I Have Something To Say

O Comforting hymn: Oh, that will be glory for me,

2009-11-11T16:22:00.001-06:00

Charles H. Gabriel,
1. When all my labors and trials are o’er,
And I am safe on that beautiful shore,
Just to be near the dear Lord I adore,
Will through the ages be glory for me.
* Refrain:
Oh, that will be glory for me,
Glory for me, glory for me,
When by His grace I shall look on His face,
That will be glory, be glory for me.
2. When, by the gift of His infinite grace,
I am accorded in heaven a place,
Just to be there and to look on His face,
Will through the ages be glory for me.
3. Friends will be there I have loved long ago;
Joy like a river around me will flow;
Yet just a smile from my Savior, I know,
Will through the ages be glory for me.

Comforting Hymn: Safe in the arms of Jesus

2009-11-10T14:44:00.001-06:00

Safe in the arms of Jesus, safe on His gentle breast,
There by His love o’ershaded, sweetly my soul shall rest.
Hark! ’tis the voice of angels, borne in a song to me.
Over the fields of glory, over the jasper sea.

Refrain

Safe in the arms of Jesus, safe on His gentle breast
There by His love o’ershaded, sweetly my soul shall rest.

Safe in the arms of Jesus, safe from corroding care,
Safe from the world’s temptations, sin cannot harm me there.
Free from the blight of sorrow, free from my doubts and fears;
Only a few more trials, only a few more tears!

Refrain

Jesus, my heart’s dear Refuge, Jesus has died for me;
Firm on the Rock of Ages, ever my trust shall be.
Here let me wait with patience, wait till the night is over;
Wait till I see the morning break on the golden shore.

It's Easter again

2009-11-08T11:02:00.001-06:00

It's Easter again, Let's pig out on candy--
Let's hunt for hidden eggs, dress gay and dandy,

Traipse off to church, wow, the morning's so sunny!

And then bite the ears off our chocolate bunny!

Watch out! In the gaiety, eating and fun,
Don't lose Easter's meaning--That Jesus, God's Son
Arose from the grave, showed that death has no powers
And gave blest assurance that heaven is ours.

Comforting hymn:When We See Christ

2009-10-31T07:31:00.001-05:00

Esther Kerr Rusthoi
Oft times the day seems long, our trials hard to bear,
We're tempted to complain, to murmur and despair;
But Christ will soon appear to catch His Bride away,
All tears forever over in God's eternal day.

Refrain
It will be worth it all when we see Jesus,
Life's trials will seem so small when we see Christ;
One gliimpse of His dear face all sorrow will erase,
So bravely run the race till we see Christ.

Sometimes the sky looks dark with not a ray of light,
We're tossed and driven on , no human help in sight;
But there is one in heav'n who knows our deepest care,
Let Jesus solve your problem - just go to Him in pray'r.

Refrain
It will be worth it all when we see Jesus,
Life's trials will seem so small when we see Christ;
One gliimpse of His dear face all sorrow will erase,
So bravely run the race till we see Christ.

Life's day will soon be o'er, all storms forever past,
We'll cross the great divide, to glory, safe at last;
We'll share the joys of heav'n - a harp, a home, a crown,
The tempter will be banished, we'll lay our burden down.

Refrain
It will be worth it all when we see Jesus,
Life's trials will seem so small when we see Christ;
One gliimpse of His dear face all sorrow will erase,
So bravely run the race till we see Christ.

Return to the Songbook

MUsing about my trial (How did THIS become His (good) will for my life??

2009-10-24T10:46:00.001-05:00

I think preachers need to deal with with this topic differently. The fact that Christ begged to be excused from the death He was to die, and that Paul asked 3 times to be delivered from his affliction, which may have been epilepsy, by the way, is compelling that one may ask to be delivered from the (bad) trial they are going through. (It seems to me that they (Preachers) can't bring themselves to allow the sheep in their flock the latitude to say, "It was NOT "good" that ____ happened to me", whatever the ____ happens to be, there seems to be a compulsion to force people grudgingly to say "____ was good," no matter what the "____" is. I think we do a disservice to God's goodness also when we are compelled to say, "this is His good Will for my life," as if He reached into a big bag at the beginning of my life and picked out a ball marked "brain tumor" for me and then said, "OK, that's a good one for Steve--Oh, around age 50 sounds good" I believe God is good but not cruel, and that He knows what will happen in advance, (otherwise He wouldn't be omniscient). However, it IS His Permissive Will that He allowed it to happen to me(otherwise He wouldn't be sovereign (and could have stopped it, otherwise He wouldn't be omnipotent) as part of the natural consequences of living in a sin-cursed world. However, we are to give thanks for everything.

Jesus led me all the way

2009-10-24T06:40:00.001-05:00

* Some day life’s journey will be o’er
* And I shall reach that distant shore,
* I’ll sing while ent’ring Heaven’s door
* “Jesus led me all the way.”

* If God should let me there review
* The winding paths of earth I knew,
* It would be proven clear and true
* Jesus led me all the way.

* And hitherto my Lord has led,
* Today He guides each step I tread,
* And soon in Heav’n it will be said
* Jesus led me all the way.

* Jesus led me all the way,
* Led me step by step each day;
* I will tell the saints and angels
* As I lay my burden down
* “Jesus led me all the way.

Comforting Hymn: I'd rather have Jesus

2009-10-24T06:04:00.001-05:00

Rhea Miller
I'd rather have Jesus than silver or gold,
I'd rather be His than have riches untold;
I'd rather have Jesus than houses or land,
I'd rather be led by His nail-pierced hand:

Chorus
Than to be the king of a vast domain
Or be held in sin's dread sway
I'd rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today

I'd rather have Jesus than men's applause,
I'd rather be faithful to His dear cause;
I'd rather have Jesus than worldwide fame,
I'd rather be true to His holy name:...

He's fairer than lilies of rarest bloom,
He's sweeter than honey from out the comb;
He's all that my hungering spirit needs;
I'd rather have Jesus and let Him lead:...

Comforting Hymn: Does Jesus care?

2009-10-23T14:12:00.001-05:00

Frank E. Graeff

Does Jesus care when my heart is pained
Too deeply for mirth or song,
As the burdens press, and the cares distress
And the way grows weary and long?

Refrain

Oh yes, He cares, I know He cares,
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares.

Does Jesus care when my way is dark
With a nameless dread and fear?
As the daylight fades into deep night shades,
Does He care enough to be near?

Refrain

Does Jesus care when I’ve tried and failed
To resist some temptation strong;
When for my deep grief there is no relief,
Though my tears flow all the night long?

Refrain

Does Jesus care when I’ve said “goodbye”
To the dearest on earth to me,
And my sad heart aches till it nearly breaks,
Is it aught to Him? Does He see?

Musing about my trial (posting health updates to Facebook/Blog)

2009-10-21T06:38:00.001-05:00

When you have a life- threatening disease like mine, as a Christian, posting updates to FaceBook (or your blog) is kind of a two-edged sword, for one thing, your thoughts and feelings are hanging right out there, if people are thinking you're being too negative about dying, well-meaning friends take you to task right away with a verse or two about how Christians shouldn't be afraid of dying or about how good God is. Some have come right out and said Christians should relish the thought of dying, I'm sorry, cancer is not a good thing, it is painful, ugly, and nasty. It is a product of the Fall. OK OK God does work all things together for good in the life of a Christian and I (and others) am certainly learning good lessons through this but that's different than saying it is good for me to have a brain tumor. It is NOT. Let me state without a moment's hesitation that having a brain tumor is not a good thing. Brain tumors are ugly and nasty and virulent, and they kill people. They rank up there with guns and pit vipers. Sorry, I do not relish the thought of dying of a brain tumor. It will be a messy, messy, way to go, if thats's what takes my life in the end (it may not be, of course). Yet we all will exit this life somehow. I pray that my exit will be quiet and graceful and that yet in the time I have left I may have a positive impact, in fact, I want to live as long as possible, yet. The will to live is God-given, it's part of being alive("survival instinct") it is simply NOT WRONG for me to want to live. "Survival instinct" keeps us alive. As I have said in other musings (below), I am not afraid to pass into eternity, I will be glad to go home to be with the Lord (please do not "promote me to glory" I think that phrase is so hokey, I want it to be said of me that I "went home to be with the Lord," please. When my name is called, I will not be afraid of entering eternity, I'm just really sad about the prospect of leaving all the God-given good things about my life(my wife, career, church ministries, good friends, family, house, dog, job, apple trees, raspberry bushes, chocolate mint coffee, backyard screen room), etc. The Bible says not to fear death because its victory is gone, and the sting is gone, so, no, I don't fear death. It also says to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Paul said that put him him in a bit of a ministry quandary. I can relate to that, he said he wanted to stay with the Phillippians to continue to help them. I would certainly like to continue my ministry here on earth as long as possible.

Frankly, the meds I am on can cause depression, so although I am not depressed, I do have up and down days, sorry about that.

Another comforting hymn: Nearer, Still Nearer

2009-10-21T06:05:00.001-05:00

Leila N. Morris,

Nearer, still nearer, close to Thy heart,
Draw me, my Savior—so precious Thou art!
Fold me, oh, fold me close to Thy breast.
Shelter me safe in that “Haven of Rest”;
Shelter me safe in that “Haven of Rest.”

Nearer, still nearer, nothing I bring,
Naught as an offering to Jesus, my King;
Only my sinful, now contrite heart.
Grant me the cleansing Thy blood doth impart.
Grant me the cleansing Thy blood doth impart.

Nearer, still nearer, Lord, to be Thine!
Sin, with its follies, I gladly resign,
All of its pleasures, pomp and its pride,
Give me but Jesus, my Lord, crucified.
Give me but Jesus, my Lord, crucified.

Nearer, still nearer, while life shall last.
Till safe in glory my anchor is cast;
Through endless ages ever to be
Nearer, my Savior, still nearer to Thee;
Nearer, my Savior, still nearer to Thee!

comforting song lyrics: Rock of Ages

2009-10-20T08:07:00.001-05:00

Augustus M. Toplady
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee;
Let the water and the blood,
From Thy wounded side which flowed,
Be of sin the double cure;
Save from wrath and make me pure.

Not the labor of my hands
Can fulfill Thy law’s demands;
Could my zeal no respite know,
Could my tears forever flow,
All for sin could not atone;
Thou must save, and Thou alone.

Nothing in my hand I bring,
Simply to the cross I cling;
Naked, come to Thee for dress;
Helpless look to Thee for grace;
Foul, I to the fountain fly;
Wash me, Savior, or I die.

