MJS Creative Landing

It has been a very full day. This morning I volunteered at a Habitat for Humanity work site putting up trusses. The cost for these homes has increased 30k since the start of the pandemic. These homes are meant to be affordable, but since the rise in lumber and materials cost has skyrocketed, it will take some doing to actually make these home affordable for the foreseeable future. There was a time when the program could make these zero percent loans at cost homes for an average cost of 65 to 75k. The payoff would span over 18 to 22 years. This allowed for the cost of the home to be repaid at a lower rate over time. The homeowner would essential pay around 350 to 400 dollars a month for mortgage, property taxes and home owners insurance. Now with the prices of lumber at such an outrageous cost, these same homes are averaging 95 to 115k. This means the loans have to be spread out over a longer period of time to keep the homes affordable. Not only that, the need for more financial assista...

Jean called at 3:45pm to ask if I could pick her up and take her to visit one of her friends she met while living at Stilwell Retirement. Faye had just been moved from the independent community living of Stilwell to this assisted living community out of town. Faye's children reckoned she needed more care since she had just had another fall and damaged her wrist. Supper for Faye was at 5pm so Jean wanted me to pick her up about 5:15pm so we could get in and get out. Jean is 92 years old and is the piano player for our two man crew. We have in the past provided music therapy to Seniors in long term, assisted, memory care and independent living communities. Faye was one of the people who would faithfully be in attendance every other week at Stilwell. She had been longing for Jean to came to visit her at the assisted living care facility she moved to. Since September 2010, Jean has been a part of my life. She encouraged me to sing in front of people. She encouraged me to play instrumen...

Thursday the administration of the 2nd covid shot was executed upon my arm. I felt fine enough to come home and mow the yard. As the day went on I was good. I slept fine, I think. Friday I was groggy and my head was filled full of air and water. I couldn't move without my brain swimming about. That lasted all Friday. Later in the mid morning of Friday I took some over the counter Naproxen and got under the covers. I just lost lots of energy. I had upper body and arm chills. I stayed under the covers all day. I only got up to go potty or turn the outside lights on. I was fatigued. Today I am much better. No light headedness has persisted. The chills have waned. I wanted to get up. I showered. I am getting dressed here soon. I feel like things are getting back on track. However, a few weeks after the first shot I lost the use my left leg a bit. I could walk, but I could not fully engage the groin muscle. I had to lift my leg into bed and out of bed. I had to struggle to drive my stic...

Overcast morning and humidity is higher and all is well. My dad is picking me up soon. He just needs to install some exterior lights, and we are done with this project. It was good to spend some time with him in efforts outside of idle chit-chat about bygone days. I have been able to drop a few acts of faith nods his way. He is as open to faith as a sealed can of sardines. But, the Lord has me here this day with him for a reason. I know he would rather go fishing on a day like today. Who knows? It might be this nice of a fishing day tomorrow. I am fisher of men. So I will be fishing no matter what. I am glad to have had this opportunity. The house turned out really nice. We did a good job. I hope he takes away something from this experience. I know I did.

My Fence is starting to go down hill. Not all of it, just about 38 feet. Yesterday I took out the impact drill and removed the screws of these pickets and planks from half of the row that needs repair. They are sitting against the remaining fence waiting for me and my dad to go to the box store to gather treated 2x4s. So, today might be the day of completion of the repairs to this fence, and I would like to stain it soon. It has been standing for going on 7 years. It is due for a makeover. I enjoy taking care of what I have been given. I am thankful for the ability to do the work. I receive every good and perfect gift from the Lord this day .

The topic of brief discussion with my cousin this morning was: The Seven Deadly Sins and the Virtues that would need instituting. It was a great short talk and a good reminder for me to examine myself. I found that I am struggling with Pride and Anger still. The opposite of each are Humility and Patience. I might have a tad bit of Envy in there, too. My life requires Gratitude to quell that spirit. So today, I commit again to submit to God's will for my life. I commit to Waiting on the Lord in agreement with His will for all life. I commit again to be grateful and thankful in all things, for this is the will of God concerning me in Christ Jesus. Be blessed!

In my city I cannot drive down many streets without seeing the Catholic Church Propaganda machine in action. Whether it's billboards or Yard Signs, without ceasing, the city is pummeled with their version of a solution. In my town, the Catholic Church owns over 30 million dollars in tax shielded buildings and property alone. Many members of these communities (living breathing people) circle their wagons in business and belief. That's a lot of propaganda power. That's a lot of shame and guilt. That's a lot of... If people were really open to solutions, we would not see these signs. I mean if people were really open to solutions that require human beings to be humans doing the work God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit actually called us to do, these billboards and signs would actually not be necessary. How about equal access to financial mobility. What say you to fair life sustaining wages. How about you walk with young girls and women and provide them with opportunities to b...