems to me that we have heard all this before. Talk is cheap but who likes to tell someone that your payment will no longer be in the mail and we are going to have to increase your taxes! Ya can’t spend more than you make; it just ain’t going to work very long. But then you can print more money (i.e. have infation—usually the way governments get out of debt). And the cycle continues. You ever notice how folks are always suckers when they think they can get something for nutten (i.e. it works every time). ANYWAY GerogeTheCrook says--the easiest way to get rich is still to inherit it or marry it.

Recently some friends and I were talking about the aesthetic look of the church we attend.  One of the friends said--I'm not interested in the aesthetic look; I didn't even notice the situation that you guys are talking about.  I'm more interested in the economical side of  situations (i.e. he's a money guy--saver&giver I think).  When we were departing, I asked him what's really important to him--He said--relationships.  So I would guess he spends most of his time thinking about relationships (i.e. and he probably does).  This friend is an ascetic.   

LuckieEddie says--There are savers and there are spenders. The spenders might say—how come they have some money for retirement? Da! Have you ever noticed that it’s a lot easier to spend someone else's money than your own (e.g. any government organization). There is an old saying that goes something like this—One generation makes it (i.e. saves it) and the next generation spends it. “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” ~Thomas A. Edison~ ~ Ya it takes work to change your spending habits. I read this while eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it—Do not be deceived: Evil company corrupts good habits (i.e. that’s from the Book folks)…You will never change your life until you change something you do daily (i.e. this isn’t). Haven’t heard anything from the Ol’Viking for a while but I would guess he would say something like this—The best time to start saving is right now. Suggestion (i.e. not advice)--If you are struggling with your spending, find a mentor and get some advice.  Why do you want to continue to hit your head against the wall.  But don't be surprised if it's hard to change your spending habits 'cause it is.  Do you really think you can give 10% to God, save 10% and live on the rest?  I had an friend say to me recently--I never believed that when I would give 10% to God that things would be soooooo good for me; I didn't do it for that reason but WOW was I surprised!

I'm not a spender BUT I have an idea for you to spend. I took Arlene's car for the day this week and I really had a good experience.  She had the "Heart of Thanksgiving" CD in the player.  It is one of the best CD I think I every heard (i.e. it really affected me).  ANYWAY I asked her about it and she said we got it from Family Live (i.e. Weekend to Remember).  Free!  It's by Spring Hill Music Group, Inc.  I went on line to try to find it on Family Life but couldn't find it so I called them--no longer have it.  Sooooooo I looked on Amazon and yep you can get it there.  Used for $4.75 plus $3.99 shipping.  http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dpopular&field-keywords=Heart+of+Thnaksgiving&x=16&y=16  I suggest you spend some of moldy money and get it.  I think it's a great investment (i.e. it's only money).  We spend millions trying to improve other parts of our life (e.g. golf lessons, makeup, self-help books, financial planning etc) so $8.74 is small in comparison.  That's my opinion.  I mean this CD really affected me. 

I bet some of you think I'm giving you hell when I talk about saving.  Well, I really am not.  ~ Former U.S. President, Harry S Truman commenting on the famous "Give 'em hell Harry" slogan shouted at his speeches.~I never did give them hell. I just told the truth, and they thought it was hell.

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

erv

KR's thought of the day--Don't pray for rain unless you're willing to put up with the mud.  MyFiendJean says--There is no scale or chart on earth to measure what a true friend is worth.

November 6, 2010

Think about it!

Disclaimer—Don’t believe much what I say. First of all most of what I write I get from Joesixpack and the rest of his friends. Also, tomyface, a friend said to me this week—what kind of soup have you been eating anyway erv!!!!! And that's from a good friend; I would hate to guess what those who aren't my friends are saying behindmyback!  I would suggest you would be careful what you believe in this "It's Saturday"--unless the shoe fits!  I know about as much as most of you IA folks who voted either yes or no about removing the IA Supreme Judges (i.e. most folks didn’t have a clue what the real issue was I would guess; they just voted their emotions. Nutten wrong with that I guess; we live in America; it’s our right and privilege.

