This is personal for me. Sharing it publicly, I acknowledge that there is a understood invitation for readers to weigh-in who will agree and/or disagree and I expect some to attack me. Whatever 'floats your boat...go for t.'
I am an eighty year old lifetime Methodist. I could write a book about how much sawdust is needed during a rainy week long Tent Revival Meeting. I know the words of every alter-calling song in the Methodist Hymnal. Whereas, I am not a Biblical scholar, I am aware of the scripture Cherry-picking folks attempting to find a verse or religion that 'fits' their moccasins. Example: scriptures speak to body piercing and tattoos and also divorce. My Methodist Church has changed its position on both and they've found other scriptures to substantiate the change...I do not disagree with the change. The initial interpretation (and it is an interpretation) was a foolish.
At a recent United Methodist Church conference convention, the Methodist leadership reaffirmed its condemnation of homosexual life-style and from what I can conclude allow homosexuals to attend our Methodist Church but not be allowed full participation except for tithing. Also, no gay or lesbian may be ordained. The Church also denounces The Masonic Order claiming it to be a secret clandestine organization, which causes me to anticipate that soon the Methodist may denounce The Boy Scouts since homosexual can be leaders and members of that organization
Somewhere in that Holy Book there are is a commandment from the lips of Christ telling His followers to, "Love one another as I have love you." I cannot find the list of 'exceptions. Somewhere in that Good Book, Christ said, "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven." There is not any organization that has done more for suffering little children than that 'clandestine' group of called Shriner's.
I shall finally acknowledge that as a follower of Christ's teachings, I am not to judge. I will pray about my need for His forgiveness just as I will pray for my church leaders who judge freely and change positions over time.
Tomorrow, I will share with you that which I am waiting for my Methodist Church to denounce. I call it false prophet-leadership.
Thursday, February 28, 2019
Tuesday, February 26, 2019
Call Me Kaw-Liga
It all began about one week ago. While showering, I noticed my scalp was rather sensitive to the touch and a small lymph nodule behind my right ear was a bit swollen and also sensitive. As the week progressed my neck and scalp conditioned regressed. By this past Sunday, I had several swollen glands on the right-side of my neck and combing my hair was NOT a consideration.
Sunday late afternoon, I decided it was time to go see old friends at the Miramar Beach, Florida 'Urgent Care.' They are old friends considering that our first three years wintering in the Panhandle, I visited those healthcare providers each year but have not been back for two years. I entered the facility at 5:15PM and to my surprise, I was the only patient. The receptionist greeted me with a warm, "Hi, Mel, long time no see." She said I needed only to show my insurance card because she saw me walking across the parking lot and already printed out my medical info-forms. She said, "I only need to ask one question; Has anybody verbally talked down to you in the past two-years?" I answered, "Only a few Trump supporters."
Promptly the nurse opened a door and called my name. In the moment I physically felt poorly but my spirits lifted. lifted. The Nurse checked my vitals and took info. Soon the Physician Assistant entered the exam room and with a hardy hand-shake inquired about my health the past two years. I told him of my current symptoms and upon examination he was startled to note heavy wax in my ears. He said little about my scalp or gland situation but said he'd write a prescription for an antibiotic. "Meanwhile, I going to have the nurse get that wax out of your ears," he said as departed.
The nurse came back and handed me a little plastic tray saying, "This is a team effort, while you hold this tray under your ear, I'll spray a solution into each ear." What she failed to tell me is she hooked they instrument onto the parking lot fire hydrant. Within ten minutes she had flushed out enough wax to heat and remove the facial hair from the Russian Women's Olympic Volleyball Team.
Headed from Urgent Care to CVS, I drove to the Pick-Up window only to see the shade pulled down...it was 6:01PM...gotta close sometime. Monday morning there was no waiting for CVS to open at 9:00AM; I've got pain and numerous swollen glands...ER time. While blowing drying my head my scalp was on fire!
We arrived at the ER at a good time, so I believed. WRONG! I was the only patient at 6:30AM. The nurses took vitals and info but told me there was a shift change of Doctors. Must be a Union Shop because nothing's happening until folks 'clock-in & clock-out.'
After a very quick not so thorough once-over, the ER Doctor ordered an antibiotic, pain med and a med to lesson Shingles impact. He wasn't sure it was Shingles, "Just in case." I told the ER Doc that I had the Shingles shot and he said "That shot is only 60%'effective." I'm not convinced it's Shingles.
Actually, since the Panhandle winter has been so damp and cool this year, I'm thinking it's Termites.
