"Being politically correct means always having to say you are sorry." ~ Charles Osgood

Good morning and welcome to the last day of November, the 30th, here in this year of 2017. The only CYBER deal I participated in was purchasing more Community Coffee. I've never seen it at 30% off with free shipping. I didn't need it, but, I went ahead and ordered some anyway. One of the things I found to be hilarious was the recommended conversation starters offered up for when everyone gathered together for the Thanksgiving Day celebration. Based on the subjects, one could tell they were directed towards the less enlightened folks within the family. Ways to bring up the subject of global warming, the need for a more tolerant society, and, helpful hints to help those religious family members to re-think their views on the social issues of the day. Are you kidding me? I'm not saying politics didn't come up at our house, but, I didn't hear any of it if it did. I'm almost 100% certain climate change wasn't discussed. I didn't hear anything about same-sex marriage. What I did hear was a lot of laughing, joking around, talking about old times, and stuff like that. When it came time for the prayer I actually choked up a little as I thought about how much mom and dad enjoyed family gatherings. We miss them and we missed those who couldn't be with us. We had us a great time, but, I suppose it's only fair to thank those who wanted to help us to have something to talk about.

Yesterday morning I drove to work in the proverbial pea soup fog. That always makes for an interesting start to the day. The thought occurred to me that in some instances one drives where they are pretty sure they know as opposed to seeing. I was a tad more nervous about the animal kingdom and making sure we didn't have one of those close encounters of the worst kind. The traffic signals looked about as large as tiny Christmas tree lights. I had missed that forecast so it was somewhat of a surprise, but, thankfully, no problems and maybe only five to ten minutes later than my typical show-up time. I always struggle with what headlight setting works best. I know, supposedly, dims are better because you can see more clearly close to your vehicle. However, my 71-year-old eyes often demand brights. Yeah. I know. Some of those little fog lamps would have really helped. I read where a psychologist had written a short article comparing the moods we experience in life and he thought some of them were like trying to navigate in the fog. There's also the thing said when one can't get the thought to come out, brain fog. I've been known to come down with a case of fogginess from time to time. One analyst tried to find deep meaning in this poem about fog. I guess I was suffering from a foggy head when I read it because I just thought it was a cute little poem, nothing more. Just me. See what you think.

Fog

By Carl Sandburg

Fog comes
on little cat feet.

It sits looking
over harbor and city
on silent haunches
and then moves on.

Peter Sellers as Chance, watching TV cartoons.

I wonder if Mr. Sandburg would have been impressed with a dissertation dissecting his little fog poem. Reading some of that stuff reminded me of that great Peter Sellers movie, "Being There". Sellers played the role of a simpleton gardener named Chance. He had been raised on an estate and educated by watching television. He was forced to vacate the only home he had ever known when the estate owner passed away. Forced to wander the streets, he ends up meeting a businessman who mistakes Chance's broken gibberish and manner of speaking as brilliance. Chance ends up speaking his nonsense to world powers and everyone is astounded by his words. At any rate, I did like the movie, and I do think it, on many levels, reflected on the way our superficial world works. Never saw it? Download it. I'm not sure it's available but downloading sounded like the answer to everything today. Either that or 'we have an app for that'. Oh well, that leaves me to ponder exactly what metaphor of life I'm living. Work on that one and get back to me if anything comes to you. Meanwhile, the certainty can be found in knowing God through His Son Jesus. I am so glad I am clear on that truth. Take care and may God bless each one. Amen.     ....More later.

Paying tribute to those who have been instrumental in my development as Santa Claus.

Today is Wednesday, November 29, 2017, and I am sitting here doing my morning exercises, (mentally only), preparing for our Santa season. I know what some of you are thinking. If I am doing mental exercises, that would be a very short workout. You are so right! That first photo was taken back in 2009. I had purchased the suit and was attempting to grow the beard. I had been a department store Santa for one season at Sears back in the early 1970's but I really didn't have a clear understanding of how I, as Santa Claus, should comport myself. The second photo was taken recently at the studio. The proverbial Before and After. Who have been my teachers during these years of growth and development? I'll give you three guesses and the first two don't count. Those of you who immediately thought, 'the kids', well, that is exactly the answer I give when asked. Kids are remarkable. The other day I was sitting outside the room where they were serving lunch at the holiday market venue we were working. These kids came up. They were with their nanny and wanted a photo. The little boy offered up this jewel. "Santa, everyone tells you what they want but I have a question for you. What would you like for Christmas? He almost caught me off guard, but, I came back with this one. "Perhaps if everyone could be happy, that would be the best gift for Santa." Talk about excited. He jumped up because he now knew what Santa wanted for Christmas and he couldn't wait to share that with his mom and dad. See what I mean? Kids. They help Santa to be .... Santa! Could I benefit from attending one of the many Santa Claus development programs available in different areas of the country? There's no doubt that I could. However, I actually love the teachers who continue to help me to be the best Santa I can be. Yep. They always come up with something fresh and invigorating. I think, for now, I'll stick with them.

I talk a lot about my wife's cooking. Her ability to do what she does did not happen overnight. However, she was committed to learning from her mom, my mom, and the grandmothers in our lives. My point? Last Thursday, as we gathered at our Thanksgiving table, my mom was there, my granny Mac was there, my mother-in-law was also there. You see, my wife has continued their legacies in her preparation and serving. There's a country song that talks about the legends of that style of music. It asks the question, "Who's gonna fill their shoes?" This is what I am talking about. Seeing these memory food feasts disappear might have some appeal to those who say too much is made of family traditions. Sorry. I don't see it that way at all. Remembering. Where we came from. The people who helped to shape our lives. The caring and consideration shown in the details of making a family gathering something special are all worth remembering. And, I'm not knocking those who say they can enjoy the day by going through the drive-thru. I do agree that being together and having a family bond is the most important thing as we count our blessings, together. However, adding to that the precious memories that permeate our time together, well, I'm hoping that spirit will continue as someone steps up to take the baton and continue the journey. This might need to be labeled as an opinion piece, however, most of my stuff fits that category since it is called The View From Here.

One of the first photos I used in my blog, mom and I, 2007.

I am not raining on anyone's parade today. Just sharing. The Gospel music great, Bill Gaither, put up a cartoon the other day on Facebook that pretty much nails many of us. This fellow arrived at the Pearly Gates and St. Peter looked up his name and said, "Well, you had a really great life. Too bad you missed most of it while looking down at your cell phone." Ouch! Yesterday, I talked about how my blogging adventure began. I still go back and read some of them now and then. It's interesting to see what I was writing about at different times. I know. Many of the same things that I write about today. Sorry. It works that way. On May the 8th, 2007, I published my first blog. I ended it with these words that I still believe encapsulates my approach today. "However, I call this blog The View From Here because when it's all said and done, it's the way I see it. You most likely see it differently but that's what blogging is all about. We can speak from our viewpoint, our way of interpreting all the things we have to deal with, and in general, the viewfinder through which we see the world, and especially our world. One final thought in this opening monologue: I know that without God as the foundation of my life through my identity with His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, there would be little hope in all the ups and downs encountered in this journey called life." And, so it goes, on and on, and on. May God bless us all is my prayer. Amen. .....More later.

