our accomplishments

Well well brown cow now what! I encourage you to sit down and write down your accomplishments that you have had in your life (i.e. or were given to us). We all have accomplishments that we feel are very important to us, maybe most of them others don’t even know about, they are very private. I think we need to applaud ourselves for what we have done (i.e. and thank God for them), it is good for our mental health. Humans, I read have a tendance to beat ourselves up a lot but don’t compliment ourselves enough (i.e. many folks are humble in recognizing their accomplishments but not all). Again, I really suggest you sit down in quit place and write your accomplishments down. You might even want to throw the list away when done with it, that is ok, but please write them down. I think it will do us good. I am going to do that! I hope you do too! I think most folks are much better than they think!

A form of thinking of our accomplishments was told to me by a golf friend yesterday. After we got done golfing we were siting on a little patio and talking before we left and he told me that every night and every morning he thanks God for the the blessings of his life. And this guy has not had an easy life. I asked him what he was going to do next--I'm going gambling; I gamble almost every day. Do you win--no--that is why they call it gambling and not winning!

Unsung heroes! Maybe our best accomplishments go unnoticed by others and maybe even we don’t even know how some of our accomplishments have affected others. They might even have results after we are dead, it could happen! We could be a hero in someone’s life (i.e. completely turn a person’s life around, a 180) and we will never know it.

Our circle of influence. CoachB says—Choose your friends carefully; influence is contagious. Yes, we influence others if we know it or not. You have influenced others; there is no doubt. That is quite an accomplishment. Think about that. Don’t discount the influence we have on others; they are great accomplishments. Dr. J says—Pray that God will give us the opportunity to be salt and life wherever we go.

Uplift people for no benefit for ourself; now that is an accomplishment. An uplift is an unbelievable accomplishment we can do to help others. There are many ways to uplift others. And you have done it and are doing it. How about praying for others!

Being givers! Volunteer efforts that you do are great accomplishments; good for the recipient and good for yourself; statics prove that. Hopefully all of us are givers in some way. People do it all over the world. Many of you are great givers of your time, talents and money. Giving money is a great accomplishment. And no one even knows that you did it. ItchieBitchie says—When we give to get attention, then it’s no longer a gift but a business deal.

Encouragement to others. Accomplishments are not considered the same by different folks even though the accomplishment might be the same thing (e.g. an underdog gets a college education). Those accomplishments are huge massive to one and to another its old hat that is just taken for granted. Jeanne worked with the Special Olympics and for some of the participants, completing a race is a major accomplishment and they are soooo happy what they accomplished; for another person they take it for granted (i.e. might not even appreciate they can do it). Think about accomplishments that are really special to you. You know what they are, only you know!

I think all of you accomplish much more than others realize and even to yourself. You are good folks but could even be better so we all need to throw those chips away and get our butts off the couch and do something! That is my opinion. “True love is an act of the will—a conscious decision to do what is best for the other person instead of ourselves."--Billy Graham

I suggest you think about doing something unexpected for someone, something out of the box for you a.k.a. an accomplishment for you. Here is an example I got from my second cousin once removed-- FYI - I just read in the Omaha World Herald that Warren Buffett is stepping down from his position of "Chairman of the Board" of Berkshire Hathaway.  He just recently turned 96 years old, and his son will take over.  His quote this morning ----" Father Time always wins.  He has, however, been kind to me"----- I sent him a copy of the book Mere Christianity, by CS Lewis several years ago, highlighting a few choice paragraphs, and offered to meet him for lunch at a nearby Dairy Queen, (which he owns), but he did not take me up on the offer.  I even offered to buy his lunch.  Still waiting. The "Other Warren" in Omaha.

Esther of Grace says--"I went to a college whose football team is known more for its struggles than its successes. The students, fans, and alumnae don’t let this reputation define our school, or our experiences. We cheer for our team, we wear our colors proudly, we sing the fight song with passion, we encourage the next generation in attending. --- The truth is that a college is more than the football program. Ask any of us alum, and I bet we have oodles of stories to share about our experiences, our challenging classes and top-notch professors, the quaint town, the gorgeous campus… the family-feel… the friendships. Oh, and the cheese! Their creamery makes really good cheese."

