THIS AND THAT

I thought I had better catch you up on life around the Home since I haven’t written for a few days.

First, everything is fine with me. However, I feel swamped, actually, I kind of like the feeling. It is highly motivational. I don’t want this all the time. It makes me tired, but I can handle it for a few days.

I have an art show I need to be ready for by Nov. 16. This is a craft and bake sale at the church. It is a small sale, but I really need new material and am trying to pound it out. I have determined that all my new art pieces would center on scenes from Old Town. Since I sold the first one of the barbershop, my motivation whenever higher, Number two is nearly complete (just some touch up) and my third one will be started today.

My biggest problem is still my glasses. I have new ones and it feels like the prescription is wrong. I am really struggling with fine detail. After 15-20 minutes I have to rest my eyes. That’s why I am typing right now. I want to see my optometrist but time is an issue. For now, I am plugging away.

Besides the drawing, I am working on a large number of Christmas tree ornaments with my family. I like doing this, but again, it’s the detail work. I’m glad my granddaughters can to that sort of thing. However, the family is swamped. Church activities, soccer, band concerts, work, travel time (they live in Seabeck) as everywhere takes time. We have two and a half weeks to go. Yikes.

If I don’t write too frequently for the next three weeks you might understand why.

THE HOME

CW was sitting at the front door this morning like he does when he is going to catch the bus. Today is his last day here, supposedly. Since he is talking to no one we all wonder where is he going and when the rest of his things is being picked up. Having worked as an apartment manager he might be waiting for final eviction. If so, he may have a couple more months for the process to run down. In the end the Sherriff would come and physically remove his things and lock him out of the apartment. Who knows, he might have struck a deal with housing for an extension.

I know I am not the sharpest tack in the box, but I still weary of exhausting questions. Olivia is pushing my buttons with her questions lately. She caught me yesterday to ask what time the Halloween potluck is today. The calendar says 5:00 and a poster I put up says 3:00. The time was changed because Housing came though with Lasagna for the meal. When that happens. The woman in charge from housing likes to attend. That meant moving the time up as she is off work at 4:30. I guess the confusion would not be so annoying if the poster did not say NOTE THE TIME CHANGE. Her response to that still was she did not know is that was correct. I was so tempted to as if she was coming and what she was bringing. She can never make an advance commitment as she might have something better to do. But she has yet to miss a potluck. She just arrives a little late and never brings anything. This ticks many off as she won over $7,000 at the casino last year but cannot afford to help out. I don’t know what she comes anyway. She doesn’t trust anyone’s cooking as they might put something harmful in their dish. I had to laugh when she tried Jim’s carrots a while back and learned after one mouthful that Jim likes things hot. I don’t know what he put on those carrots, but they were uneatable to most of us.

Gail lives above me and got a kitten several weeks ago. After her dog died she said she would never have another animal. It didn’t take long until she obviously changed her mind. The kitten is a holy terror. Muffin runs and jumps and knocks things over during the night or very early in the morning. She wakes me up often. Gail complains about the cat every morning at coffee. It is the same complaint. I really don’t understand the appeal of having a nocturnal. I know! We had them most of the time Della was a live. Go figure.

I couldn’t take the complaints anymore and said, “I’m not sure the kitten is as much a problem at the owner.” I am not sure Gail is going to speak to me for the next few days. Open mouth — insert foot. I believe that is one of my spiritual gifts.

CORRECTION

I’m very interested in contradiction. It’s necessity, it’s function, and it’s purpose. There seems to be a lot of that going on around here.

I had my finished newsletter at coffee yesterday to ask a friend to proof it before I sent it off. My primary proofreader was away on vacation. My spelling of ukulele was brought into question. The proofreader wondered if it should be spelled with an “e” as in ukelele. I commented that I ran it through Spell-check, as I was unsure myself. After that, a comment was voice from across the room, “You cannot trust Spell-check. It is often wrong. The word is spelled with an “e”. There was a confidence in the voice and a sternness of tone. If I didn’t know better I was have felt talked down to. Of course, The Home is full of loving, compassionate and extremely helpful people. Whatever! I never take these things for granted, I checked again and Spell-check was correct. It is spelled with a “U.” Knowing that I always have the kind, loving and gracious response I wanted to march down the hall, knock on her door and tell her she was wrong. I didn’t, but I wanted to.

My emotional response had everything to do with tone and nothing to do with the words. I have talked to this same person on several occasions about her tone. It is judgmental and harsh. When I was coaching The Portrait Players there was a little acting exercise where a few simple sentences were given as a quote and the actors were to change the meaning without changing the words. It’s easy. Try it. This was all done to prove that tone is almost more important than the words.

Even when I am sure I am right, I don’t fight these “superior” people. I’ve learned my lesson.

I got in a huge vocal battle with a lady here over the use of the word only. For me it began as a joke. For her it seemed to be a matter of pride. She was frustrated that we only get one TV choice at The Home. It’s cable, and we do not get anon-cable option. Take what they give and what they charge or do without TV. She commented that she hated this town because that one option is no option. While that is true for The Home, it is not true for the town or area. We had been talking and laughing about the situation. Satellite is much cheaper in our area. But the owners make cable our only option. They do not want those big ugly dishes on the roof.

She kept up the argument about no options in the area so I, like a helpful fellow apartment dweller, attempted to set her strait. And prove to her they were options in the area, just not in out building. When I realize she was angry, I calmed down a bit, but did not let go. She was wrong and I was going to prove it.

The outcome of this insignificant issue was that she did not speak to me for a year. I guess I won. I was right. But is a stupid argument. The purpose of correction her began as a joke and ended in bitterness.

I guess I’ve been schooled in frivolous correction. She knew what she meant, I knew what she meant, but we fought anyway.

MOVIES

Run do not walk to the nearest theater to see “Courageous.” It is the most powerful and entertaining sermon I have ever heard/seen on the value and responsibility of fatherhood. And take Kleenex, a lot of Kleenex. You most likely will need it unless you way more control over your emotions than I.

Courageous is the fourth film from Sherwood Pictures, the film division of Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia. Perhaps you saw “Facing Giants” or “Fireproof” films 2 and 3 of their wildly successful film division. With each film they have become more and more successful. Fireproof was made for $500,000 and took in $33 million. With the profits they built and 82 acre sports complex for the community just to give back to Albany.

