What is a reflection trigger? It is a significant or key date or event that gives one pause to stop and consider their life.
My most recent one was this past weekend..
J Frank Dobie, class of '74, was having their 35th class reunion and homecoming. Diana and I were thinking of attending 6 months ago, but life intervened. With me working 4 jobs, one child still in high school, 3 kids college age and in the workplace and vehicle on the fritz...it was not the best time to travel.
We tracked some of the class activities on Facebook. One thought kept recurring, do we look that old? Hope not.
Actually the things that seemed to limit us compared to others are the things that make uf feel young at heart.
I like still having a teen in the house and her having 5-10 friends over almost every weekend.
I like the constant activiy of 3/4 of our kids still living at home.
I like being boring enough to stay together as a couple for 25+ years.
It is shocking and sad to see some of the "couples most likely to stay together" now divorced after multiple marriages since high school.
There was one couple in particular that seemed to have it all together in high school. He was on the football team, popular and beat me in an election for class president in high school.
His girlfriend was petite, cute blonde a musician and on the dance team. They had been a couple FOREVER and seemd to ready to step off the graduation stage onto the top of the wedding cake.
Not anymore.
We were shocked to see her picture from the homecoming game. She looks tired, haggard and disiilustioned. Life is apparently not what she had pictured it would become.
We may have used furniture, older cars and still trying to find a second career 35 years after graduation, but we are still together. That makes us exceptional.
Remember, it's not how you start the race. It is how you finish.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Want to be really scary for the end of this month?
Wear a suit and tie...knock on doors and say, "I am here from the government and here ot help you."
Be ready to administer CPR!
Be ready to administer CPR!
Like gambling against the odds? Try NOT buying long term care insurance
I met recently with a retiree from a large company. He has good investment account from 401k and he took lump sum pension setlement from his company. Good idea.
He is healthy, happily retired and in his mid-50's. What could he possibly want?
More security.
He came to see me regarding long term care insurance. Why?
Here some stats:
1 in 300 chance to have house fire that burns down the buildling
1 in 30 chance you total your car
1 in 2 chance if you live to 80 that you will spend some time in a nursing home.
Yet, where do we spend most of premium dollars?
The annual cost of a semi-private bed in a New Orleans area nursing home- $45,000 now...in 15 years $103,000!
Got that kind of cash laying around?
How long will the average woman alive today in the US live?
Studies say if a woman reaches age 50 cancer free and heart disease free she will likely see her 92nd birthday. (She may not remember her last 10 years, but will make it to 92!)
What a tragedy to become long on life and short on money!
LTC insurance can leverage current pennies to produce future dollars when they are needed most.
See an agent or shoot me an email for some ideas. lee@balinas.net
He is healthy, happily retired and in his mid-50's. What could he possibly want?
More security.
He came to see me regarding long term care insurance. Why?
Here some stats:
1 in 300 chance to have house fire that burns down the buildling
1 in 30 chance you total your car
1 in 2 chance if you live to 80 that you will spend some time in a nursing home.
Yet, where do we spend most of premium dollars?
The annual cost of a semi-private bed in a New Orleans area nursing home- $45,000 now...in 15 years $103,000!
Got that kind of cash laying around?
How long will the average woman alive today in the US live?
Studies say if a woman reaches age 50 cancer free and heart disease free she will likely see her 92nd birthday. (She may not remember her last 10 years, but will make it to 92!)
What a tragedy to become long on life and short on money!
LTC insurance can leverage current pennies to produce future dollars when they are needed most.
See an agent or shoot me an email for some ideas. lee@balinas.net
Monday, October 12, 2009
8 Cow Woman
Johnny Lingo's 8 Cow Wife
- condensed from Woman's Day Patricia McGerr
When I sailed to Kiniwata, an island in the Pacific, I took along a notebook. After I got back it was filled with descriptions of flora and fauna, native customs and costume. But the only note that still interests me is the one that says: "Johnny Lingo gave eight cows to Sarita’s father." And I don’t need to have it in writing. I’m reminded of it every time I see a woman belittling her husband or a wife withering under her husband’s scorn. I want to say to them, "You should know why Johnny Lingo paid eight cows for his wife."
Johnny Lingo wasn’t exactly his name. But that’s what Shenkin, the manager of the guest house on Kiniwata, called him. Shenkin was from Chicago and had a habit of Americanizing the names of the islanders. But Johnny was mentioned by many people in many connections. If I wanted to spend a few days on the neighboring island of Nurabandi, Johnny Lingo would put me up. If I wanted to fish he could show me where the biting was best. If it was pearls I sought, he would bring the best buys. The people of Kiniwata all spoke highly of Johnny Lingo. Yet when they spoke they smiled, and the smiles were slightly mocking.
"Get Johnny Lingo to help you find what you want and let him do the bargaining," advised Shenkin. "Johnny knows how to make a deal."
"Johnny Lingo! A boy seated nearby hooted the name and rocked with laughter.
"What goes on?" I demanded. "everybody tells me to get in touch with Johnny Lingo and then breaks up. Let me in on the joke."
"Oh, the people like to laugh," Shenkin said, shruggingly. "Johnny's the brightest, the strongest young man in the islands, And for his age, the richest."
"But if he’s all you say, what is there to laugh about?"
"Only one thing. Five months ago, at fall festival, Johnny came to Kiniwata and found himself a wife. He paid her father eight cows!
I knew enough about island customs to be impressed. Two or three cows would buy a fair-to-middling wife, four or five a highly satisfactory one. "Good Lord!" I said, "Eight cows! She must have beauty that takes your breath away." "She’s not ugly," he conceded, and smiled a little. "But the kindest could only call Sarita plain. Sam Karoo, her father, was afraid she’d be left on his hands."
"But then he got eight cows for her? Isn’t that extraordinary?"
"Never been paid before."
"Yet you call Johnny’s wife plain?"
"I said it would be kindness to call her plain. She was skinny. She walked with her shoulders hunched and her head ducked. She was scared of her own shadow."
"Well," I said, "I guess there’s just no accounting for love."
