A day at the ballpark

Yesterday I took in a rare day game of the Springfield Cardinals (the AA team for the St Louis Cardinals). Typically they only have day games on Sundays or an occasional weekday during May. The May day games are full of school kids that are on end of the school year field trips.
The mid-June day game caught me by surprise, but I managed my busy retirement schedule and made it to the game.
Buses of summer school kids and summer day camps were in attendance, as well as a couple of corporate groups that were taking an afternoon off from work. 

I had forgotten how shrill the screams and yells of middle school girls can be!
The kids definitely brought some life to the game. They danced and sang along to the popular songs they recognized in the players' walk-up music and they got very excited every time a Cardinal player hit a fly ball into the outfield.
A number of kids never really sat down, but were up and about and making good use of the opportunity to be more social than school might normally provide.

I also witnessed a couple of adult workers that provided such great care and compassion to a small group of both physically and mentally handicapped adults. The caregivers were definitely working and rarely had time to enjoy the game. They helped their charges by physically lifting some of them to their seats, making several trips helping them to the nearby restrooms, getting them food and drinks, and generally making sure they had an enjoyable day at the ballpark.
I was impressed by the genuine care that was shown. It was obvious that this was so much more than a job for these care givers.

Since I generally go to the games by myself and usually enter with a General Admission pass, I rarely stay in one place for the entire game. I was able to find a couple of different vantage points and switched seats or found comfortable places to stand and watch the game and the crowd.

A thought occurred to me during the game --
The Springfield team has several Latino players that I figure are here on visas of some kind. They are from Mexico, Venezuela, and Panama. Other minor league teams also have MLB hopefuls from other countries on their teams. 
I'm sure they have the monetary protection of the MLB to protect them from having their visas revoked and being deported, but I wonder how our current administration and Sec. Noem feel about this particular set of migrants that are taking our US jobs.

I didn't mean to go there when I started this post, but the effects of the corruption and bigotry of our current political system invades our everyday lives -- even as we go to ballgames or out to eat at a favorite Latino restaurant.

It's still early in the season (about midway) and there are plenty of games to go to. I've been to a few games each home stand and will likely continue that pattern. I enjoy my solo trips to the ballpark, but have also enjoyed seeing a few friends at a game. If you are in the area and are planning on going to a game, drop me a message and maybe we can connect at the ballpark. 

John

Wednesday Wisdom

 

Just another day ...

It looks like another beautiful day in the Ozarks of Southwest Missouri (SWMO).
Yesterday I started on a project that will take some time to finish -- weeding and mulching the front landscaped area. I suppose it could easily be finished in a day or two, but I have no desire to work that much at a time and prefer to use 2-3 hour workdays. That makes it a week-long project, even if I work at it every day.
And I probably won't.

I am excited that my moon flowers and hibiscus will be blooming soon. 
And I am super thrilled that our dwarf hydrangeas are flowering nicely this year.
I am not thrilled with how the Rugosa rose is spreading. I am going to have to do some serious pruning when it goes dormant this fall.


I don't typically do my own maintenance on things, but my mower needs some adjustments that I think I can handle. I replaced a couple of front wheel bearings on a mower last year. YouTube is a big help. Maybe I will learn to do more of that kind of stuff. It kind of sucks when the thing that poses the biggest obstacle to doing stuff is having to get this fat, old body down to the ground and then eventually having to get back up!
When did the ground get so damn far away?

That is pretty much my life these days -- work in the yard or garden until I get tired of it and then enjoy looking at my work while smoking a cigar and sipping on something cool and refreshing. I might read a book, listen to music, or just bask in the energy of nature.
I'll probably take in a baseball game tonight.

I know that many would be bored with my simple life, but it works well for me.
More nature; fewer people.

John

The Next Go 'round.

Having completed my 65th trip around the sun, today marks the beginning of trip #66 and my 23,741st day on planet earth.

I am wondering what the coming year holds for me. 

Truthfully, I am not one to overthink it. I typically let life happen and try to recognize and enjoy the moments as they come. Although today looks to be an overcast, drizzling, rainy type of day, I am going to enjoy my morning coffee on the deck, listen to the crowing rooster and the chatter of birds, and just look forward to another simple day in the life of John.

I'm not a big goal setter so I don't really have anything I want to accomplish in the next 365 days. 
Yeah, I know I need to lose some weight and get more exercise, but somehow that seems small and insignificant -- more like a daily thing than a yearly goal. I suppose that speaks to my whole attitude towards living the retired life -- it's more of a daily thing.

It might be that I need to approach it from the perspective of -- What habits do I need to make a part of my daily life?
Eating better (and less) and regular exercise are a given. I just need to work it into my daily routine.
I struggle a little about getting more people time. I typically enjoy myself when I am out with people; it's just never something that I plan on nor really look forward to. I don't really believe it is necessary to have more interaction with people, but I do often wonder if my preferred solitude is abnormal. 

I do need to learn a few things -- speaking Spanish, playing the ukulele, maybe doing a little magic again.
I'm thinking need to instead of want to might be the perspective more likely to get things done. I'm sure I'll figure it out -- one day at a time.

John

Wednesday Wisdom: baseball and life

Here's my Wednesday Wisdom take for today -- Have Recognize a good day!

I guess you can really do it either way. 
Have a good day - seems like a purposeful way to approach the day. It implies that you will do something to facilitate having a good day.
Recognizing that it is a good without having to do anything to achieve it is more of an awareness of the good that surrounds us.

It is an unfortunate reality that recognizing the good around us often means that we have to recognize and dismiss the bullshit that also demands light in our world -- at least when people are concerned.
Much of the good and beauty in my world rarely involves other people. Mostly I get to recognize the beauty around me in the chatter of the birds and the colors and scents of the flowers.

Last night I got to experience a good people moment that was mostly observation with only minimal interaction.
I did go to the AA Springfield Cardinal game. It was a well attended night with the reserved areas booked to small groups instead of set aside for Red Access Members. I took my $2 brats and cheap beer down to the tables in the General Admissions family area. It was pregame so there weren't many people there yet.

I noticed a young boy (maybe 8 or 9 years old) come up to the rail in front of me to watch the players warming up. His family was sitting at a table behind me -- Mom, Dad, teenage sister. 
Soon it was picture time. Mom took a pic of the kids together, which was cool since the younger brother obviously thought the world of his big sister. Then Dad took a pic of Mom and kids, followed by Mom taking a pic of Dad and kids. As they passed by me to return to their table I asked the dad if he wanted me to take a pic of the four of them and he politely declined.

I think he got overruled.
A moment later I felt a tap on my shoulder and he asked if they could still take me up on the offer as Mom handed me her phone. 
After the pic, Mom and young son headed off somewhere and Dad and daughter remained at the table with the food and drinks and they were talking to each other! When Mom and son returned the conversation expanded to the four of them. No phones were out. They were just a young family enjoying being together at a baseball game.
Sometimes, just being aware of what is happening around you can make for a good day.

After finishing my brats and beer and as the pregame festivities and National Anthem ended, I moved to a better vantage point to watch the ballgame. But I am glad I got to observe the moment and take a pic to help them remember the night.
I know it's just a small thing, but it is not at all an insignificant thing in today's chaotic world. 
There is just something right and beautiful about going to a baseball game. 

John

Two Dollar Tuesday

Two Dollar Tuesday is the promo at the Springfield Cardinal's Tuesday home games. 
No, you don't get in for a $2 ticket, but brats and hots (hotdogs) can be had for the low, low price of just $2 each.
Between the rain and my being out of town for a few days, I didn't make any of the games during the last home stand. I am looking forward to taking in the game tonight. I've been using my Red Access Membership this season and have enjoyed going to a number of games. We will be back at the ballpark on Friday (the 13th). Friday will be a double celebration as 1) it is my birthday, and 2) it is Cancer Survivor Night.
Chris will be there and cancer survivors will be recognized as a part of the evening festivities.
Friday night Fireworks are a thing for Friday home games. I haven't stayed for them yet this season. Whether we stay this week or not will be up to Chris.

