Funkyjimmer's Blog

Monday, December 31, 2007

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

It is New Year's Eve. I'm glad to be home. It is supposed to snow tonight and by morning here we're supposed to have about 2 to 4 inches. I'm so happy that I don't have to get out to go anywhere tonight or tomorrow. I brought my laptop home so if I can't get out by Wednesday morning I can work at home.

I wonder if the fellow who is supposed to clear my driveway if we get 2 inches or more will actually do so. He didn't after the last snow. But I think my good neighbor did because it got cleared.

Saturday I gave up on my new glasses. (See Post dated December 26th.) Although I went back to Lens Crafters every day (one day I was there twice) they just couldn't get them to fit correctly. So Saturday I took advantage of Lens Crafter's 30 day unconditional guarantee. They say if you are not completely satisfied for any reason, you can exchange or return your glasses or contacts for a full refund within 30 days. I wasn't satisfied at all so I exchanged them for a pair that will fit much more comfortably. Of course I'll have to wait two more weeks for the new ones. But at least I know relief is coming! It's funny that since making the exchange I have done better with this current pair. I think it is because I know I won't have to put up with them forever!

I've always been particular about how my frames fit, so this is nothing new for me. But I am thankful that things will be better in the glasses department in a couple of weeks.

None of us know (thankfully!) what the new year (or any new day, for that matter) will hold. But as long as we're walking with God and are in Christ, no matter what, it will be okay.

My next Post will be "next year"!

Jim

posted by jim 8:28 PM 0 comments

Friday, December 28, 2007

CONCLUSION TO THE SAGA OF THE BOOKS

A few Posts back I talked about all the books I had collected over the years. As planned, I took them to a Half Priced Books store in our area. There was a Van packed full of boxes of books. I was anticipating receiving a somewhat significant sum of money for the books.

The good news is I got rid of the books--all of them. (I kept the more valuable recent books which I use regularly. I still have a lot of books!) Half Price Books store went through all the boxes. I wish I had kept track of how many boxes we took. They kept the books and will dispose of them for me.

The bad news is that for all those books I got a sum total of $8.00! I bought some stuff at the Half Priced Book Store while I was waiting for them to evaluate the books. So I spent more than the $8.00 I received for the books! They said most of them were too old to sell. I have to admit that they were right. Also, some of the books had markings on the bindings from when I had them catalogued in my library.

Oh well, at least they are not taking up space in my garage any longer.

Jim

posted by jim 12:09 PM 0 comments

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

SOME CATCHING UP

Last Saturday the girls and I went through Karon’s clothing, jewelry and a few other of her personal things. None of us were looking forward to this task. But we knew it had to be done and we all felt that the time had come to do it. God showed up big time and it all went very well in every respect. I know some who said they were praying. If any of you who prayed are reading this, please know that your prayers were answered in the way we all had hoped.

My original plan to have quilts made from Karon’s clothing for the girls and grandkids was aborted. We went on line and discovered the extremely high cost of just one quilt the size I wanted. When I multiplied the cost of one quit by 5, I realized this was not good stewardship of the money God allows me to manage for Him. So we took everything to Goodwill and got a receipt.

We were all a bit apprehensive about our first Christmas without Karon. But again, God blessed us with a wonderful Christmas. And while we missed Karon we were able to thank God for the time she was with us and we all enjoyed being together.

We were together for Christmas Eve dinner and then went to Christmas Eve service at our church. The next day everyone came to my house for Christmas dinner and our gift exchange. It was fun to watch the grandchildren open their gifts and have fun. We relaxed and had a good time because they were having a good time.

It was back to work today. After 4 days off I was ready to go back. It was a busy day, getting some things in place for the first of the year, and solving some problems that had arisen over the long weekend. Things should slow down the rest of the week and next week.

Today my new glasses arrived and I picked them up at Lens Crafters after work. For the first time in my life I got not only new lens and frames for my regular glasses but I also got prescription Sunglasses. I ended up the year with what I call some “dumb dollars” in my Flexible Spending Account. That is a “use-it-or-lose-it” type of account. So rather than lose the money I decided to get new glasses and sunglasses.

My sunglasses came in a week or 10 days ago and I think they are all right. But right now I hate my new regular glasses. They are not adjusted to fit comfortably. I tried to get the person at Lens Crafters to make the necessary adjustments while I was there. After several tries I could see we weren’t getting anywhere so I said I’d try them and come back in a day or two. They are driving me “nuts” so I’ll be back tomorrow! I can see well. And they are lightweight. So once they get properly adjusted they should be okay.

That's all for now. More later. God is good!

Jim

posted by jim 11:34 PM 0 comments

Friday, December 21, 2007

SURFACING AGAIN

After an absence of more than a month (five and a half weeks, to be exact), I again re-appear on this Blog. Where have I been? Mostly traveling, with several overnight trips. And when I travel the work at the office continues to pile up. So more than one weekend I have spent part of or all day Saturdays working and a few Sunday afternoons as well.

This past weekend, as an example, we had snow, rain, ice and more snow. And I worked 8 hours Saturday. Because of the snowstorm I didn't make it to church Sunday. The good news about working Saturday was that I was able to work from home. I am now set up with a company laptop with which I can do most everything from home that I do at the office. With the bad weather this past weekend that was a very good thing. I can also work from hotel rooms--most of the time!

Sunday afternoon I left to go out of town. Fortunately the roads were good and I had no trouble. The main trouble was my driveway. One of my neighbors and I spent some time Saturday finding someone who would keep our driveways scooped of snow for the winter. But the next day this person didn't show up so I couldn't get out to church. Although I don't know for sure, I think another of my good neighbors cleaned off my driveway so I could get out in the afternoon.

Monday ended my travels for work at least for the present. This week I have been busy "catching up" at the office so I'm not completely ready for Christmas! But at least I'm almost there. Today's the last day at work until next Wednesday. I'm hoping to finish up this weekend.

Tomorrow afternoon the girls and I are meeting at my house to begin the process of sorting through and disposing of Karon's clothes. That's not something we are looking forward to but it must be done. I guess now is as good a time as any, but I'd have preferred to do it after Christmas and after the first of the year. Oh well! I'm just praying for God's strength for all of us and for His direction in what we should do.

Now that I'm through traveling for a while and somewhat caught up at work, maybe this Blog will receive a bit more attention. My big project now is assisting many other wonderful people in planning and arranging for the next year's Indiana Student Leadership Forum of Faith and Values. It will be held January 4, 5 and 6. I've posted about this wonderful activity in the past. I have been involved with the Forum in some way the past 8 yearsexcept for last year. We had to miss completely last year because of Karon's deteriorating health. But this year I am involved again. Besides the planning, my daughter and I will serve as facilitators. More about the Forum later.

Jim

posted by jim 10:36 AM 1 comments

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

A PRIVILEGE AND A PLEASURE

Friday I have the privilege and (I am sure) the pleasure of speaking to my “old” company. This is the Company for whom I worked for 12 ½ years before coming to Molloy (which is now Principal). The former owner of Molloy is still the owner of my old company, ClaimAid Consulting. That company is not a publicly held company so they can still have things like Biblical principles, prayer, etc. The Thanksgiving Breakfast is an opportunity to remember and to reflect on God’s blessings to the Company and also to us as individuals. It is intended to provide a spiritual beginning to the holiday season I have had the privilege of speaking to the combined companies twice before when it was all one big family of Companies. It will be a much smaller group this year but I will know most of the people there.

After the Breakfast I am heading to Alabama to attend the University of Alabama football game on Saturday. I’m looking forward to that and hopefully we will win this week.

I previously thought my travel time for work would slow down the week of Thanksgiving. But I will be traveling some in December. One of my trips will require me to be out a couple of nights. But it should slow down after that. I don't have any more personal trips planned for the immediate future.

But I do have some challenges to tackle in the near future. We just have to make some decisions about clothing and personal items that belonged to Karon. That probably shouldn't be put off much longer. And I have a "ton" of books which need to be properly disposed. But I think I have that solved. Half-Priced Book Store will let me bring them and will make me a lump-sum price.

My daughter, a couple of friends and I got most of the outside work done last Saturday. The fellow who mowed my lawn all year will mulch the leaves as the accumulate on the ground. Once most of them are off the trees, I have a friend will will come blow them off my roof and that should take care of the outside work.

Jim

posted by jim 2:40 PM 0 comments

Monday, November 05, 2007

INDIANA STUDENT LEADERSHIP FORUM ON FAITH AND VALUES

In the past I have posted about my wife’s and my involvement in this excellent program for college students. It is a Friday night through Sunday morning program to emphasize faith and values, especially in leadership responsibilities. All students from every college—public and private—are invited to attend the Forum.

