Author: markhopperdb

Second Grade

Recently my wife was going through some boxes that contained a lot of old family photos. Some of the pictures included my grandparents, parents and other members of our family. In addition, there were some magazines and picture frames too. One thing we did not expect to find was a composition workbook from elementary school with my name on it. The book cover had a sketch of an airplane and railroad train. The word Whiz is printed on the top of the cover along with the words Composition Book at the bottom of the cover. Someone had filled in the blank spaces on the cover including Name – Mark Hopper. School – Ingleside Elementary. Grade – Second.       

The pages inside the workbook revealed that this was a spelling or vocabulary book. There was one hand-written letter on the top of each page. I assume my teacher wrote my name on the front cover and that I wrote each letter and the words on each page. I noticed that I wrote the letters A and B properly, but I wrote the letter C backwards. The words on each page were printed neatly – one word for each line. For example I had written these words for letter T – toy, two, three and that.

It was clear from this introductory second grade workbook that I was destined to be a writer and an author. My vocabulary was expanding and my penmanship was impressive. Of course most of the words were only one syllable like boy, ball, bat, and bed. I also noticed that I did not have any words for the letters Q or Z. I still had a lot more to learn.

I wonder if you have any memorabilia from elementary school. Do you remember the names of your teachers and what school you attended?  Recently, my family gave me a thoughtful gift from StoryWorth for my birthday. This company encourages older adults to write about experiences from their life and preserve them for their children and grandchildren. My assignment is to respond to a different question each week. I am looking forward to completing this year-long assignment. Let me encourage you to share some memories from your life with your children and grandchildren. Write them down and hand them down to your family. They will be glad you did and you will too!

You can read more articles and stories by the author in his book – Let Me Encourage You. It contains 365 stories and articles (one for every day of the year). The price is $25 and includes postage. Order a copy for yourself and as a gift for a friend at markh@efreedb.org.

To Tell or Not To Tell

 

Many years ago we took our children on a trip from Arizona to California. We spent two days at Disneyland and then drove north to visit my brother and his family in Grass Valley. Our kids enjoyed time with their cousins and we enjoyed catching up with my brother and his wife.

One day we went to a pumpkin patch and each of our kids and their cousins selected their own pumpkin. They looked forward to carving and decorating their pumpkin for Halloween when we got home. On our way back to Arizona we realized we would need to stop at the border for an agricultural inspection. We knew that we would be asked by the border agent if we had any agricultural products that we were bringing into Arizona from California.

My wife and I had a lively discussion about what we should say to the agriculture inspector. If we said that we did not have any agricultural items – our children might get to keep their precious pumpkins. But, our children would also know we did not tell the truth. On the other hand, if we did tell the border agent that we did have some agricultural items –  their personal pumpkins might be confiscated at the border and they would have nothing to carve for Halloween.

What would you say if you were faced with a similar situation? Do you tell or not tell? Do you disclose or conceal. Do you tell the truth and risk the loss of the precious pumpkins? Or to you tell a lie and hope you don’t get caught?

A man named Abraham faced a similar test. His wife was beautiful. He told her to lie and tell people she was his sister. He told the same lie when he was asked about her. Abraham was afraid someone might kill him and take his wife (Genesis 20). Years later his own son did the same thing following the example of his father Abraham (Genesis 26)! I know people are more important that pumpkins. I believe it is better to tell the truth and face the consequences than to tell a lie. There is a verse in the Bible that says, “Put aside falsehood and speak truthfully” (Ephesians 4:25). Your reputation is on the line and your children will follow your example. When we got to the border we told the inspector about our precious pumpkins. We held our breath – then he said no problem. Pumpkins are permitted! Let me encourage you to tell the truth. We were glad we did and you will be too.

The author has 365 more articles and stories in his book “Let Me Encourage You” – you can buy a copy for $25 (which includes postage) by contacting him at markh@efreedb.org

Seventy Letters

My wife and I were born in the same year but not in the same month. Recently I celebrated my 70th birthday in August and my wife will hit a similar milestone in November. We met during our freshman year at Scottsdale High when we were 14 years old and we got married after I finished college when we were 20! Now we are looking forward to celebrating our 50th anniversary next June. How did we get this far this fast?

A few months ago I got an idea to do something special for her birthday this year. I sent out a number of emails asking friends, former co-workers, church members and others to write Jeanne a letter and share how she has touched their lives.

My goal was to collect at least 70 letters so I could read one-a-day for 70 days leading up to her 70th birthday in November. The response has been wonderful. Over 100 people have sent cards and letters so far. A friend printed out the email letters and I collected the cards and we put them in an attractive box that I presented to my wife in August. She was very surprised!

Now, we read a card or letter each day. I personally read them to her so I can see what people have written. The contents of each letter is so precious. People have shared specific stories of how Jeanne has touched their life. We have smiled and laughed as we read each encouraging card and letter.

