Trying to Adjust

          One of the biggest challenges in my 39 year teaching career was learning how to teach a classroom of students that had a variety of  learning styles.  There were some that were very logical and that was my style.  There were those who were visual and needed drawings and pictures.  Some were verbal and needed to discuss ideas.  Some needed to handle objects and some learned better when I put things to music.  And of course there were those who were very social and worked well in groups as well as those who much preferred to work alone.  We are all different and this is a real challenge for good teachers.
          I'm not sure how many years of teaching it took me to begin to realize that I needed to use a variety of approaches.  Not all students learned best the way I learned.  And, unfortunately, some teachers never learn this or never learn how to cope and adjust.  For example, when we introduced manipulatives and open ended problem solving in the elementary grades, many teachers just couldn't handle it.  They continued to depend upon how they were taught and how they learned even if this wasn't best for many of their students.  It is often hard to see and accept alternate approaches.
          Now while I recognized this as a teacher and tried to adjust to it in the classroom, I must admit that I haven't done as well in my day by day living and working with others.  There are some things that just get under my skin.  And I am working hard to get over these issues because I will never change others.  The only one who can be changed is me.
          For example, I have trouble with folks who are late for everything.  You can count on the same people to arrive in church 15 minutes late and march down to the front seats, week after week, after week.  If you have a meeting or a class, the same people will always be late.   And if you have a deadline for submitting something or doing something, you can count on these people to miss the deadline.  In school I was able to deal with my students who had these problems, but in everyday life it seems more difficult.  Maybe all of these people should be made to make up their time - after the church service or meeting.  Now I must admit, I have the opposite problem - I am usually very early for everything.  That's why I usually carry a book or my diary with me so I don't waste time.  
          I also have problems with folks who can't or won't follow directions.  When I was judge of elections we posted many signs with directions.  We even used ropes to guide them in the correct directions.  And yet we had people climb over the ropes or go around them.  They went out the wrong doors.  They didn't fill out their ballots properly.  I often found their actions unbelievable although I shouldn't have after having taught school for all of those years.   In Awana some  leaders won't pick up their name tags as instructed.  Some won't complete their registration cards or won't complete them fully.  And at times it drives me crazy.  But, as I said before, in school I could handle it.  Daily living is different.
          Then there are those who make promises but don't follow through.  Yes, they say, I will take care of that for you.  But they forget and you end up having to do it yourself.  We have recently had three different friends who started different jobs for us at our house.  In all three cases these good folks have never come back to complete the jobs.  Do you keep after them or pester them especially when they wanted to help you out or do you just move on and find somebody else?  I just don't understand.
         Then there are the bosses or the fellow workers who are idea folks but can't handle details.  They have the ideas but let you stuck with figuring out the needed details and then doing the work to implement them. Or they change their mind and don't tell you. Or they don't pass on needed information to you.  Or, if they eventually do, it comes at the last moment and you then need to change what you have already done.  I guess that is the price that you pay for being a conscientious detail person.
          Of course there are those who can't plan ahead.  I guess they don't use calendars.  You schedule something weeks ahead and then the day before they tell you that they have other  plans.  Drives me crazy.  As financial secretary of our church, I spend many days at the beginning of each year preparing about 400 giving receipts.  I pride myself in getting them distributed by the first or second week of the year.  But, just like clockwork, come April, I get calls and e-mails - "I've lost my receipt and I need another one for my taxes and I need it today."  On this one I've finally learned to roll with it because I just know it will happen - every year.
          Then there are those who love to share their horror stories when they know you are facing surgery.  It seems that almost everyone has stories of friends or relatives who had a similar surgery and ended up with more problems after the surgery.  OK, but why must you share those stories with me before mine?  Are you trying to talk me out of it?  Do you think you'll make me feel more comfortable?  I actually resisted telling folks about my surgery or talking to folks who had had it because of the reactions I received.  I only had one person tell me of a person who was helped by the surgery.  If I based the possibility of a successful surgery on the stories I was told it would only be about 8% and those aren't great odds.  Thanks folks for all the "encouragement".
          Oh yes, one more gripe which I have mentioned before.  It grinds me when people walk by and say "How are you doing?" and you know they don't want an answer and don't really care.  I'm to the point where many times I just ignore them and they don't even realize I have done so.
           Well my premise has been that we have different styles and we must just learn to try to adjust to them or we'll go nuts in this crazy world.  And, maybe given 39 more years as I had in the classroom, I will someday learn to adapt and handle it.
         As somebody has said, "To live with saints above, oh that will be glory.  But to live with saints below, well that's a different story."

