Where Happieness is Found

It is found in the routine.
It is found sharing this life,for better or for worse.
When you smile passing in the hall,and there is no particular reason.
When one of the kids calls.
Sitting down to a Sunday dinner.
She lets you sleep.
Knowing our parents are safe in Heaven.
Surprising her with a gift.
Knowing you are loved with a love that is amazingly patient.
Your love shares your passion about hobbies.
Being laughed at,knowing you did something dumb,she knows that you know.
Having backgrounds that are similar,it makes for sharing thoughts easy.
Being amazed at the passage of years.
She knows your secrets and secrets they remain.
Holding hands late at night.
Having a moral high ground.
Knowing she prays.
We both love to read,and we share what we have learned.
Fishing together in a far away place,this is what we love.
It is found when the grandkids talk to her and she listens.
Realizing blessings come undeserved and remaining always thankful.
more to come.

Old Photographs

Having been married as long as we have we have a few thousand photos.
My daughter Michelle kindly put a lot of them into scrapbook type books for us,they are an endless source of enjoyment for us.
I recently found another drawer full of pictures I took and doctored up on my computer years ago.
I spent a good hour going through these old pictures.
Funny how time changes our appearance,I was heavy,then lighter,all over the place.
The most interesting thing for me is to look into the eyes of my children,full of life,full of mischief,and full of joy.
We had no idea where life would take us then,we wonder now about our future,the kids future and the grandkids future.
I am glad we have the Savior.
How do people live who have no faith?

Stuff I Know About

Preparations for going fishing are fun.Getting your tackle box out,checking rods and reels,it gets you mentally prepared.

You can look like a genius in my buisness by knowing stuff.You can also look pretty dumb when mis-diagnosing.So,I know to be very carefull and work slow.

I know little about gardening,but last year my garden was something I was proud of.

Norma Jean one of my Golden Retreivers is learning to walk close to me in the house,so I can lean on her.

My local post office goes out of there way to help.Dolton,Illinois,60419.

Doctors sometimes say,"I don't know why that is happening,but I will find out".This is a good thing.

You walk the Appalacian Trail inabout 6 months,from Georgia to Maine.I have been on it and wondered who can afford to take 6 months off?

Some houses I get into cost a million or more.Some are impressive,some are just ugly.

Messy houses are lived in.

Coaches in high school were all just a little weird.

more to come

This Is For Whitney

My Dearest Whitney,

Thinking of you tonight,I hope you are sleeping soundly.
I hope you are dreaming the dreams of the good in this life.
I see in you a Spirit of love and compassion.
I see in your eyes a sincerity which is beyond your years.
I watch you and see you give unexpected hugs,this is love.
I hear your words and I think you speak deeper than many adults.
I don't know what your future holds,I think a teacher of God might be the place for you.
You have time to think on the future,for now enjoy being a kid,have many friends,love your family.
With Much Love,
Papa

This is one my most favorite songs,I hope you like it.

Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring

Times when music inspires
We need inspiration sometimes
Read the words and listen
I find the words almost Biblical
Stunning music,and tonight
I need to be inspired.




Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach

Jesu, joy of man's desiring
Holy wisdom, love most bright
Drawn by Thee, our souls aspiring
Soar to uncreated light
Word of God, our flesh that fashioned
With the fire of life impassioned
Striving still to truth unknown
Soaring, dying round Thy throne

The original song continues with these words:
Through the way where hope is guiding
Hark, what peaceful music rings
Where the flock, in Thee confiding
Drink of joy from deathless springs
Theirs is beauty's fairest pleasure
Theirs is wisdom's holiest treasure
Thou dost ever lead Thine own
In the love of joys unknown

My Michelle And Her Broken Arm

Michelle was in second grade,about 7 or 8 years old.

I went to vist my father who was in the hospital,recovering from another heart attack.
I rememeber he could not communicate very well but he asked me,how is Michelle?
There was no clue as to what he was talking about,maybe it was just drugs talking.
He asked again,I just said dad what do you mean?
"She is downstairs and has been admitted for a servere injury."
Of course I went white as a sheet,ran downstairs to the second floor to find out what was going on.
I found my daughter in a room with mom,a few nurses and a doctor.
I was told she was pushed off some playground equipment and landed on her arm.
The doctor decided he need to manipulate the arm before he could put it in a cast.
My heart was racing and I was ready to punch this doctor,but I assumed he knew what he was doing.
When one of your own is hurt,don't you have that feeling of helplessness?I know I was about to panic.
The doctor felt her elbow and pushed the arm back together.God,must have been holding me up because I did not totaly freak out.