"True enough," agreed the man. "And that’s why the villagers grin when they talk about Johnny. They get special satisfaction from the fact that the sharpest trader in the islands was bested by dull old Sam Karoo."
"But how?"
"No one knows and everyone wonders. All the cousins were urging Sam to ask for three cows and hold out for two until he was sure Johnny’d pay only one. Then Johnny came to Sam Karoo and said, ‘Father of Sarita, I offer eight cows for your daughter.’"
"Eight cows," I murmured. "I’d like to meet this Johnny Lingo."
"And I wanted fish. I wanted pearls. So the next afternoon I beached my boat at Nurabandi. And I noticed as I asked directions to Johnny’s house that his name brought no sly smile to the lips of his fellow Nurabandians. And when I met the slim, serious young man, when he welcomed me with grace to his home, I was glad that from his own people he had respect unmingled with mockery. We sat in his house and talked. Then he asked, "You come here from Kiniwata?"
"Yes."
"They speak of me on that island?"
"They say there’s nothing I might want they you can’t help me get."
He smiled gently. "My wife is from Kiniwata."
"Yes, I know."
"They speak of her?"
"A little."
"What do they say?"
"Why, just..." The question caught me off balance. "They told me you were married at festival time."
"Nothing more?" The curve of his eyebrows told me he knew there had to be more.
They also say the marriage settlement was eight cows." I paused. "They wonder why."
"They ask that?" His eyes lightened with pleasure. "Everyone in Kiniwata knows about the eight cows?"
I nodded.
"And in Nurabandi everyone knows it too." His chest expanded with satisfaction. "Always and forever, when they speak of marriage settlements, it will be remembered that Johnny Lingo paid eight cows for Sarita."
So that’s the answer, I thought: vanity.
And then I saw her. I watched her enter the room to place flowers on the table. She stood still a moment to smile at the young man beside me. Then she went swiftly out again. She was the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. The lift of her shoulders, the tilt of her chin the sparkle of her eyes all spelled a pride to which no one could deny her the right. I turned back to Johnny Lingo and found him looking at me. "You admire her?" he murmured. "She...she’s glorious. But she’s not Sarita from Kiniwata," I said.
"There’s only one Sarita. Perhaps she does not look the way they say she looked in Kiniwata."
"She doesn’t. I heard she was homely. They all make fun of you because you let yourself be cheated by Sam Karoo."
"You think eight cows were too many?" A smile slid over his lips. "No. But how can she be so different?"
"Do you ever think," he asked, "what it must mean to a woman to know that her husband has settled on the lowest price for which she can be bought? And then later, when the women talk, they boast of what their husbands paid for them. One says four cows, another maybe six. How does she feel, the woman who was sold for one or two?" This could not happen to my Sarita."
"Then you did this just to make your wife happy?"
"I wanted Sarita to be happy, yes. But I wanted more than that. You say she is different This is true. Many things can change a woman. Things that happen inside, things that happen outside. But the thing that matters most is what she thinks about herself. In Kiniwata, Sarita believed she was worth nothing. Now she knows she is worth more than any other woman in the islands."
"Then you wanted -"
"I wanted to marry Sarita. I loved her and no other woman."
"But —" I was close to understanding.
"But," he finished softly, "I wanted an eight-cow wife."
- condensed from Woman's Day Patricia McGerr
When I sailed to Kiniwata, an island in the Pacific, I took along a notebook. After I got back it was filled with descriptions of flora and fauna, native customs and costume. But the only note that still interests me is the one that says: "Johnny Lingo gave eight cows to Sarita’s father." And I don’t need to have it in writing. I’m reminded of it every time I see a woman belittling her husband or a wife withering under her husband’s scorn. I want to say to them, "You should know why Johnny Lingo paid eight cows for his wife."
Johnny Lingo wasn’t exactly his name. But that’s what Shenkin, the manager of the guest house on Kiniwata, called him. Shenkin was from Chicago and had a habit of Americanizing the names of the islanders. But Johnny was mentioned by many people in many connections. If I wanted to spend a few days on the neighboring island of Nurabandi, Johnny Lingo would put me up. If I wanted to fish he could show me where the biting was best. If it was pearls I sought, he would bring the best buys. The people of Kiniwata all spoke highly of Johnny Lingo. Yet when they spoke they smiled, and the smiles were slightly mocking.
"Get Johnny Lingo to help you find what you want and let him do the bargaining," advised Shenkin. "Johnny knows how to make a deal."
"Johnny Lingo! A boy seated nearby hooted the name and rocked with laughter.
"What goes on?" I demanded. "everybody tells me to get in touch with Johnny Lingo and then breaks up. Let me in on the joke."
"Oh, the people like to laugh," Shenkin said, shruggingly. "Johnny's the brightest, the strongest young man in the islands, And for his age, the richest."
"But if he’s all you say, what is there to laugh about?"
"Only one thing. Five months ago, at fall festival, Johnny came to Kiniwata and found himself a wife. He paid her father eight cows!
I knew enough about island customs to be impressed. Two or three cows would buy a fair-to-middling wife, four or five a highly satisfactory one. "Good Lord!" I said, "Eight cows! She must have beauty that takes your breath away." "She’s not ugly," he conceded, and smiled a little. "But the kindest could only call Sarita plain. Sam Karoo, her father, was afraid she’d be left on his hands."
"But then he got eight cows for her? Isn’t that extraordinary?"
"Never been paid before."
"Yet you call Johnny’s wife plain?"
"I said it would be kindness to call her plain. She was skinny. She walked with her shoulders hunched and her head ducked. She was scared of her own shadow."
"Well," I said, "I guess there’s just no accounting for love."
"True enough," agreed the man. "And that’s why the villagers grin when they talk about Johnny. They get special satisfaction from the fact that the sharpest trader in the islands was bested by dull old Sam Karoo."
"But how?"
"No one knows and everyone wonders. All the cousins were urging Sam to ask for three cows and hold out for two until he was sure Johnny’d pay only one. Then Johnny came to Sam Karoo and said, ‘Father of Sarita, I offer eight cows for your daughter.’"
"Eight cows," I murmured. "I’d like to meet this Johnny Lingo."