Over the years we have had the privilege of serving the Forum in various capacities. We began as a host/hostess family for a few years. Then we were Facilitators and helped some in other capacities.

Several years ago then-Senator Dan Coats and his Chief-of-Staff, Curt Smith, began the Indiana Student Leadership Forum. Our Forum is patterned after the national Leadership Forum. When Senator Coats left office Congressman Mike Pence and his staff continued the Forum, working with several Indiana volunteers. Over time, people’s situations change and some of those who have been an integral part of planning and executing the Forum are no longer able to be as involved as previously. I certainly understand this. Last year’s Forum was the first one I have not been involved with, due to my wife’s failing health.

This year I have the privilege of partnering with one of the co-founders of the Indiana Forum, Curt Smith, in planning and executing the 2008 Forum, January 4, 5 and 6. Thankfully, Congressman Pence will continue his involvement with the Forum. Curt and I will pick up some additional volunteer responsibilities in planning and executing the Forum in 2008. Curt and I attend the same church and have served together in leadership responsibilities at the church. It will be a pleasure to work with him on the 2008 Forum. We will assist Irene Wood, who has been the volunteer backbone of the Indiana Forum for many, many years—in addition to working full time.

I’d ask your prayers for me as I dive into this new responsibility. And pray for the success of the 2008 Forum. Oh, by the way, I may be contacting some of you in the near future about how you might assist in the success of this Forum! Until then,

Jim

posted by jim 8:15 AM 1 comments

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

IT'S GOING WELL

Someone (or several "someones") must be praying. Last week and so far this week have gone extremely well, work-wise. I have enjoyed my traveling around the State of Indiana. I have had a nice rental car--a new Nissan Altima. It is one of those new keyless start. Just push a button while stepping on the brake and it starts! Pretty cool! They started it for me when I picked it up Monday and I drove to the post office. When I got back in the car, I couldn't figure out how to start it. So I called the car rental place and with their instruction, I got it started. It was telling me to put on the brake but I thought it was telling me the brake was on!

The weather has been great for traveling and although I have seen several automobile/truck accidents I haven't been involved in any! My meetings have gone well and I'm actually getting to think that I know a little bit about what I'm presenting! I have been well received.

Except for tomorrow, when I am attending a Trustees' meeting, and except for one other day, I'll continue traveling every work day until Thanksgiving week. I hope the weather holds!

I thank God daily for His many, many blessings. Among His many blessings is my health. I am grateful that I feel well and am able to do what is required of me--both at work and home responsibilities. I do get tired but a good night's sleep takes care of that.

I've been asked to take a new "job" at church. I currently serve in rotation at the main entrance Welcome Center second service. I'll know more about my additional responsibility at church after a meeting I'll attend Sunday morning. All I know now is that because our Minister of Outreach is going to plant a couple of new churches in Miami, Florida, I'll be a special greeter at the main entrance. We have a Corp of greeters at each door but my responsibility is to especially look for first-time visitors. Our minister of Outreach has been at our church for 31 years. We're going to miss him. I'm wondering about this new ministry but I'm trying to withhold judgement until I learn more details Sunday.

But I know that God has been so absolutely awesome that I am thankful for any opportunity to serve Him and His church.

More later,

Jim

posted by jim 10:24 PM 0 comments

Friday, October 26, 2007

BACK, GONE, AND BACK AGAIN!

The past two weeks since I lasted posted I have been home and then gone again. Last weekend I visited a great Christian couple in Iowa. It was a blessed weekend from start to finish. I had a new KIA Optima rental to drive on the trip. The weather was great--again. (I sure picked great weather for all of my trips.)

The weekend was very relaxing and enjoyable. My friends are just terrific people. They will never understand what they did for me during that visit. For the first time in nearly 19 years I was slightly "bombed out" about my secular job. The reason is because I'm having to work with some types of things that I've really never had any training on and don't know much about. And I'm having to make a lot of presentations about things I know very little about and understand even less.

BUT--my weekend with my wonderful, dedicated, loving Christian friends completely changed my attitude and restored my excitement, joy and the love for my job. I came home with renewed enthusiasm and anticipation for my job. And this week has been wonderful! I've been at a different location every day doing presentations and they have gone very well. I don't think I've "messed up" too much. And best of all, I really enjoy again what I am doing! (Thanks April and Nathan!)

Even getting notice when I returned that the Internal Revenue Service is questioning my charitable giving reported on my 2005 income tax return hasn't dampened my spirit! The letter said they had to have copies of all my checks--front and back--of my charitable contributions plus other documentation. That was going to be a lot of copying. And some banks don't return your checks.

But I got good news from the IRS when I called today. They don't have to have copies of the checks, just the receipts from churches and organizations to which I have contributed. So that won't be so bad. I have to have it all submitted by November 15th. Then they will let me know if they need anything else.

Enough whining! Things are good and God is so wonderful. There are issues with which I struggle. I need prayer for all that but I'll not list all that here. People who want to join me in prayer can email me.

Work is so busy. I am traveling every work day to a different location. A couple of trips will be an "overnigter". This will go on until Thanksgiving week. I have another weekend trip coming up the middle of November. I'm going to Alabama to watch the Crimson Tide play (and hopefully win) another game.

As time passes since Karon's death some things might be a bit easier but some are definitely more difficult. St. Vincent Hospital is having a memorial service Sunday afternoon for all who passed away at the hospital May, June, July and August. The girls and I are going to attend. I hope it is helpful. We all still struggle and grieve greatly even though we know Karon is at home with the Lord.

Thanks again for all your prayers. Until I get around to Posting again......

Jim

posted by jim 6:20 PM 0 comments

Tuesday, October 09, 2007

To Quote the Song Title: "BACK HOME AGAIN IN INDIANA"

I made it home last night (Monday) at 8:15 p. m. It was a near-perfect trip. The car was great (a 2007 Nissan Maxima with only 20,000 miles when I started the trip and it got really good mileage. I was safe and never got sleepy the whole time--which is unusual for me.

The only "bobble" was yesterday--the last day (wouldn't you know?!) I came as far as Grayson, Kentucky, and stayed at a Holiday Inn Express Sunday night. Monday I packed up, loaded the car and drove a short distance to see the campus of Kentucky Christian University at Grayson. Then I headed for home.

I had gotten as far as Georgetown, Kentucky, just north of Lexington. I had checked my voice messages at home once or twice before. This time I checked and had a message from the Holiday Inn in Grayson. I had left all my hanging clothes in the room closet. There were three bags--clothes for 11 or 12 days!

So--what to do? I decided it was worthwhile to go back after them. I turned around and headed back--106 miles; got the clothes, gassed up the car and started back again. But at least I have my clothes.

I don't know why the hotel personnel chose to take all the clothes out of the bags--unless they were searching the pockets for valuables. But at least I got all my clothes back.

Now I'm back at work facing a very busy fall at work with quite a bit of travel.

Until the next Post...

Jim

posted by jim 12:06 PM 0 comments

Friday, October 05, 2007

ON THE MOVE AGAIN

This afternoon I'm "moving on". I'll leave Winston-Salem and head to Raleigh, North Carolina, where I will have the extreme pleasure and privilege of visiting some very special friends. My plans are to visit there until Sunday afternoon. After church and lunch I'll start back to Indiana. My plan is to go part way Sunday and the rest of the way on Monday. I'm due back to work Tuesday.

Saturday evening my friends and I will watch N.C. State and Wake Forest girls' volleyball teams play. One of the players is from Countryside Christian Fellowship, the church I served part time for 5 years, until last Easter.

I may not be able to Post again until I get home, depending on what kind of computer set-up I find at the hotel in Raleigh.

Until next time...

Jim

posted by jim 9:34 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, October 02, 2007

A STRANGE EXPERIENCE

Today, after meeting my hostess for lunch on the Campus of Wake Forest University where she teaches, I drove out to the location of a Bible College I have heard about for years but never had visited (since I've never been in this area before). It was started in 1945 by a Caucasian man and an Afro-American man to train male and female blacks and Caucasians for ministry to the urban areas of our country.

When I found the location I noticed that there was a "FOR SALE" sign out front. On the College's sign were the words, "RELOCATING" but no indication as to when or where the relocation would occur or to where the College was relocating. I was very surprised because there was nothing about this on their web site--only that they had changed their name to Carolina Christian College. There were no parked cars except two vehicles in back of what looked like the main Administration Building--a pick up truck and a Van with the college's old name printed on the side. Behind the Administration building were two other buildings that looked like housing units for students. They seemed to be deserted.

