Many Forms of Mother

 

For many, the word Mom or Mother represents a term of endearment.  This probably explains why Mother’s Day gets top billing over Father’s Day. 

Americans spent $33.5 billion on Mother's Day-related gifts and activities in 2024. The numbers for Father's Day were $22.4 billion last year.  There are some reasons for this with guilt being a top motivator.  We’ll leave it at that. 

Mothers fulfill an important role in our lives, as do all women.  A woman doesn’t have to be a mom to be a mom.  My friend, Donna, has made a couple of trips to Nepal to help out the churches there, where Christians are persecuted.  The person in leadership of over 100 churches there calls Donna, “Mom.”  It would not be proper to call her by her first name, so she is given that title.  She has made a great impact on his life.

We have a friend from Tanzania, Africa.  His home language is Swahili.  We don’t speak Swahili. Our language is Hoosier (look it up).  In their country, they show respect to an older woman or man as “Mama” or “Papa.” Linda is Mama, and I am Papa. These are terms of endearment.

When Jesus was on the cross, he looked down at his mother and the Apostle John standing with her.

            ²⁵ Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. ²⁶ When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” ²⁷ and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home. (John 19:25-27 NIV)

Jesus was asking John to take care of his mother.  He was also asking his mom to take care of him.

Women who play a significant role in someone’s life can be a mom, mother, or mama.  They become our nurturers, cheerleaders, and inspirers in our lives.  They are there for us, love us, and guide us.  (Check out my story about Grandma Frye in the February 16, 2024 post, “Circle of Friends” to illustrate this).

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY TO YOU!

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Purpose With A Passion!

 I  sometimes regret not having learned a second language.  I had one Spanish class in college, but I didn't do very well.  Somehow I don't think being able to say "Hi, Ola" qualifies as a second language. I make up for it in other ways.  For example, I tell others that, "I'm by-lingual.  I speak English and Hoosier."  Many young people don't understand the term "Hoosier," but for those more enlightened of us, we know a Hoosier is a person from the State of Indiana.  You are probably surprised to know the reactions vary.  Yeah.

As a child of Indiana, I remember a certain woman named Phyllis.  It seemed her goal in life was to kick rocks off of the two-lane highway near us.  You could tell she was a professional.  When she saw a rock, she got that determined look on her face, briefly check the traffic...sometimes, and kicked that sucker off of the road.  She should have carried a cane with her so she could notch in every time she kicked a rock.  Imagine how many canes she would go through.

I never spoke to Phyllis.  She seemed a little odd and I wasn't brave enough to make an attempt.  Was, or had she, ever been married?  What events shaped her life?  Did she have a loved one who died hitting a rock on the road while driving a motor vehicle?  Sadly, I'll never know the answers to those questions.  I feel like I missed an opportunity to know her story.

What did Phyllis have that some people don't have?  Purpose.  She had the satisfaction of helping others avoid an object and possible injury.

What is your story, your purpose?  Perhaps you don't feel like you have much to offer.  When you think that way, remember Phyllis.

(Please hit the pencil icon below and let us know about your story.  Perhaps someone needs to hear from you.) 

IT'S BEEN ONE OF THOSE DAYS

Do you know those kinds of mornings when nothing seems to go right?  Today was my turn!  It was painful.  I got out the door late for a retina exam...no breakfast.  Traffic was terrible so I got there late.  I asked the office person if I had time to go downstairs to get a coffee and grab a bite.  She said, "Possibly."  That's when they came out into the waiting room, "Wally."  I was whisked into a room where they tested my eyesight, and then put in the dilation drops.  I was sent down to a different waiting room.  I waited for a while, then asked the desk person, "Now do you think I have time to go downstairs?"  "Well, you are number two on the list. If you are late we will take the next patient."  I told her, "I'll take my chance."

I get to the coffee shop, and you guessed it.  I had to wait in line.  I  finally ordered a coffee and pastry.  When I took the lid off of the coffee to add cream, it was filled to the BRIM.  I looked up at the barista, and she said, "Just dump some of it in the trash."  I grabbed the cup but the slight squeezing effect spilled hot coffee on the counter AND my hand!  After praying to the Patron Saint of Burns,  I made my way back up six floors.  

When I walked in, a patient asked, "Are you Wally?"  "Yes," I cringed.  "They just called your name," he announced.  Fine.  I had some time to eat.  after a couple of bites, they called me, so I packed up everything and moved to another examining room.  While waiting for the doctor I FINALLY finished my coffee and pastry.  

