certainty

Your father always wanted you to be a nuclear scientist or a White House secret document shredder. But you became a truck driver. While traveling down I-95, your CB crackles into life. “Two-over-One here; do you have time to solve a problem for me? Over.” “Roger. Just cursin’ at double nickel. Over.

A friend, who seems to think well, doesn’t believe in certainty; like it is not certain even though many folks think it is a certainty. Or we hear folks say something and we are certain they are right, but they are not we find out later; they just thought they were or were just getting in our heads. Bingo! Some things aren’t always certain even when we think they are, or just ‘cause folks say they are; No way Gladys Louise! Whoopsie daisy! It’s not as certain as they thought it was; for certain (i.e. like the world is flat; who would ever think it could be round).

I question myself; it seems quite often that I spend toooo much time entertaining myself and not enough time learning.  I like entertainment and it is ok, but I want to learn more.  Is TV entertainment or do we learn?  I watch some sports; now that is entertainment for certain, I think!! I certainly really don’t learn anything (i.e. and you folks that love the news and can’t get enough of it; what is that). JoeBlow says—Learning is rocket fuel to life! I like to be around stimulating folks who like to learn as I learn from them. Those folks are you guys, except for one of you, and you know who you are.  Thanksamillion. I met a gal here in our park, that checks all the boxes, that likes to read business magazines and technology magazines; now that is learning; she says she has an interest in those two things. Wow!

RickyRick wrote--When I bought a birthday card for my granddaughter, I noticed something I’d never seen before in the greeting card section. They now have an entire section that offers birthday cards for the 80^th, 85^th, 90^th, 95^th, and even 100^th birthdays! Growing up, I didn’t see those kinds of cards, because most people didn’t live that long. But now, life expectancy is much higher. If you’re an older adult, you may think it’s time to hang it up. I’m telling you, it’s time to get it down and dust it off! Do you think God is going to let you live 30 more years just to play golf?

I think this is a certainty--A small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong.  In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. James 3:4-5 WorldClassLarry, who changes lives, says--Most people are careless with one of their most powerful resources: their words. If I offend any of you in any way I am sorry BUT if the shoe fits, such is life. Missperfect, who is rare air, says--erv, you say you never write about me but I'm sure you are writing about my friends a lot! Make this perfectly clear, I never write anything negative pertaining to any of you; you got that; sooooo don't take any of what I write personal. Why would I want to do that?

There is no certainty that this “It’s Saturday” will make your life better or easier.  It’s really a long shot!  A real long shot! Remember, you get what you pay for!  George Bernard Shaw said—"A reasonable man adapts himself to the world, but the unreasonable man continues to persist to adapt the world to him, therefore all progress is made by unreasonable men.” I have three of my neighbors who have been successful long-time volunteer management of our park.  They all talked to me how to get things done and progress forward here in the park; there has to be compromise/cooperation between everyone; there has to be negotiation; some folks don’t seem to understand that; all parties can’t have it all their way; there must be give and take and then work together for the best of the park. Now think through that my friends.

 This is a certainty to me and I hope you have this certainty as well; the certainty is the opportunity to celebrate Thanksgiving with family and friends.  I am doing just that with our family in CO.  I am blessed for sure a.k.a. a certainty to be all together and get along with each other, but even more to have them as family (i.e. they are good folks with good hearts; my kind of folks.  Oh by the way--When our kids were young, they thought Dad knew everything BUT now when they are in their 40s, I don't know about that anymore (i.e. not a certainty). Hey, we went hatchet throwing. They didn't throw any at me!

PastorJohn (i.e. anybody can be a John) used the illustration of Satchel Page, a black baseball player that was a rookie at the age of 42 (i.e. because of his race) for the Indians and pitched in the majors until the age of 59.  When I was a kid, my Daddy, Chester, took me to a exhibition game in which he pitched a little in Willmar, MN.  He wanted me to see him.  At the time he didn't mean much to me. ANYWAY, PastorJohn used one of Mr. Page's quotes--Love like you have never been hurt (i.e. and he was hurt bad as well as all of you). SOOOOOOOO LISTEN UP KIDS AND GRANDKIDS--You can't hurt my feelings bad enough for me not to love you; it's impossible.  I actually have told quite a number of my friends the same thing.  I really mean that. You are that special. “If you pick up a hurting dog and help them, they will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and man.”- -Mark Twain

OneSmartPerson, who seems to think very well logistically and who can really make life easier and clearer, asks—Does absence make the heart grow founder or is out of sight out mind more powerful? JoeTheTruckDriver says--I don’t know OneSmartPerson, it has to be one or the other for certain; it can’t be both; which one is it going to be? Test it and then tell me; make it an experiment.  Then you will make a hypothesis and maybe a theory and then maybe have accurate proof for making it a fact.  At least for you you know it is a certainty in your heart (i.e. isn’t that all that matters).  Happily ever after starts right now. Roger!

