"Don't complain about being unable to afford high-quality local food when your grocery cart is full of beer, cigarettes, and People magazine." - (Anonymous).

Hello and welcome. I am back from my short trip to Louisiana and it's always, yes, always, good to be back home again. I did not need John Denver's song to make me aware of this truth. If you don't get that reference, look it up. It is Friday, December 12, 2025, and, I hope today's edition finds you and yours doing well. Our President is touring right now to address the economy and all that his administration has done and is doing to deal with the cost of living. I voted for President Trump. I support many of the things he is doing. When it comes to the affordability issue, I agree with one of his critics who said something along these lines, "No amount of talking is going to convince someone they are better off when they are not seeing it or feeling it." I couldn't agree more. You can search for and find the official Consumer Price Index Summary online and while the increases have moderated compared to the previous administration, the bottom line is this: They are still increasing each month. I am glad he and his team have chosen to zero in on this issue as a top priority. Yes. I do remember he promised that prices would go down day one of his administration. Having just completed our journey to Louisiana and back, I can tell you the price we paid for gasoline meant those particular sellers had not gotten the memo yet about how it should be $2 or less. I do get the message of how bad it was before. Most people do not have to be convinced of that. However, the consumer is the one buying stuff. Duh! And, they will know they are better off when they experience it as they make purchases. I am willing to give the administration time to make progress in this area and I expect they will. I remain hopeful. No matter where you go, people vote based on the amount paid for the amount in the grocery cart. You know. "No thank you, I don't need the cart. I spent $185 but I can carry these two bags out in my hands."  

Well, enough of that because it is somewhat of a downer. For those of us who are Christ followers, we trust Him to take care of us. There is always the dynamic tension between needs and wants. Yes, even for believers. I was in a small group discussion one time when the leader asked if anyone had a specific prayer request for something they were dealing with in their life. In a very surprising move, an older lady, a proven believer, stood up and said she wanted prayer because she had become addicted to buying stuff online. She went on to say it had pretty much nearly cleaned them out financially. Don't get the idea that we who are believers can't get ourselves into a mess of trouble. I should know. Yep. The Bible tells us clearly that believers can fall into behaviors unsuited for their identity as children of God. Take the shepherd boy David for instance. He grew up and was proclaimed by God to be a man after is His own heart. Yet, he fell into sin that ended up in premeditated murder and while he was fully forgiven and restored back to right relationship with God, the horrific impact on him and his family continued long after his failure. Never tell anyone it could never happen to you. At the same time, God will never leave us nor forsake us and we can trust Him and His promises. (Deuteronomy 31:8 and Hebrews 13:5-6) He is always there for us and He desires us to have fellowship with Him. I say often and I say it again today, I am so thankful that He is willing to forgive and restore. Without the truth as given to us in 1 John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.", where would I be? Amen? Amen!

"The future is something which everyone reaches at the rate of sixty minutes an hour, whatever he does, whoever he is." –C.S. Lewis

Hello and welcome to Wednesday, December 10, 2025. We are getting ready to get ready to leave on a field trip over to Louisiana where we will be in studio late this afternoon and at an elementary school tomorrow. We didn't go looking for these venues but they connected to us via word of mouth or in the school situation a distant relative of someone we know. Whatever. We will be gone for a couple of days, hoping to be back home late tomorrow evening. Hoping. The photo above was taken after we returned home from our annual Mims Baptist choir, orchestra, and media team Christmas party. That photo reminded me of one we had taken when we were dating in the early 1960's. Yep. And, you are right. That was a long time ago. (It's funny how younger folks today roll their eyes when you mention anything from way back in the 1900's. Ha!)

We didn't know at the time that red was going to become a very prominent part of our lives. But, that's the way it turned out. I'm pretty sure the only thing I could still wear in that photo would be the socks and shoes. She did, after all, become an excellent cook. She did. And, she still is. I carry the proof in this body of mine.  

I will likely miss a blog or two while we are doing our Santa thing. I would be remiss if I didn't mention how much we thank God for His provision and blessings in this season of our lives. He has been good to us even when we did not reciprocate as we should have. Sadly, for me, I identify more with the fellow in the account where he responded to Jesus, "I believe, help my unbelief." (Gospel of Mark, chapter 9, Verse 24) Y'all take care and remember to thank God for all He has done, is doing, and will do in the future. Yep. That includes for me and for you. You can count on it! Amen.