When the Doc came in, he asked, "How are you doing."  I said, "Fine, but I'll get over it."  He liked that one.  When we were done he said, "Well go out and have a bad day," with a smile.  I told him, "Some people have bad days, I have bad decades."  I left him laughing. He dilated my eyes, took a look, and said, "Looks good."

As I was leaving the office, I thought, "I don't need those little sunshades they give you.  After all, My glasses were photo-grey.  When I hit the outside, I realized I probably should have taken the sunglasses, but hey, I can do this.  I entered the parking structure and questioned myself about what floor my car was parked on.  I wasn't seeing well, so I could not find my car, even while holding my key fob and pressing the alarm button.  

Okay, I made my way back up the sixth floor to the doctor's office and got the sunshade.  I headed downstairs to the lobby.  I told the information person I was having a hard time finding my car.  She said, "I can call security for you." With twenty-six years in law enforcement, I couldn't imagine asking a security officer to drive me around to find my car. Thank God, I am retired!  I told the hostess, "I'll go check again for my car." She replied, "You might miss the security officer."  "I'll take my chances," I replied.  

This time, armed with sunglasses and clearer eyes, I found the car...FINALLY! I did make it back home with minutes to spare before my wife needed the car.  I was exhausted, but thankful to have doctors to take care of me and a car to make it to appointments.  This is especially helpful since most of the names in my directory start with "Dr."

 

Have you had one of those days you would like to share?  Hit to pencil below to place a comment.  It would be nice to know I'm not alone with these kinds of experiences.

CIRCLE OF FRIENDS

 

I had a tight circle of neighborhood friends when I was growing up.  I was part of a trio of three best friends.  We played ball, fished, camped, and made up adventures together.  Both were at our wedding (more about them later).

I learned to appreciate my circle of siblings later in life.  There is quite an age difference between us.  Only three remain out of six kids: Karol, Jim, and yours truly.  Jim and I had our little brother, big brother stuff. Once at dinner, he said he had an upset tummy, was dismissed, then ran out to play ball. I knew he was faking, so I  ran after him and yelled, "You Faker," while hitting him over the head. We survived and we are good adult friends.  Karol has stood by me during difficult times. What can I say?  I love my Sis.

Friends come wrapped in different surprise packages.  Doug and I got together over our differences regarding climate change. I could call him an "Alarmist," and he could call me a "Denier."  Neither is accurate.  That subject is long past.  We now share many things, including prayers for each other. 

I'm at the age where I keep losing people.  Our bodies wear out, much like clothing.  I have my favorite shirts and wear them over and over.  Each time they are washed, fibers of the fabric come off and end up in the lint trap.   I clean the screen and toss the lint away, and regrettably, I have to pitch my favored shirts when they wear out.  Slowly, and sometimes quickly, our bodies break down until there isn't anything left. 

Soon, my wife and I celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary (Applause!).  While waiting for our meal at a restaurant, we decided to imagine we were at a huge round table with family and friends who had made an impact on our lives. (Disclaimer: this is not an exhaustive list, but I want you to stay with me).  My earliest friends were Dale and Mike, the other two of the tight trio. neighbors on our dead-end street.  These are the friends you take everywhere you go, though miles separate.  Grandma Frye was a special friend.  She wasn’t my grandma, but a neighbor who lived across the alley from us.  She lived in a garage apartment next to her son’s home.  When I visited, she had a treat and would tell me Bible stories and listen to Billy Graham on the radio.  It was a place I could go to be a child.

Where we live now, we have a neighborhood "Mayor" named Bill.  He's the go-to guy to discover the latest gossip, I mean news.  I'm the "Cop."  I keep my eyes on the neighborhood.  My wife is the "Person of Peace" who learns about the concerns of our neighbors and does something about it, with the permission of the Mayor and the Cop (who agree if they want peace in the neighborhood).  In reality, everyone in the hood has a role and a story.  We are a loosely connected circle that becomes a tighter circle when the need arises.  

We belong to other circles outside the neighborhood.  They make a constellation in our lives that makes our universe better and happier. 

(What Circle of Friends do you have?  Please share YOUR story by clicking on the pencil icon below).  

 

     

   

     

NEW YEAR FISH!

