Repost In Honor of Pi Day

 Happy Pi day!

Today is Pi day.  In case you aren't sure what that is, from Pi Day.org:

Pi Day is celebrated on March 14th (3/14) around the world. Pi (Greek letter “π”) is the symbol used in mathematics to represent a constant — the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter — which is approximately 3.14159. Pi Day is an annual opportunity for math enthusiasts to recite the infinite digits of Pi, talk to their friends about math, and to eat pie.

In honor of Pi Day, I thought I'd re-post Les' theory of the speed of life.  I originally wrote about it in 2009 and said, "I was thinking the other morning about how quickly this year is moving along. Then it dawned on me - it has been a decade since Y2K! That seems like it happened a few years ago, not a decade!"  It's now been TWO decades since Y2K!  High school seniors weren't even born then.

When you are 2 years old, one year seems like a long time because it is one half of your life, one half of your experiences.

When you are 4 years old, one year still seems long because it is one fourth of your life.

When you are 16 years old, a year can move a little faster seeing how it is only one sixteenth of your life.

By the time you're 50, well time really does fly! A year is a small portion of your life - so in light of your life experiences, it really is shorter! (I'm speaking from experience here!)

James 4:14 puts it this way "Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away."  I want to make every slice of life count, no matter how quickly it comes.

I think I'll have a piece of pie, too. Remember: We all get heavier as we get older, because there's a lot more information in our heads. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

Wordless Wednesday

 

St. Patrick's Day

 

As a child going to school on St. Patrick's day always had one goal - wear green!  Anyone not wearing green was an open target for getting pinched.  As with most holidays, there is much more background than what we commonly know.  According to Wikipedia:

Saint Patrick was a 5th-century Romano-British Christian missionary and Bishop in Ireland. Much of what is known about Saint Patrick comes from the Declaration, which was allegedly written by Patrick himself. It is believed that he was born in Roman Britain in the fourth century, into a wealthy Romano-British family. His father was a deacon and his grandfather was a priest in the Christian church. According to the Declaration, at the age of sixteen, he was kidnapped by Irish raiders and taken as a slave to Gaelic Ireland. It says that he spent six years there working as a shepherd and that during this time he found God. The Declaration says that God told Patrick to flee to the coast, where a ship would be waiting to take him home. After making his way home, Patrick went on to become a priest.

According to tradition, Patrick returned to Ireland to convert the pagan Irish to Christianity. The Declaration says that he spent many years evangelizing in the northern half of Ireland and converted thousands. Patrick's efforts against the druids were eventually turned into an allegory in which he drove "snakes" out of Ireland, despite the fact that snakes were not known to inhabit the region.

Tradition holds that he died on 17 March and was buried at Downpatrick. Over the following centuries, many legends grew up around Patrick and he became Ireland's foremost saint.

Also, historically the Lenten restrictions on eating and drinking alcohol were lifted for the day, which has encouraged and propagated the holiday's tradition of alcohol consumption.  Perhaps because of this, drinking alcohol – particularly Irish whiskey, beer, or cider – has become an integral part of the celebrations. I'm confident that if Saint Patrick could see the celebrations of today he would be disappointed that his name is associated with this behavior.

 

History lesson aside, through the years I've posted a variety of Irish blessings and humor that I'd thought I'd re-share today: 

Remember to Forget

Always remember to forget
The things that made you sad.
But never forget to remember
The things that made you glad.

Always remember to forget
The friends that proved untrue.
But never forget to remember
Those that have stuck by you.

 

Always remember to forget
The troubles that passed away.
But never forget to remember
The blessings that come each day.

 

May the roof above us never fall in.
And may the friends gathered below it never fall out.

There are good ships, and there are wood ships,
The ships that sail the sea.
But the best ships are friendships,
And may they always be.

May your home always be too small to hold all your friends.

 

And my favorite Irish blessing!

May those that love us, love us;
And those that don't love us, may God turn their hearts:
If He can't turn their hearts, may He turn their ankles,
So we'll know them by their limping.

Wednesday Chuckles

 

McBroken

With the continuing saga of COVID-19 and just a little over a week until the election, it's rare to find a news article that brings a smile. But this one definitely caught my attention:

Engineer makes website to check on status of McDonald's ice cream machines

 

Les has an engineering degree, so does his brother Lance.  Their dad taught engineering.  So click bait or not, I clicked on the link.  Here's what I found out:

Twenty-four-year-old German software engineer Rashiq Zahid created McBroken, a website that checks every McDonald's location in the US to see if they have a working ice cream machine using a bot.

