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It seems that I am forever confusing life proverbs. I knew that one of them had something to do with sewing. The word stitch was a part of it. At the time I laughed since the only thing that came to mind was a cartoon character from Hawaii.
Those things don’t bug me much. Usually I can shrug it off and go on with my routine. Then, sometime in the day it pops into my head.
Someone long ago with the gift of words framed the adage to match a lesson in life. Going through the routine of a day and in a teachable moment put words to life experience. Many lives heard the wisdom and repeated the saying often enough that it became a part of folklore.
Oh yeah, there it is. I knew that it had something to do with “time” and the wise investment in preventative maintenance. The adage that I was thinking of is “A stitch in time, saves nine.”
As a youngster I lived in an era when we still would darn our own socks. While watching TV with the family I would pick up a darning needle, the darning nob, place a sock over the nob, and begin stitching the holes in my socks.
It did take some time. I wasn’t particularly adept at this chore. Usually, the hole in my sock was so big that the word “stitch” should have replaced with “weave.” “Save nine” just never made sense to me when I was into stitch number “thirty-seven.”
For whatever reason darning socks is no longer in vogue. But, preventative maintenance is all over my truck. I have a list that I am taking to my automobile mechanic this morning. Hopefully, he can fix all of these items and I can again drive in confidence.
Warning signs of maintenance issues can avoid those moments of a vehicle break down. It’s never convenient to have a vehicle break down. Nor is it ever convenient to add a car repair stop in the schedule. But, one is obviously preferred over the other.
Now, my six year old truck has a console repair, coolant inspection, drive train inspection and lubricant changes that all call for attention. My mechanic can do most of those ten times faster than me. But, I just have to find the time for him to do the stitching. Just remember that old saying, “In for a penny, in for a ton?”
Old Dogs Can’t Learn New Tricks is an adage that has been around a lot longer than any of us. Like most proverbs it is not an absolute in life but it certainly is a truism that has been observed over time. In most situations and in the lives of most people who are aging gracefully this old saying is true.
There are special areas that highlight this observation about humans. When people have areas of concentrated effort, they get used a familiar way of doing something. Those processes are difficult to change.
This is especially true if the focus of effort has been very strong and been followed for a lengthy period of time. When the tried and true methods have been productive then it is doubly hard to change fixed patterns of behavior.
One of my hobbies is shooting. I like to hone my marksmanship skills. It’s an amazing world of power, precision and consistency all wrapped up into one.
I picked up this passion during my days in the Boy Scouts. We all learned to handle a rifle safely at camp. It’s an interest that is difficult to explain but it certainly is self-evident once it is personally experieinced.
For years I have learned to shoot with one eye closed. Even when I moved into the use of a scope I followed that pattern. It was so natural that I do not consciously think about it any more. Once I raise a scoped rifle to my shoulder, my left eye closes and I concentrate through my right eye on to the cross hairs of my scope.
Then, I met the people of Trijicon. That’s a specialized company that makes optics. They have taught me something new and has begun to change my habits of shooting forever.
The Trijicon scopes are designed to have the shooter sight through their scope with both eyes open. It solves the problem finding a target, adjusting to varying distances in a short time, and locks the shooter’s concentration on the target naturally.
These scopes are built with a natural non-battery illumination. With both eyes open the feild of view is immense. Yet without concentration, the target is acquired and locked in naturally as God designed us to see with the two eyes that He created in us. Yes, I’m a dog that has learned to improve an old trick. Give it a try. Remember the name, Trijicon.
There was quite a “brew-ha-ha” over the recent interchange between President Obama and Rush Limbaugh. I laughed at the news anchors when she announced that they were going to cover the story. I actually came back from another project to watch the coverage.
I’m glad that I wasn’t late for my return viewing. The story was shorter than the announcement. That convinced me that I have not missed watching the TV news.
No, I haven’t watched the prime time news in a long time. Who has the time? It’s faster and more informative to race through the Internet news sources. In the time that it takes to watch a 30 minute news program I can consume four times as much information, edit the news items myself, and draw an informed opinion without the news anchors telling what they think the meaning is behind the current events.
The latest news pitted the limited interchange between President Obama and Rush Limbaugh’s comments about each other. On one news site there were over 900 public comments on that single episode alone. The comments had to be stopped a mere day after it was posted. It engendered a lot of heat.
