Ah, Sunday

Nothing in particular to write about today. Just that it is Sunday. Sundays are not the same since I retired from the ministry years ago. I don't have to be at church. I don't have to play the 'church games' that so many ministers do. Do I miss it? Not too much.

However what I do miss is the fellowship or family feeling of a congregation. Now, I am an orphan. Have no church family to speak of. My professional ethics prevent me from attending the church from which I retired. Another reason I do not attend is it has become radically theologically different. It is very radical in its conservative and evangelical approach to the Faith. Thus, my theological views are out of sink with theirs.

Any new congregation I visit would not afford the spiritual family connection as I would always be the 'adopted' family member. At my age, I am too old to be adopted and begin the process of being part of the family.

Ah, Sunday a day of relaxation for me in my retirement years.

Church Websites

I visit many church websites just to keep up on things. Most of them are current and updated on a regular basis. One, however, has not been updated in several months. It still contains the news that it will be moving soon to a new location.

However, that is not the case at all. All of their plans since the inception of relocation have fallen through for one or more reasons. But you would not get that information from its website. It still includes an architect's drawing of a church that will no longer be.

The lastest word is that the church will not relocate but remain in its current location despite some concerns the DNR [department of natural resources] has about the property beneath the current building. The website does not mention anything of this nature.

The pastor's blog has not been update in over a year. The associate pastor's has been updated recently.

All of this causes me to wonder about churches which direct us to their websites only to see outdated information. In this day and age, I think it speaks volumes about the church--perhaps being out-dated itself. I have no personal knowledge of this church only via its website and the things I hear from neigbors in the community.

Oh well, now I said it and I shall retreat to the wonderful world of a church website surfer.

Have a great and wonderful day.

Dr. Ron

A friend

I sometimes think about the end of life and what it may be like to 'passover' to the other side. During one of my speculative moments, the phone rang. It was a dear friend I had not heard from in a long time. She and her husband were and are dear friends. We met during my active pastorate years and shared many, many happy times. Sue and Pat are the kind of people you instantly fall in love with. Both have a zest for life and for living.

Sue phoned to inform me that Pat has ALS and is under hospice care with the end of his life drawing near. So sad for a young man--in his fifties--who had that amazing zest for life and lived it to the fullest. The news hit me like a ton of bricks. My heart aches for Sue, Pat, and their boys as they approach this chapter in their lives. Of course, my prayers are with them.

I have always believed in the hereafter from the Christian perspective. When it is time for Pat to crossover, I know it will be to a better place and that he will be relased from the pain and suffering of this life. That provides me with some comfort and joy. I will, however, be saddened that a good friend is now longer with me. That's natural. However, in my saddness I will rejoice because Pat touched my life significanly and I have grown because of our encounter.

Thanks, Pat for being my friend.

Dr. Ron

My New Chairiot

After many months of waiting, I am now able to use my motorized chair at school. This photo was taken in one of the college's parking lots. My students wanted to see me 'pop a wheelie' but I told them security would get me for speeding inside a building. :)

The chair has be very valuable in helping me get around the large campus. My department head saw me yesterday in the chair and said, "Ron, I can now assign you to any and all buildings on campus now that you have transportation." :) I relied, "Bring it on." :)

Have a great and wonderful day.
Dr. Ron

Former Student

Yesterday while on campus, one of my former students "blocked" the door so I could not move past her. She had a big smile on her face and open arms to embrace me. We exchanged the normal courtesies and then she said, "Dr. Ron, I will never forget you." When I asked why she replied, "Because of you and your parting thought to us each day, 'know that you are valued, loved, and appreciated,' I'm turning my life around." WOW, her statement blew me away. Why?

Because last semester when I had her in my Ethics class she believed herself to be a loser and did many things to prove to herself and others that she was a loser. She did not care about school. What people thought about her partying ways, etc. She lacked respect for herself and others.

Oh what a joy it was to see her yesterday as the beautiful young lady I knew she could be. She touched my life and I have grown and more than that I touched her life and she has grown.

I end this by saying, "Go forth knowing you are valued, loved, and appreciated."

Dr. Ron

High Cost of Being Handicap

The hydraulic lift has now been installed on my car. The total cost was almost as much as the motorized chair itself. Of course, had to take out a loan for the lift.

