A prayer for these times...

I got this from my buddy Bruce. The author is someone named Nadia Bolz-Weber.  Spoiler alert, it includes a bad word...


Dear God,

Not sure if you’ve noticed, but the world feels pretty unhinged at the moment.

Reading the news makes me feel powerless, angry, and terrified. And because I don’t want to feel like that all the time, I sort of zone out on TV and Instagram, which makes me feel better...for a minute. Then I just feel worse, because life is rare and precious and we only get so many hours, and I just spent 1.2 of them scrolling videos an algorithm picked out just for me, because apparently I’m both more predictable and more manipulable than I like to think.

So, I won’t ask for you to fix the world to suit me because better people than I have tried those prayers and they don’t work, so could you maybe just help me be in this world without letting it hollow me out quite so much?


And if you’re not going to just fix this shit (which, again, I assume you’re not), then could you help me to see where you ARE knitting together what I’ve unraveled, where you ARE ushering in reconciliation between people who have disappointed each other again, where you ARE quietly loving us into tomorrow?

And please let me know what I can do down here, even if it’s small. (And make it obvious please, because I tend to miss the subtle stuff).

Like what kindness I can offer that might not fix the world, but at least help another person survive this day on your Earth? And forgive me for not noticing how often other people are doing the same for me, because I’m too busy freaking out.

And if it’s not too much to ask, a few more good TV shows soon?

Amen.


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

When is Cinco de Mayo this year?

When is Cinco de Mayo this year?

Today is Cinco de Mayo. Cinco = five. Mayo = May. The fifth of May.


I love to ask people, "when is Cinco de Mayo this year?" Many people recognize it as a holiday but do not understand that it is date specific. Much like someone from another culture might hear that we celebrate a holiday called July 4th. If the words July and fourth don't translate well into their language, they might not know it was a specific day.

Did you know that Cinco de Mayo is not celebrated very much in Mexico? [I have readers who disagree with this]  Cinco de Mayo is actually a fabricated holiday for Americans to drink margaritas and have a party.

It is also not the Mexican day of Independence. That is September 16th. Cinco de Mayo celebrates a Mexican victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla, May 5th 1862.

Anyway, today is Cinco de Mayo. When is it next year?




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

Star Wars Day

Yes it is here again... Star Wars Day!

I remember when the original Star Wars movie came out. I was 19 years old at the time and visiting my friends in San Jose, California. I was there for two weeks. I saw the movie seven times during that visit.

Why is today Star Wars Day?

May the Forth be with you!!!



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

pay it forward

A friend gave me a ride to pick up my car from the mechanic.  I thanked him.  The next morning I sent a text thanking him again and offering to buy breakfast or lunch.

He said, you owe me nothing.  Pay it forward.

Do you pay it forward?  Do I?  Do I need to have something good happen to me before I pay it forward, or is it possible that I can start a cycle of kindness by just doing gracious things for people.

Who will you bless today?

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

generosity for anyone

Generosity.  I think that we think that it is only done by and only for the wealthy.  Today, I file a disagreement.  I think that generosity is practiced by generous people, regardless of the size of their bank account.

The other day I took an uber.  The driver and I had a good talk.  She told me about her life and about the kind of people that ride with her.

Uber charged me $20 for the ride.  She was paid $4 by Uber.  This is why we should always leave a nice tip for an Uber or Lyft driver.

She told me about how she knows all of the homeless people in town.  They don't own cars, so the have to Uber sometimes when the bicycle isn't enough.  She told me about how she always takes them to Wendy's or McDonalds and buys them a sandwich.

Here is a person who does not have much in terms of the world's wealth, but has a very generous heart.

We don't have to wait to win the lottery to live a generous life. 

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

for a reason???

My Pastor said it last Sunday... "never say, everything happens for a reason."  I totally agree with him.  When a human says, "everything happens for a reason," they think that they are honoring God but actually they are doing the opposite.

They are insulting God and making him the cause of childhood cancer, murder and rape.  My wife worked for three years in the Neuro-Blastoma ward at Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City.  During that time, scores of children came through with that disease.  Every one of them died.  Did God do that?

When humans say that everything happens for a reason, we are also minimizing God, boiling him/her/it down to something that can be controlled and understood by the human mind.

Life is a mystery.  Pat little answers are not helpful.  Sometimes things happen.  Sometimes bad things happen.  That does not mean that God is the cause of these things.  He does not bring us evil, he stands with us in our pain.

There is often something that we can learn from difficulty, but please do not blame God for every thing that happens.  He stands with us each day that we are alive on this 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

dealing with grief

Not to diminish anyone's grief.  We have all had it, and we will certainly have more in the future.  This is a quote from the Paramount+ show "The Madison"

"After grief, you will have as much life to live as you allow yourself.  Or you will have none.  You have to give yourself permission to move on."

