TUESDAY,

 TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2024 - PALLBEARER (???)

I remember the movie Get Low, where a Tennessee Hermit has his funeral before he dies.  

So what, Karen?.

At funerals, nobody mentioned the bad things a person did, but people eulogized about how nice the person was, how he/she always helped their neighbors, gave to charity, helped old ladies across the street, and more.  Nobody says, “He was a miser, a cheat, he never paid his bills, he was a real lowlife.” 

Maybe we should have funerals before the person dies so that person can hear all the good things they did.  I see TL at the nursing home.  She was an active artist, had her own art studio, did wonderful painting, was intelligent, loving, was a great mother, etc.  But she won’t hear those comments after she dies.  I like to tell people about her background while she is listening.  TL doesn’t speak (seemingly, a minor stroke stopped her language processing).  But, she does hear.  Saying nice things while she is listening is good (in my opinion).  I don’t like to say negative things about anybody, but it sometimes happens when you think someone is deaf.  I told TL I loved her; she was an excellent artist.  I assume these comments are going into her brain.  

And the same is true with the title today - Pallbearer.  

Pallbearers are called upon to help wheel the casket into the church (or other location) for the funeral.  There are often honorary pallbearers - people who can’t carry the casket but were good friends.  They are at the funeral because they knew (and hopefully loved) the deceased). 

There is “The Servant Song”

Brother, let me be your servant.

Let me be as Christ to you.

Pray that I might have the grace

To let you be my servant, too.

 

We are pilgrims on a journey.

We are brothers on the road.

We are here to help each other

Walk the mile and bear the load.

 

I will hold the Christ-light for you

In the nighttime of your fear.

I will hold my hand out to you;

Speak the peace you long to hear.

 

I will weep when you are weeping.

When you laugh, I’ll laugh with you.

I will share your joy and sorrow

Till we’ve seen this journey through.

 

When we sing to God in heaven,

We shall find such harmony

Born of all we’ve known together

Of Christ’s love and agony.

 

Brother, let me be your servant.

Let me be as Christ to you.

Pray that I might have the grace

To let you be my servant, too.

*****

I want to tell many friends how special they have been to me.  Let me be your servant - and I have the grace to let you be my servant.  

I lost some friends when I transitioned.  I want to say, “I’m sorry to them.” I want to say, “You have been exceptional in my life.”  And, “How I miss you.”  

If you read this, let me tell you that I LOVE YOU.  (And LMG - tell TF that I love him too!!!)

LOVE WINS - even when I have wronged others

LOVE TRANSFORMS US - can we be a better person?  Has God touched and changed me?

Karen Anne White, October 1, 2024

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2024, HUMILITY

 MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2024 - LAST DAY OF SEPTEMBER 2024

Be humble and think of others as better than yourself. Don't be selfish and only look out for your own interests  Philippines 2:3-4

God will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers    Hebrews 6:10-11

Much is taken from this source:

https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-boost-your-self-confidence-4163098 

*****

Humbleness vs. humility: What's the difference?

Humbleness and humility both refer to the quality of being modest. While humbleness can also mean being or feeling low in rank, as in the humbleness of his upbringing, which accustomed him to living simply, humility only refers to having a modest opinion of oneself.

Interesting 

Yes, humility can be good to have all the time, as it can have many benefits, including: 

• Better relationships: Humble people are likable and more likely to help others. 

• Better mental health: Humble people have greater happiness and life satisfaction and experience less depression and anxiety. 

• Better learning: Humble people are more likely to learn from their mistakes, which can lead to greater creativity and resilience. 

• Better leadership: Humble leaders can foster trust, engagement, and creative strategic thinking. 

• Better interactions: Humble people are likelier to listen to others and consider their perspectives. 

• Better self-forgiveness: Humility can foster self-forgiveness.

However, being too humble can have some negative consequences, such as: 

• People may overlook your skills

• If you're too humble about your business, people may need to be made aware of your accomplishments or skill set. 

• You may need clarification on your team.

• You may confuse and condescend to your team if you're an overly submissive leader. 

Being humble allows one to acknowledge rational ways to improve oneself. Humility can produce more happiness, positive emotions, and well-being because a person understands the self more clearly. They can be comfortable with who they are and who they are not.

Humility is the ability to view your talents and flaws accurately while avoiding arrogance. Some believe being humble means having low self-esteem and lacking confidence, but it's the opposite. Humility is having the self-esteem to understand that even though you are doing well, you do not have to brag or boast about it. 

Learn why humility is essential and ways to show your humility. We discuss the importance of humility or being humbled and why this particular character trait is often undervalued.

