the big picture

A nephew-in-law says--I want to die peacefully in my sleep like my grandfather. Not screaming in terror like the passengers in his car.

Some folks can really talk fast. I have to laugh when I hear those fast talkers do commercials on TV.  I can’t imagine how they can do that. But then again, maybe folks think I’m a fast talker toooo.  There are two types of fast talkers.  Do you know slow talkers, the kind that you want to help them talk as they are soooo slow and seem like it takes them forever to say anything. Coach says—We got to get after it; you got to do more than just try but we have to fry; get our mind in shape, get our body in shape, get our spirit in shape, get our money in shape, get our relationships in shape, etc. We got to quit trying but start frying it (i.e. in fast talk, get after it). Now that is the big picture folks a.k.a. longview, overview, long range view.

I read while eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it that many folks run out of things to look forward to. What! I’m going to run out of time but not things to do; that is what I am concerned about.  I also read this by RickyRick--Do not procrastinate but to get after it; seize the moment. The clock is a ticking folks; I don’t want to waste my life. Life is good as the tee shirt that Jeanne gave me says. WorldClassLarry says—Don’t sit on the couch and eat chips, get going; don’t waste your life just complaining and watching the news; that is a waste of time! OneSmartPerson says—Make every day an adventure! See the big picture.

I sent a text to my old old golf buddies who I played golf with in AZ and asked them how they are doing. One of those old old buddies responded--I'm doing well erv. A lot has happened since we last played golf. I found an error on my birth certificate and I'm actually 5 yrs younger than I thought, I won the lottery, got my pilots license, remarried a much younger wealthy widow, moved to Dublin, playing some great Irish/Scottish courses and my handicap has dropped to 5! How's life treating you?

Dr.J says—"Pride thrives on a competitive nature that tries to remain on top. Pride is a brutal master; it keeps you struggling, striving, and grasping for some kind of worldly recognition and success. If you want to experience peace, live humbly and be content in what God has given you and called you to do.” But occasionally, they express a unique kind of grief: running out of things to look forward to (i.e. I think we always need things to look forward to, my opinion). Stephen says--“I just glanced at some trophies on my bookshelves. So many have been discarded over the years, but a few remain to remind me of tennis victories or basketball participation. I remember working hard to win them, then displaying them proudly. Now they seem forgotten except for an occasional glance and the fleeting memory of a triumph.” Those past trophies remind me of how small they are compared to the big picture! 

I wonder if many times I really don’t see the big picture but just a little of it through my eyes (i.e. very small portion). Sometimes I wonder if I see a skewed portion of the big picture. WorldClassLarry says—erv, first you have to decide what the big picture is. Soooo how do I do that WorldClassLarry?

AverageJoe says--Don't Miss Out In Life, Enjoy What Life Has For You; you gotta see the big picture. This is David’s story (i.e. anybody can be a David)--“When I walked into the gift shop, I was greeted with a cheery ‘Good afternoon!’ The young salesperson chattered brightly as she pointed out the shop’s unique products, shared my observations about the weather, helped me choose a gift, and neatly wrapped my purchase. ‘You must really enjoy what you’re doing,’ I said. ‘Actually, I hate it,’ she replied. ‘I’m only doing this because I have to. I can’t wait till six o’clock comes so I can join my friends on the beach!’ As I walked away, I reflected on this young woman’s behavior. She had given me the impression that she enjoyed her work. In reality, however, she was merely putting in time” Boy, I hope we don’t use our lives and time on this earth this way!  Wouldn’t that be a waste and a mess! 

If you do not expect it, you will not find the unexpected, for it is hard to find and difficult. Heraclitus 500 B.C-Greek Philosopher

I read this that is sorta kinda the big picture, I think anyway--Paul wrote two lengthy passages addressing this issue in 1 Corinthians 10:14–11:1 and Romans 14:1-23. In short, he said that there was no harm in eating meat from pagan temples, but he left the decision up to the individual. More importantly, he cautioned against letting one’s own conscience be a standard of judgment against others. He said that peace in the church and mutual edification were most important (Romans 14:19). As always, love was to be the guide: “Love...does not seek its own” (1 Corinthians 13:4-5). In all our relationships—home, work, church—we are to love one another, not judge one another. Pursue peace and edification wherever you go today. SusieQ says--I seem to forget the big picture some times! Ouchy ouchy!

