Is It Time To Run The Anti-Virus Program?

I can hardly believe that we are knocking on the door of March already!  This year seems to be flying by… even faster than last year did!  Why, in one month we’ll be one fourth of the way through 2011.  It kind of gets you thinking about the need to stay true to your goals.  It is just too easy to let a day or two slide by without taking any action.  For before you know it, you’ll be watching the ball coming down the tower at New York’s Times Square (or the acorn falling if you live in Raleigh, North Carolina!), and you’ll be facing another year without completing the same old resolutions that you’ve been chasing for years!

A portion of our old friend in Hebrews 12:1 jumped off the page for me this morning as I considered today’s thoughts.  It’s the place where it says  ”…we must get rid of everything that slows us down…”  (Gods Word ©)  The idea of slowing down in the pursuit of our goals is what captured my attention.  Yesterday at church one of our terrific helpers talked about some of the different things that can slow down a computer, along with some remedies to prevent them or remove them once they appear.  I’m sure that all of us have experienced the frustration at waiting for a slow moving program or the never ending download!  Normally when this happens we immediately begin searching for the problem so we can rapidly get back to operating at the speeds that we are accustomed to.

This is the same approach that we should undertake when the progress on our personal goals begin to lag.  Just as there are computer programs that will analyze our hard drive and then initiate a fix, there are steps that we can take to search what’s happening in our lives and then initiate the fixes in the areas where any problems may be present.  It is still early enough in the year to discern any weak areas, make the necessary changes and then continue computing the goals we desire to complete before the end of the year.  Remember the end of Hebrews 12:1 encourages us to run the race and “never give up.”  (Gods Word ©)  Be quick to see, quick to adjust, and quick to receive your prize!  Keep up the good work!  Stay tuned and keep asking yourself…”What am I expecting today!”

Completing The Perfect Call

I had the pleasure of having an extended conversation with my younger daughter from Tulsa last night.  She was bursting with excitement as she explained many of the events that she has been experiencing over the last few weeks.  Included in these events was the completion of certain stages of some long term dreams/goals that she had set in her youth.  She spoke of the self satisfaction that she felt in finally seeing some of the steps to her life goals being accomplished. 

In the course of the conversation, JoAnna related some incidents in the past when some members of our extended family had voiced doubts concerning the dreams that she desired to follow in life.  They suggested a different, more tradition course, one that they felt was more secure… a direction that was closer to the one that they had followed in their own lives.  As my daughter recalled these times (that actually occurred on numerous occasions), she began to share with me the importance of listening to your heart while not allowing other people’s doubts to sway you from the calling you feel led to follow. 

Dreams are a very personal part of each of us.  They come from deep inside and at times may be unbelievable to others.  In fact, I think that one person’s dreams can actually scare another person because they are so different, so personal and so individual.  There is a story in the first book of the Bible where a boy by the name of Joseph told his brothers of the dreams that he had.  His brothers did not understand him, and became confused and  annoyed at his stories.  It finally came to the point where the older brothers feigned his death and sold him into slavery so that they wouldn’t have to deal with this one who was so different from the rest of them.  (read Genesis chapter 37)  Granted this was a pretty strong approach, but it illustrates a point. 

There are those who will not understand the dreams that you have had, and desire to follow.  In response to this, they will refer back to and gives directives based on their own experiences because these are comfortable with them.  And while the advice they give you may have been a good thing for them to adhere to, it may not be the best for you.  Please don’t misunderstand me here!  I’m not implying that we always reject council received from others, I am only suggesting that their advice may not always be the “Gospel truth” since that they may not understand the leadings in life that are unique to you.  I always try to make a point to gain a good understanding of those I am with before I council them.  I attempt to put myself in their shoes so that I can have a better understanding of their point of view, of their background and of their personal belief system.

