y'cere

A lady down the street here in Yakima, WA told me--"Humor and joy contribute to my total well being." Y’cere, I agree with that.

I read this while eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it—"Recently as I was watching an interview with comedian and legendary talk show host Jay Leno, he commented about being a big believer in low self-esteem. He explained his perspective that if he begins to think he knows more than the next person, he is in trouble. Leno also observed that if we start to believe we know everything, that means we have decided to stop learning.” As soon as we start thinking that we are the smartest person in the room, we are inviting disaster. In the Bible, Proverbs 16:18 says, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” In other words, pride always foretells destruction. I just hate that when writers write about me! Such is life. Y’cere baby and I don’t mean maybe!

I did the Bethel Bible Study taught by one of you and others of you did it with me—that was many years ago. One thing I remember is the overall principle that we are blessed to be a blessing!  RickyRick says—"We are blessed to be a blessing. God blesses us so that we can bless the people around us. Make it our goal each day to live for God’s kingdom, by his power and for his glory—not thinking about ourselves but thinking about the people around us.” Even if some of you are not believers, I think it’s a good principle to live by. Y’cere!

Memorial Day we honor the folks who have passed ahead of us, give them tribute. I went with Jeanne to put flowers on her parents’ graves. There was a large number of folks at this large cemetery. All markers were about a foot by 2 feet and flat. An acquaintance of Jeanne said that it just shows that when we die, we are all equal.  Her husband said—Betty, I think it’s more that it’s a lot easier to mow! I did learn something that I found quite neat; there were many Hispanics who were gathered at loved ones’ plots with lawn chairs, and they were having a memorial party with food and fellowship. I guess it’s their tradition. Y’cere, that’s a good idea! By the way, what do you think the saying on this person’s marker meant?

I was thinking about the word pyramid. When I do, I think of the pyramids in Egypt, Amway Company, and compound interest. What do you think of? They all start at a point and get bigger and bigger and bigger. I talk a lot about the great feeling of being loved and loving someone. If we do have this feeling, we are always searching for ways to express our love more and more and more which results in the pyramid effect. And then our relationship gets better and better and better. Now flip the pancake; if we turn the pyramids upside-down, all of those examples get less and less and less (i.e. crescendo to diminuendo)  Y’cere!

I said to Jeanne the other morning after she did something—Jeanne, you are just charming! The term “charming” refers to the quality of being very pleasant, attractive, or delightful. My opinion is that a charming person is very real, just plain who they are! They are not intimidated by others. I think I have seen people intimated by others recently who tried to be someone who they are not, fakes! It was not pretty in my mind (i.e. they looked and acted bad). I saw right through them. Flip the pancake, I also saw folks who were not intimidated by others and were just as real as real could be. Y’cere!

A friend told me—erv, plant righteousness and you will get a good heart; you get what you plant abundantly; erv, do right do right!  I had another friend tell me, “erv, you can’t tell the quality of life folks have by the size of their house or the car they drive!  You know that!” That sure seems to be good advice and great inspiration for me. I like to be around good folks. Y’cere!

Jeanne and I play golf each Monday at a city owned 9 hole executive course. It’s a walk in the park (i.e. a real blast). Jeanne is not a golfer, but I hit to the green and she putts. And besides it cost only $8 dollars. We have met some really great folks. Last week we played with a couple who were in their 40s. She was a dental hygienist and he owned a tattoo shop. We learned much about the tattoo business and the body piercing business. They were very nice folks. We both said that we would have never guessed he was in the tattoo business. Y’cere!

I met John, the receptionist who was 80 years old, who works 30 hours a month for the city. He worked for the state as an engineer of construction of highways and did a major road in WA. He retired and went to nursing school but got kicked out—why did they kick you out—I really don’t know as I was their best student; it might have been that I bossed the teachers around; I was rather a bossy person when I was an engineer—sooo then what did you do—well, I got another job as being another construction engineer but got fired—how come—they were doing the dumbest things and I couldn’t keep my mouth shut and corrected them maybe one toooo many times! Y’cere, I really enjoyed this guy. He invited me to join him in his church’s men group—I said ok—oh, that won’t work, we don’t meet in the summer!

