"Water is the most essential element of life, because without water you can't make coffee." ~ copied

Today is Thursday, March 29, 2018, and I am here to share the warp and woof of my day by day journey here on this terrestrial ball. That warp and woof are terms that have to do with weaving and fabric, therefore, in my usage, it refers to the 'fabric of life'. I found this quote that lays out this concept better than I can explain it, "I pray that I am sufficiently stirred by the rumor of great things to seek the God who created this single thread that I am, and to marvel at a vision magnificent enough to cause this God to weave from this single thread a tapestry most resplendent." (Craig Lounsbrough, Professional Life Coach, and Author) For me, it's more or less doing what I do. Hopefully, with intention and purpose, but I'm pretty sure some days more or less run on auto-pilot. That weaving metaphor reminded me of a little story that I've told before but it is a good reminder of the reality of how things really are. A little boy was sitting on the floor and his mom was doing her embroidery using a hoop. From his perspective, all he could see was the gnarled up threads that seemed to be chaotic and hopeless. He told his mom how confused it looked. She simply turned it over and showed him this beautiful scene and he beamed as he saw the finished product. Sometimes, I find myself looking at life sitting on the floor and all I see are the confused threads. I trust that God is working to make all things beautiful in His time. (Ecclesiastes 3:11) Amen.

I typically listen to Prime Minister Question Time from the British Parliament each Wednesday morning as broadcast by CSPAN. Their tit for tat debates are interesting and they do have application to many of the issues that we face here in our country. Occasionally, they use a word that I am not familiar with. Yesterday, Prime Minister Theresa May was giving an explanation and the party opposite was doing its normal noisy grumbling. She used the word chuntering to describe their behavior. That was a new one for me. So, I looked it up. Here's what I found: "To mutter or grumble incessantly in a meaningless fashion." See? You learn something new every day. When I say they deal with many of the same issues we do, I'm not making that up. Racial divide, taxes, healthcare, education, election-related problems, policing and security, military matters, and challenges to world peace, to name a few. I've said many times in the past that I like their approach. The head of government comes to Parliament and stands to answer directly for actions taken or not taken. It can be raucous at times, but, the people, in approximately one hour or less, do get to hear about the issues that impact them. If you watch the sausage-making that goes on in both our houses of Congress, you will see how the most innocuous of issues may take hours upon hours of ring around the roses dialogue with very little action as a result. I wouldn't want to live in their quasi-socialist system, however, that doesn't mean we can't learn from some of what they do.

I don't know why but I still laugh every time I see this particular cartoon graphic. I've shared it before and will likely share it again. I do listen to older folks and I know this image is consistent with some of what I have heard. Yes. I know that I am one of them, but, I do use technology enough to get a kick out of these types of memes. A study by Pew Research from a few years ago indicated that some 22% of those over 65 actually spend time online. The vast majority do not and many of them have little to no contact with computer technology of any kind. An older person called the helpline because the computer was giving trouble. ~Tech Support: I need you to right click on the open desktop. Customer: Ok. Tech Support: Did you get a pop-up menu. Customer: No. Tech Support: Right click again. Customer: Okay. Tech Support: Now, did you get a pop-up menu? Customer: No. Tech Support: Can you tell me what you have done up to this point? Customer: Sure. You told me to write click so I wrote click. You told me to write click again and I wrote click again, but, nothing happened. ~ One older lady from the senior's center called the printer help desk because she couldn't get the printer to work. The technician asked her if she was running under Windows. She said, "No, my desk is next to the door. But that's a good point because the fellow in a nearby cubicle is sitting under a window and his system seems to be working fine." I've not had those kinds of problems. Yet. However, I have seen the boys looking at each other whenever they are at the house trying to help me with a technology related issue. They don't have to say it because I hear it loud and clear: "You don't have a clue, do you?" But, that's okay, because we do eventually get things going again even if I can't remember what I did to get it all tangled up. You folks do this for me. Do your very best to have yourself a most wonderful rest of today and I'll continue to check and see what might be showing next on the microwave. May God bless. Amen. ....More later.

