talk like a pirate day

RRR matey! It's here again. National talk like a Pirate day.

What does a pirate say on his 80th birthday??? I'm Eighty! [aye matey]


What do you say to a pirate captain with one eye? Aye Captain.
What do you say to a pirate captain with two eyes? Aye Aye Captain.

What kind of movies do pirates watch? Rated RRR

Why are pirates cool??? They just RRR

What is a pirate's favorite letter???

RRR you say, no it's The C

A pirate walks into a bar. The bartender say, Hey I haven't seen you in months. You look terrible. What happened to your leg? The pirate says, RRR a cannon ball took my leg off at the knee so now I have this wooden leg.

The bartender says, and what about your hand? How did you get that hook? RRR the pirate says, I was in a sword fight, and right before I run the bloke thru, he chops off my hand. So now I have this hook.

The bartender say, and you eye? How did you get the patch? The pirate says, RRR don't che know, a seagull pooped in my eye.

The bartender quite confused asks, you lost your eye because a seagull pooped in your eye? Nooo the pirate says, but don't che know it was the first day of my new hook!!!

I love that joke!

by the way, where do pirates buy their hooks? At the second hand store.

RRR its a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

- - - - - - - -

Sherri Swanson and I are leading a trip to New Zealand January 30-Feb 12, 2027
If you want to sign up, you can use my host number 17768 or Sherri's 57707
Here is a link for more information
Click here for New Zealand Info

Sherri Swanson and I are also leading a Canada/New England cruise in September of 2027
Here is the link for more information

click here for Canada New England cruise info

From my friend Cathy M

Thanks Cathy for the picture... its a great thought... loaning someone your strength instead of reminding them of their weakness.

Reminds me of the song by Bill Withers, "Lean on me."

"Lean On Me"

Sometimes in our lives
We all have pain, we all have sorrow.
But if we are wise,
We know that there's always tomorrow.

Lean on me when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend, I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
'Til I'm gonna need somebody to lean on.

Please swallow your pride
If I have things you need to borrow
For no one can fill those of your needs
That you won't let show.

You just call on me, brother, when you need a hand
We all need somebody to lean on.
I just might have a problem that you'll understand,
We all need somebody to lean on.

Lean on me when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
'Til I'm gonna need somebody to lean on

You just call on me, brother, when you need a hand
We all need somebody to lean on.
I just might have a problem that you'll understand,
We all need somebody to lean on.

If there is a load
You have to bear
That you can't carry
I'm right up the road
I'll share your load
If you just call me.

Call me if you need a friend
Call me, call me, uh-huh
Call me when you need a friend
Call me if you ever need a friend
Call me, call me
Call me, call me
Call me, call me
Call me, call me
Call me if you need a friend
Call me, call me
Call me, call me
Call me, call me
Call me, call me
Call me


It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to be the good.

- - - - - - - -

Sherri Swanson and I are leading a trip to New Zealand January 30-Feb 12, 2027
If you want to sign up, you can use my host number 17768 or Sherri's 57707
Here is a link for more information
Click here for New Zealand Info

Sherri Swanson and I are also leading a Canada/New England cruise in September of 2027
Here is the link for more information

click here for Canada New England cruise info

feeling sorry for myself

I was watching the movie, "Those who wish me dead" on Netflix.  Angelina Jolie is the star.  In the movie, she meets and helps a young boy.

She has her own problems, but after meeting him and talking with him, she says, "It is impossible for me to feel sorry for myself when I am around you."

That struck a cord with me.

I have my problems.  I have my history.  Some of you know of my pain.   If you don't, I would tell you that some of what I have faced in my life would bring you to tears.  But then I have met people like this boy in the movie.

When I hear the stories of others, I realize that they have had it much worse.  Their spouse died.  Their children died.  They lost everything.  They have cancer.

And I realize that I cannot feel sorry for myself when I am around them.

Maybe I shouldn't feel sorry for myself at all.  What has happened to me in this life is common to humans.  And it could have been much worse.

