A year ago, we were anticipating a Super Bowl victory for "our" team, the Denver Broncos.
Our biggest concern was how we would see the game, since our television reception here in Madison, Georgia was limited and there wasn't a great deal of interest in the game among our associates at the Mission. We did get to watch the second half of that game and the anticipated result became a reality. It was fun to see our Broncos win.
This year, with a better antenna, we have no problem getting the station the game will be on, but our Broncos had reception issues of their own, quarterback issues, plus other issues and never made it to the playoffs, However, "our" adopted home's Atlanta Falcons had a super year, have made it to the big game and tomorrow evening will seek to give Atlanta their first Super Bowl Championship. We're invited to a gathering, will be able to see the game on a monster-sized screen and will eat a lot of food which will "hep us" a lot. Our host knows all the eateries in a wide-radius around Madison, and is always recommending places which have food that will "hep us". David does enjoy his food.
So, with a busy day of Sunday School, Church, doing the laundry, enjoying the Super Bowl, and anticipating a lot of "hepful " goodies ahead of us, and little time to blog, this is the day early post. Enjoy the S.B., the $5million/30 second commercials (are you kidding me?), and........Rise Up, Falcons.
Sent from my iPad
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Saturday, February 4, 2017
Thursday, February 2, 2017
February 2, 2017. Madison, GA. Hunted
There is a new reality show, "Hunted", which began a few weeks ago. The premise is that a number of two-person teams are trying to evade capture by a group of "bounty hunters" and there is a 28 day period in which to stay free or be captured. There were 9 teams of fugitives and in three weeks, three teams have already been caught. The longest time before capture has been 18 days.
The fugitives seem to be average people with some survivalist skills, computer and communication skills and an inflated sense of their own ability to beat the system. The hunters, on the other hand, are a scary bunch with a wide range of work experience, such as; US Marshals, White House CIO, MI5( British counter intelligence), CIA, Army and Coast Guard cyber analysts, forensic psychologist, Navy Seal, police detective, Homeland Security, Army Special Forces, Secret Service, FBI, private investigator, Navy Intelligence, Miss Rhode Island USA(?), Army Ranger, SWAT team, Police officers.
It's amazing how easy it is to be "found out" with all the methods available to the "authorities". We leave quite a trail of crumbs when there are cell phones, landlines, computers, Skype, security cameras, drones, financial records, social media like Facebook (et. al.), ATM's, bank accounts, selfies, credit card records, credit reports, resumes, employment records, drivers' licenses, vehicle registration, property tax records, court proceedings, snoopy neighbors, ex-spouses, bankruptcies, parabolic microphones, IRS records, and who knows what else. If we think we can get away from our present and our past, we are sadly mistaken. Hopefully, if we play by the rules and do the "right" thing, we will be able to avoid being hunted down, have our freedoms impinged upon and escape the scrutiny of Big Brother.
And hopefully, when Hunted runs it's course, maybe the hunters will get down to serious business; like finding Amelia Earhart, Jimmy Hoffa, D.B. Cooper, Judge Crater, The Lost Colony of Roanoke and Bigfoot.
Life goes on.
Sent from my iPad
The fugitives seem to be average people with some survivalist skills, computer and communication skills and an inflated sense of their own ability to beat the system. The hunters, on the other hand, are a scary bunch with a wide range of work experience, such as; US Marshals, White House CIO, MI5( British counter intelligence), CIA, Army and Coast Guard cyber analysts, forensic psychologist, Navy Seal, police detective, Homeland Security, Army Special Forces, Secret Service, FBI, private investigator, Navy Intelligence, Miss Rhode Island USA(?), Army Ranger, SWAT team, Police officers.
