contemplate

I’m not trying to sell you something with this “It’s Saturday” (i.e. no gobbling or cackling—did you know that male turkeys gobble and hen turkeys cackle).  Many blogs gobble and cackle as well.  Maybe some blogs' main purpose is a front to sell you something (i.e. get a large audience to sell tooooo); some blogs are even scourges (i.e. I’m not being satirical folks). CadillacJacks says--Another purpose of blogs, talks, etc. is to self-proclaim the individual.  JoeBlow says--Here is a thought (i.e. only a thought and the thought could be wrong)—Maybe folks use social media for many different reasons (i.e. it might appear that way—some good and some not soooo good).  What do you think of that?  That is what I thought. Saturday question—What is your purpose of using social media? JoeSlick says--erv, I think your purpose in life is simply to serve as a warning to others! Now that puts my life in perspective!  

I had a person recently expose their thoughts about a couple who we both know.  Many folks have thoughts of others but never express them (i.e. good thoughts and bad thoughts of others).  I listened as this person exposed herself.  When she got done, I thought to myself—That is my thoughts of this couple exactly; I wonder how many other folks think the same way but never expose themselves (i.e. us two aren’t rocket scientists).  I still wonder. Do you think this person was saying something good about this couple or something not soooo good?  Now that is something to contemplate about yourself (i.e. maybe based on our past environment or current environment).  Such is life.

MissPerfect (i.e. who is not totally obnoxious but just partially) says—Many folks think of themselves as not just smart but brilliant (i.e. independent, smart and analytic but others maybe do not)! They have no idea that others don’t think of them the same way. They are hiding behind a false pretense (i.e. like they are anonymous monikers). Flipthepancake! There are many folks who are much greater than they think of themselves and never will know it (i.e. the mind and the heart can be powerful forces).  LuckieEddie says—Those kinds of people have the ability to empower others around them; oh yes!  Many of you folks are just that kind of folks (i.e. my kind of folks--you folks put a parmagrin on my face—keep it up).  Thanksamillion!

Have you ever heard a kid say things like this to their parents when they don’t get what they want—You are the worst parent, or I hate you?  Are those kids exposing their real self or are they temporally out of whack (i.e. having a temper tantrum)?  During the Brett Kavanaugh Supreme Court confirmation hearings, I sure thought some folks either exposed their real person or were temporarily out of whack.  There sure were some bad stuff said.  But some of you might have felt differently about what some of those folks said; maybe some of you found those words “music to your ears.”  I really can’t understand how some of those folks can get elected; it must be that they represent like folks.  Do you think the Democrats, or the Republicans were the worse?  Abraham Lincoln said—You can fool some of the people all the time, all the people some of the time but not all the people all the time.       

She really didn’t show her hand!  Oh no!  I stopped at Kwik Trip the other day and a gal who was maybe about 50 was filling her semi with diesel.  That’s not necessarily unusual (i.e. there are women who drive trucks) but she was dressed like she was the Methodist Minister that was on an exercise program at Life Time Fitness.  I was paying for me eggs and milk and she came in and bought some soup. She had hair done nice, had jewelry on and seemed very poised.  I just don’t see toooo many gals looking like this driving a semi pulling a grain trailer in Butler County.  I just wondered about her story—was she hauling for a company for the fall harvest, did she own the truck, was she hauling for her/their farm operation or what?  I have no idea.  I didn’t ask her.  I think a guy needs to be careful now days with this gender thing; I might have offended her by asking and she might have run me over with her big Freightliner with that huge massive Cummins engine (i.e. maybe she isn’t as nice as she looked)! Now that was a fun experience for me to contemplate. 

Have you ever had a bad taste in your mouth and it seems like it doesn’t go away?  It might be about a business, church, card club, golf course, family, friends, neighbors, the place where you work etc. A person recently talked to me about a bad taste she has in her mouth about a certain situation (i.e. exposed herself).  I didn’t tell her, but I have a bad taste in my mouth about the same situation.  Soooooo if she and I have this bad taste in our mouths about this situation, I bet there are others that do toooo. Sooooo what will need to get done for us to get rid of our bad tastes in our mouths of this situation?  I would suppose that something will have to change for us to get a different taste in our mouths.  If it doesn’t happen, then what do you think will happen?  This bad taste in the mouth isn’t anything new folks.  You probably have had it or do have it.  How did you get rid of it (i.e. there are ways)?  Contemplate that!