Maybe instead of feeling sorry for myself, I should focus on being grateful.  Because when you look at the balance sheet, the good things in my life far outweigh the pain.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to be the good.



- - - - - - - -

Sherri Swanson and I are leading a trip to New Zealand January 30-Feb 12, 2027
If you want to sign up, you can use my host number 17768 or Sherri's 57707
Here is a link for more information
Click here for New Zealand Info

Sherri Swanson and I are also leading a Canada/New England cruise in September of 2027
Here is the link for more information

click here for Canada New England cruise info

disposable income

 

I was driving by Topgolf and I was struck with a thought.  I thought how interesting it is to live in a country where we have so much disposable income that businesses are created simply for our entertainment. 

We have golf courses.  Tennis clubs.  Simulated golfing.  Canoeing.  White water rafting.  Bowling alleys.  On and on and on and on it goes.  And on and on.

In many other countries around the world you just work and work and work until you die.

We have a lot to be thankful for



It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to be the good.



- - - - - - - -

Sherri Swanson and I are leading a trip to New Zealand January 30-Feb 12, 2027
If you want to sign up, you can use my host number 17768 or Sherri's 57707
Here is a link for more information
Click here for New Zealand Info

Sherri Swanson and I are also leading a Canada/New England cruise in September of 2027
Here is the link for more information

click here for Canada New England cruise info

contagious

 

I recently saw this sign in an airport.  I loved it.  I think it is true.  Our attitudes are contagious.  If you are smiling, others will likely smile.  If you are grouchy you will get that back as well.

Whatever you and I are pumping out into the world will likely increase.

Let's be brokers of love, hope and kindness.  Maybe it will be contagious.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to be the good.



- - - - - - - -

Sherri Swanson and I are leading a trip to New Zealand January 30-Feb 12, 2027
If you want to sign up, you can use my host number 17768 or Sherri's 57707
Here is a link for more information
Click here for New Zealand Info

Sherri Swanson and I are also leading a Canada/New England cruise in September of 2027
Here is the link for more information

click here for Canada New England cruise info

to confide

To confide is to share something private with someone that you trust.

A few weeks ago, a friend confided in me. We talked about the issue. I hope that it was helpful. After the fact, I thought about how special it was, it is to feel trusted. How special it was that this person confided in me.

I hope you have someone that you can talk to when you need to talk.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to be the good.

- - - - - - - -

Sherri Swanson and I are leading a trip to New Zealand January 30-Feb 12, 2027
If you want to sign up, you can use my host number 17768 or Sherri's 57707
Here is a link for more information
Click here for New Zealand Info

Sherri Swanson and I are also leading a Canada/New England cruise in September of 2027
Here is the link for more information

click here for Canada New England cruise info

We must always sing

I watched a very difficult movie on Netflix called "Waiting for the Barbarians."  It is very painful and so I cannot recommend it.

However, there was a quote that I found to be quite intriguing.  The main character, after suffering much outrage says, 

"What bird has the heart to sing, in a thicket of thorns?"

And this quote reminds me of the Henry Van Dyke quote which I am paraphrasing... "the forest would be a very quiet place if the only birds that sang were the ones with the good voices."

My point it this...  Whether good times or bad, whether joy or pain, even in a thicket of thorns, we who are God's birds, must sing our songs of life. our songs of hope, our songs of joy.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to be the good.

- - - - - - - -
Sherri Swanson and I are leading a trip to New Zealand January 30-Feb 12, 2027
If you want to sign up, you can use my host number 17768 or Sherri's 57707
Here is a link for more information
Click here for New Zealand Info

Sherri Swanson and I are also leading a Canada/New England cruise in September of 2027
Here is the link for more information

click here for Canada New England cruise info

Crazy Hair Man

One day last week I was gonna fly on an airplane so I went to Walmart to buy chocolate for the flight attendants.

Two - 10 packs per flight leg. Two legs there and two legs home. That’s eight strips [10 packs] of chocolate.