That's summer.
I don't have a very productive nor active life.
I mow my big yard, tend to my flowers, smoke cigars, sip bourbon or tequila, read books, and follow a little baseball. 

I did try something new last Saturday night. I watched the UFC PPV event at a theater. 
Honestly, it was better than watching it at a sports bar, and it was also less expensive. Even adding concessions to the $20 ticket was less than I would have spent at a sports bar. Plus I had a nice comfortable reclining theater seat and was easily able to hear the broadcast. I will probably do that again for future PPV events.

Like I said -- I don't have a very productive nor active life.
Time to tend to the flower beds.

Just another day in the life of John

John

Monday Morning Contemplations

June is the time of year when Facebook reminds me of all of the summer church camps that are a part of my past. I have had inquiries about doing magic since then, but I really haven't done any practice for a very long time. I may have done a little more preaching/teaching since those long ago days, but not too much more and not for a couple of years now.

Yesterday I was asked if I am still religious.
It's interesting when you have to examine who you are and how you have grown over the years to answer such a question. 
In truth, I have never really considered myself to be religious.

Side story:
Maybe 20 yrs ago
I remember walking in DC with members of NATCA's National Constitution Committee. One member that was a pretty vocal atheist prefaced a question by saying, "Hey, you're a religious guy..."
I interrupted by saying, "I am not!"
He paused, looked at me for a moment, and said, "Yeah, I get that, but..." and then went on to ask his question.

I'm actually more anti-religion than I have ever been.
That is not to say that I think churches or church camps are bad things.
I don't.
There are even parts of that previous life that I miss and think were beneficial -- both for me and for the kids that got to experience those weeks at summer camp. Sometimes I wonder what it would look like today if I were to step into a reconstructed Pastor John role. 
What would an anti-church camp be like?

I believe there is so much good stuff found in the teaching of Jesus that I don't ever see myself setting it aside and turning away from it. 
I also believe that there has been so much harm and destruction caused by churches (and religion) of all kinds that I find embracing a regular practice of religion to be a bit repulsive.

So -- 
No, I don't consider myself to be religious.
I do believe that I have become more spiritual. If I were going to assume a role similar to that of my past I might strive for something more like a modern day mystic than that of a preacher. 
Mystic, sage, mage...
Mage! Magic! Yeah, that's what I'm talking about!

No.
Not really.
I am happy in my quiet, isolated life.
No shows.
No stage.
No platform for preaching or teaching other than this little read blog.
I'll occasionally toss a few insignificant words into the cyber world and be happy if anybody reads or comments on them. And I'll be okay if nobody does.

Today (like most days) I will connect to God and nature by doing a little yard work and trying to coax a few flowers to bloom.

John 

Sunday Summer Thoughts

I know that we are still a couple of weeks from the astronomic beginning of summer, but just as I cling to summer past its celestial end in September, I choose to observe its beginning with the beginning of June. Today I am realizing that it is time to alter my daily routine to begin my outside work before the sun gets high in the sky and the day turns too warm for hard outdoor work.

It is nearing noon and I have decided that I am going to skip the yard work, smoke a cigar, sip a paloma, listen to music, and read a book while sitting in the shade of the deck and under the deck ceiling fan. I may try to get a little work done when the sun gets lower in the sky and the temp drops this evening.
Either way, it's a good day.

Eight days into June and today's high is supposed to be up to 88f (31c). The Ozarks of SWMO have had a cool, wet spring. Today is the first really warm day. I am expecting a hot summer ... and that's okay. Summers are supposed to be hot.
I wouldn't mind living where summers are a little cooler, but I am not willing to trade for colder and longer winters. In fact, I'd trade our moderate winters for no winter and hotter, longer summers near a tropical beach!

The Jimmy Buffett radio is playing Five O'clock Somewhere as I sip my tequila drink at just past noon. It seems appropriate. Maybe the clock doesn't matter on the weekends.
Or when you're retired.
Or when you have a good cigar.
Or when you just don't care. 

Our shaded deck with its ceiling fan is comfortable enough on most summer days and I am looking forward to the many summer hours that I will be spending here. Later this afternoon I will make my way down the steps to the smoker and plan to smoke some wings before finishing them on the grill. 

Just another day in the life of John.

John

Wednesday Wisdom and Fair Warning

"Fools multiply when wise men are silent." --Nelson Mandela

It seems that there are fewer people that are willing to remain politically silent in recent days. Many elected republicans are really hearing it from their constituents as the Big Beautiful Bill threatens to impact lives in varying negative manners. I am surprised at the Congressmen and women that have admitted that they didn't know something was in the bill or that they didn't read the entire bill before voting for it.
I know that they often don't actually read bills before voting on them and rely heavily on their staff to tell them what is in each bill, but it seems weird to actually hear the admissions. 

I don't know if this is really an issue of wise vs foolish as much as it is about informed and ignorant, or maybe kind and cruel, or powerful and oppressed.
One thing is for certain -- there isn't anything godly about the bill as Speaker Johnson wants us to believe. Well, I suppose if you recognize that his god is power...

I know that I often find myself in that silent majority of people that have remained relatively quiet about the fascist takeover of our government. Like many others, I find myself in a deeply red area and there is never a majority (silent or otherwise) that stands against whatever the GOP is doing nationally. 
However, I have to admit that silence is growing tiresome and willful ignorance is starting to really piss me off.
I'm okay with political differences, but this is no longer about politics. It is now about whether or not we remain a constitutional republic or we become something more authoritarian. 

I don't believe there are many (if any at all) far right readers of this blog at this point. Most of my evangelical contacts from the past have long since declared me a heretic and left me to my eternal condemnation.
In any case -- fair warning! 
I may be including more politically triggering posts from time to time.
Also, I have been using my social media less often recently and hope to continue that decline. If you are reading this from a Facebook or Bluesky link, you may want to consider subscribing to this blog or just checking back on a regular basis.

Let's not be silent
Let's end the foolish proliferation of the ignorant.

John

It's Medicare Day

June 1st of the month I turn 65 is my Medicare birthday. 
It's weird.
It's also a bit of an Uh-oh moment as I realize that there is no good end that can come from my current health path and I really need to make some lifestyle changes or look forward to facing some unpleasant consequences. 

I shouldn't need any diet apps or exercise apps to get started on a better way of living -- I know enough to be healthier, but maybe the routine and regular encouragement would help. Our local community center accepts Medicare Silver Sneaker memberships and I could take advantage of that, or I could just decide to begin using the exercise equipment we have at home and walk around the neighborhood regularly.
That and quiet quit eating so damn much crap.

I'm no newbie when it comes to losing weight and getting in shape. I've done it before. I just need the motivation and desire to get going again. Maybe the thought of an early death from heart attack or stroke, or a miserable existence as a diabetic amputee or something would help. 
Personally, I think living on tacos and tequila while sunning daily on a Mexican beach would help, but what do I know?`
Medicare would be of no use in Mexico, but if I'm going to be living better, do I really need it?

I probably just need to focus on today.
And today I am not in Mexico. I'm sitting on a porch in a retirement community in Metamora, IL.
It's 50 (10c) degrees and I'm wearing an effing sweatshirt in June!
Definitely not Mexico!
But -- I can walk. I can eat better. I can make choices to live a longer, more healthy life.

As a timely encouragement to what I just wrote -- one of the senior residents of this community just rode past on the main circle drive on her adult tricycle. She was wearing a big puffy coat with the hood up and bright red gloves, but she was getting her ride in at 7am on a cool Sunday morning in Central Illinois. 

Damn.

Well, 65 in two weeks.
They say it's better than the alternative. 
I'm thinking that's only true if you make it that way.
Wish me luck (and good health).

John

Front porch

It's a little bit different perspective this morning.
I'm on the front porch
Of my mom's cottage in Metamora.

It's early (6:30ish), but I'm up and a sweatshirt and a cup of coffee makes it comfortable.
I'll be here in Metamora for a few days while mom recuperates from a rough week of health issues. That getting old stuff ain't for sissies.