While at the shop where the lift was installed, I engaged in conversation with a man whose significant other is severely disabled. He told me her chair cost more than thirty thousand dollars. I did not ask if they received any financial assistance or not. But, I was blown away by the cost of just one chair to help a person become mobile.

Also, as I thumbed through magazines, I noticed ads for vans...some of which exceeded fifty thousand dollars. I would have been interested in one, however, fifty thousand dollars is more than I earn in 3 years.

I don't know where I'm headed with this post only to note that I am surprised by the high cost of being disabled or handicap

Illusions at a fast pace

I enjoy magic. It is one of my hobbies. I consider myself to be a novice magician who has entertained at children's birthday parties and other venues. I enjoy entertaining and enjoy those who entertain us as well.

The following link was sent to me by a friend who resides in PA. Click on the link below to see one of the fastest illusionists working today. Enjoy. Don't blink an eye as you may miss something.


(http://www.flixxy.com/worlds-fastest-magician.htm)

Put On a Happy Face

I believe the song says,"Put on a Happy Face, spread sunshine all over the world...so put on a Happy Face."

This lady sure did put on a happy face and I'm sure most of those who saw her from behind had happy faces as well. I know I did when I first saw this photo.

Have fun today and "Put on a Happy Face."

Dr. Ron

Just Playing

It is Sunday morning here in the Ozarks and I am playing with my new computer's webcam. The hand at my face is to shade it from the sunlight which was coming in the window.

I am trying to figure out how to add a slide presentation to my blog. That is another job for today.

The webcam is being tried and tested today because next semester I will be teaching an online class in Philosophy and want to be able to "video" some items to my students. So play time is really learning time. :)

Have a great and wonderful day. Next time, I might just have a slide presentation. Who knows?

A Novel Experience

I began reading, "The Lord of the Rings." Heretofore, I have not read many novels but books related to philosophy, theology, and ethics. Since January or the Christmas season, my wife suggested I read some novels to broaden my reading horizons. I've become hooked on novels now.

I especially enjoy reading mystery novels. After reading several by Grissom and Robertson and others, I began to read "The Lord of the Rings." My oldest grandson gave it to me as a Christmas gift and now, I'm into it and loving every minute of it.

This book is one of the recommended readings Introduction to Ethics which I teach. So, now I can be more informed about the novel and the "moral of the story" contained within it. The author of the text book we use and Philosopher Martha Nussbuam both recommend reading novels so as to get a good look at life, the situations people find themselves confronting, and how they deal with them. So far I love my new adventures in reading.

AIG

Like most folks, I am very upset about the bonuses AIG is paying with the bailout money. Their reasoning is that they need to do so to keep good folks working. What about the good folks who have lost their money and jobs perhaps some of AIG bonus money could be given to them. The leadership at AIG need to come down from their ivory/gold plated tower and work and live like the real folks live--pay check to pay check. As a retiree with no pension or IRA's only Social Security and a part time position at a local community college, I sure could use a bonus. Try living at the poverty level, AIG executives...it is not fun...

Now, I know what AIG stands for: "Ain't It Good?" working here with all the bonuses and perks those poor suckers pay us with their bail out money. Well, we poor suckers now own AIG and the good times are over. As one share holder in the company, I caste my vote to downsize or to terminate your afflication with "my company" effective immediately. And before you leave, you will pay back the perks given to you by our bailout funds. One other thing, don't let the door hit you on your way out....I don't want you to be in too much pain as you explain to your spouse how you lost your job.

That's my take and I'm sticking to it. What's your opinion?

Dr. Ron

A Happy Gathering

We had a happy gathering during Christmas 2008 with all of our four children being in one place at one time. Our two sons reside in different states which makes it difficult for them to be at family gatherings.

Our oldest son and his wife live in Eldorado, AR where he works for a radio station. Our youngest son resides in the "Big Apple" and is between jobs. He has worked for several Broadway productions.

Our two daughters reside in Springfield. Our oldest daughter is self employed and our youngest daughter is an office manager for a law firm.

Christmas 2008 was lots of fun with our children, our daughter-in-law, and our 3 grandchildren. The quiet moments were few and far between but that was a good thing as we got to enjoy family.