While I draw this fleeting breath,
When mine eyes shall close in death,
[originally When my eye-strings break in death]
When I soar to worlds unknown,
See Thee on Thy judgment throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee.

Famous quote by Napoleon Hill:

2009-10-20T07:04:00.001-05:00

What the mind can conceive and believe, the mind can achieve.
Revised: ..., God can help you achieve.

Comforting song lyrics: My Father's Love

2009-10-20T07:01:00.001-05:00

My Father's Love

v1
The world wealth and riches can be bought and sold,
but i posess a treasure far greater than gold;
t'was a gift passed down to me from heaven above,
'twas the gift of my father's love.

ch
And my father's love is strong and true,
always believing,
always seeing me through.
so, no matter what happens in his grand design,
i'll be fine with my father's love.

v2
safe and secure now in his love alone,
i find here my place of worth as one of his own.
and i don't need ev'rything this world wants to give,
'cause i live with my father's love.

ch
and my father's love is strong and true,
always believing always seeing me through.
so no matter what happens in his grand design,
i'll be fine with my father's love
so no matter what happens in his grand design,
i'll be fine with my father's love,
with my father's love.
i have my father's love;
i have my father's love

Comforting Song Lyrics: I need Thee every hour

2009-10-20T06:42:00.001-05:00

Annie Hawks
I need Thee every hour, most gracious Lord;
No tender voice like Thine can peace afford.

Refrain

I need Thee, O I need Thee;
Every hour I need Thee;
O bless me now, my Savior,
I come to Thee.

I need Thee every hour, stay Thou nearby;
Temptations lose their power when Thou art nigh.

Refrain

I need Thee every hour, in joy or pain;
Come quickly and abide, or life is in vain.

Refrain

I need Thee every hour; teach me Thy will;
And Thy rich promises in me fulfill.

Refrain

I need Thee every hour, most Holy One;
O make me Thine indeed, Thou blessèd Son.

Notes I have carried on my PDA or in my Franklin planner for years: Critical Thinking

2009-10-19T09:17:00.001-05:00

Reason by analogy

Construct an inductive argument from given premises/evidence
Assess credibility (of evidence, witness, etc.)
Identify explicit parts of an argument (conclusion, evidence, etc.)
Revise beliefs in the face of new evidence
Identify possible and probable consequences of a course of action
Evaluate relevance and adequacy of evidence provided
Formulate hypotheses to explain given data
Identify fallacious reasoning
Recognize inconsistencies/contradictions (among data, between data and theories, etc.)
Construct a deductive argument from given premises/evidence
Synthesize disparate information into coherent whole
Identify underlying assumptions/presuppositions

Musings about my trial (medicine+Prayer)

2009-10-15T15:51:00.001-05:00

James 5:14 says, "Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:" In the NT era, oil was used for medicinal purposes. James is prescribing medicine and prayer. Though, in my case, of course, the elders did not apply the medicine, the doctors did v. 15: "And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up." Many are praying in faith for me. If the Lord wills, He will raise me up.

There's a wideness in God's mercy

2009-10-15T06:14:00.001-05:00

Here's a super poem crying out for a new, fresh tune

There's a wideness in God's mercy
like the wideness of the sea;
there's a kindness in his justice,
which is more than liberty.
There is welcome for the sinner,
and more graces for the good;
there is mercy with the Savior;
there is healing in his blood.

There is no place where earth's sorrows
are more felt than in heaven;
there is no place where earth's failings
have such kind judgment given.
There is plentiful redemption
in the blood that has been shed;
there is joy for all the members
in the sorrows of the Head.

For the love of God is broader
than the measure of man's mind;
and the heart of the Eternal
is most wonderfully kind.
If our love were but more faithful,
we should take him at his word;
and our life would be thanksgiving
for the goodness of the Lord.

Words: Frederick William Faber, 1862;

101 things I am thankful for (originally posted to Facebook on 10/2/2009)

2009-10-14T08:49:00.001-05:00

1. A caring, compassionate, loving, committed, organized, employed wife.
2. Still being able to get myself out of bed in the morning
3. Still being able to hunt and peck with my right hand
4. Still being able to read
5. Still being able to shave my own face without help
6. Still being able to take stand-up showers
7. Praying friends
8. Encouragement partners on Facebook !
9. The Word (Hebrews 4:16, II Cor. 12:9 make a huge 1-2 Punch)
10. A bountiful garden harvest this year
11. Rain the last few days to fill my water reclamation tanks.
12. Helpful neighbors who mowed my lawn and helped out in other ways
13. A super-good disability benefit at work (60%of my last salary for life)
14. Pastor Moore and his wife who have been so self-sacrificially helpful and encouraging
15. My faithful computer, with which I spend so much time
16. My13-year-old puppy who loves me unconditionally
17. My Apple trees which bore such wonderful fruit this year, and that I can still eat an apple by myself.
18. That I can cut my own meat with my Knork.
19. That I can get out of the house on my own two feet
20. That I have a nice recumbent trike so I can get away from the house on my own
21. A wonderful, cool summer
22. Doctors who care
23. Medicines that work and are FDA approved just in the nick of time!
24. Successful operations (it was truly “Brain surgery”!)
25. Chocolate mint coffee
26. Yogurt & fresh fruit snacks in the morning
27. Guilt-free naps, morning and afternoon
28. Nice comfy clothing I can get on by myself
29. Fun computer games
30. A good report on my last MRI
31. Safety traveling to Madison many, many times for treatments and consultations
32. Excellent medical insurance and excellent help from Mark Stevens to guide us through the maze
33. Professional support from John Brock, allowing me to do some consulting for Maranatha to help out and earn a few bucks
34. That I am still 12 months past a Grand Mal seizure that was completely unexpected, and a serious glioblastoma Grade 4 brain tumor diagnosis that usually proves fatal in a matter of months.
35. That the brain tumor they found was operable.
36. The Farrell’s CD called “Amazing Grace:Eternal Life” has also been a special comfort.
37. That even though the surgeon thought he might have had to damage some left arm function, it appears that almost everything is working in my left arm, fingers, elbow, shoulder, thumb, though thumb is a little reluctant, it works. needing therapy to restore full function, and very, very weak.
38. That even though my balance has been poor for a year, I have not had any falls,
39. That even though my left arm is weak, there’s enough function there, particularly grip, for me to get along, like squeezing the toothpaste or shampoo.
40. That even though my left side is weak, I have not had any major accidents with knives or spills, except for knocking over my coffee once and ruining my ergonomic keyboard, oh, well.
41. That I have still been able to earn enough water and veggie/fruit and sleep and exercise and step points for the PHIT program at work to win more than $50 toward Chamber of Commerce gift certificates which I will use to buy Christmas gifts for my honey.
42. That I have learned that His Grace is sufficient , even in a trial like this.
43. That I have a bazillion praying friends all over the world!
44. For RSS readers that dig up really interesting stuff like this:http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/09/24/world/A-EU-Britain-Anglo-Saxon-Gold.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss
45. For comforting songs like, God Hath not promised”
46. Too many scripture passages to list here.
47. That I have stopped drooling due to my left side face weakness.
48. That I have stopped biting my tongue accidentally when eating.
49. That I have enough energy to help Cindy around the house
50. That I am blessed with loving brothers and sister who have made numerous trips to WI to help us out in various ways.
51. That my right arm and leg are still strong.
52. That my singing voice is slowly returning.
53. That my violin is patiently waiting for me
54. Velcro straps on sneakers & sandals
55. Elastic shoe strings so sneakers can be pulled on without tying!
56. Phone calls from friends and relatives I don’t hear from often
57. Warm oatmeal with raisins and brown sugar for breakfast
58. Doctors who can be reached by phone.
59. Neighbors who will drop what they’re doing to come over to help in an emergency.
60. That I can still navigate the basement stairs safely to get to my workshop & tool & household hardware supplies and exercise room.
61. Enjoying a good laugh over stupid stuff now and then with my honey.
62. The delicious Broccoli soup my wife makes.
63. For a really nice 10”LCD picture frame my honey bought me for my birthday where we run pics of our 25th anniversary Alaska trip. And flower pics, too.
64. For a really nice 24”HDTV and fine digital antenna reception.
65. The Mike Herbster Trio CD called “Always Giving Glory” has been a particular blessing.
66. That the occasional partial seizures that keep breaking out are not any worse than they are, and that Cindy has been around for all of them, and that I have been in relatively safe places for all of them.
67. For my niece Bethany who made me a really nice sign for my party asking people to take the camera and take a picture.
68. Also the Anchormen Quartet have produced some wonderfully comforting music, and the Calvary Quartet
69. For yellow cake cupcakes with chocolate
70. Enough hair to make a decent part (even if it’s curly!!)
71. Digital pictures that you can see immediately
72. Good friends who showed up to help me celebrate my 1-year seizure anniversary.
73. Pumpkin Pie spice coffee, yes Josh, it was really tasty. I still like Chocolate mint better, though—“no accounting for taste”
74. Digital memory cards, they’re just really handy.
75. Fall colors, which are just coming on.
76. People who are patient with the new me.
77. A book of Puritan prayers given to me by Pastor Moore.
78. Lots (too many!) of Physical Therapy ideas.
79. That I have lived long enough to see another Fall
80. That Cindy decided to send me to Madison rather than Milwaukee a year ago when I had my seizure. We really love our doctors.
81. That in July of 2010 our house will be paid off. I want to live that long to celebrate with Cindy.
82. That God gave us 30 years of trouble-free marriage, only Cindy’s allergies, a problem for which we eventually found a solution.
83. That “We Have good Things To Eat at Our House” (my tribute to Cindy’s cooking skills). Tonite on the menu—zucchini omelet, fresh cooked yellow roma beans with butter, fresh made concord grape juice, baked fresh apple cored/stuffed with homemade mincemeat. Yummy!!!
84. That “What time I am afraid, I can trust in Him.”
85. That we still have enough money to buy a Wii and Wii Fit and to save for a new car and to save for a Grand Canyon trip.
86. That the disease progression is stable for now and that the doctors say I am doing well(Sept.09)
87. For warm oat meal and banana bread.
88. Mrs. Sturgill’s chocolate chip zucchini bread!!!!
89. Interesting stuff to learn—Once we stop learning, we are dead.
90. Lunch with my sweetheart every day.
91. Surprises like Culver’s gift cards from anonymous friends
92. Information sources like ABTA
93. Songs with good, scriptural lyrics that comfort and uplift.
94. It is well with my soul.
95. The hem of His garment that I may “touch” at will.
96. Anti-seizure medication.
97. The promise of strength to the weak.
98. That over the past couple of years we have updated most of our appliances for Cindy.
99. For inexpensive term life insurance that we bought years ago and is still in force.
100. Herbals for regularity(these meds can do a number on you in that regard).
101. A nice collection of disney videos at home.

