Tap tap

Tap Tap!  Joesixpck says--This "It's Saturday" could be a haunted message--read it you dare! Be careful of those ghouls and goblins! HolyCatFish! It's a bloody mess! Beware, this might be toooooo gory for women!  Soooooo if your stomach gets a little queasy, just stop reading. 

Two men were walking home after a Halloween party and decided to take a shortcut through the cemetery just for laughs. Right in the middle of the cemetery, they were startled by a tap-tap-tapping noise coming from the misty shadows. Trembling with fear, they found an old man with a hammer and chisel, chipping away at one of the headstones. "Holy cow, Mister," one of them said, after catching his breath, "You scared us half to death! We thought you were a ghost! What are you doing working here so late at night?" "Those fools!" the old man grumbled. "They misspelled my name!"

Witchy Witchy Scary Scary!  Technology has and will change our environment.  I see that Kodak is near bankruptcy.  Not too many years ago it made cameras, sold the film, and developed the pictures (i.e. had a monopoly).  It had 680,000 world wide employees.  They were the king of the heap.  But then--Tap tap!  Digital cameras came in and they didn't get on the cutting edge and the world passed them by.  Now folks take pictures and have them on facebook within seconds for the whole world to see compared to a month that it took Kodak to get the pictures out.  GeorgeTheCrook says--When you get behind in the race, it's hard to catch up!  Now that is scary scary!  Ya just have to keep weavin' and bobin' through the world folks or end up being a ghost!  The former employees are very concerned about their pensions now.  They never gave it a thought when Kodak was the king of the hill.  Ouchy ouchy!  As my mentor says--When things are going well, we think they will always be good and when things are going bad, we think they will always be bad.  Such is life.

Trick or treat!  AARP's ad on TV says something like this--We are 50 million and we want to be heard.  We will be heard come voting time (i.e. voting pressure). Don't forget us.  Is that manipulation or a trick or what?  I'm befuddled!  Can emotions trick us?  My Daddy, Chester, told me--erv, don't let emotions get in your business decisions (i.e. make business decisions with your brain, not your heart).  LuckieEddie says--Emotions are the trick of the devil.  No man of sense, I think, will pay them much attention; Ya must overcome passion to make good business decisions.  Yabut LuckieEddie, isn't it a treat to make some decisions with your heart?  I'm biting my tongue on that one!  Here is another possible trick or treat--MissPerfect says--Theirs (i.e. meaning a certain church denomination) is not the only route to salvation even though they think soooo. 

Tap tap!  SlickDuaneTheWorm tries to trick folks all the time.  Sometimes if folks are gullible, he is successful but most folks, who have any brains at all, figure him out quite fast.  Sooooooo why don't you tap tap him on the shoulder and ask him why he acts that way? 

Tap tap! The folks down the street sorta kinda get into Halloween!  It looks like a haunt with a lot of chills and thrills. It's frighting to me.  It's a panic park that's freaky, scary and spooky.  WildWilly says--I don't know if my neighbor lady forgot to put on her makeup or if she was just scaring folks on Halloween?  I mean she was scary!  I don't know if I will be able to sleep tonight. Tap tap! There was a tap tap on the door. It was another trick or treater. The little muskin had written on his shirt--Time to reload--I'm out of sugar!

Tap Tap!  The midnight ride--Of Paul for beer--Led to a warmer--Hemisphere--Burma Shave  ~  Tap Tap, be careful of the naysayers, they can scare the living crap out of a guy.  Oh ya!  Moses sent 12 spies and 10 were negative but Caleb and Joshua were positive.  Tragically, the naysayers' majority report swept through the camp and prevailed.  The majority of the world says--Earn more, spend more, and want more.  Tragically the majority philosophy sweeps through the country like a wild fire.  CadillacJack says--Remember (i.e. even though it's not the majority opinion)--You are not what you own (i.e. stuff). The attitude of "more will be enough" will cause you many headaches.  But don't worry, the government will bail you out, or mom (i.e. tap tap)!  Which ever one is the easiest.  Such is life

Tap tap, follow me!  I was thinking about why folks follow certain folks while on my nearly daily walk.  Think about the strong leaders in your community (e.g. business person, pastor, coach, philanthropist, someone in local government).  Now think of a strong leader nationally (e.g. President Lincoln, Tiger Woods, Jim Jones, Billy Graham, Bernie Madoffers, Martin Luther King, or Warren Buffet).  Now think of a strong international leader (e.g. Muhammad, Gandhi, The Pope, Hitler, Luther, Eisenhower).  Sooooo sometimes these folks almost develop a cult following it seems.  These leaders are idolized to the point where they almost become a god to some folks.  Now that can be scary (i.e. my opinion).  MonsterWanda says--It seems folks really buy into some leadership hook, line and sinker (i.e. like a feeding frenzy--like wild dogs smelling blood or BigBertha smelling chocolate).  AverageJoe says--Sometimes that's good, sometimes that is bad and sometimes it doesn't make any difference.  Such is life. 

Well, my name is Jim, but most folks call me---------------Jim!  Okay movie buffs, what movie is that from?  Jim says--Well look me in the eye will ya and tell me ya love me.  I want to make sure you aren't "phony baloney"!  People will tell folks almost anything to gain an advantage (i.e. now that's scary folks--wicky wacky icky).  Here is another line that made me laugh from that movie--Reverend Johnson: Now I don't have to tell you good folks what's been happening in our beloved little town. Sheriff murdered, crops burned, stores looted, people stampeded, and cattle raped. The time has come to act, and act fast. I'm leaving.