We treasure and love each member of our family including my sister-in-law, her son and his wife, and their two beautiful girls who reside in Georgia. Also, my brother and his lady friend were here from Michigan to "ring in the New Year" with us.

Family is to be loved and treasured. Have a great day.

Dr. Ron

New Computer

I am now the proud owner of a new HP Pavilon laptop computer. I am learning how to navigate and use all of the bells and whistles that come with it and the Vista operating system.

It was easy to set up and get connected with my home wireless net work which gave me access to the college's website. I spend a lot of time on that website grading papers, exams, and writing lesson plans. Now, my wife can enjoy her computer once again.

Am having fun and that is the main thing as I explore my new computer.

Have a great and wonderful day.

Dr. Ron

Computer Update

Allow me to update you on the status of my laptop computer. There is really no update available for it. Had a new hard drive put in and installed all of my programs, etc. only to have it work online and offline for about an hour or so. Since it was under repair warranty, I took it back. The sad news came in the other day. The motherboard is going bad. Labor alone would have cost over $200 so, I decided to have them refund the money I spent on the new hard drive, which they did. Now, my 6 year old laptop is on the way to the computer recycling place. Good bye, old friend, I shall miss you.

Perhaps, I will go to Circuit City to see what they have discounted on their going out of business sale. My personal economy is just as bad as theirs although I can't go out of business. :)

Until the next time we visit on my front porch, I wish you well,

Dr. Ron

Computer Crash

I have had a laptop computer for five years during which I never had any major problems. That is until the other day when I was defragmenting the hard drive. Let's just say the computer "froze up" and I turned if off manually. Bad idea as it would not come back on. A message screen advised me to open it in "safe mode" or "normal." Well, I tried both with no luck.

Took it to a computer repair shop on Saturday. First indication is that it is the hard drive. They will know more on Tuesday. They may or may not be able to extract and save some of the files.

I use the laptop for all of my college teaching work. While I have many of the files backed up, I don't have all of them. :( The semester just stared so I'll have much to do should I have to recreate the lost files. From now on, I think I had better back up my files each day just to be on the safe side.

A good learning experience for me.

Have a great and good day.

Dr. Ron

Marching to the beat of a different drummer

The holiday season is history. Pondering the past holiday season, I realized this year that I was "marching to the beat of a different drummer." I no longer had to play the games people play during the holidays. I no longer had to be "sweet and charming" to satisfy the church folk at their parties, Christmas musicals, pageants, and worship services. In fact during the holidays, I only went to church once and that was a Christmas musical at one of my daughters' church. I really enjoyed it as it was inspirational and joy-filled"

I made this comment years ago to a group of ministers, "When I retire I will not go to church." Their response was typical in that I had to continue going to church. I asked "Why?" and made the following statement, "When my father retired from Ford Motor Company, he did not go back to work." While I have been retired from the ministry for several years, this past holiday season was the time I chose not to go to church. It is one of those expected games that people play and this season, I chose not to play. It felt good to relax at home watching the various holiday programs on the television. About the only time I go to church anymore is when I am a guest minister [consultant if you wish]. Then if feels good because it is something I chose to do.

As I stated earlier, I march to the beat of a different drummer. My retirement allows me to be the real me with no pretense and fulfilling someone else's expectations. I like this beat. And the beat goes on so that I can do it "my way."

Have a great and wonderful day. Remember, you only have one opportunity in life to be your real self.

Charity or Rudeness?

I have not been blogging for sometime due to work and other situations. The other day while sitting on the front porch drinking coffee on a warm December day, one of my neighbors stopped by for a visit. We chatted about the weather here in Missouri where one day it can be a very cold 30 degrees and the next day up in the 60's. We also inquired about each others health being the senior citizens we are.

As my neighbor sipped his coffee, he said, "Preacher, have you heard about the fiasco over at that little church on the corner?" To which I replied, "No." He proceed to tell me the story. It seems the choir and others were going Christmas caroling on a Sunday evening to various homes and afterwards to an adult only party.

The hostess had sent out invitations to a select group of the carolers or inviting them personally with the stipulation that no children or teens were to attend.

Well, it seems that on the night of the caroling, a couple with children joined the carolers. Let's just say for the sake of charity that this is a family down on its luck and whom the church has helped throughout the year. Helping them with food and other household items such as laundry soap and personal hygiene products. However, it seemed as though the personal hygiene products were not used as the body odor lingered in the air and at times made the persons standing next to them cough and gag. However, Christianity charity prevailed and no one said a word to the couple or the children.

