Monday Musings

There are 434 days until the 2016 Presidential Election.  Until then, we will continue to watch the twists, turns, ups and downs of political polls, debates, and press conferences.  As time moves ahead, political ads will increase. Money will flow into campaign coffers. I think we will be shocked by the obscene amounts of money that will flow into the campaigns.

In past campaigns when missteps and blunders would occur, it was the beginning of a unraveling of a campaign Not so this year.

In this election cycle, blunders seem not to matter as much. Measured words, careful scripts, and outlined strategies seem not reflect today’s reality. Unrehearsed, bold, raw, and colorful words seem to resonate with a public that has little patience for the old way.

One candidate seems to be the beneficial of the weariness of old style politics. Trump. To a lesser degree, Dr. Carson, Senator Cruz, and Carly each seem to appeal to a wide audience. Yet, in the pursuit of the authentic candidates are we overlooking better-qualified candidates?

Years of proven accomplishments, in local, state, and national efforts seem to fade in the glare of brash, bold, and uninformed politics from Mr. Donald Trump.  Governors and senators have track records that we are able to examine. 

Mr. Trump has a balance sheet to examine, reruns of the Apprentice, and a tour of Trump buildings.

Do you believe in conspiracy theories? If I did, I would wonder why the press devotes so many minutes to the Trump candidacy. 

 I am weary of Trump. I think I will be tweet #Dump Trump for a few days.  I will post positive comments about why we need to look are other candidates.

Here are my favorite Republican candidates, Gov. Kasich, Senator Rubio, Gov. Bush, and Carly Florin. Who are your favorite candidates? Do you have a favorite Republican candidate? What about the Democrats? Maybe next week, I will talk about my favorite Democrat candidate. 

Sunday Scripture

"Don't be afraid, for I am with you. 
Don't be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
I will uphold you with my victorious right hand."
Isaiah 41:10 (New Living Translation)

Pet of the week,

"The smallest feline is a masterpiece."

Leonardo daVinci

Thanks to J for sharing this picture from Thailand. 

Here is the cat in its surroundings. 

Bliss

How to find bliss in your marriage…

According to a 2011 study by the University of Virginia’s National Project fund found that the most blissful couples tend to be the most generous with one another in tiny ways. I love that couples don’t have to go over the top be thoughtful to each other.

Tara Parker Pope is a New York Times Columnist. She writes a weekly column for the newspaper, In addition, she has written a book, For Better, she list seven scientific secrets for a successful marriage

1.     Celebrate Good News

2.     Five to One  - It takes five good moments to overcome one bad moment.

3.     Keep Your Standards High

4.     Stay Close to Family and Friends

5.     Don’t Expect Your Spouse to Make Your Family Happy

6.     Have More Intimacy

7.     Excitement  

 Cannot remember the seven scientific secrets? Here is some wisdom I am taking from a dear friend … honor with spouse as the beloved in your marriage.  I love this advice!

How does that look? For me, I am working to treat my spouse with respect, care, and love.

Here are two pictures of my dear friends. They are funny, kind, generous, and amazing.  Can you guess how long they have been married? 

Wordless Wednesday

Tasty Tuesday

What is most enjoyable part of a tea? Simply time with friends. I value friends who offer their unconditional love.

"What is better than to have a friend, amidst a cynical world, with whom you can be your most sincere self, without the fear of being ridiculed?"
Melissa Moore

"A friend loves at all times..."
Proverbs 17:17

Monday Musings

Do you remember Black Monday of 1987? I do. It was the crash of October 19, 1987.

My boss looked at the crisis as a buying opportunity. I was confused.

At the time, my family and I were living in Rochester Hills, Michigan. This downturn was different to me.  I was married.

Economic downturns were not new to me. Growing up in a one-industry town, our city’s economy health depended on the health of the automotive industry. So, recessions, labor strikes, and unemployment benefits were the vocabulary I understood.  Although my parents did not work for the automotive industry it had a ripple effect on the entire community. That was then…

Then came the financial meltdown of 2008. This meltdown was scary.  Our family had less time to rebound as we saw parts of our financial portfolio melt away.  

I made more than one phone call to our financial advisor.

Today’s market drop is sobering. Will there be buying opportunities? How do we discern when the bottom of the correction is reached? Whose advise do you trust?

Do we sit and wait?

“Everyone should want until the trend reverses in the emerging markets…  You can’t catch a falling knife.”   TTM Management, LLC

Sunday Scripture

"Then he said to me, "This is word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of hosts.
Zechariah 4:6

Super Saturday

It was a Super Saturday. Training for volunteers. What a wonder to be inspired... to grow, learn and share your passion of God with others... I always want to stay humble and hungry for more of God.

Who dares to 

TEACH

Must never cease to 

LEARN

Pet of the week...

This week’s “pet” is from Thailand. In Thailand, most families do not own pets. Dogs simply roam freely. 

Thailand is a beautiful country that has a rich history. When tourists visit this country they will experience breathtaking coastlines, mountains, and most importantly precious people.  Pray for the people of Thailand and the government as they seek to find those responsible for the the recent bombing in Bangkok.  

J (my son) is a PC Volunteer and lives and teaches English in Thailand. I owe special thanks to him for sharing this picture.

Here is a dog sleeping on a table.

Here is a proverb from Thailand
"Light dispels darkness, wisdom dispels ignorance."

renovation

“It won’t be easy but it will be worth it.”

Unknown

Our local YMCA is in the midst of a major pool renovation. For weeks, a huge plastic tarp was in place to capture the dust that was generated by the drilling. Music from our class was often interrupted by the shrill sound of the drills.

Now, the tarp is down. Repairs continue on the tiles.  In September, the overhaul will be finished. Repairs and restorations are not easy.

In the midst of the challenges, I need to focus on the benefits after the inconvenience.  Restoration can apply to our lives as well. I may endure pain when I struggle to overcome life-controlling habits.

“It won’t be easy but it will be worth it.”