My daughter is elated at seeing her plans and dreams, that have taken many years to reach this point, coming to a head.  She’s walked a sometimes rocky road, and will still have some mountains in front of her, but is proceeding with a confident and persistent attitude.  She is pleased now, that she did not allow herself to be bumped from her course by allowing others who doubted her dream to cause her to fall short of what she believes to be the perfect call of God for her life.  Stay tuned and keep asking yourself…”What am I expecting today?”

Never Give Up!

Wow… it is kind of hard to believe that they are forecasting snow for the San Francisco Bay Area over the next couple of days.  The last time I can remember it actually snowing in Santa Rosa, with it staying on the ground, was when I was about nine years old.  I clearly remember being sick and forlornly watching all my friends from my bedroom window while they frolicked in the white winter wonderland!  This gives substance to my beliefs about the ability of the things that you are expecting to happen even when it is thought to be impossible!

One weather report said that this would be the coldest front to move through San Francisco in thirty five years.  What good things are you expecting to happen for you?  Maybe what you are expecting is in the midst of a thirty five year cycle where it is getting ready to appear before your very eyes!  What can I say?  The proof of the seemingly impossible is staring at me outside my window!  Never give up. Keep believing, anything is possible.  Mark 9:23 says: “As far as possibilities go, everything is possible for the person who believes.”  (Gods Word ©).  Go ahead… stop and take a few moments right now and recall to memory all the positive things that you have expected to come into reality for you.  Strike the match to the burners of your faith, heat it up and look forward with expectancy for the tangible incarnation of your dreams.

I don’t know about you… but I’m heading to the garage to dig out the sled!  Stay tuned and keep asking yourself… “What am I expecting today?”

Removing The Thorns Of Life

I spent the better part of this morning working on a client’s “low maintenance” yard.  As I was pruning branches and cleaning out the dead matter from under their lavender plants I began to realize how plants are a lot like us humans.  From there I moved on to another row of bushes with thorns up to an inch long and my thoughts of the comparison increased.

Many people, like plants, also carry around old dead branches and other rotting debris from their past with them.  Then there are those who have built up self defense mechanisms, sort of like thorns, so as to protect themselves from getting run over or hurt again by others.  At times these people are not too fun to be around.  They may be family members, neighbors, school mates, part of the staff at work, fellow church members or even close friends.  These people, like the plants that I worked on today, need to have the decay and/or the ungainly scars of their past removed in order to live a healthier, more productive life.  In the book of John the Father God is spoken of as the one who takes care of the garden of our lives.  It says that “He removes every one of my branches that does not produce fruit.  He also prunes every branch that does produce fruit to make it produce more fruit.”  (John 15:2 Gods Word ©)

We are God’s hands in this world and at times, He will may call on us to help the hurting people we know.  This is not always pleasant work, and may be distasteful to us.  It is not very fun to be around someone who doesn’t seem to want your help and/or may be critical of you in your attempts to reach out to them.  (After working around those bushes and thorns today, my arms look like they were attacked by an alley cat!)  This is where love comes in.  These are the occasions when we have to put our own comfort aside in order to help another remove the scars of hurt that have marked their lives.  Know also that the healing process may take time so be prepared, be gentle and be sensitive.  Do you homework with them.  Don’t automatically think that you know what they’ve been through.  Hear them out and then carefully help them to let go of the pain and replace it with the love of God and your endearing friendship to them.  Stay tuned and keep asking yourself…”What are you expecting today?”

The Seasons Of Life

My wife and I spent some time at my folks this morning working on their front yard.  As I was kneeling under the lamppost removing dead growth from their shrubs, it dawned on me how quiet it was in the neighborhood.  I remarked to my wife how things had changed since I grew up there.  When I was in my elementary school years the neighborhood was teeming with the sounds of kids having fun.  I stopped my work for a moment and pointed out to my wife all the houses that had kids living in them when I was young.  Now the neighborhood is in a place of transition.  All but two of the original homeowners (my folks and another older couple down the street) are left.  Many of the homes have retired individuals or couples living in them and a few have young families just starting out.