I read several of the comments. My reaction was “Whoa!” there are a lot of people out there with some serious anger issues. Who would want have friends who flare up with name calling, personal insults and vicious accusations when something controversial emerges. That kind of reaction doesn’t accomplish much but only leads to division.
We can sort through the stuff of life without being mean and nasty. Mean and nasty never accomplished one good thing. Most of us are into achievement and making a positive difference with our lives.
If we have a purpose in life to aim towards, let’s have at it no matter what kind of criticism comes our way. Live according to the principles that we believe in and overcome evil with good. Trading insult with insult is not God’s way.
Laying down and being passive isn’t likely the best way to be productive either. But, we don’t have to get distracted from the course of doing what is right. All of us should be careful not to divert our attention to those who are the negatives in life. Keep on track and do what is righteous. God will bless those who live His way and do what they know is good.
photo credit: Google image
One of the best known Bible stories is the historical account of David fighting Goliath. It has become so well known that even in secular circles to mention “David against Goliath” is a metaphor representing the little guy against the big guy. The world uses this story to encourage the underdog to act courageously against insurmountable odds.
All people of faith know that this is more than a legend. It is not a tale of make-believe. Rather it is an historical account of actual faith expressing itself in impossible circumstances.
I feel like I am facing a giant. It was announced last week that President Obama signed a policy approving the use of American tax dollars to fund abortions overseas. Unlike several other executive policies that he enacted, there was no ceremony marking that decision.
My responsibility as a good citizen is to pay my taxes. God’s Word is clear on that. I spend a great deal of time and money to make sure that I obey the law regarding that responsibility.
But, I also have a responsibility to be a light in this world. Morally I have to represent my God in a world that chooses to violate His standards. Protecting human life is the right thing to do.
I have written three emails so far. All three adddress the same issue. I expressed my objection for the use of my tax dollars to support abortions overseas. In addition I explained my moral position on the matter.
These three emails were sent last week to the two United States senators representing the state of Michigan. In addition I sent a similar email to the White House. I would urge you to do the same.
It may seem like one email may not accomplish much. But, if all of us sent emails our collective voice will make a difference. I certainly do not want to face my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ some day and know that I did not do something to stand up for the voice of the helpless, the unborn, the children who have yet to draw breath on their own.
We don’t have five stones to pick up from a brook in the Kidron Valley. But, maybe we can boot up our computer and send an email. The onslaught of the taking of human life is a Juggernaut needing someone to act out of faith. Join me and let’s defend the lives of these little helpless ones.
Perhaps you have heard the world wide reputation of the Chinese people. We are known as being inscrutable. That means that others have a difficult time deciphering our mood. Asians, especially the Chinese, communicate a quiet reserve, neither showing highs nor lows.
We have a steady reaction to the most challenging of circumstances. That has won us this characterization for countless generations. Even in the most trying of situations, a calm approach has been our mainstay. Don’t assume that this is an expression of personal self-control.
Rather, I suggest to you a more reasonable explanation for the stayed behavior of my fellows who find their roots deeply embedded in the land of the rising sun. Our penchant for calm is not due to culture or personality. It is a product of being too exhausted to become anxious.
After all, we spend two weeks celebrating the Chinese New Year. Yes, you read correctly. The celebration for Chinese New Year lasts for fourteen days.
Food is the focal point for our celebration. It is a collection of gatherings for family and friends. Lots of food means that the past year was bountiful and the coming year is expected to be as well.
No matter what our economic situation we celebrate what we have and eagerly look forward to what is to come. That attitude of festivities is always enough to cheer the heart. Surrounded by a universal mood of community that is optimistic, thankful and generous it is like an elixir to the soul.
This is the year of the Ox. Each of the twelve animals on the lunar calendar has special characteristics that will be apparent in the lives of any who are born in that year. Isn’t it interesting that the traits are by far and away, very positive features. That’s my countrymen for you, always keeping it upbeat.
Oh yes, we celebrate the New Year with gusto. Fireworks, dancing, partying, decorating, speeches, and festivities keep us going for days. We have parades, plays, music and more dancing. That’s the real reason we are known as inscrutable. We are too tired after the celebration and need the rest of the year to rest up for the next New Year celebration.
Due to the economic tough times, we are shortening our New Year’s festivities to one week instead of two. That will give us more time to work. Oh boy! Happy New Year!
Photo Credit: Google image
My three sons and I have some very good times together. Two of my sons are biological blessings. Our third is actually my son-in-law. The four of us share enough in common that we are just one big bad of buddies going through life determined to live it to its fullest.