(Touch)
Kaw-Liga
PS. One prescribed antibiotic comes with a warning: 'Avoid sunlight.' Really? We came to the Sunshine State seeking sunlight. If inventors can create smart phones with navigation systems and Kellogg can put honey on Cheerios, then why NOT a pill laced with 'sunscreen?'
Sunday late afternoon, I decided it was time to go see old friends at the Miramar Beach, Florida 'Urgent Care.' They are old friends considering that our first three years wintering in the Panhandle, I visited those healthcare providers each year but have not been back for two years. I entered the facility at 5:15PM and to my surprise, I was the only patient. The receptionist greeted me with a warm, "Hi, Mel, long time no see." She said I needed only to show my insurance card because she saw me walking across the parking lot and already printed out my medical info-forms. She said, "I only need to ask one question; Has anybody verbally talked down to you in the past two-years?" I answered, "Only a few Trump supporters."
Promptly the nurse opened a door and called my name. In the moment I physically felt poorly but my spirits lifted. lifted. The Nurse checked my vitals and took info. Soon the Physician Assistant entered the exam room and with a hardy hand-shake inquired about my health the past two years. I told him of my current symptoms and upon examination he was startled to note heavy wax in my ears. He said little about my scalp or gland situation but said he'd write a prescription for an antibiotic. "Meanwhile, I going to have the nurse get that wax out of your ears," he said as departed.
The nurse came back and handed me a little plastic tray saying, "This is a team effort, while you hold this tray under your ear, I'll spray a solution into each ear." What she failed to tell me is she hooked they instrument onto the parking lot fire hydrant. Within ten minutes she had flushed out enough wax to heat and remove the facial hair from the Russian Women's Olympic Volleyball Team.
Headed from Urgent Care to CVS, I drove to the Pick-Up window only to see the shade pulled down...it was 6:01PM...gotta close sometime. Monday morning there was no waiting for CVS to open at 9:00AM; I've got pain and numerous swollen glands...ER time. While blowing drying my head my scalp was on fire!
We arrived at the ER at a good time, so I believed. WRONG! I was the only patient at 6:30AM. The nurses took vitals and info but told me there was a shift change of Doctors. Must be a Union Shop because nothing's happening until folks 'clock-in & clock-out.'
After a very quick not so thorough once-over, the ER Doctor ordered an antibiotic, pain med and a med to lesson Shingles impact. He wasn't sure it was Shingles, "Just in case." I told the ER Doc that I had the Shingles shot and he said "That shot is only 60%'effective." I'm not convinced it's Shingles.
Actually, since the Panhandle winter has been so damp and cool this year, I'm thinking it's Termites.
(Touch)
Kaw-Liga
PS. One prescribed antibiotic comes with a warning: 'Avoid sunlight.' Really? We came to the Sunshine State seeking sunlight. If inventors can create smart phones with navigation systems and Kellogg can put honey on Cheerios, then why NOT a pill laced with 'sunscreen?'
Friday, February 22, 2019
The Parenting Experience
I was sitting in a 1959, Illinois State University 'sociology class' called THE FAMILY when the professor began speaking about the pending death of our parents. One comment he made was on the heels of this question: "Which parent is the most difficult to lose to death?" After a few students made various cases, the professor said, "It's the last parent that dies because that death terminates the 'parent-child-relationship." And so it does!
My wife, Gerry and I began our own parenting journey on August 29, 1961. First born son, Steve was followed by first daughter, Dawn in 1965 and last daughter, Pamela in 1968. Our adult children are all married with families of their own. Certainly, my wife and I still do that parenting thing but perhaps more so, we engage with our kids through the grand-parenting and great grand-parenting roles.
I recall many PARENTING LESSONS, which may ring familiar to some readers and serve as a road map for other readers:
1. The inventor of the pacifier should have his bust added to the iconic Mount Rushmore.
2. Never lean over a naked infant boy while changing a diaper.
3. When holding its breath during a temper-tantrum, a child in a high chair will cease that activity forever after tossing a cup of water into his face. Go ahead a report me to DCF; it worked!
4. Adult children don't particularly like unsolicited parenting advice. This is a disposition which I have frequently ignored. My reasoning is simple: Once you invite me into a 'conversation,' I view my status as a Charter Member.
5. If you struggle with 'poop' diapers at or near meal times, you will lose weight.
6. Speaking of diapers, when no longer used on a child don't throw away. They make great dust rags.
7. It takes awhile for a teenager to not be hurt by the answer to the question: "Don't you trust me?"
8. An adolescent can get the impression that parents love them more than each other. Don't allow it!
9. Teens can develop the misconception that the room they sleep-in really belongs to them.
10. The 'used' Roadmaster bike a parent got for Christmas will be rejected by your adolescent.
11. Understanding the extent and complications of Christmas toys' assembly is paramount before purchase. Also, knowledge of batteries' size and number.
