Gospel Granny Takes Franklin to the Woodshed

Many years ago, I attended one of Billy Graham's (revival) Crusades, it was spiritually nourishing. I am still alert to television re-runs of those Crusades and make a point to watch. Billy Graham was an ordained Southern Baptist minister who did not preach 'a' religion but instead, The Gospel of Jesus Christ. His message resonated internationally because it was a message of love for others and for your own salvation. It does not get any more direct than that. Billy Graham rejected the ethnocentric notion that one group is superior over other groups...we are all God's people.

Ethnocentrism means: My group, race, ethnicity, religion, customs and traditions are the BEST. Therefore, if mine is the best your identify is inferior. Keeping you and your group inferior guarantees my higher status and consequently entitles me to point out your lesser traits and questionable customs, beliefs and behaviors. Therein lies the foundation of America's culture of developing a condescending attitude towards those 'outside' my group. Unfortunately, my fellow Christians have allowed themselves to become a pawn in this game as it plays out in our political debates. We Christians no longer embrace with the love of Christ as our message centerpiece but we now harshly and publicly judge and condemn those 'sinful' people we perceive 'outside' our group. This has become our societal conundrum. Thus, I am 'right' you are 'wrong.'

Just recently, the Rev. Franklin Graham, son of Billy chastised 2020 Democratic Presidential candidate, Pete Buttigieg saying, "He needs to repent for his gay life-style." Here we have a Christian voice that seemingly has the mystical and spiritual gift if not God's permission to judge some life-styles but not others. Obviously, Franklin rejects his father's warning, "The hard right has no interest in religion except to manipulate it." And as the young Graham continues on his condemnation and judgmental message towards gays instead of his father's message of love, then it is that kind of pride that will cause many to "stumble into hell," said Billy Graham.

It would appear that Franklin didn't learn much from his Daddy maybe Gospel Granny can help the boy.
(Touch)
Gospel Granny

It's Not The Dock of the Bay...It's Von Maur

The Decatur/Forsyth Von Maur Department Store at Hickory apoint Mall offers quality clothing at 'quality' prices. However, stylish ladies apparel is frequently 'on sale.' Unfortunately, seldom will male shoppers find similar bargain prices. I don't know why that is but I'm sure their is a marketing explanation. Anyway, I find myself often sitting in Von Maur's comfortable center court listening to the pianist and engaging in 'people watching' while my wife explores.

Here is an Old Man's People Observations while sitting in Von Maur:

 1. The mini skirt has lost great appeal as Pilates Pants enter the ladies' fashion world. Still some gals
     need a friend to deliver a message. Just as some legs (especially knees) should be mini skirt deal-
     breakers, some 'booties' are Pilates Pants deal breakers!

 2. If young girls are not wearing Pilates they are wearing 'new' jeans that have strategically
     placed holes to show bare leg parts. I don't understand that because I remember my mother
     was insistent that I not wear 'jeans with holes' for fear our neighbors would think of us as poor.

 3. No matter what fashion choice, I often times find myself looking at the plethora of body tattoos
     rather than clothing. And this causes me to wonder if I am to stare at people's tattoos and really 'read' the message or does that risk some type of activity that's reported to mall security.

 4. Old farts, i.e. Me believe that 'white' socks go with any apparel.

 5. Boys under age 25, still wear baseball caps backwards.

 6. America has an obesity problem.

 7. I understand how malls are so vulnerable to 'crackpots' doing harm...after all the security guys
     don't carry firearms and yet we have some nuts wishing to arm teachers.

 8. Some mall piano players are terrible.

 9. I cannot wrap my head around the fact that a Von Maur T-shirt, sporting a clothing company's
     logo cost $49.00.

10. Sitting in Von Maur while my wife shops, I'm reminded of Satchel Paige's comment,
       "Sometimes I sits and thinks and  sometimes, I just sits.
(Touch)
"Observing

Pew...WEEEE!