Down here in the Valley of the Sun in the “Senior Communities” there are some folks that can’t see very well, some can’t hear very well, some that can’t remember very well and some who no one can tell ‘em anything (i.e. they are always right).  And many of them have a lot of money and at some point in their younger years they had a lot of power and position.  Now maybe that can be a hard group to work with.  I realize that none of you fit into those categories; anyway that you will admit, but surely you have some in your neighborhoods, families, or communities (i.e. but surely none in our churches). Do you know how hard it is to try to change some folks?  But it is being done all the time; maybe we just don’t realize it.  Maybe we are sheep just being led to slaughter (i.e. it all depends who you talk toooooo now doesn’t it). But it could be. I don’t know for sure (i.e. it’s not a certainty).  What do you think? That is what I thought. It seems like everyone is taking shots at us older folks, everyone (i.e. it must say on our backs—easy target--sucker).  It seems like everyone is trying to scam us.  It seems like we can’t trust many anymore. And when we get older, we are maybe more vulnerable.  We become paranoid.  It seems like everyone tries to get in our pockets.  It seems like we can’t be careful enough. It seems like we can’t trust just anyone anymore. We better look out for ourselves as many times no one else does. ItchieBitchie says--It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that out.

Here is a real-life experience I just had or it is just erv in your ear!  Here in AZ there is a lot of dust as it is in a desert.  Dust gets on my car, deck and even in my house.  I try not to wear the same shoes in my house as I do outside which helps but my floor still gets dusty.  I asked a friend how often I should clean my floor.  She said—Some do it twice a day, some every day, some every couple of days, some every week and some hardly ever; it all depend what your personality can tolerate (i.e. a certainty).  Now she made me laugh.  Soooo I took my Swiffer and dusted my floors; it took me all of three minutes; my house isn’t very big.  Again, very funny to me.

This has to a be a certainty ‘cause multiple folks have told me the same thing (i.e. it was my first reaction toooo). There is an employee in our park who is very unhappy with himself, in fact a very bitter person.  He is mad at the world and acts that way consistently. He doesn’t have a winning attitude.  I wonder if he knows that.  I think it would be terrible to live that way, my opinion but maybe he likes it.  As a deceased friend would say to me—erv, decisions have consequences and guess who gets to make the decisions. JoeBlow, who runs a great wheel route, says—There are somethings we can’t control but our attitude is something we can. It's like what Donnie and Peggy Parents say to their child--you have choices and "it's your choice."

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

erv

MyFriendJean said—No matter what you say, you’ll never come out smelling good arguing with a skunk.

The tip of the day comes from a management wizard. His company will not have a meeting last longer than 40 minutes (i.e. organized and to the point); after that it is useless; attention span is gone.  ANYWAY, they have all their meetings at least 10 minutes apart soooo everyone has adequate time to get to them (i.e. it’s a pain to have folks come late).  I have learned here in the 55+ community that to be on time is sorta kinda 15 minutes early. haha Also the management wizard says they have all their meetings on one day which is Tuesday soooo it doesn’t disturb the working days (i.e. get a lot more done without meetings).  Da! Have any of you been at meetings that go on forever and nothing new is every said and nuttin gets done (i.e. many times it a couple of folks that like to hear themselves talk who have huge massive egos)?  I have for sure.  It’s a waste of my time (i.e. unless folks are getting paid by the hour; then no one cares; just drinking coffee and killing time to get to the end of the day). haha Related story—A executive told me that one of their team came late to a meeting and the manger told them to leave. They was sorta kinda put off the team and lost their position. Ouchy ouchy! Maybe he or she was pretty cocky coming into the meeting but left with their tail between their legs. The pic is of one of my top two brother-in-laws wearing his tee shirt that makes the point.

P.S. Thanksamillion for the tips to clean my tea cup.  All the tips were the same--use baking soda!

look around

PicklyPearCastus says—A good novel tells us the truth about its hero, but a bad novel tells us the truth about its author.  This “It’s Saturday” is not a novel but it might produce the same results.  Take that into consideration when reading.