After driving around I parked in front and went up to the front door. I was shocked when it was unlocked. I was able to go in and look around all three floors of the building--except for the third floor. When I entered the third floor sign said that was the men's dorm and all doors to that floor were locked.

But all the doors on the second and first floor were not only unlocked but most of them were wide open! I looked in each room. It was an erie feeling. I felt like the Rapture had occurred because everything was left as though people had been working. On a couple of large conference tables there were open books, notepads and open pens where someone had been studying and had just suddenly left everything. Brief cases were left open by professors' desks and everything was left spread out on what looked like an Administrative Assistant's desk in a Common Area outside the professors' offices and some of the classrooms. You could tell that people had been using the College Library because books and study materials were spread out on the library tables.

I'll never know what happened but it was an erie, unsettling experience. I picked up some literature about the College and left.

I'll always wonder about that experience.

Jim

posted by jim 4:16 PM 0 comments

Monday, October 01, 2007

AN UPDATE

As I said in my previous entry, my trip to North Carolina was great. I'm having a good time here. Saturday my friends took me up to Mount Airy, North Carolina, the home town of Andy Griffith, of the old-time Andy Griffith Show, and more recently the Matlock Series. They had a lot going on. It is an annual 4-day celebration--Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Lots of stores where you can buy all sorts of Mayberry/Andy Griffith "stuff"; museums, etc. It was a lot of fun. We watched some Cloggers and listened to some Blue Grass music also.

Saturday evening we went to a great play, "Smoke On The Mountain", presented by a local community theatre group. They were excellent and the play was outstanding. It was about a Saturday night "sing" in a country Baptist church, set in 1938. I loved hearing a lot of old-time Gospel songs that I haven't heard for a long time.

Sunday (yesterday) was a great day. A fine worship service at a congregation about the size of my home church, approximately 1,500 in attendance. In the afternoon I got a tour of the Wake Forest University Campus and some faculty offices and classrooms. I also got to see where I will be speaking Wednesday night.

Today I hope to do some reading and other things. I may venture out into the community of Wake Forest some also. The weather here is still sunny but VERY COOL!

More as the week progresses!

Jim

posted by jim 9:55 AM 0 comments

Sunday, September 30, 2007

IN NORTH CAROLINA

I'm here! I had a GREAT drive down. No troubles at all and I didn't even get lost--well, at least not until I got to Winston-Salem! But I found my destination, thanks to cell phone navigation!

On the drive down I saw a car on fire in the opposite lane but there were several lanes and a concrete barricade between me and the burning car. And I was traveling at interstate speed!

Also I almost got a really good book "read" (via audio book tape). It is "90 Minutes In Heaven" by Don Piper. Early this week I finished a great book by John McArthur, "The Truth War".

The weather was perfect on the way down and has been perfect since I got here. Really, really cool (which I like) and every day a cloudless sky!

I've done a lot already since arriving. I am writing this Sunday evening. I think tomorrow I'll have time to post about all I have had the privilege of doing since arriving--plus having a great visit with friends.

The only "blot" on the weekend so far--Alabama didn't win their football game! :(

More soon--I promise!

Jim

posted by jim 6:08 PM 0 comments

Friday, September 28, 2007

NEGLECTFUL

I see I haven't Posted in over a month! But it has been a busy month. Some travel for my Company and some pleasure travel. I went to Ohio last weekend and visited some friends.

As soon as I finish this Post I am headed out for North Carolina to visit friends. I'll be gone until October 9th. But I'm counting on having access to a computer all next week and hopefully will have the time to write more in this Journal.

In addition to seeing friends in Winston-Salem, Raleigh and Denver, North Carolina, I am excited about an opportunity I will have next week to share with some students on the Wake Forest Campus (where my friend is a professor). I'm looking forward to meeting with that group of students. I like College Campuses and miss having friends at Rose Hulman in Terre Haute, Indiana, to be able to spend some time on that Campus and attend their great Inter Varsity Large Group meetings. The group I will be meeting with at W.F. is not an IVCF group. It is a group meeting to discuss business ethics, Christian principles and how to balance ministry and business/work. One of the courses my friend teaches at W.F. is Business Ethics.

Gotta run--I'm already 45 minutes later leaving that I had planned.

Hopefully I will write early next week about my trip down and my weekend. Oh yes, my rental this time is a 2007 red Nissan Maximum--so fancy I may have to read the book on this one!

Jim

posted by jim 8:45 AM 0 comments

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

ANOTHER GREAT RENTAL CAR

For my trip this week the car rental company has given me another 2008 automobile--a Chevy Malibu. I really like it. And another good thing is that I'll be able to keep it for my personal trip this coming weekend.

Friday morning one of my daughters and I leave for Tuscaloosa, Alabama, to attend the first of two University of Alabama football games this season. I'm looking forward to the trip and the game. I'm also hoping to visit a cousin who lives in Alabama. So it should be a good trip.

Last weekend was good also. A long-time friend from church took me to dinner and the Colts football game. We were accompanied by one of my daughters and a gentleman whose wife passed away earlier this month. It was a nice evening. The restaurant was Italian and the food and service excellent. And the Colts played well and even won the game!

That's all for now!

posted by jim 10:08 AM 0 comments

Monday, August 27, 2007

OFF AND RUNNING -- AGAIN

After some time in the office tomorrow (Tuesday), I'm off to northwest Indiana for work Wednesday and Thursday. They will bring my rental car to the office in the morning. I wonder what I'll get this time! If I like it, I'll just keep it for my weekend trip. They will just close it out on the company card and re-do it on my personal card. If I don't like it I'll lobby for something else.

We leave Friday morning for Tuscaloosa, Alabama, to attend the first of two University of Alabama football games we will attend this season. I'm looking forward to the trip. I'm looking forward to my other trips, too. I have a couple of friends I knew in their college days that I want to visit. One trip is already set--the first week in October--to North Carolina. I may take a weekend trip west, too.

I appreciate all the prayers I know many of you offer on my behalf. All the insurance "stuff" is worked out and I invested a bit today, both to get the interest and to get it out of my reach so I won't be tempted to do anything foolish with it! :) I'm doing okay but there times it is really hard without my mate of almost 38 years. Today as I thought about all the changes that yet need to be made, for some reason I felt scared for awhile. Fortunately, I didn't dwell on it and the feeling went away. It's just sort of "scary" not knowing what the future is going to be like. I really felt the need to talk to someone. I was able to talk to a friend of mine by cell phone and talking to him a bit helped. Sometimes I just need to verbalize in order to process things. My problem is that I'm usually too proud to call someone. I'm afraid I'll be bothering them or something.

posted by jim 10:38 PM 0 comments

Friday, August 24, 2007

THE WEEKEND

For me it's one of those imponderables: "Why does everyone want to know what I'm doing for the weekend?" The Enterprise car rental driver who took me to get my car; my office mate and other fellow workers; the barber--on and on the list could go. Why does everyone ask? Why do they want to know? Why does one have to have "BIG PLANS" for the weekend? (That's usually what they ask: "Got any big plans for the weekend?"

I guess an even more relevant "imponderable" I should ask is, "Why does this irritate me so much?" (I'll have to "ponder" that one!) But I have to admit, it does irritate me. It's not that I don't have plans--usually I do. But why should they want to know? Why should they care?

If Karon were here she'd say I was just a "grouchy old man"! Guess I'll try to get over my irritation. Maybe I should ask people first, "Any big plans for the weekend?" But honestly--I really don't care!

Jim

posted by jim 3:52 PM 0 comments

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

ON THE ROAD

I'm traveling again--this time for my Company. I'll be in the Evansville area this week until Thursday night. Next week--Wednesday and Thursday--I'll be in Northwest Indiana--Merrillville and Munster area.

My rental this time is a brand new bright red Dodge "Caliber". When I got in to drive it, the odometer showed 14 miles! They are good to me at Enterprise. I'll be renting several cars between now and December 1st.

Jim

posted by jim 4:26 PM 0 comments

Friday, August 17, 2007

DREAMS

At the time of Karon’s death and for a time thereafter I slept very well at night. I didn’t sleep long at a time but I slept well while I was asleep. Some people wondered that I would be able to sleep at all—but I did.

The past few nights have been different, however. I’ve not slept particularly well, waking up several times and having some difficulty getting back to sleep. And I have had some weird dreams. Two recent dreams were the wildest and weirdest. They weren’t frightening or horror dreams—just weird. I have a friend who is expert at recording his dreams in his Journal. I’m not that capable. I probably should try. It might help me process the whole matter. Of course this could also just be the result of eating too much of the wrong things at the wrong time of night! That’s always a possibility!

