How can you covet what we have?

Caratacus was a British chieftain who led tribal forces against the Roman invasion.  After 7 years of fighting his forces were defeated in 50ad.  As was the custom, the defeated army's leader was taken to Rome and paraded around.

He asked to make a speech to the Roman senate and the request was granted.   His speech was so good that the emperor let him and his family live out their days on a small farm in Italy.  One of the things that he said to the senate was this: "And how can you, then, who have got such possessions and so many of them, covet our poor huts?"

This story made me think again about how we humans just want everything. We can't get enough. But when you think about it, we do have enough. We just need to recognize that and enjoy what we have. When our lives are consumed with wanting more, we are missing the very purpose of our journey here.

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

where am I from

My Dad, in his later years, got very into our family genealogy.  Evidently we go back to the Mayflower. We also had generals fighting in the Civil War for both the North and the South.

For Christmas one year, my daughter Allison bought me an account on Ancestry.com

I look at it every now and then. But they sent a recent update. Here is where I am from;
and if you click on the links, it will show you the general areas...

Western Europe 49%
Northwestern Germany15%
Bavaria & Western Austria14%
Northeastern GermanyNew11%
The Netherlands5%
BelgiumNew3%
France1%

England 33%
Southeastern England15%
Devon & Somerset7%
East Midlands & Yorkshire4%
West Midlands4%
Northern England3%

Central & Eastern Europe 10%
Western CzechiaNew7%
Western Carpathian BasinNew2%
Carpathian Basin & UplandsNew1%

Celtic & Gaelic 5%
Leinster, Ireland4%
Southern Wales1%

Nordic 2%
Denmark2%

Southeastern Europe 1%
Slovenia1%

So I have a friend that tells me that I am all over the place... here, there, this idea, this topic and then suddenly onto the next.

The above family tree may explain everything.  I am a mutt.  I am from everywhere.

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 discipline

Thoughts on discipline

In Plum Johnson’s book “They left us everything,” she talks about how her father had beat her brothers with a bamboo cane. She commented that she came to realize that “it wasn’t something that he wanted to do, it was something that he felt that he had to do, some version of misguided discipline that he had experienced in his own childhood. He must have been beaten hard at his boarding school.”

This paragraph struck a nerve.   I reflected on my mother’s beating us with the metal end of a boy scout belt. I reflected on the many times that she bloodied our mouths. I guess it is possible that she didn’t enjoy it, but that she was just doing what she felt she had to do, living out some version of misguided disciple that she had learned growing up.

And I reflected on our discipline of our children. I never slapped my children or struck them.  There were a few spankings.  Cathy and I always felt terrible after the fact.   We were much much easier on them than our parents were on us. Much easier.

Now in hindsight I feel bad for every spanking. There was another way for sure, but I was operating out of some misguided sense of discipline that I had learned growing up.

I am going to apologize to my kids.

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

Good Job, Good Dog

Tell me that I am ok.  Please.

Am I the only person who feels this way???

I was working at a store in Chicago and I fixed this corner. It wasn’t anything that I had to do, I was just trying to be good to the people who worked there.

Carts and dolly's and who knows what had hit that corner 1,000 times. I should have taken a before picture.

After I got it done, I made a point of telling the employees to go check it out. I think I was hoping that they would appreciate what I did.

And this is something about me that I don’t like. When I do something, I always hope that the person that I am working for will tell me that I did a good job. It is like I need the affirmation.

You are ok Jeff
You are good Jeff
Good job Jeff
Good dog Jeff

I know that when I was a kid, we didn’t get any affirmation at all. No “good job.” No “well done.” No thank yous. No I love yous.

Moral of the story is this. Tell people that you appreciate them. Tell them that you love them. Tell them that they did good. Your kind words may just be the message that they need to feel that they are ok.

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

don't say this

Not allowed to say

When our kids were little there were three things that they were not allowed to say.  Well, cursing and swearing was out as well, but there were three specific things that we would not let them say.