Let’s just sit down and have a conversation.  Most folks don’t have time to do that; they are always in a hurry.  Except old folks in 55+ communities in AZ; they always have time to talk and of course eat.  Most are really good at both a.k.a. experts!  haha   What’s a conversation? Does it have an agenda? Is it a lecture? Is it to prove that someone is better than another? Is it a teaching situation? Is it fun and enjoyable and pleasurable? Is it one sided? Does it make you feel good? Is it sharing? Is there laughter?

There will be a lot of conversation with family and friends this coming week as many will celebrate Thanksgiving together.  Most of the conversations will be fun and happy but not all probably.  ItchieBitchie says—Try not to be the one who ruins the conversation; most folks that do that don’t know they are the conversation ruiners! AverageJoe says--Let’s all try to use the old advice—If you can’t say something nice, keep your mouth shut!

When I look around and see the small miracles of life, I feel oh sooo much better.  And there are sooo many of them.  I guess that is being appreciative, maybe. It appears our culture does not want us to enjoy small miracles, but it wants us to live “all about me” (i.e. self centered like DuaneTheWorm who is the champion of self-glorification—completely full of himself).  I wonder if that is a good way to live.  But then what do I know, I’m just a little ol’ farm boy from a mile and fourth south of Roseland, MN.

I seem to remember life around Roseland as a kid to be much different than our culture today. But maybe I have “Yellowed Memories” of those good old days growing up on the farm a mile and a fourth south of Roseland. Those memories are maybe much like the yellow in my tea cup--stained. They are no longer black and white but yellow. Age might do that to me.  Could be. How in the world is an easy way to get those yellow tea stains out of my cup other than scrubbing hard?  It looks like some dog peed in my cup! Yucky!

We have a lot of challenges in life in one form or another. All of us do if we want to admit it or not.  StanleyTheSeguaro says—Some folks conquer and control them, and others give into them; it appears to me that it takes great discipline to conquer and control those challenges (i.e. my Daddy, Chester, said—erv, the best discipline is self-discipline; I think he was right). We all know that it is easier to sit on the couch and eat chips. Just look around folks; it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see that. I think the snowbirds, in general, have maybe a little different attitude than the average bears, that is my opinion.

As the TV ad says--I can’t protect you from becoming your parents, oh no.  Is that good or bad? I went to a lecture by a professor and phycologist about the book Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl (i.e. I have read it 3 times; I think it’s that good but that’s just my opinion—I asked him the question which Mr. Franko discussed in the book: That when folks lose hope many people change their lives and in the book he said they died but my question was, what makes folks lose hope—He said—I don’t know but wish I did; but probably it has something to do with each one’s genetic back ground and environment of their past and their current environment (i.e. I have been saying that for years).  Someone agrees with me, I can’t believe it; one person agrees with me; that’s unbelievable in this world we live in!  Holy smokes. I suggest you read this book. This book is considered one of America’s 10 most influential books by the Library of Congress and is listed on Amazon’s “Top 100 Books to read in a Lifetime.” And the saying is—There is no medicine like hope, no incentive so great, no tonic soooo powerful as the expectation of something better tomorrow!

Saturday question—Do you think there is a pandemic of self-love. CadillacJack, who is soooo fast that he’s a blur, says--When people love themselves, the driving forces for everything become ego, self-admiration, personal ambition, and a disregard for anyone else.  Who what me?  SusieQ, who is a moonblast, says--Maybe just not DuaneTheWorm is that way but also me. Are we self-destructing like the mighty Roman Empire? Where is the Roman Empire anyway? How smart are we anyway?  It might be that we aren’t very smart maybe but we just think we are.  Could be. I don’t know. What do you think? That is what I thought. Wait a minute here folks;  I read in the paper soooo it must be right that some folks don’t know if they are a man or woman from one day to the next.  A friend says—Just pull down your pants and look!

