Always Thinking

I believe it is a good idea to always be thinking.
In a way it is meditating on something.

In some respects it is talking to God at the same

time.

I spend some of my time thinking about my

life purpose and what I am going to say here.

I think it is a good idea to think about other

things that are not so serious as well. If I 

think too long I feel like it is time to quit.

I am sure other people have the same idea.

At some point it is good to think about silly

things or for that matter silly people. I am 

sure you have friends that are silly.

Anyway this is my thought for the day. Oh

yeah I was thinking this for all of us how

about that.

Enjoy your weekend and think up something

you hadn't thought about before. 

Our Niche

For us bloggers or writers it is important to have
a niche or a few for that matter readers like you
can depend upon.

Here I write about our life purpose along with

what is happening in my daily life. I desire to

encourage each other.

Besides this as my primary nice on this site is

to write about sports and travel.

I am passionate about all three niches. I hope

you are able to get the most of this to make 

your life more enjoyable. 

I would appreciate when you have the time to

write in the comment section how you feel about

this blog and any testimonies if you have any.

Also, anything you would like me to write about

as well.

Have yourself a wonderful and joyous weekend.

Amen!

Fasting

Right now I have a few hours left in a short fast.
I am fasting before having blood being taken to
check to see where my cholesterol level is at.

Usually my cholesterol level is within range. 

The important thing next is to find out what

things not to eat or say not as much to keep

or stay in range.

There are a number of reasons people fast 

whether for several hours like I am or for 

a few days or even a few weeks.

Some fast for how I am doing it while others

for spiritual reasons. The hardest time is the

first couple days after that it does get easier.

I have never gone on a long fast primarily

for my health and it be difficult as well.

There are different kinds of fasts as well.

Other words you can fast off certain foods

or drinks. For example, you could stop 

drinking sodas for a period of time or

deserts. 

Besides fasting spiritually it can be for

health reasons. Maybe you have to go

into surgery and fasting may help you

in that regard as well.

Going on a long fast is something that

should be gradual. Also, a good idea to

ask your doctor as well especially if you

have had health issues.

Remember it is important to continue

drinking water if you are fasting off of

all foods. I have been on short fasts where

I only have soup as well as water.

You do decide to fast I wish you the best.

Amen!

Large Homes

These days they seem to be building large homes right
next to each other. I like people but I would prefer having
a yard.

The cost of the homes are quite expensive as well. I 

don't know how people afford them especially right now.

Even if I could afford these homes I would rather spend

my money on other things. I guess people want to spend

the money on the homes.

Where I grew up the house seemed big to me, however,

these days it would be considered moderate. 

The house is still there. Buying it would be very expensive

because it has waterfront property. The current owner has

done remodeling over the years, however, the outside looks

the same as when I was growing up. 

It is really only a few left in the neighborhood where the

same houses are there when I was growing up. All the 

other houses have been replaced by a lot larger homes. 

These days the land where my old house stands if it were

more developed would put a lot of more homes on it. The

thing is it is on a hill so having more homes would be limited.

There isn't much room either at the top of the hill of the 

property or at the bottom near the bay so building another

might nearly be impossible which is a good thing in my 

mind.

We had the greatest view in the house. There is all glass

in the living room looking out to the harbor. You can see

from one end of the harbor to the other. It is spectacular 

looking.

Anyway I hope you enjoy where you live. Amen!

The home in the center back is where I grew up at. It is a bit larger than I remember. 

Learn From History

Continue word of encouragement for all of us.
It is important to learn history whether it has to
do with our country, world or even our own lives.

Learning from history means we won't repeat 

some things while other things we will want too.

It isn't though we dwell on history especially

our own but to know in certain circumstances.

The most important thing is to  lean on to God

and his understanding. None of us is perfect

and our own strength isn't good enough. 

In a devotional today came up Matthew 14:30

Peter stepped out on to the water next to Jesus.

He had doubt then screaming "Save me Lord."

No matter the situation we have to do the same.

 

Doing Our Best

I know there are those who like to be
perfectionist. I think it would be a hard
thing to do. I know I am far from it.

When it comes to our life purpose 

important to be as close to being

perfect but even then we fall short.

The important thing is to have the

perfect standard and make every

effort to reach it.

