Name Game

It made my wife uneasy at the time and angry at me afterward but I just couldn't resist. Here's what happened: On our drive through Alabama in early January heading South to the Sunshine state, we stopped at a popular interstate truck stop that advertises (and rightly so) Alabama's best bar-b-q. As we entered the very crowded waiting area, I called out loudly, "Hey Bubba!" I couldn't count fast enough the number of heads that turned towards me as if answering my call out.

I later got to ponderin,' I wonder what other popular nicknames are found down South. I then began recalling nicknames from my past and many are unique; try adding to this list: always a 'Smitty,'  Blackie, Lumpy, Stump, Radar, Moe, Pud, Poochie, Memo, Skates, KeKe, Kizzie, Gunner, Skeeter, Dink, Pepper, Pookie, Kit, Shay-Shay, Pops, Mookie, Duke, Slats, Dizzy, Hoot, Buster, Dusty, Pick, Boofer, Doc, Buzz, Hot Chocolate, Thumper, Ping-Pong, Ollie, Cobby, Huge, Frog, and my all time favorite>>'Poo Poo' Harper.

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Name Game

Just Wish I was Smarter, Then I'd Be Sure

I read my Bible but I'll admit, I don't Study my Bible. I'm certain there are many ministers and Christian brothers and sisters who will read my acknowledgment and feel a need to weigh in with an opinion or response and I accept that; if I can't accept their responses then I should not write blogs, right?

 Here's what I've noticed. There are many biblical scholars and quasi biblical scholars who wish to interpret the scriptures for me. Interestingly, I've noticed many passages interpreted differently
by different scholars. Sometimes I find scripture-debates interesting but mostly, I find them a boring exercise in pompously perceived intellect.

I will give kudos to Internet googling on the matter of Biblical scripture research. I simply Google any aspect of life and request the Internet to send me to the appropriate scriptures and 'BINGO!'

I have taken inventory and can report that I have been associated with religion my entire 79-years and  I've been in a heart-felt 'faith-relationship with Jesus Christ for the past 67-years. During my journey, I've come to realize that there is two powers greater than anything in the world. Greater than money, greater than fame and greater than status. Those powers I reference are the powers of 'love' and 'hate.' Either of these, love or hate will consume you.

Now just because I'm not a Biblical scholar does not mean I'm a lost soul. Understand that I do have a simple Biblical Blueprint: what I've noticed about he Bible is this: From the book of Genesis through the book of Revelations (and books between) the Bible talks about two things: 1) Gods love for people and 2) peoples' need to love one another.

That's pretty much the deal. I'm not sure about you but as for me? Well, I could do much better up holding my part.
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It's About Love

She's a Hoot Alright

This is our fifth year wintering in heaven's waiting room known as Florida. I have met some truly nice couples with whom I visit occasionally. My wife seems to know everybody in this 35-homes culde' sac and they certainly know her. I have lost track of the number of people who may ask, "Is Gerry your wife?" When I affirm, I get follow ups i.e., "She's a sweetheart." "She's a hoot."

Gerry has always made friends easily. She is outgoing, unabridged and sincere. As they saying goes, "What you see is what you get." And then there was my father's description, "Gerry's as subtle as a punch in the nose." I will interject this cautionary warning; anybody mistaking her outward kindness and engaging manner for a person you could push over or criticize is in for a big surprise. I recall a few occasions when a basketball fan might go over the top with critical comments about her coach-husband or players. Woe betide to that individual. I will add that I never felt compelled to come to defense...if Gerry verbally tangled with a 'fanatic' that person was on his own and was not getting help from me.

There are two things that are essential to embrace when living with this little lady. One: Understand that she likes to touch things; everything. And usually touching is not enough, she must move the 'thing' to another location. This is problematic. My wallet and auto keys are are always placed in a  small container on op of our refrigerator, which is out of reach of the five foot-girl. Secondly, when Gerry enters a room it is wise to keep one eye on get as she moves about. I discovered this the hard way. I was on the treadmill in my downstairs den. I had the speed dial set on '4' which is a speed shy of requiring a jog but necessitating a brisk walk. As always, I'm watching a television program  that made time pass quickly. I was not focusing on Gerry who entered the room although I noticed she had a dust cloth in her hand.

Hustling along at my brisk-walking pace and engrossed on the conclusion of a television game-show, I suddenly felt the walking-belt beneath my feet kick into an unbelievable speed as the treadmill's motor noise increased. My feet flew-out from under my body as my face and torso positioned for a belly-flop! Gerry, in her dusting chore wiped her cloth across the treadmill's speed dial turning the speed to a number used by elite Olympic sprinters.

Yes sir, Buddy...she's certainly is a HOOT!
(Touch)She Makes Me Laugh

Let's All Take A Deep Breath and Relax

A couple of days ago, I posted on my Facebook page on the heels of the recent Kentucky Marshall County high school fatal shootings that we must examine our gun laws. Immediately, I was chastised with that empty (decorum) line, "this is NOT the moment to bring up the gun control issue." The inference therefore is one who mentions gun control at the time of gun violence is somehow 'out-of-bounds.' Really? My response...If not at that time then what time? I get a flu shot at the time of the flu season not in June. I call the firemen during a fire.