One thing has troubled me lately. I run into men whose lives are washed up before they finish living. In fact they ship wreck their lives long before they have finished.
The stories come in all shapes and sizes. Some get hooked on pornography. Others become addicts in other areas: alcohol, drugs, or money. Some short circuit their lives because of an out-of-control temper. Some end up in prison for crimes against society. Others, check out of humanity because they can’t deal with the guilt of past secret sins.
These endless stories of ruined lives have given me pause a number times with regard to my own sons. I pray for them every day. In my petition before the Almighty I ask for the LORD to bless them, use them powerfully in the lives of other people, make them faithful husbands, loyal friends, effective servants of God in their local churches.
Yes, they are grown men now. They have their own lives to live. I did all that I could to prepare them to launch off on their own. Nevertheless, I want to do something more.
After praying about an option this week I am giving each of my sons a gift. I purchased four stainless steel crosses that they can wear around their necks or hang in a prominent place at their homes. There are four because I have one too.
This visual symbol will be reminder that the four of us will stand behind each other no matter what comes our way. Furthermore, it will give each of us a prompting that we are being held accountable for a pure life that will glorify the Lord both in public and private. This way of life will be the basis of our integrity and honor in this lifetime.
No there is nothing magical about this piece of jewelry. But, it will always represent a mutual promise that I give to each of my sons that we will stick together tighter than a band of brothers. Our camaraderie will be our daily strength as Jonathan was a friend to David.
I was invited to enjoy a delicious meal with good friends. This was not a gathering at a well-known restaurant just for the great food but instead a gathering by people all around the world involved in conservation and outdoor activities. It was a great excuse to leave the frigid snow encrusted state of Michigan and head toward a warmer climate.
The program for the evening was enjoyable. I met new friends, admired the world wide travels of people at my table, and marvelled at the quality of the program that marked the evening. Audio problems were the only glitch in the program.
A highlight was the auctioneer. He sat at our table. What a character he was. Then, when he donned his cowboy hat and entertained the audience with his fast talking and skill to raise money, I smiled, laughed and kept my hands very still.
Then, the featured speaker was introduced. The MC read quite a list of achievements. I glanced over at him while he patiently waited for his moment. At his side his wife was beaming with every item from his past accomplishments.
He is a retired general from the US Marine Corps. Leaders who are effective have a presence about them. No matter what is said about their introduction, they command attention when they rise to step behind the lectern.
The General lauded his love for the USA. This certainly is his country. Patriotism oozed from his speech. All of us in the audience appluaded generously. Even at his introduction we gave him a standing ovation. He thanked us then ordered us to sit. We obeyed.
Dressed in a suit coat that accomodated his military medals, he looked the part and sounded the part. His squared off jaw was as strong as his message. Selfless and modest, he spread the credit to others in the audience who were veterans as well. Each recognition won the applause of the crowd.
This general who gave the lion’s share of his adult life defending our country gave us one charge. He implored us to love our country. Further, he urged us to never let anyone in this country speak against it without our challenge.
What he said did not rest with his humor. Nor did it wander with empty rhetoric. His speech was not a string of platitudes without substance. We heard what he said and more importantly felt it resonate with our hearts.
My Internet link has been bugging me lately. It flashes up pictures and stories about the Presidential Inauguration. Then, it asks for my opinion about the stories that it posts on my computer screen.
I have not been looking for stories on this event. January 20 is a work day for me. It is not a paid holiday or vacation day.
The computer asked if I consider this day an historic day. Of course the answer to that is yes. But, isn’t every day an historic day? History is the recording of actual factual events. Every Presidential Inauguration is historic.
My commitment to be a good citizen is linked to my Christian faith. As a good citizen, I will let my voice be heard regarding the morals and values that God treasures. The moral climate of our nation concerns me for the next four years.
The plight of the unborn burdens me. I love life. It is sacred. Humans yet to draw their own first breath will face even more dangerous days ahead. Their helpless situation will become more tenuous without the moral commitment to the sanctity of life.
Conversation after church has people of faith feeling uneasy about the near political future. Imposition of federal standards defining morality may threaten our Christian beliefs. Concerns along this line are more realized than ever with the changes that promise to come.
Impingement on our individual rights to bear arms may be threatened. That is a topic of conversation around neighborhood diners. Sporting goods stores are temporarily happy with the high volume of gun sales. Apparently, the public is afraid that the second amendment is in jeopardy so they are buying what they can while weapons for personal protection can still be purchased.
