During May of this year, I took a course on identifying and determining how God wants us to best use our spiritual gifts.
As part of this class, We were asked to contact our friends to ask then, by e-mail, to identify what they believed our best talent or gift is. This is the list that was garnered concerning me- A person of his word, gifted story teller, engaging, interesting knowledgeable, very articulate imtelligent, sensitive, my prayers are beautiful and encouraging. I am also said to be able to link facts, figures and information from my personal data base.
I'm called prophetic, that I possess unique perspectives concerning God. I'm noted as being compassionate, I care about and connects well with people and ask interesting questions. I have a gift for public prayer. I'm also said to have a photographic memory and enjoy reading.
Does this seem to sound like me?
]
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Thursday, June 30, 2011
The Importance of Boundaries
Boundaries are considered to be vital and critical to many who are involved in 12 Step/ Self- Help Programs. The idea of establishing and maintaining boundaries is to let others know that you respect and value yourself and that others need to respect and value you as well.
This statement , I believe, well-depicts the power and the vitality of Boundaries, " The Purpose of having boundaries is to protect and take care of ourselves, We need to tell other people when they are acting in ways that are not acceptable to us.They are a first step in starting to know that we have a right to protect and defend ourselves. That we have not only the right but the duty to take responsibility for how we allow others to treat us."
This is taken from a web-site on boundaries. The key , as I see it, is the word allow. What we allow others to do to us matters as does how we permit ourselves to be treated.One of the cures for getting beyond the affects of being abused is to decide to not allow ourselves to place ourselves again in a position where we can again be abused! We also become, eventually, someone who will urge others to establish and maintain their own boundaries.
This statement , I believe, well-depicts the power and the vitality of Boundaries, " The Purpose of having boundaries is to protect and take care of ourselves, We need to tell other people when they are acting in ways that are not acceptable to us.They are a first step in starting to know that we have a right to protect and defend ourselves. That we have not only the right but the duty to take responsibility for how we allow others to treat us."
This is taken from a web-site on boundaries. The key , as I see it, is the word allow. What we allow others to do to us matters as does how we permit ourselves to be treated.One of the cures for getting beyond the affects of being abused is to decide to not allow ourselves to place ourselves again in a position where we can again be abused! We also become, eventually, someone who will urge others to establish and maintain their own boundaries.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Games Passing You by?
Jim Riggelman , in the midst of a contract dispute, walked away from continuing on as the manager of The Washington Nationals.A sucessful baseball man of the past,Davey Johnson, who managed the Mets to the 1986 World Championship, is now the National's manager.
Davey Johnson, who is NOW in his SIXTIES, has gone 0 and 2 as the Nationals manager. One comment that has already been made is " Perhaps the game has passed him by!"
This seems very premature and rather silly at present. What does this mean, excactly. I think as long as you pay attention, say informed and stay current, it is unlikely that being in your SIXTIES, means, in and of itself, that anything has "passed you by"!
Davey Johnson, who is NOW in his SIXTIES, has gone 0 and 2 as the Nationals manager. One comment that has already been made is " Perhaps the game has passed him by!"
This seems very premature and rather silly at present. What does this mean, excactly. I think as long as you pay attention, say informed and stay current, it is unlikely that being in your SIXTIES, means, in and of itself, that anything has "passed you by"!
Not letting yesterday trip you today or tomorrow.
How do you keep yourself from letting past failures from keeping you from trying to do AGAIN that same thing today? You tried to do something 5 years ago or 16 years ago and you did not suceed- not only that you looked really inept and ridiculous in doing it.
Now today or soon, You are going to attempt to do or shall attempt to do what you really failed noticably in on a past day. What do you do to convince yourself to try to do what you did not succeed in before.
How can you truly and pervasively convince yourslf that THIS TIME will truly be different?
Now today or soon, You are going to attempt to do or shall attempt to do what you really failed noticably in on a past day. What do you do to convince yourself to try to do what you did not succeed in before.
How can you truly and pervasively convince yourslf that THIS TIME will truly be different?
What is your cure for a STRONG Lack of motivation and desire?
12 Steppers since the mid 1930's have stressed that one way to alter your mood for the better is by being active and purposeful. Especially if you act to be of service to others- They are convinced that doing for others will help people to be motivated, positive and effectively beneficial!
Yet, Difficult times. unexpected set-backs, emotional depression, frustration, loss , loneliness can also serve as a sapper and a blunter of motivation and a desire to be active and helpful! While some see helping others as an r/x for deadened motivation and desire some people look for a delightful person, an attractive and appealing opportunity or, perhaps,simply a new and freash person or circumstance to get them out of their present funk!
I have been involved in service a great deal yet I will confess that a fresh, unexpected and appealing person to connect with or an appealing, fascinating and dynamic opportunity to become involved in and with!
Yet, Difficult times. unexpected set-backs, emotional depression, frustration, loss , loneliness can also serve as a sapper and a blunter of motivation and a desire to be active and helpful! While some see helping others as an r/x for deadened motivation and desire some people look for a delightful person, an attractive and appealing opportunity or, perhaps,simply a new and freash person or circumstance to get them out of their present funk!
I have been involved in service a great deal yet I will confess that a fresh, unexpected and appealing person to connect with or an appealing, fascinating and dynamic opportunity to become involved in and with!
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Bill Clinton and I agree on this!
One of Bill Clinton's favorite songs is " Don't Stop Thinkin' about Tomorrow" by Fleetwood Mack! I do feel lost, I will admit in a society that seems to be wedded to just navigating today somehow!
Too much focus on today does tend to atrophy the possibility of a vigorous tomorrow! That is worth weeping over in my opinion!
Too much focus on today does tend to atrophy the possibility of a vigorous tomorrow! That is worth weeping over in my opinion!
Frozen for 20 Years???
A great Battle is fought against a ruthless and determined enemy.You cling to fight until the last possible second. Then there is a great explosion and you fall a long way into the icy waters, You freeze solid and go into suspended animation and are found and revived 20 years later. How will you deal with a world that is 222 months more advanced than the world you knew. Will you be able to adjust? Is it even possible that you will be able to or be capable of adjusting?
We have lived our lives in an era of great and rapid change. Our society is often harsh, demanding upon and most unforgiving towards those who resist change or dare to ask the question Is this change really for the best? Is it possible that the problems that the changes that you are advocating will create far more problems than iot will solve?
These are questions that all thinking adults who want the best for themselves as well as others often wrestle with. Yet, How do people react when people wonder if the original changes need to change? What if people wonder are these past reforms and adjustments now passe or WORSE- Do they now serve as road blocks to reform and betterment ?
The people most likely to be up- in arms and ready to go to war when such ideas are raised. The old reformers- those who fought for change 10 or 20 or 30 or 40 or 50 years ago! Suddenly and stridently, Change is NOW ABSOLUTELY!!!! out of the question! What was fought for and agreed to THEN must be sustained and considered untouchable and inviolate now!
Yet, Does something get to be considered invulnerable to being changed, altered or abolished because you or I fought for it or benefit greatly from it being in place! It was a great fight, a battle nobly fought and one fought at some risk and injury to you ---or them. Yet, No one can live if they are frozen. They must be revived and live in the world as it now is! They will need to discover whether they can cope or not with the world AS IT IS TODAY!
Being unfrozen,revived and changing, as you must !!!! to be alive and thrive right now, It's not just for Captain Americas!!
We have lived our lives in an era of great and rapid change. Our society is often harsh, demanding upon and most unforgiving towards those who resist change or dare to ask the question Is this change really for the best? Is it possible that the problems that the changes that you are advocating will create far more problems than iot will solve?
These are questions that all thinking adults who want the best for themselves as well as others often wrestle with. Yet, How do people react when people wonder if the original changes need to change? What if people wonder are these past reforms and adjustments now passe or WORSE- Do they now serve as road blocks to reform and betterment ?
The people most likely to be up- in arms and ready to go to war when such ideas are raised. The old reformers- those who fought for change 10 or 20 or 30 or 40 or 50 years ago! Suddenly and stridently, Change is NOW ABSOLUTELY!!!! out of the question! What was fought for and agreed to THEN must be sustained and considered untouchable and inviolate now!
Yet, Does something get to be considered invulnerable to being changed, altered or abolished because you or I fought for it or benefit greatly from it being in place! It was a great fight, a battle nobly fought and one fought at some risk and injury to you ---or them. Yet, No one can live if they are frozen. They must be revived and live in the world as it now is! They will need to discover whether they can cope or not with the world AS IT IS TODAY!
Being unfrozen,revived and changing, as you must !!!! to be alive and thrive right now, It's not just for Captain Americas!!
Monday, June 27, 2011
How practical does an education need to be?
I seem to be reading and hearing people say that - "Education, in our current economic funk, needs to be practical. What you study needs to be able to get you employed!", This seems to be becoming a popular theme Thus, If you aren't able to be employed, these people will maintain, then your education was a waste of time and money.