I don't expect that we will be doing too much other than recovering some strength over the next few days. Maybe dinner out this evening and a few errands either today or tomorrow. My sister will be here to take over early in the week and then we will (hopefully) be back to our guarded care from a distance. My brother has been here for the past two weeks and endured the heavy lifting of unexpected care. Other siblings were here to pitch in and help.
It's what we do.
I brought a couple of hostas from home to transplant here for Mom -- a few plants of a couple of different varieties. Hopefully they will root well and provide some pretty for her front yard.

With all of the trees around the cottages, the morning cacophony of birds is quite stunning. They are mostly house sparrows, but there are also vocal robins, occasional cardinals, and a few other varieties of feathered friends. It is so much more volume than at our rural, tree sparse, country home.

Have a grand weekend.
I am hopeful that June will bring summer when it arrives tomorrow.

John

Technology

It was time for a new phone.
My old one was just getting too slow and was becoming a bit of a pain in the butt.
I'm a cheap android guy. Although I appreciate the technology of a smarter than me phone, I'm not the person that has to have the latest and greatest phone. I need to make calls and texts, I like the navigation to connect while driving, and there are a number of apps that I use regularly but could live without.

Calendar is great for keeping me on schedule for appointments and events. but I honestly don't have that many things going on in life that it is very necessary. 
The clock and alarm feature is necessary if I want to know what time it is since I gave up wearing a watch about the same time I started carrying a phone. Of course, it isn't all that necessary that I need to know the time on most days.
Some kind of photo organizer is a good thing to have. I don't take many pictures and a good camera isn't one of the selling points that guides my selection when choosing a phone.
I do have social media apps on my phone, but have been using them less often since I turned off the notifications and they quit calling for my attention on a regular basis. I could (should) probably delete them from my phone and check them in the morning and evening on my Chromebook instead.
Google or your search engine of choice is cool for just knowing and learning stuff.
Games are okay for when you need to waste or occupy time.
Streaming apps also fill long periods of otherwise wasted time, but there are plenty of other things that can occupy my time rather than playing games or watching someone else's stories on my phone.

In reconnecting with my new phone, I am a little concerned with how much I actually use it -- and I am pretty certain that I use my phone much less than others use their phones. I may be making an effort to use it even less in the coming days. I suppose that cyclical rise and fall of usage is a part of my love/hate relationship with technology. It is a great tool, but it can also take over much of our time and undermine many of our relationships (for those of you that actually have relationships).
I'm not condemning technology. Last night I had the St Louis Cardinals on the deck TV, and the Springfield Cardinals streaming on my phone. The outdoors, the drink, and the hand rolled cigar were my connection to the low tech world.

How much technology do you use every day?
What would your life be like without it?
Even if you discount the community technology of electricity and automotive tech stuff, how reliant have we become to the growing world of technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI)?
I cautiously embrace the advance we are making. My ignorance of what is possible has me curious. My knowledge of man's depravity and greed has me frightened.

John

Stories

What kind of stories are you drawn to?
For some reason, I am drawn to medieval or early world fantasies. Dragons, sorcerers, magical beings, battles between forces of good and evil, conflicts with primitive weapons or martial arts -- yeah, these things are the stories I like to read or watch.

I really don't know why. It seems a little weird when I think about it, but fairies and fae and people that can channel power from the earth's energies -- earth, wind, fire, and water -- intrigue me.
Are all of these stories from the superstitions of our ancestors?
Or were the imaginations of the past just that creative and often dark?

It seems that most of the magical stories come out of ancient worlds of Europe or Southeast Asia. There are also stories of djinn from the ancient Arab world.

Does anyone else find these stories to be fascinating? Or at least entertaining?
Are there powers or energies that we can tap into that seem magical?
Are there secrets that we have forgotten or that have been forbidden by the powerful? ...or the fearful?
What if Jesus was an avatar for good that we killed because he displayed the same powers that previous evil avatars had used?
What if magic is real?
What if there are truths woven into the mythologies of the ancient world?
What if the veil that separates our reality from the realm of angels and demons is a thin one that can be crossed from time to time?
What if dragons and gargoyles were real creatures with other worldly origins?
What if ... ?

It seems that there are still good stories to be told; good stories to be written.

What stories do you like?

John

 

Fun Fact Friday

 Did you know ... ?

John

Serving God and mammon (money)

I don't know why I'm thinking about money and its importance (or lack of it) today, but I am.
I am glad that money isn't something that concerns me much. I realize that comfort comes from a place of having enough that I don't really need to worry. 
We are not rich by any means, but we have enough. Maybe that is considered rich by many that do need to worry about having enough.

I think that reading about the cuts in the proposed budget package in Congress may have something to do with my thoughts this morning. So many of the cuts are really going to hurt a lot of people and it appears that the help the budget provides will be for a few that don't really need help.

How much money is enough?

I know that differs greatly from person to person, but is there a base of comfortably surviving that can serve as enough and everything else is excess of different levels?
Do different people deserve different levels of comfort?

I think it is fair that some live better than others when the difference is what they have put into improving their situation. I don't think that improving one person's situation should be the cause of another person's pain or in any way make it more difficult for somebody else.
I am afraid that so much of our society is structured by the people with wealth and power to accumulate more wealth and power by restricting what others can get.
I think that we have far too many divisions within humanity that we are competing with one another rather than cooperating with each other.
Maybe it isn't a matter of serving God or money as much as it is a matter of serving self or community.

I don't think our members of Congress give much thought to the community of the country. They seem to be focused on a much smaller community of people that can afford to buy their influence and votes. There seems to be a bit of buyer's remorse within the US electorate.

Admittedly, I am not very active in my community. I have become a very non-productive member of society with my sole contribution being that of a consumer and tax payer. On any given day, I give practically nothing to the world around me. 
I read things that others have written and write things that only a few might read.
I tend to my yard and flowers and only my neighbors get to see them unless I post a picture.
I provide more food and shelter to birds and butterflies than I do for my fellow humans.

Maybe there are too many people like me that exist without doing anything to make our section of the world a better place; too many people content to live without actively contributing to society.
Maybe it isn't a matter of serving God or money, or serving self or community.
Maybe it's a matter of too many of us not serving at all. 

Hmmm...
I am going to have to do some self evaluation.
Whom do I serve?
What if I am not serving anyone?

John

Wednesday Wisdom

It's late. but it's still Wednesday...

John
 

Weekend Weather

There has been quite a bit of severe weather throughout the Ozarks of Missouri and parts to our east.
Fortunately, our little area around Highlandville MO has been spared from anything more than some strong wind. It looks like we are going to be missed by the worst of the severe storms again today. 
We may get some rain and thunderstorms. I am hopeful that it won't be too bad.

It looks like the overall system will bring some cooler temps and I hope to get some more work done outside. It doesn't sound like much, but on this property digging even a small hole is work that requires a pick or heavy breaker bar (IYKYK). Getting four maple saplings into the ground is going to be work for an old, fat guy like me.

Maples (like most hardwoods) are typically slow growing trees. It would be nice to be here to see them as mature trees, especially in the fall. In any case, they will be here long after we are gone and will provide shade and beauty for future owners of this land.
I also have a couple of mulberry saplings that have started growing in unwanted places. I'm certain they were seeds dropped by birds. I think I'll try to transplant them to better locations to feed future generations of birds. Yesterday I found a cherry and stem dropped in one of my flowerbeds. I fear some poor bird dropped its dinner! There are no cherry trees (that I know of) anywhere near us.
And I have an Eastern red bud sapling to plant as well. 

All-in-all, it is just another week in paradise. 
This will be our fifth summer in this home and the landscaping is starting to come together. There are things that I'd like to add, and some things that I might take out. I am currently content to spend a couple of hours per day doing something in the yard. 

For friends and neighbors that have been hit by the storms, be sure to reach out if you need something. Oftentimes, it's not that your friends are uncaring; it's simply that they don't know.

John

Birds

I downloaded a new app to my phone. It's called Merlin and it recognizes the birds' calls and songs and names them. I am surprised at how it picks up songs that are so far away and faint that I don't hear them until after the app recognizes them.

