Going Green

I've been getting better, but I have a long way to go.
We've started some recycling; but we need to do more.

Since this area is NOT progressive when it comes to things like recycling, our personal efforts will become even more challenging when we move to our new home in a more rural setting. Currently there is a recycling center nearby. Soon we'll have to weigh the environmental cost of taking things to be recycled against the benefit of recycling -- one big special trip, or take what we can when it's not too far out of the way.

Another part of going green is using the motorcycle whenever I'm able. I get twice the gas mileage and it's more fun, but I can only carry what fits in the saddlebags or I can strap onto the back. I sure enjoy a nice long ride on the bike, but now I also think about the necessity of that ride and its environmental impact. I suppose I could exchange every mile not driving the car for a mile of pleasure riding, but that becomes more of a carbon neutral thing for personal pleasure than a green thing for environmental benefit.
Truth be told, there will probably be days when Chris will want me to take a day long pleasure ride so she can have the house to herself!

I'll be planting some trees this year (hopefully dozens). That's a big environmental plus.
We also hope to plant lots of flowers for the benefit of the birds and bees, and a garden for our own use. Eventually I'd like to have our own hives.
I've previously written that we plan on using solar power. The property sits high and also almost always has a nice breeze, so a small wind turbine or two is a possibility. (But not the kind that spews toxic gases or causes cancer. 😉)

I'm using less single use plastic and trying to keep a reusable cup for coffee or water handy, and I'm not using straws at restaurants. We gave reusable metal straws to the kids (and us) as stocking stuffers for Christmas.
I try to use my own reusable bags at the grocery store and need to buy some reusable produce bags.

Is anyone else working on being more green in the coming year?
What things are you doing to help heal the earth?

John 

2020 Vision

Not as in 20/20 vision, but as in "What will I see in 2020?"

Some time ago I wrote that my vision had improved as I've gotten older. Because of the people I've been exposed to over the past year, I'm also starting to see better.

I'm seeing people that were once invisible to me.
I'm seeing injustices that went unnoticed by me.
I'm seeing my own privilege where I once took it for granted.
I'm seeing that most people don't really expect more than to be treated with kindness.
I'm seeing that for some people, kindness is a way of life
...and for some, it is not.
I'm seeing more of what was always right in front of me.

What will you see in 2020?

John <><

What's Next?

It's the morning after Christmas and even though we still have a weekend gathering ahead of us, it is time to start thinking about 2020.

I don't know that I have any real resolutions or goals in mind for the coming year, but there are a few things I'd like to do and a few things I'd like to do better. I suppose I should take a look at the successes and failures of 2019, but I'm pretty content to leave them in the past and move forward.

I'm just jotting down a few things as they pop into my head this morning. I'll have figure out the actual plans later. We have become more "green" in 2019 and I'd really like for that to continue. I've managed to reduce the use of single use plastics and will continue to look for ways to reduce plastic use. We've also done more recycling this year and I hope to continue that in 2020.
We'll be moving into our new home in a couple of months and I have hopes of using the land for a small (at first) garden and to plant some fruit trees. I've never been much of a gardening guy so it will take some work and some learning when it comes to harvesting and preserving our produce.
I've bought two books to help with new home projects. One is on solar power and one is on beekeeping. I have a feeling I'm in for a busy (and hopefully, productive) 2020.

One of the things that I did manage to do in 2019 was to read more books for pleasure. I am enjoying that and hope to do more of it. As much as I really like the feel of a good book, the part of me that wants to be more conscientious about the environment says that I should continue using an e-reader. Besides, it's both more convenient and less expensive. I can always use the library for an actual book.

Those are just a few things that I'm thinking about for 2020. I also need to be more focused on writing -- and not just blogging. I do have a couple of book ideas, but haven't gone past that and maybe a first chapter or two.
I'll have to see what 2020 brings for Out of My Hat. This is my 200th post for 2019 -- a new record! My previous high was 187 posts in 2017. I think my recent 56 day streak was also a record.
I may try to get back to more meaningful posts and opinions. Lately the blog has become more of a personal journal. That works for me. It's a bit therapeutic and helps me keep things organized in my head. I've also found that thinking before I write has helped me to think before I speak. When you write stupid things you have the opportunity to edit before posting. You don't get that chance when you say stupid things. I think blogging has helped me to say fewer stupid things.

What about you?
Any plans or goals for 2020?

John <><

Advent 2019: Christmas Eve, Day 24

Luke 24

The tomb is empty. Jesus is risen.
Jesus appears to the disciples, opens their eyes to the scriptures, and ascends into heaven.

At the beginning of Luke's gospel, he wrote that he had been following the events surrounding Jesus for some time. He had spoken with the eyewitnesses and checked out their stories. He wrote these things down and sent them to Theophilus so that he could know that the things he'd been hearing about Jesus were true and the things that he had been taught about the Messiah had been fulfilled in Jesus.

Mathematician Peter Stoner and some of his students worked to calculate the odds of one person being able to fulfill just eight of the messianic prophesies.You can read their results here.

I began this Advent series through the 24 chapters of Luke's gospel so that we could better get to know Jesus and decide for ourselves -- Is Jesus the Son of God? and Is Jesus worth following?
It is possible to answer the first question "I still don't know," and yet answer the second question with a "Yes!"
I truly believe that the more you follow him, the better you will come to know the character and love of God.

From the statistics provided by Google, I know that not many readers have followed along with this daily journey. My guess would be that the few that have are already believers. Whatever the case may be and however you choose to celebrate Christmas, I wish you peace, joy, and love.

Merry Christmas

John <><

Advent 2019: Dec 23, Day 23

Luke 23

Summary

Even though the Jewish council was able to execute their own laws and carry out their own discipline, under Roman rule they did not have the authority to sentence someone to death. To secure a death sentence, Jesus was taken before the Roman governor, Pilate.
Pilate found nothing to warrant conviction and sent Jesus to the Jewish king, Herod.
Herod mocked Jesus as king and ended up returning him to Pilate. Pilate gives in to the pressure and threats of the Jewish council and sentences Jesus to death by crucifixion.

At the crucifixion
One criminal asks to be remembered
One Centurion proclaims Jesus' innocence
One member of the Jewish council cares for the body.

My take away

Growing up in the Roman Catholic church I always believed that Jesus died for this sins of the world. I just never really connected that to Jesus dying for me! As an evangelical the emphasis was always on personal salvation and somehow I forgot that Jesus' atonement was for everyone. Just as the ancient Israelites added to make the Law more restricting and burdensome, modern day evangelicals (Catholics, too) have added rules to make salvation more difficult and burdensome.

What if Jesus truly is God and his death truly atones for the sins of all mankind?
What if his "Father, forgive them..." was for all of us?
What if there is nothing that we can do to add to or take away from God's grace and mercy?
What if God loves the people that I don't love as much as he loves me?
What if the God of the universe is bigger and better than the god of my belief?
What if I don't need to have all of the answers to love God and to love others?
What if I just start loving and see what questions get answered along the way?

John <><

Advent 2019: Dec 22, Day 22

Luke 22

What is going on in the dark of this Holy Night?
It is Passover, a Sabbath Day, a day to remember when the Angel of Death passed over the children of Israel as they were captive in Egypt. The marking of lamb's blood on the door post would save the household.
On this holy night of remembrance, Jesus was arrested, tried and beaten. It was done in secret because the religious leaders feared the crowds. They spent so much time criticizing Jesus for his good works on the Sabbath; now they were secretly conducting a trial to find Jesus guilty and have him crucified.

The plot to kill Jesus and the process they used to bring it about was dark and full of deception. If Jesus had done anything deserving of arrest and execution, they would have done it in the open. They didn't. This is important because his innocence is important.

The Passover worked for the religious rulers to do their deed while the public was in their homes and unaware of what was taking place.
It also worked for God as he showed his Son as the sacrificial lamb that would give life to save us all.