You must be kidding. I've been at this for that long?

Thanks for hanging in there with me over this long period of time. If I am able to send this one out today, Tuesday, November 28, 2017, one tomorrow, and the next one on Thursday, that will make a total of 2,700 times that I have slung stuff onto the electronic page and flung it out there for all to see. As always, thanks for the feedback. It's nearly always positive. I do occasionally get something from the internet where someone wants to challenge my theological reasoning, but, that's not surprising, given the multitude of different views that exist. Just think, when I started posting my blogs, I was only 60 years old, (I turned 61 about a month later). Now that, my friend, to me, at my age now, does tend to seem like it was in a galaxy far, far, away. I don't even think Uncle Arthur, (aka Arthritis), was such a nuisance back then. I'm pretty sure that Aunt Bursi, (aka Bursitis), was behaving herself at that time. And, cousin Rhemmie, (aka Rheumatism), mostly kept to himself and didn't bother me much at all. Hey, I'm thankful for the journey. Those characters are made up and for the most part, Uncle Arthur is the only one that is actively engaged on a regular basis. He does like to annoy my hips. But, all in all, I think about this journey and come away with a thankful heart, full of gratitude, for all God's blessings, and for those who have made it with me. It has been quite a ride. Sometimes through the Twilight Zone, but, still, quite a ride. Amen.

Someone told me one time, that, after I leave for my real home in heaven, perhaps my children will print all of my blogs and have them bound into a book. Are you kidding? Only if they need to hold down something during a hurricane. On the other hand, they may continue to be out there, somewhere, on that golden information highway, in perpetuity. Or, they may be lost in the twinkling of an eye due to a malfunction of one sort or another. Or, here's one to consider. If they are ever actually looked at by someone in authority, they might be deleted as a public service contribution. I actually have no worries about all of that because, to me, they have been a way of me being able to share, and that sharing has been good, for me. Much of what I write about is looking back and thinking about the days of my youth. I do that often, therefore, it must do something for me to remember those, for lack of a better term, good, old, days. I've always attempted to be up-front when I share my personal relationship with God through the finished work on The Cross by my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. That might have seemed to be in-your-face to some, but, think about it, it's who I am, and what I am about, nothing more than that. It certainly isn't me sitting in some elevated position looking down on others. To me, it's the proverbial beggar who seeks to tell other beggars where he found bread. (Gospel of John, Chapter 6, Verse 35)

I, at times, describe myself as a storyteller. Most of us are. Mark Twain, recognized as one of America's greatest storytellers, once wrote a short essay advising youth on how to make a life for themselves. Here's the final paragraph from his writing on this subject: "There are many sorts of books; but good ones are the sort for the young to read. remember that. They are a great, an inestimable, and unspeakable means of improvement. Therefore be careful in your selection, my young friends; be very careful; confine yourselves exclusively to Robertson’s Sermons, Baxter’s Saints' Rest, The Innocents Abroad, and works of that kind. But I have said enough. I hope you will treasure up the instructions which I have given you, and make them a guide to your feet and a light to your understanding. Build your character thoughtfully and painstakingly upon these precepts, and by and by, when you have got it built, you will be surprised and gratified to see how nicely and sharply it resembles everybody else’s." If I were to give similar advice to those who read my stuff, it would be to recommend God's Holy Word as the first and last on the subject of life with all of its cares and conundrums. Breathed out by God Himself, it will not only help one to find their way but, it will stand forever and ever. (Isaiah 40:8) Amen. ....More later.

“True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.” ― C.S. Lewis

Dear sweet lady, Lana James, (1941-2017)

Good morning and welcome. It's so good to be able to greet each one on this Monday, November 27, 2017. We had ourselves a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration with family, food, and fellowship, and I hope you were able to enjoy it as well. We are busy folks. My wife did her regular, unbelievable, over-the-top preparation of some of the best traditional dishes ever. She says I say that everytime, but, if it's the truth, well, so be it! Others brought wonderful dishes as well. Friday was a recovery day but it was also a preparation day as we made ourselves ready to participate in the homegoing service on Saturday for a dear lady. Sister Lana James, who was a kind and caring woman of God and it was our privilege to be a part of her service. She had very little family left, therefore, it was Church friends and other close friends who took care of her service. I suppose the Saturday after Thanksgiving is a big day for burials since services had likely been postponed that week. I noticed several of the tent canopies in place when we arrived at the cemetery and several services were in progress. Unless the Lord returns and we are caught up to meet Him in the air, it is a reminder that this is the destiny of us all. What we do with the time God has given to us is a choice that we make. May we all use our time to honor Him and help others like Sister Lana James did. Amen.

We had our regular busy day Sunday. It was my turn to teach and that's always a draining time for me. We had wonderful services in the Sunday morning worship time. We had a gathering Sunday evening to light the Church Christmas tree and to sing carols and to be reminded once again of the Reason for the Season. Long day, but, one where I didn't need to be rocked to sleep Sunday evening when I called bedtime earlier than even my early time. Now we begin to begin thinking about the 16 events coming up in support of the Santa Enterprise. Whew! We turned down a number of requests this year but this will be the busiest year we've ever attempted, therefore, I need to be as prepared as I can be. We kick off this coming Friday, December 1, where we will be doing most of the day in the studio making portraits and finishing with a three-hour stint at a large subdivision Christmas party in the evening for three hours. That subdivision venue is one of our busiest since several hundred kids are typically waiting when we arrive. On Saturday, it's back to the studio for a full day. On Sunday afternoon, we will be doing a Christmas party for a gated community. Are you winded yet? It should be fun!

We do ask everyone to be thinking about and praying for our middle son, Jimmy, as he is scheduled for knee replacement surgery next week. He has struggled with a lot of pain from an old motorcycle injury for several years now, and, this seems to be the best course of action to help him. You hear people say, well, it's always something. And, it is. That, my friend, is the fabric of life. We never know what a day will bring. The good news is, for those who have put their faith and trust in Jesus, well, He knows, He cares, and He will see us through, to the end. We can't count on everything going okay all the time but we can count on Him. Amen! I remember how that Sister Lana used to fuss over her preparations for the feeding of the homeless that our teenagers at Church used to do on Wednesday evenings. She would work hard to separate all the different foods into plastic containers. Me? I thought to myself how most of those folks living under the overpass would likely be very happy just to get the food, even in a glob. Yet, she cared. She cared enough to try and make what she prepared in a special way. For them. She didn't have much recognition here in this life, but, I am convinced that she had plenty when her eyes closed in death and she awoke in the presence of her Lord. Leaving a good testimony is powerful folks. Something I need, you need, we all need to work on. Okay. We are back at it. Have a blessed day and may God provide for all our needs. Amen. ...More later.