There is a nearby meadowlark that I hear often, but haven't yet seen. 
One interesting call is a Great-tailed Grackle. This one is rare for our area as it is on the fringes of its normal habitat. I have yet to see it, but have heard it a few times in a couple of days.

I guess I'm officially old.
I now spend my time listening and recognizing bird songs.
I have to say that I'm not complaining. Having the time and connection to nature has been a real plus for me. Being more aware of the world around me has made me more aware of myself, as well. It's too bad that it has taken a lifetime to reach this point.

Here was this morning's lineup of birds I heard:

Have a wonderful weekend!

John

Fun Fact Friday

According to Google AI it takes around 205 trees to offset the carbon footprint of the average human over a lifetime.

We need to plant more trees!
Especially when you consider that the US average is more than three times the global average.
Globally, the average is 4.8 metric tons of carbon dioxide produced per year, per person. In the US, the average is 16 metric tons per year, per person.

Additionally, conifers (pines and firs) can have a greater offset due to their rapid growth. However, naturally diverse forests tend to have a greater offset than mono-cultural farms.

John

Thursday Theology and Mother Earth

I wasn't going to write this morning. 
Well, I was going to write. I did write several paragraphs and then deleted it because it was too unorganized and not well thought out. Maybe on another day.
Then I thought that I need to get to work in the yard since I took the day off yesterday and went to a ballgame.

But, ...
Planting a couple of trees and tending to my flowers has really become a kind of religion to me. Noticing creation and trying to live in harmony with the earth  and its environment brings me closer to its Creator. 
I will say that the Southwest Missouri soil (or lack of it) often makes it physically challenging. Digging even a shallow hole in the ground is a task for this old, fat guy.

It will be warmer later so I'm going to finish my coffee and quiet time (with a very vocal nearby house sparrow) and get to work meeting with my Creator and trying to offset my carbon footprint for today. 

Be well, my friends.
Plant flowers.
Be good to Mother Earth.

John

Perspective

I'm beginning my day with a slightly different perspective. 
To be fair, not much has changed. I'm still having my morning coffee and quiet time on the deck. The birds are still flitting about and singing their songs (one meadowlark is particularly vocal this morning), the highway noise is there with the morning traffic, and Groucho the cat is sleeping in a sunny spot on a comfy chair.

But I moved. 
I am sitting in a chair facing east instead of south. 
I am looking out over the neighbor's backyard instead of looking at our field.
Our neighbors have been busy. They planted a lot of trees and have moved a lot of dirt and done a lot of work in their yard. Many of the morning bird sounds come from that direction and I am sure that the fruit trees they've planted will be producing a good harvest for them in the coming years.

I am kind of glad that they are to our east because I don't want the fall winds blowing all of those leaves into my yard. It might not be a big deal, but the trees at our last house dumped so many leaves. Here, we don't have the fence to hold them in so they would probably just continue to blow out of the yard.
No matter. It's not an issue.
I do have a couple of trees to plant, but I have lots of room to plant them so that their leaves won't be a problem. 

Anyway --
I was just thinking that the world looks a little different from this vantage point. Changing our view from time to time is a good thing. Seeing things from a different perspective can give us a better understanding of the world around us. It might help with just being aware of differences that you didn't see before, or it could bring a different understanding of social injustices or political or religious views.

I have used the front porch from time to time. That particular perspective is more active in the morning than back here -- especially during the school year. Kids going to school, people going to work -- there are neighbors that actually do more than smoke cigars and sit quietly on their back decks or porches!
Some neighbors have golf carts or four wheelers that they use to get their mail which is delivered to our boxes at the entrance to our 3/4 mile (1.2km) road. One of our neighbors runs every day. Kids bike and ride some motorized vehicles. There is actually quite a bit of activity at different times of day. It all happens unnoticed by the loner on his well shaded back deck, smoking cigars and enjoying a cold drink in the quiet and peaceful company of birds and nature.

Perspective
Sometimes we should change it.
Even if it is just to see what others see from where they are.

John

Wednesday Wisdom

 

64 years, 11 months -- How did I get to be this old?

It's cool and foggy on this Tuesday morning and I am enjoying my morning coffee and quiet time indoors today. It's a nice warm feeling after sleeping on the deck and waking up to the damp air and water dripping down the deck screens.

It will warm up nicely today and I am looking forward to going to the Springfield Cardinals baseball game tonight. I generally go to the games by myself, but tonight I will be with some of the other chaplains from Mercy Hospital. 

I have to get my 2-3 hours of yard work today. I should probably do more, but I find that around three hours per day is enough to give me something to do every day but keeps me from getting tired of always doing work in the flowerbeds, garden, and yard. I generally do a bit more on mowing days, but sitting on the mower isn't really work; it just takes time.

I am one month away from my 65th birthday.
I am really not very active and have become comfortable with my inactivity. The gardening stuff in the spring and summer helps a lot, but doesn't really make up for the fall and winter inactivity. I should get back to the habit of long daily walks. Today, I might use the push mower for the yard area around the house. Once I logged three miles doing the walking/mowing together. It will take longer to use the push mower this time since the spring rains have really caused the grass to grow and I'm a little late at getting to it.
No worries. Time is something I have plenty of.

The fog is burning off and the day is going to be sunny and warm. I might put in a little extra time today and then take tomorrow off and go to the SGF Cards day game.

I'll say it again -- Retirement does not suck!

John

Simple Things and Happiness

What makes you happy?

This morning I am sitting on the deck with my Ethiopian coffee and enjoying the sounds of the many birds that make their homes around the house. I hear some hammering in the distance and think that somebody in a nearby neighborhood is getting a new roof. I can also hear traffic from the nearby highway, but I am often surprised at how muted the traffic noise has become. Maybe I've just trained my brain to tune it out and listen to the birds. (I am currently downloading an app to identify the birds sounds.)

This really is a wonderful place to spend time. I will be out here for many hours during the spring, summer, and fall. It really doesn't take much to make me happy. 

It's funny, but verbalizing that -- It really doesn't take much to make me happy -- makes me pause and realize just how much I truly have.

We have a home, a very nice home.
We live in a rural neighborhood that is far enough away from towns and cities to be relatively quiet, yet close enough to have access to urban amenities.
We have clean water to drink and plenty of food and the means to prepare it at home, but also the means to eat out pretty much as often as we like. We generally eat better when we prepare our own meals and it definitely costs less, but...
We have multiple vehicles for transportation.
We have smart phones, internet access, and several smart TVs to access information (and misinformation) from around the world.
We have a lot.
I'm sure I would be happy with less, but I am also happy that I don't have to find out for sure right now.

It probably isn't fair to say that it doesn't take much to make me happy when I really do have so very much. Neither is it fair to say I enjoy a simple life when that simple life is a product of much work, some planning, and a lot of luck.

Nevertheless, I am happy that I don't have to be busy or always doing things to feel like my life is worthwhile or valuable, nor do I need the affirmation or approval of someone else.
Maybe life isn't so simple. Maybe I just cope well with the complexities of life and that makes it feel simple.
I don't know.
What do you think?

John


We have 

Facebook Memories: a gratitude journal

I enjoy looking through my Facebook Memories. It's fun and often interesting to see what I've posted through the years. Recently I was reading about keeping a gratitude journal and how looking back over such a journal can be an inspiration for continuing gratitude in our daily lives.

Over the past 60+ years, I have started and stopped several different types of journals. Rarely have I ever looked back over what was written. I figure if I keep a gratitude journal it will probably be the same -- unless I used something like Facebook and then am reminded daily of something I posted from previous years!

I am not thinking of the big things that people always mention when talking about gratitude. I'm thinking of the simple moments. Moments like this morning. 

It's a cool morning for coffee on the deck, about 50 (10c) degrees. I have my house sweater on and a blanket over my legs. I thought about having coffee inside this morning, but I really do like being outside as much as possible. I can endure the chill this morning as easily as I will handle the heat later in the summer during the afternoons that I sit out here.
I type a line or two and then pause to watch the hummingbirds at the feeder, I just look around and breathe in the cool, damp, pollen filled air and think how grateful I am for benadryl. 