John <><

Advent 2019: Dec 21, Day 21

Luke 21

Summary

Jesus begins with a quick reminder that the true value of a gift is based on what the giver has to give. Maybe something to keep in mind this season.

But then he gets into some pretty serious warnings. He predicts the destruction of the temple -- turns out it was about the future destruction of the glorious building as well as the soon to be destruction of his body (yeah, that temple). Jesus warns of coming wars and persecution and the destruction of Jerusalem (when the temple was destroyed).

He talks about the coming of the Son (second coming?) and gives a cryptic picture of a fig tree and the passing of a generation. He also warns his followers to be ready.

My take away

Some of the things Jesus talked about have happened. He was killed. The temple was destroyed. Jerusalem was overthrown, and there have been wars -- one after another for centuries.
Some bible scholars say that the fig tree represents Israel. When Israel was re-established as a nation in 1948, they believe it set the time clock for the beginning of the end. That's been 71 years -- about the time of a generation.
Personally, I've been taught so much crap by bible scholars that I pretty much think they make up stuff that sounds good and lets them hang a nice diploma on their wall and collect a decent paycheck.
Do I think end time stuff is important? Not as much as you might think.
I think being prepared for the end time is important because that can come for each one of us at any moment. I do believe that Jesus came to live with us to teach us about God and God's great love for us as much as he came to die for us. While eternal life in heaven may be the end goal, I believe there is great joy in looking forward to heaven because of your love for God rather than looking at heaven as an alternative to hell, which is a place that you fear.
I believe that living a life of loving God and loving others (all others) is a joy in itself. I believe it is a foreshadowing of the joy we will experience when we are free of these earthly bodies and better able to see life as the eternal souls that we truly are.

As I have gotten older, I enjoy the Christmas season less each passing year. Don't get me wrong -- I love exchanging gifts and getting together with family and friends. But I tire of the charade that this is about the birth of a savior. There is nothing that the lights, the greenery, the shopping, the parties, the ugly sweaters, or even the gifts have to do with the birth of Jesus. I think we should celebrate the season with love and gifts because we love one another and we love celebrating that love.

I also think we should celebrate God's love for us. It is a truly amazing thing to think that Our Creator loves us so much that he would become like us so that we can know him, know that he loves us, and know that we can love him, too. That is a celebration that needs to go far beyond a single day. It should be celebrated in the way we live every day.

Sorry if I'm a bit of a Scrooge. I often feel the part of a bah-humbug type of character.

We are still a few days away from Dec 25. However you celebrate the day, I wish you joy.
And for today, I hope that you will celebrate that God loves you, that Jesus lived so that you can know that, and that he died so that we can have eternal life with him.

More tomorrow.

John <><

Advent 2019: Dec 20, Day 20

Luke 20

Summary

Jesus has had enough of the constant opposition of the religious establishment. They try to trap him with a simple question, but Jesus knows they will use any answer against him. Rather than answering their question, he asks them a question they are afraid to answer. Since they won't answer his question, he doesn't answer theirs.
But them Jesus tells a parable about God, Israel, how they treated the prophets, and how they will treat his son. The Pharisees know he is talking about them, but they are too afraid of the people to say anything. Instead, they try to trap him into saying something against Caesar. When that fails, the other religious sect, the Sadducees, have their go at him.
The Sadducees don't even believe in the resurrection but try to trap him with an unlikely event. Jesus basically says they don't know what they're talking about.
Then Jesus warns the people about religious leaders that are full of donkey dung. (Still a fair warning today.)

My take away

My biggest take away is Jesus teaching that we have focused on the physical aspect of our lives and know nothing of the spirit world. Maybe we need to think about our eternal being more and worry less about the physical being. We have a preoccupation with our sexuality and the sexuality of others and Jesus says that our souls are genderless. Maybe we should focus more on just loving each other.

John <><

Advent 2019: Dec 19, Day 19

Luke 19

Summary

Jesus again reminds us that even the people we think are beyond redemption are not too far from God's love and are able to be saved.

This next parable has often troubled me. The harsh landowner doesn't fit the merciful, loving father that Jesus talks about. So what gives?
The thing that I wonder about is the first part where it says that he told the parable because they thought the kingdom was going to appear immediately. Was the parable to say if it was the way you think it is, it might play out like this? Or is God really going to slaughter all who don't recognize him?
I don't know.
Yep, that's my answer. I don't know.

Jesus enters the city for the final time, weeps over Jerusalem, and cleanses the Temple.

My take away

This is it.
Jesus enters Jerusalem and will teach in public a few more times before the end comes.
Is he the one? Does Jesus fulfill the prophecies about the coming Messiah? Is he the Savior of the world?
Let's continue tomorrow and see.

John <><

Advent 2019: Dec 18, Day 18

Luke 18

Summary

Today's summary is in single sentences for each part of the chapter.

Be persistent and consistent in your prayers.
Be humble or be humbled.
The kingdom of God belongs to those with no social standing.
Eternal life is easier than you think, but the most difficult thing to do.
Jesus has to die.
When someone's eyes are opened, we need to rejoice and praise God.

My take away

As we get closer to the time of Jesus' death, the lessons seems to have more urgency. He teaches to pray and keep praying. So often we think God knows what I need. Jesus says pray anyway. He reminds us to be humble before God and people.
Children had no standing in that culture. They were worth less than a good working donkey or ox. But Jesus says that the kingdom of God belongs to them. Be humble. The kingdom belongs to the lowly.
Following Jesus isn't hard. It's giving up the stuff that gets in our way that is difficult.
Open your eyes and see.

This Advent exercise is to help us recognize who Jesus is and if following him is a good idea.
It certainly appears that his teachings are pretty good, but some might argue that we need to get what we can when we can. The teaching of Jesus assumes an afterlife and I realize that not everybody believes that.
But is Jesus God? 
Is it necessary to acknowledge that?
Is having our eyes opened as easy as asking Jesus to restore our sight?

John <><

Advent 2019: Dec 17, Day 17

Luke 17

Summary

Watch yourself! Don't fall into temptation. And don't be the one to lead others into temptation.
Forgive others; always forgive others, even if it's repeatedly.
When his disciples ask Jesus to increase their faith, he basically says, "You increase your faith!" That's an inside job.
Jesus reminds us not to think too highly of ourselves. God is the Master, we are not.
Be grateful.
The kingdom isn't what you think it is.

My take away

We have created a god that is in our image rather that recognizing that God has created us in his image. We have placed ourselves higher than we ought to, thinking that we deserve a seat at the Master's table. And because we have this distorted image of God, we also have a distorted image of his kingdom.
Be careful.

John <><

Advent 2019: Dec 16, Day 16

Luke 16

Summary

I think chapter 16 could be summarized in a single phrase:
More parables and teaching that we choose to ignore

My take away

Jesus teaches that there is a big difference between the things of this world and the things that are of importance to God. We actually demonstrate how well we take care of spiritual matters by the way we take care of earthly matters. We demonstrate which (earthly things or heavenly things) have a greater priority and which is our master.
Verse 18 is a favorite to ignore by those that rant about the sanctity of marriage while they themselves are divorced, remarried, and living (by this standard) in an adulterous relationship.
Hypocrite much?
Then Luke returns to Jesus teaching about materialism and how we can let the good things of life blind us to the more important things like loving and caring for people that are in need.

I struggle with this.
I don't think of myself as wealthy or living an extravagant lifestyle. But working with those in need of life's basics like food and shelter certainly makes me re-examine how I use my resources.
How am I different from the rich man?
We're building a nice home on several acres while hundreds of people in our city have no shelter.
We have food in our pantry and money in our bank account while kids and their parents will go hungry today.
Is the fate of the rich man going to be my fate?

Hmmm...
No wonder we choose to ignore these parables and teachings.

John <><

Advent 2019: Dec 15, Day 15

Luke 15

I'm not sure if I can fit this into the format that I've been using so I'll just combine the summary and my take away into one writing today.