#15 Iowa Hawkeyes 37 the #5 Michigan State Spartans 6. Some think it was the great play by the Hawkeyes. I think it was the crazy Hawkeye fans that zapped the Spartans (i.e. see the pics I took before the game). Think about it! ANYWAY it was a great game to watch for us Hawkeye fans. Coach Mark Dantonis, MI States’ coach, (i.e. I like this guy) said this in his post-game interview-- "Sometimes you get caught up in the glamour of everything. Everybody's patting you on the back for being the No. 5 team in country, and sometimes it can get to you. We have to refocus and we'll be ready next week,"..."I do think our football team will handle this. The reason I thought our football team was special, when I said this to them in February, was because we can handle adversity," Dantonio said. "That has to take place now."..."Life is not fair; we'll find out what we are made out of next Saturday." Hey Coach, you are right, life is not fair--the only thing that's fair is the Butler County Fair and that's in June I think. Such is life.

Joesixpack says—There are those who are good and then there are those who are lucky! And then there are those who are both lucky and good. Some folks seem to get all the breaks it seems. SusieQ says—Then there are those who resemble a good old blue-chip stock; fairly stable, has some ups and downs but mainly trend upward. AverageJoe says—Do you think some folks make their breaks? GeorgeTheCrook asks--Have man’s instincts ever changed—man has always been aggressive, always striving to dominate, trying to control the world and everything in it (i.e. that’s why we will have war and probably always will). I read while eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it this—The #1 topic that Jesus talked about the most was money (i.e. not how to make it either)! Thanks for the insight Joesixpack, GeorgeTheCrook, SusieQ, Jesus and AverageJoe, I’ll think about it! Such is life.

MissPerfect says--My feet have been cold since Carter was president! I still have cold feet about lots of things. Like what MissPerfect? Like elections--Hip Hip Hooray they are over! I was soooooo tired of negative campaigning that it made me sick (i.e. it must work as they all spend millions doing it). I don’t believe half of what they say and the other half isn’t true (i.e. it seems like most of them talk out of both sides of their mouth—they talk a lot but don’t say much). My mentor says—Figures don’t lie but liars figure! We must really be something, they tell us they are going to lower taxes and give us more benefits. They keep saying that and we keep believing it (i.e. must do to get elected—if they said we are going to raise taxes and cut benefits they can’t get elected—and getting elected is the only think they really care about). Politicians are the only people in the world who create problems and then campaign against them. GeorgeTheCrook says—After folks lie, after a while, ya wonder when their lying (i.e. are they lying now or were they lying then). Liars are always singin’! Liars’ mouths are well oiled and efficient! They seem to do that out of habit after a while. Cadillac Jack says—I know a few folks who are that way--they just make me laugh. These folks have blown their trumpet for so long that no one hears it any more—so if they have something that is important, they get no attention. Liars are sorta kinda like snake oil salesmen; I sorta kinda just tune out the noise! Will Wilberttheliar change—I think not! Think about that folks. I just got done reading John Grisham’s new book The Confession; I like his books and think I have read all his 24 previous ones. ANYWAY one of the characters is a guy who is an ex-con named Travis Boyette who is a compulsive liar. They constantly question anything he says as he has lied soooooooooo many times. SusieQ says—Talk is cheap; let’s watch your actions! When someone has a checkered past, folks want to see your actions to prove themselves for a few years and then they’ll start having more confidence in that person. Until then, folks’ trust in them will probably be sketchy. Think about that.

Something smells different! Something feels different! Something just looks different! I can’t put my finger on it, but something is different. When folks think about others, things chance—think about that folks. "Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others"? ~ Martin Luther King Jr. ~ Theguywho’sfullofwisdom says—Being kinder is the best way to change your life. Think about that. Saturday question—Do you put things in proper perspective? Think about that. I read this while eating my oatmeal with raspberries on it—One true measure of success in life is the measure of spiritual progress that we have revealed in our lives…The measure of His will that those around us have seen worked out in our daily living is the measure of our true success. I hope that sticks to me like the dried up oatmeal sticks to my dirty breakfast bowl! I hope I have my latter leaning up against the right wall. If I don’t --ouchy ouchy!