That is a pretty good stack of Chocolate.

When I went to check out I noticed that the person that was keeping an eye on the self checkouts was a large, funny looking young man with funny, crazy hair and lots of piercings.

I wasn't scared of him but I kept my distance. Ok, he might have been a little bit scarry.

I plopped my stack of twix and Kit Kat on the scanner. He spoke to me and said, "what are you gonna do with all that candy?" I said, "I’m going to give it to Flight attendants on an airplane." The Crazy looking young man said, "wow, that’s fantastic. Not very many people do nice things anymore." I replied, "and it’s not that hard to be nice. Is it?" The man with the Crazy hair said, "no it’s not that hard to be nice, and the amazing thing about being nice is if you do it enough, it just becomes a natural part of who you are."

I loved that he said that. And I felt like a jerk for judging him by his looks.

"The amazing thing about being nice is if you do it enough, it just becomes a natural part of who you are." Crazy Hair

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to be the good.

- - - - - - - -
Sherri Swanson and I are leading a trip to New Zealand January 30-Feb 12, 2027
If you want to sign up, you can use my host number 17768 or Sherri's 57707
Here is a link for more information
Click here for New Zealand Info

Sherri Swanson and I are also leading a Canada/New England cruise in September of 2027
Here is the link for more information

click here for Canada New England cruise info

September 11

Much like December 7th, September 11th is a day which will be remembered.

It’s been 25 years.  And a lot has changed over those 25 years. 

I just want to suggest today that we pause to remember those who died in the attack. That includes my son-in-law‘s aunt. 

May we also pause on this day to remember that right wrong or indifferent, we live in the greatest country on earth.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to be the good.

- - - - - - - -
Sherri Swanson and I are leading a trip to New Zealand January 30-Feb 12, 2027
If you want to sign up, you can use my host number 17768 or Sherri's 57707
Here is a link for more information
Click here for New Zealand Info

Sherri Swanson and I are also leading a Canada/New England cruise in September of 2027
Here is the link for more information

click here for Canada New England cruise info

I needed to cry

Doug and Nicole

Last week my friend Doug Franklin died suddenly.  He was such a good man.  He had a great smile and a great sense of humor.  He will surely be missed by his wife Nicole, their four children and so many friends.

He was a big KC Royals fan and a great pastor.  He was a great human.

This death hit me hard.  If you knew him and you are reading this, I am sure that you are tearing up.  He was a fantastic man.

I needed to cry.

I needed to cry.  But I couldn't for some reason.  I hate that feeling when you know you need to cry but you don't.

Last Sunday I sat through church service.  Pastor Tim did a great job as always.  At the end of the service I went up for communion.  When Mary Weden handed me the bread and said, "the body of Christ is broken for you"  I lost it.

I started to cry.  I started to sob.  I had to sit down.

I am crying now as I write this.

Doug, I loved you.  I will miss you.  I know I will see you again. 

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to be the good.

- - - - - - - -
Sherri Swanson and I are leading a trip to New Zealand January 30-Feb 12, 2027
If you want to sign up, you can use my host number 17768 or Sherri's 57707
Here is a link for more information
Click here for New Zealand Info

Sherri Swanson and I are also leading a Canada/New England cruise in September of 2027
Here is the link for more information

click here for Canada New England cruise info

The beauty of a day

So let me begin by reaching out to the woman that I gave my business card to on Sunday morning at church.  Send me an email and I will get you added to the blog if you want to be added.

Now for some quotes...

The longer I live, the more beautiful life becomes.  Frank Lloyd Wright

God Help me to be surprised and delighted by life.  Bruce M

Jeff adds his 2 cents worth... I am so grateful for every morning that I wake up.  Another beautiful day in God's world!!!

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to be the good.

