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

Why is it important to be kind?

Thanks to my friend Cathy for sending this in.

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

ground zero

Yesterday several of my friends were in New York City at ground zero.  They visited the museum.

In the museum my friend sent me a picture of this tag... it simply says, "love wins - every single time."

Even in the face of hatred.  Even in the face of murder.  In the face of anything, in the face of everything.  In the face of whatever you are dealing with...  Love still wins.  Every single time.

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

miracles

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

purpose

"Love... The purpose of human life, no matter who is controlling it, is to love whoever is around to be loved."

Kurt Vonnegut

My friend Bruce sent this in. I agree. A pastor my say he or she has a calling, a doctor or teacher may say the same, but unless we are showing kindness, we are only carrying out a vocation. We are all called to be people of love. Loving others is #1. Our job or vocation is #2.




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 true evil

Father Richard Rohr wrote...

What Leviticus 16–27 describes as the “law of holiness”—separation from sinful people, the rejection of certain actions and things—is turned around in Jesus so that the very acts of separation, superiority, and rejection are in fact the sins! 

I believe Jesus is teaching us that if we put our energy into choosing the good—instead of the negative and largely illusionary energy of rejecting the bad—we will overcome evil in a much better way and will not become evil ourselves. This is exactly what he does on the cross, and I believe it is at the heart of his message.

Jeff comments... In other words, when we thought we were doing right by staying away from, rejecting, and shunning those we saw as "bad" we were in fact, being bad ourselves. True joy is found not in separating ourselves from those we don't understand or agree with, but from welcoming, accepting and including 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

stop asking

Someone shared this with me recently. It is a thought about making friends and growing relationships. Here it is:   "stop asking for what you want and instead start asking what you can offer."

That phrase reminded me of the story about the monkey who reaches into a jar to get a penny but he can't get his fist out of the jar unless he releases the penny.

When we take unto ourselves, we are not helping ourselves. When we stop focusing on what we want and instead invest in others, the return, the blessing comes back to us.

It is in giving that we receive.

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 bill just waiting

I have a friend who tells me this story...

I keep a $20 bill hidden in my car and I look for that poor soul who is reduced to standing along the road with a sign asking for help.  The $20 does not impact my standard of living in any way but it might be a big help to the person by the roadside.  I always give the money along with a blessing to the person and when I replace the bill in my car I ask God to draw someone to me who is in need.  I see that person by the roadside as being directed to me by God.

I love that.  Generosity is a beautiful thing.  Help every one that you possibly can.  

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

that blog post did nothing for me

Someone wrote in to say that a particular post "did nothing for them."

I reminded them graciously of the language on the actual web site www.canyouhearthebirdssing.blogspot.com

Here it is:

"This blog may or may not inspire, may or may not be humorous, but will always be honest. This blog is Jeff's attempt to remind himself and others that God is greater than anything, and if we just look hard enough, we can see the good in life, and if we slow down and listen, we can hear the birds sing."

I know that not every thing that I write will bless you. I can't always have a spiritual thing to say. Sometimes, we humans just do not feel spiritual.

But I do want to be honest. And I want to provide honest talk about life, about love, about our joys and about our failures. Sometimes that is going to be painful.

I am less interested in a person being blessed by this blog, and more interested in inviting readers to think about things, to think about life.  I want to stretch your brain, and I want you to stretch mine.

I invite your responses always to my email at jsbrink57@gmail.com

I will welcome your notes, whether they inspire me or not. That is just how life works.


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

characteristics of bright/thoughtful people

I found these characteristics [edited] of bright/thoughtful people and I thought it was worth sharing. Bright/thoughtful people:

1. "They gather information before making a judgment."
      "they listen more than they talk."

2. "They are comfortable and confident enough to admit when they don't know something but will look it up."

3. "They say 'no' often in the interest of their goals. They have a large toolbox, both figuratively and literally, as having the right tool makes all the difference, in terms of time to resolution. They tend to read often, not one thing but several things, or have some experience doing many different things; this gives a really well-rounded perspective."

4. "They remember small details about things and people and are able to use that information in a productive way to further their goal. Memory is important but knowing how and when to use facts that people have only said maybe once shows flexibility and adaptive intelligence."

5. "They're funny. Fast thinkers come up with great jokes on the spot."

6. "They ask substantial questions because they are actually listening to you instead of just waiting for their turn to speak."

7. "They admit when they're wrong."

8."They have high emotional intelligence. They understand that in social situations, often when forming opinions objectively, one needs to weigh in the feelings and perspectives of different people involved rather than give a black-and-white reasoning or response."

9. "They don't argue when it is obvious that someone they are talking to cannot be convinced of alternative thinking or a different viewpoint than their own."

"I'd like to add that intelligent people never argue against emotional arguments. The answer 'Because I don't like it' is a full dead end for example."

10. "They ask interesting questions and are not afraid to look like a beginner."

11. "When their conclusions are challenged, they happily expose their thought process for you, laying their decision-making process out in plain terms and inviting you to pick it apart."

12. "They'll always add counterpoints or 'arguments against' whatever they're saying (e.g. '...but I need to add that there are people who say this blah blah...'). Most ignorant people I know always speak like their opinions are established facts that are infallible."

May we all be more bright and thoughtful.

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 Tim quote

Pastor Tim is the bomb.

Last Sunday he asked us to consider: "What I think I am entitled to vs what I can offer."

Reminds me a bit of President John F. Kennedy saying, "ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country."

We humans need to think more about how we can help others and less about what we think the world owes us.

When we think about what we are owed, we are never happy because we always feel that we are being short changed.  When we think about helping others, we get our minds off of ourselves and find the joy of sharing 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

Loud

Just because someone is loud, just because someone is aggressive, doesn’t mean that they’re right. Sometimes these are tactics that people use to push you away, to get their way or to get you to back down. 

Sometimes shy people need to step up.  Sometimes love has to step into a loud environment.  Don't give up just because they are loud.

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

talk like a pirate day

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

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


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

What kind of movies do pirates watch? Rated RRR

Why are pirates cool??? They just RRR

What is a pirate's favorite letter???

RRR you say, no it's The C

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

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

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

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

I love that joke!

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

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

- - - - - - - -

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

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

click here for Canada New England cruise info

From my friend Cathy M

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

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

"Lean On Me"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

- - - - - - - -

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

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

click here for Canada New England cruise info

feeling sorry for myself

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

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

That struck a cord with me.

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

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

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

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

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

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



- - - - - - - -

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

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

click here for Canada New England cruise info