In December 2008, Bernard Madoff was arrested for fraud. For years, Madoff promoted a massive Ponzi scheme consisting not of real assets but money contributed by investors. By the time the scheme was exposed, the money was gone. Thousands of investors, who entrusted entire fortunes to Madoff, were left with nothing. They placed vain hope in a payoff that didn’t exist. In December 2008, Bernard Madoff was arrested for fraud. For years, Madoff promoted a massive Ponzi scheme consisting not of real assets but money contributed by investors. By the time the scheme was exposed, the money was gone. Thousands of investors, who entrusted entire fortunes to Madoff, were left with nothing. They placed vain hope in a very high payoff that didn’t exist. Many folks didn’t see the big picture maybe!

RickyRick says—"Not only have you made mistakes in the past, but you’ll also make more in the future. I guarantee it.” Even if I play it safe and refuse to take risks, which is a mistake, I will make mistakes. Soooo don’t be surprised folks when you make mistakes BUT I pray for wisdom that I may make good or at least better decisions (i.e. put the odds in my favor) soooo I don’t have to suffer soooo many results of bad decisions. BUT I still will make mistakes, no question, absolutely, for sure; even if I don’t do anything that is not completely bad, I still must suffer the consequences. Soooo I’m doomed to make bad decisions. Such is life. I thank God for being good to me; now that changes the perspective. Yes it does! Completely totally entirely fully without question absolutely! It’s affords me to see the big picture!

AverageJoe says--Sometimes it’s not about money, it’s not about luxury, it’s about enjoying what you have. As you pray, thank God for being good to you.

When in Golden, CO, Jeanne and I had some ice cream at a little shop on main street. The young gal, named Stephany was a very neat gal. Jeanne asked her if she was a student—no and yes, I graduated from high school and hope to go to school to be a pilot—wow, that’s neat—I am the first person in my family to graduate from high school. We wished her the best and told her to do well, make your dreams happen; you can do it!  She was getting out of the runt; seeing what life would be like if she did something different. She was seeing the big picture.

A friend sent me some thoughts to think about relating to the big picture: erv, always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them. erv, if you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague. erv, it may be that your sole purpose in life is simply to be kind to others. erv, never put both feet in your mouth at the same time, because then you won't have a leg to stand on.

A friend, John (i.e. anybody can be a John), who we became friends a zillion years ago sent me this about the big picture:  Abdominal Fat Linked to Lower Brain Volume in Midlife; ”Great, I'm not only overweight, I'm stupid.” In large study of healthy middle-aged adults, greater visceral and subcutaneous abdominal fat on abdominal MRI predicted brain atrophy on imaging, especially in women. Holy smokes!

Now this is seeing the big picture--If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably worth it.

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

erv

MyFriendJean said--With a good hobby you can find yourself and lose yourself at the same time.

feathers ruffled

 A nephew-in-law says--I needed a password eight characters long, so I picked Snow White and the Seven Dwarves.

I have to admit that what Niles wrote sorta kinda ruffled my internal feathers. I wonder if I always think right? I guess if folks think they are always right, then nuttin affects them, maybe! They don’t get their internal feathers ruffled!  Why would they if they are sure they know everything, I guess. Well, I admit, I don’t know everything. Soooo that is why I get my internal feathers ruffled maybe. BUT I have to admit that I’m just a little ol’ farm boy from a mile and quarter south of Roseland, MN.

Niles wrote--Intellectual humility is 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.”

I had professors in a state school when getting my Master’s who thought they were right. They had the power to say they were right. I didn’t always agree. I would answer their test questions the way they wanted them answered soooo I could get a B which was a passing grade in graduate school. It worked but it wasn’t what I thought was right. I didn’t buy into their thinking of what they thought was right sometimes. No no! BUT I got my degree! Da! I don’t want to live my life that way! No I don’t! At least I don’t think soooo!  haha JoeBlow says—I don’t either unless there is a lot of money at stake and then I can fake it!  Such is life.

 I know a person that half of what he says isn’t true and the other half I don’t believe!  He is very accurate!  When touring Jerusalem, our guide told us each year there are at least a handful of folks who come declaring they are Jesus and have returned.  Soooo far, none of them have been the real deal! They proved to be all mental ill he thought!  There have been many religious leaders who have been way out in left field or is it right field (i.e. ANYWAY, they think they know everything) and develop a cult following only to end up in a disaster a.k.a. a mess. History teaches us this. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that out! It probably has happened right here in Butler County and that stands for Trouble with a capital “T” and that rhymes with “P” and that stands for problems! Houston, we have a problem!

Wil Rogers said--Don't let yesterday use up too much of today.

Niles then said--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.