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

erv

MyDeceasedFriendJean said--Work as though everything depended on you, and pray as though everything depended on God.

analyticals

 “It ain’t what you don’t know that gets you into trouble.  It’s what you know for sure, that just ain’t so” - Mark Twain

Remember folks, I’m just a little ol’ farm boy from a mile and quarter south of Roseland, MN where we basically back then made all our decisions by the seat of our pants; and that is about all we had to make our decisions on ! You know what I mean! No analyticals!

People say to me a lot, “you know” but I really don’t know a whole lot and the older I get I realize I even know less but they keep saying to me, “you know erv.” I have to stop them and tell them I really don’t know, tell me what I’m suppose to know. I do know Joe Whoknowseverthing thinks he knows everything but doesn't know what he doesn't know! You know him too. I bet you know what I mean! Joe Smart asks--How do we know what we don't know?

I follow Mariner baseball and sorta kinda enjoy it as a hobby since I now live in WA. They are hard for me to follow at times as they can’t hit very well. They are 29^th out of 30 major teams in hitting. Not too long ago they were the worst. It’s hard to win a whole lot with a team batting average of .232. That is what the analyticals say a.k.a. real data, the facts. Baseball and other sports are really using analyticals in making decisions, putting the odds in their favor in many coaching decisions they think. It’s sorta kinda having AI doing the coaching, you know!

The downside of making decisions from analyticals is that there are no feelings in decision making, no human side. No intuitive or using hunches or guesses or faith. It’s just facts. I also hear it’s done in education as well—to get into certain schools or areas of education it is based strictly on grades and test scores. I question if that is just a good idea, as then it is the analyticals that only count. They think the proof is in the pudding!

We were walking on the Pismo Beach Pier out unto the Pacific Ocean. We saw sea lions and sea otters and we met a couple, Earl and Judy, who live in Southern CA. We met them because I had my IA tee shirt on and they asked if we were from IA. They have strong connections with Orange City, IA which is the home of Northwestern College, my alma mater.  We had a great visit; they are Dutch folks who go to the Christian Reformed Church. Earl had this pin on with 2 question marks as you can see. I asked him what they are about.  First question is if you die tonight, do you know for certain that you’re gonna go to heaven and then the second question is when you get there why would the Lord let you in. Analyticals!

You know in many businesses, analyticlals are used for merit-pay. If you produce more, you get paid more. That is for profit businesses; non-profit organizations maybe not as much. You know that merit pay makes sense to some  but not to everyone. Maybe, if folks are good in what they are doing, they like the system and if…they don’t. You know what I mean!

You know the future sure appears to be heavy on analyticals with the use of AI. You know we can gather data and facts in incredible ways, in large amounts and at amazing speed. It’s bound to change our lives if we like it or not. As I was waiting in line the other day for my hotdog at Costco, another guy was waiting as well. He was a soft-spoken guy of about my age and said—I never thought I would order my hotdog at Costco on a computer, but I just did. I can’t imagine what our grandkids will be doing in the future and what their lives will be like. I’m worried for them.

Cal Raleigh of the Mariners was their star last year, I mean the big dog. This year he can’t hit (i.e. his batting average is .179). That really stinks. Most teams would not have him on the team and would send him down to the minors. Last year because he did soooo well, they extended his contract another 6 years for millions and millions of dollars. Now they don’t know what do do with the guy. Here is the flip side of the story—Last year he handled himself with great poise and humility with all his success. They say, this year he acts the same. He’s a class act but he can’t hit this year! Now what?

I read recently what Oswald Chambers said that really caught my attention. He said—“Beware of an abandonment that has a self-interested spirit in it. If we give something to God only because we want something in return, there is nothing of the Holy Spirit in our abandonment; it is miserable, commercial self-interest…When we are forced to choose between our natural relationships and Jesus Christ, most of us desert him.” Ouchy ouchy! Do the analyticals folks. You know what I’m talking about!