Do you know the Bible contains many personal letters that men like Peter, Paul and James wrote to individuals and churches to encourage them? And, Paul expected the recipients to pass his letters on to other churches, too (Colossians 4:16).

Let me encourage you to write a letter or send a card to a friend or family member. Tell them how they have touched your life. Share how they have encouraged you. You don’t have to wait for a birthday or special occasion. Do it this week. They will be glad you did and you will too!

For 365 more encouraging articles and stories by the author (one for each day of the year) you can purchase a copy of his book Let Me Encourage You. The cost is $25 and includes postage. Contact him at markh@efreedb.org.

There is a New Doctor in Town

Recently my wife tried to make a doctor’s appointment with our local medical provider. Unfortunately, her regular doctor was unavailable – his schedule was full. However, the person on the phone said that there was a new doctor at the clinic who could see my wife in a few hours. My wife felt she needed to get medical help as soon as possible so she gladly accepted the appointment.

When she checked in at the doctor’s office a few hours later she did not recognize the name of the physician she was scheduled to see. My wife was thankful someone was available and we later learned this was the last appointment of the day.

Because of the Corona Virus, both my wife and I and the doctor were wearing face masks. When the doctor reviewed my wife’s medical history she noticed that we lived in Diamond Bar. She mentioned that she had grown up in Diamond Bar too. My wife was surprised when the doctor shared that she had been a student at Chaparral Middle School where my wife taught sixth grade. Suddenly they both realized that my wife had been the doctor’s sixth grade teacher! Who would have thought that a former sixth grade student would become a medical doctor?

The doctor was pleased to be treating her former teacher and my wife was delighted to have a former student taking care of her. We were grateful for the amount of time the doctor spent with my wife and for the help the doctor provided.

One of my favorite people in the Bible is a man named Luke. He was also a doctor and a remarkable historian too. He is mentioned several times in the Bible (Colossians 4:14 / Second Timothy 4:11 / Philemon 24). He is also the author of two important historical books in the New Testament – The Gospel of Luke & The Acts of the Apostles. These two books provide an overview of the life of Jesus and the early church.

I am very thankful for the courage and sacrifice of all the medical professionals during the recent Corona Virus pandemic. It has been good to see signs posted at hospitals, clinics and nursing homes that say – Heroes Work Here. Let me encourage you to express your thanks to your doctors, nurses and medical staff. Thank them for the many years they have served you and your loved ones. And, if you are a school teacher, I hope you will be nice to your students. One day one of them may be your medical doctor!

Generosity and Humility

 

Karsten Solheim is not well known to most people. He was actually born in Norway in 1911 and emigrated with his parents to America when he was two years old.  He studied engineering at the University of Washington and through extension courses at the University of California. He worked in the aeronautical industry with airplane manufactures and General Electric.

He eventually settled in Phoenix, Arizona, working for an aerospace company. Through the invitation of coworkers he started playing golf when he was in his forties. He was frustrated with his putting and designed a new putter using engineering principles. Later he designed other golf clubs that become very popular throughout the golf world. He started manufacturing these golf clubs in his garage. They were known as PING putters and clubs. I still use one of those early putters!

Karsten Manufacturing and PING golf clubs became an amazing success.  They continued making some of the most popular golf clubs used today.  What you may not know is that Mr. Solheim was also very generous and shared his success with colleges and universities around the country. He built new golf courses at Arizona State and Oklahoma State University. He sponsored women’s professional LPGA events.

Another school that benefited from his generosity was my Alma Mater – Dallas Seminary. Mr. Solheim had encouraged the president of the Seminary to contact him if they needed help with a major project. When the school had the opportunity to purchase a building next to the campus, the president contacted Karsten to see if he could help. It was a multi-million dollar project. Mr. Solheim was glad to provide the funds with one condition.  He did not want his name on the new building. He wanted to honor his pastor in Phoenix. Today there is a large building at Dallas Seminary with the name – John Mitchel Center.

There are many verses in the Bible that emphasize generosity. One author wrote, “Good will come to the one who is generous and lends freely and who conducts his affairs with justice” (Psalm 112:5). Real generosity is not based on wealth. You can be generous with the time, money and resources you have right now. It is not the amount – it is the attitude that results in action. Let me encourage you to watch for an opportunity to be generous this week. You will be glad you did and others will too!

For more stories and articles by the author you can visit his website at letmarkencourageyou.com. He has also collected 365 stories and articles – one for every day of the year – in his book Let Me Encourage You by Mark Hopper which is available for $25 and includes shipping. Order a copy for yourself and share one with a friend at markh@efreedb.org. You will be glad you did and they will too!