"Our Father in Heaven, We give thanks for the pleasure Of gathering together for this occasion. We give thanks for this food Prepared by loving hands. We give thanks for life, The freedom to enjoy it all And all other blessings. As we partake of this food, We pray for health and strength To carry on and try to live as You would have us. This we ask in the name of Christ, Our Heavenly Father." – Harry Jewell

Amen!

Thanksgiving Memory

We want to wish our Stefani a Happy 24th Birthday today! Stef is the baby of our eldest Chris and wife Sherrie. She is a hard-working young woman. She has a fulltime job while also pursuing her college studies. We do love this girl. Sorry. Grandkids. They are all still girls and boys to us. And, we pray God's continued leading, guiding, and guarding as she makes her way forward. Happy Birthday, Stef, and may God continue to bless. Amen. Our love, MiMi and Poppy.

Today, Wednesday, November 22, 2017, is our last work day for this week as we prepare to celebrate the Thanksgiving Holiday. As I drove in yesterday morning, it hit me. We will not be loading up early Friday morning our fresh leftovers and be driving over to mom's and dad's in Louisiana for a time of sharing Thanksgiving with them. Their tears have all dried up, but, ours remain. Dad typically was always very disciplined in his eating. He had in mind how much he should take in and after that, he was done. Very rarely would he go beyond his rigid determination, but, occasionally, he would. When we first saw him do this it was very surprising. But, if the food was really, really good, and it was a special occasion, he would actually go for seconds. It was amusing to mom when he would do this. This is just one of the many firsts that will become a part of our experience going forward. Without them. I can never be disappointed in the time God granted for them to be with us. But, we do remember, and we do miss them, and we do so even more during these special times. It's the time for the giving of thanks, and we are so very thankful. For them and for their influence on our lives. Amen. .....More later.

Young fellow, "Are you the real Santa?" Me, "What do you think?" Young fellow, "I know you are, but, I wanted to find out if it's okay for me to give my list to one of your helper guys, just in case I don't get to see you again?"

Getting everything set-up for this year's Junior League Holiday Market.

This year's volunteer crew.

It's Tuesday, November 21, 2017, and I am thankful to greet one and all again. Oddly enough, this past weekend was the first time Mrs. Claus and I posed side by side to make professional photos for two days. We've made oodles of photos with the two of us, but, this was a planned photo capture and I couldn't have been more pleased. Maybe I need all the encouragement I can get and having her right there with me was a blessing. Working with the people of the Jr. League is always a wonderful experience. They treat us like celebrities and we so appreciate the respect and kindness they show to us. Many of the Jr. League volunteer ladies' families come and have photos made with us. It really is neat when they tell us we are the only Santa and Mrs. Claus their children know since they have had their photos made from the time they were infants. Some tell us to never retire. Given how tired we both were, I'm not sure we could promise that on an indefinite basis. From the time we would come through the front entrance at the big hotel, we were being celebrated and stopped for selfies. How can we ever say no to a "Please, please, please, just one quick photo!"

We do live in our own interconnected world of family and friends. These folks made a surprise visit to see us on Sunday afternoon. I remember when they were dating. We attended Allen and Kristen's wedding. Kristen's mom and dad, Bro. Ronnie and Sis. Oletha, own the company where I work. Allen and Kristen also work with me. I've watched those children grow up before my very eyes. I asked Bryce if he was ready to sing bass yet. He agreed his voice is changing. Mrs. Claus couldn't believe how much Zoe has grown. The baby, Addison, well, she has really taken to me during the last year. She is a cutie. It's hard to believe how fast they all are growing up. I did get word from my niece over in Louisiana about her grandson, Jaxton. His mom, Jessica, had taken him to a mall or store and there was a Santa there. She asked if he wanted to say hello to the Santa. He did. Jaxton explained to the Santa that he wasn't the real Santa because his Uncle Al is the real Santa. She said the Santa was surprised but thought it was cute. Here's my way of seeing it. He will outgrow this fascination soon enough. Let him enjoy it.

We also had family who came to see us. These are three of our great grands. On the left is Ila. She is the daughter of our Tiffany's fiance, Brandon. She is a special needs child and she seemed to love being with Great Grand MiMi and Poppy Claus. In the middle is our Gabi girl, daughter of Brittany and Ryan. Their little family is getting ready to relocate to Kansas for Ryan's US Army duty station there. Last but never least, our Madi girl. She is growing into such a lovingly spontaneous child, and we always enjoy being with her. I think Mrs. Claus had a hand in getting them to come and I'm so glad she did. It's going to be tough for us and grandparents Chris and Sherrie to say farewell for now to Brittany, Ryan, and Gabi. We do pray God's blessings on them as they make this transition and we thank God for Ryan's service to us all by serving in our nation's military. My wife often points out the eyes of the children when they first spot us. She thinks that to be very special. And, it is. And, yes, we did have some really good criers. No problem, I can deal with the crying. However, the arms flailing and legs kicking, I'll tell you, some of these kids are exceptionally strong. Yes. I know. It does come with the territory. Have a great rest of the day and may God bless us all is my prayer. Amen. ...More later.

"Merry Monday and Happy New Week!" ~ copied

Yes, Virginia, Santa does get tired after he's made photos with hundreds of kids of all ages. I thought about saying something about the child obesity issue, but, I am a purveyor of joy, and that subject might be considered a downer. However, my aching bones might want to express their thoughts on the subject. Perhaps at a later time. Greetings. Yes. I am so very thankful to welcome everyone back to the scene of the sublime, where my keystrokes become words on the page. This particular episode comes to you on this back-to-work Monday, of Thanksgiving Week, November 27, 2017. We are so looking forward to our family gathering this week and I'm sure many are doing the same. We were blessed to have two of my sisters-in-law over last week for a brief visit from Louisiana. My wife's sister, Dorothy, and the widow of our dear Bro. Milton, Glenda, was able to be with us for a couple of days. Dorothy told me that two of her grandkids from college will be bringing friends with them to their Thanksgiving Day feast. One is a local college friend and the other is a student from a foreign country. I know what kind of celebration Dorothy will have in store, therefore, this foreigner is in for a great experience of traditional Americana culture along with the food to go with it. Those kids bringing those kids with them reminds us all that sharing was an essential part of that first Thanksgiving celebration. And, it also reflects the spirit of gratefulness to God for His bountiful provisions. Amen.

