What It Means to Be A Person, Part 3

Understanding.... Being understood...
I like how Robert Fulghum puts it,
"Hide-and-seek, grown-up style. Needing to be sought. Confused about being found."

In continuation of my train of blog posts, like What It Means to Be A Person, Part 2.... 

If a friend were to hand me a book and say, "Please, read this book. I'd like for you to understand me better," I would certainly read that book. It is the essence of being human, this desire to understand others and most especially, the desire to be understood. Yet, I suspect there are people who care more about being understood and less about understanding others. It is not always selfishness in the case of these people but maybe just how their personality works and what their interests are. What the ratio of understanding to being understood is in each of us is probably chalked up to how we were raised, what our interests are and what type of personalities we embody.

For me the desire to understand others is top heavy. Not that I don't not want to be understood, but there is something about humans, who they are and how they interact that fascinates me. I want to know about body language, voice inflections and speech patterns. I want to know what they think, why they think it, what their hopes and dreams are and what they're doing to make those dreams a reality. I want to know about their mothers and fathers, their siblings, their friends, their education, their hobbies, their favorite foods and their feelings on politics. I probably come off sounding like an interviewer and I think a lot of people feel uncomfortable when asked a million questions. Questions make us feel vulnerable, especially if we do not know the purpose that the questioner is asking them. It is only over time that I can prove that my questions are 100%, genuine interest.

Perhaps this interest I have in people is due to my personality? I know that Myers-Briggs Typology isn't the be-all and end-all. There are flaws and misgivings about the science behind the psychology. However, I've read up on my personality type and it feels like finally someone understands me. Or perhaps more than being understood, it is the fact that I'm  not the only one with the crazy traits that define me. I'm not the only person who is care free and childish, at the same time as deeply wishing to understand the universe. I'm not alone in my tendency to procrastinate. I'm not the only one who doesn't one to be follow just one profession, but many chase many interests. There are other like me in the world, and I'm not crazy for being who I am... in spite of the many folks who disapprove of or fear my unconventional ways.

What brings this to my mind in particular is a book I read this Summer titled, The Comprehensive ENFP Survival Guide, by Heidi Priebe. It made complete sense to me and explained traits that I've felt so overwhelmed by or that have made me feel like an unsuccessful human for possessing. I don't say that in the worst sense, but just the frustration we all feel when we're trying to wade through life with our strengths and weaknesses. The book was an eye opener. It showed me that I'm not alone, there are other people who are just like me, and it showed why I am the person I am. It was easy to read and easy to understand. I found myself laughing with delight because I could relate so much to the author's words!

I generally kept to the privacy of my room while reading, as if to guard a secret. Mostly because I am a private person when it comes to my feelings. In fear that my poor, sensitive self will be hurt I gaurd my feelings at all cost. This is of course something I never realized about myself, and hope to overcome one day.... to be less sensitive and more open.
Anyway, one night I was determined to enjoy the company of my family and sat in the living room with them, while reading this book. My older sister asked what I was reading, and when I told her, her first response was and eye-roll and, "You've got to be kidding me...." She wasn't trying to be mean, but it just struck her as ridiculous that I'd be reading about personality and putting so much interest in the matter. Isn't life about being selfless, after all? I understand her thoughts on the matter but if we cannot understand our own feelings and thoughts how are we ever to get along with others? How are we to mature and grow? If we cannot understand how we are different from other people how are we supposed to appreciate others for their differences?

My mother comes to mind. She and I are very different. We're both extroverted and strong-willed, but lets just say she's the type of person that prepares, plans and is precise. Whereas I am the type of person that procrastinates, is spontaneous and go-with-the-flow. Granted we are not always such extreme opposites, but when we have contrary opinions it generally makes for a mini war. For many years I never knew why we disagreed on so many stupid, little, unimportant things. Then I learned about typology and discovered that more often that not, we are coming to the same conclusions from different perspectives. I learned that I we can see the other's viewpoint we can then compromise or try to relate, or perhaps stand our ground to the death.  But it doesn't have to be a mess of confusion.

It seems that what Paul the Apostle write in Romans 12:3-4 relates to the matter,
For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:

As I've stated before and will state again, personality stuff isn't the most important thing in the world. It's good to stay open and not let these things dictate your view of others. But if it offers a few helpful hints along the bumpy roads of life, then it's worth giving a chance.

All In A Week

This coming week is going to bring quite a few challenges. We have election day, which means a good portion of the country will be severely disappointed. On top of which we have the time change which brings darkness an hour earlier, as if the shortening hours of daylight weren't enough to deal with. Then to bring things to the climax it could snow any day and the temperatures are bound to turn chilly and arctic soon. Yikes!

One the bright side, we have Thanksgiving to look forward to. My favorite holiday. We go all out for Thanksgiving. Family filling up every inch of the house, food covering every inch of counter space. I'm trying to be patient so that I don't rush the days by, but it's so exciting!