Musing about trials (when is a promise a promise?)

2009-10-13T20:32:00.001-05:00

“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” - Jeremiah 29:11 Hmmmm I like this verse which sounds like a nice promise but I'm a dispensationalist so I don't apply it to.myself....(continued)...In context it appears to be about God's plan for Israel's return to the Promised land after 70 years of captivity in Babylon. Gotta be careful not to misapply verses, even ones that sound really good.

Musing About Trials (Is Satan testing Me Like Job? Did God really send me this trial?)

2009-10-13T19:20:00.001-05:00

I doubt that I can blame my trial on Satan a la Job (what does Satan care about me???). First of all, Job was pious and more religiously diligent than the average Jahweh-worshiper of his time and thus Job's name came up in conversation between Satan and God (apparently somehow they were still on speaking terms). Somehow (pardon the slightly sarcastic tone), if God and Satan are still having any conversation, I don't think it's about you or me (it seems just a little arrogant to think so). When trials occur, I do not think they are (usually) Personal Satanic attacks. Job's attack was personal. Satan had it in for Job because he was special.

On the question of if God sent me this specific trial, Somehow I don't think God is sitting there with a smorgasbord list of trials and testings ("Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God...neither tempteth he any man James 1:13"), looking to match them up with His children, somehow this strikes me as really out of character of a kind and loving God, though sometimes we talk as if this is the case. I just can't imagine that a good God said to himself (in my case), "Ah hah, the perfect trial for Steve--Brain Tumor!!! No, this tumor occurred in my head as a natural process, and God (in His sovereignty OK'd it as a trial that I would be allowed to go through and grow through. There exist plenty of sin-corrupted processes in this world that are consequences of the Fall, and that upon occasion can give us severe trials, such as mutated, cancerous cellsaging and its consequences, drunk, careless drivers who cause disastrous accidents,(even disasters of our own doing such as financial ruin, or not of our own doing like a lost job), and weather disasters. In His sovereignty, God ALLOWS these trials to occur in the life of His children, and his children to grow thereby, though I do think Satan will use them if he can to get the best of Christians (by urging them to become bitter or rebellious toward God, for example) (He "walks about seeking whom he may devour."). God has promised not to allow a trial that is more than we can bear, and He has promised to see us through with His amazing Grace, Love, Goodness and unlimited Strength as the Good Shepherd. I suppose this view is at odds with those who are strong on God's sovereignty, my view would be that He ALLOWSthe trial to occur (or could, just as easily, in His omnipotence and sovereignty, NOT ALLOW IT TO OCCUR). Rom. 8:28 He then uses these things in our lives to help us to grow spiritually. ("All things work together for good.") Feel free to comment.

Musing About trials (Is this a Trial, or a testing, temptation, or a tribulation, or chastening, or a persecution)?)

2009-10-13T19:19:00.001-05:00

Monday, October 5, 2009 at 8:11am
OK first of all, I am not, I don't believe, being "persecuted"by anyone. I don't even think the biblical phrase "fiery trial." applies (in the biblical sense) It could be a temptation (see below, certainly: "And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. (Luke 11:4) This thing that grew in my head is an evil result of the Fall, and asking to be delivered from having to endure such an evil thing is appropriate, especially as it is connected with being led into temptation, and believe me, there are plenty of temptations associated with severe illnesses, from lashing out at your caregivers, to wallowing in self-pity, which, fundamentally, is simply a form of rebellion, to having the urge to call damnation down on things that frustrate or hurt you, like getting poked for an IV transfusion every other week,to questioning God and getting bitter against Him, to being stubborn and uncooperative, to having to (reluctantly) come face to face with the very real possibility of dying, and getting properly prepared for that.
Tribulation:no.
Testing: Probably this is the best label for what is happening to me. I teach Tests and Measurements over at the College (at least I did for 13 or so years but not now). A test is a task given to see if a person is able to successfully achieve some important outcome. I think my test is passed by exhibiting trust in God (Ps 56:3) "What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee." for strength and grace (IICor. 12:9)"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness", and by not falling into the temptations I listed above. Feel free to comment.
Chastening: Well, it certainly could be, He knows I have done enough to earn a good chastening (Job 5:17): "Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty" (Heb. 12:11): "Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby." If it is chastening, I count myself privileged to be "exercised" by it.

Musing About Trials (becoming"able" to give comfort to others)

2009-10-13T19:17:00.002-05:00

Tuesday, October 6, 2009 at 10:27am
II Cor. 1): God is the God of all comfort, and believe me, there are times of yearning for comfort when you go through a major trial like this. Many Scripture passages have been a comfort--too many to list here. (I will put them together at another time. I said to Cindy about both Intensive care and Acute Rehab.--They're both good places to get well, but not good places to live. I had a tube down my throat in Intensive care, so I couldn't drink, and I'll tell you I was desperately in need of comfort & dying for a drink of water. Funny as it may sound, I found myself taking comfort in an old cowboy song I had on my computer called, "Cool Water." (OK, I don't really know if that was from the Lord, but it comforted me.) In receiving comfort from God, we find that we gain the ability to comfort others (II Cor 1:4): "Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God."

Musing About Trials (When You lose a Talent You Use to serve the Lord--Why?)

2009-10-13T19:16:00.001-05:00

STuesday, October 6, 2009 at 3:24pm
OK, I had a few talents I was using for the Lord, or so I thought--my left hand, for example, I wrote with it, typed, signed my name, played my violin in church, well enough for offertory specials and to play along with the congregation (which I really enjoy), and, being somewhat ambidextrous, I was almost as strong with my left hand as with my right, and pretty handy around the house and in the garden and helping out on church work days. My vocal chords had some talents I used for the Lord (singing, talking), but they have been rather slow to recover from intubation, I can barely manage the entire bass clef and my breath support is shot. I taught at the college, of course, taught Adult Bible Fellowship at Church for years, sang in choir, sang duets with my wife, and sang quartets and other specials. All of that has been taken away, and some of it is questionable whether it will come back (violin playing, handwriting). This is the only area of my trial where I have asked "Why?" "Why were my main talents taken?" It's not because I wasn't using them, I was fairly active in vocal and instrumental special music. Comments welcome. One of my colleagues at the college with a beautiful voice lost it to a malady of some sort, I must talk to him about this.

Musing About Trials (Facing death)

2009-10-13T19:07:00.001-05:00

Wednesday, October 7, 2009 at 12:58pm
When you have an incurable disease like mine (I will have to live with this for the rest of my life), you think about death. I have quite frankly enjoyed living nearly my entire life (for 49 years at least) (saved at age of 5) knowing my eternal destiny was secure, so what happens when/if I die from this is not and has not been on my mind. What is on my mind, Now that I have been married for nearly 30 years, the thought of death is much more difficult to face, leaving my sweet wife behind to go it alone is an extremely painful thought (brings tears to my eyes even as I type this), though we have seen to it that she's secure finance-wise. I admit. I hate the thought of leaving the house with the cute screen room we bought together and made so many happy memories in and are so close to having completely paid off, and leaving the apple trees I finally, just this year, learned how to make produce excellent apples, and leaving our flowers, and leaving my little 13 year-old puppy, and leaving the trike my sweetheart bought me (I know some of those are just "things," and I'm a bit ashamed to admit my strong emotional attachment to "things of this world." Hope I never in eternity (even in my glorified body) forget the life I had down here with Cindy I hope "tears being wiped away" doesn't mean our memories are erased:

(I confess I switched the "you" and "I" around in this poem to make it fit better) "Should I go first and you remain
To walk the road alone,
You'll live in memory's garden, dear,
With happy days we've known.
In spring you'll wait for roses red,
When fades the lilac blue,
In early fall, when brown leaves call
You'll catch a glimpse of me.

Should I go first and you remain
For battles to be fought,
Each thing I've touched along the way
Will be a hallowed spot.
You'll hear my voice, you'll see my smile,
Though blindly you may grope,
The memory of my helping hand
Will buoy you on with hope.

Should I go first and you remain
To finish with the scroll,
No length'ning shadows shall creep in
To make this life seem droll.
We've known so much of happiness,
We've had our cup of joy,
And memory is one gift of God
That death cannot destroy.

Should I go first and you remain,
One thing I promise to do:
I'll Walk slowly down that long, lone path,
For soon you'll follow me.
I'll want you to know each step I take,
That you may walk the same,
For someday down that lonely road
I'll hear you call my name.

Yet, "to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord," and we both know this. She may yet precede me in death, of course, through an accident or sudden illness, that's one of life's unknowns. Feel free to comment.

Cindy wrote: This certainly will be the hardest thing to face, being separated from the one I love, but for now all I can focus on is living and soaking up every minute we have together and making memories that I'll treasure for a lifetime. You are the best treasure that God gave me here on earth!

Musing About Trials (walking in the valley) Morning Musing About Trials (walking in the valley)

2009-10-13T19:04:00.001-05:00

Thursday, October 8, 2009 at 5:21am
It is a comfort to know that when our path leads through a valley, the Good Shepherd's rod is there to protect, and the staff is there to guide. I am protected, and if I heed the touch of his staff, I will not lose my way. Psalm 56:3
What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee
Written last Thursday · Comment · Like / Unlike
Cindy Stratford
Cindy Stratford
Cindy StratfordThis certainly will be the hardest thing to face, being separated from the one I love, but for now all I can focus on is living and soaking up every minute we have together and making memories that I'll treasure for a lifetime. You are the best treasure that God has given me here on earth!

Musing About Trials (chastisement)

2009-10-13T19:01:00.001-05:00

Thursday, October 8, 2009 at 5:45am
But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. (Hebrews 12:8) "My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction"(Proverbs 3:11-12)"

Correction is connected with the development of wisdom and understanding:

For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.
13Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. (Proverbs 3:11-13).
Even Jesus was chastised, though of course He did not deserve it, it was for our sins he was chastised :
But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. (Is. 53:5)
If what I'm going through is chastening, then I welcome it, because of the very positive outcome: Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.(Heb. 12:11)
"peaceable" means "salutary":

1. favorable to or promoting health; healthful.
2. promoting or conducive to some beneficial purpose; wholesome.