Get the news!

          The old riddle was "what is white and red (read) all over?"  The answer, of course, is the newspaper.  But some newspapers are no longer just white and most probably aren't read "all over".
          Newspapers have always been an important part of my life.  Over the years I have worked on the editorial staffs of the Lititz Record Express (8 years), the Lancaster Sunday News (27 years) and the Sunbury Daily Item (1 year).  Growing up I used to write and make my own newspapers.  However, when I was in high school I wasn't good enough to be on the staff of the school newspaper, but that is a different story for another time.  I was yearbook editor however.
          But newspapers are changing.  Many are going out of business or merging.  Most news is now available on the internet.  In fact, when we are away I read our local newspaper on the internet, free of charge because I am a subscriber to the print edition.  Unfortunately, our local newspaper has gone down hill in recent years.  There is actually little news in it now and much more white space.  They've just added color to the comics to try to spark some interest, but I seldom read the comics.  And now they only have one editorial viewpoint and that is usually the liberal viewpoint.  Maybe, after being a subscriber for decades I may soon do like many others have done and cancel my subscription.  Time will tell.
          But who reads newspapers today?  Probably not the younger generation.  Maybe it is just we old-timers.  Well recently somebody sent me their opinion of who still reads them and I am sharing that with you for your enjoyment ... I hope.

1. The Wall Street Journal is read by the people who run the country.

2. The Washington Post is read by people who think they run the country.

3. The New York Times is read by people who think they should run the country.

4. USA Today is read by people who think they ought to run the country but don't really understand the Washington Post. They do, however, like their statistics shown in pie chart format.

5. The Los Angeles Times is read by people who wouldn't mind running the country, if they could spare the time, and if they didn't have to leave LA to do it.

6. The Boston Globe is read by people whose parents used to run the country and they did a far superior job of it, thank you very much.

7. The New York Daily News is read by people who aren't too sure who's running the country, and don't really care as long as they can get a seat on the train.

8. The New York Post is read by people who don't care who's running the country, as long as they do something really scandalous, preferably while intoxicated.

9. The San Francisco Chronicle is read by people who aren't sure there is a country or that anyone is running it; but whoever it is, they oppose all that they stand for. There are occasional exceptions if the leaders are handicapped minority feminist atheist dwarfs who also happen to be illegal aliens from ANY country or galaxy, as long as they are democrats.

10. The Miami Herald is read by people who are running another country but need the baseball scores.

11. The National Enquirer is read by people trapped in line at the grocery store.

Challenge Answers

     Here is what you have been waiting for - the answers to the challenges.  Grade your own test.  Hope you had some success and some fun.

1.    Spelling question -
        mispelled should be misspelled.  The others are all correct.

2.    The sailor is named Yvan.   (Hint spell the names of the son's backwards)

3.     The sequences

a.     Ten, Nine, Eight, Seven, Six, Five, ...

b.     Saturday, Friday, Thursday, Wednesday, Tuesday, Monday, Sunday

c.     December, November, October, September, August, July, ...

d.     One,  Two,  Three,  Four,  Five,  Six, .....

e.      18,  001,  121,  441,  ....

4.     a.  ONE WORD

        b.   70   ....  25

        c.    you have two apples

So how did you do?

Some Challenges For You

         I've recently begun to sort through my old files of things I've collected and materials that I used when I was teaching.  It is amazing how much one can accumulate over the years.  Some of the things I've found have been interesting and are filled with memories. Others I can't figure out why they were ever saved.
         One of the sets of things I found were challenges that I used to present to my students just for the fun and to encourage creative thinking.  As we start a new year it might be a good idea for each of us to take on some mental challenges to stretch or at least maintain our brain power and creativity.  So with that challenge in mind, I am including - hopefully for your interest - a couple of the problems I recovered.  Give them a try and either reply with a comment or else wait a few days and I will share the answers.  Ready? ... set ... go!