1. You are stupid
2. I hate you.
3. Shut up

I hope that you can see why.  First of all, children have no idea of when to say things. They have very little idea of what is appropriate and what is not.

And those three phrases are probably the most hurtful things that one human can say to another.   I can’t remember ever saying those phrases to anyone.   Well I am sure that I have used shut up.

Words can hurt. Let’s be careful about the ones that we use.

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 fingernail

I have a fingernail on my right hand that is constantly splitting.  It hurts.  It is annoying.  It is like the splinter in the lion's paw.

I think about it way too much.  I grabs my attention because it hurts.  And if you know fingernail pain, I keep catching it on things and it is really painful.

Then I think... my other 9 nails are fine.  So are my toenails.  Maybe I should spend more time focusing on what is good instead of what is wrong.

Instead of saying, "why me? Why does this hurt?"  Maybe I should ask things like this:  why can I see when others are blind?  Why can I walk when others are in a wheelchair?  Why do I have the ability to think and remember when others have dementia?

There are 1,000 questions like this and I should think about them more often and think about my fingernail less.

 Why can I hear when others are deaf?  Why do I have people that love me when others are alone and lonely?  There are 998 questions like these.  We should ask them more.

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

Do you notice

Another gem from my friend Judy...

I am in love with this sentence:

"The amount of beautiful things in your life depends on your ability to notice them."

Are you paying attention to the good?

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

from my friend Judy

Ah, kindness.

What a simple way to show another struggling soul

that there still is some love to be found 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

quote

Yesterday's post reminded me of this quote which is one of my all time favorites:


This is the true joy in life,
the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one;
the being thoroughly worn out before you are thrown on the scrap heap…
and being a force of nature instead of a feverish selfish little clod
of ailments and grievance,
complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy.

George Bernard Shaw

May we all lean away from selfishness and grievance and devote ourselves to the purpose of 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

circumstances or choice

Are you happy?  Joyful?

Is it because of circumstances or of the choices that you and I made?  Far too many humans let their feelings about life roll with the circumstances of the day.

Sure my car has an issue.  Sure my kids live too far away.  Sure I have abdominal adhesions. Sure gas is way too expensive.  Sure I miss my friends.  But I do not have to left those feelings and concerns control me.

We can choose to see the good.  We choose to do it.  We choose to overcome.  We control out thoughts.  And this my friends is the difference between people and great people.

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

open your eyes

I heard a song the other day called "open your eyes ii" the group that sings it is called Victory.  I was intrigued by the words... open your eyes to the beauty of life.

As I further read the lyrics, the author is trying to get someone to see the good but there are forces always weighing them down.

It is true that there are things in life that weigh us down.  We however, can make the choice to rise above them.  But it is a conscious choice.

Here are the lyrics to the song...


Open your eyes
You'll be so blind
Beauty of life
Everywhere so won't you dare

Open your eyes
You'll be so blind
Beauty of life
Everywhere so won't you dare

I wanna fly beyond the sky
Higher than where the airplanes glide
I wanna sail the seven seas
And maybe visit all of the countries
I want you to come along
Life is better when we're not alone
And we might make a very good team
And then we could reach our every dream
But you always got something sad to talk about
Always walking with a heart full of doubt
You don't seem to to see all of the possibilities
And I wanna make you happy
I want you to be free
But there seems to always be
Forces of gravity
Weighing you down
And I want you to fly with me

So darling, won't you open your eyes
How can you be so blind to the beauty of life
It's everywhere so won't you dare
To open your eyes
How can you be so blind to the beauty of life
It's everywhere so won't you dare
To open your eyes

I wanna explore the ocean's floor
And see things no one's ever seen before
I wanna build a jungle mansion
Just like the Swiss Family Robinson
I want you to live there with me
Otherwise it might get lonely
And could be a dynamic duo
Makin' up our own rules
But you don't believe in yourself enough
You always settle when things get tough
You don't seem to know
All of your potential
And I wanna make you happy
I want you to be free
But there seems to always be
Forces of gravity
Weighing you down
And I want you to fly with me

So darling, won't you open your eyes
How can you be so blind to the beauty of life
It's everywhere so won't you dare
To open your eyes
How can you be so blind to the beauty of life
It's everywhere so won't you dare
To open your eyes, ooh
It's everywhere so won't you dare
To open your eyes, oh yes
It's everywhere so won't you dare
Open your eyes
It's everywhere so won't you dare
To open your eyes


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

Halloween - spoiler, if you don't like scary things - just delete

My family has always loved Halloween.  My daughter and her husband in Chicago go all out.  This is some of their collection of scary stuff.

