Being Better

I have to say I really didn’t know what to name this post so decided on being better.

I know it happening all over the country however in Gig Harbor there are so many large homes being built these days. I am not sure how anyone can really afford them unless your filthy rich which must be the case. Most of the homes are over $2 million so the cost of living here is sky rocketing that is for sure.

Last week in the mayoral race in Gig Harbor the incumbent lost to a long time retired businessman. Primarily the reason because of so many large developments taking place in and around the town; I find it amazing because no matter what Gig Harbor will always be a small town even with more homes being built just the average family isn’t going to be able to afford living here. The new mayor plans to cut back on the large developments while at the same time having small developments. Currently the small developments the homes are gigantic as well. I am not sure what the square footage is however has to be over thousand square easily.

I am sure most of these homes being sold to families that are moving in from California and other areas that are accustomed to having large homes. My neighborhood I grew up in most of those houses large as well. I am glad that the house I grew up in is still standing because most of those houses have been torn down and replaced by much larger homes.

Even if I had the money to buy a home like them I would not do so. I would use the money in other ways than putting them into a house although I am sure they are used as investment along with being lived in. It is the same way I feel about having an expensive car as well which some of them have too. In that neighborhood there is a lot of waterfront property so many have large boats as well with fancy docks. We had boats and a dock when I was growing up however nothing like these. I guess we could call it progress however I would use the money if I had it with helping others and traveling. I am one that prefers having a modest home and vehicle. I can see how people would want to have the castle being their home. Thinking more about it some of them I am sure can afford to travel as well. In the end though when it comes to homes being bigger better; whatever the case these homes should not change the way I live unless at some point I may have to move because of the high cost of living in Gig Harbor. In the future I hope to do some traveling so it could be a moot point as well. Gig Harbor will always be my home in my heart however I will find other places to see as well. Only the future will tell how things will be. We all need to live out the purpose and destiny that we have been created to be.

 

                                         A photo showing a part of Gig Harbor waterfront

 

Northwest Traveling

I am sure most of the country is like the Pacific Northwest they like to travel in November. Right now we are in the midst of rain for a solid week. I have been fortunate that when I go out for my walking it isn’t raining or a light rain. Even when it isn’t raining it is very cloudy outside.

Besides Thanksgiving coming up in an about ten days there are many here in the northwest hit the friendly skies or travel by car as well. Many of the retirees here go down to their home in Arizona or Southern California until March or April. Others who take their vacation head to Hawaii. Other words they want to go where the sun is shining.

I have to say that I enjoy the rain most of the time though after a week or so I want to see the sun come out for a little while even if it is for a few hours. I have in the past traveled around Thanksgiving seeing my brother and his family when he lived in St. Louis Missouri. I was there a couple times during Christmas as well and visited them when they lived in Minnesota as well. It is nice to see snow in the winter time. This year we are expecting more snow than for the average year. I am looking forward to it though most people here would rather not. I am sure the children would like to see the snow.

A very popular spot to go in Washington State in November and December is Leavenworth. It is situated right about the middle of the state. They usually have snow and the town looks like you have visited Germany. You can find restaurants in Leavenworth that serve German food. So if you are looking for a destination to visit especially in Washington State Leavenworth is a great spot to come. I was there one year in early December when they were decorating the whole town for Christmas and another year my family spent Christmas in Leavenworth. Nice to have a spot where can celebrate a White Christmas.

 

Leavenworth Washington in December

 

 

 

In my home town of Gig Harbor Washington we have never had a White Christmas. The closest to having snow for Christmas one year I remember having snow on December 26. I thought only if it were one day earlier. Of course I enjoyed the snow anyway.

So I want to wish everyone a great Thanksgiving and holiday season. Safe travels for all of you who are going somewhere during this season; may you have joy and peace as well. Amen!

Having a Good Time

When it comes to our purpose and destiny the most important thing we have to remember is to have a good time. Sometimes we are on a mission to do what we are called to do we forget about having a good time. In fact it should be our mission statement when it comes to our lives. No matter whatever else happens we must include having a good time.