“Then the crowds who went ahead of him and those who followed shouted: Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” - Matthew 21:9

Good morning and welcome. It's Wednesday, March 28, 2018, and I know that most everyone is aware of the importance of this week as it relates to the truths we proclaim as Christians. It's called passion week because at this time of year we pause to celebrate the death, the burial, and the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We believe this is not only a faith-based belief because it actually happened in history. He came. He lived a perfect life. He went about doing good. He came to give Himself up on behalf of the sins of all people so they can be made right with God. He accomplished this through His death on The Cross, His burial in a borrowed tomb, and His glorious resurrection which we will celebrate on this upcoming Sunday. I'll give you the cliff notes summary from the Apostle Paul's inspired text as found in the 15th Chapter of his first letter to the Corinthians. This was written to address those who were saying there was no resurrection of Jesus and there will be no resurrection of believers. Paul made it clear that if the Resurrection is not true, then those of us who have responded to the Gospel and in faith we have accepted God's offer of salvation, well, if it's not true, then we are to be pitied for we are without hope in this life and in the life to come. BUT, he goes on to affirm what we know to be the truth, CHRIST IS RISEN FROM THE DEAD! Now that, my friend, is our glorious hope that causes us to rejoice. Amen and Amen.

I am looking forward to being off on Friday. It's a company holiday in celebration of Good Friday. That has been the practice of our owner since I've been here. People honoring this day has been around a very long time. Since around AD 100. Here are some thoughts from a variety of individuals. ~ "Exalt the Cross! God has hung the destiny of the race upon it. Other things we may do in the realm of ethics, and on the lines of philanthropic reforms; but our main duty converges into setting that one glorious beacon of salvation, Calvary’s Cross, before the gaze of every immortal soul." Theodore Ledyard Cuyler ~ "It is the resurrection that makes Good Friday good." Ravi Zacharias ~ "He drained the cup of God's wrath bone dry, leaving not a drop for us to drink." Richard Allen Bodey ~ "What is good about Good Friday? Why isn't it called Bad Friday? Because out of the appallingly bad came what was inexpressibly good. And the good trumps the bad, because though the bad was temporary, the good is eternal." Randy Alcorn ~ "Practice mercy and forgiveness throughout as a lesson that symbolizes the love shown through his crucifixion." Unarine Ramaru ~ "The Cross! There, and there only though the deist rave, and the atheist, if Earth bears so base a slave; There and there only, is the power to save." William Cowper ~ Amen.

I understand they are adding a question to the upcoming US Census that asks the individual if they are a citizen of the United States or not. That sounds pretty reasonable to me. It is, after all, a census of the United States. They do have a box to check if you are not. Therefore, each person can be accounted for. Hold on a second. California has already filed a lawsuit against the President asking that question to be removed. Have you ever felt like you went to sleep one night and woke up right in the middle of an episode of the Twilight Zone? One of the young men speaking against guns in the recent march on Washington DC said that making students use clear plastic backpacks was a violation of their constitutional rights. He's the same individual calling for laws to be passed in contravention of the 2nd Amendment which affords constitutional rights to gun owners. Try not to be confused. The liberal viewpoint is that violating some constitutional rights is okay while others should be off limits. Why? Because that's the way they feel. I'm not staking out hard and fast lines here for my own personal views. I'm only giving you my eyewitness and ear hearing of these strange times we are living in. Here is a quote from yesteryear that seems to apply. "Strange times are these, in which we live, forsooth; When young and old are taught in Falsehood's school: – And the man who dares to tell the truth, Is called at once a lunatic and fool." George Francis Train, (1829-1904). See you next time. Until then, may God bless us all. Amen. ....More later.