I.  How many words are mispelled?
Ukulele  .....   Desiccate .....  Ecstasy .....  Inoculate .....  Obbligato .....  Fuchsia .....  Supersede .....  Graffito .....  Sacrilegious  .....  Immaculate

II.  (From Lewis Carroll, 1829)
A Russian had three sons.  The first, named Rab, became a lawyer.  The second, named Ymra, became a soldier.  The third became a sailor.  What was his name?

III.   Complete these sequences:

1.     T, N, E, S, S, ...

2.     S, F, T, W, T, ...

3.     D, N, O, S, A, ...

4.     O, T, T, F, F, ...

5.     ..., 61,  52,  63, 94, 46, ...

IV.   Some easier quickies:

1.     Rearrange the letters of NEW DOOR to make one word.

2.     Divide 30 by 1/2.  Add 10.  What is the answer?

3.     Take two apples from three apples and what do you have.

Have fun!

We've Always Been Provided For

          I have been working on going through my file cabinets and trying to get rid of so many things that I no longer need.  While doing this I found an old poem, "We've Always Been Provided For" which was a favorite of my grandparents.  Having lived through very hard times, including the Depression, the words were almost like their personal testimony.  I am not really sure, but I think I remember that they may have even sung these words as a duet.  Anyway, I think the words are interesting and I have decided to share them with you in this blog.

          I did an internet search but found nothing about the poem except that it was once printed in the Advent Review and Sabbath Herald on December 26, 1912.  The language and the story may be over a century old, but the lesson is just the same today as it was then.

Good wife, what are you singing for?

You know we've lost the hay;

And what we'll do with horse and cow

Is more than I can say;

While like as not, with storm and rain,

We'll lose both corn and wheat,

She looked up with a pleasant face,

And answered low and sweet:

"There is a Heart, there is a Hand,

we feel but can not see;

We've always been provided for,

And we shall always be."

He turned around with a sudden gloom

She said: "Love me at rest,

You cut the grass, worked soon and late,

You did your very best:;

That was your work, and you've naught at all

To do with wind and rain;

And do not doubt but you will reap,

Rich fields of golden grain:

"There is a Heart, there is a Hand,

we feel but can not see;

We've always been provided for,

And we shall always be."

"That's like a woman's reasoning -

We must because we must,"

She softly said: "I reason not

I only work and trust;

The harvest may redeem the day -

Keep heart whatever betide;

When one door shuts, I've always seen

Another open wide.

"There is a Heart, there is a Hand,

we feel but can not see;

We've always been provided for,

And we shall always be."

He kissed the calm and trustful face;

Gone was his restless pain:

She heard him with a cheerful step

Go whistling down the lane,

And went about her household tasks

Full of a glad content,

Singing to time her busy hands

As to and fro she went;

"There is a Heart, there is a Hand,

we feel but can not see;

We've always been provided for,

And we shall always be."

Days come and go - twas Thanksgiving time,

And the great fire burned clear.

The farmer said, "Dear wife it's been

A good and happy year;

The fruit was gain, the surplus corn

Has bought the hay you know."

She lifted her smiling face, and said:

"I told you so!"

"For There is a Heart, there's a Hand,

We feel but can not see;

We've always been provided for,

And we shall always be."

As I read this I was reminded of one of my favorite verses, Psalm 37:25, "I have been young and now am old: yet have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging."

Your Vision For 2016

          What does 2016 have in store for all of us?  As a nation, 2015 was somewhat of a bummer ... increased terrorism ... attacks on our religious liberties ... protests ... changes in our culture ... increases in medical costs ... bad weather ... growth of liberalism ... persecution of Christians ... enough negative things to lead one into depression if you allowed the events around you to control your attitude.  And, from a human point of view, there isn't much to promise that 2016 will be any better.
         But, for true believers in Christ, there is real hope, for Christ has promised never to leave or forsake us and His promises are sure.  My grandfather who was a pastor for many years, used to encourage his congregation with the admonition, "Keep Looking Up".   And that is such good advice because that is where our relief and help comes from, both now and in the future. 
         One of these days Christ will take us home, either through death or through His rapture.  Then we will be rescued from the problems of this sinful, decaying world and taken to that perfect home He has gone to prepare for us.  
          That was probably the hope and experience that led Helen H. Lemmel, in 1922, to pen the words of this inspirational hymn, "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus".  And as we enter a new year, prayerfully consider these words.  Let them challenge you today to turn your eyes to Jesus. He alone is the answer for our needs.