Anyway, I’m hoping this is just a “phase” of the grieving process. Time will tell, I guess. Now I wonder what each night will bring—rest or no rest?

posted by jim 9:08 AM 0 comments

Monday, August 13, 2007

STATE FAIR EXPERIENCE

Saturday afternoon I took the family to the State Fair. I had decided that we would ride the State Fair Train since our grandson seems to like trains a lot. It took 2 automobiles to get us to the train depot but we all made the train—barely! The grandson was not sure about the experience at first but seemed to warm to the whole idea as the ride progressed. It was about a 30-minute ride.

The fair was great. We really didn’t suffer from the heat. It was warm but also partly cloudy and there was a breeze. The humidity was low, which also made it more comfortable. We managed to stay in the shade a lot, too. It was fun. The baby did real well and the grandson seemed to enjoy himself. Feeding carrots to the goats seemed to be his favorite thing to do but he also enjoyed the fish exhibit in the DNR building.
It was neat to notice the difference in his reactions this year compared to last year at the State Fair. He wasn’t nearly as afraid of the animals this year. He still didn’t want to ride the pony but he didn’t hesitate to pet the pony, cow, sheep and the huge oxen! I was sure he’d have nothing to do with feeding the goats but I was wrong. As I said, he enjoyed it.

I think we each got some of our favorite “Fair Food”. I had my huge smoked turkey leg. I also like the pineapple ice cream swirl but had to settle for an orange one. The grandson had a turkey corn dog and some fries. Of course there were funnel cakes and elephant ears on which we all nibbled.

We were on the back side of the fairgrounds and probably didn’t cover half of that area. But it was enough for one day with little kids. We had to hurry to make the train ride back to our cars or we would have had to wait another hour and a half. That would have made it too late to get home and get kids to bed for church the next day. We cut the timing to get to the train even closer than on the trip to the fairgrounds. It was too close for me—but we all made it on the train! (I was praying hard about that one!) I’m glad we did the train but I prefer having a car to be able to go and come according to my time schedule—not the train schedule.

The plan is that the two unmarried daughters and I will go back this Saturday and “do” the rest of the fair. (We’re taking a car this time!) I am sure I’ll have another smoked turkey leg. I’ll try to find that pineapple ice cream swirl and also I’ve got my eye on those special fried potatoes!

posted by jim 12:33 PM 0 comments

Monday, August 06, 2007

NOTHING MUCH NEW ABOUT WHICH TO WRITE

This is a difficult era in my life in which to write in this journal. It doesn’t have to do with lack of time but rather, about what do I write?

Thinking of things about which to write isn’t hard but knowing whether or not to write my thoughts is more difficult. It is hard to know what things other people might be interested in. There are a bunch of topics I think about and would like to post in this journal. But as I sit down to write I think, “Who cares?” I don’t get much feedback from this journal so it is hard to know.

It is especially difficult to discern whether to write certain things at this point in my life. Karon’s death and the thoughts, feelings and events regarding that occurrence make up the major portion of my life right now. But I am well aware that as far as other people are concerned, I’m past the time when people think it should an issue.

So I am trying hard not to be one of those people who constantly talks about their deceased spouse. Those people can be real bores and I don’t want to become one of those—either in person or in this journal. If one becomes like that, when people see you coming, they turn and head the other way. Or if they can’t “escape”, get that “deer-in-the-headlights” glazed look in their eyes.

There are times I really feel a need to talk to someone -- like the other night standing in a checkout line at Wal-Mart. There’s no logical reason why that should have occurred in that setting at that time. But I was really the most overcome and overwhelmed I have been since Karon’s death. I did the only thing I knew to do without leaving my place in the very long checkout line! I called a dear friend who lives a long way from here. It probably wasn’t a convenient time for him because he was heading home from the grocery store. I didn’t talk long and I didn’t talk about how I was feeling at that time. But talking to him helped. I’m grateful for that and for his willingness to let me talk to him for a few minutes. But I try to keep that sort of thing to a minimum. I don’t just go calling people every time I feel the need to talk to someone. So the alternative would be to write in this journal. But the same danger of boring everyone exists. So until I become more imaginative in my selection of topics, I’m prone not to write at all. I hate that because I like writing. Oh well, maybe I’ll settle for being a “partial bore”!

posted by jim 8:21 AM 0 comments

Sunday, July 29, 2007

ALL GOING WELL

I have had a great trip to St. Louis and a great visit with friends here. No problem getting around in St, Louis--even though there were lots of times of heavy rain on the drive to St. Louis and while finding my destination in the St. Louis area. But all went well and I'll be headed home this afternoon after church. Hopefully I won't drive in lots of rain on the trip home. But it has been a good trip. Gasoline is cheaper here, too!

We spent most of Saturday afternoon at the St. Louis Botanical Gardens. It was very impressive and very interesting. A pleasant way to spend part of a day with good friends.

More later,

Jim

posted by jim 9:04 AM 0 comments

Friday, July 27, 2007

FORMS, FORMS AND MORE FORMS

It seems that is what insurance companies and other agencies do well—produce forms. Various companies and agencies have sent me forms to complete. I have completed them, mailed them back, expecting the insurance companies to pay on the policies we for which we have paid premiums for a long time. What do I get back in the mail? More forms to complete and send back! At least I’m a good “form completer” (if there is such a word!)

I did some checking by telephone today. There is the expectation—based on information I received today—that I may get something in the mail besides more forms. I am sure the Funeral Home would appreciate some money as my bill there is still outstanding.

I’ve taken these past two days off work just to catch up on errands and tasks that need to be completed. It has been a good two days. I have accomplished a lot, including a trip to my area Social Security office to order a replacement social security card. I haven’t been able to find mine for quite a while. That experience went very well. In fact, through all this maze of forms, paperwork and phone calls, the Social Security Administration is the only agency that hasn’t stiff-armed me. They did everything they said they would in a very timely manner. They even returned the original documents I was required to send to them. Unbelievable! Now I speak a good word for the Social Security offices with whom I have had to deal.

I think I’m about ready to go to St. Louis to visit friends this weekend. They are going to Ireland for maybe three years because of his work. It should be fun to hang out with them if I can find my way around or through St. Louis.

My thanks to all who read this.

Jim

posted by jim 11:15 AM 1 comments

Monday, July 23, 2007

TRAVELING MAN

I hope to be a “Traveling Man”. I have places I want to go because at those locations are people about whom I care very much and want to spend some time with each of them.

Where do I want to go? This weekend I am going to St. Louis Missouri. I also want to visit people in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, North Carolina, Ohio, Canada and even Alaska. Two trips are already planned to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, to attend University of Alabama football games. One of these Alabama trips will take place in September and the other in November.

Will I get to all those other places? I don’t know but I certainly hope so. Some will be sooner, others later. Any of you reading this in one of those locations, don’t panic! I won’t just show up on your doorstep and say, “SURPRISE! I’M HERE!” You’ll be forewarned and I’d only come if it were convenient to everyone. Also, I have to get through the maze of legal and insurance entanglements that currently consume my time, energy and mental ingenuity. So far all that has happened is that various entities have sent me numerous forms to complete and return. I have done this but none of this form-completing-returning activity has produced any beneficial results.

But contemplating these trips helps me in adjusting to life without Karon right now. It helps to be able to look forward to seeing the people in these various locations because they mean so very much to me. No one can ever replace another in the heart. But each person with whom we have a special relationship has an important place in our hearts and lives. And I want to spend time with these people who are special to me in my life.

There are people like that right here in my home town, too. I hope to get to spend some time with each of them also. And that won’t require any travel—except maybe across town. But it does require time! I hope to make time to spend that quality time with people.

Be seeing you!

Jim

posted by jim 8:45 AM 0 comments

Monday, July 16, 2007

“HOW ARE YOU DOING?” HOW DO I KNOW?

I am sure that at least a gazillion people have asked me, “How are you doing?” My answer depends on who is asking. If I think it is just a greeting or they are saying something because they don’t know what else to say, my response is, “O.K.” or something to that affect.

If I think the person asking that question really wants to know, my response could still sound flippant but I don’t mean it to be. I respond, “I don’t really know. Ask me again in a few weeks.” Not that I think I’ll know then either but I really don’t know how I am doing. In fact, I don’t know how I’m supposed to be doing.

From my reading and discussions with others I’d say what I’m feeling—both physically and emotionally—is “normal” (whatever that is!) for this stage in the grief process. I’m staying busy (as I said in the previous post) with work and the many details associated with the death of a spouse. I don’t dread going home at night nor do I dread going to bed. I don’t sleep long at night but I sleep fairly well when I am asleep. I am very tired a lot of the time. To be tired after I first get up in the mornings is unusual for me. I’ve always been tired at night after putting in a full day and evening of activities. But it is a bit unusual for me to be tired in the mornings and afternoons.