12. Your teenager is convinced you are clueless in matters of biological drives and computers...They are correct on one matter.
13. Regarding communication with a child, a parent would be wise to embrace Matthew 5:37...
"Let your YES be YES and you NO be NO."
14. The most exhilarating feeling a man will ever experience is that moment the Doctor delivering your child says, "Your baby and wife are doing just fine."
15. The best parenting gift to a child is a testimony of the need for a relationship with Jesus-Christ.
16. Finally, the thing I miss the most about parenting was when my child was no longer tucked into bed sleeping in the next room.
(Touch)
Parent 'Rap.'
My wife, Gerry and I began our own parenting journey on August 29, 1961. First born son, Steve was followed by first daughter, Dawn in 1965 and last daughter, Pamela in 1968. Our adult children are all married with families of their own. Certainly, my wife and I still do that parenting thing but perhaps more so, we engage with our kids through the grand-parenting and great grand-parenting roles.
I recall many PARENTING LESSONS, which may ring familiar to some readers and serve as a road map for other readers:
1. The inventor of the pacifier should have his bust added to the iconic Mount Rushmore.
2. Never lean over a naked infant boy while changing a diaper.
3. When holding its breath during a temper-tantrum, a child in a high chair will cease that activity forever after tossing a cup of water into his face. Go ahead a report me to DCF; it worked!
4. Adult children don't particularly like unsolicited parenting advice. This is a disposition which I have frequently ignored. My reasoning is simple: Once you invite me into a 'conversation,' I view my status as a Charter Member.
5. If you struggle with 'poop' diapers at or near meal times, you will lose weight.
6. Speaking of diapers, when no longer used on a child don't throw away. They make great dust rags.
7. It takes awhile for a teenager to not be hurt by the answer to the question: "Don't you trust me?"
8. An adolescent can get the impression that parents love them more than each other. Don't allow it!
9. Teens can develop the misconception that the room they sleep-in really belongs to them.
10. The 'used' Roadmaster bike a parent got for Christmas will be rejected by your adolescent.
11. Understanding the extent and complications of Christmas toys' assembly is paramount before purchase. Also, knowledge of batteries' size and number.
12. Your teenager is convinced you are clueless in matters of biological drives and computers...They are correct on one matter.
13. Regarding communication with a child, a parent would be wise to embrace Matthew 5:37...
"Let your YES be YES and you NO be NO."
14. The most exhilarating feeling a man will ever experience is that moment the Doctor delivering your child says, "Your baby and wife are doing just fine."
15. The best parenting gift to a child is a testimony of the need for a relationship with Jesus-Christ.
16. Finally, the thing I miss the most about parenting was when my child was no longer tucked into bed sleeping in the next room.
(Touch)
Parent 'Rap.'
Thursday, February 21, 2019
Women Just Might Do It Better!
I must and will acknowledge my predisposition to embrace social-liberalism persuasions as I champion a diverse society and embrace causes of minorities, which includes racial, ethnic and women's respective fights for rights. That said, I'm never shy to call out my brothers and sisters from those groups when they 'reach for crutches' rather than engaging pro-actively. It's like the great song offered by Jerry Butler, " Only The Strong Survive," therefore 'cinch-it-up' is my mantra.
Today, I wish to reflect upon American women's history. We learned back in middle school about the Women's Suffrage Movement which finally gave ladies voting rights in 1920. Make no mistake that piece of legislation did not wave a magic wand making women close to men in equality! Far from it!
I remember several things women were NOT ALLOWED to do as recently as the 1950's:
1. My mother and other women of that decade could not open a Bank Account without their husband's or an adult family member's signature. That changed with the Equal Credit Opportunity Act of 1974.
2. My mother was not permitted to serve on a Jury until legalized in 1968.
3. No woman could practice law even if they had met all education and testing qualifications until 1971.
4. Birth control pills were available in the 1950's but women could not use them until legislation in 1960 and even then some States did not allow it.
5. A pregnant woman up until 1978, could not legally take a paid maternity leave.
6. Public Breast-feeding was a 'No-No' in the 1950's.
7. Fellas, those smart female high school students that you often copied from could not attend Ivy League schools until 1969.