(1)    O soul, are you weary and troubled?

No light in the darkness you see?

There's a light for a look at the Savior,

And life more abundant and free!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,

Look full in His wonderful face,

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,

In the light of His glory and grace.

(2)    Through death into life everlasting

He passed, and we follow Him there;

Over us sin no more hath dominion—

For more than conquerors we are!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,

Look full in His wonderful face,

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,

In the light of His glory and grace.

(3)    His Word shall not fail you — He promised;

Believe Him, and all will be well:

Then go to a world that is dying,

His perfect salvation to tell!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,

Look full in His wonderful face,

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,

In the light of His glory and grace.

Your Impact On Future Generations

          Have you ever thought much about the legacy that you will leave for the next generation?  How will the life that you are living now influence family members and friends after you are gone?  I personally think that this is an important question and unfortunately one which we don't really think about until our senior years. 
           In many cases when an older person dies all that remains might be a box of photos without any identification or explanations on them.  A few of the obvious facts about the person's life might be shared in the obituary.  Personal stories and experiences are often quickly forgotten, if they were even ever known by others.  Memories will probably soon fade for those who remain.
          For several years I have been passing on pictures and writings to my grandchildren.  I have written well over 150 pages with information about our ancestors, about my life and about the things that are important to me.  For a dozen or more years I have also prepared an annual DVD with key pictures of the family events from that year.
          But the most important part of leaving a legacy is the life that you live. Some of the most important parts of a legacy are how you live and what you say.  We need to remember that our friends, our children and our grandchildren are watching how we live and react to things. And this can be a real challenge.
         Now this blog was not to be about the practical points of leaving a legacy but about the possible future impact of your influence and life.  And this thought came to my mind as a result of a recent Christmas meditation in David Jeremiah's monthly devotional booklet, "Turning Points".  The meditation was on the journey of the magi based on Matthew 2:1-2.
          Actually, we don't know too much for sure about the magi.  Tradition says that there were three, but there could have been fewer or more.  Tradition gives them names, but the Bible doesn't.  Tradition shows them at the manger but they probably came much later.  What we do know is that two thousand years ago they trekked westward where they found and worshipped the Savior.
          Now there are many possible explanations of who they might have been, but David Jeremiah shares one that I have never heard before.  He starts by sharing how Daniel, the young Jewish exile in Babylon, interpreted the dream of King Nebuchadnezzar and was appointed chief of the wise men of Babylon (Daniel 2:48).  He mentions how Daniel wrote extensively about the coming of Christ.  He guesses that Daniel probably passed along a keen anticipation for the coming Messiah.  He then concludes that perhaps the wise men in Matthew 2 were from a sect among the eastern Magi devoted to the writings or oral traditions of Daniel.  An interesting idea.
          Now what really caught my attention was the conclusion of the meditation.  "If so, Daniel cast a long shadow.  So do we.  Future generations will be influenced by how we live, what we believe, and how we pass on our faith.  Should Christ tarry, you can still be influencing the world a hundred years from now by your devotion to Christ today."  Wow!
          And I know that is really true.  I am blest to come from a long line of strong believers, some of whom were pastors while others were faithful believers.  Some of them actually left writings and for others the stories of their lives and ministries have been passed on through the generations.  i doubt that they ever thought that their lives would influence my life, generations later.  But they did.
          Now you may not have been blest to have the same type of heritage and, in fact, it is possible that things done by your ancestors may not be things that you even want to know about or remember.  But you can begin today to leave a positive influence on the next generation and, maybe even generations to come, by living a life committed to serving the Lord and demonstrating His love to others.  It's never too late to start.  Ask the Lord to allow your life with Him to impact those around you today as well as those who follow ... and, should the Lord tarry, maybe even a hundred or more years from now.  Your life could have a profound positive impact on future generations and that would be an amazing legacy.

Seasons Greetings

          For those who didn't receive our Christmas letter this year, here it is. And for those who did, I've added a few things which weren't included in the original letter because they would have made that one too long.

