twilight zone

JoeBlow says--As a friend, warns folks: Don’t wait until you hit the bottom of the twilight zone to change. Don’t let life force you into surrender, make a change before that happens. I asked a friend how he learned to weld. It was a forced event, I had no choice!

I don’t think you folks always believe what I say, that is for sure, but many of you will believe what AI says!  AI says that Intrinsic motivation in an inherent satisfaction and pleasure derived from the activity itself. This type of motivation is driven by an internal desire to perform a task, such as a personal passion or a genuine interest in the subject matter. Extrinsic motivation, on the other hand, involves performing an activity to earn a reward or avoid a punishment that comes from an external source. This type of motivation is driven by external factors, such as receiving praise, money, or a good grade, or avoiding criticism or penalties. Understanding the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation is essential, as it can significantly impact one's engagement and overall satisfaction with an activity. While extrinsic rewards can be effective in the short term, intrinsic motivation tends to foster long-term commitment and enjoyment.

Some folks I just don’t seem to understand (i.e. they might be motivated by intrinsic motivation or extrinsic motivation (i.e. we seem to have different motivations). I’m sorta kinda in a twilight zone in thinking about some folks. I just don’t really understand them. And that is ok, I guess. I’m taught that I’m not to judge folks so there (i.e. but I’m human, Da!), Some folks seem to be somewhere between reality and the zoo in my evaluation. Of course, they might think the same about me, probably. They provide a blur (i.e. sorta kinda an obscurity) in my mind. That is not either good or bad, but they just make me scratch my head! SusieQ says—erv, maybe you aren’t on the same page, in the same chapter, or in the same book as they are!

Talk about the same book! A friend sent me a couple of books to read; I think he thinks I need help and he’s right, I always need help (i.e. doesn’t everyone, well, maybe some folks who are probably in the twilight zone don’t think they need help). ANYWAY, here are a few thoughts that were in the book UnDistracted by Bob Goff. Like the saying goes—Take them or leave them! Just remember, you get what you pay for! ~  Find your purpose, and you will experience more joy. The math is simple.  ~  Things that instantly blow your hair back might be a yawn for someone else.  ~  A life without reflection is like a vapor.  ~  Decide you will transform who you are from a puppet to a real person.  ~  Remember, mere agreement will change very little in your life; only action has the power to change everything for you.

On March 30, 1863, when the United States was being torn by the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln called on Americans to “confess their sins and transgressions in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon.” Lincoln assured the people that the “cry of the nation will be heard on high and answered with blessings.” Some folks think President Lincoln was in twilight zone in his thinking and others think he was right on the money.

We had the opportunity to have dinner with some long-time friends that I made through business many years ago and we have remained friends. He is retiring after 43 years in business at the age of 62. He has done 15 Ironman competitions (i.e. you might think he’s been in the twilight zone for a long time hahaha). We really seem to be on the same page although his motor is bigger than mine (i.e. he has a huge massive motor). In selling his business he found out once again that there are jerks in all levels of business and he is dealing with one once again. He said there are total jerks in all levels of life. He said--Jerks will not be remembered but forgotten immediately ‘ cause they are jerks! Many are only where they are ‘cause they have power. In BobbyBob’s book he says—Remember this: Most disagreeable people out there don’t think they are mean. They think they are right…When being right gets in the way of being kind, we need to catch our breath and decide who we want to be all over again.” Saturday question--Do jerks know they are in the twilight zone? A life decision that my friend made years ago that I admire is: He will not ever drink if he is going to drive, not even one! I really respect him for his decision.

I saw this sign in a gift shop window. I have a old friend, old in two ways, that I miss as he can’t come to AZ anymore. We have had soooo much fun through the years and much discussion together. He is the MI-Engineer who really enjoys life. ANYWAY, I sent him this sign as he is Polish. Here is our conversation by text—Yak shi marsh!!—Great, but I miss our golf group a lot. That was a fun group and a fun time. I really miss you personally as well—Same here erv…but life goes on! God’s got a plan for us…I’m with him all the way. I think that is a great testimony. Saturday question--What is your testimony?

Jay, anybody can be a Jay, says—"Some time ago I read this intriguing statement from Winston Churchill, the one-time prime minister of England: “Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.” Consider that for a few moments. It seems I like to be around type A individuals and many of them are entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs take risks and some fail many times. It seems entrepreneurs have to have a certain mentality. Jay goes on to say—"When failure comes, my human nature says, ‘Take it easy. Just don’t try that again, Jay!.’” However, the quote from Churchill reminds me not to be deterred with a failure, but to press on and try again. And at the same time, I should maintain a high level of enthusiasm!” AverageJoe says—Failure is handled differently by different folks; failure puts many in the twilight zone maybe and they never can get out, soooo they think!

As we were leaving church last Sunday, a super senior lady was doing the same using a walker with wheels on the front. She was a very nice gal with such a great attitude. She said to us--I can drive my car better than I drive this walker! I actually can walk better without it but it makes everyone else happy (i.e. and then laughed)!  Such a delight! She tickled our gizzards!

Are we stiff necked?  That could be physically or mentally or spiritually. If we are, we don’t operate very effectively, at least I don’t. Being stiff is like rangeomorphs setting in at death (i.e. like being in the twilight zone). An old friend liked to ask—Are we stiff necked, ornery. stubborn people? Whowhatme! He really liked that question. My friend was not stiff necked; he tried new things that transformed our church and many folks (i.e. he took risks). De colores!