BigBetsy (i.e. she gives me the creeps) says--I feel "ohsoooooogood" when I think I'm #1 in the food chain of importance (i.e. she thinks she's the Queen of Sheba--she screams showey--her outfit cost more than my car is worth).  MissPerfect says--I have friends who might be cannibals   Na, come on MissPerfect, cannibals!  Yep, cannibals.  They (i.e.vultures who eat the weak) will eat anyone, including their friends, to make themselves look better.  In fact, they might even eat their own babies.  Now that is creepy and spooky MissPerfect.  They use bad gossip to run others down but they and their family are the greatest (i.e. I'm positively and confident that they are the ultimate mean).  MissPerfect, my Mommy, Anna, told me--Little people run others down in hopes of making themselves look bigger but big people say good things about others to built them up (i.e. a grown woman's effort)!  SusieQ says--This crap is as serious as a heart attack.  It destroys a person's heart worse than a heart attack.  Now that is creepy and spooky and scary folks.  SweetheartNikke says--I hope those cannibals get a tap tap on their hearts and they have change of heart. Listen to the little voice in our brains folks (i.e. we all have it) that says--We are to lift folks up who are weak, not eat them up!  Come on, every one knows that!  JaneThePain a.k.a. apreviouscannibal says--An attitude of helping the weak changes a mule to a racehorse (i.e. it did me)!  It's like changing from a kid scared of Halloween stuff to a being a grown up woman.  King Solomon says--When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.  MissPerfect, have you noticed that your cannibal friends talk to themselves a lot?  There is a reason--CannibalSally says--I talk to myself because I like dealing with a better class of people (i.e. the only thing she likes is herself)!

Whitchie Whitch says--Those buggers are after me!  They are tapping on my shoulder--tap tap!  Now that is scary as oligarchy ol·i·gar·chy - government by the few - a government in which a small group exercises control especially for corrupt and selfish purposes or ineptocracy (in-ept-o-cra-cy) - a system of government where the least capable to lead are elected by the least capable of producing, and where the members of society least likely to sustain themselves or succeed, are rewarded with goods and services paid for by the confiscated wealth of a diminishing number of producers.  ScaryBarry a.k.a. the creepy cat  says--When things are scary in my head, I always wonder how much is true and how much is invented (e.g. a little kid scared of the dark and all the creatures). ScaryBarry, maybe you have been drinking tooooooo much of the Halloween potion. 

This story is almost as scary as the Jack-O-LanternWitch in the picture (i.e. watch out for that Jack-O-LanternWitch when trick and treatin' kids).  A photographer for a national magazine was assigned to take pictures of a great forest fire. He was advised that a small plane would be waiting to fly him over the fire. The photographer arrived at the airport just an hour before sundown. Sure enough, a small Cessna airplane was waiting. He jumped in with his equipment and shouted, "Let's go!" The tense man sitting in the pilot's seat swung the plane into the wind and soon they were in the air, though flying erratically. "Fly over the north side of the fire," said the photographer, "and make several low-level passes." "Why?" asked the nervous pilot. "Because I'm going to take pictures!" yelled the photographer. "I'm a photographer, and photographers take pictures." After a long pause, the "pilot" replied: "You mean you're not my instructor?"  Psssssst!  I know for fact that if you peel off the outfit of TheJack-O-LanternWithch in the picture, you'll find a not very scary person!  Such is life.

Tap tap! Scary Scary! When the disciples saw Him walking on the lake by their boat, they said--It is a ghost! And He replied--Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid. I bet the disciples' jaws dropped when they say Him walking on water.  I bet it was scary! 

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--Your day goes the way the corners of your mouth turn.

What say you?

What say you?  I say E-I-E-I-0!  What does that mean anyway?  It means E-I-E-I-O, that's what it means!  Don't yacha get it?  You should, you heard it since you were one year old! 

Heather called me as she and Erin were on their way to the mountains to have a sleep over with James at the fire department at Lake Dillon (i.e. now that is different).  She saw a tow truck that the company's name was Grumpy Dutchman Towing.  Is that an eye catcher, a brand or is he an actual a grumpy Dutchman do you think?  What say you?  Coca-Cola is the #1 "brand" recognized in the world.  John Deere is #97. The Somewhere Something Newspaper says it so it must be right!  So when you hear brands like Chicago Bears, Apple, Titeleist, Goggle, Presbyterian what do you think of?  If the image of your brand is not good, it's hard to sell the product.  Think about your local brands like George's Law Firm, University of WallyWally, River Golf Course, Bill's Grocery Store, Tom's Electric etc.  Okay, do we each have a brand?  So when  your name is mentioned, what do folks think?  It isn't what you think, it's what others think!  SlickDuaneTheWorm says--Your brand is made by your many actions for a long time; it ain't just one action folks.  And to change your brand is very difficult once it is burned in.  MissPerfcet says--Changing a good brand to a bad brand is as easy as a 1, 2, 3 inning.  To develop a good brand, you don't do it on luck, ya gotta execute (i.e. all hat and no ranch).  Such is life.

Well, E-I-E-I-O! I talked to a Division 1 golf professional/coach the other day. He recruited Chet years ago so we talked about golf of course. He told me that potential golfers for the university call him all the time. They promote themselves for an opportunity to play Division 1 golf. He told me that there are kids good enough to play but will not have the opportunity 'cause they don't have the knowledge and financial means to promote themselves. There are many many good golfer today (i.e. very competitive to play Division 1 golf). He has 17 players on his team and none of them are on scholarship. I know a guy a few years ago and have remained in contact with him.  He promotes high school athletes to universities so they can get athletic scholarships.  He does it for a fee (i.e. has been quite successful).  He was telling me that he interviews the potential clients and parents as he will only represent folks with high standards.  He has developed a reputation a.k.a. his brand!  If any of you are interested in his service, contact me and I will get you the information. What say you!