I love it!

Giant Spider - hard to see

pretty creepy

arm is not real

very creepy

creepiest

I had to share.  Hope you enjoyed the tour of their front yard!!!

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

Chicago

On October 1 I got the invite from the construction company to go to a job in Chicago.  I jumped at the chance not just because I like to work, but my daughter Alli and her family live there.  Every weekend I have been able to spend time with them.  Last Sunday we went to a park.  It was beautiful.

Alli with Baby Leo - 7 months

Bella 6, Cruz 3

When I am out of town on a job, weekends can be pretty boring.  But not this time!  Very exciting to be able to see them and spend time with them.

For my friends in Ft. Pierce, I fly home on the 24th and should be in church on the 25th.

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

Wrong

I was wrong about something the other day.  It happens.  It is good to be wrong every now and then.  It keeps us humble.

Being wrong reminds us that we are not perfect and we are not invincible.

We are all wrong from time to time.  If you are wrong, admit it.  And if need be, say you are sorry.

The Fonz may not have believed it, but "I was wrong" and "I am sorry" are two healthy things for us to say when needed.

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

Best Church Sign Ever

My friend Susan was driving through West Texas.  She found this sign at the St. Paul Episcopal Church in Marfa, Texas. This is their church sign. 

 I LOVE IT!!!  Here is the text...

We extend a special welcome to those who are single, married, divorced, widowed, trans, gay, confused, filthy rich, comfortable, or dirt poor.  We extend a special welcome to those who are crying newborns, skinny as a rake, or could afford to lose a few pounds.  You’re welcome if you are old mafia, new mafia, not mafia or just passing by.  We welcome you if you can sing like Pavarotti or can’t carry a note in a bucket.  You’re welcome here if you’re just browsing, just woke up or just got out of prison. We don’t care if you’re more Christian than our presiding bishop or haven’t been in church since little Jack's christening.

We extend a special welcome to those who are over 60 but not grown-up yet, and to teenagers who are growing up too fast.  We welcome keep fit mom‘s, football Dad‘s, ranchers, starving artists, tree huggers, latte sippers, vegetarians, and junk food eaters.  We welcome those who are in recovery or still addicted.  We welcome you if you’re having problems or you’re down in the dumps or if you don’t like organized religion.  We’ve been there too!

If you blew all your money on fantasy football, you’re welcome here.  We offer a welcome to those who think the Earth is flat, work too hard or don’t work, can’t spell or because Grandma is in town and wanted to go to church.  We welcome those who are inked, pierced or both.  We have a special welcome to those who could use a prayer right now, had religion shoved down your throat as a kid or got lost on the far west Texas roads and wound up here by mistake.  We welcome tourists, seekers, and doubters, bleeding hearts, and you.

Come worship with us Sundays at 10:30 AM

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

Giving

David VanGiesen is a fantastic man.  He was my District Superintendent for three years when I was assigned to the Princeton and Mercer Missouri United Methodist Churches.

David had many good sayings, but one that I have always cherished is this:  "When the heartstrings are warm, the purse strings are loose."

I found this to be so true over the years.  When people love their church, the finances go well.  I am so happy now for my church in Ft. Pierce.  The giving is good because everyone loves the church and you can feel it when you go there.

What do you love?  What are you giving towards?

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

Paradise

I was listening to a podcast.

A woman was on a sailboat in the Caribbean.  She said it was beautiful.  It was paradise.

Later she was visiting with her counselor and she said, "I was in paradise, yet I was miserable."

The counselor told her, "paradise is not a location."