When I returned to my task at hand and turned on my electric trimmer (I love yard work because I can let my thoughts run freely as I work!) I began to think about the different seasons in life.  There was a time that the most important thing in life was how fast I could finish my homework or chores so that I could play with my friends on the block.  Then there came that cute, petite young lady with long brown hair, freckles, bright laughing eyes and a smile that could send me off to dream land, and all I could think of was spending time with her.  (Some things haven’t changed!)  I would spend every free moment at school with her, and then after dinner and homework we would spend half the night on the phone!  Weekends were the hard times…   I had to endure house chores and work before I could point the car to Piper’s house for the hot date that I had been waiting for all week!  Following high school there was college and then marriage followed in five years by the beginnings of a family.  Now after forty years of actually being together (including dating and courtship) we are back alone having raised our children and seeing them living out their own personal dreams.

I would be a liar if I said that I’ve never wished that I could go back to certain times or seasons in my life, but as I kneeled out in the warm sun today, I can honestly say that I am content in this season and look expectantly to the special experiences that are yet to be lived.  The Biblical book of Ecclesiastes is said to have been written by King Solomon in his later years of life.  In it he writes about the different seasons in life and states: “To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven.”  (Ecclesiastes 3:1 King James Version) I believe that God designed us for the different seasons in our lives.  Each year we add 365 days of wisdom and knowledge as learned by the daily challenges and pleasures we experience in our lives.  This unique data is what makes us who we are.  I think that is one reason that I really enjoy listening to seniors as they relate the events of their lives.  I am especially blessed and encouraged when I see those who may enjoy reminiscing the past, but yet live very much for the present.

I would challenge you today to live your lives like that.  Enjoy each season that you go through.  Learn as much as you can from them and then use that wisdom as part of your foundation for the present and future plans that God has for you to fulfill!  Yes, my wife and I may be dealing with some health issues at this time in our lives, (and you may have difficulties now too…) but it is only a season and its time will pass and a new season will begin that opens the door to endless possibilities for good things to happen!  Stay tuned and keep asking yourself…”What am I expecting today?”

Honoring The Office Of The President Of The United States

Today we honor the men who have held the highest office of our country in the form of a special holiday called President’s Day.  To this date we have had 44 different men fulfilling the duties of this calling.  Four of our presidents were assassinated while in office, thirteen had assassination attempts on their lives and two who died of sickness while serving our country have had rumors of assassination as the real reason for their deaths.

Two of my favorite presidents were Abraham Lincoln and Ronald Reagan.  I recently read a book on the Civil War that summarized the events that occurred each year throughout the war.  I was truly amazed to understand the personal involvement that Lincoln had in directing the various campaigns of the Union Army.  The strength, character, and devotion of this man to the cause of the saving of our nation was beyond credibility! It would be interesting to read the history books today had he lived through the reconstruction period after the war.

While some may question my choice of Ronald Regan as another favorite president, I strongly believe that this man also had a similar passion for the good of our country as did President Lincoln. Reagan described himself as an undying optimist, especially in regard to America’s future.  I am a personal witness to how his actions in the early years of his first term fostered a rebuilding of the morale and confidence in our country following the Vietnam War years and the failed rescue attempt during the Iran Hostage Crises that ended after 444 days in January of 1981. In the introduction to his book “God and Ronald Reagan”, political historian Paul Kengor stated that “Ronald Regan is hailed today for a presidency that restored optimism to America, engendered years of economic prosperity, and helped bring about the fall of the Soviet Union.” (God and Ronald Reagan. Copyright  © 2004 by Paul Kengor)

Whoever your favorite President may be, it is important that we honor these men who  relentlessly served and strived to do their best for the protection, growth, prosperity and moral fiber of our citizens.  These men’s successes or failures should not measure our respect for the office of the President of the United States. Whether we agree with their personal beliefs or policies or not, we should still highly respect this office and its place in the government of our country.  I salute the men who have held this office and thank God that we live in a country where we have the freedom to vote and participate in a democratic society.  Join with me today in honoring our Presidents while envisioning Kate Smith singing “God Bless America, land that I love…”  Stay tuned and keep asking yourself… “What am I expecting… today?”