The senior Pastor, Michael Catt writes about the beginning of this ministry.

“I met Alex Kendrick while preaching at a youth camp one summer and was impressed with his videos and media talents. When the time came for us to fill the Media Minister position on staff, I contacted Alex. Though Alex was using his gifts and talents in ministry, he was not the director of media for his church. I saw a diamond in the rough. Alex came on board in 1999, and we called his brother Stephen in 2001.

“God had been preparing these two from childhood to make movies. As kids they lived next door to a man who was interested in technical gadgets. He bought stop-and-go animation cameras, and Alex and Stephen used his equipment to make short videos. For years the boys put together homemade “chase ‘em down and beat ‘em up” movies. Later they produced commercials, movie trailers and even school projects.

“All along, their parents supported them through prayer and by modeling authentic Christianity. As a result, Alex has long had a deep desire to make Christian films.

“The Kendrick brothers are an asset to our staff. They have a great respect for pastoral authority and are very teachable. They have put aside egos and brotherly competition to produce movies that have made a mark on our church, on the culture and around the world. Through His sovereignty, God even placed their families in the same neighborhood in Albany. This has allowed Alex and Stephen to work on story ideas or write scripts more easily.

“After reading an article from George Barna listing the top cultural influences, we learned that church was sliding down the scale while movies, media and music were becoming the predominant means of influence. Since the church was listed behind sports, education and movies we concluded we could either complain about this or address it. This mindset has been the key initiative behind the development of the Sports Park, Sherwood Christian Academy and Sherwood Pictures.

“In 2001 we went to Orlando, Florida, for staff retreat and took a day off to hang out at Disney World. We took a behind the scenes tour and learned about their “imagineers.” As we walked around the park observing the attention to detail everywhere, we were challenged with this thought: If a secular company can be this committed to excellence, why can’t the church of Jesus Christ?

“While in Orlando, I talked with Alex about where he wanted to be in five to ten years. He said, “I want to make movies, but no church is going to let me stay on staff and do that.” I replied, “Why not? Bring me a script and a budget, and let’s see if God is in it.” That conversation was the genesis of Sherwood Pictures. Our goal from day one has been to make family-friendly movies that build on the Judeo Christian ethic and communicate the gospel without compromise. We want to make movies you could take your girlfriend or your grandmother to without embarrassment.”

They has succeeded, May they be blessed multiply abundantly. I have seen “Facing Giants” and now “Courageous.” I have ordered “Fireproof” from Netflix. If this is the future of faith based films we are in good hands.

WHERE DO YOU SIT?

I have always been interested in where people choose to sit when they can sit anywhere. I know it is not consistent for all venues. In fact, the venue determines our choices. At the first service of my church seating is much like a donut. They sit in a circle leaving the middle empty. In the second service it fills up from the back to the front.

I know the venue determines where I sit. If I go to live theater, I want to sit as close to the front as possible, even the front row. At movies I sit near the middle with a leaning toward the front. I want the action to fill my line of vision without breaking me neck looking nearly straight up. At sporting events my seat is determined by cost. I go for the cheep seats. While living in Regina I often had season tickets to see the Roughriders. The last few games of years were absolutely miserable. I hate ice cycles hanging off the end of my nose. At potluck dinners, I sit somewhat near the serving table. Got to be near the food. At seminars and lectures seating is always determined by the subject, the lecturer or teacher and what I know about their communication skills or want to know about the subject. At church, I am usually on either side and about 20% of the way from the front.

Where we sit is an indication of out interest and/or financial ability. The closer one is the front, the greater the interest. The back indicates a disinterest and fears at times (I am hiding in the back so please don’t call on me). Students near the front get better grades and the grades get lower the further from the front one sits.

I would get these kinds of stats across my desk when I was teaching so I compared notes with my son-in-law. He is a high school English teacher. The question: Is there a correlation between grades and where one sits? A resounding yes! He says yes. I say yes and all the stats crossing my desk and his say yes.

I know people want to argue. There is always some one near the front whose grades are no more than average. I agree with that, but I never had a student near the front that was marginal, but they might be awful if they were at the back. Distance from instruction or viewing has everything to do with distractions. The fewest the distractions the greater is one’s ability to focus.

This also applies to the church. Are the front pews filled with the better Christians? Not necessarily! But these people pay the most avid attention. They may be the most hungry. They may be searching. They may also be hard of hearing or cannot see well.

So is there a correlation between where you sit at any venue and you interest in the subject? Most likely!

I have given up any interest in actually attending any professional game.. The best seat in the house is in my easy chair where no one is sitting in front of me, no one is spilling beer nor are they screaming in my ear. I am not sure what this means? I know I can get food without missing anything. I can read a book if the game is boring or I can play a computer game. In other words, I can easily move on to something better. I guess that means I am not a diehard sports fan. If it entertains me fine, if not — I’m outta there.

There is one place I always try to sit in the very front — in my car behind the steering wheel.

SIN AND ART (not necessarily together)

I think I participated in one of the deadly sins today. I don’t remember the number exactly. Maybe it is an extension of on of the basic seven. It has to do with Stone Cold Creamery. If you don’t know what this sinful place is all about it is a killer (literally) ice cream shop. They have a dozen or so “foundation” ice creams like the standard vanilla, chocolate and strawberry and many more. They scoop out the appropriate base (small, medium and large) and put it on a marble slab that is kept cold (hence the name) and then you add to it just about any topping you can imagine.

I had a thing called “Pie I’d Die for.” or something like that — Oreo cooking (two, I noticed), caramel and chocolate syrups, graham cracker pie crust, and I lost track of what else there was, but I did add pecans. This was wrong, wrong, wrong and I will pay for it foe weeks, maybe even months.

