This warming trend we’re in, certainly has been a welcome happening because I think most of us were ready to throw in the towel over those endlessly cold and windy days we had this winter. Irregardless what’s caused it, I’m afraid it may be a yearly happening for North Iowa’s future winter seasons.
Because of all the unnecessary pain and suffering that’s now going on in Ukraine due to Putin’s expansionist aggression, I made a decision yesterday morning to conduct my contemplative session early each and every morning going forward. Knowing there’s nothing else I could do to help them, my only avenue of assistance was to pray selflessly and deeply for those suffering Ukrainians. Yes, I know there are many who’d consider me creepy-crazy for “wasting” my time with such, but unbeknownst to them, such forms of prayer can be powerful tools to right wrongs.
I dare not mention some of the outcomes over these long years, which I believe were prayer precipitated. You’ve likely heard the old saying, “Sooner or later, they’ll get theirs.” Well, I’m of the belief that in many cases, the “sooner” arrived markedly sooner. Because the power of prayer can’t be quantified, it’s either accepted as being true, or dismissed as another opium of the people.
Do I ever pray for myself? No, because I leave others to do that for me, and only if they believe it necessary. I consider the praying for oneself ends up being polluted with selfish desires which I also think is wrong. So, if you consider just saying a prayer or two without being selflessly focused, then I’d say you’d best not even waste your time. I do hope I’ve not turned any of you off with my words, and if I have, then I’m sorry you’ve had the wrong impression of me.
On the real estate side of things, I was knee-deep in getting more files readied for their closings that are coming up the end of this week, and into the next. Since we finally got full loan approval on 1307 N. Hampshire, I drove over to the house a placed a “sold” rider on my sign. The young man who purchased that will enjoy that rock-solid beauty for years to come. I was a bit worried about it at first because the buyer happened to use one of the most particular home inspectors in our area, which is why I didn’t place an active contingency on it.
We had another offer on 240 – 7th St. SE today which went down in flames because the buyer had come in too low. Nearly all the offers we’ve had on it, were from investors looking to add it to their rental portfolios. I did tell the owner today that I’m going to work even harder at finding a first-time buyer for it because it has homeownership written all over it.
I had to meet with a new tenant today to sign his lease and deliver him keys. I made sure to do a final walk-thru with him beforehand, just so everything was to his satisfaction. I have a “feeling” he’s going to be a very responsible tenant who’ll be conscientious about the care of that home.
There was another unexpected showing of one of my listings which lasted longer than I expected, and after having a long chat about things that could be done to make it more comfortable, I won’t be surprised if I get a call from him tomorrow saying he’s ready to make an offer, and if he does get it purchased, then that home in time will end up being a showplace.
I didn’t have time to watch much of the international news today, but what I did hear was the fact that Turkey has decided to close the Bosporus to Russian warships which should create another ratcheting down on Putin’s ambitions.
I also heard that Russia has now made a law that if anyone is protesting against that war, they’ll be automatically thrown into prison for 20 years, and to top it all off, no Russians are to speak of it as a “war”. I tell you, that Putin turning into a drowning man grabbing at straws.
The great disappointment I have with the Russian Orthodox Church, is their being in lock-step with Putin. The greatest of shame should be placed on the heads of those religious leaders who turn their backs on what’s right. Irregardless where this is all going to go, the Russian people will likely back farther away from their orthodox religion. When you stop to think about it, they’re really out of sync with our times, and especially the needs of their flock.
I wasn’t a bit saddened to hear that brutal Chechen officer was killed in Ukraine, and the more I read about the horrible things he did in his life, the better off he’s no longer a menace to the world. Most don’t realize that Putin has used those Chechen fighters to settle scores with his known enemies, and it always becomes some sort of magic event when they can’t find the murderers. We all know Putin is heavily funding the Chechen leader and his cronies, just so he can keep them in his back pocket and pull them out to do his bidding at a moments notice. Like I said before, like attracts like.
Wouldn’t it be absolutely wonderful if the United Nations votes to have Russia’s permanent seat on the Security Council cancelled forever? If that happens, the next one that should go, is Communist China. Both of those totalitarian governments had no business even being on the Security Council in the first place.
Tonight’s One-liner is: Belief like any other moving body, follows the path of least resistance.