"And I wanted fish. I wanted pearls. So the next afternoon I beached my boat at Nurabandi. And I noticed as I asked directions to Johnny’s house that his name brought no sly smile to the lips of his fellow Nurabandians. And when I met the slim, serious young man, when he welcomed me with grace to his home, I was glad that from his own people he had respect unmingled with mockery. We sat in his house and talked. Then he asked, "You come here from Kiniwata?"
"Yes."
"They speak of me on that island?"
"They say there’s nothing I might want they you can’t help me get."
He smiled gently. "My wife is from Kiniwata."
"Yes, I know."
"They speak of her?"
"A little."
"What do they say?"
"Why, just..." The question caught me off balance. "They told me you were married at festival time."
"Nothing more?" The curve of his eyebrows told me he knew there had to be more.
They also say the marriage settlement was eight cows." I paused. "They wonder why."
"They ask that?" His eyes lightened with pleasure. "Everyone in Kiniwata knows about the eight cows?"
I nodded.
"And in Nurabandi everyone knows it too." His chest expanded with satisfaction. "Always and forever, when they speak of marriage settlements, it will be remembered that Johnny Lingo paid eight cows for Sarita."
So that’s the answer, I thought: vanity.
And then I saw her. I watched her enter the room to place flowers on the table. She stood still a moment to smile at the young man beside me. Then she went swiftly out again. She was the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. The lift of her shoulders, the tilt of her chin the sparkle of her eyes all spelled a pride to which no one could deny her the right. I turned back to Johnny Lingo and found him looking at me. "You admire her?" he murmured. "She...she’s glorious. But she’s not Sarita from Kiniwata," I said.
"There’s only one Sarita. Perhaps she does not look the way they say she looked in Kiniwata."
"She doesn’t. I heard she was homely. They all make fun of you because you let yourself be cheated by Sam Karoo."
"You think eight cows were too many?" A smile slid over his lips. "No. But how can she be so different?"
"Do you ever think," he asked, "what it must mean to a woman to know that her husband has settled on the lowest price for which she can be bought? And then later, when the women talk, they boast of what their husbands paid for them. One says four cows, another maybe six. How does she feel, the woman who was sold for one or two?" This could not happen to my Sarita."
"Then you did this just to make your wife happy?"
"I wanted Sarita to be happy, yes. But I wanted more than that. You say she is different This is true. Many things can change a woman. Things that happen inside, things that happen outside. But the thing that matters most is what she thinks about herself. In Kiniwata, Sarita believed she was worth nothing. Now she knows she is worth more than any other woman in the islands."
"Then you wanted -"
"I wanted to marry Sarita. I loved her and no other woman."
"But —" I was close to understanding.
"But," he finished softly, "I wanted an eight-cow wife."
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Primetime Prodigal
Two years ago, my family and I got hooked on the TLC show “Jon and Kate plus 8.” We loved to watch the kids. We were amused at all they were growing into and getting into. Having raised four children, my wife and I knew what it was like to pack like an overseas trip just to go grocery shopping. As we watched the show, we got where we had favorites. We could even predict their behavior in certain situations.
The show and kids were unbearably cute.
Sadly, those delightful days may be over.
It is hard to separate fact from fiction, but it is certain there is trouble between Ma & Pa Gosselin.
Jon has grown weary and withdrawn. Kate has become a diva.
When someone keeps telling you how you can trust them, what does that make you think? Right-they can not be trusted.
When Kate continually talks about how everything she does is for the kids- suspicions arise. I have a hard time seeing how her kids “deserve” the expense paid trips, great vacations and million dollar house.
Deserve? I don’t think so.
I just watched the opening episode for season 5 and it was a tragedy on video. Jon & Kate barely acknowledged one another at their sextuplet’s 5th birthday party. Oh sure, she yelled at him to light candles on the cake the way SHE wanted. She yelled at him NOT to tear open a piñata with his bare hands. She wanted to do it herself. She made him take two trips home to get cakes she had forgotten and her cell phone.
There were some special moments. The most touching was Jon talking to one of his younger daughters. There was real tenderness between them. She hugged his neck and whispered in his ear she did not want him going away again. He said sometimes Daddies got called away to work. That is true if you work offshore or have tours of duty in Iraq.
Jon just seems to want to get away from the media attention and the continuous berating by wife.
There is a need for an intervention.
I pray that someone will guide them into good, godly counseling. Perhaps Kate’s estranged father, who is a minister. She shunned him when his church did not provide cash for baby gifts. She says that her parents are not a part of the kids’ by choice. It is apparently Kate's choice.
For those who watched the 5th birthday party, did you notice ANY family members in attendance?
For someone who treasures family above all else, Kate has insulated her kids from the rest of their blood relatives.
Kate, when you tire of the Prodigal lifestyle, head home.
Both your earthly and heavenly Fathers are waiting for your return with mercy, grace and open arms.
The show and kids were unbearably cute.
Sadly, those delightful days may be over.
It is hard to separate fact from fiction, but it is certain there is trouble between Ma & Pa Gosselin.
Jon has grown weary and withdrawn. Kate has become a diva.
When someone keeps telling you how you can trust them, what does that make you think? Right-they can not be trusted.
When Kate continually talks about how everything she does is for the kids- suspicions arise. I have a hard time seeing how her kids “deserve” the expense paid trips, great vacations and million dollar house.
Deserve? I don’t think so.
I just watched the opening episode for season 5 and it was a tragedy on video. Jon & Kate barely acknowledged one another at their sextuplet’s 5th birthday party. Oh sure, she yelled at him to light candles on the cake the way SHE wanted. She yelled at him NOT to tear open a piñata with his bare hands. She wanted to do it herself. She made him take two trips home to get cakes she had forgotten and her cell phone.
There were some special moments. The most touching was Jon talking to one of his younger daughters. There was real tenderness between them. She hugged his neck and whispered in his ear she did not want him going away again. He said sometimes Daddies got called away to work. That is true if you work offshore or have tours of duty in Iraq.
Jon just seems to want to get away from the media attention and the continuous berating by wife.
There is a need for an intervention.
