Window of Opportunity

One tricky fact about windows: What looks like a window of DEFEAT can actually be a window of VICTORY. It simply depends on your perspective. Window of Testimony = The best evangelistgic tool of all time is YOUR story! So you better find an audience. The danger with the Testimony Window is that it wants to close, so you have to fight to keep it open. If you are serious about keeping it open, you will have an undying desire to succeed and grow. Window of Repentance = God's grace will always be here, but you will not. Eternity is closer than you think.

Revivng Your Life

Check your life for a sense of purpose. If you stand for nothing, then you will fall for anything.

Check your life for a pattern of relevance. We are all called to reach people.

Check your life for a spirit of urgency. We can't put off what God is calling us to do TODAY.

Regrets

Small things left unattended to, will cause great disasters.
Small things properly attended to, will lead to great victories!

What you don't deal with in private, God will deal with in public.

I would rather have the pain of discipline, than have the pain of regret.

The trouble with good advice, is that it often interferes with our plans.

Ramdom Thoughts

1. You can have more degrees than a thermometer, but at the top of the ladder is God.
2. A man does not ask for directions. That is man law #15. If he asks, they will take away his man card and make him wear a tutu. That is why your car's GPS is in a woman's voice.
3. People don't see things as they really are. They see things as THEY are.
4. The only way you can change the way people see you.....you have to change the way you see yourself. Your life is a mirror of how you see yourself.
5. Fear is a self full-filling prophecy. If you think you will fail, then you will.
6. The tongue is the smallest part of the body, but it can control your path. Like a rudder on a boat. Small but directional.

Puns for Educated Minds

Puns for Educated Minds

1. The roundest knight at King Arthur's round table was Sir Cumference. He acquired his size from too much pi.

2. I thought I saw an eye doctor on an Alaskan island, but it turned out to be an optical Aleutian.

3. She was only a whiskey maker, but he loved her still.

4. A rubber band pistol was confiscated from algebra class because it was a weapon of math disruption.

5. The butcher backed into the meat grinder and got a little behind in his work.

6. No matter how much you push the envelope, it'll still be stationery.

7. A dog gave birth to puppies near the road and was cited for littering.

8. A grenade thrown into a kitchen in France would result in Linoleum Blownapart.

9. Two silk worms had a race. They ended up in a tie.

10. Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.

11. A hole has been found in the nudist camp wall. The police are looking into it.

12. Atheism is a non-prophet organization.

13. Two hats were hanging on a hat rack in the hallway. One hat said to the other, 'You stay here; I'll go on a head.'

14. I wondered why the baseball kept getting bigger. Then it hit me.

15. A sign on the lawn at a drug rehab center said: 'Keep off the Grass.'

16. A small boy swallowed some coins and was taken to a hospital. When his grandmother telephoned to ask how he was,
a nurse said, 'No change yet.'

17. A chicken crossing the road is poultry in motion.

18. The short fortune-teller who escaped from prison was a small medium at large.

19. The man who survived mustard gas and pepper spray is now a seasoned veteran.

20. A backward poet writes inverse.

21. In democracy it's your vote that counts. In feudalism it's your count that votes.

22. When cannibals ate a missionary, they got a taste of religion.

23. Don't join dangerous cults: Practice safe sects!

WE SURVIVED... the 1930's, 40's, 50's, 60's and 70's

First, we survived being born to mothers who smoked and/or drank while they were pregnant.

They took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing, tuna from a can, and didn't get tested for diabetes.

Then after that trauma, we were put to sleep on our tummies in baby cribs covered with bright colored lead-based paints.

We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, doors, or cabinets and when we rode our bikes, we had no helmets, not to mention the risks we took hitchhiking.

As infants &children, we would ride in cars with no car seats, booster seats, seat belts, or air bags.

Riding in the back of a pick up on a warm day was always a special treat.

We drank water from the garden hose and NOT from a bottle.

We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and NO ONE actually died from this.

We ate cupcakes, white bread, and real butter and drank Kool-aid made with sugar, but we weren't overweight because,

WE WERE ALWAYS OUTSIDE PLAYING!

We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on.

No one was able to reach us all day. And we were O.K.

We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scraps and then ride down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes. After running into the bushes a few times, we learned to solve the problem.

We did not have Playstations, Nintendo's, X-boxes. No video games at all, no 150 channels on cable, no video movies or DVD's, no surround-sound or CD's, no cell phones, no personal computer! s, no Internet or chat rooms.......

WE HAD FRIENDS and we went outside and found them!

We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no lawsuits from these accidents.

We ate worms and mud pies made from dirt, and the worms did not live in us forever.

We were given BB guns for our 10th birthdays, made up games with sticks and tennis balls and, although we were told it would happen, we did not put out very many eyes.

We rode bikes or walked to a friend's house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just walked in and talked to them!

Little League had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn't had to learn to deal with disappointment.

Imagine that!!

The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of. They actually sided with the law!

These generations have produced some of the best risk-takers , problem solvers, and inventors ever!

The past 50 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas.