What say you!  A buddy and I were having breakfast the other morning.  Our waitress also took my money.  She had a couple of tattoos on her arms.  We asked her about them and she explained them to us.  I asked her how much do they cost--$500 a piece--that's a lot of money--that's not all my tattoos, I have more all over my body; maybe $2,000 to $3,000 more--my buddy said, we believe ya, you don't have to show us!; that's a lot of money--not really 'cause I get to enjoy them for the rest of my life!  I'd rather have a new mid-putter!

WalMartFrank says--When it comes to money, everyone is the same religion.  What say you!  Friends (i.e. folks with huge massive good hearts--my kind of folks) built their retirement home out west.  They were down right discussed with the folks who were part of building process of their house.  In the community they lived in back in Iowa before going out west, folks could be trusted and they trusted them.  Not out west.  Everyone seemed to do a short cut.  If you didn't jump them about it, they would get by with it.  It was a constant battle a.k.a. a marketing game.  After a while they said they didn't trust anyone.  Man, that would be a terrible way to live (i.e. my opinion).  Saturday question--What is your character a.k.a. your brand?  Can you be trusted or will you take advantage of folks if you can get by with it to make a few bucks?  What say you?

What say you?  What do you do for a living?  CadillacJack says-- I live life for a living!  I expressed my observation to the gal in charge of the volunteers for Wheaten Franciscan Health, the hospitals that I volunteer for (i.e. I do the orientations for the new volunteers and she's my boss).  I told her I am just amazed at the quality of volunteers.  She told me that she does not deny hardly anyone the opportunity; those are just the type of folks that want to volunteer.  Soooooo why are the quality of the volunteers sooooooo good then?  She said that the folks who volunteer are great folks (i.e. good hearted folks who want to be givers).  Recently I had 5 new volunteers in the orientation (i.e. 4 college students and one high school student).  They were top notch, all of them.  During the orientation, I observed that many of them have a faith in God.  I sorta kinda indicate that I believe in God (i.e. I have my ways folks) and at some point they will expose their faith as well in their own special way.  Huh, interesting.  Is the correlation between the two happenstance?  Na, I don't think so folks.  I had a new volunteer (i.e. age 78) tell me that volunteers live longer (i.e. she read it in the paper so it must be right).  Sooooo there you go! 

I went for "myprettymuchdailywalk" last Saturday on the golf course before heading out to the Iowa football game. The folks at the game did a couple of  card stunts.  It was fun.  http://www.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/24156338/32743079   ANYWAY I stopped at a friend's place on my way.  I said--It smells oh sooooooo good--oh, I made meatloaf--I will send some home with you.  What say erv?  Thanksamillion.  She touched my heart.  Soooooo, three of my golf buddies were on the course (i.e. the only golfers on the course--these guys are hard core golfers).  I talked to them on the 3rd green and then when I was completing my walk, I intersected with them again on 8 green.  I said, a 43 would be a good score today--Kelly a.k.a the big kahuna said I better do better than a 43 as I'm one over.  He had a 35 footer downhiller--I watched--he made a great lag putt to about two and half feet from the hole--One of his fellow players a.k.a The GetInYourHeadGamePlayer says to him--Sooooooo when are you going get back to your normal game!!!!!  What say you! 

ItchieBitchie says--Some folks really don't care that you have problems, some folks are happy you have problems, and some folks are very tender to you when you have problems.  A friend (i.e. a person with a massive huge heart--my kind of person) called me recently and we shared our emotions and feelings about a common concern.  Made me and her feel "ohsoooooogood"!  What you say?  A young, pretty, smart, charming family friend who has a massive huge heart (i.e. my kind of person) provided me with some thoughts by way of a book she sent us.  ~  Whether we age with grace and poise or become bitter, resentful people is largely determined by our response to disappointment and the habits of response that often result.  ~  Don't be fooled.  We choose.  We will respond to painful situations, and the choice of response is ours.  That choice is opportunity.  When we experience severe hardship, our faith is being tested. I think in layman's language--Suck it up cupcake! Buck up!

What say you erv? Not saying nuttern folks. Several of you have asked me to write about the Occupy Wall Street. I'm not saying nutten folks but here are the feelings of a very smart person (i.e. my opinion). What do you think about this person's thinking? -- The OWS protests to say they haven't been able to articulate a message, etc. I know civil disobedience rubs many people the wrong way and I get that, but most of the perceived incoherence is the result of the manufactured consent of the media on the protesters. One thing you'll find throughout history is that liberals often have varying and fractured opinions....they tend to think for themselves and often disagree with each other. Conservatives on the other hand tend to have clearly defined platforms and agreement as a group. In that regard its easier to put out a simple message. Watching 10 minutes of Fox News will illustrate this point. But it's also herd behavior -- no thanks from my perspective. Think for yourself. Don't just take the medicine...The OWS folks don't want some sort of handout or giveaway -- they seem to be pointing out the obvious: that the handouts and giveaways have been flowing straight to the top for a long time now. We have created a permanent "underclass" in America that will be tough, very tough, to change. The very wealthy and particular corporate entities control the media, control the congress through lobbying, control elections through unlimited corporate donations, and control the consumers through marketing. It's not political -- the republicans and democrats are both under the thumbs of big money. ~ So what's left for the people to control -- not much. That is what the self-described "99%" people seem to be arguing. Will their civil disobedience change anything? Probably not a lot in the short-term. But demagoguery is not an answer either. Like we always say, real change will come when desperation sets in...it just hasn't set in for enough people yet. But it will. AverageJoe asks--Was this an enigma or just a snoot full?

What say you!  Don't lose our head--To gain a minute--You need your head--Your brains are in it--Burma Shave

Joesixpack says--E-I-E-I-O means you can't live on luck!  Does it really Joesixpack or are you pulling my leg?  What say you!

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--The holiest of all holidays are those kept by ourselves in silence and apart, the secret anniversaries of the heart. ~  Henry Wadsworth Long Fellow

It's a boo-boo owie!