- - - - - - - -
Sherri Swanson and I are leading a trip to New Zealand January 30-Feb 12, 2027
If you want to sign up, you can use my host number 17768 or Sherri's 57707
Here is a link for more information
Click here for New Zealand Info

Sherri Swanson and I are also leading a Canada/New England cruise in September of 2027
Here is the link for more information

click here for Canada New England cruise info

me into we

You know I’ve been watching Ted Lasso on Apple TV. It’s an interesting quote that he delivered to the star player on his team. He said, "If you could just turn that me into an us."

Isn’t that true? I think human nature causes us to be selfish, to be turned in. And the challenge of life is to turn the "me into a we" or the "me into an us."

Lord help us get to the point where I’m thinking not simply of myself but of others as well.

Romans 12:10
"Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves."

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to be the good.



- - - - - - - -

Sherri Swanson and I are leading a trip to New Zealand January 30-Feb 12, 2027
If you want to sign up, you can use my host number 17768 or Sherri's 57707
Here is a link for more information
Click here for New Zealand Info

Sherri Swanson and I are also leading a Canada/New England cruise in September of 2027
Here is the link for more information

click here for Canada New England cruise info

Winnie the Pooh

[from my friend Kim B]

Eeyore asks Pooh, "How do you forgive someone who never thought that they did something wrong?"

Pooh responds... “Perhaps forgiveness isn’t always something we give because they deserve it, Eeyore.”

Jeff adds a thought... I forgive those who hurt me because if I don't, I become caustic. I forgive them for my own mental health. And I forgive them because that is what I would want someone else to do for me.  And as I work the process, I want them to do well.  I want them to have good in their lives.

There are hundreds of ways to hold a grudge.  None of them compare to the joy, to the gift of forgiveness.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to be the good.

- - - - - - - -
Sherri Swanson and I are leading a trip to New Zealand January 30-Feb 12, 2027
If you want to sign up, you can use my host number 17768 or Sherri's 57707
Here is a link for more information
Click here for New Zealand Info

Sherri Swanson and I are also leading a Canada/New England cruise in September of 2027
Here is the link for more information

click here for Canada New England cruise info

a note

I was going thru some old pictures.  I found this. 

It makes me happy that I was, we were, thinking like this even 20 years ago.

It is still a great prayer.  Simple but great!!!

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to be the good.

- - - - - - - -
Sherri Swanson and I are leading a trip to New Zealand January 30-Feb 12, 2027
If you want to sign up, you can use my host number 17768 or Sherri's 57707
Here is a link for more information
Click here for New Zealand Info

Sherri Swanson and I are also leading a Canada/New England cruise in September of 2027
Here is the link for more information

click here for Canada New England cruise info

Experience

I am 69 years old.  I have experience with pain.  Not all kinds of pain, but I have known knee pain.  I have known pinched nerves.  I have been thrown away by people that I loved.  And I was once on an airplane that almost crashed.  When the flight attendant start to cry, you know it is serious.

I am not a spring chicken.

So last week I was on an airplane.  One row back and on the other side was a mother with two children.  An 8 year old boy and a 13 year old daughter.

After the plane took off, when it was transitioning through the clouds towards it's ultimate flight altitude, we experienced some turbulence.  It wasn't bad, but this was the first flight for the two children.  The thirteen year old daughter responded to the turbulence with fear, shouting and crying out loud.

Everyone around her, including me, tried to reassure her that everything was ok.  She finally calmed down.

The moral of the story is this... the pain that we deal with along the way of life helps us to deal with other pain and more pain.  And it helps us to mentor those who are experiencing pain for the first time.

I have never welcomed pain, but I see now that what I have suffered with along the way has helped me face today's pain with grace and maybe has helped me offer a steadying hand to others who have not travelled this way before.

Offer a steadying hand whenever you are able.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to be the good.

- - - - - - - -
Sherri Swanson and I are leading a trip to New Zealand January 30-Feb 12, 2027
If you want to sign up, you can use my host number 17768 or Sherri's 57707
Here is a link for more information
Click here for New Zealand Info

Sherri Swanson and I are also leading a Canada/New England cruise in September of 2027
Here is the link for more information

click here for Canada New England cruise info

Blessed are the...

