Crazy Hair Man

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

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

That is a pretty good stack of Chocolate.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

click here for Canada New England cruise info

September 11

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

click here for Canada New England cruise info

I needed to cry

Doug and Nicole

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

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

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

I needed to cry.

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

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

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

I am crying now as I write this.

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

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

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

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

click here for Canada New England cruise info

The beauty of a day

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

Now for some quotes...

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

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

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

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

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

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

click here for Canada New England cruise info

me into we

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

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

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

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

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



- - - - - - - -

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

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

click here for Canada New England cruise info

Winnie the Pooh

[from my friend Kim B]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

click here for Canada New England cruise info

a note

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

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

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

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

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

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

click here for Canada New England cruise info

Experience

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

I am not a spring chicken.

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

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

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

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

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

Offer a steadying hand whenever you are able.

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

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

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

click here for Canada New England cruise info

Blessed are the...

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

Things happen.  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

click here for Canada New England cruise info

Dolly Parton

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

My buddy Jeff sent me this about Dolly...

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

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

May we all be remembered for our kindness.

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

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

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

click here for Canada New England cruise info

1,000 friends

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

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

Here is my decision...

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

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

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

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

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

click here for Canada New England cruise info

The Power

The power.  The power of a smile.

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

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

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

And so can we.

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

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

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

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

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

click here for Canada New England cruise info

Impossible

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

click here for Canada New England cruise info

It's good to care

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

click here for Canada New England cruise info

The bridge of forgetfulness

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

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

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

But I am not a fan of pat answers.  

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

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

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

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

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

click here for Canada New England cruise info

to fight against judgmental thoughts

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

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

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

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

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

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

click here for Canada New England cruise info

Ted Lasso

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

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

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

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

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

We have so much to be thankful for.

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

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

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

click here for Canada New England cruise info

I used to be so different...

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

An Old Lady's Poem

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

click here for Canada New England cruise info

Get my expectations out of the way

My expectations of you are not fair.

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

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

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

in a certain way, that is not love.

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

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

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

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

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

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

click here for Canada New England cruise info

Movie Quote

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

click here for Canada New England cruise info

I don't believe that either

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

click here for Canada New England cruise info

Thumbs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

click here for Canada New England cruise info

thoughts on judging others

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

click here for Canada New England cruise info

everything is costing more

I was reading an article about how everything is costing more.  Some people are ok.  Others are maxing out credit cards to buy groceries.

Some are driving less because of the high cost of gas.

Personally, we are going out for dinner much less often than we used to.

Why am I writing about this?

If you know someone in need, help them.  My wife just bought $200 worth of school supplies for neighbor kids.

If, in this tightening economy, you are doing well, great!  But keep an eye out for those in need.  There are those all around us that are living paycheck to paycheck.

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

$50

Would you loan me $50?  Think about it.  Would you loan me $50???

Answer the question before you read on.  Would you loan me $50?

Next question... if you would loan me $50, would you just give it to me?  Give me $50?

Now some of you are saying "no.  I am not loaning or giving you $50."  But others of you are saying yes.  I would loan Jeff $50.  In fact, I would give Jeff $50.

So here is my point.  If you would give me $50, then why don't we give out $50 bills at Christmas?  I have this idea... inspired by an old friend, a secret Santa friend, where we would just go to the laundromats and give $50 to anyone who was there.

Does this stretch your vision of generosity?  I hope so.  If not, then please call me as I want to hear your ideas.

Lunch next Monday is scheduled for a $20 tip.  Would any of you join me at some laundromats in December for a $50 gift to the needy?  Maybe 2 x $50 or 3 x $50 or more???

I am just dancing with this idea so let me know your thoughts please.

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 Courtney

My friend Courtney sent this quote to me.

“When you understand that you’re really insignificant in the grand scheme of things, then it’s a freedom, in my opinion, to actually be able to do the work that’s necessary as you see it and to contribute in the ways that you see fit”.

Jeff comments... when we get over ourselves.  When we finally come to the point that we know that we are a wisp in the wind, then we can stop fighting to protect ourselves and start living to make a difference in the world...

Those who spend their lives trying to protect themselves are forever on the defense.  Those who have come to understand that they are loved, truly loved, can actually live in a way that projects love to everyone that they come in contact with!!!

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

Important people along the way

I was thinking the other day about people who played an important role in my life along the journey.

And I want to start this by saying, if I don't mention you, its ok.  I can't mention everyone.

The first significant person that I remember in my life was Greg Fisher.  He was my first friend.  We lost touch in 1969 when I was 12 and my family moved to California.  Then I had Mark Stanton.  He was my best friend in Jr. High.  Bret Harte Jr High, San Jose, California.  Then in high school, Mark Flammer and Dan Denevue.

These people saved me from my childhood.

I actually got to see Dan a few years ago.  We were on a Napa trip and he came down to join us.

Then in my college years, I have to give a shout out to Mel Torre.

The three years that I laid asphalt, I was totally lost.  I did not know it, but I was.

In seminary, I have to thank one of my professors, Bob Tuttle.  He is still living and I get to have breakfast with him from time to time.

After that, life is a blur... J.T. Coody.  Chuck Vananden.  Bruce Minter. John Evans.  Roger Grout.  Wendel Myers.  

Then we get to Woods Chapel and the number of significant humans accelerate dramatically.  tons and tons of people that shaped me over the 22 years that I was there.

I hope you can name people who shaped your life.  Let us give thanks for them!

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

Pass on the past and don't worry about the future.

This quote came in from my friend Bruce.


One day at a time – this is enough. Do not look back and grieve over the past for it is gone; and do not be troubled about the future, for it has not yet come. Live in the present, and make it so beautiful that it will be worth remembering.
                                   Ida Scott Taylor

Jeff comments... today is a gift.  That is why they call it the present.


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

Things not to say

I have posted this before, but we need continued reminders...

We so easily forget. We so easily fall back into patterns that are not healthy.

Things not to say to people who are hurting or at the time of a death... [and I have heard all of these said at one time or another]

He looks better
You look terrible
He is in a better place
Remember you have your children that need you
It was God’s will
God needed another angel [I heard this one last week]
Everything happens for a reason
It must have been his time
How are you going to carry on?
I told him smoking would be the death of him
How are you fixed financially?
Life goes on
You know he is going to hell
Are you taking any medication?
I know how you feel
At least he’s no longer in pain
You are young, you can marry again

Don’t overdo your emotions
Don’t ask, “how did he die?”
Don’t call the person the deceased. They had a name.
Everyone is uncomfortable, don’t act out of your discomfort or nervousness.

On the other hand here are some things that are good to say a the time of death or loss:
I love you
I am sorry
Let me know if I can help you in any way

Keep it short
Keep it quiet
Move on, don’t hover

No pat answers please. They don't work and they don't help. Be a part of the healing by loving them and hugging them.

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

presence

Too often we humans want to fix a problem by spurting out some pat answer.

The world does not need our pat answers.  Especially in times of pain... at a funeral, when someone is sick, when there is a loss... our pat answers are not needed and they do more harm than good.

What our friends do need though, is the gift of presence.  Just be there.  Just hug them.  Tell them that you love them.  Stand by them.  Let them lean on you.

You don't need to say anything.  Your presence is more beneficial than any words that you might say.

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