An update from my last post about meeting up with classmates from high school; we reminded each other that we aren’t old we have known each other a long time. Anyway there were ten of us at our luncheon. We probably would have had more if it weren’t for being Veterans’ Day. I know technically today is that day. A couple of them I hadn’t seen since high school or at least our 20^th reunion. We even have set up our next luncheon in February. Our thought is to get together four times a year.

Several commented to me how encouraging I am when posting here and on Facebook. They like the fact that I put a lot into what I say and never put other people down especially those that have different views. It is really good to know that I am making a difference in other people’s lives whether here, social media or in person.

Since it is Veteran’s Day I want to thank all of you who have served your country whether in war or during peace. You are the reason that our country is where it is at this time. Our country is not perfect for sure however you have made it as close as it can be. If you haven’t served however either your parents or grandparents or even further back we all thank them for their service as well.

Again remember to have happy times as often as you can. It isn’t always easy because of circumstances that come our way but we do only live one life here so we must make the best of it. Have yourself a happy, safe and wonderful weekend everyone.

Seeing Old Friends

Friday for lunch I am going to see classmates that I grew up with. Many of them I haven’t seen in a long time and those I have recently it hasn’t been that often. I am not sure how many plan to come however I will feel very honored and special to see them.

We know that growing up we didn’t get along with everyone in our class or school however in Gig Harbor we had only a few elementary schools, one junior high and high school at the time. Now Gig Harbor has two high schools and I think three or it could be four middle schools along with more elementary schools.

So you see whether we went to the same elementary school or not we did go to school from junior high and on depending who moved into the area. Even those that came along during high school feel very special to me and others as well. Only a few see each other on a regular basis.

We all look forward to find out how things have been going on in all these years beginning with families and memories of those years together will be nice as well. The last time I had one of those I found out some things that I didn’t know about and I know others felt the same way.  

One of my classmates Anne has spent a lot of time in London. In fact she spent time in London in October so it will be interesting to hear her stories though I have heard some on social media. Most of my classmates that I will be seeing I hear about their lives through social media; it certainly a good way to keep up to date with them.

I know to that this won’t be your ordinary lunch time including how much time involved and a lot of laughter. No matter how many people I have met and  friends since childhood there still nothing as special as those you grew up with. I am sure most of us would agree with it. So whenever a reunion happens be sure to go.

Food For Thought

When it comes to life one thing we do know that life will end someday. The key is what we do with it while we are here.

We all struggle with life at some time or another. What is important how we handle and get through it. Another is do we learn from the struggles and our mistakes. Often we repeat the mistakes over and over again. This is where our struggles come in. We do hope at some point we learn from these mistakes.

I believe we need to spend time going through our thoughts to see where we can go now with the mistakes we have made. Unfortunately not all mistakes can be overcome we just have to live with them. We hope more mistakes will not be in the same fashion.  Another way to say is we reap what we sow. Can we now stop sowing those mistakes and then reap a good harvest by planting good seed instead. Sometimes it takes months if not years to plant good seed we just have to recognize what the good seed is.

You will find in the gospels that Jesus talks about seed and growing it in good soil or not. There is a lot of sense to what he said in the natural well as the supernatural. Those who have successful lives have planted good seed in good soil while others have planted either good or bad seed in rocky ground; the good thing we can turn things around. Like gardens we can plant new seeds in good soil and our lives will change around. The harvest can take some time however it will bring good fruit or vegetables. Right now let’s get rid of the old soil in our lives and put down new soil. Our lives will be much better for it. Amen!

Our Voices Can Count

On Tuesday we had our general election in the state of Washington. Many of the cities including Seattle and Tacoma the two largest in the state had voting for the mayor position along with representatives to the state.

Personally I was only able to vote for things like continue fire protection and for parks along with representation to the parks department and local county government. I don’t live in the town of Gig Harbor so I couldn’t vote for the mayor. It was tough because so much that happens in Gig Harbor affects those of us who live in the outskirts. I live so close that if I were a mile or two closer to Gig Harbor I would have been able to vote for mayor.