Musing about my trial (epilepsy in the Bible)

2009-10-13T18:59:00.001-05:00

Thursday, October 8, 2009 at 7:30am | Edit Note | Delete
Yes, a person who has a tumor removal such as mine often develops epilepsy, and I am no exception (seizures--mine are "partial focal"--affecting my left side only) (it's from the scar tissue left over from the operation). There's a fascinating article about Jesus healing the epileptic boy (Matthew 17, Mark 9) here:

http://www.desitin.no/index.php/artgallery/detail/1312
and here:

http://www.desitin.no/index.php/artgallery/detail/1307

Also look at "famous epileptics in Representational art (I)" for an interesting discussion that Paul's thorn may have been epileptic fits (as portrayed by Renaissance artists).

Notes I have carried on my PDA or in my Franklin planner for years: The seven ages of Man

2009-09-12T09:19:00.004-05:00

1. Not old enough to know better...
2. Old enough to know better...
3. Not old enough to...
4. Old enough to...
5. Not old...
6. Old...
7. Not...

Notes I have carried on my PDA or in my Franklin planner for years: Training program in godliness

2009-09-08T13:11:00.002-05:00

I Tim 4:7
1. What are the important issues pertaining to a right relationship with God? (purity in life and thought, faithfulness in studying Word, disciplined prayer life, life filled w/Godly relationships, devotion to Christian service, faithfulness in witnessing, consistent memorization of Scripture, time spent actively discipling, recognize areas of failure in sin)
2. What are the areas where you are not making spiritual progress?
3. Create a list of things you want to work on during the next month.
4. Solicit accountability from those closest to you.
5. Pace yourself.
6. Failure is only failure if its the last word for you.

Notes I have carried on my PDA or in my Franklin planner for years: Time Management Matrix

2009-09-08T13:10:00.003-05:00

Urgent, Important
Crises, pressing problems, emergency projects

Not Urgent, Important
Planning, PC activities, opportunities, preparation, crisis preparation, relationship building

Urgent, Not Important
Interruptions, some calls/mail/reports, many proximate/pressing matters, many popular activities

Not Urgent, Not Important
Busywork, some mail, time-wasters, some phone calls, procrastination activities, escape reading & TV: Usually pictured like this:

Notes I have carried on my PDA or in my Franklin planner for years: The horizon problem

2009-09-08T12:44:00.003-05:00

2 The horizon problem

OUR universe appears to be unfathomably uniform. Look across space from one edge of the visible universe to the other, and you'll see that the microwave background radiation filling the cosmos is at the same temperature everywhere. That may not seem surprising until you consider that the two edges are nearly 28 billion light years apart and our universe is only 14 billion years old.

Nothing can travel faster than the speed of light, so there is no way heat radiation could have traveled between the two horizons to even out the hot and cold spots created in the big bang and leave the thermal equilibrium we see now.

This "horizon problem" is a big headache for cosmologists, so big that they have come up with some pretty wild solutions. "Inflation", for example.

You can solve the horizon problem by having the universe expand ultra-fast for a time, just after the big bang, blowing up by a factor of 1050 in 10-33 seconds. But is that just wishful thinking? "Inflation would be an explanation if it occurred," says University of Cambridge astronomer Martin Rees. The trouble is that no one knows what could have made that happen.

So, in effect, inflation solves one mystery only to invoke another. A variation in the speed of light could also solve the horizon problem - but this too is impotent in the face of the question "why?" In scientific terms, the uniform temperature of the background radiation remains an anomaly.

Notes I have carried on my PDA or in my Franklin planner for years: Sentences using all 26 letters

2009-09-08T12:36:00.004-05:00

Info The five boxing wizards jump quickly.
The quick brown fox jumps over a lazy dog.

more at:
http://www.funtrivia.com/askft/Question21437.html

Notes I have carried on my PDA or in my Franklin planner for years: Why God Never Got Tenure at any University?

2009-09-08T10:46:00.003-05:00

Just some silliness.
Question for Academics to Ponder: Why God Never Got Tenure at any University? A bit of humor.

1. He had only one major publication
2. It was in Hebrew.
3. It had no references
4. It wasn't published in a refereed journal
5. Some doubt He wrote it Himself
6. He may have created the world, but what has He done since?
7. The scientific community cannot replicate his results
8. He never got permission from the ethics board to use human subjects
9. When one experiment went awry, He tried to cover it up by drowning the subjects
10. He rarely came to class and just told students, "Read the book"
11. Some say He had His son teach the class
12. He expelled His first two students
13. His office hours were irregular and sometimes held on a mountaintop
14. Although there were only 10 requirements, most students failed.

(Quoted from an Ann Landers column)
____________________

Notes I have carried on my PDA or in my Franklin planner for years: Tell Tchaikovsky the News

2009-09-08T10:13:00.002-05:00

Info Tell Tchaikovsky the News
The new composer’s dictionary:
Adagio Frommagio—to play in a slow and cheesy manner
Angus Dei—to play with a divine, beefy tone
A Patella—unaccompanied knee-slapping
Frugalhorn—a sensible, inexpensive brass instrument
Dill Piccolino—a wind instrument that plays only sour notes
Approximento—a musical entrance that is somewhere in the vicinity of the correct pitch

--From Reader’s Digest, submitted by E.T.Thompson
____________________

Notes I have carried on my PDA or in my Franklin planner for years: Stratford Cities in the US

2009-09-08T09:36:00.003-05:00

These are all the states with a town called “Stratford”
CT
NJ
CA
IA
NH
OK
SD
TX
VA
WA
WI

Notes I have carried on my PDA or in my Franklin planner for years: Strategy for Making Disciples

2009-09-08T09:35:00.002-05:00

1. Developing redemptive relationships
a. Proclamational—street preaching
b. Confrontational—door to door
c. Relational—friends and neighbors
2. Giving a clear verbal witness
3. Introducing friends to our church

Strategy for maturing disciples

1. Being a Word-centered fellowship
2. Providing accountability in the context of loving relationships
3. Training believers in Biblical Stewardship

Notes I have carried on my PDA or in my Franklin planner for years: Stocks monthly

2009-09-08T09:34:00.002-05:00

Get into an automatic investment plan

tiaa-cref
800-223-1200

t rowe price
800 638 5660

Buyandhold.com
1800 646 8212

Invesco Funds Group
invescofunds.com
1800 525 8085

T. Rowe Price
troweprice.com
1800 638 5660

ShareBuilder
sharebuilder.com
1800 223 1200

Notes I have carried on my PDA or in my Franklin planner for years: Stewardship Seminar Duffy

2009-09-08T09:33:00.002-05:00

• Use IRS website to determine tax withholding
• Self-proving affidavit attached to the will
• Power of attorney document
• Advanced directive--living will
• Save 10% or more
• Nursing home insurance 55-70; John Hancock; Genco; more affordable @ 55; consider this after paying off the mortgage
• CFP Certified Financial Planner
• No income from annuity before 59 1/2
• Gift annuity 6-9% tax savings then tax free income ($100,000 @ 6.5% nets $6500/year, $540/mo income)
• To determine needed income, divide monthly deficit by 5% times 12 equals investment lump sum needed
• thelifegroup.org
• *ingdirect.com (done)
• life estate--transfer deed to church/college, right to live there, protects assets, immediate tax benefit
• charitable remainder trust: income, avoid capital galns, direct to various ministries, maintain control
• *with the will, make sure the taxable stuff (retirement funds) goes to ministry (non taxable) first
• Christian will--statement of testimony & faith
• Need to have Parents set up a will
• *Wisconsin tax if estate is larger than $675,000--need to be careful--also Federal Tax
• *HIPPA language--need to be added

Notes I have carried on my PDA or in my Franklin planner for years: SMART goals

2009-09-08T09:32:00.002-05:00

Specific
Measureable
Action-oriented
Relevant
Timely

Notes I have carried on my PDA or in my Franklin planner for years: Salt-Free Herb Blends

2009-09-08T09:29:00.002-05:00

Directions: Combine the ingredients in a jar. Cover tightly and shake. Keep in a cool, dark, dry place. Use in place of commercial mixes. Yield: 1/2 cup

    Chinese Five-Spice: Blend 1/4 cup ground ginger, 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon, 1 tablespoon each of ground allspice and anise seeds, and 2 teaspoons ground cloves.

    Mixed Herb Blend: Blend 1/4 cup dried parsley flakes, 2 tablespoons dried tarragon, 1 tablespoon each of dried oregano, dill weed and celery flakes.

    Italian Blend: Blend 2 tablespoons each of dried basil and dried marjoram, 1 tablespoon each of garlic powder and dried oregano, and 2 teaspoons each of thyme, crushed dried rosemary and crushed red pepper.

    Curry Blend: Blend 2 tablespoons each of turmeric and ground coriander, 1 tablespoon ground cumin, 2 teaspoons each of ground cardamom, ground ginger and black pepper, and 1 teaspoon each of powdered cloves, cinnamon and ground nutmeg.

    Mexican Chili Blend: Blend 1/4 cup chili powder, 1 tablespoon each of ground cumin and onion powder, 1 teaspoon each of dried oregano, garlic powder and ground red pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon.

    Greek Blend: Blend 3 tablespoons each of garlic powder and dried lemon peel, 2 tablespoons dried oregano and 1 teaspoon black pepper.

    Easy Dip Blend: Use to mix with cottage cheese, yogurt, cheese or low-fat sour cream. Blend 1/2 cup dried dill weed and 1 tablespoon each of dried chives, garlic powder, dried lemon peel and dried chervil.

Info Religions/Denominations

2009-09-08T09:27:00.001-05:00

This is kind of a categorization I worked on, comments/suggestions welcome
Believe fundamentals of faith:

*Fundamental Baptists
*Bible Baptists
*Fundamental Presbyterian, Lutheran, Methodist
*Fundamental Nondenominational
*Assembly of God
*Christian & Missionary Alliance

Believe some fundamentals but add works to faith
*Catholicism
*Episcopal
*Church of Christ
*Liberal Lutheran

Deny fundamentals but have loose Biblical connections
*Liberal Presbyterian, Lutheran, Anglican, Methodist, liberal (“e.g. First”) Baptist
*Mormon
*Jehovah's Witness
*Moslem

• Atheistic
*Christian Science
*Humanists
*Unitarian

• Heathen
*American Indian
*Hindu
*Shinto
*Buddhist
*Animism
*Voodoo

____________________
Created on 11/20/05 11:53:58 am
Modified on 11/30/05 7:36:12 pm

Notes I have carried on my PDA or in my Franklin planner for years: Quotable quotes

2009-09-08T09:23:00.002-05:00

You cannot talk yourself out of situations your behavior has gotten yourself into.