In the movie Mission Impossible, a line was “Life is a sum of our choices.” You think that or not? I do; Y’cere! Did you enjoy the new movie? We went on $7 Tuesday! I have a Dutch ancestry! hahaha  During the movie, pictures were flashed on the screen  by the thousands it seemed about a second at a time (i.e. extremely fast moving; my mind had a hard time keeping up; they knew what they were doing with the effect). Soooo we are still looking for a church and it seems they all sing, as a friends says, the 7/11 songs. Songs that have 7 words that are sung 11 times. They act like I don't get it soooo they repeat the words 11 times. Those two concepts are complete opposite! After reading this, it will self-destruct in 5 seconds! Many of you won't remember any of it after 5 seconds anyway! hahaha

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

erv

MyDeceasedFrinedJean said—To have joy, one must share it.

insiGht

I had a day recently that I wasn’t especially looking forward to the activities planed. But that day brought me great insight that I did not expect. I would say it was mind boggling when I sat down early the next morning in my quiet and processed what I all learned. It was incredibly insightful. Much of what I learned seemed to make sense that I didn’t understand before. Happenstance, na, I don’t think soooo folks!

AI says--Insight is a profound and often sudden understanding of a complex situation or problem. It can come from personal reflection, unexpected events, or new experiences that challenge previously held beliefs. Insight brings clarity and a deeper comprehension of oneself and the world. This newfound awareness transforms how one perceives and interacts with their surroundings, leading to personal growth and enriched perspectives.

Sooooo, an experience seemed to open my eyes to opportunities, and my heart to others. I’m cautiously excited! I like opportunities soooo let’s see what happens. I didn’t plan this experience soooo I’m not planning how this will all play out. It’s beyond me (i.e. I will need major help with this). I’m just another bozo on the bus. I know that! RickyRick puts it in proper perspective for me—"A thousand years from today, if Earth is still spinning, there won’t be a Microsoft or a Hollywood scene. Most countries won’t even exist, because no earthly kingdom lasts forever. Even many of the things we love today will be gone.” Now that is hard for me to get my pee sized mind around!

Insight from the folks I play picklelball with—A lady said the reason she wasn’t playing very well was that she gets up at 5! Another gal asked her what in the world do you do at 5 in the morning—I just fart around! A guy said—I get up at 5 and and just fart around too. He said he always had a job or a business which forced him to get up early. But, at 3 in the afternoon, I’m shot; you can stick a fork in me! Another gal said she gets up many times at night and then goes back to bed; my sleeping pattern is erratic.

I like to occasionally go to Costco and have a hot dog. I just plain enjoy a hot dog and the experience of Costco. It is really fun for me. Hey, almost everyone enjoys a hotdog at Costco! SusieQ says—There is class and then there is classy class and then there is useful class! But ultimately, class is a timeless quality that reflects inner values and external expressions, making it a beacon of human decency and excellence. We ran into an old acquaintance of Jeanne and she described her as a classy lady. How do we define a classy person? MissPerfect says—I want class, how do I get it? Give me some insight, please.  Saturday question—Does WallyTheCat down the street have class? Soooo when eating my hotdog at Costco I met a couple who were classy, just plain classy, and they were eating a hotdog toooo! They said that they just plain enjoy a  Costco hot dog ever once in a while and just plain enjoy the atmosphere like I do. Sooooo there you go! We had just a great time together. Bingo! But the headline in the paper read--TSA reminder: Costco card isn't really Real ID card!

I wanted to do business with a certain company soooo Jeanne and I went in to talk to them. The office manager helped us who was a very neat, professional, personal gal who really knew her stuff. I asked her what her tattoo said on her arm—she explained it is part of her freedom, her freedom of being a free person after 17 years of being mentally and physically abused by her husband. She said it’s like a new life and told us her feelings. I asked her if she was a believer—she was but said she also believes in aliens, but I guess angels are sorta kinda aliens! She gave us some insight of being an abused person; we just can’t imagine that! Something quite interesting to us was that she became friends with folks of the Native American Nation and they really helped her exit this tough part of her life.

OrdinaryJane says--As I get older a.k.a. more mature it appears that a lot of the things on the rat race and the treadmill of live don’t matter as much to me and in some cases don’t matter at all. As a result, I seem to become freer from some of my expectations and don’t have to prove this or prove that. And in some cases, my age forces me; I have no choice, we just age out; we just can’t do it anymore. Maybe, just maybe, it is good to recognize that and move forward while understanding that. Maybe that’s a good insight! Could be! And what’s even worse is that many times we are forced by circumstances to change; we have no choice!  Such is life. Ouchy ouchy!

Got this text from our grandkids--Today Me and Easton were out playing pickle ball at the park by ourselves. An old couple came over and asked to play with us. Me and Easton aren’t very good but they still wanted to play a game with us and help teach us! It was a super amazing learning experience and we had a great time. They reminded me of you!

More insight from the folks I play pickleball with—I told them I was going to a funeral; it’s a friend of Jeanne. I didn’t know her and won’t know anyone there. Here’s the insight they told me—erv, just learn one line and use in on everyone—are you ready for it—I didn’t know BettySue but everything I heard about her was very good! erv, you just can’t go wrong with that line. Then go and eat the lunch!