It's amazing how easy it is to be "found out" with all the methods available to the "authorities". We leave quite a trail of crumbs when there are cell phones, landlines, computers, Skype, security cameras, drones, financial records, social media like Facebook (et. al.), ATM's, bank accounts, selfies, credit card records, credit reports, resumes, employment records, drivers' licenses, vehicle registration, property tax records, court proceedings, snoopy neighbors, ex-spouses, bankruptcies, parabolic microphones, IRS records, and who knows what else. If we think we can get away from our present and our past, we are sadly mistaken. Hopefully, if we play by the rules and do the "right" thing, we will be able to avoid being hunted down, have our freedoms impinged upon and escape the scrutiny of Big Brother.
And hopefully, when Hunted runs it's course, maybe the hunters will get down to serious business; like finding Amelia Earhart, Jimmy Hoffa, D.B. Cooper, Judge Crater, The Lost Colony of Roanoke and Bigfoot.
Life goes on.
Sent from my iPad
Monday, January 30, 2017
January 30, 2017. Madison, GA. That Paint Doesn't Match
Brian and I were asked to build a wall in the Accounting Office, so the head accountant could have a separate office with some privacy. We finished framing, sheet rocking and mudding the wall, made provision for a widow and door, created matching baseboards from wood harvested on the property, stained and polyurethaned the door, jamb, window frame, moldings and woodwork. Today we took a sample of the paint in the rest of the office and had paint matched at the hardware store up the road.
Unfortunately, after we had painted the new wall, we realized that the new paint didn't match the old paint. That shouldn't have been a major problem, except that by tying the new wall to the old, we had to mud around corners and the new paint on the old walls stood out too much. What should have been the routine painting of a wall, has now become a more involved painting of four old walls plus both sides of the new wall. And, of course, the old walls have furniture butted up against them and multiple attachments and decorations which will need to be moved and repositioned when we finish the painting. A "simple" job has become a more involved job. But why should we be surprised?
Most tasks we undertake come with a plan, a timetable and a set of skills and talents needed to reach a satisfactory conclusion. But there are always endless things which can, and often do, interfere with our plans, timetable and abilities. It's estimated that there are more than 10 million colors visible to the human eye and with the endless number of humans and the way each perceives, there are an estimated 18 decillion (18 with 33 zeroes) color-possibilities. Am I surprised that the paint didn't match?
I guess we should consider ourselves fortunate that we can get this job finished and not have to repaint the halls and other offices on both floors of the building. As, I've often said the cow never stays milked, and so we keep on milking. And as Yogi Berra said, and I've quoted before........."it ain't over 'til it's over". And, it ain't over yet.
Sent from my iPad
Unfortunately, after we had painted the new wall, we realized that the new paint didn't match the old paint. That shouldn't have been a major problem, except that by tying the new wall to the old, we had to mud around corners and the new paint on the old walls stood out too much. What should have been the routine painting of a wall, has now become a more involved painting of four old walls plus both sides of the new wall. And, of course, the old walls have furniture butted up against them and multiple attachments and decorations which will need to be moved and repositioned when we finish the painting. A "simple" job has become a more involved job. But why should we be surprised?
Most tasks we undertake come with a plan, a timetable and a set of skills and talents needed to reach a satisfactory conclusion. But there are always endless things which can, and often do, interfere with our plans, timetable and abilities. It's estimated that there are more than 10 million colors visible to the human eye and with the endless number of humans and the way each perceives, there are an estimated 18 decillion (18 with 33 zeroes) color-possibilities. Am I surprised that the paint didn't match?
I guess we should consider ourselves fortunate that we can get this job finished and not have to repaint the halls and other offices on both floors of the building. As, I've often said the cow never stays milked, and so we keep on milking. And as Yogi Berra said, and I've quoted before........."it ain't over 'til it's over". And, it ain't over yet.
Sent from my iPad
Friday, January 27, 2017
January 27, 2017. Madison, GA. How Did That Happen?
The other day I was watching Stewart, the head of our Braille Ministry, walk from his house on the SLMI campus, up the hill to the trash dumpster, up a flight of irregularly spaced stairs, to a combination-lock-boxed door, open it, and proceed to his office. That doesn't seem like too complicated a journey, except that Stewart is blind. He has been known to walk by himself more than a mile to visit people. He amazes us with his ability to negotiate, irregular surfaces, hallways, stairs, use paper money in stores and restaurants, cook, do his laundry and usually is dressed in clothes which match and socks which are the same color.