I'm not too old or jaded to remember how wonderful the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays were as a kid growing up. It's somewhat hard to explain, but, there was this feeling of anticipation and excitement that made us all anxious for the celebrations to start. Often, we had our far away kin who came in to be at the Thanksgiving feast. Everything we enjoyed was made from scratch. The smells coming out of Granny Mac's and my mom's kitchens was enough to get our taste buds stirred to a frenzy. There were always a nibble or sample here and there that kept us counting the minutes until the prayer was said. We were not wealthy in this world's goods but looking back I couldn't have imagined anyone basking in more extravagance of love, food, and fellowship. Special. It was that and so much more. I can see us all gathered around the table overflowed into the living room and den. Once everyone was settled and quiet, it was time for Paw Paw Mac to speak. He was a man of few words as he would say, "Okay Momma." That was Granny Mac's cue to pray one of her legendary prayers that brought heaven down to enjoy with us our time together. Sure. I'm certain my recollection is tainted by my aged worn nostalgia, but, here's what I have to say about that. If it is, so be it, and, I am so thankful to God that we still have a little of that same feeling as a characteristic of our time when we all gather together. Sentimental old fool? Thank you.

That photo in the previous paragraph was to celebrate mom's 90th birthday. Believe it or not, we had those kinds of huge gatherings often when I was a kid growing up. My Uncle Asa would come in from Florida for a scheduled family reunion. He would find a place in the large area beside the house and clear it for the barbecue. He would stretch hardware cloth on metal posts for the meat he would be cooking. We had fifty halves of chickens, plenty of sausages, and whatever else could be found to cook. Granny Mac would make her famous made-from-scratch barbecue sauce by the gallon. The fire would be burned separately and the fiery coals shoveled under the hardware cloth. Uncle Asa had a piece of maybe a broom handle with some rags all mushed up on the end and tied with wire so that it became the sop he used to baste the meat while it was roasting. (Yep, on an open fire.) The ladies busied themselves preparing all the side dishes. Different teams worked on churning by hand several containers of homemade ice cream. The kids did their part by sitting on top of the ice cream freezers. We also had ice cold watermelons bobbing around with blocks of ice in number three washtubs. I remember at times there would be outside guests. One, in particular, said he had never seen anything like what he witnessed at our gathering. He said he had never seen people eat like that. Yep. That's how we did it. He also said he had never enjoyed anything more. Me too. As a preteen, I could eat maybe 3 or 4 of those small halves of chicken. I did see one meme saying that this upcoming Thursday would not be a good day for their pants. I understand completely. Enjoy your memories. They are a blessing from God. Amen. ....More later.

“Entering the house of God to dwell with God, beholding, glorifying and enjoying him eternally, I suggest, is the story of the Bible, the plot that makes sense of the various acts, persons and places of its pages, the deepest context for its doctrines.” ― L. Michael Morales, Who Shall Ascend the Mountain of the Lord?: A Biblical Theology of the Book of Leviticus

Good Friday morning to one and all. It's a great day to celebrate all that God has done for us, on this November 17, 2017. I was checking out some other blogs the other day and I discovered something. I guess because I started out with the title 'The View From My Pew' and early on changed it to 'The View From Here', well, my blog got categorized with other religious-themed writings. I don't know that it matters since I have no hooks to any other external sources on my blog, but, I thought it was interesting that I am identified in that way. You are right. There is quite a bit of Bible-oriented stuff that shows up here and perhaps some straight up teaching and a little preaching too. I'm okay with that designation, however, I'm not certain that I knew that was how it was perceived. Okay. Since I mentioned this grouping, I will tell you something. We are studying the Book of Leviticus in our Sunday morning Bible class, and, it is exhausting.  Not because of the bad rap the book gets since it does focus on the laws and commandments pertaining to how God desired His people, the nation of Israel, to function in every part of their everyday lives, but rather, to me, the writing is very convicting because it really does set forth the holiness of God and His expectations of His people. Moses becomes the spokesperson as God tells him exactly what to share with His people. One scholar commented how this direct communication from God, if written in red, would be the reddest book in the Bible. I mention it because it does profoundly set forth God's Holy Person contrasted with our fallen and helpless condition. This causes me to tremble in appreciation for how Jesus the Christ fulfilled every righteous requirement and gave Himself up as the perfect sacrifice on behalf of us all. Amazing Grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me! Amen.

I recently saw the British tabloids going crazy over the study that reported people there, over 65, were taking, on average, 5 pills per day. They called themselves a pill-popping nation. I didn't know how to feel about that article. I take thirteen every day, but, as they say, it is what it is. Most of my pills relate to my diabetes and its derivatives, blood pressure, and cholesterol; my arthritis, and a couple of other age-related ditties. I think 6 of mine are over the counter. I never took anything other than over the counter pills for minor arthritis up and until my diabetes diagnosis over ten years ago. (September 2007) Like I say, I don't know whether to feel like a pill popper or not. I guess if the moniker fits, then I have to own up to it. The doctor and I often talk about reducing some of them, however, my simple approach says if it is more or less working, emphasis on the more or less, don't rock the boat. One of the older fellows who used to work with me here came by the other day for a visit. He is 81 years young. He told me his doctor had taken him off his diabetes medications and said his numbers, at his age, could float quite a bit higher. I don't know if that gives me something to look forward to or not. I suppose the tabloids would call me a pill popper on steroids. (pun intended)

Never doubt me, I do know what I'm talking about!

This has been a relentlessly busy week for me where I've been chasing this, that, and the other, but, I do believe I am making some progress. Making some headway, by the way, is very crucial to staying with it. Having so much on your plate, as they say, is an indication of something. I'll have to get back to you on that one because the answer escapes me at the moment. In fact, escape, at times seems to be at least an option. You do know I am mostly kidding. Mostly. If the Lord provides, by the next time I show up here at the ole blogger ranch, I will have spent 10-12 hours in The Seat. The Santa Seat. I can never predict exactly how that all will go. I've written a little song to illustrate what I'm talking about. You might recognize it from a few years ago. "Que Sera Sera, whatever will be will be, the future's not mine to see, Que Sera Sera. Will there be screamers, will there be dreamers? Will parents be happy or will I be sad? We'll just have to wait and see. Que Sera Sera, whatever will be will be, the future's not mine to see, Que Sera Sera ." Well, that's a start. I think you get my drift on that one. (The original 1956 song was first introduced in the Hitchcock movie, 'The Man Who Knew Too Much', where it was sung by the lovely Doris Day.) I do hope you have a most wonderful Saturday and Lord's Day Sunday. Until we meet again, may God bless us, one and all! Amen. ....More later.