I am so privileged and thankful to be able to have this home and this retirement life. It isn't fancy nor luxurious. We are not wealthy and can't afford to be travelling or dining out at nice restaurants regularly. But we are comfortable. We have the things we need and then some. I'll spend a few hours working in the yard today and then I'll be back here on the deck with a cool drink and a good cigar (and probably another dose of Benadryl). And I'll likely end the day out here watching the fights on my Chromebook. I may even decide to sleep out here tonight.
It is definitely a good life.

I don't know what algorithms are used to pull posts for daily memories so I don't really know if this plan will work. And I won't know if it works until a year from now. But I am certain that pausing daily to recognize moments with gratitude will not be a waste of time.

Does anyone care to join me?

John

Hope for the SBC?

The Conclave of Cardinals has elected a new Pope!
For the second time in a row they have elected a person that has lived a life that appears to be truly dedicated to helping the underprivileged, marginalized segments of humanity -- you know, like Jesus modeled for us. 

I was expecting them to swing the pendulum back towards a much more conservative person after having dealt with the push back caused by Pope Francis. While the Roman Catholic Church is a worldwide religion, it is also the largest Christian denomination in the US. Overall, Protestantism has more adherents than Catholicism, but there are many different denominations among Protestants; even different groupings such as evangelicals, mainline (Methodist, Lutheran, Presbyterian, etc.), and historically Black Protestant. 

It seems to me that the rest of the world must have been more open to the shift to actually being more like Jesus under Pope Francis than the conservative Catholics of the US. 
And if the Catholics are going "woke," maybe there is hope for the Southern Baptists.
After all, I think God is still in the miracle business.

I shouldn't be too harsh on the US evangelicals. When it comes to actual religious beliefs, we are not that far apart. However, in far too many ways many evangelical denominations have become as much political machines as they are religious organizations, and our politics are as different as night and day (or in this case, heaven and hell). When mercy and grace are what your religion teaches and capitalism and nationalism are what your politics are -- well, those things are irreconcilable differences in my mind.

I will never have the worldwide stage to influence people to live like Jesus as Pope Francis did. My circle of influence is small and pretty insignificant. I don't even feel like it is my responsibility to be an influencer of any kind. 
I do feel like it is my responsibility to follow the teachings of Jesus, to love my neighbor, to take care of those in need. and to offer comfort and compassion where I can.

It is just so weird that although Christianity is worldwide, we Christians have made following Christ so exclusive that there are an estimated 45,000 - 47,000 different Christian denominations! 
And some of them believe that they are the only ones that will actually go to heaven!

Today I am grateful to Pope Francis for his influence to be more like Jesus.
And I am grateful to the Roman Catholic Church for continuing on the path he set them on.
I am hopeful that the trend of showing mercy and grace to our neighbors will influence other Christian denominations and individual followers to do the same.

John

Thursday Theology

I've been thinking about religion more often lately. I don't really know why. Generally the thoughts are not very positive nor very encouraging. If there is a dualism of God and Devil or good and evil, then I would have to conclude that religion is of the devil.

I ran across this meme in my Facebook feed this week:

Back when I was doing kids' church camp every summer, many of the church kids brought friends that were not from church going families so we often had lots of kids without any kind of religious background. I think I am of a generation that began a kind of religious rebellion with many of my peers leaving behind the religion of our parents and grandparents.
Once again, I was the slow learner, waiting until my 50s to get the flick and begin the process of deconstructing the religious part of my faith.

I know there are churches that are non-denominational and are in sync with many of my thoughts. I just don't really know if I'm ready to become an active part in organized religion again. I really don't think that I ever will. Something about that makes me a little sad.
As for the meme -- well neither of my kids go to church anymore, and something about that makes me kind of proud. I'm glad they are independent thinkers and see through the bullshit that people put out.

I am not completely anti-church. I know good people in church ministry and have great respect for the work they do -- especially with kids, youth groups, and young families. Somewhere along the way, there must have been somebody that helped me to grow and question and think deeply about my personal relationship with God that moved me to my present place. I don't know when that happened or who that might have been, but here I am.

I also don't think that's the kind of person that churches really want in their midst, which is why we were indirectly invited to leave the church where we had served for a couple of decades. Imagine a church that has a teaching pastor -- the how to move beyond religion and church life pastor!
If you know of a church looking to fill such a position, I have the resume and credentials!

For now, I no longer feel the responsibility to meddle in the spiritual lives of others. I am happy to pursue and grow in my own spirituality. I am happy to share thoughts about religion and spiritual growth. I just don't feel like I'll be the guy asking if you know Jesus or if you want to be saved or any of that religious stuff.

John

Wednesday Wisdom

"Silence speaks wisdom. Listen to it." --The Buddha 

It is amazing how much we can learn when no one is speaking and nothing distracts us.

John

Nature

This bright Monday morning I am sitting on the deck, drinking coffee, and watching the hummingbirds at their feeder. There are sparrows tending to their nest and feeding their babies, and across the yard bluebirds are doing the same. Swallows dart past me to their nest to feed the babies under the deck, while more bluebirds and house wrens tend to their young ones in the front of the house.
It's like we've got a freakin' avian nursery!

Feeding a nest full of babies is a full-time gig for the mama and papa birds. They alternately enter the birdhouses with small bugs or to regurgitate food into the wide open, waiting mouths. Watching them is interesting and entertaining. 
I am surprised at the number of birds that seem to find nesting areas near the house since we don't have any trees near us and the only feeders we tend to are for hummingbirds. I have a couple of other feeders out, but haven't kept them full for more than a year. Maybe I just fill them again, even if there seems to be plenty of food for our feathered friends.
Maybe our home is just a safe place from predators to build a nest and feed babies.

There is also a small family of crows that frequents the area. Two years ago there were three birds. Last year there were five. This year there are generally six. It's been a week or so since I've seen them in the morning, but I do hear them cawing in the distance and sometimes see them when I'm out driving to or from the house. 

Hmmm...
I don't know anything about the nesting habits of crows, nor hummingbirds. That's something I need to check into.

Because of the large open fields and no trees, we don't see many critters. Squirrels, rabbits, and rodents are just hawk food. They are smart enough to keep to the trees or areas of cover from the high flying predatory birds.

Obviously, my meditative time this morning is being spent appreciating the natural world that surrounds our little home in this rural neighborhood. There is something calming and comforting about observing nature. 

I hope you are able to find a moment in your day to appreciate the beauty of nature. 

John

People from this past week

I mentioned that I participated in the Aurora Mercy Hospital National Day of Prayer event last Thursday. The other volunteer chaplains that serve there are a pretty cool group of people. Also present were several of the staff and co-workers. The event began with a story that was unfolding, even as we gathered to give thanks and pray for the hospital and staff.

On Tuesday of this past week, severe storms came through the area. There were strong, damaging winds, and a couple of tornadoes throughout the Ozarks. Parts of Aurora ad been hit hard and many people were still without power while we met on Thursday afternoon. Early Thursday morning an older man showed up at the hospital for breathing treatments that he couldn't do at home because he was out of power. 

Here is what was discovered that morning:
Although this was not his first time coming in for treatments, it was the first time he had mentioned that he was walking nearly two miles to come to the hospital for his treatments. On Wednesday evening, he walked home in the rain.
He lived alone and hadn't had anything to eat in two days.
When the Director of Nursing was made aware of his situation, she got busy!

First, he was given food to eat.
Then the kitchen staff got busy with what they had on hand and funds were used to go to the store and buy more supplies. More than a hundred sack lunches were prepared and then hospital staff and volunteers went out into the community to check on people and deliver food and hot coffee to some of the areas that were still without power. They found many older people that had been literally trapped in their apartments due to mobility restrictions and no elevators (power outage, remember) to and from their apartments.
Local law enforcement was notified so that they could make continued well checks on the area, and the Red Cross was called and were out serving in that area within a matter of hours.