As we approach a New Year, we may think things don't look too promising.  If we only look at the news, we will get a very negative view of things.  It seems like people's enthusiasm has dwindled. What would happen if we shared some enthusiasm in 2024?  What might it look like?

My wife and I were on our way to visit my new hematologist.  His office is in the Doernbecher Children's Hospital in Portland, OR.  It is certainly a different atmosphere than one finds in a typical doctor's visit.  While walking down the halls, you see children and families everywhere, along with multi-colored decals on the walls.  Each nurse's station was identified by a certain animal.  We walked past elephants, giraffes, lions, etc.  I don't remember what my station was, but knowing my luck it was a laughing hyena!

There was this beautiful large aquarium.  When we walked by, a little girl, with great enthusiasm yelled "Fish!"  She didn't want us to miss it.  Apparently, she didn't want anyone else to miss it either. Everyone who walked by got the same enthusiastic message.

I can't get that little girl out of my head.  Now, throughout my day, I yell, "Fish!"  My wife has even caught on!  Try it.  Whenever you need enthusiasm, think of this story and yell, "Fish!"  It sounds so simple, but what it can do to lift your spirit and get excited about something is amazing! It is contagious. Spread the "Fish!"

‘Our goal should be to live life in radical amazement,’ writes Rabbi Abraham Heschel because ‘everything is phenomenal; everything is incredible; never treat life casually. To be spiritual is to be amazed.’*

*This phrase is used by Julian E. Zelizer in Abraham Joshua Heschel: A Life of Radical Amazement, (Yale University Press, 2022) p.88

HAPPY ENTHUSIASTIC NEW YEAR!

DIVINE CHRISTMAS APPOINTMENT

I have a row full of Bibles on my bookshelf.  Now you can download and read them on a tablet and save space, yet, there is something about physically holding a Bible.  

I parted with one of my Bibles today.  My eyes aren't stellar anymore.  I bought the Bible recently but when it arrived, I realized I couldn't see the print very well.  

I sold it on social media.  Rafael contacted me about buying the Bible for his son.  We agreed to meet at a designated place.  I got there first and waited a few minutes for him to arrive.  He drove up, got out of the car, and I greeted him.  He said his son is 37 and has had a drug problem.  "He wants to read the Bible," he told me.  When he paid me, I asked, "Rafael, can I pray over this Bible for your son?"  He said, please do." We both held on the to Bible and asked God to help his son, Emanuel, to overcome his addiction, and that the Word of God would help him on his journey, and give wisdom to his parents. His face beamed with a smile as he thanked me.

In the Bible, Isaiah 9:6 proclaims, 

"For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder. And his name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."  

With that kind of Wonderful Counselor helping him, Emanuel can discover a new life.

I learned a long time ago, you can't plan these things.  They are truly divine appointments.  I find it interesting his son's name is Emanuel, meaning "God with Us."  This all happened less than a week before Christmas.  His message still makes a difference!

Merry Christmas!

FOCUSED

 

I’ve had a hard time getting to this post.  Every time I start typing, another topic comes to mind and I get that started.  I have a string of post beginnings but none completed.  I don’t know about you, but I have several projects going on at one time.  I wouldn’t call it multi-tasking, but rather multi-doing.  I’m a multi-doer.

 My doctor once called me a Renaissance man; “a man with extraordinarily broad and comprehensive knowledge.” (Well, mine may not be so comprehensive).

Consider the different jobs I’ve had: grocery stock-boy; steel worker; lawncare; janitor; radio disk jockey; after-school childcare worker; pastor; counselor; police chaplain; writer; author; speaker; computer consultant; blogger; and more.  I’ve gained a lot of working and life experiences.

To be honest, I’m only a Renaissance man because of YouTube.  I’m a do-it-yourselfer.  I’m willing to attempt things I’ve never done before.  When I was in graduate school, I had lean finances.  Growing up, I depended on my brother for car repairs.  Now I was far away and had to learn car mechanics myself.  So, I bought a repair manual and did my first brake job.  The word got around at school that I was a “mechanic.”  Other students started calling me to work on their cars.  I would say, “I won’t charge you, but if I need a tool to get the job done, you’ll buy it.”  I had a good start on a tool collection.

