I attended Grace United Methodist Church Vacation Bible School (Decatur, Illinois) last Saturday, July 29. The last time I attended a Vacation Bible School was 68-years ago at Grace Methodist Church Washington Park, (East St. Louis) Illinois. At that Vacation Bible School, sixty-right years ago, I made a plaster-of-Paris molded bust of a dog's head. I have no idea what the lesson was that day but I still have the dog head. This most recent Vacation Bible School lesson was about "Forgiveness." I know this because I was responsible for teaching a portion.
There has been many times in my personal journey that I have sought divine forgiveness as well as forgiveness from those who travel this journey with me. The 'Good Book' tells us that forgiveness is on-going. We are to think of it as we think of numbers...infinity. I do understand that on those occasions when I was wronged and felt hurt and anger, I could only move on and feel better 'inside' if I forgave. Those times when I withheld my forgiveness and hung on to the hurt and anger, I was miserable. I had given power to my trespasser and I deplore giving another person dominion over my spirit.
I hope 'Forgiveness' is in your 'Play Book.'
(Touch)
Forgiveness
Monday, July 31, 2017
Sunday, July 30, 2017
A Hero Once Again
On Monday, July 24, I penned a blog entitled, 'What's Good for John is Good for Doe.' In that piece, I stated that even though I don't always agree with Senator John McCain, I believe him to be a war-hero and I pray for God's grace and comfort as he fights brain cancer. I stated that I would pray for an epiphany among the GOP to give us health care similar to McCain's.
The GOP was delighted McCain was returning to D. C. to vote to repeal & replace Obamacare. Well, by now, we have all noted that McCain gave his party one thumbs up to advance the health care bill into debate but then he gave a profound thumbs down on the last vote with the most sensible plea for both party's to come together and develop a bi-partisan health care bill in the best interest of the American people. Thank you Senator McCain.
Only a moron would miss the obvious fact that Republicans have been on a seven and a half-year mission from Hell to JUST repeal and replace 'anything' with Obama's name attached. They had seven years to design something and they designed NOTHING!
I would hope that the two political parties would follow McCain's advise. I would also hope that McCain can be present when that revised-health care bill is signed into law. And finally, to ease the pain of the GOP's childish thinking to "stamp out" the name Obamacare, let's name the new law...
'McCaincare.' It was McCain's thumbs-down that will forever be the defining moment.
Hats off to the Vietnam War hero and long-time public servant.
When it's all over, somebody should explain to Trump what happened, he can then figure out a way to 'take credit.' Of course, he has been busy promoting the idea that only Lincoln was more Presidential than he. Meanwhile, don't forget the real heroes and true friends.
(Touch)
A True Hero
The GOP was delighted McCain was returning to D. C. to vote to repeal & replace Obamacare. Well, by now, we have all noted that McCain gave his party one thumbs up to advance the health care bill into debate but then he gave a profound thumbs down on the last vote with the most sensible plea for both party's to come together and develop a bi-partisan health care bill in the best interest of the American people. Thank you Senator McCain.
Only a moron would miss the obvious fact that Republicans have been on a seven and a half-year mission from Hell to JUST repeal and replace 'anything' with Obama's name attached. They had seven years to design something and they designed NOTHING!
I would hope that the two political parties would follow McCain's advise. I would also hope that McCain can be present when that revised-health care bill is signed into law. And finally, to ease the pain of the GOP's childish thinking to "stamp out" the name Obamacare, let's name the new law...
'McCaincare.' It was McCain's thumbs-down that will forever be the defining moment.
Hats off to the Vietnam War hero and long-time public servant.
When it's all over, somebody should explain to Trump what happened, he can then figure out a way to 'take credit.' Of course, he has been busy promoting the idea that only Lincoln was more Presidential than he. Meanwhile, don't forget the real heroes and true friends.