I was reminded once again that I don’t know everything!  Maybe you might not like to hear this but you don’t know everything either no matter what you think!  hahaha  I also was reminded once again that two gifts that we can give folks are:  to be a good gift receiver (i.e. accept a gift graciously) and to give the people the gift of asking for their help (i.e. even if we think we know everything). This might be an insight, just maybe!  But what do I know! My mentor said to me many times—All people get better after they die! Soooo maybe people will think I will know more after I die! Could be! But I doubt it!

Aristotle said--"The whole is greater than the the sum of its parts" Sooooo I went to the grave side service and the celebration of life at a restaurant of Jeanne’s friend who she taught with for years.  The deceased was a member of a teaching staff with maybe a dozen or more of those teachers who were there who all taught together for many years at Knob Hill Elementary.. Jeanne introduced them to me. They all had a story; some sad, some happy, some a mess and others better. I actually learned a lot from this experience (i.e. a really great experience for me). It was a great opportunity for me to see the whole! Of course, Jeanne had a blast (i.e. after a while I sorta kinda got bored). I did have a conversation with a couple who I really enjoyed. We had a similar situation and had a very good, insightful conversation. I thought of a sticker I saw on a car when we were going down Yakima Ave on our way to the restaurant that said—I came I saw I left early! No no, I didn’t leave early but could of. You probably have been there; about sooo much and then enough is enough! But Jeanne couldn’t get enough of it! I was the only spouse of all those teachers there! I wonder why! hahaha I tell you what, I was not a part of the sum of the parts! hahaha

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

erv

MyDeceasedFriendJean said--Either you run the day, or the day runs you.

what's important

The old saying is—Good things come to those who wait. Well, maybe soooo BUT I think it’s more like good things come to those who wait but work on it while they wait. I just don’t think if we just sit on the couch and eat chips it’s going to work very well. Working on it seems to be a very positive way to increase the odds of good things happening.  LuckieEddie says—I just like to complain to the government and let it take care of me; they usually do in some way! Saturday question—Who is the government? Maybe as CoachB says—"Good things come to those who go out and chase it!”

Do we ever think we are better than others? Of course we do!!!! Is that good important thinking? I read this story while eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it:  “During the American Revolution, a stranger in civilian clothes rode past a group of exhausted soldiers who were repairing a small barricade. Their leader made no attempt to help them but instead stood by, barking orders. When the rider asked the leader why he wasn’t helping his men, he retorted with great dignity, ‘Sir, I am a corporal!’ The stranger apologized, dismounted, and began helping the soldiers himself. The job done, he turned to the corporal and said, ‘Mr. Corporal, next time you have a job like this and not enough men to do it, go to your commander-in-chief, and I will come and help you again.’ With that, General George Washington mounted his steed and rode off.”

When we read a book, it might affect us. In fact, books are not alive; the same book may change one person’s life while having no impact on another person. Now ain’t that the truth. Soooo what’s important? Here is a thought of the day—“You were born with the ability to change someone’s life, don’t ever waste it.”~Dale Partridge   AverageJoe says—Suck it up buttercup and let’s get going! Hopefully, we change a life for the better!

What’s important! What’s important to me might not be important to you; that ain’t nuttin new; it’s been that way forever!  "Regularly ask yourself, 'How are my thoughts, words, and deeds affecting my friends, my spouse, my neighbor, my child, my employer, my subordinates, my fellow citizens? Am I doing my part to contribute to the spiritual progress of all with whom I come in contact?' Make it your business to draw out the best in others by being an exemplar yourself." – Epictetus—he died 135 AD in Greece—he missed the hippy era in the U.S. for sure, soooo what does he know anyway! Peace brother!

My mentor said many times to me—erv, it’s never as good as it looks and it’s never as bad as it looks! From our back yard we can see the hills of the southern rim of the Yakima Valley. On the hills are houses perched up on them. One house in particular looks soooo amazing to me. Soooo I rode my YamahaXT250 up ‘er in ‘em hills the other day and that house isn’t near as spectacular when I got up closer. Huh, interesting. Flip the pancake, Violet Stillwater says--Some folks aren’t near as bad as we think when we get close to them and get to know them.

I'm just not as tough as I use to be! In fact I'm not very tough at all any more I don't think! Something that just came to my mind is the olive tree. It’s amazing what we learned when in Israel years ago. The olive tree can live to 2,000 years (i.e. it is a tough tree). It can regenerate when damaged or cut down, it just comes back, it’s hard to kill. They even take cultivated varieties and draft them unto old wild olive trees to produce olives that are very useful. The olive tree has played a pretty major, important role in history. It is also used many times as a metaphor in teaching as well. It is amazing to me. Saturday question—Are we as tough as an olive tree? I was hiking Cowiche Canyon the other day and met two ladies coming up as I was going down. One lady looked 70+ and the other one 80+. The older lady had a walking stick and had a limp in her gate. I said to her--It's easier going down than going up--It sure is but I'm tough and I won't give up! I just love that attitude!