I think education should be both mind and soul expanding. It should let you appreciate possibilities and not find yourself trapped and embedded in the immediate. It should teach you the value of education as being significant and valuable in and of itself!
So, I know people love to laugh at the person with a PHD in Physics who winds up being hired as a janitor. Yet, Is education for any GIVEN moment or is it for sustaining a quality of life that one can be proud of within no matter what!
I think education should be both mind and soul expanding. It should let you appreciate possibilities and not find yourself trapped and embedded in the immediate. It should teach you the value of education as being significant and valuable in and of itself!
So, I know people love to laugh at the person with a PHD in Physics who winds up being hired as a janitor. Yet, Is education for any GIVEN moment or is it for sustaining a quality of life that one can be proud of within no matter what!
Tear Producing Movie Songs!
" Calling All Angels" from Pay It Forward and " I believe I can Fly" from Speace Jam are to songs that inspire me and motivate me
Sunday, June 26, 2011
A Great Weekend Away
I am rested and a bit more relaxed. I needed to go on the camping trip that I went on this past weekend!
Paying It Forward - Trying to figure out how to live out The Sequel !!!
My mother died on Thursday, July 12th, 2001- That was a Thursday. I did not learn about her demise until Sunday Morning, July 15th. I did not know my mother was ill- The last I heard - she was relatively healthy woman for a " woman her age". She was 86 when she passed The last time I'd spoken to her before that was on Christmas Day 1990. It was a conversation that lasted about 1 minute. I said, " Hello, Mom! Merry Christmas" I heard fumbling of a phone---- then a few words, " I don't want to talk to you!" Then, A Click!
In 1989, I'd actually spoke to my father and sister, my youngest sister, on the phone once in a while. My mom was never available to talk to me! My middle sister , Teresa,contacted an illness when she was just 8. My parents, youngest sister and her son took care of her.
While I spoke to my dad and Jean, My mother was never available to speak to me! They would tell me of how difficult she was to deal with That did not surprise me. Yet, I suddenly heard mentions of my mother complaining about being in pain.After a few times of hearing that mentioned I asked, " What is wrong with my mother?" I kept hearing that she was simply complaining! I decided, much too slowly I now realize, to challenge my dad. I told him that I wanted my mother to be admitted to a hospital or I would contact the local police.
Within a VERY short time, My mother was a patient at The Bronx Lebanon Hospital. I went up to visit her. My childhood was very violent as well as very emotionally crippling. My parents were prone to lose control when they resorted to physical discipline. My mom punched, kicked and slapped and would use objects, I was once struck hard-,mid- back, with a broom stick. My mother once hit me in the head with a shoe. My dad threw a heavy magnifying glass at my head and BARELY missed!
My mother married late, she was 36 - in 1954. She became a wife because she was pregnant, She wanted to become a mother and a wife more than anything in the world. She considered my father handsome- He was a Ricky Ricardo type. She believed that she'd "AMERICANIZE" him and believed he was already pretty much that way . She was incorrect! She also imagined what I would be like once I was born- I did not measure up in REAL LIFE- I often paid a ruthlessly high price for that!
She was loud and could be quite mercilessly cruel verbally, She did not like people who were of different races and cultures that she was not thoroughly comfortable with! My dad was a macho, strong and incapable of being faithful man, He was also a long term smoker and drinker. He was a brave man, however, He served in the Merchant Marines from 1942 to 1952 and crossed the Atlantic numerous times during World War 2.
My Father was a stubborn and proud man.He had zero respect for women. He once told me " Only treat the ones who are pretty or sexy well. The rest are useless", I actually cleaned that up a GREAT bit! He also wound up becoming a horrific wife beater as well as a child abuser!
When I visited my mother on that Wednesday in The Bronx, I was reflecting a lot on my background. Before I saw her I asked my mother's doctor what was wrong with her. He told me that she seems to have been suffering from broken ribs for a six month period. I asked the doctor if he thought my mother had sustained those injuries due to a fall. He said "No".
I went into visit my mother. She was very heavily sedated. She referred to me as " Doctor". There was an impulse within me to simply walk out or to say " You never showed me mercy and compassion" Yet, I did neither- I held her hand for a while.
I spoke to neither of my parents before they died.When Jean told me of my mother's passing, she told me that my Father was dying of cancer. I indicated a desire to see my father. He lived with my sister. She kept delaying and denying me permission to see him. He passed on on January 6th, 2002- I learned of his death on
January 8th, 2002!
On Friday July 20th, I rode on a Private Bus from Hendersonville, North Carolina returning to Vienna, Virginia On that bus, I watched the Movie " Pay it Forward" starring Haley Joel Osment, Kevin Spacey and Helen Hunt. The story details a boy who has an Alcoholic and tormented Mother. On the First day of 7th Grade, He is given an assignment by his social studies teacher. This is an assignment that he is to work on all school year long. The assigment is as follows - Think of an idea to change our world and then put it into action.
11 year old Trevor, comes up with a plan he calls "Pay It Forward". The idea is to help someone and then that person shows their appreciation for the help by helping someone else. This plan of Trevor's actually winds up blessing his grandmother, his mother, Arlene, his teacher,. Eugene Simonet ,and others. Following the spirit of this winds up leading to Trevor's death, He is stabbed to death helping a friend who is being bullied
Last night , I saw " Pay It Forward" again. It already. as I have noted, has a connection, in my mind. to my mother. The 24th of June would have been his 87th birthday. The movie depicts alcoholism and reckless behavior on the part of Trevor's Mother and Grandmother. The teacher, Mr.Simonet, was beaten by his father and set on fire when he challenged his beating of his mother.
I cried several times. God's Salvation, which entered my life on October 25th, 1972 was an introduction of a type of " Pay It Forward" in my life! I've often thought I was second rate and at best tolerable- but I now see that I've also been a type of Trevor Mc Kinney, wanting better and wanting to figure out how to serve as a catalyst to make this transpire! My Debating, Becoming A Teacher,Writing Bible Studies and Devotions for Children and Youth. I am an idealist who is in love with the possibilities of the future. So, Perhaps, This is, inadvertently living out a type of sequel to The Movie, "Pay It Forward!"!
- Johnny -
In 1989, I'd actually spoke to my father and sister, my youngest sister, on the phone once in a while. My mom was never available to talk to me! My middle sister , Teresa,contacted an illness when she was just 8. My parents, youngest sister and her son took care of her.
While I spoke to my dad and Jean, My mother was never available to speak to me! They would tell me of how difficult she was to deal with That did not surprise me. Yet, I suddenly heard mentions of my mother complaining about being in pain.After a few times of hearing that mentioned I asked, " What is wrong with my mother?" I kept hearing that she was simply complaining! I decided, much too slowly I now realize, to challenge my dad. I told him that I wanted my mother to be admitted to a hospital or I would contact the local police.
Within a VERY short time, My mother was a patient at The Bronx Lebanon Hospital. I went up to visit her. My childhood was very violent as well as very emotionally crippling. My parents were prone to lose control when they resorted to physical discipline. My mom punched, kicked and slapped and would use objects, I was once struck hard-,mid- back, with a broom stick. My mother once hit me in the head with a shoe. My dad threw a heavy magnifying glass at my head and BARELY missed!
My mother married late, she was 36 - in 1954. She became a wife because she was pregnant, She wanted to become a mother and a wife more than anything in the world. She considered my father handsome- He was a Ricky Ricardo type. She believed that she'd "AMERICANIZE" him and believed he was already pretty much that way . She was incorrect! She also imagined what I would be like once I was born- I did not measure up in REAL LIFE- I often paid a ruthlessly high price for that!
She was loud and could be quite mercilessly cruel verbally, She did not like people who were of different races and cultures that she was not thoroughly comfortable with! My dad was a macho, strong and incapable of being faithful man, He was also a long term smoker and drinker. He was a brave man, however, He served in the Merchant Marines from 1942 to 1952 and crossed the Atlantic numerous times during World War 2.
My Father was a stubborn and proud man.He had zero respect for women. He once told me " Only treat the ones who are pretty or sexy well. The rest are useless", I actually cleaned that up a GREAT bit! He also wound up becoming a horrific wife beater as well as a child abuser!
When I visited my mother on that Wednesday in The Bronx, I was reflecting a lot on my background. Before I saw her I asked my mother's doctor what was wrong with her. He told me that she seems to have been suffering from broken ribs for a six month period. I asked the doctor if he thought my mother had sustained those injuries due to a fall. He said "No".
I went into visit my mother. She was very heavily sedated. She referred to me as " Doctor". There was an impulse within me to simply walk out or to say " You never showed me mercy and compassion" Yet, I did neither- I held her hand for a while.
I spoke to neither of my parents before they died.When Jean told me of my mother's passing, she told me that my Father was dying of cancer. I indicated a desire to see my father. He lived with my sister. She kept delaying and denying me permission to see him. He passed on on January 6th, 2002- I learned of his death on
January 8th, 2002!