"I don't care who you are, how much money you make -- if you don't respect our country, then you shouldn't be in this country playing football. Go to another country and play football." ~ Mike Ditka, legendary NFL coach and player

Good morning everyone. No doctor today. Late yesterday afternoon the clinic called and said there had been a last minute schedule change. Really? The result was my doctor would not be in today or tomorrow. Really? My only hope is this change was not prompted by him seeing my name on the patient list. Oh well, here we go again in pursuit of the circle of life, or, in my way of operating, it's called running in circles, on this Thursday, November 16, 2017. The mainstream news media have come to the defense of GQ Magazine's naming the NFL former starting quarterback and national anthem protestor, Colin Kaepernick, as their cover, designating him as Citizen of the Year. While they fawn and applaud over this selection, most God-fearing folks who love their country, well, they, including me, are appalled. If you read some of his comments about our country in general and other hateful comments he has made regarding our police and institutions, while at the same time he has defended ruthless dictators like Fidel Castro, well, that just doesn't sound like someone who would be singled out for a citizenship award. They are trying to turn him and his actions into something akin to the civil rights struggle. And, by the way, when is the last time anyone knew that GQ Magazine was still being published? That, my friend, may have a lot to do with it. I've never said he and others do not have a right to pursue their grievances. I believe the way to do that is certainly not to disrespect our nation, our flag, and especially those who have served and paid the ultimate price for our freedoms. They say they are not doing that. Many who buy tickets and attend games interpret their actions negatively. They no longer attend. Many who watch games on TV interpret their actions negatively. They no longer watch. The protestors using our anthem to express their views along with the news media call people who no longer attend or watch, racists. I am one of those who quit watching early on but I don't think I am racist, but, that's the world we live in today.

I'll even go one better. I'll accept the protestor's explanations for what they really wanted to communicate in getting their message across. I still disagree with their method. Period. It really is hard for most folks to identify with millionaires who claim themselves to be no different than slaves on a plantation. Mr. Kaepernick has recently filed a lawsuit against the owners of the NFL teams. He claims they have cooperated or colluded together to keep him from getting a job in the NFL as a quarterback. I actually don't know if they did do such a thing, would that be wrong? They have a business and they are attempting to protect the image of their business. His claim is that he is better than other quarterbacks who are being signed. I've been much better than folks who got promoted at different times in my working life. It happens all the time. I didn't know that could be the basis of a lawsuit. He does have lots of support, including those in other sports. Recently, there was pressure applied to the Houston franchise to sign him since their quarterback went down with an injury. For days, the headlines read like threats against this business entity. Really? They can hire or not hire whoever they decide would be best for their team. I can't remember a situation where media and activist groups were making such outlandish demands. Some pretty crazy stuff if you ask me. I didn't say we can't let the inmates run the prison, but, I certainly understood the metaphor from the get-go. Obviously, a whole lot of others missed it entirely, but, that's the world we live in today.

I do know there are many who read my blogs that have no interest whatsoever in this subject. I get that. However, it was this recent GQ cover that got it all going again in my mind and that's what typically percolates onto the electronic page. Maybe tomorrow. Tomorrow! Tomorrow! I love ya tomorrow! I could sing it for you but I think it wise to just read it and hope for the best. I mentioned the other day how that as I have become the senior statesman here on our property, I find myself dispensing more of my thoughts, opinions, and wise advice. There are two other fellows that share this office with me. They are often the recipients of my discourses. I was talking to my brother Victor the other day about it and the thought occurred to me that I knew exactly how the participants feel on the TV show, 'The Voice'. I said that because often when I begin to pontificate, I too get to experience chairs turning. Unfortunately, they are turning away from me, but, the effect is still the same. And, just so you know, that usually does not interfere with the finishing of my speech. You are not surprised? Good. Enjoy the rest of your day and based on what I've shared, you probably think it's too late to not let the inmates run the asylum. At least, as it pertains to my world. Until next time, may God richly bless us all. Amen. ....More later.

“Giving up on a purposeful journey of life is as deadly as death! When you pursue with tenacity, and strive through the adversities and the vicissitudes of life with a mind of fortitude and get to the end of the journey, you shall surely see life. Awake! Arise and go! Never ever give up!!!” ― Ernest Agyemang Yeboah, Ghanaian writer and a teacher.

You never know what you might see on any given day. This is what I had swirling around agitating those gray cells this morning, on this Wednesday, November 15, 2017. Yesterday, I came into work at my regular time. My last turn onto the dark country road is at a four-way stop. I saw the other car already stopped. That car had the right away but they were not budging. I signaled and turned and lo and behold I saw an older lady at the wheel. She had the lighted mirror down and was putting on her makeup. I've seen that being done as ladies are driving down the freeway. But, there she was, at a four-way stop, working on her face. I know that Solomon, in the inspired text of Ecclesiastes said there's nothing new under the sun. (He certainly got that right when it comes to recycled stuff in movies and television.) However, that was a first for me. She appeared to be oblivious. She didn't even glance at me. She was working on her eyebrows. My guess is that she will be okay until one of those hillbilly rednecks runs up behind her in one of those jacked up trucks, slams on their brakes, and hits their fog horn. That lipstick will probably leave a mark. I suppose Dr. Seuss got it right when a part of one of his poems had this phrase, "Oh the sights you'll see."

You may have thought I exaggerated my story about the dangers of driving in and around where the deer and the antelope roam. Yesterday, someone posted on Facebook a photo of a huge buck all the way through the driver side windshield drooped over the steering wheel. The photo was directed to a specific individual in order to reinforce the warning to be careful out there. I just wanted everyone to know that while I do write a lot of anecdotal stuff, but, some of what I share does reflect the reality of things that can happen as we go along our way. When I mentioned the other day about people asking after my health, which my wife reminded me that she is now not the only one, well, it reminded me of something that happened many years ago. I was doing a consulting project for a large enterprise and the people there were very skittish regarding exactly what I might find and write about. The information technology director was particularly worried. He had reason to be. Yet, one of his tired old tricks was to ask about my health everytime he saw me. Out in the elevator lobby, "Hey, good to see you, are you sure you are okay?" In the hall, "Man, I think maybe you should get a check-up." He was trying to plant a seed and maybe get me off my game. Long story but it ended this way, he was demoted and shipped off to a remote location. And, while I hate to see anyone impacted negatively, in his case he had well earned what happened to him. That was back in the mid-1990's. I don't know where he is today but I am glad to say that I am here and able to write about it. Thanks to everyone for their concerns. I can hear Paw Paw Mac's assessment of the situation, "Son, you'll feel much better when it quits hurting."