Yesterday I was walking on the SLMI property and really concentrated on the things I was seeing and how they may seem to be the same as they were the day before, but have subtle changes which we may take note of, but really take for granted in the grand scheme of things. It's amazing to me how many "details" there are in our daily life and how sight makes them easier for us to safely navigate. And yet, Stewart must adapt instantly to any situation which has changed and do so before he "runs into" trouble and possible danger. My concentration on the details of what I was seeing made me realize how many details there are in every second of our day. How was that product made? How did someone even think of the specific product and then how to manufacture it? How do we select the product we want, and can afford, from so many choices and options? And, as I look out the front window, I see Stewart and a companion walking arm and arm toward his house, with her carrying the cane, to enjoy the lunch hour together. And, why do I have my sight, and Stewart lost his his as a young child?
How does all this, all these details and situations, happen? When I hear people say there is no design to life, there is no God to orchestrate it and hold it all together, I just shake my head and wonder, how is there any other conclusion than God, God's plan, and God's control of our life and the details yet to come. If we had to explain the "science" of it all, we'd get bogged down in endless minutiae, be constantly analyzing, scrutinizing and Google-ing, and our lives would be "nerded" beyond belief. The best advice........let go and leave it to God. And......bless you Stewart for the noble way you navigate life and inspire us to use our God-given gifts to help and encourage others.
Sent from my iPad
Yesterday I was walking on the SLMI property and really concentrated on the things I was seeing and how they may seem to be the same as they were the day before, but have subtle changes which we may take note of, but really take for granted in the grand scheme of things. It's amazing to me how many "details" there are in our daily life and how sight makes them easier for us to safely navigate. And yet, Stewart must adapt instantly to any situation which has changed and do so before he "runs into" trouble and possible danger. My concentration on the details of what I was seeing made me realize how many details there are in every second of our day. How was that product made? How did someone even think of the specific product and then how to manufacture it? How do we select the product we want, and can afford, from so many choices and options? And, as I look out the front window, I see Stewart and a companion walking arm and arm toward his house, with her carrying the cane, to enjoy the lunch hour together. And, why do I have my sight, and Stewart lost his his as a young child?
How does all this, all these details and situations, happen? When I hear people say there is no design to life, there is no God to orchestrate it and hold it all together, I just shake my head and wonder, how is there any other conclusion than God, God's plan, and God's control of our life and the details yet to come. If we had to explain the "science" of it all, we'd get bogged down in endless minutiae, be constantly analyzing, scrutinizing and Google-ing, and our lives would be "nerded" beyond belief. The best advice........let go and leave it to God. And......bless you Stewart for the noble way you navigate life and inspire us to use our God-given gifts to help and encourage others.
Sent from my iPad
Tuesday, January 24, 2017
January 24, 2017. Madison, GA. Another Candle
Memorial candles are supposed to burn for 24 hours, but the candle I lit for my father at sundown on January 22nd, burned for almost 40. Tonight, at sundown, about an hour from now, I will light another candle. It will commemorate the 21st anniversary of my mothers passing. She was injured in an automobile accident on January 23, 1996 and while the injuries were really not very serious, she had other medical issues which caused her to be over medicated and she passed away two days later.
Mom was a strong-willed woman. She and I had too many areas where we couldn't seem to get along or come to a meeting of the minds, and as a result we weren't always the "best of friends." As with my dad, there were lessons I learned from my mom and am thankful for my upbringing. When I had my heart attack in 2008, and Karen and I were faced with a monster hospital bill and no insurance, it was an investment my mother had left equally to my brother and me, which had matured, split numerous times, had the dividends reinvested multiple times, which we used to pay both the hospital and cardiologist bills to keep us from incurring a huge debt. Her wise handling of that investment for many years, and our continuing to keep it as an emergency reserve, was a lesson well learned and greatly appreciated.