The injury was severe,she spent about 10 days in the hospital,so I had 2 people to visit daily.I dislike hospitals a lot.
It was a mean little kid who did this to my Michelle.Linda and I decided not to say anything or do anything about it.I had terrible insurance at the time and the bills were stunningly high.
We paid the bills,Michelle recovered,but to this day she can bend that arm in a very weird way.To this day,the little boys parents have never spoken to us,they made it awkward,oh well,thier problem.
At this time we had all 4 kids in a local Christian school(where the injury happened),the tution was about $4,000,much more than I had after all the bills.
My wife wrote to the school and expalined we had no money to send our 4 kids there.
We were resigned to sending the kids to the local public school.
Just before school started I got a call from a board member of the school.
He told me this,"Mike,some person has paid the tuition,in full for the year."
I was stunned and I still am so greatfull.
The person who paid the bill did not want to be known.
I always wonder about this person,who was it?
The lesson I learned in all this was Jesus was there,even when I was not paying attention to Him.
And,Jesus paid it ALL,didn't He.

Go Ahead Say These Words to Your Loved One

I love you because you understand, dear
Ev'ry single thing I try to do
You're always there to lend a helping hand, dear
I love you most of all because you're you

No matter what the world may say about me
I know your love will always see me through
I love you for the way you never doubt me
But most of all I love you 'cause you're you

I love you because my heart is lighter
Every time I'm walkin' by your side
I love you because the future's brighter
The door to happiness you open wide

No matter what the world may say about me*
I know your love will always see me through
I love you for a hundred thousand reasons
But most of all I love you 'cause you're you

By Jim Reeves

Jim Reeves - I'd Rather Have Jesus

This old song has always been near and dear to me.
It's old,it's slow,but it it true.
Jim Reeeves died in a plane crash in 1964,at age 40.Taken early from us.

Things I Don't Like Much

Leeches.

Diabetic side effects.

Cars that are not faithful.

People who swear.

Anything Hollywood.

Any book that mentions my inner child.

Irrational Darwin supporters.

Fear.

Losing touch with friends.

Losing my slippers.

Losing touch with Jesus.

Undercooked french fries. No longer in my diet anyway.

Rolls of plastic bags that can't be opened,except by some wife.

Misunderstandings.

Waking at 1:30 AM,thinking it must be 6 AM.

Rob,not buying me a cell phone.

Bills,they have been coming here for a long time,there is no end in sight.

Reality TV shows,but I don't mind American Idol,sometimes.

Forgetting why I came into a room.

more to come

Darling Be Home Soon

A Song From Our Past

Written By John Sebastian





Come
And talk of all the things we did today
Here
And laugh about our funny little ways
While we have a few minutes to breathe
Then I know that it's time you must leave

But darling be home soon
I couldn't bear to wait an extra minute if you dawdled
My darling be home soon
It's not just these few hours but I've been waiting since I toddled
For the great relief of having you to talk to

And now
A quarter of my life is almost past
I think I've come to see myself at last
And I see that the time spent confused
Was the time that I spent without you
And I feel myself in bloom

So darling be home soon
I couldn't bear to wait an extra minute if you dawdled
My darling be home soon
It's not just these few hours but I've been waiting since I toddled
For the great relief of having you to talk to

Darling be home soon
I couldn't bear to wait an extra minute if you dawdled
My darling be home soon
It's not just these few hours but I've been waiting since I toddled
For the great relief of having you to talk to

Go
And beat your crazy head against the sky
Try
And see beyond the houses and your eyes
It's ok to shoot the moon

So darling
My darling be home soon
I couldn't bear to wait an extra minute if you dawdled
My darling be home soon
It's not just these few hours but I've been waiting since I toddled
For the great relief of having you to talk to

Dad, It Didn't Hurt At All

A long long time ago my oldest Son Kevin fell and broke his arm.
I knew it was broken right away,it makes a sound that you don't soon forget.
He had fallen off a babys crib that he was standing on.Just playing with the other kids.
He landed on his back,his arm bent backwards.It was very hard to look at.
How many dads get that sick feeling when something bad happens to one of thier own?
The sick feeling of being helpless,how well I remember that.
I knew Kevin needed medical attention right away and I knew I would have to move his arm so I could pick him up.
A prayer said quickly,"Dear Lord Jesus help me now,You see what has happened here"?
I look at Kevin and told him,Kev,I need to move your arm,he simply said ok dad.
I picked up his arm as gently as I could,he said,Dad,that didn't hurt at all.
We knew then Jesus had heard us.
All these years later I still remember those words.
Dad,it didn't hurt at all.
Thank You Jesus.