I called 4 successful business men (i.e. in my opinion) who were old, like in their 60s if they would join me at our house to discuss with me what they thought success was (i.e. what’s really important in life).  They all accepted my invitation and came, That was in 1989 when  I was working on establishing my business. They are all long gone dead now! I wanted to hear what they thought was important for success. I kept my notes and here is what I wrote:  Money isn’t the real measure of success~Have reasonable goals and accomplish them~Succesful if you can sleep peacefully~Must have faith and trust~ Must keep going-keep trying~ Always Always  be honest-don’t take advantage of people~ Have patience-don’t expect things to happen fast~ There will be good days and bad days-look at the total picture and not just one situation~ Keep working~ Some people have more talent and abilities-don’t expect more than what we are capable.

In the musical Mary Poppins, the Banks family hires Mary to impose order and discipline upon their children, Michael and Jane. However, the children’s bad behavior stems not from an absence of discipline, but an absence of attention from their parents. Mary’s true mission is to restore the relationship between Michael and Jane and their parents. When the time comes for Mary to leave, she leaves them with something better than her friendship: their parents’ love. Jeanne went to see an old friend whose partner passed on. She was Jeanne's friend (i.e. they are about 90 years old). Jeanne actually saved her life once when she fell off Mt Adams while hiking and she pulled her to safety. He was very emotional and talked/rambled on about all kinds of stuff. He said that their neighbors wanted them to go to church with them for years, but he said we never did. The last years we have been going to church; those neighbors have moved some years ago and we have lost all contact with them.

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

erv

MyDeceasedFriendJean said--Fall seven times, stand up eight--[Japanese Proverb]

Doubting Thomas

So do you like to explore, investigate, learn, poke around ? Do you just wonder what it’s all about or maybe say, I’m going to take a look at that? I’m interested. I’m going to ask some questions? I’m going to get me feet wet about that! That really intrigues me!

I read while eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it--Many people have the wrong perception of doubt; they think doubt is always negative. But the truth is, doubt is not a bad thing. Doubt is good if it motivates us to investigate. When in doubt, we check it out. 

I can’t change anyone nor can you; I understand that. If anyone is going to change, they have to change themselves (i.e. although it appears that some folks are brainwashed). No one has control over anyone’s mind (i.e. well maybe large sums of money can change a person’s mind, hahaha). If you’re having doubts about Jesus (i.e. a regular Doubting Thomas), I want to encourage you to investigate. First, I suggest you find people whose lives have been radically changed by a relationship with Jesus. But then again, if we don’t want to change, we probably aren’t going to change. I understand that tooooo! Saturday question—Who is in control of our mind? LuckyEddie says—I always look for a way to “beat the system” which in the long run doesn’t really work! I’m always looking for a short cut! An easy way out! A fast track! Now I'm old and wish I would not have done it that way!

“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In that response lies our growth and freedom.”~~ Viktor Franko   WorldClassLarry says—We have the freedom to choose what our response will be! Or do we really! Maybe we are programed. Programed by our genetics, past environment and our current environment (i.e. I heard that on a late-night Seattle TV station soooo it's gotta be right)!

A friend of a friend suggested I read Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents by Lindsay C. Gibson, PsyD. I like psychology type books soooo I gave it a listen. The last chapter titled, how you identify emotionally mature people, is by far the best along with the epilogue (i.e. my opinion—I suggest reading them first). Here are a few qualities that I remember that emotionally mature people have/are: Empathy, confident, constant, reliable, realistic, can compromise, can discuss with the ability to hear another person’s opinion, not narcissistic, are not easily offended, open minded, don’t take everything soooo personal, can accept criticism. You get the idea and feeling (i.e. an immature person would have some or all of the opposite qualities). I think the book is overall a good read in trying to understand ourselves and maybe our parents and maybe others. ItchieBitchie says--But reality is we can't understand others very well! hahaha

You might be a Doubting Thomas about this next story!  I went into the Yamaha Dealer in Yakima to get oil and a filter for my Yamaha XT250. I said to Sage, the parts guy, the prices are higher than last year. They are also a Harley Davidson dealer. He said—Do you know what HD stands for? It stands for, you are not going to leave here without spending at least a Hundred Dollars if you own a Harley. There is a saying here in the Great Northwest—Do you know what boat stands for (i.e. folks love their big boats here in the Great Northwest)—Break out another thousand!