I pray that someone will guide them into good, godly counseling. Perhaps Kate’s estranged father, who is a minister. She shunned him when his church did not provide cash for baby gifts. She says that her parents are not a part of the kids’ by choice. It is apparently Kate's choice.
For those who watched the 5th birthday party, did you notice ANY family members in attendance?
For someone who treasures family above all else, Kate has insulated her kids from the rest of their blood relatives.
Kate, when you tire of the Prodigal lifestyle, head home.
Both your earthly and heavenly Fathers are waiting for your return with mercy, grace and open arms.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Pulse Pounding Parenting
Jesus tells the story of a shepherd who leaves 99 safe sheep to find the one that is lost. He will search beyond the point of weariness to find the stray and bring him back safely.
I have never been a shepherd, but I have a parenting experience that parallels.
In Washington Parish, (a parish is what Louisianans call their counties) is the largest free parish fair in the state. Probably the largest free fair in the nation.
One year, when we were still homeschooling our children, we decided to attend the fair with another family. Our entourage was 4 parents and 6 children. The children being between 6 months and 6 years in age.
This was the busiest day of the fair with over 10,000 in attendance. It was bright and beautiful that day. The picture of a great day for family and fun.
All went well during most of the day, but then it happened.
As we were walking along the midway, Diana, my wife, asked me where Grace was.
Grace being our 3 year old daughter. Grace has always been easy going, quick to grin and easily distracted.
I told Diana I thought Grace was with her.
Pure panic.
Suddenly the 4 parents were in rescue mode and trying to remember to breathe. We were not sure how long she had been missing, which way she could have gone or would she find safety in the arms of a stranger. Our most unimaginable fears were cascading on us every moment and our mouths were cotton dry.
In the midst of all this there was a carnival barker who kept calling out to me, “Mister, hey Mister. Come here.” I ignored his call for about 2-3 minutes and finally turned in anger and frustration and told him to quit bothering me!
He was undeterred and asked a life changing questions, “Is this your little girl?”
There she was. Grace was at a baby pool filled with water and little rubber ducks. You were supposed to pay 50 cent to pick up a duck and see the number on the bottom. The number matched a prize. By the time we got to Grace she had collected about 17 ducks and the barker was contemplating an early retirement!
I was glad to pay the price. You see. This child who once was lost, now was found. No price for her safety and security was too steep.
We called her to us and embraced her with fears and tears both melting away!
I tried to scold her and ask her if she knew how dangerous it was to wander away from me.
She just smiled and with childlike faith said, “Daddy, I knew you would find me!”
Such is the relationship with God’s children. We get drawn away with amusements, enticed by our own desires and into trouble before we realize it.
God being the good shepherd, pursues us to bring us back to Himself.
I have never been a shepherd, but I have a parenting experience that parallels.
In Washington Parish, (a parish is what Louisianans call their counties) is the largest free parish fair in the state. Probably the largest free fair in the nation.
One year, when we were still homeschooling our children, we decided to attend the fair with another family. Our entourage was 4 parents and 6 children. The children being between 6 months and 6 years in age.
This was the busiest day of the fair with over 10,000 in attendance. It was bright and beautiful that day. The picture of a great day for family and fun.
All went well during most of the day, but then it happened.
As we were walking along the midway, Diana, my wife, asked me where Grace was.
Grace being our 3 year old daughter. Grace has always been easy going, quick to grin and easily distracted.
I told Diana I thought Grace was with her.
Pure panic.
Suddenly the 4 parents were in rescue mode and trying to remember to breathe. We were not sure how long she had been missing, which way she could have gone or would she find safety in the arms of a stranger. Our most unimaginable fears were cascading on us every moment and our mouths were cotton dry.
In the midst of all this there was a carnival barker who kept calling out to me, “Mister, hey Mister. Come here.” I ignored his call for about 2-3 minutes and finally turned in anger and frustration and told him to quit bothering me!
He was undeterred and asked a life changing questions, “Is this your little girl?”
There she was. Grace was at a baby pool filled with water and little rubber ducks. You were supposed to pay 50 cent to pick up a duck and see the number on the bottom. The number matched a prize. By the time we got to Grace she had collected about 17 ducks and the barker was contemplating an early retirement!
I was glad to pay the price. You see. This child who once was lost, now was found. No price for her safety and security was too steep.
We called her to us and embraced her with fears and tears both melting away!
I tried to scold her and ask her if she knew how dangerous it was to wander away from me.
She just smiled and with childlike faith said, “Daddy, I knew you would find me!”
Such is the relationship with God’s children. We get drawn away with amusements, enticed by our own desires and into trouble before we realize it.
God being the good shepherd, pursues us to bring us back to Himself.
Not his home.
Not Heaven.
But to the only place of safety and security: in His arms, near to His heart.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Time to Draw Aside
I have a journaling program on my PC and this was the assignment today. Hope it is a blessing to you.
Prose Prompt - Write a story about or tribute to an author, poet or musician (fictional or nonfictional).
He began his career in obscurity. He was the runt of the family and the "baby".. His brothers were fine, strapping kids who looked to be future warriors and leaders of men. he was relegated to prodding stupid, smelly sheep.
He was set aside for special times of quiet contemplation. He knew that sometimes strength came from stillness. Sometimes perspective came from being out of the hurried life.
We need the time when the distractions are diminished, the amusements absent and the clutter cleared away. This man-child, with a heart for God looked inward and upward for ways to occupy his heart and soul.
His sheep knew the comfort, courage and calm of his voice.
They knew he used the simple sling to defeat the bear and the lion. The bear- fierce and loud and intimidating, except to a boy who saw the Creator and feared not the creature.
The lion regal and intimidating. I lay in wait and pounced on those not paying attention. In a flash, the helpless pitiful bleating of the sheep as it realized too late, it's focused, fleshly desires had led it too quickly and subtlety into the range of the lion.
The lion, who lay in wait of the opportunity was about to drown in it's own saliva contemplating the tasty lamb.
There was however and unexpected factor.
The heart of the shepherd.
You see, it may have seemed like the stone from the sling did him in, but the lion was defeated by one with a greater heart. The shepherd king. David. Singer, Musician, Poet, King.