Once the caroling was over, the invited couples ventured over to the gated community where the party was being held. The other carolers went to their homes. The party was barley underway when the doorbell rang. It was the pastor and his wife with the needy family. The children scampered in heading right for the buffet table. They began to handle the food, tasting some and putting others back on the table. The hostess and the other guest were astonished at their behavior.

The pastor said to the hostess, "We didn't think you would mind us bring this family as it is the Christian thing to do." Before she could reply, the mother and the teenage daughter were seen going into her bedroom by another guest who politely told them it was "off limits." Needless to say, the party was ruined by the behavior of the children and the adults with them. Their body odor was more pungent than during the caroling. The invited guests, who were trying to be nice, could barley stand to be near the couple or the children as they continued to dash throughout the house and piling their plates high with food from the table as well as leaving beverage glasses throughout the house.

My neighbor asked, "Preacher do you think the pastor and his wife did the right thing?" "No, I replied, "he as an invited guest knew that no children or uninvited guest should have been there. He embarrassed the hostess and the other invited guest by bringing them." To which my neighbor replied, "In my day, such persons were known as party crashers. And, I bet Dear Abby would agree with me that it was just plain rude."

For the record, I think it was rude as well. What's your opinion?

Still Around

I have not blogged in several weeks due to many things that have been happening in my little corner of the world. But, I'm still around.

My wife has been in and out of the hospital. I have some health issues as well as trying to put together lesson plans for my 3 courses. Our son from NYC visited briefly during the last week of August. My college classes began on August 22 and I've been going full hilt ever since. Thus, little or no time to blog.

I really miss blogging. I will be attempting to do so on a more regular basis as I get settled into the routine of school, etc.

Have a great day.

Policial Phone Calls

Missouri has a "no call list" and we are on it. My concern is that it did not prohibit political candidates from invading the privacy of my home. I am so sick of getting recorded messages from candidates of both major political parties especially those running for state, county, or city positions.

I hang up when I receive such a call. If the candidate wants my vote and or opinion, let him or her speak to me directly. I can tell them one thing---any candidate who calls my home with an "important" recorded message will not get my vote in the primary or general election. My time and privacy are too important and valuable to have wasted by politicians.

Missouri's campaign for governor has been a "mud fest" from the very beginning with two of the major candidates throwing it back and forth. I will not vote for anyone who slings mud at their opponent be it in the state or federal election.

That's my take. What is yours?

Pondering

I ponder and muse today about several things. First of all, as a retired minister when not preaching as a guest minister I take opportunity to visit local congregations of various denominations. In my many visits, there has been only one to make a follow up call or letter. The lady pastor called me the Monday after I had visited and during our chat I told her I was seeking a spiritual home. She assured me that she would do her best to help me along my spiritual journey. I enjoyed her sermon this past Sunday and I enjoyed our conversation on Monday. I plan to attend this next Sunday as well.

For the last several weeks, babies, infants, and toddlers have been left in cars by their parents or mothers. The television stations have done feature articles on these events noting that the temp inside the cars could within minutes reach a 100 degrees or more. Most of the moms indicated they had "forgotten" they had the baby with them or concluded they would be okay for "just a minute or two." The latest incident occurred at a near by theme park...where fortunately some tourist saw the infant in the locked car and called security. The mother's explanation was that she left the child there while she went into the theme park to pick up another child. Is preoccupation or 'forgetfulness' an excuse for the endangerment of a child? I think not.

For the last month or so I have been receiving letters from our denominational college and seminary requesting a donation to help them achieve a matching challenge or to balance the year end budget. Well, guess what? I need their help during my retirement years. After 40 plus years as an active pastoral minister, I have no retirement income other than Social Security and the part time position at the community college. Why do I not have a retirement income? Simple and short. The churches I served did not or would not participate in the denominational retirement plan. The denomination or its presbyteries did not make it a mandatory part of the minister's salary package. Thus, basically I live on Social Security. And, we all know what the economy is doing to our finances. It's either $4 for a gallon of milk or gasoline. So, will I send a donation to the college or the seminary? I think not.

Have a great and wonderful day.