What is the probability of "NOT God" AND "you"?

All news is old news to new people.

Info Rudyard Kipling quote
found in “The Haunted Bookstore:”
" Very rarely will he squarely push the logic of a fact
" To its ultimate conclusion in unmitigated act.

YY UR “too wise you are”
YY UB
ICUR
YY 4ME

We're building up or tearing down in everything we do;
Are we in the construction gang or on the wrecking crew?
--Anon.

Stradivarius--Excellence
"Other men shall make violins, but no man shall make better ones."

Some men die in battle,
Some men die in flames;
Some men die, bit by bit-
Playing little games.

"If I use my gift I might die."
"If I don't use my gift I might as well die."

Little faith will bring your soul to heaven, great faith will bring heaven to your soul. Spurgeon

Gal. 2:20 The longer you study it, the more you appreciate it.

God will hold you responsible for the sermons you missed.

Silence is golden, except in witnessing, and then it's just yellow.

Your labors for God will not count for God unless you have a heart for God.

When Godly influence wanes, personal convictions must take over. Godly influence must be fortified with personal convictions. (OT example: Joash)

John Goetch: Jesus may come between cookies.

Every temptation is an opportunity to flee to God.

Experience does not teach truth, but it helps us learn to apply it.

When your love is greater than your fear, then you'll open your mouth to speak. II Tim 1:7

The way to be anxious for nothing is to pray about everything.

Rudyard Kipling quote
found in The Haunted Bookstore:
" Very rarely will he squarely push the logic of a fact
" To its ultimate conclusion in unmitigated act."

____________________
Modified on 5/20/07 11:24:36 am

Notes I have carried on my PDA or in my Franklin planner for years: Info Phone Etiquette

2009-09-08T09:13:00.002-05:00

When Answering the Phone:
¸ Answer on the 2nd or 3rd ring.
¸ Say “Hello” instead of “Hey” or “Hi.”
¸ Smile when you pick up the phone (your attitude can be detected on the phone)

Answering Incoming Calls:
¸ Identify yourself and your organization/company.
¸ Speak slowly and distinctly.
¸ Use simple not complicated words.

Answer Incoming Calls Quickly:
¸ Listen for a name.
¸ Listen actively.
¸ Listen without interrupting the caller.
¸ Announce your transfer.
¸ Be as helpful as possible.
¸ If another phone call comes in, receive that call but remember the first person calling has priority.

When Placing Calls:
¸ Let the person know right away who is calling.
¸ Try to call when it convenient for the other person.
¸ Think before you call.
¸ Picture the other person while on the phone; concentrate on the phone call (don’t get distracted).
¸ If you are disconnected, call back immediately.

How to Handle Rude and Aggressive Callers:
¸ Stay calm; try to remain diplomatic and polite.
¸ Always have a willingness to respond.
¸ When attacked, never attack back.

When Closing a Call:
¸ Thank the person for the call.
¸ En.d on a positive note.
¸ Never conclude by saying “See ya,” Bye, bye,” or “Later.”

____________________
Modified on 2/1/09 1:42:49 pm

Notes I have carried on my PDA or in my Franklin planner for years: Personal efficiency program

2009-09-08T09:10:00.003-05:00

1. Do it once, not again and again
2. Clear your mind
3. Solve problems while they're still small
4. Reduce interruptions
5. Clear up backlogs
6. Start operating toward the future instead of in response to the past
7. Stop worrying
8. Get it done & celebrate victories

Notes I have carried on my PDA or in my Franklin planner for years: Parallels notes

2009-09-08T09:10:00.001-05:00

To start without starting virtual machine--click Parallels icon, then IMMEDIATELY hold apple key down

If network is not working, try default network connection

If you can't print to the network printers, try
Start->Run->\\main and then log in

Notes I have carried on my PDA or in my Franklin planner for years: Info Opt Out

2009-09-08T09:08:00.001-05:00

Are you sick of those unwanted Pre-approved Credit Offers? Or all the Spam you receive in your inbox? If so, you may want to consider placing your name on the Opt out lists. We have provided information below as to how you can opt out. Keep in mind this does not opt you out of all mailings. If you are receiving something from a particular company you should contact them directly and ask to be removed from their list.

To opt out of receiving pre-screened credit card offers, call:

    1-888-5-OPTOUT (1-888-567-8688)

To remove your name from many national direct mail lists, write:

    DMA Mail Preference Service
    P.O. Box 9008
    Farmingdale, NY 11735-9008
    For more information, visit http://www.the-dma.org

To remove your name from many national telephone marketers, write:

    DMA Telephone Preference Service:
    P.O. Box 9014
    Farmingdale, NY 11735-9014
    For more information, visit http://www.the-dma.org

To remove your name from many national direct e-mail lists, visit: http://www.e-mps.org

Notes I have carried on my PDA or in my Franklin planner for years: Info Ohio Fossil Park Info

2009-09-08T09:06:00.001-05:00

Ohio Fossil Park, Sylvania,OHIO
www.olanderpk.com
trilobytes, brachiopods, corals
admission is free

INotes I have carried on my PDA or in my Franklin planner for years: nfo Morse Code

2009-09-08T09:04:00.001-05:00

The International morse code characters are:

A   .-
B   -...
C   -.-.
D   -..
E   .
F   ..-.
G   --.
H   ....
I   ..
J   .---
K   -.-
L   .-..
M   --
N   -.
O   ---
P   .--.
Q   --.-
R   .-.
S   ...
T   -
U   ..-
V   ...-
W   .--
X   -..-
Y   -.--
Z   --..
0   -----
1   .----
2   ..---
3   ...--
4   ....-
5   .....
6   -....
7   --...
8   ---..
9   ----.
Fullstop   .-.-.-
Comma   --..--
Query   ..--..

Notes I have carried on my PDA or in my Franklin planner for years: How to treat a missionary

2009-09-08T09:03:00.001-05:00

(Pastor Ron Allen)

1. Involvement begins with the Pastor
2. Spreads to the people
3. Missions is not just another program
4. Visit the field if possible
5. Pray specifically
6. Keep track of them by email
7. Write to them
8. Send support faithfully
9. Help with special needs if possible
10. Make them heroes
11. Have a missionary closet with things
12. Gold watches for 25 years of service

Missionaries how to treat a pastor

1. Don’t act like you know more than the Pastor does
2. Courtesy
3. Be humble
4. Be frank without being overbearing
5. Be as brief as possible
6. Never try to convince him to support you if he tells you he’s not interested
7. Respect the office of the pastor
8. Be friendly when visiting a church
9. Be on time (Pastor don’t forget the missionary is coming)
10. Be prepared
11. Have a clean car
12. Children look good
13. Don’t scold the people

Notes I have carried on my PDA or in my Franklin planner for years: Making the Sale--Roy Bettger

2009-09-08T08:41:00.001-05:00

• Act enthusiastic, you will become enthusiastic.
• Selling boils down to seeing/meeting people
• Face your fears of public speaking
• Get organized/take time to plan
• Find out what the other person wants, talk in terms of his wants, needs, desires, then show him how you can help him attain them
• make appointments
• be prepared
• identify the key issue
• make notes of key points to cover
• ask questions
• explode dynamite
• arouse fear
• create confidence
• express honest appreciation for your listener's ability
• assume a close
• try to figure out the real reason for saying no
• ask "why"
• say "in addition to that..."
• put the word YOU in the interview
• don't make assertions, ask questions
• remember the lost art of listening
• earn and deserve confidence
• know your business
• keep on knowing your business
• praise your competitors
• bring on your witnesses
• look your best
• be a friend; encourage people
• smile!
• remember names by remembering IRA: impression, repetition, association
• get to the point, don't obscure it with details (the creation story was told in 442 words)
• when scared, admit it
• make appointments (sell the appointment)
• practice your sales pitch, live it, breathe it, and love it
• A demonstration is worth a thousand words
•don't forget a customer, don't let a customer forget you (when you sell 'em, don't forget 'em)
•new customers are the best source of new customers
•follow up new leads immediately
•report back on the results of leads
•appeal for action
•save closing points for the close
•summarize the main points
•welcome objections
•ask the prospect to write his name here
•courage is the conquest of fear

Ben Franklin's Thirteen adapted for salesman
•enthusiasm
•order: self-organization
•think in terms of others' interests
•questions
•key issue
•silence: listen
•sincerity: deserve confidence
•knowledge of my business
•appreciation and praise
•smile: happiness
•remember names and faces
•service and prospecting
•closing the sale: action

Notes I have carried on my PDA or in my Franklin planner for years: Info Mac OX Mouse + Modifier Keys

2009-09-08T08:40:00.001-05:00

COMMAND and OPTION together:

    * Force open by dragging on to app icons
    * Create aliases by dragging one file from one place to another
    * Customize toolbar by clicking the tube button on the top left of the window
    * Close all windows in a certain application
    * Drag item out of dock to make alias in Finder
    * Not that this matters, but, while option clicking a folder in Finder will open it in a new window, this key combo will open the folder in a new window and close the other window. Kinda pointless, right? This also works with sidebar items.
    * Click on a different application to hide all but the one you clicked on. This only works when the application you want it to work on is not in focus. The keyboard equivalent of this is Command-Option-H.

OPTION:

    * Choose different iTunes libraries when opening iTunes
    * Open new inspector by clicking on a new tab
    * Copy instead of move files to new folders
    * Click on a new app to hide all the others
    * Download linked file in Safari
    * Control-click or right-click in Finder for altered plug ins
    * Menu items will change while holding option
    * Drag items out of the dock to created copy in Finder
    * If enabled in Terminal window settings in Emulation, click to position cursor at that point
    * Delete a file in a playlist in iTunes
    * Create smart groups in certain apps like iTunes, Address Book, iPhoto, etc.
    * Click on the X on a Safari tab while having others open to close all the others.
    * Move cursor over a dashboard widget to find the X without having to click the plus on the bottom left of the screen.
    * On laptops, click on the function keys, (if enabled for hardware features), to open their related preferences.
    * While dragging a file into iTunes, hold OPTION to make it so, (if copy to iTunes library is enabled), it will not copy it. This is good to change labels on videos that you do not want to wait for to copy into iTunes.
    * Click on a file, (not a folder,) in Finder and it will close that Finder window and open the file. This is good of you don’t care about the Finder window after you open the file.
    * Certain system wide functions, like logout, restart, shutdown, etc. And empty trash, though that isn’t system wide. Will no longer show the are you sure window box while holding Option.
    * Change the size of the dock in increments rather than pixels

COMMAND:

    * Click on dock items to show in Finder
    * click on spotlight results to show in Finder
    * Drag items out of the dock to created copy in Finder
    * Open link in new tabs in Safari, including forward and back buttons.
    * Open Finder folders in a new window. This works with sidebar items as well.
    * Drag toolbar items to remove or reorder in toolbars.
    * Drag menu bar items to reorder them or remove them completely.