You have to learn to be happy, you have to learn to be content no matter the circumstances.  That is where and when we humans find paradise.  Happy, contented, no matter what ever else is going on.

Peace and solace.  No matter.

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

tues oct 13 Karma

Karma - what goes around, comes around.  

This principle has strong support in Christianity...

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.  Mt 7:12

Cast your bread upon the waters and after many days it will return to you.  Ecclesiastes 11:1

You reap what you sow.  Gal 6:7 and 2 Corinthians 9:6

You probably know that I travel from time to time for a construction company.  I love the work and I love being around those who do the work.  I love watching the big machines work.

I also love interacting with the people.  The industry is filled with scheduling issues and various mistakes that create problems.  The result of all of that is people who are under  pressure, stressed and often negative.

And into that high pressure environment, I get to bring as much joy and kindness as I can.  It is amazing how people respond to kindness, especially after they haven't had much for a while.

May we be those who bring a friendly smile, a kind word and a helping hand.  The atmosphere around the place will totally change.

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 cleaning out

I have been thinking about cleaning stuff out, you probably know that.  There are many ideas that can help us rid ourselves of items.

One is, "if you haven't used it in a year, get rid of it."

Another is, "how does that item make you feel?"  If it makes you feel good, keep it... if not, then move it along.

My friend Judy offered a thought a few days ago... "What purpose does this serve?  What meaning does this hold?"  If an item holds no meaning or purpose, then why is it still here?

There is an old saying, everything that you own, owns a little bit of you.

I for one, am going to keep on thinning things out.  It makes me feel lighter and it makes me feel happier.

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

an odd miracle

It may seem odd for me to describe this as a miracle, but there have been many times that I have experienced this and wondered about it.

It is the miracle of waking up.  If sleep is a miracle of rejuvenation, then waking up is a miracle of transition.

Just think about it.  You are totally out.  Asleep.  Then  you wake up.  And for me, the next five to ten minutes is very interesting.

I know that I am awake, but I am sleepy... very sleepy.  Groggy.  Bleary eyed.  It is like moving from sleep to wakefulness is almost as difficult as going to sleep at night.

At any rate, I find it to be an amazing part of being alive in God's world.  Waking up.  Moving slowly from the world of sleep to the world of being awake.  I love life.  It has so many wonderful things to think about.

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

stunning

A friend sent in this stunning picture.  I wonder how many people drove past this and didn't appreciate it or maybe didn't even notice???

We need to pay attention in life.  Amazing things are all around us if we just practice awareness.

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 war with aging

In Plum Johnson's book she mentions that her mother fought a "war with aging."

This reminded me of Jamie Lee Curtis who has chosen to embrace the gift of age.  She offered her daughters the advice, "don't mess with your face."

If you are like me, you noticed many differences in your body and mind as the years multiplied.

Some of it isn't fun or easy.  But why be at war with aging?  To be at war with aging is to be at war with life.  If you are at war with aging, you might consider a surrender.  We humans can't win anyway.

Just learn to be happy in your own skin, no matter the age or condition.

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

Bitter or better

I have written about this before but I have a new thought.  [from Plum Johnson's book]

There is an old saying, as we age, we can get bitter or we can get better.  We can grow old with grace or we can become a sniveling, whining snob, insisting that the world will not align itself to make me happy.

Someone witnessed a grouchy old person and commented, "I don't understand how they could arrive at old age and still be a snob.  Didn't they learn anything along the way."

Didn't they learn anything along the way?

May we all learn to find grace and be graceful.  May we avoid the bitter and always choose the better.  Gosh we have lived a long time... isn't it time that we learned to find and give 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

acquisition mode

I read this phrase the other day... the author said, "I am no longer in acquisition mode."

I loved the thought.  I remember back many years ago when we just had to get more TV sets.  One for the basement.  One for the bedroom.  One for each kid.  Now a flat screen.  Now a this.  Now a that.

I finally stopped wanting TVs.  Was it because I grew up?  Was it because we finally had enough TV's?