“Providence is wiser than you, and you may be confident it has suited all things better to your eternal good than you could do had you been left to your own option.” ― John Flavel, (1628-1691) The Mystery of Providence

I just checked the calendar and discovered that it's Tuesday, March 27, 2018. I typically have my act together a little better than I have of late. It's left me feeling like I'm mostly behind before I even get started each day. I think it most likely reflects the proverbial, too many irons in the fire at the same time. Or, as they used to say back home, more than one can say grace over. I know many of you can feel my pain. And, I can't really say I've reached the point of my grandfather's assessment when he was dragging. That being, "I feel like I've been pulled through a rat hole backwards." On my way in this morning I did, however, begin thinking of things that I am thankful for. You know. Like the old song, I began to name them one by one. That really does help to put life into a more positive perspective. That will do it nearly every time. I am blessed. Even when I am trying to take care of all kinds of things, including my job, I am blessed. Even when things don't always go like I want them to, I am blessed. Even when it does seem like I'm not getting anywhere fast, I am blessed. Jonah was dealing with some troubles as he was in the belly of that fish. Here's something he said that encouraged me today, "When my soul fainted within me, I remembered the Lord; And my prayer went up to You, Into Your holy temple." (Jonah Chapter 2, Verse 7) Amen.

I've never been one to hide my head in the sand when it comes to the world we live in each day. However, the ongoing, upside down, undergirded by the relentless craziness emanating from our seat of government on a 24x7 basis is enough to make me reconsider. These days, I get up and wonder 'what next' as the day unfolds. It's obvious that our President has not led a life characterized by moral purity. Most everyone knew that when we ended up with the alternatives that were placed before us. His backstory has become the basis for relentless attacks on any and all who are willing to admit they voted for him. In particular, Christians are being hounded as the secular media attempts to portray Bible believers as endorsing and approving of ungodly behavior. Some Christian organizations and ministries have been lulled into having this as their primary focus instead of presenting and spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. That's sad, folks, but true. And, it looks very much like the way in which our enemy does his work. We, who are believers, were faced with what was placed before us. We could abstain from voting. We could write in a candidate. Or, we could choose between the two set before us. Many of us chose to go with what we believed was the better of the two for the good of our nation. I was not for candidate Trump but I will never ever apologize for not voting for Hillary Clinton. That's my story and so far I'm sticking to it.

First time to ever see or meet my nephew, Alex. 

This past Sunday afternoon, the wife and I had lunch with a person connected to our family that we had never met. No family is typically what it seems. My dad had a wife and daughter before he and my mom met and married. No one knew. That daughter is my half-sister. I talked to her one time for about 30 minutes. That was several years ago. The photo is of her son, my nephew. He and his wife were passing through the Houston area and we were able to have lunch with them and spent some two hours talking about family. He carries our family name as his middle name. He is 54 years young. He has always wondered about his grandfather. That would be my dad who passed away in 1954. We had a wonderful time of fellowship with these folks. Many of you who do read my blogs recognize that some ten or more years ago, my son Rodney and I started attempting to fill in some blanks on our family tree. It led us into a tangled maze, but, this past Sunday, sitting at the Olive Garden Restuarant, it all seemed to have been worth it. It is certainly true that none of us, as embryos, get to choose the family that we become a part of. However, God knows. Period. Regardless of how things unfold, He knows, He cares, and He always is there for those who will hear and respond to His call. I'm so thankful that we do share that truth as a common bond with these, our long lost relatives. May God help you to have a great rest of today and we'll see what breaks out on the radar screen tomorrow. Take care. Amen. ....More later.

"My New Year's resolution was to enjoy more coffee. So far, so good." ~ copied

Good morning and welcome back. It's Monday, March 26, 2018, and I am back in the proverbial saddle again, so to speak, and this broadcast is emanating from 'Ye Ole Blogger Ranch'. Yogi Berra must have been a very funny guy to talk to. I watched a video of someone telling about Yogi telling him how they made those AFLAC commercials where Yogi shared the limelight with The Duck. Yogi told him some of the tricks they used to get the duck to do what they wanted him to do. Yogi then leaned over, and, in a very serious tone, he told him the voice was not really that of the duck talking. One thing for Yogi, he may be gone, but we're still talking about him. I sometimes leave my desk and when I return I notice my coffee has become ice cold. I do enjoy my coffee. Typically, I need it to be black, strong, and hot. I look at the cup. I have a choice to make. I can walk into the break room and heat it up in the microwave. That would require me to leave my desk. I hate to drink it cold, especially when it is beginning to thicken up, however, it is Community, therefore, it's a premium brew, so, I brace myself and drink it down. I like the fact that my hand down, very nice, Keurig, has some type of dementia because it thinks it is an Espresso Machine. Maybe that's what it always wanted to be. It spits out about 1/4 of a cup. Let that sit until it gets cold and believe me when you drink it, it will take the top of your head off. Oh well, I think my sinuses are better now.