Humility can produce more happiness, positive emotions, and well-being because it leads to a clearer understanding of the self. It allows people to be comfortable with who they are and who they are not. 

*****

There can also be a false humility. I am humble to look nice. (Oh at Karen is so sweet and unassuming).

***** 

To me, ego is the opposite of humility. I had a big ego - (at least I thought that - nobody else did).  

Becoming a woman is also very humbling!! (Extremely humbling).

I get jeered at and called “Sir” at stores and work, and even my bridge group (after four years) says, “He had twelve counts; he should have bid.” 

Sometimes, I want to correct them. “HE LOOKS AT ME; I’M WEARING A DRESS, I HAVE MAKE-UP ON, I HAVE EARRINGS, I AM NOT A MAN, I AM A WOMAN.”

Bt, perceptions are based on first view Ye I am 6’ —- yes, I am 210 poun—- yes, I have broad shoulders; my voice is pretty lo Onof the concerns of transgender women is, “Do I pass as a woman?” Sometimes, I haven’t tried enough to improve my speech or mannerisms.  

I view my “mission,” my “calling,” as helping people learn to love unconditionally.  

James 2:1-5; 8-12

My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,”  have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?

If you keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. But you show favoritism, sin, and are convicted by the law as a lawbreaker. Those who keep the whole law and stumble at just one point are guilty of breaking all of it. For who said, “You shall not commit adultery,” also said, “You shall not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.

Speak and act as those who will be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

*****

Sometimes I’m weird.  

Oh Lord, it's hard to be humble

When you're perfect in every way

I can't wait to look in the mirror

'Cause I get better lookin' each day

To know me is to love me

I must be a hell of a man

Oh Lord, it's hard to be humble

But I'm doin' the best that I can!

*****

Don’t view yourself as too critical. Don't go about putting on airs. Don't stretch the truth about yourself.

I’m a fortunate person who relies on God, and I’ve had some excellent opportunities. God has blessed me, but it wasn’t because I was so wonderful. 

For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, per the faith God has distributed to each of you. Rom 12:3

Love wins

Love transforms

Karen Anne White, September 30, 2024

SUNDAY FUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2024

 SUNDAY FUNDAY

SEPTEMBER 29, 2024

 FIRST -MUSIC

Next Sunday (October 6), the Bluebonnet Philharmonic Orchestra will have our fall concert at Round Rock United Methodist Church at 4:00 p.m.

*****

BASEBALL

The “Fall Classic” is almost here - baseball playoffs followed by the World Series.

At this point (less than a week to go - the regular season ends on September 29)

The Yankees won the American League East

The Cleveland Guardians won the American League Central

The Houston Astros won the American League West

The Philadelphia Phillies won the National League East

The Milwaukee Brewers won the National League Central

The Los Angeles Dodgers won the National League West

The Baltimore Orioles, Kansas City Royals, and Detroit Tigers are ahead for the American League Wild Card slots.

The San Diego Padres, Arizona Diamondbacks, and New York Mets lead the National League Wild Card race. (I’m writing this on Friday, September 27, and the Atlanta Braves could sneak into the Wild Card playoffs)

And the other teams are saying, “Wait.” until next year”.

*****

Personal comment:  Growing up in Eastern Iowa, I followed the St. Louis Cardinals in the National League and the Minnesota Twins in the American League. 

In my mother’s family (close), Uncle Earl and Uncle Nolan were Chicago Cub fans; my Father and Uncle George were Cardinal Fans.  I remember listening to KMOX games on the radio with Jack Buck (son Joe still announces - mostly NFL football games) and Mike Shannon.  (Harry Carey was a Cardinal announcer, but (gasp) became a Cub Announcer.  His tag word was “Holy Cow”)

The Washington Senators moved to Minnesota in 1961 and became the Twins (for the “Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul).

I’ve been to baseball games in St. Louis, Minnesota, Chicago (White Sox) and Pittsburgh.

*****

WORLD SERIES

Which team has won the most World Series (27 times)

Which team has won the second most World Series (11 times - the most in the National League)

Which team moved from Philadelphia to Kansas City (in 1955) and then west to Oakland, and planning to move to Las Vegas 

What two cities were the Atlanta Braves formerly in?

*****

SOME BASEBALL JOKES

What did the baseball glove say to the ball?

Catch you later.

Which baseball position is best at getting water?
The pitcher

Why are most baseball games at night?

Because ‘bats’ are nocturnal 

When do baseball players joust?

At a “knight” game

Why are frogs good baseball players?

Because they are good at catching flies

Why did the police rush to the baseball field?

Because somebody stole second base.

Why do girls like baseball?

Because diamonds are a girl's best friend.