I hear folks say these statements— “Things aren’t like they use to be.” “Why is the world getting soooo bad? Violent crime is on the rise.” “I’m glad I didn’t have to bring up my children in these days.”  That sounds pretty negative (i.e. that is sorta kinda how I talk about the Iowa Football program at times).  ha ha  But here is something positive to contemplate—If you think you are living in a world where things are getting worse all the time, then cheer up: at least you’ll be dead before things get really bad (i.e. you get all the breaks)!  Saturday question—Who do you think is in charge of the world?  I do know it isn’t the Republicans or the Democrats!  Ask the folks involved in the wild fires in CA? ItchieBitchie says—Tomorrow is toooo scary to think about soooo I better live well today! 

Contemplate this will ya!  The church we attend has got a new interim pastor.  A person of our church says to me—erv, we need to really act good soooo he will like us! I LOL! She might have been pulling my chain and I didn’t catch on—probably. That sounds a lot like a “pump fake” that a quarterback uses.  It works for a quarterback but not in church although probably many folks try to use it.  Have any of you folks been deceived by a friend, a spouse, employee, etc. (i.e. BONG)?  GeorgeTheCrook (i.e. who is a “wow person”) says deception has been used for years; it usually works for just a short time.  MissPerfect says—If you are real, then you never need to pretend.  I like real folks with good hearts (i.e. genuine—my kind of folks).  ItchieBitchie says—Usually others can see right through fakers; fakers can carry that reputation for ever; I would guess others pretty much laugh at them.  ha ha

 

Last year I started, maybe, a tradition of doing magic for the grand kids each Thanksgiving. I have a magic turkey, as I call it.  I had to do the magic by FaceTime as they all were in CO celebrating.  It was fun as always.  I did the magic pencil trick and pulling the coin out of the air trick.  They know it’s a deception and try to figure it out (i.e. they do and that is half the fun).  What a hoot. BUT they weren't that impressed let me tell ya!  BUT, like mybrother-in-lawLarry says--erv, it doesn't make any difference as long as you had a good time.  BUT, this could be a short 2-year tradition!  ha ha Such is life

Arlene seems to enjoy watching Wheel of Fortunate.  I don’t know if she understands it, but she likes the noise and seems to understand Pat and Vanna, especially at the end when they talk (i.e. she laughs anyway—they are funny sometimes—I laugh sometimes toooo when I listen to them).  ANYWAY, the other night I happened to hear what they said and I laughed—Pat asked Vanna if she golfs—I do but am terrible at it and it is very frustrating for me but I keep doing it; you play golf Pat—I use toooooo but 18 holes is way tooo many holes; besides, I get real frustrated with golf; then when we get done, everyone talks about each hole which frustrates me even more; soooo I quit and am much happier! Interesting!  TomTerrific asks—Why do a hobby if it frustrates you (i.e. particularly if it is supposed to be fun)?  Good question TomTerrific, good question. A friend at church told me she took a new job—She said--I told my husband either I was going to retire or get a new job; my old job was soooooo frustrating to me (i.e. it’s nice to have options). I think her husband encouraged her or even maybe told her to get a different job!  ha ha BUT I don’t know who wears the pants in this family! Looks can be deceiving sometimes.  ha ha Maybe they share wearing the pants. Could be!

A friend always tells me that he likes it when I expose my feelings.  Here is something that is complicated but something for me and you to contemplate.  I had a dream the other night where I was playing in a golf tournament and was doing quite well.  I came to the tenth hole even par, was trying to find a place to tee up my golf ball but couldn’t find a place (i.e. this is my only reoccurring dream I have—terriblely frustrating).  I tried and tried but with no success.  Folks were hollering at me—erv, just put the tee in the ground and hit the ball.  I finally said to them—Ya, you have no idea, you can go home and live a normal exciting life, but I go home and face Alzheimer’s. How in the world did that thinking come about in a dream and at that particular time?  And why did I remember it?  Sooooo is that prophetic or did I just get into some bad beans the night before! I must admit that it affected my mind set.  Crazy or not? What do you think? That is what I thought. 