Five of us were watching the beautiful AZ sun set at one of the folk’s place. It’s fun to fellowship and discuss stuff (i.e. although I don’t know for sure if any of it was true).  They were telling me that there are close to 1,000 units in our 55+ community.  About a third are occupied by a single person; mostly women (i.e. just look around).  One guy said that women live about 10 years longer than men soooo there.  That guy then said that his wife, who was also there, is 10 years younger than him soooo she probably will live 20 years longer than me. Could be.  I met one of my next-door neighbors; she said she is 86 and widowed and has had cancer three times but the doctors told her she would only live 3 months but now they say she is cancer free again and might live for a long time. We had the most delightful conversation.  I kidded her in that she probably has a lot of guys chasing after her being old and rich.  Her response--I’m not rich erv! A gal down the street told me--erv, there are a lot of old guys down here looking for a nurse and a purse!

Did I just have an opportunity that just dropped in my lap. Did I choose to seize the moment? Did I decide not to delay or procrastinate? Did I do it—now? Did I take a risk in pursuing it? Procrastination is a strange phenomenon. WorldClassLarry says--One would think it will make our life easier when we procrastinate but actually it does just the opposite. It’s a stress generator! When you know the right thing to do, today is the time to do it. Don’t assume you can wait for tomorrow. Soooo when the opportunity is there, seize the moment, get after it.  Maybe it’s time to rebrand!  Maybe, but how do I know for sure?  I always want proof, solid proof. But it doesn’t seem like that always happens to me. You have heard me say this before--I pray for opportunities and I pray that I can recognize them and I pray that I have the courage to act on them. WildWillie says--You gotta do what has to be done when it has to be done! Suck it up cupcake and let's get going: we're burning daylight!

I read what RickyRick said while eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it--Your worldview influences how you see everything (i.e. look around folks)—including God, yourself, others, the past, the present, the future, money, time, good, and evil. Your worldview influences every choice you make. Every time you make a decision, you look at it through your worldview filter and make your choice based on the beliefs that make up your worldview. It’s crucial, then, that you, as a follower of Jesus, base your worldview on the truth of God’s Word (i.e. if you are not a follower of Jesus maybe your worldview might be way different, I don’t know; you might think this Jesus stuff it's just smack talk). One national survey found that 62 percent of Americans claim they are “deeply spiritual.” When asked how that spirituality affects their decision making, 31 percent said they make moral choices based on “what feels right and comfortable,” 18 percent on “whatever is best for me,” 14 percent on “whatever causes the least conflict with others,” and only 16 percent on “what God’s Word says.” What does that mean? It means most Christians have a non-Christian worldview. This is ervie talking now—Sooooo the worldview seems to be a lot about me and money (i.e. my opinion).

C. S. Lewis described our world as enemy-occupied territory. Now think through that folks using your worldview whatever yours is.  I wonder if most of our worldviews come from our environment of the past and current; it can’t be genetic, can it? Our worldview had to come from somewhere! Missperfect, who could have scurvy, says—Mine comes from the news on TV; I love the news and can’t get enough of it! I believe everything they say!

Life isn’t always without challenges in these 55+ communities, oh no.  I had my Trek 1000 hybrid road bike stolen right off my deck. The community says that doesn’t happen here; hasn’t happen maybe for 10 years.  ANYWAY, the thieves seemed to have gotten over the 6-foot block fence surrounding our gated community and stole some minor stuff which my bike was some of it (i.e. my bike is about 15-20 years old and really doesn’t have a lot of value but it’s mine and I like it). I turned it in to park security and the Mesa Police (i.e. did a theft report on line; this ain’t Butler Co).  Never expected to see that sucker again. Holy smokes, the Mesa Police called me a day later and had my bike.  They found it several blocks away behind some businesses.  They brought it over. The officer and I had a great conversation.  Just like on TV.  But the thieves didn’t take my park bike that I bought from a friend (i.e. for it to really be an official park bike, I need to get a basket for it)! haha I’m learning! My neighbor had a expensive bike and they didn’t take his but only the red rear light he had on it; go figure.  When I got my bike back, his red rear light was on my bike; go figure.

Just look around!  SusieQ says—I have a dog and a cat and they love me to death!  Psychological experts say that everyone needs someone to love and to love you. Soooo there you go!  Now I know why many of you have pets; I didn’t know that before. Well giddie up giddie up, my heart's on fire Elvira! Joesixpack says--When you look at that way, I can see that! Basketball season is starting (i.e. I enjoy watching some basketball) and the announcers say a lot—they had a good look (i.e. meaning had a good opportunity to score).  If they have a good look, their chance of scoring is much better compared to a bad look, bad opportunity (i.e. the odds are much better for success). When we have a bad look, our chances to score are slim to none. I agree Joesixpack, I will try to get good looks on stuff!  You think I should get a dog or a cat or a real human that will love me?