          "God is so good, God is so good, God is so good, He's so good to me."  When we used to lead.  Awana we would sing this chorus each night just before our awards time.  The words are so simple but so meaningful and so true.  And, they do convey our thoughts and our prayer as we conclude a somewhat challenging 2015.
          We thank the Lord for many opportunities to serve Him during the year.  We were able to lead several hymn sings as well as the Sr. Saints Retreat at Pinebrook.  Barry has continued to serve as financial secretary and Dianne has been able to play once a month at our church.  We both continue to serve in supporting roles in Awana.  Barry's hymn blog continues to reach about 600 people around the world each week.
          We were excited to be able to lead our church in the purchase of a beautiful Kawai digital grand piano.  As part of the process we were also able to purchase a studio size model of the same piano for our home and that was really a "God thing".  They have over 1,000 amazing sounds and Dianne has been able to develop and play many outstanding arrangements.
          We didn't really get to take a vacation this year although we did get to Pinebrook twice without any duties there.  We did make a trip to Wisconsin in May for the burial of Aunt Ellen Derck.  She was a precious person who was a great influence on our lives.  Actually she was the one who led Barry to the Lord when he was a child.  Her husband, Uncle John, was 97 on December 21 and is doing quite well.  His mind is sharp and the Lord continues to use him in his senior years.  We are so thankful that the Lord allowed both of them to be a part of our lives.
          Physical challenges have kept us busy most of the year.  We both had numerous physical therapy sessions early in the year.  Dianne was in the hospital for three days in May due to an apparent viral infection.  Then, early in October, on our first night of a planned vacation at the shore, Dianne developed a severe case of shingles.  The severe nerve pain from this continues even months later.  Please pray for needed relief for her.
          On the first Sunday of the year Barry did something to his back while getting out of the car.  After months of tests and four different diagnoses, it was finally decided that he would need lumbar back surgery.  His surgery, on October 20, involved three different levels, two rods and six screws, and implanting of marrow from his hip to grow new bones.  His recovery will be lengthy with many limitations.  Therapy woon't  start until February, at the earliest.  He must have electrical stimulation for two hours daily for up to nine months to help the bones grow and he will need his back brace for many months.  Your prayers will be appreciated.
         We are especially thankful for our family and for several folks from our church who have responded with meals.  Our family has been especially helpful in taking care of our yard and things around our house.  We have been blessed by those who care and have responded to our needs.  It is hard for the first time in our lives to be so dependent on others, but God is providing what we need.
          We thank the Lord that our three boys and their wives are doing well. Our grandchildren continue to grow.  Zachary has transferred to Penn State Capital Campus and is doing quite well there. He is active in leadership roles in our church's Revive Ministry. Josh will graduate from Lebanon Valley in June with a degree in chemistry and is applying to graduate schools. He made presentations at two national conventions this year. Taylor is an RA at Lebanon Valley and plans to study next semester in Spain. She was chosen to greet the new freshmen and give the benediction at Lebanon Valley's convocation.  Noah will graduate from Warwick in June and is applying to a number of colleges.  His marching band came in second in the state competition this year.  Chloe (grade 10), Lexie (grade 6) and Brodie (grade 4) are all doing very well in the Conestoga Valley School District.  Chloe was selected to participate in a state science competition in Altoona this year and Lexie was chosen to be in her district's Geography Bee.  Brodie earned his Sparky Award in Awana. Lexie and Brodie both had lead roles in the recent church children's Christmas musical while Chloe served as stage manager. God has been so good to our family.
         It is so hard to believe that 2016 is almost here but we are looking forward to whatever the Lord has prepared for us in the days ahead.  We hope that you have had a good year and we pray the Lord's blessing upon you in the coming year.  God is so good, all the time.
         We hope that you have a wonderful holiday season and that the One who came to earth for us on that first Christmas night will be your comfort, strength and hope in the days ahead.Take care and keep looking up!