I had a problem with my laptop computer in that I couldn’t get the screen to extend. I thought I tried everything but no luck soooo I asked my MI-wizard for his advice. He said the normal—reboot! I tried that again but no success. I tried using the touch screen and all of sudden it got fixed; I have no idea what I did. The wizard then told me this—”Occasionally, I have seen older laptops (4+ yes old), start acting odd, due to the soder on the motherboard getting too hot and losing its connectivity. It's not super common, but older laptops which are not shut off regularly, are susceptible to this. It's kind of like if you've never slept to let your brain rest, you would start acting odd too.” You know what he is talking about. No analyicals needed folks!

We have had a lot of time in a beautiful setting (i.e. I call it as I l looked out the back window of the house we are at, I call it the Garden of Eden) and also walking on Pacific Ocean beaches to ponder, medicate and just think (i.e. a great opportunity to be still and quiet). You know the feeling! Well, I thought about a lot of things, no question. Some of my thoughts were perplexing and confusing and some very joyous! I admit it! Here is one of my many thoughts that I read and thought about--Keep what serves you or inspires you. Remove what distracts you.

Esther of Grace says--"Did you know walking is one of the best things we can do for our bodies? At least that's what I remember my doctor telling me years ago. Even better if we can find a hill or two to climb and get our heart rate up. Even better still to have a friend to walk with. And dare I say perfect if the walk is on one of our Valley's gorgeous trails, and my (energetic) pups are with us. --  We got our oldest pup just before the Pandemic. Who knew she was what would get me moving every day for those long months of feeling like we were pent up at home. I met new friends at the park, appropriately masked and distanced, and we walked and talked. It was so life-giving!  One of those friends continues to be one of my favorite walking partners... and accountability partners. Another healthy benefit for our body...and soul.  -- That same energetic pup and my newfound love to be moving outdoors got me connected to another friend who loves to hike. She introduced me to some great trails in our area. Inclines for our heart health, miles of wide-open space and fresh air for our body health, and deep conversations for our soul health. --  Sounds like a pretty good equation to me,  An energetic pup (or dear friend... or both) + great outdoors + a hill or two = Happy heart. Happy soul. 

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

erv

MyDeceasedFriend Jean said--The door of opportunity won't open unless we do some pushing.

past present future

My parents, Chester and Anna, sent me to school when I was the youngest kid in my class. Besides being young I was small for my age. What a disadvantage all through my school years in sooo many ways. That is the way they did it back then (i.e. what were they thinking!). My whole life might have been different if they might of  held me back for a year. But who knows, maybe it was better they didn't and maybe worse. But I think that decision affected me in my past, present and future. But I will never know now will I. But I want you to know that I was still in the top 5 in my class at Roseland, MN Elementary; there were only 5 in my class!

You ever make a phone call by mistake? Of course you did; we all do. I called a friend back and he said, I wasn’t calling you but just made a mistake; we had a great talk! I told him I do that, even more as I get older I think! Could be. It’s the aging process. A sweet old lady who I had the opportunity to drive to her doctor’s appointment, said to me—erv, aging is great as long as you don’t get sick; that’s the biggy! I asked my buddy at church for the cell number of Steve as Steve and I are going out for breakfast—he said, which Steve, there are three Steves—the old one—they are all old—the one who can’t hear very well—all three of them can’t hear very well. Oh man!

When we look in our rear view mirrors, wow, we think about many things alright! I wonder what the most common thought folks have when they think about their past. I have read many times that when people are about to die, they have many regrets of their past. Maybe we don’t think about such events when we are in the present and but do we wonder how our life will affect the future?

We are presently house sitting at our friends' house who Jeanne has been a friend with Linda since they were little girls in Yakama. Oh yes, we're taking care of their cat, Tim, as well! The first thing in the morning Tim comes into our bedroom and meows, then jumped on our bed, gets right in our faces, purrs, kneads and says good morning (i.e. I have never been around a house cat and didn't know what kneading was but I do now). I never experienced a house cat before in my past; but am now in the present; we might have a new future! Sooo for a week and a half we are going to explore the Pacific Ocean coast around Arroyo Grande, CA. 

Esther of Grace says--"I sit by the ocean Each wave brings a breath of peace Refreshed I walk on  --  Each one of us is either in the midst of a storm, about to head into a storm, just coming out of a storm, or know someone in a storm. It is good to know Who anchors us!"