I clearly understand sin. In fact, I consider myself somewhat of an expert since I have done it for years. I do want to do it (well maybe sometimes I do), but like the Apostle Paul. I do what I don’t want to do. — I do wonder if he ever secretly did it because he wanted to. — One of the problems with my sin is that it sticks right out there in front of me. I cannot really keep it a secret. What else can I say? I planned it; I took five others with me. We went, we tasted, we downed it and then went to Starbucks for a chaser. I was good there. I had a sugar free caramel, no caffeine, and skinny latte. I think that kind of balanced out the waffle cone the decedent dessert came in. I promise not to do it for at least another year. Forgive me for I have sinned. It has been four years since I went in that store and I have now done it again. Yum! Why is gluttony one of the deadly sins when the church where I was reared advocated food and lots of it? It never met without tables over flowing with food and especially desserts. I’m sure that is where I learned this awful sin. I always thought “Fellowship” equaled “Food”.

I went for a haircut today and took my barber a print I drew of her shop. She has let me have shows there several times and never charged and never takes a percentage. She has also hosted artists for opening night providing punch, cheese and crackers. I owe her. So I wanted her to have a print of the work. But she surprised me. She wants to buy the original. Bless her heart. That will pay all my expenses for the two shows I have this fall. I am very excited. This may actually be the first show where I will make some money.

The Barbershop is called “Two-Bits.” A cool name for a barber in Old Town, don’t you think? Unfortunately, that has no barring on current prices, but I did get a free haircut today.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

I don’t really think much about birthdays anymore. In fact, I don’t remember ever thinking much about birthdays. I have no memory of any birthday celebration from my childhood. I know there were no parties.

When I got to high school, friends tried to celebrate with a surprise. I appreciated the effort, but really, there were no surprises, but there were good times.

Della, my wife, never forgot my birthday and I certainly never forgot hers. BC (before children) it meant a nice meal and a pleasant evening. That continued until our daughter was born the day before my birthday. That effectively ended my isolated and individual birthday. Two birthdays so close together was a challenge and children take precedence.

I didn’t mind. I was beginning to travel more with my work and in time we had my birthday whenever.

I do remember three huge birthday surprises. We were living in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan where I worked for University Drive Alliance. Lois (Rose) Thiessen was living with us while attending the University of Saskatchewan. On my birthday, loud noises and my youth group suddenly awaked me early in my living room singing happy birthday. It took a while to figure out they hadn’t just broke in to attack and rob me. Lois, bless her little pea pickin’ heart, had let them in. I had to scramble to find something to wear. I was not appropriately attired for company. In fact, I was not attired at all.

The second was in Vancouver, BC. The youth group came over my birthday night and brought me a cake. I was surprised to see them and even more surprised by the cake. I had never seen one like it. If I remember correctly it was angel food, one of my favorites. It was the decorations that I had never seen. Each person was invited to bring a topping to add to the cake. There was some frosting, somewhere under there, but there was also pickles, carrots, celery, and assorted other vegetable. There was ketchup, mustard and relishes with caramel sauce and more things than I could identify or name.

Their plan was to deliver the cake and leave. That was not going to happen. If they expected me to eat the cake I wanted them to enjoy it with me. I almost forced them to sit while I cut and served that cake. Without hesitation I say, that was the worse birthday cake I have ever tasted.

The Portrait Players, a drama team I worked with in Regina, got in my house and decorated it as only juveniles can. They short sheeted the bed, put honey on the toilet seat, and rearranged our cupboards. There was probably more, but that is all the photo records of their visit.

They tell me that when working with youth, these kind of celebrations are all a form of love. I don’t remember asking for that kind of love. But they were all memorable and I accept the gesture.

Yesterday we celebrated Jean’s 90t birthday. She is my next-door neighbor. It was fun because she was so excited as was her daughter. It was cool. It was even more fun to see how excited she was at celebrating that birthday. Most people at the Home would rather forget about birthdays at this stage of life. But Birthdays are not so bad. They say you made it one more year and you still have time to become all God wants you to be.

I’m glad I have had birthdays. It beats the alternative. When you have grandkids around, you are always looking forward to being there for the next life milestone. I want to see my great grand kids get married. I hope everyone hurries, I have never wanted to live to be 100.

THE LOST HAS BEEN FOUND

Well, I found my drivers license today. This may surprise you, but it was right where I left it. Right where it should be. Right where I had looked for it several times. Not only am I going deaf, I guess I am going blind (I am – sort of).

I was at Safeway buying a pie for Charlie for our Tuesday Bible Study tomorrow. At the self-checkout I went to scan my Safeway card and the system went crazy. It beeped, screeched, and growled and brought the clerk on duty running. I rubbed my Safeway card and in so doing found my license stuck to the back of that card. When asked by the attendant what happened, I asked if she was aware that one cannot scan their license on the Safeway checkout scanners. She does now.

I really do not know how it got back in my wallet. I had done nothing about the license hoping that the person who may have found it would mail it back to me. Surprisingly, it did not come in the mail. Go figure.

I am quite sure it was the evil wallet bug that decided to hide my license. At least he didn’t steal it.

CHURCHES HAVE CHANGED — GOOD

There is something pretty cool about church today (is cool still an OK word). Actually there was nothing very special it was just how things stuck me.

Churches have certainly changed. My next-door neighbor at The Home turns 90 tomorrow. Unlike most around here, she is excited and looking forward to the event. Her daughter brought a cake (delicious) and we sang happy birthday. It was fun and felt like a celebration. During his message the pastor celebrated the ministry of three people. The thrill of that is strongly felt in a small congregation. Rather than being exclusive it felt like and encouragement to join the team. When you know a little about the lives of these people and where they have been it is exciting.

When I began getting paid to minister back in 1964 there were very strict rules church volunteers about who could be a lay minister, what they could wear in the ministry and how they lived. To my shame, I accepted many of those extra Biblical guidelines while unsuccessfully challenging others.

Certainly no one who smoked or drank could have a public ministry. Divorcees could have a ministry if they moved on to another church and no one ever found out they had been divorced. If divorcees wanted to be remarried, our church would not perform the wedding, but if they fund another way to be married we would accept them back as attendees (this made my blood boil).

Never get caught drinking – better yet, never drink. Behavior was always an issue. No new believer should ever be allowed in ministry. They aren’t mature enough. What maturity does it take to usher, greet, handout bulletins. Not all are called to be teachers. There was always to be a waiting period. I was never sure what we were waiting for, but the waiting period varied from church to church. Five to ten years seemed about right. Acceptable music instruments were the piano and organ. A guitar could be used at camp and with the youth. That really was a big mistake. Youth grow up and become leaders in the church and –guess what – they want guitars, drums, bass guitars, etc. Heavens, the church is falling apart. No really. You’ll see.