We have three familiar parables about something that was lost, the sacrifice made in the search, and the celebration when the lost thing was found.
The shepherd secured the ninety-nine sheep and set off (probably at the end of the day) to find the lost sheep.
The woman thoroughly cleaned her house in search of a lost coin.
And an old man waited and watched for the return of a wayward son.

This all started because Jesus was ministering to (meeting the needs of) people that Pharisees felt were of no value. They were sinners and tax collectors. The stories Jesus told are to help us understand that God values others (and us) differently than we do.

Perhaps it's just because I've been spending time with people that are unsheltered and have real food insecurity, but I am beginning to value things differently than I used to. I've been exposed to people that express gratitude for the simplest of things -- like rejoicing over finding a simple coin.
Right now these parables teach me more than lessons of something lost and found. As life is teaching me about the value of people and things, I'm finally seeing that Jesus has been trying to teach me those lessons all along.
Damn, I'm such a slow learner!

I realize this is probably a far different take than you get from this reading. It is very different than I've ever had from it, too. And it may not be theologically sound, but neither am I (or so I've been told).

John <><

Advent 2019: Dec 14, Day 14

Luke 14

Summary

Again Jesus is found violating the Sabbath law by doing good and healing a man. The Pharisees are afraid to answer him or confront him about their stance.
Then Jesus teaches in two parables. The first is about guests at a wedding feast and Jesus reminds us to be humble. He teaches that if we honor ourselves, others will cause us to be humbled. If we humble ourselves, others will exalt us.
The second parable is from the perspective of the host. Jesus says we should do good for those that can't repay us.

Because they didn't get it, Jesus teaches that there will be those that are invited to a great feast that choose not to go. They will find excuses and place higher priority on other tasks or events and miss out on a great feast.

Jesus again reminds us that following him may not be easy. There will be people we love that will not want to follow him and we will have to choose -- stay with them or move on without them. We may need to set aside old behaviors and habits that will be difficult. We may have to change our way of thinking (repent) and unlearn what we have been taught and relearn life from a Jesus perspective.
It isn't going to be easy so consider well if following Jesus is for you.

My take away

Passages like this trouble me. I spent a lot of years teaching people (both adults and kids) that heaven was as simple as raising your hand and saying a magical prayer. Far too many churches teach something similar. Getting people to say they'll follow Jesus seems to be more important than teaching them how to follow Jesus.
And even when we teach them how, we teach them to follow rules rather than to follow Jesus.
I do pray that God will send someone to fix my messes. In my heart and in my head I believe that God wouldn't let my failures keep somebody else from the blessings that are waiting for them.

This Advent exercise is to help us to know Jesus; to be able to look at a record of his life and to know that he is God in human form. While most of my readers share similar beliefs, I know there are a couple of atheists and readers of different faiths. In yesterday's reading, Jesus said that the kingdom of God includes everyone. All of the birds gather in the tree; the leaven works its way through the entire loaf.
2019 has been an interesting year. Some will say I've regressed and fallen away from God. Personally, I feel closer to God than I have ever felt. And I feel closer to people, too. I am learning to see God in them. I am learning the lessons that Jesus teaches in today's reading -- to be humble, to give where no reciprocation is expected, to value people above rules.
And it hasn't always been easy.

I wonder what 2020 will have for me.

John <><

Advent 2019: Dec 13, Day 13

Late morning blog today. I read Luke 13 earlier, but didn't want to rush through posting. I decided to wait until after Breakfast Venues. Now I'm sitting at a local Starbucks and ready to write. I feel a little bad about being at Starbucks, but I have money on gift cards that I need to use. I guess I could patronize local coffee shops when at home and use my Starbucks cards on the road.

In any case we are at the half way point in our daily journey through Luke's gospel.
Luke 13

Today I've kind of combined the summary and my take away.
Here it is.

Once again, Jesus is teaching that we have to change our way of thinking (repent). The consequences of life are just that -- consequences of life. Bad things don't just happen to sinners, and really bad things don't just happen to really bad sinners.
And again, Jesus heals on the Sabbath, teaching that people are more important than rules. And certainly more important than the animals they cared for on the same Sabbath!

Jesus also redefines the kingdoms of God. They (and we) have this idea that the kingdom of God is made up of only the good and righteous ones. But according to Jesus, the kingdom of God includes everyone -- all the birds of the air, all of the leaven in the bread.
We need to change the way we think (repent).

Walking with Jesus isn't easy. And yet he invites us to walk with him anyway.
Jesus laments over those that don't understand that God loves everybody and wants us to love them, too.
We may have to change how we think.
We may have to repent.

John <><

Advent 2019: Dec 12, Day 12

Luke 12

Summary

There's really so much to unpack that I kind of dislike the format I've chosen for this daily devotion for Advent. I need to do a more in depth type of study or a daily devotion to cover passages or single lessons vs an entire chapter. But that would be for another series or a different blog.

If Jesus was to use today's vernacular he would have said, "The Pharisees are gaslighting."
We get the hypocrisy part. We have plenty of that from our leaders today, both in the religious world and the political one. The Pharisees were both.
Jesus warns them not to be afraid of the threats of men, but to do what's right in God's eyes.
He encourages them to stand with him and promises the Holy Spirit will speak through them as they defend their position and faith.

Jesus then spends some time cautioning them about how much we worry. He teaches that the things we worry about aren't that important to God. We worry about the things of this life and God is more concerned with our spiritual lives. Jesus tells them (and us) to worry about getting the kingdom things right and God will take care of meeting our day to day needs.
Don't worry.
Be ready to meet God -- always be ready.
Jesus says that following him will be hard. People will be against us for doing so. Some of those people will be members of our own families. Expect that, and follow him anyway.

My take away

Of all the really good stuff here, my favorite is at the end.
Jesus says, "You know what is right. Do it!"
Okay, so that's not exactly what he said and I probably shouldn't have put it in quotation marks, but you get the idea. He says don't bother with a judge. If you've done wrong, make it right.
Even though there is much to learn here, I think this one lesson is the key.

If you tie it together it might go something like this:
Beware of leaders with an agenda.
Don't be fearful.
Stand with Jesus and he will stand with you.
Don't worry. Seek after the Kingdom of God. God will take care of your needs.
It's not going to be easy. People you love will be against you.
You know what is right. Do it!

John <><

Advent 2019: Dec 11, Day 11

Luke 11

Summary

If I were to put a title to this summary it might be something like Jesus Faces His Critics.
After the initial passage where Jesus teaches his disciples how to pray and that we should ask God for what we need, Jesus goes on to deal with those that are critical of his good deeds.

When Jesus casts out demons they say he does it by demonic power. Jesus sets them straight on that and gives them some other good lessons as well. Jesus chastises them for following the letter of The Law but neglecting justice and love. He warns them that doing so is not what God intended or desires of us. When criticized, the Pharisees seek to destroy him.

My take away

People haven't changed much in 2000 years.
When criticized, we still get defensive about our beliefs and go on the attack against anything or anyone that questions us. What could have happened if they would have listened to Jesus and examined both what he said and how they acted?
Is it possible that what we believe is wrong?
Even if what we believe is right, do our actions truly reflect that?
The Pharisees had become so enamored with The Law that it became the object of their worship in place of God. Have we done something similar?
How does grace/mercy/love show in what we say and do?

The prophet Micah says that we should act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God.
How's that working for you?

John <><

Advent 2019: Dec 10, Day 10

Luke 10

Summary

The chapter begins with Jesus sending disciples out to announce that he is coming. He instructs them to take nothing for the journey and teaches them to trust that God will provide for them. They return with great stories to tell of the blessings they have received.
As Jesus continues to teach in parables, he tells the story of The Good Samaritan. I've written about this parable in the past. If you'd like to hear my take on it, here's the link to that post.
This chapter ends with a reminder that sometimes the most important work is learning what Jesus is teaching.