Oh man, think about this. I went to the new young, little, pretty, female dentist this week. They had me laid back and her and her female assistant were doing some work in my mouth. It was 8 o’clock. It seemed to go well until I got out of the chair. Ouchy ouchy! I didn’t zip up my fly on my blue jeans! Oh man! Good thing I had my sorta kinda blue boxers on! What should I do or say—they had to see it as they were looking down on me during this time. I said nutten. I bet they had a good laugh after I left (i.e. woke them up for the morning). I have no idea what they thought about that! I probably will never know. I know one thing for sure, when I go back next year I will double-check my zipper before going in. Two years in a row would not be good!

“I am a slow walker; but I never walk backwards.” ~ Abraham Lincoln ~ I get confused easily about a lot of things. Do you ever get confused? Some times I’m just not sure. Some times I wonder about things a lot. Do you ever? WildWilly says—Sometimes things aren’t as they appear (i.e. think about that). It was a sunny Saturday morning, and Minnesota’sBigKahuna was beginning his pre-shot routine at the Rolling Hills Country Cub, visualizing his upcoming shot when a voice came over the clubhouse loudspeaker: "Would the gentleman on the Ladies tee please back up to the men's tee, please!" TheBigKahuna was still deep in his routine, seemingly impervious to the interruption. Again the announcement: "Would the man on the women's tee kindly back up the men's tee!" TheBigKuhna had had enough. He shouted: "Would the announcer in the
clubhouse kindly shut up and let me play my second shot!"

Think about getting a second opinion about almost everything. You hear that—second opinion! That is what it is, an opinion. I read this--When my one-month-old baby girl Elza and I wound up in the hospital because she was below her birth weight, I called my sister and asked her to put in a prayer request with you. It was a very frightening and stressful time. We had been to see our local pediatrician for Elza's one-month check-up. The doctor told me her lack of weight gain was due perhaps to a food allergy or because I was not producing enough breast milk. She did not take seriously my suggestions that there was something wrong with the baby's digestion. We went for a second opinion and the other doctor immediately sent us to the hospital. Elza had a lot of tests done, and it turned out that she had a staph infection that was causing her diarrhea. MissPerfect says—Think about it; maybe ask for a second opinion (i.e. maybe you and your friend don’t know all the answers—even if you think you do).

Think about it! I received a card from the American Red Cross thanking me for giving blood. I think that is nice—I appreciated it. See, someone likes me! The special reason is I’m O- blood type a.k.a. the universal blood type. They say that just 7% of the population has type O- blood and less than 1% of the population donates type O- blood. There is typically a greater need for type O- blood than there is supply. I try to do my part as many of you do—I have given about 9 gallons so far. I wish I would have given more but I didn’t get started early enough. So throw those chips away, get your butt off the couch and go and give blood. You can give in Aplington on November 9. It’s a gift you can give and it won’t cost you a cent! Such is life. Opportunity! You just never know now do you. Think about that. I really like Dave. Yes I do. I am reprinting this with his permission: something he wrote in the weekly newsletter that I want you to think about. ~ Thoughts from the General Presbyter: Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all consolation who consoles us in our affliction, so that we may be able to console those who are in any affliction with the consolation with which we ourselves are consoled by God”. II Corinthians 1:3-4. These two verses teach us God is in the consolation business and one of the resources available to God to offer comfort is someone else who has gone through a similar experience. I made a fast trip to Sioux Falls for a memorial service on Tuesday. My sister-in-law’s brother died. He was 53, struggled with Multiple Sclerosis for 20 years – then lung cancer. His name is Rick. If you grew up in a small community you know what it is like – my brother and his future wife dated for most of their High School years, married when they were 18 and 19. My brother’s wife’s sister was in my grade, she and I made it into the Iowa All State Choir three out of four years in High School. Her brother Rick was in my little sister’s class. We were in each other’s homes - quite a lot of shared history. As the preachers were pontificating at the memorial service, a memory came back to me. Early in 1974 Rick lost his dad, suddenly to a heart attack. His dad was 58. On October 1st of 1975 I lost my dad, suddenly to a heart attack, Dad was 57, I was 22. Of the streams of folks who came to offer their comfort, a few stand out. Rick, who would have been 18 then, came with his mother to sit with us. I remember when he shook my hand and said, “It will never be the same but at least it will get to the place where it doesn’t hurt all the time.” I am amazed he came that day – he was not very social. And, if you would have known Rick you would know profound is not the word you would use for Rick, but he was that day – because he knew what I was going through. Are you open to being an agent of God’s comfort? Reach out to someone who is going through an experience you know. You probably just have to say one sentence and then sit there and 35 years later someone will remember it. With love in Christ, Dave Feltman