In other words, we control how we respond to what happens in our life.   Yes there are painful things, but if we let them take over our entire being, we are no good for us, no good for our family, no good for God, no good for anyone.

Allow yourself to live and love.

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

Negativity

Oh, the negative impact of negativity...

Consider all of the negativity that has been poured into so many of us.  Some of it came from our parents, some of it came from our churches...

• you are bad
• you are a sinner
• you will go to hell
• you better not do that
• do not embarrass me
• do not veer from the straight and narrow
• do not break the rules
• be good or else

After a while, after enough of this kind of indoctrination, our inner voice is no longer the voice of God's love, but the guilt laden tapes that came from our parents and our high demand churches.

It is time for the voice in our head to change... It is time for us to learn to hear the voice of God...

• I love you
• you are worth it
• you are forgiven
• you are loved, just as you are
• you are good
• life is good, enjoy it, live it
• be happy in your heart
• you are loved

If your brain is filled with negativity and worry, you can change it.  Just start working on reminding yourself of what God says about you.  It takes time, but you can reprogram your brain.  You can come to actually believe that you are loved by God.

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

take a breath

I got this from my friend Bruce...

And so I comment on this meme.  First of all, the woman reminds me a bit of Mary Weden.  

But the message is good.  Most of us worked so hard along the way trying to accomplish something, that we did not understand that simply just living was the gift.

Hopefully in retirement, we can take a breath and enjoy the journey.

And if you are younger, like my friend Abby, please take time to enjoy more of life along the way... more than I did.

It is too easy to live on auto-pilot/cruise control.  Instead, look to see the sunsets.  Smell the roses.  Hug a friend!!!

No achievement is more important than the joy and life that we find along the way.

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 all have our bias

A Bias is the filter that you use to see the world.  [if you don't think that you have them, open your eyes]

I listened to a pod-cast that was talking about how we grow as humans.  It said that one of the largest detriments to growth was our various biases.  

The first bias that we face is our "affinity bias."  This means that we tend to surround ourselves with people that we have an affinity for.  We surround ourselves with people like us.  The problem with this behavior is that it insulates us from the rest of life.  We never grow if our contacts are just the same as we are.

The second bias that we face is the "confirmation bias."  This is when we only read books that support our current view of the world.  [ie.  a fundamentalist church would not carry Rob Bell in their bookstore because he is "too liberal"]  Again, if we are controlling the information that comes to us by only allowing in ideas that confirm what we already believe, how will we ever grow?

The third bias is the "systems bias."  This is being a part of a church or a family system that works hard to keep things the status quo.  If it doesn't fit into the church or family system it is dangerous and it is out!!!

Friends, if we are not open to new ideas, if we are not open to other ideas, if we are not open, why is that?  Are we afraid that someone will disrupt our nice perfect boxed in life?  

A life lived without input from outside sources is not a life.  It certainly is not a pursuit of truth.  A life lived without interface with outside sources is simply an ego defense project.

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

Our version may not be correct...

Early Christianity had many versions. What emerged as “orthodox” is the version that came out of the Roman church. The Roman version was selected as correct because the Emperor Constantine was of that flavor.  All other versions were labeled as heretical.  Followers of other versions were converted or killed and their books were burned.

Nestorians believed that Jesus had distinct human and divine persons rather than a mix or joining of the two natures.

Arians believed that Jesus was not eternal from the beginning but was created by God and thus not co-eternal.  There are groups that still believe this today.

Ebionites believed that Jesus was a man who was adopted to become the Son of God.  There were many adoptionist groups in the first century and they are still around today.

Docetic Christians believed that Jesus did not have a real body but was more like a phantom. He only appeared to be human.

Montanists believed in new prophetic revelations. [the church’s doctrine was not complete but the Holy Spirit could bring new revelations.]

Marcionites believed that the God of the Old Testament was a different God than the God of the New Testament.  Many people believe this today.

Monophysites believed that Jesus did not have a human nature, only divine.

Gnostics believed in a special secret knowledge that was only revealed to them.  You had to have the special knowledge to be “in.”

You can see that some of these outlawed beliefs are alive and well today.  My point in writing all of this is that there is no reason to argue or be concerned about methods of baptism, the virgin birth, if Jonah really got swallowed or just about anything that Christians and Pastors insist that you believe.  There is no reason for any church to insist that their way is right or “this is what you should believe.”

When all of those trappings are rejected, what is left is the opportunity to follow Jesus into a life of love.  What a relief!!!  We don’t have to worry anymore about getting it right or believing the right things.  We just need to apply ourselves to loving God and loving others.

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

our expectations bring misery

Happiness is your current situation, minus your expectations.