On Friday July 20th, I rode on a Private Bus from Hendersonville, North Carolina returning to Vienna, Virginia On that bus, I watched the Movie " Pay it Forward" starring Haley Joel Osment, Kevin Spacey and Helen Hunt. The story details a boy who has an Alcoholic and tormented Mother. On the First day of 7th Grade, He is given an assignment by his social studies teacher. This is an assignment that he is to work on all school year long. The assigment is as follows - Think of an idea to change our world and then put it into action.
11 year old Trevor, comes up with a plan he calls "Pay It Forward". The idea is to help someone and then that person shows their appreciation for the help by helping someone else. This plan of Trevor's actually winds up blessing his grandmother, his mother, Arlene, his teacher,. Eugene Simonet ,and others. Following the spirit of this winds up leading to Trevor's death, He is stabbed to death helping a friend who is being bullied
Last night , I saw " Pay It Forward" again. It already. as I have noted, has a connection, in my mind. to my mother. The 24th of June would have been his 87th birthday. The movie depicts alcoholism and reckless behavior on the part of Trevor's Mother and Grandmother. The teacher, Mr.Simonet, was beaten by his father and set on fire when he challenged his beating of his mother.
I cried several times. God's Salvation, which entered my life on October 25th, 1972 was an introduction of a type of " Pay It Forward" in my life! I've often thought I was second rate and at best tolerable- but I now see that I've also been a type of Trevor Mc Kinney, wanting better and wanting to figure out how to serve as a catalyst to make this transpire! My Debating, Becoming A Teacher,Writing Bible Studies and Devotions for Children and Youth. I am an idealist who is in love with the possibilities of the future. So, Perhaps, This is, inadvertently living out a type of sequel to The Movie, "Pay It Forward!"!
- Johnny -
Friday, June 24, 2011
Thank you- It is good to learn how to become more free and less limited !!!!
I am only as sick as my secrets! That which I so intensely hide tends to warp and corrupt me. Expressing myself and telling you what I think and feel and exactly and precisely WHY I think and feel that way is so freeing. Thus, I want to thank ANY of you who give me the gift of your time and attention when you freely decide to read my blog entries!
To be continued on Sunday, June 26th, 2011!
To be continued on Sunday, June 26th, 2011!
Simply Hideous and- In MY Opinion- W!R!O!NG!
I know that parents are human. I know that children can be trying, disobedient, frustrating willful and just simply difficult!
However, I still can't excuse what I hears at a Gamestop Store in Northern Virginia Earlier today! A Father was in the store trying to straighten out a subscription problem that his son is dealing with.Gamestop has a special discount program it calls " Powerup". One of the bennies of this program is a subscription to a magazine called The Game Informer!
The son kept trying to interrupt as his father worked to resolve this dilemna. The store's Assistant Manager agreed to extend the subscription by 3 months- to November 2011. He mentioned this multiple times.
When everything seemed to be done, The manager, out of courtesy , asked, " Is there anything else I can help you with?" The boy asked, " when will my subscription end?" This angered the father, " November! He's said THAT over and over again. How many times have I told you not to ask retarded questions?"
To my shame, I did not speak up or do anything to act on the boy's behalf. After they left, I asked the manager about this, he said, " I can't interfere unless it's extreme!"
So, Did I err and behave as a coward? Or, Would doing anything likely have made matters possibly MUCH worse?
However, I still can't excuse what I hears at a Gamestop Store in Northern Virginia Earlier today! A Father was in the store trying to straighten out a subscription problem that his son is dealing with.Gamestop has a special discount program it calls " Powerup". One of the bennies of this program is a subscription to a magazine called The Game Informer!
The son kept trying to interrupt as his father worked to resolve this dilemna. The store's Assistant Manager agreed to extend the subscription by 3 months- to November 2011. He mentioned this multiple times.
When everything seemed to be done, The manager, out of courtesy , asked, " Is there anything else I can help you with?" The boy asked, " when will my subscription end?" This angered the father, " November! He's said THAT over and over again. How many times have I told you not to ask retarded questions?"
To my shame, I did not speak up or do anything to act on the boy's behalf. After they left, I asked the manager about this, he said, " I can't interfere unless it's extreme!"
So, Did I err and behave as a coward? Or, Would doing anything likely have made matters possibly MUCH worse?
The Gift of Empowering Words!
" I like the way you do that", " Your smile is pleasant and energizing!", " I appreciate how much you've added to my life over the years!"
Easy words to say. They require little energy and effort to say! Yet, They can make an amazing difference. When I note the positives about some one, when I tell them that they are an impressive asset and resource. I improve the quality of my day and I add to the luster and quality of their day!
Easy words to say. They require little energy and effort to say! Yet, They can make an amazing difference. When I note the positives about some one, when I tell them that they are an impressive asset and resource. I improve the quality of my day and I add to the luster and quality of their day!
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Defying the " What about me!!!!" Impulse !
It was getting late tonight and I was picking up some items. I usually shop on Saturdays but I'm getting ready for what I hope and pray will be a delightful and restoring camping weekend- commencing 4 PM tomorrow.
My items had been totaled up and the cashier was in the process of printing my receipt. At that moment, The manager came over and asked the cashier if she wanted to go on her break.She said ' No". The manager expressed concern about how busy she had been and how she's like to have her go on her break.
Meanwhile, I was not getting handed my receipt The impulse is to say, " Excuse me, First Provide My receipt then feel free to discuss anything else not on my time! Yet, That sees these two store employees as as speed bumps in your day, Don't complicate things for me- not on my time. I , The customer , need for you to keep your problems away from me
Yet when you are able to see that you do not have a free pass to dictate to others how to treat you in away that you will enjoy! Yes, You are in a setting where people, indeed are being paid to serve you and, as well to satisfy, AND , yes, please!!! you. However bowing and scraping and abject slavery are not considered by anyone sane and with any common sense to be a part of that social compact.
So, While I would have rather been given my receipt and gotten out of the Lincolnia Shoppers Food warehouse 3 to 4 minutes earlier, It would be wrong and simple- minded to say that I was mistreated
and burdened last night. Just 5 minutes later, I had someone jump in front of me at a McDonald's while I was in the process of ordering an Ice Cream Cone. He wanted extra sauce for his McNuggets. I could have affected haughtiness and said, " You'll need to wait until I have my ice cream cone." Yes, I had that option. However, to what purpose, what would I have gained by acting in that manner?" Do I really want to perfect being petty, unyielding and vane?
The " WHAT!! ABOUT!! ME!!" impulse needs to be kept in check, It is not a call to be as demanding as people will permit me to get away with! I often speak of and write about a " civilization" that now seems to celebrate greed, demandingness ,insult, rudeness , callousness and a plain and antagonistic attitude portraying I will be " as nasty as I WANNA!! be!" Telling people who buy into this absurdity are not likely to hear quietly spoken words, " Stop, Please!, Wait! and Not appropriate here and now!." Deeds, the way we act and live, speak more clearly and are considered more seriously, are listened to and heeded more than words spoken either gently or annoyedly!
So, If I want to live better and have consideration practiced around me, Then" What about me?" some times needs to be answered by me saying to myself, " Be patient and be understanding!"
My items had been totaled up and the cashier was in the process of printing my receipt. At that moment, The manager came over and asked the cashier if she wanted to go on her break.She said ' No". The manager expressed concern about how busy she had been and how she's like to have her go on her break.
Meanwhile, I was not getting handed my receipt The impulse is to say, " Excuse me, First Provide My receipt then feel free to discuss anything else not on my time! Yet, That sees these two store employees as as speed bumps in your day, Don't complicate things for me- not on my time. I , The customer , need for you to keep your problems away from me
Yet when you are able to see that you do not have a free pass to dictate to others how to treat you in away that you will enjoy! Yes, You are in a setting where people, indeed are being paid to serve you and, as well to satisfy, AND , yes, please!!! you. However bowing and scraping and abject slavery are not considered by anyone sane and with any common sense to be a part of that social compact.
So, While I would have rather been given my receipt and gotten out of the Lincolnia Shoppers Food warehouse 3 to 4 minutes earlier, It would be wrong and simple- minded to say that I was mistreated
and burdened last night. Just 5 minutes later, I had someone jump in front of me at a McDonald's while I was in the process of ordering an Ice Cream Cone. He wanted extra sauce for his McNuggets. I could have affected haughtiness and said, " You'll need to wait until I have my ice cream cone." Yes, I had that option. However, to what purpose, what would I have gained by acting in that manner?" Do I really want to perfect being petty, unyielding and vane?
The " WHAT!! ABOUT!! ME!!" impulse needs to be kept in check, It is not a call to be as demanding as people will permit me to get away with! I often speak of and write about a " civilization" that now seems to celebrate greed, demandingness ,insult, rudeness , callousness and a plain and antagonistic attitude portraying I will be " as nasty as I WANNA!! be!" Telling people who buy into this absurdity are not likely to hear quietly spoken words, " Stop, Please!, Wait! and Not appropriate here and now!." Deeds, the way we act and live, speak more clearly and are considered more seriously, are listened to and heeded more than words spoken either gently or annoyedly!