Things I Like About Life

Things I Like About Life
In no paticular order.

My son,Rob.

Children.

Old dogs.

Slippers,now that I seem to need em.Where are they anyway?

Cake and cupcakes,Linda has learned to make them sugar free.We just ran out so don't come over.

Emails from my brother Bud.

My 3 Golden Retreivers,Ivy being the latest,she is 6 months old now and has turned into a very sweet dog.

Naps in the afternoon.

Selling really rare books.It is not just the money,it's the pleasure of knowing the book was wanted by someone.

Working,I still love my work,for the most part.To know I am needed is a nice reward.

Abbey.

Myth Busters,for the most part.

Tennesee,I think this is where my heart is.The mountains are always stunning to me.

Fishing.

Heartfelt smiles.

Unasked for hugs from Whitney.

Flight Simulator,this is really cool.Learning to fly all kinds of aircraft with a pick of 24,000 airports.Amazing!

Getting lost in a book and not caring about time.

Not having a mortgage or car payment.

Laughing at myself,being so carefull on the ice.When did I get old?

Traditional church services,modern praise type services.

I admire people who dye thier hair orange.

My Blood Sugar

My blood sugar levels have been averaging 127 for the last week.
I think maybe the drugs have my insulin under control.
I do ask for your prayers tonight,the nerve damage in not under control and is spreading.
It seems to be taking the wind from my sails,and I do not like it one bit.
New drugs for this are coming Friday,it is a small hope after the last let down.
Perhaps this post is a bit selfish as I know you all have concerns of your own,but tonight I will be selfish.

Read Michelles Latest

My daughter Michelle has posted a most interesting story about a dream.
You may find it by clicking on her name loated here on my page.

Such A Welcome

There on a beach of pure white sand and gentle rolling surf

Stood Jesus

He told me He had been waiting for a long time

It was me and Him

Alone with the Savior

We spent time looking over the ocean

The questions I always had did not seem to matter

One look and I knew my faith had carried me through

There was no time now just eternity

He said there are others who want to see you

And I knew

All the troubles all the pain

Was now gone

I could run and He ran beside

Laughing too,His smile,His smile

It was my beginning

And days are now amazing

Filled with Joy forevermore

To Fly

Long ago a dream of flying

Across the street and up

Farther then and higher

Wonder of my life to be

So high I can see souls

Winging the way to Heaven

Knowing I will meet them

Thoughts far away tonight

Safe and still secure

My Lord calls me home

And I am ready now

The Years Are Rolling By Me

Cameras flash,babies cry
Small fry get lost in another room
Moms cooking,boys eating
Me watching,laughing
sore,happy,tired
Girls are talking
Gone shopping,again
These are the days
of my life
They are the best of
all my days
Thank You God

So Many Times

So many times I meant to call.
At last when I knew you gone
I dialed the number knowing
You would be off somewhere
Far away,gone at last
So I did the deed again
Hoping you would be there
But then again not Hoping

A Prayer said hasitly
just for you when you
said you needed it most
A life of misgivings
So many times I meant to 2-11-08

The Picture of Dorian Gray

My parents once had in their custody a foster child baby boy.
My parents called him Jimmy.
The mother of this baby actually named the baby Dorian Gray,which was a book then later a movie.
Dorian Gray's name was apparently on his birth certificate.
If you are not aware of the plot,it is about a man who trades his soul to the devil for eternal youth.The picture Dorian had made aged horribly but not him.
My older brother Bud has no memory of this story by my mom which I find strange!
My mom said one day the foster agency came to take Jimmy away,they had found a home for him in Wisconsin.
The point of all this is,if anyone knows of an adopted boy who's name was Dorian Gray,please let me know.

People I Miss

People I miss,in no paticular order.

Harry Chapin,a great American poet,singer songwriter.

Jim Croce,another great American poet,singer songwriter.

John Candy who always made us smile.

Ronald Regan,in my veiw the best president we ever had,next to Lincoln.

Ted Knight,comedian.

Andy Kaufamn.

My parents,obviously.

C.S.Lewis,if he lived longer what would he have written.

Pastor Brown,the best Bible and doctrine teacher I ever had.

