Happy Birthday Dick

                                                     left to right Dick, Barb, Herb, Jack, Dad

This would be my late brother Dick’s birthday today. He passed away in June 1992. A year before our father died. They both have been gone so long.

Dick was the smartest person I have ever known. We were so different from each other but didn’t change how we felt either.

Besides being smart he loved people so much. He cared for people in a way that I wish I could. Dick was a special man. He loved his niece Leslie and his four nephews at the time. He would have loved Danny who wasn’t born yet.

My thoughts are always on you Dick though the time has passed on. I must honor you on this day of your birthday. I look forward to the day we see each other again and give one another a giant hug.

Went To Bed Early

Last night I went to bed early. I am not sure why but that was the purpose. I figured I had to throw purpose into this.

I don’t go to bed early very often. It is a good thing because I get up a few more times in the night. Also, I can feel more tired sleeping longer. I am not sure everyone feels the same way.

It is Friday now under five weeks until 2020 shows up. Amazing to think a new decade starts again.  The key is to stick around for the whole thing.

Another thing about 2020 our family will be celebrating my mother’s 100^th birthday. The hope she will stick around for it. She is back home after her fall spending time in the hospital and rehab. She does good for someone her age for sure.

Anyway, enjoy a wonderful day and weekend. May everything go right with blessings. Amen!

Happy Thanksgiving

I want to wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving whether you are an American or not.

Being thankful should be the cornerstone of our lives; however, we often forget. Thankfulness is right up there with forgiveness. We will be better people because of both.

Enjoy your day whatever you have planned. May those all around you be blessed by your presence well as you there’s.

A Great Day

We can make this a great day. It is our choice to do so.

No one can make it bad if we don’t let them.

My encouragement is for us to make it so.

Peace and joy while we enter this holiday season.

May your family be blessed in every way. I know you are a major player in the family. No more or less than anyone else. Amen!

Being On Time

I am one of those who leave early to be sure that I am on time.  

I am not one of those who like to be always early showing up. The important thing to me is being on time.

I am a greeter at my church. If I was not greeting than I would be a little bit early so I can socialize with others who are early as well. Most of the people show up right on time.

There are those who are always late. Some of them even apologize for not being on time. I believe in the late group there are some that don’t want to be at church on time. I am not sure why because I think worship is the best part of the service.

I think being late is an unconscious act. The reason I say this because of how many are not late for work. You know it is important to be on time or you will lose your job so other things are not as important to be on time. Just a theory I have that is all.

Enjoy your day whether you are on time, early or late.

Traditions

Everyone has traditions in one form or another. For some they may have a tradition of not following traditions.

With the holiday season coming up tradition is a major part of it. May have to do with eating or presents or where you spend your time.

Whatever it is enjoy to your fullest; have a wonderful holiday this year.

Looking For Snow On The Mountain Passes

It has been a dry month for the most part here in Western Washington. November usually is one of the rainiest months here but not so far this year.

Not only do we need the rain since we have half of the usual rainfall for the year the mountains can use the snow as well.  The skiers want to get on the slopes to ski. This Thursday will be Thanksgiving here in the USA so many Washingtonians will want to spend the holiday weekend skiing. It is likely won’t happen this year.

Our mountain passes are wonderful places to ski this time of the year. Sometimes though it just doesn’t happen. 

Appreciation

There are two good things encouragement and prayer. Of course, prayer should be at the top of the list.

I appreciate your prayers for my mother and me. She is doing so much better in the last 24 hours with standing and walking. Being able to get herself up with less help is really good.

I had no doubt with encouragement and prayer she would improve; however, it is nice when it happens earlier than expected. Have yourself a wonderful weekend.

One Day At A Time

This week I have realized more than ever how important it is to take one day at a time.

Circumstances happen where we don’t have any control over it so taking one day at a time is all we got.

In Matthew 6:34 Jesus Christ said do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about itself, each day has enough trouble of its own. There is nothing truer than that. Amen!

Great Beauty

We see all around us beauty in nature like the flowers and the trees along with the animals; however, we don’t see ourselves often as being beautiful which we are by the way.

One of the true battles we have is seeing who we are and how we can be part of this beauty of nature. Think of yourself in a positive way as being beautiful no matter what others may see.

She is Back

I picked up mother and brought her home around 11 o’clock in the morning. She had a little trouble but not bad at all going down the stairs.

The trouble happened at night when getting her into bed. It was very hard to do so but I did get her into bed. This morning getting out of bed was much better, to say the least. So we hope this will be better for us for the road ahead. A nurse will be coming today to evaluate her.

So now I am back to my main purpose right now. The times won’t be always good but necessary. I hope you are having a good day. Amen!