Here's an interesting Artificial Intelligence Overview: ~"Seeing people saved" refers to witnessing spiritual transformation, often through evangelism and living a Christ-like life, bringing joy to believers as individuals accept faith, a core Christian goal focused on rescuing people from sin and finding eternal life. It involves sharing the Gospel, prayer, showing compassion, and seeing others not just as people, but as "souls" with divine potential, a perspective requiring God's help to see past barriers like prejudice or perceived sinfulness. ~

Well, well, it is after all is said and done, another day, and one where we all have the opportunity to pause and thank God for it, and, for His provisions and blessings. It is Tuesday, December 9, 2025, and, I welcome you to today's visit. Our local fellowship of believers referred to as Mims Baptist, the choir and orchestra performed our annual Christmas musical this past Sunday evening. We had worked on the music for months. The program ended up being right at 2 hours. We had a variety of musical presentations, some great dialogue was shared, and, some of the selected songs made one feel the very presence of God Himself. They did. They really did. At the end of the music, it became quiet. Our Sr. Pastor, Dr. Jerry Chaddick came to the stage and he briefly shared who Jesus is and why He came. He asked people to consider their own life situation in relation to knowing Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. He did. He really did. There was a prayer and then those who prayed to receive Jesus were asked to raise their hands. A number of hands went up in the crowd of nearly 2,000 people. Now, let me put this way. This is what I'm talking about! Lives were changed for time and eternity. And, that my friend is what Bethlehem and Calvary are all about. If you in some way stumble upon this poorly written prose and you feel a need to know more about this Jesus who came to seek and to save sinners, just like me, and, yes, just like you. The truth: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (Gospel of John, Chapter 3, Verse 16)  If you have interest it is the Holy Spirit of God speaking to you. Send me a response and I will do my best to answer or clarify any questions you have. Thanks be to God for His working among us. Amen.

 

I mentioned the other day how that I am feeling better this year about maybe keeping at it in the Santa program. Feeling better does not indicate the full situation in terms of wear and tear. We had a major event to attend coming up this next Saturday and they had some scheduling snafus, therefore, they said they were sorry but they needed to cancel. Did I feel bad towards them? Not in any way. I thanked them and wished them a Merry Christmas. They thought that was so kind, but, in reality, it gives us an entire Saturday to focus on not only recovering some but preparing for our family Christmas. Part of writing these blogs is sharing stuff that happens, yep, even to me. While I continue to feel better this year it does not mean I am free from being tired. Yesterday afternoon I was talking to our eldest son, Chris, on the phone, like I do every day, typically, on his way home from work. I'll cut to the chase. I fell asleep while I was on the phone. It turned out to be real funny because there was this long pause and I'm not sure but I think maybe he said "Hello, are you there?" There was some laughter on the part of those in the same area with me, and, I, like George Washington and the cherry tree, (which is most likely a made up story), mine isn't, I confessed that I could not tell a lie and told him that I had dozed off. He told me to rest up and we ended the call and I went back to sleep. I'm still feeling better this year. I am. I really am. But, I suppose age has its way of voicing its concern. Oh well, I'm mostly awake now and little Miss Biscuit is asleep in my lap. Y'all enjoy the season to its fullest while always knowing personally why those Wise Men fell down and worshiped. Amen? Amen! 

"Christmas is a togethery sort of holiday" said Pooh. "That's my favorite kind", said Piglet, "Togethery and Remembery". ~ A. A. Milne, 'Winnie the Pooh'

