So Lost He's Found

A little boy vacationing with his family was making a man out of sand on the beach. Through valiant effort he piled sand for the torso and each of the arms and legs. He constructed the head and put seashells in for the eyes, nose and mouth, and attempted with to make small fingers on one hand and a baseball glove on the other. Although he was deep into his artistry, the little boy's mother called him in for dinner. He would have to finish the artwork the next day.

Morning couldn't arrive fast enough, and after gaining permission from his mother, he raced down to his sandman project. However, the man was not completely there. The tide washed the sandman's leg away during the nighttime, and now water was covering the man's leg. The boy was saddened by what he saw, and only left it when his mother called him in for breakfast.

Later that morning the little boy and his mother were walking down the busy beach-side strip when the boy noticed a man walking with a crutch who only had one leg. Excitedly the little boy pulled away from the mother, ran up to the man, took him by the hand, and said, “Little man, why didn't you wait until I finished you?” “Huh?” the man questioned as the mother apologized and pulled her son away. As his mother pulled him away, the little boy yelled back, “I knew I'd find you if I kept looking. You were lost, but now you're found.”

Sometimes the tide will wash away different things in people's lives. They seem incomplete or maybe it appears that something is missing. Perhaps what is necessary is for someone to look for them like the little boy did for his sandman. Maybe some of them just need a little more finishing. Perhaps some of them are so lost that they need to be found.

Until tomorrow...Why Say More?

What if No Memorial Day

So where will it be? The beach? The mountains? Maybe it'll be a ride in the country or sitting by the pool. How about fishing? Yes, fishing out on the ocean, or maybe just taking a walk or bike ride with someone close. Oh yes, of course there is the movies, or the ball game, a parade, or the dance, but then again, maybe it will be something out of the ordinary like skydiving or scuba. This day will be filled with activity for those who enjoy life and living, but what if there was no memorial day?

What if there was no sacrifice? What if no one gave his or her life? What if rather than be in harms way, they went their own way? What if rather than battle, they went awol? Or what if instead of caring for others and their country, they decided not to join? What if...? What if...”

But they did, and they have, and today they should be, they must be honored. While people play or work today it is indeed important to give honor where honor is due, otherwise, there would be no us to choose what we shall do with this day. Thank you, to all the servicemen and women who have given their lives to allow us to have the freedom to choose how we shall spend this day. We know you have demonstrated “greater love has no man than this, that he lay down their lives for his friends”.

Until tomorrow...Why Say More?

Going Beyond the Barriers

How much may be known? Is there more to her than meets the eye? What is it about him that makes him tick? If there was an x-ray machine that looked into the soul, what would their true character look like? Is there any device that goes beyond the barriers of the exterior and sees within the soul? Who really knows what is going on in the mind of that person, and what are the facets and ideas that drive them, move them and put them into actions? Sometimes, a person needs to go beyond the barriers.

Most have seen them, and a few will pursue them. Who? The quiet ones; the ones to whom no one really gets to know; the ones whose secrets are deep within. They roam among mankind wanting to be known but not knowing how to be. Their dress is different, for it is all they have. Their ways are different, for it is all they know, and their thoughts are not like the rest for they filter from another stimuli. Who will reach them? Who will care? How does one manage to go beyond the barriers?

Listen. Listen carefully. Their whispers are faint and yet loud. Their cries are many and yet quiet. Their wounds are deep and still open, and their pain restricts them from further exposure. They hide behind quick glances, and should they be encountered, their heads lower. “No more pain. No more pain,” screams from their quiet souls, and fresh deterrents become their embrace when engaged.

Someone must see beyond the barriers. Someone must care beyond the walls. Someone must be concerned enough to penetrate walls of rejection, defense and restriction. Lest they be lost, lest they be wanderers and drifters resigned from mankind. Who will see beyond the barriers? Who will go beyond the walls? Who will be concerned? Who will be concerned? Who will be concerned?

Until tomorrow...Why Say More?

Another MRZ CENTRE Outreach Story - Grandparents

“Where are we going to stay Grandma?” the tiny girl asked. “You're staying with me now,” the kindly grandmother responds while stroking the innocent child's face. “Why, Grandma? Why are we staying with you now?” the tiny tot inquires with a confused little face. “Well, because your mommy and daddy are going to have to go away for a while. You'll be fine here, and your three brothers and sisters will too,” the grandmother says as she tries to comfort the child.

This is only one of the many people who come through the doors of the MRZ CENTRE outreaches that occur every second and forth Saturdays of each month. When people come to MRZ CENTRE and tell their story, the outreaches become the needed bridge just to make it for a few more days. Through no fault of their own, grandparents inherit grandchildren who move into their home because their children have been arrested. One woman has four, and another man has five, and while these loving grandparents love their grandchildren, four and five extra mouths to feed and five little bodies to clothe becomes an additional burden financially that is almost too much to ask anyone. “Where do I get some clothes?” the grandmother asks. “Thank you so much for the extra food. It's so hard to make it just driving a dump truck for a living,” the kindly grandfather shares. These hard working older citizens are just trying to do the best they can with a difficult situation.

Today there will be other stories. Today there will be more who have difficult times upon them, and today there will be caring individuals who give a couple hours on their Saturday morning at the MRZ CENTRE to reach out to others like these grandparents to just say “we care.” What would happen if this small outreach idea were to spread like wildfire throughout all the nation? What would grandparents in these circumstances think about their neighbors who care in an outreach like this? What would grandchildren who find themselves relocated into their grandparents home believe about the people at the outreach who help them get food, clothing and shoes?

Who knows, maybe that “loving your neighbor” thing would catch on again, and the world would indeed be a better place to live.

Until tomorrow...Why Say More?

MRZ CENTRE Outreach Anniversary

Birthdays and anniversaries are notable events that occur and are celebrated in people's lives However, there are those special anniversaries that should be announced to the world because of their significance. The MRZ CENTRE Outreach Anniversary is one of those! For One Year the MRZ CENTRE Outreach has been giving people in need groceries, coffee, pastries, clothing, shoes, books and CDs, medical screenings, and haircuts for FREE! For One Year the volunteers have given their energy and time to reach out to other people whom they do not even know, and by doing so they say, “We care”. For One Year those involved in MRZ CENTRE Outreaches have taken just a couple hours of their time on two Saturday's each month to go beyond their own personal needs to give to others. Others has become the focal theme of everyone who has made this anniversary possible.