(Touch)
A True Hero
Saturday, July 29, 2017
Time to Re-Direct Prayers
The events of the past week are somewhat unprecedented and down right head-scratching. The office of the President of the United States has always been viewed as the most powerful in the world and yet that power appeared impotent last week. The President wanted Obamacare repealed and/or replaced...it did not happen even in light of the President's party holding all the cards. The President stated that there is a reversal of government policy regarding transgenders serving in the military. The military brass has ignored the President's proclamation. After a somewhat unwise and self-serving speech delivered by our President to 40,000 Boy Scouts, the Boy Scout leadership felt compelled to publicly distance themselves from our President and all politics.
On another matter, the President appears to have a desire to 'replace' Attorney General, Jeff Sessions with perhaps a more sympathetic AG who might derail the on-going investigation into potential wrong-doing by the Trump Campaign and possible collusion with Russia during the 2016 election. That idea was throttled by GOP lawmakers who have warned the President, that should he fire the AG or Special Investigator, 'there will be hell to pay.'
On top of these frustrating defeats sustained by our President, he now has 'in-White House' fighting driven by a foul-mouth friend who has raised eyebrows with extremely vulgar language, which we can only hope will not appear in future Middle-school history books.
I recall when Donald Trump was elected President, a Preacher told me that it was my duty as a Christian to pray for our President. I have done that for the last 6-months. I'm now going to stop and start praying for Christians who continue to defend that which flies in the face of Christ's teachings.
I embrace the teaching that we all sin and fall short of God's glory. I make no excuses for my sinful shortcomings but simply pray for forgiveness. That said, I cannot and will not accept Evangelicals' lies, excuses and lame defenses from Church people who refuse to acknowledge and the wrong-doing by this President and his administration. It's time to pray for those people instead of the President.
(Touch)
Prayers for Others
On another matter, the President appears to have a desire to 'replace' Attorney General, Jeff Sessions with perhaps a more sympathetic AG who might derail the on-going investigation into potential wrong-doing by the Trump Campaign and possible collusion with Russia during the 2016 election. That idea was throttled by GOP lawmakers who have warned the President, that should he fire the AG or Special Investigator, 'there will be hell to pay.'
On top of these frustrating defeats sustained by our President, he now has 'in-White House' fighting driven by a foul-mouth friend who has raised eyebrows with extremely vulgar language, which we can only hope will not appear in future Middle-school history books.
I recall when Donald Trump was elected President, a Preacher told me that it was my duty as a Christian to pray for our President. I have done that for the last 6-months. I'm now going to stop and start praying for Christians who continue to defend that which flies in the face of Christ's teachings.
I embrace the teaching that we all sin and fall short of God's glory. I make no excuses for my sinful shortcomings but simply pray for forgiveness. That said, I cannot and will not accept Evangelicals' lies, excuses and lame defenses from Church people who refuse to acknowledge and the wrong-doing by this President and his administration. It's time to pray for those people instead of the President.
(Touch)
Prayers for Others
Friday, July 28, 2017
Somebody oughta write a book about it.
Whether you identify as a Pro-Trump person or an Anti-Trump individual, I believe you all would agree that 'one day' (sooner-rather-than-later) somebody will write a 'tell-all book' about.................. 'The Trump White House.'
I invite your response this day to the following survey question:
Who will be the first to write that book?
Kellyanne Conway...Reince Priebus...Steve Bannon...Others
Bonus question...Who pens the book's forward?
Here are my answers>> I think Kellyanne Conway will be first to write the Trump White House 'tell-all' book and I believe Hillary Clinton will write the forward. The two will then criss-cross the country together in a RV doing book signings. They will later co-author a cookbook entitled:
'Crock Pot Recipes for Difficult Men.'
(Touch)
Somebody Oughta Write a Book
I invite your response this day to the following survey question:
Who will be the first to write that book?
Kellyanne Conway...Reince Priebus...Steve Bannon...Others
Bonus question...Who pens the book's forward?