ItchieBitchie says--I don’t want to let my emotions and thinking get out of hand like some football fans do! That is crazy. They seem to have lost reality. It’s that time of the year again. Some might lack intellectual humility or something anyway (i.e. or maybe drink too much Bud Lite). They become way out of wack, my opinion! For sure they are not very open minded, my opinion. Not much fun to be around! They lose their perspective of life it seems!

I read most of the book, Atlas of the Heart by Brene Brown as a suggestion of a friend. Maybe you have read it as well.  ANYWAY, here is part of what I read—According to researchers, self-righteousness is the conviction that one’s beliefs and behaviors are the most correct. They see things as black and white, they tend to be closed-minded, inflexible, intolerant of ambiguity, and less likely to consider others’ opinions.  The author told this story about herself—I can tell you exactly what I was wearing and where I was sitting twenty-five years ago when someone in an AA meaning said, “Part of my sobriety is letting go of self-righteousness. It is really hard because it feels so good. Like a pig rolling in shit.” I remember thinking, Oh God, I’m not sure I know exactly what that means, but I think I roll around in that shit.

Niles also said--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.).

I have asked myself—Why not think this way regarding going forward with my life. I might just do that in a big way. I liked the saying which has been an ethos embodied by the Navy—to put the mission first, then teammates, and both before self. I am going to apply that to my relationships. I think it’s good. What do you think? That is what I thought. The crew on the Lady Washington wore these tee shirts.

Erin really enjoys being part of the color guard with the marching band of Dakota Ridge High School. It takes a lot of teamwork for the show to be really good. If the students are just for themselves, it just doesn’t produce a good show. I think that team concept is important in most everything. Take a look around folks, it doesn’t take rocket science to figure this out. In many larger schools, this competition is as important as football (i.e. but not soooo much in Butler County). Erin’s marching band and show competition has a budget of about $100,000 I was told. That takes a very active music association.

Jimmer likes baseball and would like to try to play in high school (i.e. he is a 6^th grader).  He is involved in an all-star culture to try to get on an all star team and get more exposure and experience.  If he has a chance to play high school baseball, it appears this is the route he must go or he probably won’t have a chance (i.e. this ain’t Butler County folks). What do you think of that?

On Bainbridge Island our hosts got us into the island’s boat/shell house on Puget Sound. It is home to the island’s rowing club and all their shells (i.e. very impressive and interesting to me). On the main level hanging from the ceiling on display was a shell made by the same builder, George Yeoman Pocock, and similar to that of the U.S. rowing Olympic team from WA used to win the 1936 gold medal in Germany which made Hitler not happy. It too was impressive to me. Our hosts told us the story of the guys from Washington who were the 9 crew members and told us about the book, The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown. I was interested and have listened to it traveling to CO.  It’s an impressive book about the underdog winning and also it is history. You probably have read it but if not, give it a try. It’s a popular book. I found it interesting that our two local libraries didn’t have it, but Cedar Falls Library had 5 traditional books, eBooks and audio books!  I used Libby; isn’t Libby just amazing!

Another thing that ruffled my feathers is that I got humbled, AGAIN! I always don’t like that when I get humbled but it ain’t nuttin new, it happens a lot to me. Those humblings make me a better person if I like it or not!  Ouchy ouchy! They sure make me humble. They sure remind me that I’m just a human being and not in charge of the world and I don’t really know much here living “under the sun.”

Wil Rogers said-- It isn't what we don't know that gives us trouble, it's what we know that ain't so.

This question might ruffle our feathers—Are we tempted to “think of [ourselves] more highly than [we] ought to think?” ItchieBitchie says—Not me but my sister-in-law does for sure! ANYWAY, I read this while eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it--For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly. RickyRick says-- I’ve been a Christian for nearly 60 years, and there are still a lot of things I have questions about. I don’t think anyone has it all figured out and if they think they do, they don’t for sure (i.e. that is also my opinion).

Will Rogers said--Do the best you can, and don't take life too serious.

Niles also said--Intellectual humility has received a fair bit of research attention lately. Among other things, this research has pointed to the many benefits of being intellectually humble.”  What do you think they may be?

Am I willing to change my opinions and to hear opposing viewpoints? Am I willing to allow some space for doubts and remain open to shades of grey? Am I willing to strive for curiosity and humility rather than certainty and arrogance? I have some questions that I need to answer. Yes, I do. That ruffles my feathers, yes it does!

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

erv

MyFriendJean said—It’s more pleasant to give than receive…especially medicine and advice.

why not

A nephew-in-law says--I told my doctor that I broke my arm in two places. He told me to stop going to those places.