RickyRick says--Here’s the second solution: Give up control. This is so important because one reason we get overloaded is we’re trying to control too much. We might think it all depends on us. Maybe our motto is, ‘If it’s to be, it’s up to me.’” AverageJoe says—I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired.  I realize that ervie is not the general manager of the universe. Soooo I can resign, and it won’t fall apart. Joe Smuck says—"Know this: The greater your need to control, the more stress you’re going to have in life.  Here is where faith comes into play, yes it does.” If we are worldcontrolers or helicopter parents we might doubt this!

MyNeighborJohn, who is a smart person (i.e. he was a scientist), says—If I haven’t used it in 5 years I get rid of it. And it’s time for me to clean house again. It makes my life much simpler and more enjoyable. I doubt if some of you will ever do that! But you probably ain’t no scientist either!

I doubt if I’m always humble and gentle. OneSmartPerson said--Arrogance and aggression are the opposites of humility and gentleness. Aggression happens when we do things too quickly. We don’t wait or think things over. We just jump right in with both feet and we get over-committed. Arrogance happens when we try to control everything. Arrogance is thinking we know what’s best and everyone’s lives would be easier if they followed our plan. Crazy huh! That statement sounds like it’s written about me somewhat!

A Nebraska friend who was a master carpenter told me this story: He and other master carpenters worked on major projects in a large area for many years. They experienced young, cocky, arrogant, smart project managers just out of the university who thought they knew all the answers and wanted none of the master carpenters’ experienced advice (i.e. they thought they knew everything). Sooooo they volunteered them no advice and just let them burn!  Flip the pancake! There were also young inexperience project managers who were humble and asked for their advice and would listen to them. The master carpenters made them very successful. Think through that folks.

CrazyMarvin says--Good and bad happens to all of us.  I believe that. It’s just the filter we use in our mind. Sooooo if we look for good to happen and even expect good to happen, it will. I believe that. If we are always a Doubting Thomas, we are going to live pretty much a negative and unenjoyable life. That is my opinion. Saturday question—Can we make good things happen? Can we make bad things happen?

I recently read a western book, Ride Into Yesterday by Ed Corman.  I just got it from the library as a fun read. I never read anything by Ed before. It was a typical western with the good guy winning and gets the girl type story line, but the ending was really neat. It has some interesting twists and turns which were thought provoking. Ed sorta kinda ended the story but didn’t really. He left it for the reader to finish the story in our own mind. I really liked it. ANYWAY, soooo I wonder how the rest of my life will go and how it will end. I also wonder about my family and friends’ lives as how their lives will play out and end. I really don’t know. We all “gottafinish” and there might be some twists and turns. I think that is interesting but our lives ain’t no fun, western novel folks! I doubt if we really know how our life will end; it could be quite a surprise! Our end of life might be the best-selling finish of all time!

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

erv

MyDeceasedFriendJean said--Life isn't tied with a bow, bit it's still a gift.

making good decisions

I asked some friends this:  I’m thinking about making good decisions this morning. I would like your opinion as to how people learn to make good decisions and how we can adapt our lives in making good decisions. Can you give me some insight?  Here are some of their responses.

Probably should start by asking better people than me about making good decisions More seriously though, I would say find good people to be around and pay attention. They won't do everything right but they're willing to admit when they're wrong. And that helps because I've probably learned more from being wrong than being right.

Start by making a case study of those making poor decisions and do the opposite. Pick good mentors.

…..it depends, of course on the nature of the situation,….. but you should: 1)evaluate options 2)seek advice 3)pray for guidance 4)don’t procrastinate or delay.

On important issues, I call upon the Holy Spirit to nudge me One Direction, or the other to help me in making the right decision and he usually does. If that don’t work, I call upon my wife to make the decision for me ha ha.

I think you broke my brain with that one!! Seems to me environment is huge. Environment and desire. And desire is so hard to create in someone. I know things I desire I pursue. But things I don’t, people can encourage me, but it won’t happen until I want it. Being around the right people. Get away from bad influences. That’s all I got!!!

 I think the key to good decisions is setting up habits and routines. I would suggest starting small and stacking. So depending on what you want to work on I would set a habit to go for a walk first thing in the morning. That’s where I would start. Then my belief is it will snowball into other good habits and routines. Another good book - power of habit talks about the “keystone” habit. It’s a habits that unlocks / snowballs other habits. Short answer start with a habit or routine first thing in the morning and my suggestion would be a walk. 2nd step is an accountability partner - you are 39.5% likely to accomplish a goal if you write it down. You are 76.7% likely to accomplish a goal if you send progress reports to someone.

