No I don’t mind at all bro. Actually allowing myself to be a blank white canvas so God’s artwork/ message can be painted by Him. With His huge and gentle paint brush strokes may others learn (as you said) or sense His message whatever that maybe. It still tough but the grace is sufficient all these days.

Just like your pen strokes that night [at the party where you drew caricatures of all of us], it’s the artist and the white pad that one can not see until it is finished.

God is not finished… still mending His gentle strokes bro.

Thank you for your ministry. Your messages are clear and making waves through your TGIF. Keep it up. The world needs many of you and I. [Awesome]!!

Yes I was referring to u but it wasn’t just addressed to u but to all who were going through a rough time. It is my hope and prayer that people will relate and be able to better cope with the uncertainties of life. I did not mention your real name but to our fellow bros it will be obvious. I hope u don’t mind. We all can learn from each other.

Thx

Sam

There is humor in everything if you look for it. I remember going to a funeral for one of my mother’s cousins – we called him Tio (Uncle) Al. All Mexican cousins of your parents out of love and respect are
Tio’s and Tia’s to the children. The families grew up close. It was a cold rainy evening for the viewing. Al had been loved by all, hard worker and hard drinker. My Mom told us that he got started as an Altar Boy in the Catholic Church. She said that during Communion he would give the kids a knowing wink as he brought the communion wine to the Padre. It continued and he became an off again, on again alcoholic – but always a friendly drunk – never mean. I was sad at his passing. At the wake my other uncles were talking quietly. Uncle Fermin says, “Leave it to Al to pick a time to make us all have to get out in the rain.” They were enjoying the moment irreverently sharing memories of Tio Al’s mischief. They grew up together during hard times and all served in the U.S Military during WWII. I was
trying not to laugh. Fun memories in sad moments.

Blessings,

Brother Chuck.

Nice to see that despite your tire foibles u still manage to have a sense of humor.

Yes life isn’t fair or always funny! My wife and I were giving up our evening at the Board Meeting (But still entreating and doing something good for others) for O.P.I. = Organization for the Physically
Impaired and after the meeting when we went the car, the front drivers side tire was almost flat – fortunately across the street there was a well-lighted Gas Station. I was able to drive over to it and pulled up to the Air machine, got out of the car and went to the office to request them to turn the Air on for me – free of course – a CA State requirement of all gas stations. Unfortunately the sign posted on the office read it was Closed and will be back at 9 a.m.! Drats there went my $.1.50 in quarters. Not Punny – I mean Funny! Don’s Pun hit too close to home. Even worse, this set of tires I just purchased about 4 months ago; the other set
had about 50,000 miles on them, they looked OK, but I just wanted to be extra safe – especially since we go to Rosarito, Mexico each month. This is the second tire that I have had to replace on this set due to damage to a side wall! Another $80 kaput! I had only one reparable nail on the old set. Go figure. Hardly seems fair. However, I was thinking I had been on freeways good part of the day, and actually at the L.A. Parks and Rec building at MacArthur Park on Wilshire and Alvarado regarding Goal Ball. I can thank God the tire didn’t blow in any of those places, but fortunately close to home and the Tire Company where I purchase them. Also growing up in my early days close to MacArthur Park I had never been in the Rec Building – what a treasure. Solid construction and everyday useful. As the song says:

MacArthur Park is melting in the dark
All the sweet, green icing flowing down
Someone left the cake out in the rain
I don’t think that I can take it
‘Cause it took so long to bake it
And I’ll never have that recipe again
Oh, no!

Tom