Lest anyone get the wrong idea, I am far from having any ideas of invincibility on the part of this well-worn body doing business in this fallen world. Going to the doctor today is quite different than it was when I was growing up as a kid. We had only one doctor in our little town. He had been the doctor there for as long as most people could remember. He had no computer equipment, medical test equipment, or any other of the modern tools available. He would listen to your chest. He would look in your mouth. He would ask questions. When I go in tomorrow the nurse will come in and ask me to sit on that little table in the examination room. She will then log into the clinic's computer system. She will call up my records. She will verify the information to make sure it really is me. She then weighs me and takes my vitals and records the information into the computer. She then leaves and tells me the doctor will be in shortly. He comes in, we shake hands, and then he sits down and logs into the computer. He covers some of the same information but begins to ask about any changes and how I am doing with the current treatment regimen. He goes over the medications. We talk. Maybe a couple of minutes. He then listens to my heart and checks out any other complaints I might have. We then go back to the computer and he updates everything. We stand up, shake hands again, and the visit is over, 10-15 minutes max. The good news? It all seems to work. The old town doctor typically helped me get over whatever I was ailing from and the new 21st-century doctor has pretty much done the same. My bottom line, I am blessed. And, I do thank God for all that He has provided to us to help in every facet of life. Amen and Amen. ......More later.

Happy 17th Birthday to our Lexie!

Happy Happy 17th Birthday to our granddaughter, Lexie! This young woman is a gifted athlete, scholar, and well-rounded person. We so look forward to all that God has in store for her. Have a great birthday and know that we love you dearly. MiMi and Poppy

Good Tuesday morning. May God bless us all on this November 14, 2017. The hits just keep on coming. Yesterday morning I brought to work another case of bottled water. That's what I use to make my Community Coffee. When I dragged it out of the floorboard of my truck I must have clipped one bottle. Yep. It drenched my jeans on the right side. I keep my life-extending drugs in my right side pocket. By the time I got to my pills, my blood pressure pill had become completely dissolved. I salvaged the rest of my pills but what I really wanted to do was to go and hide somewhere. I couldn't complain to anyone because, as far as I can tell, I was the only one responsible for the leaking bottle. Last week my watch got messed up and I thought I had come in on the wrong day. I took one of our technicians out to a customer site to work on a building we had fabricated. It was in an obscure location. He put it into his GPS on his cell phone. The voice came on telling us how to get there. I told him, "Wow! You have the same lady on your GPS that I have on mine." It was supposed to be a joke, but, I could tell he felt sorry for me. Then, over the weekend, my health and well being was questioned by more than one person. On Monday, I busted the bottle and melted some of my meds. This, I suppose, is the reality of how things go in this final quarter of the game. Of life. (Do the math, I'm 71.) Or, is this nothing more than a series of mishaps that could happen to anyone, no matter their age? You did what? You remembered me not being able to find my cellphone while I was talking on it? Thanks so much for adding that one to the list. I feel much better now. I hope I don't reach the point of this individual testimony I recently read, "I'm thinking more about running away from home than I did when I was a kid. However, by the time I put my teeth in, round up my glasses, and find my keys, I forget where and why I am going."

I guess the saving grace on the blood pressure pill is that it is a time-release formula. In this situation, it will only be experiencing a 24-hour delay. I do have a follow-up doctor's appointment this coming Thursday. They will be checking to see how my updated diabetic treatment plan is working. This means I will fast until sometime after I see the doctor at 9:15 a.m., and he sends me to the lab to draw blood. Shakespeare was onto something, "To drink or not to drink Community?" Now that, my friend, is the question. While 98% of the medical websites say that fasting includes coffee, there are the outliers, the 2% who say it's okay. When you have a divided opinion like this, it does make it hard to decide which one to go with. Yes. I am aware that 98 to 2 is an overwhelming majority. But, who's to say those in the 2% are not the enlightened ones? See? I'm thinking this through. Just so you know, I typically abstain from coffee until after the blood draw. I'm hoping my A1C is back into a more manageable category because I will be glad to no longer have dreams about that dude dragging his beagle around in that ad about some kind of breakthrough diabetic drug. I kid you not. I have switched off that ad to another channel and landed on the same ad again, and on the third channel too. Big brother? Could be. Could be.

The mating season for Whitetail deer is underway in Texas. This means I have to be up on the wheel as I make my way to work in the wee early hours each morning. I came around the big curve the other morning and was surprised by a bunch of white bellies milling around. I slowed way down and went through them, some on the left side of the road and some of the right side. The bucks during this time of year pay no attention whatsoever to the road signs. That's why the driver better be alert and ready to swerve or stop. I did see a beautiful bright red fox the other morning. He was just loping along as he crossed in front of me. Many mornings are filled with eyes reflected from the bushes in my headlights. They light up. I'm not sure who they belong to. Maybe a raccoon. Maybe a rabbit. Maybe an opossum. Could be one of those huge owls. Or, even a coyote. Maybe something larger. A couple of weeks ago I had to make a trip to Waller, Texas, and I passed that huge ranch filled with exotic animals. I didn't see as many as I have seen before but I did get a look at several zebras, gazelles, and those huge deer-like tall beasts with the super long bowed horns. They are behind a tall green fence. My point? I don't need to go on a safari. I live in one nearly every work day. I'm not planning on wearing a Crocodile Dundee hat or talking with an accent anytime soon, but, when I was a teen some thought, rightly or wrongly, that I had a wild life, but for sure I now only observe wildlife. Take care. Let's make the most of the day that God has given to us as we try to make a positive difference in someone's life. For time and eternity. Amen. .....More later.

"They err who think Santa Claus enters through the chimney. He enters through the heart. All the world is happy when Santa Claus comes." ~ copied

Jesus loves the little children, and we do too!

I thought for a second I was supposed to be nervous because it is the 13th, but, I then realized it's only Monday so I can relax a little on this November 13, 2017. This is countdown week for the wife and I as we prepare for our official kickoff of this season's Santa Enterprise events this coming Saturday and Sunday. We will be doing our thing at the big Junior League Holiday Market. That is always a fun venue because the Junior League folks are so nice and we get to work with a great photography team as well. Mrs. Claus gets to shine in her own area where she can read to the children and they can enjoy cookies and a beverage. We never know if we are really ready but we are prepared to give it a shot, one more time. I've already done a couple of stints in the professional photography studio and we have two more days of that scheduled for early December. We also have another dozen on our calendar with several more in the works. One freebie in the talking stage is a fundraiser event where they are predicting 300 kids. If I can arrange to be off to do that one I need to remember to take extra of the extra strength time release arthritis Tylenol because it will be needed. Trust me. I know what I am talking about. These bones. They do some singing from time to time and it can be a woeful tune. I wanted to write extra extra strength Tylenol but that grammar application tends to get all huffy whenever I put two exact words next to each other in a sentence. I don't know why but I like it when words are back to back like that. He doesn't. Not at all. He can be very picky at times and keeps on flagging it even after I told him to stop. What part of 'ignore' does he not understand? See what I have to put up with?