I am not sure, but I recognized back then that I was no longer in acquisition mode.  I didn't need anything anymore.  Certainly not any more TV's.

Now in my life, when I get the notion that I must have a thing, I try to fight off the feeling.  My friend Jerry Alyea used to say, "lay down until the feeling goes away."

We have so much.  We don't need anything else.  In fact, much of what we have that we are not using could be donated or given to others.

May we all find joy in no longer being in acquisition mode.

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

They Left us Everything

I am about half way through a book titled "They Left us Everything."  The author is Plum Johnson and it was recommended to me by my friend Kim.

I am really resonating with this book for several reasons:

1.  the author had a difficult childhood

2.  as she goes to clean out her parents house [after her mother's death] there is much reminiscing.

3.  I recognize that if I am not careful, I too will leave my children way to much to clean up.

I have been thinking about thinning out some of my stuff.  There are too many tools, too many hot wheel cars, too many books, on and on it goes.

I will be making some posts based on ideas from the book.  But let me begin with this... is there one room or closet that you can start on?

I started on the bathroom.  I filled up the trashcan twice with junk.  It felt good.

Simplify.  

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

Adam Hamilton

Adam Hamilton is running for Senate from the State of Kansas.  Many of my Kansas City friends know him and many of my Ft. Pierce friends know him as well from going to the annual seminars.

Adam is running as a democrat.  Whether you agree with his politics or not, I want to say a few things about him.

I have known him since 1984.  He was, and is a fantastic human.  Generous, kind and loving, he has deserved every bit of success that has come his way.  I love the man.

A few weeks ago I was in Kansas City and during Monday Night Football, a TV ad was played by his competitor.  The ad didn't say anything about the other candidate it just berated Adam.  The things that the ad said were so unfair, so unkind and so untrue.

I wanted to speak out in support of my friend, whether you know him or not, whether you vote for him or not.  He is a great person and does not deserve to be spoken of in such ways.

And all of this got me thinking about all of the political ads that we are watching these days and how unfortunate and untrue so many of them probably are.

I wish that we could just talk about who we are and how we want to help.  There is nothing to be gained by demeaning others.

If you can't say anything nice...

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

no conditions

I was having lunch with a friend. Next to us was another human that I had met but never really visited with. Somehow we got on the topic of homeless people.

Now you know what some folks like to say about the homeless... they should get a job. They are lazy. They are ...

This random human said something that I have never thought of.  And there is a thought, 69 years old and I got a new thought!!! I love that.

Anyway, this person brings up the story from Mt. 25 about the sheep and the goats. In the story, the righteous are separated from the wicked by how they treat the "least of these."

"If you did it to the least of these, you did it unto me."

This person said something that I found to be profound. They said, "there are no conditions in the story."

Those who are thirsty are not asked if they were lazy and forgot their canteen. Those who are hungry are not asked if they have a job. Those in prison are not asked the reason for their incarceration.

They are just helped by the righteous. No conditions. No questions asked. Those who have the worlds goods are just helping those who do not. No conditions.

Reminds me of one of my favorite passages-

If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? 18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. 1 John 3:17-18

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

loneliness

Loneliness.  I hate it.

Sometimes even when you are around people you can feel lonely.  That is the worst.  Around others, and yet feeling no connection.  And it may not be their fault.  It probably isn't... sometimes we just feel disconnected when we shouldn't.

That is why if you have friends that connect you, if you have "your people" who make you ok, stay up with them.

Thank God for those who make us ok.

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

Changing Opinions

My friend Arthur sent this in and I love it!!!

"The person who never alters their opinion is like 

standing water, and breeds reptiles of the mind."

"Some of us, in our hunger for security, grab

for absolute truths which are not absolute."

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

Pastor Appreciation Month...

Did you know that October is Pastor Appreciation Month?  Recently I read a post on Facebook where a pastor complained that no one ever appreciated them during October.  He never got any cards or gifts.
Are you kidding me???

Did you know that October is Pastor Appreciation Month?
What???
Really???
Who says so???

Hallmark says so.