That little rural hospital with just a couple dozen rooms really stepped up to serve their (our) community as soon as they found out that there was a need. It was a proud and moving moment to be associated with such compassionate people, and it was an honor to pray for them and to thank God for placing them in a position to show his love to our neighbors.

It was a pretty cool Thursday and well worth the exposure to other people!

Then last night (Friday) I decided to take in a Springfield Cardinals' baseball game. It was a double header. During the hour and a half rain delay (geez, more rain) I visited with a couple that volunteers at the crisis cold weather shelter. It was really good to run into them and talk during the rain delay. 
As the game was getting ready to begin, I received a text from another friend that had seen my FB post. They were also at the game. It was good to sit and chat with friends.

Today will be a nice day to get caught up on some yard work. It is sunny, but will only make it to around 65 (18c) degrees. The ground is still saturated from the week's rainfall, but there is much to be done. I'll take care of some of it today.
One of my hummingbird feeders got blown off its hanger during a storm, so I'll have to see if it is damaged. The feeders just went up on Wednesday and only took a few minutes to attract some birds. Most of our little friends are black chinned or ruby red throats, but I'm pretty sure that we've also had some Mexican violetears in the past. I hope we get them again this year.

It is time to get busy.
May all of your people encounters this weekend be pleasant ones.

John

National Day of Prayer

The first Thursday of May is established (since 1952) as a National Day of Prayer.
The president is required by law to sign a proclamation that encourages all US Americans to pray on this day.

I have to admit that my own prayer life has changed dramatically over the recent past. While I still commune regularly with our Creator, I rarely use that time to petition for blessings for myself or for others. The time is generally spent in gratitude and reflection of purpose. I do petition God for wisdom for myself, and often ask for strength and comfort for others. 

This afternoon I will participate in a National Day of Prayer event at Mercy Hospital in Aurora MO, where I serve as a volunteer chaplain. I have declined to participate in past years because public corporate prayer now has a kind of weird feeling to me. I am honestly not sure why I decided to be a part of this year's event. My prayer will be for the co-workers and patients that come to our hospital. Because I am indeed grateful for those that serve and those that need our help, this will be an easy and genuine prayer of gratitude and encouragement. 

I don't know if you pray, to whom you pray, nor how you might structure your prayers. I don't know if you believe in a higher power or commune with a being according to your faith, whatever that faith may be.
But, if you are a person of prayer in the US -- I encourage you to remember our nation in prayer today. I am grateful for where I live and will gladly and earnestly ask for wisdom and guidance for those that have been elected to govern us.

John

Wednesday Wisdom

John
 

From Windy to Rainy -- Just another day in the Ozarks

Yesterday was windy. 
Today will be rainy.
There will be thunderstorms -- some of them severe.

I had hoped to go to the day baseball game today. The start time has been pushed back an hour, but I suspect the game may be postponed for another day. Either way -- I'll pass.
It is already raining lightly and there is thunder rumbling in the distance. The weather radar looks like this is going to be an all day rain as this system moves from southwest to northeast.

Springtime in the Ozarks of SWMO.

I have books. I can watch TV. And if the wind isn't blowing rain onto the deck, I can enjoy a cigar. 
Both the rain and the thunder are intensifying as I type, but coffee on the deck while it's raining is a fine way to begin the day.

 I am learning to be content with circumstances that would have once troubled me. A rainy day can be dark and depressing. Or it can be just a day when the storm rages outside and I appreciate the safe, dry home we have.

I hope your Tuesday finds you safe, dry, and appreciative of living life on this day.

John

Let's Talk Coffee!

There are so many ways to enjoy this wonderful elixir that is grown in the tropical mountains around the globe. And there are so many variables that there are nearly infinite combinations to bring the specific taste in your morning cup of coffee.

The specific climate and soil where coffee is grown will affect the flavor. When and how it is harvested can make for a sweeter, more bitter, or meh cup of coffee. How the cherries are processed changes the end result, as does how the beans are roasted. Even the grind and brewing method can enhance or ruin an otherwise good cup of coffee.

For the most part, we are limited to the grinding and brewing part.
We can select coffees that are produced for the masses, packaged in larger facilities, roasted and ground to please the general public, and marketed through big box stores. 
Or we can choose the origin and roast and buy beans either already ground for general use in drip coffee makers or whole beans and you can grind them to suit your brewing method and taste.

Currently, I prefer lighter roasts (medium is good, too) and whole beans that I grind right before brewing. My grinder is set about halfway between medium and coarse, but a little closer to medium. The beans I have right now are a washed (process), medium roast from Rwanda. My daily brewing method is a pour over. I find that 50g of coffee to 1 liter of water produces a flavor that suits me.

I'm not the guy that typically adds anything to my coffee, but will occasionally add milk or cream to an iced cold brew in the summertime. 

Tell me about you.
Are you the person that just wants a cup of coffee in the morning?
Maybe you like yours strong, dark, and bitter. 
Maybe you want cream and sugar or will sweeten a cup with chocolate or caramel syrup.
Some like their coffee scalding hot, others prefer it just warm, and some like it iced.
K-cups, packaged ground coffee, whole bean?
Brand preference, local shop, online purchase?
Drip maker, percolator, press, or one of those fancy counter top coffee shop machines?

What do you like?

John

Over-doing the April Showers

It looks like we are in for another week-long stretch of overcast skies, rain showers, and thunderstorms. It is not unusual for spring in the Ozarks. I'm sure it can be frustrating for people that work outside or for people with kids that love to play outside or for adults that want to enjoy the outdoors for hiking, golfing, going to ballgames, etc., etc.
A rainy day or two isn't the worst thing to happen to me. I have lots of things that will be put off until sunnier days, but I also have books to read or something I can watch on TV. I'm sure I can manage my way through the coming days.

I was able to have a little people interaction last night at the weekly gathering of Venues' peeps at Mother's Brewery. I'm experiencing a different, passive kind of people interactions this morning at a local coffee shop. Several people meeting with friends and small table conversations are taking place around me as I enjoy my refillable drip coffee up and do my morning blogging.

Even busy coffee shops seem to have a pretty laid back feel to me. In spite of the activity that takes place behind the counter, coffee shop people rarely seem to be rushed or in a hurry. The people in a hurry take their coffee to go, but the people that sit seem to enjoy the time and the people they are meeting and spending time with this rainy morning.
It occurs to me that coffee shops kind of scream -- "Privilege!"

In fact, drinking good coffee at home could be considered to be privileged. I don't have a fancy coffee maker or anything like that, but I do buy good beans, grind them fresh daily, and savor the aroma and taste of a simple pour over coffee on a daily basis. I've been thinking about switching over to the French press occasionally, and I do enjoy a good cold brew from time to time. I have a stove top espresso maker that I haven't used in a long time. Maybe I'll try it again some morning. It might be interesting to try it with some lightly roasted, flavorful coffee beans.
Yeah -- pretty privileged.

It looks like I have a few hours before the rain resumes for the day. The ground is pretty saturated, but there is work that I can do and probably should do before that happens. It's difficult to do any of it from my butt in a coffee shop miles from where the work needs to happen. 

I hope that your weekend is a wonderful one. I hope that your people interactions are enjoyable ones. 
Embrace the weather -- whatever it might be!

John

 

Thursday Theology: a personal project

It's mostly just a thought right now. It's a project that I have actually started, but it has a long way to go and may truly be bigger than I am up for. I am considering it to be a lifetime learning kind of project, so if it gets shelved from time to time that's okay.

I'm beginning by going through The Bible and looking at the red letters -- the things that Jesus said and taught. As I do this, I'll be making notes on how these things speak to me and try to figure out how I can best follow his teachings.
But then I want to compare what Jesus teaches to the things taught in other faith practices. Without going into it, I know that there are many areas where faiths overlap in beliefs and teachings. I'm guessing that there will be far more areas where we are similar than different, but will have to wait to see just how it all plays out. I am definitely going to have to learn more about Christianity and some of the other religions of the world.

Sheesh!
A lifetime project, indeed.
Perhaps some of my findings will show up here from time to time.

John

Wednesday Wisdom

Oftentimes, choosing not to argue is the best decision.