If you are an evangelical Christian you recognize some of these “guidelines” that we added to our own writing of Leviticus.

My church has an ashtray outside the front door. People finish their smokes before entering and some come out during the break for another. Halfway through the service there is a break to get coffee and a donut. People eat and drink during the preaching (Yikes, crumbs, spills in the house of the Lord). Today we had cake and donuts. Naturally we have all those forbidden instruments.

For us of the older evangelical crowd, this place is rather strange. The music is loud. I don’t really see a problem as many of us are going deaf anyway. But God is real and God is at work. To me the foundation of this church comes out of an addiction recovery group. This congregation understands lapses. Two steps forward, one step back. They celebrate every return to the right path rather than condemn the trip and fall.

A young man returned to church today after a brief time in jail. He was hugged and loved and welcomed. He is on his way back. There is at least one unmarried couple living together and with the conviction of God in their heart, are now making plans to marry. Others have done the same thing. See God can work in a life without us handing them the church rulebook.

This church is a spiritual hospital. The broken, bleeding and seriously damaged walk though the doors and are welcomed with open arms. No one looks down on them. No one condemns them. Most believe they are in exactly the right place. There are many spiritual doctors and nurses and aides available to help! And when you fall, caregivers weep and longs for the healing to begin again. A crash and burn is the norm. Not just here, but everywhere. What draws me is knowing that does not mean God is done with you nor are you done with God. They just had an accident and have returned to the place of healing.

I need to go and cut more pieces of cake and put them on plates. It will be easier to get all if they are already served up, besides Cindy brings a busload of folks from the senior center where she works and her arm is in a cast today. She is struggling to get her wards coffee and cake. I can help her because I see the need.

A DARK AND STORY NIGHT

Where is Joseph when you need him? I have rarely been able to recall dreams for the last 40 years or so. But in the last few weeks I remember two or three a week. AND THEY ARE STRANGE.

I cannot recall the whole dream, only bits and pieces. I don’t know if it is something I ate. I know it is not something I have seen on TV. I have been a whirlwind of activity for the past week, and the dreams have gone on longer than that. No two are the same. I see no connection from one night to the next.

Last night (the parts I remember), I got a call to meet Brent in a theater in what I believed was downtown Portland. That in it’s self is strange since we worked together in Salem. The place looked nothing like Portland or any place recall. When I got in my car (one I have never owned) it was “a dark and stormy night.” In fact I could barely see. I know it wasn’t the rain as my wipers were not on and, but it was dark, very dark. In fact, I ran into a downed tree. That did not stop me as I drove right through it. I remember being surprised that no tree trunks or branches stopped me. I cannot remember how badly scratched the car became and I don’t think I even cared.

When I reached the theater I could not find Brent so I bought a ticket and went in. The inside of the theater was lighter than outside. Strange, and why would he want to meet inside with a movie already started? Strange. The room was sparse. I saw Brent right away. He was looking around for me. When he spotted me he got up and came toward me and we hugged like we had not seen each other in a very long time. It has been several years. He lives in Alaska now, but he interned with me for two years and his wife let him travel with me up the Inland Passage cruise to Alaska (my richer days).

He asked if I wanted to watch the movie or got get a cup of coffee. I remember wondering why I would want to watch a movie when we hadn’t seen each other for years. Maybe my movie addiction brought that on. We left the theater, I woke up got a drink of water, went to the bathroom and tried to get back to sleep. But instead of sleeping, I am writing about my dream. Strange.

I have never put much stock in the interpretation of dreams. If I had known Joseph, I am sure things would have been different. If this one had meaning, I sure don’t know what it was, but lets give it a shot.

Thinking of Brent meant good times were had. So I assume that means good times are coming. Good memories are going to be built. Traveling in the dark is a warning to stop waking up when it is dark and stop bumping into things. I broke a toe smashing it on the foot of the bed. That was the first bone I had ever broke. I guess the tree means I am about the face trouble, but I will sail through it unscathed (or it could mean watch where you are going). Meeting Brent in the theater is a sign of my film addiction, but since it was light it means I haven’t seen a film for weeks and haven’t missed it, as I would rather have a cup of coffee with friends.

If it doesn’t mean any of this I guess I had better watch what I eat before bed. However, I did like the slice of berry pie with ice cream that is in the forbidden food category. If that is going to bring on strange dreams, I just hope they continue to be as weird as the one last night.

Today’s assignment (reminds me of CBC days) is to finish this sentence. “It was a dark and story night when… Don’t let me down. These will be graded and it will be on the test. It’s always on the test.

DOING THE ANNOYING

I don't know about you but there are times when I have so much to do that and I don’t always choose the most important. Sometimes I choose the one that annoys me most. Like this box that has sat by my bedroom door for at least a year. It is (was) filed with old zip disks of work from my past. Some items are worth keeping and others should have been thrown away a long time ago. Zip disks are those little square disks that stored almost nothing and are a thing of ancient technological history.

The problem came on Monday night when I banged my foot on the box. I couldn't sleep so I got up and spent a couple to three hours checking what's on the disks and moving what I wanted to keep to my computer desktop. I will move them over to CD's next so I can keep them there until that source is obsolete and then I will move them to those funky little sticks just before they become obsolete. I'm always a little behind technologically and it is getting worse since the new stuff is out of my price league. I have updated my computer as far as it will go. They tell me I need a new computer.

I know I've had this computer for nearly 20 years, but I'm still ticked that I can't continue to upgrade without getting a whole new machine. Of course, I would like a lighter thinner one, but I also want a new car. Neither one is going to happen. That's why I have duct tape - to hold everything together.

So, back to the original story. Emptying those disks was not important, but it was annoying so the box is now empty and I have removed what I want. My kids when throw it all away when their turn comes. I should have been drawing. There is even a bit of sun today and that is the best time for me to draw. Eyes and all - you understand.

I get my eyes checked on Friday. I considered having them plaid, but it might look strange. I need new glasses and the great thing about preaching was an honorarium that will pay for new glasses. Yeah!