According to The Verge, Zahid was inspired to build the bot after a trip to a Berlin McDonald's. He attempted to order a McSundae from both the touchscreen kiosk and the mobile app to no avail.

I love how Rashiq did his research, "Zahid first tested his bot by focusing on German locations of the fast food franchise and biked to every location in Berlin to manually order McSundaes to check if his bot was correct. Once he discovered that the bot was correct with the Berlin locations, he expanded it to US McDonalds."

That's what I call a good use of time!  How many times have you gone to the McDonald's drive thru only to be told the ice cream machine wasn't working?  Les and I use to enjoy grabbing a cone on the way home from church from time to time, but that turned in to a frustrating experience. 

I went to McBroken.com and the site is fully functional.  One of the four McDonald's in our town currently has a broken machine.  We may not be able to enjoy mask free lives, our mailboxes are overflowing with election propaganda, but at least now we can order ice cream with confidence!

Repost: I Think I Need a Computer

This is something I posted way back in 2009, I received it from my Dad and loved it.  
 

If Abbott and Costello were still around today their famous sketch "Who's on first?" might have turned out something like this....

COSTELLO CALLS TO BUY A COMPUTER FROM ABBOTT . . .

ABBOTT: Super Duper computer store. Can I help you?

COSTELLO: Thanks. I'm setting up an office in my den and I'm thinking about buying a computer.

ABBOTT: Mac?

COSTELLO: No, the name's Lou.

ABBOTT: Your computer?

COSTELLO: I don't own a computer. I want to buy one.

ABBOTT: Mac?

COSTELLO: I told you, my name's Lou.

ABBOTT: What about Windows?

COSTELLO: Why? Will it get stuffy in here?

ABBOTT: Do you want a computer with Windows?

COSTELLO: I don't know. What will I see when I look in the windows?

ABBOTT: Wallpaper.

COSTELLO: Never mind the windows. I need a computer and software.

ABBOTT: Software for Windows?

COSTELLO: No. On the computer! I need something I can use to write Proposals, track expenses and run my business. What have you got?

ABBOTT: Office.

COSTELLO: Yeah, for my office. Can you recommend anything?

ABBOTT: I just did.

COSTELLO: You just did what?

ABBOTT: Recommend something.

COSTELLO: You recommended something?

ABBOTT: Yes.

COSTELLO: For my office?

ABBOTT: Yes.

COSTELLO: OK, what did you recommend for my office?

ABBOTT: Office.

COSTELLO: Yes, for my office!

ABBOTT: I recommend Office with Windows.

COSTELLO: I already have an office with windows! OK, lets just say I'm sitting at my computer and I want to type a proposal. What do I need?

ABBOTT: Word.

COSTELLO: What word?

ABBOTT: Word in Office.

COSTELLO: The only word in office is office.

ABBOTT: The Word in Office for Windows.

COSTELLO: Which word in office for windows?

ABBOTT: The Word you get when you click the blue "W".

COSTELLO: I'm going to click your blue "w" if you don't start with some straight answers. OK, forget that. Can I watch movies on the Internet?

ABBOTT: Yes, you want Real One.

COSTELLO: Maybe a real one, maybe a cartoon. What I watch is none of your business. Just tell me what I need!

ABBOTT: Real One.

COSTELLO: If it's a long movie I also want to see reel 2, 3 & 4. Can I watch them?

ABBOTT: Of course.

COSTELLO: Great! With what?

ABBOTT: Real One.

COSTELLO: OK, I'm at my computer and I want to watch a movie. What do I do?

ABBOTT: You click the blue "1".

COSTELLO: I click the blue one what?

ABBOTT: The blue "1".

COSTELLO: Is that different from the blue w?

ABBOTT: The blue "1" is Real One and the blue "W" is Word.

COSTELLO: What word?

ABBOTT: The Word in Office for Windows.

COSTELLO: But there's three words in "office for windows"!

ABBOTT: No, just one. But it's the most popular Word in the world.

COSTELLO: It is?

ABBOTT: Yes, but to be fair, there aren't many other Words left. It pretty much wiped out all the other Words out there.

COSTELLO: And that word is real one?