All other things I do my very best

to reach after the perfect standard

know I won't reach it. Amen!

Our Inner Voice

I am sure are those like myself who believe in our
inner voice while others may think it is crazy or
ridiculous.

I believe we have several inner voices. At least
three depending on the person.

The first inner voice which I believe is the most

important one is God's voice. He is either reaching

out to you or speaking directly to you.

The second one is your conscious speaking to you

on matters that can be either positive or negative.

The third one is Satan speaking lies or condemnation

to you. Not a good one for sure. This is where spiritual

warfare comes in.

I suppose their could be more inner voices but these

are the three come in mind to me. Having more than

three you might be crazy.

If you do a search on inner voices you will see differ

of opinions on the subject. There are psychologists'

well as other people including what religion you may

practice what inner voices are or what they mean.

I think I come up with the three, however, I am not

an expert on the subject. I believe this is what God

told me. Amen!

A Cold Front

Here in Western Washington we are looking at
cold front. The temperatures to get down to
freezing.

This is unusual for October to get this cold.

So the same goes for not as much rain as 

well. 

This year has been unusual for all of us so

anything different shouldn't surprise us.

My deal is to figure out my next trip to take

place in November. I figure to go to the 

Washington coast. 

What I have heard is not a lot of people have

traveled to the coast. In part keeping people

away has happened as well those who don't

want to travel.

There has many who traveled well as many

who have decided to stay still. I know some

who go to Arizona as planned while others

don't. 

Recently Hawaii has opened up for travelers.

Anyone going has to be tested first. I know 

a few who want to do so. 

The cold weather along with rain is what 

pushes people to travel. Personally I like the

change of weather.

The weather here is more mild than other places

though cold compared to tropical spots. I like 

the change of seasons.

I do plan on traveling but I prefer to do so in

the spring and fall. Summer is so nice here it

is best to see the sites in the northwest. Amen!

Zoom Time

Friday afternoon my family and I will have our
monthly video chat.

Since they live on the east coast and I on the west
coast of the United States it is nice to not only talk
and catch up but able to see other's face.

You have the opportunity to a video chat on occasion

I recommend it very much so. You can have the chat

not only with family but long time friends. These

friends are as much family as your natural one.

We schedule ours at the same time every month

We not always able to  get everyone there at the

same time usually because of work.

I find it so good to be able to video chat with

family. They are the most important people in

my life though I do care and love many others

as well. Amen!

Excitement Today

We should be excited when we get up. See what God
has instore for us. Let his Spirit get hold of us. His love
for us is great, however, at times we allow other things
get in the way.

At the end of the day, I sometimes think why did I get

into the way. Why do I let my insecurities and sin give

the better part of me. 

So today let's see what will happen by letting go of 

everything. Let God surprise us. He wants to very 

much so all we have to do is let him.

I hope this helps you out I certainly know it does me.

I just hope I can do so. Amen! 

What Happens

 

Above happened to me on Tuesday. It wasn't planned but I ran into someone from

church. He was gathering with two of his friends where they were being involved

in a bible study. I joined in for a couple  hours. We even talked about this scripture

above. Jesus told this to his disciples 

What this means whenever we are with others who believe in Jesus Christ we are

doing church or being the church. In either case church is where we are with 

other believers and not a building we meet at on a Sunday, I am sure

you have probably heard this before and it is really true. 

So when someone ask you how often do you go to church? You maybe able to 

answer them by saying everyday. Probably get a funny look in return.

Whatever the case important to meet with others as often as we can. We 

will  be able to grow in maturity. Iron sharpening iron. Challenging one

another. Encouraging everyday.

Amen!

Things Are Changing

I find it interesting though some people in my
area are staying pat because of the pandemic
there are others making moves as well.

I have met several people who have moved

into the area from out of state while others

are moving to another state as well.

I am sure there are those who decided to 

move after the pandemic while others 

had it in their plans before but decided

to go ahead when the pandemic hit.

In most of the cases they didn't move

right away, however, waited a couple

months before doing so.

With many jobs being done on line these

days people are making choices to move

where they want to not only where the job

is.