We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned HOW TO DEAL WITH IT ALL!

If YOU are one of them... CONGRATULATIONS!

You might want to share this with others who have had the luck to grow up as kids, before the lawyers and the government regulated so much of our lives
for our own good .

While you are at it, forward it to your kids so they will know how brave (and lucky) their parents were.

Kind of makes you want to run through the house with scissors, doesn't it?!

Another episode of Redneck Roommates

I would think, if I had a nice back yard with a wooden patio deck, that I would entertain my guest there instead of the front yard. It seems so bizarre to have a BBQ and friends party in the front yard, near the street. After all, isn't that what a back yard is for? Hence the name, "back yard BBQ", "back yard patio", and "back yard party". That by itself is bad enough. Now add the music box, loud talk and laughter, off key singing and whistling, and the occasional showoff of manhood. How does a drunk redneck show off his manhood? No.....not like that. Get your mind out of the gutter! He does it by bringing his dumbbells (pun intended) and barbells out for all to see.
So let me see if I got this right. First they do a couple of reps of lifting weights. Drink a beer. A couple more reps. Smoke a cig. Followed by more reps. Then it's the next guys turn, to try and out do the previous guy. And if all of this wasn't enough. THEN they have to get out the trumpet and play to the radio. Did I mention, that this continues after dark, often late into the night? What about the noise violation code? Good question. Believe it or not, no one has ever called the police or even came over to ask them to keep it down. Scared I guess. Well, at least they aren't playing one hole golf, like they did a few months back. Each one of them claim to be the "Master of The Universe" whenever they beat the last guy's score. Did I mention it was only one hole?

Father's Day 2009

Today actually started yesterday, if you can believe that. I went shopping with my son and ex-wife to buy my own Father's Day dinner. Since she was laid off last week, I decided to help her out, just a little. The stepson and her came to the conclusion that since our bill last time, eating out at Ruby Tuesday was about $85 for four adults, why not take that same money and spend it on groceries and therefore, get more bang for the buck. Capital idea! Finally, they caught on. This morning, before church, I had a drop off appointment at Petsmart for the family dog. After church, I was informed that he might have a cancerous growth at the opening of his anus. A very tender area, indeed. As I was changing my clothes in preparation to go to my son's and ex's for the day, I received a phone call from a former roommate. His father had passed away about 1:30 pm today, after being taken off life support a few days ago.
I guess I am just ranting, because today has been an emotional roller coaster. Happy at church and happy that it is Father's Day. Sad because a friend lost their father and the family dog (Spike) has cancer for the 2nd time in 2 years. We have had him since he was a puppy, for about 7 years now. Financially, we can't afford another $800 surgery and besides, what good would it do? It would be money wasted in what are already tough times. Sad really, but there it is.

Another Heinz 57 day

WOW, what a whirlwind of a day! Early in my work day, we find out that our site may loose 10% of our workforce due to layoff. Later we had a team meeting to discuss how we felt about the news. We were all speechless because even though we knew something like this was coming, we did not have a definite number or a date of action. We now have a time frame of not later than the end of this month. In order to avoid delay, our office is notifying some this week or next. Tomorrow I have off, because my ex-wife is taking her daughter to court, to ask for custody of the oldest granddaughter. I pray for God's mercy and protection in this, as in all things. It breaks my heart to see a daughter and mother fight as these two do. And as usual, I (along with a child this time) get caught in the messy middle. Both warn me of the other.
When I got home, the rednecks are celebrating a good day of work, in their traditional manner. Bon fire in back yard and beer. I am not sure about two of the guys, but one of them (my roommate) could never tolerate a 40 hour work week. He prides himself on being his own boss, runs a handyman service, and depends on someone else for transportion. He "claims" to make $80 per hour. Well, if that was true, he would own his own house and not being renting a room. Room....what a joke that is. It is really a den, made into a room by replacing the door leading to the outside with a board of plywood, more plywood covering the half wall leading to the living room, and a half curtain which closes the entrance from the kitchen. Oh and let's not forget the square cut out of the plywood leading to the outside for his window AC unit. Did he say he makes over $12k a month??? The bon fire is blazing, even as they cut more wood. Isn't this now summer? And to top it all off, they are cutting fire wood with a hand held circular saw in one hand and the board held freely in the other. Did I mention they have been drinking beer???