Tomorrow morning from about seven a.m. till nine a.m., volunteers will be setting up temporary tables, sorting temporary clothing piles and shoes, aligning books and CDs, putting out groceries, and making coffee for a line of eager guests who wait for the nine a.m. opening of the doors. After the doors are opened, the guests will be welcomed with a smile, checked in with care, and directed to the back garage area of the MRZ CENTRE that has been transformed into a free open market. The guest will receive groceries such as canned vegetables, fruit cups, beans, rice, pasta, bread and frozen meats. Also tomorrow there is nine hundred and ninety one pounds of fresh cut corn and twelve hundred pounds of beverages to give away! There is over three hundred pounds of frozen meats such as: hamburger, turkey burger, chicken, hams, steaks and more! Tomorrow, the One Year Anniversary of the MRZ CENTRE Outreach will be fantastic for everyone involved!

Finally, thank you to all who have donated their time and energy to this outreach. There are not enough words to express the gratitude that this writer has for all of those who make this outreach possible. His prayer is that the reward for their efforts will be from a much higher source than the one writing this page.

Let's celebrate! Let's come together once again, and give, give, give to others who have said over and over again, “With times like they are, if it were not for this outreach, I and my family could not make it by ourselves.”

Until tomorrow...Why Say More?

Herkamer and Gertrude and The Potential Divorce Part 3

After hearing news about their friends Debra and Kevin on a path to divorce, Herkamer and Gertrude decided to visit their friend Brother Hadley. He had them perform an exercise where they held their breath until they had to exhale. He had just told them that every good relationship in marriage breathes.

Herkamer and Gertrude continued to be a little puzzled by Brother Hadley's illustration, so he asked them to perform another task. “Now, try this. Breathe out.” Herkamer looked at Gertrude, shrugged his shoulders and began to comply. Gertrude joined him when they heard him say, “Now, keep breathing out. Keep breathing out. Keep breathing out.” Until finally they could breathe out no longer. “You see,” began Brother Hadley as Herkamer and Gertrude caught their breath again, “People make the mistake of believing that their relationships are always going to be very close, very intimate where neither one wants to do anything else in the world except to be around one another. That's like breathing in, and then there are those times where they don't want to have anything to do with one another. That's like breathing out. Usually trouble begins when one side or the other lasts too long. Every good relationship breathes, and any couple who makes it understands that their relationship must be like breathing. Breathe in, Breathe out. Breathe in. Breath out. Do you understand?” Herkamer and Gertrude nodded their heads, and began to understand what happened to their friends.

Herkamer and Gertrude stood, and Brother Hadley stood after them. “Thank you so much, Brother Hadley,” said Herkamer. “You always have the best answers for us.” Brother Hadley bowed his head in humility, and said, “Son, it's all because of the book. It's all because of the book.” Although Herkamer didn't understand exactly what that meant, he and Gertrude hugged Brother Hadley one more time, thanked him as they walked to their car.

As they rode Gertrude said, “He always has great answers, doesn't he?” “Yes he does, and now we need to see if we can help Debra and Kevin because that's exactly what we should share with them,” said Herkamer. Gertrude agreed, and said, “But weren't you going to wax our car when you came home?” “Yes,” began Herkamer who began to smile sheepishly and said, “Wax on, wax off, breathe in, breathe out. Wax on, wax off, breathe in, breathe out.” Gertrude busted out laughing and reached over to Herkamer to hug him. “Guess we're breathing in tonight, huh, Herky?” “We sure are, Gerty. We sure are.”

Stay tuned soon for more stories of Herkamer and Gertrude. Same blog time. Same blog spot. Until tomorrow...Why Say More?

Herkamer and Gertrude and The Potential Divorce Part 2

Gertrude had just heard some very bad news about she and Herkamer's friends Debra and Kevin. It appeared that they were getting a divorce. After contemplating about what to do, Herkamer and Gertrude decided to go see Brother Hadley about the problem. They had just packed a sandwich and started out to the car.

The ride to Brother Hadley's was quiet for the most part. As they ate their sandwiches, Gertrude knew that the news about Debra and Kevin was upsetting Herkamer more than he was letting on, and tears flowed down her face as she thought about them. Sometimes silence allows for clarity of mind, and with news as important as a divorce, clear thoughts were at a premium.

As they finally reached the old dusty road where Brother Hadley lived, as usual he was on the porch in his bib-overalls whittling on a small piece of wood. When Herkamer pulled into his driveway, Brother Hadley stood and said in his deep country voice, “Son, why looka here. You done brought something perty with you this time.” He walked over to where Herkamer and Gertrude got out of their car and gave each of them a huge hug with his large barrel chest. “What brings you two out here on such a fine evening?”

Herkamer and Gertrude walked toward the front porch of Brother Hadley's house where rocking chairs were placed side by side facing the road. They each took a seat in the rockers and Herkamer began, “Brother Hadley, we have just heard some terrible news about a married couple who are friends of ours.” Brother Hadley picked up his piece of wood and began whittling again as he listened closely to Herkamer's every word. “What did you hear?” Brother Hadley asked. “We heard they are about to get a divorce,” Gertrude chimed in and began to cry again. “Oh, the old marriage breathing problem again,” surmised Brother Hadley. “Huh?” asked Herkamer, “What do you mean “marriage breathing problem?” Gertrude chimed in.

Brother Hadley stopped his rocker, looked intently into Herkamer and Gertrude's eyes, and said, “Take in a deep breath.” Herkamer and Gertrude wondered about this exercise but complied with the directive. “Now keep taking it in.” (This would be a great place for the reader to do this also). Herkamer and Gertrude did so, and Brother Hadley said, “Keep breathing in. Keep breathing in” until finally Gertrude first then Herkamer had to breathe out. “There,” said Brother Hadley. “You have just demonstrated what every good relationship does.”

Stay tuned tomorrow for more of the story. Same blog time. Same blog spot. Until tomorrow...Why Say More?