I have worked all morning clearing out and cleaning up those disk and now need to shower and go to the food bank. Wednesdays are usually good days. I hope Trader Joe's has sent over some good stuff. They are the best. I talked to the manager that last time I was at the store and told him how much I appreciated them sending food to the food bank. I know I am eating best just because of that. I had some spinach and cheese stuffed salmon last night. Great meal.

Something weird is happening. My sugar numbers are getting lower every week. I don't know what to think. I haven't lost that much weight. Yes, some clothes fit better, I feel better, and I look as good as ever (you decide what that means). But I think I have taking too much insulin. The other night I didn't take any insulin before I went to bed and my numbers were still very good that next morning. Go figure. Is it possible that even though I am not losing that much weight my diabetes is improving just because I eat better and rarely eat sugar. Can't say never. There is still some addiction there. A friend says it may also because I have cut out dairy. I don’t know what I would do without all the Dr. Moms around here. I get plenty of advice even when I'm not listening.

I'm preaching again in early December. Don't know which date yet. I'm glad. I had a lot of fun. Can it really be fun to preach? I'm glad it will be after the craft shows.

LOOK WHATS IMPORTANT.

Lets talk about information made to seem important. Once upon a time in ancient history, useless stuff was nearly the exclusive prerogative of rags like The National Enquirer and their predecessors. We seem to have always been fascinated with the rich and famous. If we’ve ever seen one, we report that important news to everyone we know. I’ve done it too. When I was traveling to committee meetings from Canada to New York I often saw … (wait a minute. That’s not what this is about).

It seems that the trivial and useless is reported in almost every news format except Meet The Press. But no one watches that, do they? I’m not really going to attack this, just point out that it feels like half the “news” is useless.

I am on Yahoo and each time I get on line the first I see is “news” stories with photos or news clips. The serious news is listed below the photos. This seems to be a suggestion as to what is important.

A few of today’s hot news pieces were a cast reunion for Home Improvement with photos of the cast then and now. OK. Some are more successful than others.

Free Stuff would be helpful, I thought. I knew most of it except for where to get chocolate once a month, but I shouldn’t have that and I would have to endure heavy-handed pitches to buy, buy, buy.

Beyonce appears to have ripped off some other video for her latest. Solomon said it best - there is nothing new under the sun.

Lebron James has a new shoe {why do they say that since he only has his name on them) and they have a military theme. Yeah! Wow! Cool? No one should spend that much on shoes, but apparently this is very important. I want to know if the manufacture paid for this publicity.

I’m sure many of you want to know that Halloween costumes this year seem to copy “stars.” No the sky kind of star, silly.

Dr. Pepper snubs women. Who cares? It tastes like medicine anyway.

Hank Williams Jr. has attacked FOX and ESPN for firing him. Apparently he has the right to verbally attack the president of the United States even when representing and being paid to perform by someone who does not share his opinion – at least not publically.

Whoops got to move. My director is telling me I’m running out of time and to speed it up.

Amada Knox went shopping today. Successful people over 60 are still successful. Photos of Clinton, Dolly Parton and Michael Douglas.

Netflix will not make customers using streaming and DVD to long on to separate Internet sites.

The top ten best ever movie cars appeared. At least they included the deLorean from Back to the Future, my personal favorite.

Kim Kardashion … who cares. Get her out of here. There ought to be a law.

Previous politicians have also make verbal blunders in debates. Really. No tell me it isn’t true. Shocking. Unbelievable. I thought they were perfect. I guess they should be more like us, huh!

I‘m hurrying. Be patient Mr. Director, these are important. Give me extra time. Lets cut into 20/20’s time. They are just talking about war. This is important.

There are several homes for sale where famous people have slept. Cool. Are they still there? Who was Teddy Roosevelt (joking)?

Jessica Simpson is reverting to her old look. You mean she had a new one. Go figure.

Not all health food is good for you. Then why do they call it health food? Bad choice of words. They should be more perfect like me.

And finally, but not least, Julia Roberts was not popular in High School. Poor thing.

Now, help me out. Is California part of the USA? Was our first president George Burns – no he was God. How can I make change if the power goes out at McDonalds?

These stars are important. What would I watch if it wasn’t for them?

I for one am glad we can keep up with these important stories. Did someone say something about a sit in? Wasn’t that something from our ancient past? Why are they dragging up that old news?

WHY ARE WE DOING THIS?

I was watching Sunday Morning on CBS this morning as I was getting g ready for church. This is my favorite news magazine show. The depth and variety of their stories had great appeal to me.

One story this morning was on the sit in on Wall Street and that is spreading to other cities. There is one currently in Seattle. I was listening to Michael Medvid interview a leader of the movement is in the early stages of their protest. He repeatedly asked the question I wanted answered, what do you want. In a thirty-minute interview that question was never answered.

We learned they wanted to talk. We learned they wanted change. We learned they wanted to communicate. We learned they were sick and tired of the status quo. We learned they wanted an exchange of ideas. That fellow could say nothing is more words than a politician.

I picked up a little more this morning. The banks are gouging the citizens. Corporations got bailed out to the determent of the average person. The haves get richer while the have-nots get poorer. Wall Street, the banks and big corporations have bought the politicians to advance their own greed. The middle class is shrinking. We are returning to the days of the robber barons that got rich on the backs of the poor by not paying a living wage. We learned a lot of what we already know, but I still heard no plan of attack. I still do not know what they want to accomplish. I am not even sure how they want things changed.

I do not disagree with their premise. I still remember the congressman advocating for a raise for his group complaining that he cannot live on $178,000. I know it is likely much more costly to live in DC, but I bet I could do in on half of that and still have a good life. Especially if I got all the freebies they get and will get even when voted out of office. I also remember the congresswoman (who makes $178,000) saying social security recipients do not need any more money. Ha! She believes the government does and gives too much to the people.

That may be true, but it was government’s idea to do take our money and then maybe gives it back to us “when we need it.” It was their idea to get us hooked on the provision and then throw us to the curb. Sounds like drug dealers to me.

To be honest, I don’t believe the government should have ever tried to be the parent of us all. But they started it and we will march in the streets if they try to take our candy away. Maybe what they give us is a perceived favor. I don’t really know. I do know I have not even come close yet to getting back what they took from me. So yes, I see social security as my money — not theirs to loan out to themselves and not pay back.