When in WA, we went on a Sunday afternoon drive in the Yikama Valley and Jeanne showed me the sites.  We stopped at a high school classmate of hers and her husbands’ winery/vineyard and Goddess Shirley was there. We had such a good time. About 50% of all of Washington’s wine is produced in the valley with about 90 wineries/vineyards (i.e. also 77% of the hops in the U.S. are raised in the valley). The wineries/vineyards have become a tremendous tourist attraction.  If you are in this area you might enjoy. Look up Shirley at Bonair Winery and tell her I sent you!  She might give you a more generous pour! You never know!  The sign Goddess Shirley is holding is her motto! I like it. She told us that her and her husband were in education and decided to start the winery/vineyard in1985. They had no knowledge or skill in wine making but, why not! They are now 78 and the vinery is for sale. Here is your chance!  Shirley said--I was way positive and my husband was way negative and after 55 years of marriage we sorta kinda have met in the middle with the feeling of if something good happens we are happy and if something not so good happens we just say that’s the way it is and go forward. Why not!

While eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it, I read that the American Bible Society released a report earlier this year showing two things: Bible reading in America has dramatically decreased; people who do read their Bibles experience significant hope in their lives. I sorta kinda think there is a difference in folks who are believers than those who are not. What do you think? JoeBlow asks, how soooo erv? I think many seem to have somewhat of a different attitude toward life. Many seem to be more pleasant to be around maybe; maybe not soooo unsettled, maybe! That’s just my opinion. You might have a different opinion. Or it might just be that some folks just eat more brussels sprouts than others! I just really don’t know.  George Bernard Shaw said—"The reasonable man adapts himself to the world: the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore, all progress depends on the unreasonable man.” Why not!

Jimmy Buffett said--“I’m inspired by people who keep on rolling, no matter their age.”

If I know one thing, it’s that I know nuttin! That statement is a paradox. Saturday question—Do you ever say one thing and do just the opposite? Da! ItchieBitchie says—C’mon erv, I know you do! Richard and Henry Blackaby via ThePreracherMan says--“The measure of greatness in the kingdom of God differs vastly from that of the world. Our society idolizes the rich, the powerful, the beautiful, and the athletic. We even make celebrities out of those who brazenly flaunt their immorality. The world claims it is demeaning to serve others. However, God’s kingdom completely rejects the world’s measure for esteem, giving the greatest honor to the one who serves most. The person who serves selflessly, lovingly, without complaint, and without seeking recognition is highly regarded in the kingdom of God.” Soooo folks, I guess we all get to decide for ourselves. Crazy huh!

When flying back from WA into Des Moines, I stayed the night with family and had breakfast with Rookie who is a 5^th grader and the last year in the school he is in.  I said to him—soooo Rookie, you are the big dog in your school this year—ya, I am—next year you will be the little dog again when you are in middle school—ya, but then when I go to high school I will be the little dog again—ya but when you are a senior you will be the big dog again; then when you go to college it will happen again and then when you get a job it will be the same—ya but when I become a manager, I will be the big dog again—then you will get old like me and you will be just an old dog!  But I can be an old dog with a good attitude; Jeanne and I think we need to live at least 51 more years to do what we all want to do (i.e. why not)!  “Attitude is the little thing that makes a big difference.”—Winston Churchill

On my way to CO I spent the night in Waukee and had breakfast very early with Charlie The Smasher. She has volleyball practice at 5:45 AM. There are 60+ 7th grade girls who play soooo they divide them into 12 ability grouped teams. To find time for all to practice, some teams need to practice in the mornings. She told me that it's early but it's ok. She likes it. That is a lot of girls who like volleyball! But there are about 1,000 kids in her 7th grade. Charlie The Smasher seems to me has a good mix of confidence and humility.

CoachB says—"Learning does not happen until change happens (i.e. like changing your eating and exercise habits). Knowledge is not change; ya gotta change for it to be learning.” ItchieBitchie says—There is a huge massive difference between talking and doing or wanting and doing! Suck it up cup cake and let’s get going! Face reality and let’s roll! Let’s throw those chips away and get our butts off the couch! Why not! Albert Einstein once said—“The difference between geniuses and stupids is that geniuses have limits.” RaRaBill says-- When it needs to be done you need to do what needs to be done! Ben says--Years ago, I watched a television program that featured a man beginning the process of overcoming an addiction. His best friend, a reformed addict, said, “Get used to the fact that nothing is going to make you feel good for a while.” Losing something that once made you feel good can make all comfort feel out of reach. BigMouthRalph says—What you do today can improve all your tomorrows.

Jimmy Buffett said--“Wrinkles will only go where the smiles have been.”

