Time, money and nerdiness

I am starting a new diet; a money diet.  I am going to try to budget my spending to about $400. 00 to $500.00 per. month.  I believe I can do it.  I need very little and generally I am not a big spender.  I may "want" a lot, but really don't need all the material things that other people spend their nickels and dimes on.  With a few exceptions, such as home owners and auto insurance when due, I can budget for those, too.  As Audrey used to say,  I can be very "poveriticle"  when I wish to be.  That is her word, not mine...so don't look for proper spelling as she coined the word years ago.

$400.00 to $500.00 dollars per month doesn't sound like a lot of money to live on monthly...and it isn't.  In a sense I prepared for austerity when I retired by paying of all my debts, knowing that my income would be a whole lot less when on Social Security.  Even so, there are a lot of people that do not have $$ to budget or put food on the table.

You may think that I have to budget, but I do so because I can.  There are better places to spend what money I do have...than to eat out a lot or on all of what modern culture dictates for us to buy and consume.  I don't need the latest phone that is advertised or a new car.  My basic phone and eight year old van work just fine.  I don't buy a lot of cloths as I am hard to fit and hate the styles.  There are many ways to reduce expenditures and use my money for more important issues.  If I can...you can.  Try it. 

To clarify this I do need to say that budgeting can and will work for many people, but it is not an overall blanket suggestion for ALL people or readers of this post.  What works for me may well be a hardship for many.

 MAGNIFICENT OBSESSION

 

"Magnificent Obsession" is the title of an old love movie that came out around 1954.  In a sense the title is also 'My Love Story" as well.  For I go to bed thinking about God, get up thinking about God and I am thinking about God "in between."  You could say that I have an obsession in all things God related...'though I don't really think so.  I make too many mistakes throughout the days; putting my foot in my mouth too often, at the wrong time, before the wrong people.  In essence I have an over sized vocal orifice with too  many opinions and too little discernment for what comes forth unbidden.  However, it does not keep me from thinking about God.

 

I am sure that my family, friends, acquaintances and even enemies(we all have them)think of ME as a nerd...religious nut case, or yes, obsessed.  I am not obsessed by organized religions or institution, cults or other persuasions for the Bible tells us that "In my father's house there are many mansion(rooms)."  The Vatican 11 Documents also tell us that any religion of the one God holds a part of the truth as our new Pope Frances seems to clarify that for us as well.  I am a Catholic and will die a Catholic, but like the Pope remember, "Judge not, lest you be judged."

 

SAINTHOOD

 

I desire sainthood.  You should, too.  Desire it not for vanity, self-glorification or recognition, but because the road to such a grace, while most often a rocky road, will bring you into closer communication/union, with our Lord.  There are so many saints that have NOT found fame or glory or sought after it, but only for a quiet certitude and serenity in loving and doing the Lord's will.  That is what I pray for and what I hope that any reader of this missive will pray for...for me.


I hope this all makes sense to you, the reader.  It is not easy for me to put my thoughts into words and have them it come out they way I feel.  Once I was told by someone that I admired and respected, that I was "sanguine," a person that doesn't care.  It was a long time ago; it hurt then and hurts to this day.  I sucked it up and put on my bland face and offered no defense.  Sometimes we just have to suck it up and carry on.  It brings me back to the Pope who said, "Who
 am I to judge?"

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Monday...Monday.

It's a new week, a new day, a new Monday.  Keep in mind what I posted the other day about switching my postings to Wednesday.  Surely I can think of something to write about by then!

The past few days have been glorious; just the way I like it, but it is about to change according to the weatherman.  He says that we will get a copious amount rain starting tomorrow.  I do wish that those that need the rain would get some.

There have been a rash of terrible accidents and tragedies these past few weeks and we often ask why God lets these things happen.  Well, God is not a micro-manager and never was.  He was the painter of the 'big picture" and has left the rest up to us.  The choice of alcohol, drugs, natural events, mistakes of the human kind, abound.  "Stuff happens." We grieve and pray for those that are lost, injured or have had their lives torn asunder/apart. We carry on as God wills.