Here is something to contemplate—Some of you know that basketball is my favorite sport, maybe because I had the most success in this sport and maybe because it had a part in developing my life (i.e. and some of you were part of that process).  ANYWAY, I read this in the paper about the news report of a basketball game soooo it must be right—Coach said—I’m disappointed in what I saw, we just didn’t do a good job; we didn’t compete; the guys we count on to score did not play well. I find that soooo interesting.  I think that can be applied to sports, church, civic organization, companies, families etc.  BUT flipthepancake—Many times a new person or a star does perform really great (i.e. above our expectations or seemingly their ability—a breath of fresh air—a total surprise). Ra Ra! I’m talking about some of you folks.  Yes, I am.  Now that is exciting. 

I read this while eating my oatmeal--“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Philippians 4:8 NIV).

I like folks that tell the truth (i.e. are real folks with good hearts).  We celebrated Thanksgiving last Sunday with our son, daughter-in-law and our grandkids.  Our son was playing Sorry with Charlie and Rookie; our son asked Rookie if he was going to quit if he gets behind again—yes I will. I asked Rookie if he always does that—his response was soooo honest and real (i.e. I just love him)—yes I do; that is right!

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

erv

MyFriendJean says—The only things in life you regret are the risks you didn’t take.

opportunity

Some of you folks might think this “It’s Saturday” is some kind of propaganda ploy; if you do, I suggest you do your own independent study. Ya got to remember that I’m just a little ol’ farm boy from a mile and a fourth south of Roseland, MN.  But take this into consideration—What I say might be the same as what you think but just different!  Recently I had breakfast with a friend and our waitress asked me what I wanted—I would like a couple of eggs easy over—you mean over easy—is there a difference—no, they are the same—ok, I will have one of each then—that will work! JakeSmart says—erv, it’s only semantics.

Some long time family friends came to see Arlene the other day (i.e. they are really neat gals—have good hearts).  I learned something from all of them.  One told me it is ok to lie in some circumstances (i.e. be fakey). Another one taught me that it is ok to sit in your pjs, drink coffee and read a book in the morning.  The third taught me a lot, maybe the smartest of all, didn’t say anything! I told them I had to go for a run as I think Arlene interacts better when I’m not around.  I told them that our home care provider said—erv, that is because you talk sooooo much! “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (James 1:19). Now if I can only learn from those opportunities!   

I have said this sooo many times—I pray for opportunities, I pray that I can recognize them, and I pray that I have the courage to act on them.  SusieQ (i.e. a cut above the rest) says—Most times when an opportunity comes and if not acted on, it will never come again. A friend says—Problems are just opportunities.  You believe that?  That is what I thought.  I tell you what, being in my business for 34 years, that is all I did—I helped solve problems for folks which were opportunities for me.  No question. We had soooo many such great clients (i.e. many were you guys); yes we did.  Just think about it folks, solving problems is really what we all do every day (i.e. that is life).  ItchieBitchie says—You can look at problems as problems or opportunities. I guess that could be a decision we all have to make. 

AverageJoe says—YaBut, I can’t do many things good soooo I don’t do any; I just let others do them.  AverageJoe, I think (i.e. my opinion) that it is better to do something instead of nuttin.  If we do nuttin that is just what we are, a nuttin!  A friend says—erv, you step up to bat, but I don't think you know where the plate is, or which end to hold the bat but you keep swingin’ away. I have this saying on the wall by my desk (i.e. CrazyMarvin says—erv, that saying is way toooo optimistic—I prefer to sit on the couch and eat chips—it’s a lot easier and I gain something from it). 

In sports, we hear stuff like we had the bases loaded with no outs and couldn’t score; we missed an opportunity.  Or we had the ball on the 4-yard line and with a first down and couldn’t score; we missed an opportunity.  Saturday question—Have you ever missed an opportunity? It’s a multiple-choice question—A. No B. Yes C. Da! Does it upset you when you miss an opportunity? Are you jealous when others jump on an opportunity and you don’t? Does it seem like others get more breaks? Yabut maybe they take more risk than you do? Does it appear that some folks can evaluate opportunities better? Are some folks given more opportunities than others? Do some folks get around great folks that present opportunities? Do some folks put themselves in a position to have more opportunities than others? Does timing have anything to do with opportunities? Have some folks had great opportunities but really messed them up?  A lot of question and not many answers (i.e. that is pretty normal in life)!  Such is life.