We just know! Have you ever met a person and you just knew what they were; our gut feeling just tells us what they are. And usually we are right on. We just know! I have many times and I’m now thinking of one person in particular. I met her maybe 2 years ago but didn’t really talk to her very much but was around her. Recently I had the opportunity to have a couple of conversations with her and she is way different than her public persona might be. I was not surprised; I just knew that she was that way. How did I know? I just knew that her heart was just very kind.

This paragraph might be for believers but maybe even more for unbelievers if they are willing to read it and think about it. I can tell you that it is very important to me, and no one can argue that with me as I know it works for me. It takes me out of the twilight zone! Dr.J says—"One of the marks of humility (meekness) is a teachable spirit, a willingness to learn from God and from others who know Him well (i.e. like minded folks). The psalmist prayed, “Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law” (Psalm 119:18).” LuckieEddie says—I agree, as a friend, let me warn you: Don’t wait until we hit bottom. Don’t let life force us into surrender. 

I had lunch with three good ol’ friends from MN here in AZ. They all grew up together in northern MN in the iron ore country a.k.a. Ely and have been friends all these years. I have no idea why they let me be part of their friendship, but I guess because I will put up with them or something! hahaha They are all diehard MN Viking fans and I’m just a lukewarm fan as I grew up in MN. ANYWAY, they told me that when they die, they are going to have the Vikings be their ball bears soooo they can let them down one more time!

If you’re facing a dilemma or decision today, ask God to whisper His wisdom to your heart as part of His matchless guidance. It works for me!

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

erv

MyDeceasedFriendJean said--Do your best for people who want to dance with you.

ready

Ol’ Blue asked—erv, you want the political answer or the honest answer?  This “It’s Saturday” is the honest answer as far as I can tell!  But, you all can decide for yourself. Such is life. Sooo it's like what ThisGuyFromWyoming,MI told me recently--So, when I see someone driving with a dog on their lap, I wonder what would happen if the airbag went off (i.e. you can decide for yourself)!

ItchieBitchie said nonchalantly to me—I have a fight going on in my head. Maybe we all have a fight or multiple fights going on in our head as we are infinite a.k.a. human. Maybe it’s like a white dog and a black dog fighting in our heart, mind and soul.  I can tell you which one will win, it’s very easy, the one we feed the most and eventually keep. LuckieEddie says—erv, it’s not rocket science. Just look around. A neighbor lady says--I don't want ItchieBitche to be my Valentine! 

RickyRick says—"Here’s the point:  For us to reach our goals, we’re going to have to learn how to delay gratification.  The difference between successful people and unsuccessful people is that successful people do things unsuccessful people are unwilling to do. Successful people often do things they don’t feel like doing. Successful people know how to delay gratification. They do the right, tough thing before they do the fun, enjoyable thing.” SusieQ says--Maybe we aren’t ready for that yet; but maybe we should be ready!  And maybe we will never be ready. I have no idea what is going to happen with us. But an ol’ deceased friend would say to me—erv, decisions have consequences and guess who gets to make the decisions!

I got up really early recently to think through some stuff when it was quiet and dark. I really enjoy this experience. I thought about adjusting my life, once again. I asked AI about humility. I got great information, my opinion, and one piece was that what I was doing by being alone was cultivating humility and one suggestion AI gave me was—Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness practices, such as meditation, can help cultivate self-awareness and reduce egocentric thinking. I think that was good stuff for me to think about. Maybe not for any of you but for me it seems to make a lot of sense. But remember folks, I'm just another booze on the bus!

I/we have been around several folks who were married to narcissists, and they told us their stories (i.e. we heard one story from a friend just recently). How do you think those marriages went? Even worse is a marriage where both folks are narcissists! How do you think that went? And some folks have friendships, marriages, or business relationships with folks who have the traits of a narcissists which is probably very challenging. And maybe we all have some traits that are narcissistic. Whowhatme! Missperfect says—I’m not ready to talk about me; I will take a rain check, please!

Last Sunday before the service started the guy ahead of me started waving at someone to the way right. I looked and it was someone from our park who is a friend. I started waving tooooo as I thought she was waving at me. She waved more vigorously and with more action. The guy ahead of me did the same and I did as well. Then she smiled. I looked to my way left and saw her husband waving back at her. The guy ahead of me turned to me and said--I didn't know her but thought she must know me. I said--Don't feel bad, I waved at her as I thought she was waving at me; I guess neither one of us are as important as we think we are!  Has that ever happened to you?

A friend told us about her recovering from an addition. It was quite a story with a happy ending. Absolutely amazing. The reason why she went into rehab was because she was ready to change; she said, if anyone is not ready, change won’t happen. Wow! Her husband who is also a recovering addict said—If the person doesn’t want to change, they won’t! We quizzed her more about being ready and her response was—The Holy Spirit just got ahold of me and I was ready to change and wanted to change. These two folks are also my heroes. Another friend recently told me about his daughter who was also an addict. She decided to quit drinking and she did. She told him that for some time it was tough but after that it was much easier and the end result is great. I asked why she decided to quit—‘cause she wanted to change she said. TheGuyDownTheStreet says--We can’t fix what we won’t face.