Herkamer and Gertrude and The Potential Divorce

“I just can't believe it!” exclaimed Gertrude as she heard the words from Betsy Sue's mouth. “They have been married for years. What happened?” Gertrude asked with concern. Betsy Sue, with tears in her eyes, began to share how she heard that there was just no fire any more, the flame that once burned had smoldered out, and that he told her that the spigot was just shut off. Gertrude listened a little more when she heard Herkamer pull into the driveway. “I have to run, Betsy,” Gertrude said with a tear running down her cheek. “I'll talk with you tomorrow.”

Herkamer walked into the front door where Gertrude usually met him with a kiss and noticed immediately the tears in Gertrude's eyes. “What's wrong, Gerty?” he asked caringly. “Oh, Herky, it's Debra and Kevin,” Gertrude said sadly as she hugged Herkamer tightly. “What about them?” asked Herkamer. “They're getting a divorce or at least talking about it,” responded Gertrude. “No way!” said Herkamer incredulously and continued, “They are the perfect couple. Perfect job, perfect house, perfect kids, perfect everything. What in the world happened?” “I'm not sure,” answered Gertrude. “I heard that he just decided there was no more fire, no flame and that the spigot was just turned off. What can we do, Herky? What can we do?” asked Gertrude pleadingly.

Herkamer sat in his favorite chair and thought for a moment. Gertrude sat in the chair next to him and held his hand as if to say, “Please don't ever let this happen to us.” Herkamer pondered a little more and said, “You know, Gerty, this one is too big for me. I'm going to see Brother Hadley. Is that okay?” “Can I go with you?” Gertrude asked softly. “Sure, sure. You know how much he loves to see you. Let's pack a quick sandwich and go see Brother Hadley. He always knows what to say.”

Herkamer and Gertrude walked into the kitchen, prepared a sandwich, and hurried out to the car.

Stay tuned tomorrow for more of the story. Same blog time. Same blog spot. Until tomorrow...Why Say More?

The Juggler

He moves from tennis balls to oranges, and just for kicks, he throws in a bowling ball. One, then two, then three, then four or more different articles are tossed into the air in a vertical or circular motion until they return, are caught and tossed back into the air once again. Onlookers marvel as they watch him move with precise accuracy as each item strikes his hand and is catapulted into the sky one after another after another. Then, just when things look properly managed, he adds a knife to the act, then a sword or a bowling pin, but they are not quite exciting enough so he adds a flame lit torch. Now all the audience marvels and oos and ahs as they watch him and secretly desire for a little tragedy to occur. Of course by now, the reader knows, this is a juggler.

Consider these balls flying through the air: time at work, time at school: time with the family: time to workout: time to eat, sleep, write, read, play, watch television or do lawn work. Maybe one would consider a phone call with a friend, a visit to someone who is sick, a listening ear to a person who is lonely, or maybe time to volunteer. Sounds like a juggler to me. The key component to this juggler, however, is that there is a common denominator: time. There is so much time allotted for this, so much for that, too little for this, and too little for that, and the juggler makes the decision as to what balls will be handled, and which ones will be left hanging.

Oh yeah, before this subject is left behind, there is the occasional drop from any juggler. Sometimes the balls fall to the floor, and some never appear again. The juggler who is wise will regard highly the most important balls and secure them while they are available, because before one knows it, some time that appears for juggling never returns again.

Until tomorrow...Why Say More?

No One Knows

Does the fact that no one knows make something untrue? If something is yet to be discovered, one supposes not, however, what if there are things that will never be discovered? Some things are unveiled after much time has passed, but do those revealings preclude that everything will be unveiled? Some might call it a “Revelation”, and others might call it an “Apocalypse” which is “a disclosure of something that is hidden from most of mankind”. Nonetheless, because some event didn't occur or hasn't occurred yet mean that it or something like it never will? No one knows.

An assumption is made by many that if something is unknown, then it is not real. One supposes that with that line of thinking most of the people in the world are not real. In fact, there may not even be a world at all if one thinks about it long enough. Other than reports that are from supposed news stations, most people have never seen the world with their eyes. How do they know it exists? Is it because the television personality says so? Of course those who watch television personalities know that they are always right, right?

A little girl depicted this idea once when she was terrified during the nighttime. She screamed out for her mother, “Mommy! Come Here!” The mother rushed to her room to find the little tot under her covers and drawn up into a tiny ball shape. When her mother knelt by her side, the mother asked, “What's wrong honey?” “Mommy, I'm scared. I'm all alone,” the little girl responded. The mother stroked her little face and said, “Honey, I've told you that you are never alone. Jesus is with you.” To which the little girl answered, “Well, you stay here with Jesus. I'm going to get in bed with daddy.”

Interesting, He was the one who said, “No man knows the day or the hour.”

Until tomorrow...Why Say More?

Band Aids

The bicycle was traveling down the hill at an increasing rate of speed. Although the child rider attempted to slow its movement, the bicycle raged on. “Oh no! A curve!” she shouted and could see her pending fate. As much as possible she applied the brakes, managed the wheel, and tried to slow herself down. But, it was all to no avail, and as the curve finally arrived, the bicycle and the girl tumbled over and slid around the winding road. Scratches, scraps, a cut and an immediate bruise accompanied the fall, and finally the little bicycle came to a halt. The little girl cried, “I need a band aid! I need a band aid!”

With a rushing frantic action, the little girl's mother came to her side. “Honey, are you okay?” she asked with a panic tone. “Yes, mommy, all I need is a band aid.” The mother wiped the little girls tears, picked her up, took her inside, and began to wash the wound. She quickly found her band aid box, and to comfort her daughter she asked, “Now what size band aid do you want?” “A big one mommy, cause I don't want to see any parts of my scrapes.” The mother took out the largest band aid in the box, wiped the wound one more time, and applied the oversized band aid. “There, now it's all gone,” said the mother as she hugged her daughter. “It's just like it isn't even there,” the little girl responded.

Later that evening while the little girl was playing with her dolls in the living room she could hear her mother and father quietly discussing the difficult time they were having making ends meet with the economy in its damaged state. The news was on television in the background where the little girl was playing, and the commentator said, “What is going on now with the economy is a band aid, and a band aid is what we need at this stage.” “Mommy, mommy,” the little girl shouted excitedly, “everything is going to be alright! They put a band aid on it. They put a band aid on it, and now it is gone away!” To which the father took his stack of bills and asked the mother, “You got a big enough band aid to make these go away?” The mother took a dish towel, placed it over the top of them and said, “There, they're gone.” The mother and father chuckled with unbelief and went to play with their daughter.