Most religions teach that desire is the cause of suffering.  If I want something to be different, if I pine for change, If I worry about whatever it is.  I will naturally see my current situation as not good enough.

But, when I drop my expectations, when I choose to be ok with whatever is currently happening, well then happiness naturally rises to the top.

The only thing that robs me of happiness is my desire for more.

Think of how our lives would change for the better if we looked at what we have and finally agreed that "it is enough."  What we have is enough.

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 info on the Canada/New England Cruise

keeping costs down

So this blog post is a reminder that the daily posts will be about anything and everything.

I am frugal. If you need some help with your budget, I am available for free advice.

It has been my job to pay the bills for 40 years. Guess what???  Companies have found very interesting ways to lure you in with a low rate and then come back later and hit you with a bigger charge.

I am routinely fighting with various providers to keep their costs down. The cable company, the Internet company, the TV subscription.  My latest free for all was with the AAA.

We have been members of AAA for 17 years. Believe me, between Alli's flat tires, and towing various cars to the shop, it has been well worth the cost.

Anyway, an automatic renewal came through at $245 which was a lot more than we paid last year. I was upset. I lost sleepover it and I was angry about it. So finally, I called them and a nice lady answered the phone and I told her what was going on. She said "well we have a promo to fix that." Basically they don’t want you to threaten to quit. She took $90 off the bill.  All I had to do was call...

So I suddenly got over myself and I was happy. The point of this story is this... if you’re fighting against a provider, tell them that you’re gonna cancel and you will be surprised what they will do to keep your business.  When you call them ask for the customer retention department.

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

appreciating life

Do you have an "almost" story?  I do.

It was 1971.  I would turn 14 that summer.  The last day of school was a Thursday. We lived a few blocks from the school so I always walked or rode my bike.  That day on the way home, I felt a stiffness and a soreness in the back of my neck.

Over the next eight days I would lay in the house and get worse and worse.

In my family, you didn’t get to go to to the doctor unless there was a bone sticking out.

I was so sick and weak.  I begged my mother to take me to the doctor.  Finally on the following Friday, my mom and my sister carried me to the car.

The doctor took one look at me and sent me to the hospital.  They did a spinal tap and confirmed that I had meningitis.

Back then, there weren’t a lot of worries about privacy and there were set visiting hours.  The Doctor told my mother right in front of me that the next 24 hours would tell whether I would live or die.

Obviously I lived.  And oh, have I enjoyed most of the 55 years since then.

Stories like this remind us that life is precious.  We never know when our time is up.  Dear friends, appreciate each day that God gives you.  Today is a gift... that is why they call it the present.

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

Coping skills

We all have a tool box of coping skills.  When we are young, the box is pretty empty.  Over time, I hope that we will collect ideas and abilities that will help us in difficult times because when things get tough, our coping skills can be stretched.

A financial issue.  A death in the family.  A divorce.  All of these things and many other things can bring an amount of stress and discomfort that we are unprepared for and challenge our coping skills.

If you find yourself in such a place, here are some thoughts about expanding our coping skills:

1. Number one recognize that the problem doesn’t have to own you. Your life is bigger than whatever is going on. 
2. Secondly stay busy - keep your mind off of the problem. Don’t let it absorb all of your time and eat your lunch emotionally. 
3.  Do something physical... take a walk.
4. Focus on one issues at a time.  Agree that the other issues will be there when you get back... put them on the shelf and work on one at a time. 
5. Practice prayer and meditation.... sit by a fire, sit by a fountain, spend some time in God's creation.  I used to go up to the church and just sit in the sanctuary all by myself.
6. Talk to a friend.
7. Repeat.

I know that some of you are facing some tough stuff.  I love you and I am praying for you.

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

Let's stop blaming others

From Father Richard Rohr's post on Palm Sunday...

"The human delusion seems to be this: We think someone else is always the problem, not ourselves. We tend to export our hate and evil elsewhere. In fact, this problem is so central to human nature and human history that its overcoming is at the heart of all spiritual teachings.... 

Human nature always wants either to play the victim or to create victims—and both for the purposes of control. In fact, the second follows from the first. Once we start feeling sorry for ourselves, we will soon find someone else to blame, accuse, or attack...."

Jeff's thoughts... it is human nature to try to deflect responsibility away from ourselves and toward others.  Blaming others gets me off the hook.  But, we almost always play a role in difficult situations.  Being honest with ourselves about our actions is a big step toward healing and living a congruent life.

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 

silence

A friend shared this quote with me...

"Silence isn't awkward, it allows the soul time to breathe."

I don't know the original source, but I love it.  So many of us are in such a hurry, going and doing, that we never stop to relax and let our brain and soul meet up again.

Don't feel awkward about moments of silence.  Sit by the fire, sit by the fountain, stop and listen to the gentle wind blowing.