So, in about 20 minutes I will light another Memorial Candle, remember the good times and the tough times, express my gratitude for all mom tried to pass along to me, and realize once again that even when we butted heads we were still trying to maintain some semblance of peace between us. All these years later, I know she was trying her best. I'm sure I frustrated her, as I continue to frustrate some of my current acquaintances and friends. I am a new creation in Jesus Christ, but the old lessons are sometimes hard to unlearn. I press on toward the goal.
Sent from my iPad
Mom was a strong-willed woman. She and I had too many areas where we couldn't seem to get along or come to a meeting of the minds, and as a result we weren't always the "best of friends." As with my dad, there were lessons I learned from my mom and am thankful for my upbringing. When I had my heart attack in 2008, and Karen and I were faced with a monster hospital bill and no insurance, it was an investment my mother had left equally to my brother and me, which had matured, split numerous times, had the dividends reinvested multiple times, which we used to pay both the hospital and cardiologist bills to keep us from incurring a huge debt. Her wise handling of that investment for many years, and our continuing to keep it as an emergency reserve, was a lesson well learned and greatly appreciated.
So, in about 20 minutes I will light another Memorial Candle, remember the good times and the tough times, express my gratitude for all mom tried to pass along to me, and realize once again that even when we butted heads we were still trying to maintain some semblance of peace between us. All these years later, I know she was trying her best. I'm sure I frustrated her, as I continue to frustrate some of my current acquaintances and friends. I am a new creation in Jesus Christ, but the old lessons are sometimes hard to unlearn. I press on toward the goal.
Sent from my iPad
Saturday, January 21, 2017
January 21, 2017. Madison, GA. Be Proud of What You Stand For
My father taught me some important life lessons about integrity and being honest and humble in our dealings with others. I can honestly say that I have not always acted with integrity, that I never told a lie or have not been prideful about some of my accomplishments. But there are some areas that I have followed my father's wisdom and particularly since I became a Christian, I have really endeavored to follow that advice as well as the example of Jesus Christ.
It seems strange to speak about my Jewish father, and in the same sentence speak of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. But, when my dad told me to try to help others, tell the truth, and be willing to speak up for what you believe and be proud to sign your name to that belief; don't hide behind an anonymous opinion and don't consider yourself more important than the other guy, he was saying exactly what Jesus said when he faced the Jewish leaders of His day. That's why I am offended by so many of the "protesters" and "terrorists" who hide behind masks, attempt to conceal their identity and disseminate libelous and slanderous comments without taking any personal responsibility for such comments.
If you believe it, have the guts to put your name on it. If you want to gain support for your view don't hide behind a mask or disguise. That's what criminals and cowards do to try to avoid detection and responsibility for their actions. Honesty will attract people who have similar views as yours, and may even have an impact on those who now disagree with your stand.
My father was a quiet, humble, honorable man. He was a good man. Tomorrow night I will light a Memorial Candle to honor the 27th year of his death. I'm sorry that my father didn't know Jesus. My coming to know Him has profoundly changed my life, and helped me to put much of my early life, and the lessons I was taught, into clearer perspective with a more hopeful and certain future. I'm proud to be my father's son, my Father's son and heir with Jesus Christ to an inheritance which will never perish, spoil or fade; and for that I am eternally grateful.
Signed: Harold "Hal" Schatz
Sent from my iPad
It seems strange to speak about my Jewish father, and in the same sentence speak of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. But, when my dad told me to try to help others, tell the truth, and be willing to speak up for what you believe and be proud to sign your name to that belief; don't hide behind an anonymous opinion and don't consider yourself more important than the other guy, he was saying exactly what Jesus said when he faced the Jewish leaders of His day. That's why I am offended by so many of the "protesters" and "terrorists" who hide behind masks, attempt to conceal their identity and disseminate libelous and slanderous comments without taking any personal responsibility for such comments.