The big issue running for mayor was over the large developers getting their way to build large homes and condos. I have mentioned it before how upset I and many of what has been happening in the harbor and the areas around that is still within the city limits. I think it was back in June when I wrote on line to the local weekly newspaper my concerns about a development that the mayor had voted in favor of despite a lot of people showing up a city council meeting against it. What made it really upsetting for people not just some apartments or condos’ being built it actually was against city codes. I was amazed these city officials would go against building codes that put in place as safe guards so a development like this wouldn’t happen. I didn’t know that what I had written on line actually made it into the local newspaper. I was told that by one of the ladies that my mother knows. I am not sure what I said influenced anyone or not on their voting.

A local retired business man who had a jewelry store downtown near the waterfront decided to run for mayor and his platform had to do with these large developers and to keep them out or limit their actions any way. The current mayor running for re-election may not have known how serious the citizens of the town and those of us that lived nearby were about the issue of development. I am not sure what the percentage of the vote is in right now being counted however the retired local businessman is getting over seventy percent of the votes. So that shows that our votes can really count. I am sure the county representatives are looking at this voting as well now knowing that the people are real serious about developing in the area.

The city of Tacoma is the largest city in our county and I know of people that are upset of some of the developing going on in their city as well along with others nearby. I am not sure whether the platform for the mayor race in Tacoma was the same as Gig Harbor but I am sure the other cities in the county and the state will take notice. Gig Harbor is one of the smallest towns in the state and a beautiful one at that. You will see a picture of it at the bottom of this blog. So remember that your voice can count though you may not always think someone is listening.

 

 

Trust in Yourself

The number one when it comes to trust is to do so in God however the big number two is yourself. When we trust in God and ourselves everything else works out. We can trust others in a big way.

So if you are mentoring someone encourage them to trust God and themselves first of all. Let them know that when they do that trusting others will be a lot easier to do. This goes for other areas of our lives as well. Like love, faith and hope. God loves each of us individually more than we know and it is important that we learn to love ourselves so we can love him and others. In some ways it sounds pretty easy however for us to let it happen is not quite as easy.

So if you have issues with others look into yourself to where you are at with trust, love, faith and hope. This is an ongoing process that I am working on in my life. For me to encourage others I have to be able to do the same. Helping others to become whole people we have to be whole ourselves. It can be a long journey for it to happen. I know that I will be a better person for trusting God and me. I will be able to fulfill my purpose and destiny by doing so. Also remember to press on toward making ourselves into who we are meant to be. Amen!

Tragedy Hits Again

 One thing I am learning about life there are some things that are not going to change no matter what happens.

On Sunday another mass shooting happened this time in Sutherland Springs Texas at the First Baptist Church where at least twenty-six lives were lost. President Donald Trump on his trip in Japan said the tragedy had to with mental illness and not a gun control issue. President Trump was backed by the National Rifle Association and other gun groups when he ran for election so it says something there in my mind.

I wonder if the second amendment about all people having the right to guns is out of date and no longer reality. Of course the National Rifle Association has a lot of power so that is why I say probably nothing is going to change.

President Trump said that mental illness laws have to change which I agree. Anyone who shoots a lot of people has a problem with mental illness or what I may call having demons. I know these days most people in countries like the United States don’t believe in demons and they explain it instead that they are mentally ill which I think is the same thing. Of course can’t go around every fox hole and believe someone has demons however if you believe in the supernatural there is truth about demons.

So whether it is called gun control or another name something has to be done where the wrong people don’t have guns. Those that are responsible types and have guns for hunting and target practice should be allowed to have guns registered in the right manner. There should be a database where everyone that is diagnosed with mental illness can’t buy a gun. Unfortunately I don’t know enough about it that there could be one already in place. It goes beyond mental illness though because there are people with strong ideas about issues where they may be dangerous anyway.