I don’t think I have any “dreads” or “fears”. There are some things associated with the aftermath of the death of a spouse that I’m not ready to do yet. Other things I’m ready to pitch in and accomplish.

I know it will all be okay. I just don’t know when. I also know that many of the legal and business details will drag on for a long time. My task-oriented, perfectionist nature wants everything to be accomplished immediately. But it just doesn’t work that way and intellectually I know that. But accepting that emotionally and physically is another matter! I anticipate that one of the biggest issues to untangle and solve will be the insurance issues. I’ve begun this process already and foresee difficulties. Example: two weeks ago I notified one of the life insurance companies of Karon’s death. The said they would mail a claim form right away. I have not received it so I called and they didn’t mail it until the day before yesterday. The funeral home would like to be paid. But I’m waiting on that insurance company. I am sure that is just one of the many tangles I’ll have to unravel.

Oh well!

Jim

posted by jim 9:32 PM 0 comments

Thursday, July 12, 2007

ENOUGH TO KEEP ME BUSY

WOW! There are so many business and legal things to attend to and so much paperwork to be completed connected with Karon’s death. I can see why one doesn’t have time to grieve. But perhaps all this is a part of the grieving process. At least for me it is bringing closure to my life with Karon. So far I have had her name removed from our cars’ registrations and titles; our banking accounts, all our credit cards and our house mortgage. So far everything has gone smoothly with no complications. It is helpful that you can call most credit card companies 24/7. There was only one I had to call during daytime business hours.

Each removal of her name brings an added sense of finality—that it is over and she is really “gone”. I think that’s a good thing. And each time her name is successfully removed from some document there is an increasing sense of accomplishment. I think it’s all good—at least so far. We’ll see what the future brings.

For now the hardest thing for me without Karon is that there is so much I want to tell her. When I hear from someone I want to tell her. When someone does something special I want her to know it. Several people have said, “Go ahead and tell her.” I haven’t decided about that yet.

But I do thank all from who I have heard. The contacts have been strengthening and very helpful. My very special friend who lives way too far from me called over the weekend and that was encouraging. Another very good friend invited me to dinner tonight. That is much appreciated. I’m looking forward to that

Jim

posted by jim 5:24 PM 0 comments

Sunday, July 08, 2007

IN A WHIRLWIND

The past two weeks have been a whirlwind for me. It hardly seems like nearly two weeks since Karon went to be with the Lord. There has been so much to do to prepare for the Visitation and Memorial Service. Some people commented about the length of time between Karon's death and the memorial service. There were several reasons, plus I don't think we could have been ready a minute sooner.

The Friday after Karon's death was our middle daughter's birthday. None of us wanted to have the service that day. That same weekend our niece got married in Chicago and we didn't want to interfere with the activities for the wedding that had been planned and prepared so long in advance. So last Monday and Tuesday were the best days.

And we needed the time for preparation. Karon and I had done most of the pre-arrangements. The only thing we didn't do was select the cemetery plots. The fellow in charge of that decided he'd rather go to Florida than meet with us! But everything else was arranged. Still it took all day to make those last-minute details. Then there were pictures to select for the DVD; music to choose to go with the DVD; housing to arrange for out-of-town guests, and a "million" other decisions and things to arrange, including the details of the memorial service itself. Our youngest daughter (the only one married) said she thought this was worse than planning a wedding!

But after all was accomplished I look back and am satisfied that we did our best and that God and the Lord Jesus were glorified and that Karon would have been pleased. My only concern was that people who came to the visitation at the church had to stand in line for such a long time. But I don't know anyway that could have been changed. At least having the viewing in the church worship center there were seats along the aisle where people could sit while waiting for the line to move forward. I thank everyone who came, for honoring Karon and blessing the girls and me by being there and I thank you for waiting.

There's much more to journal about but I'll do so in installments.

Jim

posted by jim 6:25 PM 0 comments

Thursday, June 28, 2007

SERVICE TIMES FOR KARON

For those who would like to know arrangements for Karon's Memorial Service:
Viewing Monday, July 2nd, 4 p. m. to 8 p. m. at Traders Point Christian Church, 6590 South Indianapolis Road; Whitestown, Indiana. (I-65 and SR 334. Zionsville Exit off I-65).

Memorial Service Tuesday, July 3rd, 10:00 a. m. Traders Point Christian Church.

This seemed to be the quickest and easiest way to let some people know the schedule. And I am so overwhelmed with things to do by deadlines! It's like there's no time to grieve. Guess that will have to be postponed until later.

Thanks for your prayers--please continue--at least for awhile!

Jim

posted by jim 10:51 PM 0 comments

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

KARON'S HEALING

My dear wife of nearly 38 years was healed of her cancer last night (Tuesday) at 9 p. m. when the Lord called her home to be with Him.

It occurred just the way she wanted it and in a way that only God could have overseen. I'm sure I'll have more posts about this in the future. But for now this is all I'm able to write.

Jim

posted by jim 12:32 AM 1 comments

Friday, June 22, 2007

THE REPORT ISN’T A GOOD ONE

We went to the Oncologist doctor Wednesday and received the report we expected. Karon had a bone scan and CT scan done May 31st. She said she didn't need scans to tell her that things are a lot worse. She was right. The tumor marker (or cancer count) had elevated sharply in a comparatively short period of time – from 80 to 127 in three weeks. The tumors in the liver have increased in number and size. There doesn't seem to be much change with the tumors in the lungs although Karon says she's been experiencing some shortness of breath. The cancer is aggressively active again in the bones also.

The doctor had one more suggestion of treatment to try. It is a low dosage of a combination of a couple of different drugs taken by mouth. He says there is about a 5% chance of them having any positive effect. We've decided to give that a try. Karon and I both understood him to say he doesn't have any other treatment suggestions after this.

So the journey continues but for how long we don’t know. As the doctor said, “I don’t know how long. I don’t have a crystal ball.” As Karon puts it, “I don’t have an expiration date stamped on the bottom of my foot.”

We are trying to complete our pre-need funeral arrangements. (See Post June 6th.) We thought we would have it all completed by now. Hopefully we can get that completed in the next week or two. The Dr. discussed the various types of Hospice arrangements that are available and how they work. I haven't checked into how all that works with our particular insurance.

Jim

posted by jim 7:47 AM 0 comments

Thursday, June 21, 2007

TWO DOWN—ONE TO GO

Of course I’m referring to our recent epidemic of Garage Sales. We have had two at our house. The third (and I hope last) one is in our daughter’s neighborhood in the western part of our town this Saturday morning.

We had rain at our first garage sale and sunny, hot weather for our second one. At least we didn’t have to constantly move things in and out of the garage the second time. We had more people at the second sale but not many more were in a “buying mode” but we did get rid of some things.

The best part was that at the end of the day of the second garage sale Am Vets came and hauled away everything we didn’t want. All we had to do was set it out at the end of our driveways.

That worked well but there were a lot of things we saved to take to our daughter’s neighborhood garage sale this Saturday morning. We also have a number of things which we are donating to “CITY LIGHT MISSION". Their work is with Prison Ministry. Besides ministering to folk in the prisons, they assist people who have been released from prison get re-established in society. We have things they can use and they also will come pick them up.

We figured out that between all of us, we had well in excess of 40 hours invested in the two garage sales. If you figured out what we actually made, it figures out to pennies per hour. It is even worse that we didn’t get rid of everything, The item of which we still have the largest quantity is BOOKS! We have BOOKS, BOOKS AND MORE BOOKS! I’m not sure how to get rid of them. Half Priced Book Store, maybe.

I told Karon that there are a lot of “4-letter words” that I don’t use and I don’t want to hear others use either. But there are two words I don’t want to hear used in my presence: GARAGE SALE!

Jim

posted by jim 2:37 PM 0 comments

Monday, June 18, 2007

A GREAT FATHERS’ DAY GIFT

In preparation for our two garage sales (the second one was Saturday) we uncovered all our old vinyl phonograph records. There are 78, 33 and 45 rpm records. Those 45 rpm records are the ones with the huge hole in the center. We put all the records in the garage sale. Only a few sold. Between the first and second garage sale Karon pulled out several records.

Dumb Me! I told her, “There’s no use to save those. They don’t even make turntables any more to be able to play them.”

It seemed like I had no more than spoken the words until Karon was showing me an advertisement from Big Lots. (Boy! I do like that store!) There it was -- a sale on “retro phonograph players, complete with turntable to play 78, 33 and 45 rpm records!

You don’t get three guesses as to what I got for Fathers’ Day! Yep -- a retro phonograph player with an adapter for 45 rpm records. This one is really neat, though. It is a convenient table model size and can play records or CDs and has an AM/FM radio. Plus there is a place to plug in earphones and an MP3 player.