I intend to really tighten my belt and budget this month.  There is so much $$ going out, but not enough coming in and there are number of things I need to have done around the house.  Four years ago I could do it myself-before B/A, but now I need hire things to be done...done.  Darn!  No more driving nails, using a power saw or hanging doors.  Nope...those days are gone.

Anyway, I must accept that I am not capable of defying Mother Nature or the passage of time.  My arm will never be the same again and I will move on in thought and deed.  Yes, I will...I must.  So there, I tell myself!

Remember: I am switching to Wed. starting this week.

END

New posting schedule

I plan on posting on Wednesdays from now on.  I have been posting on Mondays, but Mondays are often busy for me. I will post this Monday and then get started on a new Wed. schedule on the very next Wed.  How does sound?  It is summer and there is a lot to do or occupy my time.

Today I am worn out and took this day off...really.  Yesterday I mowed the back yard.  I am not finished with the yard, but the yard is finished with me...at least until tomorrow.  I need to go to Lowe's and get string for my trimmer and some yard bags for all the stuff that needs pruning back.  I am very careful about pruning because one time I was cutting away some trash brush and a limb came back and bite me right between the eyes!  Yup; drove me to my knees and I saw the stars of the cosmos.  After a few stitches I decided to let someone else do the major pruning, but I still have a lot to do on my own.

I tell you this as a cautionary tale so that nature will not give anyone unexpected surprises.  Be careful of what you do.  Angels are very busy watching over more important happenings among the dumb and dumber, and don't have time for stupid carelessness.  And so it goes.

EN

Waiting..waiting..

Waiting...waiting...waiting.  I am tired of waiting for the workers to come and fix the ceiling in the kitchen.  I know that they will go and do the "big jobs" or the money jobs first, but I am getting tired of eating out while I wait.  As it is supposed to rain hard tomorrow...that is when they will probably come...and track up the house with dirt and debre'.   and crud.  And I will probably be happy about it as it long as it gets done.

I have been moving as many things out of the kitchen...out of the way.  Now I have stuff piled up in the living room. It is a good opportunity to see how much stuff that has accumulated over time that I know I will never use.  It's time for another trip to the Salvation Army.

I don't get as much done now as I don't use my arm all that well since I broke it a few years ago, so a lot of canning jars will go.  I have a ton of freezer boxes that will also find a new home at the S. A.  I guess I will keep my big canner, but store it in case I do cann a few things.

Ummm.  My bad.  I forgot to post this last evening.  I got to doing other things and by the time I remembered it was around 1a.m. and I was not about to get up out of bed and post this

Well...I am still waiting.  This is the second day of waiting.  I really don't like this "hurry up and wait" situation, but I know everything is in God's time and not of my own.  But...but, I would really be happy if the repairs it get done soon.

As I was thing of God's time, I was thinking of how fast the second hand on my watch goes 'round and 'round.  Life is similar.  It goes by pretty fast and you wonder where all the time went and why I or we...didn't get more or better things accomplished during the span allotted to us.  I know that I am inclined to be a tad lazy; or maybe a more then a tad.  I often put off today what should have been done yesterday or last week.  Time is like a precious commodity that you want to invest in and not store it up for the "big crash" that you may or may not see coming.  You can't store up your earthly treasures, for your true treasures are of heaven and of the love of Jesus.  You can not lock up your real wealth in a safe deposit box or bank for use on a rainy day.  You just can't.  Time is treasure to use in the "now" for good of self and all.  Spend your time wisely and cash in on the rewards later...for you will be compensated for your "time" of living well and doing good.

In saying this and knowing this...I am still a tad or more...lazy.  I am working on it.

END

Dinning in vs. dnning out

Dinning out while waiting for the repair work to start on the kitchen ceiling to get started...has its drawbacks.  It is fun for the short term, but then it gets old and expensive.  The food is not always that good, often greasy or dripping oil, esp. in the fast food places.  For the most part I would rather "dine in" and eat my own cooking.  However, the work will not began on the kitchen until around the 22 of July.  I will be happy when its done and to have my kitchen again.