We go on a lot of trips.  Things happen on trips.  There are flight delays.  Once someone lost a wedding ring.  Someone else had to change room mates.  There are difficult things that come up.

Things happen.  

And we have a saying.  We stamp it onto the luggage of every trip.  It is a part of our travel logos.

My friend Joni has this hanging on the wall in her office.

I hope you see that this is good advice.  Not just for a trip.  But for life.  For every day life.

Blessed are the flexible for they will not be bent out of shape.

Go with the flow.  Learn to play the hand that you are dealt.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to be the good.

- - - - - - - -
Sherri Swanson and I are leading a trip to New Zealand January 30-Feb 12, 2027
If you want to sign up, you can use my host number 17768 or Sherri's 57707
Here is a link for more information
Click here for New Zealand Info

Sherri Swanson and I are also leading a Canada/New England cruise in September of 2027
Here is the link for more information

click here for Canada New England cruise info

Dolly Parton

As I am sure you know, Dolly Parton passed at the age of 80.  My favorite song of hers is Islands in the Stream, a duet with Kenny Rogers.

My buddy Jeff sent me this about Dolly...

I love this.  Imagine being famous for your hits.  For your success.

And then being celebrated when you die for your generosity.  I love that.

May we all be remembered for our kindness.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to be the good.

- - - - - - - -
Sherri Swanson and I are leading a trip to New Zealand January 30-Feb 12, 2027
If you want to sign up, you can use my host number 17768 or Sherri's 57707
Here is a link for more information
Click here for New Zealand Info

Sherri Swanson and I are also leading a Canada/New England cruise in September of 2027
Here is the link for more information

click here for Canada New England cruise info

1,000 friends

Someone has 1,000 friends.  Then they did something.  They did something that ruffled feathers to say the least.

People started throwing rocks.  I had a decision to make.  All 1,000 friends had a decision to make.

Here is my decision...

If 990 friends or former friends are throwing rocks, I want to be standing with the ten.  With the ten who are standing with the person... whatever they did.  I would rather have a few rocks bounce off of my forehead than to be throwing rocks.

Those of you who are without sin, cast the first stone.  Someone needs to stand with the broken.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to be the good.

- - - - - - - -
Sherri Swanson and I are leading a trip to New Zealand January 30-Feb 12, 2027
If you want to sign up, you can use my host number 17768 or Sherri's 57707
Here is a link for more information
Click here for New Zealand Info

Sherri Swanson and I are also leading a Canada/New England cruise in September of 2027
Here is the link for more information

click here for Canada New England cruise info

The Power

The power.  The power of a smile.

When you walk into a room, if no one is smiling, what do you think?  How do you feel?

On the other hand, when you walk into a room or a restaurant and someone greets you with a smile, doesn't that feel good???

Others can bless you with a smile.  They can set a tone.  

And so can we.

When we enter a situation, we can greet it with ambivalence or we can bring a smile to the table.  Try the smile every time.

There is great power in the gift of a smile.  Keep sharing it!

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to be the good.

- - - - - - - -
Sherri Swanson and I are leading a trip to New Zealand January 30-Feb 12, 2027
If you want to sign up, you can use my host number 17768 or Sherri's 57707
Here is a link for more information
Click here for New Zealand Info

Sherri Swanson and I are also leading a Canada/New England cruise in September of 2027
Here is the link for more information

click here for Canada New England cruise info

Impossible

There are some things in life that it is just impossible to make sense of.

Cancer.  The death of a child.  Suicide.  Child-abuse.

Some times I hear a story, or I think of a story that I know, and I have no resolution.  I have nothing.

I wish I had more answers, I wish I had the right thing to say, but some things in life are just impossible to make sense of.

Sometimes we humans just need to hug each other, and pray for the presence of God.  Being with friends helps me to deal with such times.