Today is welcome back Monday. It's beginning to look a lot like our version of busy for us, how about you? It is December 8, 2025, and, as is often said, time is getting away from us. We are wheels up and flying in our Santa program. To use a favorite word of our current President, we had ourselves a h-u-g-e good time with a major sub division Christmas gathering last Friday evening. On Saturday, we were for the 15th year, in the studio for scheduled Santa photos working with the incomparable Mindy Harmon. On Sunday evening, we were overwhelmed with the privilege and opportunity to sing in the 'I Believe' musical program for our local Church, Mims Baptist in Conroe. I've watched the program on YouTube and here's what I have to say about that. If I were you or anyone else I would run somewhere and find that program and watch it, period. Not because we are in it, but, it weaves together a wonderful thread of the story of our Savior and how He came to rescue us all. Amen. Today we visit with our granddaughter Danielle and her precious family. And, we pray for our granddaughter Amanda Faith who is having surgery today. Whew! Tomorrow morning, Mrs. Claus has her Christmas gathering for her weekly Bible study group. Tomorrow evening we have our choir and orchestra Christmas party. On Wednesday, Lord willing, we travel to Louisiana for some studio work in the evening. On Thursday, we are again at the Merryville, Louisiana High School for Santa photos. (In Louisiana, many of the schools are designated as high schools which includes all grades. We actually do photos with the elementary aged kids.) After the school event we return to Mrs. Claus' sister for some photos with friends and neighbors there. Returning to our home base, we rest up Friday, and prepare for a marathon day on Saturday and the beat goes on, all the way up to Christmas Eve. (About a dozen more events.) Let me pause to say this about our busy schedule, and, let me be very clear: It is only by the grace of God we are able to do what we do, especially at our age. We thank Him every day for the health and well being we enjoy which is necessary to do the Santa work we do. Oh, that's easy to do. I'm channeling our senior pastor, Bro. Jerry, in how he would respond to that, "Go ahead and suit up big boy and then get back to us on how easy it is!" Got it? Good.

 

In spite of our busy times, it's important for everyone to know that we never forget the True Meaning of this holiday where we remember and celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. The older I get it is the more I am stunned by God's plan to rescue lost and dying people, like me, like you, and, like every man, woman, boy, and girl. It's beyond me, but, I am so thankful He had it all mapped out, before the world came into existence. Right?  Here are some Key Scriptures: ~ Ephesians 1:4-6:"according as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself...". ~ John 17:24 (Jesus' Prayer): "Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world". ~ Revelation 13:8 Mentions the Lamb (Jesus) as "slain from the foundation of the world," signifying His atoning work was eternally planned. ~ Proverbs 8:22-31: Personifies Wisdom, saying "The LORD formed me from the beginning, before he created anything else," speaking to Christ's pre-existence and role in creation. I would direct anyone to the Gospel of John Chapter 1 to meditate on the true identity of the child born in Bethlehem so many years ago. I could mention more Scriptures about our Savior that are difficult to fathom or comprehend, but, I do thank God that through faith we can apprehend them and know they are the truth, the whole truth, and, nothing but the truth. Praise God. Amen.

"Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory." — Dr. Seuss

Good morning. Today is Friday, or, as those who end their work week call it, Fantastic Friday. This one shows up here as December 5, 2025. I've not always been the 'real Santa' like I am now. For the seventh year since writing this one back in 2007, I share it again. It goes way, way back. Yep. Back to the 1900's. Yikes. Remember, it was the 1970's and I was still young and inexperienced. It was the worst of times and the best of times, or, as we would say today, it was what it was, or something like that. Enjoy.

 

You have landed on a blog where an Oldie is being played. Hopefully, you will agree that it's also a Goodie.

Good morning and welcome to today's episode. It is a reprint from one I first published in my blog written in December of 2007. It was one that garnered a number of positive comments, therefore, I wanted to share it with you again. It reflects my recollection of a short story I wrote back in the mid-1970s. You will notice that me ever playing Santa again was not even a blip on my radar screen at that time. The short story was entitled: "Confessions of a Miffed Myth!" These are some excerpts as best I remembered them. (The actual typed story is stored in a box, somewhere.) Here it is:
                                                       

I've had quite a few jobs in my lifetime. They have ranged from being physically labor-intensive up to executive management. However, none were quite as interesting as the Christmas season of 1973. During that season I worked in the evenings and on weekends as a department store Santa. Yes, that is the Christmas stamp from 1973, and yes, it did cost 8 cents! I was actually hired by a temporary agency that supplied Santas to a variety of stores. They conducted one mass training session where we were told about the outfits and how to do the makeup, and then we were encouraged to read the poem, “Twas the Night Before Christmas”, by Clement C. Moore, to give us the idea behind the kind of Santa they wanted. I was assigned to a Sears store located in one of the area malls.

The store had set up a Santa Shop area next to their furniture department, and it was decorated with a large chair for Santa, all types of props, and it had a Polaroid camera to make instant photos for those wishing to buy a picture of their child with Santa. There were several of us who played Santa and a number of young ladies who dressed up as elves. These ladies worked the camera and operated the register. The Santa uniform, while uncomfortable and sweaty, was very nice and the beard very realistic. It was quite an ordeal to rush in from my regular job and undergo the transformation from an office worker to the Jolly Old Saint, and I did have to use a pillow for my tummy back in those days. There have been a few times over the years when I wouldn’t have needed one because I could have supplied my own, but that’s another story. Just so you know, I would not have to use one today!

