I discovered a flat tire on my car the other day. It wasn’t totally flat, but it was going flat. Then as I drove to the Service Center to get some air I heard the distinctive rhythmic click, click, click of a nail in the tire. Somewhere along the line I picked up a nail. I wasn’t sure exactly where the nail was, but I knew I had one in the tire. I pumped the tire back up, drove back home, and started scanning the tire for the nail. My son found it before I did. Reaching out his finger he said “There it is!” Just as it looked like he was going to pull the nail out, I quickly said, “No, don’t touch it. At this point, that’s why the tire isn’t going totally flat.”

I left the nail in the tire, parked the car, and didn’t drive it until it was repair time. Yesterday morning, a quick call to the Tire Spot had me rolling once again with a plug in the tire instead of the nail.

‘Stella’ Is Back on the Road!

Read the rest of this entry

Remembering September 11, 2001

Where were you when the planes hit the Twin Towers in New York City?

It’s hard to believe 7 years have past since the terrorist attacks took place on U.S. soil. Seven years ago the United States of America was attacked by terrorists. Two hijacked commercial planes rammed into New York City’s World Trade Center, which eventually caused the collapse of both towers. Another hijacked plane hit the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. and a fourth plane crashed into the Pennsylvania woods. There are many memorials around the country today, and of course major memorials taking place at the Pentagon, the site of the Twin Towers, and in Pennsylvania.

Do you remember what you were doing on this date in 2001?

Read the rest of this entry

Running second to Kyle Busch in the NASCAR Sprint race in Bristol Saturday night Carl Edwards asked himself a simple question as the laps wound down — “Would he do it to me?” — Edwards said the answer was easy, that’s when he decided to bump Busch out of the way for the win.

After the race Carl Edwards commented on the move saying, “A real smart racer explained it to me this way after he wrecked me and I was really mad. He said, ‘I just had to look at your rear bumper and decide, would you do this to me? And you had before, so it was a real simple decision.’”

“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

For many that’s known as The Golden Rule. Not only is it supposed to guide society, but when individuals keep the so-called Golden Rule in mind, we suddenly find ourselves living in a society where morality is high, and kindness reigns supreme. Very early in life we’re taught to respect one another, and above all, keep in mind, that if we don’t want to be treated badly, then we should not treat others badly. Does this mean we’re never treated poorly, or that we never treat others poorly? Probably not. After all, lets also remember that we’re human. That means along the way we’re bound to step on some toes. Whether it’s done intentionally, or unintentionally, things happen and we do stupid things.

But, in the end, we need to ask ourselves, have we learned from the experience?

Read the rest of this entry

A world in search of hope. A nation is search of hope. A people in search of hope.

It’s a truth that’s been around since the beginning of time. No matter who you are, no matter where you are, and no matter how good, or how bad your life situation might be – People are always searching for hope. When the nation of Israel found themselves exiled in Babylon, and for all intents and purposes it looked like God had turned His back on them, they still found a message of hope. Ezekiel, exiled with Israel in Babylon, declared a message of hope to the nation encouraging them to establish themselves in the midst of their enemy, pray for the prosperity and peace for those around them, and they too would discover peace and prosperity. That sounds like a message of hope to me.

Meanwhile, things looked quite different in Israel. There we find a rag-tag remnant of the nation living amidst the ruins of the once great City of Jerusalem. They may not be in Babylon, but the Babylonian rulers are all around them, reminding them each day that the once great nation of Israel, is no longer a force on the earth.

But, did the nation of Israel lose hope when surrounded by foreign leaders…

Read the rest of this entry

Sometimes the best advice is simply to hold fast and hold tight. As we journey through this thing we call life there are many ups and downs, as well as curves and corners along the way. Life is fragile and fickle and you just never really know what might be around the next corner. I just heard a news story about a woman who’s been forced out of her home, and is now living in her car. The most striking part of the story revolved around the fact that she sounded happy! That’s right, she sounded happy while talking about the fact that her car is a little more cramped than the three bedroom condo she used to live in. But, even in the midst of losing her house, and having to live in her car, she was happy.