Shout out to my brother Victor Chavez who attained the ripe age of three score and five yesterday. We were privileged to be a part of a surprise birthday celebration for him this past Saturday evening. I thank God for him, his family, and for the nearly 40 years we've lived as a close family. May God continue to bless is my prayer. Amen.

I can be pretty dense at times. Last Friday when I was sitting in this same spot finishing up my daily dishing out of electronic keystrokes regarding this, that, and the other, I looked down at my watch and it had the wrong date on it. I don't really know that much about this watch. It is a really nice watch. It was given to me as a gift by my eldest. I get a lot of compliments on it except for that Homeland Security guy at the airport. After the sensor beeped, he looked at the watch. He looked at me. And, without saying anything he grumpily insinuated through his stare how that anyone with a lick of sense would have known to have taken it off. At any rate, sometimes the little pin thingie that is used to set the time along with who knows what else, well, it can become disengaged causing the time to stop or be off. But the date, that's a different animal. We came off of October. It had 31 days and everything was clipping along really good. When I saw the date last Friday on my watch was November 11, what do you think I did? I looked up at the calendar and immediately thought, "Wow! I came in on Saturday thinking it was Friday." How do I make it when I have such an idiot running my thinking system? Yes. I did figure it out. The watch somehow got messed up. The date was actually the 10th. There is a way to set the calendar on the watch. I've not been able to figure it out yet. I do know that I can take 10 minutes and run it forward but I think I will choose to phone a friend instead. Came to work on Saturday? What will I come up with next?

Stay tuned my friend and stay thirsty, thirsty for tidbits that will encourage you not to be the fellow who writes this stuff. At this point and time, I think I'm trapped and must finish the dance with the one who brought me. At least I can laugh about it. When I do laugh about it I will let you know. Meanwhile, we continue the journey. As it relates to the watch situation, I Googled it, found the manual, and followed the instructions, (more or less), fixed the date. Now I have a previously unused 'phone a friend' that I can save for another day. See how easy that was? I didn't stay up until one second past midnight to see if I had it right for a.m. versus p.m., but I did bookmark the online manual for future reference. This once again proves that even a stopped watch is accurate at least twice a day. Don't ask me to explain that one, but, I do think it to be accurate. I do hope you have your date and time correctly adjudicated for this Monday and that we all will find ourselves thanking God for another day, and for the opportunity we have to laugh, even if it is at ourselves. Have a good one. Amen. ....More later.

"Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving." ~ Albert Einstein

It's really good to make this announcement today: It is FRIDAY! This one identifies itself as November 10, 2017. I'm not typically one of those TGIF people but I've had a lot of field projects this week and I'm looking forward to wrapping things up and bidding farewell to this work week. I've just completed my 11th year of showing up here at my home away from home. God has been good to have provided this place of business for me to work during this good long run. I may have slowed down a step or two but my commitment to this enterprise and those who own it remains as strong as ever. I have a few folks who like to needle me about why I don't retire. I tell them I am retired. From the big company and from the social security program. I still have that get up and go gumption that brings me here early each morning to get things up and going. This work, my labor on behalf of the Lord, my work as Santa, and all the other varieties of duties as assigned keep me busy. I think the wife and I are the youngest in our Bible study group. I am 71. She is 70. We had 46 in our class last Sunday. Lots of white hair. Lots of wisdom. Lots of visible signs of aging. A few weeks ago I arrived for Bible study in a torrential downpour. After making my way to our classroom, I could see out the window many of these older saints of God battling the elements with their walkers, their canes, and their rain gear. It made me feel very humbled to be a part of this group, and, maybe that's why I still feel blessed to show up here each day. Amen.

With Veterans Day being celebrated tomorrow, I pause to recognize, honor, and celebrate each and every person who has worn the military uniform of our nation. May God bless each of them and their families. Amen. I see where a major organization representing African Americans is calling for the removal of the Star Spangled Banner as our national anthem. I can't speak for anyone else but I do know how I have responded to this entire issue of disrespecting our flag, our nation, and those who have bled and died to allow us the freedoms we enjoy. I have not watched a professional football game since all of this hullabaloo began. I was boycotting before boycotting became cool. I have never doubted the heartfelt concerns that individuals might have for whatever issues they are concerned about. However, as much as their concerns may have merit, I cannot see how protesting the very existence of our country is going to advance their cause. And, in addition to that, to do so during an entertainment event that is bought and paid for by fans, well, that just doesn't make any sense whatsoever to me. I know they have a union and they are threatening all kinds of dire consequences if anybody doesn't toe their line. To me, that makes me even more determined not to watch their shows. Just me. We actually have only two more races to go in this year's NASCAR championship, therefore, after that, I suppose it will either be ice hockey or a John Wayne or Clint Eastwood movie. We do have a vote. Now you know how I have chosen to respond. Each person can decide for themselves. Free tickets? No thank you.

I heard a most interesting report on the BBC radio program coming in early one morning. What happens when the most populous nation, China, (1.4 billion people, India, 1.3 billion), begins to grow a middle class? They have resources they never have had before. Money. Those seeing the potential begin to develop markets within this new found buying capacity. One area has been the selling of fish as in seafood. It is growing by leaps and bounds in China. Within just the past few years, China's increased demand for fishing capacity has brought significant increases in prices, and a huge increase in illegal fishing causing some experts to be concerned about the future availability of these food products. Some areas are already fished out leaving those who typically make their living fishing off their native shore without a source of income. Many offshore areas are not able to be policed to ward off illegal harvesters because the nearby countries have no enforcement capability. Why is this something that might end up impacting us all? People sell a product to the highest bidder. The cost of seafood in the future may become prohibitive as China's demand drives up prices. The fish expert they talked to gave an example of how one purchase of seafood for the Chinese market for immediate sell made up several months of consumption for other entire countries. His advice: Enjoy your seafood while you can afford it. I thought it was interesting. You may not. We are living in some amazing times. Enjoy your Saturday and may Lord's Day Sunday find us all in the place of worship. Amen. ....More later.

From a Maxine Crabby Road cartoon, "I'll turn back my alarm clock when I find where it landed in the yard."