ABBOTT: Real One has nothing to do with Word. Real One isn't even part of Office.

COSTELLO: STOP! Don't start that again. What about financial bookkeeping? You have anything I can track my money with?

ABBOTT: Money.

COSTELLO: That's right. What do you have?

ABBOTT: Money.

COSTELLO: I need money to track my money?

ABBOTT: It comes bundled with your computer

COSTELLO: What's bundled with my computer?

ABBOTT: Money.

COSTELLO: Money comes with my computer?

ABBOTT: Yes. No extra charge.

COSTELLO: I get a bundle of money with my computer? How much?

ABBOTT: One copy.

COSTELLO: Isn't it illegal to copy money?

ABBOTT: Microsoft gave us a license to copy money.

COSTELLO: They can give you a license to copy money?

ABBOTT: Why not? THEY OWN IT!

*
A FEW DAYS LATER . .

ABBOTT: Super Duper computer store. Can I help you?

COSTELLO: How do I turn my computer off?

ABBOTT: Click on "START"..........

May Day or Is It MayDay?

Happy May 1st. According to Wikipedia May Day "is a public holiday usually celebrated on 1 May or the first Monday of May. It is an ancient festival of Spring and a current traditional spring holiday in many European cultures. Dances, singing, and cake are usually part of the festivities."  I think we can all get behind a little joyful music and cake!

The best known modern May Day traditions, observed both in Europe and North America, include dancing around the maypole and crowning the Queen of May. Fading in popularity since the late 20th century is the tradition of giving of "May baskets," small baskets of sweets or flowers, usually left anonymously on neighbors' doorsteps.  I remember our kindergarten teacher helping us create May Day baskets and taking it home to my Mom - that would have been 50 (FIFTY!!!) years ago today.
 

If you put the two words together, MayDay becomes the word used around the world to make a distress call via radio communications. MayDay signals a life-threatening emergency, usually on a ship or a plane.  A mayday call is not something to be taken lightly. In the United States, it's illegal to make a fake distress call. Doing so can land you in jail for up to six years and subject you to a $250,000 fine!

It seems like this whole COVID-19 situation has our world screaming MayDay on an hourly basis.  It's been weeks now and I hope we will turn a corner soon.  If you need a little laugh today, here are a few funnies I've received in the past week.

Monday Chuckles

I'm so thankful for my many friends and family who keep me smiling!

And a special thanks to the sidewalk chalk artists in my neighborhood who continue to inspire!

I was at Target on Saturday.  I may have sent this picture to a friend or two...

Happy Monday!  Make it a great day!

Miscellaneous Monday Matters

Welcome to week three of Stay Home, Stay Safe.  I hope you're all doing your part and staying healthy without going crazy!  The best thing any of us can do is read more of the Good News and less of the rest of the news!  If you're spending three hours a day reading the latest COVID-19 updates and three minutes a day reading from God's word, you're going to lose the battle of the mind.  There is a lot of unknown and misinformation.

Les sent me this quote and I think it's excellent:

People should remember that they're as healthy as they feel, and shouldn't go around feeling as unhealthy as they fear.

I'm not saying that COVID-19 isn't a real threat to our health, but I am saying:  Don't Let Fear Win.
 
I thought about saving this picture for another Wordless Wednesday, but we need smiles on Monday, too!   This picture has so many things going on that make me smile.  I'm pretty sure this was Easter 1971, I was in first grade.  I was about to turn 7, Rod had just turned 8, Rick was 10, and Kim was almost 12 (our birthdays happen January through April.)  It should come as no surprise that I've always loved wearing bright colors!  But the real treasure in this picture is everything I am holding - my white purse, an Easter basked AND a huge Easter egg.  By the look on my face (which makes me giggle right along with my almost 7 year old self) I'm guessing I may have had a bit of chocolate for breakfast.  The only thing I don't know is if one or both knees were skinned...

Are you wearing a mask now?  Up to this point I have not worn one.  I'm probably going to start wearing one in the grocery store - that seems to be the only place where I'm in close contact with people I don't know.   I may end up feeling silly, it will probably really annoy me to wear one, but better safe than sorry, right?  If you're looking to buy one, Active Faith Sports is selling masks that say, "Faith Over Fear."  These are not N95 masks, but they're a cool reminder.