8. Finally in 1976, women could be admitted to West Point Military Academy.
9. Women were finally permitted to run in the Boston Marathon in 1972.
10. Women finally could be in military combat in 2013.
11. In 1978, women could become an Astronaut.
I have maintained for years that men (especially old white guys) have been 'in control' of America's direction long enough; things are screwed up enough, so much so, it's time! Time to hand over the controls to women. Women just might do it better!
(Touch)
Only The Strong Survive
Today, I wish to reflect upon American women's history. We learned back in middle school about the Women's Suffrage Movement which finally gave ladies voting rights in 1920. Make no mistake that piece of legislation did not wave a magic wand making women close to men in equality! Far from it!
I remember several things women were NOT ALLOWED to do as recently as the 1950's:
1. My mother and other women of that decade could not open a Bank Account without their husband's or an adult family member's signature. That changed with the Equal Credit Opportunity Act of 1974.
2. My mother was not permitted to serve on a Jury until legalized in 1968.
3. No woman could practice law even if they had met all education and testing qualifications until 1971.
4. Birth control pills were available in the 1950's but women could not use them until legislation in 1960 and even then some States did not allow it.
5. A pregnant woman up until 1978, could not legally take a paid maternity leave.
6. Public Breast-feeding was a 'No-No' in the 1950's.
7. Fellas, those smart female high school students that you often copied from could not attend Ivy League schools until 1969.
8. Finally in 1976, women could be admitted to West Point Military Academy.
9. Women were finally permitted to run in the Boston Marathon in 1972.
10. Women finally could be in military combat in 2013.
11. In 1978, women could become an Astronaut.
I have maintained for years that men (especially old white guys) have been 'in control' of America's direction long enough; things are screwed up enough, so much so, it's time! Time to hand over the controls to women. Women just might do it better!
(Touch)
Only The Strong Survive
Wednesday, February 20, 2019
The Rated...Over & Under
I am sure you have noticed things on this trip, which are vastly overrated and conversely underrated.
We are all conditioned to develop higher opinions of someone or somethings than is deserved. Likewise, we've underestimated the value or importance of someone or something.
I offer the following unscientific and unsubstantiated lists of the overrated and underrated in my eyes:
The Overrated---
1-What others 'think.'
2-Grits
3-Tattoos
4-Franklin Graham
5-Basketball's 3-point shot
6-Expectations of others
7-Adam Sandler
8-Automatic dishwasher
9-Talapia
10-Labels i.e. Liberals, Conservatives & Evangelicals
11-Super Bowl half-time shows
12-Dick Vital
13-Sushi
14-Political Pundits
15-Rap music
16-College
17-Tomorrow's Weather Forecast
The Underrated--
1-Compliments & Encouragements
2-Potential
3-Baseball hitters who don't strike out.
4-Hope
5-Will Power
6-Teachers
7-Competent Leadership
8-Billy Graham
9-Flossing
10-Gulf Shrimp
11-Button-Down shirts
12-Toilet paper
13-Indoor Plumbing
14-Birthdays
15-Sunscreen
16-Love Songs of the 1950's
17-First Responders
18-Medicare
19-Friends
20-A Relationship with Christ
We are all conditioned to develop higher opinions of someone or somethings than is deserved. Likewise, we've underestimated the value or importance of someone or something.
I offer the following unscientific and unsubstantiated lists of the overrated and underrated in my eyes:
The Overrated---
1-What others 'think.'
2-Grits
3-Tattoos
4-Franklin Graham
5-Basketball's 3-point shot
6-Expectations of others
7-Adam Sandler
8-Automatic dishwasher
9-Talapia
10-Labels i.e. Liberals, Conservatives & Evangelicals
11-Super Bowl half-time shows
12-Dick Vital
13-Sushi
14-Political Pundits
15-Rap music
16-College
17-Tomorrow's Weather Forecast
The Underrated--
1-Compliments & Encouragements
2-Potential
3-Baseball hitters who don't strike out.
4-Hope
5-Will Power
6-Teachers
7-Competent Leadership
8-Billy Graham
9-Flossing
10-Gulf Shrimp
11-Button-Down shirts
12-Toilet paper
13-Indoor Plumbing
14-Birthdays
15-Sunscreen
16-Love Songs of the 1950's
17-First Responders
18-Medicare
19-Friends
20-A Relationship with Christ
Tuesday, February 19, 2019
My Gratitude Expressed
I wish to extend my sincere gratitude and appreciation to each of you who took a moment yesterday to send 80th birthday wishes to yours truly. I have been blessed with a rich and long journey and undoubtedly, our pathways crossed at some point. We became acquaintances and then friends. I hope we are both beneficiaries from the experiences.
My God continue to bless you and yours in the coming years.