I heard a leading psychiatrist for depression being asked what is his number one remedy for depression—GRADITUDE! Is gratitude thanksgiving?  That wasn’t a big surprise to me. How about you?   SlimySlim, who is a very good bull rusher, says—Yabut most of my prayers are asking God for stuff for myself and very little showing gratitude to Him.  I must be selfish.  Could be SlimySlim.  Could be.  Are you human? Maybe you have been around DuaneTheWorm toooo much. Such is life.

How about having a simple conversation with God using the words of RickyRick--You may not understand what you’re going through, but you can still say this to God: “I know you’re good. I know you’re loving. I know you’re powerful. I know you notice the details of my life. I know you’re in control. I know you have a plan. I know you will protect me.” SweetLouise says--Maybe put that in your pipe and smoke it!

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

erv

MyFriendJean said—Nothing lasts forever…even the mightiest river runs out to sea.

The tip of the day comes from a dream I had (i.e. now I wouldn’t put much faith in this tip if I were you, really) but it did make some sense to me and maybe to you—the dream said--erv, I don’t know what step you need to take next, but I do know that you need to take it. I asked if I could have a more specific direction as to what the next step should be, but I got no response soooo I got up and went to the bathroom.  Then to make it worse I read what Dr.J said--And the only difference between a grave and a rut is the length. Then Dr.J said this that made me wonder if he was talking directly to me--Bartimaeus had no idea that Jesus Christ was going to pass his way that day. To him, it was just another day. But God gave him an unexpected opportunity that offered him a fresh start. Huh, interesting. I heard a guy say that evaluating opportunities can be like “being burned by hot acid and electrocuted at the same time.”

cancelled

SusieQ, who is a self-help psychologist from Butler County, says—“We have been taught to believe that negative equals realistic and positive equals unrealistic.” If that is true, our minds are really something! Our minds will about believe anything. Well, we’re off to the races! Let’s get going! AverageJoe says--But remember, in the final analysis, either your cerebral pathways produce the right thoughts - and you follow them - or they don't.

I read this in the paper soooo it must be right—"Today, a form of excommunication called “canceling” is taking place on the basis of opinions. A canceled person is shunned or snubbed when he or she offends the sensibilities of some group for cultural, political, or religious reasons.” I do fell many times that I’m in the minority in my thinking and my believes, I really do.  Sooooo maybe I am being canceled by many folks, could be. Maybe you are too even if you don’t know it. Could be.

Lord Acton was a nineteenth-century British politician, historian, and writer. He is best known for these words: “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” He maybe had seen enough examples of this in the church and government to be confident that power can be a dangerous thing. Now think about that folks. “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.”--Abraham Lincoln  Now think about that folks. Maybe power used corruptly can cancel folks out.  Maybe. What do you think? That is what I thought.

A friend sent me this blog that he gets that he thinks the blogger has some of the same opinions that I do.  Amazing! Or scary! The blogger probably has no idea what they are talking about! ANYWAY, I like these folks! haha We seem to like folks who agree with us!  Here is the blog: Today, I would like to share a personality trait that we both like in other people. Perhaps you can try adapting the trait for yourself. I certainly do my best to do that. The trait I’m referring to is sometimes called intellectual humility. It’s about understanding and acknowledging the limits of one’s knowledge, about recognizing that the things we believe in might be wrong, about being open to new ideas and opposing viewpoints, and about being willing to seek out information that conflicts with our worldviews. It’s about being willing to admit mistakes and being comfortable saying: “I don’t know,” and “I could be wrong.” This doesn’t mean having no opinions, or being a pushover, or lacking confidence. Rather, it means being honest about our own shortcomings, biases, and blind spots, and about accepting the possibility of being only half-right or even completely wrong. I like it when someone says, “This is how I see it. Here are the reasons why I see it this way. I’m pretty sure about this. But I might be wrong.” Conversely, I don’t like it when someone is too sure of themselves. When they are too convinced that they are right. When they possess no doubts whatsoever. (That’s usually a sign of a number of alarming characteristics, including ignorance, naivete, black-or-white thinking, lack of self-awareness, a failure to understand the nuances of life, and so on.) A few rather famous quotes come to mind…Bertrand Russell:  “The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, and wiser people so full of doubts.” Charles Darwin:  “Ignorance more frequently begets confidence than does knowledge: it is those who know little, not those who know much, who so positively assert that this or that problem will never be solved by science.” Walt Whitman:  “I like the scientific spirit—the holding off, the being sure but not too sure, the willingness to surrender ideas when the evidence is against them: this is ultimately fine—it always keeps the way beyond open—always gives life, thought, affection, the whole man, a chance to try over again after a mistake—after a wrong guess.” Let’s be willing to change our opinions and to hear opposing viewpoints. Let’s allow some space for doubts and remain open to shades of grey. Let’s strive for curiosity and humility rather than certainty and arrogance. In our current times of division and disruption, I feel this is especially important.