How do baseball players make cakes?

Oven mitts, bunt pans, and batter

Why did the baseball player put springs on his feet?

He was getting ready for spring training.

Why were there cattle on the baseball field?

They were looking for the bullpen

What does Dracula do at the baseball game?

He is the bat boy

Why is second base so sad?

Because he never would be first.

Which superhero is the best baseball player?

Batman

Why does it take longer to get to third base from second base than to go to second base from first base?

Because there is a short stop between second and third

*****

ENJOY YOUR WEEK.

October starts on Tuesday, and the 7s in October are Mondays (October 7, 14, 21 and 28 are Mondays).  Halloween is Thursday, October 31, 2024

*****

LOVE WINS

LOVE TRANSFORMS

Karen White

 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2024 - IDIOCRACIES AND DIGITAL CLOCKS 

Ah yes, Saturday - the third Saturday in September 2024.

DATES:

In my 77th year, I’ve seen many months go by.  So, is the 18th of October a Tuesday or a Friday?  (I can pull up a calendar and find out with a phone.  But, if I need to figure it out, I try to memorize the “sevens.”  Today is a “seven” in September - 7, 14, 21 and 28.  In September, the “sevens” are on Saturdays.  In October, the “sevens” are on Monday.  So, October 14th is a Monday - thus, October 18th is a Friday.

(Does that make sense?)

SHOES AND SOCKS

This is just a deeply embedded habit - that isn’t bad, just a habit.

I ALWAYS put on my left sock and shoe first. If I have socks on first and I pick up a shoe, if it is the right shoe, I’ll put it down, pick up my left shoe, and put it on first. This morning, I saw two shoes near me. The right shoe was closest, but I reached farther and got the left shoe.

WHY? I have no idea. Somewhere along the years, I realized that I “had to” put on my left shoe first—even if I had the right shoe in my hands.  

Research from Israel/Jewish traditions suggests putting on the right show first—to “start the day on the right foot.”  (So, I guess I’m starting the day on the “wrong foot”???)

‘

*****

INTERLOCKING FINGERS

If I join my hands together, my left thumb is on top.  Putting my hands together so the right thumb is on top makes it strange.  (Join your hands together now).

Research says:

“According to research, placing your left thumb on top when clasping hands is considered the dominant trait, meaning most people naturally do this even if they are right-handed. 

Studies suggest that the preference for which thumb is on top has a genetic component, with family studies showing an inheritance pattern. 

Some people associate placing the left thumb on top with being more intuitive or emotionally sensitive, while placing the right thumb on top may be linked to a more logical thinking style. However, these interpretations are not scientifically proven. “

****

DIGITAL CLOCK “GAME”

Okay, I invented a game. I have three digital clocks in my apartment. The most important is the one by my bed, followed by the one in the main room and finally the digital clock on the microwave.

Each digit is made up of tiny line segments. The “1” has two line segments; the 2, 3, and 5 have five line segments; the 0, 6, and 9 have six line segments; the four has four line segments, the seven has three, and the eight has seven line segments.  

My game is pretty simple: I count the number of line segments in a time, and if it is a multiple of 5 (10, 15, or 20), it is a good time.  (I’m not sure what it is a good time for …)

More analysis:

The smallest number of line segments on a clock would be at 1:11, with six line segments. The most line segments would be at 10:08, with 21 line segments. My analysis goes further. Within each “decade,” there is at least one multiple of 5.  

The decade at 10:00 to 10:09 has three 20-count segments - 10:00, 10:06, and 10:09

The 2, 3, and 5’s function easily as they all have five line segments:  2:22; 2:23; 2:25; 2:32: 2:33; 2:35; 2:52; 2:53; and 2:55.  (Of course, the other 2:00 decades have at least one.  2:04; 2:17; 2:40; 2:46; 2:49)

*****

EGGS

I buy eggs in the 18 egg carton (the dozen egg cartons just don’t make it!!)

I almost always use two eggs at a time (I'm currently on a long run of boiled eggs for breakfast). I go for symmetry. To start with, think of the eggs as dominos with double nines.  When I take the first two eggs out, it becomes a domino double eight—then double seven, six, five, and four. I know it is a “fixation,” but I’m okay with it!!! <grin>

It got really fun a couple of years back when I had a carton of eighteen white eggs and a carton of twelve brown eggs.  Then, I could mix the brown eggs in to make a pattern.

*****

Ok, enough craziness.  That is how my brain is wired.  

Is it OCD? (obsessive-compulsive disorder)?  Maybe!!! 

So, krazy Karen is telling herself and you that:

LOVE WINS

LOVE TRANSFORMS

Karen Anne White, September 28, 2024