OPTION and SHIFT together:

    * Click on a preference pane to open it with a slowed down fade.

Shutdown, Restart, Log Out, and Sleep:

    * Control-Option-Command-Eject: Hold for one to two seconds to shut down
    * Control-Command-Eject: Hold for one to two seconds to restart
    * Option-Command-Eject: Hold for one to two seconds to sleep (this is very helpful with desktop computer)
    * Command-Shift-Option-Q: Log out without reminder saying are you sure?

Notes I have carried on my PDA or in my Franklin planner for years: Info Mac OS X CD Sessions

2009-09-08T08:35:00.001-05:00

Info Mac OS X CD Sessions
Many people have asked us how to "reuse" a regular blank CDR, so they
can burn data to it multiple times. This is typically called session
burning. You can purchase dedicated applications do this (such as
Toast or Disco), but you can also use Disk Utility which is built
into OS 10.4. It takes a little planning to make this work, but it
can help you cut down on the number of CDs you have to burn (and buy).

This great tip comes from Apple:

First create a new folder and give it a descriptive name. Now put the
files you want to burn into that folder. Go to your Applications
folder and open the Utilities folder. Double-click on the Disk
Utility application.

After it launches, in the menu bar at the top of the screen choose
File > New > Disk Image from Folder. When the "Open" dialog box
appears, find the folder you created earlier with the data you want
to burn, and click "Image." A "Save" dialog appears. You can leave
the name as is or choose a new name (ignore the other options in this
dialog box). Click Save. In a few moments, a disk image of your
folder’s contents will appear in the list on the left side of the
Disk Utility dialog. Click on that icon, and then click the burn
button at the top left of the Disk Utility application.

When you click the Burn button, a dialog will appear asking to insert
a disc. Do so, then click once the blue downward-facing triangle on
the right side of this dialog to show more options. Click on the
checkbox for "Leave disc appendable." Now Click the "Burn" button.

Your data will now be written to that CD. To add more files later,
just insert that same CD and use this same process all over again.
Note that when you get to that final burn dialog, the button won’t
say “Burn” this time, instead it will say “Append” because you’re
adding these files to the same disc.

Don’t forget to remove the files you already burned to this disc from
the folder you created above (and the DMG file it creates) before you
make your next disc image.

Note that this is different than using a CDRW (compact disk re-
writable). A CDRW can be erased and re-burned multiple times (however
it's not recommended to do this more than 10 times per disk).
However, CDRWs don't work in all drives, and are expensive. This is
tip is designed for cheaper and more durable CDR's.

http://www.discoapp.com/

Notes I have carried on my PDA or in my Franklin planner for years: Info Mac keys

2009-09-08T08:33:00.001-05:00

•Memory check: command-option
• rebuild desktop apple-option
• ext off: shift
• zap pram: apple-option-p-r
• reset PMU: option-control-shift then hold power for 1 second 2655/4600
• start from CD: C
• bypass startup disk: apple-option-shift-del
• extension manager: control?
• external HD: T

Open memory control panel hold option/command to get ram check option

Entourage
• hold shift to rebuild database

Notes I have carried on my PDA or in my Franklin planner for years: Living with a full heart

2009-09-08T08:31:00.001-05:00

The Harvard study found these four attributes vital to successful aging:

1. Orientation toward the future. The ability to anticipate, to plan, and to hope.
2. Gratitude, forgiveness, and optimism. We need to see the glass as half-full, not half-empty.
3. Empathy. The ability to imagine the world as it seems to the other person.
4. The ability to reach out. “We should want to do things with people, not to people or ruminate about what they do things to us,” says Dr. George E. Valiant. In other words, we need to “leave the screen door unlatched.”

Seven Keys to Aging Well
1. Not smoking, or quitting early.
2. The ability to take life’s ups and downs in stride, keep your sense of humor, give something of yourself to others, make friends who are younger than you, learn new things and have fun.
3. Absence of alcohol abuse.
4. Healthy weight.
5. A solid marriage. Happy-Well people were six times more likely to be in good marriages than were the Sad-Sick.
6. Physical activity.
7. Years of education.

People who had four or more of these seven factors at age 50 were one-third less likely to be dead by 80. People who had three or fewer of these factors at 50, even though they were in good physical shape, were three times as likely to die during the following 30 years.
____________________

Notes I have carried on my PDA or in my Franklin planner for years: Light Fluffy Pancakes

2009-09-08T08:30:00.001-05:00

1 cup all purpose bleached flour
2 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
3/4 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup milk
1 large egg
2 Tbsp unsalted melted butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
Vegetable oil for brushing the griddle

Makes 8 4-inch pancakes, serves 4
203 cal per serving 26g carb 7g protein (4g saturated) 70 mg cholesterol 1g fiber 492mg sodium

Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over low heat while preparing ingredients. Mix flour, sugar, salt (if using salted butter, reduce salt to 1/4 tsp), baking powder, and baking soda in medium bowl.

Microwave buttermilk and milk in a 2-cup Pyrex measuring cup to room temperature, 20-30 seconds. Whisk in egg, butter, and vanilla. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and whisk until just mixed.

Return batter to measuring cup, stirring in a teaspoon or so of water, if necessary, to make a thick but pourable batter.

Increase heat to medium and generously brush skillet or griddle with oil. When oil starts to spider, but before it starts to smoke, pour batter, about 1/4 cup at a time. Work in batches, if necessary, to avoid overcrowding. When pancake bottoms are golden brown and tops start to bubble, 2 to 3 minutes, flip pancakes; cook until golden brown on remaining side. Repeat, brushing skillet or griddle with oil. Serve hot.

Notes I have carried on my PDA or in my Franklin planner for years: IP Refresh Windows

2009-09-08T08:29:00.001-05:00

RUN
ipconfig
/release
ipconfig
/renew

Notes I have carried on my PDA or in my Franklin planner for years: Internet video

2009-09-08T08:28:00.001-05:00

Polychrome
VSX 7000
Spiderlive
PVX

Info Inter-City Baptist Ministries CORE VALUES:

2009-09-08T08:27:00.001-05:00

The mission of Inter-City Baptist Church is glorifying God (the aim) by making and maturing disciples (the action) who are growing in Christlikeness (the attribute).

Challenge--we view obstacles as doors of opportunity

Objectives--we evaluate our progress by smart goals

Relationships--we value those to whom and with whom we minister; we know who exists for whom

Equipping--we empower people for maximum performance

Vision--we see and strive toward a better future

Accountability--we believe in accountability that demands integrity

Leadership--we strive to translate intention into reality

Uniqueness--we seek through change and creativity to be distinctive

Excellence--we seek to glorify God by aiming for excellence; commitment to excellence demands a death to mediocrity; excellence is not a reachable goal

Service--we give ourselves for the benefit of others and the work of God

...that we should be to the praise of His glory... Eph 1:12

Change: a never-ending series of innovations; try out a new idea once a month

Notes I have carried on my PDA or in my Franklin planner for years: Identity/credit fraud

2009-09-08T08:26:00.001-05:00

SS record check 1 800 772 1213

Ask for "fraud alert" on credit file

Equifax 1 800 525 6285
1800 685 1111 $8.00

Experian 1 888 397 3742
fraud alert request #33919366
fraud alert request #33919369

Trans Union 1 800 680 7289

TRW Consumer Assistance 1 800 682 7654 $8.00

FTC ATTN: CORRES. Dept
rm 692
wash dc 20580

Info Goals

2009-09-08T08:25:00.001-05:00

"Successful people spend at least fifteen minutes every day thinking about what they are doing and can do to improve their lives." Sigmund 1999
[The 100 Simple Secrets of Suc]

Info Franklin Tapes Notes Info Franklin Tapes Notes

2009-09-08T08:24:00.001-05:00

1. A goal is a planned-for event
2. When a goal is valued it becomes a priority
3. When goals are valued together prioritizing is taking place
4. Prioritizing is the process of determining the precedence of events
5. What are the highest priorities in my life? Of these priorities, which do I value the most?

Pyramid:

Top: Daily Task List (Productivity Point)
Middle: Intermediate goals (break down into tasks that eventually appear on a daily task list)
Middle: Long-range goals (1: we tend to move to our comfort zone 2: to reach a goal, we must leave our comfort zone)
Foundation: Values (1: identify governing values 2: prioritize the values 3: write a clarifying statement for each—what would I cross the I-beam for?)

Mechanics:

1. Use only one calendar
2. Place detail in your planner
3. Commit to planning every day
4. Use parentheses to point you anywhere
5. Use monthly index
6. Use master-task list

Your day-planner is the physical manifestation of your time-line

Successful managers of time are willing to do what the unsuccessful manager of time is not willing to do.
Character is the ability to carry out a worthy decision after the emotion of making that decision has passed.

Vision--Plan--Performance--Evaluation

Stop thinking “time management”. Start thinking “event control”.

INFO Find IP & MAC on Win XP

2009-09-08T08:18:00.001-05:00

Follow these steps to quickly find the Internet Protocol (IP) and Media Access Control (MAC) address of a computer running Windows XP, Windows 2000, or Windows NT.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: seconds
Here's How:

   1. Click the Start menu button on the Windows taskbar.
   2. Click Run... on this menu.
   3. Type cmd in the text box that appears. A command prompt window launches on the desktop.
   4. In this command window, type ipconfig /all. Details are shown for each of the computer's network adapters. Computers installed with VPN software or emulation software will possess one or more virtual adapters.
   5. The IP Address field states the current IP address for that network adapter.
   6. The Physical Address field states the MAC address for that adapter.

INFO EpsonR300 reset waste ink counter

2009-09-08T08:17:00.001-05:00

Rather than having to use the Epson utility to reset the error message/counter, you can also use these tested procedures I found on the web:

1. Press and hold 'stop' 'maintenance' and 'power' buttons for about 10 seconds, a message will come on the screen saying counter is reset and to turn off.