My take away

The 72 that were sent out were able to accomplish great things in the power of The Holy Spirit. Jesus tells them that what they have done isn't as important as knowing that God loves them.

John <><

Advent 2019: Dec 9, Day 9

Luke 9

Wow!
There's a lot here, too much to simply summarize. Perhaps the biggest thing is that people are really starting to wonder and make decisions about who they believe Jesus really is.
Read it for yourself. Maybe you'll want to share your own summary. I'm going to just leave you with a thought that might ruffle a few feathers.

My take away

The Jewish Scripture is our Old Testament. God speaks to them (us, too) through The Law and through the prophets. On numerous occasions, Jesus corrected them on their interpretation of The Law. I don't believe that The Law (from God) was wrong, but there was much that was added to it. I don't believe that the prophets were wrong, but their messages may not have been properly received or recorded.
In the transfiguration, God clears things up.
Moses -- representing The Law, and Elijah -- representing the prophets, appear with Jesus -- the Son of God.
A voice speaks from the clouds and says, " This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him."
The voice didn't command them to listen to Moses and The Law, nor did it command them to follow Elijah and the prophets. It's as if the purpose of The Law and the prophets was to bring us to God through Jesus.

The Law and the prophets have fulfilled their purpose.
Jesus is here.
Listen to him.

John <><

Advent 2019: Dec 8, Day 8

Luke 8

Summary

Luke begins by specifically mentioning there are women among Jesus's closest disciples.
Jesus teaches in parables, explains why he teaches in parables, and explains the parables.
Jesus shows how we (humans) see family and how God (spirit) sees family.
Jesus shows his authority over nature (physical world), over demons (spiritual world), and ultimately over life (eternal world)!

My take away

Luke is laying out a pretty solid case that Jesus is the Messiah -- the chosen one.
Jesus views people differently than the culture around him. While that culture saw women as mere property, they were valued and supportive members of his followers. Those that were unclean and therefore unable to be a part of the community, he made them clean and restored their dignity and human value.
Jesus showed himself to be the authority over nature, over spirits and even over life and death.

Who could do this?
God could do it.
Is Jesus God? Is he the Son of God?

Hmmm...

John <><

Advent 2019: Dec 7, Day 7

Luke 7

Summary

Jesus's good works are becoming known and people are beginning to call him one that has been sent by God. Jesus finds great faith in a commander of a local Roman force. By the power of the centurion's faith, his servant is healed from a distance and Jesus never even goes to his house.
Then Jesus comforts a mourning widow by raising her dead son to life. Not only was she mourning her son's death; she was mourning her existence as she was about to be destitute and without any means of support.

The followers of John the Baptist come to ask (for John), "Are you the One or should we look for another?"
Jesus commends John and tells about his prophesy.

And then Jesus teaches about sin debt and forgiveness.

My take away

Jesus is a life giver.
He heals, restoring health to the Centurion's servant.
He revives, bringing the widow's son back to life.
He forgives, giving eternal life to our souls.

John <><

Advent 2019: Dec 6, Day 6

Luke 6

Summary

Students take your seats. Class is in session!
Jesus is about to start teaching in earnest. The Law wasn't given to burden us; it was given to bless us. Jesus shows them how they have perverted the Law to the point that they have made it a sin to do good!

Then Jesus lays it out about who is blessed and who needs to watch out.
And he tells us to love -- everybody!
The people that hate you -- love them.
Your enemies -- love them.
People that use you and abuse you -- love them, too.

Don't judge if you don't want to be judged.
Don't condemn if you don't want to be condemned.
Forgive and you will be forgiven.
Be generous and you will be blessed in good measure.

Have a good heart. Live a good life. You will be known by the life you live. Good people bear good fruit. Bad people don't. Jesus says to trust him on this. Do what he teaches and you'll be okay.

My take away

Remember on Day 4 when I said the demons always recognize and obey Jesus?
Here Jesus asks the question, "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord' and do not do what I tell you?"
Hmmm...
I guess that is the real question, isn't it?
Could it be that the Jews had crafted God to be a god made in their own image?
Could it be that their idea of god was so far from God's true nature that they were unable or unwilling to recognize him when he came to them?
Is it possible that we have the same problem? That we want a god that hates the same people we hate and judges the same way we judge?

Maybe the lessons Jesus taught a couple thousand years ago are still worth looking at today.
Hmmm...
Is he Lord?
Maybe we'll find more information/evidence as we continue day by day.

John <><

Advent 2019: Dec 5, Day 5

Luke 5

Summary

It's go time!
Things start happening and Jesus starts teaching. Or maybe it's the other way around.
The beginning of the chapter finds Jesus teaching from a fishing boat. When he finishes teaching, he puts a major exclamation point to his words by telling the boat owner (Simon Peter)  to try one more time for a catch and fills two boats full of fish. It's as if he was saying, "If anyone is wondering if I am sent from God, let me show you something."
Peter, his brother Andrew, and their partners James and John, all leave their boats and their business behind to follow Jesus.

Jesus continues to heal and to teach and to raise a few eyebrows along the way. The religious leaders seem to be more concerned with why he heals and how he heals than recognizing the power by which he heals. They even call into question who he heals and chooses to hang around with.

My take away

Jesus is just getting started and he is gaining credibility. Already crowds are beginning to follow him for the miracles. But with the miracles come lessons about how much God loves them (us). God even loves the ones that some would tell us are unlovable. While it might be said that we are unworthy of God's love, God doesn't see it that way.
God created us in his image and God loves us just as he created us. Because we are God's creation, we are worthy of God's love.

John <><

Advent 2019: Dec 4, Day 4

I'm getting a late start this morning, sorry.

Luke 4

Summary

Luke 4 begins with Jesus being tempted in the wilderness. The story is the same as in Matthew's gospel but there is a different order. I don't know which is correct or if it really matters. After this incident with Satan, Jesus begins his ministry of spreading the Good News.
He returns to his hometown, enters the synagogue, and tells them that the prophesy of Isaiah was fulfilled that day in their presence.
But they know him. Some even say, "Wait a minute. Isn't this Joseph's kid?"
No honor for a prophet in his hometown, right?

Jesus moves on and casts out demons, heals many sick people, and spreads the news that God loves them and wants a relationship that can't be found in The Law.

My take away

There are two things that really jump out at me.
The first is that the demons always recognize him as the Son of God and obey him. I wonder why we don't.

The other has to do with the encounter between Jesus and Satan (Lucifer).
Their are three Archangels named in the Bible.
Michael is the angel that seems to appear and speak on behalf of God the Father.
Gabriel does the same for God the Holy Spirit.
But Old Testament scholars recognize The Angel of the Lord as Jesus himself, not as an archangel that serves him. Is Lucifer (now called Satan) the archangel that was created to serve Jesus but has now become his antagonist, believing himself to be equal with or better than Jesus?
We all know Satan as a powerful fallen angel, but this adds a personal conflict to the battle between Satan and Jesus.

Hmmm... ?

John <><

Advent 2019: Dec 3, Day 3

Luke 3

Summary

Straight up
This is a weird chapter. I'm not sure what's going on other than it seems that Luke feels like this stuff needs to be included so the later stuff makes more sense, but he hurries through it as if it isn't really what he wants to write about. The prophesied ministry of John the Baptist is kind of a big deal. The message of John is the same as what Jesus will soon be preaching.

Luke is so set on getting on with the story of Jesus that he gives a little foreshadowing about a future interaction between Herod and John as he talks about John's imprisonment and then adds an "Oh yeah, and Jesus was baptized and the Holy Spirit came on him like a dove and a voice from heaven said, 'This is my son and I am well pleased.' "

Then, because genealogy is important to the Jews and the prophesy of the Messiah, Luke gives the genealogy from Joseph to Adam.