I read this while eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it--Like Miriam, we have our share of difficulty and danger; but a thankful spirit keeps us praising Him who makes a way when there seems to be no way. From childhood to old age, we should sing our thanksgivings to the Lord, for He has triumphed gloriously! OneSmartPerson said--True thanksgiving is not a selfish emotion gratified by prosperity, but a vital grace in the soul, existing independent of circumstances.  You believe that?  Or is that just something you say before you eat turkey and pumpkin pie? 

WorldClassLarry says--Giving thanks to God (i.e. for that matter, giving thanks to anyone) is an opportunity!  Yes it is.  Think about it.  When we give thanks, it stimulates our minds in a good way and it stimulates the mind of others in a good way (i.e. a win-win).  No question.  Soooo why are we not thankful more?  Many reasons I would suspect (i.e. all of us might have somewhat different reasons developed by our past environment (i.e. some are practical, and others are emotional, and others are selfish, and some are egotistical, and some are “God only knows”)!  I have said this before and I do realize that some of you do it but I would like you to try it (i.e. you don’t have to believe in God to do this either) go to Dollar General and for a buck get a little notebook and write down what you are thankful for, maybe every day, couple times a week or when you just feel like it.  It will make you feel way better (i.e. no one needs to know you are doing this).  Only a suggestion.  What works for me, might not work for you.  If that doesn’t work, take your credit card and go shopping and spend a lot of money; that might work for you (i.e. for some of you that will stick with you for a long time—ouchy ouchy)! 

I recently read this in the paper soooo it must be right! ha ha  I do think it is right; it is hard to argue against (i.e. my opinion).  I read, BE GENTLE TO OTHER PEOPLE!  You don’t know their situation soooo give them some slack.  Don’t be judgmental.  Be kind to them.  We, ourselves, aren’t always perfect (e.g. our opinions and beliefs aren’t always right), even though we sometimes think they are.  I realize this is hard to do, very hard.  Some seem to do it better than others (i.e. maybe because of different genetics or maybe because of our past environment).  I had a recent experience that humbled my heart—I got a call from a person that was soooo refreshing and nonjudgmental.  It really touched me.  It was soooo sincere and real.  It was a total surprise. 

MissPerfect says—You can accept others without approving of everything they do or think!  Yes, you can.  LuckieEddie says—My mother-in-law isn’t loud or obnoxious, just overly judgmental.  I read John Grisham’s new book The Reckoning (i.e. it’s fiction but…). I think (i.e. my opinion, that this book is his best of all time-very stimulating to me). ANYWAY, It reminded me that families don’t always get along (i.e. for many reasons).  Some just need separation it said.  Yes, families can get together for Thanksgiving Day, but for some families that is about long enough.  We maybe think it’s the other family member’s fault but maybe it is our fault (i.e. we are such a large presence and we don’t recognize it).  Maybe we need to acquiesce things and situations as they are.  GeorgeTheCrook says-- Good planning entails considering what could reasonably go wrong and plan ahead for contingencies. Good planning needs to work in good times and bad. TomRight, from 40 miles north of MN, says—Ya gotta do what ya gotta do to get along with the relatives a.k.a. toooo make ends meet!

Why do I do “It’s Saturday?”  Folks, “it’s an opportunity like no other” although I have no idea why I started it or do it!  It really just fell into my lap; I didn’t ask for it and didn’t dream about it; didn’t aspire to do this; I still don’t know why I did/do it.  I really don’t.  It started just in a crazy way.   As FriendJim would say--Happenstance, na, I don’t think soooo!  I am not even certain about that Jim!  ha ha

A character in The Reckoning was portrayed as a person who was arrogant and had a strong flavor of entitlement which no one liked (i.e. everyone had the same feeling of him). The book is fiction but probably could be real life.  Some of you have been given great opportunities and have acted on them and done some great stuff.  Congratulations!  A friend from north of town says--If you have gifts, accomplishments, honors, blessings, and influence, make them matters of thanksgiving and recognize them as gifts from God (i.e. live a life of humble thanksgiving).  I’m guessing here folks, but I would guess folks who are humbly thankful are good folks and enjoyable to be around.  What do you think?  That is what I thought.