         The Kauffmans

Never Too Old To Learn

         I guess you are never too old to learn new lessons or to be reminded of things which you should know.  At least I am finding that to be so.  With my present physical limitations I have had plenty of time to reflect and consider things around me and here are some observations and reactions that I have had.
         First, don't be too self sufficient to accept help from others.  I originally said that we didn't need folks to bring us meals for there are those who needed them much more than us.  But one person responded by telling us that we had helped others over the years now we should graciously accept the help of others.  And we did.  And it was so helpful and nice.  Some of the meals were arranged by members of our church staff while others came unexpectedly from friends and family who just wanted to help us.  I guess I needed to be reminded that it is more blessed to give than to receive and sometimes you need to be the receiver.  And we are so thankful for those who took the time to show their love and concern in meeting our needs for meals.
          The giving also came from our family members who responded to many practical needs - filling our water softener, gathering our leaves, carrying heavy objects, preparing our AC for winter, staking our driveway and walks for snow removal, completing numerous lawn and household jobs, providing food, bringing in our Christmas items and even setting up and decorating our Christmas trees.  And this was done during a time when all three boys were overloaded with their jobs and other obligations.  God certainly has blessed us with wonderful sons, spouses and grandchildren.
          I have also been reminded of the different communications involved in friendships.  I admit that there were a few friends who seemed to stay away during our times of challenge. Maybe they didn't know what to do or say.  But there were others who really surprised us and stepped up in unexpected ways.  They really encouraged us and I needed that.
          I also really appreciated those who I knew were praying, especially some relatives who did not live close enough to actually visit but prayed regularly for us.  I was encouraged by prayers during two pastoral visits while I was in the hospital and two more at home, as well as by the wife of a staff member who prayed for us when she visited and brought a meal.  Now I didn't need to be reminded of the value of prayer but the prayers of others for us in a specific time of need were extra special.  I've also learned during this time to be more of a prayer warrior for others myself and that was a reminder I guess that I needed.
          I learned how nice it is to get visits weeks after surgery, especially if you know about them in advance and the visitors don't stay too long.  It is a real encouragement especially when you are confined and time passes slowly.  And that is something that I admit that I personally haven't cared to do when I was able.  I am much better at sending cards, notes and e-mails of encouragement.  And I have appreciated receiving those myself, especially when personal comments were included.
         I've also been reminded to accept that things don't always go as expected. But I guess I really knew that.  When observing the length of recovery of others who had back surgeries, I was expecting my recovery to take a month or two. That was true for my previous back surgery. But it is very obvious now that mine will be much longer - maybe a year.  I must now wear an electric stimulator to promote bone growth for two hours each day - up to nine months.  However, I am continually reminded that God is in control and that he has allowed this for a specific purpose - maybe so that I would learn some of these lessons.
          And the final lesson that I have been reminded of is one that I have often experienced in the past.  God allows things in His will to come into our lives in preparation for things in the future.  Here are some examples. (1) We did not schedule any ministry responsibilities for November or December of this year that we would now have had to cancel.  And that is unusual, but God knew our schedule even when we didn't.  For 25 years we scheduled about 100 family ministry meetings each year, sometimes even a year in advance.  And never did we have to cancel because of an illness, a death, or other unexpected events.  God knew what would come into our lives and when it would happen, long before we did.  
          (2)   Although I am sure that God would not control the weather just for me, I am amazed at the weather so far this month. One of my concerns is snow removal at our house this winter since for the first time neither of us will be able to do it and I don't want my boys to drive here through bad weather to do it for us.  But so far God has taken care of that for us with record high temps and no snow.  Now I don't know how long that will last, but it has been a real blessing for us. And when it comes, somehow He has plans to take care of it for us.
          (3)   Last December we decided to shop for a new car.  I had my plans to buy a Camry but the salesman suggested that I also drive a Rav4, even though that wasn't the style of car that I wanted.  But as soon as I drove it, I was sold on it.  And guess what? It has been a real blessing with this surgery.  I have no trouble getting in or out of it.  I would have had real difficulty with a sedan.  And it has been extremely comfortable to ride in.  God knew what we needed - almost a year in advance - long before we did.  What a great God we serve.

         I am often reminded of a verse which we taught to others so often in our family ministry.  Psalm 139:3 - Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with ALL my ways. "   

I Give Up!