I had the opportunity to sub-teach a couple of half days this week. Some kids seem soooooooooo disrespectful to me and some are soooooooo respectful. One boy seemed unusually disrespectful (i.e. maybe he had a attention deficit problem—I don’t know). ANYWAY I finally said—I was thinking of going to play golf today but here I am; If you want me to treat you like kindergartners I guess I will; you go and sit in the desk in the corner (i.e. I said it rather loud and in a different voice). I don’t get paid enough to put up with this! The class got real quit; then a boy in the back said—If I were you, I would have gone and played golf! JoeThePlumber says—No one respects me either. Yabut—“Children today are tyrants. They contradict their parents, gobble their food, and tyrannize their teachers. ~Socrates (469 BC - 399 BC)~ I asked my mentor Wednesday morning if he ever gets misunderstood—of course, we all understand the situation differently and interpret it by our personal background (i.e. how we have been programmed by our past). Sooooooooooo maybe some of those students have no idea that they are being disrespectful! You think so! Think about it. I talked to a very responsible, mature young man in the same class. He was a football player who just got beat the night before in the playoffs (i.e. it’s a lot more fun to win than to lose folks). ANYWAY I congratulated him on the fine season and we had a very nice talk. Sooooooo do you participate in a winter sport? Yes I wrestle—what weight—160—how much do you weigh now—173—can you get down to 160—oh ya—how in the world can you do that—work out and don’t eat! There are some very nice kids at every age and in every community—there really are. But there are others who really spoil it for everyone (i.e. much like our society). Think about that.

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

erv

KR’s thought of the day—Wisdom is knowing when to speak your mind and when to mind your speech. MyFriendJean says—Kindness is becoming at any age.

October 30, 2010

Spooky

It’s pumpkin time folks. It’s that time of the year. Oh yes. Are children overprogramed? I mean do they have tooooooo much going on? Is that rather spooky do you think? Maybe the adults are overprogramed. You think so? GeorgeTheCrookThePumpkin says—Everyone wants to be first in line! Maybe it’s just pumpkin time! Hey I had the most delightful time with a 7th grader who’s name is Ben. He helped me (i.e. actually did it) convert my iTunes from my desk computer to my laptop. He called it sharing I think. He is one smart, pleasant young man. Good things will happen to him. Oh yes! He’s not spooky folks but his knowledge about the computer is to me. Such is life.

The jack-o-lantern has eyes that glow in the dark. Now that is spooky! Another pumpkin has pea green eyes! Pea green like in envy and jealously. Ouchy ouchy! Our little 10-month-old grand daughter, Charlie, has this certain expression and look. She looks right into my eyes like she knows exactly what I’m thinking; it’s like she is looking right through me. I call them “her gripping eyes”. It’s almost spooky.

The OldCrow’s problem is NOT that someone said some stuff that made the OldCrow mad. The OldCrow’s problem is that he got mad at some stuff someone said. That’s spooky folks. Hey, give the OldCrowThePumpkin a break, his best is still coming. He just doesn’t realize it. He might be a little spooky but give him a chance. WildWillie says--BeingperfectlyFrank--He is just plain scared today (i.e. we all get that way at times—that is spooky isn’t it). Such is life.

