Fun for the Eyes

I love optical illusions. I find it so very interesting that our brain can so easily misinterpret what our eyes see. In the picture below, you can see a black and orange line that spirals through the geometric shapes of triangles and diamonds.

Actually, if you will follow the line with your finger, you will find that each is a complete circle. There is no spiral!

This is another fun picture. Squares A and B are the same shade of gray.

I know that you may have a more diffucult time believing me on this one. Right click on the image and save it to your computer. Then open the image with Paint or other similar program. Then just cut out a piece of one and move it to the other square. Or you can print the image and then cut or fold the paper to prove it to yourself. The contrast of light and dark created by the shadow fools our brains into believing that B is lighter than A.

And then there are those that can draw what is an impossible reality.

Have a great day...but don't always trust your eyes!

John

Payback Time

In the past year, I know of two wonderful older men that have attempted to commit suicide. One, I knew personally, the other is close to a friend of mine. Neither was successful in their attempt, although my friend had given up on life and living and slowly gave way to death. Both men were found by their wives, who intervened to save the lives of their husbands. Both were in their eighties. Both had led very active lives. Both had kids and grandkids that they loved, were proud of and lived relatively close by. Both were loved.

So why is it that these two men would try to take their own lives? I have to address this question because my own father is approaching mid seventies. If the answer lies in a generational philosophy, I need to know.

From what I have gathered from the families of both of these men, though they were once strong, capable and active men, they now felt useless. They were the ones that always took care of their families and now they were needing to be cared for. They were often frustrated that they could no longer do things by themselves and for themselves. They often refused to see their own inabilities or tried desparately to work through them in hopes that others would not see them. Somehow, growing old had become their greatest failure in life.

One man's attempt caught the family completely by surprise, the other--maybe not so much. Both have had an impact on me. So many older men have had their influence on my life. They have so much more to offer than what their physical bodies are able to do. They have a lifetime of experiences and wisdom to share with us. I think that we have forgotten the skills of storytelling and (more importantly) listening to stories. We have placed so much value on doing and so little on the wisdom of confronting life. We receive so much information today via the internet, cable TV, satellite radio, news posts via cell phones and pagers, that we have tuned out talking to people as a way of gathering information. It is a most inefficient way of transferring information and one for which we are unwilling to make the time. It is also the very best way of ascribing value to those that have lived life before us and forged the way for us to continue onward.

In a world where the lastest and greatest invention is obsolete in a matter of months, have we as a society set our older men and women on a self to collect dust as if they were as obsolete as a Pentium processor? Shame on us! King Solomon wrote in Proverbs that "The gray head is a crown of glory, if it is found in righteousness."

I would encourage you to call or visit your dad or grandfather--today. Do it as soon as you finish reading this short rant. Give them some of what is most valuable to you--your time; yourself. Honor them by listening--even if you've heard their stories before.

When we were kids, they held our hands and slowed down to walk with us at our speed. Now it's our turn to slow down and take life at their speed. We owe them so much. Certainly we can find a few moments each day to thank them for their contribution to life.

John

The glory of young men is their strength; and the beauty of old men is the gray head.
King Solomon, Proverbs 20:29

Yard Work

While attacking my overgrown lawn this afternoon, I was thinking about the endless futility of yardwork. I remembered this story and thought that I'd share with you. I'd credit the author if I knew who wrote it. Enjoy. (the story, not the work!)

YARD WORK AS VIEWED FROM HEAVEN:

God: Frank, you know all about gardens and nature; what in the world is going on down there in the U.S.? What happened to the dandelions, violets, thistles and the stuff I started eons ago? I had a perfect no-maintenance garden plan. Those plants grow in any type of soil, withstand drought, and multiply with abandon. The nectar from the long-lasting blossoms attracts butterflies, honeybees, and flocks of songbirds. I expected to see a vast garden of color by now. All I see are patches of green.

St. Francis: It's the tribes that settled there, Lord. They are called the Suburbanites. They started calling your flowers "weeds" and went to great lengths to kill them and replace them with grass.

