Plainly Put

Could we 'cut through the crap?' Donald J. Trump is our President. He campaigned on the slogan,
"Make America Great Again." I'm not sure what that really means but for the sake of argument, let's suppose it is honorable in spirit.

Okay, now that's out of the way. Therefore, Trump can clear the air and eliminate most of the crazy verbal back-and-forth political partisanship by simply doing two things. If Trump truly desires to make our country great THEN...(1) Release his tax returns information and (2) Disclose any and all contacts with Russia. If President Trump would do those two things his approval ratings would sky-rocket and he would likely have more smooth sailing with much bi-partisan support on the road to National Greatness. It's a Slam Dunk!

Let me put it another way. My Grandpa E. V. and Mammy Bennett owned a grocery store back in 1940-50''s East St. Louis. Mammy was a devout practicing Methodist; Grandpa E. V. was not. Although, E. V. was a Godly believing man, he was not knocking the Church doors open to get a favorite pew-spot.

Mammy was always giving away foods to needy and to The Church's needs. One day the Methodist preacher was picking up 'free' food at the store and Mammy asked E. V. to help the preacher load up the freebies. (Note: It was well known that the married Preacher Man was having an affair with a married woman). When finished loading the groceries into the Preacher's automobile the Preacher turned to E. V. and asked, "Mr. Bennett, how is it with your soul?" E.V. answered, "That's None of your Goddamn business!" Now that's what you call, 'cutting through the crap!'

Making Good Choices

Sitting at the nearby swimming pool at our Gulf Side Miramar Beach, Florida complex, I had a gent next to me lean towards me and ask, "Whata ya think of President Trump's 'tweets?"
(Note: Please understand three things...(1) I have just slightly above average intelligence, (2) Most old farts sitting around warm weather winter vacation swimming pool sites are Republicans and (3) My wife begged me not to 'go off' on anybody about politics while in Florida.) On the thid-point, I have done good...until that moment. I answered my senior friend straight-forward, "I don't think much of Trump's 'tweets' and I think less of Trump."  Dadgumit, I know I talk louder these days due to my own hearing loss therefore my comment was heard by more than the fella making the inquiry. Suddenly, I had four-sun-wrinkled-old-geezers leaning towards me and you could tell that they all were eager to state the conservative case.

Well, I didn't give them what they wanted and Ill tell you why. I learned over time not to argue with my mother because my dad would win. Don't argue with my wife because she always wins. Don't argue with basketball,officials because they usually win and never argue with 'fools' because it saddens you. At that swim-pool moment, I stood and said, "I'll be right back. Those two fellas who pick up our trash every Monday and Thursday just turned onto our culdesac and the Black fella who rides at the end of the truck is Troy. He is the same age as my son. He has seven kids like one of my daughters. He told me last week he was trying to get a home loan. I need to find out if he did. I'll be back.

No, I didn't go back. I took Yodie for a walk. Rather pick up dog crap and keep peace with my wife.

Oh, I'm sorry. 'Big Troy' did get his home loan. He shook my hand (after he took his soiled glove off) and said, "I got the loan man...God is good all the time; all the time Gid is good."

Radical? Who me? No You!

Words suggest. Actions confirm. Keep that thought.

Much is said recently about 'Radical Islamic Religion.' Should American leaders use the phrase Radical Islamic terrorists causing death in the fulfillment of some 'extreme' Islamic Religious doctrine? Personally, I say go for it! While you are addressing some radical religious groups, you should speak about and point out harm done by some of those Radical Christians as well.

Stop and spare me any lecture on faith, organized religion and any other intrusion on my personal walk with Jesus-Christ. I will not point to individuals who may be in this Radical Christian movement, I allow you to draw such conclusions.

'Radical' means strict adherence of views, which are  at odds with cultural norms. The 'radicals' are people who advocate and support those extreme views. Christians once believed that 'human slavery' was okay. That was a 'hot religious' debate back in the 1840's followed by the 1859 evolution vs. creation science theories. Then we had Christians fighting over a woman's rightful position in our society. Back in the day, some 'radical Christians' believed it was God's wishes for a woman NOT to receive anesthesia during childbirth (I'm sure that idea was promoted by men folks). Then some good Christians had to wrestle with a notion that a woman could vote and wear slacks. I remember, during the 1950's my Methodist Church folks believed you were hell-bound if you worked on Sunday or attended entertainment on the sabbath. I suppose that thinking changed when Grandpa choked on a Sunday-dinner chicken bone and the Doctor could not make a house call. Today, Christians now debate birth control and pro-life vs abortion rights.

Just because a group embraces the rooted-fundamentalism it does not make that group radical. It's when that fundamentalist group imposes those rooted beliefs on others that they are radicals.

I hear Republicans telling Americans that the Government should not choose your own health-insurance. Well, how about the Government staying out of my religious beliefs. Oh my goodness, I just imagined what would happen if those 'Radical Amish' gained American government control...we'd all be driving a buggy and stepping in horse-crap in the mall parking lot.

Okay, you can now start naming names...

Why didn't I think of that?

President Trump's recent comment regarding the questionable success of the Yemen raid in which the United States lost the life of a proud Navy Seal warrior...and the criticism continues toward Trump, "The raid was planned before I got hear and the pentagon chief told me the raid was a success." 😇 So said, President Donald J. Trump

Why didn't I 'think' of that back in the coaching days?