Going Back To Normal?

Today Mom will be coming home from the rehab center after almost two months since her fall. Neither one of us figured it would be this long for her return.

Mom is reluctant to walk down the stairs to the apartment. She has been practicing with the physical therapist and me but not still sure whether she can or not. I told her that I will be right there so she won’t fall.

Today should be back to normal I think. The days ahead will not be quite normal since home-care providers will be coming at least twice a week to give assistance. Anyway, we will see how the days ahead will go.

Memories

I find it interesting when some people remember things that I don’t at all. Sometimes mention those I don’t either.

It is always good to talk about memories even the ones not sure of or about people don’t remember either.  The best is to find out when or where you knew them.

On Saturday I ran into a gal who I grew up with but I don’t see too often. It is nice the times I have though. We talked about what is going on in our lives. She was glad my mother is getting out of the rehab center tomorrow. We do keep up to date on a regular basis through Facebook; however, it is nice to hear the voice that goes with the face.

That is the thing I enjoy about going shopping I usually run into someone I know whether it is often or not. It is good to encourage the other person as well as finding out what has been going on in their lives.

May you have a good week and I hope you see someone from your past too. Amen!

Kindness

The world could use a lot more kindness as well as love and peace.

Many people are not talking to old friends anymore because they don’t agree on politics. What a shame a person or ideology will not allow you to speak to another with kindness.

Free advice don’t speak politics with someone you know has as much passion for their side as you do for yours. I am sure you know they won’t change your thinking you won’t change theirs either.

Meeting New People

I am sure you already know I enjoy meeting new people. I try to almost every day.

Friday I met a mother Katie and her son Ryan when getting my haircut at the barbershop. Katie first said after the hellos that Ryan wanted to know my name. I told them my name is Herb. He was a bit shy when I asked for his name so Katie game his name and then hers when I asked.

I am not sure how it came in the conversation but she said that she was born in Ottawa Canada then moved to Georgia when she was eight. She and her family have been here for five years I think anyway.

I told Katie that my sister Barb lives in Quebec. She said that her grandparents live in Quebec just over the bridge from Ottawa. What an amazing deal since that is where my sister lives.

What are the odds that you meet someone you know where they were born and you have family who lives nearby. Barb worked in Ottawa before retiring this year. Of course, she still goes to Ottawa for visits since it is a short drive. It is like me going to Tacoma just cross the Narrows Bridge and I am there.

I think that is the exciting part of our life purpose God has given us to meet new people, finding out a bit of their history. God bless you all!

Side Effects

On Wednesday I had my flu shot along with shingles. No side effect with the flu shot; however, I do have a sore arm from the shingles along with feeling as though I caught the flu. Sort of irony to that don’t you think?

A friend of mine who I saw on Thursday told me feeling like having the flu is a side effect of the shingles shot. I was relieved me a bit though I hadn’t expected it just the sore shoulder.

I figure there must be a life lesson in this but I haven’t figured out what it is right now. I just have to remember when getting shot side effects are part of the deal. Something important coming up don’t get a shot. Maybe that is the life lesson. Whatever………..

Opposition

Whether has to do with sports or life, in general, we do have to deal with opposition. 

Sometimes we have no idea what to do. I figure the most important thing to do is go with what we already know.

It is like taking a test. Answer the questions we know and don’t figure things out too much. I remember on tests where I changed the answer and the original answer was the right one.

The thing to do is go with what we know and let everything else come along. Need assistance ask someone who you might think has the answer. In the end, the opposition won’t be so hard to overcome. Amen!

Visiting Victoria British Columbia

Last week I saw a guy wearing a shirt saying Victoria, British Columbia on it. It is amazing how many shirts show sports teams as well as different places to see.

Victoria has been a while since I saw you but I don’t forget. A lovely city where many should visit; I know there are a lot of cities in the same way but you are special too.

Like much of the northwest of the North American Continent Victoria should be visited just like Vancouver and Seattle. Do it when you have the chance.

                                                                   Victoria BC Waters

Never Give Up

My encouragement is we never give up no matter how many mistakes we make.

Others may put us down but we should never do so on us.

Have you been bullied? Don’t let it define you.

Let love reign in you no matter what. Let those who know you how much they mean to you.

Again never give up no matter how dark the place is. Amen!

Veteran’s Day

Here in the United States of America we honor, celebrate and remember all the veterans who are and were in service so we can continue to have the freedom we still have today.

The veterans are all the men and women who served in our military. We can’t say enough about the sacrifice you have done for us. Amen!

Interesting Phenomenon

I am sure what I say next doesn’t match what you may think by this title.