Yesterday. That was the one we had in our grasp. Now we copy and paste all the stuff we didn't get done on that day to this one, Thursday, November 9, 2017. That works really well until the amount being pasted gets rejected because it is too large. Welcome to my world. I am, however, so very thankful to have another shot at it, today. I may have jumped the gun a little when I said I've fully adjusted to the most recent time change. There seems to be a serious issue being sorted out between my internal clock and the fall back one hour we did over the weekend. My internal clock doesn't really like to be messed with. It's been able to hold its own since ditching the alarm clock some 25 or 30 years ago. The evidence of this conflict shows up in my dealing with some onset fatigue and a general lack of perkiness. Maybe perkiness is a little strong here because I'm pretty sure no one has ever accused me of being overly playful, however, I was attempting to picture how my zip has been zapped. Yep. Like a fly hitting one of those Zapper units. Typically, that is not a pleasant experience for the fly. (It does make kind of a neat noise when it does its job and I suppose that's where the name comes from.) But, I'm glad to report there are peace treaty negotiations underway between my internal clock and this invading new time assault. The wife had an opinion. "Maybe you are anemic." I suppose that's because I wasn't really into walking 15 miles in the mall in Florida. Oh well, I am still vertical, whatever that means. I hear that a lot. And, I do know I am blessed and as the old brother friend used to say, "If I kicked, I out to be." Amen.

We thought about taking in a movie while we were away for a few days. There were several movie theaters close to where we were staying. Some of them had a dozen movies showing. We couldn't find even one that we thought we would enjoy seeing. Not even one. We thought about taking in an Everglades swamp buggy ride and we drove to the launching place and it didn't look anything like a good place to engage in a boat ride so we decided to skip it. We thought about taking the fast boat from Fort Lauderdale to the Bahamas to spend the day but they didn't offer that until Friday and we already had plans for that day. We didn't get to do some things we had in mind but we did have a great time, together. We had some wonderful meals. They were so good I made the decision to forego checking my blood sugar. I was on vacation for crying out loud! One particular dish was absolute, melt-in-your-mouth delicious. It was poached salmon served on a bed of rice with artichokes, mushrooms, capers, and smothered with an amazing lemon sauce. If I were to describe that dish to my doctor, I can hear him saying, "Well, that explains a lot." We had several like that and everywhere we went we received excellent service. We both agreed it was one of our best trips. I know what some of you are thinking. When did I ever make a trip before? I'll have you know I've made a handful over these many years. We had intended to get a change of scenery. That we did. And, we are thankful for how it all worked out.

Recently, we've had many instances that demonstrate the vicissitudes of life. One of the ladies shot four times during the Church attack in Sutherland Springs, Texas, had moved there to escape the issues encountered during Hurricane Harvey. A couple who somehow escaped the sniper killings while attending the concert in Las Vegas was killed in an automobile accident last week. Life is so uncertain. This reminded me of a verse from the Old Testament writing by Amos, "As if a man did flee from a lion, and a bear met him; or went into the house and leaned his hand on the wall, and a serpent bit him." (Chapter 5, Verse 19) None of us ever really know exactly how each day will unfold. The half-brother of our Lord, James, writing the earliest letter in the New Testament warned about any presumption regarding what may or may not happen when he was inspired by the Holy Spirit to give us this word, "Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit'; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.  Instead you ought to say, 'If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.' But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil." (James, Chapter 4:13-16) The Bible is the lens through which we can face the truth of dealing with each day. Let us all refer to it as we seek to make sense out of the many incomprehensible occurrences we encounter. That is a good suggestion for us all. Amen. ....More later.

Nehemiah 8:10, "Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength."

Good morning and welcome. Today we will be thanking God for this day, Wednesday, November 8, 2017. Here's a sign of the times. In the little town where I was born over 71 years ago, Many, Louisiana, I read a posted notice stating the Sabine Parish Sheriff's Department is offering a three-hour security seminar for Churches in their area. Given all that's happened in recent years, months, weeks, and days, my guess is they will have plenty of takers. I do have mixed feelings about this, but, I do understand why people of faith would want to take precautionary steps to protect the lives of those who attend their services. I know us older folks are often pigeonholed because of our 'good old days' mentality. However, I do want us to think about one thing here. I remember when the worst of the worst had respect for houses of worship. They would not ever think about crossing that boundary. Today, Churches, meaning the people, facility, and the property within that facility has become fair game. Good old days or not, my point is to say to us all that SOMETHING HAS CHANGED. That change in the attitude of respect for God and country reflects the diminishing of our society. And, I cannot leave out the fact that it is consistent with the inspired Word of the Living God, "But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!" (From the Apostle Paul's second letter of instruction to his ministry helper Timothy. (2 Timothy 3:1-5)

Why do I have mixed feelings? Seeing where people of faith meet become places that require State assisted protection gives me some pause, however, I do not criticize any who feel compelled to take these types of steps. I've seen some local fellowships who seem very proud of just how many of their members show up armed and ready to respond if needed. They promote this as a way of advertising. I'm sorry, but to me, there's just something about that approach that demeans the purpose for why we meet to honor the God we serve. I do know we all feel a responsibility to protect our own families as well as our extended family of brothers and sisters in Christ. Where will all of this lead? I don't know. I don't think it is completely out of the range of future possibilities to envision progress to where we would someday have to have screening at places of worship similar to what we see at airports today. Far fetched? You might think so, but, it would not surprise me how this could happen when we fully experience the Apostle Paul's prophetic picture of the full impact of a godless society. Not gloom and doom folks. God is aware and God cares and if you belong to Him, you, and I, and all who are His own are going to be okay, no matter what. That's not just me talking. We have the Creator God Himself giving us His word on it, "... For He Himself has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'" (Hebrews 13:5)

I want to mention something that has been really encouraging to me over the past several weeks. At our local fellowship, we've had several men who have called upon the name of the Lord in receiving Christ as their Lord and Savior. These guys have families. Let me just say this about that. There can be no greater impact on a family than when 'dad' gets right with God. That sounds sexist? Sorry. Let me try to say it again, for the first time. There can be no greater impact on a family than when 'dad' gets right with God. We as a society may have done everything we can to mitigate God's plan for the family, but, it is God ordained and He still works in families through the leadership of dad in the home. He does. Yes. He does. The Apostle Paul knew that. When that jailer fell down before him and asked what he must do to be saved, Paul pronounced that if he would believe in the Lord Jesus Christ that he and his household would be saved. That is exactly what he said. When Paul baptized the jailer we see the rest of his family being baptized as well. Can dad be saved for his family? Nope. Each one has to respond to the offer of salvation. But, when dad gets right with God, his influence will have a great impact on the rest of his family. Go read all about it. That account is found in Acts, Chapter 16. In our class at our fellowship, I taught the lesson last week. Afterwards, an elderly pastor in the class told me that both of his hearing aids were in the shop. He said that when I first started I was mostly talking kind of low and he couldn't hear so well, but when I began to preach a little he heard me just fine. I guess sometimes I do end up preaching a little. I do hope it is with the best intentions in mind, for the good of us all. Amen.    ....More later.