In all 55+ parks in the south are older folks with maybe the average age is 77, I don’t know but something like that. Most of the stories of their lives are that they started with nothing but worked and saved and here they are. For most, it is quite amazing. Ok, some inherited a lot of money and some married into money, yes that is true also. Many also have pensions and Social Security that they depend on. Most of their “pot of savings” didn’t happen over night. Here’s the truth: Everything takes longer than you think it will. That’s why, if you want to be in a different place 10 years from now, you have to start today. Right now. Because everything takes longer than we expect.  The rule of 72 is that if we divide the interest rate into 72 that is how many years it takes to double our money. Our son tells me that we have lived in the best time in history; we have had it very good; everything was exceptionally good during my life. If we look at history, he might be right.

This, for sure, will be relevant to everyone, yes, everyone! We are ready but they aren’t! Yikes! I’m talking about some of our children, grandkids, great grandkids, spouses or friends. We have to be patient and that is soooooo hard to do. I’m thinking about how we would like to have some of them change but it doesn’t seem like it is happening. And they might not ever change (i.e. they are unchangeable we think, we have almost lost hope). It is soooo hard to be patient as it might take some time and we might not even see it in our lifetimes (i.e. I’m not talking about micky mouse stuff but really important stuff). They just aren’t ready yet! Maybe someday they will be ready! A friend told us her story of her buying a high end, very cute dog but she could not train it. She eventually had to give it away along with its rap sheet to someone else. Seven others took the dog, but they could not train it either and they all brought the dog back and said—I give up, that dog is untrainable. She asked her sister to dog sit the dog in her home while she went on vacation. After two days, her sister couldn’t stand the dog and put it into a commercial kennel and texted her sister and told her that she could pick up the dog at the kennel when she got back!

Constant beggin’ and complainin’ and pitchin’ can wear a person down until many folks just give in, ok, They might say--I’m ready to give in. Some develop a “give in type of attitude” a.k.a. I’m ready now; I’m tired of always being hammered; it’s easier to just give in (e.g. like a parent giving in to their kids begging for candy at the checkout). Our neighbor wears this tee shirt and she says she always gets some type of response or remark from folks when she wears it (i.e. there must be a reason I guess). VioletStillwater says—If we don’t want to give in, we won’t! CrazyMarvin says—I think five out four folks have trouble with temptation!

Five minutes is all it took pic. I golfed with an old Canuck acquaintance who I met probably 10-12 years ago in an Alzheimer's support group here in AZ. Both of our wives ended up dying from the disease (i.e. soooo far no one has got better from the disease) and both of us found another gal. My search was a God wink but his was different but also maybe a God thing, I don’t know for sure. He used Fast Dating at a 55+ community. The ladies sat at different tables and the guys dated them at their table for 5 minutes and then they would go to the next (i.e. hence the title fast dating). He said--Some gals tried to entice the men with perfume, one with a shot of whiskey, some have done it many times, some looked like they were rode hard and put away wet and some did not fit his personality but one gal rung his bell and the rest is history. Five minutes all it took!

The infinity symbol (∞) has been used in mathematics to represent a number that has no limits or bounds. OneSmartPerson says—“The Hebrew word ‘olam, rendered “everlasting,” is also difficult to comprehend. It can mean, “generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity.” We can’t seem to wrap our minds around this concept or is it a precept or is it a principle? But OneSmartPerson says--But God’s love can be described like this. His love has no end. Now that can be hard to understand. Saturday question—What do we think it takes for the human mind to understand that? LuckieEddie says—Miracles are never explained!

Lena from Ahgosatown Landing, MI was telling me that last year her neighbor, Mabel, really was excited as she got to take her husband, Ralph, to Alaska on a cruise. She said it was really great. She plans to go back this year and pick Ralph back up!

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

erv

MyDeceasedFreindJean said—Discipline is the ability to make yourself do something you don’t want to do, in order to get a result you really want to get.

courageous

BobbyBob says--"Stories not only tell us truth but they can also point us toward living lives that are more true." I think another of my heroes used a lot of stories but folks call them Parables.

We got an invite from some old Butter Co friends. They gave us some options with the invite. One option was for us to “stuff it.” We didn’t take that option nor the option of “stick it in your ear.” We have been friends for about 55 years soooo that is how longtime friends can kid each other. Longtime friends get to know each other pretty good soooo we don’t have to treat each other like we are handling eggs. What a hoot! JoeBlow says—Some folks are pretty touchy a.k.a. fragile alright! A golf buddy asked another golf buddy if he is going to play golf this year—no I’m not as I don’t have my good set of clubs here but just an old set—does it really make any difference! VioletStillwater says if girls would talk to each other that way they would cry or at least not talk to each other ever again! Holly chicken strips!

I pray for opportunities and that I might recognize them and that I have the courage to act on them. A friend tells me that with every opportunity there is risk. I agree. Opportunities have a spectrum and on that spectrum there is always some good and bad.  I like the opportunities that have potential which there is a high percentage of good and low percentage of bad (i.e. those opportunities I seem I enjoy more, like the odds are in my favor but I will take a long shot sometimes). But, I know that there is always some bad with the good soooo I’m not surprised. Nuttin is 100 percent perfect. AI says—A courageous person has the ability to face fear, danger, or adversity with bravery and determination. A courageous person is often willing to take risks and embark on difficult endeavors, despite the potential for negative outcomes. This quality is admired in various contexts, from personal challenges to acts of heroism and leadership. That is what AI says! DoubtingHerman says—I don’t think I’m very courageous!