Busyness separates us from ourselves.  Quiet and solitude restores us.

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

What God knows, what God causes

A friend of mine wrote in with some questions about what God causes, what God controls, and the role of free will... I wrote back to him...

Hello Brother,

I am finally writing to you. Sorry it has taken me so long to reply.

Let me say that your question is complicated, or many Christians make it complicated and I am not sure that my answer is that helpful, but it does help me.

The questions about God controlling, God knowing, God causing, free will vs predestination, well they go back a long way. To many Christians, the answer to these questions are important. They have led to many books being written about how to understand these things theologically. There are many different answers that people come up with. This is one of the reasons that there are so many denominations.

Personally, I don’t think about such things very much anymore.

I would encourage a person to ask themselves a question about what they believe about God. Like fundamentally, how do we view Him/Her/It/God?

· Is God wrathful?
· Is God controlling?
· Is God loving…

I have come to believe, and it is simply a choice for me, I have come to believe that God is loving. Consequently, I don’t think in terms of what he knows or what he controls. I spent so many of my early years worrying, I just don’t want to do it anymore. My years of worry only hurt others, and hurt me as well.

These days, I think in terms of what he loves and how he shows that love.

If my brain is filled with thoughts about God being angry or wrathful, or controlling… my brain becomes filled with worry. Am I doing it right? What if I am not? Will he send me to hell? This creates an endless cesspool of worry and fear, and many Christians live there their entire lives.

When I think of God as loving, I just wake up in the morning and I am happy because I am loved. I don’t worry about my mistakes or failures. I just wake up in the morning and say thank you. I go about the rest of my day trying to love people. For me it is simply, it feels good, and it makes me happy. It helps me love God and love others.

I’m not sure this answers the questions that you posed, but this line of thinking satisfies those concerns for me.

All the best…

 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

 

Am I better than God?

Well that sure is a dumb title for a blog post... but here goes...

If you are like me, you have heard your whole life that if you don't do the Jesus thing just right, you are going to be sent to hell... [really?  who believes that God is like that?]

Anyway, my sister who is a kind and gracious person, but does not go to church, will she go to hell?  I would not send her there myself.

And Mahatma Gandhi, a famously kind human... is he going to hell?  Well I would not send him there.

So am I kinder than God?  Am I more gracious than God?  

Maybe the issue here is that we have our beliefs about God all wrong.  He/She/It is not sending my sister, or Gandhi or you or me to hell.

If God loves us, we have paradise to look forward to, just like the thief on the cross.

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 info on the Canada/New England Cruise

just because you were taught it, doesn't mean that it is true...

You have been told your whole life that this is blue. Your parents told you, your pastor told you, your friends told you. It has been completely ingrained in your life that this is blue.

You fall in line and drink the koolaid. Even though some of it doesn't add up to you, you don't ask questions. Don't rock the boat. Be a good Christian. Read the bible, go to church, give 10% and say your prayers. The world is this particular way.

Now the years have gone by and you are hearing new ideas. Maybe this isn't blue. Maybe my pastor was just trying to protect traditions from the past. Maybe my parents did not want me to make waves. Maybe no one had the guts to challenge the status quo. Maybe there is more Hiratio, than was dreampt of in your philosophies.

Some of the things that we were taught as children are not true. Green is not always blue. Don't throw away a new idea simply because it causes you to swim upstream. In fact, real learning never takes place until we take the plunge and go against the current.



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 info on the Canada/New England Cruise

questions

Questions are needed in this life.

If your church, or your pastor, or that favorite Aunt who is such a Christian... if they don't like questions, then they are living a life based on control not love.

Jesus welcomed questions.  He still does.

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 info on the Canada/New England Cruise

you don't need the spotlight

My friend John M wrote this...

You don’t have to be the headliner.
You don’t need the spotlight.
Sometimes all it takes…
is showing up in the van.

When someone’s stuck, hurting, or trying to find their way home—
be the one who says,
"Hop in. We’ll figure it out together.”

No fanfare. No expectations.
Just heart.

Because in the moments that matter most,
the ones who show up…
are the ones who change everything.

Never give up. Never surrender.

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 info on the Canada/New England Cruise

Controlling Jesus???

From my friend Terry the Painter...

"It's hard to follow Jesus when you are trying to direct him."

Jeff adds some thoughts... God does not conform to your notions of him just to make you happy.  God doesn't stop being a God of love, just because someone is insisting that he is filled with judgment.

Reject the angry, guilt laden God of your youth and fall into the arms of the loving God.

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 info on the Canada/New England Cruise

a dog's best day

I was driving down the road and I came up behind this dog with his head hanging out the back window of the truck.  He was as happy as he had ever been in his life.  I celebrated with him.

