Thursday, December 10, 2009

Ponderings #3

1. Why is it we do the same thing someone else does but we rationalize our actions as acceptable and condemn their actions as inappropriate? Are we that much better? Or do the rules we are supposed to play by only apply to "everyone" else? Perhaps that is why so many people have trouble with Christianity ... there is a double standard that has been set, not by God, but by everyone that claims the label of Christian. I guess after having this as a topic and then observing it first hand, my mind began to churned with the question, "why?" There is no doubt this is wrong and not the accepted norm as described by Jesus Christ. We are to look past the problems or issues and show compassion just as Paul showed the Thessalonians. But we don't ... we cry foul ... all the time forgetting we are standing out of bounds. Just because we bent a knee and prayed a prayer does not give us any right to assume an air of authority and make decisions until Christ returns. We need to lose the "ME" and replace it with "WE". Compassion should be our mantra not condemnation for violations according to our standard of beliefs. Why did Jesus place such an emphasis on Love? Because that is the essence of being like him. Loving each other even when we are mad, upset, disappointed, punished or scorned by another person. Love isn't something just for a fair or good day, that is the easy way, but it most productive when we show it on the darkest and most difficult of days. Do we need to start over and wrinkle or dress or pants as we kneel and ask forgiveness and strength to start all over? Yes.

2. Another thought process I am chewing on concerns -- Trivial words. How many times a day do we ask forgiveness for messing up or doing something we shouldn't? For most of us, it is many times. Now consider this, how many years has this been going on? Have we trivialized the words "Jesus forgive me ... I won't do it again?" Once again the answer is yes. Kind of like a child saying "I am sorry." They learn the phrase gets them out of trouble but as soon as the memory fades they are right back at it. As adults we are quick to say "I love you." But is it real when you say it or a phrase that ends all conversations or events? Have you ever hurt someone and ended your apology with I love you only to hurt them again in a short time? We have because like sorry it is a automatic response that we know gets results or helps us bypass pain. So then since we trivialize the phrase Love no wonder we trivialize Jesus. He is love and what he did for us was out of love. Let us find compassion and change in our life. Forget the little hurts and pains of others and show unrestrained compassion. Then we might reach a point where asking Jesus for forgiveness will really be a life changing event. If I remember right, accepting his love and salvation made us a new person.

Tuesday, December 08, 2009

December Begins, I am just Late!

Well, I have forgot to write sooner and the week is almost half gone. Where did all the fun times go? Saturday was our first snowfall and it was really nice ... now we need 24 more inches from the next one coming tonight! Today has been a slow one for me as my stomach has decided to take up gymnastics and the first class is somersaults. Hopefully this will pass and I can get back to full speed. Bowling went well last weekend. Next week (12-13-09) is the last week for the kids. They are in first place with a 7 point lead. The adult team has slipped a bit from second to third even though we did have a good week. Work remains the same with a lot of people out burning off their vacation time prior to the end of the year. Less than four (4) weeks to the warm Western Caribbean weather!

Wild Mom is about ready for the Holiday's and wishing for more visitors. Her craft room is about done. She has managed not to sent the new alarm system off ... so far. Lady is busy. While it was snowing Saturday morning, the Christmas music was turned on and the first attempt at putting the Tree up was tried. Needless to say the lights didn't play along and we will have to try again. She has secured most of the grand kids gifts and stashed them away from prying eyes ... especially #2's. #1 is getting about with only minor twinges with his back. He even bowled but for the most part could only claim the " I Participated Award." #2 has no change to anything in his life. Except maybe, he has found a few of those cheating games that #1 says exists. Peanut is getting her business going and even managed to schedule a few practice sessions as she learns the little tricks of the trade. What could be better than 3 little kids at Christmas time? The are amazing to watch as the talk and do those things that make you laugh and cry. Lady wrapped a gift for Lil Princess and AJ unwrapped it immediately after it was place by the Tree. He was quick. Lil Princess tried several time to get me to do something by blinking her eyes and putting on a pouty face. It didn't work! At least not initially. Star is back in Georgia and settling down to her new place and the Holiday Season. She hopes to drop by during Christmas if all goes well.Trucker Justin (TJ) and Blue are burning up the road as they crisscross the United States delivering stuff for Prime. TJ is almost to the point of completing his training and getting his own big rig. Now does that scare you? My prayers are with Blue as he deals with some family issues. But then again, don't we all have some?

Ponderings #2

Stress is the trash of modern life - we all generate it but if you don't dispose of it properly, it will pile up and overtake your life.

There is no such thing as a bad day, just bad moments that we choose to take with us all day long.

It takes 8,460 bolts to assemble an automobile, and one nut to scatter it all over the road. If you must drink and drive, drink Pepsi.