After getting beaten soundly by Chicago King...
Coach Roustio told the media-interviewers, "The former coach, Roger Uhe scheduled Chicago King and Assistant Coach Ken Hickman scouted King and said our defense would work." Roustio continued, "Yes, it's my real hair and nobody loves referees like I do, nobody! Besides, the real enemy tonight was not Chicago King but it's the nasty media, on a mission to blame me for the defeat."

Confused

I am humbled and appreciative for the three hundred-plus daily blog readers...I thank you. That said, I wish for the readers to know that today's blog is 'For Men Only.' I hope the ladies will not be offended but as the younger generation frequently states, "It is what it is." Have a wonderful day ladies, you're excused.

Okay fellas, I need to vent and seek some support on this issue. Perhaps it resonates with you. My wife and I will be married for fifty-seven years come this June. I cannot recall the number of times when traveling on vacation or business that we have stayed in hotels, motels, condos and other housing rentals. No matter that number there remains 'one constant' and that is this: The issue regarding 'which side of the bed' one wishes to sleep on is never discussed! My wife takes  the side nearest the bathroom. The last four years, we have rented the same Miramar Beach, Florida winter residence. The king-size bed is in a good size room. The side nearest the bathroom has more room, an end table with multiple drawers and a reading lamp.

This scenario has finally saturated my tolerance-sponge. I got the courage to express my true long-stifled feelings. I said to my wife, "Gerry, why do you always assume the side of the bed nearest the bathroom belongs to you? You do know that as men age they make more frequent night-time trips to the bathroom?  You also must realize that here in this Florida rental, you have more room to walk on your bedside area and you have the luxury of a reading lamp and nearby vanity table for personal items?" I then paused with the confidence that I had succinctly and convincingly presented my case.
My wife smiled and spoke matter-of-fact these words, "That's right attack me for thinking about you. When we first rented this house, I saw the bedroom layout. I immediately thought, I need to give you the side of the bed nearest the outside wall so you could hear the Gulf breeze blow the palm tree branches against the deck and I thought you'd like to see the 6AM sunrise coming through the shades. Not only that, I took the side with more room because when you bring my breakfast upstairs each morning, I didn't want you to have to worry about bumping the wall with the tray. You never give me credit for my concerns you!"
Fellas, I 'hey-da-say' but this stuff can make one lose one's mind. I'm thinking that I should apologize to my wife for mentioning this. I'll talk it over with the dog this afternoon and see what he thinks.

Beyond My Comprehension

The Bible-Study Pastor asked some thought provoking questions: "Who is the most famous person that you ever met?" "Did that famous person meet your expectations?" "What are your expectations of Jesus?"
I suppose we can agree that 'famous' is the result of accomplishments, which are known by many people. Famous is usually driven by practice and/or study. Other times, we do note famous-status occurs through happen-chance circumstances.

 I began a mental exercise recalling some names of 'famous folks'  I've met. Some surpassed my expectations while others disappointed. I quickly dismissed that question when the thought occurred to me that the names of my famous-people were not near as endearing and impacting on my life as the names of people who nurtured and mentored me in life. It was those people who aided in helping me develop expectations...expectations of myself, which helped my personal growth.

Addressing the question of 'expectations of Jesus,' I immediately concluded that I will never be able to answer that question. Here's why: I cannot imagine or wrap my mind around the depth of Christ's forgiving-grace. That human body of Jesus was nailed to a tree with the spikes hammered through bones, tendons and nerves of hands and feet. I recall an abscess tooth pain and a pinched back nerve and thought it was the worst possible pain. Christ forgave those who brutally murdered him. Then after doing that for 'me,' He forgave me  yesterday morning when I cursed, beneath my breath, the man who cut me off on the highway. And just think, my 'Holy Bible' was in full vision on my auto's dashboard.

So, there I sat yesterday morning in Bible Study daring to contemplate my 'expectations' of Jesus. I know exactly what you readers are thinking right now. You believe I can 'expect' Christ's everlasting forgiveness if requested. That is not my expectation of Jesus; that's my gift of salvation. I'll see you in Church Sunday. You'll recognize me, I'm that Christian often mistaken as 'The Great Pretender.'

Relationship Riches

Normally, we'd be packed and poised for our return trip from 'snowbird-land' back to central Illinois. That has been the routine the past three-years but not this year. My wife, Gerry and I extended our stay in the cottage by the Gulf. We learned that our three college-graduating-senior-grandkids have corresponding spring-breaks this March so we spent a few extra coins and invited those 'youngins' to join us for a week. Colin had to 'pass' on the offer due to an academic opportunity abroad. However, Illinois State roommate cousins, Erica and Loren will join us and thus become two of the thousands of college spring-breakers impacting the Destin, Florida beaches. It's that seasonal change time when 'snowbirds' give way to 'snow studs' and 'snow chicks.'

The past two days, Gerry and I have experienced a parade of neighborhood 'cul-de-sac couples' stopping by to bid the Roustio's farewell. I must confess that those goodbye moments are bittersweet. Understand that in the past four-years, we have forged strong friendships with many couples who boarded this 'train' about the same time many years ago. We are aware that various destination arrival times await each of us. We are richly blessed and give thanks to God for our shared moments. We are believers who understand life's longing for itself while we embrace God's Will.

Gerry and I have made our plans to return next winter; the down payment is documented. Meanwhile, in the next few days we will continue our goodbyes to more snowbird-neighbors and pray for their respective journeys. We will hope to renew those relationships again.

Oh, did I mention that our granddaughters, Erica and Loren are coming to spend a week?