My take away

Although there is much to learn about John the Baptist, Luke reminds me of an old preacher friend that always talks fast. When asked why he talks so fast, he says it's because he can't wait to get to the end because he knows how it turns out and it's really good!

In the next chapter, Luke dives right into the ministry life of Jesus. I know he was thinking, "Listen up, Theophilus! It's about to get good!"

Ooh! I can't wait for tomorrow!

John <><

Advent 2019: Dec 2, Day 2

Luke 2

Summary

The second chapter of Luke is the story of the birth of Jesus. Luke's account is different than Matthew's account in several ways. They are not conflicting stories. They are just written from different perspectives and for different purposes. Most of the Christmas pageants we see and many pf the Christmas songs we sing are combinations of the two accounts.

Since Luke is writing to his friend about the life of Jesus and the stories he has heard, Luke doesn't tell of the Magi, the escape to Egypt, or the death of Herod. Luke just tells the Jewish things of importance -- the circumcision, the purification offering (two turtle doves in case you were wondering where that came from), the temple visit at age 12, and the desperate return to find Jesus sitting with the teachers in the temple.

My take away

I think my favorite part of this story is the very last verse --
"And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man."

As Jesus grew up, he learned. Verse 51 says he was submissive to his parents. He was a good kid. He was obedient, and people liked him. We seldom think of Jesus having to grow up. Our only images of him are as a baby or as a man. There is just this one reference to Jesus growing up.
Nobody ever wonders if he went through a terrible twos stage or he was difficult to patty train. Did he have crushes on teen aged Jewish girls? Was he a good big brother? Did he have the normal fights with siblings as he grew in wisdom and stature?

While the announcement of his birth by angels in chapter one certainly speaks to his deity, it is this story in chapter two that helps me remember his humanity and his ability to truly empathize with us.
I don't know why or even if that was important to Theophilus, but it was apparently worthwhile to Luke.
I wonder why.

John <><

Advent 2019: Dec 1, Day 1

Welcome to the Church season of Advent. Advent means coming and is a preparation for celebrating the coming of the Christ Child. I should probably confess that I've always thought it was kind of stupid since Jesus actually came 2000 years ago. As a Catholic kid going to a Catholic elementary school you do what everybody else does and accept the explanations as solid. At some point, some of us begin to wonder about what we've been taught because it doesn't make much sense.

Why would we prepare for the coming of Jesus when he came centuries ago?
Honestly, I still have some questions about that, but I sort of get the more spiritual meaning behind it all.

This year, I'm going to work through the 24 chapters of The Gospel According to Luke -- one chapter per day, in preparation for Christmas 2019. If you'd like to read along I plan on posting a link to the corresponding chapter and a brief summary or takeaway from my perspective. Don't expect it to be an in-depth bible study. It will be more of a devotional type reading, although it will be a little longer than most daily devotions.

Here we go...
Luke, chapter 1

Summary

Chapter 1 is a long chapter and there is so much more than a one day post. Luke begins with an explanation of why he is writing this account. He is writing to a friend (thought to be the governor of Antioch at the time) that seems to be wondering about the things he has heard concerning Jesus of Nazareth.
Luke's account (appropriately) begins before the birth of Jesus. It tells of the birth of the prophesied forerunner to the promised Messiah. It tells of the angelic visit to Zechariah and the coming miracle birth of John the Baptist. The angel proclaims that John will go before the coming Messiah in the power and spirit of the prophet Elijah to prepare the people for his arrival.
Then comes another angelic appearance, this one to the young woman that will give birth to Jesus.

My take away

I think this is a perfect beginning to the Advent season. Just as God sent a messenger to the Jews to let them know that the long awaited Savior was on his way, we can examine the prophesies and the life of Jesus to see if he truly is the Messiah and worthy of our worship and following.
Also -- I think John probably had it tough as a kid. Old parents and high expectations with predetermined lifelong restrictions -- no wonder he was a little weird!

John <><

NaBloPoMo

It's finally the last day of November and another successfully completed National Blog Posting Month challenge. Posting everyday is a bit of a challenge for me. Although I have opinions on most things, I also realize than most people are fine without hearing them. That's okay. People are free to read or ignore. I mostly write as a way to organize my thoughts so that I know what I think ... and why.

I think the "and why" part is an often overlooked part of the current opinion forming process. We have become used to others telling us what to think. Elected officials tell us what to think about their opponents. Religious leaders tell us what to think about the non-religious or other religious people. Rich people tell poor people how they should think and we have become a society that no longer analyzes information to form an opinion but one that analyzes opinions to determine how we will think.

But then again ... that's just my opinion!
What's yours?

John <><

Black Friday

It's Black Friday.
Today is the day that marks the official beginning of the Christmas shopping season. It's going to be crazy out there. For many retailers, Black Friday now begins on Thursday evening.
sigh

I won't be in the shopping crowds today. I'll be at my normal Friday morning post with a few other folks from The Venues and a hundred or so friends that needs a warm place to sit for a bit and a decent breakfast.

While you're shopping this season, why not think about some folks that could use a little something, as well. Keep some Hot Hands in your car to give to people that need to stay warm. Maybe have a paper bag with the Hot Hands and a few snacks like a protein bar or peanut butter crackers and a couple of bucks or a $5 gift card to McDonald's.
A little kindness goes a long way.

Gotta get going.
Have a grand weekend.
Be kind.

John <><

Thursdays are for Thanksgiving

It's rare that I have sleepless nights or difficulty going back to sleep if I wake up during the night. This morning seems to be an exception ... and since we're in a hotel room it's not as easy as just getting up and getting an early start to the day.

It is Thanksgiving Day in the US and I feel obligated to post about being thankful.
This year, more than ever, I am thankful for the people in my life. When it comes to the stuff in my life, I actually feel a little selfish. We have way too much stuff!
In packing up our home for moving, we pitched and donated a LOT of stuff! And we still managed to occupy three storage units -- one large unit that I thought would hold everything, one normal climate controlled unit for our nicer furniture pieces and piano, and one small overflow unit for the stuff that wouldn't fit into the first two units!

I am thankful for the stuff we have that makes life easier, but I am also aware that we could just as easily do without much of it. I think there will be more donating and pitching in the spring.

Those that know me well, know that I'm not a great people person.
I like people okay; I just don't care to be around them most of the time.
Chris is the more social person. I would be fine with a book, a good cigar, and an appropriate drink (coffee, bourbon, beer, or even water). Or maybe a day cruising solo on the bike. Or relaxing on a tropical beach (with a cigar and a local spirit like tequila or rum).

I'm okay with personal conversations, but find small talk to be boring and unproductive. Maybe that's why being in larger groups of people is a little uncomfortable. But I'm adapting to what seems to be a more regular habit of being around people.

The truth is there are some people, even some groups of people that I really look forward to being around. These are the ones that I am truly thankful for on this Thanksgiving day. I am learning how to be more comfortable around people because these friends are easy to be with. They teach me about love, compassion, and help me to want to be a better person.
I hope you have people like that in your life.
I hope you are that person for somebody.
And whether you live in the US or not, I hope that today you will be thankful for the people you love and for the people that love you.

John <><

Wednesday Wisdom

For my friends Alex and Madison who are getting married today...

John <><

The New Year

The church year, the liturgical year, begins with the first Sunday of Advent -- that's this Sunday, December 1st. I saw this meme a few weeks ago and thought I might use this for posting through the first 24 days of December.

If you've been following Out of My Hat for some time, you know that I've posted daily bible readings in the past. My thoughts are to handle it as I have done in the past. I'll post a link to the chapter so that you can read it for yourself, and then I'll post a few thoughts to summarize what I gleaned from that day's reading.

I know that not everyone celebrates Christmas as the Church does. I know that there are several occasional readers that come from non-Christian faiths and even an atheist or two.
I invite you to read along for the 24 day project. It is not my intent to make you a convert, but rather to give you an understanding of why I choose to follow Jesus and why I celebrate his birth.