Until tomorrow...Why Say More?

One Puzzle Piece Short

A little girl sat down with her grandfather to play. Among all her toys, she chose a “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” puzzle to put together. One by one the little girl and her grandfather found the edge pieces, the corner pieces and ones that looked similar for the middle. Piece by piece they took turns putting the tiny fragments together until the picture was beginning to appear.

“There's Snow White!” the little girl exclaimed, and “There's Sleepy!” she continued excitedly. One by one the dwarfs appeared, and the background of the little cottages behind them took shape. Finally, the grandfather could see that there seemed to be something that was going to be a little off with this picture. There were five slots open with only four pieces of puzzle left.

The little girl found the place for one piece. It was Grumpy's clothes. She found another piece. It was the chimney upon the cottage roof. Then another piece. It was the bottom of Snow White's dress, finally the little girl discovered what her grandfather already knew, “Hey, there is two holes and only one piece left!”she exclaimed with a little frustration as she moved the final piece available in a slot that filled Sleepy's arms. She began to look around for the missing piece and asked, ”What about the last piece, Pop Pop?” “What about the last piece?” she repeated again and continued frantically, “What are we ever going to do about Dopey's ear? He has no ear. What are we going to do about Dopey's ear? Now the whole puzzle is no good because there is one piece missing,” she surmised.

The wise older grandfather quickly took out his camera phone and told the little girl to bend her ear down to the location of the missing puzzle piece. When she did, he took her picture with the puzzle, and after showing the photo to the little girl and making her smile again he said, “Honey, sometimes people are like puzzles. There is a piece or two missing, and they need someone to come along and finish the picture for them.” The little girl put her little index finger to the side of her head, tapped it slightly and said, “Some people need a lot of pictures taken, don't they Pop Pop?” “Yes they do, honey. Yes they do,” the grandfather chuckled and replied.

Until tomorrow...Why Say More?

Me is Always on My Mind

The older lady was heard saying, “Could you turn it down please. It's hurting my ears.” The customer asks, “Why can't I have it for free?” The business partner shares, “I think it is fair for you to pay all the bills out of your half of the profits and for me to get all of mine.” These and other thoughts like them cause the writer to ask, “Is it not amazing how much “me” is always on my mind?”

Some say, “I'll have it my way, did it my way, want it my way, and there is no other way than my way. If you do it my way, I will be happy at least for a while, but if you do it any other way, I'll complain. There is no need to consider that another person may want it differently or even need it differently. This is me, and “me” should get what “Me” wants every time “me” wants it.” Now, how would the world be if “me” always prevailed? Let's look.

First, since “me is always on my mind, “me” would win the lottery every time there was one. “Me” would own anything he or she wants at any time he or she wants it. “Me” would never stop for a red light because there would never be one for “me”. In fact, all the traffic would move out of the way for “me”. The weather would always be the way “me” wants it, and whenever “me”wants to go anywhere, “me” gets the best seats, best hotels, and the best meals for free.” “Me” doesn't have to pay for anything, and yet “me” has all the money in the world. “Me” doesn't pay taxes either, and “me” never gets sick. Also, “me” will never die, and lest one forget, everyone loves “me” too. By the way, “me” always has his or her candidate win, and since government bows to “me”, there is no need for “me” to comply with any laws that rule over the land. In other words, “Me” gets anything, anytime, anywhere, and any place that “me” wants it.

Now, is there any among the crowd that grows tired of the “me”? Maybe the next time “me” doesn't have it goes his or her way, “others” rather than “me will be on my mind”.

Until tomorrow...Why Say More?

Herkamer and Gertrude and The Ring Part 2

Herkamer was sitting on the front porch swing with his wife Gertrude. He was recalling for Gertrude the memory of when he asked her to marry him. He went to ask advice of Brother Hadley who told him that “marriage is the commitment” and that marriage isn't for quitters. Gertrude wanted to know more about Herkamer's decision to ask her when the story left off yesterday:

“Well, Gerty,” Herkamer continued, “Brother Hadley said one more thing that pushed me toward asking you to marry me. He said, “Marriage is like a ring that has no ending, and it isn't broken unless it is broken by an outside source. It's made of precious metal that is never to tarnish and symbolizes the value that any marriage is supposed to have. The ones who wear their rings have a constant reminder of the vows they make toward the Divine and toward the person they marry. It's not a light decision, Herkamer, and should you decide to marry Gertrude, must be committed until death parts you.”

“So what did you do after he said that?” Gertrude asked softly. Herkamer responded, “Well, to be honest, I went down to the old oak tree down by Miller's pond and thought about what he said, and it was there that I decided that I really wanted to be with you for the rest of my life. It was then and there that I made a vow to the Divine that I have kept every since.” Gertrude's eyes filled with tears as she could see the sincerity that was still in Herkamer's eyes all these years later. She smiled at him, pushed the floor to make the swing move once again, and said, “It's too bad every marriage doesn't have the advantage of a Brother Hadley.” “Yes it is,” responded Herkamer with a grin and a hug, “Yes it is.”

Stay tuned for more stories of Herkamer and Gertrude. Same blog time. Same blog spot. Until tomorrow...Why Say More?

Herkamer and Gertrude and The Ring

Herkamer and Gertrude were rocking together on the front porch swing of their humble little home when they began reflecting about their engagement. “Do you remember, Herky, when I used to want you to give me a ring?” Gertrude asked as Herkamer pushed the floor to make the swing rock again. “I sure do, “ answered Herkamer, “and I remember how much you and Bobbie Sue used to talk about getting a ring all the time.” Gertrude chuckled as she remembered, “I know. I know. I just wanted a commitment. That's all.” Herkamer put his arm around her, looked into her eyes and smiled to which she asked, “What was it that pushed you over the edge to ask me anyway?” “Well, to tell the truth, I went to see Brother Hadley,” responded Herkamer. “Brother Hadley?” Gertrude answered incredulously, “What did he have to say?” Herkamer began the story.

