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 By

Neal J. VanderWaal, M.A.

with
Elizabeth Darby Watson, Ph.D.

Remnant Publications
Coldwater, MI
Looking For The Good

This edition published 2012

Cover Photos by Photo Disc

Cover Design by Penny Hall

Copyright © 2012 by Remnant Publications

All Rights Reserved

ISBN 978-1-937718-26-8
 Dedication
Dear Dad:

You probably never thought that you would have a book

dedicated to you, but this one is.
What a life you had! Born poor, and raised by immigrant parents
from the Netherlands, in the backwoods of Wisconsin, you
developed attitudes and actions that you’ve passed on to your
family. You showed us that regardless how many times you got
knocked down, it is possible to get up and go on to bigger and
better things.
Although you didn’t get an advanced degree from a university,
you have a Ph.D. in service to others. Although you didn’t become
rich in money, you were rich in love, and have distributed your
wealth to your family. Whenever we needed anything, you were
there, giving and never asking in return. Although you have not
been famous on this earth, the angels in heaven tell of the joy you
give to our Heavenly Father.
Everyone hopes to make a difference in this world and you
certainly have. As I look at the family that gathers to honor you, I
see the results of your dedication to God. I see loving parents who
are teaching their children as you taught us. I see upright, honest,
hard-working men and women, and boys and girls following your
example. I see children with the potential for fame and fortune and
high educational achievement. And in all of them, you live on. The
lessons you taught are being taught to others. But the greatest
lesson is that with God, and with our family, we can face anything
that comes. You taught us that, Dad, and I thank you!
Another great lesson you taught us was to always look for good
in everyone and in every situation. I always admired that in you. I
remember so many times that when things “went to pieces” and
everything looked grim, you found a way to make the bad situation
good. You were always looking for the good, and every day was an
adventure to find what would make it better than yesterday. You
also followed Will Rogers in saying, “I never met a man I didn’t like.”
You accepted everyone and helped them in any way they needed
help.
I wish you were here with us so we could honor you in person
but everyone who picks up this book will know your name and a
little bit about you. I wish they could know you as your family did. I
wish I could introduce you to audiences when I speak. But on
December 2, 2000, we said our last “goodbye” to you on this earth.
I’m anxiously awaiting the time we can say, “Hi Dad,” again. Until
then, I will keep looking for ways to send good out into the world
and I’ll continue to think of ways to honor you further. I love you!

Neal

Henry J. VanderWaal
December 16, 1911—December 2, 2000
 Contents

SECTION 1: WHERE SHOULD WE LOOK FOR THE GOOD

1. INTRODUCTION: The Seed
2. A GROWING IDEA: The Seed Germinates

SECTION 2: WHY SHOULD WE LOOK FOR THE GOOD?

3. OUR RESISTANCE: “That’s The Way It Is”
4. OVERCOMING ODDS: “How Can You Find Good In That?”
5. HUMAN NATURE: “But That’s The Way I Am, and I Can’t Change!”

SECTION 3: SO HOW DO WE LOOK FOR THE GOOD?

6. A NEW OUTLOOK: “I Can Be Healthier And Happier?”
7. TAKING OTHERS ALONG: The Boomerang and the Wave
8. OUR MISSION: See It, Hear It, Share It!
9. THE BLESSING PRAYER: Praying With Our Eyes Wide Open
10. SUMMING IT UP: “Here’s How We Do It!”

SECTION 4: LOOKING FOR THE GOOD AWARDS

11. THE AWARDS: The Reward
 Preface
“Fix your thoughts on what is true and good and right.
Think about things that are pure and lovely,
and dwell on the fine, good things in others.
Think about all you can praise God for and be glad.”
Philippians 4:8 (The Living Bible).

Countless examples exist of people who have changed their

lives for the better, simply by beginning to look for the good, rather
than the negative, in every situation. I have experienced this in my
own life as have others who are leaders in their communities,
industries, churches and organizations. In fact, countless written
works throughout history, including the Bible, promise that good will
come to those who look for it. This book, Looking for the Good, is
based on a never ceasing, never changing law of God. It is the law
of “Giving and Receiving.” It is the law that God uses to pour out His
blessings on His children. We can use this law to change ourselves,
our spouses, our family members, our workplaces and our corners of
the world. The law never fails to work and it works for everyone. In
addition to becoming equipped to look for the good, throughout
these pages we will also discover how to be incredibly blessed by
praying “The Blessing Prayer,” which I will tell you about in chapter
9. It has worked for me, for my family, and for my friends. It has
worked for others, as well. In this book I will share stories that
illustrate just how you, too, can become a blessed person in every
area of your life.
People have asked me why I have written this book, Looking For
The Good. Well, the concept of looking for the good is a time-tested,
proven concept whose time has come again. The world has become
a negative place. It is time to bring out the good. It is time to dust it
off and begin applying it again in our every-day lives. After all, this is
not a new concept. Millions of people look for good every day as a
matter of course. It is just part of their nature to see good around
them. This book is for them because they may find additional
suggestions for looking for and reporting good to those around
them. This book is also for those who have a hard time seeing good,
even when it is right under their noses. Motivated by the promise of
a better life, they will find that with very little trouble, they will
embrace the concepts presented here, too. So I make the promise to
every reader of this book that you will be healthier and happier if
you look for the good in people and in life’s situations.

Neal VanderWaal
 Section 1:
Where Do I Look
For Good?
 I do the very best I know how, the very best I can;
and I mean to keep on doing so until the end.
—Abraham Lincoln

One

Introduction:
The Seed

W
e live in a community where there are families with young
children. On either side of us are families who both have
daughters. Kirsten lives on one side, and Kelsey lives on the other.
Every time we go outside and the children are in the yard, they
cheerfully call out, “Hi, Mr. VanderWaal,” or “Hello, Mrs. VanderWaal.”
Whenever they see us coming home or going out, they always wave
and greet us pleasantly. And certainly at school fund-raiser time,
they frequently come over to sell us Girl Scout cookies, popcorn,
candy and the like. Because the children are consistently polite and
friendly, we always support their causes.
For a long time I have been impressed with the parents of these
girls, for they are doing an effective job raising their children. One
morning during my prayer time, it dawned on me that I had never
told my neighbors how much I appreciated them as parents. After
including a thanks to God for them in my prayer, I determined to tell
the parents just how much I appreciated them. The very next day I
had the opportunity. After our usual over-the-fence greetings I said,
“Nick, I am so impressed with how mannerly Kelsey is. You and
Jenny are doing a fantastic job with her. Thank you for being such
great parents!” Well, Nick pushed his hat back and stood there for
about 5 seconds with his mouth wide open. Jenny smilingly said,
“Well somebody’s noticed. Thank you. Thank you.” They were
pleased and I was blessed. We both walked away better people.
 Shortly afterward I again had an opportunity to affirm another
parent. My dentist friend’s teenaged daughters were about to go off
to college. I had seen them over the years and had noticed that they
were helpful, courteous, and full of cheer. But I had never shared my
observations. During a wilderness retreat at Camp Au Sable, near
Grayling, Michigan, I had a golden opportunity. It was children’s
camp and the girls were counselors. I was there with their father
watching as the girls, surrounded by busy, energetic campers,
showed their stuff. The girls gave out hugs, handled bugs, and
refereed turn taking, all while encouraging the children to do their
best.
I watched Don’s face as he followed the girls. I could see he
was proud. Here’s my chance, I thought. Seizing the moment, I said,
“I know you’re proud of Jessica and Mandy. All the time and energy
you’ve put into them is paying off, for they’re wonderful young
women. They are beautiful on the outside and inside.” The timing
was right and the words were magic. For just a moment my friend
was quiet. But his smile said everything, for he was glowing. Then
Don gently said, “Thank you so much for telling me that. You know
that sometimes Faye and I wondered if we were doing the right
things. We worried just how the girls would turn out.” “Well, you
seem to know what you’re doing, and it’s working for you,” I replied.
Again my friend smiled.