If I'm wrong but think I'm right (i.e. maybe 'cause of $$$ or power or ego or lack of knowledge) then I will be right in my own mind, right  But you know what? I really have a boo-boo owie if I do not discern what is right from wrong. Many times it appears it's very difficult for all of us to figure out what is right as we are not very open minded and of course, we are programed by our past. Oh that discernment! How do you get discernment? We are constantly bombarded with messages that seek to influence us—advertisements, peer pressure, parental wishes, friendly advice, educational instruction, and more. Do those around us give us good counsel? Joesixpack says--Seek folks who are good folks and mimic them! Your life will be much better.  Oh ya!

WalMartFrank says--Many are like me, we know and judge from a very limited knowledge, which is often not knowing at all.  Who? What? When?  Ya, we hear something and we think it's fact.  Sometimes it's better not to listen to stuff as folks are just setting us up!  I read this while eating my oatmeal with a half a banana on it--Jesus says, Therefor consider carefully how you listen. You think soooooo?  Here is a boo-boo owie example but it's sooooooooooo funny (i.e. my opinion)  http://media.mtvnservices.com/player/loader/?CONFIG_URL=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.mtvnservices.com%2Fplayer%2Fconfig.jhtml%3Furi%3Dmgid%253Acms%253Amvideo%253Acmt.com%253A40319%26group%3Dmusic%26type%3Dnoesi%26ref%3Dhttp%3A%2F%2F36ohk6dgmcd1n.c.yom.mail.yahoo.net&uri=mgid%3Acms%3Amvideo%3Acmt.com%3A40319&group=music&type=noesi&ref=http://36ohk6dgmcd1n.c.yom.mail.yahoo.net

Recently I had breakfast with a friend.  One of the topics we talked about was his father (i.e. a good, God fearing man).  My friend told me of a memory he had of his father dealing with Parkinson disease (i.e. his father had such a great attitude which resulted in a great memory for my friend). What a great talk we had--my friend got tears in his eyes.  Many older folks in older denominations don't seem to express their faith very much (i.e. either maybe they don't have any or they think it's very personal or they say they are German or they were programed that way or...!  SusieQ says--Many don't say much until they are about ready to die then they tell the minister that they are saved (i.e. they want the funeral to go well).  To talk about Jesus, God, The Holy Spirit, salvation or anything like that makes some folks nervous (i.e. maybe a boo-boo owie)!  "Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life.  Because almost everything �€" all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure �€" these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important."  Steve Jobs--Stanford University’s 2005 commencement speech  ~  A friend told me he was a Buddest-- converted to Buddhism but that he was born and confirmed Lutheran.  So is he in heaven?

It's a boo-boo owie how capitalism tries to take advantage of folks who don't understand very well (i.e. get their money).  Here is an example--I get this mailer and on it is written--2nd attempt, Request for immediate action--time sensitive material enclosed.  Underneath that it says--Warning $2,000, 5 years imprisonment or both for any person interfering or obstructing with delivery of this letter U.S. Mail TTT.18U.S. Code.  Man that sounds official.  They were just trying to get an extended warranty on a car.  Yabut for some they think they need to call immediately and pay!  An elderly person said to me recently--I really didn't want it but I bought it just to get rid of his constant badgering me!  Ouchy ouchy--boo-boo owie!!  What do you think about all the demonstrations in NY, IA and all over the world?  WildWillie asks--Do you think the wealth of our country is getting more and more in the hands of a few? SusieQ says--Of course it is. Asmartyoungman said to me--erv, Consolidation of wealth to the utmost. Deplorable.  Soooooo folks, is it a boo-boo owie?  I read this in the paper so it must be right--Warren Buffett's last years income was $62,855,038.  Soooooo are you jealous of him?  Are you jealous of your neighbor who is making a lot more than you?  Do you feel bad for the person who lost their job?  Do you feel bad for the person who really doesn't want to work but wants a free hand out?  Could you live on $8 a hour or on $7 corn? I talked with a John Deere retiree.  She told me that she was a line supervisor for 30 years.  Got up at 4 and was at work by 5, worked to 2:30 on a regular day and 4:30 on overtime days.  She did this 5 and 6 days a week for 30 years.  Would you do this?  I don't think I could do that! 

It's a boo-boo owie to always think about the good things you have done in your life.  My Mommy, Anna, always told me--erv, when you do something good, forget about it and make plans to do another good thing.  ItchieBitchie asks--How is greatness measured anyway?  Sooooooooo is it important to share your knowledge, talents, experiences and your faith so others can glean from them which might make their lives more exciting?  What do you think folks?  Well I finished Proverbs.  Good stuff!  ANYWAY the second to the last verse says--Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.  I praise my Mom, Anna, as she feared the LORD (i.e. had a great heart--my kind of person).  I miss her--always will!  Her death was a boo-boo owie to me!  MissPerfect says--Yabut, our culture continually makes judgments based on appearance and money (i.e. a boo-boo owie mistake).   Such is life.

Talk about our culture and it's boo-boo owies!  ItchieBitchie says--I walked past the car with the noisy kids. It's not unusual for a car with several kids to be noisy but these kids were loud.  The kids were screaming and throwing what appeared to be a temper tantrum. I heard what sounded like an elderly woman in the car say, "Ain't nothing wrong with them but spoiled."