What I do know regardless of what President Trump said and the members of the National Rifle Association believe gun controls need to happen so that guns don’t get into the wrong hands. It will still not stop all together for someone to do a mass shooting but at least there will be safeguards in place. I know that there are smarter people than me on this issue to get things done.

Add an Hour

For many of us Sunday became daylight savings time so the clocks were turned back an hour so we add an hour to our day.

For some of us that means we got an extra hour of sleep while others did an extra hour of whatever they like doing on Sunday’s. Whatever the case having an extra hour sounds pretty good until March or April when we lose the hour once again.

I am sure many use the extra hour the same way every year. Personally for me it changes every year. I have had years where I had an extra hour of sleep while other years I do an extra hour of something or maybe just sit there and do nothing. LOL

A constructive way to spend the hour is to think about what you want to do for the next six months or longer. Make it a planning session or plan your next vacation. Those who have trouble getting sleep on a regular basis can use the extra sleep I am sure. I often feel worse when I get to much sleep but that’s me though. Everyone has an inward clock that works different than others.

So anyway whatever you decide to use the extra hour have a good time at it as well. Wish everyone well and a great day.

Snow Fall Arriving

The snow is arriving a bit early this year in Western Washington. In fact this could be the earliest on record or in my life time anyway.

Friday morning the snow fell throughout western Washington primarily from Seattle to the Canadian border. That happens more frequently than it does in my home town of Gig Harbor. In fact we only got traces of snow coming down with it not sticking at all while everywhere around us received a little snow at least. This is common since we usually get the least amount of snow in western Washington. I believe we are in a pocket where snow is less likely to happen and the temperatures are a little bit warmer to.

The weather forecast is for more snow to happen coming Saturday night so we will have to see whether we get any to stick this time. I am sure the other areas will get snow to stick. Some areas still have the snow on the ground.

This year they are expecting colder weather this winter than we have had for a number of years. It is interesting that snow doesn’t happen as often than when I was a child. I have a number of memories of snow and getting out of school early for it. As an adult it has been less frequently. Of course as a child we often see things bigger than life than when we grow up and that may be what has happened here however I do know that we haven’t had snow as often than when I was a child. The amount of snow may not have been as much as I remember but talking with others they come up with the same conclusion as I do.

Every year we don’t get many chances for it snow and that hasn’t changed I just remember more snow fall. Most of the snow around here happens before Christmas or late January or into February. I have seen it snow in March as well but the amount is usually not very much. Most years five inches is a lot of snow around here however north of Seattle and south of Tacoma get more. When we get five inches they most likely will have ten inches. Also the snow will last longer in those areas as well. Most of the time the snow last only a couple days; I only remember a half dozen times or so where the snow has lasted up to a week. Most people don’t want to have snow around here. They say you want snow go to the mountains. I say let’s bring it on. I have no problem driving in the snow. The biggest issue though we have a lot of hills around here and it is hard sometimes to get up them. That happens to when we get ice without the snow. I am pretty lucky where I live I can avoid the hills if I have to however many live on hills where it is hard to move their vehicles when snow hits. So I do understand why many don’t want the snow but I like to see it once in a while here just like the kids. They love throwing snow balls and going down the hills with school out to. Oh how I remember those times. Wherever you are at enjoy your winter unless it is summer where you are. Have a great holiday season.

Making a Difference

Living a life of purpose means that we can make a difference in other people’s lives whether it is family, friends and those we just met that we may call acquaintances.

What makes living a life of purpose is that our lives don’t belong to us. We actually our lives belong to God who created us to do many things including making a difference. I am not here to make a big splash and have us feel we are above anyone else. The truth is that everyone were created for a purpose and can make a difference they just have to realize it.

There are those throughout history that have made a big difference in how our lives are today. For example in our children’s lives Bill Gates and Paul Allen started Microsoft where now almost every one of us has a computer; before them only the government and businesses had computers for the most part. It is probably the biggest thing happen in the world since the printing press where the Bible was produced that everyone who desired to read it were able to. Of course other books were produced and people who never were able to read discovered they could. We can add many more inventions that came along like the automobile and the airplane.