RickyRick says—"Now, God doesn’t bless you so you can live for yourself and spend everything on yourself. God does not bless selfishness or self-centeredness. But he wants to bless you so you can be a blessing to others.” I believe that. A narcissist is a good example of a self-centered person. A friend was married to such a person, and it didn’t go well; it was a terrible life for her, she told us. I can believe that based on being around folks who I think are narcissists. I don’t care to be around them. I was telling a friend about that I wanted to read a book about narcissism. He factiously said—I don’t want to read such a book as it might turn into an autobiography! hahaha You think all of us are a little self-centered? MissPerfect says--I guess we would have to be pretty courageous to even think about that!

Cinderella land is not the real world (i.e. in life in general, in our business or occupation, in a friendship, in a marriage, etc.). There are going to be speed bumps. Soooo don’t be surprised in fact, expect them. They ain’t nuttin new! We know a senior lady who is divorced who told us she doesn’t ever want to get married again (i.e. I have heard this from many divorced and widows). Sooooo we asked her why. She had two reasons; she doesn’t want to take care of a sick old man (i.e. doesn’t want to be the nurse and the purse) and she has seen tooooo many women get scammed by men in second marriages from experiences in her profession. She has her reasons! I got the impression that she might like to have a relationship with a right man though. But flip the pancake, I know many divorced and widows that want to get married again but can’t find the right man. And I also know senior women who have said a lot of stuff but then fall in love and what they said meant nuttin (i.e. like falling off a cliff)!  Huh, interesting!

AI says--"King David’s life serves as an enduring reminder that true greatness is found not in power or prestige, but in a heart that humbly seeks and serves the divine will." That is why he is a hero of mine. But we have to really be courageous to live a life of humility in our current world’s culture, it appears. But many do it and it appears they are well received much more than the arrogant. (i.e. especially in the long run; in the short run maybe it might appear that arrogant folks win, but maybe not). But I don’t know for sure. I might be arrogant in thinking that! 

Here is a response I got that shows that many young folks need courage to go forward with what is right. I think it’s a big challenge they face in our culture. That is my opinion but it seems that the general public is really starting to wonder.  A Northwestern College friend says--"As for how to get the younger generation to see what is of value, I think it’s by showing love and developing caring relationships with them. There is so much negativity in the world. Positive caring relationships matter! Write on and be the light of Jesus!" ArrogantRudy says—Over my dead body am I going to believe that humility bologna.

He is very courageous. Recently I had a great conversation with an acquaintance, who could be a friend, I think. I asked him how his pickleball is going—not good—what’s the deal—I can’t see out of one eye—that’s not good, what’s going on—I need some work done on it to fix it—well it is good that they can fix it—yes, it is; I had a torn retina in the other eye which was fixed and it went real well, I have confidence that this procedure well go well too. He is very confident, has a great attitude! Soooooo, what if the repair of the retina didn’t go well, I wonder if that would change his attitude. I have a new friend who had a terrible experience with a certain brand of electric car. He will never buy that brand of car again, he said. He has no confidence in them. Success breeds success—that is what Frank Lloyd Wright said and attributed way back to Aristotle. 

Nancy, anybody can be a Nancy, says—"The Sioux people of the northern Great Plains in North America believed the longest distance we journey in life is between our head and our heart. This distance is approximately 18 inches. But sometimes it takes us a lifetime to travel that distance. For example, many people love the familiar song, ‘Jesus Loves Me.’ The words are easy to sing. But why is it hard to believe this truth in our hearts that we are loved?” I think it takes a lot of courage to truly believe that; it appears that many folks just won’t believe that. Maybe because they were never loved or had a bad experience with love, I don’t know. But reality is, God’s love is agape love and that is way a different ball game. BUT, it does take a huge massive amount of courage to believe that, my opinion. We have to get out of the boat!

Recently, another Northwestern College friend called me to talk. His wife has advanced Alzheimer's and is her 24/7 care giver and wanted my advice since I have been through the whole, long process. He is experiencing much of what I had experienced. We talked a common language and experience. I told him in conclusion that he had to be courageous; take one hour at a time, one day at a time and it is very exhausting physically and mentally and spiritually. Later in the day I was with a group of folks who don’t have a spouse or has not been a caregiver for someone who has/had Alzheimer’s’. They thought that they maybe had all the answers; but in reality they had no idea! I can understand that, yes I can; we can’t understand things if we haven’t experienced them, my opinion.

LazyHerman from Yakima said—As a young person I could never see myself getting up early in the morning to workout. Well, I was right about that!  RickyRick says—"Everybody, at some point in their life, has what I call a SODSAT moment, when they say, “Somebody ought to do something about that!” In fact, nothing at all really happens until somebody has that kind of moment.”  Are we courageous to do something for someone who needs help of some kind or are we more the kind of person that sits on the couch, eats chips and does nuttin? AverageJoe says—I think I know both kinds of folks! VioletStillwater says—There are soooo many folks that need encouragement! As the pastor said Sunday, we all have something to groan about and we all groan. Soooo let’s all groan together.  Soooo he had all of us do a vocal groan together! We all seemed to be pretty good at it!

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

erv

MyDeceasedFriendJean said--The world is changed by our example, not by our opinion.

off balance

Saturday question—What perception do we have of ourselves? Do you think our perception is accurate? Maybe, just maybe, some of us have an inaccurate perception of ourselves, maybe they are a little off balance. I don’t know, but it could be! 