God: Grass? But it is so boring, it's not colorful. It doesn't attract butterflies, bees or birds, only grubs and sod worms. It's temperamental with temperatures. Do these Suburbanites really want grass growing there?

St. Francis: Apparently not, Lord. As soon as it has grown a little, they cut it....sometimes two times a week.

God: They cut it? Do they bale it like hay?

St. Francis: Not exactly, Lord. Most of them rake it up and put it in bags.

God: They bag it? Why? Is it a cash crop? Do they sell it?

St. Francis: No sir, just the opposite. They pay to throw it away.

God: Now let me get this straight...they fertilize it to make it grow and when it does grow, they cut it off and pay to throw it away?

St. Francis: Yes, sir.

God: These Suburbanites must be relieved in the summer when we cut back on the rain and turn up the heat. That surely slows the growth and saves them a lot of work.

St. Francis: You aren't going to believe this Lord, but when the grass stops growing so fast, they drag out hoses and pay more money to water it so they can continue to mow it and pay to get rid of it.

God: What nonsense! At least they kept some of the trees. That was a sheer stroke of genius, if I do say so myself. The trees grow leaves in the spring to provide beauty and shade in the summer. In the autumn they fall to the ground and form a natural blanket to keep the moisture in the soil and protect the trees and bushes. Plus, as they rot, the leaves become compost to enhance the soil. It's a natural circle of life.

St. Francis: You'd better sit down, Lord. As soon as the leaves fall, the Suburbanites rake them into great piles and pay to have them hauled away.

God: No way! What do they do to protect the shrubs and tree roots in the winter to keep the soil moist and loose?

St. Francis: After throwing the leaves away, they go out and buy something called mulch. They haul it home and spread it around in place of the leaves.

God: And where do they get this mulch?

St. Francis: They cut down the trees and grind them up to make mulch.

God: Enough! I don't want to think about this anymore.

Saint Catherine, you're in charge of the arts. What movie have you scheduled for us tonight?

St. Catherine: "Dumb and Dumber," Lord. It's a really stupid movie about....

God: Never mind--I think I just heard the whole story from Saint Francis!

Playing the Game

I was reading It's a Numeric Life and got to thinking about the ultimatum game. There is no negotiating in this game, but we play similar games everyday.

I know that many of my readers live where haggling over prices on just about anything is practically a national sport. I really enjoy travelling where this is the case--just to play the game. I began teaching my son this game when he was just about five years old. We were at a garage sale and he saw a basketball that he wanted. It was four dollars. He asked me if I would loan him four dollars and said he would pay me back when we got home. I told him that I would only loan him two dollars. "But, Dad" he insisted, "the basketball is four dollars."

I told him that he would have to see if the lady would sell it to him for two dollars. I remember the look from this little boy. I know that he thought his dad was nuts and wasn't real sure about what I was telling him to do. But he took the two dollars and the basketball and asked the lady if she would sell him the ball for two dollars. She told him she would sell it for three. Aaron said that he only had two dollars but would see if he could get more from his dad. (I think he had already realized that he just saved a dollar!) I gave him two quarters and he made the deal for $2.50. Hannah has been a little harder to teach, you can tell when she really wants something so she doesn't always get the best price. Aaron knows that you can get the best price walking away from the deal. Hannah is learning. She did fairly well on our last trip to Mexico.

I've learned that you can still get deals in the US, usually just for the asking. My family knows that if we are travelling and looking for a hotel to spend the night, we probably won't be staying at the first place we stop. If it is past 9 pm, we both (the desk clerk and I) know that those empty rooms aren't going to get filled up and discounting the room so that I'll stay there is better than letting the room stay empty.

Once, we were going to my wife's family holiday gathering. Her sister had done some checking for local hotels and found the best rate/location at a hotel through priceline.com. I checked the priceline rate and then called the hotel direct to book the room just a couple of days in advance and asked for the rate. It was only a little higher than the internet rate. I said to the clerk, "Now if I check on the internet, I'm not going to find a cheaper rate, am I? Because if I do, I'll cancel this reservation and I'll find a different hotel to stay at." The rate I ended up with was much less than the priceline rate.