So, If I want to live better and have consideration practiced around me, Then" What about me?" some times needs to be answered by me saying to myself, " Be patient and be understanding!"
Treating youself well today !
Caring about yourself in an excellent way and encouraging yourself to enjoy being the best you can be today and each day is always a great plan!
It is an investment that one will truly NEVER live to regret!
It is an investment that one will truly NEVER live to regret!
The OTHER SEASON of Songs and Carols - SUMMER!!!!!
People smile and get wistful and fun to be around when people sing songs of summer. They are also songs that are sung along to!
What are some of the Anthem of This Season that you enjoy hearing and SINGING ALONG to over and over again!?
What are some of the Anthem of This Season that you enjoy hearing and SINGING ALONG to over and over again!?
Tecate Rules.
Many Christians are often held to blame and expected to account for any and all misdeeds of past Christians, including and especially Christian missionaries.
Quite often missionaries went to unfamiliar lands and cultures and came to have learn about Jesus and Christianity and urge them to decide to come to accept and serve Jesus and His ways- aka- Christianity! So often, These missionaries were not flexible in their thinking- The Jesus they offered was Jesus as they saw Him or perhaps, more to the point, taught about Jesus, The Bible and The Faith they practiced Christianity as they were comfortable in seeing them, teaching them and practicing. The way of Jesus was reduced to their way or falseness or apostasy.
.
I ,as do my fellows on the Grace Mission Team, know that while we serve God we do not control Him, nor do we understand Him perfectly, comprehensively and absolutely! We are flawed people who are still sinners, but we are redeemed by the will and grace of The Lord Jesus!
The Grace Community Church Mission's Pastor- AKA- the Missions Dude- is Josh Hadder! Josh regular visits and works with- side by side with- the people of El Florido, He is ALWAYS seeking to draw them out, asking their opinions on what needs to be done within THEIR!!! community! Therefore,From the 7th through the 11th of July, Our Team will be working on the Roof of The Hill top School. We will be teaching crafts. We will be teaching health and sanitation. We will also be running a Bible School for the Children and Youth. This is what they have asked us to do on THIS trip!
Over the last year, Josh has asked the El Floridians to help finance some of their work going in within their community.This is a touchy subject with some people in the Church, " They really don't have much and we really shouldn't be asking them to pay in anything". However, They are being asked to do so and, as of THIS moment that relationship seems to be working smoothly well for all concerned!
So, That is an adventure that gives so much to all involved. It also serves to remind me of the value of " Godliness with Contentment" - appreciating that I am blessed already by what I now have and by who is presently involved in my life.
Quite often missionaries went to unfamiliar lands and cultures and came to have learn about Jesus and Christianity and urge them to decide to come to accept and serve Jesus and His ways- aka- Christianity! So often, These missionaries were not flexible in their thinking- The Jesus they offered was Jesus as they saw Him or perhaps, more to the point, taught about Jesus, The Bible and The Faith they practiced Christianity as they were comfortable in seeing them, teaching them and practicing. The way of Jesus was reduced to their way or falseness or apostasy.
.
I ,as do my fellows on the Grace Mission Team, know that while we serve God we do not control Him, nor do we understand Him perfectly, comprehensively and absolutely! We are flawed people who are still sinners, but we are redeemed by the will and grace of The Lord Jesus!
The Grace Community Church Mission's Pastor- AKA- the Missions Dude- is Josh Hadder! Josh regular visits and works with- side by side with- the people of El Florido, He is ALWAYS seeking to draw them out, asking their opinions on what needs to be done within THEIR!!! community! Therefore,From the 7th through the 11th of July, Our Team will be working on the Roof of The Hill top School. We will be teaching crafts. We will be teaching health and sanitation. We will also be running a Bible School for the Children and Youth. This is what they have asked us to do on THIS trip!
Over the last year, Josh has asked the El Floridians to help finance some of their work going in within their community.This is a touchy subject with some people in the Church, " They really don't have much and we really shouldn't be asking them to pay in anything". However, They are being asked to do so and, as of THIS moment that relationship seems to be working smoothly well for all concerned!
So, That is an adventure that gives so much to all involved. It also serves to remind me of the value of " Godliness with Contentment" - appreciating that I am blessed already by what I now have and by who is presently involved in my life.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Words as A Drug
" Words, are, of course the most powerful drug used by mankind" so stated the English writer Rudyard Kipling!
One of the best counters to drugs and alcohol is communication. Most Drug Addicts and Alcoholics communicate very poorly, live very much in their own heads and are very prone to actively push others away actvely and energetically.
Getting people to share what they are thinking, to open up and stop hiding and keeping secrets is a key to stopping and staying stop.. Communicating ,speaking what is true, valid and revealing and listening to others as they unburden and reveal themselves is very empowering. It allows people to serve and to willingly and productively, with vigor and desire others. It allows them to have their needs properly and healthily met by others!
Words, fitly spoken, can be a life-transforming medicine!
One of the best counters to drugs and alcohol is communication. Most Drug Addicts and Alcoholics communicate very poorly, live very much in their own heads and are very prone to actively push others away actvely and energetically.
Getting people to share what they are thinking, to open up and stop hiding and keeping secrets is a key to stopping and staying stop.. Communicating ,speaking what is true, valid and revealing and listening to others as they unburden and reveal themselves is very empowering. It allows people to serve and to willingly and productively, with vigor and desire others. It allows them to have their needs properly and healthily met by others!
Words, fitly spoken, can be a life-transforming medicine!
Someone who will be seen as great Centuries from NOW
Buzz Aldrin- The 2nd Man to Walk on the Moon, is a man who knows the importantce of keeping vital and necessary dreams alive! He also gets that " For Lack Of Vision a People Perish". America is not benefitting from willing letting our Manned speace Progeam be phased out of existence.
Astronaut, military hero, undersea explorer, Scientist and Designer of Space Technology., including docking systems He still urges us to return to the Moon and not work towards landing human beings on Mars. He also competed on Dancing with the Stars!
I grieve for the loss of American Manned Space Exploration, How foolish, dimwitted and short-sighted of us as a nation and a people. Colonel Aldrin, You are a Vvsionary and a man of possibilities. I'm sure the people of a thousand years from now will also see you from that perspective and in those terms. You are a real American Hero still and continuously!
Astronaut, military hero, undersea explorer, Scientist and Designer of Space Technology., including docking systems He still urges us to return to the Moon and not work towards landing human beings on Mars. He also competed on Dancing with the Stars!
I grieve for the loss of American Manned Space Exploration, How foolish, dimwitted and short-sighted of us as a nation and a people. Colonel Aldrin, You are a Vvsionary and a man of possibilities. I'm sure the people of a thousand years from now will also see you from that perspective and in those terms. You are a real American Hero still and continuously!
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
The First Day of Summer
It's not been a great day. However, The Arrival of Summer helps to make today much better!
Self - Care
When you are willing to do what you MUST do, in order to live as best you can, then, even if it is difficult , You are learning to live well!
The importance of being heard and being heeded.
You ask , you plead and the other person, a friend, really won't listen . They run over your boundaries, You ask them to respect you and you are further mocked and wounded as they bat aside and run unencumbered over your clearly stated objection/ objections.
You really do not wish to end the friendship- so you establish a clear warning- I do not want a relationship with someone who can cavalierly hurt me , with someone who will decide to disregard my heartfelt please to stop. I need you to change and I must be able to trust in and rely upon you again in order for me to be intelligent in deciding that we can continue to be friends.
So, You disconnect from that other person and now you will learn. Do they actually care? Are you someone who means ENOUGH to them to inspire them to effectively and committedly change their behavior!>
You really do not wish to end the friendship- so you establish a clear warning- I do not want a relationship with someone who can cavalierly hurt me , with someone who will decide to disregard my heartfelt please to stop. I need you to change and I must be able to trust in and rely upon you again in order for me to be intelligent in deciding that we can continue to be friends.
So, You disconnect from that other person and now you will learn. Do they actually care? Are you someone who means ENOUGH to them to inspire them to effectively and committedly change their behavior!>
Monday, June 20, 2011
The Kingdom of My Room
Being bullied and being terrified, for fear of what will be done to you, to express who you are can warp and cripple a child's spirit and self-image!
Around the age of 11, I was given the gift of a tape recorder. I used it to record episodes of Lost and Space and Star Trek directly from our 1954 RCA Victor TV that I'd listen to over and over again!
After awhile, I'd read comic book stories into my tape recorder. It was a great release, very freeing to be able to be Superman, Captain America, The Silver Surfer ,Green Lantern et al.
I could use them to express emotions in a safe and satisfying manner. It felt good to be myself and be brave and daring, at least for a short while! This is where I first really got that it was good and healthy to be fully and exactly me!
Around the age of 11, I was given the gift of a tape recorder. I used it to record episodes of Lost and Space and Star Trek directly from our 1954 RCA Victor TV that I'd listen to over and over again!