CadillacJackThePumpkin says--Ministry happens when our greatest passion meets the world’s greatest needs (i.e. the world’s greatest need might be a little thing that some kid needs NOW!). And you know what—you might be the person to provide that need. Now that is spooky isn’t it (i.e. maybe and maybe not). I have told you this before—I pray for opportunities, I pray that I can recognize these opportunities, and I pray that I have the courage to act on them. Arlene and I had the opportunity to visit with a coach in church Sunday that is doing just that—seeing an opportunity and acting on it. He has a huge massive opportunity. I’m going to share part of an email I got back from a smart parent pertaining to last week’s It’s Saturday -- You are right on target. Our daughter is the Director of Student Activities at …university. She has a masters degree, works 100 hours a week during her busy season, makes a very very modest salary, but loves her job because she knows she is where God wants her to be and because every day she has the opportunity to affect the lives of young people. Contentment is found in doing God's will. My opinion folks—this gal and guy are not lost at sea but are in the middle of the action. Good things will happen to them. Sooooooooo maybe it’s not all about money!

JoeBlowThePumpkin says—It’s spooky when everyone complains about constant stress! Ouchy ouchy! I read this in the paper (i.e. it’s spooooooooky sooooooo be careful)--In 1960, the U.S. ranked 12th best in the world on infant mortality. In 2007, we were in 44th place. In life expectancy, the U.S. ranks a startling 50th, despite spending twice as much or more on health care as nations with longer lifespans. According to the Gallup emotional well-being polls of 150 countries, with each scale ranging from least (No. 1) to most (No. 150), America ranks 68th in sadness, 75th in anger, 89th in worry and anxiety and an astonishing 145th in overall stress. The five countries with higher stress levels include Iraq and Afghanistan, whose citizens face daily violence and war! There's more. America imprisons more of its citizens than any other nation. Americans consume 66 percent of the world's antidepressants. Of developed nations, America has the largest percentage of children living in poverty…America's key measure of well-being is Gross Domestic Product. The CIA's Fact Book reports per capita GDP of $46,500, nearly the highest in the world…So what are the most important contributors to our happiness? Perhaps not surprisingly, GDP is not among them. We are happier when we feel secure - that is, we can work and provide support for ourselves and our families without fear of being summarily dismissed or outsourced, and when we are not threatened with violent crime or war. We are happier when we spend time with family, friends and nature, and when we volunteer in our communities and give to others. We are not happier when we work longer and acquire more stuff. MissPerfectThePumpkin says—we have a tendancy to fall for the sucker punch; yes we do (i.e. sucker punch being stuff and money).

I read in the paper (i.e. so it must be right) that small kids have a hard time distinguishing what is real is and what is make believe (i.e. especially at Halloween). Hey listen, it’s spooky to old folks tooooooo (i.e. we have a hard time distinguishing between reality and make believe)! Anthony and Beth suggested we give our little grand daughter Erin a children’s Bible story book for her third birthday. We did. We were Skyping with Erin the other day and asked her what her favorite story in her Jesus book (i.e. as she calls it)—Erin said—the boo boo ouchy man (i.e. Good Samaritan) and the sneaky snake story. She doesn’t understand what these stores are really about but…what monkey sees, monkey does!

Spooky spooky! Most folks have more stuff than they know what to do with and yet many are depressed to different levels. Depression is depressing. IthcieBitchieThePumpkin says--Drips not only drives us nuts, but will never go away unless we fix them. I had the opportunity to teach three sections of 7th reading and one section of Home Ec. We read and discussed the poem Raven by Edgar Ellan Poe. That poem is rather depressing. One of the students called it spooky. Do any of you remember it? What do you think of it?