As always, thank you for reading, and have a wonderful day ahead  ️

To openness, curiosity, and humility,

…

P.S. Today’s wisdom: “The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.” ― Socrates

This is me, ervie, speaking now. It’s always good to listen to other’s opinions, isn’t it? Each their own, right? I really get frustrated with radicals who think they know everything. And there are many of them around, none of you of course but we all know some. haha Most radicals I really don’t understand.  Maybe they have deep wounds of the past, are bitter at everything, have low self-confidence, want everything free, expect everything to be about them/their way or God only knows.  And who is a radical anyway? Who determines that a person is a radical? What are the guidelines? Maybe we are all radicals to some degree.  I think sooo (i.e. my opinion).

As a friend/golf buddy said to me on the course this fall—They might not be the sharpest knife in the drawer (i.e. even though they think they are)! They can cancel me out! But that might be canceling themselves out in not being objective. It’s the easiest way to deal with the thinking of being open minded. But then they are saying—I know everything; I know all the answers; I am God; they are above all and know way more than the average bear (i.e. to that I say--I believe they have a problem; even if they don’t know it). That is my opinion.  And my opinion is worth nuttin. Most of you who read this “It’s Saturday” live in America and have the freedom to believe what you want (i.e. but maybe we all need to see a knife sharpener haha).  Maybe we need to rub some dirt on our egos!

I read this while eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it by David (i.e. anyone can be a David)—"Most theology books are based on works by other theologians—you can read about them in the footnotes and bibliographies at the back of the volume.” When we had to do research papers in high school and college, we researched and found what “soooo called authorities” said and we based our conclusion on what they said.  Of course, we didn’t include any research from folks who opposed what we wanted to believe or say.  And it always helped to agree with the teacher or professor to get a good grade. This teaching David said—"was the method of the scribes; they taught by citing authorities. Not Jesus. Jesus taught with authority, and his listeners had never heard anything like it.” ItchieBitchie says—Be careful who you listen tooooo a.k.a. their interpretations.

I couldn’t get the outside lights on at my place.  I changed the light bulbs, reset the circuit breakers, and even had two “topshelf” friends who are very smart come over and evaluate the situation. Still no lights.  The older guy across the street told me to reset the gfci on the outlet in the bathroom. What!  What does that have to do with the lights outside? That’s way toooo simple!  I did and the lights worked. The smart older guy across the street who is full of knowledge and experience knew what he was talking about. I just had to laugh at myself AGAIN! Well, jumpin' cholla!

AverageJoe, who acts like a point after, says—The truth can hurt sometimes! JoeTheExpert said, “Truth sounds like hate to those who hate the truth.” But then again, we have to determine what the truth is and not just an opinion or an emotion.  LuckieEddie says--That seems to be a problem. Dr.J says—"What happens when a godless society tries to silence the voice of morality? Well, God is never silenced, and the Bible cannot be chained. But culture can become corrupt, confused, and alienated from the God who created us all.” Franklin Graham wrote, “Our nation has slowly and steadily drifted away from God—perhaps even turned our back on God in so many ways—and we are now reaping the devastating consequences.” Again, these are interpretations and beliefs but I believe them. Sooooo what do you believe is the truth? That is what I thought!  CaptainJoeObvious says--It appears to be soooo obvious what it will take to save our bacon! It seems to be the simple TRUTH! But it doesn't seem to be the direction America or the world wants to go. Let's see what is going to happen.  

Let's face it, it's hard to know who to believe now isn't it! Our minds are really something else! Our minds will almost believe anything and anyone!

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

erv

MyFriendJean said—Nothing makes a child so smart as having grandparents.