New York – New York

New York – New York

After my mother died, my father lived alone in their house in Arizona. One of the things he was not prepared for was cooking for himself. He found recipes in a magazine for senior adults called New Choices but he was not very successful finding some of the ingredients at his local grocery store. Finally he wrote a letter to the editor of the magazine expressing his frustration.

My father was surprised when he received a reply from the editor inviting my dad to come to New York. The magazine offered to do an article in response to my father’s letter including cooking lessons with a professional chef and photos of my father. They would pay for his travel, meals and lodging. My dad was reluctant to accept their invitation until my wife volunteered me to go with him.

We flew together to New York and stayed in a nice hotel in mid-town Manhattan. The cooking lessons and photo shoot involved one full day. We enjoyed two additional days visiting sites in the city. We went to the top of the Empire State Building and took a boat tour to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. It was a memorable time with my father in New York City.

A few months later we received a copy of the magazine in the mail from the publisher. The article included several nice photos of my father working with the professional chef. I’m sure it was their biggest selling issue of the year!

There is a story in the Bible when a man named Abraham took his son on a memorable trip to the hill country in central Israel (Genesis 22:1-14). It was a trip both of them would never forget. I am grateful that I got to enjoy a memorable trip with my father to New York City. It is a trip I will never forget. Let me encourage you to make a plan, set a date and take one of your children or grandchildren on a trip they will always remember. It doesn’t need to be expensive or extensive. A weekend fishing trip or a longer road trip can be just as memorable. You will be glad you did and they will too!

You can find more stories and articles by the author in his book – Let Me Encourage You – Contact him at markh@efreedb.org. The cost is $25 and includes shipping. Enjoy a book for yourself and purchase one for a friend. They will be glad you did and you will too!

Family Vacation

When my brother and I were young, our parents took us to California for vacation. It was a long hot drive across the desert from Phoenix to San Diego with no air conditioning in our Nash Rambler. We enjoyed going to Mission Beach and seeing some of the sights around San Diego. We loved to go to the San Diego Zoo and Sea World, too.

We usually stayed in one of the old fashion motels near the beach for a few days. One time we rented an upstairs apartment for a whole week. I think this was a stretch financially but it was a memorable week. I remember playing a card game that my father had found in a store at a new mall in Mission Valley. The game was called – Milles Bourne. The goal of the game was to complete a trip collecting mileage cards. Your opponents could hinder your progress by giving you a flat tire or a traffic accident. All of the cards were in French so we learned some new words playing the game!

On a couple of occasions we drove to Los Angeles to spend a day or two at Disneyland. That was a big deal. I remember how we would look out the car window hoping to be the first to spot the Matterhorn as we neared our destination. One time we stayed at a motel right across the street from Disneyland. My brother Steve and I were so impressed that the motel had its own nine hole miniature golf course! We loved the new attractions that were added to Disneyland over the years. My mother loved Pirates of the Caribbean and we loved the new Matterhorn ride.

My parents also loved to visit Balboa Island in Orange County. One time we rented tandem bikes and road around the island. I was in front steering the bike with my brother pedaling behind me. I remember we crashed into some garbage cans because the bike only had hand brakes on the handle bars and my bike at home only had brakes on the pedals. Thankfully no one was hurt.

When my wife was young, her family frequently went to San Diego for vacation, too. So it is not surprising that after we got married and started a family of our own, we took our children to San Diego too. One time we surprised our kids in October and took them to Disneyland. We packed their bags while they slept and we picked them up right from school the next day. They had no idea what we were doing or where we were going. I still remember how they screamed with delight when one of them finally guessed we were going to Disneyland.

Let me encourage you to do something special with your children or grandchildren. Set a date, make a plan – don’t wait. Make a memory that may last a lifetime. You will be glad you did and they will too!

For more stories by the author you can purchase his book – Let Me Encourage You by Mark Hopper which includes 365 articles and stories – one for every day of the year. You can order your copy at markh@efreedb.org – the cost is $25 and includes shipping. Read it for your enjoyment and share a copy with your friends.

Camelback Mountain

Camelback Mountain

There are prominent landmarks in many cities and communities in our country. The Empire State Building is a familiar sight in New York City. The Freedom Arch in St. Louis, Missouri is too. The Golden Gate Bridge is a famous sight in San Francisco and the grain silos have become well-known in Waco, Texas too. But, as we learned on 9-11, man made landmarks can be destroyed.

The most noticeable landmark in Phoenix, Arizona is Camelback Mountain. One of the first things you notice as you fly into the Phoenix airport is Camelback Mountain. When we drive to Phoenix, one of the first things we look for on the horizon is Camelback Mountain.

When my parents moved our family to Phoenix in the 1950’s we lived south of Camelback Mountain near 56th Street and Thomas Road. Later, when we moved to Scottsdale we were several miles east of this familiar landmark.     

