“What dreadful hot weather we have! It keeps me in a continual state of inelegance” ~ Jane Austen, (1775-1817), British novelist

Good morning class and welcome. It's Tuesday, July 28, 2015, and let's just cut to the chase. Here's one I had not heard. "It's hotter than a big black car with no air conditioning filled up with large ladies all wearing turtlenecks." Or, maybe this one. "It's so hot the chickens are laying boiled eggs." This little ditty might require a passing thought or two. "It's hotter than one of those Rolex watches you buy from the fellow on the street corner." Okay. It's hot. Very. But that's what we have come to expect. Right? In the good old summer time and all of that. I continue to be interested in the Facebook postings by those who represent Christmas joy to children of all ages. The photo is of a fellow who has long portrayed St. Nicholas in one of the Christmas markets in Germany. Here's the posting that accompanied the picture: ~ A special message from Christkindlmarkt's long-running St. Nicholas, Charles "Bud" Berge: "I thank everyone for their outpouring of love and support as my journey on this Earth nears its end. I am looking forward to a new beginning. Godspeed and love to all." Signed: Peace, love and joy, - Charles “Bud” Berge – St. Nicholas ~ I showed it to my wife and her response was that she hoped his new beginning would be with Jesus. That's the drive by commentary from my very own resident PK, (preacher's kid).

I'm not sure he was waving hello or goodbye when he made the photo but it did well in reflecting the farewell sentiment expressed. Let me see. Where was I? Yeah. I'm a little surprised that no one wrote me asking me to please clarify my thoughts and feelings about Donald Trump. That's a big joke. You know. Laugh out loud or maybe giggle or maybe just break into a slight grin. If I had abbreviated that for you it would have been: 'That's a big joke. LOLOMGOMJBIASG.' That's why I tend to stay away from those themed abbreviations. I know they have become integrated into the language of the day. My wife says I don't use them because I do next to nothing with texting. I would have to look them all up anyway and I don't see that as a good use of my time. What? You are so right. Don't try to find LOLOMGOMJBIASG. What can I say? I like to personalize my communications. Truth be known I am just poking fun. Feel free to use those little abbreviations, emoticons, or anything else that floats your boat, until the cows come home. LOLOMGOMJBIASG.

Facts are often much more difficult to comprehend than fiction. During the building of the Hoover dam, 112 men lost their lives. The first one to die was J. G. Tierney on December 20, 1922. The last man to die did so 13 years later to the day, December 20, 1935. His name was Patrick Tierney, the son of the first man who died. In 1974 a man in Bermuda was killed when a taxi hit him while he rode his moped. One year later the man's brother was killed when riding the same moped. It was the same taxi and the same passenger was riding that had been in the taxi when the first man was killed. A South African astronomer, Danie du Toit, gave a speech on how life is uncertain and death could come at any time. Upon completion of his speech, he sat down, popped a peppermint into his mouth and promptly choked to death. He was 49. Those are the facts. What could be more certain than that? "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." (John 3:16) When we respond in faith to that truth we will be ready for whatever happens, no matter what! Amen.   .....More later.