I golfed in a five some recently (i.e. we played captain’s choice). The wind was about 30mmp. One of those guys a.k.a. a friend says he is 18 and ¼ hands tall in response to Ed saying he was 5 foot 21 inches tall. I told him that reminds me of my Daddy, Chester, who would always talk about horses’ height in hands. This friend who is 18 and ¼ hands tall is a horse in a lot of ways (i.e. he gets things done; much like another friend who I call Secreterate). These guys are almost spooky with their inner drive. I’m just a little pony compared to these two horses.

Pat Knight, the head basketball coach of Texas Tech, said—It doesn’t matter if you are a head coach or in business—any time you are the head of something and it’s your third year, it’s your baby; you need to win or get fired (i.e. that’s basically reality folks now isn’t it). Our future can look spooky now can’t it? Our past can also look spooky now can’t it? LuckieEddieThePumpkin says—Are you expecting a terrific tomorrow, or are you dreading a terrible one? The answer to that question will have a powerful impact on the way tomorrow unfolds. The way you think about your future will play a powerful role in determining how things turn out (i.e. it’s called “self-fulfilling prophecy,” and it applies to everybody, including you). I read a book recently (i.e. a no brainier fiction about the life in the SW in the late 1800s through about 1950 about a ranch family). What I learned was that no one’s life is perfect (i.e. we all have speed bumps). But we must go forward (i.e. life will not stop). Then we had the opportunity to have dinner with friends this last weekend who have had their share of speed bumps (i.e. maybe more than some and not as many as others) who shared again with me that we just gotta go forward with where ever God leads us but it isn’t always easy. The Bear said—I have learned to enjoy the simple things more—and most simple things come in the form of relationships. We laughed a lot too (i.e. they were very refreshing to me—touched my heart). Some folks are spooky; these folks are not (i.e. they are very transparent—real folks with huge massive hearts—my kind of folks). MissPerfect says—Ya never get over it but you get through it; life, after all, does pass this criminal habit of continuing even when it shouldn’t. As we were walking out of church Sunday we had a little conversation (i.e. about 5 of us) that every one has speed bumps in our lives. Some times others don’t even know we have them. One smart, pretty gal said—I think I know less every year; age has a way of making me think I’m clueless about some things. AverageJoeThePumpkin says—Every year that goes by brings us closer to the next one! Ouchy ouchy! That can be spooky folks! Don’t worry folks, I read some place this—To every thing there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven. My mentor told me at breakfast this week—I pray for my kids every day; I pray that they can handle the speed bumps in their lives (i.e. notice not if they have speed bumps but when they do). I think that is wisdom folks. What do you think? My Daddy, Chester, always told me—Everyone has problems. It’s just that people handle them differently. Such is life.

I got an email from a friend who we meet maybe 10 years ago. She lives in assisted living and we had the opportunity to stay with her as we she was our hostess. She is the most delightful lady. ANYWAY she shared with us how God talked to her (i.e. literally talked to her). She said she hasn’t shared that with anyone (i.e. some folks might thing she is spooky). There are others of you who have had this experience and probably haven’t even shared it with anyone (i.e. ‘cause you don’t want others to think you’re spooky as well). How many of you have God talked to you or you have felt his presence in a very real way? Have you shared it with anyone? Have you every asked anyone if they have?

When we as folks make huge massive changes in our lives, it can be spooky all right. I know a friend who is trying to do just that (i.e. change his thinking and how he has acted in his past). Change from someone that a person has been for many years to someone who they think they want to be takes courage, support, and a strong desire (i.e. that is my opinion). GeoregeTheCrookThePumpkin says--Most folks don’t see the need to change, don’t want to change or have the fortitude to change.

Boo to you! Have a frightfully fun Halloween.

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

erv

KR’s thought of the day—In a crisis, rise to the occasion but don’t hit the ceiling. MyFriendJeans says—One thing is sure—if you laugh at your troubles you will probably always have something to laugh about.

October 23, 2010

What makes you tick?

When I was eating my oatmeal with strawberries on it I read this—There is only one way to get full satisfaction from life and that is to live the way you believe God wants you to live. Live with God in that secret place of the spirit and you will have a feeling of being on the right road. You will have a deep sense of satisfaction. Saturday question—does that make you tick?

