My Slow Takes (Vol. 84)

1. “The Hobbit” is a great movie. The two hour and 46 minute time did not seem that long. Each scene moved smoothly into the next keeping the story interesting and holding my interest. I know the novel but was still held in suspense. The actors portraying each of the Tolkien characters were well chosen. The author would have been pleased. Special affects were awesome. Watching Gollum’s facial expressions in the close-up shots were inspiring. Joe Letteri is an artist. Peter Jackson did an excellent job and I’m looking forward to part two.

2. Retirement suggestions from Janice Lloyd at USA Today, the major things being “exercise, meeting new friends, work your brain cells and find new meaning.” 
Exercise to feel better and don’t be concerned about intensity. Walking, hiking and biking work just as well if you are not competing for first place. Friends are important, they support and share with you. If you’re involved in your Church there will always be new people to meet.Learn to play an instrument or become a beekeeper. You need to keep your mind working.Retirement should be your next journey, not a rocking chairs on the front porch. Change your way of thinking and realize the advantages of being retired. 

3. There are two organizations that have different opinions the new E15 gas. The Coordinating Research Council (CRC) is convinced that E15 could damage your car. The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) disagrees and states, “70% of vehicles on the road could safely use E15.” Hm, what if I’m in the 30 percentile? I don't know who is right, but for now I'll stay away from E15.

4. The Central Virginia Cursillo men’s weekend started at 7:30PM Thursday evening and their 4th day starts on Sunday, February 3. Please pray for the team members and the candidates. 

5. I use email for work, family, church and friends. It accomplishes what I consider the simple question and answer sessions. I prefer face to face discussions when it is possible. You convey a better message when you're in front of some one. Facial expressions, inflections and body language provide a closer connection to the other person. It is a means of sharing and conveying your thoughts and ideas. I get more accomplished and enjoy the mental exercise. It is more of a challenge to some of us but worth the effort. Father Stephen Freeman has some suggestions when conversing with another person. He says, “Our own conversations, both when speaking and listening, do well to be grounded in the heart.”  

“Use fewer words – be silent if possible. (Eccles. 3:3)”

“Only speak the truth, though it is not necessary to be unkind. (Eph. 4:15)”

“Resist the effort to defend yourself. (Matt. 10:19)”

“It is not important to be right. (Proverbs 26:21)”

“Do not argue. Your effect on someone else’s ego will come to nothing.  (Hos. 4:4)”

“Tell your anxieties that everything will be ok. (Phil. 4:6)”

“Don’t be in a hurry to speak. Let someone else finish their thought. (Proverbs 29:20).”

“Breathe.”

6. Today in history, February 1, 1861, Texas seceded from the Union. 

7. Terry Brooks next book, “Bloodfire Quest,” comes out March 12, 2013. It is the second book in the series, “Dark Legacy of Shannara.” Terry is another of my favorite fantasy authors. It would be interesting to have a movie about one of his series.

Read other "Takes" at Conversion Diary.