Sorry to the Spacemen

Raoul’s Two Cents: November 14, 2025

Kumbaya

If you don’t want to ponder, move on to the Jokes.

What do you get when you gather a hundred men together on top of a mountain? You get an International Kumbaya Convention.

No. Just kidding, There’s no such thing. But last weekend I did attend a Men’s Retreat on one of the hills of California. I wouldn’t say it was on a mountaintop … more of a hilltop. That’s why it wasn’t as cold as I feared.

As expected, we did refresh our spiritual gas tanks with Biblical teachings — the Bible was not meant to be read but meant to be spent. We were reminded to act like real men — be a good husband (become the man your wife will want to follow), a good father and a good example to others. Any negative upbringing should not dictate the good we can do. King Josiah, pulled away from the mold of his rebellious predecessors and admirably worshiped the Lord. We are builders of our own household, our church and the world. Lofty ambitions for sure but they are good goals.

But, to be honest, the comradery among men was the most memorable for me. The last time I went to camp was some 30 years ago. I forgot what it was like. Here we were: a bunch of Christians of different ages, ethnicity and background exchanging notes on how we got to where we were. I met super intelligent, decent, Biola students who gave me hope for the future generations — such a contrast to the angry elitist mob of Ivy league universities. There were many retirees (many held critical positions in society) who found their niche in their new sedentary chapter of life. There were professors, programmers, administrators, musicians, two accountants, two horticulturists, a principal, a policeman, a welder, etc. who had spiritual fire in their bellies. There were also some who needed prayer facing difficulties. It was refreshing to see the extroverts helping the introverts engage. What a wonderful preview of what our conversations will probably be like when we get to heaven.

I have to give special thanks to Scott who was our chauffeur and Ricky who was our token college kid who shared the ride. We talked non-stop like young girls. A true blessing.

There were 2 other retreat organizations that rented the camp facilities. One of them was a bunch of women. We didn’t talk to them and they didn’t talk to us. We deliberately ignored each other. But the difference between men and women was striking. The women’s meeting hall was festive with flower arrangements and neatly stacked leaflets and books. Most of their activity was limited to that large room. The men’s hall had that come-as-you-are look — functional with no decoration. While the women were enjoying their tea, the men were doing sports activities all over the camp. The energy was most evident at the Dodge Ball event where the young kids hurled those sponge balls with gravity-defying precision. Hoo ha! No gender dysphoria problem here.

If you’ve never been to one of these retreats, please do yourself a favor and go. Don’t even dig up your many excuses; just go! And when you do, circulate — intentionally meet complete strangers.

Of course, this is just me. TGIF people! Have a wonderful weekend!
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Quotes of the Week

“Men can fix anything except the mess they just made.” — Unknown

“Men: if it’s not broken, don’t worry, they’ll still try to fix it.” — Unknown

“Behind every great man is a woman wondering why he didn’t ask for directions.” — Unknown

“A man in love is incomplete until he’s married… then he’s officially out of warranty.” — Unknown

“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” — Proverbs 27:17

“Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity.” — Titus 2:7

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.” — Psalm 1: 1-6

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, California

Parting Shots

Thanks to William of La Mirada, CA

Thanks to Custer of Los Angeles, CA

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA

Thanks to Joe of San Bernardino, CA

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA

Thanks to Norm of Encino, CA

Thanks to Richard of New Manila, Philippines
(Not a joke)

I found this:

My good friend (and jokester) Terry and I came up with these.

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