If you believe it, have the guts to put your name on it. If you want to gain support for your view don't hide behind a mask or disguise. That's what criminals and cowards do to try to avoid detection and responsibility for their actions. Honesty will attract people who have similar views as yours, and may even have an impact on those who now disagree with your stand.
My father was a quiet, humble, honorable man. He was a good man. Tomorrow night I will light a Memorial Candle to honor the 27th year of his death. I'm sorry that my father didn't know Jesus. My coming to know Him has profoundly changed my life, and helped me to put much of my early life, and the lessons I was taught, into clearer perspective with a more hopeful and certain future. I'm proud to be my father's son, my Father's son and heir with Jesus Christ to an inheritance which will never perish, spoil or fade; and for that I am eternally grateful.
Signed: Harold "Hal" Schatz
Sent from my iPad
Wednesday, January 18, 2017
January 18, 2017. Madison, GA. Getting Along
It saddens me to listen to the Evening News. It's probably no different now than throughout the history of mankind, but because of our ability to hear more, report more and be more able to do harm to others through words, actions and not being able to always verify what actually happened, we are prone to jump to conclusions too rapidly, point an accusatory finger or even resort to violence or threats of violence. Truth has become an elusive commodity and people and nations are very close to doing irreparable damage to those they disagree with, or wish harm to, and vice versa.
The contentiousness of our opinions, the fragile state of our politics both between and within political parties, and the harsh words being thrown back and forth between "winners" and "losers" is creating a climate of uncertainty, threats and downright fear in some communities. Law and order are on a very fragile balance, and it's hard to know who are the good guys and who are the bad guys. As we face the transition of Presidential power in a few days, it is sad to think that we may be confronted with protests, threats, anger and potential violence never before witnessed in our many prior changes of leadership. Whether it is called being a sore loser, or a prideful winner, or a desire to win or retain power at any cost, we are facing a powder keg of emotions which threaten the very nature of our freedom and our way of life. We have strived to be a United nation, but in so many ways we are dividing ourselves into factions which want all our Constitutional freedoms while denying them to those who disagree with us. We face not only civil war in our country, but a heightening of tensions with many other nations. And too many of our "enemies" have the potential to do great, and worldwide, harm if they are pushed too far from the positions they hold dear and essential for their welfare.
I know this is tough stuff to grasp, but we need to step back, unclench our fists, put our anger aside, stop pointing fingers and GET ALONG with each other. If we act in haste we will suffer consequences we may not be able to undo, and will find that the hole we have dug may be the hole we are buried in. Take a deep breath..........realize we have little or no control of the situation..........and be resolved to...........JUST GET ALONG........
Sent from my iPad
The contentiousness of our opinions, the fragile state of our politics both between and within political parties, and the harsh words being thrown back and forth between "winners" and "losers" is creating a climate of uncertainty, threats and downright fear in some communities. Law and order are on a very fragile balance, and it's hard to know who are the good guys and who are the bad guys. As we face the transition of Presidential power in a few days, it is sad to think that we may be confronted with protests, threats, anger and potential violence never before witnessed in our many prior changes of leadership. Whether it is called being a sore loser, or a prideful winner, or a desire to win or retain power at any cost, we are facing a powder keg of emotions which threaten the very nature of our freedom and our way of life. We have strived to be a United nation, but in so many ways we are dividing ourselves into factions which want all our Constitutional freedoms while denying them to those who disagree with us. We face not only civil war in our country, but a heightening of tensions with many other nations. And too many of our "enemies" have the potential to do great, and worldwide, harm if they are pushed too far from the positions they hold dear and essential for their welfare.
I know this is tough stuff to grasp, but we need to step back, unclench our fists, put our anger aside, stop pointing fingers and GET ALONG with each other. If we act in haste we will suffer consequences we may not be able to undo, and will find that the hole we have dug may be the hole we are buried in. Take a deep breath..........realize we have little or no control of the situation..........and be resolved to...........JUST GET ALONG........
Sent from my iPad
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