If we get toooo off balance there will be some push back for sure!  Oh ya! Even in our lives, if we are not balanced, we will have problems, we will even get some internal push back (i.e. physically, mentally and spiritually). It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that out (i.e. folks get out of whack). AverageJoe says—Moderation my friend, moderation. You can eat one hot dog but not a dozen!  “C’mon, tooooo many hot dogs and we start looking and acting like hot dogs!

Humor can be soooo much fun (i.e. my opinion). BUT not everyone has the same interest in humor; tooooo some humor is humorous and others not soooo much! But some folks don’t have the same type of humor (i.e. they don’t understand each other’s humor); this could be because of different geographical areas, countries, families, past environment, current environment, businesses etc. What is humorous to one person isn’t humorous to another. BUT good humor seems to be humorous toooo most, my opinion as it makes folks laugh and laughing is good, my opinion. It gets them off balance a little bit! SusieQ says—I know some folks who never laugh or seem happy! They seem to always have a cocklebur in their underwear. Yikes!

At church recently we were waiting for RuthAnnfromMN who usually sits with us. A lady came up to me and just started talking a blue streak. She was from Worthington,MN. I asked what her name was—Quiet Kathy—she said it’s quiet when I leave! She told me that her neighbor (i.e. she called her neighbor by name but I don’t want to offend anyone) went to see her grandson graduate from military training and said that her grandson was the only soldier that marched correctly!

SylviaStinkfuss says--I’m nice until I’m not nice! When SylviaStinkfuss loses her balance, well, it ain’t pretty!  I read that folks can become tooooo nice that they lose their balance and then they really aren’t nice anymore a.k.a. dark side of being overly nice. AI says—"Excessive niceness or agreeableness can lead to people-pleasing behaviors, where individuals prioritize others' needs over their own, often at the expense of their well-being.” Soooo nice that they can become not nice. AI is now an option on word; it’s quite amazing; it’s a new feature,  I have no idea where this AI is going but it is really amazing to me. Listen folks, you will be able to tell very easily if I would use AI to write “It’s Saturday.”  There is a big difference in the quality, and it would be very noticeable. Big time. The modern office looks different than the old throw-back office. Where is this all going. The pic is one I took at a quite large company. I don’t know if it is currently used or not, but it made me laugh!

We were waiting to refill our jugs with water at WinCo the other day. A guy was filling his jugs in front of us.  He says--the water is really running slow today; we can bitch all we want but it ain’t goin’ help! Aye!

WildWilly says--The pendulum seems to go toooo far one way and then toooo far the other way. Yabut WildWilly if the pendulum stays in the middle, then the radicals on both ends will be mad or at least unhappy. Soooo there will always be folks who are unhappy no matter where the pendulum is. But each person has their opinion on where the pendulum should be. ItchieBitchie says—It’s really hard to have everyone happy. Somebody will always think that the pendulum is off balance.

If you are not content with what you have, you would not be satisfied if it were doubled.--Charles Spurgeon

Some old friends who live here in Mesa, old friends in many years and in age, invited us to go to a music concert with them. They are originally from Butler Co but only lived about 100 yards from Grundy County.  Soooooo there. I got this email from them in making our plans:  You dummy! I said you pick a day. I sit here with my butt glued to the recliner, what do you mean busy schedule?? My neighbor (hippy like) keeps telling me to get off my ass and walk. How about Thursday, March 6?...I'll phone today, like to get early tickets before they fill up with tour groups. I'm crazier than a bed bug, that will never change. Have a good one. She is a hoot and we love her..

Being on balance for me is that my Hope is a confident expectation of a guaranteed result. I am going to let you guess what my guaranteed result is and also what my confident expectation is. I can get off balance in thinking what they are at times Remember, I’m just a little ol’ farm boy from a mile and quarter south of Roseland, MN. But, always when I’m on balance my Hope is perfect.

I sometimes have technical problems, and I ask our son for help.  He tells me most of the time that it’s erv’s error. Whowhatme! Sometimes I just call the MI-wizard for help; he’s cheap and he’s nice as pie (i.e. most of the time his wife says). ANYWAY, when we were at our son, daughter-in-law and grandkids, I missed the last step going in the basement and hurt my knee and also bruised my back. Toooo top in off, Jeanne fell off into their sunken family room and injured her foot. And I’m always cold in their house; it’s berzzy berzzy there. Our son says next time we come they are going to wrap us in bubble wrap! When we age, we lose our balance some and it ain’t pretty!  On the plane coming back, Jeanne and I were talking about what they probably said about us when we left—They’re getting old; we can’t imagine what’s next! Albert Einstein said—Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.

A buddy told me the other day that he fell hard on the pickleball court but was very lucky that he didn’t get hurt.  Another buddy told me that he was getting off his bike and tipped over and got hurt. And his wife did the same and hurt herself also. Another buddy fell off some scaffolding and broke his arm. Another guy told us that he fell off a small ladder putting up Christmas lights and still isn’t normal. Another buddy last year here in the Valley of the Sun was walking with his wife and sorta kinda lost his balance and fell off the sidewalk into a cactus and had to go to urgent care to get the barbs out; it was really nasty. Stuff happens folks and it seems it happens more when we get older like when we lose our balance more. And that ain’t funny!

Have we ever been around a person and wonder if they are off balance or is it just our opinion? ANYWAY, one of us sure seems to be off balance!  Or maybe we are both off balance. Folks have such different opinions about everything; it’s really crazy! It used to be that only a few could read soooo someone who could read told others what was right and they believed it but now everyone knows what is right, or think they do; if you don’t think soooo just ask them (i.e. well maybe not in North Korea).