November has brought some joys as well as some disappointments. I was invited to a special event in Connecticut and would have been traveling with some of my favorite people, but as it would happen I couldn't get the time off work. Nevertheless, I'm looking forward to my friend Hannah's baby being born and getting to meet the new little life. Then there are friendships that I know are growing daily and my own life and character that continue to be shaped and sharpened into a better instrument to serve the people around me and  to serve the Lord. It seems that God knows our needs before we do and so of course has trials and treasures waiting around each corner to be dispensed as needed in our walk.

Well, it's time for the end of the day. I hope your November is warm and delightful, and that the trials of this next week don't bring you down. If you can't find a silver lining, be sure to sew one in. ;)

Philippians 1:9-11
And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ. Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

Political Satire - 2016

“I am going to Washington as a delegation of one from the American Comedians' Association to get us some aid. No industry has been hit worse than us professional humorists. There is just too much unconscious amateur talent among our elected officials.” - Will Rogers

In the course of American history, has there ever been this much public frustration regarding a Presidential election? Five different candidates for whom the American people can choose to vote and, quite honestly, it plays out more like a comedy of errors than the serious deliberation of a country in search of their next Commander in Chief. Why such a harsh portrayal? Let's consider our options:

Donald Trump, or Drumpf if you prefer, is well known for his TV celebrity status. That, and for stealing an old lady's seaside property to expand his casino, twisting the use of eminent domain for personal gain. Granted, there are plenty of conservatives who wouldn't mind his “You're fired!” approach, in regards to the large majority of the government if he is elected.

Hillary Clinton, who's been in politics so long she likely believes her own lies, probably needs a vacation to recover from whatever ill ails her. Be it pneumonia, her conscience... or Bill Clinton. However, Democrats will be excited to have a Planned Parenthood and NOW hub connected to every McDonald's for your convenience if she becomes the president.

Then there's the Green Party candidate, Jill Stein, who looks quite like President Coin from the Hunger Games movies. She is recently noted for creative artwork on a bulldozer and received a court appointment as a reward. Perhaps Stein should take lessons from Clinton and Trump on how to dodge court cases and lawsuits in the future. We also have the brand new American Delta Party. Rocky De La Fuente, who wanted to be the Democratic presidential nominee this year, created his own party in order to make it on the ballot in November. Out with the Whig Party, in with the Delta?

Now don't forget the Libertarian nominee, Gary Johnson, who has a fair chance of stealing votes from both Trump and Hillary. Both the Democrats and the Republicans fear Johnson could cripple their candidate's chances for victory. Johnson will likely get votes from some Bernie Sanders supporters due to the DNC scandal and from Republicans who don't fancy a narcissistic celebrity giving the State of the Union address.

All in all, November 2016 is going to be one hot mess. Of an Associated Press poll taken in July, Lisa Lerer and Emily Swanson wrote, “...Americans hold resoundingly negative opinions of both candidates. Fifty-seven percent have an unfavorable view of Clinton, compared to 37 percent who have a favorable view. Sixty-three percent have a negative view of Trump, compared to the 31 percent who think well of him.” It seems that people plan to vote for one candidate simply because they don't want the other to win. This political season has turned into a giant game of choosing between 'the lesser of two evils'.

One must wonder, when did politics turn into a poker game? We vote for a candidate just to call the other party's bluff? We catch a dirty deal but then don't demand a re-deal? Or we fold a winning hand, just because we don't have as many chips as the other players? Electing a president has never been an easy hobby but Americans are scared of the candidates and worried about the future.

If we're stuck with either Tantalizing Trump or Benghazi Babe, Washington, D.C. will have one sticky, political web to unravel in four years. After November 8^th, it's quite possible that we'll find a brigade of millennials throwing their pumpkin spice lattes into the Boston harbor. Sermons on the anti-christ will escalate in churches across the nation. Paul Revere's 13^th great-grandson will be riding a mustang to the nearest free-wifi location to notify his virtual friends of the revolution, via Snapchat, Twitter and Facebook. If you see any towers or steeples, with not just one but two LED lights, take note! It's quite likely that one of Kim Jong-un's nuclear missiles is coming so take necessary precautions. While the lucky few escape the country with their recently acquired passports, we'll find ourselves in the midst of the next world war and the worst economic times since the Great Recession. The conspiracy theorists would like to say “I told you so!” but they won't be able to because they'll be so far off the grid even Raymond Reddington won't be able to find them.

Or maybe... the American people will sigh, remember that Presidents can't do that terribly much in four years. They'll turn on the television to catch the next episode of The Voice and continue to wrap Christmas gifts with uncooperative scotch tape acquired at Dollar General.

To paraphrase the British, “Keep calm and America on.”