After awhile, I'd read comic book stories into my tape recorder. It was a great release, very freeing to be able to be Superman, Captain America, The Silver Surfer ,Green Lantern et al.
I could use them to express emotions in a safe and satisfying manner. It felt good to be myself and be brave and daring, at least for a short while! This is where I first really got that it was good and healthy to be fully and exactly me!
Jimmy Olsen does not keep Green Kryptonite around to remind Superman that he has a weakness!
I'm continuing to explore, in light of some really rough treatment I've endured over that last few days ESPECIALLY at the hands of a friend.
This individual is truly a good, caring and generous person. He is well- know for being a vital aid to people in crisis. She has willingly given of her time and resources. He can truly, 90 % of the time be properly and fittingly considered to be a GOD SEND, in the accepted senses of that empowering term!
Yet, When this " friend " is with me, He often brings up my failures and faux pas. She discusses with great gusto my limitations and lists the areas where I will never be successful . He brought up a dream that I've long been focused upon and while looking me in the eyes said, 'We both know that THAT will NEVER happen!". Enemies that I have dealt with have baddy wounded me and crushed my spirit as deeply and profoundly as she did at that mement.
She is a delight to most people and is very accomplished amazingly so. He has honored me by asking me to serve as a mentor to him! Yet, Is he a friend. Are there limits to how long you excuse and rationalize such treatment? If I strongly believe that this is the behavior of an enemy or a ruthless opponent, Am I damaging myself by CONTINUING to try to convince myself that someone CAN treat me this way over and over again and still be considered a treasured and valued F?R?E!I?N?D??????????!!!!!
Lex Luthor's use of Green Kryptonite and reminding Superman of his flaws, his failures and of all that Lex believes he is not is understandable! Brainiac planning to torture Superman! Grim but totally understanding! Terraman planning to humiliate Superman publicly. A totally comprehensible and within character act!
Yet, Jimmy Olsen exposing Superman to Green Kryptonite while telling him that he should have saved the lives of more people last week when he stopped 5 disasters and not being able to get to TWO more occurring at the same time!!??? Huh?????????????????????????????
This individual is truly a good, caring and generous person. He is well- know for being a vital aid to people in crisis. She has willingly given of her time and resources. He can truly, 90 % of the time be properly and fittingly considered to be a GOD SEND, in the accepted senses of that empowering term!
Yet, When this " friend " is with me, He often brings up my failures and faux pas. She discusses with great gusto my limitations and lists the areas where I will never be successful . He brought up a dream that I've long been focused upon and while looking me in the eyes said, 'We both know that THAT will NEVER happen!". Enemies that I have dealt with have baddy wounded me and crushed my spirit as deeply and profoundly as she did at that mement.
She is a delight to most people and is very accomplished amazingly so. He has honored me by asking me to serve as a mentor to him! Yet, Is he a friend. Are there limits to how long you excuse and rationalize such treatment? If I strongly believe that this is the behavior of an enemy or a ruthless opponent, Am I damaging myself by CONTINUING to try to convince myself that someone CAN treat me this way over and over again and still be considered a treasured and valued F?R?E!I?N?D??????????!!!!!
Lex Luthor's use of Green Kryptonite and reminding Superman of his flaws, his failures and of all that Lex believes he is not is understandable! Brainiac planning to torture Superman! Grim but totally understanding! Terraman planning to humiliate Superman publicly. A totally comprehensible and within character act!
Yet, Jimmy Olsen exposing Superman to Green Kryptonite while telling him that he should have saved the lives of more people last week when he stopped 5 disasters and not being able to get to TWO more occurring at the same time!!??? Huh?????????????????????????????
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Wanting, Coping and Accepting!
Today, Memories of a father who mocked me beat me severely and unncessarily, who denied me oftem and told me that nothing about me was loveable , likable and worth vauing.
On this Sunday, I was given a Father's Day present by My Pastor's daughter - A VERY ! attractive looking tie! The rest of this day was rather lamentable.
What I want is a break through. I yearn for a path out. What would really help me would be a team of people who can show me how to position myself to find a job that will pay well , that I will excel in and that will be a marvelous fit, a shop that will prove to be both empowering and healing.
My mid- afternoon tells movingly what I too often have to endure. I did not want to face a long Father's Day evening in the forced company of me, myself and I with out a treat. I decided to get a treat I can afford, A Mc D's Ice Cream Cone.Right after buying my Cone, A man who I'd do ANYTHING to avoid walked in a man who reeks of dirt and from soiling himself with human wastes. It often angers me that my abilty to enjoy my food is ruined by his totally intolerableness. My life would be much better if that was seldom an encounter I need to cope with.
I also cut loose, perhaps,permanently, a friend who is too stubborn to accept my boundaries and who uses my background against me. I hate that any of this is true of my life. I wish so ardently that none of this be so.
On this Sunday, I was given a Father's Day present by My Pastor's daughter - A VERY ! attractive looking tie! The rest of this day was rather lamentable.
What I want is a break through. I yearn for a path out. What would really help me would be a team of people who can show me how to position myself to find a job that will pay well , that I will excel in and that will be a marvelous fit, a shop that will prove to be both empowering and healing.
My mid- afternoon tells movingly what I too often have to endure. I did not want to face a long Father's Day evening in the forced company of me, myself and I with out a treat. I decided to get a treat I can afford, A Mc D's Ice Cream Cone.Right after buying my Cone, A man who I'd do ANYTHING to avoid walked in a man who reeks of dirt and from soiling himself with human wastes. It often angers me that my abilty to enjoy my food is ruined by his totally intolerableness. My life would be much better if that was seldom an encounter I need to cope with.
I also cut loose, perhaps,permanently, a friend who is too stubborn to accept my boundaries and who uses my background against me. I hate that any of this is true of my life. I wish so ardently that none of this be so.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Deciding For a Sincere and Truthful Father's Day
Sometimes you are limited as to what you can truthfully and honestly say and stand by. Re-writing the truth to make it sound MUCH better and prettier than it is or was is another form of distortion and lying.
He provided half of my DNA and I'm alive due to him. For THAT, I can be truly appreciative and thankful. With this in mind and within THIS context, I can wish my LATE Father- John Felix Rodriguez y Cordoba a Happy Father's Day!
He provided half of my DNA and I'm alive due to him. For THAT, I can be truly appreciative and thankful. With this in mind and within THIS context, I can wish my LATE Father- John Felix Rodriguez y Cordoba a Happy Father's Day!
A Bright Morning.
A Sunny June morning is a good chance to invest in yourself and to invest in others. Today, I will be helping to rum a training Day for Toastmaster Leaders. We Toastmasters call this The Toastmasters Leadership Institute or TLI! There will also be Learning Enhancement Courses taught in addition to courses that will train newly elected Toastmasters Officers in the offices they will take on once July First Arrives.
Three Greater Washington DC Area Toastmaster Districts will be conducting their initial TLIs of the Summer TLI Season Today, Saturday, June 18th, Two of Those sessions will be held in Northern Virginia . One , conducted in District 27, will be held at The Fairlington Community Center in South Arlington. The Second, conducted by District 29, will be held at The Fairfax County Government Center - also Known by locals as " The Taj Mahal". The Third One , conducted by Distirct 36, will be held at Geico Headquarters in Chevy Chase, Maryland very close to the DC-Montgomery County Line, That TLI is held within walking distance of the Friendship Heights Metro Station!
TLI- Go there and partake. You will be enriched and you will become richly enabled to empower others!
Three Greater Washington DC Area Toastmaster Districts will be conducting their initial TLIs of the Summer TLI Season Today, Saturday, June 18th, Two of Those sessions will be held in Northern Virginia . One , conducted in District 27, will be held at The Fairlington Community Center in South Arlington. The Second, conducted by District 29, will be held at The Fairfax County Government Center - also Known by locals as " The Taj Mahal". The Third One , conducted by Distirct 36, will be held at Geico Headquarters in Chevy Chase, Maryland very close to the DC-Montgomery County Line, That TLI is held within walking distance of the Friendship Heights Metro Station!
TLI- Go there and partake. You will be enriched and you will become richly enabled to empower others!
Friday, June 17, 2011
A Contended and Splendid Friday Night in Solitude.
I've been do often guilty of protesting and fomenting against my singleness on many late Friday Nights! Perhaps this is a small miracle, but TONIGHT, Late on This Friday, June 17th, 2011. I'm smiling as I type and write and think!
Wow!
Wow!
Hail Summer!
The longer days and MORE relaxed pace and that the people who ARE around - it is the PRIME vacation season after all- are more valuable to spend time with and enjoy!
A pragmatic way to measure how your life absolutely matters.
A way to show how you impact, motivate and inspire people as you step- by- step head towards a goal !
On the 11th of July, I will be heading to a very impoverished community above the City of Tecate, Mexico to be of help, benefit and support to the residents of the El Florido Colonias. What I like is that we are under their authority- in part- while we are there. We will proceed to work with them and assist them in ways that THEY DEEM as being of benefit to them!