For a table model with dual built in speakers, it has a decent sound. And best of all, it is simple enough I can run the machine. I’m about the only one that can run the record player because I’m about the only one in my family old enough to have owned a phonograph player growing up.

I’m happy with it and very appreciative. And Karon will enjoy it also.
Come over and we’ll “spin a few platters!”_

Jim

posted by jim 1:41 PM 0 comments

Monday, June 11, 2007

THE GOOD AND THE BAD

“Paris Hilton, Paris Hilton!” I’m so tired of hearing, “Paris Hilton this, Paris Hilton that….” And before Paris Hilton it was “Anna Nicole Smith”. And before her it was….who remembers.

My point is, I’m not just tired of hearing about these individuals in the newspapers, radio and television. I’m tired of hearing about all the “bad and the ugly”. Sure there’s “bad”. But it seems so easy to focus on that and to ignore the “good”—especially the good people in the world. I guess it’s true that the “good” doesn’t sell newspapers or increase Nielson ratings for television and radio. But there sure are a lot of “good” people out there. And when I say, “good”, I am using it in the Scriptural context of “godly”.

I’m just one person but in my little world I know a “ton” of good/godly people. And a lot of those people are what are “teen-agers” or “young adults”. If I chose to do so, I could fill this Blog with names of terrific, outstanding young adults who are a credit to their parents, their colleges, to society and most important—a credit to their God and His church.

These many young people I know have integrity, high standards of morality and consistently strive to attain and maintain moral purity. They have high standards of excellence in service to Christ and His church and to their fellow human beings.

These individuals worship regularly, both privately and in corporate worship. They read and study God’s Word and many of them regularly lead others in a study of the Scriptures.

In short, these are people I am proud to know and to be able to count many of them among my very best friends. I thank God for them. I just wish the world could know them and come to realize what an asset they are to society as well as to the Kingdom of God.

Jim

posted by jim 3:30 PM 0 comments

Wednesday, June 06, 2007

PRE-ARRANGEMENTS

Last night Karon and I began—and nearly completed—something we have talked about doing for a long time. We pre-arranged our funeral details and pre-paid the expenses.

Death, and the arrangements regarding it, is a subject most people avoid. (Although the gentleman from the funeral home said more and more people are making pre-need arrangements. I think he said something like 5 million a year in the United States.)

We didn’t pre-arrange the details of the memorial services. But we did arrange for about everything else and covered the expenses by an irrevocable trust. A lot of the costs are guaranteed at today’s prices. Some things couldn’t be guaranteed. But for those things we hopefully included enough money in the Trust so that about all either one of us (or our children) has to do is to arrange the memorial service, pay the preacher and write the obituary. We’ll leave obituary details with the funeral director and we’ll write memorial service ideas, too. Oh yes, the grave marker will be extra also.

In a couple of weeks we’ll finish the process by going with our representative from the funeral home to select a grave site at the cemetery of our choice.

It will be good to have this whole process completed. It gives us peace of mind knowing we have made rational, logical decisions rather than emotional ones in the stress of the grieving process. It also gives us peace of mind knowing our wishes will be carried out and that our children and estate will not be burdened with unexpected or unplanned expenses.

We are grateful that we had a Believer in Christ guiding us in this process. We were all on the “same page” and we didn’t have to convince him that we knew what we were doing. He wasn’t “pushy” and was very helpful.

Yes, this is a good thing.

posted by jim 11:17 PM 0 comments

Thursday, May 31, 2007

KARON’S PROGRESS

Hello again.

Karon saw the Oncologist Monday, May 21st. The tumor marker count had gone back up to 80 from 70 last month. But the doctor said to give it some more time to see if this is a new pattern. So she had the usual chemo infusion treatments. She was scheduled to have CT and bone scans done June 11th.

However, her left leg has been giving her such terrific pain in the spot where the cancer first showed up after it had metastasized to the bones from the Breast. So I got her an appointment with the orthopedic doctor yesterday. His X-Rays did not show any reason for the pain. He arranged for the CT and bone scans to be done today instead of June 11th. We hope to get the results of these tests early next week. Sure hope they can figure out why she is in such pain so they can provide some relief. It has been a rough few days for both of us because of that situation. She is also suffering from a severe hernia which, when it comes loose, gives her a lot of pain also.

We do appreciate all who pray for us. God is good—all the time.

Jim

posted by jim 8:43 PM 0 comments

Tuesday, May 29, 2007

GARAGE SALE A "WASH-OUT"-- LITERALLY

After our weeks of working to move things to our garage from our storage area; sorting, organizing and pricing--the sale was a "wash-out". The sale was Friday night, Saturday and Monday.

It rained Friday night, it rained Saturday off and on all day. We got so tired of taking things in and out of the garage. We finally just covered things when it rained. We decided Monday we'd just leave everything out and cover it. We had lots of large plastic leaf bags which we had cut open.

It didn't rain Monday but neither did people come! We had maybe six all day Monday! Oh well, more things to sell in the neighborhood garage sale June 16th.

When anyone mentions "garage or yard sale" in my presence it is almost like cursing! I hope I never do this again. I sure don't plan to! But we had good help from our family and from friends from our old church, Countryside.

And we had good family time. Everyone was at our house and we got to spend a lot of time with the grandchildren. Our oldest, 2 1/2 year old Jackson was a
delight. And he enjoyed "helping" and being with his Granny, Pappa and his two aunts. I did talk to a few very interesting people!

I was glad to go back to work to "rest up"!

Jim

posted by jim 7:02 PM 0 comments

Sunday, May 27, 2007

STILL ANOTHER GOOD BOOK

The pace of our life hasn’t slowed down any since my so-called “retirement” from ministering at Countryside, as I had expected and hoped that it would. I still have hopes, however, that the pace will slow and the demands and obligations be reduced. (That may just be “wishful thinking”, but we’ll see. One can always hope!)

In fact, some aspects of my life have actually increased. This is especially true of my “day job”. The job encompasses a lot more than previously and the travel has increased. At home we have had the garage sale for which to prepare. That has been no small task! I’ll Post about the garage sale experience after the last day, which is tomorrow (Monday). Well, it is the last day until the neighborhood garage sale June 16th.

One “positive” of my increased travel has been the opportunity to “read” more—both by the use of audio books and actually reading words printed on a page. Traveling last week, one evening I had the opportunity to spend some quality time in a Christian Book Store. There I found several good books and bought three!

Two of them I gave to my wife for her birthday last Friday. One of those I intend to read some day. But the third book I bought for myself and am currently reading it. So far the book is living up to my expectations. The title is, “PINOCCHIO PARENTING”, by Chuck Borsellino. The subtitle is, “21 Outrageous Lies We Tell Our Kids”. I plan to give this book to our daughter and son-in-law to help with the raising of our two grandchildren.

The book discusses 21 common “sayings” or “quotes” that many of us have heard from our childhood. This book clearly points out why telling these to our kids potentially can have a negative effect. Then the author points out what we SHOULD say—that which is the truth.

I like the book because almost all 21 of these are “sayings” with which I am familiar and have heard or even said. “Sayings” such as, “You Can Be Anything You Want to Be; “Looks Don’t matter--It’s What’s On the Inside That Counts”; “It’s the Thought That Counts”; “It Doesn’t Matter Whether You Win Or Lose—It’s How You Play the Game”. You get the idea.

Of course Pinocchio in the title comes from the story of Pinocchio’s nose growing every time he tells a lie. The book is well written and holds my interest.

In my opinion, this is a great book. I recommend it not only to parents with children but to grandparents, parents anticipating children and anyone who has been tempted to use or actually uses some of these sayings.

This book is probably available in any Christian bookstore or on line. It’s probably even available in secular book stores. I only paid $18 for a hardback version.

If any of you read it, (or have read it), leave a comment and let me know what you think.

Jim

posted by jim 5:15 PM 0 comments

Friday, May 25, 2007

I THINK WE'RE READY. . .

For the garage sale, that is! Thanks to hard work by some of the family and very expert assistance by some friends for our old church, Countryside, everything is organized and priced. I had to be out of town for work Monday night and Tuesday night. Tuesday night they got a lot accomplished. I was able to get back in time to be of some assistance (I think) Wednesday night. Now we have just a few last minute details which need to be taken care of and we'll be ready for tonight.

We hoping and praying for good weather. But what's a garage sale without some rain--especially on the 500 race weekend! It's like I told the family, the main goal is not to make money but to get rid of all this "stuff"! I'm not sure they totally agree with me--about the "not making money aspect". Karon says I'm spending more than I'll make but that's hopefully not true. It is true that I spent money on newspaper advertising and I bought a couple of large, durable signs with wire frames for a couple of intersection corners. I consider both of those a good investment!