The timing was right and the words were

magic.
I realized from these conversations that all too often young
parents are not aware that other people see and appreciate their
positive parenting skills. During the process of raising children,
parents frequently question their abilities, for it is difficult for parents
to know the direction their children’s lives will take. They cannot see
how others view their children. And they are not aware of the impact
their effectiveness has on those around them.
 As a young parent, I can remember wishing that others would
notice when my own children were well behaved. I was gratified
when someone would say, “That Greg is such a fine young man.”
“Gail is a pleasure to have around.” “Curt will really amount to
something.” “Rob and Chris are so well behaved, you must work
hard at parenting.”
I needed it and liked it. You need and like it. Everyone needs it
and likes it. The fact that parents need to hear that they are doing
well is so obvious, but I had just not thought about it before. It had
not occurred to me how needed and rewarding parental affirmation
is. But now I am convinced of the need and suggest that we all look
for such well-behaved children and compliment their parents.
Perhaps that is easier said than done, for we are not all
outgoing. Sometimes we just do not know what to say. And of
course it is not always easy for many people to extend themselves to
their friends, let alone to folk whom they do not know. There has got
to be a way to overcome this, I thought. I pondered this for a long
time. Then I came up with some ideas. Ideas to be used by anyone
who wants to tell parents that their efforts to effectively socialize
their children, are appreciated. Thus the first card, the “Good Parent
Award” was born.
I started small, but quickly developed more ideas for such a
card. I could see older people giving encouragement to younger
parents; peers supporting each other; and children thanking their
own parents for being effective. A wonderful “conversation starter,”
these encouragement cards could come directly from the giver. If,
however, the presenter were a bit hesitant to approach someone
else, they could be presented anonymously, such as by a waitress in
a restaurant, or by an usher in a church setting. No matter the
medium, the recipient would be cheered. These simple cards would
remove the barriers to spreading joy.
Energized through the receipt of a “Good Parent Award,”
parents would certainly explain to their children how others observe
them. “Johnny, you represent this family well because you are so
obedient. Thank you for being such a great kid!” “Sarah, the Smith’s
notice how responsible you are—your behavior makes us proud!” In
this way, the whole family benefits and is rewarded.
People who “parent” children who were not born to them might
also be recipients of the “Good Parent Award.” The power of
positively touching a little life is illustrated in this anonymous piece:1
An Eye Witness Account from New York City, on a cold day in December . . .
(Wishfully, this is the kind of thing that would happen frequently, everywhere . . .) A
little boy about 10 years old was standing before a shoe store on the roadway,
barefooted, peering through the window, and shivering with cold. A lady approached
the boy and said, “My little fellow, why are you looking so earnestly in that window?”
“I was asking God to give me a pair of shoes,” was the boy’s reply.
The lady took him by the hand and went into the store and asked the clerk to
get half a dozen pairs of socks for the boy. She then asked if he could give her a
basin of water and a towel. He quickly brought them to her. She took the little fellow
to the back part of the store and, removing her gloves, knelt down, washed his little
feet, and dried them with a towel. By this time the clerk had returned with the socks.
Placing a pair upon the boy’s feet, she purchased him a pair of shoes. She tied up
the remaining pairs of socks and gave them to him. She patted him on the head and
said, “No doubt, my little fellow, you feel more comfortable now?”
As she turned to go, the astonished lad caught her by the hand, and looking up
in her face, with tears his eyes, answered the question with these words: “Are you
God’s Wife?”

Now certainly she was not “God’s Wife,” but she reflected His
kindness in her parenting of this waif—and receiving an earthly
reward would certainly be appropriate.
Parents are not the only ones who should be affirmed for raising
their children well. Children who represent their parents well need
also to be affirmed. And we can appreciate children for all kinds of
things. Sometimes it’s for something very little. An unauthored
internet story noted the positive impact of a neighbor child. The
story goes like this:2
Supposedly, a judge tells this account of a contest about which he was to make
a decision. The purpose of the contest was to find the most caring child. The winner
was a four-year-old child whose next-door neighbor was an elderly gentleman who
had recently lost his wife.
Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old gentleman’s yard,
climbed onto his lap, and just sat there. When his mother asked him what he had
said to the neighbor, the little boy said, “Nothing, I just helped him cry.”
 Share the “Good Neighbor Award” with children who represent
their parents well!
Now let me end this thought with a quotation ascribed to Ralph
Waldo Emerson. He says:3
To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the
affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the
betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; to leave the
world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social
condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is
to have succeeded.
 When you affirm big, believe big
and pray big, big things happen.
—Norman Vincent Peale

Two

A Growing Idea:
The Seed Germinates

O
ne very warm Sunday morning in August, another idea popped
into my head. While bike riding for exercise around our
neighborhood, I went down the linear path near our home. I passed
a yard filled with gorgeous, blooming flowers. There were beautiful
flowers of all sizes and colors. And the air was fresh with their
perfume. The most noticeable blossoms, and perhaps the most
fragrant, were the tall purple flowers. I did not know their names,
but they were about 3-4 feet tall and leaned over the curb, out into
the street.
Now I had seen these flowers before. I passed this yard virtually
everyday along my biking trail as well as when I drove to work. Yes,
I had seen them, and I had admired them, too. I am sure everyone
else who saw them admired their beauty, as well. They were
spectacular, brightening that corner of the world. I had noticed them
and admired them, but then had given them no more thought.
This morning, however, the owner was sitting on her porch
preparing to walk her dog. Without thinking twice, I wheeled into
her driveway, got off my bike, and said, “Hi, I’m Neal VanderWaal. I
just wanted to stop and thank you for planting such beautiful
flowers. I enjoy them every time I pass, and I’m sure everyone else
who sees them enjoys them, too. I’ve passed your house hundreds
of times and each time I am blessed by the beauty of your yard.
Today I just had to let you know it. Thank you!”
 “I am blessed by the beauty of your yard.”
The small, older woman, whom I soon discovered was Mrs.
Wilson, immediately brightened. She said very little but went over to
the tall purple flowers and began stripping seeds off the stems. As
she worked she said, “I am going to give you some seeds so you can
plant them in your yard. This way you’ll enjoy them all the time.”
She smiled up at me. This time I was beaming. She continued, “After
you’ve planted these, when people come to your house and tell you
how beautiful your plants are, you can give them some seeds for
their gardens.”
She went to her house for a plastic bag and poured in hundreds
of the purple flower seeds. Then she pointed to some smaller blue
flowers that had seedpods. Again, I knew neither their genus nor
species. Mrs. Wilson asked, “Would you like some of these too?” I
said, “Are you sure you will have enough for yourself?” She said,
“These will bloom again and I will have many more. I want you to
have them in your garden.”
“Oh, thank you. Thank you.” I said over and over. I joyfully
peddled home carrying my bag of seeds. And Mrs. Wilson’s wish will
become a reality. The seeds were planted and are now producing
beautiful flowers. And it’s my goal that when people admire my
flowers, they, too, will get a bag of seeds to be planted in their
gardens. (I found out later from my daughter-in-law Jennie that they
are Cleome or “spider plant” and they are now blooming beautifully
in her garden too).

Beauty is everywhere and should be noticed,

appreciated, and rewarded.
As the seasons come and go, hundreds of cars will continue to
pass Mrs. Wilson’s house. People will see and admire her flowers,
but they may never stop to tell her so. An idea germinated. Why not
have an award-card that can be mailed or given to someone who
helps make the neighborhood more beautiful? Why not make
everyone feel good about what they are doing in their part of the
world? Why not acknowledge what we appreciate? The reward may
not be a bag of seeds, it may only be a good, warm feeling. By
sending a “Good Neighbor Award,” however, we will be planting
“seeds” of good that will spring up in our lives and in the lives of
each recipient. Yes, of course we should do this! Beauty is
everywhere and should be noticed, appreciated, and rewarded.