The tip of the day comes from “The Shed,” deep in Butler County (i.e. sooo deep that the revenuers can’t even find it)—It isn’t nearly as important what others think (e.g. like what ervie thinks) as it is what each one of you thinks!  ANYWAY, suck it up cupcake and let's get going; we're burning daylight! Did you get that?

adjust

This “It’s Saturday” could give you goose bumps but more likely it will give you a bald spot from scratching your head!  Soooo beware and read with an open mind! For some of you that is nearly impossible! haha

I’m in the Valley of the Sun.  It’s hot and dry.  On this date in 1880, President Rutherford B. Hayes, on a tour of the nation, stopped in Maricopa to confer with the Indians. Gen. William T. Sherman, traveling with the Presidential party, overheard the remark that all Arizona needed was less heat and more water. Sherman reportedly replied, “That’s all hell needs.” I will try to adjust to the hot and the dry!  haha

Are you always hungry or are you full?  That maybe means, are you constantly unsatisfied or are you satisfied?  I don’t need anything; I'm happy with what I got. My sister-in-law says—erv, it looks good as it is (i.e. she was talking about how my house is decorated when they visited me); if you want a little change, change the accent stuff a little; shop at home first (i.e. from the attic or basement). Don’t go out and spend a bunch of money; just a little change just feels good. A little change is soooo good for me, my opinion.  It’s good for my outlook, my mind, my physical being, my attitude and my soul.  I really think soooooo.  That is if the Javelinas don’t eat me up in the AZ desert! I will hopefully learn to adjust.

ItchieBitchie says--Everything seems soooo unsettled right now, soooo, everything must be unsettling.  JoeBlow says--Maybe it’s time to sit back and take a break and see what happens.  Maybe soooo if you have that luxury; not everyone has that option.  It’s good to have options (i.e. some don’t have options to adjust;they have the camper payment due, the ponies are hungry, the dogs want food and and they have limited income—at some point maybe no more giveawaychecks from the government). I have said this before and still think it—Nuttin every changes until it gets really bad (i.e. it might be getting closer; big on the MIGHT!).  What do I know; I’m just a little ol’ farm boy from a mile and quarter south of Roseland, MN. Missperfect asks—Can it get better in the near future do you think? Well, life looks like it is getting better for the life of the hogs that will be used for bacon in CA!  haha Those lucky pigs! They get all the breaks. But the price of bacon will more than double.  Adjust Californians, adjust. You asked for it and you got it!

I had a friend who is a builder and developer recently tell me that he hired some guys to hang the sheet rock in a house he is building.  He said, “It’s not good to hire old, fat guys who have new, clean pickups; they are slow, complain, and charge toooo much; I got a different group to mud it; they work soooo darn hard; don’t even clean the mud off of themselves from the day before, but you do have to air out the house when they leave!” Adjust my friend, adjust!

Theyoungadulddownthestreet said to me what is in the pic.  I think he thinks he likes it better when he can live at home and let dad and mom pay for him or just have the government send him a check.  I wonder how he will turn out.  He really doesn’t know much different as maybe his parents taught him by their example how to live without working.  I don’t know.  Maybe he will never have to work; it could be; have someone else pay his way.  Or maybe he will have to adjust.  Time will tell. In 1913, when William Howard Taft welcomed his successor, Woodrow Wilson, to the White House, he warned Wilson that the presidency was “the loneliest place in the world.” Wilson would later write, “I never dreamed such loneliness and desolation of heart possible.” Oh by the way, in one of our local churches back home, the pastor asked for pray requests during the Sunday morning service. One of the parishioners raised his hand and said--we need to pray for all the folks that don't want to work!

I have a hand-held vac at home that is about 20 years old I would expect.  I use it but it doesn’t have the same suck power or energy as it used to.  And it doesn’t recharge very well either. And the charge doesn’t have much sustaining time either.  I just laughed at it the other day (i.e. yes, I laughed at a hand-held vac)!  The sucker is just like me! That made me laugh again! Soooooo I need to adjust to that sucker or replace it!  Yikes!

Soooo as I was leaving pickleball a fall morning and stopped at the restroom.  As I came out I ran smack dap into a lady who was also leaving.  I knew her name but never talked to her.  I said—sooo you are leaving toooo—I was playing with a young player and he said he didn’t want to play with me anymore; I told him I hope you are playing pb when you are 80; ANYWAY, I only play three games and then go home.  She then gave me a short profile of her life and a longer profile of her current life situation; not soooo exciting with her family situation; in fact, pretty sad.  I told her I was a believer and would pray for her to have courage, wisdom and strength. She said thank you and said she really appreciated it. (i.e. it appeared by her body language that she was a believer toooo).  I guess I was in the right spot at the right time (i.e. opportunity).  And some of you might say, in the wrong spot at the wrong time. I guess it’s how we look at it!  Such is life.