Here are my answers>> I think Kellyanne Conway will be first to write the Trump White House 'tell-all' book and I believe Hillary Clinton will write the forward. The two will then criss-cross the country together in a RV doing book signings. They will later co-author a cookbook entitled:
'Crock Pot Recipes for Difficult Men.'
(Touch)
Somebody Oughta Write a Book
Thursday, July 27, 2017
Just Doin' Their Thing
When assuming the Jacksonville Crimsons' high school boys' basketball position, one of the first things I did was to bring together the the cheerleading sponsor, the dance/Pom Sponsors and the band director. I impressed upon those activities' leaders that I did not perceive 'game-night' as basketball ONLY but instead, I wished for our game nights to be 'a happening.' I made it clear that if they got together and orchestarted their combined contributions rather than compete for time, we would become a 'model' for Friday/Saturday nights' high school basketball. They DID and we BECAME!
Perhaps a missed-communication occurred between games activities and custodian, Stanley Tendick's charge to sweep the court-floor...here's what happened: A Pom dancer was performing her 'award-winning' ribbon-dance as Stanley began his back and forth push-broom duties. The dance routine was a picture of poetry-in-motion as the young girl tossed the ribbon about and did various spinning moves toward the ribbon only to reach to the floor swooping the ribbon up and tossing it once again into the air. The capacity-crowd was applauding periodically. Suddenly there was an uncanny eerie stillness as Stanley's broom moved ever so much closer and closer to the ribbon each time it was tossed to the floor. A loud "Oooooh! filled the air when Stanley's wide push-broom came within inches from sweeping the ribbon to the opposite end of the gym floor. Stanley was unaware of the potential disaster and the dancer was too focused to consider any thing but 'hitting her spot with music timing.' For a brief moment one might think the whole damn thing was rehearsed.
Finally, the hand wringing performance ended to a standing ovation. I believe the young girl and Stanley were pleased completing their respective charges. I do know the audience was a buzz with joy and post performance relief.
The next day, Principal Ed Wainscott told me to have a talk with Stanley. It seems that Mr. Wainscot told Stanley not to sweep the floor that night but Stanley ignored the order. When Wainscott questioned Stanley's disobedience, Stanley said, "You ain't the boss of The Bowl, Coach Roustio is The Bowl Boss." Stanley had absolutely no idea who the hell Ed Wainscott was!
(Touch)
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ijvrHrdHVS
Perhaps a missed-communication occurred between games activities and custodian, Stanley Tendick's charge to sweep the court-floor...here's what happened: A Pom dancer was performing her 'award-winning' ribbon-dance as Stanley began his back and forth push-broom duties. The dance routine was a picture of poetry-in-motion as the young girl tossed the ribbon about and did various spinning moves toward the ribbon only to reach to the floor swooping the ribbon up and tossing it once again into the air. The capacity-crowd was applauding periodically. Suddenly there was an uncanny eerie stillness as Stanley's broom moved ever so much closer and closer to the ribbon each time it was tossed to the floor. A loud "Oooooh! filled the air when Stanley's wide push-broom came within inches from sweeping the ribbon to the opposite end of the gym floor. Stanley was unaware of the potential disaster and the dancer was too focused to consider any thing but 'hitting her spot with music timing.' For a brief moment one might think the whole damn thing was rehearsed.
Finally, the hand wringing performance ended to a standing ovation. I believe the young girl and Stanley were pleased completing their respective charges. I do know the audience was a buzz with joy and post performance relief.
The next day, Principal Ed Wainscott told me to have a talk with Stanley. It seems that Mr. Wainscot told Stanley not to sweep the floor that night but Stanley ignored the order. When Wainscott questioned Stanley's disobedience, Stanley said, "You ain't the boss of The Bowl, Coach Roustio is The Bowl Boss." Stanley had absolutely no idea who the hell Ed Wainscott was!