          I really enjoy watching the many birds that frequent our bird feeders.  I especially look forward to visits from our woodpeckers and cardinals.  There are so many different types that come and they constantly remind me of God's beautiful creation.  I often think of the hymn "His Eye Is On The Sparrow" and the scriptures that remind us of his constant care and provision, even for the birds.
          But there are other creatures which also enjoy visiting and participating in our buffet - namely, our nasty neighborhood squirrels.  And they are not only nasty but they are very intelligent and crafty.  I've tried to declare war on them ... but I must admit that I've lost.  Their IQ's must be much greater than mine.
          Because of my surgery I have recently had hours to sit and watch the birds and the squirrels.  My main feeder was to be "squirrel proof".    But it wasn't and I now doubt if there is such a thing.  It had a covering on a spring which would close the feeding areas whenever a squirrel got on it.  And that part usually worked.  But these nasty visitors learned to break and bend the metal that would cover the feeding areas.  Their teeth must be like wire cutters.
          Then while I was watching one day, one of the squirrels discovered how to pop off the top of the feeder.  He could then stick his head right into the feeder and eat all that he wanted.  We would close it and he'd come right back and pop it once again.  And in the process of opening it he also chewed off part of the plastic feeder itself.  I thought that maybe if I put something like vaseline on the lid that this would defeat them.  I even tried adding hot pepper.  But it made no difference.
           With plenty of time to watch and think, I finally came up with a way to prevent him from popping off the cap.  And it worked.  But that didn't stop him.  He appeared to know what I had done and he tried without success to remove the clamps and wire that I had used.  When he couldn't do it, he went back to bending the metal to get some food.  I was beaten once again.
          My next attack was to replace the damaged feeder.   I invested in a new, more expensive feeder that advertised it was "squirrel proof".   Now I am a slow learner and should have realized that there is no such thing.  It didn't take long for them to learn that if they hung on the cage, food would fall out of the holes.  They could then retrieve it on the bottom of the cage or on the ground.
         But I wasn't done.  I decided to put tape over the holes that were releasing the most food.  Surely that would work.  But, of course, it didn't.  I should have known that I couldn't outsmart them.  They continued to come and hang on the cage and somehow get enough to make them happy.  And they are no longer scared by our banging on the window.  When we come out and clap or yell at them they just go higher in the tree and "hide" until we leave.
         Now maybe they have engineering degrees since they explored all parts of the new bird feeder looking for weak points.  This didn't bother me since with the cost of this trap there couldn't be any weak points.   Wrong!  One day I came out and didn't see the feeder.  When I looked closer, I saw it was on the ground and wide open.  I don't have any idea at all how they accomplished this.  Maybe I could have beat them if I had just finished my engineering program instead of becoming a math teacher.  Probably not,  I am now convinced that their IQ is just far superior than mine.
          So that's where things are now.  I admit defeat.  Maybe I just need to buy more feed and feed the birds and the squirrels .... or maybe buy a shotgun!  But with my luck I'd probably end up in jail.

One of my
visitors at work!

Terrorism

            My recuperation from my back surgery limits what I can do and sometimes it becomes rather boring.  Now for up to nine months I must also wear a special electrical stimulator to help the growth of new bones in my back.  I must use this for two hours every day.  This limits me even more, so I often find myself in the afternoon sitting watching boring television for those two hours.
           I was doing this on Wednesday when suddenly all the major stations interrupted regular programming to cover the mass shooting in California.  And for hours they repeated pictures and interviews without many actual facts.  If one took the time to sit there and watch it all, it could become very discouraging, maybe scary and even depressing.  And the viewing public did not need all this coverage.  A few definite facts would have been much better, but of course they didn't have any such facts for hours so must of the negative coverage was based on speculation.
          Part of the debate was whether this shooting could be labeled as terrorism.   Now the formal definition of terrorism is "the use of violence and intimidation in the pursuit of political aims."  So I guess the question is, were there actually political aims involved?  But who really cares.  Killing is killing and that to me is terrorism no matter what the aim might be.  Innocent people are killed and that is tragic.
          Now I believe that mass killings and terrorism are here to stay and we shouldn't be surprised.  The scripture tells in Jeremiah 17:9, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?"  And the scripture predicts times when violence will increase.  I don't like to be negative, but this world is not going to get any better.  Outside of a major revival, brought on by our fervent prayers, little can be done to reverse this tragic way of life.
          And President Obama, I totally disagree with you.  Tougher gun laws would not have prevented this or other mass shooters.  Whether these folks are terrorists or just mentally unstable, if they wanted to kill people they would have found ways to get guns, even if it was done illegally.  And you can't legislate morally - only Christ can change man's direction, attitudes and perspective.
          But there are some things that I wish the media would do.  First, cut off the major television coverage of these situations.  Why do we need to see hours of tragedy?  Among other things,this can show "copy cats" what they can do and maybe how to get away with it.  And, since the shooters on Tuesday apparently escaped, it might help them know what is being done.  The general public just does not need to see this.
         Second, why publish pictures and names of the shooters?  We almost make them heroes and give them tremendous publicity.  I wonder how many might not carry out their terror attacks if they realized that they would get no publicity.  
         Third, this is controversial, but let's reinstate the death penalty for those who do the shootings - if they survive their attack alive.
          Fourth, eliminate all the violence on television, in movies and in games.  Of course, this will never happen.  The public would call this censorship and demand it be returned.  But what a breeding place for violence.
          Now what can we as believers do?  Obviously, pray for our country.  Pray for safety for yourself and your family whenever you or they go some place. Don't take your safety for granted.  No place is exempt from terror.  We now even have security teams at our church to attempt to protect those of us who come to worship.  Don't refrain from living a normal life - just be aware of things around you.  And, finally, live each day as though it might be your last.  Love your family.  Live for Christ.  Trust Him.  And live with the certainty that should something happen to you, that the Lord knows and cares and has prepared a special eternal home for you.