My Daddy, Chester, told me--Folks who care for folks who can't stroke them back financially or egotistically, are really the great folks of this world (i.e. who did Jesus really care about?).   That is what my Daddy said.  The boo-boo owie leper mission project!  I woke up during the middle of the night this week and was thinking about four folks.  They all have a boo-boo owie and are maybe treated like a leper by the general society (i.e. general society being the self centered, glitzy, all for me folks).  CadillacJack says--What are you saying erv?  All four of these folks are long time residents of care centers.  They don't want to be there but their conditions force them (i.e. they have no choice).  These four folks all go to the same church that I attend.  It appears to me that when folks have a physical or mental condition, many times they are treated like a leper (i.e. no one wants to be around them or talk to 'em--we live in a perfect world).  ANYWAY I sent them each a note telling them that I woke up thinking of them and told them that I said a little prayer for them.  Maybe you and I can do our own little " boo-boo owie leaper mission project".  What do you think?  Each week contact at least one person who society may consider a leper.  Do it by either phone, note or email.  You say--what do I say?  Okay I will help you.  The main line is "I care about you".  Another line is "I have been thinking of you".  Keep it simple (e.g. I have been thinking of you and said a little prayer for you).  I really care about you.  It's sincere or you wouldn't be doing it.  Make it personal about you and them (i.e. I was playing golf today and know you would really would of liked to be playing on this beautiful day or I was raking leaves and thought how much you enjoyed being outside in the fall).  Okay, now I'm really going to make it easy for you.  All the hospitals and care centers have an email address that you can send your notes to for the folks who are there.  They will delivery them for you to your friends and acquaintances (i.e. even send pictures with your notes--they will print them and deliver them).  It takes 30 seconds to do and you will make a leper feel oh sooooooo gooooood.  Soooooooo throw those chips away, get your butt off the couch and do it.  Some day you might be the leper!    Not doing it is a boo-boo owie folks sooooo quite your snortin', bulkin' and buckin' and do it!  My mentor says--To be successful you got to do things NOW! Be courageous friends. 

Arlene and I went to the movie "Courageous" Sunday afternoon.  The movie is about being a good daddy.  And the heart of the matter is having Christ at the center of your life and family (i.e. daddy, if you think otherwise, you just got faked out of your jockstrap).  Kids have a huge massive disadvantage a.k.a. boo-boo owie if they don't have a good daddy the movie shows.  Ever daddy should go see it.  The movie audience applauded when it was done.  Huh, interesting.  I'm reading the New Testament with others from our church in a chronological Bible reading plan www.esv.org/biblerreadingplans I'm really enjoying it (i.e. I like the chronological reading).  ANYWAY While eating my oatmeal with strawberries on it, this is what I read--Jesus says, but seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and...!  LuckieEddie says--You're pretty courageous to talk about this stuff erv!  Maybe so LuckieEddie but do you notice that we many times don't talk about stuff that's really important.  Such is life.

We all have boo-boo owies in our lives.  And we probably all handle them differently to some degree I would guess.  David, the shepard boy said--The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine. Have you ever heard of the song-- “The Victory Song” by Ken Medema? The words are simple, yet profoundly true: “Every day is a victory, every day is a victory, every day is a victory—when you put it in the hands of the Lord.”  Some of you may  -- Call me Crazy but I really believe that. 

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--A ladder is of no value unless you climb it.

Can you believe it!

Joesixpack says--You know the guy that always can do it better than anyone else, has everything better than anyone else, knows how to do everything better than everyone else, has the 'betterthaneveryoneelse'sanswer" to every thing.  Can you believe this guy!  This guy thinks he's "on the edge of perfection"!  And maybe he is.   I believe much of what he says (i.e. I want this guy on my cell's speed dial)!  Well, I'm the other guy!  I know nuttun!  Well flip the pancake--I don't believe half of what SlickDuaneTheWorm says and the other half isn't true (i.e. what ever he says is all about his ego--he makes me roll my eyes)! The difference is much like the difference between being righteous (i.e. acting in accord with divine or moral law--genuine) and being religious (i.e. relating to, or devoted to religious beliefs or observances--ego builders--fakers).  MissPerfect says--It sorta kinda like having a Christ centered church or a country club church a.k.a. good ol' boy church !  Ouchy ouchy!  A very important person (i.e. a perfect person) once said--You can't serve two masters. Can you believe that!

GerogeTheCrook says--The business landscape, social structure, morals, economic stability and condition, family conditions, and life in general is changing.  I even was around some local educators who say that education has to change.  Church denominations are even changing.  Can you believe all the changes.  And guess what folks, it will change much more; I mean MUCH more if you like it or not.  Some things will have to change or they will die.  Some changes are good and some are bad but there will be change.  I have been going to the home high school football games.  I  have noticed that the crowd has changed through the years.  Why?  Different parents, different grand parents and different folks connected with the school and the students.  It's always interesting to me who goes to certain folks' weddings and funerals.  Why do certain folks go to them.  You ask sometimes--Why would they be here?  Maybe to have the lunch!  Or 'cause they give expensive gifts!  Or 'cause they are important!  Or 'cause they are just nice folks! Could be.  I know one guy in our community who goes to most the funerals.  Some say he goes for the lunch (i.e. funeral sandwiches and jello)!  I can't believe that.  Remember, I'm the other guy folks.  Such is life.

Remember, I'm not the help desk; I'm the other guy.  I read a book recently (i.e. given to me by our pastor to read) about church growth.  One of the things it said was--Most successful churches (i.e. most are non-denominational) are operated under a CEO type of organization and not the typical "old denomination democratic method).  Can you believe it!  Also it said that most successful churches have had the same CEO pastor for a long time.  Most successful athletic programs are coached by the same CEO coach.  Most anytypeofsuccessfulprogram is run by a strong CEO type person (e.g. Steve Jobs).  Most successful families have a CEO leader. I drank wine with a smart--highly educated guy the other day (i.e. had some wine while I whined).  I asked him what will happen to our country if we continue to go the route we are going.  He said--At some time we will have to have a dictator (i.e. CEO).  Man, I hope not.  Remember I'm not the help desk; I'm the other guy!  Huh, interesting!