One of the greatest embodiments of a man's man in history. He could slay the giant or shed a tear for a lamb. John Wayne, Rambo and Chuck Norris are sissies compared to him.
Yet. he is an imperfect shadow of He who was to come-the Lamb of God, the Lion, the Good Shepherd, the King.
What troubles you today. The bears are growling and the economy is in the tank? Stay close to the Shepherd and hear His voice.
Being attacked by sin crouching at the door to your heart and home? Submit yourself to the King and the lion who prowls will have to flee.
Then, feel yourself, being lifted off the secure, stable earth. You are being raised up into the arms of the Good Shepherd and instead of standing on your own two feet, you are being held close to His heart. He is whispering in your ear, "I love you. I died for you. Why would you want to wander?"
Prose Prompt - Write a story about or tribute to an author, poet or musician (fictional or nonfictional).
He began his career in obscurity. He was the runt of the family and the "baby".. His brothers were fine, strapping kids who looked to be future warriors and leaders of men. he was relegated to prodding stupid, smelly sheep.
He was set aside for special times of quiet contemplation. He knew that sometimes strength came from stillness. Sometimes perspective came from being out of the hurried life.
We need the time when the distractions are diminished, the amusements absent and the clutter cleared away. This man-child, with a heart for God looked inward and upward for ways to occupy his heart and soul.
His sheep knew the comfort, courage and calm of his voice.
They knew he used the simple sling to defeat the bear and the lion. The bear- fierce and loud and intimidating, except to a boy who saw the Creator and feared not the creature.
The lion regal and intimidating. I lay in wait and pounced on those not paying attention. In a flash, the helpless pitiful bleating of the sheep as it realized too late, it's focused, fleshly desires had led it too quickly and subtlety into the range of the lion.
The lion, who lay in wait of the opportunity was about to drown in it's own saliva contemplating the tasty lamb.
There was however and unexpected factor.
The heart of the shepherd.
You see, it may have seemed like the stone from the sling did him in, but the lion was defeated by one with a greater heart. The shepherd king. David. Singer, Musician, Poet, King.
One of the greatest embodiments of a man's man in history. He could slay the giant or shed a tear for a lamb. John Wayne, Rambo and Chuck Norris are sissies compared to him.
Yet. he is an imperfect shadow of He who was to come-the Lamb of God, the Lion, the Good Shepherd, the King.
What troubles you today. The bears are growling and the economy is in the tank? Stay close to the Shepherd and hear His voice.
Being attacked by sin crouching at the door to your heart and home? Submit yourself to the King and the lion who prowls will have to flee.
Then, feel yourself, being lifted off the secure, stable earth. You are being raised up into the arms of the Good Shepherd and instead of standing on your own two feet, you are being held close to His heart. He is whispering in your ear, "I love you. I died for you. Why would you want to wander?"
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Thigns I learned...on my First Cruise!
It has been a whirlwind 4+ days on the water.
As I took some quiet time to reflect this morning looking out over the Gulf, several things came to mind:
1 Don't wait so long to take a cruise. It has been probably the best,most refreshing vacation and time away Diana and I have EVER had. We enjoyed san Antonio for our 5th anniversary and Alabama for our 10th, but shi tops them all.
2 Take some time daily to slow down and mdeitate on the goodness fo God adn nto wait until the 4th day of beiong the middle of the Gulf. It is hard for many us to quiet our minds and hearts before God.
3 Set your own pace...make new friends... enter the corny contests. I have won 3 of 4 tyrivia contests I enetered adn have 3 medalions I can bring home to my trophies...my 3 girls! The final medal was won in a a tiebreakder between me and another contestant. we both got 6 of 10 song right and had to stand back to back to here the opening notes of another song. As soon as we could recognize it, we hollered STOP. I heard about 2 seconds adn hollered STOP. I wrotemy anser and was right...Dust in the Wind.
4 Bring you r kids on a cruise soon after yo do one by yourself. Girls, start saving your money and preapre to packlight.!
more next blog.
As I took some quiet time to reflect this morning looking out over the Gulf, several things came to mind:
1 Don't wait so long to take a cruise. It has been probably the best,most refreshing vacation and time away Diana and I have EVER had. We enjoyed san Antonio for our 5th anniversary and Alabama for our 10th, but shi tops them all.
2 Take some time daily to slow down and mdeitate on the goodness fo God adn nto wait until the 4th day of beiong the middle of the Gulf. It is hard for many us to quiet our minds and hearts before God.
3 Set your own pace...make new friends... enter the corny contests. I have won 3 of 4 tyrivia contests I enetered adn have 3 medalions I can bring home to my trophies...my 3 girls! The final medal was won in a a tiebreakder between me and another contestant. we both got 6 of 10 song right and had to stand back to back to here the opening notes of another song. As soon as we could recognize it, we hollered STOP. I heard about 2 seconds adn hollered STOP. I wrotemy anser and was right...Dust in the Wind.
4 Bring you r kids on a cruise soon after yo do one by yourself. Girls, start saving your money and preapre to packlight.!
more next blog.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Great day...on dry land.
We went to Cozumel this morning after the ship docked. Diana was so excited she woke at 4 this morning adn watched the lights of the Yucatan until the sun came up.
e are so glad we got an Oceanview room. Many veterans of crusing say theylike interior due to less costsand they don't spend thatnuch time in room. With me beign claustrophoci adn Diana wanting to see what is goingon, the Oceanview worksfor us.
We caught a cab into town adnthen walekdaroudnthe plaza awhile We foudn a quaint little dafe adn had nachos adn bottled Coke. It was nice litlerepoat.
Got back on boat at noon and had lunch on the ship.
Enjoyed the Serenity dekc on the backof the bot. Dina worked on her tanand I read for hour or so.
Went to Promenade deck whereI won some trivia contests they had for passengers.
We watched the leaving from the peir at 5. It was fascinating ballet with 100,000 ton oa backing adn pivoting out of our dock position.
The most amazing thisn gtody has been the turquoise water. It's color and clairyt are inspiration. They remind us God is a marvelous Creator worhty of our every praise adn worship.