It has all been about change. But a lot of the change that I have heard is fear, concern, doubt, and frustration. This side of America is not making the national news. But, concerned citizens are discussing it among themselves.
Part of that tentative nature is the confusion over the race issue. On one hand this election was not about race. Yet, when it was completed, then it was touted as a historic moment that was all about race.
No, I didn’t get to join in on the ceremony, celebration or pomp. I was too busy working a normal workday. After all, most of us had to be at work today. Someone has to pay for the national bill of more than $150 Million for the party in D.C.
I over heard someone at church joke about moving to Michigan only to realize that they were living in Antarctica. Several of us laughed. That is a creative way of looking at the recent series of cold snaps to dominate our state. But as for me, I’m not complaining.
Whether meteorologists call it an Alberta Clipper or Nor’easter or a Arctic Freeze they are all the same. It is bitterly cold outside. On top of that the wind chill makes for great conversation in every venue that I experience in a day.
Yes, no one likes to hear others whine. But, the challenging weather is a good punching bag. A lot of the whining is really funny to boot. Someone said that it is so cold outside that they heard that the local Canadian geese all applied for penguin union cards.
Usually, we see squirrels, geese, and groundhogs as the most popular wildlife in our neighborhood. Lately, there have been unconfirmed sightings of polar bear, musk ox and herds of caribou. No one has produced any hard evidence of such encounters, but there are a number of snow men that have a terrified look on their coal, carrot and top hat faces. The environment might appear like it’s complaining but I’m not.
Most notable in our environment of winter are the tell tale signs of the cold. The accumulated piles of snow surrounding our house is now over a foot deep. Snow plows roar through our neighborhood and push up a barrier at the end of my driveway after I had just cleared it with my personal snow thrower. But, I’m not complaining.
Then, when I set foot outside the first breath that I draw of -11 degree temperatures makes my eyes bulge, ears shrink, and muscles contract. I cinch up my wool scarf, zip up my parka, fasten my gloves on more tightly, and pull my hat down a little more firmly. My skin is dry and cracked but I’m not complaining.
Yes, it is cold outside. It is very cold outside. The wind chill knocks the felt temperatures down to -24 degrees. Newscasters tell us that exposed skin will freeze under these circumstances. But, I’m not complaining.
Cars are stalling in the cold temperatures. More vehicles have skidded off of the roads because the temperatures are too cold for salt to be effective in melting the winter crystals. OK, I’ll admit it. I’m complaining. But, it feels good to do it.
Back at my last job I was a faculty member of a private school. We had a lot of fun as a faculty. The variety of our teaching team was quite a blend. That blend was more personality than color.
As an Asian I was at that time the only ethnic variation on the faculty. That gave me a platform to nudge this highly educated group toward an understanding of ethnic concerns. By nature I am not an activist but I am a concerned representative of the Almighty and I know that He has heard the plight of many wounded hearts.
Eventually, I quietly made a case to have an instituional recognition of Martin Luther King Day. The ensuing long discussions for a long established educational operation like this were necessary. I chuckled at so much of the conversation.
Sure, Martin Luther King did not live a perfect life. Who did aside from Jesus? My urging of my colleagues was to assure them that adding a holiday like this was beyond an individual. We should be leaders in the realm of one message of love and redemption for ALL people.
Patience in the world of academia is the only path for longevity of personal sanity! My colleagues finally changed! It was a miracle! When the vote was finally taken, they collectively approved the recommendation to recognize MLK Day as an institutional holiday.
This advancement was an expression of what we believe to be the heart of God. While we people of the world are different shades of color, varied in our culutural contexts, and distinct in unique ethnic features we have one common and undeniable similarity. We are ALL created in the image of God.
In addition we ALL share in our struggle against sin. Sin has separated us from our Creator. As a result we are progressively becoming more selfish, evil and misguided in life.
We share in common our need to be redeemed. Our common creator gave us a singular gift for ALL people. He gave us a Savior, His Son, Jesus Christ.
Whether Jew or Gentile, Male or Female, Asian, Caucasian, Hispanic, African, Indian or whatever, Jesus died for us ALL. He rose again for us ALL. Now, we ALL can personally believe and put our faith in Him. Happy MLK Day! If you haven’t already done so, please accept the open invitation to ALL people, BELIEVE.
photo credit: Google image