Reminds me of the parent who promised they would pay for their child’s college education and then gambled it all away convinced they easily win it all back and get even more. I want the government to stop gambling with our money. I want big business to care about the economy and their workers to pay a living wage, provide a quality product at a fair price and reduce their own obscene wages and bonuses.

We are certainly returning to the days of the Vanderbilt’s, Rockefeller’s and Carnegie’s. These “humanitarians” build monuments to themselves with their money while fighting compassionate responses to their employees at every turn. Where is the shared wealth with the little people who keep the business going? Yes, it happens. Yes it is being done. But others are gouging, taking advantage of and mistreating the very people that made their wealth possible.

Does a Microsoft or Apple product really need the to be so expensive? Do they have to charge the price the d0 (I support a free market} what they do for their goods? (Just an example). It is not possible that some of the incredible wealth being made by companies like this could not lead to a reduction in price? The theory is that it is suppose to happen.

I remember the days when we believed we would live in a cashless society. With the advent of debit cards that is nearly possible. Banks invest our money making a profit off our money. They charge the retailer for the privilege of using the charge service and now want to charge us again if we use the very item they almost demanded we use because of the convenience. Go figure.

There is a lot wrong with the financial structures of our country. Maybe sitting on Wall Street will bring about good change. I don’t know. I do know that is you are going to camp out on the street you have better figure out where the restrooms are that they will let you use.

DAY OF HOPE

Poulsbo Washington was originally a Norwegian settlement, established in the 1880's, which was home to many Scandinavian people, but primarily the Norwegians.

It was settled because the area, cold and snowy in the wintertime and lush and green in the summertime, reminded the immigrants who traveled there, of their homes in Norway, which they had left to find greater freedom and greater economical security for their families.

Poulsbo was originally named after Paulsbo Norway, however a mistake made in the spelling when the application for a postal center was made for Paulsbo, making the name officially Poulsbo, which was incorporated in 1907. Not to be confused because of a small spelling error, the name is still pronounced Paulsbo

Now wasn’t that a helpful little history lesson. I only mention it because I was in Poulsbo this morning attending “Operation Day of Hope.” Gateway Fellowship, a Poulsbo church, organized a very cool event for us poor needy people who cannot survive on our limited income. They were offering FREE help with a haircut, family photo, manicure, hot meal, legal/financial advice, clothing, canned goods, social service advice, dental education/screening, a mobile dental van for emergencies, job assistance and more. And like Portland’s Tom Peterson always said in his late night TV ads, FREE IS A VERY GOOD PRICE.

I went to try and find information about getting help with glasses at and a dentist I could afford. I got great help in both areas. I was also looking for a winter coat, but, alas, they seem to make most of them too small around the middle. Haven’t they ever heard of tapering out? Haven’t the clothing manufactures seen any TV shows decrying how round Americans are becoming (I blame the government)? Don’t they want to sell more clothes? Must we always have to use mail order to get things that fit but we cannot feel or see before it arrives two weeks later in a plain, brown paper wrapped package so know one will not what shameful things we have ordered? How dare we have the nerve to be overweight in this world they want dominated by Twiggy’s? I’m sorry. The government made me do it.

Anyway, I did not get a coat. The meal was nice. The people at the church were terrific. After registering, we were met by a personal guide from the church who took us to the many different locations we needed to visit to get the help or information we needed. It was exceptionally well organized. I have never seen better. It is a large church but I suspect there were between 200 and 300 assistants besides the experts. Cool.

All in all it was a wonderful day. My granddaughter won her soccer game and personally scored three times. My grandson lost his, but it was their first game where they greatly improved in the second half. My daughter and I finalized the Christmas ornaments we will make for the craft fair.

It is only 7:00 and I am getting sleepy. I can only draw with daylight. It’s too dark for my fading eyes. I have the Nebraska – Ohio football game on TV, but plan to switch to the Seattle soccer game when I finish this. Or I may go to bed. I was up at 5:30 this morning. That has got to stop. I‘m too old for this foolishness.

THINGS CHANGE — QUICKLY

Things are changing and I don’t understand what is going on or why. It all seems to be happening so fast. There are some reasons, but not enough.

I have changed how I eat. I have increased the quantity of vegetables and am trying to have fruit everyday. I’m not always successful at these, but I make it most days. I am eating less meat. That change is not intentional, I just can’t get that much down any more.

I am losing some weight. It is averaging out to just slightly less than one pound a week. I’m down 6 ½ pounds just shy of eight weeks. Compared to what needs to happen, it is a drop in the bucket. I am not bragging, just reporting. My counselor said we would start working on weight loss in the new-year. I think I have a jump start.

I was completely out of clean pants (since so few fit) on Sunday so dug into the back of my closet for a pair the next size smaller. I expected they would be tight, but maybe I could make it through the services before changing into sweats. They fit. They were comfortable! I was shocked! I looked in the mirror and it doesn’t look like I have shrunk in way but height. About ten days ago I was aware that I walked two blocks without any leg or hip pain. Haven’t done that in awhile. Was shopping yesterday and walked a lot. No pain. Huh! That’s hard to believe.

I have reported that I have been fearful to begin drawing lest my hand would shake too much and I would not have control of the pencils. I knew I was going to have to try sometime. The shaking is very minor and it is not showing in the drawings at all. Yeah! I have a minimum of six new drawing I want to do of Old Town for a November show. If possible I have want to do two more of Seabeck that I would like to complete. And hoping to make a little money from some of the drawings and cards, I also want to get some new Christmas Cards together. I tried humorous cards last year and those didn’t work. I have already done three cards using the park in Old Town as a background. I hope they aren’t too artsy. They have full color Christmas decorations set in several different places in the park. They don’t decorate the park so this will look different. This work is all from photos.

I also attempted to make a craft ornament today that failed miserably. Crash and burn is more like it. Back to the drawing board. If I keep a steady pace I can get this all done. I have more fun when there is some pressure and a deadline. The show and sale is November 18-19. Then I immediately take my work to a Christmas show for Old Town From Nov. 22-Dec. 24.