I thanks Him forthe first 25 years of marriage adn all thaqt it hs meant to me.
e are so glad we got an Oceanview room. Many veterans of crusing say theylike interior due to less costsand they don't spend thatnuch time in room. With me beign claustrophoci adn Diana wanting to see what is goingon, the Oceanview worksfor us.
We caught a cab into town adnthen walekdaroudnthe plaza awhile We foudn a quaint little dafe adn had nachos adn bottled Coke. It was nice litlerepoat.
Got back on boat at noon and had lunch on the ship.
Enjoyed the Serenity dekc on the backof the bot. Dina worked on her tanand I read for hour or so.
Went to Promenade deck whereI won some trivia contests they had for passengers.
We watched the leaving from the peir at 5. It was fascinating ballet with 100,000 ton oa backing adn pivoting out of our dock position.
The most amazing thisn gtody has been the turquoise water. It's color and clairyt are inspiration. They remind us God is a marvelous Creator worhty of our every praise adn worship.
I thanks Him forthe first 25 years of marriage adn all thaqt it hs meant to me.
Monday, April 20, 2009
First Port of Call...Progresoo, Mexico
Second moring to wakeup on the Fantasy. We are now docked until 4 this afternoon at Progreso. It is a small port anf town on the Yucatan. We are going to stay aboard today and then go ashore in Cozumel tomorrow.
Secodn day in a row we had breakfast in the dining room as oppose to "Shoneys by the Sea" upstairs on the Lido deck. Lunch today will be in Windows on the sea becasue the dining rooms re closed until supper.
I am going to enter the passenger talent show but will have to sneak in as a singing act as oppposed to comedian.
The show in the Universe Lounge was nice song adnd dacne review and was nice after supper diversion. The constant karaoke in the different lounges with passengers is some of the best entertainment. I think I heard William Hung from AI.
WE WON WE WON~~
Diana and I won an additiona 3hours of internet time in a raffle onthe boat. At curretn speeds we cn send out 3 more emails.
Secodn day in a row we had breakfast in the dining room as oppose to "Shoneys by the Sea" upstairs on the Lido deck. Lunch today will be in Windows on the sea becasue the dining rooms re closed until supper.
I am going to enter the passenger talent show but will have to sneak in as a singing act as oppposed to comedian.
The show in the Universe Lounge was nice song adnd dacne review and was nice after supper diversion. The constant karaoke in the different lounges with passengers is some of the best entertainment. I think I heard William Hung from AI.
WE WON WE WON~~
Diana and I won an additiona 3hours of internet time in a raffle onthe boat. At curretn speeds we cn send out 3 more emails.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Greetings from the Gulf!!
As I write this, Diana and I are on a Carnival Cruise heading toward Mexico. We are celebrating our 25th annivrsary.
It is a relaxing enjoyable time. I am using this time to be on a spiritual retreat, refocus on my multiple careers and make plans with Diana for the next 25 years.
We have made good friends with Bruno the internet manager. He is from South Africa and very helpful. He speaks 4 languages and has great perspective about being member of the global comunity and not so parochial that we Yanks tend to be.
Our Matre Di, head dinimg room guy, is from India. He has been with Carnival 17 years and lives in Mumbai. He is on the water 7 months at a time amd then gets back to his wife and son for two months.
More updates tomorrow.
It is a relaxing enjoyable time. I am using this time to be on a spiritual retreat, refocus on my multiple careers and make plans with Diana for the next 25 years.
We have made good friends with Bruno the internet manager. He is from South Africa and very helpful. He speaks 4 languages and has great perspective about being member of the global comunity and not so parochial that we Yanks tend to be.
Our Matre Di, head dinimg room guy, is from India. He has been with Carnival 17 years and lives in Mumbai. He is on the water 7 months at a time amd then gets back to his wife and son for two months.
More updates tomorrow.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Bye to and Faithful and Helpful Friend!!!
After nearly 13 years, we said goodbye to a family friend today. It was our 1996 Chevy Suburban.
Big Red had served us faithfully through the most important years of our children growing up. When we first got the vehicle, our children were 9,5,3 and 1. They are now 22, 20,18 and 14!
That Fire Truck Red Suburban has taken us on trips to Disneyworld, mission trips to Minnesota and even to officiate a memorial service for a young woman struck down in her youth in Jacksonville, FL.
Big Red was our carriage during Katrina and our refuge during Rita.
Big Red made long trips such as to North Carolina for a wedding and fun return trip on way back through Chattanooga.
This morning, we were having another car picked up by AAA towing. The driver asked about buying the car he was towing. I told him it was a recent purchase, but the Suburban in the back driveway was for sale.
Now, Big Red did not look like much. It had a hood that bulged up from two different accidents our son had in it. One of its' headlights drooped like a stroke victim who had lost control of his facial muscles. It's back door on the driver's side has been dented for three years. I did not get it fixed for two reasons. To get it fixed would have been more expensive than the car was worth and the dent was a reminder of a time when Big Red saved my son's life in an accident. Big Red was a great protective device.
Who cares about gas mileage when the vehicle can extend your life expectancy!
The tow truck driver asked could he drive Big Red around the block and I agreed. He returned 5 minutes later with excitement and hope. He got his wife and 2 year old daughter out of the cab of his tow truck. You see, they owned no personal family vehicle. Anywhere they had to go, the store, to see family or to work was in that tow truck.
Sometimes the wife had to walked 1 1/2miles to work if her husband was out on a tow job. Same thing at night if he was not around or she had to keep calling to try to get a ride home.
They asked the price and I told them. They were going to ask for a loan from his boss but, we worked out a better deal. God told us to drop the price considerably.
Big Red is now in the hands of a family that does not care about AC, paint and body work. They drove from the title transfer office like they had won a major prize. It was a chance to be blessed as we blessed them.
We wept for joy as they drove out of sight.
The man and his wife asked us why we came off the price so much and we told them God told us to. I hope that a seed of faith has been sown in the hearts of this precious, needy and struggling family. My prayer is that someday, they will tell their little girl about how they went to rescue someone and God showed up to their rescue!
May God bless them with Big Red as he did us for over a decade.