Could it be that she’s discovered the secret of the phrase hold fast and hold tight? She readily admitted she’s in her situation because she over-extended herself and also went into a condo payment she couldn’t afford. Now as we find ourselves in the midst of a mortgage crisis, she’s lost her house. But, she also knows life will turn around once again. Perspective is everything. When faced with difficult situations in life we can determine our reaction. We will either freeze up and fall into a victim mindset – or – we will hold fast and hold tight resting in the knowledge that things will turn around.

So, whatever you might be facing today, I hope you will find encouragement in the phrase — Hold fast and hold tight.

A Fellow Sojourner,
Dr. Rus

Who is Soapy Sanderson you ask? He was a character on episode three of season one of Northern Exposure. As a movie reviewer I sometimes simply get bored with movies. Yes, I know, some might think that hard to believe, but it’s true. We see a lot of movies, and from time to time, we just get bored with them. When that happens I usually change up my Netflix queue and start watching some old TV shows. This month it’s Northern Exposure.

I loved the show in the early ’90′s and along the way I’ve forgotten most of the episodes, and realized I also missed some along the way. This week I started on season one, and today I watched episode three, Soapy Sanderson. The episode was good, as usual, but one scene in particular jumped off the screen at me. Dr. Fleischman is, once again, is having Maggie problems. In this particular episode he finds himself chatting with Chris, the philosophical radio announcer, about life, and how to connect with Maggie. He’s done something stupid again, putting himself first, which has turned her off.

Now it’s no secret, even by episode three of season one, that Fleischman does not want to be in Alaska. It seems every waking moment is spent trying to figure out a way to get back to New York City. Chris cuts through all of that and simply says, “It doesn’t matter if you’re going to be here for four years, four weeks, four months, or four hours. What’s important is how do you positively effect those around you in the time that you have here.”

Wow! What an amazing thought!

I guess that’s my thought for tonight as I get ready once again to wind down for another day. I would ask you the same thing I find myself asking myself right now — How did I positively effect those around me today?

A Fellow Sojourner,
Dr. Rus

Thomas Merton penned these words a number of years ago – No man is an island - Merton was an interesting man who lived a pretty wild life, or so many think, before becoming a monk. Much of his life is told in the book Seven Story Mountain. Merton was also the last monk allowed to become a hermit. Somewhere along the line the church realized living totally alone, in silence, was not a healthy thing. As a matter of fact in all of creation there’s only one time the Creator said “This is not good.” Those words were uttered when He saw Adam was lonely. He said “This is not good” and Eve was then created.

We live in a world where many people try to be islands. We have our work cubicles, our small cars, our little apartments, single serving dinners, and half a loaf of bread. Add on top of that the computer and the Internet, and suddenly many in the world today simply don’t interact with people. Sure, we have our many networks which give us a sense of connection, but reality is, if there’s no human connection, is there really a connection at all?

I find it interesting that in the midst of the singleness of the Internet with one person sitting in front of a computer screen, there’s an explosion of social networks on the Internet. Just today I received yet another invitation to another social network I didn’t even know existed. Someone sent me an invitation to a network called Reunion. Just what I need, another social network ID. Of course since I know the person who invited me, I went ahead and joined. Now I’m on Facebook, MySpace, Plaxo, LinkedIn, MyBlogLog, and a host of other bookmarking sites that enables me to list friends! When will the madness end?

In the midst of all the social networks, I suddenly found myself pondering the words of Thomas Merton once again – No man is an island – Could it be there’s something built inside each one of us that longs for some kind of relationship? Some kind of network? Some kind of interaction with others? Even if it’s via a blinking cursor on a computer screen, there’s something built inside each one of us that longs for some kind of human contact.

Aside from all the social networks I’m part of, I also have a Twitter account. It’s amazing to watch the Tweets among all my “friends.” But, what’s even more amazing is to watch those friends connect with other Twitter friends in their own area. Tweet-ups take place every day. Not a day goes by that I don’t see something like — So and so is meeting with @name, and @name and maybe @name too!

Once again, I find myself pondering the great truth uttered so long ago in the garden — Adam was lonely, this is not good.