It appears that I don’t hear folks described as much as being “off balanced”; it’s more of an old term I think even though they are still off balanced. Now we use more modern terms that are less offensive, a.k.a. politically correct. But folks still seem to be off balanced in many ways, but we might describe those folks by different names.  Each of us might be off balanced in a certain part of our life. But here is something to think about; AA says that the first thing folks must do to recover is admit they have a problem. In some ways of being off balanced, we can learn to manage our shortages and in some case eliminate them. Jeanne won’t let me or herself trim the orange tree in front of our tin hut here in AZ.  We have heard toooo many stories of folks getting hurt doing that. I think that is wisdom (i.e. she is soooo smart).  Besides, now I don’t have to do it!

Abraham Lincoln, a hero of mine, used humor as a deflection. He would use it when there was a tremendous amount of tension and right in the middle of it he would tell a funny story. It would just drive the folks crazy as it changed the mood. It usually was something that had nuttin to do with what they were arguing about. Go figure! A great deflection. That even makes me smile. And many of his deflections were about himself. Saturday question—Can you laugh at yourself? We had the opportunity last night to have dinner with some friends from IA. It was a hoot! They are great folks. They can laugh at themselves!

Fritz, there aren’t many Fritzs, says--“Truth is truth, no matter where we find it.” He went on to say—"I can honestly say most of the failures and grief I have experienced in business and my personal life can be attributed to violating principles and precepts that are either clearly stated or taught by example from the Scriptures.”  

A husband wanted to be soooo kind and loving to his wife for Valentine's Day that he made a paper map of the whole world and put it on the refrigerator. He gave her a magnetic dart and said, sweetheart, throw the dart at the map and wherever it lands, I will take you there for vacation. She winds up and lets the dart fly. I guess we are going on vacation behind the refrigerator!

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

erv

MyDeceasedFriendJean said--The greatest remedy for anger is delay.

motive

A guest pastor at a Butler County church asked how long he should preach. An older man named Don, said—Pastor, you may preach as long as you want but we are all leaving in an hour! Sooooo that tells me to keep this “It’s Saturday” short! Some folks' attention spans aren't very long!

Maybe about 20 years ago our son said to me—Dad, what is your motive in doing this certain project (i.e. referencing to “It’s Saturday”)? If your motive is wrong, then you have it wrong, and it probably isn’t going to work!  He was saying I think, if my motive was my ego, it was not right and it probably won’t work. He, I think, was dead on. I never forgot that!

Saturday question—What do you think is the #1 motive of folks in America? In the world? There are many motives that folks have of course. What is our motive for living a.k.a. our purpose of our life?

I was putting my running shoes on (i.e. actually my walking shoes now) the other day and noticed that the tops look good but the bottoms not soooo much. It isn’t that I burnt the soles off as I don’t move that fast. There must be a defect in the shoes!  hahaha  Has to be. They remind me of some folks who look good on the top but if you really get to know them, they don’t look all that good! Yikes. What is their motive to be fakers anyway? But flip the pancake; we were at our 55+ park dance and met a guy who we call Rocky as he likes to work with rocks. He told us that he did something quite impressive for Jeanne’s sister a year ago and we didn’t even know it. His physical look looked way out of character to be that tender. He obviously has a big motor of kindness, and we would have never known it by looking at him (i.e. he’s incognito). Now that was impressive to us!

RickyRick says—"Don’t let the shifting winds of culture and other people’s opinions wear us out anymore. We have the steadfast hope of God’s Word—the only thing in this world that does not change.” I don’t understand why folks won’t change when life is not going well: why folks won’t change!  I just don’t get it. It seems that they would rather keep hitting their heads against the wall instead of changing. I don’t get it. Should I feel sorry for them? Saturday question—What is their motive anyway?

OneSmartPerson says--I have been reassured all over again that if a person stinks a little bit when at the top of the barrel, when we get to the bottom of the barrel they will really stink; don’t kid yourself. I rediscovered this by smelling something about a person the first time I met them and when I really got to know them it was really bad. Ouchy ouchy!  FlipThePancake! I also got to know a person and felt something was really neat about this person and after I got to really know them, they were really great. Bingo! OneSmartPerson also says—But, I have been wrong tooooo!

I read in the paper soooo it must be right that the NCAA playoff is not fair—Not perfect or fair! Well, nobody ever believed that it was! The only thing that’s fair is the Butler County Fair and that’s in June. Sooooo, don’t think anything or everything is going to be fair ‘cause it ain’t!  Just believe me on that! Even when they judge the hogs at the Butler County Fair, there are personal subjective feelings by the judge; don’t kid yourself. I remember in getting a degree that I would write on the test what the professor wanted to hear, and I got a good grade, but it wasn’t what was right nor what I believed. It didn’t matter, I had to say what he wanted to hear. Da! It ain’t fair but it worked! Bingo! Basically, I kissed his butt! That was my motive! He was a big Vince Lombardi fan soooo I always snuck in one of his philosophies!

Robert, anybody can be a Robert, says—"God can change our motives. When I realize I have gotten off track, focusing on the wrong things, I like to pause and assess where I am and where I would like to be. Then I pray as King David prayed during a difficult time, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10). I like David, he’s one of my heroes. I think that is good thinking! When we wee buying our books in Beaverdale book store I asked the gal working there that I wanted a book about David and his humility as he is one of my heroes. She said we would have to order one as we don't have one in stock. Later, she came over to me and told me that David is one of her heroes tooooo! Huh, interesting. 