If it’s a really big one I pray for help! I try to not make it when I’m angry and I might run it by my wife or a friend. Past experience helps and we have all had plenty of that!!

Take the time to weigh all the options. Then pray about what option is the best for everyone. Or just throw the ball to me! (i.e. Inside joke--I played basketball with this friend and I made him an All-American ‘cause I threw the ball to him all the time; I should have shot more!!!!)

Probably my parents, by example, taught good decision making in areas such as thrift, perseverance, and using common sense. Being free to make everyday decisions is something we take for granted, but aren’t we fortunate to navigate our lives as we wish! I am grateful everyday for this freedom. We can choose vocations, our friends, recreation, food choices and what color to paint the house! For more impactful decisions, it’s important to weigh pros and cons and evaluate the long term effects. Ask the experts, get facts. Decision making changes as we age whether we like it or not. I will no longer climb up Mt. Adams because my body says NO! We hear, sometimes disdainfully, , “He/she is slowing down.” I say slowing down is a privilege we earn, and a pleasure!

I would agree with the importance of prayer and seeking wisdom from God through biblical insight. Also if you have a spouse discuss the issue with them. Also if you have trusted friends you can ask for their thoughts.

I like to take some time and think Do some research. Weigh the pros and cons and take your time. 

I used to tell my students (driver ed & classroom) life boils down to the decisions you make. Sometimes you get do overs, but often you don't. When you get to the pearly gate, you can't ask for a second chance. In my humble opinion, you often learn to make good decisions by making some bad ones.

Proverbs 11:14 says “in abundance of counselors there is victory.” I always helps to run my big plans past some trusted friends. They will have opinions about my plans, and their wisdom can be a word from God.

For me it’s slow down, step back and look at the big picture.   Do I really need something, say something, or do something and does that help me or someone else?  Also run it by my wife!  

James 1: 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

That patient thing is good but hard. Several years ago the doctor wanted me tested. Tested for patience. It came back negative...I didn't have any. And my wife says "I win again"!

I have a tract by A W Tozer in my Bible. A paraphrase... the happy truth is that the majority of decisions touching our lives God expresses no choice and allows us to choose our preferences, (using principles found in God's Word). "Where there is no clear instructions, pray and ask God and let the Spirit lead.".....

Pray, get all the facts, be patient. Then check with Mr.R. He never makes any bad decisions. Unless it's something to do with women, then you better call me, Mr.R is not that good with women.

You got any easier questions? 

Can’t tell if people learn to be good decision makers or if it is an inherent trait. Sometimes the definition of a good decision is in the eye of the beholder. People who are risk takers can know that they are going to miss on a few decisions but if they keep trying, they will learn and eventually succeed. Others will view the failures and call them bad decision makers. That is a wishy-washy answer but I think there is some truth in it.

Read the Bible. Pray. Ask people with similar beliefs as you.

Just do it... give something a try and you will gain experience . With experience comes knowledge, whether you made a good decision or not. Ask for opinions from those you trust. Keep trying, don't give up, be open to learning, be open to feedback, take a risk and use the feedback.

Ask your wife'

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

erv

MyDeceasedFriendJean said--Few people travel the road to success without a puncture or two.

 Zinger--Because of the advice I got from a friend/wife/Jeanne, I am going to try to quit drinking diet soda! Suck it up erv, and let's get going!

anomaly

I try! I constantly try! I try my best! That is all I can do! I just try! WhackoFromChicago'sSouthSide says--erv, you are a strange duck!

Have we ever been told that we are the shoe on the wrong foot! Or is it we are just a happenstance, or are we just one of God’s miracles or are we just an anomaly? Or is it ‘cause we are innovative and creative that we just make it happen. Hey, if we walk like a duck and quack like a duck, we're a strange duck!

Some change is not an unexpected circumstance a.k.a. an anomaly but some change is! JoeSmartBusinessPerson says—"The panic is half rumor, half reality. What’s actually happening is more strategic than scandalous.” We see and hear of corporations closing retail outlets or offices and we wonder if they are going broke or what. If things aren’t going well, it might be a time for a change. The past isn’t now or it isn’t the future (i.e. they got to get rid of the dead horses that are costing them money). It appears that history proves that. For a profit-driven company, profit is needed to stay afloat (i.e. now that is pretty simple and not an anomaly). My Daddy, Chester, told me—"erv, you can’t spend more than you make. Unless you borrow money for something that will appreciate in value or makes a profit but never borrow money on something that depreciates and doesn’t make a profit; if you want to buy something that depreciates and doesn’t make a profit (i.e. like squeaky toys), save the money before you buy it.” Now Chester’s thinking is pretty much an anomaly in our culture I would guess.