When I was a kid there was no such thing as pastor appreciation month. There was also no such thing as Cinco de Mayo. [By the way, when is Cinco de Mayo this year?]
Pastor appreciation month was invented by Hallmark so they could sell cards.
Cinco de Mayo was invented as a drinking holiday by some tequila company for obvious reasons.

I love my pastor, Tim B, and I am going to send him a card and a gift card to something.  But I also want him to know that I love him all 12 months of the year.

Did you know that October is also:
[you gotta read these...]

National Pet CBD Month *
Adopt A Shelter Dog Month
American Cheese Month
Antidepressant Death Awareness Month
Bat Appreciation Month
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Caffeine Addiction Recovery Month
Celebrating The Bilingual Child Month
Christmas Seal Campaign (10/1-12/31)
Church Library Month
Church Safety and Security Month
Co-op Month
Down Syndrome Awareness Month
Dyslexia Awareness Month
Eat Better, Eat Together Month
Emotional Intelligence Awareness Month
Emotional Wellness Month
Employee Ownership Month
Financial Planning Month
German-American Heritage Month
Global Diversity Awareness Month
Halloween Safety Month
Head Start Awareness Month
Health Literacy Month
Home Eye Safety Month
Italian-American Heritage Month
International Walk To School Month
LGBT History Month
Long-Term Care Planning Month
National ADD/ADHD Awareness Month
National Animal Safety and Protection Month
National Apple Month
National Applejack Month
National Arts & Humanities Month
National Audiology Awareness Month
National Bake and Decorate Month
National Book Month
National Bullying Prevention Month
National Caramel Month
National Chili Month
National Chiropractic Month
National Cookbook Month
National Cookie Month
National Crime Prevention Month
National Critical Illness Awareness Month
National Cyber Security Awareness Month
National Dental Hygiene Month
National Dessert Month
National Disability Employment Awareness Month
National Depression Education & Awareness Month
National Domestic Violence Awareness Month
National Dropout Prevention Month
National Ergonomics Month
National Fair Trade Month
National Family Sexuality Education Month
National Go On A Field Trip Month
National I’m Just Me Because Month
National Kitchen & Bath Month
National Learning and Development Month
National Liver Awareness Month
National Medical Librarian Month
National Orthodontic Health Month
National Pasta Month
National Physical Therapy Month
National Pickled Peppers Month
National Pizza Month
National Popcorn Poppin’ Month
National Pork Month
National Pretzel Month
National Principals Month
National Protect Your Hearing Month
National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month
National Reading Group Month
National Roller Skating Month
National RSV Awareness Month
National Sarcastic Awareness Month
National Sausage Month
National Seafood Month
National Sensory Awareness Month
National Spina Bifida Awareness Month
National Stamp Collecting Month
National Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month – October
National Toilet Tank Repair Month
National Work and Family Month
National Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Awareness Month
National Window Covering Safety Month
Organize Your Medical Information Month
Pear and Pineapple Month
Photographer Appreciation Month
Polish American Heritage Month
Positive Attitude Month
Raptor Month
Rett Syndrome Awareness Month
Rhizomes and Persimmons Month
Rhubarb Month
Right Brainers Rule! Month
Self-Promotion Month
Spinach Lovers Month
Squirrel Awareness Month (Different Than Squirrel Appreciation Day in January)
Tackling Hunger Month
Talk About Prescriptions Month
Vegetarian Month
Wishbones for Pets Month (10/15 – 11/30)
Workplace Politics Awareness Month
World Menopause Month

Back to the concept of appreciation. When I was a pastor I always felt appreciated.  Well usually.   If we need a special day or month to appreciate someone, then something is wrong.  Mothers should be appreciated every day, not just on mothers day.  Our country should be appreciated every day, not just on July 4th.  Every human should be appreciated every day.

I am sure that you appreciate your pastor all of the time.   Just for fun, send your pastor a card on some random month.  Oh and don't spend a lot... remember that Dollar Tree has hallmark cards for $1.  

Love your pastor, and love everyone in your life, every day, whether it is a "special" month or not.

It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com