A huge massive opportunity!  Don came and sat by me in church Sunday; it was Veterans Day.  He served in England and France but mostly in the Philippians (i.e. spent 42 days on ships).  There aren’t very many WWII Vets left to tell their stories (i.e. he is 92).  He and I got together on Monday and we had a very nice talk.  Incredible talk we had (i.e. shared some real personal stuff)! He walked part of the 66 miles of the Bataan Death March trail soon after it was over. I asked him about his experiences—I was scared; I was just an 18-year-old kid who grew up north of town in Butler County.  It really made me grow up.  The Bataan Death March is part of the historical fiction in The Reckoning.  

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

erv

MyFriendJean says—The mind is like a parachute; it will only work when it’s open.

good good--not good not good

BonusBabyFred (i.e. who is asleep at the wheel) says—This “It’s Saturday” is nuttin more than alphabet soup! I’m not kidding, I have no idea what erv is trying to say!  Hey folks, I was just reminded that when I played high school football at good ol’ Danube High, they had us sniff smelling salts when we got hit in the head (i.e. when we got our bell rung) to sorta kinda arosed our consciousness (i.e. get the cob webs cleared out) soooo we could play again.  BonusBabyFred, maybe your high school football program did the same and that is why you can’t understand “It’s Saturday” or why maybe my writing is confusing because I sniffed the smelling salts toooo many times!  Not good not good! It was the protocol for getting your bell rung back in the early 60s! 

I have no idea what the mother’s agenda was; I just wondered.  I was in the library the other day to read the Des Moines Register and there was maybe an 8-10-year-old girl there with a cute little shirt on that said, “Girls Rule.”  It was cute.  Then I started thinking and wondering if her mother had an agenda in buying that shirt for her.  The little girl didn’t buy it (i.e. DominateMary says--We can be influenced by our moms alright).  What do you think?  Sooo do you think she would have gotten a shirt for her 8-10 year-old-son that said, “Boys Rule?” ha ha If we would know this little girl’s mom, we might have a better idea what her agenda was, if any, I would guess (i.e. maybe she just thought it was cute—could be—if we like it or not, we all are branded by society—but does it really matter—I think it does for many reasons).  Years ago, we would have never had those thoughts (i.e. the world is changing).  I read this in the paper soooo it must be right—Takeaway from Tuesday is--Women took over, and money does talk. Sooooo there you go! Hey, I’m just telling you what I read sooo don’t get soooo excited.  Okay! Reporters can write anything they want to influence us.  Don’t kid yourself SuperSucker!

A friend told me about these signs in folks’ yards.  I have never seen any of them. Have you?  He told me that some of those folks are hypocrites—what do you mean—they say that but only do it if folks agree with them but hate folks if they don’t agree with them (i.e. get very upset—not happy barn rats); those folks say one thing but do another; they’re just blowing smoke; those folks really are over-rating themselves.  AverageJoe says—Most folks (i.e. the good ones all do) believe in the Golden Rule—Treat others as you would like to be treated.  SusieQ (i.e. who is a real SteadyEddie) says—If folks, down deep, don’t believe in that, they have a very hard heart.  Then there are those that say that, albeit don’t live that way (i.e. hypocrites—over rated over rated—not good not good).  Soooo folks, can a Christian vote for a candidate who is in favor of abortion?  I know they can (i.e. if you live in America, you can vote for whoever you want), but should they?  You don’t have to be a Christian to answer that question for me.  What do you think?  CrazyMarvin says—Some Christian churches accept other pretty bad sins (i.e. turn their heads—sleepwalk) soooo why not this one? I’m just asking the question CrazyMarvin; I sorta kinda don’t know the answers to either of those questions; I’m sorta kinda in the dark here.  CrazyMarvin says—erv, frankly, you might be better off being in the dark! 

LisaTheMotherQueen (i.e. who is untamable) says—I can’t help myself; I want something, and I can’t control myself sooo I use my credit card and pay about 20% interest.  I don’t care; I just can’t help myself; I love instant gratification.  Good good—not good not good!  My Daddy, Chester, taught me about the Rule of 72 when I was about 14 (i.e. divide the interest rate into 72 and that is how many years it takes for your money toooooo double).  He always said—Interest is something you want coming in and not going out. BUT borrowing money is ok when you borrow for something that will appreciate or make you money; don’t borrow on anything that depreciates; for those things, save your money and pay cash.  I realize that it is not real popular in our current culture (i.e. old school), but it sure served me well.  Many folks use credit to buy anything and everything (i.e. new school—not good not good--my opinion)! A friend recently told me that her children look at borrowing way different than she does; way different (i.e. different generations think differently maybe).  Have you ever heard of “cruisers racing?“  I asked a guy a church how his stock car racing went this year—expensive; never did win; going to get into cruisers racing—what is that—there are two people in a car; one who drives and runs the brake and a passenger who runs the accelerator; it’s really fun—I never heard of that before—it’s becoming quite popular—really!  It must be a different generational thing.  Such is life!