The University of Exeter was established in 1955. It is a public research university located in Douth West, England, United Kingdom. Recently, Exeter research produced some rather interesting or certainly unique findings. It seems that the scent hydrogen sulfide has potential health benefits for people.

Let me help you recall and identify what hydrogen sulfide 'smells' like. Recall the odor of rotten eggs? Okay, how about that smell emitting from the backside of that large man in front of you in the Walmart checkout lane? You got it! Rotten eggs and farts do contain the hydrogen sulfide odor. Now, here's what the University of Exeter researchers discovered: The hydrogen sulfide odor has potential health benefits. This discovery is a game changer:

1) If you are in a confined area with several people and you are fighting back that fart, stop it. Let her rip; you are potentially improving the quality of health of folks nearby.
2) Young boys forced to share a bed with a younger brother...don't feel guilty cutting a fart and  shoving junior's head under the covers. Actually, it could be considered an act of love.
3) Grandkids should no longer giggle and make light of their aging grandparents who 'cut the cheese' in public. In fact, when Granny cuts-loose at the Thanksgiving table or the movie theater give her a round of applause.
4) Finally, gals, if your spouse is filling the bedroom with an abundance of hydrogen sulfide scent, you should hold your nose, move closer to him and give him a big hug and kiss of gratitude for improving the quality of life's journey.
(Touch)
Let It Rip

Great Pretenders

I don't know about others but I confess I am guilty of stereotyping how individuals should 'look' if they hold certain positions or jobs.  I often times believe some folks should hold other positions based on looks, voice or behavior.

Let me offer some examples: When I first heard St. Louis Baseball broadcaster, Harry Caray's voice, I pictured him to 'look' much differently than he did. Had I seen him on the street not knowing who he was, I would guess him to be a bookkeeper. Another is Babe Ruth. If I had not known in advance about Ruth's prolific baseball abilities but just saw him on a Florida beach, I'd guess he was a bar tender back in Brooklyn. Okay, you get my drift, eh?

Here's others...

Lindsey Graham (politician)...Macy's shoe department sales clerk.
J. B. Pritzker (Governor)...Chicago Mass Transit bus driver.
Pat Sajak (T.V. Game Host)...singer with The Beach Boys.
Jim Bakker (religious poser)...towel boy at Trump's Mar-a-Lago Club
Oprah (Entertainer/ Entrepreneur)...Waffle House waitress.
Donald J. Trump (Self-promoting Blowhard)...Not a War Hero nor Genius but a 'Cowardly Wimp.'
Jimmy Swaggart (T. V. Preacher Hawkster)...television pitch-man for Cialis.
Mike Pence (politician)...poster boy for Paul Mitchell Men's hair gel products.
William Barr (U.S. Attorney General/Stooge)...Meat Butcher @ Kingshighway Grocery Store.
Rachel Maddow (Television news Pundit)...Physical Education Teacher St. Charles West High School
Wolf Blitzer (Television News Anchor)...movie double for Lon Chaney in the flick, 'Wolfman.'
Harry S. Truman (3rd Best President in U. S. A. History)...a 1953 Pharmacist.
Rudy Giuliani (attorney for Donald Trump)...psychopathic stalker.
(Touch)
Pretenders

Careful, You Don't Know My Mind

I often hear my wife or my daughter's say to grandchildren of mine, "You're 'anal' just like your Boompa." The tone in their expression sounds more like criticism than praise. I never have understood the 'why.'

A anal retentive personality is a label given to one who is over-the-top with orderliness, perfection, meticulousness, neatness, reserve and suspicion. I don't think I'm all those things but that said, I really don't understand, which of the aforementioned traits suggests negativity. For the record, I refute the following anal retentive personality traits: Umm,........well, let me get back to you on that.