It is good to see the good in life and enjoy it!!!

Happy Dog!!!  I wish I could make everyone this happy.  If it is in my power to make you happy, please know that I am going to do my very best!

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 info on the Canada/New England Cruise

making it about me

Have you ever been listening to someone tell a story and then you get over involved? They are telling about their eye surgery, and as soon as they came up for air you had to tell them about yours?

I was watching a show last week and two people had this exchange.

"I know how you feel."
"No, you don’t know how I feel."
"OK, you’re right, but I can imagine how you feel."

I have to tell you, there are some situations where I cannot imagine how you feel. I hurt for you and I can't fathom it. It is ok to admit that we can't understand a persons situation. But what we can do is hurt for them and hurt with them.

As I have said many times, there are way too many pat answers delivered in difficult situations. Sometimes, almost always, the best thing that we can say to a hurting person is "I love you, I'm sorry and I am here for you."

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 info on the Canada/New England Cruise

Making plans

So I was sitting in a hotel in Miami... I had to work the next day. I was thinking about where I would eat breakfast, lunch and dinner.

And then it occurred to me, I was reminded, that we are not promised tomorrow.

I may not be able to go on that next vacation. I may not make the trip for Annual Conference. I hope I do but we never know. We need to live each day with a bit of humility and an awareness that we are, at every moment, in the hands of a loving God.

James 4:13 Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” 14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15 Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”

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 info on the Canada/New England Cruise

wrong baptism?

Why would one church say that the baptism of another church was invalid?  Not enough water?  Too much water?  The wrong prayer.  You weren’t old enough?  Do we really think that God is gonna hold people on a technicality because they got baptized in the wrong way at the wrong time or in the wrong place? 

I know a person who was baptized five times... every time he made a new commitment he did it again.  Then he finally realized that baptism is about what God is doing, not what we happened to be thinking at the time.

How silly all of this is.  It sets our brains up for worrying about doing it wrong.  What if we did the Christian thing wrong?  Oh nooooo....  

Life is too short for this nonsense. No church has it all right, but when you were baptized, God was there and the people around you were praying for you, whether you remember it or not.

I wish we could stop scaring people by insisting that our ideas are better than your old ideas. Let's just learn to live and love. That is what Christianity is about.

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 info on the Canada/New England Cruise

Anxiety

I have become more aware lately of the anxiety that is created by conservative/fundamental churches.  Instead of fostering an atmosphere of love, they create worry and fear.  This is how they accomplish this:

1.  by insisting that Jesus is coming back soon, an urgency is created.  Be good, get ready.  Jesus is coming back soon.  worry- you don't want to be left out.

2.  behave... you don't want him to catch you being bad...

3.  Hell... if you are bad, you are going to hell.  God will torture you for eternity... [how can anyone believe that about God???]

4.  questions are not allowed.  The pastor is always right.  The bible is perfect.  No questions.

5.  no thoughts or feelings outside of the groups dogma can be entertained.  

6.  core message of judgment and hatred for those outside of the group, or those who want to leave the group.

I hope you can see that such an approach to faith is very painful and incites fear and worry.  It instills unhealthy thinking into the minds of people and condemns them to years of mental suffering.

I wish that I had been more forceful in my younger years to help parents understand the damage that is done by high demand churches.  Still today, I see good people falling into these quasi-cults and allowing their children to do so.

All churches are not the same.  All approaches to Christianity are not the same.  

It is ok to question.  It is ok, even normal to have doubts.  God loves you.  Be happy.  Live a happy life and love others.

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 info on the Canada/New England Cruise

Out of control

I love the Dollar Tree.  If you have never been, schedule 30 minutes and walk every aisle.  You will be glad you did.

Well, the other day I was in the checkout line and I noticed an issue with the balloons.  They sell balloons for $1.50, the same balloons that you buy for $5 at other places.

This is where the balloons live prior to sale.  I guess that there is a lid or screen of some kind on the top of the display that keeps them under control.

But for some reason, there is a glitch and a bunch of them have been freed.  I wonder how the customer or store employee feels when the balloons get away.

That is a lot of balloons on the ceiling.  Out of control.

Does your life ever feel out of control?  Sometimes we have to just relax and go with the flow.  Eventually the balloons will all come down.

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 info on the Canada/New England Cruise

some things cannot be helped

So I was walking into Home Depot and I noticed the landscape timbers.  Like all wood, they can warp and curl.  People throw those off to the side and look for lumber that is straight.  In the discard pile I noticed this one particular timber.  It was almost an "S" shape.  It was as out of sorts of any board I think I have ever seen.

I stopped to look at it.  I felt sorry for it.  It will never fulfill its intended purpose.  It will probably end up in a landfill somewhere, and there was nothing it could do about it.