When visiting Bainbridge Island, we were given a tour of The Barn which is a cooperative of folks who are very talented in a variety of hobbies and interests. They teach others. It is very impressive. We were told of a lady who was taught to make jewelry and ended up doing a multi-dollar business.  We were told that her jewelry wasn’t that attractive, but she was a great marketer! A marketing method that is used in our culture today is upselling (i.e. selling a more expensive product than what is needed or a product that isn’t needed at all). Not all businesses use this method, but some do. I was told by a friend who is in marketing management that maybe 10% of businesses use this market method (i.e. basically take advantage of the vulnerable). Sooooo suckers, stay away from the 10%!

RickyRick says—"When you were a kid, you had a great imagination. But the older you get, the more your imagination grows rusty. You stop imagining the way things could be, and you just start living the way they are. You get stuck in the status quo. Doubt and fear neutralize what God wants to do in your life. It takes courage to imagine. Do you know why most people don’t imagine? Because they’re afraid of failure. Courage is doing the thing you fear the most. If you’re not afraid, you don’t need courage. Courage is when you’re scared to death and you say, ‘I’m going to do it anyway.’” Saturday questions—What’s a grand life? Do we have a grand life? How do we get a grand life?

Jimmy Buffett said--“It takes no more time to see the good side of life than it takes to see the bad.”

I’m in CO for a few days, home of Erin and Jimmer. Of course, we went to see Erin perform in the color guard at the football game and Jimmer play baseball.  Why not!  It’s what grandpas do! Ya can’t just wish for things to happen, ya gotta work at them! Jeanne met me here to meet our CO family. There is some more “checking each other out” going on! Check check check! What a hoot! We might even go and see Rocky Mountain National Park. Why not!

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

erv

MyFriendJean said—It’s easier to follow example than advice.

should have done it years ago

A nephew-in-law says—Someone actually complimented me on my driving today. They left a little note. It said, “Parking Fine."

A very smart person told me—erv, we are just a little bit of news to others.  Think about that folks. We might think we are big news but in reality, we are just a little bit of news in other folks’ lives (i.e. we are about as important as others are to us on the freeway going the other direction). Wow!  I read this while eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it, but I don’t remember ever reading it before--In William Shakespeare’s play, Hamlet, Polonius says to Claudius, the King of Denmark, “Brevity is the soul of wit.” In Hamlet, Polonius is verbose. But regarding brevity, Polonius got it right: Powerful points can be made with just a few words." Sooooo in this “It’s Saturday” I will try to use brevity and not verbose! Yada yada yada!

ItchieBitchie says--What was I thinking? In hindsight, I should have done it years ago. What was I thinking. My life would have been way better if I would have only known! What do you think ItchieBitchie was talking about?  Do you have anything in your life that you think that way about?

While eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it, I read what Jay Danzie, an author and brand strategist, wrote, “Your smile is your logo, your personality is your business card, how you leave others feeling after an experience with you is your trademark, and whether others aspire to be like you is your brand.” I guess we can make it our personal brand as well. Or you can make it your family brand maybe too. Saturday question—What is your brand that you show to folks? SusieQ says—I wish I would have learned to smile at folks years ago! 

JoeBlow says--I should have started saving years ago, Now I’m 55 and have no savings but I have drank a lot beer that I have just pissed away. A friend told me that when he was in his 20s, he hired a financial advisor who helped him set up a systematic savings plan for his future. When he retired, he had a nice amount of money and said he was good for life. He told me that if he had not had help, he would have spent it all (i.e. that is pretty much the nature of the beast). My Daddy, Chester, would say to me when a kid—erv, divide the saving interest rate into 72 and that is how many years it will take for your money to double which is called compound interest.  It ain’t rocket science! CrazyMarvin says—I thought saving was a crazy idea but now I wish I would have done it years ago!  What was I thinking!

WackoGinger says—I wish I would have done it years ago. That being more loving of others instead of being soooo selfish and always thinking about myself. What was I thinking anyway. I have no idea what you were thinking WackoGinger, I have no idea but I’m glad you figured it out. I bet you will be a much happier person. I think faith isn’t an add-on; it’s integrated into every aspect of my life’s experiences. Anyway, that’s my opinion. And that is a choice, and we all get to choose. Such is life. Saturday question—Do you think some folks are happier than others? My opinion is that givers are much happier than takers.