John

Reflections

This morning I am realizing that my writing has seemed to taper off recently -- not just my writing, but the desire to write. I am wondering why.
It could be that I simply don't have much worth sharing. Maybe it is a realization that nobody is really listening anymore. I guess reading and comprehending is similar to listening and I have observed that we are generally poor listeners.

It truly seems that more of us want to be heard than care to listen.
We'd rather share what we know or believe than listen to the perspectives of others.
We only listen to respond and rarely listen to hear or understand.
We know stuff and have opinions about things, situations, and even people,
but we rarely really know other people. 

I think our communities have suffered greatly by not knowing one another and by letting the loudest talkers govern instead of the best listeners. Ideally, the best leaders would do both well, or be a talker that has surrounded themselves with people that are well equipped to listen. That doesn't really seem to be a thing these days.

Are you primarily a talker/teacher or a listener/learner? 
While we are generally both, I think we have a tendency to be primarily one over the other. I don't think people give this much consideration. Without consideration, it is difficult to find balance.
And, as with most things, finding a balance is important.

I think that blogging gives me a forum to share without really caring if people listen. Carrying on conversations with people that interrupt, only wanting to talk and never really listen is too frustrating. Here, I already know that few people read and follow, so it's cool. 
Maybe everybody should have their own outlet for writing or sharing their thoughts without really needing for others to listen or pay attention to what they have to say. 

I like a good story.
I think most people do.
Tell me a story.
Tell me your story.
I promise -- I'll listen.

John

April Showers and Questions about Easter

It is a rainy Saturday in the Ozarks of SWMO. Fortunately, the rains held off until last night's baseball game was completed and I was back home. With the light winds from the northwest and the back deck shielded from most of the rain, it made a wonderful sleeping area. Light steady rain, occasional rolling thunder, temps in the mid 60s (17c) -- yeah, I slept quite well!

I don't know if today's games (day/night double header) will be played or postponed, but I think I'll pass on the afternoon game. Cold and wet is no way to enjoy baseball.

There are things to do around the house on a rainy day, and I'll probably get some of them done. I'll also enjoy a movie on TV and do some reading. I haven't been very good at writing and posting this month, so it seems like a good day to do that, too. I was going to post some Passion Week thoughts on Thursday, but had other things to do that morning.

Questions I have about the death and resurrection:

Did Jesus die for our sins?
While this is the common belief of most Christians today, the idea of substitutional atonement is debated and nuanced among many different Christian faiths. 

Did Jesus live just to die for us?
Or did Jesus live to teach us how to live and die because he became human?
Was his death sacrificial or was it just another rebel of Rome being crucified?

One of the things that Jesus said from the cross was, "It is finished."
That was just before he died.

If all of what Jesus came to accomplish was finished on the cross, was the resurrection a necessary part of the Christian belief?
Is it necessary to believe in the resurrection of Jesus to be saved?
Is it necessary to believe in the resurrection of Jesus to be a follower of Jesus?

I know! I know!
It's this kind of heresy and questioning that has separated me from my former life as an evangelist, but apparently my faith is too weak to just accept things without having my questions addressed. I don't even need answers. Reasonable explanations will suffice. 

For what it's worth, I am a follower of Jesus.
After decades of trying to understand life from a human perspective, I am only now trying to learn about life from a spirit perspective.
There are many challenges in changing this perspective, but that's a post for another day.

John

Wednesday Wisdom (and baseball)

It was a bit cool at the ballgame last night. 
And it might be cool and wet at tonight's game.
Brrr... and baseball shouldn't go together, but it is early in the season so it isn't entirely unexpected. I am looking forward to warmer evenings at the ballpark. 

**Wednesday Wisdom**

Go outside.
Go to a park or nature trail.
Sit by a lake or stream.
Connect to the earth.
Observe nature.

If you know me, you know I'm not much of an outdoor activity kind of person. I don't hike, bike, or exercise by doing outdoor sports. Other than a little gardening and sitting on a mower for a few hours every couple of weeks, I don't even do much work outdoors.
I just like being outside. 

There is something special about being aware of the activity that takes place in nature.
As the foliage starts to bloom in the spring, the birds and insects get busy. We have bluebirds, house wrens, and sparrows nesting in our bird houses. I'm thinking of adding a couple more houses for the many birds. The hummingbirds should be back this week and I need to get my feeders out.
As I was clearing the flowerbeds, I noticed all of the seeds were gone from the seed heads that I left for the finches and sparrows to feed on over the long winter. 
Even though we live in a semi-rural area, because of the open space (grass fields) there isn't a lot of wildlife. There aren't many trees for squirrels, and rabbits are just hawk food if they venture into the open fields. Occasionally we see deer in the treeline and I have seen foxes in the area, as well. Mostly, we just have birds and bugs.
It is enough.

Get out.
Enjoy nature.

John

Baseball

Previously, I mentioned that I am looking forward to baseball this year. The opening home series for the St Louis Cardinals AA team had some sucky weather so I didn't go to any of the games. But the Baby Birds have been playing well on the road and return to Springfield tonight for another home stand. I have tickets to tonight's game, as well as for Saturday's doubleheader, and will be using the general admission pass for the games on the other nights. I am kind of looking forward to it!
I typically go to games by myself, walk around as I feel like it, and just enjoy watching the game. I'll need to make a plan to go easy on concessions if I am going to go often. 

I've also been enjoying watching the St Louis team this year. It's the first year that I've been able to watch them since we moved to this house five years ago. Well, I suppose I could have paid for a subscription, but I'm too cheap to pay to watch baseball in my own home.
It's weird how the simple things we enjoyed for free in the past have become commodities in our capitalistic world today. But with a free app from T-Mobile and some creative digital help I am now able to watch Cardinal baseball from the comfort of the deck. 
I am looking forward to many summer nights, watching baseball, smoking cigars, sipping bourbon or tequila, and enjoying my own snacks and convenient between inning breaks. 

I'll see you at the ballpark!

John

Thursday Theology

I started a post yesterday but never finished it. It seemed silly to post a Wednesday Wisdom post that didn't offer any wisdom. Some days are just like that. Some days you just do what you can to make it through the day. It wasn't like I was depressed or down or anything. I just wasn't feeling particularly motivated nor wise. But that was yesterday and I did manage to mow the yard (not the field) and get a few other things done. 
Volunteer chaplains meeting today and since it's April 10, I think I'll do taxes this afternoon/evening!

Along the lines of Thursday Theology...
I have had a couple of recent conversations about church with people. While there seems to be plenty of people that have gone through some type of deconstruction of their faith, there doesn't seem to be plenty of churches to accommodate them. It is difficult to have the worship that many desire without the religion that most of us have left behind.

While I do miss some of the worship experience that I have had in churches or church settings, I am doing quite well without the religion and rule of church. I accept that I am pretty much a heretic as far as most of my former "brothers and sisters" are concerned. 
It's in the mid 50s (8c) this morning. The birds are particularly vocal. I can hear a distant rooster crowing. Although shorts and a short sleeved shirt are a little cool for sitting outside, the sun feels warm and I feel connected to nature and to the Creator. 

I do fondly remember the feelings generated by corporate worship. I do miss the experience of shared spiritual celebrations. But I really don't think I would trade what I have this morning to go back to that. 
I have become more sensitive to the energies around me and more connected to all things through private meditation and contemplation than I ever was through religion. I think that I would rather help people find what I have now than what I had then; I'm just not certain how I can go about doing that. 
To be completely honest, I'm not sure that I need to be doing that. Perhaps this is a journey that each person must make on their own. Seeking help and receiving it is very different from offering help and guidance where it isn't always welcomed. The latter sounds a bit like religion. 

I hope you are able to enjoy the energy of the earth today. 
I hope you are able to share your spirit with someone today.
Sing your songs.
Do your kind deeds.
Be love in a world that desperately needs to be loved.

John

Spring -- It's really here!

With last night's frost now in the history books, I believe that I can safely put plants on the deck and put the flower pots outside! I've got a couple of new raised beds for vegetables that I am ready to start and a couple of container plants to add.
Plus -- I have flowers!