Okay, here's my deal. I am big on telling others that one of the secrets to living a good life is to 'Know Thy Self.' I know who I am, what I'm about and I make no apologies. I do my best to always prepare and not worry. I am very good at the former but struggle with the latter. This explains why, I anticipate beyond reason. If I have a speaking engagement in Braintree, Massachusetts on Wednesday at 1:00PM, I'll be in Braintree on Tuesday and make a dry run to the venue where I'm to speak. Never know when road construction is an issue. I coached nearly 1,000 varsity basketball games; I was surprised (caught off guard with the opponent's approach) 3-times.

I'm a stickler for promptness. If I tell you I'll 'be there' at a specific time, you can bet I'll be there, most likely a bit early. My basketball game days as a player and a coach found me on the toilet more times than I cared to count. Yes, I was anxious. The days I was scheduled to take the pitcher's mound in high school and college baseball, I had absolutely no restroom issues...that mannerism long ago told me all I needed to know about 'self.' I am a 'control freak.' When I took the baseball and pitchers' mound, I knew that nothing happens until I said it would happen and I felt I could CONTROL the    happening.


Oh, by the way, those who purport that I am such and such...don't buy it!

I am not aloof or stuck-up...what you are likely seeing is a very guarded person who was conditioned.
(Touch)
You Don't Know My Mind

He Does, Indeed~Live

In 1953, a group of teenage age boys sat in the back of Grace Methodist Church at a Sunday morning service. Those worship services were held in a basement church while the main sanctuary was under construction next door. One or two of the boys would call out often requesting the Hymn on p. #152.
 We needed no need special occasion, we just loved the Hymn and not one of the lads needed the song book...all knew the words by heart.

Remember, Christ took the Cross so His Father could give us the Crown.

'Christ has died, Christ is Risen; Christ WILL come again.' HAPPY EASTER!
(Touch)
He Lives

Courtship, Love & Marriage

The late great singer, Ray Charles said in song, "Somebody Ought to Write a Book About It." The 'it' in Ray's reference was 'love and relationships.' Well, a lot of somebodies have written books about love, courtship and marriage. Just check out the subject matter at your local library or google the subjects.

During my Illinois State University undergraduate years, I did much reading about the subjects of love and marriage as I pursued a sociology degree. I especially found intriguing the investigation of courtship and the family. The courtship behavior certainly has evolved over time but most often the objective within the dynamic still seems to be persuading another to make a lifetime romantic commitment usually culminating in marriage. The Family dynamic examines the behavior patterns of parents and off springs living together but also includes extended family members' impact.

Consider the following random musings:

  1. Historically, males were perceived as the relationship pursuant. Not necessarily so in 2019.
  2. Premarital cohabitation once a taboo, now a prevalent courtship arrangement.
  3. A young unwed pregnant girl once rarely seen in public is no longer the social norm.
  4. Median age to marry in 2018: Men-29 & Women-27. This writer married in 1960: the median
      age for men-22.8 & women-20.3.
  5. Women in the work place has changed drastically over the decades: 30% in 1950-to-47% in 2000.
  6.  Whether driven by need or career goals, both parents are often working and this changes the
        parenting dynamics greatly. Children in this 21st century are slotted into educational institutions
        at a much earlier age than ever in America's history. Womb-to-Room is the new normal.

Consider this writer's beliefs for a successful marriage:

  1. Be careful marrying the 'only' child in a family.
  2. Likewise be wary of marry anybody who is at war with their own family.
  3. Before marrying resolve the following, which WILL BECOME issues: how shall we handle
      monies? Baking accounts, paying bills; family religious matters & in-law engagements, holidays,
      etc. Note: a mortgage payment should not exceed one week's income.
  4. A young man who holds a steady job, has $10,000.00 in savings and knows 10-nursery rhymes
      is ready to marry.
  5. Before marrying decide parenting discipline approach. Commit to being a blueprint for children
      not their friend. Prepare to be a parent caretaker NOT a crutch provider!
  6. Young married couples should not handicap their relationship by expecting to have the same
       material 'things as do their parents. Remember that your joy will be in the journey not a finish.
(Touch)
Love & Marriage