TheBigCat told me she was talking to JoeButlerCounty from north of town the other day.  JowButlerCounty was telling her some stuff that she thought was really funny (i.e. hallarious—she was laughing her butt off); she didn’t know that he was serious until he said—I’m serious; it was his opinion; she didn’t laugh any more then as she didn’t want to offend him.  Crazy.  I saw this sicker on the back of a car.  I asked about it—It was the car of her mother.  She said it was supposed to say grandma and not mother.  Soooo is your 4-year old daughter sassy—she sure is—where did she get that—probably from me—you don’t seem sassy—well erv, you are paying my bill!  She just made me laugh!  What a hoot! Good good or not good not good!

Not good not good--good good!  A friend told me that when he was a freshman in high school FrankSoandSo, a senior, tackled him hard and his knee got hyper extended and it hurt him.  It continued to hurt him but the doctor said it was okay.  When he went to get his military physical during the Vietnam affair, he was declared F4 because of that knee.  FrankSoandSo might have saved his life.  Who knows or will we ever know! 

I asked a friend if I could use his steel-post pounder—sure, it’s in the corner of the white shed. There were other tools in the corner like a silage fork, a crow bar and God only knows what else.  I called him to thank him and asked about the history of the post-pounder—don’t know; it has been there all my life of 71 years and probably my father’s as he farmed the place before me—has the other tools/stuff been there that long too—probably.  When I was a kid, we had a corner of a shed on our farm a mile and fourth south of Roseland, MN, that looked a lot like my friend’s (i.e. the post pounder was in that stuff toooo).  Maybe you have such a corner in your basement, garage, or shed that looks the same.  Or maybe you have such a corner of old stuff in your head that has been there for a long time (i.e. probably will stay there until you die).  My friend’s corner of his shed was very nostalgic to me (i.e. I really enjoyed it—it made me feel good).  How about you?

Not good not good—good good!  A friend stopped to give me advice on a house project. We were in the garage and he asked about my Yamaha XT250.  He had one when he was a teenager (i.e. he is now about 60).  He said I really dodged some bullets by not killing myself riding that cycle (i.e. I was reckless and fearless).  My Mom worried about me all the time.  We called her “the worry wort.”  Now I understand why she worried.  What is really crazy is that now I worry soooo much about our grandkids. Now I’m “the worry wort” just like my Mom!  LuckieEddie says—Most folks seem to change when they get older (i.e. the good ones all do it).  TomTerrific says--Old age is coming at a really bad time. 

Have you ever “dodged some bullets” in your life (i.e. some bullets that if they had hit their target would have really hurt you—changed your life)?  I have. Things would have been way different in my life if those bullets would have not missed.  I can only imagine!  And maybe some of us did get hit by a bullet and it has really affected our lives (i.e. we weren’t as lucky).  Now we must suffer the consequences.  DreamerBetty says--I don’t kid myself, I have not missed all the bullets and now must suffer the residual effects.  I have no choice. 

Not good not good—good good!  Some or many news stories make a huge massive deal out of an event that is about .0005% of the population (i.e. in other words it is about a very very few folks—about a very small group).  BUT the news makes it a big event. Why?  It is very simple; people like to hear these stories and get all riled up over controversial stuff (i.e. sensationalizing).  It’s a form of manipulation soooo folks will watch their news. If people watch their news, advertising is easier to sell.  Meaning it’s all about the money!  What’s new?

Too often we put faith in the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). WorldClassLarry says--A man’s heart is what he is. Recently a friend and I talked about an acquaintance of our community who died maybe 25 years ago.  We talked about him in a neutral way (i.e. not all good and not all bad; just neutral).  He was rather a difficult man to totally understand (i.e. maybe we can never understand another person’s heart).  I think we ended up remembering him in a positive way.  Does it make any difference anyway?  I don’t know. What do you think? That is what I thought.  Maybe we spend toooo much time positioning ourselves to impress others with our outward looks (e.g. DuaneTheWorm, who is self-centered, egotistical, showy and fakey) instead of what we want our heart to be (i.e. a heart that others really don’t know 100%). According to Samuel the heart is more important.  I believe that.  ItchieBitchie says--One nice thing about egotists: They don’t talk about other people.