Do you know any of these folks? Henry Doneit who has already finished it who represents the past, Doris Current who is represents the present who is on it and Stanley Braggadocious who represents the future as he’s bragging about what he’s gonna do. 

OneSmartLadyOnBismoBeach said--"Gratitude and thanksgiving always look back at the past though it may also take us to the present. But prayer always looks to the future.” King Solomon in Ecclesiastes says—There is no remembrance of men of old, and even those who are yet to come will not be remembered by those who follow. A friend back in IA kids me and said, erv, after you left Aplington, after about two weeks, all the folks forgot about you! I think he was kidding! But we all know it doesn’t take long! My new name is ervwho?

There is no medicine like hope, no incentive so great, and no tonic so powerful as the expectation of something better tomorrow. Now that is thinking about the future; very positive. ItchieBitchie says--"You can't get lucky if you don't take action. The best opportunity in the world is just a missed opportunity if you don't grab it." That opportunity is gone, it's in the past, never will show up again. I have said this many times—I pray for opportunities, I pray then that I might recognize them and then pray that I might have the courage to act on them.

When they planted the little trees and bushes, the folks down the street, thought they were soo cute (i.e. that was the past. Now they are an eye sore as they are way overgrown; it’s a mess (i.e. that’s the present). Some day those bushes and  trees will have to be cut down at a huge massive cost (i.e. that is the future). Wouldn’t it been easier to just trim the trees and bushes each year? Could this be an analogy to our life.

CoachB says--A person's prior history is a strong determinant of future performance.   

Past present future! Mike asked us what time it was which started a incredible conversation. Mike who owned a surf shop for 40 year was diagnosed with bladder cancer that metabolized to his brain and was told he had about a year to live. He said miraculously I no longer have cancer. He said--I thank God every day; I don't like to tell people about this as I think it might jinks me! Are you a believer--yes, I believe in Jesus but have many questions, I just don't understand many things but oh, I'm soooo thankful. It is my second time surfing after 3 surgeries and many drugs; I am very weak but got up on my knees today; I am sooo thankful to be alive and I praise Jesus every day. We prayed together right there on Pismo Beach!

Saturday question—Do we live our life in the past, present or future? Maybe we live in all three! Could be. Some folks talk continuously about their past, others about what they are doing currently with their lives and others about what they hope to do some day. When we talk to folks, it doesn’t take long to figure out where they are living their life, my opinion. What kind of person do we enjoy being around the most? What kind of person has probably the best mental health?

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

erv

MyDeceasedFriendJean said--People don't need our advice as much as our love.

sore spot

The doctor says, does it hurt here—no--does it hurt here—no--does it hurt here—yes---the sore spot is your appendices, we can fix that!

I hear many seniors talk about how concerned/worried they are because of their children and grandchildren. Some even their great grandchildren. It might be the greatest concern of their lives and it consumes much of seniors’ thinking and minds. It is sorta kinda a sore spot! But flipthepancake, for many seniors their children, grandkids and great grandkids are sweet spots! And some a mixture!

Dr. J says—"The book of Proverbs suggests two primary means for raising a child in “the way”: instruction and correction (discipline). Instruction identifies the way and starts them on it; correction puts him back on the way they should go when they stray from it.” Jeanne's great granddaughter was at our house recently (i.e. she is 7 years old and a sweet little gal). Her mother told us she said to her--I don't like it when you discipline me mom but I know it's your job! We wonder where she got that from!

All people might have sore spots in their lives, “some could have a festering sore spot” in which we are careful not to talk about (e.g. it could be trauma in someone’s past such as bad and hurtful parents). Some people are touchy about such things as it brings back bad memories because of their past and it hurts very much a.k.a. it's a sore spot to even think about it. We try to be sensitive about such subjects of others unless they bring it up and want to talk about it. It appears some folks might have many sore spots of their past. Do you have any sore spots? Those sore spots when irritated can make some folks just explode!

Soooo, how can we get rid of our sore spots? Good question. You probably heard and know all the ways. Sooo, which one is the best? Believers in Jesus have a special way to fix it. But even we have a hard time to fully understand it and don’t always use the method. It seems soooo easy and it costs us nuttin! Many times we even keep wallowing in the mud! SusieQ says--Yabut erv, it fells so good to wallow in the mud! The late Dolly Parton said--"I'm one of those people who, even if things are not right, goes about trying to make it as right as I can rather than just lying around on my ass and wallowing in it all day."