A friend who is a retired second grade teacher and now is in her late 70s tells me that she runs into her former students in her community. Many she might not have seen for maybe 50 years. She remembers many of their names and maybe something about them but those little folks probably all remember her name, not maybe what she said, but probably all remember how she made them feel. It’s sorta kinda like reading someone’s obituary, AverageJoes aren’t impressed soooo much with others' title behind their names, or supposedly what they accomplished, but all are impressed and remember how they made them feel. ShowOffBetty says—I should have thought about that years ago!  The old saying is you can’t fool little kids and even AverageJoes no matter how hard you try. They see right through a person. Such is life.

I tell my grandkids that the cumulative grade point average is not only what you did the last semester of your senior year, but it starts and runs from day one of your freshman year. Soooo hit those decks a runnin’ and spin those guns around, it’s time to get to work. That’s pretty much the way our lives go as well. It’s our cumulative grade point not a flash in the pan! GeorgeTheCrook says—I wish I would have thought about that years ago. Jeanne said to me—180 erv! She meant that our lives have taken a 180 degree turn. Sooooo, we all can do a 180 today by hittin’ those decks a runnin’ and spin those guns around and get after a new life if we want. I guess; it’s all up to us. Such is life.

I like the quote of Kirk Cousins, quarterback of the Minnesota Vikings--"I'm not entitled to anything. If I can't produce then I don't deserve to play. I'm not any better than my last pass." I think that is the same for me and you as well, maybe. We can't sit on the couch eating chips and think we are really great because we did something 20 years ago. That is my opinion. MissPerfect says--It appears that some are just chatter boxes and don't have the same opinion!

When in WA with Jeanne, I had the opportunity to meet some of her friends and family. I felt I was always myself and they seemed to be themselves as well. Sometimes there are folks who act different when the camera is pointed at them maybe. Maybe a little fakey or phony, but I don't know for sure.  Dogs and little kids seem to be able to see right through them and many adults as well but not all. Abraham Lincoln said—You can fool all the folks some of the time some of the folks all the time but not all the folks all the time. Some seem to cover up their defects big time with a façade. I read in the paper soooo it must be right that we really need to self-evaluate ourselves and then work on ourselves to make ourselves better folks.  What do you think?  That is what I thought. I really like real folks with good hearts. They are my kind of folks.

We were yakkin with one of Jeanne’s friends in Yakima when I was there.  She was a very delightful, attractive gal in her 70s who was married once and divorced many many years ago like 37 years or so.  I asked her if she ever wanted to get married again—no no, I had  boyfriends, one for 7 years but he was unmarriageable (i.e. I have no idea what that meant); I like companions, as companions like my cat, Tom, who is “a come and go”, they are here and then they go (i.e. low maintenance and not like a dog that always wants attention). But she said--If the right dog came along, I might be interested! Oh, I said! What an enjoyable gal! What a hoot! She said that her son encourages her to find a man; she said, "I think he doesn’t want to have to take care of me!" Such is life!

Have you ever gone overboard with your talent?  We had a discussion of how folks can be talented but then go overboard and then their talent(s) becomes a determent (e.g. a person who has confidence can be a good leader but if that person goes over board with their confidence then they become very cocky which is a determent to their leadership ability). Is this concept called something?  If soooo, I don’t know what it is. Maybe it is somewhat the same as the Peter principle. SusieQ says—I wish I would have comprehended these principles years ago; it might have made me a better person and prevented problems in my life. If only!

Folks surely have different opinions. Some of folks' opinions make me laugh  (e.g. example of the headline in the Seattle Times that I happened to see at Jeanne’s sister’s place in the Seattle area). She told us that we should be careful as there is an article every day in the paper of someone who got shot. You guys be careful. I really enjoyed Seattle and did not feel any more danger than being in Butler County.  Maybe it was were we were, could be. Seattle is really beautiful, in my opinion. I really enjoyed all of Washington, very beautiful.

Dr. J says-- When a lawyer asked Jesus to identify the greatest commandment in the law, Jesus replied succinctly that the greatest commandment is to love God with all one’s being—a summary of the first four of the Ten Commandments. Then Jesus went further and named the second most important commandment: to love one’s neighbor as oneself—a summary of the remaining six of the Ten Commandments. Then came the jewel of brevity: “On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” The entire Old Testament can be summarized by loving God and loving other people. And in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus put it in practical terms: Do to others what you would like them to do to you—“for this is the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 7:12).

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

erv

MyFriendJean says—Wisdom is knowing when to speak your mind and when to mind your speech.

the future

My nephew-in-law says—Why did the computer show up late to work? It had a hard drive!