What makes him tick? I’m afraid that sometimes we as Americans act like a buck deer during rut (i.e. has his mind on one thing). He makes his mark and his brain is not in his head but…! What makes that buck tick? Well during rut it’s the does and during the rest of his life, it’s survival. He will do anything to survive (i.e. usually very savvy). We as Americans are becoming wantabes, hacks, and scrubs using any method (i.e. whateverittakes) to make some money and survive. How do you and I make our mark? GeorgeTheCrook says—Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.

What makes you tick--A farmer had only one horse. One day, his horse ran away. All the neighbors came by saying, “I'm so sorry. This is such bad news. You must be so upset.” The man just said, “We'll see.” A few days later, his horse came back with twenty wild horses. The man and his son corralled all 21 horses. All the neighbors came by saying, “Congratulations! This is such good news. You must be so happy!” The man just said, “We'll see.” One of the wild horses kicked the man's only son, breaking both his legs. All the neighbors came by saying, “I'm so sorry. This is such bad news. You must be so upset.” The man just said, “We'll see.” The country went to war, and every able-bodied young man was drafted to fight. The war was terrible and killed every young man, but the farmer's son was spared, since his broken legs prevented him from being drafted. All the neighbors came by saying, “Congratulations! This is such good news. You must be so happy!” The man just said, “We'll see.”

LuckieEddie says--Be careful what you say and do ‘cause it’s soooooooo easy to get misunderstood—just be generic, impersonal, non emotional, vanilla, non-transparent and invisible. And for God’s sake, keep your mouth shut! To those in North Dakota, Minnesota, and for that matter the rest of the country, including Canada, I must report the sad news that Ole was shot. He was up by the Canadian border on his 4-wheeler cutting some trees when some rangers looking for terrorists spotted him. According to the news reports, the rangers shouted to him over a loudspeaker, "Who are you and what are you doing?" Ole shouted back, "OLE...BIN LOGGIN'!" Ole is survived by his wife Lena and Lena's good friend Lars.

I was golfing with some guys the other day and riding along in a guy’s cart. He and I talked about where we went to church. He was telling me about a situation where he thinks a pastor lied to him twice (i.e. that is what he thinks and believes). He said we were out of there (i.e. that church). And the worse thing was his kids were around him when he lied—that’s really good to teach your kids—they can see it as well as I. Ouchy ouchy! Did that pastor lie? I don’t know but this gentleman thinks he did so that’s all that mattered to him. We live in America where you can go to any church you want. So what makes this pastor tick anyway do you think?

Does gossip make you tick? Joesixpack says--If your heart is right, your world will be right. The beginning of all reform must be in yourself. It’s not what happens to you, it’s how you take it…break the twin habits of negative thinking and critical speech. Some really important guy said this—Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults—unless, of course, you want the same treatment. Don’t condemn those who are down; that hardness can boomerang. Be easy on people; you’ll find life a lot easier. Can you guess who said that? Gossip hurt folks—I really don’t understand why folks just don’t step right in there and quench it (i.e. nip it in the bud). You guys are my friends—if I hear gossip about you, I would do just that (e.g. I hope if I would hear two people talking and accusing you or implying you are having an affair—I would step right in and ask, are you sure you have that right—do you know how damaging that can be to a person instead of not saying anything and then passing it on to the “supermothersofgossip”. MissPerfect says—Remember if you are around folks who gossip about others, they will gossip about you when you are not around tooooooo (i.e. it’s not if, it’s a slam dunk folks—they are the little folks of the world). Saturday question—Are you and I little folks or big folks of this world? You and I are the only ones that know for sure (i.e. we are the experts). Does gossip make you tick? Such is life.