It's still a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

- - - - - - - -
Sherri Swanson and I are leading a trip to New Zealand January 30-Feb 12, 2027
If you want to sign up, you can use my host number 17768 or Sherri's 57707
Here is a link for more information
Click here for New Zealand Info

Sherri Swanson and I are also leading a Canada/New England cruise in September of 2027
Here is the link for more information

click here for Canada New England cruise info

It's good to care

A quote from the movie "In the Land of Saints and Sinners" with Liam Neeson.  Fearing his impending death, he gives his cat to a young girl to take care of.

He tells her, "it's good to care, even if it hurts.  It keeps you human."

I would add that when we stop caring, we become hardened and mean.  We can become bitter, even psychopathic.

It is indeed good to care, even if it hurts.  It keeps you human.  Being human, being a caring person feels good - it feels right.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

- - - - - - - -
Sherri Swanson and I are leading a trip to New Zealand January 30-Feb 12, 2027
If you want to sign up, you can use my host number 17768 or Sherri's 57707
Here is a link for more information
Click here for New Zealand Info

Sherri Swanson and I are also leading a Canada/New England cruise in September of 2027
Here is the link for more information

click here for Canada New England cruise info

The bridge of forgetfulness

The bridge of forgetfulness is a phrase that is used in some religions to describe the passing over  to the next life.

In my mind, I have always associated it with the experience of allowing a thought or thoughts to leave my brain.  Just let them wash away under the bridge of forgetfulness.

Recently a friend of mine was hurt.  Totally unnecessarily.  I can offer my pat answers... "consider the source."  "put the rejection in perspective." "they were being small and petty."  "her words tell us more about her than it does about us."

But I am not a fan of pat answers.  

What I really hope for my friends who have been hurt is that in a very short time, the pain that they are feeling will wash away under the bridge of forgetfulness.

We have all had hurts.  I hope that you can allow yours to travel downstream, under the bridge and off to another land.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

- - - - - - - -
Sherri Swanson and I are leading a trip to New Zealand January 30-Feb 12, 2027
If you want to sign up, you can use my host number 17768 or Sherri's 57707
Here is a link for more information
Click here for New Zealand Info

Sherri Swanson and I are also leading a Canada/New England cruise in September of 2027
Here is the link for more information

click here for Canada New England cruise info

to fight against judgmental thoughts

In response to a post about judgmental thoughts, my friend Judi offered this... My pastor [not Jeff] once preached a sermon that helped me find a super fast way to turn my mind around when I start to judge someone or something.   I stop right away and say the words "peace" and "humility."   Those two words redirect whatever my mind is on!  

What do I want for life?  Peace and love for others.  What right do I have to judge? Humility!

And I, Jeff add this comment... So the next time you find yourself feeling judgmental, think on the concepts of peace and humility.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

- - - - - - - -
Sherri Swanson and I are leading a trip to New Zealand January 30-Feb 12, 2027
If you want to sign up, you can use my host number 17768 or Sherri's 57707
Here is a link for more information
Click here for New Zealand Info

Sherri Swanson and I are also leading a Canada/New England cruise in September of 2027
Here is the link for more information

click here for Canada New England cruise info

Ted Lasso

A few years ago, my buddy Aaron I. tried to get me to watch Ted Lasso.  I couldn't get into it at the time.  But I am loving it now.

In one episode a couple of the characters are discussing the privilege that we Americans know.  He said, "we fell out of the lucky tree and hit every branch on the way down..."  

Recently I was on a cruise.  I thought of how most of the workers on the ship are away from their families for months at a time.  I thought of how they live in very tight conditions and work very long hours.

Sure it is a better job than they would have at home in India or the Philippines, but these are not jobs that most Americans want.

A reminder... if you were born in the United States, you were born rounding 3rd base.

We have so much to be thankful for.

It's a beautiful day in God's world,  be sure to see the good.

