Positive Qualities: Thrifty & Capable

A scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent. — The Boy Scouts’ Law, 1908 You have Capabilities: both past and future. Build on what you have learned and earned. As Thrifty would suggest, stay between the extremes, that is, use prudent judgment and progress will be made. … Read more

Positive Qualities: Scrumptious & Complacent

What we dwell upon we help bring into manifestation. — Steps Toward Inner Peace, Peace Pilgrim (1908-1981) Pacifist Positive qualities go both ways: toward yourself and toward/for someone else. Take someone Scrumptious (see definitions) out to enjoy a scrumptious dinner. Once you are mutually sated, you will both feel pleasantly Complacent. Peace, Jim           SCRUMPTIOUS … Read more

Mashup in Potato Park

Parque de la Papa farmers began to stir in their seats, waiting for an opportunity to share their stories. Others came from as far as Bhutan and China. They discovered that their cultures were more similar than they had expected, and that one concern had been troubling all of them: Climate change was making it … Read more

Positive Qualities: Quick & Patient

Man’s mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimensions. — Oliver Wendell Holmes (1841-1935) Jurist In order to be Quick what does one need? Preparedness, observation, foresight, imagination, agility … And remember there are at least four levels on which to practice any quality: the physical, mental, spiritual, and personal.      … Read more

The High Mission of Art

This brief sermon was delivered by Bob Kalk during a music service at Bell Church in Leicester, North Carolina on July 6, 2014. The guest pianist is Gerald Ball from nearby Mars Hill University. Bell Church was organized immediately after the civil war in 1866. At that time, the circuits in and about the Blue … Read more

Positive Qualities: Diplomatic & Symmetrical

Simplify your life. Balance needs with wants and harmonize inner and outer well-being. — Steps Toward Inner Peace, Peace Pilgrim “No man is an island,” so says John Donne. We all have many opportunities to deal with other persons. Often the Symmetry of Diplomacy is required. Especially in those contentious interactions. And often in our … Read more