Beauty may be more readily seen in nature

than in the behaviors and attitudes of people.
Sometimes we are challenged as we relate to others. But if we
want to have better interpersonal relationships with those around us,
we must begin to look for whatever good we can find in them. Many
people isolate themselves, afraid to be open with others because
they may have been badly hurt in the past. Operating out of their
pain, they seem to put such a great distance between themselves
and anyone else that they appear unapproachable. But when we
look for good in a closed, broken person, our efforts will begin to
build a bridge between them and us. It may not be immediate, but
with continued effort, and with time, the bridge will be built. When
this happens we will be happier, and they will be happier, too.
You still may be thinking, “But Neal, how can you look for good
in a bad situation?” My answer in every situation is, “This may not
be good, but great good can come from it.” Through the challenges
in my life, when I, too, ask this question, I continue to find the
answer in my trusting relationship with God. I have to allow Him to
unleash the good from the situation. My role is to look and find it
while I await what He will do. Actually, this attitude helps ward off
potential sadness and possible depression. When I prompt myself to
be open for something good to come from what I perceive as bad, I
am encouraged. What better way to ward off the “blues” than by
focusing on something positive?
The people who were stalled in traffic in New York City on the
morning of September 11, 2001, were probably fuming. Inching
alone in traffic as they approached the World Trade Center, they
were frustrated. Anxious to get to work, they were annoyed with the
delay. From their vantage point, they did not see the delay as good.
They were challenged in the “immediate.” Now as they look back,
however, their attitudes are entirely different. If we would ask them
now how they feel about being late for work that day, they would
say that the delay saved their lives. The delay was the good!
There are other instances where what may have appeared as a
trial at first was later viewed as good. People who have lost their
jobs will often say that it was the best thing that happened to them.
They may have been locked in unrewarding, unproductive jobs. They
may have felt trapped and unfulfilled but did not know how to
improve their lot. Rather than pining their job loss, however, they
concentrated on what good they could find. They chose to find the
good. With this choice, they also discovered how to have happier
and more productive lives.

They chose to find the good.

Marital discord and divorce are challenges too frequently
experienced by couples in our society. No one likes to reject or be
rejected. This was the case with Cathy, a woman with whom I work.
Her husband, Jim, with little warning, up and left her one day. He
then filed for divorce. She was devastated, believing that her life was
over. In her despair she berated her husband, telling anyone who
would listen that she hated him for wrecking her life. She began
suffering with a multiplicity of physical ailments and complained
constantly. She about drove her co-workers to distraction with her
constant complaints and negativity. They began avoiding her, which
added to her complaints.
I observed for a while, then dared to approach her. “Come on
Cathy there’s got to be a way to get through this,” I began. Over a
period of several weeks, I began to encourage her to look for
something, anything good. Reluctant at first, since she had learned
to love her pain, Cathy dared to mention a few good things. One day
she said, “I do enjoy my peace and quiet after a long day at work.” I
affirmed her and encouraged more. I dared to ask what other good
she could find. With a smile she shared, “I can keep up with my
expenses better.”
Time went by and gradually I saw a change. I asked her
recently how things were going. She immediately said, “Great!” She
smiled as she excitedly shared, “My life has taken some new twists.”
“New twists?” I asked, not sure whether that was good. She laughed
at my naivety and said, “It’s all good.” “So tell me about it,” I
prompted, now actually wanting to hear something from her. “Well,
I’ve joined a gym and lost 18 pounds. I’ve gotten a new wardrobe
and a new hairdo, too. I’m investing in myself and feeling positive.” I
had to admit that I had noticed her new look. “And it’s not just all
about me,” she added, “I’m again attending church and even singing
in the choir.” I was energized by her excitement. “What’s changed
most,” she went on, “is my attitude. I’m now happier than I’ve been
in years.” “I can tell,” I replied. “Yeah,” she said, as she went on her
way, “as I said, it’s all good!”
I am confident that with her new attitude, Cathy will now be
able to face whatever comes her way. As she continues to look for
the good in every situation, she will find it. Rather than being
anxious about life and negative about the challenges, she now
excitedly looks to see what God has for her around the corner. Cathy
is a great example of someone who has found something good from
a bad situation.
So, when anything bad happens, just as soon as we can, we
should start looking for something good. Understandably, frequently
it may take us some time before we have the strength to begin
looking for good in bad situations. To ward off discouragement, just
know that if we are going to heal from the pain of our tragedies, if
we are going to move beyond the immediate, then we need to begin
finding the good that can come out of it. Healing comes from
acceptance of the fact that life will to be different, but better,
somehow. It can be summed up in the oft heard phrase, “When life
hands us lemons, make lemonade,” or better yet, as a sign says in a
Shoney’s restaurant, “When life gives you lemons, make dessert.”
 It has so much to do with our attitude and our willingness to
grow. When we ask the question, “What good can I find in this?” we
create an air of expectancy or anticipation in ourselves. We see this
in children who are looking forward to Christmas or a birthday or a
promised reward. There is excitement that they will be happily
surprised and pleased with the gift. And, indeed, whenever we find
good, it is a gift; a gift to ourselves and a gift to others.
Dedicated “antiquers” have this “looking for the good” attitude.
If you have ever watched someone at an antique auction or sale,
they examine each piece with great care. What are they looking for?
They are looking for something with great value that is hidden from
everyone else. They are looking for a one-of-a-kind piece, something
that someone else has overlooked. And there are many stories of
finding rare and valuable items that were hidden from view. The
“Antiques Roadshow” is a good example of this. A vase, that to the
average person looks worthless, is suddenly transformed into an
object of great value because the appraiser says it is valuable. It
may have been made by someone special or had belonged to a
famous person. And the same is true when we see a good deed or
act or hear a good word or any other good thing, and attach value
to it, others will see value, too. In effect, we become an “appraiser.”
 Section 2:
Why Should I Look
For Good?
 “Never underestimate your power to change yourself.”
—Elizabeth Watson

Three

Our Resistance:
“That’s Just The Way It Is!”

N
ow, all too frequently, when we see our friends and neighbors
behaving badly or not doing what we think they should be
doing, we criticize them. Then it is natural for people who feel
criticized to become defensive. Our criticism, subsequently, builds
walls between the person and ourselves. Once barriers are erected it
is nigh unto impossible to bring them down. The wise person,
however, instead of criticizing, looks for something good to praise
and build on. The person with the challenging behavior is then more
inclined to change because he/she feels warmth from the person
who is praising them. This is a hard lesson, but one that we parents,
husbands, wives and employers, need to learn.
Every day, however, it seems that we encounter many negative
people and situations: ex-spouses condemning their former mates in
front of their children; church members looking for anything bad
about a pastor or leader; cynical TV newscasters reporting the worst
side of public officers; politicians castigating each other, and the list
goes on.
We hear racist remarks regarding “those people,” even from
Christians in the church. We hear workers damning their boss and
employees looking for anything bad in other co-workers. We hear
parents complaining about how terribly their children treat them. We
hear of children reporting abuse from their parents. We hear wives
telling how badly their husbands treat them or how they would like
to get rid of him. We hear husbands finding fault with their wives
while looking for other prospects. We see older people fearfully
looking at the world and seeing nothing but pain and evil. We read
articles and letters to the editor complaining about potholes and
anything else that is wrong with the city. With so many problems,
many people completely miss the wonderful things all about them.
Why is this? Why it is so difficult for some people to see the
good around them? Perhaps it is because we have been conditioned
from birth by our parents, teachers, peers and the media to see
negative things. When we watch most of the sitcoms on TV we see
that they are almost entirely built around putdowns. This is what
gets the laughs. These programs never show the hurt and pain
putdowns cause. They show, instead, a ready comeback that is often
in worse taste then the beginning remark. This makes it difficult to
face challenging situations and look for the good. Mirroring what we
see, we often respond to those around us with belittling remarks. If
we do not say them, we at least think them. Right?
This is probably true in every environment. It is true for every
person who encounters other people. We so naturally judge them—
and it seems our human natures think the “worst” before thinking
the “best.” Rich Kornoelje, an educator, shares a life-changing
experience in the following story. He says:
Several years ago I served as an assistant principal in a large public high school
of fourteen hundred students. I found many aspects of my responsibilities both
enjoyable and rewarding, however, there was little joy or satisfaction in supervising
the three lunch periods each day. Making sure students were diligent in picking up
their lunch trays, not smearing mashed potatoes on one another, or sticking peas on
the ceiling or on their neighbors were not high on my list of “professional” things to
do.
Days prior to vacation periods were particularly bad times in the cafeteria. It
was on one of these days that I observed a student spill his milk. What a mess. It
was all down the front of him, on the table, on the bench and on the floor. I quickly
diverted my attention elsewhere and watched him out of the corner of my eye with
my superior peripheral vision. I knew this guy would try to escape, leaving someone
else (like me) to clean up the mess. Well, I had this guy’s number and as soon as he
stepped one foot outside of the cafeteria, he was going to get his. I would make him
clean up everyone else’s mess for the day so he could see how much fun it could be.
I slyly watched as he began his escape. To my surprise he approached the snack
bar upon which I was leaning and gathered several napkins and returned to the
scene of the crime. After wiping up the table, he got on his hands and knees and
wiped up the bench and then the floor. Making his way to the exit, he deposited the
soggy mess in the proper receptacle and left the cafeteria.
 After regaining my composure, I quickly followed the young man out into the
hallway. I asked him his name, thanked him for his consideration and commended
him for being so conscientious. He replied, “No problem,” and went on his way. The
thought crossed my mind to contact his home, and I determined to do it later that
day.
It was a little after 5:00 p.m. when I opened my car door to go home. It
suddenly occurred to me that I had forgotten to contact the parents. My first thought
was to call the next day, but then I thought better of it and went back to my office.
After pulling his enrollment card, I went to my phone and dialed the number listed.
After a few rings a lady answered. “Hi. This is Rich Kornoelje calling from the high
school.”
I heard a hard swallow (or maybe it was a gulp) on the other end and realized
that the only time I ever contacted parents was when there was trouble or bad
news. I quickly said, “Your son showed me something today that really demonstrated
some good upbringing . . .” I then went on to relay the story.
At first there was silence. Then I could hear a few sniffles, followed by some
sobs. After gaining her composure, the mom said, “You will never in your entire
lifetime realize what your phone call has meant to me. My husband left me several
years ago and I have had to raise this young man by myself, and it is so hard. I
know how he behaves at home with me, but I always wonder about his behavior
away from home. You will never know how much your phone call has done for me.”
That phone call was a life-changing experience for me. Since that time many
years ago, I have purposed to make at least one positive contact with parents per
week and urge, not require, my teachers to do the same. We strive to make contact
with the parents of a student who is not often praised for his or her actions. The
parents are happy, the student does well with positive reinforcement, the teacher is
blessed and everybody wins.4