(Touch)
That's What Friends Are For
My God continue to bless you and yours in the coming years.
(Touch)
That's What Friends Are For
Sunday, February 17, 2019
What Shall Your Hyphen Reveal?
A few weeks ago, our friend, Marie told my wife and I that she'd heard a good sermon about 'tombstones.' Seems the preacher noted that tombstones told very little of our life's story...date of birth and date of death, while the 'hyphen' between the two dates holds the bigger untold story.
My marker has one date determined: February 18, 1939- and that's right, I celebrate birthday #80 tomorrow. Just as God determined the first date without my input, I shall remain content knowing He will also determine the second date. Meanwhile, I am left to ponder and address my 'hyphen.'
May I distinguish first the difference between two words: 'luck' and 'blessings.' 'Luck' is success or failure coming to one by chance rather than one's abilities or efforts. 'Blessings' are the words or act of someone and I offer, in this instance my Creator, our God for my many blessings. I was blessed to be born into a loving and nurturing environment where parents and the extended family offered the perfect blueprint advancing the balanced ideals of caring, self-reliance and service to others. I found sport competition as a meaningful outlet expression, which ultimately defined my journey's calling from that of a participant and schooled educator to the coaching-mentor and caring consultant. I was fortunate to do all those things throughout my life; endeavors for which I held a great passion. As I have documented in my recently released book, "Angels On My Journey," I truly believed that it was all a Master's Plan that guided my 80- years.
I am most blessed to have had the love and support of a girl who became my wife these past 58-years after a seven year courtship. The added blessings of three children, their spouses, 15-grandkids and some of their spouses plus three great grandkids. On a professional-personal note, I am grateful that at a young age I came to understand that when "taking' a job, my charge was to make that job description larger and more meaningful upon the completion of my tenure. As an educator-coach, I wished to make future student-athletes benefactors of my efforts.
Did I cause anger and perhaps hurt during my journey? I'm sure I have but never with premeditated intentions. Have I been angered or hurt by others? Most certainly but on each occasion I found either personal or professional resolve in my determination and commitments.
I am aware of life's limited time and I accept my remaining days as I have all previous days...with a willingness to serve with complete faith in my Lord. I cannot imagine another man more blessed, fortunate or if you wish, luckier than I. The story defined in my hyphen causes me great humbleness, thankfulness and a desire to push ahead.
Regrets? Some.
Pleased? Somewhat.
Own the hyphen? Absolutely!
That said, The One who enters the two dates will judge all hyphens.
(Touch)
Pass Me Not
My marker has one date determined: February 18, 1939- and that's right, I celebrate birthday #80 tomorrow. Just as God determined the first date without my input, I shall remain content knowing He will also determine the second date. Meanwhile, I am left to ponder and address my 'hyphen.'
May I distinguish first the difference between two words: 'luck' and 'blessings.' 'Luck' is success or failure coming to one by chance rather than one's abilities or efforts. 'Blessings' are the words or act of someone and I offer, in this instance my Creator, our God for my many blessings. I was blessed to be born into a loving and nurturing environment where parents and the extended family offered the perfect blueprint advancing the balanced ideals of caring, self-reliance and service to others. I found sport competition as a meaningful outlet expression, which ultimately defined my journey's calling from that of a participant and schooled educator to the coaching-mentor and caring consultant. I was fortunate to do all those things throughout my life; endeavors for which I held a great passion. As I have documented in my recently released book, "Angels On My Journey," I truly believed that it was all a Master's Plan that guided my 80- years.
I am most blessed to have had the love and support of a girl who became my wife these past 58-years after a seven year courtship. The added blessings of three children, their spouses, 15-grandkids and some of their spouses plus three great grandkids. On a professional-personal note, I am grateful that at a young age I came to understand that when "taking' a job, my charge was to make that job description larger and more meaningful upon the completion of my tenure. As an educator-coach, I wished to make future student-athletes benefactors of my efforts.
Did I cause anger and perhaps hurt during my journey? I'm sure I have but never with premeditated intentions. Have I been angered or hurt by others? Most certainly but on each occasion I found either personal or professional resolve in my determination and commitments.
I am aware of life's limited time and I accept my remaining days as I have all previous days...with a willingness to serve with complete faith in my Lord. I cannot imagine another man more blessed, fortunate or if you wish, luckier than I. The story defined in my hyphen causes me great humbleness, thankfulness and a desire to push ahead.
Regrets? Some.
Pleased? Somewhat.
Own the hyphen? Absolutely!
That said, The One who enters the two dates will judge all hyphens.
(Touch)
Pass Me Not
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