John, a local from my hometown, came to my brother's tent during the largest fly-in in our nation, Oshkosh, WI, a few months ago. Significant attention is standard when a man talks important severe matters in a gathering of friends enjoying themselves. John asked if my brother and I had ever heard of "kaizen." That was a new word for both of us. Being sponges for useful information, we quickly learned a new word.

Kaizen (pronounced "ki zen"), according to Wikipedia "is the Sino-Japanese word for 'improvement" and means "change for better." Much of our current level of knowledge is not as advanced as we think. The ancient philosopher, Heraclitus of Ephesus (530-470 BC), was credited with stating that "The only thing that is constant is change," though said in varying ways. Moses, centuries earlier, referred to the change phenomenon in Genesis 8:22, though not by the word itself.

During our conversation, something surprising occurred to me. John mentioned that Toyota used this principle. That explained why "The Toyota Way" enabled the standard life-time drive-chain warranty could be a strong selling point for their automobiles. The high demands on workers involve doing something every day better than yesterday, constant improvement, ever how small. Well, there's one business application. What if we apply the principle to our personal lives, in our work, etc.? Every area in which Kaizen is used would improve significantly.

What an eye-opening eventful week it has been! By having a background in elementary education, my attention is being focused on a severe issue involving a sixteen-year-old girl being abused and used for political purposes. There are two philosophies at work in the field of academic education. Significant interest in homeschooling has risen in the last few years. It seems that those who love America are realizing that we, as parents and educators are going to have to take charge of our futures. 

Have you seen Greta Thunberg on youtube? Take a few moments and watch the melt-down based on a hoax and tell me that this child is not being abused and used by political elites who will stop at nothing to destroy our country. As always, they use illegal euphemisms to entrap the vulnerable. I have known for decades that the academies are casting a dark shadow over what used to be a positive ideology. Too much focus is on teaching people what to think rather than how to think for themselves. Giving young students roots and wings to navigate the landscape of life may be the best we can do for them.

While some educators are worthy of praise, there are others subjecting students from kindergarten to doctorate degrees to a myth that has divided our country and led us toward socialism and globalism. Traditionally, students had hope of a positive future. Now many are being scared to death, and in some cases literally. Is there hope?

Evidence is abundant that the founding fathers of this great nation had faith in a Higher Power. Several decades have been spent in an effort by some toward a Godless society. Just what if this little girl had been reared to read the Bible? Genesis 8:22 flat-out denies the effects of "Climate Change!" So why is this girl being abused by the news media and a global government agenda? Billions, maybe trillions of dollars and political power lie at the root.

The strong and resolute have a choice. Let's pass on hope rather than fear for our children. That, my friend, may well be determined at the polling booth.

She had plans for this day, but time was cut short. It was a beautiful day on September 19, 1972, that Tara was born in the boot hill of Missouri. From infanthood to old age, one thing we all have in common is a recall of one special day each year we'd better not forget. Tara always wanted to be remembered on this particular date. She had not yet reached 45 but had anticipated this day for months with plans and hope. 

While death is an appointment, all must eventually face, we can celebrate life while we live. One of the saddest realities is that once the bar is crossed, only memories remain for there is no turning back. The accompanying photo was taken about six months after tragedy met rescue. She had come from homelessness to medical care demanding 15 prescriptions per month. The difference was remarkable. Health challenges became unbearable before being released from the dreaded anticipation of numerous back surgeries. 

Whether her death was hastened by mental anguish remains only in the survivors' imagination. While life is forgiving, death is not. My last words to my daughter were, "I love you." These are words which leave no regrets just in case they are the last to a friend or foe. So love, and kindness should be our goal in all our relationships. May we be reunited in the great beyond! Tara, you are remembered for all your blessings while you were with us who remain. For us, the best advice is that to honor the dead, serve the living.

The human voice can be one of the sweetest sounds welcomed by receptive ears. The fact is especially true when the message profoundly alters the direction of our lives, continually corrects our course, and motivates us to be our best. From my teenage years, no one has consistently supplied all the above qualities like Paul Harvey. Being focused on studies in Florence, Alabama, (now UNA) in the late 1960s, I missed my best opportunity to see and hear him in person. He has appeared in a dream or two. But, I hope to meet him in heaven!

Perhaps you have heard his story about his "submitting to God." At the height of his career in Chicago, he along with his bride, Lynn ("Angel", pet name) took a vacation to Arizona. On Sunday morning, they drove up a mountain to visit a small ("a dozen or so worshippers") congregation. The "country preacher" offered to assist anyone who wanted to "be baptized." Paul came forward in response to childhood exposure to John 3:16 and later in life, John 14:15. 

Harvey is a hero who deserves emulation: Married to the same woman till death did them part. Humility, as in the above account. Disciplined, focused, loved, and friend to mainline America. He was dedicated to God, outspoken, and not ashamed.

Fortunately, we can still listen to many recordings like, "The Bird Cage," "So God Made a Farmer," "If I Were the Devil," "A Letter From God." So, on this day September 4, 1918, God blessed us with the birth of a great example in a man who was destined to influence millions to count their blessings, set an example of humble submission to the Creator and show how modern communication can be a real asset.

Life is so precious while it is so easy to take for granted. You may be aware that my daughter, Tara, died early this year on January 5, 2019. She had mentioned numerous times that she believed I would outlive her. We often do not listen to off-the-cuff statements. They come back sometimes to haunt us. 

My sister sent this picture to me several weeks ago, suggesting she wanted it placed on Tara's tombstone. As I reflected on the past, it occurred to me how life contains many surprises, coincidences, and wonders. This picture was taken within a square yard of where I first met her mother in June of 1963. Had I been able to visualize the future, I wonder how wise I'd have been in playing my part in history. With such impossibility one lesson we might learn. Make the most of life while the opportunity is present. Within two months, one of my best friends, Patsy Andersen-Presley, lost her youngest son, Dustin. You may recall several previous posts concerning her on this website.

Regardless of how many times we meet and greet survivors of the one-way street of death, no words have been discovered to satisfy our wishes. The only way to fully be relevant and honor the dead is to serve the living with our best. That will be the criteria of final judgment.