And there is my thought.  Sometimes in life, there is nothing that a person can do about it.  Someone has frizzy hair?  Nothing they can do about it.  Someone is not attractive, nothing they can do about it.  Someone was raised a certain religion, nothing they could do about that.

Sometimes when other people annoy us, I think we need to consider the possibility that there was nothing that they could do about that.

Grace is always better than judgment.  And offering grace to others, that is something we can do something about.

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 info on the Canada/New England Cruise

Joke Day

In the Eastern Orthodox Church, the day after Easter is joke day. They tell jokes because on Easter, Jesus pulled the wool over Satan's eyes. He got the best of the devil. [now you know that I don't believe that the devil is the opposite of God, but I am just going to let them keep their metaphor.] In fact, I am going to join in. Today is joke day. Let's enjoy.

Here is a smattering of my favorite jokes
Two cheese trucks were in a collision. One turned on it's side and split open. Debris was everywhere. [De Bris, the bree]

My friend was in a side swipe accident. He lost his left arm and left leg.
He's all right now.

When does a joke become a Dad joke?
When it becomes apparent.

Did you know that a Florida Alligator can grow up to 12 feet???
But most of them only have four.

A toothless termite walks into a bar and asks "is the bartender here?"

A pair of jumper cables walk into the bar. The bartender says, "I'll serve you, but don't start anything."

Well we could go on and on, but if you catch one little smile today from a joke that you know, give thanks to God because Jesus is the Victor and we can all rest easy today. He is risen!

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 info on the Canada/New England Cruise

Easter Sunday

It is Easter.  Something is happening!  Look up!!!

My wife took these pictures of the rocket launch on Wednesday evening.

It is not uncommon for 20 or so neighbors to be out in the street to watch these launches.

It is a very exciting thing to watch.

And so it is Easter.  Something is happening up above us.  It is big.  It is exciting.  Look up to the sky!!!

God is working his work in this world.  Get out into the street and take notice!!!

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 info on the Canada/New England Cruise

Saturday

Between Good Friday and Easter Sunday is Saturday, sometimes called Black Saturday.

Black because Jesus is in the grave.

This is how I look at this day.  Imagine that all of creation is stopping to take a break.  To sit down and ponder that God is doing something in the world.  Creation takes a pause.  Jesus died.  Something is going to happen.  Let's pay attention.

We could all probably benefit from slowing down and paying more attention to what God is doing in the world.

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 info on the Canada/New England Cruise

Good Friday

I no longer believe that God has to kill something to be happy.

I used to believe that God killed Jesus so he didn't have to kill us.  I don't believe that any more.

What I do believe is that sacrifice is a sign of love.

Good Friday is proof that God loves us.

To willingly make a sacrifice for the benefit of others is a sign of love. Good parents do it for their children.  Friends make sacrifices for each other.

Jesus gives himself up. It shows the immense depth and width of God's love for us.

That is why they call it Good.

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 info on the Canada/New England Cruise

Today is not just another Thursday

A little bird told me that many people do not know what Maundy Thursday is... so here goes...

Today is Maundy Thursday. Thursday of Holy Week.

 
Maundy.  It is another church word.  Irrelevant to most people outside of the church, how many people within the church know what it means?

If the church wants to win the world, it would be nice if we started using words that regular people understood. People outside of the church do not know what discipleship is, or spiritual formation.  And I bet if we asked 50 Christians for definitions, we would get 50 different answers as well.  Heady theology will never win the hearts of the masses.

It is time for us to speak the language of those whom we are trying to win.   If we can't, then they won't be listening. That is one reason why so many people are not interested in church... it is just too churchy.

Maundy comes from the Latin word mandatum, from which we get the word mandate. So today is mandate Thursday or commandment Thursday.  So named for the new commandment that Jesus gives at the last supper. "A new commandment I give unto you that you love one another." Jn 13:34

Maybe we should call today, Love Thursday, since that is what Jesus asked us to do.   Everyone love each other today.  Everyone get in the habit of loving each other.  Good idea.  Good stuff.  Thank you Jesus for teaching us to love. 

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 info on the Canada/New England Cruise

April Fools Day

In honor of April fools day, a few jokes...

Did you hear about the goats that got in trouble for playing pranks on April Fools'? It turned out to be a couple of kids.

Two guys walk into a bar on April Fools' Day. The third one ducked.

I told a chemistry joke in honor of April Fools', but I didn't get a reaction.

Where do birds vacation during April break? Someplace cheep.

Why can't you trust spring trees? Because they're shady.

Did you hear about the guy who drank invisible ink as an April Fools' prank? He's at the doctor waiting to be seen.

Why was the frog late to work on April Fools' Day? His car got toad.

How do birds know how to fly north in the spring? They wing it.