Big Red had served us faithfully through the most important years of our children growing up. When we first got the vehicle, our children were 9,5,3 and 1. They are now 22, 20,18 and 14!
That Fire Truck Red Suburban has taken us on trips to Disneyworld, mission trips to Minnesota and even to officiate a memorial service for a young woman struck down in her youth in Jacksonville, FL.
Big Red was our carriage during Katrina and our refuge during Rita.
Big Red made long trips such as to North Carolina for a wedding and fun return trip on way back through Chattanooga.
This morning, we were having another car picked up by AAA towing. The driver asked about buying the car he was towing. I told him it was a recent purchase, but the Suburban in the back driveway was for sale.
Now, Big Red did not look like much. It had a hood that bulged up from two different accidents our son had in it. One of its' headlights drooped like a stroke victim who had lost control of his facial muscles. It's back door on the driver's side has been dented for three years. I did not get it fixed for two reasons. To get it fixed would have been more expensive than the car was worth and the dent was a reminder of a time when Big Red saved my son's life in an accident. Big Red was a great protective device.
Who cares about gas mileage when the vehicle can extend your life expectancy!
The tow truck driver asked could he drive Big Red around the block and I agreed. He returned 5 minutes later with excitement and hope. He got his wife and 2 year old daughter out of the cab of his tow truck. You see, they owned no personal family vehicle. Anywhere they had to go, the store, to see family or to work was in that tow truck.
Sometimes the wife had to walked 1 1/2miles to work if her husband was out on a tow job. Same thing at night if he was not around or she had to keep calling to try to get a ride home.
They asked the price and I told them. They were going to ask for a loan from his boss but, we worked out a better deal. God told us to drop the price considerably.
Big Red is now in the hands of a family that does not care about AC, paint and body work. They drove from the title transfer office like they had won a major prize. It was a chance to be blessed as we blessed them.
We wept for joy as they drove out of sight.
The man and his wife asked us why we came off the price so much and we told them God told us to. I hope that a seed of faith has been sown in the hearts of this precious, needy and struggling family. My prayer is that someday, they will tell their little girl about how they went to rescue someone and God showed up to their rescue!
May God bless them with Big Red as he did us for over a decade.
Friday, March 20, 2009
He is Better in Person than He comes Across on TV
Diana and I attended a fund raising event that typifies South Louisiana.
It was a cool evening in early spring, seafood was being prepared every way imaginable and we gathered at the stately home of the Sabadies. It sits on several acres and is fronted by woods and the back of the property backs up to a beautiful Bayou.
The main attraction was a visit with Governor Bobby Jindal. The man is what you would want a leader to be. Humble, gracious and a focused listener. He has a warm, easy smile and a good personal manner about him.
He also has passion for the sanctity of human life for the unborn.
He was taken aback when I asked him to thank his wife and children for giving up their time with him so we could meet him. Especially thanks for allowing him to lead our state. Most of us do not consider the sacrifice that the spouses and children make when their loved ones are in public service.
I hope he is the conservative candidate in a future run for the White House.
God has His hand on Bobby Jindal.
Pray the the Governor will seek not just politically skilled people to surroudn himself with, but people who can give counsel from God.
Monday, March 16, 2009
When Bad News Turns Out GREAT!!!
Recently I was trying to expand my product offering with life insurance companies I would represent. There was one company in particular I wanted to sell for who had great prices and world class reputation.
I was angry when they turned me down. I thought they were being too picky in overlooking me.
Now.. I am so grateful. I would have sold dozens of their policies by now and had a lot of explaining to do with every headline. I would have clients who had paid premiums for what could be worthless paper and not the insurance they needed.
The company who turned me down? The company I am relieved not to represent...AIG!!!
I was angry when they turned me down. I thought they were being too picky in overlooking me.
Now.. I am so grateful. I would have sold dozens of their policies by now and had a lot of explaining to do with every headline. I would have clients who had paid premiums for what could be worthless paper and not the insurance they needed.
The company who turned me down? The company I am relieved not to represent...AIG!!!
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Missing Texas
Most of my early years were in Texas. Primarily in Houston with a little adventure to the D/FW area when I went to seminary.
Recently, I have found myself missing it more and more. With the amazing way Facebook can connect people who were out of touch for decades, I am hearing about many of my earlier friends from high school and church still in Texas.
I recently missed an event I would have loved to been able to attend. My highs school band director, Bill "Bulldog" Brawn recently was the guest of honor at a birthday party with former band students. I have heard a few stories and seen a couple of pictures of the event on Facebook.
We called him "Bulldog" because he had he jowls of a bulldog and the apparent temperament of one as well. He was single minded and tough regarding what we would put on the field for halftime or play in a concert setting. The Dobie band did innovative things and set the standard by which many programs in Texas were measured.
Now, years later, I appreciate all types of music thanks to that experience and exposure.
I find it amazing how many people are just now discovering the power of "O Fortuna" as the opening movement to Carmina Burana. I remember the hours of practice on that and Lincolnshire Posy.
I remember one time taking the 5 best brass players to solo and ensemble contest and working on some ridiculous music with like 10 movements. We were only required to play 5. The judge asked us which we wanted to play and we asked which he wanted to hear. He asked for them all and put away the score sheet early on in the performance because we were doing an outstanding job.
Happy Birthday Mr Brawn. I hope the gift of love and thanks returned to you made your life a little warmer.
Recently, I have found myself missing it more and more. With the amazing way Facebook can connect people who were out of touch for decades, I am hearing about many of my earlier friends from high school and church still in Texas.
I recently missed an event I would have loved to been able to attend. My highs school band director, Bill "Bulldog" Brawn recently was the guest of honor at a birthday party with former band students. I have heard a few stories and seen a couple of pictures of the event on Facebook.
We called him "Bulldog" because he had he jowls of a bulldog and the apparent temperament of one as well. He was single minded and tough regarding what we would put on the field for halftime or play in a concert setting. The Dobie band did innovative things and set the standard by which many programs in Texas were measured.
Now, years later, I appreciate all types of music thanks to that experience and exposure.
I find it amazing how many people are just now discovering the power of "O Fortuna" as the opening movement to Carmina Burana. I remember the hours of practice on that and Lincolnshire Posy.