I am thinking of re-doing the downspout flowerbeds this year. I'd like to add rain barrels at the downspouts, but I don't really know if it will be worth it. It's a cool, self-sufficient kind of thing that I don't really need since we are on a well. I'll probably redo them without the rain barrels. I am looking forward to being outdoor active once again.
Also, with the warmer nights in the mid 40s (7c) and up, I may be out on the deck for a night or two. I doubt that Groucho the cat is ready for sleeping on the deck at those temps!

Tell me -- What is your favorite part about spring?
Or what are you looking forward to in the coming weeks?
I am looking forward to gardening, going to a few baseball games, and getting the kayak out and onto the water somewhere.

John

Monday Meditation

It has been a minute since I have been purposeful about daily meditation. Recently I have been seeing ads in my social media feeds that promote classes or readings that are teaching meditation techniques. Perhaps, the universe is telling me I need to get back to that practice.
I realize that the season contributes to my lack of regular meditation. I feel better about practicing outdoors where a connection to the world around me comes more easily. It isn't much more difficult inside. It is just a matter of pre-session mindset. I sense that the outside energies are more natural and the inside energies are more manufactured. I don't know if that is the case; it's just the way I feel.

In any case, with spring upon us and the temperatures getting warm enough to be outside for my morning coffee and quiet time, I should be back to a regular practice soon. 

...And some people do both!

John

April Showers

Holy smokes!
Another day of rain in the Ozarks.
The atmospheric river is dumping its water over the Midwest. One weather source said that by the end of the weekend we will have received four months of average rainfall this first week of April. Flood warnings and flash flood warnings are active for much of the area around here.   
Wow!

In spite of the weather, I made it out into the world for a few people gatherings this week -- actually three nights in a row! 
Wednesday night, monthly small group dinner
Thursday night, midweek church gathering at Mother's Brewery
Friday night, shelter volunteer appreciation dinner
Similar to the rain, that's about four months' worth of public exposure in the first week of April!
I think I've earned a few days of quiet solitude!

I heard a line the other day -- There are friends that you take to a ballgame and there are friends that you talk about life with. 
The conversations at the different group gatherings were different -- from small talk to deeper topics of life, death, and perspective. Each was enjoyable in its own way, and each took varying amounts of energy to make it through the respective exposure. 
All-in-all, not a bad week.

And like the early rain showers bringing later blossoms and growth in the local flora, maybe the people exposure will also bring about some type of growth. I'm not certain of that, but I will try to remain positive. It is interesting that I feel less and less like making the effort to be with people, but usually don't mind the experience as it actually happens.

Sometimes I think that maybe I need some counseling, but then my inner voice says, "Maybe people need to stop being such a$$holes!"
I'm sure that's an over simplification. I don't think that all people are jerks, but I do think that most people are a chore for me to be around for very much time. 

When it comes right down to living in the moment -- I have a pretty good life. 
Today's rains are kind of restful. There isn't a lot of activity in nature as much of the wildlife is also seeking shelter from the rain and cool temperature. If we pay attention to nature, we might also use today to tend to our nests and dens (homes) and then to rest for the work that will come after the rains cease.

Be well, my friends,
John 

Wednesday Wisdom

 

April

I am up early on this first day of April. I just dropped the moms off at the airport for their house/pet sitting trip to Mexico. The kids don't seem to have any trouble getting somebody to stay and care for the cats whenever they need to be gone for a time!
Google maps says it is only 30 miles, but it sure seems a lot longer than that. I feel like an old guy when I think that the distance I used to drive every day is now somehow a really long drive. I guess it is just a matter of perspective. 

I'm not planning on going back to bed, even though I only got a few hours of sleep. I'm up and awake so maybe I'll put on a pot of coffee and just consider my early cup as a bonus coffee for being the airport driver this morning.
It is supposed to be another overcast and windy day in the Ozarks of Southwest Missouri. No rain is in the forecast for today, but we are expecting rain for the rest of the week -- April showers, you know! 
Along with the rain, we are expecting some more severe weather--high winds, thunderstorms, hail, etc. The severe storms seem to be a little early for the season. 

Maybe I'll work on starting some plants indoors. I probably should have already done that, but I am pretty much a rookie gardener, so I haven't really made a plan for the year. I do have concepts of a plan, so...

In other news...
It's baseball season!
I am hoping that the Springfield Cardinals' opener doesn't get rained out on Friday. Between my Red Access Membership for the AA team and my MLB TV subscription, most spring and summer evenings will likely be spent watching Cardinal baseball at either the AA or big league level.
AA baseball at the ballpark or StL Cardinal baseball on the deck TV with a cigar and tequila cherry limeade -- either will be a fine way to spend a spring or summer evening. I should set daily work goals so that I can watch the evening games as a reward for all I've accomplished during the day -- a little self-incentivizing (I just made that word up -- and I like it!) 
Maybe I'll do that.
Then again, maybe I won't.
Maybe I'll just watch baseball.

John

Wednesday Wisdom

 

And before my Christian friends get their panties in a bundle...

Open minds make way for growth and learning.

John

Happy Spring!

It is spring in SWMO and the temperature just broke into the above freezing zone. Looking at the long-range forecast and it doesn't look like we'll see freezing temperatures again until the fall. 
Yay!

There are still some cool nights ahead and it will be a little while before I stow the sweatpants and flannel shirts, but spring is here and I am happy. I am not ready to extinguish the pilot light on the gas fireplace just yet, but I hope that there won't be many more indoor morning coffee times or late evening reading by the fire times. 
I will not miss mornings by the fire, but Groucho the cat might. She doesn't know how few mornings like this are left.

Of course, she is also a fan of sleeping in the morning sun on the deck, so...

I am looking forward to connecting to my Creator through spending more time with creation (nature). I wouldn't exactly say that nature is my religion, but I am pretty sure that my beliefs about life, community, and caring for each other is grounded in the world around me. It is where I find my connection to God, where I find my connection to our planet, and even where I realize that I am connected to others. 

I don't think I have ever felt as connected to God in a church service or gathering of believers as I do when I am alone in nature. It's obvious that being in nature would connect me to earth, but actually feeling connected to the energy of creation is different than just walking in the woods or digging in the dirt.
It is that connection to nature that helps one connect to or find your true self. And finding your true self is really necessary in order to connect with others.

It's kind of weird how this awareness has made me feel like more of an introvert and at the same time it has made me feel more connected to and aware of the energies and personalities of others. 
I recently read an article about a lone-wolf personality that has the appearance of an introvert, but also has some dominant traits of extroverts. I don't know. Maybe that's me; maybe it's just bs.
No worries.

In another week, the hummingbirds will begin to show up and the rest of the MLB will be underway.
It's spring!

John

The Clash of the Seasons: a free verse poem

Winter will not go quietly.
As the Spring sun gently warms the earth,
Winter blasts with cold winds from the north.
She tries to send a final covering of snow,
But Spring's warmth turns it to rain.

The plants yearn for warmth and light.
They look forward to displaying their bright colors.
The animals are ready to play in the fields.
The birds are returning to soar through the skies.
But Winter drives them back to their dens and nests one final time.

Winter declares, "I'll not leave!"
Spring whispers, "Be patient. I am coming."
Winter howls and tosses its remaining dead leaves and twigs.
Spring waits and will soon declare her own presence with showers and flowers.
"Tomorrow," she says.

Silently in the night,
The earth glides past that imaginary celestial line in its annual orbit.
We wake up and the night is over.
With the morning, comes Spring.

Wednesday Wisdom

Read a book.

That's it.
Find a book and read it.
Fiction, history, biography, self-help, educational, hobby related -- it doesn't matter. 
Read a book.

Read for entertainment.
Read for education.
Read for relaxation.
Read for fun.
Read to learn something or experience something new.

I am currently reading a special ops thriller The Doomsday Medallion. It is my tenth book of the year.
I'll get back to some non-fiction, enlightening kind of reading when I'm finished with this one.

What are you reading?

John