In Everything ...

          I try not to be a complainer.  God has been so good to me and I have so much to thank Him for, so why would I complain?  But, if I am honest, during the past ten months I have found myself more than once complaining about people and things.  And I have probably at times been short with folks.  It's not a good excuse, but I have been in pain and not feeling well since the first week in January. Because of this I've not wanted to be with people or talk to them. I've tried to hide it and not draw attention to myself, but at times I guess my problems still have affected my reactions to things. And it shouldn't be that way because there are so many others with worse problems than I have been dealing with.  And I sincerely apologize if I have shown a negative spirit in any manner to you during this time.
         However, the Lord has been reminding me in so many ways that I need to be more thankful, more positive, more friendly, and more considerate.  And He is right.  Numerous times I have thought of the many scriptures that tell us to always be thankful, in the good times and in the bad.  And I have also been reminded of this lately through the song "Count Your Many Blessings" where the writer encourages us to see what God has done and actually try and count our blessings one by one.
          I have recently been trying to do this.  It is really easy to think of the big and important things for which I am thankful - the Lord Himself, salvation, the Bible, and my church.  And of course high on the list is my wife, my children and their spouses, my grandchildren, our home and my very special heritage of relatives who have loved and served the Lord.  And a list of the large things would certainly include my country and the freedoms which we have enjoyed here over the years.
          But recently I have been thinking of the many, many "small" or every day things which are so meaningful and enrich our lives today - things we often take for granted.   Such as ... central air conditioning that works ... fresh vegetables like corn and tomatoes ... beautiful mums ... spectacular colors of the leaves in the fall ... the exciting green of Spring ...  fresh, clean water to drink ... indoor plumbing ... hot showers ... refrigerators and freezers ...  beautiful lakes ... clean grocery stores ... good doctors and specialists ... Christmas ... eggs and home fries ... caring nurses ... soaring eagles ... a sump pump that works when needed ... turkey and filling ... safety on the highway ... a good church ...rainbows ... lawn mowers and snow blowers that work ... parades ... sun flowers ... apples and peaches ... Christian radio stations ... freshly fallen snow ... computers ... shoes and sneakers ... books to read ... football ... Chick fil A ... a good mattress ... full moons ... Pinebrook ... the ocean waves ... good hymns ... roses ... warm fires in fireplaces on cold nights ... eye glasses and hearing aids ... iced tea and meadow tea ... pianos and talented pianists ... our Rav4 ... reunions ... swimming pools ... freezers ... Thanksgiving ... polite children ... comfortable recliners ... good friends ... peanut butter ... cardinals ... jigsaw puzzles ... the beautiful farms of Lancaster County ... apricots ... beautiful mountains ... crisp, clear mornings ... sunrises and sunsets
          And my list could go on and on and on.  How about yours?  As they say,"take some time to smell the roses" and develop a thankful spirit.  What amazing things God has done and provided for us.

When upon life's billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.
Refrain:

Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God has done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your many blessings, see what God has done.

So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey's end.
Refrain:

Count your blessings, name them one by one,

Count your blessings, see what God has done!

Count your blessings, name them one by one,

Count your many blessings, see what God has done.