I have one and only one, lonely CD.  I am thinking of cashing it in as soon as it matures and getting the rest of the house up to par.  It will depend on how far I can stretch the small amount of revenue.  It has never made any money so I might as well use it for a good purpose later on down the road.

I am meditation about meditating.  Sounds a little redundant, does it not?  Meditation just is not easy as the mind and heart gets cluttered up with so many distractions.  The min-hoarder of the mind...that's me.  There is a lifetime of images, thoughts, events, desires. regrets and expectations that filter in and out of my attempts of meditation.   Once in a while a little light shins through the clouds and trees and that makes it all worth while as I peer into an open glade in the forest.  There is a small brilliance cascading into my heart and soul.  It may be for only a minute, a second, but I want it back and I continue the quest after that small, fleeting moment through mediation and prayer.

I can't tell anyone how or when to meditate.  Hopefully meditation becomes a daily practice.  There are all kinds of grues and meditations and informational religious sites on the Internet.  In the end you will have to find your own way to that which what raises your spiritual level and communion with God. Of course, I am referring to a mainly Christian spirituality.  However, if you are of another persuasion and wish the meditate for the good of your soul and the common good of ALL people...then do so.

Silence:  It is pretty hard to find these days.  I think that if I were to find absolute and true silence...then I would die for I would be in union with God.  In meditation we get a glimpse of that union and seek after it.  I think God intends for us to  to get just a glimpse and feel the trueness of silence for it keeps us on the path to heavenly attainment. 

I wish I were capable and literate enough to convey what I think and feel, but I am not.  I never was the sharpest pencil in the pencil box and that is why I have an eraser and use it frequently..

If I may make a suggestion:  Find a quiet corner, space or even a closet and turn it into a meditation/prayer area, free of visual or noisy distraction if possible.  You can add some sacramentals to aid your focus, if needed, but don't make it too busy.  You can add some soft, soothing music to help you, if you desire.  I like the Gregorian Chants.  They lend themselves well to a relaxing spiritual atmosphere.  Meditation is prayer and in truth you can pray anywhere.  Often conducive conditions are very helpful.  Pray well.

END

 

So, I am a religious nerd.

All things bright and shinny

Did someone say it was hot?  What...hot in Kentucky...nooo!  Yes.   The early morning humidity was in the discomfort range, but has dropped down to around 49 %.  That is bearable.  I can live with that.

My new a/c is still in the back of the van.  A friend is coming over tomorrow eve. to put it in for me..  I don't know what to do with the old one unless I put it out for someone looking for the copper.

There isn't much to mention.  I've been to the dentist and had my little teeth cleaned.  Now if I smile at you I will knock your eyes out, so bright and shinny are they. 

Do you ever think of the soul-your soul, as bright and shinny?  Probably not.  We don't really think of the soul as something that can be visualized, like a new copper penny right out of the mint.  We generally think of our souls as all wrapped up and coming with the package...us...me...and thee.  In a sense that is true for like most of us with two feet, two hands, to eyes and ears, the soul is an intrinsic gift that is bestowed upon us with that first spark of life in our mother's womb.   He gave. You are. You become.  Never doubt.


I have friends that do not believe in God and have no faith.  They think of themselves and others as little blobs of chromosomes and DNA  swimming in the soup of life and live accordingly.  I hope their floatation devices are really good because they will either sink or swim.   Me...I prefer to swim...and not just randomly, but for shore, to plant my feet on rock...not shifting sand.  And there is an app for that, "Build your house on a strong foundation..."  This is from a parable in  the Bible: Matthew 7, vs. 24 through 27.  It is the story of a house that was built on sand and washed away during a storm.  Read it, if you will.

Most of us...and I won't leave myself out...are poor builders and carpenters.  The soul is the foundation of our structure upon which we place the framework of our spiritual house.  I have heard and read that the soul does not grow, but I don't know about that.  However, we can and should keep our souls spiffy, shinny and new-like...or as mint-like as possible.