Manny Feiten,a girl from grade 6,taken way too soon.But I understand God wanted her home.

Dorian Gray,his real name.My mom and dad had him as a foster kid.What ever happened?

Barney Fife.

Steve Allen.

Gramps.He was a huge influence on my life.

Jeanette Baily,another person who is now with Jesus and is dancing most all the time.

There are many more who have gone on before,people I loved,people who had major influences on me.
The best part is I will see them again,Jesus still saves.

More Things I Have Learned or Wondered About

I miss Three Musketeers candy bars.

The smile on Alistairs face after giving him a toy drum was priceless.

Does it seem to you that David Letterman has to many inside jokes? Or maybe they just go over my head,I don't know.

I want to know very little about actors,why do they feel the need to let us all know what they believe?


You can not be shallow in a relationship with God.

I am still hoping to visit Austraila and New Zeeland,what amazing places.

The Prime Minister of Austrailia once went for a swim off the coast and was never seen again.

The first pendulum was invented by Christian Huygans,a Dutch guy.Without this invention we would always be late.

When God designed the universe why did he make so large we can not comprehend it all?

One thing I have come to realize and admire about my dad was the stabilty he had in his Christian faith. I am striving for this kind of stability and have been my whole life.

People need hugs and real affection,a handshake sometimes is not enough.I raised my family this way and it is a real thrill to get a hug just because I am me.

My new digital camera is so advanced it will take me years to understand it.It is really amazing though.

My son in law Rob will never get any kind of honor by sitting in my recliner with my remote control.

A cup of cocoa late at night is a simple pleasure that is mine.

If you pray in faith,sometimes the answer you want is no.I am praying for healing of the nerve damage I have.

When a tree falls on you and smashes you to peices,God is there always.

When the tree did fall on me,the first thing Linda did was pray.This I will always remember.My first thoughts were of Christopher Reeve who had just been paralized.

Belle and me like Superman movies.

Jesus never came to America.Silly Mormans.

I get into dozens of peoples houses every week,some poor people some rich.Happiness is something I look for in both.I have found it to be about equal.

Faith is the substance of things hoped for,the evidence of things not seen.Someday I hope to understand that.

The culture of China is not easily understood.

Japan is a almost God-less country with less than 5 per cent Chistian.

To help you along in your quest for real peace,read what God has said.

It is almost midnite and it is time to try to rest.
More later.

Oh one more thing,my spell check still does not work,forgive the errors.

Things I Wonder About

Where do chicken nuggets really come from.

Why does the History Channel have programs about UFO Files?

Why has every church I ever was a member of split?

There are no crows where I live,there used to be dozens that flew around every morning.

Why shoot your gun in the air on New Years and July Fourth? This really makes you an idiot.

Why do I stop and listen for train horns and whistles when I am home late at night?

Why do people open buisnesess when I can predict failure by the name,product or service provided?

Why would you go out just for a minute if you have an appointment for someone to come to your house between 11 AM and 1 PM?

Why would Jesus say the thing He did about having faith as much as a mustard seed?

Why does my spell check fail to really check spelling?

If time is so valueable why do I anticipate taking a nap everyday?

Why do people stay with banks that charge a teller fee?

Why does my tool box seem to get heavier every single day?

Why do people ask why do you walk with a cane?

more to come...I wonder about a lot of stuff.

Pray for Maddie

Lord Jesus,
Tonight I want to pray for Maddie.
She has a lot of discomfort and Jesus remember her.
We know how much you love her.
You know how much her mom and dad love her.
You also know how much her papa loves her.
We know that she loves you too.
I ask tonight in your name Jesus that you heal her from all this pain.
Remember the little one Lord Jesus.
Amen

My Art

I love painting but seldom take the time to do it anymore.
This is going to have to change as I miss it so much.
Life gets busy and I find myself doing other things.

Even More Things I Have Learned or Not

I wonder if the title here is getting used up.

The Bible says Let the sick call upon the elders of the church for healing(Mikes Translation).Who has this kind of faith? The desperate?

I have leaned to keep my mouth shut,for the most part.

I have learned how to put Alistair to sleep in my arms,for the most part.This is a really great pleasure.

Tuna cassarole with potato chips on top is one of my favorite meals.

I never learned to throw old and useless clock parts away.

Sugar free maple syrup tastes just like the real thing.

I never learned to paint a living room very well.I can still see all those faults.

Just tell her you love her now and then,it does a world of good.