John <><

Monday Motivation -- How about a little help?

Yeah, it's Monday.
I'm not usually a blah Monday (or any day) kind of guy.
I'm not sure why that's the case today.
The sun will be shining today and it will be a beautiful November day in the Ozarks.
We have a wedding to celebrate this week and I am really looking forward to it.
I'm retired so it isn't like I have to go to work.
I'm just not feeling it today.

So how about some of you readers sharing some of your favorite motivational quotes or memes today. So far, this is the best I can do:

John <><

Church day!

How exciting!

Colder tonight than last night ... and I'm glad

On Saturday morning at 7:30 the temperature in Springfield is 33f but feels like 25. It's wet out with a light mix of snow and rain. I spent the night sad and feeling a bit helpless because the Springfield cold weather overnight shelters don't open unless the overnight temperature forecast at 2pm is expected to be below freezing.

I am grateful to the churches that open their doors to the homeless on cold nights and I realize that they need to have a standard for when they are open, but damn last night was difficult.
Last night we served at a gathering place for those that go to the overnight shelters and all we could do was tell them that the shelters wouldn't be open. I offered a cup of coffee and some hot hands hand warmers and sent them on their way into the cold, wet night. The good folks at the Connecting Grounds had padded plastic sleeping bag covers to keep them dry and ground pads if they needed them.
It was 38 and raining and all I could do was give them a cup of coffee and send them out hoping that they could find a dry, warm place for the night.

Tonight -- thank God -- it will be colder!
The shelters will be open.

My current life journey has led me to this place where I am meeting people that are without a place to stay and the people that seek to help them. Their stories are as varied as the people. And there are many more people that are just an insignificant event from being on the street -- an illness, an accident, car trouble, an argument or disagreement at home.
Yeah, it was cold standing outside for a few hours telling people that the shelters would not be open for the night. But when it was over we got into our car, stopped for something to eat, and came back to our tiny, but warm apartment for the night.

Honestly, I haven't paid attention to the needs or the causes of homelessness in our area. I am meeting people that have and are working to help people and end homelessness in Springfield. As you can probably imagine, it is a daunting task.
I hope I'm up to it.

John <><

10 Year Challenge

Last night our Bar Church message was on being our authentic self. It wasn't some kind of self help message but a lesson that we are created in the image of God and reminder that we are to be like him. But are we really bold enough to be like Jesus?

Social media usually paints a pretty picture of what life is like. We tend to post good things that are happening and usually select the most most flattering pictures. I'm not much of a selfie guy and don't usually post photographs of myself.
Facebook currently has this 10 year challenge where you post a pic of yourself from the beginning of the decade and one of your current self. Right! Like we all need the reminder that we're getting older!

But just like social media -- the pictures (that we get to choose) don't really say much about who we really are. I found this post from a few years ago. It says a bit about how I (and others) might have perceived me back then. It also had links to four other posts from the beginning of the decade that described things about me. They were fun to re-read.
I hope that current me has grown some since then. I hope that today you find a kinder John than the John of 10 years ago. I think that you will certainly find a more authentic John than the guy that hid behind the blog of a decade ago. Perhaps the most freeing thing I've discovered over the past decade is I am much less concerned about how others feel about me than I once was.

If you want to see what I looked like 10 years ago, feel free to search out the internet for pics of me from the past. If you want to know what I thought about 10 years ago, my blog is here with a thirteen year archive of bs ramblings. If you want to get to know me now, hit me up for a cup of coffee or a beer and we'll talk. I'll be me and you are free to be you.

John <><

Life

I'm a little dry today. I'm not sure why. I just don't feel the writing thing.
A Facebook memory suggested a little poetry each day, so I found this:

I wonder if the poet rode a motorcycle.

John <><

Wednesday Wisdom

People will tell you how good they are, how important they are, how loving they are.
Watch to see if their actions line up with their words.

Truly good people rarely say they are good. Loving people show their love. And the people that have real status know that it is given to them by others, not claimed by their own words.

John <><

Of all people ...

This morning I'm meeting with a couple of women from our writers' club to help them set up a blog and connect it to social media pages.
It's a little funny because I'm pretty computer illiterate.
Sure, I have a blog and I link it to my social media, but it's mostly by dumb luck, trial and error and evolution of the blog since 2006.

I'm so un-savvy about technology that I didn't even think about available wifi when we chose a place to meet. We may have to move to another location.
Oh, well. It's not often I get to be the expert at the table about anything, much less something to do with computers. And I am looking forward to being of some help. It may actually be a good thing that I'm an uneducated computer guy since I won't be using technical terms or words they don't understand.

We'll see.

John <><

Monday Motivation

How are you going to live today?

I'm going to ride with new friend. It's a bit of a new experience for me. I've only ridden with other bikers a few times. It'll be fun.

John <><

Sunday

I'm in a good place.
And I look forward to Sunday mornings almost as much as I look forward to Thursday night Bar Church!

John <><

Apartment Living

It's a bit of a different world, but we are getting used to it. Aside from the smaller space, we also have neighbors that are in very close proximity. We hear people in the hallway, in the apartment above us and on one side of us, and we hear people coming and going in their cars and trucks.

For our situation, we've discovered that packages that come by UPS or FedEx can be delivered to our door, but packages that come by the USPS cannot. Weird.

Since my motorcycle has to be stored outside, we've added a covered parking space to our rent. I can fit the bike across the front of the space and Chris can manage to get her car into the space, too. My car is a little bit longer and would stick out a bit. This keeps Chris's car relatively frost free on cold mornings. I also bought a cover for my bike to be used when there is any precipitation since there still is some exposure to the weather. It looks like I may need it tomorrow.

Since ours is a furnished apartment, our lease includes utilities. If it didn't, we'd still be sitting pretty.
We face east so our windows aren't exposed to much wind or weather. We are not an end apartment so there are units on each side of us. We are on the 2nd floor of four so there are businesses below us and units above us. This apartment stays warm, too warm.
Even with the daytime highs in the 40s (about 5-10c), we have to open windows to keep the temp around 70 (21c). We've only had the heat on for a couple of days when it dipped into the teens overnight and didn't make it above freezing during the day.

We are also getting used to Chris being retired and living in a space that doesn't have separate places for us. Chris used to spend her time reading or watching TV in her space and I would do the same in mine. Now there is just our space.
The furnished couch isn't as comfortable as our sofas and we have new zero gravity lawn chairs for our living room chairs. They are pretty comfortable if you are outdoors for a period of time; not exactly ideal for actual living room furnishings.

But we're adjusting.
We are warm and safe and we have what we need.
Tonight we plan to attend an event called "Stories from the Streets" where we will hear from some of those that are living on the streets of Springfield. There will also be a panel discussion afterwards to address homelessness in our city.
While we are adjusting from our 4 bedroom home to a 1bdrm apartment, the simple amenities of this place would be luxurious to those we will see tonight. We have a kitchen and food. We have warmth. We have hot water and a shower. We have a locked door and security.

There was a line from last Sunday's sermon that has stayed with me:
Gratitude makes what you have enough.
Be grateful.
Bless others when you can.
I have a couple of coats that I'll bring to donate tonight and we'll buy some gloves that we'll donate, as well.
We (you and me) are a venue for God's love.

John <><

Friday Fun Facts

Okay, so maybe this isn't so much fun.
You can click here to see the US National Debt Clock.
The upper left box show the US National Debt at over 23 TRILLION dollars!
It also shows our annual deficit (same box) at over 1 TRILLION dollars.

Are we winning yet?

John

Gratitude

It's November and many people are using their social media accounts to share things for which they are thankful. I've noticed that there seems to be fewer people doing so this year than in years past -- just an observation.

I'm wondering -- Why?

Are we less grateful than we were a year ago?
Are we feeling more entitled than we were a year ago?
Have we become so used to complaining and griping about things that we find it difficult to be thankful or to express gratitude?