Cardinal baseball tickets are another "game" to be played. With Aaron along, you get no deals. He wants to be in the park when the gates open and watch batting practice and try to get a few autographs (he's got quite a few over the years). But if you can wait 'til the game is starting...BONUS! The last time I got a $42 ticket for $25 and only missed the first half inning! I've introduced the "game" to some of my friends that have begun to ask for the discounts and they are amazed and how often they can save a little cash. There are not many areas in the US that you can play this little game, so you have to take advantage of the opportunities that present themselves. If you've never tried it before, give it shot...ask the question, "Is that the best you can do?" if you live where you are always playing the game...I'm a bit jealous.

If you have a "game" venue that you'd like to share, please do. I'd love to play, too.

John

From the Bookshelf

I want to share a couple of really good books with you today. The first is one that I am re-reading right now. I was looking for another book about card handling when I ran across this one and decided it would be worth re-reading. The Golden Rule of Schmoozing: The Authentic Practice of Treating Others Well by Aye Jaye.

Aye Jaye spent much of his career as Ronald McDonald. He has travelled the world as a good will ambassador and has entertained royalty and heads of state around the globe. His insights as to how people all over respond to genuine kindness will motivate you to treat everyone well. Schmoozing ought to be the handbook for building relationships and interacting with people in any situation.

The second book is Don Miller's Blue Like Jazz. This is a wonderful journal of Don Miller finding God. More than that, the book tells of how difficult we've made it for others to come to know the God of the Bible. If you've ever felt that you are alone in your search, in your doubts, in your quest for finding the Truth, then this book is for you. You will appreciate Miller's simple honest approach to sharing his faith rather than confronting others about theirs.

If you decide to read either of these books, let me know. If you can't get a hold of one or both of them, write me--I'd be glad to help out (although I can't promise you a signed copy of Schmoozing like mine!) I'd be interested to know how you feel about these books. I know you guys (and gals) are readers!

John

Blogging Habit

I've found that I have been returning to several blogs on a regular basis. I've decided to add these to the Blogs I Frequent section in the right column. If you join me in reading them, you'll find a small community of writer/readers among many of them, plus a couple of others that I've found to be interesting, informative or amusing.

I'm not yet willing to admit to becoming a blog junkie, but I do look forward to reading these pretty much on a daily basis. If you find yourself returning to any of these pages, leave them a comment and tell them that John sent you. I'm sure that I'll see it, too.

Even though I know these bloggers only by what they have written, they have become my blogging friends and it is a pleasure to introduce you to them.

John

In Memory: Austin Brooke

I spent Saturday afternoon at the funeral of a young man that was killed when he was struck by a car. Austin and his mom had gone to our church several years ago. He was stationed at Camp Pendleton in southern California and was serving in the Marine Corp. His unit was scheduled for deployment overseas. Austin, at just shy of twenty years old, leaves behind a wife and eight month old son.



The death of one so young is a stark reminder of just how fleeting life can be. Several young Marines made the journey to accompany Austin's body back to his home and a Missouri base sent a few more. A motorcycle group that calls themselves "The Patriots" were also in attendance. The Patriots were there as escorts and guards in case of protesters that have been making funerals of service men and women a stage for their anti-war demonstrations.



Although it has been several years since Austin has attended our church, Pastor Terry was asked to officiate the service. Terry brought a message of comfort and of hope from the words of the Bible. Chris and I went although it has been a while since we have seen Laurie (Austin's mom). It is difficult to know what to say or how to offer comfort at such a time. Laurie raised Austin as a single mom. It was always the two of them facing life together. I can't begin to imagine her loss. Laurie has remarried, has step children, a daughter in law and a grandson. Her life is far from empty...and yet the void that exists today, will be impossible to fill.



I would ask that you take a moment to remember Austin's mom, Laurie, his wife, Leota and his eight month old son Shawn in your prayers. Treasure and remember to pray for those close to you and be prepared for this life to come to an end. The Bible says that life is like a mist; yours, mine, all those that we love.



John

"What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes."
James, brother of Jesus

Good Night

Oh my! It has been a week since my last post. My apologies to the faithful few that read these ramblings. It has been a fun and a busy week. I managed to take in the last home game of the 2007 season in St. Louis with Aaron. It was a bit more complicated that originally planned.