Did you hear about the cashew and the walnut that threw an April Fools' Day party? It was nuts.



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 info on the Canada/New England Cruise

A quote about raising children

My oldest daughter, Allison posted this on Facebook:  "One of the things that they don't tell you about having kids is how many times you have to get up from where you are sitting.  It's unbelievable."

Well there are a lot of things that they don't tell you about having children.  It takes a lot of determination and self-sacrifice to raise healthy children.

There is a reason that we celebrate Mothers on Mothers Day and Fathers on Fathers Day.

If you are a parent, keep up the fight.  If you have a parent, be sure to say thank you.

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 info on the Canada/New England Cruise

memorial service poem

Following up on the last few days of posts, I thought of this poem that I have read at many memorial services.  I find it to be comforting and heart warming.  To me it is yet another reminder of ways that we can sense the presence of our loved ones...

Do not stand
By my grave, and weep.
I am not there,
I do not sleep—

I am the thousand winds that blow
I am the diamond glints in snow
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle, autumn rain.

As you awake with morning's hush,
I am the swift, up-flinging rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight,
I am the day transcending night.

Do not stand
By my grave, and cry—
I am not there,
I did not die.

— Clare Harner, The Gypsy, December 1934

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

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

Click here for info on the Canada/New England Cruise

You have got to be kidding me

I noticed this sign at the Walgreens pharmacy-

And this one at Lowes...

I am embarrassed that evidently these kinds of signs are necessary.  There are some humans out there that have forgotten that other people are people too.

I hope that you are kind to bank tellers, McDonald's workers, Walmart employees, every person who works in those helping industries.  I have come to believe that how we treat those who work in the service industry tells everything about our Christianity or lack thereof.

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 info on the Canada/New England Cruise

Avoiding the bombs

And so I’m looking for something to watch on Netflix.  I’m home from my 17 days in Baltimore. My brain says I’m tired of watching the news. I’m tired of watching people getting blown up.  

And then it occurs to me how fortunate I am/we are that I can just click out of people getting blown up. What if I/We lived in a country where people are actually getting blown up?  We are very fortunate.  We have many blessings that we do not pay attention to.

It reminds me of this story that I tell from time to time...
During the great war we prayed for protection. We prayed that God would keep us safe from the bombs. And Praise The Lord! He Did! All of the bombs fell on the other side of the town.

We have many blessings that we take for granted.  Sometimes we make the mistake of thinking that we deserve them.

A little gratitude goes a long way to helping us find and live a healthy life.

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 info on the Canada/New England Cruise

Count to Four

Count to four.

Anytime I go somewhere I count to four.  Wallet, phone, Watch, keys.  1234 and I make sure that I have everything -wallet watch phone keys.

One time I was going somewhere with a friend and they saw me do this and they made fun of me. They said I sounded like the old song, head, shoulders, knees, and toes.

So I was checking in my rental car at the Baltimore airport last week.  And as I was walking toward the shuttle bus,  I counted to four and I realized that I couldn’t see my watch.  I thought I felt it on my wrist, but I wasn’t sure.  Did I leave it at the hotel?  It wouldn’t be the first time.  And I thought to myself "well it’s too late now if you’ve left it behind it’s lost to you and a blessing to whoever finds it."

Sometimes we get too attached to our possessions.  Turns out I did have the watch on my arm, but I still think we get too attached to things. May we all learn to count people as more important than things.


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 info on the Canada/New England Cruise

Do I still feel like a kid?

A week ago I posted some pictures from back in the day.  My friend Arthur wrote...

"When you look at those pictures do you still feel like the kid in those pictures?  I'm 40 and honestly still feel like the same kid I was in middle school or high school, just with more responsibilities and some knowhow around a few things.  I was talking to my Grandma who's in her upper 80's and she said she still feels like a kid inside too, despite all the things that have gone on in her life.  Sometimes I think about that and wonder how many people are really just kids with lots of responsibilities rolling around in their day-to-day."


Jeff Comments...

Do I feel like a kid???  Sometimes, sure.  I have some of the same thoughts and feelings.  My body still thinks that it can do what it used to do.

But in some ways, many ways, I do not. and this is going to get kind of serious...


When I was a kid, I was controlled by others.  Now I make decisions for myself.
When I was a kid, I lived under guilt and shame.  Now I refuse to do so.
When I was a kid, I didn't pay attention to life... I just assumed that it would go on for ever...  I was on auto pilot. Now, I am thankful for every day, every moment.

So sometimes yes, I feel like a kid, but in many ways, I have learned. I have grown.  And I am glad to be out from under the systems of guilt and shame.


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

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

Click here for info on the Canada/New England Cruise

Attending Church

From my friend Georgia...