(Touch)
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ijvrHrdHVS
Wednesday, July 26, 2017
The Coach & The Custodian
Should I toss out the word 'Bowl,' folks from the Los Angeles area might think, 'Hollywood Bowl.' Football crazies might think 'Super Bowl.' Well, rest assured people in Jacksonville and West Central Illinois will believe the reference is the Jacksonville high school basketball facility known as
'The Bowl.' This 2500 'no bad seat' facility was an architectural design before it's 1952 time.
When I began a 21-year basketball coaching tenure at 'The Bowl' in 1977, a new floor was being installed and naturally, I had some design input. My son, Steve was a sophomore that year and suggested that we incorporate the 'words' THE BOWL on the floor much like the popular Atlanta 'Omni.' 'The Bowl' script words remain Today.
Jacksonville alumni and locals speak in reverent tones about The Bowl and those who have been caretakers, i.e., custodians took extreme pride in their charge. One Bowl custodian, Stanley Tendick was a coaches favorite if not always appreciated by the administration. I have a couple of Stanley-stories to share with blog readers the next couple of days.
I met Stan that first coaching season in Jacksonville. He was along in years and worked part time as a Bowl custodian under Jake DeOrnellas, head custodian. One night after my practice ended, I realized that I did not have my automobile at The Bowl because of servicing. I needed a ride home. Jake told me "I'll have one of my men give you a ride, Coach." Introduction to Stanley Tendick. Now, God bless Stan, he had a speech impediment, which worsened when he was the least bit nervous. He was a tad tongue-tied with a stammer. As I walked around Stanley's old model car, I noticed that the backseat was filled to the windows with tools and all kinds of scrap plumbing pipes and metals. I eased my self into the front seat and Stan pulled away from 'The Bow' headed towards South Jacksonville. We had traveled less than two-blocks when suddenly two-police squad cars with lights flashing came up behind Stan's vehicle. Stanley in his excitement drove up onto the curb striking a 'Do Not Park Here' sign and knocking it completely to the ground. Naturally, I'm thinking what the hell is going on? What's really in that backseat? Who IS this guy, Stanley Tendick? Now the police officers are not getting out of their squad cars. This means they fear that we have weapons...I know this from my East St. Louis education. 'Holy crap, I'm the new high school basketball coach and tomorrow's headlines will have my name and face on the front page of the morning news paper!'
One officer approaches the car with gun drawn and orders us out to place hands on car and spread our legs. Stanley begins attempting to make his plea and his nervous stammering makes words impossible to understand, except he finally gets out this line: "Do, do, do you You you off, officers know who, who this guy, guy is," as he nods towards me? The officer responds, "No, and we don't give damn who he is!"
After examining Stan's auto contents and asking a few questions, the officers were satisfied that we were NOT the two suspects that just robbed Dunlap Liquor Store. Although, it surprised me when one officer said rage robbers were driving a car answering the description of Stanley's car...wrap your head around that...another car like Stanley's in town.
Convinced that I WAS the new basketball coach, both officers shook my hand and welcomed me to Jacksonville.
I'll share more about my association with Stanley the next two days. He was special.
(Touch)
"He's the Coach."
'The Bowl.' This 2500 'no bad seat' facility was an architectural design before it's 1952 time.
When I began a 21-year basketball coaching tenure at 'The Bowl' in 1977, a new floor was being installed and naturally, I had some design input. My son, Steve was a sophomore that year and suggested that we incorporate the 'words' THE BOWL on the floor much like the popular Atlanta 'Omni.' 'The Bowl' script words remain Today.
Jacksonville alumni and locals speak in reverent tones about The Bowl and those who have been caretakers, i.e., custodians took extreme pride in their charge. One Bowl custodian, Stanley Tendick was a coaches favorite if not always appreciated by the administration. I have a couple of Stanley-stories to share with blog readers the next couple of days.