Happy Birthday Dad!

Today we are celebrating my dad’s 90^th birthday, and while I have been reminiscing about raising my own kids and my job as a father this last week, I’ve been thinking today about my own childhood and the example my father set for me.  My dad is a first generation American born in Richmond, California from Italian parents who traveled across the sea from Italy.

If I remember my heritage correctly, my grandfather came to America, worked various jobs on the west coast before settling in as a landscape gardener.  Once established he sailed back to Italy and brought home his new bride.  By the time my dad was born, my grandfather’s business included many estate homes in San Francisco.  In fact my dad says that it was the business from these estates that kept them afloat during the great depression years.  Dad delivered papers throughout his school years and even won a trip to Catalina Island for his sales efforts.  When the war broke out he was running track in College and became a welder in the fledging shipyards in Richmond.  Shortly thereafter he enlisted in the Army-Air corps and with his education and clerical skills became a member of a team that traveled throughout the country inspecting the various airbases.  As he was preparing to go overseas the war came to an end and he found himself stationed in New York.  On one cold and snowy weekend he and a couple of friends decided to go to a local USO dance.  While there he met my Mom and the rest is history!  A funny story that my mom likes to tell about their first encounter was when they danced together that night.  My mother initially thought that my dad was very conceited as they danced in silence to the big band swing songs, until she discovered that he was busily concentrating on counting his steps so he wouldn’t step on her feet!

After being discharged from the Air Corps my parents made their home in New York and my dad began to learn the family business.  My mom’s dad owned a garment factory with two partners.  After a few years and the birth of my older sister, my folks decided to move back to California so that my dad could continue with his education and his dream to become a teacher, as well as to be near his folks.  Once settled back in Richmond and living in army housing (there are quite a few stories about this adventure!), my dad completed his studies at San Francisco State, received his teaching credentials and began teaching in San Francisco.  Shortly after this he took a interim position at a school in Cotati California Our growing family which now included my older brother, settled in Santa Rosa and my dad accepted a position at the newly opened Herbert Slater Junior High School. My dad’s love for this age group caused him to stay at Slater for the remainder of his career.

My dad was a devoted teacher, who was known to be strict but fair. For years, we could hardly go anywhere in town without someone coming up and saying “hello Mr. Berruto!”  I have never had anyone tell me that they did not enjoy him as a teacher.  During his years at Slater he taught various subjects but finally settled in with his love for languages as the head of the Foreign Language Department. 

Dad was very involved at church. He was (and I believe still is…) a member in good standing with the Knights of Columbus, was a regular usher at church services, handed out gift baskets at Christmas, was the Cub Scout Troop leader (I can still picture him in his full dress Indian outfit!) and very active with my mom in the local Italian Federation Group.  My folks loved to dance at the many social events they attended, enjoyed good Italian food and the friendship of the many countless individuals, couples and families that they knew through church and my dad's work.

My dad has always been a gentle, and emotional man with a love for nature, which is how I developed my love for camping, gardening and the great outdoors.  He has always been devoted to my mom and our family and set the example for me as to how to care for my wife and our kids.   Now, at 90, he has slowed down some and is dealing with some physical needs, but still exhibits the love, and concern for others along with a good sense of humor that has marked his life.

When I shaved off my beard a few years back (after 27 years with it), many people began to tell me how much I looked like my dad.  I take that as a great complement, because of the many positive things that people always saw in my dad, and how they remember him throughout the years.  Happy Birthday, Dad!  If I can be remembered as walking in your footsteps, then I consider myself to have attained a major accomplishment in this life.  Thanks for the example that you set for me, Greg and Sue, as well as for their children and mine.

Psalm 91:16 says: “With a long life will I satisfy him…” (NIV)  My Dad has lived a satisfying life and is dearly loved by my Mom and the rest of our family.  What a wonderful testimony to the goodness of God!  Stay tuned and keep asking yourself…”What are you expecting today?”