Have we ever had someone misunderstand us as to what our motive was (i.e. especially when we were trying to help someone). I have many times. Sometimes it really really hurts; they just don’t understand our motive. Ouchy ouchy!  When that happens, it can really make us pull in our horns for our future for some time; actually, it can be very humbling as well. But flip the pancake. Sometimes folks truly understand our motive and it feels oh soooooo good (e.g. Jeanne ran an ad in our 55+ community engage communication for clothing for the homeless and low-income folks at Community of Hope where we volunteer. Many folks brought us clothing and were very excited about doing so. One lady thanked Jeanne in saying thank you for the opportunity for me to give these clothes that have never been worn to someone who can really use them. She said it with great emotion.

When walking in our park, a professional was trimming some orange trees, and he was making a mess on the street.  I said—you sure made a mess—yes, we did--But I see you are really good at it—yes we sure are.  Sooooo there!  It appears that some folks are really good at making a mess out of almost everything they touch, and they aren’t even really trying or know it. And some others just make everything heavenly (i.e. they seem magical). Why is that anyway? I don’t think it’s necessarily their motive to do that; I really don’t, but it could be! LuckyEddie says—Oh, I don’t know, some folks seem like they like to make messes (i.e. always stirring the pot)!

I told Jeanne that she is the “star of my show!  Now that is a lot of responsibility! hahaha Some folks like to be the star of the show and others don’t, that is for sure. BUT folks can be the star of the show without even trying, that is an incredible person (i.e. they don’t even try to be the star of the show while others’ motive is to be the star of the show but aren’t). AveragJoe says--On TV the star of the show gets most of the attention! 

I wonder if time is passing me by. It’s a new era and things are changing (e.g. university football play has and is changing). I want to run this by you. I have been doing “It’s Saturday” for a lot of years. My blind copy emailing list probably has names on it that the folks are dead or can’t even read it anymore. BUT I’m still amazed in the large number of you that keep reading it. I ain’t that good of a writer as some of you have told me. Actually, it was never my motive to even do this writing; it just fell in my lap! Here is what I want your opinion about—The younger generations, it seems maybe, don’t care to read the type of material that is in this type of blog; they read way different stuff; the stuff I mostly write about seems to be more unimportant to them. At some point, maybe my material will be obsolete (i.e. just like going to church or checkbooks, or newspapers or stuff in your garage) but I hope not (i.e. maybe there will be a change)! I feel maybe no matter how I would change my style; the material is not as popular to the younger generations and even to some of the older generations.  Any suggestions for me to get the younger folks more interested? This reminds me of a story—An old member of our church in Butler County told me once; we can’t get a pastor bad enough for me to leave our church!  BUT the younger generation, that might be a different story!

But flip the pancake! We went with a group of folks to Organ Stop Pizza where a organ comes up out of the floor and a person plays it while we eat our pizza. ANYWAY, this guy plays all kinds of different music like Fathom of the Opera, star war music, classical music, old fun songs, etc. The biggest applause he got by far was from playing Handel Messiah and Amazing Grace. I never heard him play this type of music before. This is a public audience. Figure that out!

Saturday question—What motives us? Can we really self-evaluate ourselves in properly, totally figuring that out? I discovered that others and I have done somethings or acted a certain way or thought a certain way for soooo long that we don’t even know we-they act/think that way. It’s probably easier to see it in others than it is ourselves. I guess the habit is soooo engrained that we don’t even know we act that way (i.e. that could be a good thing or bad thing). LuckieEddie asks—Do we even know how we act is good or bad?  VioletStllwater says—BoogieWoogieWoogie!

Jeanne and I came to AZ this year with three motives that we wanted to accomplish. We have started all three and are on schedule. Amazing!  It isn’t that we don’t have challenges in doing them as we do. I have a friend from back in Butler County who says—Problems are just opportunities!  I think he is saying--Turn our obstacles into opportunities and our problems into possibilities.

We were walking a dog Jeanne is dog sitting at Red Mountain Park and met two spunky ladies who were in their middle 90s from ND. We said--You girls probably own oil wells and are super super rich--no no, we are are on the wrong side of the the state--We're sorry to hear that--we are toooo!

My guide book says--When we ask, we do not receive, because we ask with the wrong motives, that we many spend what we get on our pleasurers. Whowhatme?

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

erv

MyDeceasedFriendJean said--If you see someone without a smile, give them one of yours.

in the groove

CarzyMarvin says—Many times I think I’m in the groove but I’m not really, I just think I am, but I have based my thinking on wrong information. Soooo take that into consideration when reading this “It’s Saturday.”

I read in the paper sooo it must be right that REI is struggling and is pruning unprofitable parts of its business. They are going to try to get back in the groove. ItchieBitchie says—For me, it’s a good idea go get rid of parts of my life that aren’t working for the best in my life; Da! It seems it’s a good idea to not continue to throw money down a black hole and watch it disappear. Or continue doing something to satisfy my ego to only produce more bad results. I read recently that we must evaluate our situation and reorientate (i.e. I like that word, reorientate, I think it’s colorful). I personally got up early the other morning and while watching the sunrise, did some thinking about reorientating some of my life; I thought a part of me was nonproductive and was not me! I think it’s best for me to make some adjustments a.k.a. prune (i.e. become more humble was part of it). Saturday question—What groove do you operate best in?