I remember one time taking the 5 best brass players to solo and ensemble contest and working on some ridiculous music with like 10 movements. We were only required to play 5. The judge asked us which we wanted to play and we asked which he wanted to hear. He asked for them all and put away the score sheet early on in the performance because we were doing an outstanding job.
Happy Birthday Mr Brawn. I hope the gift of love and thanks returned to you made your life a little warmer.
When Dad Became a Legend
As referred to in a previous post, there is a reason my kids will no longer play the game CLUE with me.
One day, we had gone to all the trouble of setting it the game up and had our positions at the table. We were ready for a good, mind stretching battle to figure out who did it, where and with what weapon. I told the kids we would play ONE game.
On my FIRST turn, I guessed, Col. Mustard, in the library and with the wrench. There was a moment of silence while the answer was verified..I was right!
The blind pig had found the acorn! My ship had come in! I should go go pick lottery numbers while I was on fire!
Instantly, the children rose up in one accord to pronounce what a wise, caring, discerning Dad they all had...NOT!!!
There were screams of disbelief and accusations of cheating. There were demands for a replay. Did not happen. I held my ground and did not play again. I am no longer allowed to play. I retired as champ and mystical mindreader.
One day, we had gone to all the trouble of setting it the game up and had our positions at the table. We were ready for a good, mind stretching battle to figure out who did it, where and with what weapon. I told the kids we would play ONE game.
On my FIRST turn, I guessed, Col. Mustard, in the library and with the wrench. There was a moment of silence while the answer was verified..I was right!
The blind pig had found the acorn! My ship had come in! I should go go pick lottery numbers while I was on fire!
Instantly, the children rose up in one accord to pronounce what a wise, caring, discerning Dad they all had...NOT!!!
There were screams of disbelief and accusations of cheating. There were demands for a replay. Did not happen. I held my ground and did not play again. I am no longer allowed to play. I retired as champ and mystical mindreader.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
When was last time you...played a table game with your family?
Today's modern family very rarely seems to have any time together, even when under the same roof. There are times when 5 of us are home and three are on separate computers, two others are watching two different TV's and the dog is just wandering around as well.
I long for the days of table games.
When our children were little we used to love UNO. Simple rules and the whole family can play. I remember one school night the kids were bugging us for road trip to get ice cream and I was trying to get them in bed. We had a UNO game to determine who would get their way. Adults (2) vs. kids(4). If either adult won, off to bed with the kids. If any of the 4 kids won, to Winn-Dixie for Blue Bell and all the toppings.
We had a spirited, highly tense game going. The kid were squirming in their seats. The talking was non-stop. Right as good Old Dad was about to win, Kristen, at the time about 6, peaked over her hand and said "Sorry" and stuck me with another card and won!
The jubilation on behalf of the kids can not be described.
My wife gave me a look that said, "Sleeper sofa" and "You are in BIG trouble" at the same time.
We took an adrenaline laced trip to buy 3 containers of Blue Bell with almost every topping the kids could imagine. (I drew the line at frozen shrimp.)
The subsequent pig fest and celebration is still recalled an relived with great fondness 8 years later.
Next Blog I will tell you why the kids HATE playing CLUE with me.
I long for the days of table games.
When our children were little we used to love UNO. Simple rules and the whole family can play. I remember one school night the kids were bugging us for road trip to get ice cream and I was trying to get them in bed. We had a UNO game to determine who would get their way. Adults (2) vs. kids(4). If either adult won, off to bed with the kids. If any of the 4 kids won, to Winn-Dixie for Blue Bell and all the toppings.
We had a spirited, highly tense game going. The kid were squirming in their seats. The talking was non-stop. Right as good Old Dad was about to win, Kristen, at the time about 6, peaked over her hand and said "Sorry" and stuck me with another card and won!
The jubilation on behalf of the kids can not be described.
My wife gave me a look that said, "Sleeper sofa" and "You are in BIG trouble" at the same time.
We took an adrenaline laced trip to buy 3 containers of Blue Bell with almost every topping the kids could imagine. (I drew the line at frozen shrimp.)
The subsequent pig fest and celebration is still recalled an relived with great fondness 8 years later.
Next Blog I will tell you why the kids HATE playing CLUE with me.
Friday, March 6, 2009
When God answers prayer...will you recognize it?
For both of you who follow this blog, I apologize for begin so inconsistent and undisciplined. I have much to catch up on but will begin with the most important first.
Why is it so hard to tell people the truth? Particularly for those who say they love one another, Christians, tend to temper things because we don't want to "hurt feeling".
Then,when we tell the truth, it is often not with a broken heart about another's condition nor with any solutions in mind.
32 days ago, I got a phone call from a friend named R.J. who helped me more with my weight than anyone who has ever tried. R.J. simply pointed me to a web site that is helping him a great deal. It is set up to help believers with sins that have dominated their lives for a long time-mine is overeating.
It has been a 32 day journey into my relationship with God and it last for 60 days. It has helped me a great deal, but I do not want to take any credit. It is has been successful as I learn to turn from satisfying myself with worldly pleasures to getting my satisfaction in the LORD.
In the meantime, I am starting a new company an doing some additional marketing for a law firm and a financial products rep. I will keep you posted more consistently. PRAY!!
Why is it so hard to tell people the truth? Particularly for those who say they love one another, Christians, tend to temper things because we don't want to "hurt feeling".
Then,when we tell the truth, it is often not with a broken heart about another's condition nor with any solutions in mind.
32 days ago, I got a phone call from a friend named R.J. who helped me more with my weight than anyone who has ever tried. R.J. simply pointed me to a web site that is helping him a great deal. It is set up to help believers with sins that have dominated their lives for a long time-mine is overeating.
It has been a 32 day journey into my relationship with God and it last for 60 days. It has helped me a great deal, but I do not want to take any credit. It is has been successful as I learn to turn from satisfying myself with worldly pleasures to getting my satisfaction in the LORD.
In the meantime, I am starting a new company an doing some additional marketing for a law firm and a financial products rep. I will keep you posted more consistently. PRAY!!
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