Always,always thank her for meals she has made.This is a good rule to live by.

I once visited the grave of my grandfather John,I was so suprised to see his Effie there,laying next to him.I was not thinking I suppose.Where else would she be?

I am terrible at computer stuff,but somehow manage to make a small living off it.

I learned that when Abbey smiles at you,she smiles with her whole being.

I never was much of a public prayer.Silent is ok with me.

I miss the old days when my kids were small,but today is working out pretty well.

Dogs remind you when it is time for them to eat.

I have learned God is involved in choosing political leaders.I have some questions though.

If you click on the icon above that says "Next Blog" you will find some pretty cool people.You will also find nuts.

I always have had the faith that God will sustain me through my work.This faith came by prayers said long ago.

Your mom wants you to call more often,just to say hi.

Watching clocks in school was worse than having no clocks.

Judging waiters and waitresses is a thing I do.Applebys has good food but my oh my where do they get the dissapearing help?

French onion soup is good for your body and soul.If you order it at Applebys,order before you say anything else.In fact,order it as you walk in the door.

Dinners ready----more to come

In the Heart of the Sea

The boys were young,Captain Pollard was 28,Seaman Thomas Nickerson was 17.
Owen Coffin was 14.First Mate Owen Chase was 22.
The whaling ship Essex left Nantucket 187 years ago and never came back.
The boys spotted whales once they made it to the Pacific,they jumped into thier small whaling boats to give chase.
They harpooned a whale and were in the process of waiting for it to come to the surface.
A few men were left on the Essex to watch over it while the others were gone.
Owen Chase was one left on board.
As he was doing his watch,he spotted a sperm whale a hundred yards off.He watched the whale with great intrest as the whale was just swimming in a stationary manner.
The whale began to swim towards the boat,faster and faster.Chase said he was totaly mesmerised.The whale was headed for the front of the ship,so fast it was unreal to Chase.
The whale hit the boat,causing large cracks in the Essex.Chase says the whale appeared stunned and floated for a few minutes.
While inspecting the damages he saw the whale again about 50 yards off.
The whale fanned his tail,causing great foam in the ocean.He charged again only faster than before.The crash about broke the boat in two this time.
Chase was stunned,the whale dissapeared and was not seen again.
The boat was sinking,Chase did what he could to try to salvage any goods.
The men who were chasing the harpooned whale came back and with disbelief watched as the Essex was sinking fast.
The captian was in whale boat number one,it is said he could not speak.Finnally he shouted to Chase as to what happened to the Essex.
They took what they could from the ships remains and decided to head for land.They were very afraid of cannibals on the islands so the headed for South America.
20 survivors,running out of food.Bad storms,little water left.They resorted to what seems to us as unthinkable,cannabalisim.They drew lots.
Sadly this is how a few survived but obviously were all changed forever.

This is where Herman Mellville got his idea for Moby Dick.

More Things I Have Learned

Time is deceptive,does it go fast or slow?

Any flat surface will accumulate junk.

I learned all about diabetic socks in the last weeks,how thrilling!

People say that there is a special place in hell for those vile offenders,I think hell is hell,eternal separation from God.

I ignore garbage cans that are full in the house,I think this is a major fault of mine.

You can read your mate pretty well after 36 years,but not always.

I feel better when I can stay busy,laying around is hard.I hope I never have to retire completely.

It is most enjoyable to get lost in a book,but this is a rare thing.

My dogs are my friends,even after you yell at them,they forget quickly.There is a lesson there.

Encyclopedias are now obsolete,how sad.Those of you who are old enough remember looking things up in a book,life goes on.Google is now our new friend.

Sledding with kids is outstanding.

Hoping dreams come true is not a bad thing,keep dreaming of the impossible.How can we live without dreams?

I have a facination with sailing ships of the 1800's.These sailors were incredibly brave souls.

You can read peoples blogs and see more than what is on your screen.

Testing your blood sugar daily is like waiting for an A on a test.I am scoring C's and B's.

Everything we buy is now or will soon be imported from China.

I am almost never depressed because of my pain.

Hoping against all hope is something I don't hear to much.I used to.

Baseball continues to insult Ron Santo by not having him in the hall of fame.

Reminded recently-I only had one daughter and my son in law Rob asked permission to marry her.This was an honorable thing Rob.Probably not done much in todays world.

I like watching House on tv,but I sure don't know what they are talking about.

Being loved by family is such a blessing,they never mention faults.

more to come