2. Turn your printer off and then back on - job done.

3. When resetting the counters you should really replace the waste ink pad but can get away with removing the pad then washing it out and allowing it to dry before putting it back into the printer.

Info Doggie Math

2009-09-08T08:16:00.001-05:00

First year: 15 years
Second year: +9 years (24)
Third year and following: +4 years (28)
4: 32
5: 36
6: 40
7: 44
8: 48
9: 52
10: 56
11: 60
12: 64
13: 68
14: 72
Note: “Age” also affected by breed, weight, health, genetics, nutrition, illness or disease, clean/healthy home

Info Daily Planning Guidelines

2009-09-08T08:13:00.001-05:00

(Franklin Planner)
1. Select an environment free from distractions
2. Review values & goals
3. Review prior day’s daily task list for any incomplete activites
4. Review prior day’s record of events page
5. Review today’s pre-scheduled events and appointments
6. Review master task list for specific activities for today’s daily task list
7. Write appropriate activities in the daily task list
8. Update daily schedule from monthly calendar
9. Review the next few days’ schedules to see what needs to be prepared
10. Prioritize (A) Vital (B) Important (C) Optional. Analyze and assign A1, A2, A3, etc.

Info Daily Bread 12/21/05 White Space

2009-09-08T07:30:00.001-05:00

For nearly 50 years, Ann Landers dispensed advice in a daily column carried by more than 1,200 newspapers worldwide. When she died on June 22, 2002, her daughter Margo Howard wrote a farewell column. She asked the editors to leave a blank space for the last part of the column as a memorial to her Mom.

The idea came from a column written years earlier when Ann and her husband divorced after a long marriage. Ann had requested the editors to leave white space at the bottom as a memorial to a once-good marriage “that didn’t make it to the finish line.”

When somebody writes your last column, how much “blank space” will it include? When you come to life’s end, will there be important things left undone? Will that white space bear silent testimony to goals you never reached, good habits (like consistent Bible reading) you never formed, help you never gave, kind things you thought about doing but never did? Will a sizeable empty space say that you intended to develop a deeper relationship with God, but that a close intimacy remained an unfulfilled ideal? Or will others be able to say of you that you “finished the race, [and] kept the faith”? (2 Timothy 4:7)

Let’s make sure our white space is small!

--Vernon Grounds

Only the truth that in life we have spoken,
Only the seed that on earth we have sown;
These shall pass onward when we are forgotten,
Fruits of the harvest and what we have done.

--Bonar

To get the most out of life, make every moment count for Christ.

2009-09-08T07:06:00.002-05:00

Reason by analogy

Construct an inductive argument from given premises/evidence

Assess credibility (of evidence, witness, etc.)

Identify explicit parts of an argument (conclusion, evidence, etc.)

Revise beliefs in the face of new evidence

Identify possible and probable consequences of a course of action

Evaluate relevance and adequacy of evidence provided

Formulate hypotheses to explain given data

Identify fallacious reasoning

Recognize inconsistencies/contradictions (among data, between data and theories, etc.)

Construct a deductive argument from given premises/evidence

Synthesize disparate information into coherent whole

Identify underlying assumptions/presuppositions

Info Credit fraud alerts

2009-09-08T06:59:00.001-05:00

FRAUD ALERTS "Place a fraud alert on your credit reports and review your credit reports," is the first tip in the Federal Trade Commission's brochure "Take Charge: Fighting Back Against Identity Theft" (downloadable from www.ftc.gov).

This is one of the most-recommended identity theft remedies, but what exactly does a fraud alert do?

"Not enough," said Kerry Smith, a consumer lawyer for the National Association of State Public Interest Groups. Mainly it means that for 90 days any potential creditor has to take precautions to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. Not only is 90 days a short time, the standards for verifying a consumer's identity are not clearly defined.

An "extended fraud alert," on the other hand, remains on your credit report for seven years. The extended alert requires creditors to contact you if anyone wants to open an account in your name.

That's better - and it won't derail your credit - but it's tough to procure. Consumers need to provide "a copy of an official, valid report filed by the consumer with a federal, state or local law enforcement agency," according to the F.T.C.

So when reporting data theft, don't just call your bank; contact your local police precinct and file a copy with the F.T.C. (877-438-4338 ).

Info Crater of Diamonds

2009-09-08T06:56:00.001-05:00

Murfreesboro TN
can hunt/keep diamonds

Info Conversion table

2009-09-08T06:54:00.001-05:00

PS: In case you need a conversion table for the small-fry units still in
use down under, here's a listing that came with FactFinder 1.2 (bought in
1985, still going strong under 7.5.3):

10^15 coats = 1 petacoat
10^12 bulls = 1 terabull
10^9 lows = 1 gigalow
10^6 phones = 1 megaphone
10^3x2 mockingbirds = 2 kilo-mocking birds
10 cards = 1 decacard
10^-1 mates = 1 decimate
10^-2 mentals = 1 centimental
10^-2 pedes = 1 centipede
10^-6 scopes = 1 microscope
10^-9 goats = 1 nanogoat
10^-9 nannettes = 1 nanonannette
10^-12 boos = 1 picoboo
10^-15 fatales = 1 femtofatale
10^-18 boys = 1 atto boy

Info Compost Recipe

2009-09-08T06:49:00.001-05:00

When your new plants arrive next spring, make them happy with compost from this easy recipe.
The ideal compost heap is like a layer cake:
Layer One: Straw.
Layer Two: Green (fresh kitchen wastes, grass clippings, etc.)
Layer Three: Brown (dried grass, dead leaves, etc.)
Layer Four: More green.
Layer Five: More brown or straw.
And so on…
Add an “icing” of soil on top of each green layer.
From SpringHill Nursery

Info Carl Yaztrzemski

2009-09-08T06:48:00.001-05:00

“I think about baseball when I wake up in the morning. I think about it all day and I dream about it at night. The only time I don’t think about it is when I’m playing it.” Carl Yastrzemski

Info Ben Franklin's 13 virtues

2009-09-08T06:47:00.001-05:00

•Temperance--eat not to dullness, drink not to elevation
•Silence--speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation
•Order: let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time
•Resolution: resolve to perform what you ought, perform without fail what you resolve
•Frugality: make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; that is, waste nothing
•Industry: lose no time; be always employed in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions
•Sincerity: use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly; speak accordingly
•Justice: wrong none by doing injuries; or by omitting the benefits which are your duty
•Moderation: avoid extremes; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think you deserve
•Cleanliness: tolerate no uncleanness in body, clothes, or habitation
•Tranquility: be not disturbed at trifles or at accidents common or unavoidable
•Chastity: rarely use venery but for health or offspring, never to dullness, weakness, or injury of your own or another's peace or reputation
•Humility: imitate Jesus and Socrates

Info Be More Commanding

2009-09-08T06:18:00.001-05:00

From Reader’s Digest plus additions by me

Distracting/annoying
behaviors:
•Touching your hair
•Licking your lips
•Playing with rubber bands or paper clips
•Stroking/twirling your mustache
•Drumming your fingers, shaking legs
•Clicking pens
•Biting fingernails
•Using jackknife to clipping, manicure, clean your fingernails
•Scratching head, picking zit
•Jingling keys
•Tapping your feet
•Picking your teeth
•Repeatedly adjusting your glasses

Info Aqua-Pure filter replacement

2009-09-08T06:17:00.001-05:00

RE: Product Inquiry : AP117 - Aqua-Pure AP117 2 Pack P [287123:7882]

The Aqua-Pure AP117 is a compatible replacement for the IR-10A. We know this, because our customer's have tested the product for us. Unfortunately, WaterPik did not provide a suitable replacement before they discontinued the IR-10A.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Thank you for choosing Filters Fast.

Meghan Hardesty
866.438.3458
www.filtersfast.com

Info 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

2009-09-08T06:14:00.001-05:00

1. Be Proactive
2. Begin with the end in mind
3. Put first things first
4. Think win-win
5. Seek first to understand, then to be understood
6. Synergize--creative cooperation and teamwork
7. Sharpen the saw--self renewal

Info 12 Days of Dad's Christmas

2009-09-08T06:11:00.002-05:00

This is a Bing Crosby version
1 a most lovely lavender tie
2 silken scarves
3 golf clubs
4 meerschaum pipes
5 ivory combs
6 woolen nightshirts
7 books of fiction
8 pairs of cufflinks
9 games of scrabble
10 silken hankies
11 jars of jelly
12 hugs and kisses

Home Maintenance To Do Yearly Home Maintenance To Do Yearly

2009-09-08T06:09:00.001-05:00

Lubrication: water pump, windmill, door hinges, garage door/opener, furnace motor, stove fan, bathroom fans

Test: sump pump, smoke detector batteries,

Clean: bathroom vents, furnace condenser overflow, stove filter, dryer vent, fridge coils, freezer(?), A/C fins, siding, awning.

Replace: furnace filter, water filter, air filter, clock batteries,

Check water heater (drain?) every 5 yrs

Paint: gazing ball base, steps, bench, trim on house, door frames, popped wallboard screws

Home Camping gear

2009-09-06T20:16:00.001-05:00

This is our list of gear we take when camping so we don't forget any thing
Tent, extra stakes
Mallet
Large tarp
Air Mattress
Air Pump
12 V inverter
Stove w/propane (small tanks)
Concrete
Sparker
Microwave
Fridge
Extension cord
Power strip
Mosquito stuff
Waterproofing
Chairs
Rope for clothesline
Broom & dustpan
Basic tools & saw

Home Blueberry care

2009-09-06T20:12:00.001-05:00

Full sun
8-10’ tall, 6-8’ wide in 15 years
Moist, well-drained, acid soil enriched w/organic matter

Spring
* Apply balanced fertilizer for fruits
* Bloom mid to late spring
* Water thoroughly when dry
Summer
* Remove all fruit clusters produced the first year
* Apply balanced fertilizer for acid loving plants
* Harvest fruit late summer
Fall
* Water thoroughly when dry
*Apply sulphur mid-winter
Winter
* 5th year on: each year remove 1/4 of the oldest and heaviest canes at ground level

____________________
Modified on 12/4/05 12:59:26 pm

Home Auto Accident Report

2009-09-06T20:11:00.001-05:00

report to (phone #)
date/time
exact location
describe what occurred (direction, lane, etc.)
speed limit
weather condition
road condition

other drivers:
name
address
license # & state
insurance co.
Policy no.
Phone no.
Vehicle year/make/model
owner's name
owner's address
phone no.
insurance co.
Policy no.
Damage description

witnesses
name
address
phone no.
witness info.