Karon had chemo Monday so she's now suffering the side effects and feels pretty miserable. Hopefully this weekend won't be too much for her.

I'll let you know how the garage sale turns out. We're having it tonight (Friday), tomorrow and Monday. When they were setting up Tuesday night they sold a lamp to a neighbor. This morning early a couple of guys stopped by inquiring about the sale. Hope that interest continues through the weekend.

What we don't get rid of this weekend we'll try to sell in the neighborhood yard sale June 16th.

Blessings,

Jim

posted by jim 9:15 AM 0 comments

Saturday, May 19, 2007

ANOTHER BOOK

I finished another book. I recommend it. The book is, "TRAVELING LIGHT", by Max Lucado. I usually like Lucado's writings--some more than others. But for me this one was very practical and written in the usual outstanding style with which Max has been gifted.

As the cover states, the books deals with "releasing the burdens you were never intended to bear". It is a treatment of Psalm 23. I must say, the most unusual treatment of that psalm I have ever read.

In the book he talks about various "burdens"--worry, fear, guilt, etc. And he connects each one to a portion of the 23rd Psalm and shows how that part of the psalm deals with that specific burden.

In my opinion, the book is well written, a quick and rather easy read--and very helpful. I can recommend it.

Now I'm reading one of my "relaxing" books, a mystery.

TOUGH WEEKS

The next couple of weeks appear to be kind of rough. If all goes as planned, Karon will have another Chemo treatment Monday. I will be in town to go to the doctor with her. We'll find out if the Chemo treatments are still being effective in lowering the cancer count. Then I have to leave town for a couple of days and nights. Get this: I'm going to Santa Claus, Indiana, and I'm staying at Santa's Lodge! :) I'll get back Wednesday afternoon and be gone again Thursday, but not over night.

Now all this wouldn't be so bad, except Karon had decided long ago that we need to have a Garage Sale. (She's right--we need to!) But we're not "garage sale people". And she "drew a line in the sand" that the sale would take place Memorial Day Weekend.

So we're "Babes in the Woods" as far as knowing what to do and how to do it. We have had only one other one in our married life and it was sort of a disaster. Of course we're hoping for a better experience this time. The garage sale is scheduled for Saturday and Monday. Friday is Karon's birthday and we'll be busy getting final preparations completed for the garage sale. One of my "gifts" to her is that I'm taking the day off to complete preparations. Another "gift", is that I'm going to try to do all this without my usual complaining!

I'm hoping for some "expert" help, but that may be just wishful thinking. I do have someone in mind to ask to maybe help us a bit in getting ready, especially with arranging and knowing how to price items.

This experience is compounded by the fact that about garage sale time, Karon will not be feeling at all well as a result of the Chemo treatment she'll have Monday.

Hopefully we'll all survive this entire experience! Hopefully I'll be able to post a follow-up!

Jim

posted by jim 8:44 AM 1 comments

Sunday, May 13, 2007

ANOTHER WEDDING

It was my privilege to participate in another wedding of one of my friends yesterday. I should explain that weddings normally are not my “forte”. There are other things where I am more comfortable and seem to be a better representative of my faith.

But recently (the past four months or so) I have been privileged to be a part of several very special weddings. For some I have had the pleasure and opportunity to spend time with the couple before the wedding. For some I’ve done that and have participated in the ceremony. Today I just participated in the ceremony.

The ceremony was “Christian” in more than name only. It was held in a church but that is not what made it Christian. (That’s really not what makes any wedding Christian.) It is the commitment the couple has to Christ and to having their wedding a place where Christ is comfortable. That was true of the wedding yesterday. The couple is committed to serving Christ with their lives and through their marriage. They waited for the right person and they waited until they were the “right” person.

It was a simple wedding (the best kind, in my opinion). The music was totally Christian. The wedding reception was simple with lots of excellent food. And best of all, we had the opportunity to visit with each other and with the Bride and Groom and the others in the wedding party. There were not a lot of nauseating interruptions that you experience at most wedding receptions. Yes, I have no doubt that Christ was a welcome guest at this wedding.

It was a gorgeous day, weather-wise. The couple left the church in a horse and buggy! I wish the couple much happiness. I pray they will be used by God—and I’m sure that they will. It was a good wedding.

My very favorite wedding of all-time (other than my own, and that of our youngest daughter, who was married 5 years ago yesterday) was the wedding rehearsal, rehearsal dinner and ceremony in which I was privileged to share this past New Year’s Eve day. THAT was a terrific wedding. (I blogged about it recently. See the post dated April 14th). Those two days are two days I’d like to re-live. They were wonderful. Yes, the counseling sessions and the rehearsal, rehearsal dinner and wedding ceremony and reception were very special times! The wedding of Eric and Jamie was so special to me. That couple and their wedding party mean so much to me. I’m blessed to have such friends.

Jim

posted by jim 8:12 PM 0 comments

Sunday, May 06, 2007

A GREAT BOOK ABOUT HEAVEN

Yesterday I completed what I consider a really great book. Now before I write about it, you have to understand that when I say I “read” a book, I “read” with my ears! Due to my travel and the amount of time spend in a car; I take advantage of the time to listen to audio books. I have “read” some great books that way—both fiction and non-fiction; secular and religious.

Driving the moving truck back from Georgia to Indiana last Monday, I had a lot of time to “listen” to this book, but it wasn’t enough time to finish the book until yesterday.

I “read” the book, “HEAVEN” by Randy Alcorn. He does an extensive treatment of what the life after death will be like for the Christian. I won’t spoil the book but telling you what he says. Beside, that would be too time-consuming. But I highly recommend this book for at least four reasons:

1. IT IS BIBLICALLY BASED. All that he says has a sound basis in God’s Word.

2. HE CLEARLY STATES WHEN HE IS SPECULATING. And there is plenty of that in the book. But even his speculation has a biblical basis. But I especially like that he clearly says what is his speculation and states how his “speculation” is based on the Bible. There is A LOT of Scripture quoted in the book.

3. When I finished the book I felt like I had read a lot of other books on the subject because he quotes extensively from many other authors’ works on the subject. Of course it didn’t hurt my impression any that he quoted from two of my favorite authors—C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien. Having read all of their most notable works, the quotes were especially meaningful to me.

4. And the final—and maybe the major reason why I liked the book—Alcorn greatly expanded my thinking regarding what the after-life and heaven MIGHT be like.

I have been greatly blessed by the book. I recommend it. I’d love a discussion with some of you who may have read the book—or with some of you after you read the book.

God bless,

Jim

Labels: Literature

posted by jim 11:38 PM 0 comments

Thursday, May 03, 2007

CONTINUED PROGRESS

Karon saw the doctor last Monday and had another Chemo treatment. I was not able to be there as I was driving a Budget Rental Truck from Georgia to Indiana!

Her tumor marker count has gone down from 84.5 to 70.6 so that is going the right direction. Again it has to be less then 35 to be under control and then has to stay there.

I've been going crazy, almost literally, with everything--flying to Atlanta, helping with our daughter's move to Indiana, driving the moving truck a day and half. Then two days and one night at a Mega Conference at the Indianapolis Convention Center. All this means that emails and other things at work are continuing to pile up at my office.

I'm trying to take one day at a time and to be grateful and to express gratitude to God for His strength for each day. I'm forgetting about any kind of rest for the time being!

Better get to bed now. It is 1 a. m. my time and I have to be up early and down to the Convention center again all day.

Jim

posted by jim 12:52 AM 1 comments

Saturday, April 28, 2007

UPDATE OF KARON’S CONDITION

Some readers of this Blog may not know that my wife of 37+ years, Karon, is battling the cancer disease. In 2000 breast cancer was discovered. After a lumpectomy and radiation therapy she was pronounced “cured”. Everything was good until March of 2004, when the doctors FINALLY paid attention to her symptoms and discovered bone cancer. It was in all of the skeletal structure—head to toe. It has since metastasized to the liver and lungs, where malignant tumors have been discovered. They have been growing until recently. They seem to have stopped their rapid growth lately.

As a result of the bone cancer, her left hip broke in May of 2004. This has required two surgeries and a lot of rehab. She gets around now with the aid of a three-wheel walker. She has been in nearly continuous chemotherapy since. They have tried many, many drugs and combination of drugs but none seem to be effective against her type of cancer. Every 3 weeks they do a special blood work that tells the “cancer count” or “tumor marker”. 0 to 38 is considered normal. Hers has been as high as about 170.