- - - - - - - -
Sherri Swanson and I are leading a trip to New Zealand January 30-Feb 12, 2027
If you want to sign up, you can use my host number 17768 or Sherri's 57707
Here is a link for more information
Click here for New Zealand Info

Sherri Swanson and I are also leading a Canada/New England cruise in September of 2027
Here is the link for more information

click here for Canada New England cruise info

I used to be so different...

I have posted this before, but it is one of my favorite stories.  It reminds me to really "see" others.  Also as I grow older, I would like for young people to remember that I used to be very different than I am now...

An Old Lady's Poem

What do you see, nurses, what do you see?
What are you thinking when you're looking at me?
A crabby old woman, not very wise,
Uncertain of habit, with faraway eyes?
Who dribbles her food and makes no reply
When you say in a loud voice, "I do wish you'd try!"
Who seems not to notice the things that you do,
And forever is losing a stocking or shoe.....
Who, resisting or not, lets you do as you will,
With bathing and feeding, the long day to fill....
Is that what you're thinking? Is that what you see?
Then open your eyes, nurse; you're not looking at me.

I'll tell you who I am as I sit here so still,
As I do at your bidding, as I eat at your will.
I'm a small child of ten ...with a father and mother,
Brothers and sisters, who love one another.
A young girl of sixteen, with wings on her feet,
Dreaming that soon now a lover she'll meet.
A bride soon at twenty -- my heart gives a leap,
Remembering the vows that I promised to keep.
At twenty-five now, I have young of my own,
Who need me to guide and a secure happy home.
A woman of thirty, my young now grown fast,
Bound to each other with ties that should last.
At forty, my young sons have grown and are gone,
But my man's beside me to see I don't mourn.
At fifty once more, babies play round my knee,
Again we know children, my loved one and me.
Dark days are upon me, my husband is dead;
I look at the future, I shudder with dread.
For my young are all rearing young of their own,
And I think of the years and the love that I've known.

I'm now an old woman ...and nature is cruel;
'Tis jest to make old age look like a fool.
The body, it crumbles, grace and vigor depart,
There is now a stone where I once had a heart.
But inside this old carcass a young girl still dwells,
And now and again my battered heart swells.
I remember the joys, I remember the pain,
And I'm loving and living life over again.
I think of the years ....all too few, gone too fast,
And accept the stark fact that nothing can last.

So open your eyes, nurses, open and see,
...Not a crabby old woman; look closer ...see ME!!

Dear friends... all around us are beautiful people... let us be sure to SEE them.

- - - - - - - -
Sherri Swanson and I are leading a trip to New Zealand January 30-Feb 12, 2027
If you want to sign up, you can use my host number 17768 or Sherri's 57707
Here is a link for more information
Click here for New Zealand Info

Sherri Swanson and I are also leading a Canada/New England cruise in September of 2027
Here is the link for more information

click here for Canada New England cruise info

Get my expectations out of the way

My expectations of you are not fair.

To truly love someone is to see them as they are; 

not through our expectations, memories, fears, or desires.

If I want something from you, if I expect you to behave

in a certain way, that is not love.

I don't begin to love you until I get myself out of the way.

To truly love someone is to see them as they are; 

not through our expectations, memories, fears, or desires.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to be the good.

- - - - - - - -
Sherri Swanson and I are leading a trip to New Zealand January 30-Feb 12, 2027
If you want to sign up, you can use my host number 17768 or Sherri's 57707
Here is a link for more information
Click here for New Zealand Info

Sherri Swanson and I are also leading a Canada/New England cruise in September of 2027
Here is the link for more information

click here for Canada New England cruise info

Movie Quote

I have several favorite movies. I was watching one the other day.

[Email me and I will tell you the name of the movie.]

But in the movie, one soldier is helping another and says,

"Today I put this on your wound - [to heal you]
Tomorrow you help someone when they fall.
We are not meant to be alone"

I love that.  I will help you and you owe me nothing.  Just help someone else.  Pick up another broken person.  We are not meant to live this life alone.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to be the good.