Rich started out with expectations just like those most of us

might have. He expected negative to come from the cafeteria duty
situation. He was looking for something bad. When surprised,
however, by the responsibility of the young man, he recognized and
appreciated the good. Then he went one step further. He shared his
positive observation, and the predictable happened. Rich was
blessed as he blessed the student and his mother. Excuse the pun,
but what a “rich” experience!

Share your positive observations, and the

“predictable” will happen.
Okay, how about us. Are we programmed or conditioned to look
at life through negative lenses from the time we are born? It often
seems so. Used as a defense mechanism, we may think we are
protecting ourselves from harm or the hurt of others. Because of
this, we teach small children to be wary of “bad people.” Though
necessary in this world of inequities, we must teach our children to
look for the good in others as well.
My memory replays life events that truly challenge us to look for
the good. I see a small Alabama girl escorted through a group of
hate-filled people screaming epithets at her and her parents. And
why? She is Black and they do not want her in their school. I see
another group of mothers escorting their crying children to school
through a crowd of hecklers. Their problem? The children are
Catholic and the protesters are Protestant. The Protestants do not
want the Catholics walking, on their way to school, through their
neighborhood. I see presidential candidates slandering their
opponents. And I see ordinary people participating in road rage. But
I dare not ascribe all social injustice to others. I have engaged in this
thinking myself. I must confess I have not always looked for the
good in other people or in life’s situations.
I recall once when I was a school board member. We tried to
get rid of the school’s superintendent. There were 4 of us. We
considered ourselves concerned parents who felt that the man was
not doing a worthy job. We spent countless hours on the phone with
each other looking for any way possible to get him out. We involved
other parents as we explored possible ills. We even involved children
as we looked for anything negative about the man.
When we went to the board meetings we attacked him publicly.
In general, we made life miserable for him. And why didn’t we like
him? Well, he did not communicate well with the staff and teachers
nor was he an outgoing person. Unhappy with these personality
traits, we did everything we could to destroy him.
In actuality, however, he was a decent man who had, in many
other ways, done good things for the school. He had kept the school
in excellent repair. He was a careful spender staying within the
school’s budget, and his family was an asset to our community.
Rather than seeing his attributes, however, we had chosen to focus
on whatever was negative and destructive. Looking back, I very
much regret the part I played in his demise. I hurt him and his
family, the teachers and the students, the parents and myself.
During this period in my life I was generally critical of others. I
found myself looking for fault in my family and my friends. I became
dissatisfied with myself. My defense was to project my frustrations
on those around me.
Perhaps you wonder how or why I became so critical. It is not
because I did not have a positive role model to follow in my Dad, for
he was the personification of looking for the good. Oh, no. It is
rather that my attitudes and behaviors had unconsciously been
affected by TV, the books I read, and the comments of others. Yet
all of my life I had seen my father looking for good in everything. As
an engineer and entrepreneur, he had the uncanny ability to look at
a pile of junk metal and see what good could come from it. I saw
him take a wrecked Mack semi-tractor, whose only redemptive
quality was its cab. By using junk parts from other trucks and cars
he made a motor home that looked virtually factory-made. He built
several large boats from scraps. And he was constantly inventing
time and labor-saving devices for the construction industry. Just as
my Dad saw good in pieces of scrap metal, he saw good in each
person he met as well.
Dad died December 2, 2000, just 14 days before his 89th
birthday. Good works by him have ended, but now he is the
inspiration for me and for the rest of his family. Looking for the good
has become our mission.

Looking for the good has become our mission.

Admittedly we are in the habit of seeing and being negative. But
there are more voices suggesting that this is not the way it has to
be. Certainly others reinforce what Dad taught. In an internet
newsletter, I found an observation about the positive effects of
words. The writer, calling positive words an “antidote to gossip,”
suggested that one may satisfy the urge to feel important by doing
something important. Rather than talking negatively about someone
or something else, we can use this energy to actually do something
wholesome.
No matter the age, we can look for the good and make a
positive difference. At the age of seventy-five, a widow in India,
started a literacy program reaching one person at a time. Millions of
Indians learned to read thanks to her. At the youthful age of eleven,
a little girl started an organization that distributes teddy bears to
children suffering from cancer. These two worthy enterprises support
the larger concept that we do not have to start a national
organization to do something significant. Thanks to the “ripple
effect,” every seemingly small good deed that we do or kind word
that we say inspires others to do likewise, so that thousands of miles
away and years later, a kind word or gesture we initiated may still be
having an effect.
Through my life’s experiences I discovered something that is as
true for you as it is for me. If we look for the bad we will find it. If
we look for the good, we will find that, too. When we find bad things
we are almost guaranteed to feel worse. And when we find the
good, the converse is true, for we will feel so much better ourselves.
So our charge now is to start in even a small way to begin looking
for good. I guarantee that as we look and find the good, each
succeeding look will get easier.
 “When facing a difficult task, act as though it is impossible to fail.”
—H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

Four

Overcoming Odds:
“How Can You Find Good In That?”