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”

"Will someone else's life be brighter tomorrow because of what you have done today?"

The process of discovering who I really am, begins with knowing who I really don't want to be.

Just when you think you're at the end of your rope and you just can't hold on any longer, you find out that there's actually a net about an inch underneath you and was there all along ... if you just let go.

Life can only be understood looking backward, but must be lived looking forward.

"Failure doesn't have to be a set back, but a stepping-stone to a brighter future."

There is no such thing as a bad day, just bad moments that we choose to take with us all day long.

“Happiness is not the absence of problems but the ability to deal with them.”

Friday, December 04, 2009

Pondering #1

Light travels faster than sound. That's why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.



Life isn't like a box of chocolates. It's more like a jar of jalapenos. What you do today, might burn your butt tomorrow.



When everything is coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.

Ho - Ho - Ho

Well, another week comes to an end and they are even predicting snow on Saturday. How much better can that get! Saturday also marks 4 weeks till we head for the warm waters (80+ degrees) of the Western Caribbean. Work remains the same and after awhile you just reach a point of toleration. DCRTV (Sources: 105.1 Up For Sale? - 12/3) started a rumor we (WAVA) was up for sale. I guess when they run out of news they just make it up. Youth bowling is nearing the end ... 2 weeks to go. The kids are still in first place but we will have to work at it . The adult team is also hanging in their despite last weeks results. All games were very close and hotly contested. Tomorrow night is "Dinner and Movie night" at the Church. So we will be there to have an Italian dinner and watch the movie "Fireproof". Hmmm ... does that mean no Mexican food for lunch?

Wild Mom is fine. She is packing and planning for next month. This is one of her favorite times because of all the crafts opportunities. She will have to pay the house cleaner extra because of all the residue. Lady continues to do what she always does ... everything. She is even dabbling on facebook some now. Before you know it, she will have more friends than I will. #1 still works and then fights with the cheating x-box. It is amazing how many games they make with that darn cheating module hard wired inside. #2 ... well let's say ... no change. Peanut studies hard and is doing well. Now she is planning to do some massage therapy on the side for practice. This should create a lot of smiling faces. AJ is getting over a cold and thrills us by the minute. Watching him Christmas day will be a blast. Princess works. Star is back in Georgia from gallivanting off to Tennessee. She had a blast but like all things ... eventually you must return home.

Thursday night Bible study completed the second week of 10 last night. It is a very good study and is generating quite a bit of discussion. That makes it easy to lead when everyone can't wait to get their $.02 worth into the conversation.

Lots of things going on or upcoming ... but more about them later.

Time to dream .... If you could have one dream come true this Christmas, what would it be?




http://www.dcrtv.com/
Sources: 105.1 Up For Sale? - 12/3

Tuesday, December 01, 2009

Pork-out Aftermath

This Thanksgiving Holiday was a very good one. We stayed home and celebrated with family. The meal stuffed us not to mention the effect of the chips and dip prior to the meal. We missed two of the grandkids but oh well, that is life. Star was gallivanting about Tennessee while Wild Mom celebrated with Gung-Ho Jen. We have been getting real good use of our friends hot tub ... nothing like sitting outside in the tub in 40 degrees while the steam rises from the water. Everyone of us enjoy the relaxing quiet time. I am very thankful of friends that are a joy to be with. It seems as the economy takes it toll we spend more and more time together having a great time. I can't imagine going through this time alone with no very close friends. Well, except if it was with family. Bowling still continues to wind down. The Youth team is still in first with 2 weeks to go. Can we go wire to wire in first place? The Adult team continues to hang in the second spot. We seem to lose on the same night as the others around us, thus keeping us in 2nd.

#1 is back working after his back issues. How long it will last is any one's guess. #2 continues to avoid the jobs but he is in serious jeopardy of getting his butt kicked out. The meter is running and will appear to run out on Thursday. Time will tell. Peanut is getting smarter and smarter though lately she has been fighting the crud. She also involved in developing her business plan for when she graduates in the late spring of 2010. AJ grows and grows. He is carrying on conversations with you now, even though you don't know exactly what he is saying ... just nod and smile. Lil Princess is also going through that phase so at times you get a double barrel load of kidspeak. Lew is growing and becoming quite good at logic games. In January, he will start his first bowling league. That will prove to be quite interesting. Hopefully he will listen more than #1 did. It took a while for #1 to realize that Dad did know a little bit about the subject. Princess continues to work most the time with an occasional text message. I am horrible at text messaging and fumbling with the microscopic keyboard so not much is said. So I must assume she is well and happy. Star spent the holidays in Tennessee with my nephew and his family. Now we need to get her home from her long vacation this fall and put her to work. She needs some dental work and as we all know ... it costs money.