Your feedback is priceless.  Oh ya.  Can you believe it!  Here is a couple of replies from last Saturday (i.e. they're uplifting and encouraging).  Just read your "Its Saturday" as I always do sometime on Saturday for how many years now? Anyway, read that you have started running. Congratulations. Just wanted to let you know that I was in your shoes about a year ago and decided to start running as Todd and Jordan both do. I felt the same way. One mile was a stretch. My old lady knees used to object at the idea of going more than that. But I have hung in there and Todd, Jordan and I will be running in the Chicago Marathon next Sunday. We have been training since last Spring and have been loving it. Running 19 miles a couple of Saturdays ago was something I never thought I would do, but did. You just continue to plug away a little further each run. And you build on that and pretty soon you're stronger and faster than you would have ever thought. I found a book last winter called "The Non-runners Marathon Trainer" written by some UNI professors. It has helped me a lot. And not just with running, but with being positive in everything. A lot of good techniques. Anyway, I just wanted to share. Hang in there. It gets much better!  ~  I'm drooling on my keyboard with her attitude, success, and being able to do it with her family.  Remember I'm the other guy!  The other morning I just stepped onto the street about 6:30 am (i.e. still dark) when a gal was coming down the street (i.e. she sorta kinda surprised me).  She says she walks almost ever morning.  She said--When I wall it makes my whole day better.  This gal has a great attitude folks (i.e. very good heart--my kind of person).  And remember what my Daddy, Chester, told me--Self discipline is the best discipline!  Here is another--Erv, I used a very similar plan to start running this summer! I started at the end of July, and this past Saturday, I ran my first 5K race. I finished well with a time of 27:20, and I had never run before starting a plan like this. Good luck in your training! I'm hoping next summer to try a 10K and to bring my times down even further. It's such great thinking/processing time once you get past the feelings of wanting to croak. :) Lindsey on uncertainty  Okay folks, you can do it  http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml 3rd week done and all is well!

Have you ever got an ear full?  I mean really got an ear full!  Ouchy ouchy!  How did it make you feel?  Actually sometimes it makes me laugh.  Yes it does.  You might say--I can't believe that.  Well it's the truth.  Some folks who have given me an ear full, I don't respect (i.e. I don't think they have it got it figured out but are just running off at the mouth).  MissPerfect says--No one, I repeat, no one has the same opinion so why do some folks think they are always right?  It's just there opinion based on some thing current in their life (i.e. self serving) or the way they have been programed in the past.  I think you need to look at a person's past performance (i.e. are their visions produced or are they pie in the sky).  Putting your head in the sand is not very visionary.  When change occurs, many times the folks who fight change, can give you an ear full all right!  IthcieBitchie says--It ain't right wing or left wing.  It's just soooooooo nice when folks can sit down and do what is right without giving someone an ear full of their ego.  Such is life. 

Can you believe it!  A friend down the street owns a couple of trucks.  I see one of them sitting by his place when I go to the golf course.  Sooooooo last Sunday I go down to his place to take a picture of it.  His wife and two nice, cute girls (i.e. my kind of folks) were just going for a walk.  I told them I was going to take a picture of the truck for my blog next Saturday.  I told them I was reading Proverbs and it's all about wisdom.  They told me that their father/husband was reading it tooooooo!  Can you believe that!  Oh that wisdom.  King Solomon says--He who trust in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe.  LuckieEddie says--Let's park it right there!

LuckieEddie says--Ya got to ride for the brand!  Are we be a help desk or a pain in the butt?  I was discussing some church stuff with a fellow member.  He and I might not have the same opinion on our discussion but respect each other's opinion (i.e. remember, I'm the other guy).  He told me that there is an old cowboy saying--You ride for the brand or get off the ridge!  You believe that!  He told me that he wanted to say more at our church meeting but thought God was telling me to keep his mouth shut; He thought that was wisdom.  He quoted Abraham Lincoln--"Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt." WalMartFrank says--If you have ability, talent and are a leader, you have a huge massive responsibility; use it wisely (i.e. I think WalMartFrank could be an effective help desk).  Can you believe that!

I watched the end of the Tigers/Yankees Thursday night.  I think the announcer said that the Tigers haven't lost a game all year when they were ahead going into the 7th.  Can you believe that!  The Tigers' closer, Jose Valverdo, now 52 for 52, including 50 saves.  Can you believe that!  Can you believe they beat the Yankees who everyone thought would win.  Such is life.

GeorgeTheCrook says--If it ain't about money and having fun, don't ask me!  I read it in the paper soooooo it must be right!  Americans talk skinny but eat fat!  Ouchy ouchy!  ItchieBitchie says--Super size it please; It's American.  Can you believe that!  Yes the verdict is in and SusieQ will also take the super sized meal with the extra large chocolate shake with whip cream on top (i.e. don't forget the cherry).  I have a friend who doesn't eat anything until after 5 pm each day.  Can you believe that! We were to NE Iowa along the Mississippi River this week (i.e. I think the river is romantic, mysterious and adventurous).  We went in a few gift shops and saw many signs that say--"Live life simple" but in reality, most folks folks live life complicated (i.e.  it seems American).  CadillacJack says--Talk is cheap but it takes money to buy whiskey! (i.e. I used this several years ago and folks asked me--what does that mean--here is one person's opinion    http://www.underhoodservice.com/Article/47571/Mitch_Schn.aspx  You can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink now can ya!  Yabut you can put a little salt in his oats to make him thirsty now can'tcha!  Personally, I enjoy quietude!  Now that's pretty simple in a world that is a circus a.k.a the greatest show on earth!  But remember, I'm the other guy!  GeorgeTheCrook says--I'm a directional speaker (i.e. I like to tell folks where to go) a.k.a. help desk.  Itellyouwhat GeorgeTheCrook, if folks don't want to go there they won't no matter how much you want them to go that direction (i.e. unless there is a buck in it for them).  Can you believe that!  Such is life. 