I am off tomorrow to a free health fair in Poulsbo to see what I can find out about getting my really bad tooth fixed and cheap hearing aids. This may sound strange, but I think I would rather be deaf than sink $6,000 into hearing aids. Of course, it only took the salesman 20 minutes to get that cost down to $3,000. Ticks me off. Why didn’t he start there? I still didn’t feel like I was getting a deal. He signed me up for a health credit card that I believed allowed for a cheaper rate. What a sucker. I don’t consider 26.86% a very good deal at all. I have a card with a rate lower than halve that, but I am not going into that kind of debt.

After the health fair, I will rush back to town for my grandson’s soccer game. Because of the health fair, I will miss my Granddaughters game. I feel bad about that.

It is going to be busy the next several weeks, but it will be fun. I am so encouraged. Quite a sudden change, huh? Well, we can’t be discouraged forever. Besides I don’t take depression pills and if that pops up my doctor will want to prescribe at least three for that problem. He must get a kick back on those prescriptions.

I TRIED

Have you ever done what you believed you were suppose to do, what you believed God wanted you to do, and everything just got worse. I did. I was sure I was to apologize to Maria for setting her up to take a shot at her bitterness and unforgiving attitude. I didn’t mention specifically why I was apologizing just that I was sorry for being so confrontational. Even though I did not accuse her of anything and accepted full responsibility for our argument, she is angrier now than before. She believed I was apologizing to attach her further for not forgiving me or anyone else she hates.

I guess the positive side of this is that I will not likely get in another argument with her. I also will never have another conversation with her. Neither of these situations is especially troubling. My life will go on much the same. She seems to always have someone she hates bitterly. I have been on that list and while not completely off, she as least spoke at times. We talked about the amount of time I could handle.

Don’t misunderstand. I do not believe a single thing she said about the conflict between Chas and CW. Chas did not start anything. I asked several people about what they remembered of the confrontation from the BBQ night. No other person remembers Chas saying anything. Nothing at all. Naturally, that makes me even more furious about the lies she told. That did not give me the right to attack her, even thought it was kind of fun – but wrong. It was wrong. Yes, it was! O will certainly have more peace.

I don’t know if I will be able to deal with the second issue. I have had great compassion for CW. Don’t get me wrong. I think he needs to go to a place where he will get the kind of help he needs. I do wish that had been found instead of simply evicting him. That is like Pilate washing his hands of any responsibility for Jesus. It’s fishy.

On Sunday night I saw him loading things into a pickup truck. I don’t know if tat means he has left or not. No one has seen him.

That’s my update. It hasn’t taken care of my emotional overload. Maybe it’s hormones. Maybe it just that time in the month (never had it before, but . . .)

EMOTIONS GOT ME

I am an emotional mess. I am teary about everything that is tender and about all who are dejected. The emotions began at the end of the first service when a young man left the church and I reintroduced myself to him. I know I had asked his name before, but could not remember him. The worst about it was there was no reason.

Josh had lived in Kitsap County his whole life. He looks like a navy guy. No unexpected since so many around here are with the navy. But he isn’t. What impressed me was that he is very regular and appears to not know anyone in the church. At least I have yet to see him speak to anyone and no one seems to speak to him. He is very friendly and we spent a few minutes getting acquainted.

There was no reason to get emotional and he was long gone before it hit me. I was excited and proud to know a young man (early 20’s) coming to church alone and sticking with it without any obvious connection to people. I have no idea why that hit me in a tender way — but it did.

I was off to my middle grand daughters soccer game that afternoon and saw many injuries. Three within five minutes and one had to b carried off my face dripped. I do hate to see anyone hurt.

I went with friends to the see play South Pacific that night. There are several tender moments and the actors carried the emotions and I had tears running down my face. I could not stop them. When we learned Lieutenant Cable had died the tears ran. I know this play. I expected his death. Shish! Get yourself under control, man.

It was late when I got home so I picked up my J.A. Jance book Trial by Fire where Ali is in the burn unit of a Phoenix hospital and the victim’s struggles were described in detail. It’s fiction. Get a grip. (I’m shaking my head).

At coffee this morning, Maria came in to get some coffee and would not acknowledge any of us. I imagined the cold shoulder was directed at me because of out argument. I can usually sluff that stuff off. But my emotions kicked into high gear. I hurt her. That bothers me. I retaliated tit for tat. Sick. I got my licks in but wished I had swallowed her vindictive comments and kept quiet. I didn’t want to, but that ma is the still small voice of God speaking to me.

At 1:00 we have a birthday celebration and very few came. But CW showed up. He clearly did not know where to sit. Only the staff person spoke to him. He came and sat at a table next to me. I said hello, but was at a loss as to what else to say.

I had errands to run before I cam back to get materials together for our craft fair. I considered and teard up wondering of Maria would not back out. I didn’t want that. Then I put in a the movie, Father Damian, the story of a priest who moved on to a Hawaiian Island with lepers and ministered to them until his death from leprosy. He did all the right things loving these people as Jesus would. I think I’m cried out now. At least I hope so.

Friends, that is the voice of God talking and I hear Him loud and clear. I will let you know what happens when I obey that voice — first opportunity I get.

MEN'S BREAKFASTS

I have never cared much for church sponsored Men’s Breakfasts. And business or Chamber of Commerce breakfasts are worse.

I know it is probably just I and those of you who have gone to some may love them. Blessing on you. I am not one of those people. Forgive me.

Men come to these and treat them as their own little private gathering with their friends. I suppose that’s not horrible, but it is sure threatening if you are new or not one of those special groups. These are often promoted as a place to come and meet some of the men in the church. They used to always be called a “fellowship groups.” This will prove to you that I have been around churches too long. It’s not the worse word one could use, but where else in this big wide semi-wonderful word is “fellowship” used as often as it is/was in the church.

When “fellowship” was mentioned it meant food. As a young skinny guy (wait a minute, was I ever skinny). As a younger thinner man, it was much easier to say, bring the food on. I started eating way too much very early. Now I am a big man. I think I like the expression used for larger women better — plus size. Plus what? And I digress.

So back to the subject: Community breakfasts were for the purpose of connecting and trying to sell your wares to one another. They certainly never used the word “fellowship.” And I never sold anyone anything. I have the wrong personality.

So all these groups come together to eat much connect for selfish purposes and listened to someone talk and talk and talk. I have avoided these gathering for a very long time now.