Jeanne has this tapestry over her TV.  I really like it as it stimulated me in thinking about my future. How about you? I see it as my future starts way back somewhere and continues to I have no idea where. Now that is exciting to me. I cannot really fathom that (i.e. His understanding I cannot fathom)! Can you? Oh, during my whole visit in WA, we didn't have the TV on once!

Billy Graham said--“We are not the masters of our fate either as individuals or as a nation. How can people boast that they control their own destinies, when they cannot control a virus, invisible even under powerful microscopes? One such virus, causing hepatitis, can lay low thousands of people. How can the people of this nation, in spite of our military might, our tremendous wealth, and our foreign alliances, insist that we are the masters of our own fate, when history testifies that God shaped this nation’s course? Our nation was founded by people who believed in prayer. When our government was in the process of being formed, Benjamin Franklin addressed the chairman of the Constitutional Convention, meeting in Philadelphia in 1787, saying, ‘I have lived, sir, a long time, and the longer I live the more convincing proofs I see of this truth: that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, it is probable that an empire cannot rise without His aid.’ Today the world is being carried on a rushing torrent of history that is sweeping out of control. There is but one power available to redeem the course of events, and that is the power of prayer by God-fearing, Christ-believing people. Abraham Lincoln, beloved and legendary president during the tumultuous days of the Civil War, said, ‘I have been driven many times to my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had no-where else to go. My own wisdom, and that of all about me, seemed insufficient for the day.’ Would that our leadership were as humble today!”

I called a friend a day after his surgery to repair his shoulder.  How’s it going—they sent me home the same day; it hurt really bad—soooo how did you handle that—I doubled my pain pills and got rid of the pain; I felt really good and happy.  Maybe that’s the solution to our country’s problem, just double the pain medication. I talked to a friend who doesn’t like talking about our country’s problems; he will usually changes the subject.  BUT he did say—It’s a phase, the pendulum will change, it always does.  Soooo does he mean we will have to have a huge massive depression, or war, or a correction in which folks get hurt really bad?  History seems to show that.  Through world history, countries collapse, new forms of governments are formed, or countries are taken over by other empires and then they self-destruct. My Daddy, Chester, said when gas went from18 cents to 30 cents—erv, this can’t last much longer! LuckieEddie says—erv, you need to go on a long power walk and then take a nap. And if that doesn’t work, hold your head under water for 5 minutes!

I read Michael Connelly’s book The Lincoln Lawyer while traveling. It’s fiction but maybe some of it is true like maybe: “We are all criminals to some extent; some get caught and some don’t; it’s a fine line! And the Lincoln Lawyer said this about himself: There is nothing about the law that I cherished anymore. The law school notions about the virtue of the adversarial system, of the system’s checks and balances, of the search for truth, had long since eroded like the faces of statues from other civilizations. The law was not about truth. It was about negotiation, amelioration, manipulation. I didn’t deal in guilt and innocence, because everybody was guilty. Of something.” It’s fiction, or is it?

I have friends who are great negotiators and some friends who are terrible at it.  The difference is the good ones don’t lose their temper and actually talk slower and softer; ask questions like, I don’t understand your position, will you explain it to me again or how do you think we should solve this situation. Or they sorta kinda present a solution in a low key approach and if at some time later the other party brings it up, they say something like, you have a very good idea, let’s talk about it. Of course compromise also helps! Da! Kenny Rogers says—You gotta know when to hold ‘em and know when to fold ‘em know when to walk away and when to run! Good ones are good at all the above. Da! Maybe our future will be better if we develop an art of negotiating.  What do you think? That is what I thought.

The acronym ACTS (i.e. Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication a.k.a. asking) for how to pray has been around for a long time, nuttin new. But in reality, most prayers are all about asking! I have a friend who is up early, and part of his routine is praying.  He told me at breakfast recently that the other morning he didn’t get past the Adoration. Wow! He’s a good one alright! Here is a suggestion—In your asking part, just ask for wisdom; if we get wisdom everything will fall in place. Even at most church services the prayers are selfish prayers for me me me. We maybe don’t even know what is good for us. I would rather have the wisdom. I read in the Book, if we ask for wisdom, God will give it to us. Does this make any sense to you?  WildWillie says—I really like money; I’m going to stick with praying for more money!