Can you believe it!  Another sign that I saw in The Little Red School House was this:  Excellence is not an act, it's a habit.  What makes something excellent anyway?  I bought a new putter while hiking in the Backbone State Park during our visit to NE Iowa.  Ya I did.  I called John, the pro, and ordered it.  I bought a Odyssey White Ice 2-Ball Mid 45" at a "map pricing" a.k.a. "enforced retail price" a.k.a. "resale price maintenance price" of $189 (i.e. everyone has the same price--like Apple products).  Sooooooo why did I buy it from John--'cause I like him.  Sooooooo what does that say sales folks?!  ANYWAY a friend let me use his during the last weekend.  I did quite a bit putting and I think I putt better with it (i.e. maybe it's a new thing and maybe not--time will tell).  John called me back and told me that it would be 6 to 8 weeks before the order could be filled 'cause there is a large demand for this putter.  Why?  'Cause the young bucks on the PGA Tour now use them and they have won with them (i.e. everyone wants 'em--supply and demand--now it's an excellent putter).  Next year there will be a new, advanced, better, putter that they will win with and that will be the new excellent putter (i.e. it's called marketing folks).  Yabut I will pay $189 soooooo maybe I can make 2 more putts a round--maybe.  Yabut if I like it and it makes Riley's life more excellent, it's worth it, right?  Such is life. 

WildCatWes says--Life can be a circus at times, a three ring circus at that! Can you believe that. Ya, there are a lot of moving parts in life going at a fast pace. Some folks can't handle the pace or all the moving parts. It's just tooooooo much for them. In the Bible, the apostle Paul uses the Greek word thlipis. It means “pressure under physical and emotional stress.” It was a term used to describe the “squeezing of grapes to get the juice.” Soooooo it seems like some folks handle thlipis better than others. Why is that do you think? My Daddy, Chester, always told me--Everybody has problems. Its just that people handle them differently. Can you believe that!  And why do you think some can handle pressure better than other?  Probably many reasons.  Call the right help desk for help folks. 

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--If your day is hemmed with prayer, it is less likely to unravel. 

uncertainty

Joesixpack says--I'm certain that I'm going to die and pay taxes but I have a lot of uncertainties and they make me nervous!  Oh yes!  I'm uncertain what others think of me and does it really matter?  MissPerfect says--erv, what others think of you is none of your business!  LuckieEddie says--If you are uncertain, use the "eeny, meeny, miny moe, you are it" method.  It works for me! 

My mentor says--Folks are scared about the uncertainty of many situations a.k.a. their future!  A business owner recently met with his company's broker who handles the retirement fund of him and his employees (i.e. the investment company's representative came too).  He asked his employees if they have any thing they would like him to say to those folks.  They said--Tell them that we don't want to loose any more money!  The employees are scared about the uncertainty of their accounts (i.e. they should be).  Donald Trump says this about uncertainty--"Let me get this straight . . .We're going to be "gifted" with a health care plan we are forced to purchase and fined if we don't, which purportedly covers at least ten million more people, without adding a single new doctor, but provides for 16,000 new IRS agents, Written by a committee whose chairman says he doesn't understand it, passed by a Congress that didn't read it but exempted themselves from it, and signed by a Dumbo President who smokes, with funding administered by a treasury chief who didn't pay his taxes, For which we'll be taxed for four years before any benefits take effect, by a government which has already bankrupted Social Security and Medicare, all to be overseen by a surgeon general who is obese, and financed by a country that's broke!!!!!  'What the hell could possibly go wrong?'"  That's his feeling folks.  Doesn't sound like Donald is uncertain about the uncertainty of the situation now does he!  Such is life.

Have you ever been uncertain about a person (i.e. they seem to act strange--sorta kinda non responsive or arrogant)?  Sometimes a guy just doesn't know why they act that way.  I was golfing with a guy on his home course this summer who told me one of the guys behind us is the biggest jerk that plays on their course.  He's just a complete jerk and no one will play with him.  He's a complete...!  Maybe he lacks confidence, maybe there is something going on that no one knows about, maybe his past is haunting him, maybe he was taught to be that way by his parents, maybe he's just a jerk--I'm uncertain.  But what I'm certain about is that I many times realize later why a person is the way they are and I feel oh sooooooo bad!  You ever do that?  Her is an example:  CadillacJack tells this story--She was miserable and probably one of the rudest people I've ever come across.  When I approach her, she would turn away and pretend that I am not there, until she was ready.  I have tried a thousand times to make her smile, and she has tried a thousand times not to. I have given up on her; I have been angered by her. Then one day I caught myself acting just like her and realized that I must stop. I finally resolved myself to the fact that she is who she is; I cannot change that. She is a fact of my life, and I must learn to deal with it. Then one day that I permitted myself to return the emptiness, rude behavior, terrible attitude and gave her the silent treatment.  She chose to say something.  I approached the checkout and she said, "Are you Okay?" I was stunned. I could actually feel my brow, my entire face scrunch up apparently angry that she would ask. "Am I okay?" I said in disbelief. "Yes." she replied. "You are usually so upbeat and chipper." I stood in this dream-like state confused by what was going on. She looked at me and said, "I depend on you to lift my spirits every time you come in. I work three jobs, my bills are piling up, my kids need clothes for school, my husband left me and three weeks later I found out I have cancer."   I was speechless. "Now you come in with this attitude today," she said.. I actually apologized.  I never considered that she was much more than a clerk. I never tried to understand that behind that face was personal pain, life challenges and loss. Ouchy ouchy! I felt like a jerk of which I was. 
 