My nephew Ian and his wife decided to 

move back to St. Louis, Missouri where 

they both grew up. They had lived in

New York recently over the past couple 

years or so. Her parents had moved to

New York for a job he dad had taken but

they decided to return to St. Louis. Ian's 

job and his wife's as well is on line for

the time being so work from home. Also,

they had a baby in July so wanted to be

close again with her family. 

I am sure many people who moved wanted

to do so be close to family. How long the

pandemic last or working from home are 

both in question Whatever the question 

life is not going to be the same again. 

Pray For America

I don't write here about politics to often, however,
I am asking you to pray for my country USA for
the election of our next President.

It is a tricky situation. Do we vote for current

President who has obvious character flaws or

for the values his party stands for or his opponent

whose character on the outside doesn't have so

many flaws but his party doesn't have the same

values.

Personally I wish we have another strong candidate

we could vote for who has the same values as our

President but not the character flaws he has. 

Please pray the people will vote for the right person

to be President. This has been a very unusual year

to say the least so it is important the people make 

the right choice. The election takes place on November

3. Thank you!

Being By Rivers

For me there is something special about being
around mountains, oceans, and rivers.

As a child I felt the mountains and oceans I
was close to God. The sound of rivers is
extraordinary.

It maybe hard to explain but something so
good visiting all three. The rivers are a bit
closer for me so I can see them more regularly.

Mount Rainier I can see almost every day.
The ocean is about two and half hours away
by car so it is very special to see. I figure I
will need to visit next month.

Just the thought about being around any of
the three feels so good.

How About Dreams

I do know dreams have meanings. In the Old Testament
there was meaning about dreams. Some good and some
not so good.
Joseph interpret for Pharaoh what was going to happen
for the future of Egypt in his dream. Also, Daniel
interpret for the King of Babylon

I am sure dreams have meanings today as well. I knw
we dream most every night, however, I don't remember
most of the dreams I have.

If I get anything usually it is a thought when I wake up
in the morning. I am not sure a good or a bad thing.

If you have a dream that has well meaning but you don't
understand ask a friend or mentor they may be able to
interpret the meaning of it for you.

Don't be afraid of dreaming they can be a very important
for your life or someone close to you. Amen!

Thursday Visit To Mount Rainier

On Thursday I took a trip to Paradise on Mount Rainier. 

Since we have restrictions still in many ways I figured it 

was a good place to go. I am not sure whether I have been

 there before in October so I thought go for it. I figure one 

of my purposes is to get out around the country to meet 

people. I wasn't able to talk with many but I was able to 

see the sites on the way to and at the mountain.

The weather was quite beautiful. I took a lot of pictures, 

but not as many as I would have liked with bright sun. 

It was hard to see to take pictures on a few occasions. I 

took a few on my way up to the mountain, at the 

mountain, and my return home. I did it all in one day.

A major reason I wasn't able to talk with more people 

was the Inn at Paradise was closed and so was the

 visitor's center. I am sure they wanted limited access 

because of the virus.

There was some snow there at Paradise. I hope to return

 in December when there is more. Of course, it does

 depend on whether I can drive there for the amount 

of snow.

Meeting and talking with people is part of my purpose.

 Making people feel more comfortable and upbeat as 

well. My brother finds it interesting I can talk with total 

strangers. I feel strangers may turn into friends or at 

least they will go away with feeling meeting someone 

for the first time.

Onto Another Adventure

Today I am going on another trip in the area.
I am going to visit Mount Rainier. It takes a
little over two hours to get there. The last time
I went was August 2019 with my mom and
my niece Leslie. We had a very good time
for the day. It was my mom's last trip.

I was reading on website to visit Mt. Rainier
some of the roads might be blocked so I will
have to see whether I am able to get to the
mountain or not. Regardless it will be a good
day and adventure.

According to website many of the park roads
are open. Usually I go to Paradise where can

see much of the mountain. It is the most popular 

spot to go. Let you know how it all goes for sure.

Until next time have you a blessed time. Amen!

Looking at Life Purpose

How do you define your life purpose. Is it something
you find as part of your everyday life or something
you think about once in a while.

I know people see their life purpose differently

depending on their religion if they have one

or from a natural way.

I see life purpose on who God did so from the

beginning. We are created each for a purpose

in a unique way. 