Name of police dept
name of person receiving ticket

injured persons
name
address
phone no.
Nature/extent of injuries
ambulance called?
Transport to hosp?

Your vehicle
driver name
damaged area

draw a diagram w/cars, compass directions, etc.

Claims
put name address here

Heath Blood pressure

2009-09-06T20:10:00.001-05:00

Now, any reading under 120/80 is considered normal.

However, anything between 120/80 and 139/89 is now considered "prehypertensive; previously that was considered within the normal range.

Anything between 139/89 and 159/99 is considered "Stage 1 hypertension."

And anything topping 160/100 is "Stage 2 hypertension."

Notes

2009-09-06T20:08:00.002-05:00

I have a bunch of ”notes I've kept over the years on my computer and PDA
So I'm going towork at transferring them to my blog

ok how am I doing?

2009-04-21T19:12:00.001-05:00

I'm doing OK I took all of last week off Tuesday was my first Avastin treatment and not knowing how the side effects would be I took off Wed-Fri for rest todayI worked all day and taught my 2 classes I have pretty good energy but my head rings and rumbles something fierce

Funverse #13

2009-04-11T08:06:00.001-05:00

“Ode to a Good BM Day”3/04/ 2009

Background--

this chemo causes awful constipation; my Mom has had awful constipation problems all her life, so this is kind of a family joke

Hoorah! Now I am ready for almost anything!
let me run a mile, drive all day
What a great way to start the day, with good BM-ing!!
No grunting, no pufﬁng, no pushing, no stretching, no wretching, no torment,
just smooth, effortless movement!
Senna pills, bran mufﬁns for breakfast, 8 ounces of prune juice just before bed, glass of
lukewarm water ﬁrst thing when I arise.
along with a little exercise
all help to get things moving smoothly BM-wise.
and, don't forget suppositories and enemas as a last resort
all help to smooth the way to a good “howʼs it ʻgoing?ʼ--report”!
just sit down and let ﬂy. ah what a good way to use the pot.
Glorious peace of mind! today is going to be a GREAT day--I won't have to give BMs a single
thought--
ʻtil tomorrow.

The story

2009-03-30T17:00:00.002-05:00

I had a sudden seizure back in Sept that landed me in the hospital for a week and the MRI showed a tumor in the right parietal lobe I didn’t suffer any real effects from the seizure though I can tell you it’s pretty scary sitting in your office chair at home one minute and waking up in the hospital the next and your wife tells you you had a seizure and were life-flighted to a major hospital 50 miles away. The MRI showed two fairly sizeable tumors one near the left side motor skills area of the brain. They did an “awake craniotomy” at the end of November I woke up from it with complete left side paralysis (no walking or left arm movement) and was in the hospital & rehab for a month. in January I had a month of radiation treatments and chemo. Now I have monthly chemo for a week at a time lasting 6 months or so. since getting out of rehab (where I learned to walk again), I’ve regained a lot of left side function—no handwriting or typing, though. I’ve been teaching my classes since Feb. need a lot of sleep—chemo/radiation takes a lot out of you—constant weariness & fatigue. I have developed a constant loud ringing in my right ear (65 db) from all the medication that’s a definite prayer request. they say it will subside over time. I hope soon. It’s a serious interference with productivity

best pun

2009-03-30T16:37:00.001-05:00

Why can a man never starve in the Great Desert? Because he can eat the sand which is there. But what brought the sandwiches there? Why, Noah sent Ham, and his descendants mustered and bred.

Tumor Update

2009-03-30T16:28:00.002-05:00

OK I've finished a month of chemo and a month of radiation therapy wears me out,I'll tell ya. I still can't do much w/left hand, no writing, no keyboarding. Shirt buttons are still hard

update

2009-01-19T21:21:00.001-06:00

well I spent a month in the hospital and rehab I had to learn to walk(entire left side paralyzedand am learning to use left hand including writing,typing, etc.long way to go....

More info

2008-11-19T06:04:00.002-06:00

It's a grade 3 or 4 astrocytoma. The plan is to remove as much of it as possible (hopefully 100%) in an awake craniotomy on Monday Nov 24. This is a 4-5 hour major surgery (or as long as it takes). The tumor is in the right front parietal lobe (I think I have that right), so it has the potential to affect things on my left side, (arm/hand motion, cheek/tongue muscles. It is affecting my speech a little, probably exerting pressure on some of the nerves in there.

I have a brain tumor

2008-10-16T08:13:00.001-05:00

Well that's a surprise. Not sure how it's all going to play out. Surgery pending. Will keep you posted.

YSIHF (3): Barbequeuer's 12 Days of Christmas

2008-06-09T11:52:00.002-05:00

YOU SAW IT HERE FIRST:

Barbequeuer's 12 Days of Christmas

And a finger lickin' good secret sauce
2 Grimy grills
3 Grease fires
4 Ball-park franks
5 Mushroom clouds
6 Empty gas tanks
7 Well-done pork chops
8 Bags of charcoal
9 Flame-kissed t-bones
10 Singed-off eyebrows
11 Sauce-stained aprons
12 Crispy bratwurst

[BIHR] Books I Have Read [7]

2008-06-06T05:37:00.001-05:00

Here's an update since the last posting. Been reading Zane Grey and fairy tales:

147-Barnaby Rudge--Charles Dickens (part)
148-About Orthodoxy--Gilbert K. Chesterton (part)
149-Betty Zane--Zane Grey
150-The Border Legion--Zane Grey
151-The Call of the Canyon--Zane Grey
152-The Day of the Beast--Zane Grey
153-Desert Gold--Zane Grey
154-The Blue Fairy Book--Andrew Lang
155-The Brown Fairy Book
156-The Crimson Fairy Book
157-The Red Fairy Book (Master Thief p. 384)
158-The Green Fairy Book
159-The Gray Fairy Book
160-The Lilac Fairy Book
161-The Orange Fairy Book (The Girl-Fish p. 896)
162-The Pink Fairy Book
163-The Violet Fairy Book; Three Wonderful Beggars
164-The Yellow Fairy Book The Invisible Prince
165-Silas Marner--George Eliot
166-The Last Trail--Zane Grey
167-With Lee in Virginia--George Alfred Henty
168-The Last of the Plainsmen--Zane Grey
169-The Light of the Western Stars--Zane Grey
170 The Heritage of the Desert--Zane Grey

TWIDI(5) More coffee -- chocolate mint coffee

2008-06-02T19:41:00.002-05:00

I have discovered a new love--chocolate mint coffee.

I buy Eight O'Clock coffee beans (100% Columbian/Arabica)--excellent coffee. I buy Chocolate Mint beans from the local Berres Brothers coffee specialty shop. I grind one unit of regular coffee and one unit of chocolate mint, and mix thoroughly.

WOW! Love it.

By the way, here's what I do for non-fattening sweetener: I buy Equal in the large blue container (it's white and fluffy, used for baking), and non-dairy creamer. Then I mix them 50-50 in a container. It is quite palatable and doesn't have the same bite that Equal in the yellow packets, or the other sweeteners, seem to have.

Wow it's been almost a year since I last posted!

2008-06-02T19:35:00.002-05:00

TWIDI (4) How I make ground coffee

2007-07-17T13:11:00.000-05:00

Coffee ground from beans

We have one of those nice little grinders. I put three teaspoons of beans (not necessary to be heaping) into the grinder, then grind it fine. Put it into the coffee pot with three cups of coffee by the carafe markings.

Nice, I like it.

Oh, and keep your coffee beans and ground coffee in the freezer.

Funverse #12: Ides of March Poetry

2007-02-27T07:41:00.004-06:00

There once was a Roman named Julius
Who acted the part of a foolius.
When they warned, “Ides! Beware!”
He refused to take care,
And he promptly got poked by one Brutius.

--By Me

2/27/07

INWHGI (1): (I Never Would Have Guessed It)

2007-02-15T17:33:00.001-06:00

OK so on the side I run a little hosting company. I'm migrating to another server. That means my customers have to change their email settings. So with this one customer, they have about 15 email addresses, and the Outlook settings had to be changed on all the computers.

No problem.

Except that two people discovered that when they send email, it appeared to send (went into sent mail folder) but in fact never arrived. They could check email but not send.

Thought at first that Port 25 was blocked, so we changed their SMTP server to use their local ISP. Nope.

Checked passwords. Nope.

Recreated accounts on the server. Nope.

Stared at the screen. Didn't help.

Wait! What's this? Something funny about that signature? Delete signature. Email goes through. Go to other problem computer, delete signature. Email goes through.

Go figure. Who'd a thunk that the signature would have anything to do with successfully sending email?

To my brother Jon: way to go, dude, for figuring this one out. I owe you BIG-time.

Part II:

We figured out what was going on. Both secretaries had the word "specialist" in their signature. What the big deal with "specialist"? Well, it contains the word "cialis."

And the hosting company was surreptitiously blocking, in fact, deep-sixing, in fact, completely swallowing without trace, any email containing the word "cialis." No matter where it occurred.

They changed the filter after I protested.

GoLive 6.0 Manual typo

2007-02-12T10:39:00.000-06:00

GoLive 6.0.

OK so it's a piece of software that's one version at least behind, but it's incredibly useful for creating dynamic content websites with PHP/MySQL or ASP/SQL Server. I've done both. The newer versions of the software stripped out this functionality, more's the pity.

The manual has a bug in it and it took me a while to figure it out.

**On the page entitled "Understanding block navigation"
**Under the heading "To add block navigation to a search results page:"
**Under point number 9 where it says "In the Dynamic Bindings palette, bind the link destination to the block navigation content source and Link_URL field."

The correction:
This should say, "In the Dynamic Bindings palette, bind the link destination to the block navigation content source and Link_URL field." If you bind the link to the block navigation content source, the "Link-URL" option does not show up under field. If you bind the link to the block navigation source itself, "Link-URL" shows up.

Took me a while to figure it out. Maybe this will show up in some searches and help someone save some time.

{update--still not quite getting things to work--sometimes it does, sometimes not....}

DYJHI (Don't you just hate it...)

2007-02-06T22:02:00.000-06:00

Don't you just hate it...

...when the last walnut in your handful is bitter?
...when you take your pen from your pocket and discover it was open when you put it in there?
...when you just sit down with the paper and the dog barks to be let in?
...to be continued