- - - - - - - -
Sherri Swanson and I are leading a trip to New Zealand January 30-Feb 12, 2027
If you want to sign up, you can use my host number 17768 or Sherri's 57707
Here is a link for more information
Click here for New Zealand Info

Sherri Swanson and I are also leading a Canada/New England cruise in September of 2027
Here is the link for more information

click here for Canada New England cruise info

I don't believe that either

Some people tell me that they don't believe in God or Jesus or both.   I think that often, what they really mean is this - they don't believe in the God or Jesus that many Christians portray. 

Many Christians hold out a God and a Jesus that is angry, judgmental, wears a suit and tie, and is a bit uppity.

I don't believe in that God or Jesus either.

When Christians begin to hold out the God and Jesus that are loving, gracious, and welcoming, I think there will be more believers in this world.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to be the good.

- - - - - - - -
Sherri Swanson and I are leading a trip to New Zealand January 30-Feb 12, 2027
If you want to sign up, you can use my host number 17768 or Sherri's 57707
Here is a link for more information
Click here for New Zealand Info

Sherri Swanson and I are also leading a Canada/New England cruise in September of 2027
Here is the link for more information

click here for Canada New England cruise info

Thumbs

I was washing my hands the other day.  I remembered how my wife taught me after she went to work at Children's Mercy Hospital, that if you don't wash your thumbs too, you aren't washing your hands.

Anyway I was washing my hands the other day because I had picked up some stuff from the parking lot and my hands were gritty.   How delightful it was to turn on the faucet and squirt the soap out and clean my hands.

Then it occurred to me: many people around the world, maybe even most people, do not have the privilege of washing their hands as we do. The lack of water, the lack of clean water and the absence of soap would all keep one from washing their hands as we do.

I paused to thank God for the simple gift of washing my hands. We take way too much for granted. I thank God for the gift of water and soap.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to be the good.

- - - - - - - -
Sherri Swanson and I are leading a trip to New Zealand January 30-Feb 12, 2027
If you want to sign up, you can use my host number 17768 or Sherri's 57707
Here is a link for more information
Click here for New Zealand Info

Sherri Swanson and I are also leading a Canada/New England cruise in September of 2027
Here is the link for more information

click here for Canada New England cruise info

thoughts on judging others

I think that most of us by nature tend to gravitate towards right vs wrong, good vs bad, right vs left. This ongoing need to divide people into two groups creates a good deal of worry and angst in our lives. Folks that get fixated in the world of judgments end up living a life that is constantly consumed by conflict.

So what if someone voted for the other candidate. Does that make them bad? Does that make them an enemy? So what if someone has a different opinion from you on capital punishment? So what if they root for the other sports team? We have come to define ourselves by being on a certain team instead of being on the human team.

Jesus loved everyone. He welcomed everyone. He embraced Jayhawks, and Gators and Tigers and Seminoles. Labels meant nothing to him. It did not bother him that Matthew was a tax collector or Simon a Zealot. Peter wasn't seen as an uneducated fisherman, he was seen as a person created by God, because Jesus saw him for what he was.

Someone will say to me, "but Jeff, they are wrong!" Maybe so, but that is not mine to judge. Judge not lest ye be judged. Yes they may or may not be going to heaven, but who made me in charge of that? Are you in charge of that? When we set ourselves up as the judge, all of life becomes a tension filled courtroom.

On the other hand, when we begin to release ourselves from the need to judge others- love, peace and joy rise to the top. It is like they were there all the time, we just had to get ourselves out of the way.

Try it. Make a concerted effort to release others from the labels of the past and just see them as someone that God made. What the world needs now is love- still.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to be the good.

- - - - - - - -
Sherri Swanson and I are leading a trip to New Zealand January 30-Feb 12, 2027
If you want to sign up, you can use my host number 17768 or Sherri's 57707
Here is a link for more information
Click here for New Zealand Info

Sherri Swanson and I are also leading a Canada/New England cruise in September of 2027
Here is the link for more information

click here for Canada New England cruise info