Aaron drove to St. Louis on Friday and then caught the Amtrak to Chicago to visit Jenny and check out her school (IIT). His return to St. Louis was for around 12:30 Sunday since the original game time was 1 pm. The start was moved to Sunday night since ESPN thought that the Cards might still be in the race and choose this for their Sunday night game.

I worked the Sunday morning mid for a friend, got off at 6 am, slept a couple of hours and then drove to meet Aaron about 1 o'clock in St. Louis. We made the trip to Ted Drewe's and then back to the ballpark to kill the afternoon and wait for our friends to arrive and the gates to open. When the gates opened at 5:10, the boys (Aaron and Ryan) went to Aaron's usual spot down the right field line to watch batting practice. Aaron got his sixth bp ball in four games.
John and I watched the boys for a while, then made our way to our seats and waited for the boys to join us. The Cards managed a great bottom of the ninth comeback to close out the 2007 home season.

By the time we hit White Castle in Wentzville MO, it was well past 11 o'clock. I followed Aaron back to Columbia College and used the showers in his dorm. At 1:30, I was back on the road towards Kansas City for a 7:30 am retirement seminar. I stopped along the way and grabbed a couple of hours sleep at a rest area and arrived at the hotel meeting room at around 7. I managed the morning session just fine. The afternoon session was a bit harder to keep focused. A full tummy and no sleep was taking it's toll. We ended at 3:30 and I followed fellow controller, PC, to LC's Barbecue. Good eats!

By the time we cleared the KC evening traffic and were on our way home, I stopped for gas and decided that a short power nap was in order. Thirty minutes later I was back on the road for the 3 hour drive and arrived in Ozark around 9 pm. It was only Monday night even though it seemed like I'd been gone several days. It was hard to believe that only 36 hours had passed since I left home on Sunday morning. As you can imagine, I slept long and hard on Monday night--10 pm to 10 am, with only a couple of brief interruptions!

Then, checking blogs, I found this post. Yikes! I guess I'd better start paying more attention to my sleep habits (or lack of them).

John

Post 9-11 Posts

There has been a number of "Remembering 9-11" posts in the past week. I would like to encourage you to read The Day America Went to Church by church planter/pastor and friend, David Stone.

Part 2 deals with the Sunday immediately following 9-11, and Part 3 with the Sundays that follow after that.

David captures the feelings of a country and gives a perspective that a young pastor had then and the struggles of a young church today.

The country's turning to God in times of crises and the apostasy we find just a few years later is told over and over again in the Old Testament stories of Israel. We are poor students of history when we make the same mistakes; when we fail to surrender completely to our God and hold on to our stuff (our ways) for when better times return.

Hope you'll forgive the blogging by proxy, but I doubt that I could have said it as well.

John

No Thank You

I'm not sure when it happenned, but somewhere along the line people have stopped saying "thank you." More and more I've noticed that "Have a nice day" or "Have a good one" has replaced the simple "Thank you" at most businesses.

I've noticed that I am often the one saying thank you instead of the clerk that just waited on me. I'm not sure why. I know that I've handed them some money for service or swiped my debit card and then when they give me my change or receipt, I say, "Thank you." Am I thanking them for my change, my receipt or for them being there so that I can come in and spend my money? It's more likely that it's just that I was taught to be polite and when somebody hands me something I reply with a thank you.

Maybe business owners, managers and bosses have forgotten to tell their employees that they represent the business and when someone chooses to patronize their business over a competitor's, they are to thank them for choosing to spend their money with them. I think that common courtesy has become somewhat of an oxymoron. Courtesy is becoming less common in a me centered society.

I'm not sure if there is any real solution here other than for me (and you) to be courteous. I could be like my dad and respond to their "have a nice day" with a "your welcome." It makes a minor point but usually falls on deaf or ignorant ears.

In the end, I'm going to let this one go. It's pretty small in the grand scheme of things. I just needed a place to vent. That "Golden Rule" thing stands in the way of rudeness and retaliation once again.

John