A friend told me he would like me to express more of what I think and not what others think. The reason why I don’t is I’m not certain my thinking is always sooo good or accurate. Now you understand. I will express my anomaly about this thinking (i.e. for what it’s worth to you). Remember, you get what you pay for! Jesus was an anomaly. Jesus was the most counter-cultural revolutionary you could imagine, who led perfectly with grace and compassion and justice. It takes humility to follow that kind of Savior. Everywhere Jesus went, he told people to follow him. He never said to follow a principle or a program or even a religion—but a person. He said, “You are blessed whenever you follow my example” (John 13:17). I ask some folks if they are believers sometimes. I don’t ask what church they go to or if they go to church or not, but if they are a believer. Now that is a very simple question and really isn’t much different than asking them if they play pickleball. I usually don’t say much or anything about how they answer the question unless they ask. BUT I believe there is a huge massive difference between believers and unbelievers. Soooo there my friend, that is my thinking. You asked for it. Now the ball is in your court!

Recently Jeanne and I had an opportunity presented to us. It was a good one that fit us quite well. BUT there were cons to the opportunity as well. The opportunity was sorta kinda an anomaly in that it might not ever happen again for us (i.e. because of timing in our lives). What were we going to do? Good question. We discussed it and talked about the upside and the downside. Tough decision. We called some folks for their opinion and wisdom. We have the option (i.e. we like options); the decision wasn’t necessarily good or bad. We gave it our best shot. That is all we could do! We tried our best! We think we made the right decision. Such is life.

This seems to be an anomaly to me. It seems our values, morals and even our money management has downgraded. SusieQ asks—What is a balanced budget? Usually, we want to upgrade and not downgrade (e.g. like wanting a new advanced vehicle with the newest technology). Not very many folks want to downgrade that I know of. I’m thinking about trying to buy this pickup down the street! Probably not! Saturday question—Have we ever been content with our life? IitchieBitchie says—C’mon erv, being content is not American! Get with it! Where have you been!

An anomaly can come along that we didn’t see it happening at all and had no idea that it would happen. That anomaly could be very good or not sooo good. There was no way we could see it coming. BUT some things we can see it coming, the odds are in the favor of it happening, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to see it coming (i.e. they are just too risky which makes them quite predictable)! The pic is of a tree in our neighborhood. It’s maybe 15 years old and the prevailing wind kept blowing it over to lean to the east. No one staked it against the wind. Soooo now it probably is impossible to straighten. Think about that folks in applying it to life. That is not an anomaly. Saturday question—If we have learned some way of thinking through the years, how will we ever change that way of thinking? JoeBlow says—It’s tough but it can be done! There is a proven way!

This is a multiple choice question! Is this story an anomaly, happenstance or one of God’s miracles?  A client sitting at my desk told me this story maybe 30 years ago. He told me he was the town drunk and had an accident. Having no money or insurance he was sent to the University Hospital where they work on such folks. He said everyone treated him just who he was, the town drunk. They really didn’t want to waste their time and money on him. One night an Angel came in his room and told him that if he believed in Jesus, his life would totally change or otherwise he would die the town drunk. He changed. The next day the staff told him he was a different person. He never drank again and yes, his life was completely different. And is your answer A, B or C? Oh, he said that he tells his story to very few folks as they will just think I’m just the town drunk!

Ok folks, And here is the conclusion of the matter, how do you or I know what we believe is the truth? We might believe it is the truth but maybe it isn’t as we can believe anything we want and that makes it the truth to us. We can believe anyone on Facebook, and they might not have a clue! Or believe a professor at an university or a person at the coffee shop sharing their belief or a brother-in-law or our spouse or our parents. Or maybe the truth is what we experienced in our life and mind and heart and soul. Sooo is our reality what we think the truth really is? Soooo maybe what we just read is just thought provoking but we each get to decide what we want to believe! It is very obvious that we all don’t believe the same or ever will while we are alive here under the sun (i.e. now that is the truth)!  That's my opinion! But remember folks, I'm just a little ol' farm boy from a mile and quarter south of Roseland, MN. 

said to 100,000 folks in the square--"...not to judge, not to close doors thinking hat we have all the truth and no one can tell us anything."

A little old, odd man from San Francisco says--I try to be my self, I don't try to be someone I'm not; I have learned it never works to be a fake. I am who I am! I just try to be myself a.k.a. the real deal!

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

erv

MyDeceasedFriendJean said—Happiness is an unexpected hug.

a boost

In the musical Fiddler on the Roof, Tevye is tortured by the uncertainties swirling around his life and family, asks his wife, “Do you love me?” She replies, “Do I what? Look what I’ve been doing for you the past 25 years!” Love is best measured not by words but by actions. Love is such a boost; to love someone or to be loved by someone. That is my opinion.