Typically, I would work from 6 p.m. to store closing on the weeknights I was scheduled, and on Saturdays, I could work as many as 12 hours. This job might look like loads of fun but I will tell you from actual experience, it can be very, very difficult. The children, of course, were wonderful. And, you can put up with those that cry, and those who spit up on you, or the occasional accident that soils your suit. But, when you are dealing with THE PARENTS, and especially, THE MOMS, there’s little to no hope for any kind of enjoyment.

I want to mention a word about the music. The Jackson Five came out with a Christmas album in 1970 with many standards recorded in their memorable style. The songs were: 1. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas 2. Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town 3. The Christmas Song 4. Up On The House Top 5. Frosty The Snowman 6. The Little Drummer Boy 7. Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer 8. Christmas Won't Be The Same This Year 9. Give Love On Christmas Day 10. Someday At Christmas 11. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus. But there was only one huge problem: This was the only cassette our Santa Workshop had to play. I challenge anyone to listen to this music evening after evening and for 12 hours on Saturday without going postal! I guess the only thing worse I can think of is if it had been Alvin and the Chipmunks!

People showed up in droves and they were paying $2.50 for a special card with an instant photo of their child with Santa. Okay, we were not a portrait studio. It was a Polaroid camera! Hello? This was something that was obviously lost on many of the mommies who brought their children. They wanted the picture to be perfect which led to retakes, and log jams, and anger on the part of those waiting in line, and stress, and confusion, and chaos. There were times when I thought some of the moms were going to come to blows as they argued about their photos or their position in line. Believe it or not, some showed up to have twenty-five pictures made so they could send them out as Christmas cards. Now I ask you, who would think you might be able to keep a squirming kid posed for even one photo? It’s called insanity!

There were times whenever it got so completely out of hand I had no choice but to announce a timeout for Santa to go and feed his reindeer. (That’s what the sign said when I was on break.) If the children cried which many did, it was Santa’s fault. If the picture was bad, it was Santa’s fault. If the line was too long, it was Santa’s fault, and the list could go on and on and on. The last week before Christmas the store was open until 11 p.m. each night and I often pulled the entire Saturday shift by myself. Yes, we needed the extra money and we even have a photo of our boys taken with me, after we explained how I was only a helper because the real Santa was busy getting all the toys ready for them.

Despite these challenges, there were some moments that still stand out in my mind nearly 35 years later. I think about the little guy who wobbled up to me, trembling, as he brought all his old pacifiers in a bag to show Santa that he was kicking the habit. I remember the sad young ladies who came to take a photo for their boyfriend or husband stationed overseas. Then, there was that look in the eyes of children with disabilities as they had their moment with Santa. One night an entire high school Christmas party crew showed up for photos. Having a football player and his date sit on your lap was not exactly what I had in mind when I signed up for this work. And, THE CHILDREN. Santa is about children. Their innocence and their exuberant joy helped make an otherwise miserable experience one that still causes a warm glow in my heart, and brings a smile to my face. Here’s a final word straight from the old dude himself: "He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, And away they all flew like the down of a thistle. But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight, "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!" Have a great day and may God add His blessings to it. Amen.    ……More later."

"Find a chicken, pick it up, and all day long you will have good cluck." ~ copied

Good morning. Today is Thursday, December 4, 2025, and, I have an answer to share and it is an age old question: These two chickens crossed the road to be with Santa Claus! My dad passed away in January of 1954, therefore, we had to relocate our family, mom and us six kids to a rural area of Louisiana. I have written often about my upbringing, from age seven, in that Mayberry-like environment. That's how I feel when we visit Delight, Arkansas each year. Sorry Abilene, but the folks there in Delight don't treat you mean. Those two girls in the photo well represent that spirit. They are immediately beautiful, but, working with them again it was clear they are beautiful from the inside out. I did not know anything about the chickens. They were a surprise. I typically do not do pets, with rare exceptions, and those chickens were definitely a first for me. They are award winning. The younger girl was a wee bit more serious minded than her sister. She didn't like the Christmas hat on her prize winning chicken. She thought it was both degrading and embarrassing. Their mom told the girls they should hold the chicks like they do when they are presenting them for judging. The younger one immediately responded, "If I do Santa will end up with poop on him." Oh what fun we had. I realize I can be over-the-top when relating some of my Santa experiences, however, while doing this work can be exhausting, dealing with families and especially children like these two girls, well, it gives one a warm feeling all over more than anywhere else. No. I do not intend to add chicken photos to my Santa resume but they did make for an experience I will not soon forget. I came into the 2025 season pretty much thinking it would be my last. Sixteen years is a pretty good run, however, so far I've had a spark of renewal which has made me think I just might keep on going. Might. One last thing, don't you love that photo? I've looked at their entire portfolio from that day and they are some of the best ever. Sometimes I just have to stop and thank God for the privilege of being able to enjoy times like these. Amen. 