There is one way we have a purpose; it is to

love God and serve him. To worship him with

all our heart, mind and soul. The way we do

it is unique to us in the same manner as everything

else.

We have been given specific gifts and talents we

don't share with anyone else. It seems so interesting

since there are millions of us here right now and 

billions throughout the ages but God didn't make

a mistake making each of us unique.

We are to worship God with these gifts and talents

well as using them for a purpose. The purpose 

besides worshiping God is to help one another.

We can do so in our own way. In fact we do so

without realizing we are doing so.

These gifts and talents you are using right now.

You may have other ways to use them besides

how you are right now. 

When you retire from work doesn't mean you

retire from the human race. The gifts and talents

you used at work will be used in a different way

when you don't have a job to go to. 

There is a good possibly you will enjoy doing

the work you have after retiring. If you are 

retire find out how to go about doing so. Doing

so will be different for you then other people

since you are unique.

I know I have said unique several times over

here but it is true. So go out and do what you

feel is right. God will let you know whether

you are doing it right or not. Your life could

change in ways you didn't expect. Amen!

Keeping Secrets

Nothing big here maybe sound advice. Last night
I was watching a new television show on the Canadian
channel. Popped into my head about keeping secrets.

Made me think we should never keep secrets from 

our spouse or significant others. The only exception

would be getting a gift or a special travel plan for

an anniversary or for Christmas.  I would recommend

not telling anyone else though there could be someone

you had assistance in getting the gift. A surprise for

your spouse would be even greater if no one else knew

about it either. 

When it comes to relationships honesty is the most

important thing; keeping secrets means you are not

being honest.

Another thing if someone shares something with you

it is important never to tell anyone else even if another

puts pressure on you.

Anyway that's it. May your day be blessed!

Great Night Sleep

I don't remember having a night sleep
like this one on Sunday night.

Usually I wake up at least two times

during the night. This time when I

woke up I was surprised to find sleeping

over six hours. 

This means I was able to get up and not

go back to bed. I hope this means to 

this will happen on a more regular basis.

My heart has been getting better over the

last four years as well according to the 

Cardiologist and recently going to the

doctor my lungs are in good shape as well.

Now having to wear a mask when going

out it is good to have strong lungs. Now

all I have to do is figure out where my

glasses don't fog up.

Does this mean I will have a pretty good

day. It will be interesting to see I know

a good start for sure.

So I sign off wishing you all a blessed 

day. Amen!

Canada's MIke Shaw

Mike Shaw is a former ski coach who inspired
and coached Half Pipe competitors making their
way to the Olympic. A tragic accident happened
when demonstrating something he had done many
times over, however, he ended up breaking his neck
and was paralyzed for several days.

These days Mike can't coach in the same manner he

did back in December 2013. He is able to ski again

but has to take it easy so another accident like that

can't happen. He does coach in a different manner 

these days. The coaching has to do with mental 

toughness where you less likely get injured. Whether

it was like his accident in 2013 or something less

severe.

Mike is a inspirational speaker as well. He not only

will talk about his accident but talk about how we

should be grateful for everything we have. This is

from a man who almost lost everything. We can be

discouraged by our circumstances, but we should be

grateful for what do have.

Now Mike Shaw has a life purpose greater than he

expected though a lot different than he had inspired

before.

Why I am writing about Mike Shaw is how we can

inspired, coach, and mentor others in whatever field,

gift or talent we have even if we don't have those

talents any longer. Another reason, Mike is the son

of my cousin Rob. He lives back home in Vernon,

British Columbia. I look forward to seeing him

again I hope in 2021 in Vernon. 

Thank you Mike for what you to inspire others

especially the youth of Canada.

Future Is Now

When I lost a love one I went through the
grieving process. Now what happens?

I knew this day would come and I had 

made plans  but it doesn't seem the same.

Like most I didn't know the Covid-19

would hit. In fact I never heard of a

pandemic before. 

Having a roommate moving in today so

it means the future is hear starting.

I plan to do some traveling, however,

it will probably not start until February

at the earliest outside some small trips.

There are many places to see here in

Washington State.

I have already been to a few places 

already like Port Angeles, Port Townsend,

Poulsbo, Bainbridge Island, Everson, 

Roslyn and Oak Harbor.