M
ention the words “World Trade Center” and you probably
remember where you were when you heard the news that
America was under attack. Go back with me. On September 11,
2001, at 8:48 a.m., a hijacked plane hits the first twin tower. At 9:25
a.m., the second plane hits the South Tower. At 10:30 a.m., a
jetliner, flying at over 400 miles per hour, flies into the Pentagon in
the nation’s capital. Moments later another plane crashes in
Pennsylvania. Chaos follows. Fires. Buildings collapsing. Screaming
people running. The events are terrifying. The catastrophe, unreal.
Hundreds, if not thousands of people are injured, missing or dead in
New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania. What is happening?
As the smoke ascended and the enormous tragedy registered in
our collective mind, we were numbed by the injustices of life. Jobs
were lost. Property was ruined. Thousands of innocent people had
been injured. Many more were killed. The anger that followed was
understandable. This should never have happened! But it did. And
now we have some choices. We can be stuck in the events. We can
remain confused. We can continue indefinitely being filled with
anger, bitterness and hatred. Or, we can try to find some good out of
all of this.
The United States along with the rest of the world was impacted
by the events of that day, but life was still “going on.” I was busy,
too. I had just finished meeting with a group of people in our
mentoring group. We had been working on personal goals and
strategies for life improvement. Part of the process was to spend
time looking for the good around us. After class Tracy, one of the
group members, met me in the hall and said, “What good can you
possibly find in this?” I stopped and looked at her, while silently
praying. Lord, what can I say? This is not a time to be trite. Even
with all my practice, I cannot see any good in this! I had no answer
for Tracy right then, for it seemed that there was no good to be
found. Such death and destruction is beyond comprehension. It is
only later I see it as I watch the television newscasts, for I am
drawn to following the events for the rest of the week.
What do I see? A man covered with dust and ash particles from
the blast and fire, sitting helplessly in the city gutter. Then another
person stops to help. This person is also covered with the same stuff
and could be running for his life, but he chooses instead to help.
This is happening over and over again. Within hours, thousands of
other people are lining up to give blood. Firemen are rushing to
rescue victims, with no thought of their own safety. The good
continues. Children send socks and gloves to the rescue workers. A
young boy donates his first paycheck from his newly acquired paper
route. Before supplies arrive, volunteers dig for survivors without
gloves. Their hands drip with blood, but they continue digging.
I see the story of Howard Ludnick, the bond trader whose
business is now gone. Weeping before the TV cameras, he promises
to help the families of his 700 employees. I kept looking. I kept
finding good. Perhaps these acts of goodness are not necessary until
a disaster strikes. Certainly this tragedy was the catalyst for a
tremendous outpouring of genuine warm regard for others. Prior to
the disaster, the day-to-day fight for survival was the norm. Then
suddenly everything changed. I believe, however, that the good was
there all the time.
It should not have to take a devastating event to expose the
good around us. It is there in plain sight most of the time; it’s just
that we do not choose to see it. Perhaps because we have been so
conditioned, it is easier to see the negative and focus on that.
A woman with whom I work told me that she and her husband
had been thinking about divorcing. They had not spoken to each
other for several days. They had taken separate vacations and had
not been home together for a month. As a result of September 11th,
however, they suddenly saw things in a new light. They were willing
to look for the good in their marriage. And they found it. They are
now rebuilding their relationship and going on.
It has not been so easy for others, for natural questions that
people ask in situations like this are, “Where is God when all of this
happens?” “How can you possibly find good in this situation?” An e-
mail message from Dr. Robert Schuller of the Crystal Cathedral in
California, answers these questions;
Just look around, God is using the hearts, the hands, the eyes, the faces, the
arms and the feet of people. They line up to donate blood. They risk their lives
searching to save others that might still be breathing under the rubble. God comes
alive in the thousands of caring human beings.

And that is the answer. God was there all the time; we had just
overlooked Him.
A police officer in the Michigan city where I live was moved by
the need to help. As soon as he was off duty he packed a suitcase,
left a note for his wife, and drove to New York. There he directed
traffic and guarded buildings so other officers could rest. Countless
stories just like these show that the good was there all the time. It
was just waiting to come out.

And that is the answer. God was there all the

time—
One thing we need to remember, from all wars and tragedies
has come significant progress. From the bloody Civil War came a
united nation, the framework for the most powerful nation on earth
was formed. From World War II came numerous other advances:
penicillin and antiviral drugs, technical advances that led to the
computer, and leaps in transportation such as the jet plane and the
cars we enjoy today. Out of every bad situation there is good waiting
to be found.
I imagine that the Apostle Paul, when he was thrown into prison
in Rome, thought his ministry was over; but it was during his
imprisonment that he wrote most of the books of the New
Testament. He did not wait for good to come; he found the good in
his situation. From the dungeon cell he wrote the words to the
people of Philippi, “Fix your thoughts on what is true and good and
right. Think about things that are pure and lovely, and dwell on the
fine, good things in others. Think about all you can praise God for
and be glad about.”5
The internet is a wonderful source of information. Frequently I
receive stories that illustrate points that I want to share. This one
was written by Cheri Pape of Dallas, Texas. It so sweetly and gently
makes a powerful point that I just had to share it. It goes like this:
The 92-year-old, petite, well-poised and proud mother-in-law of my best friend,
who is fully-dressed each morning by eight o’clock, with her hair fashionably coifed
and makeup perfectly applied, even though she is legally blind, moved to a nursing
home today. Her husband of 70 years recently passed away, making the move
necessary.
Maurine Jones is the most lovely, gracious, dignified woman that I have ever
had the pleasure of meeting. While I have never aspired to attain her depth of
wisdom, I do pray that I will learn from her vast experience.
After many hours of waiting patiently in the lobby of the nursing home, she
smiled sweetly when I told her that her room was ready. As she maneuvered her
walker to the elevator, I provided a visual description of her tiny room, including the
eyelet sheets that had been hung on her window. “I love it,” she stated with the
enthusiasm of an eight-year-old having just been presented with a new puppy.
“Mrs. Jones, you haven’t seen the room . . . just wait.”
“That doesn’t have anything to do with it,” she replied. “Happiness is something
you decide on ahead of time. Whether I like my room or not doesn’t depend on how
the furniture is arranged . . . it’s how I arrange my mind. I already decided to love it
...
“It’s a decision I make every morning when I wake up. I have a choice; I can
spend the day in bed recounting the difficulty I have with the parts of my body that
no longer work, or get out of bed and be thankful for the ones that do. Each day is a
gift, and as long as my eyes open, I’ll focus on the new day and all the happy
memories I’ve stored away . . . just for this time in my life. Old age is like a bank
account . . . you withdraw from what you’ve put in. . . . So, my advice to you would
be to deposit a lot of happiness in the bank account of memories.”

So how do we overcome the odds to find good in bad

situations? Let us not make this harder than it is. We simply must
just do it. We must be willing to find it. We must look. And we must
be receptive to seeing it. Before seeing the “big picture” we may
begin by looking “small.” First note the good in our own situations.
Then look for the good in others. Focus on whatever good we find.
Then share it. And, there, we’ve done it!
 He who wishes to secure the good of others has already secured his own.
—Confucius

Five

Human Nature:
“But That’s The Way I Am, And I Can’t
Change.”

I
t may help to understand how our minds work. The Bible says,
“Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”6 In today’s
language we would say, “Whatever a person plants, he/she will
harvest.” This is a law of nature that cannot be changed any more
than we can change the law of gravity, which says that anything
with any weight to it is pulled to the earth. When you step off a 10-
story building, you will fall toward the ground. We understand this,
expect to fall, and act accordingly.
The laws of gardening are also predictable. When we plant
peas, we expect, after a certain length of time, to get peas. We
never expect to find a watermelon growing on a pea vine. We do not
think we will get a willow when we plant an acorn from an oak tree.
Whatever we plant in the ground, we expect to get the same thing
back. In addition, when we plant one kernel of corn, we get a stalk
with one or more ears of corn on it. We do not expect to just get
one kernel back. We expect to get a lot more than we planted. On
each ear on the stalk there are possibly hundreds of kernels that all
came from that one kernel planted in the soil.
It is the same way when we plant thoughts in the gardens of
our minds. When we plant negative thoughts, we will get more
negative thoughts. When we plant positive, happy thoughts we will
get more positive, happy thoughts. If we plant good thoughts
toward people and situations we will get good things back. If we
plant negative thoughts we will get bad things back. It has to be this
way because it is a law that never changes, just as the laws of
gravity, planting and harvest never change.