I broke that pattern this morning and went to my church’s Men’s Breakfast. I convinced a friend to go with me so I would not be alone. There were only eight of us. It was initially a little awkward with all conversation between an individual and the pastor/ OK, that’s a food place to start. With three church services one does not know if people are new or just attend a different service. As it turned out, two guys were really new. One had attended Sunday for the first time and he brought a buddy who had never attended. I still consider myself on the somewhat new side. I don’t know very many people, but was hopping this might help make that change. Besides these guys, I didn’t know two others as well.

At the beginning it was the normal, insignificant chitchat, an OK place to start. But it was the “never attended guy” that got the fun conversation going.

I don’t think he was specifically directing his question to me but he looked at me asked if I collected coins. Of course, I do, but I spend them as soon as I get them. There was a smile but people began to ask him questions and the conversation got going on collections. It ended up being a great morning of getting to know each other a lot better, having many great laughs, and finding out that many of us watch the same History Channel shows. My only regret was that I didn’t know the names of four of the guys that were there, until we were all getting ready to leave. The “never attended guy” got that rolling as well by asking us our names and introducing himself. I loved it.

So I have an idea. Some of the more regular guys need to have in their head two or three general conversation starter questions that will open up the group. It will most likely going to take off from there. Keep them easy and open ended with a design to get people acquainted. Yes, I know this is much easier with eight people than three hundred and that is a whole different dynamic. But if the group were that large, I would stay home.

Of course this will not work every time, but anything to make it enjoyable and help the group reach the [point where they don't walk out as soon as they finish eating. We had only waffles and some toppings. A perfect amount and someone remember us diabetics. Yeah!

KA—BOOM

How is it that two people can stand in nearly the same place and see and hear completely different things? I know that when the police investigate an accident they doubt the truth of it all if all witnesses say the same thing. However, accidents develop quickly, happen rapidly and often get attention as the event is in process.

Yesterday I was given a completely different story as to how the conflict between Chas and CW had developed. I had never heard this one before. I was told Chas spoke in a way as to antagonize CW before the verbal explosion on the front poach occurred back in July. At that time I only heard CW screaming, swearing and threatening Chas if he did not stop stealing his girlfriends. What a joke. All Chas was doing was driving in CW’s direction with the intent of going in the other building. At least that is what he said.

At that time Chas said nothing. At least that is how I saw and heard it. Yesterday I was told a story that seemed absolutely absurd, from my perspective. In spite of being called a know-it-all and one who thinks of myself as always being right (in this case I do), I am very aware of my shortcomings and inadequacies. For example: I have no ability to even discuss brain surgery, as interesting as that may be.

We could not even agree to disagree. Marie argued that this whole conflict between the Chas and CS was started by Chas who mocked him relentlessly about girlfriends and his inability to ever get even one. I argued that never happened, and I did it based on Chas personality and the likelihood that he would do that. Naturally I had no personal knowledge. I could have been wrong, but doubted it. I also stood up for Chas based on who was telling the story and the fact that the over two plus months I have never ever heard that rumor. Maria told me that she had never spoken to anyone about it. From personal experience and her hatred of Chas I seriously doubted she could have kept a story like that o herself. It’s just too juicy. I’m just saying!

Maria said that when the first major conflict developed (my timeline) at our Thursday night BBQ, she moved closer to the fight and heard things I never heard. I know my hearing is going, but CW was screaming and when Chas is upset he can be heard at great distances. Chas said nothing, turned about and came back toward the BBQ. His started intention was that he was going to the other building to see if one person was coming to our event. He stopped dead in is tracks and returned. Maria informed me that the person he claimed he was going to see never came to the BBQs - ever. That was for sure wrong. I always did the cooking and I spoke to her con several occasions, cooked some of her meat and helped her carry over food items she was bring to the BBQ. My hearing my be declining and I might be at the beginning stages of blurry sight, but at that time, my eyeglass prescription was still right and I saw just fine, thank you. And I told her so.

I even had the nerve to say she did not move closer to the conflict and was not standing where she said she was standing. While I did not use the word LIAR, the implication was clearly there.

Later that night I checked with a few people who can be trusted to tell the truth and no one had ever heard any rumors that Chas had started the initial conflict. Not even some who do not like him. Not even one person at the BBQ that night remembers Maria being anywhere but near the BBQ itself. No one believes she could have heard anything that others could not hear and certainly she could not see what was going on, as she is nearly blind as a bat.

I looked for an opening (this was wrong) to take a personal swipe at her and she gave it too me. Maria does not forget who offended her and says and she will never forgive. She has recently returned to her roots in the Catholic Church and believes she is good enough for heaven, or at least hopes she is. I asked if her church repeats the Lord’s Prayer at times. Yes! Well what follows “And forgive US our sins AS” … and she finished it with “as we forgive those who sin against us.” Doesn’t that concern you even a little bit? I can’t talk to you. You think you are the only one who knows anything. In this case I was sure I understood the meaning of the passage. Also, I responded with the comment that I believe your church is right about the Lords Prayer. She stormed away and I sat there smugly knowing I had lit a bomb under her bitterness. The worst part was that I wanted to do that exactly. I wanted revenge and wanted to nail her to the wall for what she was saying to me.

This morning I know I should not have done that. Also, I know I enjoyed doing it, but like I always say, if sin were not fun, not one would do it. I will apology if she will let me talk to her again. I know I am on the hate list. I have been there before and my life improved greatly.

Then to top that day off, two of the top executives came and posted an eviction notice on the door of CW. Word was spreading like wildfire within the hour and as that news was being passed around the current teller advised everyone not to tell anyone. I have no idea why that tag on was necessary unless the first newscaster wanted to tell everyone herself. The notice is placed on the door face out and anyone who walks by the door can and will see it. Go figure.

No one can say the day was not eventful. I made a new enemy for life (second time I have done that with the same person), Chas was accused of things I cannot corroborate with the attempt to make him the bad guy. CW got an eviction notice (10.31.11). I spent some time trying to see if anyone had ever heard Marias story. I never mentioned who told me the story.

So I got up this morning and went to church for the Men’s Breakfast and had a wonderful time and brought home the left over waffles to put in my freezer and eat later. There were only seven men and we had a fun and cool conversation that sent me home with a spring in my step and no pain in my hip. It’s a great day.