 I've noticed many counter arguments against the gun control issue becomes a less than funny and very transparent, 'Who's On First' routine. Examining where we are with gun laws and enforcement does not automatically take away anybody's second amendment rights...at ease, folks, at ease. Like it or not, we are all living together in these violent times.

Actually, when I step back and attempt to absorb the larger picture, I note an escalation in bad driving manners, which often becomes road rage. I hear vulgar words describing women. I read vicious comments towards people on Facebook. The public discourse by any measurement has dipped to new lows as common courtesy takes flight in a society that has lost all innocence. It appears that if we disagree on issues, we quickly go into an attack mode. Given these tendencies, I am inclined to believe things get worse as a nation of people become more angry over views and subsequently engage in more physical confrontations. It is clear to me that Americans are generally more angry, more intolerant and owning more guns than ever before, well, you can hide your head in the sand but I find this to be a frightening recipe for violence. Perhaps we all need to be 'put in time out.'

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We Can Just Disagree.

Don't Forget To Pray

You've seen the message. It's on yard signs throughout the nation, on bumper stickers and on   billboards. The sign reads: "Pray For Our Nation." The message-plea resonates with me and I would guess it strikes a chord with all 'believers' everywhere. I 'get' the message and I am motivated to take action but I'm stymied. Pray for OUR Nation? Pray for whom? Pray for what?

Whether you wish to accept it or not, we all are much like the late humorist and social commentator, Will Rogers who famously said, "All I know is what I read in the papers and that's an alibi for my ignorance." Now you ask, what's that got to do with 'pray for our nation?' Well, I'll tell you...I'm perplexed. Before I petition my Lord in prayer should I not speak to something specifically? If the answer is yes then what shall I believe before formulating my prayer request? Consider...

I am told that most media outlets are manufacturers of 'Fake News.' I know that it is also documented that the Internet news stories can be untrue. It would thus appear that I should pray for truth to invade America.

As I wait for the truth-ship to dock...Perhaps, I should just pray for you and ask you to pray for me.

(Touch)Pray for you; Pray for me.

Just An Observation

It all began with that now infamous 'black-balled' NFL quarterback, Colin Kaepernick. You know the fella, the one that started 'taking a knee' during the National Anthem to protest what he believes is more than occasional police cruelty towards African -American motorists. Soon Kaepernick had a brotherhood of support as other African-American NFL players began kneeling during the Anthem.

Of course, instead of allowing the social protest to run a course some people had to 'defend' our flag and suddenly we had an issue. The military, which defends our flag, our nation and even the peoples' rights to kneel during the Anthem, was used as pawns in our national debate. (Please stop and read: I would ask all who wish to 'go-off ' on me at this moment know that I stand for the anthem and I would like Prayer in school. That said, I want Methodist prayer in school...is that okay with you of other religions?)

Soon President Trump saw an opportunity to play to his base as he began speaking at rallies suggesting that NFL owners should "fire that son-of-bitch," any  NFL player kneeling during the  Anthem.

As the debate heated up, I noticed many Facebook posts encouraging the boycotting of the NFL  games. You all saw them.
I did not track the success of that boycott-movement but I have heard a report that a week from this Sunday over 100 million Americans will watch the televised NFL Super Bowl and if you still wish to attend the game in person, you can buy the cheapest online ticket for $4,500.00...or you can boycott at no cost and watch a good Hallmark Movie. Just be happy with your choice.
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Happy Trails

I've Gone to the Dogs...my entire life.

As long as I can remember, which goes back nearly seventy-five years, I have been associated with a dog. The very first dog was 'Pal,' who was my mother's pet when she was still a youngster in her parents' home. Later there was Zipper, Skippy, Peggy, Duke, Duchess, Fritz, GiGi, Konigin (German for Queen), Rueben, Gizmo, Percy and now Yodie. I'm sure my recall is compromised by artery issues, therefore suffice to say, I likely missed a pup's name.

As a young boy, my relationship with my dogs was daily and conversational in nature. I did all the talking but I noticed it was easy because they were such great listeners. Somehow each dog appeared to understand completely what I was saying and always sided with my viewpoint, especially those times when I felt betrayed by friends or unnecessarily punished by parents.

During my working years, I admit that I took my dogs for granted. Oh, they always greeted me with their same loyal enthusiasm but I seemed preoccupied with a myriad of  'I gotta do's.' Now that I am a full-blown retiree, my time has pretty much become my dog's time. The day begins with Yodie nudging his nose up under my chin at approximately 6AM and we hit the potty trail. We do a considerable amount of outdoor bench and swing sitting together as I ponder past, present and future and he scopes out intruding critters. We eat at the same times each day and take walks together. I find myself talking to Yodie as I did to those many pups years ago. While wintering in Florida, I spend  more time with Yodie than anybody else...I like it like that and he seems to enjoy the arrangement.

Yodie will likely be the last of the Pups and that is fine with me as long as we both get off the train about the same time. Should he wish to ride a bit longer, I've arranged the necessary 'take care of my buddy' contract agreement. There's a few more things I'd like to tell you about Yodie and me but right this minute he has a rubber duck in his mouth and is raking his back leg while growling at me...
It's time to play!
(Touch)Old Shep