 

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

erv

MyFriendJean says—Life is a game, the object of which is to figure out the rules.

zealous

This “It’s Saturday” is not staged to manipulate you no matter what you say or think.  I’m not smart enough to stag something to mess with you folks; you guys are just way tooooo smart (i.e. all except for one of you and you know who you are—your friends call you TheSuperSucker behind your back).

I had breakfast with a friend last Saturday morning who is an old college friend (i.e. a featured back).  He is a business person/entrepreneur (i.e. he can put up video game numbers).  He was telling me that he had a business closing this last week where the closer played games with him (i.e. at least he thought they were). He said—I told them that I’m not a sucker; I have been around the block a few times; I had to be a real asshole to get their attention and get my money (i.e. he thought he had to very zealous to get things done). 

Many folks think of Masada when thinking about the Zealots.  It was there were the Jewish Zealots lived (i.e. self sustaining) about 70 A.D. They over took a fortress built on top of a hill by the Dead Sea in Israel.  The Romans, using slave labor, built an earth ramp to the gate and were going to kill them all.  The night before they committed suicide.  There is a movie about this.  Arlene and I hiked the 190 feet up to the top when touring it (i.e. there is a cable car that folks can buy some chips and ride).  We did this about 7 years ago and today I need to help Arlene walk from the couch to the bathroom.  My suggestion—Be a zealot of using your time on this earth; enjoy every moment; not every day but every moment. AverageJoe  says—All life’s moments are “Big Life Moments.”

MissPerfect says—Marlene is my friend, but our friendship is now stressed.  She has changed because of money (i.e. inherited money). I don’t care much to around her anymore. Marlene is pretty much of a zealot now; Marlene is all about Marlene (i.e. very self-centered, and self-righteous and egotistical.  She isn’t much fun to be around, but she doesn’t seem to know it or doesn’t care.  Ouchy ouchy!  Saturday question—Do you know any Marlenes?

When I’m a total zealot, I know that I don’t make good decisions.  I’m not always happy in getting humbled, but it is really good for me.  I think I’m a much better person when I’m humble.  How about you?  That is what I thought.  I talked to a person the other day (i.e. by phone) and got the impression that he was very egotistical (i.e. not humble).  He has always given me this impression (i.e. maybe my impression is right and maybe it is wrong—I don’t know).  I think I know that at some point this person will need to humble himself if he wants to have success (i.e. I’m talking about life success and not financial success or some other type of success--my opinion). JoeBlow (i.e. a big package) says—Usually folks who get knocked off their high horse are better folks (e.g. Saul or is it Paul—some of you will get that).  Again, I realize that when I sorta kinda point a finger and there are four pointing back at me. What did Paul say—(i.e. something like this—I was the worse sinner of all—of course he acknowledged that after he was humbled—he didn’t realize it before he got humbled).

I discovered something recently that I think will change my live for the future.  It was enforced by some of the talks I have had with some of you and/or how you live your lives.  Crazy, right! A friend told me that he thought when I got older everything would become “more black and white” but it seems it’s more gray.  Wow!  CollegeJoeSmuck says—Hearing something and understanding something is two different things! I had a text thread with a friend.  I was asked a difficult question—I responded  ~  Maybe  ~  What a great noncommittal  answer!  ~   I have learned that I'm not as smart as I use to be!!!!!! ha ha And I'm still learning. Such is life.  Soooo there you go! ----   Being a zealot can come and go for me.  Maybe! But maybe it’s a roller coaster effect. Maybe! Maybe I will become a zealot again, but I don’t think soooo. I’m pretty much convinced and really think I understand it a little more than I have before.  Maybe I just think that and maybe not.  But maybe I will even become more zealous.  Time will tell.  I can’t speak for sure to this but…

Zealousness has it effects all right.  To galvanize voters and get them to the polls, the political candidates have turned up the volume of the political rhetoric and are taking a more aggressive tone. The same political promises of giving everyone something for nuttin seems to continually work.  One candidate says the IA schools need more funding and their opponent has done terrible; the opponent says IA has done a lot in funding schools and is ranked the best in the nation.  That just makes me laugh.  How can it be both ways.  This is just crazy funny to me.  It probably has always been this way.  It’s democracy folks.  I love democracy.  I really do.  I can vote for whoever I want; you can tooooo.  North Koreans don’t have that opportunity. 

