As We Enter A New Year

We often greet each other with a “Happy New Year” but there are new years when it’s anything but happy — especially knowing that the coming year isn’t going to get any better. I believe we are in that scenario. I don’t know anyone who is optimistic about the months ahead. Let’s try to remember that even now, there is hope … there is always a silver lining somewhere.

It’s easy to be depressed. The global economy is down. There is inflation. There are wars in Ukraine, Gaza, the Red Sea, and there are threats of war in Asia. New viruses are spreading. Refugees have forced their way into countries by the millions. Crime is up. Drug use is up. There’s a self-focused Karen born every minute. It’s a real nightmare. If you’re a socialist/communist, I’d really want to hear why you think that way.

Did you hear that selfish Mark Zuckerberg and other one percenters are building multi-million dollar underground bunkers and stocking up on food? I don’t get it. Let’s say the rest of the world is wiped out, why would anyone want to live anymore? What exactly will the “last man breathing” win? Who will cheer and hand you your medal, Mark? What do you do for fun when you’re all by yourself? Who are you going to flaunt your wealth to? Your neighbor Bill Gates who lives in the next bunker?

I’m thankful there are people who have such a positive outlook that, come rain or shine, they always find something positive to say.

The Encouraging Captain
I remember a story my grade school classmate shared with me about a captain whose battle weary soldiers were so discouraged because they were low in supplies and had not had a bath in weeks. But, being the encourager that he was, the captain decided to give a little pep talk:

“Don’t be so discouraged men! I bring you GOOD NEWS and BAD NEWS!”

“What’s the good news captain?” they grumbled.

“The good news is: You will ALL have NEW UNDERWEAR!”

“Hurrah!!” They shouted! “Now what’s the bad news?”

“Okay, all of you — exchange underwear!”

In our desperation, even if we don’t exchange our underwear, we can surely laugh about it. TGIF people. I hope the New Year will treat you better than expected.

Raoul.

“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” — Isaiah 40:31

JOKE OF THE WEEK

Thanks to Martha of Covina, CA

Parting Shots

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre. CA

I found these

The Traveling Boy

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

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From Within and From Without

Yesterday I found myself in the middle of the lion’s den. Someone invited me to a meeting thinking that I shared the same world view as the organizers. I didn’t. I was an unwilling spy. I observed the way they talked, the way they urged everyone else to join their campaign. I had only known this species in their hostile state so I was impressed at their friendliness, ease with technology and their gift of gab (although it was English they spoke a different language). I did see a problem with some of their assumptions but who was I to expose myself? Still, I would like to have a real conversation when both our shields are down.

A day before, I was informed that someone in my own inner circle was moving to another church. You think you know people well enough but I was unaware of his unmet needs within the church.

How little we understand people outside of our circle. How little we know the people in our own circle.

The Turtle and the Grasshopper

There was a turtle, a grasshopper and a highway. The grasshopper convinced the turtle that there was more food on the other side but the turtle warned the grasshopper of the danger of the cars whizzing by. The grasshopper teased him and jumped back and forth from side to side showing him that his fears were unfounded because there wasn’t any car in sight. Persuaded that it was time to face his fears, the turtle started his journey to the other side. All the while, the grasshopper is jeering and running rings around the turtle. Varoom! A car drives by and the grasshopper is squashed like a pancake. The turtle is protected by his shell and survives. But the angry driver (who was forced to swerve because of the turtle) picks up the turtle and lays him upside down on top of a fence to die a slow death.

Questions:
When opportunity presents itself, are people too smart to realize they’re playing with danger? Are people too slow to grab the opportunity? Instead of making a killing, do we always expect the worst and turn into roadkill? When can we trust enough to turn down the divisive walls and learn from each other?

We think we know but we really don’t until we live among them.

TGIF people!

Raoul

“When we lower out shields, we become vulnerable and open to both help and harm equally. In order to bond on a spiritual level, we have to lower our ‘shields’ and become authentically vulnerable with the other person.” — Warren Lamb, PHD in his book Unbound.

2 From Art of Sierra Madre, CA

Thanks to Mel of Washington. DC for this joke.

Video of the Week

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C.

Parting Shots

Thanks to Mel of Washington DC for this joke.

Thanks to Naomi of North Hollywood, CA.

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