If we plant good thoughts toward people and

situations we will get good things back.
It is true for every person of every race, ethnic group or
religion. It is true for men and women. We will receive back
whatever we plant. And we will get back much more than what we
planted. If we plant good thoughts, many more good thoughts will
come back to us. And just as a garden takes time to grow, the good
we sow may take time to return to us. But it will come. And it will
come when the time is right.
The principle of sowing and reaping is illustrated in the following
parable:
In a time long ago, in a land far away, there was a terrible drought and
everyone was suffering. Many crops failed. The plants that grew withered. Many of
the people were discouraged and in despair.
One day, as two men were walking home from tilling the stubborn soil, they met
the pastor of their little village church. “How is everything going for you, my sons?”
the clergy inquired.
The first man replied, with a scowl on his brow, “I have never been so miserable
in all my life. Everything I have worked for is gone. My life is empty and all I see is
more pain and sorrow in the future.”
The second man interrupted by saying, “You know, pastor, life has been very
difficult right in through here. I too have lost almost everything I have worked for.”
He paused, then with a gentle smile, went on, “But throughout this drought I have
seen God all around us! Just look at those beautiful clouds and the trees on the
distant mountains. Look at the birds flying above. And the forest is full of animals. All
is not misery and gloom. Babies are being born and new life is beginning. I see good
all around me. And I have hope for the future, for I know God will be with us and
wherever God is, good will be there, too!”
And God, overhearing this conversation, said to both men, “Your attitudes will
affect the outcomes of your lives, for your lives will continue just as you see them
now. Thoughts are the plants of the soul. As farmers you understand that whatever
you plant, you harvest. Your response to these hard times, your attitudes about
them, is what you will harvest. What you sow, you reap, this is a law of nature that
cannot be changed. When you plant good thoughts, good comes to you. When you
plant negative, discouraging thoughts, nothing good comes from them.”
 The first man frowned all the more, but the smile of the second man grew
larger.
God went on, “How I would love to make everything equally good in both of
your lives, but I cannot change what you have planted.”

Just a story? Yes, but so true. If you want to change your life
and increase your health and happiness, start looking for the good
around you. Remember the Pauline quotation: “Fix your thoughts on
what is true and good and right. Think about things that are pure
and lovely, and dwell on the fine, good things.”7 Good advice from
2000 years ago.

If you want to change your life and increase

your health and happiness, start looking for
the good around you.
I’ve heard it said that 77% of all our thoughts are negative and
only 23% are positive. This is serious when we consider the axiom
that says, “Like attracts like.” That implies that whatever negative
things we think about will bring more negative into our lives. The
converse is also true, however. For whatever positive things we think
about will bring positive and good things to us. It is a law of nature
that cannot be changed.
We have also heard the statement, “seeing is believing.” That
may be true in many situations, but the opposite is also true,
“believing is seeing.” When we believe that people are bad and life is
rough, we will find abundant evidence that people are bad and life is
rough. But, when we believe that most people are good and life can
be beautiful, we will find good and beauty everywhere around us.
So, looking for the good can and will change our attitudes toward
others and their attitude toward us. We will find our health and all
relationships improving and we will feel better toward everyone we
meet.

Seeing is believing; AND believing is seeing!

 Whenever we are exposed to the media, whether in print, TV or
radio, we see and hear advertisements that tell us that we do not
measure up to their standards. And we cannot unless we purchase
their products. We mirror their definitions of ourselves and feel
deeply our flaws and inadequacies. We look at ourselves in negative
ways and feel discouraged and disheartened. As an antidote, to
make us feel better, we look for flaws in others that are worse than
our own. This behavior is cyclical, however, and prevents us from
being better people.
TV programs portray bad cops, corrupt politicians, and greedy
business owners. Priests are pedophiles. Preachers are greedy for
money. Lawyers are crooked. Physicians cannot be trusted. Tabloids
trumpet the dysfunctional, troubled lives of movie stars. We are
encouraged to find satisfaction in their pain. It is no wonder that we
look at others and think, “Is this person going to harm me?” “What’s
she hiding?” “I can’t turn my back on them.”
We have heard the saying, “It all depends on your viewpoint.”
Well, this is absolutely true. One’s perspective is illustrated in these
lines from this oft quoted poem, “Two men gaze through the prison
bars, one sees mud, the other sees the stars.” It’s all in where we
look!
We may believe we have no choice. We say, “This is just how
life is.” If not true for you and me, many other people today are
psychologically trapped. They may reside in a prison of their own
making or they may be dealing with challenging circumstances that
are beyond their control. But they are, nevertheless, trapped. Well-
meaning folk bombard them with advice such as, “Be happy,” “Be
enthusiastic.” “Be optimistic.” “Think positively.” “Get over it.” “Quit
whining.” “Put it behind you.” “Get on with your life.” Abrupt change,
however, is difficult. Unless we change our outlook, change is not
possible at all.
An artist in his youth, Jim Richardson liked painting landscapes.
Quite adept with his artwork, his drawings were so realistic that
when completed, he wished to step into his pictures and make them
his reality. As an adult, he has learned, through several experiences,
to make that happen for himself and others. He and his wife, Tricia
became change agents as a result of their own life-changing
experience. Jim shares their story:
Our lives were pretty much like everyone else who we knew in our society, we
were self-consumed, apathetic, and self-righteous. I guess my wife realized it first
and went about changing things for both of us. She suggested that we adopt a child.
Well, our daughter, Stephanie, was grown with a family of her own, but we did have
a spacious home, and we had the financial means, so I agreed. But we were “older,”
already in our 50’s, and I wondered, “Can I love an adopted child as much as I love
Stephanie?”
Not voicing my reservations, I supported my wife as she began exploring our
options. We decided to adopt from Russia. We quickly navigated the maze of forms,
phone calls, inoculation and other requirements to go abroad. But as the time
approached for us to journey to Russia, my apprehensions grew. I had not been the
primary caregiver of a small child for quite a while now. Certainly I loved our two
grandchildren, Courtney and Caleb, but they were big kids now, and we never had
the responsibility for their total care anyway. So the thought of dealing with a little
one again began to unnerve me. I didn’t want to dampen my wife’s dream, however,
so I didn’t verbalize my feelings. They were being observed, however. My mother-in-
law recognized my ambivalence. She wisely, however, said nothing.
At last departure day arrived. My wife, Tricia, her mother and I made the trip.
The journey to Switzerland then Moscow and on to Irrupts, Siberia was a great
adventure, but the weather mirrored my outlook. We arrived to beautiful weather
that turned bitterly cold the next day. My joy and fears were making drastic changes,
too.
At times it seemed so unreal. As I viewed the beautiful old buildings I felt like I
was part of a National Geographic story. The men and women of Irkutsz were
picturesque. Most looked like movie stars. It was just exciting being in another part
of the world. But then I remembered my mission, we were there not to sightsee, but
to adopt a child.
Finally it was time to go to the hospital where our child awaited us. As I
approached the cold, gray building my feet felt like they were made of lead. Why am
I so apprehensive?, I kept asking myself. I tagged along behind my wife and mother-
in-law who seemed oblivious of my lack of enthusiasm. They were consumed with
our mission of providing a home for a precious little one.
The first two hospital floors were cold and empty, smelling of cooked cabbage
and urine. On the third floor there were rows of beds, each housing a diaper-less
baby dressed only in ragged undersized pajamas. We looked at them. They returned
our gaze through pleading eyes, eyes that resembled the large Precious Moment’s
dolls.
When we reached the crib that held that child that would be ours, seven-month-
old Larissa, she was crying. This little waif was clad only in yellow pajamas with the
toes torn open and her feet sticking out. Tricia picked her up and held her as she
continued to cry. Then my wife turned to me and asked, “Do you want to hold her?”
My thoughts whirled through my head, What am I doing here? In a daze I
responded.
 I reached for the child. She continued to cry. Then she wet on me. As I began to
sway with her in my arms, I looked down into her beautiful eyes and she returned
my gaze. She stopped crying. Then the most miraculous thing happened. It was as if
time stood still and something like a lightening bolt passed through me. My heart
filled with such enormous love I felt it would burst through my shirt. In that moment
I promised Larissa that I would love and protect her from that moment right on
through eternity. Instantly she relaxed and fell asleep.
Those days in Irkutsz were incredible. As we bonded with Larissa it made us
realize that our future together would be the happiest times in our lives. I discovered
that love for an adopted child is the same as that for a biological child. We have
since adopted another daughter.
But that is only the beginning of the story, for we were touched by the needs of
the hundreds of other parentless children to the extent that we wanted to continue
making a positive difference.