The cruise grows closer. For those with inquiring minds ... 6-20 January 2010.

Can you believe the New Orleans Saints are 11-0. Who would have thunk that? Needless to say the Redskins are nowhere bound for the Holidays. Old, tired, and retirement-eligible teams usually go nowhere.

Thursday, November 26, 2009

11-26-09

Day before Thanksgiving and a 4 day holiday. I hope everyone has a great day and will spend it with someone that truly loves you. If not .. come over here and I will. The feasting has already started. I attacked the chips and dip and got scolded for it. Sniff. Those pies looked good and I have been know to steal them and eat them long before the Thanksgiving dinner. Ahhh so ... secret ninja sneak and grab. I thought about listing everyone and saying something ... but I may forget someone or they take it the wrong way ... so I will just say ... I love each and everyone of you and can think of no better way to show it than giving you a big hug. Separated by time and space ... so I pass you one huge cyber hug!

But one person will get a mention ... Lady ... without her I would be nothing. She is my wife, best friend, confidant, soul mate, and the essence of me ... I LOVE HER!

My prayer is that everyone is safe and happy tomorrow. A special prayer for Blue as he deals with family issues.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Thanks for all the Great memories

Well, Thanksgiving is almost here and thus the Holiday Season will start. I am amazed that Christmas music is already being played ... can't we enjoy the fall holiday first? If they think this will get me in the festive mood and spend more money ... then they are really sucking on some strange weed. If anything, I will balk out of irritation. Bowling continues to be good as the kids are in first place with three weeks to go and the adult team is in second with a long way to go. Lately we have spent time at Carl and Lynne's trying out their new hot tub. Nothing like sitting outside as the water vapor rises and the outside temperature is in the low-50's. Of course the walk out to the tub is fun and one you don't dally on. Work is there and helps keep the stress level elevated. It just isn't as fun anymore. The cruise is only 6 1/2 weeks away. Sun and water with temps in the mid 80's. Gee, that sounds like heaven. Blink-Blink.
Wild Mom is finishing up moving stuff and creating her new craft room. It is keeping her busy and happy. Lady is doing well and gearing up or the baking and cooking season. Tonight is the final on "Dancing With The Stars" and she has her fingers crossed that M`ya wins ... not! #1 is still dealing with his sore back. He tried bowling but after one game had to stop. It sure is tough being "almost 30." His body is slowly breaking down as age takes it toll. Or is it because I am setting the bar too high as I averaged over 200 this weekend? #2 is the same ... no job. Peanut is still learning in school and now she is planning her business. Figuring out a name and business cards provides a lot of laughs but underneath we are very proud of her as she works to make it on her own. Princess works. Star is moving to a new apartment and will spend Thanksgiving in Nashville. She continues to impress us as she makes a life for herself. The kids are great. Serenity is growing and filling out. Her vocabulary makes every conversation a delight. Believe me, she is learning how to flirt, use her eyes and facial expressions to get what she wants. Of course, I am immune. AJ is turning into the little man we knew he would be. It is so much fun watching him grow and learn to talk with with us. Lew is excited about bowling with me in January when the new league starts. This should be fun. The circle is complete as several people are re-entering our lives. They diverged for a few years but are coming back. This enriches our lives so much and gives us a chance to love them more.
I was suprised this morning to find out my home mortgage had been sold and no one told me. In the past I recieved 30-45 days notice it was happening. Oh well, squash the little guy ... he only pays the bill so don't worry.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Storm Clouds are Brewing

Hump Day and I am still alive and kicking. Though the kicking part will become more noticeable. I am getting near the end of the rope and it won't be pretty or comfortable when I reel it back in. Yes, you guessed it ... I am in a fowl mood and nothing good ever comes out of it. I am tired of being used and I guess it is time to start changing that. painful as it may be.

We went to the Gideons Pastor/Spouse Appreciation Dinner as St. Mark's representative. The dinner was the best we have had in quite a while. The speaker was really good. I would have to rate this experience as the best ever and I believe lady feels the same way. The new working hours are the pain in my tush. I am not adjusting or adapting to these new work hours. Besides, I found an easier way to do all this, isn't that the name of the game? How about "Dancing With The Stars" last night? Surprised? We were as we watched it with some good friends. I have several resumes out and hope to hear back on one of them this week. I just gotta do what I have to do. Can you believe Thanksgiving is next week and 5 weeks later we head for the Caribbean and we still have to squeeze Christmas in there somewhere.

Today is 1/2 priced burger day, the highlight of my culinary weekday. The hardest part is waiting for 11:30 when my stomach is growling now and I can smell the grill warming up.



##### free-load; free-lohd – verb (used without object) Informal. ######
##### 1. to take advantage of others for free food, entertainment, etc. #####