On March 6th the tumor marker was at 134.5 which was a drop of 30 points from the February results. At the last count April 9th, the marker was down to 84.5 which was a decrease of 50 points in four weeks. Praise God for the count going down since she started on this latest combination of chemo drugs, Cytoxan and Taxol. We are especially thankful because the doctor said there was probably only a 10% chance that these drugs would be effective. She has had four treatments of these drugs. She goes Monday and we will find out if these drugs are still effective and if the count is continuing to decrease. She will probably have another chemo treatment of these drugs Monday if it seems they are doing any good.

Last week she spent most of the week in the hospital due to the side effects of the chemo. They gave her lots of fluids, antibiotics and 2 pints of blood.

I hate it that I can’t be with her at the doctor’s appointment Monday. I don’t like to have her hear news alone. But I’ll be driving a moving truck back from Atlanta, Georgia. (See previous post.) But we have a good friend who will take her and be with her at the doctor’s appointment.

Besides, God is always with us – all the time!

Jim

Labels: Personal

posted by jim 11:55 AM 0 comments

TRAVELING

Work has had me traveling quite a bit this month. Not far but frequently. A few times I've spent a night or two in a hotel. Several have been day trips. I just got back from a couple of days in southwest Indiana. I was in that area couple of weeks ago also. This trip Karon was physically able to go with me. On our way back to Indy, we got to stop by the recently re-modeled French Lick Resort and Casino area. WE DIDN'T DO ANY GAMBLING! But we enjoyed spending a bit of time in the lobby of the beautiful, revamped hotel.

It looks like I'll be spending more consistent time traveling in the days ahead. I foresee that most trips will be day-trips. But there will be some "overnights" mixed in also.

Besides work travel, I'm doing a personal trip tomorrow. I fly to Atlanta, Georgia, where I will drive a moving truck back to Indianapolis. One of our daughter has been living and working in the Atlanta-area the past 5 years. She's decided to come back to the Indy area. She will continue to work for her same company. So we drive back Monday and unload the truck Tuesday. I'll drive the truck and she'll drive her car. If you get this in time, you might pray for a safe trip!

More when I get back.

Jim

Labels: Personal

posted by jim 11:17 AM 0 comments

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

TRAGEDY

The events at Virginia Tech College have gripped the nation. I have been quite disturbed also. I keep thinking of all my college friends in several colleges throughout Indiana and in other states as well. I also have been reflecting on all my college-graduate friends, as well as my own daughters long since graduated from their colleges.

I try to imagine my feelings and reactions if I would have heard about such a massacre on one of their college campuses. I can’t begin to imagine what it would be like. I pray I’ll never have to know what that’s like. But I need to try to imagine how I would feel because I want to be able to empathize with the parents and other loved ones, as well as the friends of those slain and injured at Virginia Tech Monday.

As I write this and contemplate Monday’s awful occurrence, in my mind’s eye I am seeing the faces of all my college friends—those already graduated and those still studying at various colleges. I try to pray about the situation but it is hard. I want to pray for the survivors but I also want to thank God that none of my college friends have been killed or injured—then I feel guilty! But I am thankful that none of my college friends have had to experience such a horrific, life-changing tragedy in their lives.

But there is no smugness in my attitude. Who knows where it could happen next? We live in a fallen world. We tend to forget that and wonder why God lets such tragedies happen. It is not God’s will that such things take place. It is because of sin entering the world in the Garden of Eden. Until Christ’s return this world will suffer the consequences of that sin. Yesterday’s tragedy was just one manifestation of that sin in the world. But I take comfort in the knowledge that Christ has overcome the world.

A lot has been said and written, placing blame for Monday’s massacre at Virginia Tech. Other than the fact that the murderous rampage occurred at all, my biggest disappointment is that so many are playing the “blame game”. Everyone points fingers and has all kinds of ideas about what should have been done. What’s that old saying? “Hindsight is 20/20”. Now everyone knows what should have been done!

Yes, we need to evaluate and improve where possible. But what good does just blaming somebody do? I also have empathy for the University of Virginia Tech officials and the Campus and local law enforcement personnel.

It was a terrible situation. I wish we wouldn’t make it worse by everybody blaming everybody else. Work together to do what you can for this situation. Then work together to find ways to better guard against something like that happening in the future—as much as is possible.

God be with the grieving survivors.

Jim

Labels: TRAGEDY

posted by jim 12:04 AM 0 comments

Saturday, April 14, 2007

WEDDINGS

I won’t try to write about everything that was significant (or even insignificant) to me during the hiatus in entries in this Journal. But two events occurred almost simultaneously that have had a sustained, positive impact on my life. These events were both weddings at which two of my very dear friends were married. These weddings took place on the same day (New Years Eve Day) very close to the same time—but thousands of miles apart.

In one wedding I was privileged to be personally involved by studying and counseling with the couple. Then I was so privileged and honored to be able to perform the wedding ceremony for them. For the other wedding I had to be content to pray about and hear details of it later. One wedding took place in Indiana in a beautiful chapel on a college campus. The other wedding took place in Western Canada in a small church.

Both couples are committed Christians who demonstrate Christ in their talk and in their walk. From what I have been told about the “far away” wedding, and what I experienced at the Indiana wedding, they were occasions where Christ was honored and of which He was proud to be a part.

I am sure that I have never been a part of any wedding anywhere, anytime that was more God-honoring and Christ-exalting than the wedding in which I was privileged to participate. Every detail exuded Christ-likeness. Every piece of music that was played glorified and praised the Savior. You could tell that not only was there a lot of thought and planning involved, but that everything was considered from a desire to please and honor God. And it did!

It was such a blessing that I still bask in the blessings that came to me from being a participant. Even the reception was a blessed, God-honoring event. It was also such a blessing for me to be re-united with several of my friends from that college whom I have known through Inter Varsity Christian fellowship. Many of them have graduated and are in the work force. But it is so good to see them continuing faithful to Christ and His church in worship and in service.

How refreshing, in this day when the marriage of one man to one woman is being called into question and even ridiculed, to find Christian couples so desirous of honoring Christ with their lives. Both couples exemplified the Biblical standard of moral purity before marriage. And they are demonstrating Christian marriage to the world around them.

What a blessing for me to know these two couples. God be with each of you in your marriage.

Jim

posted by jim 5:43 PM 0 comments

Thursday, April 12, 2007

RESURRECTION!

We have just had Easter when we have thought, taught and sung about the resurrection of Christ from the grave. So this seems like a good time to “resurrect” this Blog-Journal. I have not made any entries since last October 26, 2006—as those who used to read it are very much aware.

Last Sunday—Easter Sunday—was my last Sunday as the Pastor of my little church, Countryside Christian Fellowship. They have been searching for a full time Pastor since last June. I had originally thought I would continue as their Pastor until a replacement was on the field. Then I thought that I might work with the new person for a while to insure a “smooth landing” transition.

But a combination of circumstances made that not the best plan. Things are incredibly busy at my “day job”. There are more responsibilities that require more and more time. Some of those responsibilities will require more travel. Also, I need to be more available to assist Karon in the evenings. All my “spare” time was taken up with sermon preparation or other responsibilities of ministry. Add to this the fact that I find I tire out more quickly now. So when I get home at night from work I am quickly very tired and not physically or mentally able to apply myself to study and preparation, as I should.

Another factor that makes this a good time to transition from the church is that they are at a place of completing one phase and are ready to go to another phase. We completed a successful Capital Stewardship Campaign—the church’s first attempt at anything like that. Money was committed and is being given regularly toward a new church building addition. Yet they have not begun the actual building phase yet. They are at a point to decide exactly what they can and should build, given the amount of money committed. So this seems a good time to step aside and let a new Pastor lead from this point.

The church needs a full time Pastor to grow beyond their current level in attendance and commitment to ministry. By getting out of the way, I am hoping that will bring about new leadership more quickly.

I feel like I’ve gotten my life back again. While I will miss the church people very much (they are a terrific, loving group of people) and while I will miss presenting God’s Word on a weekly basis, I am glad not to have to be thinking of something more to do regarding the ministry every minute. I am hoping soon to get some rest that I haven’t gotten for the last four years or so. And I hope to keep this Journal more active. And I definitely want to communicate better with my friends. I have friends that I have sadly neglected to communicate with via email, etc., just for lack of both time and physical energy to do so. I want to correct that. I love my friends dearly but I am afraid they will think I don’t care and have just “dumped” them. Nothing could be further from the truth but I am afraid it looks that way. I hope I’m not too late with some of my friends.

So there will be more from me on a more regular basis. Until next time,

Regards,

Jim

posted by jim 10:50 PM 1 comments

Someplace to think outloud and maybe someone will think back.

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