"I have often heard people say 'I don't have to attend church to be a Christian.' While I believe that is true, I also believe we don't just attend for ourselves, but to encourage and learn from others."


Jeff comments... I totally agree. We humans can be so self consumed. What did I get out of it? What did it do for me? Sometimes the measure of a visit to church is about seeing friends, caring for them and listening to them.

If you read this blog and are not attending a church, I encourage you to get back to it. Keep looking until you find the right fit.


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 info on the Canada/New England Cruise

Grief is a sign of Love

John Allanson passed. He was Kathy C's brother. He was one year younger than I am. I really liked him.

At the memorial service, dozens of people showed up who worked with him. I loved that. If the people that worked with you will show up for your funeral, that says a lot about the kind of person that you were.

Kathy spoke at the memorial service. Here is some of what she said... "There is a purpose for everyone you meet. Some people will test you. Some people will use you. Some will bring out the best in you. But everyone will teach you something about yourself…."

"Life is fleeting. The time has come for us to take what we have learned and apply it to our lives as a way of honoring him and keeping his spirit alive…"

"One of my best lessons from my brother was about grief.  He had a greeting card that he kept in the house that says, grief never ends, but it changes. It’s a passage not a place to stay.  Grief is not a sign of weakness or a lack of faith.  Grief is the price of love. ”

"At the end of our lives we will be asked, did I live, did I love, did I matter…"  


Jeff comments... may we all live in a way that there will be no question about whether we mattered or not.

And, if you think of someone and miss them, if you hurt and wish you could be with them again... that is a sign of love.  Grief is a sign of love.  Grief is the price of love.

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

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

Click here for info on the Canada/New England Cruise

Adulting

Being an adult is not easy.  It takes many of us a long time to get used to the fact that we have to take responsibility for our lives and learn to resolve or live with our own problems.

Part of being an adult is accepting things that you wish were not true.

There is no Mom or Dad to save me from what may be going on.  I have to get used to the challenges and the opportunities of being an adult in this life.

When we are kids, we expect that the world will somehow align itself to make me happy.  [Note that most children in third world countries have no such illusion.] Finally as an adult, we must come to grips with the fact that the world is not here to make me happy.

My happiness and joy needs to exist not because of circumstances, but because I choose to rise above them.

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

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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

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

Click here for info on the Canada/New England Cruise

the value of time

The changing value of time.  The value of time gets more precious when we realize that we have much less than we used to.

When we were children, a minute, an hour, a day... there were so many of them.  They were in seemingly unlimited supply.  We wasted time being snotty, immature and self-centered.

So I’ve been on a job in Annapolis, Maryland for two weeks. This last Sunday morning, three police cars, an ambulance and a firetruck truck showed up for somebody in the unit below me.

It occurred to me that it could have been for me.  And one day they will be here for me.

I realized that I don't have the amount of time left that I used to have.  Every minute, hour and every day that I have left is a precious commodity.

Friends if you’re over 50 there is no reason to complain or be upset or anxious or unhappy about anything.  

The clock is ticking for us.  Do we really want to spend any of our remaining time complaining???

Every day that we have, every moment that we have may we celebrate, be happy and enjoy this amazing life is. We don’t have time to waste.

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

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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

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

Click here for info on the Canada/New England Cruise

2 Conversions

I believe that we are to have two conversions in this life.  The first is to God and Jesus, however you explain that.  The second is a conversion to our fellow man, a change of heart that helps us to see others and truly love them.

If we don't make the transition to the second conversion, we have totally missed the point of the first.

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

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

Click here for info on the Canada/New England Cruise

Where do we go when we die - part 2

This was supposed to post yesterday, but something came up that I thought I should address... See yesterday's post if you have questions.

Yesterday I wrote about how we go to heaven when we die.  Today I want to talk about the feeling that we have of not being able to reach our loved ones who have passed.  

The bible speaks of death and the afterlife as something that our current understanding cannot grasp.  There is a mist, a fog, a veil that keeps us here, living on earth and unable to see through to the other side.

But, it has been my experience that sometimes a brief window opens and we find a connection to someone who has made the final journey.  

Shortly after the passing of my dear friend Dan Horn I was working at a house in Blue Springs and a cardinal rested on the electrical line above me.  He stayed there and sang for 20 minutes.  I was so touched.  I was so blessed.  It was as if Dan was telling me that he was ok.

I have also over the years, a time or two, felt the presence of my parents.  It is like from time to time they are allowed to reach for us.

If you have ever had such experiences, they are really reassuring as they help us feel that our loved ones are ok.

If you haven't had such experiences, keep an open mind.  Just beyond our vision, just beyond our grasp, just beyond our understanding is the world of eternity.

I pray that your loved ones can bring you a moment of assurance and some peace to your heart.

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

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

Click here for info on the Canada/New England Cruise