 Out-of-focus means we don’t see things clearly.  That is why I can’t stand dirty eyeglasses.  The blur makes things look fuzzy.  Now I have cataracts.  Sometimes you don’t notice that your eyesight is changing because it is a slow process.  When you put on your new glasses, what a difference.  Like the song, “I Can See Clearly Now…” 

 

How to stay focused:

1.     Stop making excuses.  I have several physical ailments.  Sometimes it provides an excuse to not finish something.  I have to ask myself, “Am I really that tired that I can’t at least do some writing?

2.    Have an accountability person.  It’s like trying to lose weight.  If you have someone who has joined you on your quest, it becomes easier.

3.    Quit looking at the big picture.  When I buy ear swabs, I buy them in bulk size.  My wife will say, “Why did you get such a large pack?”  I use several swabs a day, who knows how much she uses.  Before you know it, the mountain of swabs becomes a little hill, and then it’s time to re-order.  Buying bulk saves money, and cotton swabs don’t spoil, right? (BTW...We just opened our second, huge box of Costco cotton swabs.  I smile at my brilliance in shopping :)).

4.    Get rid of distractions. My dad was a sports nut. He would read the newspaper's sports page with the radio and TV on to different games.  He would fall asleep on the couch, so I would turn off the TV.  He would wake up and say, “Hey, I was watching that.”  “Really,” I’d say, “What is the score?”  He replied, “Never mind, turn it back on.”

5.     Is there something else contributing to the problem?  I also deal with perfectionism.  We tend to start something but may be afraid to finish it because it may not be “perfect.” 

6.    Perhaps it may be a health issue.  It may be time for a physical and medicine check.  Perhaps your doctor and prescribe something that doesn’t say, “Sleepy, dizzy,” on the bottle.

I’m glad we had this conversation today.  Now I need to put my feet to my own recommendations. 

QUESTION: How do You stay focused?  

Please share your comments by clicking the pencil below.

 

 

How Do I Say This?

 If you are a follower of this blog, you know the posts have not come out on a regular basis.  That was not my intention, however, there is something you should know.  I have some chronic health conditions that make it impossible for me to get things done in a timely fashion.  I have decided to rethink this blog.  I need to have at least 6 posts ready for publication before I start publishing again.  That will make it easier for me to handle and hopefully you will be able to depend on a weekly post.

Another goal I had was more comments from you, the readers.  I wanted it to be a place to share our stories. Your story is important and I believe others should hear it.  So please share! Just click on the pencil icon at the bottom of each post.

I would appreciate your prayers and thoughts for me.  They will be greatly needed and appreciated.  You can also drop me a line at journeyintostory@gmail.com.

In the meantime, weary traveler, enjoy this song below.

Until then,

Wally Johnston

He Lifted Me Up

 

Tonight, I saw a stage production about Jesus.  They showed Peter walking on water toward Jesus.  His mistake was taking his eyes off Jesus and focusing on the waves.  He started sinking. His mistake was taking his eyes off Jesus and focusing on the waves.  He started sinking.

I know that sinking feeling. One day Jesus called me out of my old life.  I felt like I was walking on water, and other times I let the waves of doubt, old addictions, and sin get my eyes off of Him.  Each time He lifted me up and pulled me out to a place of safety.  I couldn’t do it without Him.  Believe me, I tried a few times and it just doesn’t work.

Tomorrow is Easter Sunday.  By Jesus overcoming death and the grave, he paid the price for us to escape whatever keeps us down.  

If you don’t know Jesus Christ personally, listen to His voice to call you out of the boat of your present circumstances.  If you are willing, He will pull you out as well. If you do know Him, keep holding on!

HAPPY EASTER...HE HAS RISEN!

Cough Drop Encouragement

Sometimes we miss the little things around us because they are always around. It’s like hiding in plain sight. Once, I was looking for my eyeglasses. I was looking everywhere except the one obvious place. Yep, I was wearing them!

Here is an example. Nearly everyday I have at least one Hall's cough drop. I popped one in my mouth and, being a little bored, I started reading the cough drop wrapper. Of all the years I’ve used Halls honey-lemon cough drops, I had no idea they had little phrases of encouragement! Seriously. I had a little difficulty reading the small print. I would need a seeing eye dog to tell me what it said. (Okay, I just used a magnifying glass). Here are some examples:

“Take ‘Can do” into ‘Can did.’” “You’ve survived tougher.” “Nothing you can’t handle.” “Tough is you middle name.” Here’s one for shoplifters- “Its’s yours for the taking.” “You can do it, and you know it.” “Power through” “You’ve survived tougher.” “March forward.” “Get back in there Champ.” “Flex your Can Do muscle.” “Buckle down and push forward.” “Elicit a few ‘Wows’ today.” “Be resilient.” “A pep talk in every drop.” “Hi five yourself.”