RickyRick says—"The number one reason you’re under stress is because you’re trying to control things that only God can control. You can’t control your spouse, your kids, your job, your future, or your past. When you try to play God, it puts you in opposition to God. Not only are you going to lose that conflict, but you’re also going to be tired—and stressed.” I try to play God sometimes; I’m really not very good at it, in fact I’m terrible at it.  I can’t even manage my neighbor’s dogs; they just don’t listen to me.  But it helps when I give them treats, oh those treats (i.e. they aren’t any different than humans; they love those treats a.k.a. free money; anything free seems tasty, oh soooo good and effective). A friend at a dinner party recently told us that no person gets elected by promising free stuff; I asked why—he said ‘cause Americans don’t like that.  It sounded like he knew what he was talking about! But everyone who gets free stuff seems to like it and takes free stuff with open arms.  They seem to just love it and can’t get enough of it. It seems to be a crazy mentality! This is a linguistic figure of speech called merism—two contrasting opposites which represent the extremes and everything in between. Dr. J says--It is one of the great ironies of our age that while we are living during a time when almost any behavior is celebrated no matter how sinful, we are simultaneously living in a time where any small misstep, public or private, could be the catalyst of our own social and financial ruin. Such is life in 2021.

I was around some acquaintances recently. One guy was telling us about his hunting trip in Wyoming for elk and mule deer.  They had to ride hours on horseback in the mountains in snow, sleep in tents, quarter their kill and haul it back.  Another guy said to me—that doesn’t sound like fun to me.  Another friend did a talk about climbing Mt Kilimanjaro to a Kiwanis Club and what he had to endure.  He said a listener said—That doesn’t sound like much fun to me. One woman paints her house and another walks her dogs or runs 10 miles. What is fun for one person sure isn’t fun for another. BUT if we want to get along with folks, we need to adjust to others' tastes, interests, hobbies, etc. Or not be around them.  WildWillie says—It’s a lot easier to sit on the couch and eat chips and complain while watching the news!

This was a heart warming event for me--It was our grandson, Jimmer's 10th birthday last Saturday. Three of his buddies in the neighborhood came to the house to wish him a happy birthday.  They just got done helping a person doing some yard work and the person gave them a $10 bill. They gave it to Jimmer for his birthday.  Jimmer told him that the money was theirs as they worked for it and they needed to keep it soooo he wouldn't accept it.  There are good kids folks.  

A new acquaintance who I made through a friend was telling us about her life.  She mentioned that she grew up poor (i.e. one of eight kids) and learned to live on little.  She said—It really wasn’t that bad.  She said that her husband and her have worked hard and have had it good through the years and now in their retirement have many options.  BUT she said—I could easily go back to the simple life I grew up with; it would be fine with me.  I could easily adjust again. Huh, interesting.

Recently I was in a bar having a beer with some neat guys while the neat gals were sitting at a different table talking about “God only knows what”!  In this group of guys there were two brothers who were wrestlers and one got beat in a hs match and his dad didn’t talk to him for 4 days. Finally he talked to his dad and hardly before he could start his dad said—getting beat isn’t bad but you quite; you didn’t try your hardest (i.e. he said, he was right). Getting beat will happen in life but if you have a quitting attitude in life and not giving your best, you will not do well.  Sooooo another guy told us that he asked their adult daughter why they never had to get her up for school. Her response was—I always thought it was expected of me (i.e. I wonder where she got that idea)!

Yes, I’m in AZ where it’s hot and dry (i.e. I don’t think that is going to change until hell freezes over).  If I don’t like the hot and dry, I’ll go back home to IA and scoop snow in the cold.  I have options but I will try to adjust.  Such is life.

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

erv

MyFriendJean said--Let your mind wander, but be careful when you follow it.                                                                                                                            

The tip of the day comes from a friend who is a good person (i.e. you know who you are).  This person says--What goes around comes around and don’t you forget it erv.  What you sow is what you'll reap. YaBut sometimes it doesn’t seem to go that way in my life. haha AverageJoe says--Just remember erv, life doesn’t always paint the complete picture. Life seems tooooo beat around the bush sometimes!