A Fellow Sojourner,
Dr. Rus

I know, the subject heading is a little tacky, and also a direct steal from that ever so popular song many people love to hate, Don’t Worry, Be Happy. I found myself reminded of the song when going through some of my Tweets on my Twitter feed. One person I follow is on the road traveling and he said he woke up to someone whistling that very song outside his motel room door this morning. He alluded to the fact that it didn’t really upset him, he just wished he could sleep a little longer.

But, as tacky as the phrase may seem, there’s great truth in those words. Now I’m not saying we should live in a world of escapism where we ignore everything around us that might make us feel uncomfortable. However, I am saying we tend to live in a world where many people simply worry too much. Yes, there are plenty of things to cause worry today. High gas prices, housing foreclosures, falling dollar and simply trying to make ends meet in a world that seems to be spinning out of control. Then, if you toss in family issues, wild teens, fighting spouses, or whatever else might be going on, stress does indeed seem to linger around every corner.

In this fast paced world, some crave for the good old days when life was slower and everything seemed calmer. However, a return to the good old days accomplishes little. As a matter of fact, the good old days had its share of issues too. Reality is this, no matter what time period one may long for, every time period had its share of problems. Some two thousand years ago, when you might think life was grand, people were encouraged to not worry about tomorrow. If the birds of the air are cared for, rest assured humans will make it through whatever a new day brings too.

As trite as it may sound, when life seems to really be pulling you down, try humming a few bars of Don’t Worry Be Happy. Who knows, it might just change your attitude a little so you can smile.

A Fellow Sojourner,
Dr. Rus

The past couple weeks have been very hectic in the Jeffrey household. We’ve had a few emergency room visits and that of course adds to an elevated stress level. One of the visits revolved around my wife who sprained her ankle. It’s been said a sprain is worse than a break. At first you wonder how that could be. But, now that we’re living through a sprain instead of a break, we’re beginning to understand that line of thinking. At least with a break you get a full cast which you can walk on. The sprain ends up in a half cast, which you can’t walk on. So, that means Sandra has been moving around the house using a desk chair with wheels.

You can well imagine how this changes the overall chores in the house. And, since I’m up at 3:30am every morning to make it into the radio station for the morning show, I’m starting to notice a lack of sleep. I’m at work now, but it feels like I’m just sleep walking through the morning.

As I pulled into the parking lot of the radio station I glanced up toward the sky and noticed all the stars. It really made me stop for a moment as I pondered the words “and I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars.” I’m not looking for more kids, but the thought did cause me to remember just how in control God is no matter what might be going on in our journey through life. Many times when we think the cards are stacked against us, we’re reminded of the fact that God is in control. It may not look like it at the time, but He really does know what’s going on. In the vastness of the universe, He has a plan. Not only does He have a plan, and not only does He know how many stars are in the sky, but He also knows how many hairs are on our head.

Somehow, as I gazed up at the stars this morning, I was reminded that God does know what’s going on in my life right now. He’s in control, and He is guiding as I journey through this little episode in life.

A Fellow Sojourner,

Dr. Rus

I just got back from picking up our middle son from work. As I pulled out of the driveway I noticed flashing lights along the side street we live on. A closer look revealed one police car with two other cars pulled over. Along the sidewalk, many others stopped to watch. Then, as I pulled onto the main road, a number of vehicles slowed to rubber-neck in an effort to see what was going on.

Sitting here tonight winding down from another day I find myself asking the question; Did I rubber-neck my way through the day? Or, did I actually get involved in the day, living the day to its fullest? How many times do we actually coast through the days, which can turn into a daze, and before we know it, a week, a month, or even a year has flown by. Do we actually become involved in the day, or do we simply rubber-neck our way through the day, without becoming involved in anything.

A couple years ago Adam Sandler put out a movie called Click. While we hated the movie because it was rude and crude, it did contain a few good lessons. One such lesson revolved around the idea of fast forwarding through life on cruise-control. If we do this, before we know it, life has flown by, and it’s usually filled with many regrets.

Tonight I’m wondering how to get more involved in life and not rubber-neck the events of any given day too much.

A Fellow Sojourner,
Dr. Rus