One of my favorite programs on CBS News is “Steve Hartman--On the Road.” He finds stories of encouragement and community spirit. On one of his recent shows, he featured elementary school children who offer an encouragement hotline. The students offer one line advice. Check it out below:

The question is: Where do you find your encouragement? If you are lacking in that department, try encouraging others. Before long, you find your attitude lifting and will make some new friends along the way.

(c) Wally Johnston 2023

Jumping On A Manhole Cover

 This guy was walking down the sidewalk and heard someone counting.  He looked out in the street and this man was jumping up and down on a manhole cover. "319, 319," he said. 

"What are you doing?" he asked the man on the street.  

He replied, "Come here and take a look." He opened the cover and when the guy looked in, the other kicked him into the hole!  He then put the lid on and proceeded with his counting, "320, 320."

The post that got the most views on this blog received 319 views.  These views came from around the world, but mostly in the United States.  Would you please help me beat that record?  Here are a couple of things you can do:

• Share this blog with others.  Share this link with all of your friends on social media: www.journeyintostory.com or simply hit the social media button at the end of each post.
• Sign up to receive updates on the latest posts.  Use the contact form on the upper right of this blog.
• Please "reply" and share your thoughts with others.

My hope was to have a weekly post, but I have had some physical challenges.  Your involvement with this blog will encourage me to push forward.

Thank you all, and I look forward to hearing from you!

HUMAN BRIDGE

 Many years ago, in the days of black and white TV, I saw a video about a brother and sister walking around a low ledge on a building. They were doing fine until they came to a break in the ledge. The boy takes one leap to the other side, but the little girl is intimidated by the gap. So the boy jumps back, lays down over the gap so his little sister can cross over by walking on him. It’s a cute video. View it below:

I think we can learn a lot from this boy’s example.

Comments:

• We need to regain the notion of self-sacrifice

  I’ve seen what happens to kids who have been given everything. When I was a youth pastor in Southern California, we had a kid in our group named “Joey.” One day he “borrowed” a limousine and took some of the kids for a joy ride. Another time, after I had a sharing time with the group, Joey came up to me and said, “After what you said, I think I should give you this,” as he handed me a knife, I’m talking the kind you get in trouble with! Every time Joey got in trouble, his Mother would cover for him. After I moved away, I heard he did something his Mother couldn’t shield him from—he ended up in prison for armed robbery! His mother sacrificed herself for the wrong reasons and did her son no favors. Joey was too self-centered to sacrifice for another.

• There are advantages to chivalry

  I know I’m old school, but I miss the days when women were shown respect. It shouldn’t be a big sacrifice to be polite to others. Nowadays, if I open the door for a woman, I mean a gal, no I mean...well you know what I mean, in public, she might give me a stare like, “Don’t you think I can handle this myself!” Still, others show a grateful smile as they go through the door.

• Jesus laid down his life for us.                                              He sacrificially gave (laid down) his life so He could bridge the gulf between us and God.  We just have to be willing to cross the Bridge in faith.

Who can we encourage today by being a “Human Bridge?” We shouldn’t let people walk all over us, but there are little “sacrifices” that can make someone’s day, and yours.

MR. GRUMPY

I play an imaginary character for my grandkids, Mr. Grumpy. He comes out with these funny translucent eyeglasses and yells, “Hey you snot-nosed kids!’ (Refer to photo).  One of his favorite phrases is, “That makes me really mad!” He reminds me of Mr. Wilson in Dennis the Menace. He’s the neighbor who can’t stand Dennis, on the outside. But deep inside he really cares for him. My kids love Mr. Grumpy, sometimes more than me (well, maybe not). Sometimes, when Mr. Grumpy heads to another room to become Grandpa again, my five-year-old- granddaughter grabs me and says, “No. Don’t go!”

Mr. Grumpy

One day, granddaughter Lucia was talking to me (Grandpa). She said, “You know Grandpa, Mr. Grumpy is grumpy on the outside, but on the inside he really likes kids. He just does that because he doesn’t want anyone to know how nice he really is.” Well said, if I don’t say so myself.  I wonder who she inherited that from?  Any guesses? :)

I wonder what the world would be like if we loved the Mr. Grumpys of the world. We use our exteriors to hide our interiors. Sometimes that is the safe thing to do. Perhaps we’ve conditioned ourselves to rarely show our insides when it would be valuable to us and others if we let them take a peek.  