There are cities and towns I have seen 

their names but I have never visited those

places. I guess it is time to do so. These

will be one day trips. 

I look forward to the border of Canada 

opening up. This way I can visit my

cousins in British Columbia. Most likely

it won't happen until May. Right now 

would be fine but the weather will start

getting really cold soon where there will

be snow. I would love to see the snow,

however, getting there is the trick, 

My cousins generally leave their homes

during the winter for a little while anyway.

The snow often doesn't leave until late

April if not early May.

I would love to see my sister and brother

too, again winter isn't really the best time

though spending Christmas would be nice

in either places.

So why I am working on the future is now

I will be keeping in touch with you. I will

let you know when and where I will be going.

Place To Be Safe

We all need a place to feel safe at.
I have mentioned small groups before.
There are different places you can meet.
It can be in someone's home, a coffee
shop, or a restaurant to name a few.

I belong to a small group meets once
a month or twice sometimes. Every
day I go to a coffee shop where I see

people there on a regular basis. 

Some are meeting for business, while

others are for the pleasure of it all. Some

meet everyday while others once a week.

I have met people I would have never

met if I hadn't gone into the coffee shop

in the first place.

There are young and old people alike.

Those who laugh and those who don't.

The important thing is having friends 

to spend time with. They make us feel

safe. 

Having A List

I have mentioned having a list at least once
or twice when it comes to our life purpose.

This time I am thinking of a list in a different

manner but it may turn out the same way when

I get done writing this.

When I was in high school I had a list, at least

in my mind anyway who the prettiest girls to 

me were.

Now I think these girls were important to me

for more than their pretty looks. I think they 

had a lot going in their lives as well. At least

many of them did anyway. They had talents and

gifts some others didn't have or were unique

to them anyway. 

Circumstances happened  where they were 

not able to fulfill those talents and gifts

 primarily because their lives were shortened. 

What a tragedy for sure.

I know a particular gal who was a couple 

years behind me in school named Robin. 

She actually lost her older brother Rick

who died younger than he should have.

Anyway Robin ended up being hooked

on drugs primarily. 

The good part of the story Robin was

able to hook her drug problem with the

help of God. Now has she been off the

stuff for a while now Robin is a drug

counselor helping out others. Not an

easy job because sometimes those 

people are not able to get off the drugs

like Robin did. 

My point is not only did I have a list

of pretty girls in school I find out I

was on some of their lists as well.

I had no idea at all.

The most important thing is we are

on God's list. We have been on the 

list before we were even born. 

Though we made mistakes and still

do doesn't change how he feels about

us. What God wants us to know is

how special we are to him. He loves

us so dearly. 

Those gals who I knew that never 

were able to accomplish the gifts 

and talents along with other things

like raising a family were still on

God's list as well.  They are with

him forever, no matter what.

So jump for joy being on God's 

list and let other's know they

are on his list as well. In fact,

God's purpose for you in life

is for those people to know.

Amen!

 

Thoughts For Today

You were born for today. Yesterday you no longer
have to think about and tomorrow isn't here yet.

You are a wonder; created in God's image. 

No matter what other's may say he loves you greatly.

God has promises for you. Read your bible 

and you will see.

Today the world wants to put fear into our lives. 

God overcomes fear with truth, hope and love.

Be grateful for the things you have and for the .

things that will come.

Those in medicine say it is all about science. 

We say it is all about faith. Science and faith 

can work together. We don't need to go without 

faith when it comes to science. Amen!

Change Our Diet

Getting older is not an easy thing to do

we find out. Actually being old is the
problem which I don't have to worry
about for several more years. At least
I hope so anyway.

My mom worked into being old very

gracefully. She died in March in a good

way to falling asleep for the last few

days.  She was 99 and a half so almost

made it to that special number of one

hundred. 

Mom did well until about 96 when 

several falls were probably her undoing.

The thing though she kept on going. 

Often those in her age bracket one fall

is what ends it all. 

Her memory the last couple years or 

so was not like mom at all. She remembered

some things but had trouble with others.

She could still live a pretty good life though.

So continue on the story while getting older

we have to start changing our diet. Some

refuse which is everyone's right to do so 

though not easy.

I know I have to change my diet to a degree.