Do we ever get a lot of checks in the boxes but in the wrong column?  Ouchy ouchy!  If that is us, we might be in the groove alright but obviously in the wrong groove! MissPerfect says—But I think I’m groovy). MissPerfect, who decides if we are groovy?

I think we all have a choice as to the perspective we take on life, that’s my opinion. I really think we all have a choice in the perspective a.k.a. the groove we take about living, I really do. If I am right, then we have to decide which is one of the different perspectives we are going to choose. And that perspective can and most likely will change as we grow with experience based on our early life’s perspectives we chose getting to were we are now and our future chooces probably (e.g. have you ever been humbled by having a great disappointment or have you got in a different groove by having great success). Different events sure have changed my life’s perspective! Oh ya!

What are you really sick of?  What are you really happy about? JoeBlow says—Now those are two completely opposite thinkings. MissPerfect says—I really think I’m groovey but maybe I am and maybe I’m not! Who knows for sure! I was told a story by a friend recently who had a conflict with their employer about ethics.  That employee decided to move because of some pressure put on by management to not be completely ethical. That employee landed a great job in an environment that was much more compatible with their ethics. They told me that as time went along, the management in the old company who were not ethical all lost their jobs. It appears that their thinking was wrong!

It’s a “now what moment!” I read that according to psychologists, the ability and skill to have conflict resolution is very important in maintaining good relationships. It was said that if we have conflicts that never get resolved can really hurt relationships (i.e. they just never go away they say).  Soooo if we really want to get in the groove, we need to learn how to resolve conflict as we are all going to have relational conflicts, they are inevitable.  AverageJoe asks—Do we ever think that we could/might be wrong (i.e. maybe even just once that we could be wrong)?

LuckieEddie asks—When is the best time to get in the right groove?  RickieRick says—“The first key to a fresh start in our life: Whatever we’re going to do, do it now. Don’t say, Next year I’m going to make a fresh start, or “Next month I’m going to make some changes, or “Tomorrow I’m going to make that a priority. It’s now or never. Seize the moment!” WorldClassLarry says—The best time to do anything is now! Don’t kid yourself!  Just hit the gas!

Dr.J says—"Faith is the title deed of our hope. If someone has hope, it is because they have faith that God is working things out—faith is “the evidence of things not seen” When someone says they have “lost all hope,” it means they have lost their faith, their assurance.” I pray for and have prayed for a lot of folks for them to get their live in the groove as I think they would be much happier and content. It appears that many are not changing or being changed (i.e. not yet anyway but maybe tomorrow). BUT I hope I don’t lose my hope in others (i.e. but maybe I don’t see the whole picture). I sorta kinda wonder sometimes if a change is even possible for some folks (i.e. am I just blowing smoke in praying for a change in them). Then a little sign of hope might happen, and I renew my hope!  Aren’t I really something! A friend tells me—erv, always believe that something wonderful is going to happen!

Could a groove be a rut maybe!  OneSmartPerson says--I don’t know what step we need to take next, but I do know we need to take it. If you don’t, we’re going to get stuck in a rut. And the only difference between a grave and a rut is the length.” Yikes! Have we ever been in a rut and got out of it?  How did it feel? CoachB says—There are three types of our physical conditions that folks might say to us: you need to work out, do you work out, or where do you work out! And that can be physically or mentally or spiritually!

Have you ever met Violet Stillwater?  You might have and don’t even know it. I have met her.  It is her bar name as she says (i.e. I didn’t meet her in a bar but where we volunteer). She uses that name when she doesn’t want others to know her real name soooo she calls herself Violet Stillwater. She is a hoot! A hoot with a big heart. I like the groove she is in!  Soooo when Violet Stillwater talks, I listen! I hope you get to meet her!  It would be your pleasure; her real name is Syliva Stinkfuss! I’m just giving you a heads up! You believe that that SylivaStinkfull is her real name?

British writer Julia McGuinness said, “Writing prayers down rather than speaking them out loud or voicing them in your head can be a powerful, patient act of worship…. The very act of writing may make you more mindful and attentive to what it is you want to pray.” I find writing anything down is powerful to me; it seems to be more powerful than just saying it. SusieQ says--Talk is cheap but action is more important. We have a tendency to talk a lot about what we should do but never do it but occasionally we do! Such is life!

It’s always a great time to be around family. Probably all families interact differently I would guess. But we had a good time being at our son, daughter-in-law and grand kids in Waukee for the weekend. We laughed a lot and that always seems to be good!  Our family is soooo good to me/us. We packed a lot into our week-end visit before heading back to Mesa where it is a lot warmer! And that is no joke! Such is life.

Part of our belated Christmas and birthday gifts was they took us to their favorite bookstore, Beaverdale Book Store, and gave Jeanne and I the opportunity to each buy two books of our choice. What a fun time we all had (i.e. pretty unique alright). We brought along the game Racehorse which was a fun activity (i.e. we laughed a lot). Rookie got to be the horsemaster! I gave them dimes too play the game in trying to teach them some life concepts (i.e. I don’t know if I did teach all the concepts I wanted as Rookie said to me—It’s only $30 grandpa)! We got to see Charlie perform in her show choir and club volleyball. It’s fun to be with family for sure! Encouragement is always good, we think.

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

erv

MyDeceasedFriendJean said--A kind word never hurts the tongue.