I was asked , last week, as were all members of The Grace Community Team to start a journal now on this trip a journal that we are being asked to maintain until days AFTER the team returns to Northern Virginia!
The fascinating factor in this is that now all that I do becomes part of the Road to Tecate and the Blessed Adventure that will transpire in Tecate. I like the idea that what I have done and the observations I make as I reflect upon it AND write about it, thus, in specific and channeled focus, will be a part of what occurs in that Bleak and VERY Steep Hillside located above The City of Tecate!
With this now before me, I offer this suggestion. Take something important that you are working toward and looking forward to, something that you will do 2 to 4 weeks FROM today and make what you focus upon today AS you can note that it is tied to this coming event. It WILL make today sparkle far more and become MORE significant and remarkable! It will, in the fullest sense of this phrase, " Redeem Today!"
- Johnny -
On the 11th of July, I will be heading to a very impoverished community above the City of Tecate, Mexico to be of help, benefit and support to the residents of the El Florido Colonias. What I like is that we are under their authority- in part- while we are there. We will proceed to work with them and assist them in ways that THEY DEEM as being of benefit to them!
I was asked , last week, as were all members of The Grace Community Team to start a journal now on this trip a journal that we are being asked to maintain until days AFTER the team returns to Northern Virginia!
The fascinating factor in this is that now all that I do becomes part of the Road to Tecate and the Blessed Adventure that will transpire in Tecate. I like the idea that what I have done and the observations I make as I reflect upon it AND write about it, thus, in specific and channeled focus, will be a part of what occurs in that Bleak and VERY Steep Hillside located above The City of Tecate!
With this now before me, I offer this suggestion. Take something important that you are working toward and looking forward to, something that you will do 2 to 4 weeks FROM today and make what you focus upon today AS you can note that it is tied to this coming event. It WILL make today sparkle far more and become MORE significant and remarkable! It will, in the fullest sense of this phrase, " Redeem Today!"
- Johnny -
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Why do others have a high opinion of me? Today. I'm not at all seeing it??!!!!
Today, I had plans for a a splendid day. I knew at 6:30 Am, Those plans had to be scrapped. I woke up in pain and with stomach discomfort. I knew that multiple long bus rides were not an RX to my doing well that day.
So, I had to scrap all of my plans for This Thursdat!! Drat and an ANGRY DARN!!!!, This ws not the dat to need to push athe reset button on! The day was not as good- understatement- as the one I'd designed and had been looking forward to.
I looked at the Fact That I had a nervous breakdown in 2003- That I was once homless. That I'm reliant on a very ill-fitting ,for me, County Mental Health program. I berated myself for living on SSI and SSDI. I would love , today, as I type this to walk away from me mostly subsidized Pathway Apartment I wish I could make a commitment to boycott Metro totally - and get around only by walking and provided rides.
This would frre me from dealing with many hard- to- cope with folks that I deal with because I am foist among them, not because I have any desire to be with, around, associated with and IN ANY WAY connected to!
I'm much better physically but the hard rain outside is doing liitle for me. If it has to rain, I want to see a mountain or a gorgeous beach being raioned upon not a gritty parking lot in a not wonderfully sought after boundry area of Fairfax County and Alexandria. The area is called Lincolnis- I think the 16th President would win a slander suit for associating his magnificence with this non descript piece of inner suburb!
What do I want? To be able to live boldly. To haqve living parents worthy of homoring rather than me deceased abuses, To be dating a splendid person who takes my breath way or married to such a person. To have more splendid and uplifting spontanaeity characterize my daily living. To Have pthreapist committed to my most rapid sucess. I'd love to engage A TEAM OF MENTORS READING ME SOON to take on a satisfying, good paying position keyed to y personality, character, abilities and desires.
I keep thinking that A mountain college town like Frostburg , Maryland or a quaint Southerns or western College near the montains, beaches or the Ocean would be spirit-vivifying for me. I feel I'm dying and shriveling for the very lack of such!
People say that I'm creative, clever, caring and endearing. I''m told that I'm brght/ brilliant. that my creativity and curiosity are a turn on. I'm told people lovew my storytelling! That my teaching abilities and my speech making abilities are nearly magical. I've been accuised of having intuition at a level of a super power and that I can be considered phrophetic.
Today, I wish God would eith remove all of this from me or have my live in a way that merits being this gifted and talented.
People say that I am a blessing, a gift and a gem! So, Why do I see myself as quite and totally the opposite of all of this!
So, I had to scrap all of my plans for This Thursdat!! Drat and an ANGRY DARN!!!!, This ws not the dat to need to push athe reset button on! The day was not as good- understatement- as the one I'd designed and had been looking forward to.
I looked at the Fact That I had a nervous breakdown in 2003- That I was once homless. That I'm reliant on a very ill-fitting ,for me, County Mental Health program. I berated myself for living on SSI and SSDI. I would love , today, as I type this to walk away from me mostly subsidized Pathway Apartment I wish I could make a commitment to boycott Metro totally - and get around only by walking and provided rides.
This would frre me from dealing with many hard- to- cope with folks that I deal with because I am foist among them, not because I have any desire to be with, around, associated with and IN ANY WAY connected to!
I'm much better physically but the hard rain outside is doing liitle for me. If it has to rain, I want to see a mountain or a gorgeous beach being raioned upon not a gritty parking lot in a not wonderfully sought after boundry area of Fairfax County and Alexandria. The area is called Lincolnis- I think the 16th President would win a slander suit for associating his magnificence with this non descript piece of inner suburb!
What do I want? To be able to live boldly. To haqve living parents worthy of homoring rather than me deceased abuses, To be dating a splendid person who takes my breath way or married to such a person. To have more splendid and uplifting spontanaeity characterize my daily living. To Have pthreapist committed to my most rapid sucess. I'd love to engage A TEAM OF MENTORS READING ME SOON to take on a satisfying, good paying position keyed to y personality, character, abilities and desires.
I keep thinking that A mountain college town like Frostburg , Maryland or a quaint Southerns or western College near the montains, beaches or the Ocean would be spirit-vivifying for me. I feel I'm dying and shriveling for the very lack of such!
People say that I'm creative, clever, caring and endearing. I''m told that I'm brght/ brilliant. that my creativity and curiosity are a turn on. I'm told people lovew my storytelling! That my teaching abilities and my speech making abilities are nearly magical. I've been accuised of having intuition at a level of a super power and that I can be considered phrophetic.
Today, I wish God would eith remove all of this from me or have my live in a way that merits being this gifted and talented.
People say that I am a blessing, a gift and a gem! So, Why do I see myself as quite and totally the opposite of all of this!
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Washington far eclipses New York in the Self -Importance Competition!
There are certain places where people seem to think that individuals do not deserve respect. This seems to be particular true in commercial establishments.
I'd been told that CVS has self-serve automatic cashiers to save time and to process customers MORE efficiently and painlessly. There was an employee who was watching the 6 machines that were in the areas and even with her being there- the lines was slow and rather long.
I commented to her that these machines did not seem to make paying for your items any easier and quicker. Her response to me - " Sir, If you are not pleased with this, There is an email address on your receipt for you to report it."
I will now, henceforth presume that Convenience , Value and Service is an option for that Company's employees rather than a mandate!
- Johnny -
I'd been told that CVS has self-serve automatic cashiers to save time and to process customers MORE efficiently and painlessly. There was an employee who was watching the 6 machines that were in the areas and even with her being there- the lines was slow and rather long.
I commented to her that these machines did not seem to make paying for your items any easier and quicker. Her response to me - " Sir, If you are not pleased with this, There is an email address on your receipt for you to report it."
I will now, henceforth presume that Convenience , Value and Service is an option for that Company's employees rather than a mandate!
- Johnny -
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Faux Iconic Sports Stadium.
Lambeau Field, The Old Boston Garden, Wrigley Field -Iconic and Legendary Sports Places- True, to many- "Field of Dreams"!
Boston- Based Sports Baseball Writer Peter Gammons referred to Wrigley Field as a " Dump". I know The Windy City denizens would launch a nucl;ear war for less!
In your opinion, Are there Iconic Stadiums that really should NOT be considered " Field of Dreams"?
- Johnny -
Boston- Based Sports Baseball Writer Peter Gammons referred to Wrigley Field as a " Dump". I know The Windy City denizens would launch a nucl;ear war for less!
In your opinion, Are there Iconic Stadiums that really should NOT be considered " Field of Dreams"?
- Johnny -
Monday, June 13, 2011
If only FACEBOOK RULEs could become universal!
I'd love to never have to read comments on blogs that I've posted from people who know that I have no interest in being in contact with them and absolutely do NOT wish to read their comments on blogs or forum threads that I post on as The OP!
Sunday, June 12, 2011
The Impact I hope to make- The impact I expect will be made upon me!
The difference makers- The thoughts that you shift you from, " Oh, Woe is me, I'm so troubled and have so little" to " Wow, I have been so blessed and I will get to be a blessing!"