I asked one of our favorite waitresses if is she is opinionated—she said—Depends what it is! I asked a local school board member about a decision they made about something that seemed rather controversial (i.e. it’s only money).  He said—There were 5% of the folks who were very excited (i.e. very zealous) about the decision to go one way and 5% of the folks who were very excited (i.e. very zealous) about the decision to go the other way and the other 90% didn’t care.  Really!  Surely the decision was made using good business sense, good common sense, and the best for our kid’s education; right!  Soooo why did one side get their way and the other side didn’t?  Maybe one side made more noise (i.e. could be) or maybe the one side had more support of individual board members (i.e. could be) or the individual board members voted based on their past environment (i.e. could be).  I have no idea.  A friend told me that he is voting for a certain candidate for governor based on his pocket book (i.e. thinking this one candidate will enable him to make a lot more money if elected than the other. WaltzingMatilda says—Most folks vote based on how they think that is best for them personally (i.e. money usually).  

MissPerfect says--It is soooo refreshing to occasionally come across a person or company that are zealots about service.  It is soooo much fun when this happens. Contrary to many folks and companies who do the minimum to get by, I have been delighted to work with a number of companies and individuals whose expressed desire and goal is to “exceed expectations.” They want to be certain to do more than they had contracted to do. They want each customer’s experience to be so memorable that they will be eager to do business with them again. Not only that, but to provide services in such a manner that “satisfied customer” recommendations and referrals would be virtually guaranteed. This just seems to be something that would really work (e.g. wouldn’t a church want to have this environment and reputation). It’s soooo much fun when someone “exceeds our exceptions” being just exceptional.  Maybe you and I should try this approach; not just do the minimum to get by. What do you think?  That is what I thought. SqueakySqueak says—That is way toooo much work; and I don’t get paid anymore!  For most folks, it’s all about the money.  Such is life.

I read this while eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it--The Bible says in Acts 20:24, “The most important thing is that I complete my mission, the work that the Lord Jesus gave me—to tell people the Good News about God’s grace” (NCV). Notice it doesn’t say the most important thing in life is to get married, fund your retirement, travel a lot, become famous, or pay off the house. It says the most important thing in life is to fulfill your mission. If Jesus died on the cross for you so that you can fulfill your mission and you don’t do it, that’s a massive, eternal waste. God put you on Earth for a purpose. He has a mission that only you can fulfill. Part of that mission is to tell other people the Good News of God’s grace. You know Christ because somebody told you about him. Who will you tell? MoneyManBill says—erv, you are just a crazy zealot. Now that could be; but that is what the Bible says folks and I believe that.

CadillacJack says--The only difference between a rut and a grave is the length.  Have you ever been in a rut (i.e. your life seems to be on a permanent hold)?  What works for me is I have to be zealous in not letting myself get that way; I need to force myself to learn new stuff and also do stuff.  I do stuff sometimes when I really don’t really feel like doing stuff.  But I just do it!  A diversion is a must for me (e.g. taking a ride on my Yamaha XT25 (i.e. my respite bike), going to church, exercising etc.). Caregivers have a strong tendency to get in a rut; don’t want to or can’t be around people and just become a loner taking care of the person who they are a caregiver for.  It’s easier and many times they don’t have a choice.  This attitude and reality can develop a mushrooming effect.  Caregivers are told many times to take care of yourself or you are going to have personal problems (i.e. some studies say over 50% of caregivers of folks with Alzheimer’s die first—ouchy ouchy).  Caregiving can be a grinding physical and mental rut that is very hard to get out of.  That is the reason why caregivers need to really work at being innovative and creative soooooo they don’t get in that rut.  But, it isn’t easy.  Suck it up cupcake and let’s get going.  CaregiverNancy (i.e. a cut above) says—Roll out the barrel, roll out the barrel of fun!

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

erv

MyFriendJean says—No matter how we are dressed, we are all wearing our feelings.