I met Stan that first coaching season in Jacksonville. He was along in years and worked part time as a Bowl custodian under Jake DeOrnellas, head custodian. One night after my practice ended, I realized that I did not have my automobile at The Bowl because of servicing. I needed a ride home. Jake told me "I'll have one of my men give you a ride, Coach." Introduction to Stanley Tendick. Now, God bless Stan, he had a speech impediment, which worsened when he was the least bit nervous. He was a tad tongue-tied with a stammer. As I walked around Stanley's old model car, I noticed that the backseat was filled to the windows with tools and all kinds of scrap plumbing pipes and metals. I eased my self into the front seat and Stan pulled away from 'The Bow' headed towards South Jacksonville. We had traveled less than two-blocks when suddenly two-police squad cars with lights flashing came up behind Stan's vehicle. Stanley in his excitement drove up onto the curb striking a 'Do Not Park Here' sign and knocking it completely to the ground. Naturally, I'm thinking what the hell is going on? What's really in that backseat? Who IS this guy, Stanley Tendick? Now the police officers are not getting out of their squad cars. This means they fear that we have weapons...I know this from my East St. Louis education. 'Holy crap, I'm the new high school basketball coach and tomorrow's headlines will have my name and face on the front page of the morning news paper!'
One officer approaches the car with gun drawn and orders us out to place hands on car and spread our legs. Stanley begins attempting to make his plea and his nervous stammering makes words impossible to understand, except he finally gets out this line: "Do, do, do you You you off, officers know who, who this guy, guy is," as he nods towards me? The officer responds, "No, and we don't give damn who he is!"
After examining Stan's auto contents and asking a few questions, the officers were satisfied that we were NOT the two suspects that just robbed Dunlap Liquor Store. Although, it surprised me when one officer said rage robbers were driving a car answering the description of Stanley's car...wrap your head around that...another car like Stanley's in town.
Convinced that I WAS the new basketball coach, both officers shook my hand and welcomed me to Jacksonville.
I'll share more about my association with Stanley the next two days. He was special.
(Touch)
"He's the Coach."
Tuesday, July 25, 2017
Men and Women Differ in 'Oh So' many ways.
This past Sunday afternoon, I thought I'd loose my mind trying to avoid those never-ending news programs and the on-going conversations about Health Care, Russian-Trump investigations, Presidential Pardons and the 'Who's on first, What's on second at the White House.' A fella can take just so much of that lying-in-your-face gobbledygook.
Well, I began channel searching looking for a Cowboy Movie and why not? I was hoping to find the movie 'Rio Bravo' and watch it for the 13th time or perhaps a Clint Eastwood classic like 'Grand Torino.' Suddenly, my remote or as we call it around our crib, 'the clicker,' stopped working...time to change the batteries. As I went to get new batteries, my wife picked up the remote to remove and discard the old batteries. I returned to the family room and handed the batteries to my better half.
At that exact moment the telephone rang and I answered. When I finished my telephone conversation, I noticed my wife comfortably positioned on the sofa watching a Hallmark Channel 'Christmas Movie.' Folks, the outside temperature was 93 degrees and Hallmark is showing Christmas movies? I slowly removed myself from the family room and went to my downstairs office to (burn) record CD's from some classic 1950's vinyls. Sometimes a fella must escape the realities of today's madness!
(Touch)
Lost in the Fifties
Well, I began channel searching looking for a Cowboy Movie and why not? I was hoping to find the movie 'Rio Bravo' and watch it for the 13th time or perhaps a Clint Eastwood classic like 'Grand Torino.' Suddenly, my remote or as we call it around our crib, 'the clicker,' stopped working...time to change the batteries. As I went to get new batteries, my wife picked up the remote to remove and discard the old batteries. I returned to the family room and handed the batteries to my better half.
At that exact moment the telephone rang and I answered. When I finished my telephone conversation, I noticed my wife comfortably positioned on the sofa watching a Hallmark Channel 'Christmas Movie.' Folks, the outside temperature was 93 degrees and Hallmark is showing Christmas movies? I slowly removed myself from the family room and went to my downstairs office to (burn) record CD's from some classic 1950's vinyls. Sometimes a fella must escape the realities of today's madness!
(Touch)
Lost in the Fifties
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