Labyrinth - The Walking Meditation

Labyrinths have been around for over 4000 years and are found in almost every major religion in the world, used as meditation and prayer tools.. They have been part of many cultures such as Native American, Greek, Celtic and Mayan. During the crusades, they were used to symbolize the pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Today, labyrinths are used for reflection, meditation, prayer and comfort. The Chartres Cathedral in France had a labyrinth 42 feet in diameter in the stone floor, around the year 1200. That's nearly 300 years before Columbus discovered America. In fact, labyrinth designs are found on coins, pottery, or rocks dating back to 3000 B.C.
Many people make the mistake of thinking a labyrinth and a maze are the same. A maze has dead ends and many trick turns. A labyrinth has only one path leading to the center and back out again. There are no dead ends. The labyrinth symbol relates to wholeness. It combines the imagery of the circle and the spiral into a meandering but purposeful path. The object of the labyrinth is to journey to our own center and back again out into the world.
When you walk a labyrinth, you meander back and forth, turning 180 degrees each time you enter a different circuit. As you shift your direction you also shift your awareness from right brain to left brain. This is one of the reasons the labyrinth can induce receptive states of consciousness.
Each person's walk is a personal experience. Each time is different. Some people walk for clearing the mind and centering. Others enter with a question or concern. The time in the center can be used for receiving, reflecting, meditating, or praying, as well as discovering our own inner peace. Most people focus on a question, a prayer or a thought to hold in their mind's eye. When you walk the labyrinth, your mind quiets, and you are able to hear your inner voice, giving you guidance and encouragement which you are focusing on. Hundreds of labyrinths have been created in America, in churches, hospitals, and work places. The beneficial effects include focusing the mind, slowing the breathing, inducing a state of peace, reducing stress, and healing diseases.

Where has Emily Post gone?

I often wonder what has happened to etiquette and manners nowadays. Some feel it cramps their style or "freedom" to express themselves. Maybe it is yet another lost art and a sign of the times. However, I expect some things in everyday dealings with my fellow man/woman. I expect a cashier to thank me, make eye contact, and (God forbid) even put my groceries into my shopping cart BEFORE starting on the next customer in line. When I am on the interstate and I am driving in the far right hand lane, I know I have the right of way. But I was taught that if a car is coming onto the interstate in the "on" ramp, that I should move over, if I am able, as a matter of courtesy. It's called an acceleration ramp, but they must yeild the right of way. Sounds like a conflict, but there it is. As with most things today, everyone has rights. Most have forgotten that responsibilty goes hand in hand with rights. People don't care about your rights, only their own. Should I move the unattended shopping cart in my way, as I go down the grocery aisle? Should I ask the parent of a annnoying child in church, to please make them be quiet? Cell phones open up a new era in manners and etiquette. It use to be, people had to go to where the phone was and have a conversation in relative privacy. Now they let the whole world in on their conversation at the bank, in line at the store or fast food joint, even in public restrooms. And if you dare say something to them, they are outragged that you stuck your nose into their "private" conversation. How rude of me???

Two poems from my childhood

Does anyone know, does anyone care Where you go or how you fare? Whether you smile or whether you sigh? Whether you laugh or whether you cry? Glad when you're happy? Sad when you're blue? Does anyone care what becomes to you? I do, pal~~~I'll say I do!

I wish I was a little rock A-sittin' on a hill, Doin' nothin' all the day But just a-sittin' still; I wouldn't eat, I wouldn't sleep, I wouldn't even wash~~ I'd just sit still a thousand years And think of you, b'gosh!

My Redneck Roommates

I have two male rednecks, that both work their separate jobs for cash under the table. Their idea of a good day of work, is how much beer and food they can buy for that night's consumption. In their words, they earned a right to get their buzz on. Their favorite spot to party is in front of the house, on a small square of stone bricks, we call a porch. A big yellow boom box is blaring as they try to sing along with either some country or classic rock songs. We use to have a fire pit in the back, but they abused the privilege. More than once, someone called the fire dept. because the "boys" were stoking the fire, getting the flames to go as high as they could. Add loud music, loud talk, and beer......all at 11:30 pm. Despite several warnings by the senior roommate, they continued, usually when he went out of town. Finally, he simply took it away from them. That's when they moved the BBQ and parties to the front yard.
Once, they found some old golf clubs and golf balls. So the made a hole in the ground (one hole) and said they were "playing golf". Imagine watching 4 men, drinking beer and batting a ball around the yard, all for the glory of claiming the best shot of the day! All this amidst loud music and loud talk. And OMG......why in the name of all that is holy, can these guys think they can sing or carry a tune while they whistle? Hurts my ears and probably a few near by dogs.
This blog will continue as long as they push the envelope of stupidity.

My Religion

Since my mother died March 2007, I have been taking a closer look at my religious beliefs, with some info from my sister. She suggested a New Age religion called Religious Science, also known as Science of Mind. Not to be confused with Christian Science or Scientology. My sister told me that the church of our childhood (Prebyterian) was ancient and out of date. No wonder I fell asleep at service. So I embraced my journey to find and better understand religion by online readings, going to various church services, and Edgar Cayce' s Association for Research ..and Enlightenment. So of course, being excited with any new found endeavor, I told my ex-wife and stepson, who are deeply into Rock Church. And like all blind sheep, they follow every word said by their pastor, without question. Even at my slightest hint of suggesting they come with me on Sunday to one of "my" churches, is met with a harsh disagreement of all religious issuses. Today, for example, I told them that The WAVE Church was having an Easter egg hunt for the kids, with over 30,000 eggs. My "X" said the easter bunny and egg hunts were "pegan". Gee, I guess she forgets all the easter baskets she made me buy and the pictures of my son on the Easter Bunny's lap. Hypocrite....look it up and you will see my "X"'s picture.