Cut out the meat for the most part. I plan to

go on a vegetable diet. 

Thing is some vegetables I can't have and

they happen to be my favorites. Other ones

I can have I don't really like. Right now I 

have cereal or eggs for breakfast while having

a salad for lunch. 

I like tomatoes so I can throw them in with the

salad or eat a few for dinner. I figure dinner 

will be my light meal.  

I am not sure exactly what I will have for dinner

though I may have soup on occasion. The problem

with many soups they have too much salt which

I have to watch as well. So I look for soup with

low sodium. Not something I will have regularly

but on occasion as I said.

It will be interesting to see how this works out.

There are a few vegetables I like where I can

chop them up. So let's see how this diet works 

out. Amen!

😃   

A Change Around Here

I am having a roommate. This will help out
financially since my mother passed away. I
am sure in other ways as well.

He is a young man who goes to work around

noon at a local grocery store. Since I do go

out for walks, coffee shop and grocery store

in the mornings it will give him some alone

time. 

I will have time at home in the afternoon while

he is at work. Being a young man who seems to

be real quiet hard to know how much talking

time we will have.

Over a period of time I could lead into being

a mentor for him as well. I am not sure he has

much influence from older men or not. I will

find out over the days and weeks ahead.

It is important to take advantage of new 

circumstances coming into our lives.  This

will give me an opportunity to travel when

I feel like it as well. Please pray for me for

this new time in my life. Amen!

Life Purpose: Our Statement

Most businesses have statements stating who
and why they are in business. Gives you the 

idea whether you want to do business with 

them or not.

We can do a similar statement for ourselves

too. This is a good idea to do even if you never

show anyone the statement.

Example for myself: I am a man with a sense

of humor. I do have joy at times sorrow and

depression as well. I may be someone of 

contradictions like many others. I have a

purpose to encourage and edify others in

their purpose as well. I enjoy the company

of others.

Write down how you feel and how you

believe your purpose in a statement.

Amen! 

What Do You Keep

Whether you move or lose someone the
big question is what do you keep and
what do get rid of.

I am not sure I have the answers to the

question at all. 

One thing for sure you can't keep 

everything. So keeping the most

treasured items I would say be the

answer.

They could be items you have had

for a long time. All would depend 

on home much room you have as 

well.

There are items you can check with

family and relatives to see whether

they would want them.

The dining room table is an item

I have to keep. Been in my mother's 

family like 150 years. 

These days items like the dinning

room table and china we can't get

much for these days anyway. They

have more sentimental value.

I know one of these days I will 

likely move. The dining  room

table is the only sure thing to

keep. 

Foggy Mornings

The last three mornings fog has returned to
our area. I heard from some though I didn't
look myself the sun was red.

I could smell the smoke on Wednesday so

may have been the reason I felt a little sick

as well.

Thursday the fog was heavier than Wednesday

however was gone before mid-day which is

refreshing. This morning Friday it isn't as 

foggy when first getting up, however, it 

does look like Thursday it will be heavier

than Wednesday

The good news the fog is going away during

the day. Not sure about the air quality though

I have smelled the smoke. This morning I will

go out for another walk so I will see how it 

goes.

Life continues to be interesting. I am sure for

everyone. Continue to do the best you can 

under the circumstances. I am sure it was 

good advice before but certainly now.

I encourage to fight the good fight. Don't 

let the negative bring you down. Enjoy the

best of times and endure the tough times.

Amen!

A Bit of Rest

Now we are in October it only makes sense I
come down a little sick which means I have to
take it easy for a few days.

I don't have a cold yet but my history it is coming

real soon. This means when I am around people

I have to wear my mask more than I usually do.

I know wearing a mask isn't the easiest thing to

do. I will have to lower the top every few minutes

to breath. 

Being sick doesn't keep me totally down but I

still have to rest some so I don't stay sick for

a while. 

Since I am a baseball fan gives me an excuse

to watch the playoffs which just started. It is

too bad my team is not in the playoffs so I will

have to see who I root for.

My brother used to live in St. Louis; I enjoyed

the Cardinals as a child to so they will be the

team I root for.

Remember everyone stay as healthy as you

can. Be as normal as you can as well. Have

the right attitude and encourage yourself.