I know that earnest prayer and meditation will bring out the shine of our souls and keep it glowing.  As I am not a theologist or even a scholar, I can not know if the soul grows or not.  It  is my own inner conviction or belief that the soul does grow.  Think about it and offer me your insights, if you will.

There are a variety of writings by philosophers, theologians, great saints an just ordinary seekers of truth.  What did strike me is that many or the writers believe that the soul and spirit are separate.  Delve into your computer search boxes and read as much as you can.

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Just some thoughts

I am a min-hoarder...yes I am.  It isn't so bad that I can't get through the house or need to climb over piles of trash or rubbish as you see in the shows on TV, but it makes me wonder why I save some of the stuff that I do. I guess I have an emotional, sentimental attachment to things that I have no real use for or will never use again.

I am in a clean-out mode or get rid of junk frame of mind...again.  Lots of stuff has got to go...again.  In our material society it is a never ending accumulation of things we think we want, need, can fix or may need later.  Much later.  So our or my hoarding grows a little bit at a time.

I have been down this road before, but at least I recognize that I have a penchant for saving unneeded, unusable stuff, and every once in a while I tear into the problem and make it a Salvation Army or Goodwill problem or benefit.  If I can't or won't use it...perhaps someone else will or maybe become a min-hoarder...like me.

As you know I have cut back on my blog posting and taking my time with it as thoughts or events occur to me.  There is a lot to do in the summer that must be attended to and blogging isn't a priority when the grass needs mowing, going back and forth to the eye Dr., trying to de-clutter go to church and all the things that fill the days.

I was out mowing in 90+ degrees heat and high humidity on Friday.  If you like warm to hot to steaming weather...boy do I know a place where you would be in a hades "paradise," right here in down town Kentucky.  I can't imagine old Daniel Boon wearing a Raccoon fur hat as depicted in all the old movies.  I'll bet he would have joyfully traded his furry tailed cap and his Kentucky long rifle for a good air conditioner unit.  I know I would!

I have been thinking about saints.  Oh, I know.  Your going to tell me that I don't get paid to think...which is true, but my thoughts wander in that direction anyway.

I was pondering...a good word...that so many saints were recognized right up 'til about "now" or into this past and emerging century.  Of course there are saints living among us even now, but I think they will be fewer and farther between.  We live in a secular society where there are so many mental, material, physical distractions that are certainly contrary to the making of a saint or sainthood.

The church used to teach that we should all strive for sainthood.  I seldom hear it mentioned anymore.  Well yeah!  Sainthood isn't easy!  Sainthood usually involves a some sacrifice, such as life, liberty, blood, suffering, strong beliefs in God and following the path of Christ or great saints.  Yeah...Right...Like who wants to do that!  There is too much other stuff to do or be involved in.

I would like to be a saint.  I am not.  I am a weak, lazy individual who is spoiled by all the offerings of society.  I do try to keep the 10 commandments to the best of my ability.  One step, but a step.  I just don't have much to give in the way of following Christ.  I do the best I can, but is my best good enough...or do I fall short in so many ways?  Fortunately God forgives all my transgression and stupid ways and accepts me as I am, and He will do the same for you...and work in you.  Well, my mother did tell me that the only time I was good was when I was sleeping!  I hope I have progressed a little since the then!

As I started this post a couple days ago...it has rained...a lot.  All that hard work in the yard will need to be done over and soon.  It really grows fast and is hard to keep up.


Reflecting back a little on what I said about wanting to be a saint:  Well, it isn't for fame or glory in this life, for saints have a hard way to go, are frequently misunderstood, seldom recognized, and frequently suffer for the love of God.  However, striving after sainthood brings one closer to our Lord and that is what I wish for...to be close to our Lord.  Wishes will not make me a saint...or anyone else for that mater.  You have to "work for it", the old fashioned way; through prayer, meditation, observing the precepts that Christ Jesus died for in order to instill in our heart this one salfivic creed.  He said for us to love one another as we would love ourselves and to do onto others as we would have done unto us.  Good works and charity are great if you can do them, but LOVE for each other is His greatest command.

Thus... this little post is finished.  And I am still not a saint!

END