Sooo recently I went to play a few golf holes in the evening. As I entered the golf course behind hole #4, there was a young man looking for his lost ball. Sooooo I helped him look. Sooooo I don’t think I know you—I’m so and so—are you a student—starting studying in a two year program for civil engineering this fall; I live just a couple of blocks over, and who are you—I’m sooo and sooo (i.e. neither one of use knew each other from before)—you a Suns fan (i.e. I had my Suns' cap on)—ya, I am—me too—well, you don’t see too many Suns fans in IA; soooo how in the world did you become a Suns fan—well, I developed an interest in the NBA and was picking a team to be a fan of and the Suns were really bad and I picked them—they are a lot better now—ya, I hope they can win it all this year, I really like Booker—me tooooo, nice meeting you and I wish you the best in your future—thank you!  Soooo how many folks, especially young folks will pick a losing team to be a fan of? Most everyone wants to be a fan of a winner (i.e. get on the band wagon).  Sooo what do you think about him that impressed me? We never did find his lost ball!

ProfessorFromID made the statement—"AA is a simple program for complicated people.” It appears in all our lives that we don’t really make a change in our future until we become very desperate.  I am amazed how having flowers around me can change my future thinking (i.e. soooo simple but soooo effective). I think we should all try to encourage each other more, my opinion and quit fighting over unimportant stuff; I get soooo tired of that. But that is me, simple ervie! Ya gotta remember that I’m just a little ol’ farm boy from a mile and quarter south of Roeland, MN.

I quizzed a retired CRC pastor when on the mission trip to FL about his advice about a long-time relationship at our age.  He gave me several good items of good advice, I thought. One was to spend a lot of time with each other soooo you really get to know each other. The better you know each other; the better the odds are that the relationship will be more enjoyable (i.e. know what you are getting into; no surprises). RickyRick says—The best form of love is showing attention to each other. Yes, stuff is nice, but attention is much more effective and real.  CoachB says—You can put the odds in your favor by asking and watching successful folks, not unsuccessful folks (i.e. we did just that during my vist in WA). The GuyNorthofTown says—At your age, erv, you better not wait toooo long! Hop to it! Some friends from CA who I had the privilege to have breakfast with recently told me—erv, if you don’t get after it, we are going to come and kick your butt (i.e. actually they used a more colorful word)! A grandson of Jeanne asked us--What's your plan? Another of Jeanne's family gave me this cup and said--erv, come west!

I read while eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it this—Happiness is not the purpose of life; it is the byproduct of finding your purpose. If you agree with that philosophy, what is your purpose in life? I would guess that maybe all our purposes are different, maybe. Could be! I hope none of our purposes are to make life miserable for someone else!  haha  ItchieBitchie says- erv erv, that is toooo deep, it’s easier to just kick the same can down the same street and call it good, just coast on out with no purpose! I don’t even want to think about it! Saturday question—Do we have some control of our future?

I have noticed that where my lawn is thin, the weeds just take over. Man, are they smart or something. Is that analogy for my life?  I wonder as I wonder! BUT I have also noticed that Butler County farmers have chemicals now that can kill any weed, bug, fungus, and anything else but will not kill their crop. They want to maximize their yield which will allow them to make the most profit from their crop. I wonder as I wonder where the future is going to go!  It’s all about the money! Don’t kid yourself. I wonder as I wonder about myself a lot tooooo!  BUT I quit wondering as I wonder about you; it doesn’t seem to make much difference! There is no way I have any control over any of you folks! BUT I think some of you should think about buying more chemicals to kill those barnacles you have that are clinging to you! hahl

And don’t fall asleep while on the job of life! A friend told me this story of himself that happened many years ago. He was a salesman and just came back from a high-powered presentation to some high-end clients at their convention. He thought it was maybe about midnight and he was at the Drake Hotel in Chicago. He sat down in a plush overstuffed chair in the lobby; he had on his suit and tie as back then that is what they wore. He noticed across from him was an art shop that was closed but there was an easel in front of the door with a print of a lady with a scarf over her front with one breast covered and one showing. He had no idea why artists do that, and he was pondering that when the next think he knew there was a lot of noise and commotion around him. He realized it was 7 in the morning. He slept the whole night in the chair, probably snoring with his mouth open!

Soooo when in WA I heard many stories of MT St. Helen’s volcanic eruption on May 18, 1980. Jeanne said she woke up on Sunday morning and opened the drapes and it was dark, no sun, and there was two inches of ash over everything. No one ever experienced that before. Just like Hurricane Hillory, the Parkersburg tornado, a wild fire in the Pacific Great NW, dry conditions in Butler County, terminal cancer etc. (i.e. or flip the pancake) all the many miracles. Soooo we might think we are in complete control of our future but…!  

We took the ferry over to see Jeanne's niece and spouse on Bainbridge Island and, she used the phrase--That's the price for success!  I thought that was an interesting phrase. I goggled it. Sooooo what price are you willing to pay for your future?

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

erv

MyFriendJean said—Thanks can be returned but never borrowed.