For most of my life, I’ve hidden behind a facade to survive while I was growing up. It gets really tiring to always keep your guard up. You miss so much, and so do the people around you. You may get misunderstood from time-to-time, but the benefits of disclosure usually outweigh the liabilities.

If we love Mr. Grumpys the world, we will survive the pandemic and any other difficulty that comes our way. So go out there and find a Mr. or Mrs. Grumpy. Look for those good qualities in them. If you don’t, it will “Really make me mad!” 

THE POTENTIAL OF KINDNESS

 

“Mighty oaks –from little acorns grow.” That is a 14^th century English proverb. Probably the younger generation, you know those younger than dirt, never heard it before. It speaks of big things coming from small beginnings.

My wife’s family can from Russia about the time of the Bolshevik Revolution. They were Germans who lived near the border with China. The Russians had a reason to place the Germans there, they served as a buffer between themselves and the Chinese. Often, there would be Chinese raiding parties that would steal from the German farmers. One time, Mr. Miller saw and chased after them. One of the border raiders fell and was injured. He was fearful to see Miller coming. Instead of showing retribution, he showed kindness to the Chinese. They took him in, bandaged his wounds, and helped him recover, after which, he returned to his family. Would you believe it? The Millers no longer had raids on their property. Their act of kindness built bridges to those opposed to themselves.

I like that story. It reminds me of the Good Samaritan who helped an injured Jew recover from his attackers along the Jericho road. Though the two were cultural enemies, kindness made a new friend. You can read more about that in the New Testament book of Luke, chapter 10, verses 30 – 37.

WHAT ARE SOME WAYS WE CAN PAY IT FORWARD during this trying time? 

 I would love to hear your stories and ideas. Simply “reply” below.

(c) Wally Johnston 2021

THE EASY GIVE

 

In the hunt for things to do during this plague, people have come up with some creative ideas, including game nights, crafts, dance, vacation board (cut out articles and photos to make a collage of your dream vacation, and even a squirrel restaurant. That last one is where you make a little dining area with furniture for your yard squirrels. I’m just going to say it, that sounds squirrely but is probably fun.

Here is a great resource of ideas on USA Today for other ideas:

https://cutt.ly/akySBb3

If you are brave enough, you can take on all the stuff you’ve accumulated over the years and toss or give it away.

If you have lived as long as I have, there is a tendency to collect things over the years. I was at a meeting in a circle during polyester days. I looked down and saw a bunch of stuff stuck to my pants via static electricity. I announced to the group, “If you have lost anything, come see me, it’s probably stuck to my pants!”

With time on our hands, this might be the opportunity to clear out that accumulated stuff and pass it along to our favorite charity. There is a potential problem if you are married. We find it easier to toss out things that belong to the other person. My friend, Donna, is a widow. One day she was cleaning out a room and came across a stack of papers clipped together. The note said, “This is stuff Donna threw out.” It was a note from her late husband.

Some of the things we hold onto seem silly; that rock you’ve been hauling with each move that Dad once threw at a tree and broke his car window instead (admit it, that brings a smile to your face). My wife has many units of those little plastic parts trays full of color swaths she used to help customers find the clothes that best enhanced their eye colors. She then made a color pallet of swathes for each client. The last time she used them was, oh, let’s see, 40 years ago! Now when someone comes into my garage and sees the number of parts drawers, they are impressed, until I show them the contents. How embarrassing.

My wife is always more than ready to toss my stuff. Of course, I can always justify all of my sacred belongings. And when that rare occasion comes that I can fix something for her because of one of those possessions, I usually say, “See, I was able to make or fix this because of that thing you wanted me to throw away.” It doesn’t bring a smile to her face so I shouldn’t suggest it, but I just have to. I think we are going to need a mediator to come in and start tossing things for us. That sounds too painful, so I guess we’ll leave all this stuff for the kids to deal with when we kick the bucket! To summarize, it’s always easier to give someone else's stuff away than your own. Remember, “You can’t take it with you.” I told that to my neighbor and he said, “Then I’m not going.” He gone now, and so should be a lot of our junk!

Let's hear from you. What are you doing to keep yourself occupied?