So you see we can make a difference whether it can change technology or how people do things is only a guess. The importance is to help change those around us for better. To know that they are not only here to live a life to raise a family and go to work but a whole lot more. This is why we have a purpose and making a difference. What next is to press on in the gifts that God has given you whatever they maybe. Amen and amen!  

Having Joy

On my last post I wrote about disappointment with frustration I guess for what is going on in my home town of Gig Harbor. Unfortunately it is happening in other areas of the country and the world.

The important thing though despite circumstances we have joy in our lives. We can go crazy in a way if we allow circumstances to control us. Of course at times it is hard to do anything different depending on what is happening in our lives.

So this comes down to joy. Like love, peace, trust, faith and other emotions we have the choice to accept or refuse them. At times we may feel that we can’t accept these emotions that are contrary to how we are feeling but it still comes to our choice. All these positive emotions are what can help us move on in life or depression can set in and lead us down a horrible path. I know that because I have been down the depression path at times. I feel so much better when I snap out of it.

I know that depression can be a sickness for some however I never felt it that way for me. In my life I allowed to have circumstances direct me to the wrong path. I am sure professionals may say that all depression is a sickness but I don’t believe that. Actually I believe that much depression has to do with the fact we are in a spiritual battle and we must ask God to help us fight to overcome. It doesn’t mean that I believe there is depression that is not sickness but professionals have no other way to explain because they look at the natural and not the supernatural. I am probably getting a bit off base here but at some point we have to rely on the positive emotions like joy and choice to follow them. Amen!

Disappointment

When it comes to life one thing we know for sure we will be disappointed quite a few times for sure. It can be with people or circumstances going on in our lives.

This week I was disappointed to some degree because of a post that I saw on social media. One of my old friends from childhood had no problem with the large housing developments happening in my home town of Gig Harbor. Another old friend feels we need development to progress as a town. The true disappointment for me believed that is how they felt about all the development in the area. Being long time residences as well I thought they would be upset with what is going on.

The first friend believes that anyone that anyone who wants to be here should have the right to be here. I agree with that but do what extent. It is the developers who don’t even live here that disturb me the most. I feel they were not building these large condominiums and living units these people wouldn’t come. What makes me upset to is that the cost of housing is going up a lot every year. Unless you have large bank account how are you going to afford to live and stay here? Other words the middle and lower class are being moved out.

In north Gig Harbor they are building homes for young families all right next to each other that you can shake your neighbor’s hand with one step. If one of the houses catches on fire there goes them all. Also the senior housing for those over fifty-five which I qualify for are expensive. Not for your average Joe and Mary. There is a down payment of at least three hundred thousand dollars and then a monthly charge like rent on top of that. So it goes for those that are rich or at least have sold their homes. I know a lady friend who has moved in one of those places primarily because of her health. Neither of her sons live  in the area and wants to be able to have nursing care when needed so she sold her nice home that she has had for many years.

What disappoints me the most about these developments is all the clear cutting of trees.  A couple years ago a young man was killed while driving through the development and was hit by one of the few trees that had been still there. With other trees still there it wouldn’t have happened. He left behind a wife and children. She is now suing the developer and the city for allowing it.

Another disappointment with this all is that the city set up codes many years ago for safeguards against such developments however the current city council and mayor are ignoring these codes. Very shameful in my mind anyway; all these developments have been going on for the last ten years and if it continues like it has living here will be so much harder with traffic. Within the city limits there isn’t a lot more area to grow. There is still plenty in the outskirts.

Gig Harbor has an election for the mayor and city council next week I hope that the majority that are there right now are voted out. This will speak high volume to those in charge. The problem is though three or four times amount of people live outside the city limits just like I do.

Well I am glad that I can vent here a little. I know everyone has a story to tell about disappointments whether it has to do with housing, politics or many other issues happening. Anyway have a good day and I know that we will still make it even if the world tomorrow looks different than today. Amen!