“I was getting very nervous about being married. Not because I didn't love you, Gerty,” Herkamer began, “It was just the idea of being married that scared me. I don't know why really, but it did. So, I decided to go see Brother Hadley about it. Of course when I pulled up into his driveway he was on the front porch whittling like always, and he stood in his old bib-overalls as I walked up.” Gertrude acknowledged Herkamer's description with a chuckle and a smile, as he continued. “Boy, how are you? Brother Hadley greeted me in his typical southern style, and he me asked, “What's eatin' at you today,” I began to tell him about my little fear of being married, how much I loved you, and all that, and then I discussed the idea of living together for a while before we got married. It didn't take long for Brother Hadley to answer. He said, “There's a lot of folks out there who want to ride the roller coaster without paying the price of admission, and many wonder why they should buy the cow when they can have the milk for free.”

He continued, “Son, let me tell you, just because it's popular doesn't make it right. There was once a whole herd of sheep who followed a lead sheep over a cliff just because he fell off, and when it comes to marriage, marriage is the commitment not just some falling into.” He continued, “Marriage is not for sissies, nor is it for people who can easily quit. There's been a few times over the years that my wife and I have had troubles and arguments that I wondered if one of us was going to come out alive, but no matter what, we stuck it out. That's because we were committed. I know if one of us could have walked out, we would have. Marriage is the commitment” he repeated.

Gertrude was listening intently when she asked, “So how did that help you to make the decision to give me the ring?”

Stay tuned tomorrow for more of the story. Same blog time. Same blog spot. Until tomorrow...Why Say More?

I'm too Young to

There was a time when he could sit in the backseat of the car and his feet not touch the floor, and there was a time when his hand had to be held just to cross the street. He couldn't go outdoors by himself, and he couldn't manage basic latrine activities alone. He couldn't read. He couldn't write, nor could he do a single math problem. In fact, he used to sing a song that said, “I'm too young to march in the infantry, ride in the calvary, shoot the artillery,” but today, it's different. Today, he's older. Today, he's in the hands of the United States Marines.

It's a marvel how time passes. One moment they are hitting baseballs off tees, and the next they're going to the prom. In a flash they go from coloring books to graduation, and if one is not careful, years pass by without regard to their speed. Oh, there is a lot of activity in between, but it becomes a blur when measured against the swiftness of growth within a child. Though they are indeed too young for many ventures as a toddler, they now possess capacities and maturity that readies them for the world.

A word to the wise, especially for the young parents: Enjoy every moment as they pass by, every word, every action, every activity in which they are involved, for more quickly than you'll notice, they will walk out your door and be a man or woman, and you'll feel too young to have a child that old.

Until tomorrow...Why Say More?

Unforgivable Chains

His statement was emphatically spoken with his teeth gritted together, “I will never, never forgive her”, and he was speaking of his daughter. Her statement was, “He could never, ever do anything that would buy my forgiveness”, and she was speaking of her husband. He said, “I really wouldn't care if someone called me today and told me that he was dying. I would just say, “oh”, and go back to work”, and he was sharing about his dad. Unforgiveness has this way of binding the person who wears it, and often the one who is unforgiving is wearing the chains.

Think about it, every time there is a reference to the offender, even a hint of acknowledging them, invocation of anger toward them wells up inside. Sometimes even the mention of another person who bears their name will conjure up feelings of hatred. Often the hatred and unforgiveness lasts for years and years, and sometimes for the rest of one's life. That's a long time to wear such a ponderous chain.

Some think about it this way, “the person who did the offense already took advantage, abused, neglected or harmed, why allow them to continue to damage?” In a sense, this thinking is right. For each time the person is held bound through unforgiveness, damage is inflicted once again. Some would probably be best advised to “let them go”, and watch the chains fall away from themselves and be free again. Otherwise the chains will continue to add to the weight of a life that is heavy enough to bear without any help from any other person.

Until tomorrow...Why Say More?

Having Less than the Chase

There once was a boy who could think of nothing other than this girl. When he woke he thought of her. Throughout the day he thought of her, and he could hardly sleep at night because thoughts of her kept racing through his head. How could he live without her? How would he ever exist should she not be in his life? Date after date, and time after time with her allowed him to know that this was the one, this one would provide the magic, this one would be the only one he would love all his life. He had to have her. He must have her. He needed to have her, but then, he got her. Within just a little time, he realized that she was not all he thought her to be; she was not everything he thought she was; and actually having her was much less than the chase to have her.

The chase does seem to be greater than having what is chased sometimes. Like the vacation that a person has thought about all year not going exactly as imagined, or perhaps the boat that was supposed to be the great escape for the family that now sits in the yard without starting for months. Sometimes it is the reunion with a certain person or group that is thought about so highly until the actual meeting occurs. There is indeed a tendency to have expectations supersede reality.

Perhaps a person should just roll around and enjoy the thoughts of a pursuit rather than actually obtaining. But then again, where would adventure be in delusional thought? How would one know whether or not something, someone or some place would possibly exceed his or her expectations, and would the pursuit of pursuing be less than expectations also? Maybe, maybe not, and until one plays the hand that is dealt him or her, only the expectation for a few better cards will keep him or her in the game.

Until tomorrow...Why Say More?

Another MRZ CENTRE Outreach Story - The Haircuts

Today marks another of the monthly second and fourth Saturday MRZ CENTRE Outreaches in downtown Tallahassee. On each of these Saturdays people volunteer their time, energy and love to reach out to individuals that they do not know to provide groceries, clothing, shoes, books and CDS, free cell phone calls, sometimes medical screenings, and now, the new addition- haircuts. Thus, today's story.

Her regular position is the owner and operator of a local hair salon, but every fourth Saturday of each month she loads her scissors, packs her combs, readies her mirror, and offers free haircuts for those who walk into MRZ CENTRE. Their hair hasn't been washed in a while. Their beards are out of control, and their faces reflect months and years of hardship below the disheveled hair. Their countenances have fallen, and their hope appears dashed against the onslaught of life.

Within a few moments of warm greeting by Julie and her assistants, the downtrodden guest begins a transformation. As dry wash ointment is applied to the hair and removal begins, conversations arise, stories are told, and for a few moments, existence seems to matter again. Cut by cut, link by link, hair is removed, and as he watches himself in the mirror on the wall being transformed the low feeling man is beginning to be encouraged. After a little more time, he is a new man. He feels good, and the best part about it was that it was free, paid in full, and without charge!

Free haircuts at MRZ CENTRE? Maybe that is one way to look at it, but transformation of a life at least for a little while makes cutting a few hairs worth much more than any beauty salon price of admission could be.

