Raoul’s Two Cents: October 1, 2021
Open Book
I had a very interesting talk with Bob, a classmate back in High School. Remember my friend Teddy who passed away a few months ago from Covid? Bob was part of that Naughty Boys Club. We would hang out in the mall and dare each other to start a conversation with a real live woman. Bob was the first to run away. I was right behind him.
What made the conversation so different was he was now a born-again Christian. When I found out we shared the same faith, immediately, our tone of conversation went several notches deeper. Have you ever experienced that? Instead of a meeting full of wise-cracking jokes, it’s an encounter of souls. If you’re a believer, I’m sure you know what I’m talking about. It’s an indescribable precious moment.
It’s a little like 2 war veterans bumping into each other in some far away land and comparing war wounds. Sometimes being a Christian is like going through a war zone. We know very well that Christians are ridiculed in many circles. Just like in the days of old, many of my brothers are dying for their faith. And I can understand why. People remember televangelizing salesmen on the TV who promise prosperity and a ticket to heaven if you contribute to their private jet. In my old life, I used to laugh at people who believe in that nonsense. But now I understand that many who profess to be Christians are fools. There are many hypocrites whose walk don’t match their talk. It’s sad when the rest of Christiandom are thrown into the same negative classification of brainwashed, spiritual weirdos.
Many have asked me to stop all my Christian talk and just stick to the jokes. Jokes are great but for me, that would make all my efforts hollow. The internet is already full of joke sharing. I want to show people from the “outside looking in” what it’s like to be a professing Christian. I’m far from perfect but I do strive to be better each day. If you’ve been reading my emails, you know that my life is an open book. I do pray a lot. I do read my Bible and have moments of excitement discovering new truths. I used to hate going to church but now I look forward to Sundays and gathering with fellow believers. I do ask God to help me with my decisions. And I do want to share my faith. Is that wrong? Does that make me a weirdo? My faith has changed the way I look at life. It has given me joy and a purpose. It has made me accept this imperfect world. I learned patience and to give grace. It has made me love my fellow man. How could I not? Jesus first loved me even when I was so unlovable?
Who would have thunk that people like Bob and I from the Naughty Boys Club would rekindle a childhood friendship by following the path of a carpenter who walked on water over 2,000 years ago? If you know what I’m talking about, you know this is real. If you don’t know, well, what are you waiting for? There’s a whole new wonderful world just waiting for you.
TGIF people! Have a blessed weekend.
Raoul
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:16
JOKE OF THE WEEK
Thanks to Peter Paul of S Pasadena, CA for this joke.
VIDEOS OF THE WEEK
Thanks to Rodney of Manitioba, B.C. for this oldie but goldie.
Thanks to Jay of California for this AGT tear jerker
PARTING SHOTS
Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA for these 2 jokes.
Thanks to Pia of La Crescenta, CA
Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA for these 3 last jokes
NOTE: The comments below got mixed up with the comments from last week.
Michael
October 1, 2021 at 12:08 pm
Hi Raoul! TGIF Intercom! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Jeff
October 1, 2021 at 12:09 pm
I have US Bank for about 9 or 10 years. I’m sort of OK with them, but not over joyed.
I forget the exact numbers, but 20 years ago, fees made up about 20- 30 % of bank revenue. Today I think its over 50%.
Imagine that, all the interest, and fees account for as much money. I get dinged about $40 per year for stuff. There either must be a lot of people or a lot of people are paying way more than me.
It’s tough to switch, credit cards, accounts, a computer system I can navigate, a history with balances and no bad checks from customers, immediate credit on deposits. Tough to start over.
The more I think about what I wrote, there must be some caveats in those numbers. That just can’t be right. But I read it. It wasn’t my brother in law telling me!
Tom
October 1, 2021 at 12:10 pm
Thanks Raoul. Banking is certainly not what it used to be. Love to return to the Great Old Days…Tom
Heather
October 1, 2021 at 12:10 pm
Credit Unions are the way to go.
Chuck
October 1, 2021 at 12:11 pm
Hi Brother Raoul,
Thanks for this. Years ago we changed our banking to a credit union. Many advantages over doing business with a bank and less expensive. While not perfect, one of the advantages is that you can deposit or withdraw money at any credit union in the nation without additional charges. They also have an arrangement with 7/11 markets to use the ATM in store for free. Whittier has CreditUnion of SoCal among others. We got hooked up with Wescom though a previous employer and have stayed with them. But SoCal C.U. has more branches, which you need to visit from time to time.
Take a look,
Chuck
Pat
October 1, 2021 at 12:11 pm
Thanks for the warnings about our local banks! Not sure if it will be a good fit for you, but I’ve been with CUSC (Credit Union of Southern California) for 34 years and highly recommend them for outstanding, friendly and efficient service. Closest branch for me in La Habra is on north side of Whittier Blvd., between Cypress and Harbor. 562-698-8326. My banking needs are pretty simple. Just personal checking and savings, and i had a couple of mortgages with them on my last home. So if you have business accounts, don’t know if they will be what you’re looking for, but I don’t think you’ll find better service. Might be worth a call. Good luck!
Pat
Oscar
October 1, 2021 at 12:23 pm
Good morning Raoul, I’m sorry to hear about all that bank drama!!!! What a nightmare. I’ve been with USBank for the last many years and I have to admit that I haven’t had any problems with them. I have noticed a change in staff more like short staff but that’s everywhere I go in the city, markets and other stores Too. The quality of the food in the market has changed too and not good change. I bet it’s not like that in every city in California, The Rona people are picking which cities to destroy😕🙏🙏🙏
Paula
November 19, 2021 at 2:37 pm
Raul,do not pay attention to your ‘FRIENDS’who do not want you to speak of jesus christ.HE IS THE WAY,THE TRUTH,AND THE LIGHT!Proclaim the gospel………..i will find you a few jokes so**************@ao*.com