Do yourself a favor and listen to Pastor John's (not mine) sermon on Gratitude.
This link will take you to the message page. It is the message from November 10.
Be gracious and grateful today.

And thank you for spending a few minutes of your day with me.

John <><

Wednesday Wisdom

Now go use your power and make someone happy today!

John <><

Brrrrr...

It is cold!

The temperature in Springfield was 10f (-12c) at sunrise this morning. Today's high is forecast to remain below the freezing mark.
I am comfortably warm in my small apartment. I don't even have to leave for any reason today.
However, there are hundreds of people in the Springfield area that are homeless. Even as I type this, the overnight shelters are closing and they will be on their own to find places to stay warm throughout the day.

I was at a warming center last night where many gathered while waiting for the overnight shelters to open. I listened to their stories. Life is difficult for them. I don't understand why people seem set on making it more so.

For each of the people there that were working so hard to find resources to help our unsheltered friends, I heard stories of the opposition that they were up against as they worked.
I'm not sure that I ended up feeling good about my volunteer work last night. Mostly I came away sad that it was necessary and angry that there are actually people that are opposed to helping others that find themselves in a bad situation.

I want to encourage you to be kind to others.
But I get it. Being kind can be difficult and unnatural for many of us. If you are like I used to be, maybe you can begin by just deciding not to be ass ... for today. You don't have to make it a lifelong commitment. Just don't be an ass for today. If you mess up, try again tomorrow. If you succeed, maybe you can try for two days.

Be kind
...even if the kindest thing you can do is not to be an ass.

John <><

Monday Motivation

I'm using an old picture of my bike for today's post.

It is currently 38f (3c) and raining in the Ozarks. The temperature will continue to drop throughout the day until reaching the mid-teens for the overnight low. It won't be above freezing again until sometime Wednesday...

...when I will ride again!

What are you looking forward to this week?

John <><

Writing

The second Saturday of the month is our regularly scheduled Christian Writers' Club meeting. I generally come away from these get-togethers mildly inspired to write. It's pretty cool that people that actually write for publication let me hang out with them and pretend like I'm one of them.

Our meetings always have a workshop session and a guest speaker. Featured speakers might be authors, editors, publishers, or some other field expert. Some are poets, children's book authors, sci-fi, research writers, and many other genres. Their speech topics are rarely so narrow that they eliminate any of the various writers or wannabe writers in the group.

This month's keynote speaker was Tracy Garrett. Tracy writes romance books and brought another romance author, Addison Fox, with her. I think we all learned a bit about the rules of writing and when to break them. Tracy was informative, entertaining, and very much a down to earth kind of writer.

Maybe I'll have enough inspiration to write in earnest for a short time. It's a liitle crazy but I'm now following three romance authors on Twitter.
Andrea Thome @AndreaThome
Addison Fox @AddisonFox
Tracy Garrett @TGarrett_Author
Weird, huh?

Maybe I'll write a romance novel!

John

Riding season? Isn't it always riding season?

So I did a thing ... FINALLY!

A year after I retired, I bought my motorcycle ... and I rode it a lot. I didn't know anything about riding, so I just learned as I rode.
I didn't know that you need a windscreen for riding distance on the highway, so I took it off because I liked the way it looked better without one and rode long distance on the highway.
I didn't know that you need an expensive aftermarket seat or your butt and back will hurt after a couple of hours of riding, so I rode all day with the stock seat and didn't think anything of it.
I didn't know that you don't ride when it's too hot or too cold, so I dressed for the weather and rode year round.
I didn't know that a new guy shouldn't set out on a long trip solo, so I took a trip that was over 3700 miles, touched 21 states, two Canadian provinces, and the District of Columbia. I rode morning rush hour in Chicago, afternoon rush hours in Boston and DC, and rode the biker's bucket list ride -- The Tail of the Dragon.
I rode 500+ miles (and back) to see ballgames or UFC fights in Chicago with my son and rode to St Louis and Columbia MO just to have lunch with friends.
Of the more than 42,000 miles I rode in the first three years of riding, I only rode with someone else about 200-300 miles. The rest was all solo.

Then last fall I needed to replace some turn signals. How hard could that be?
I ran into some problems that I couldn't figure out and those problems caused other problems. It was fall and I ended up letting the bike sit for the winter...then for the spring...and then for the summer.
Finally I went back to my philosophy of -- They paid me well to do the job I knew how to do; I should be willing pay others well to do the job they know how to do.

I called Anthony at Spokes Garage.
I guess I'm a little pleased that it wasn't a run of the mill problem and was caused by a defect in the parts I bought. Anthony fixed me up and really took care of me on the price. I have used Spokes Garage pretty much since I bought my bike. I take it there for regular maintenance, for new tires, and for fixing my amateur screw ups. Fortunately, my bike has been super reliable and hasn't needed more than service and tires -- until now.
Seriously, if you ride in Southwest MO and need someone to work on your bike you need to check out their website here, or like them on Facebook. I promise you, you will be pleased with the service and the price.

When I picked up my bike it was about 40 degrees out (4 for my Celsius friends) and I rode for the first time this year. I could store it for the winter, but I think I'll ride it whenever I can.
I am going to have to be careful that I don't set aside my daily walks for daily rides too often.

It's supposed to be 60 (15C) on Saturday, so I'll be riding for certain!
Watch for us old retired guys on motorcycles!

John <><

It's Good Friday!

Tell me something good!

I've had a pretty good week (don't I always?).
We are slowly adapting to life in a small apartment. The walking trail is a nice amenity.
I had a very enjoyable breakfast with an old pastor/evangelist friend and a great lunch interview with another pastor friend about working as a volunteer chaplain for Mercy Hospitals.
An interesting side note to my chaplaincy meeting -- I left there to visit and pray with a member of our Venues community that was going into surgery. I was answering a call as part of our pastoral care team.

And ...
We have basement walls poured so construction can get started!

What's good in your world?

John <><

Thursdays are for thanksgiving

I always look forward to my Thursday evening Downtown Venues. Tonight is our final evening at Ernie Biggs. Next week will be our Grand Opening at our new facility at 425 Walnut. I think we are all excited about the new facility and what it can me for The Venues presence in the downtown community.
If you are in the Springfield MO area, come visit us tonight at 6:30 as we listen to some music and hear Pastor Ben's message on Out with the old; in with the new!

     * * * * *

In other news...
Yesterday I heard from the young couple whose wedding I'll be officiating later this month. They each sent me what they have written to say to each other. I am really so excited for them!
As the officiant, I usually try to find out the colors of the wedding and match my tie (or at least not clash with their colors). Because my black marryin' suit is old and I've gotten fat, I bought a new black marryin' suit. Yesterday I was in search of a tie.
Plum (that's purple for us old guys) and orange are the colors.
Here's what I ordered:

As I was looking at that, I thought it's too bad it doesn't come with matching socks.
Admittedly, I have a poor sock game. I'm typically just a plain black dress sock kind of guy. I decided to up my game for the couple's special day and found this set.

I'm thinking either the second set from the right or the second from the left. I'll decide when they actually arrive.

     * * * * *

I hope that you have something to be thankful for today and I hope that you have something to look forward to, as well.
Be a blessing to somebody today.
Share a smile.
Lift a burden.
Give a gift of love.
Be thankful for the people in your life.

John <><

Wednesday Wisdom

Autumn

It's another beautiful day in the Ozarks!
After a week of cold, rainy weather we are back to sunny days and Temps in the 60s. The nights are still cool, but not cold. It's what one would expect for Fall in southwest Missouri.

I'm not a fan.
Truly the only thing that's keeping me here is this is where Chris wants to be.
I'm not a fan of the cold weather seasons. I'm not a fan of the local political climate. I'm not a fan of the self-righteous religious people. I'd gladly trade long motorcycle rides on twisty country roads for daily walks on a sunny beach.