Creators of “A Home for Every Child Foundation,” the

Richardson’s desire other couples that are looking to adopt a child to
contact them at their website: <www.ahomeforeverychild.org>.
During one year alone, they helped with 176 adoptions and gave
$1,000 to each family to help with their adoption expenses. Parents
now of two adoptive daughters, Megan and Holly, the Richardson’s
interface with both domestic and international adoptive agencies,
and serve on the board for Christian World Adoption.
In addition, Jim has created a village called “A Summer Place”
based on one of his landscape paintings depicting life in the 1950s,
when he thought life was so idyllic. Realizing his youthful dream of
stepping into his artwork, he has created an environment where he
actually can. He invites readers to visit his website at
<www.asummerplace.org>, then actually come to this community.
The proceeds from this venture support the “A Home For Every Child
Foundation.” Jim looked for the good in himself, encouraged the
good in his wife, found the good in a far-off land in his precious
daughters, and now invites us to participate in providing the good
for others.

Abrupt change, however, is difficult. Unless we

change our outlook, change is not possible at
all.
 Our human natures can and will change if we are willing. We
can look for the good. We can find it. It will have a positive impact
on us. And it will positively impact others. Try it!
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have been previously done, the shorter length is no disadvantage.
For fine work the cap-iron of this plane may be set as close as one
thirty-second of an inch to the cutting edge of the plane-iron. The
plane-iron should be set correspondingly shallow.

Fig. 51.

23. The Jointer.—This plane is used for straightening long and

uneven stock. It is most commonly used for
preparing the parts for glue joints. Fig. 52.
 Fig. 52.

Its advantage lies in its length, often two feet or more, which
prevents the blade from cutting in the hollow places until all of the
high places have been leveled. A short plane would simply follow the
irregularities, smoothing but not straightening. The plane-iron of the
jointer should be ground straight across.
Fore-planes are short jointers, next in size to the jack-planes, and
are used for such work as straightening the edges of doors,
windows, etc., when fitting them.
24. The Block-Plane.—The block-plane is about six inches long.
Fig. 53. It is made especially for cutting
across the end of the wood. In addition to the adjusting nut, which is
in a different position but serves the same purpose as in the jack-
plane, and the lateral adjusting lever, there is a lever for adjusting the
size of the opening at the mouth of this plane.
 Fig. 53.

The block-plane differs from the planes just described in that it has
no cap-iron, none being needed in end-planing. The plane iron is put
in place with the bevel side up instead of down as in the other
planes.
The block-plane is not a necessity where a vise can be used for
holding the piece to be planed. A smooth-plane or jack-plane may, if
the plane-iron be set very shallow, do the work just as well. The
block-plane is used mostly by carpenters in fitting together pieces
which cannot be taken to the vise. Here the smallness of the plane
and the fact that but one hand is needed to operate it are of very
great advantage.
25. The Wooden Plane.—The old-fashioned wooden planes are
still preferred by some woodworkers. The
iron bodied planes have displaced them because of the ease with
which they can be adjusted rather than because they produce any
better results. Wooden planes are subject to warpage and as the
bottoms become uneven thru wear, it is necessary to straighten and
level them occasionally. The plane-iron and cap-iron of the wooden
plane are fastened in the throat of the plane by means of a wooden
wedge. This wedge is driven in place with the hammer. Fig. 54
shows the manner of holding the plane while setting the irons and
wedge. If the plane-iron does not project enough, the iron is lightly
tapped as indicated. If too much projects, the stock is tapped as in
Fig. 55. This figure also illustrates the manner of removing the
wedge, two or three blows being sufficient to release it so that it can
be withdrawn with the hand. In setting the plane-iron, should either
corner project more than the other, tap the side of the iron.

Fig. 54. Fig. 55.

 Fig. 56.

Fig. 56 shows the manner of holding the smooth plane in releasing

the wedge, as well as when the cutting edge projects too much.
26. Planing First Surface True.—A true surface is one which is
straight as to its length and width
and which has its surface at the four corners in the same plane.
Select for this first surface, which we shall call the face side, the
better of the two broad surfaces. Knots, sap, wind, shakes, etc.,
should there be any, must be taken into account when passing
judgment. Often the two sides are so nearly alike that there is little
reason for choice.
Where several parts are to be fitted together, the faces are turned
in; in this case, the best surfaces should not be selected for faces.
Chapter VII, section 75.
 Fig. 57. Fig. 58.

Before beginning to plane hold the piece toward the light, close
one eye and sight as in Fig. 57. If the surface is not warped or in
wind, the back arris ab will appear directly behind the front arris cd.
Also sight the arrises for straightness, Fig. 58, being careful to hold
so as to get the full benefit of the light. Again, test from arris to arris,
Fig. 59. The try-square may be used either side up, but the beam
must not be held against either edge. It is not for squareness but for
straightness that this test is made.

Fig. 59.

Notice the direction of the grain and place the piece so as not to
plane against it. In Fig. 60 plane from A toward B or the surface will
be roughened instead of smoothed. When the stock is rough, the
direction of the grain cannot be told readily. A few strokes of the
plane will give the desired information. As most stock is to be planed
to size, it is well to test with the rule before beginning to plane, so as
to know just how much margin has been allowed. If you find you
cannot true this first surface without getting the piece within one-
sixteenth of an inch of the thickness required, ask your instructor to
show you where the trouble lies.

Fig. 60.

These tests ought to give the worker a pretty fair idea of what and
how much he dare plane, so that when he begins he may work
intelligently. As few shavings as possible, and those thin ones, with
the proper result attained, show forethought and care. Nowhere can
good, common sense be used to better advantage than in learning to
plane.
When planes are not in use they should be laid on their sides, or
otherwise placed so that the cutting edge shall not touch anything.
For roughing off and straightening broad surfaces, the jack-plane
should be used, and this followed by the smooth-plane.
When using the plane, stand with the right side to the bench; avoid
a stooping position. Fig. 61. The plane should rest flat upon the
wood from start to finish. Press heavily upon the knob in starting and
upon the handle in finishing the stroke. Unless care is taken to hold
the plane level in starting and stopping, the result will be as indicated
in Fig. 62 A.
 Fig. 61. Fig. 62.

Take as long a shaving as the nature of the work will permit. In

planing long boards or where it is desired to lower one particular
place only, it becomes necessary to stop the stroke before the end of
the board is reached. That no mark shall show at the place where
the plane-iron is lifted, it is necessary to feather the shaving. This is
done by holding the toe of the plane upon the board and raising the
heel as the stroke proceeds, beginning just before the stopping point
is reached. If the cut is to commence other than at the end of the
piece, lower the heel after having started the forward stroke with the
toe upon the board.
It is customary to raise the heel of the plane slightly on the
backward stroke that the edge may not be dulled.
When the surface has been planed so that it fulfills the tests by
sighting described above, an additional test may be given it. Should
the board be of any considerable width—three or more inches—the
following test will prove sufficient: Place a straight-edge lengthwise,
then crosswise the surface planed and along each of its two
diagonals. If no light can be seen between the piece and the straight-
edge in any of these four tests, the surface may be considered level
or true. Fig. 63.

Fig. 63.

Fig. 64.
 A second test, one which will answer for narrow as well as broad
surfaces, differs from the above only in the manner of determining
whether the surface is in wind or not. Two sticks, called winding
sticks, are prepared by planing their two opposite edges straight and
parallel to each other. These sticks are placed across the surface to
be tested, close to the ends, and a sight taken over their top edges.
If the surface is in wind the edges cannot be made to sight so that
one edge will appear directly back of the other, Fig. 64; one end of
the back stick will appear high, at the same time the other one will
appear low with reference to the edge of the fore stick. The back
corner is high only as compared with the fore corner. The wind may
be taken out of the surface just as well by planing the fore corner
which is diagonally opposite. Usually, equal amounts should be
planed from the surface at each of these corners. If, however, the
board is thicker at one corner than the other, it is best to take the
whole amount at the thicker corner.
27. Face Side, Face Edge.—The first surface and the first edge
planed serve a special purpose and
are given special names. The first surface is called the face side,
and the first edge, the face edge; both may be referred to as the
faces. These faces are sometimes known by other names such as
working face and joint edge, marked face and marked edge, etc., but
their meaning is the same.
 Fig. 65.