In an effort to stay active, I signed up for the Allstate Hot Chocolate 15k virtual race. The goodie bag includes a jacket, race medal and chocolate.  The race organizer, RAM racing, chose the Make-A-Wish Foundation as their official charity.  I love what Make-A-Wish does, granting wishes to children with critical illnesses.  You can sign up for the race, 5k or 15k, HERE.  You can walk or run the race anytime between April 30th and May 31st. If you'd like to donate to Make-A-Wish, you can do that on my fundraising page HERE.

I tried something different on Friday.  We wanted pizza from our local pizza place for dinner.  They do not deliver but are still open for carry out only.  I wanted to avoid the dinner time rush, so I placed my order mid afternoon and asked them if they could bake it only half way.  They were happy to do that.  I picked the pizza up at 3:00, took it home and put in the refrigerator for a couple of hours.  I finished baking it at 425 degrees for 7-10 minutes (I just kept an eye on it.)  It was perfect!

Finally, here are two little gems from Mom's Bible to get this week started on the right foot:

Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow,
it only saps today of its strength.

I can see to the corner,
but God sees around the corner,
Don't worry!

Tell me some good news!  

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Thursday This and That

I started my morning off with a trail run.  Seven miles of almost complete solitude.  I saw 8 runners, 1 walker, and 6 mountain bikers while I was out.  If you are not a regular exerciser, now is a great time to go for a walk.  Just keep your distance from others, but enjoy some fresh air.  I have some of my best ideas while I'm out exercising.  It's easy to let your mind work when you don't have any digital distractions.

If you're needing a little extra church, our services are streaming live but they are also being made available after the fact.  You might even hear me praise singing from time to time if you tune in while we are live.  You can find them at Victory Tabernacle's website right HERE.  We will be starting a Children's Power Hour on Saturday morning at 11:00.  I believe there will also be a Youth Hour on Saturdays at 5:00.  I'm thankful that our Pastor, Sunday school and Youth departments are putting this extra effort in.

When I was getting in my car after my trail run this morning, I saw a guy out walking his dog.  Nothing unusual, I see people walking their dogs all the time.  Except this guy was in his robe!  He wasn't standing on the sidewalk in front of his house.  He's was quite a ways from any houses.  I know we're all staying home, but it's probably a good idea to get dressed when you head out away from your house!

On the topic of dressing, I got this from my aunt yesterday!

No worrying about what to wear on Easter Sunday!  And for all the times we ladies have complained about our feet hurting after a long church service, just add some comfy footwear.

I saw this sidewalk chalk art while out running last week.  I don't even know the people who live in that particular house, but it made my day.

Keep hanging in there!  Don't let fear rule your heart.  Reach out to your friends and family.  Then reach out to someone who is not in your close circle.  We need each other.  Send an encouraging text, email, or make a phone call.  If YOU are feeling lonely, don't let loneliness control you.  Reach out!  You don't even have to say you're lonely - just reach out and tell someone you miss seeing them.  You'll make two people feel better.

Finally, we sang an old song last night.  "Hold To God's Unchanging Hand" was written by Jennie Bain Wilson in 1904. She was born on a farm at Cleveland, IN, on November 13, 1856, to Robert and Mary Frances Russell Wilson. Her father died while she was still in her infancy. When she was about four years old, an attack of spinal trouble resulted in her being rendered an invalid, confined to a wheel-chair and bed.  A prolific poet, she produced about 2,200 poems and hymn texts in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Yet, over the course of her life she never interjected sadness from her condition in her works.  She died in 1913 at the age of 57, still holding to that unchanging hand.

Hold to God's Unchanging Hand

Time is filled with swift transition
Naught of earth unmoved can stand 

Build your hopes on things eternal
Hold to God's unchanging hand

 

Hold to God's unchanging hand

Hold to God's unchanging hand
Build your hopes on things eternal
Hold to God's unchanging hand

Trust in Him who will not leave you
Whatsoever years may bring
If by earthly friends forsaken
Still more closely to Him cling

Covet not this world's vain riches
That so rapidly decay
Seek to gain the Heavenly treasures
They will never pass away

When your journey is completed
If to God you have been true
Fair and bright your home in glory
Your enraptured soul will view

Hold to God's unchanging hand
Hold to God's unchanging hand
Build your hopes on things eternal
Hold to God's unchanging hand

Just keep holding to His hand, it's unchanging!