(c) Wally Johnston 2021

WHAT OUR KIDS NEED TO HEAR

 What words, directed towards you, would you like to hear often? How often do you hear them? These are so important questions, especially during a pandemic. Words can be like a construction company or a demolition company. It’s true, words can build up or tear down.

We know that kids are greatly affected by this virus. Every time my 5-year-old granddaughter prays, she always includes, “And please help this virus stop.” To the rest of us, she has said, “This virus is kicking my butt!” 
 Children need to hear positive affirmations from the adults in their lives. Check out this chart below for some ideas:

Graphic credit: http://raising-independent-kids.com

These are awesome affirmations. I want to encourage all of us to use some of these every day, not only on our kids but the other adults in our lives.

WE’RE IN THIS TOGETHER!

(c) 2021 Wally Johnston

WHAT NEW THING?

 We are facing a new year. Most of us are glad to see 2020 become history, maybe a dark history. We have struggled with boredom that has even brought about mental health issues. 2021 doesn’t have to be that way.

WHAT NEW THING CAN WE DO in the new year? Here are three cans:

1. We CAN exercise our minds. There is always something new to learn. Some may consider me an “old dog” or “senior dog.” I prefer to call myself a seasoned dog. It sounds better, don’t you agree? The VCA points out: Even though young pups may be more actively curious, dogs never stop learning. In fact, adult dogs are often easier to train than their younger canine friends specifically because they aren’t as active. Older dogs aren’t as easily distracted as pups and can focus for longer periods of time. This ability to concentrate helps them learn new routines more easily. (taken from https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/can-old-dogs-learn-new-tricks I’ve been around the block a few times, well so many times I get vertigo! I say one is never too old to learn. When you stop learning, you start to die, much like the shark has to keep moving or ends up a paperweight at the bottom of the ocean.

2. We CAN cultivate a new perspective. The Bible (Proverbs 23:7) tells us that as a man "thinks in his heart so is he." Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius (121-180 AD) concluded, "We become what we think about. If we focus on Covid and the other bad news of the day, it will put a negative spin on our thoughts. Perhaps one should stop watching or reading the news, or at least have some periods to take a break. When police officers are assigned to investigate sexual abuse cases, many times they are only allowed to work the job for a couple of years. They see so much daily that it can affect their boundaries and even cross the line. They need a break.”Whatever is good, lovely, think on those things.” (set a timer for 10 min to think and feel bad, then stop and get on with the day.)

3. We CAN serve others. There have been several creative ideas on helping others during the pandemic. They can include:

• Volunteering:       

• Offer your services to Meals-On-Wheels. If you feel uncomfortable dropping off meals, you can give your time as a volunteer making meals.

• Donate blood or volunteer withd the Red Cross to get the word out.

• Daily Touch Program. Learn who elderly or physically challenged neighbors are and organize other neighbors to make a “daily touch’ with those neighbors. It will be good for the receivers and the callers.

• Activities –Organize a neighborhood scavenger hunt...Covid safe. Pick a shape (hearts or stars are great!) and encourage your friends and neighbors to participate by putting out items in that shape, crafting and hanging in the window, sidewalk chalking, etc. Then take a walk around the neighborhood and see how many you can spot! Just be sure to look, not touch, the items

• Draw inspirational chalk-art on the sidewalks to encourage others.Have fun making some interesting masks. Of course, wear them!

• Thank healthcare and public service employees for their sacrificial services. Send them cards, or even banners!

(c) Wally Johnston 2021

Image by Pixabay

(c) Wally Johnston 2021

I'll be back next week!

FIX YOU

      

It’s Christmas Eve. This year it is a very different Christmas. I’ve been around a long time (don’t ask, trust me), and I’ve never experienced a pandemic Christmas. I don’t recommend it to anyone.

Around here, I’m known as Mr. Slow Wrench (to be more accurate, Mr. Good and Slow). I’m good at fixing things and I get a lot of projects because the people I work for, my wife, granddaughter, etc., don’t pay me. Maybe I should be called Mr. Poor Wrench. It’s true, I can fix many things. By the time you get it back you will have grown older, sometimes much older, but eventually you get it back fixed. You may not recognize it, but it will work, probably. One of my favorite TV characters is Canadian Red Green, who fixes everything with duct tape. Sometimes he comes up with some pretty good inventions that probably can’t be mass produced.

