Stories and other stuff

For some reason this morning, I've been thinking about expectations. I made someone very angry about ten days ago.  Hey, that's nothing new.  But as I replayed the events out over coffee this morning, I wondered to myself what she expected of me.  I thought about this for a while but instead of assigning blame, I wondered if there wasn't a different way I could have handled the situation.  For the life of me, I can't find one and my question to myself kind of morphed into one of wondering what she expected me to do. And, what did I expect her to do.  Or anyone else for that matter. I think I came to the realization that my expectations of others are too high.  I expect folks that have known me for years to understand how the drastic changes I've made in some areas of my life came about.  I expect those close to me to accept some rational, Biblical explanations for some of the things I do that quite honestly at best seem foolish and at worst seem ...

I often share things I hear from the radio with y'all.  Last week, I heard this program on the book of Ecclesiastes.  The book was written by King Solomon, who is considered in many circles (with the exception of Jesus) to be the wisest man who ever lived. The program was kind of comparing this time in Solomon's life to a mid-life crisis.  It was a good program, the pastor talked about how Solomon took the time to examine things in and around his life and I thought there was some good wisdom in the program.  If you have time, read the book and kind of keep that thought in mind.  It adds an interesting perspective on what you'll read. I do want to share with you the end of the book from the New International Version translation.  From Ecclesasties vv 11-14(NIV) "The words of the wise are like goads, their collective sayings like firmly embedded nails--given by one Shepherd.  Be warned, my son, of anything in addition to them. Of making many book...

Today just kind of zoomed by.  I attempted to fix the air conditioner.  I changed the capacitor.  It worked. Once. Apparently there's more wrong with it than I'm capable of fixing.  Well, someone once told me that you can't beat a good man at his own trade.  Could be time for a service call.  I guess someone's gotta stimulate this here economy. I'm doing my part. We're having dessert tonight.  I bought a cake roll at the store.  When I got home I noticed that the name of the bakery is called "the Father's Table".  They donate 50% of their profits to charity.  Good for them! I'm thinking about fixing someone's little red wagon.  It's hot and I'm too lazy today to jump into the swimming pool.  Hot may finally just win out, though.  So might camping out under the stars.  That's if I can find the mosquito repellant. Maybe I'll wash my truck later.  It's overdue for a yearly coat of wax.   I'm thinking ab...

You know I love me some irony.  Here are a few of the ironic things I'm laughing about today. John Beck played college football for BYU.  Last night, he started a game for the Washington Redskins.  He has to wear a red helmet with a Native American logo on it.  Last week, he had to play against a team in blue & white uniforms (BYU colors).  This week, the Redskins lost the game.  Final score 34-31.  My die hard Utah fans will see the irony in this score. OK, there are a host of things I'm finding ironic in my life right now. But some of them will have to keep until the movie is over.  Here's the ironic thing about movies... no matter how many times you watch them, they always end the same way. Red shirt Friday today.  Remember those who serve by wearing red today (OK, kinda too late for today, but there's always next Friday!)

It's been a strange but good day.  I had to run to the Wal-mart this morning for some algaecide for the pool and had to get some bulbs for the Saturn before I got a tickie for no brake light.  Just a couple of errands on this Thursday morning. As I turned from 37th Street to Tyler (about a block from my house) I got behind a truck.  It wadn't from aroun' here and the license plate just made me smile.  Odd, seeing it today.  Just made me smile and press on with my day. At the Wal-mart, I waited patiently in line to pay for my purchase.  I never have cash, so I just took out my debit card.  Mine didn't work.  Everyone else's did.  I asked the cashier to hold my item and went over to the ATM, where the card worked fine. I went back to the same line, waited patiently for my turn again and watched as three people used their debit cards with no issues. Apparently I needed some cash today.

As I've mentioned before, my taste in music has changed and one of the many blessings in my life is that the Bible Broadcasting Network has a radio station in O-town.  (99.5 fm)  Along with the music, I find so many instructive and inspiring programs to listen to. They re-ran a little message yesterday that talked about these three things that God gives His children.  Forgiveness is for our past which helps us come to terms with the things we've done wrong in our lives.  He gives us His magnificent grace for the present, to help us stand rebuke when it's necessary, to persevere through trials, and to live a life filled with the joy of knowing Christ.  As Paul was told, God's grace is sufficient.  I can tell you that yes, in my life, it is. Glory is what we'll receive as followers of Christ.  That comes later, when our earthly walk is over and is something we have to look forward to. One other gift God gave us was His word.  There is great co...

How do people cook without gadgets?  I have tons of them and if I had more money than I could ever spend, I'd probably have many, many more.  Yesterday I used this little mechanical strainer we bought at a garbage sale and turned apples into apple butter.  First, though, you have to make applesauce and this thing worked great.  It's the first time I'd ever used it.  I have a mechanical apple peeler, too.  Had I not had this handy little device, I'd still be peeling apples. Today's gadget is a little rotisserie I picked up when I wasn't in Cyprus ten years ago.  It's a long story that some of my Guard buddies will remember, but that's another story for another day.  This little grill is cool,  It'll cook 8 kebabs or I could do a couple of chickens at once.  It has a tray for charcoal and then a rotisserie that turns with the aid of a motor that's run by a D cell battery.  I was smart and bought an extra motor, too.  The thing ...