One time when we were teenagers, we hiked up the trial to the top of Camelback to watch the fireworks around the city on the 4th of July. The view wasn’t very good and it was a challenge getting back down in the dark. Now, you see people hiking up the mountain every day especially in the cooler times of the year.

One of the things that I like about Camelback Mountain is that it is always there. No matter where you are in the Phoenix area you can see this silent sentinel in the distance. It never moves and never changes. It is a solid, silent, unmovable anchor in the middle of a busy bustling community. Generations come and generations go but Camelback is still there.

Many times in the Bible, God is described as an unmovable rock or mountain. He is a reliable, never-changing anchor in life. Even when the world is changing and unforeseen events occur – God is unmovable and never-changing.  One author wrote, “You are my solid rock, my fortress in whom I take refuge” (Psalm 18:2).  When things are changing around you and events shake your faith, don’t be consumed with fear. Keep your faith and your future anchored in the solid rock – the God of the Bible. You will be glad you did and He will too.

You can find 365 more articles and stories by the author in his book, Let Me Encourage You. The book is available for $25 which includes postage & shipping. Contact him at markh@efreedb.org or by mail at 3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd / Diamond Bar, CA 91765 and on Facebook.

Snow Days

Snow Days

It only snowed 2-3 times a year in Dallas. It was a nightmare to drive in the traffic. Most residents had little experience driving in snow and on ice covered overpasses. One time in early January, the Superintendent of the public schools canceled classes because of the weather. It seemed like a wise decision but the sun came out by noon and the snow melted and the Superintendent looked foolish.

A few weeks later, when snow was again forecast for the Dallas area the Superintendent did not cancel classes. Students and teachers were expected to report to school. Unfortunately this was a serious snow storm and there were many accidents on the roads. In fact, my wife and I were in an accident as a car slowly slid down a hill into the side of our car. A mother who was trying to get her children to school hit our car while I was trying to get their teacher to school! 

Many people were critical of the Superintendent when he canceled classes on a snow day in January and many people criticized him when he did not cancel classes on a snow day in March.

This sounds strangely familiar as we face the current Corona Virus situation. It is easy for people to be critical of government officials for decisions and actions they have and have not taken. Some feel leaders did not act early enough. Others feel that many of the actions and restrictions are an overreaction. State and local officials are making decisions regarding school closures, canceling public events and restricting travel. It is easy to criticize them.

We are living in an uncertain time. It is easy to focus our frustrations on our government and business leaders. Many people are fearful and concerned about how long this will last and how bad it will get. I think our parents and grandparents felt the same way when our nation was attacked by the Japanese in 1941. I’m sure there was fear and concern about how long the war would last and how bad it would get.

There is a wonderful promise found many places in the Bible where God says, “Fear not for I am with you” (Isaiah 41:10 / Acts 18:9-10). Let me encourage you to open your Bible and read these verses for yourself. Pray for our country and our leaders. Help a neighbor or a classmate. With God’s help and by helping one another we will get through this together.

Water Pressure


When was the last time you checked the water pressure in your house? Most people have never checked it. We just turn on the faucet and we are thankful to have running water in our homes. We assume the water pressure is fine until we have a problem. Recently a hose burst in our bathroom in the middle of the night. My wife heard a noise and woke me up at 3:00 AM.  The noise came from the bathroom at the other end of the house. The hose that supplied water to the toilet had burst and it looked like a fire hose was flooding the bathroom, bedroom and hallway. I quickly turned off the valve but the water damage was extensive. I wondered why the small hose had burst and flooded the rooms. The next day I checked the water pressure in our house and discovered it was 120 PSI – twice what it should be. A few weeks later I was able to replace the water pressure regulator which reduced the pressure down to a normal 60 PSI.
 
Just as high water pressure can damage your home and high blood pressure can damage your heart, outbursts of anger can cause serious physical and emotional damage to yourself and to others. Two different words are used in the New Testament to describe anger. One word is thumos which describes outbursts of anger when people lose their temper and vent their anger with words and deeds. The other word for anger is orge which is a slow, simmering temper that gradually builds up like a volcano until it finally bursts or explodes (Ephesians 4:31-32).  Both of these types of anger can be harmful and destructive just like high water pressure and high blood pressure.
 
In the same passage there are two other words – kindness and compassion. These are helpful and constructive. They are the antidote of anger.  Kindness and compassion seek to resolve problems and restore relationships. Words and acts of anger damage and destroy relationships. If anger is simmering beneath the surface in your heart or revealing itself in harmful words and deeds, let me encourage you to get help.  Talk with a friend, a pastor or a counselor. Contact a new ministry called Domestic Kindness that is equipping churches to be part of the solution to domestic abuse. Find them at – domestickindness.org. Let me encourage you to ask God and ask those you have hurt to forgive you. Ask God to give you a heart of kindness and compassion that comes through faith in Christ. You will be glad you did and your family and friends will too!