I HAVE SOME BREAKING NEWS, there are some things in life that cannot be fixed because we live in a broken world. Relationships break, things break, people get sick, and some die. Nations go to war, parents battle each other, abuse and family estrangement happens. If you want to see other examples, turn on the news.

I don’t know what you have faced during 2020, but we all have two common experiences, the pandemic, and we are broken.

The Bible is referred to as the Good News—the Gospel. Because we have too many things we can’t fix, God came down as a human baby, born in Bethlehem. It was as if God were saying, “I’ve got this covered,” and in fact Jesus does have it covered. He has covered our brokenness, and if we let Him, he will fix us.

(c) Wally Johnston 2020

The following are the lyrics to a song. The author says, “I’ll try to fix you.” Jesus says, “I’ll fix you.”

Click here to listen to the song on YouTube.

FIX YOU.

When you try your best, but you don't succeed
When you get what you want but not what you need
When you feel so tired, but you can't sleep
Stuck in reverse

And the tears come streaming down your face
When you lose something, you can't replace
When you love someone, but it goes to waste
Could it be worse?

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you

And high up above or down below
When you're too in love to let it go
But if you never try, you'll never know
Just what you're worth

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you

Tears stream down your face
When you lose something, you cannot replace
Tears stream down your face and I
Tears stream down your face
I promise you, I will learn from my mistakes
Tears stream down your face and I

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you

Songwriters: Christopher Anthony John Martin / Guy Rupert Berryman / William Champion / Jonathan Mark Buckland

Fix You lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Mgb Ltd.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

BARS OR STARS?

 “Two men looked out from prison bars,

One saw the mud, the other saw stars.”

― Dale Carnegie, How to Stop Worrying and Start Living

Have you ever run into an author? I don’t mean literally run your car into one, I mean someone recommended, or something you see on the Internet social media. Well, I’ve done that recently. I listen to podcasts and I came across a John O’Leary. He’s a motivational speaker who as a child of nine, was burned on 100% of his body.  I was attracted to that because as a young boy I got second and third-degree burns on my foot. It was one of those freak accidents. I went outside and saw a bunch of my friends all huddled around a brick grill. As I approached the group I couldn’t see what they were doing. Suddenly the group split in two, like Moses parting the Red Sea. They were putting plastic army men in fire and watching the army guys melt. Someone had a piece of that molten plastic on a stick and flipped it. As it came by the boys, they quickly moved out of the way so that I could catch the blob of hot plastic in my boot. I had cowboy boots on with no socks and I am telling you it really, really hurt. I started jumping around like a wild steer. I don’t know how many hops it took me to get home but I moved as fast as I could with tears running down my face. Unfortunately, when I kicked my boot off it took my skin and flesh with it. For months I had to have my wound cleaned and dressed every time they pulled off the gauze it hurt like crazy. It would take off part of the scab. I can identify with someone like John O’Leary. If you get a chance come by and I’ll show you my scar. (Full disclosure, I do charge $.50 to have a look. 😄

John's first book, ON FIRE, tells us about his experience. His new book is entitled IN AWE.  I thought about how we have lost our childlikeness. Kids have elements in their lives that helped them explore and try new things and look at things in different ways. On the other hand, we adults get crusty and live in the ruts we have created over time. I want to take this opportunity to share a small review of John’s book and recommend it. You'll see how timely it is.

Here is the Table of Contents:

Sense #1: Wonder: Asking Questions to Achieve the Impossible - "By wonder, I mean something we do. I’m talking about our ability to be curious, to inquire, to probe, challenge, and even doubt."

Sense # 2: Expectancy: Returning to the Powerful State of First-Time Living - "Children are connected to their sense of expectancy, and that sense is tuned to expect excitement and adventure."

Sense #3: Immersion: Cultivating Your Attention to Be Fully Engaged in Every Moment - "We were not made to be in a thousand places at once. We were made to be here, in this moment, right now. No one exemplifies this the way children do."

Sense #4: Belonging: Opening the Gift of Truly Letting People In - "In no other area can we learn more from our children than through their acceptance of others, and most important, of themselves."

Sense #5: Freedom: Stepping Off the Sideline and Getting Back in the Game - "Inherent within each of us is the ability to get back to that state: to dare greatly, go big, and run forward unhindered by expectations, judgment, and fear."

Do yourself a favor and get this book.  Enjoy the ride!

There are two types of people in this world, those who like Dr. Pepper and those who don't.

(c) Wally Johnston 2020