I would be remiss in not mentioning the one and only Mrs. Claus. She likes to say most people are there only for Santa photos, but, she is wrong. They love her and want her in the photos. I will continue to testify how she is the secret weapon of our Santa Enterprise. And, thanks so much to all those out there who take the time to read my blogs and many who respond. Thanks so much. The other thing I will mention about our Santa visit to Delight, Arkansas, is the fact that most all the people we work with are Christ followers. That includes our wonderful photographer, her family, and, most, if not all the folks who come to take pictures with us. No. It's not a requirement, but, it just worked out that way. Many of the clients are members of the Church where the photographer's husband is Pastor. (A good man of God.) Why do I mention this? Those who have called on the Lord Jesus Christ and surrendered their lives to Him, well, they have an immediate connection to others who have done the same. That's why we say we are brothers and sisters in Christ. But, they go to different Churches and some of them may not teach exactly the way your Church does. So what? If they are washed in the blood of The Lamb and you are too, that makes you and them family, heirs and joint heirs with Christ. (Romans 8:17) And, when we exercise love one towards another, well, it makes a busy day of photography go a whole lot better. You do know what I mean, right Vern? Y'all have yourselves a remarkable rest of the day and know that God is always there, always. (Psalm 121:4 ~ "Behold, He who keeps Israel Will not slumber and will not sleep.") Amen.

"Christ is the light of the world, destined to shed His beams over the whole earth." ~ Spurgeon

Good morning and welcome. Today's edition is sponsored by Wednesday, December 3, 2025. The photo is from the annual tree lighting celebration at our local called out assembly, Mims Baptist Church, Conroe. We had a great time making photos pretty much non-stop for over two hours. It was a great time of feasting and fellowship and as always, our senior pastor, did a great job in sharing the truth of the Gospel and how Jesus is the Light of the World before the countdown to the tree coming alive. I will divulge the fact that I worked on the above photo itself to add the background and special effects, however, the people in the photo are who they appear to be and I should know since I am one of them. Ha! Here's the tree lighted up for all to see with a beautiful star on top. 

I love The Christmas Story because it is about The Christmas Child, our Lord and His coming into the world to seek and to save those who are lost that come to Him. One of my favorite passages that related to His birth are the verses that reflect the coming of the Magi or wise men who were led supernaturally to His location by a special star. I won't go into a lot of the details but suffice it to say these men did not see Jesus at the manger site. I have made it clear I have never destroyed anyone's display that show them bowing to the infant along with the shepherds and the animals. That's not my calling. At the same time, we should all know their arrival to Bethlehem was some time after His physical birth, some scholars think up to three or more years. I love their first meeting with Jesus as depicted in Matthew's Gospel: 

 "And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold, frankincense, and myrrh." (Matthew 2:11) I'm not altogether sure why this scene has always grabbed me, but, it has something to do with their reaction, 'they fell down'. My guess is they did not necessarily know that's what they were going to do, but, when they saw Him, the realization that embodied in the Child before them was He, none other than God the very God Himself, what else could they do?  I know. That's my imagination, but, something prompted them to fall down. I'll let all the theologians throw rocks at my way of seeing it, but, one thing is clear. They fell down! And, because of Who He is, our Bible tells us that one day,  "...so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (The Apostle Paul writing to the local assembly at Philippi, Greece, (Philippians), in our reference from chapter 2, verses 10 and 11) That passage reflects on the prophetic word from Isaiah 45:3. I know. You didn't tune in for a Bible study today, but, I had that falling down and worshiping on my mind, so, I have now included you in it. I will leave us all to think on these things because the truth is illustrated in a choir song we often use at this time of year, "Jesus, Oh What a Wonderful Child". The old preacher would close in this way: "You can come to Him today, fall down and worship Him or you can refuse now only to bow down and confess Him later, after it's too late to be saved. What will you do? Good question for me, for you, for us all. Amen.