Those of you who read my blog know that I've been very candid and disclosive about the circumstances of my life. On the Rarly Morning of Thursday, July 7th, I will be boarding a plane at BWI/ Friendship Airport just outside of Baltimore. My destination is Tecate, Mexico.
I , as a part of a team from Arlington, Va's Grace Community Church, will be helping to renovate a school that is on The top of a very high and extremely steep hill or a rather small but treacherously steep mountain above the Town of Teacte, Mexico. Our Church will also be running an Arts and Vacztion Bible School Session, Teaching Health and Hygience Classes and running a recreation program.
The El Florido Colonias is a place where desperately poor people live, Most of them live in shacks that are made from scanenged materials. They do not have running water and all of their water is trucked in. There is a Toyota Plantr in Tecate where a few of the Hillside residents are employed. The wages they are paid are equivalent to 80.00 a week unless you are management or skilled labor.
By the standards of the average person living in the suburbs of the DMV, I am at the booton rung. However, I can be blessed and serve to be a blessing to others when I am working to buil;d hope and possibilities for the people on that hillside high above Teacate!
I was even blessed with success as I raised money for the trip. It will be a change of pace, a blessing and a time to think radically differently.
Those of you who read my blog know that I've been very candid and disclosive about the circumstances of my life. On the Rarly Morning of Thursday, July 7th, I will be boarding a plane at BWI/ Friendship Airport just outside of Baltimore. My destination is Tecate, Mexico.
I , as a part of a team from Arlington, Va's Grace Community Church, will be helping to renovate a school that is on The top of a very high and extremely steep hill or a rather small but treacherously steep mountain above the Town of Teacte, Mexico. Our Church will also be running an Arts and Vacztion Bible School Session, Teaching Health and Hygience Classes and running a recreation program.
The El Florido Colonias is a place where desperately poor people live, Most of them live in shacks that are made from scanenged materials. They do not have running water and all of their water is trucked in. There is a Toyota Plantr in Tecate where a few of the Hillside residents are employed. The wages they are paid are equivalent to 80.00 a week unless you are management or skilled labor.
By the standards of the average person living in the suburbs of the DMV, I am at the booton rung. However, I can be blessed and serve to be a blessing to others when I am working to buil;d hope and possibilities for the people on that hillside high above Teacate!
I was even blessed with success as I raised money for the trip. It will be a change of pace, a blessing and a time to think radically differently.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Sunday is a Day of Grace!
Take time to show, in a practical, realistic and compelling way, that God's love is true and available!
THE 400TH Post- A Tribute to a Nasal Doyen!!!!!
He had a law degree, He was a historical scholar and a social critic and commentator. He was passionate about defending and expanding upon the civil liberties of all Americans, He often made himself disliked and scorned due to his support of unpopular causes and controversial action by social icons.
He loved opera and spoke a number of languages fluently! He was a MAJOR Media Figure and for a Number of years was a vital star on one of the Top Rated TV programs of all times!
Who was this man ??? I write of The Late Howard Cosell -A journalist and a sports commentator all at once. He was a man who could be both engaging and withering! He could be haughty and compellingly caring. He could quote effete European philosophers that few had ever heard of and the Beatles.He was as much beloved as he was hated. His whiny and nasal voice could come across as loathsome and off-putting. Yet, He was also quoted, used to motivate others and revered.
Howard tended to be petty and a bit jealous. He found it easy to believe that he was being plotted against. This, sadly, caused him to be rather isolated and abandoned towards the end of his life. This was tragic for him, of course, but for our society as well!
I think I'm like the Great Mr. Cosell. I tend to be too strident and overly opinionated. I can be very sensitive and thin-skinned! I hope I will profit from what I've learned of hoe he damaged himself and isolated himself. There are times when we all do well to ignore our fears, say no to our anxieties and run to longingly and passionately embrace our hopes, dreams, ideals and visions of what can yet be.
Howard, It is sad that you are not often thought of in this still very young 21ST Century. You set my teeth on edge often but you also showed there is invincible value in daring, fighting for what you KNOW to be right and trusting that advocating for THE BEST will always keep us striving to attain the best! I remember you and miss you!
Howard Cosell- Rest in Peace. You are a true and towering American Original!!!!
He loved opera and spoke a number of languages fluently! He was a MAJOR Media Figure and for a Number of years was a vital star on one of the Top Rated TV programs of all times!
Who was this man ??? I write of The Late Howard Cosell -A journalist and a sports commentator all at once. He was a man who could be both engaging and withering! He could be haughty and compellingly caring. He could quote effete European philosophers that few had ever heard of and the Beatles.He was as much beloved as he was hated. His whiny and nasal voice could come across as loathsome and off-putting. Yet, He was also quoted, used to motivate others and revered.
Howard tended to be petty and a bit jealous. He found it easy to believe that he was being plotted against. This, sadly, caused him to be rather isolated and abandoned towards the end of his life. This was tragic for him, of course, but for our society as well!
I think I'm like the Great Mr. Cosell. I tend to be too strident and overly opinionated. I can be very sensitive and thin-skinned! I hope I will profit from what I've learned of hoe he damaged himself and isolated himself. There are times when we all do well to ignore our fears, say no to our anxieties and run to longingly and passionately embrace our hopes, dreams, ideals and visions of what can yet be.
Howard, It is sad that you are not often thought of in this still very young 21ST Century. You set my teeth on edge often but you also showed there is invincible value in daring, fighting for what you KNOW to be right and trusting that advocating for THE BEST will always keep us striving to attain the best! I remember you and miss you!
Howard Cosell- Rest in Peace. You are a true and towering American Original!!!!
Friday, June 10, 2011
Does having ACED physics help you when you are mopping a floor for minimum wages?
Does telling fascinating stories about Roman Emperors benefit anyone when they are making a Big Mac?
I'm noticing greater arguments being offered concerning the idea of our schools serving to help employment, A need is seen to use our schools as employment insurance agencies. I, for one, know that being well-familiar with and well-educated in the Arts and Science is of great profit in and of itself!
The critics of this concept, here in 2011, will state that, " This is a large investment of time and money in something that may just wind up serving as a tool for self-entertainment and amusement. It is an education that, in the blunt sensce, may NEVER!!! pay for itself !"
What is your opinion on this matter ?
I'm noticing greater arguments being offered concerning the idea of our schools serving to help employment, A need is seen to use our schools as employment insurance agencies. I, for one, know that being well-familiar with and well-educated in the Arts and Science is of great profit in and of itself!
The critics of this concept, here in 2011, will state that, " This is a large investment of time and money in something that may just wind up serving as a tool for self-entertainment and amusement. It is an education that, in the blunt sensce, may NEVER!!! pay for itself !"
What is your opinion on this matter ?
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Summer is My Favorite Season.
I love long days, A change of pace, people being more free to play and connect!
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Gresham.Com
Low quality will drive high quality out of circulation. This to be is a cyber version of the old economics rule- Gresham's Law.
I am amazed to see how tacky, vulgar and really absurdly offensive some posts are that people place on forums, who'd want their names connected to statements that serve as evidence that "I am rude, tacky, classless, common and noticeably brainless!"!
I also am amazed that people post on forum sites that allow people to say negative, slanderous and degrading things about them as they respond to threads that they post. If you object you are told something inane such as once you post it, It is common property- You can't control who posts here and what they post.
It really seems to me to be a warped and rather absurd way to manage forums.
I am amazed to see how tacky, vulgar and really absurdly offensive some posts are that people place on forums, who'd want their names connected to statements that serve as evidence that "I am rude, tacky, classless, common and noticeably brainless!"!
I also am amazed that people post on forum sites that allow people to say negative, slanderous and degrading things about them as they respond to threads that they post. If you object you are told something inane such as once you post it, It is common property- You can't control who posts here and what they post.
It really seems to me to be a warped and rather absurd way to manage forums.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Is holding those responsible for their misdeeds only be a popular idea with NINE year olds?
I served as an elmentary teacher for a number of years. One thing that my students would become royally and righteously angry about is being accused of something they did not do! What I found even more striking is that they could become even more severely enraged if I did not pursue the matter until the students who were misbehaving were caught and punished in a manner that would be likely to deter them from quickly repeating the same offense.
These plucky and outspoke children despised the idea that I and other teachers- often at the insistence of the School Owner or Principal were FORCEd to implement. That being, This is sa serious act and AS we are NOT able to determine the child or children directly responsible- THE whole class will have to be disciplined.
I remember students telling me - in no uncertain terms that doing this woulsd be both UNFAIR and Wrong! I remember students calling out the names of a clssmate or the names of classmates saying things like, " You know you did this. Don't make ALL of us suffer for you!" While it was tempting to act against the MANED students, wiyhout proof, I was not permitted to continue to consider pursuing that avenue>
It seems we have a large and growing list of things in America where everyone is ASSUMED guilty and dealt with as such- some of the TSA procedures seem to stem from this notion. So, Should fairness and treating people correctly and properly- looking for the guilty without penalizing the innocent- be an ideal that stokes the passion and outrage of ADULTS as well as 9 year olds in 2011 America?