That these faces may be known, they are marked with pencil with
what are called face marks. There are various ways of making face
marks. Unless otherwise instructed, the marks may be made as in
Fig. 65; for the face side, a light slanting line about one inch long
extending to the edge which is to become the face edge; for the face
edge, two light lines across the edge. The marks on both face side
and face edge should be placed about the middle of the piece and
close together.
These two surfaces are the only ones marked. From one or the
other of these, measurements and tests are made. In squaring up
stock, for illustration (which means to reduce a piece of rough lumber
to definite length, width and thickness so that it shall have smooth,
flat sides at right angles to each other) the gage block is held against
one or the other of these faces only, and the beam of the try-square
when testing for squareness is placed against one or the other of
these faces only.
28. Planing First Edge Square with Face Side.—Make a
preliminary test
with the eye before beginning to plane. Sight the arrises of the edge
to see where it needs straightening. Examine the end to see which
arris is high. Also look to see which way the grain runs. Avoid
imperfections in the wood as far as possible in choosing this edge.
 It is the part of wisdom to examine the plane-iron to see that the
surface planing has not caused the cutting edge to project unevenly.
A plane, set out of true, is likely to cause hours of extra work; it
defeats every effort that may be made to hold the plane properly.
Strive to get shavings the full length of the piece, especially on the
last few strokes.
The smooth-plane is little if ever used for edge planing on account
of its short length. In using the jack-plane in which the edge is
slightly rounded, thus making a shaving thicker in the middle than at
the edges, avoid tilting the plane to make it cut on one side rather
than the other. Move the whole plane over to the high side so that
the middle of the cutting edge shall be directly over the high place.
Keep the sides of the plane parallel with the edge so as to get the full
benefit of the length of the plane.
The two tests which this first edge must fulfill are: First, that it shall
be straight; second, that it shall be square with the face side. Fig. 6,
Chapter I, shows the method of testing for squareness. As in planing
the face side, try to accomplish the desired result with as few
shavings as possible.
The caution about planing the first surface, where a definite size is
to be attained, applies equally to planing the first edge.
When the edge has been properly trued, put on the face marks
suitable for the face edge.
29. Finishing the Second Edge.—A line gaged from the face
edge indicates the proper
stopping place in planing the second edge. This line, if lightly made,
should be half planed off.
As the line is parallel with the face edge, no straight edge test is
necessary. The try-square test for squareness, the beam being held
against the face side, must be frequently applied when approaching
the gage line.
Where the amount of waste stock to be planed is about an eighth
of an inch, the plane-iron may be set a little deeper than average.
When near the line, however, it must be set quite shallow. If the
waste stock measures more than three sixteenths of an inch, the rip-
saw should be used, sawing parallel to the gage line and about one-
eighth of an inch away from it.
 30. Finishing the Second Side.—Lines gaged from the face side
on the two edges show the
amount to be planed.
The test for this side is made by placing the straight-edge across
the piece from arris to arris as the planing proceeds, to see that the
middle shall be neither high nor low when the gage lines have been
reached. No other test is necessary; a little thought will show the
reason.
Never attempt to work without lines. If by mistake you plane out
your line, take the piece to your instructor at once, unless you have
been otherwise directed, that he may tell you what to do.
31. Planing the First End Square.—See that the cutting edge is
very sharp and that the plane-
iron is set perfectly true and very shallow. Examine one of the ends
of the piece by placing the beam of the try-square against the face
side then against face edge to locate the high places. Fig. 6.

Fig. 66.

In free end planing, the cutting edge must not be allowed to reach
the farther corner or the corner will be broken off. Plane only part
way across the end, stopping the cutting edge half an inch or more
from the far edge. Fig. 66. After a few strokes in this direction,
reverse the position and plane in the opposite direction, stopping the
cutting edge half an inch or more of the first edge.
Keep testing the end as the planing proceeds that you may know
what you are doing. Remove no more material than is necessary to
square the end, and lay on the rule occasionally that you may not
endanger the correct length in your efforts to square this end.
32. Finishing the Second End.—Knife lines squared entirely
around the piece, at a given
distance from the end first squared, limit the amount of the planing
that can be done on this end. If the waste stock is over one-eighth of
an inch the saw should be used to remove all but a thirty-second of
an inch before beginning to plane. Watch the lines. If you are
uncertain as to their accuracy, test this end as you did the first one.
33. End Planing with the Shooting Board.—Fig. 67 illustrates a
way in which the ends
of narrow pieces may be easily squared. The plane is pressed to the
shooting board with the right hand. The left hand holds the piece
against the stop and to the plane.

Fig. 67.
 The face edge of the piece should be held against the stop; the
wood must not be allowed to project beyond the stop. If it does, the
corners, being unsupported, will be broken away as in free planing
when the cutting edge is accidentally shoved entirely across the
piece.

Fig. 68.

The bench hook makes an admirable shooting board. Fig. 68.

34. Rules for Planing to Dimensions.
1. True and smooth a broad surface; put on a face mark. This
becomes the face side.
2. Joint (straighten and square) one edge from the face side; put
on a face mark. This becomes the face edge.
 3. Gage to required width from the face edge, and joint to the gage
line.
4. Gage to required thickness on both edges from the face side;
plane to the gage lines.
5. Square one end from the face side and face edge.
6. Lay off with knife and square the required length from the
squared end; saw to the knife line.

Fig. 69. Fig. 70.

 Fig. 71.

35. Planing a Chamfer.—Fig. 69 illustrates a good way to lay out

a chamfer. A notch in the back end of the
gage-stick holds the pencil in position. Holding pencil in this way
draw lines on face and edge indicating width of the chamfer. Fig. 70
illustrates the manner of block planing a chamfer, the piece being
held on the benchhook. Where the piece can be placed in the vise,
Fig. 71 illustrates the method of planing a chamfer with one of the
larger planes. First, plane the chamfers which are parallel to the
grain; then the ends. If the plane-iron is sharp and set shallow, it can
be run entirely across without danger of splitting the corners.
 Fig. 72.

Hold the plane parallel to the edge in planing with the grain. Swing
it to an angle of about forty-five degrees in end chamfering, but move
it parallel with the edge, and not with the length of the plane.
The eye will detect inaccuracies in planing. If further test is
desired, Fig. 72 illustrates one.
 CHAPTER IV.
Boring Tools—Boring.

36. Brace or Bitstock.—Fig. 73 illustrates a common form of

brace. This tool is used for holding the
various kinds of bits which are used in boring, reaming, etc.
The ratchet brace consists of essentially the same parts but in
addition has an attachment which permits of the crank’s acting in
one direction or the other only. It is a necessity where the crank
cannot make an entire revolution, and is very convenient for boring
in hard wood, or for turning large screws.

Fig. 73. Fig. 74.

 To insert a bit, hold the brace firmly with the left hand, revolve the
crank until the jaws are opened far enough to allow the bit tang to
pass entirely within so that the ends of the jaws shall grip the round
part—the shank of the bit. Still firmly holding the brace, revolve the
crank in the opposite direction until the bit is firmly held. Fig. 74.
37. Center Bit.—The old fashioned center bit, Fig. 75, is still used
by carpenters for certain kinds of work. It has, for
the most part, given way to the more modern auger bit.

Fig. 75.

38. The Auger Bit.—The auger bit, Fig. 76, is used for all ordinary
boring in wood. The action of an auger bit is
readily understood by referring to Fig. 76. The spur draws the bit into
the wood. The two nibs cut the fibers, after which the lips remove the
waste, later to be passed along the twist to the surface.

Fig. 76.

Auger bits are usually supplied in sets of thirteen, in sizes varying

from one-fourth of an inch to one inch, by sixteenths.
The size of hole that an auger bit will bore can be told by looking
at the number on the tang or shank. If a single number, it is the
numerator of a fraction whose denominator is sixteen, the fraction
referring to the diameter of the hole which the bit will bore.