Until tomorrow...Why Say More?

The Disintrasted Party

With the upcoming electoral season fast approaching, there is much talk about the different political parties. Of course there are the biggies, Democrat and Republican, and the notable Libertarian, Green and Tea parties, most people know about them, but there is one party that seems to invoke a lot of attention without being mentioned much at all. This party is “The Disintrasted Party.”

The Disintrasted Party is becoming one of the fastest growing political parties within the United States. In fact, with all the bovine scatology that has prevailed through the more well-known action groups, The Disintrasted Party's membership continues to climb. Promotion for belonging to The Disintrasted Party is actually promoted by the false advertising and breaking of trust of those who control most of the direction of the country in the other groups. Each time a promise is made and not kept, growth in The Disintrasted Party explodes, and the apathetic unbelief of the Disintrasted excels. Nonetheless, the twenty-four hours news stations rarely if ever talks about this massive group of individuals who cling together in united fashion with one theme upon their tongues, “Who cares? Who cares? Who Cares?”

Now perhaps a few readers will balk at the pontifical exaggeration over the growing number of those within The Disintrasted Party, and maybe an even smaller group of those who peruse will take note of the misspelling of the word “Disinterested” by using “Disintrasted”. For those who looked on and were going to say nothing, welcome to the The Disintrasted Party. Those have just proved the point. “Who Cares? Who Cares? Who Cares?”

Until tomorrow...Why Say More?

Sample the Examples

Principles, then action; Standards, then compliance; Goals, then adherence; What do these three have in common? Each begs for examples. Each motivates for samples. Each innately calls for further explanation, and like a platter of fine hors d'oeuvres, the display of entrees upon a table called character shall be set. Selection shall be according to the reader, and upon this dining, others are invited to serve. Let the dining begin.

Courtesy – respectfully acknowledging those with whom a person comes into contact.

Kindness - moving beyond being apathetic, and opening a door

Gentleness – showing care like moving through a china store with a small child

Respect – as toward one in authority such as a president, a mother, a father

Courage – like soldiers who endure hardship to complete their mission

Honor – as special recognition for a task supersedingly kept

Loyalty – as one who stands with another through thick and thin

Humility – like one who knows his or her talents, but never boasts

And thus, the menu is to be completed by the reader who recognizes the value of such a setting; By the one who realizes that many of these values were eaten by generations passed; and by the person who sees the current diners malnourished, without principles, standards and goals. These readers know when the above mentioned morsels are dined upon, they make a people great, sustain through difficulties, and encourage future generations to become greater than the one before.

Until tomorrow...Why Say More?

Fell Cake

A little girl was baking a cake with her mother when she opened the oven door ten minutes before the cake was ready. Immediately the cake batter fell, and another famous “fell cake” was made. “Aw” exclaimed the mother, “you took the cake out too soon.” “What do you mean, Mommy?” asked the little girl who didn't realize what she had done. “When you take the cake out of the oven too soon, the batter falls, and the cake is ruined,” the mother replied informatively.

The girl sat down in a kitchen chair, put her finger on the side of her head, tapped her finger slightly, and pondered, and said, “Is that what happened to the ecomononoly?” The mother wrinkled her brow, looked inquisitively toward her daughter and said, “Do you mean the “economy”?” “Yes,” replied the little girl affirmatively and continued, “they said on the news that the ecomononoly has fallen” so I just figured they must have taken the cake out of the oven too soon. With a smile on her face and a tender chuckle the mother replied, “Why yes they did, honey. Yes they did.”

The mother took down a couple of plates from the cabinet, cut into the fell cake, poured some milk into a couple glasses, and said purposefully, “we shall just have “fell cake” today.” To which the little girl responded, “I wish everyone could have some of our fell cake,” and the mother quipped, “Oh, everybody is, honey, everybody is.”

Until tomorrow...Why Say More?

Warnings

Flashing red lights; Clanking Bells; Signs everywhere; and People shouting. No matter what the means, no matter how alarming the method, some do not heed warnings. From the time people were children they heard adults give warnings, and yet they still disregard them. Why is it, that though there are signals all around, warnings are ignored? For example: “Warning from the Surgeon General”. “Caution Deadly Curve Ahead” “Warning No Swimming, Alligators”; etc. Yet, people still proceed past the warnings, and smoke, drive fast on deadly curves, and swim in alligator infested areas.

Are warnings like tests of fate, fatalistic attempts at one's own demise, rancoring to defeat odds, or just blatant disregard? Maybe there is unbelief in the warning, and rather a belief that a person knows more within him or herself than those who posted the warning signs in the first place. Could it be that somehow the daredevil is superior in physical features such as able to leap tall buildings in a single bound or maybe they are gilt-edged in fame and conclude that the warning doesn't apply to them? Perhaps they abide by another set of rules, and though signals of danger are posted, “those are only for the underlings”.

Whichever the excuse, warnings are given for a reason: they advise caution, carefulness and attentiveness. Those who abide by them are generally safer than those who don't, however, escape from one warning penalty can deceive and make a person believe him or herself safer than everyone else. What a gamble, what a venture, what a chance especially when the warning has everlasting results. Speculation that warning signs are wrong when it comes to those decisions may give someone a long, long, long time to think about their choices.

Until tomorrow...Why Say More?

Dipping in the Sword

The story is told of a young man who was engaged in a heavy battle. The enemy was at flight, and his pursuit of them was victorious moment by moment. With every ounce of energy he fought until he was nearly exhausted. Just when he could fight no longer, he found a honeycomb where fresh honey was dripping from its waxed based station. He drew his sword, dipped it into the honey, and tasted the refreshing treat. His eyes were enlightened, his body refreshed, and he was ready for the battle once again.

Sometimes life is like a battle. From engagement to engagement, one victory leads to another struggle which leads to another endeavor, which pushes to another fight, and a person is certain to grow weary. Though victories are gained, exhaustion lingers just another step away. It is quite possible that it is time for“dipping in the sword.".

The key is to know where the honeycomb is located. For some, it may be a trip to the beach. For others a bike ride. Maybe for another it will be in a place of worship, and for another nothing but fishing will do. It might be playing with grandchildren, or seeking out a dinner date with an old friend. Whichever the choice, understanding the importance of refreshment, the perspicacious person recuperates before he or she falls victim to the battles that rage.