These plucky and outspoke children despised the idea that I and other teachers- often at the insistence of the School Owner or Principal were FORCEd to implement. That being, This is sa serious act and AS we are NOT able to determine the child or children directly responsible- THE whole class will have to be disciplined.
I remember students telling me - in no uncertain terms that doing this woulsd be both UNFAIR and Wrong! I remember students calling out the names of a clssmate or the names of classmates saying things like, " You know you did this. Don't make ALL of us suffer for you!" While it was tempting to act against the MANED students, wiyhout proof, I was not permitted to continue to consider pursuing that avenue>
It seems we have a large and growing list of things in America where everyone is ASSUMED guilty and dealt with as such- some of the TSA procedures seem to stem from this notion. So, Should fairness and treating people correctly and properly- looking for the guilty without penalizing the innocent- be an ideal that stokes the passion and outrage of ADULTS as well as 9 year olds in 2011 America?
Traffic Safety - A Brief observation from a Pedestrian's Perspective.
I do not have a driver's license and I never have had one. I live in a section of Fairfax County , Virginia called Lincolnia, This is a mixed use neighborhood- A number of drive in businesses are located there within the same blocks as residential communities
People drive in and out sharply and are not at all consistently mindful of the pedestrians that are waking up or down these same side walks. The drivers also use the connected driveways as shortcuts. It is clearly not an arrangement that was designed with safety in mind!
People drive in and out sharply and are not at all consistently mindful of the pedestrians that are waking up or down these same side walks. The drivers also use the connected driveways as shortcuts. It is clearly not an arrangement that was designed with safety in mind!
Monday, June 6, 2011
The Protest of an Immigrant to the US
Tito Munoz, AKA Tito The Builder, immigrated to The US from Columbia, He is not happy with current conditions in THE US and he recently said the following, "Why do immigrants leave their country Bcause they don't have opportunity and they don't have freedom because the politicians control everything. We come to America and we are going to have the same crap. Then,We might as well go home."
No one immigrates to a country to be subjected to the very conditions that they left to escape from. Does Mr. Munoz have a point?
No one immigrates to a country to be subjected to the very conditions that they left to escape from. Does Mr. Munoz have a point?
Freedom and Responsibility
Most people want to embrace freedom when it seems to mean that they get to choose what they will do without any limitations or challenge.They revel in freedom when it means that ---- They get what they wish !
Most people want others to come in and rescue them when the choices they make boomerang against them- when they deal with the undesirable and ,at times, overwhelming, harsh and difficult to cope with consequences of the FREE choices that they previously made.
People who yearn to have unlimited freedom but what very limited responsibilities to deal with can be seen as rather immature and clueless. What is your view of the "Unlimited Freedom for Me but I need consequence protection" point of view.
Most people want others to come in and rescue them when the choices they make boomerang against them- when they deal with the undesirable and ,at times, overwhelming, harsh and difficult to cope with consequences of the FREE choices that they previously made.
People who yearn to have unlimited freedom but what very limited responsibilities to deal with can be seen as rather immature and clueless. What is your view of the "Unlimited Freedom for Me but I need consequence protection" point of view.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Desperately Seeking Civilized Behavior
I know that most large cities and their close -in suburbs are a vast mixture of people. I know that we have become accustomed to dealing with very poorly educated and very poorly socialized people. I also know that we have people who are severely limited by mental health issues
I am beyond tired with obnoxiously unacceptable public manners.overall, I'm sorely annoyed by people who have no sense or no recognition that some people consider their personal space as needing to be noticed, respected and honor. I grow tired of listen to mangled conversations in English by NATIVE English speakers. Conversations that make you wonder if these speakers have ever attended school a day in their lives. Then, The conversations are so laced with vulgarity, obscenities and hostility that you wonder why anyone would want to be known for having so little of any value to say that this is all they have to say.
Then, You wonder about riding public transportation that is filled not only by people but by big and full laundry bags, shopping carts, baby strollers, walkers and wheelchairs. There are so many items that can trip you up that it often makes standing on buses dangerous. It is easy to trip or lose your footing with so many available opportunities to be severely injured and perhaps killed if such bus is ever in a high speed crash.
Buses also make me aware of radically unacceptable hygiene issue. No one should be asked to rise with people whose clothing is noticably soiled by human wastes. It is worse to be expected to endure being seated near such a person. As I already note, Standing is not always a safe option. I'd like to see threats to public health be cited as a reason to deny such people permission to board buses and trains.
I remember, as a boy, being told as a student at My Catholic Elementary School that we needed to be mindful of others when we were in public and that we should retrain and guide our behavior with this in mind. You often wonder who takes on such a role in 2011 if the family is not up to dealing with this!
As the years go on, I really think I'd do best living in a MUCH smaller community. Fewer thousands to deal with and a more traditionally-based community that still considers public behavior to be a part of whether a community is a positive or a negative place to reside in.
I am beyond tired with obnoxiously unacceptable public manners.overall, I'm sorely annoyed by people who have no sense or no recognition that some people consider their personal space as needing to be noticed, respected and honor. I grow tired of listen to mangled conversations in English by NATIVE English speakers. Conversations that make you wonder if these speakers have ever attended school a day in their lives. Then, The conversations are so laced with vulgarity, obscenities and hostility that you wonder why anyone would want to be known for having so little of any value to say that this is all they have to say.
Then, You wonder about riding public transportation that is filled not only by people but by big and full laundry bags, shopping carts, baby strollers, walkers and wheelchairs. There are so many items that can trip you up that it often makes standing on buses dangerous. It is easy to trip or lose your footing with so many available opportunities to be severely injured and perhaps killed if such bus is ever in a high speed crash.
Buses also make me aware of radically unacceptable hygiene issue. No one should be asked to rise with people whose clothing is noticably soiled by human wastes. It is worse to be expected to endure being seated near such a person. As I already note, Standing is not always a safe option. I'd like to see threats to public health be cited as a reason to deny such people permission to board buses and trains.
I remember, as a boy, being told as a student at My Catholic Elementary School that we needed to be mindful of others when we were in public and that we should retrain and guide our behavior with this in mind. You often wonder who takes on such a role in 2011 if the family is not up to dealing with this!
As the years go on, I really think I'd do best living in a MUCH smaller community. Fewer thousands to deal with and a more traditionally-based community that still considers public behavior to be a part of whether a community is a positive or a negative place to reside in.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Gaining by Slowing Dowm
I was a bit harried as I was in the process of renting a movie from a Red Box Machine from A Shoppers Food Warehouse store.I wanted to get a movie and go home.
As I was deciding which movie I wanted, I noticed that there was a woman with a movie in her hand- she was clearly waiting to return it. I stopped what I was doing and let her step in front of me.
I'm glad that I did so. I enjoyed doing that I gained more from that than I got fron the movie- which I was not able to watch all the way through!
As in many things in my life, The lessons do seem to play out strangely at times!
As I was deciding which movie I wanted, I noticed that there was a woman with a movie in her hand- she was clearly waiting to return it. I stopped what I was doing and let her step in front of me.
I'm glad that I did so. I enjoyed doing that I gained more from that than I got fron the movie- which I was not able to watch all the way through!
As in many things in my life, The lessons do seem to play out strangely at times!
Friday, June 3, 2011
As long as you think and hope...
There are always more possibilities to be enjoyed. That is one of the charms of not giving up!
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Wondering about a might have been...
I'm really a bit ambivalent about living in The Greater Washington DC. It seems to be where I am out of simply being here. I guess I've wanted to exit for years. I just don't have the wherewithal to go somewhere else now, I really don't want to go somewhere else with barely enough to make a go of it.
I've wondered a lot of late if I 'd been more satisfied if I chose to stay on and live in Frostburg, Maryland and become an adult there. That is where I attended College. Sighhh. A part of me wonders if 6 to 10,000 people and a small college within walking distance would have led to a far less stressful life!
I've wondered a lot of late if I 'd been more satisfied if I chose to stay on and live in Frostburg, Maryland and become an adult there. That is where I attended College. Sighhh. A part of me wonders if 6 to 10,000 people and a small college within walking distance would have led to a far less stressful life!
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
How can children be helped to keep enduring abuse from crushing their sprits
and misshaping their personalities while they are still yet children?
Due to the physical, emotional and intellectual abuse that I endured as a child, My parents birthdays as well as Mothers and Fathers Day were torturous for me to get through and beyond!
Thus, May, June- My Father had a June Birthday and October - My mother claimed to different dates that Month as her birthday- were Fields of Nightmares for me.
So, How do people who have younger relatives who have been stained by this spectre keep these days from further negatively impact their childhoods?
Due to the physical, emotional and intellectual abuse that I endured as a child, My parents birthdays as well as Mothers and Fathers Day were torturous for me to get through and beyond!
Thus, May, June- My Father had a June Birthday and October - My mother claimed to different dates that Month as her birthday- were Fields of Nightmares for me.
So, How do people who have younger relatives who have been stained by this spectre keep these days from further negatively impact their childhoods?
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