To keep track of how candidates are fairing in the public opinion, RealClearPolitics.com keeps fairly unbiased tabs on the race by providing polls from various media sources across the country.

First Day of Fall

For a minute I thought it was October already. Yesterday I thought it was Tuesday all day, when it was Wednesday. It seems that time is just a blur lately. The weekends have been busy, between extra farm work and events with friends. The week days are a constant attempt to get a step ahead, while it feels like it ends up being two steps back.

Vehicles are numerous at my house, but the ones that are derivable are scarce. The guys are working hard to restore some of them, but it takes time to make repairs on vehicles.

We finally received our first milk check from the plant that we ship milk to. It's a start, but we have to take this opportunity to continue working extra hard to get our finances and business running smoothly.

Fall begins today. The signs are already all over the countryside. The corn stalks are drying, the soybean leaves are turning gold and the early trees are changing colors. I've celebrated by baking a pie. Apple pie, of course. And I did have one pumpkin spice latte already. They're okay.... I think it's the thoughts of happiness you get that taste better than the actual drink. However, Culver's pumkin cheesecake concrete mixer is truly amazing.

It's political seasons, as well. Oddly, we've noticed that campaign signs are few and far between. At least around here. These candidates are extreme enough to get everyone to voice their opinions, but not their support. Oh, America... what are we doing?

Anyway, it's a new day. There's always hope for the future. Even if winter is on it's way and the government is crazy. At least we're getting paid for milking our cows now! :)

PSH Results

Okay, so I checked all of the comments (some on Facebook and some here on this blog) regarding the photo scavenger hunt. Here are the results:

Points for each team based on the whole list showed that it was practically a three way tie!!! I tallied up all the points and team 1 & 3 both had 13 points and team 2 had 12 points. SO CLOSE!!! 

So I decided to add up the points for each photo since that's how most everyone who'd commented had given their score.

This is who won for each photo:

1. "We broke it!" Team 2!

 2.  A creation in sand. Team 3 won without any competition!



3.  Shadows. Team 1!



 4. Everybody with somebody with a birthday in July. Congratulations team 1, 2 and 3! It was a three way tie!

5. A Bible verse. Team 1!

6. Wedding. Team 3!

7. A song title. Team 1!

What a fun challenge and a fun group of people. Thank you, to everyone who voted!! We all appreciate your help!

A Photo Scavanger Hunt

We've enjoyed a few Photo Scavenger Hunts in the past and so this past weekend we did another! A few new faces, a few new ideas and a whole set of new pictures.
*if you want to see some of the older scavenger hunt pictures check out Sept. 2013 and Oct. 2013*

We split into three teams. Each team had a camera (or a phone camera in the case of team 3) and designated one member to take all of the pictures. I had the privilege of being the photographer for Team Uno, but I'm not sure who the other two photographers where. The goal was to attempt to only take one picture to demonstrate each number on the list. Then we'd judge to see whose picture turned out best in portraying each objective.

It was such a challenge for each team to come up with creative ideas and we agree that everyone did a great job. Which is why....

We need YOUR help to judge the photos! Please leave a comment and let us know which group you thought captured the best shot for each task. Normally I would say that anyone who participated in the hunt cannot vote, but I think this time around we'll open up voting to everyone. I'm trusting that if you participated you'll vote without bias or favoritism.

Each team's photos will always be listed in the same order: Team 1, Team 2, Team 3.... as I'll demonstrate in the first set of pictures:


1. "We broke it!"

Team 1:


Team 2:

Team 3:














2. A creation in sand.




*person in sand is named Sandy*



3. Shadows.


*photographer also made it into this picture*




*the shadows are "<3 br="" love="">
4. Everybody with someone with a birthday in July.


*the sign says "Happy Birthday", and
Patrick the driver turned 16 in July, hence the vehicle*


*Rachel was the July birthday girl and if you didn't notice,
those bodies on the lawn spell "J U L Y"*


*the signs say "Happy"  "Moo" "Day" as the calf was born in July*

5. A Bible verse.


2 Timothy 3:6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,*the bags say "SINS" but it doesn't show up in the photo very well*



Acts 7:58  And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.


Matthew 25:5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.

6. Wedding.


*a bunch of the adults were awesome enough to join in this photo*






7. A song title.


 The Wise Man Built His House Upon the Rock


Rescue The Perishing


Give Me Thine Heart


THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING IN OUR SCAVANGER HUNT!!!
*cast your vote in the comment section below*

My Dad's Farm Blog

Hey, everyone! Go check out my Dad's farm blog, Udder Nonsense: trying to make cents of it all. I guess it's more like the family farm blog, but it'll be mostly Dad's blog... things of interest to him... etc. I just put in an hour updating it today and editing the style. We were kind of locked out of it for quite a while because we couldn't remember the password. Yikes. It's good now, so go visit and follow and enjoy!

www.milkingforallitsworth.blogspot.com