On Saturday while leaving the rehab center my mother is staying at an older gentleman I have known for a while (doesn’t mean I am one too LOL) is being pushed by his wife in his wheelchair. So I do know it is him; however, he says from a distance “I know it is you Herb because of the way you walk”. He repeated saying that to his wife.    

I never thought of it before but we can see people from a distance because of their mannerisms. This is where the title “Interesting Phenomenon” comes in.  I have actually met people with a mannerism that are just like other people that I know. Often they look like the person I see with the same mannerism.

Although God has created us as unique there are ways we are like someone else. A twin from another realm possibly. LOL

I am sure God has done that on purpose as well letting us know we are not alone though unique.  A food for thought this Sunday.

Wake Up To Rain

Here in Western Washington, we haven’t had rain any rain going into today for the month of November. Usually, we have some rain by now.

November along with October, December and January are our months where it primarily rains. The rest of the year we don’t get a lot of rain though we do have a lot of cloudy days.  We figure what people elsewhere don’t know won’t hurt them.

I hope your life is going good and strong. Your life purpose is in the direction you want it. Enjoy your weekend too. Amen!

Hearing God's Voice

What is important for us to do is to hear God's voice. We need to take the time to do so.

I am not saying that I do a very good job at it although I do so before writing this post each day.

For everyone one of us hear God's voice can come in different ways. For me, it is usually an impression while others may get a vision or have a dream. I don't often get either one though

I do know those get either or both on a regular basis.

Hearing God's voice will help you in your relationship with him. He may speak letting you know how much he loves you or he wants you to tell someone else how much they are loved by God.

God may tell you something about the other person that you can share with them or pray for them.

You can do this while shopping or stop for a cup of coffee or tea. Wherever you are at hearing God's voice is a good thing. All we have to do is take a few minutes because God does want to speak to us while at the same time through us. Amen!

Sunny and Cold

Unlike the Midwest and East Coast here in Western Washington, it has been sunny and cold so far during November. Usually, it rains a lot in November.

We are expecting some rain in the next couple days or so; however, it looks like it will be more sun and cold weather for November. I guess we will really see what happens.

It is like our life where things can change anytime. I am sure most of us like it to be constant but hardly happens. The most important thing is to pray and encourage. Amen!

Being A Faithful Person

God loves people who are faithful. This means either you are faithful or not.

It doesn’t mean that God doesn’t love those who are not faithful but you have something to work on if you don’t think that you are.

You are living the life of purpose God has intended for you to do then I would say that you’re faithful. We all have something to work on because we aren’t perfect.

I bring this up to you for this to think about. God loves you very much; are you faithful to him?

Making Plans

It came to my mind how important it is for us to make plans. It will take the worry out if we make plans for everything.

Making plans is like making a bucket list. Things will go so much smoother with plans. We may miss something in the plans but the more prepared we are the worry will go away.

This is something we should ponder over and write down. Amen!

The Right Attitude

Looking at my last post we have to remember to have the right attitude at all times.

People need to know where our hearts come from without us messing it up.

I appreciate those of you living in other countries who take the time to read here especially if it is a sacrifice.

I want everyone to know how sincere I am when writing this post. Not only do I think before writing I want to be sure my words are correct.

I do hope you had a wonderful weekend and your week coming up will be a blessing to you and everyone around you.

Speaking Your Mind

 We can speak our mind since I do so here every day; however, we do have to realize when the subject is controversial there can be consequences in doing so.

I believe it is so important to think before saying anything. Here in the USA, we do have freedom of speech to say what we want long as we don’t threaten anyone like the President of the United States. We still will be judged by others on what we say.

I feel it is important to encourage one another. I find on social media often people including my friends who will write about the same subject or person over and over again. When it comes to politics I hide most of the posts I see since they often criticize the guys. In other words, I know what they are thinking.

They do have the right to do so by writing the same thing but I have the right to pass along as well.

I just give this encouragement once again to speak what you want but be careful at the same time. Who knows who is reading or listening. Amen!

Have A Great Saturday

Whether you are sitting around or having a good time with a friend or family enjoy today. This is the only day we have since tomorrow isn’t here yet.

Life is to enjoy with others whether we know them very well or not. Amen!

Hard To Believe

I am sure most are like me it is hard to believe we are in November now.

The weather here in Western Washington is sunny right now; however, getting cold early in the mornings around freezing. Something has to get used to for sure.

Should be used to time going by since it is another Friday; I want to wish you all a wonderful weekend.

With Halloween over with this means we are into the holiday season.  Here in the USA Thanksgiving will be here in four weeks then Christmas will be almost another month. I am sure the time will fly by.

God bless you as your life continues along. May others be blessed by your presence along with God’s amen!