At Crescent City, Oregon there is a huge harbor full of commercial fishing boats. We walked down in the harbor and talked to Stacey, an Average Joe trying to make a living, the owner of a boat. He was the third generation of being a fisherman. His son who works with him on the boat does not have much interest in fishing, so the fourth generation of fisherman might end the tradition (i.e. sorta kinda a sore spot we could feel that he had). He told us all about the fishing business which was very interesting to us. We were standing next to his boat and we asked him about the symbol of a fish behind the boat's name which is that of a believer. He said he was not a believer, but there is a superstition that if you ever change the name of the boat when you buy it, it is bad luck so I just leave it alone. So you are very superstitious then. No, not at all, but just in case!

Esther of Grace says--When was the last time you felt awe?  I was talking with a friend who did an amazing hike out of country and she was telling me how overwhelmed she felt in some spots. She lives in a beautiful part of the US and takes advantage of the outdoors as much as she can but she said she hadn’t felt “awe” in a long time. When she was on her 4-day out of country hike, she said the feeling of awe and wonder came up multiple times a day! I thought about our conversation a few days later and realized when I am hiking in our city limits (we have gorgeous trails) I experience awe. It may be a simple view of the Valley and farms, or it may be the wildflowers dancing in the breeze. The wonder and joy of it all can and has taken my breath away. For you it might be something different - your children or grandchildren? A sunset on a warm summer’s night? A perfect sourdough loaf slathered in butter? I hope we encourage one another to provide space and time to be awed. Opportunities are all around us, we just need to raise our eyes and take it in.

We are exploring and experiencing the coasts of Oregon and northern and central California. It's beautiful soooo we can relate to what Esther of Grace is referring to. We were on a hiking trail in the redwoods and were talking with a couple who were in their late 20s; he said, "I get tears in my eyes here!" Jeanne says--"As we walked the magnificent redwood forest trails, understanding that the trees support each other by intertwining roots, and walk the beaches with the vibrant sounds of crashing waves, soring birds and laughing families, the Web of Life makes my soul sing!" Personally, I just stand in awe of the beauty of His majestic creation, it is very humbling to me; I can't explain it; it makes me tremble tremble! Nina expresses her feeling in the pic. 

Soooo let’s talk about the sweet spots of our life. It appears to me sweet spots really do vary with different types of folks, my opinion. It seems it depends on where our values are and where we get our values from. The world tells us sweet spots are more material stuff, that’s how it’s measured. My mentor would say to me, erv, the worldly golden rule is whoever has the most gold rules. If we compare that to the golden rule of the Bible which is “treat others like you want to be treated," I would guess our sweet spots might be different. JoeSixPack says—Takers never have enough and are never happy but givers are always happy.

On our adventure we stopped at Bandon, OR for a break and lunch. We met and had lunch with Fran and Roger from Louisiana at a beach clam shack. She was 84 and he was 80 and they were on their second marriage because of death of their first spouses and have been married for six years, very similar to our experience. They were Southern Baptist. We enjoyed them very very much. What an opportunity for us and them maybe. She said to Jeannie as I was getting some napkins, we almost feel guilty that we are having so much fun. Anyway, I had clam chowder for lunch again, eating the local cuisine. We had so much fun with them. A great experience! Ike our waiter's shirt says it all--I'm too cute to be cRabby! What fun!

This might be a sore spot to some; Coach B says—"Discipline will beat talent most of the time!” That could be Coach B but discipline, talent, faith in God, personality and love all put into one person makes a really great person. No sore spots!

Steve, anybody can be a Steve, says—"At any given time, somewhere in the world, there is a battle taking place. There may be two or more countries at war or there may be a civil war occurring within one country. Those battles are obvious to all who witness them. However, every day, every person also faces invisible spiritual battles, between pleasing the desires of the flesh and following the leading of the Holy Spirit.” Steve, that is of course if folks believe in the Holy Spirt; if they don’t, there is no battle. Or is there?

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

erv

MyDeceasedFriendJean says--Sometimes the best thing to get off your chest is your chin.