When I think of a boost I think of a little push like lifting. Then when a car battery is low or dead, we give it a boost. Then maybe a kid sitting in a booster seat. Then a psychological boost a.k.a. encouragement comes to my mind. What is your first thought that comes to your mind when you think of a boast?

I was communicating with an old Butler County friend by text. I asked her how she was, and she said--I'm as ornery as ever--so I must be fine! She made me smile! Yes, she did. She gave me a boost!

A NBA player, Giannis Antetokounmpo, is called “The Greek Freak” as he is that great. Fans call him a freak and it’s a great compliment to him (i.e. a boost to his confidence). AverageJoe says—I don’t think I will call my wife “The American Freak.” I don’t think that would be a good idea; she would not understand that; I’m sure.  It’s like when a person calls another guy tough it’s a compliment usually but if I would call Jeanne a tough woman it’s not soooo much. And the reality is that she is a very tough person (i.e. mentally and physically strong) as well as being very sweet and kind. It should really be a complement a.k.a. a boost but it appears it might not be understood quite the same as I would mean it (i.e. maybe it could be problematic)! Maybe flowers will be better!

Are we wallowing in a mud hole? What kind of mud hole might we be in? There are many alright and they all are yucky, stinky and dirty. How are we going to get out of them? Who or what is going to give us a boost? What will that boost look like? Are we going to be the boost for someone? Who has been our boost when we were in a mud hole? Or do folks even really want to get out of their mud hole?

CoachB says--If something is constantly tempting us or is constantly irritating us, we should get it out from around us, life will work a lot better. It will give us a boost. CadillacJack says—That is not rocket science, but it really helps to be reminded. Soooo simple but sometimes we are soooo comfortable with our environment and don’t want to change! Violet Stillwater says--Maybe it’s not soooo easy! Such is life.

Recently I had the opportunity to visit with a longtime friend who I haven’t talked to for a long time. He is part-owner and was part of the management team of a large, very successful retail chain company that he was a part of from pretty much from their start. I asked him what’s their niche a.k.a. boast that makes them soooo successful in such a competitive market. He said—Two major things are: we hire quality employees and then train them very well. We found that quality attracts quality. It has really worked for us. My old friend is a top shelf person. I think it starts at the top!

Has a mentor or a person who was an admired example, influenced us, like gave us a boost in our life? Or how about someone who gave us a break or a second chance after we messed up. Or someone who took a chance on us from the get-go. Or even someone who helped us financially to give us an opportunity that we would never have had without their help. I personally have had many boosts in my life (i.e. many by you folks) and I’m very appreciative of them and hopefully we boost others.

I think of boaster clubs and individuals in schools that support extra circular activities of students. What a boast a.k.a. a lift for many students. Or folks who help students with some part of learning that they are having trouble with (i.e. wow, what a boast for many kids). Many of those boasters will never know what they did for kids. Saturday question--Are we a boaster rocket or a dud rocket?

I see Red Bull advertised on TV to give a person a boast. I don’t know if it works as I have never tried it. A great boast for me is Jesus as my example, reading the Bible, meditating, reading my devotions, praying, going to church and being around other believers. It sorta kinda rings my bell a.k.a. boasts my life. You might prefer Red Bull or getting some new high-tech sports equipment or a getting a new vehicle or some other stimuli. ItchieBitchie says I prefer to win the lottery for my boast in life!

I just read that statistics say that about 23% of children in America are raised in a one parent family. Statistics say that one out of three children in the black community in America do not have a daddy in the home. A child raised by loving parents has to be a boast to a child; that’s my opinion.

Humor is a great boast to folks. No question in my mind. The greatest was maybe Abraham Lincoln, one of my heroes, who used humor in the strangest of times and often (i.e. used it almost as parables) which broke tension and just made folks more human (i.e. gave them a boast). An example was during a tremulous cabinet meeting when he told this story: The farmer encounters a large, old tree with a hollow core, rendering it unstable. He is torn between the potential danger of the tree falling and the effort required to cut it down safely. He ends up wishing he hadn't noticed the tree, expressing a desire to ignore the problem. Here is another: I leave it to my audience, --if I had another face to wear, do you think I would wear this one?—(i.e. Lincoln had been called a “two-faced man” by Douglas).

The old saying of—"The whole is greater than the sum of the parts” is thought provoking to me. I am big on being around good folks as I think it influences us very positively.  Now to me that is a huge massive boost. “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work. If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!... A cord of three strands is not quickly broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12).

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

erv

MyDeceasedFriend said—Good bread with fresh butter—the greatest of feasts.