Today, heavy battles have lead to the place of dipping, the unwise ignore and fall faint, and the sagacious dip in and battle again.

Until tomorrow...Why Say More?

From the Bottom of My

So many phrases within the English language have metaphorical meaning to describe thought and emotion. One of those phrases is “from the bottom of my heart.” Although most understand this to mean from the deepest part of my feelings, people who use this selection of words do so to infer sincerity, gravity and solemnity. Their purpose is to convince the hearer that true care is within, and they feel it in the core of their being.

Today many use the phrase “from the bottom of my heart” because the heart is located within the chest, and the bottom of the heart is where depth of emotion is felt. However, in years gone by, the bowels were thought to be seat of emotions. In that time, the equivalent of “from the bottom of my heart” was “from the bottom of my bowels”, and for a person to feel something “deep in their gut” meant to feel something to the innermost depth of their feelings. Now, that is a phrase that would be interesting to bring back into conversations. Imagine for example our President or Senators campaigning saying this, “From the bottom of my bowels, America, I promise to...” or “When I am elected, from the bottom of my bowels I will care about...”. Could it be, might it be a better choice of words? If one listens for very long, he or she might deem the verbiage from the contenders more appropriately related to the bowels rather than the heart. Isn't that which comes out of the heart much different than that which comes out of the bowels?

Of course, there are other facets of the anatomy that could be used such as: the “feet”, or perhaps the “derriere”, but they don't seem to have the same impact or output as the bowels. No, the choice for the upcoming election period must be “from the bottom of my bowels”. If this becomes the colloquial phrase of the day, at least people will not be surprised by that which comes out well after the election is over and the new position is held.

Until tomorrow...Why Say More?

From the Bottom of My

So many phrases within the English language have metaphorical meaning to describe thought and emotion. One of those phrases is “from the bottom of my heart.” Although most understand this to mean from the deepest part of my feelings, people who use this selection of words do so to infer sincerity, gravity and solemnity. Their purpose is to convince the hearer that true care is within, and they feel it in the core of their being.

Today many use the phrase “from the bottom of my heart” because the heart is located within the chest, and the bottom of the heart is where depth of emotion is felt. However, in years gone by, the bowels were thought to be seat of emotions. In that time, the equivalent of “from the bottom of my heart” was “from the bottom of my bowels”, and for a person to feel something “deep in their gut” meant to feel something to the innermost depth of their feelings. Now, that is a phrase that would be interesting to bring back into conversations. Imagine for example our President or Senators campaigning saying this, “From the bottom of my bowels, America, I promise to...” or “When I am elected, from the bottom of my bowels I will care about...”. Could it be, might it be a better choice of words? If one listens for very long, he or she might deem the verbiage from the contenders more appropriately related to the bowels rather than the heart. Isn't that which comes out of the heart much different than that which comes out of the bowels?

Of course, there are other facets of the anatomy that could be used such as: the “feet”, or perhaps the “derriere”, but they don't seem to have the same impact or output as the bowels. No, the choice for the upcoming election period must be “from the bottom of my bowels”. If this becomes the colloquial phrase of the day, at least people will not be surprised by that which comes out well after the election is over and the new position is held.

Until tomorrow...Why Say More?

Saving Another He Saved Himself

The story is told of a man who was caught in a terrible blizzard. The snow was falling at such a rapid pace that he could not see the road ahead. He had to stop. There was no alternative, and now he didn't know exactly where he was.

The car was running, and the heat was on, but now his fuel level was very low. He knew he had no choice but to try to brave it out in the storm. He turned his car engine off, put on every stitch of clothing he had, and walked through the tempestuous flakes. Though he continued to walk for moments, then minutes, then hours, there was nothing in sight. He grew very weary and felt that he should just lie down for a minute or two to rest, but he resisted the urge because he knew that if he stopped, he might never get up again. He thought about being buried in the snow with no one to find him until it melted, so he trudged on.

After a few more hours, the man was finally so exhausted that he could not walk any further. Although he knew the possibilities if he were to lie down, he couldn't resist any more. He decided to just stop for a moment and fell to the ground below.

He had just begun to rest when he began to feel something moving under him. As he moved his hands to feel around, he realized that the object below him was another person. With heroic new strength, he uncovered the fallen man below him, hoisted him upon his shoulders, and began walking again. He had only walked another one hundred yards when he saw the light from a little cabin just ahead of him.

When he reached the door, the man knocked, was received inside, and found a welcoming stranger who lead he and his new found friend to a warm fire that was crackling in the fireplace. As the man sipped on a warm cup of coffee, and watched the man he had uncovered revive again, he suddenly realized, by helping someone else, he had saved himself.

Sometimes when the storms of life become so difficult that one cannot see and a person feels that demise is the only answer, helping someone else just may be the cure for helping oneself.

Until tomorrow...Why Say More?

Solo

The fuselage is in tact, and the ailerons move properly. The pitot tube is clear, and all the lights appear unbroken. The wings have no body damage, and the prop has no cracks or chips. A few more visual inspections, and the pilot will mount his plane and sore to the sky. He's flying solo today, and no one responsible is except for the one behind the wheel.

There is nothing like a solo flight. Alone, in command, personally attentive, responsible, and accountable should the plane take off, remain in flight and land safely. Whenever a person makes a solo attempt at something, demand is at its peak, and performance is blamed on no other. Full glory or demise rests at the end of the venture, and for that reason many never fly solo.

Oh, there is risk, but greater reward. There are troubles and corrections along the way, but the flight is worth the adjustments. There is chance of ridicule, persecution, and gossip, but conversations turn to praise about the victorious one who manages what they will never attempt.

Take a flight, solo, today, and watch the masses become spectators, the spectators become want-ta-bes, and the want-ta-bes become experts, while the one who has courage to make the flight becomes the authentic one.

Until tomorrow...Why Say More?

Herkamer and Gertrude and Playing Hookey

Herkamer awoke to a rainy morning. The skies were still dark, and the rain pitter pattered upon the roof and gutters of his humble abode. Since his line of work was mostly outdoors, he knew today was going to be a bust for making sales. It just seemed like a good day to call in sick, take off, or just play hookey, and so he began to reason.