But here I am, building a new house and getting comfortable with the idea that this is where I live.
Life is about adapting, right?
sigh

John <><

Monday Motivation

For my writing friends...

John <><

A Day of Rest

It's Sunday morning and many of us think of it as a day of rest.
So how about we all take a break from the typical news that seems to cover our news feeds and social media and share something good?

I'll go first.

A week ago I received a message from an old pastor friend asking me if I would consider volunteering as a chaplain. I have to admit, when his message began, "I've been reading your blog recently...," I was a little concerned. It's been a busy time so I put him off until things calm down a bit. I've actually considered this in the past; even going so far as checking into certified chaplaincy programs.
Well, I am meeting him this week to discuss it. I'm actually kind of excited about it.

A funny thought just hit me.
Thursday morning I was with a few Venues' people to do some quick work at the church. I don't remember the conversation exactly, but I do remember some comments directed towards me about my lack of compassion.
Is it possible to be a chaplain without compassion?
Can we choose to be selectively compassionate?
Or is it that I am compassionate, but sometimes choose not to be?

Enough about me!
What is good in your life?

John <><

This week's odds and ends

Yeah, the 2 in 1 is back to its old malfunctioning laptop mode so I'm doing the old two finger typing on the touch pad keyboard in tablet mode.
sigh

I managed a good make up day on the walking trend. Although we had several consecutive days of cold, wet weather, I only missed walking on one day. I made up for it on Friday by getting in two walks, one of two miles and one of three. With a walk Saturday and my 10,000 steps I'll at least average 10,000 steps per day for the week.
I've managed a few short (and slow) runs as parts of a couple walks.

Saturday night is a drop in Retirement party for Chris. She had a work party on Wednesday. This one will be for anyone that wants to swing by and wish her well. It's at Bair's on S Campbell from 6 - 9. It will be pretty informal. We'll buy some apps and there will be cake. Guest can purchase drinks or order food as they like.
If you are in the area, please stop in!

I'm finally getting my motorcycle repaired. It's been sitting in the garage all year in need of some wiring work. Now I no longer have a garage so (with the help of a friend) I hauled it to Spokes Garage to get it back into running condition. It's not exactly the ideal time for motorcycle riding, but I'm sure I'll manage a few days in the saddle.

The wet weather has stalled construction of our new home. They were finishing setting the forms on Friday and plan to pour the basement walls on Monday .

It's been a busy first couple of weeks in the apartment, but I think we're settling in. We're still working on a routine. That will probably take a little more time.

John <><

Friends and Family

A couple of week ago Pastor Phillip's sermon was on What Would Jesus Say About Family. I'm not going to rehash his message here, but it did get me to thinking about family.

Ideally, families are a good thing. However, the world has its share of dysfunctional families and there are some just downright bad families, as well. Family doesn't always conjure up positive images. We seldom get to choose family members (other than our spouse). We are just stuck with what life deals us. I am very blessed to belong to a loving family. We are not a perfect family, but we truly do love each other.  Each of our kids has made a good choice for their spouse and I hope that we will all continue to blend well as a loving family.

I grew up in a large, loving family. Again, it wasn't perfect, but I have been blessed. I truly believe that some of the best people I know are members of my own family.
I feel sad for people that have never had a good family life and can understand them wanting to experience it in the way of relating to other groups of people. Maybe it's because I've never felt that need that it seems a little weird to think of a group like church or a club or something like that as family. I'm more likely to think of my church group as a community than as a family.

We pick our friends. We choose where we go to church. We decide who we want to go with to an event or to dinner. I never had those choices when it came to family. My parents never once asked me about how I felt adding to our family.
The only choice I had was in choosing to marry Chris. Even in choosing to have kids, you never really know what you're getting.

In my head, I'm thrilled that there are people that consider me to be their friend (at least I think there are). I think that's an awesome thing.
And I've given great consideration in determining those that I call friends.

I'm not sure how it all sorts out in the end.
Nor am I sure that it really matters. I am blessed with a large family and a few friends. I probably just see things a bit differently than most. I tend to think of family pretty literally.

Just rambling...

John <><

Tbt

There isn't much I miss about work, but there were some great sunrise/sunsets from the tower.

This sunrise showed in my Facebook memories from 10/31/2012

Technology is Your Friend

I'm frustrated with my 2 in 1 today because it doesn't want to work in laptop mode and I'm having to use it in tablet mode. For those used to using their phones for everything, I don't imagine this would be a big deal. It's kind of like having to use a giant phone screen that's too large to hold in one hand.

Personally, I prefer the laptop mode. The main reason is the keyboard rather than using the onscreen touch pad keyboard. Hopefully I'll get it figured out.

Overall, it's a pretty small thing and probably something I can live with ... or live without, for that matter. I tend to think of myself as a bit of a dinosaur when it comes to technology. I realize that I under use the capabilities of my cheap smartphone and my 2 in 1 computer/tablet. For the most part, I have the knowledge to use the technology I need and am content with that. I realize there are convenient technologies that would make life a little easier, but they haven't made their way to my need to learn list of things just yet.

I'm adapting, just a bit more slowly than the majority of the population.
Does anyone else feel challenged or frustrated (or maybe even threatened) by the rapidly advancing technologies?

John <><

Monday Motivation

We are now living on the Galloway Creek Greenway trail. We walked a mile to the south and back today. We'll head the other direction next time. I may grab my bicycle from the storage unit. It would be a pretty short ride and is fairly flat, but it is more than I've done since being retired and might be an easy way to begin again.

John <><

Looking Ahead -- NaBloPoMo

Traditionally, November is National Blog Posting Month -- NaBloPoMo.
The challenge is for bloggers to post daily for the entire month. I have participated for the last four years and have plans to do so this year.

Since it is November, there are those that might choose a thankfulness theme and write daily about things for which they are thankful. There are lists of topics to write about for each of the 30 days.
Although I rarely have a lot of comments to my posts, I thought I'd ask for your ideas.

What are some things you would like to see me write about during the coming month?

I'll be a little surprised if I receive many suggestions. I have a few ideas of my own. I have memes for Monday Motivation and Wednesday Wisdom posts. I may have to tap into some of those lists to fill out the month. I don't think of myself as having a very creative nor imaginative writing style, but might entertain some fictional short story type posts.
So...
What do you think?
Help a guy out and leave a suggestion or two.

Have a great weekend.
John <><

Monday Motivation

Busy day today.
Need this reminder to remember that the little things are important things.
Have a great week.

John <><

Packing and pitching

We are just a couple of days from moving nearly all of our stuff into storage and moving into a one bedroom furnished apartment. We have a lot of junk. Time wise the most efficient thing seems to be to move it now, sort it later. However, I think that we used that method years ago when we moved here and never went back to sort.

So much stuff from the kids! Some of the toys and stuff we kept thinking that we would one day have grandkids. That seems less likely now, so it may be time to get rid of that stuff. Some of the stuff is stuff from their school days that Chris wants to keep. I guess moms have more sentimental attachment to that stuff than dads. And some stuff is still in decent condition and you just hate to pitch. And with moving day quickly approaching it will probably just get moved.

I found a couple of now worthless items of my own. Given the events of the past two years, these two certificates hold little meaning or value now.

It was a little sad to throw them out, but they are of no use to anyone now.
We are approaching the 2 year anniversary of when we were told that we could no longer serve the church in any capacity because of our opposition to accepting The Nashville Statement.
This pic came up in my Facebook memories yesterday. I don't know if I posted it before or after we were stripped of serving privileges, but either way works.

I may never find myself in a pulpit situation again, but I am who I am and so I will continue to share God's love by whatever opportunities I have.
It seemed to be a weird sense of timing that I would find those certificates just days after my post on This is Me.
Definitely time to move on without that baggage.

Time to go meet with my Sunday morning people.
God loves you.
Jesus lived for you.

John <><