Gettin' back to your opening statement Joesixpack, there are uncertainties with dying and paying taxes tooooo!?  The Roman Empire continued to increase taxes until the folks revolted (i.e. sooooo where is the mighty Roman Empire anyway?).  Sooooooo the uncertainty is -- how much more taxes are you goin' have to pay?  And the uncertainty connected with dying -- Is there life after death?  Is there a heaven and a hell?  What do you have to do to get into heaven?  Some world religions believe you have to do many good works and then ya still are certain if you have done enough.  Christianity believes that you must confess your sins and accept Jesus as your Lord and Saviour (i.e. that's it).  Sooooooooo are you in this la la land where you don't know where you are?  Are you uncertain?  And how long is eternity?

What kind of heart do you have?  I read this while eating my oatmeal with a half of apple on it (i.e. King Solomon in Proverbs) says--Before his downfall a man's heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.  Yabut King Solomon was the smartest man who ever lived.  Yabut some call him a half hearted man as in his senior years he sorta kinda dishonored God.  Soooo do you have a loving heart, a giving heart, a tender heart, a crusty heart, a hateful heart, a kind heart, a greedy heart, a good heart, a bad heart, a jealous heart, a mean heart, a compassionate heart etc?  You know what kind of heart you have (i.e. you are the expert on answering that question).  I'm really uncertain sometimes what kind of heart you have or what kind of heart I have.  SusieQ says--If you find in your heart to care for somebody else, you will have succeeded (i.e. a giving back heart).  Sooooooo do we have a self-centered heart at times?  Maybe we have a money hungry heart (i.e. all we think and talk about is money).  I heard on TV the other night (i.e. so it must be right) that if new tax laws are passed for the super rich, they will just attorney up!  I mentioned this to a friend and he responded--They'll "lobby" up or "lobbyist" up more likely. The corporations own Washington and our democracy...it's sick.  Ouchy ouchy! ItchieBitchie says--The middle income folks and the low income folks don't have anyone lobbing for them (i.e. they don't have the money).  It's all about the money folks. My opinion--What is right seems to manage to achieve a small victory in a war that has already lost!  My opinion--I do think that the super rich need to pay more taxes but I also think we need to cut spending.  And you know what, probably neither will happen--It ain't bad enough yet.  My mentor says--It's broken and probably is nonfixable using our thinking of today (i.e. oh it will be fixed but it will be ugly ugly ugly--none of us will like it).  Where is the Roman Empire anyway?  What happened to it folks.  Where is Babylon folks (i.e. the richest city ever)?  Huh, interesting. 

I really like this picture (i.e. I'll explain later why).  I am uncertain what I think matters much in this world.  But what I think matters to God (i.e. what does God think of my inner thoughts).  Does that make any sense to you.  I had a guy tell me recently--All my money doesn't make much difference when I can't wipe my butt!  LuckieEddie says--Early returns show that we need to enjoy our inner life the way it is suppose to be lived; not the way the public pressures us to live our lives.  No one knows what our inner thoughts are and they don't need to know (i.e. it's very personal but gives us great satisfaction).  Do something you always wanted to do internally--find something that you really enjoy inside yourself--do what you want to do when you want to do it--don't do it to impress someone or to show off (i.e. doing it to show off is overhyped--"been-there-done-that--it's not what it's cracked up to be)--do what's important folks; it's refreshing; do what is right.  Don't worry about what others think (i.e. they won't even know).  Rise up, shout for joy!  Do it at a relaxed pace. My mentor says--Doing something that takes self discipline is very rewarding.  CadillacJack says--I'm certain that God commands us to honor and glorify him.  I'm convinced that God does not play dice.  We gotta do what is right.  You know what is right. Yes you do.  Soooooo ask yourself, what should I do.  Answer it and do it (i.e. it's like silver bullet magic or a secret silicon chip).  Develop a new heart.  I read in the paper so it must be right--More than half of 4 to 6 year olds, when asked to choose between watching TV and spending time with their father, would rather watch TV.  Ouchy ouchy!  The picture is of our son and their little girl, Charlotte.  What do you think his inner thoughts are?  I do know what my inner thoughts are when I look at this picture (i.e. very cool stuff).  LuckieEddie says--Okay okay I'm not going to be the person I'm expected to be by others any more.  I'm going to be me and find inner confidence.  I wish you the best LuckieEddie!  Accomplishing something within (e.g. getting a college degree while having a full time job and a family, losing weight, doing random kindness acts, changing a bad habit, accomplishing a life without an inheritance, being self-sufficient, running three miles etc--you know what you have accomplished and are real proud internally of it).  My mentor says--It's a great feeling to accomplish something that you did on your own!  It gives a person a great inner satisfaction.  Yabut SlickDuaneTheWorm (i.e. is as irratating as a dripping faucet) would rather be a faker (i.e. blow smoke).  Such is life. 

Okay folks, I'm training to run three miles.  I haven't ever run three miles in my life.  Now I'm 65, have weak knees, and planning to run a 5K.  3 miles is not very far for you long distance runners but for maybe 90% of Americans who can't run around the block, it's a long ways. I just completed week two of my training.  http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml  If I can do it, you can too (e.g. put your toe in the water).  I suggest you do it.  It really feels good to be trying this.  It's just something I want to do and it makes me feel good.  It beats sitting on the couch eating chips!  I'm not certain if my knees will allow me to do it but I'm going to give it a shot.  So far soooooo good!

SusieQ says--Please look for things that touch your inner feelings and cherish them for although it may sound trite to some, these things are the "stuff" of life.  The little things are put here on earth to enjoy. The things we often take for granted. We must make it important to notice them, for at any time...it can all be taken away.
MissPerfect says--That should do it, enjoy your life.  MissPerect, are we doing alright here?  MissPerfect--Absolutely!

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--Almost always it is the fear of being ourselves that brings us to the mirror.