As he lie in the bed, Herkamer thought about what he would do should he stay home, and he mumbled quietly, “I'll catch up on that old model airplane that I partially assembled weeks ago, or I'll play my guitar for a while. Maybe I will just pull out that book that I have been meaning to read and spend some time enjoying that video game that I have been trying to learn. Maybe I'll just enjoy an afternoon nap, or sit for a while and talk with Gertrude about vacation spots, children or new furniture for the house.”

Herkamer was deep into his day dreaming when Gertrude began to talk in her sleep. “Then the girls will be here at ten, so I will have to mop, dust, vacuum, and do the dishes before they come,” Gertrude said in a groggy voice. She continued, “and after the girls leave, I'll have to go shopping for shoes, get my nails and hair done, look for a new dress, and most of all look for new craft supplies.”

Herkamer stared through the darkness toward the ceiling above as he continued to listen. “I'm just so happy Herky will be here to help me with all these things. He's such a good...” Gertrude continued her sleep talking and then trickled off in her daze. Herkamer's eyes widened, and his resolve was perfected. He rose from the bed, walked toward the shower, and was ready to enter the bathroom when he heard Gertrude awake and say in a slightly whining voice, “Herky, where are you going?” “I'm getting ready for work,” responded Herkamer with resolve. “Why don't you just stay home today?” Gertrude asked. “Ah, no, no, no. no. I have lots of calls to make. Lots of calls,” said Herkamer as he continued toward the shower.

After he was out of sight, Gertrude smiled and whispered, “Works every time. Works every time.”

Stay tuned for more Herkamer and Gertrude stories. Same blog time. Same blog spot. Until tomorrow...Why Say More?

Resting Upon the Lees

The production of wine has come a long ways since the early days when people would use their feet to crush the juice out of the grapes. However, there is one part of that ancient process that continues to apply as metaphor for living today. This most notable part is during the fermentation process known as resting upon the lees.

After the fruit was crushed and the juice poured out, the new wine was placed into large jars where it would begin the fermentation process. Although the wine was strained when put into the jars, there would continue to be small particles within the liquid which would slowly fall to the bottom of the container. These small particles were considered the “lees”. Once the wine had settled for some time, the winemaker would pour it into another large jar. The wine would then settle again. This process was repeated several times until the wine was ready for serving.

A person might ask, “Why was the wine poured out time, after time, after time?” The reason is because of the lees. If the wine was allowed to settle for too long a period the lees that helped in fermentation would begin to rot the wine above, and the entire vat would be ruined. It was imperative that the wine be poured out or the wine would begin to stink. The winemaker knew exactly when the pouring process was to be continued lest his precious wine putrefy.

The next time the scent of rottenness is settling within a person's life, or their vision has blurred, or their direction is upset or diverted, it might be that they are either settling upon their lees or they are readying for a pouring out once again. Either way, the winemaker is attentive, and although they might scream and complain during the pouring out, there is a refinement process occurring in the mind of the winemaker.

Until tomorrow...Why Say More?

Belonging

Family. School. Church. Clubs. Teams. Squads, Countries and more are just a few of the mediums for human beings to belong. A certain sense of camaraderie is innate within most people. From the smallest of children to the oldest and most frail adult, enjoying the company of others is a huge part of the human existence.

However, what about those who feel that they do not belong? What about those who have been rejected, hurt, outcast and maligned by people in whom they trusted? What about those who have directed their paths in ways of alienation, recluse and abandonment? Are there venues that reach beyond the walls formulated to protect, safeguard and defend against any future hurt?

The writer knew of people who bought fields and land to get away from everyone. Another chose to stay within her apartment. Another speaks to no one, and another wraps herself in layers of clothing even in the summertime. Her garments serve as layers of protection. Is there no reaching them? Is there anyone who cares?

Exposure promulgates risk, and risk unrewarded or maligned thrusts a person into hiding. Some hide from without, and some hide within. Some are safe, and others are a danger to themselves and society. How then shall those who know them react, or will this be just another pontification inspiring only the page upon which it is posted?

Until tomorrow...Why Say More?

Herkamer and Gertrude and the Double Bind Part 3

Since Herkamer's boss would confuse him by telling him to do a certain thing and then not do that same thing, Herkamer decided to leave work and speak with Brother Hadley about it. Brother Hadley had just told him that he believed if he didn't blow his balloon so tight, it wouldn't make such a racket when it busted. The story continues with Brother Hadley speaking.

“Herkamer, have you ever asked your boss to explain what he means when he says sell something, but don't sell something?” Brother Hadley asked inquisitively. “No” Herkamer answered, “he's intimidating, and doesn't like when anyone questions him about anything.” Brother Hadley sat back in his rocker and pondered for a moment, “Well, why don't you quit?” Brother Hadley asked. “Quit?” Herkamer responded with a fret on his brow as if to say “are you crazy?” “That's what I asked” continued Brother Hadley, “seems to me that you have a better way of doing things than your boss, so why don't you quit, start your own company, and run it the way you want to?”

Without another word being spoken, Herkamer got the message. One of the wonderful parts of going to see Brother Hadley is that he never really told everything, but the way he would share would allow a person to fill in the blanks that were unspoken. Herkamer realized that either he was going to have to make adjustments on his job like talking with the boss when he was unclear, living with the double bind, or just stop working for the boss at all.

Herkamer stood as Brother Hadley picked up his piece of wood and began whittling again. “Thank you, Brother Hadley. You have helped me again.” Herkamer said as he stood to leave. “You know I'm here for you anytime, Herkamer. Just stop by anytime, anytime.” Brother Hadley smiled as he watched Herkamer walk to his car and leave. “That boy will always need instruction.” Brother Hadley whispered as he watched Herkamer's car roll down the dusty road.

Herkamer drove home, and Gertrude met him at the door. After a brief greeting and a kiss, Herkamer began to tell Gertrude all about his day. The double bind, the trouble in his understanding, his trip out to see Brother Hadley were all part of his story, and just when he was going to continue, Gertrude interrupted him and said, “Herky, would you mind taking the garbage outside, but don't take the garbage outside?” Herkamer stopped, and Gertrude smiled like a shy little girl. Herkamer got the message, and they walked into the kitchen to prepare some dinner.

Stay tuned for more Herkamer and Gertrude stories. Same Blog Time. Same Blog Time. Until tomorrow...Why Say More?