ItchieBitchie says—Well, flip the pancake. Ya right, never be critical of anyone; always be forgiving. Sounds like America to me! Anything goes and is okay. You can have bad morals, ethics, do illegal stuff, have an affair, cheat, steal, be a really bad person and our society says—that’s okay; it’s part of being American (i.e. at least that’s the way it looks). We are becoming very generic, vanilla, weak spined, impersonal, and just plain don’t stand for anything anymore. We want to politically correct so we don’t loose our job, be neutral about everything so we don’t offend anyone as we don’t want to loose any customers. We are careful who we touch, who we talk to, who we are with, what a man says to a woman, careful how a man compliments a woman, what we say about our faith in God, what we say about a different religion, how we refer to another race and list goes on and on. We stand for nutten and care about nutten unless it affects our pocketbooks and then look out. If we continue, we will be another Roman Empire (i.e. where is the Roman Empire anyway) and I can’t see anything on the arisen that will turn this around (i.e. my opinion). All of government is the same. It’s just a big snowball going down the mountain gathering size and where it will stop, only God knows (i.e. maybe that’s a slang statement or it might be a literal statement). It will change folks. Yes it will. No question. But we might not like the change. The change always occurs when it can’t function anymore (i.e. usually decided by money). Money seems to always make us and everything else tick. Such is life.

I stopped for a snack before my bike ride the other day at a convenience store in Cedar Falls. They have a chalk board on the outside of their business and this is what they had written on it this week—A person is rich who they are, not what they have! Proverbs 13:7. Now I think that takes courage in our society today. Sooooooo not everyone is a wimp! I learned a huge massive lesson the other day from a friend. Yes I did. I learned how I don’t want to be. And sorry to say, I think I’m like him sometimes. I don’t think he realized he taught me this lesson.

What makes you tick? Maybe you guys think I’m all wet. Maybe you guys think I’m just crazy and am way out in left field (i.e. tooooooo idealistic). Maybe you say, just settle down erv, and play the game; do what you have to do to get along to live in this world, make the most of it; don’t get sooooo excited; learn the tricks; just go with the flow; become part of the masses; learn to become just like the majority; it will be all right (i.e. Chester and Anna probably said the same thing 60 years ago); relax, the government will take care of you (i.e. I was told by a friend that 40% of Americans are on some form of subsidy—don’t get soooooo excited about that, many of us are part of that 40% in some form). My opinion is that this spending just can’t continue (i.e. it just ain’t goin’ to work). Personally I don’t now anyone in America that goes to bed hungry. Do you? I know of no one who does not get medial care. Do you? It seems like a lot of people spend more time devising schemes and scams to make money than working. What in the world is going on here folks! Well flip the pancake. Arlene and I volunteered to help fill food bags (i.e. 1. Rice, the most widely accepted grain around the world. 2. Extruded soy nuggets, providing maximum protein at lowest cost. 3. Vitamins, minerals and a vegetarian chicken flavoring to give growing children the critical nutritional elements they need. 4. Dehydrated vegetables for flavor and nutrition) for Feed My Starving Children http://www.fmsc.org/ In their video, they said there were 18,000 kids who die of starvation in the world every day. Ouchy ouchy! Feed My Starving Children make up 128,000,000 meals a year (i.e. all by volunteers). Wow!

A couple of friends (i.e. one being my mentor ages 84 and 90) and I had breakfast Wednesday morning (i.e. it’s an honor to be around them). They both just returned from the Honor Flight (i.e. WWII Vets to Washington). They really enjoyed it with many different emotions (i.e. what makes them tick). They both said the biggest thing, which they saw and know, is—Freedom is not free! Their group had 29 vets and Ivan was the youngest at 84—now you know John is 90. They told me that a 1,000 WWII vets die daily. They said WWII was an experience but they both would not want to do it again. I asked them how the war experience changed them—both didn’t think it changed them (i.e. these are solid folks, the salt of the earth). I asked them if they thought folks would get in line to volunteer for the military like the folks did during the WWII time if something would happen today—no way! they said. I honor these guys (i.e. my heroes). Freedom is not free folks. WWII had about 400,000 American war deaths they told me. Wow. Soooooooo what makes America tick today?

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

erv

KR’s thought of the day—Evil thrives when good folks do nutten! My FreindJean says—The world would be far better if we let opportunity do all the knocking.