I can't remember exactly when I started drinking coffee. I know my grandfather would make a coffee concoction for the great grandkids, called milk-coffee. It would be loaded up with sugar and milk. I don't think he ever provided that treat for us grandkids. He did mellow out when the great grands showed up. I may not have started my coffee consumption until after I married. As far back as I can remember I have always consumed it black, no sugar. I also drink unsweetened tea. I do know that kids parrot their parents. Some might remember that stop smoking TV ad where the dad lays down the cigarette and walks away. The little guy reaches down to pick it up. While my granddad didn't give me coffee, I no doubt was influenced by his way of making it and drinking it. I do remember him sitting at the table at dinner time. We ate a lot of homegrown vegetables. And, he loved his fresh green peppers. He would mix up his peas, fried okra, and cornbread and when he would take a bite he would also bite off a piece of the pepper. We would imitate him doing that same thing with a French fry. We would take in our fork of food and bite off that potato just like he did his peppers. Oh yeah, I do like some pepper sauce on my food and the occasional green pepper. I like the taste, just like my granddad did, however, they usually don't like me so much.

You have to wonder sometimes how our taste for certain items is developed. I like black licorice candy, hot cinnamon candy, and root beer barrel candy. I like the licorice in the hard candy, or jelly beans but never the rubbery stuff. I don't care for peanut butter and especially in cookies or candy. My wife loves peanut butter. She wouldn't even think of eating the black licorice, hot cinnamon, or root beer candies. I have thought that maybe I developed a taste for the black licorice as a kid because I knew the other kids wouldn't eat it. The wife loves chocolate. I like it okay, but, I'm not a chocoholic. I love butterscotch pudding. I like lime flavored almost anything. The wife doesn't like butterscotch or lime. She likes different things. The other day she had some wrapped chocolates in a bowl. I tried one of the popular peanut butter chocolate combos. She asked me about it. I told her I was just reaffirming my inclination not to care that much about it. I wonder how that works. The Popular Science website in an article entitled, 'BRUSSELS SPROUTS: DELICIOUS OR DISGUSTING?' gave this explanation: "People who have a lot of papillae—the bumps on our tongue, most of which house our taste buds—often find flavors overwhelming. They're "supertasters," and as such they add cream to their coffee and order food mild instead of spicy. Subtasters, on the other hand, have low papillae density and prefer their chicken wings "atomic." Individual taste, however, isn't simply about papillae; it also has to do with our buds' ability to detect different molecules. Although our brains can recognize the same five tastes—bitter, sweet, salty, sour and umami (savory)—the suite of chemicals that can trigger those signals varies from one person to the next. Alexander Bachmanov, a geneticist at Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia, says that humans carry a range of 20 to 40 genes dedicated to bitter taste receptors." It added some thoughts about the impact of the evolutionary process along with genetics and national origin. The good news? The wife and I do enjoy a lot of the same things and that usually makes for excellent meals. I've got the disappearing waistline to prove it. Full disclosure requires me to reveal that I wrote this last paragraph under the influence of HotTamales Fierce Cinnamon Flavored Chewy Candies. Just so you know. Take care and may God bless. Amen. .....More later.

“We live and die; Christ died and lived!” ~ John Stott, (1921-2011), Anglican Priest, Evangelical Author

Good Friday to each and every one. Not the GOOD Friday which is coming up next week, but, I do bid each one a hearty welcome on this March 23, 2018. And, just so you know, what took place on that upcoming GOOD Friday and all that happened as a result, well, that's what gives us hope on every Friday, and every other day as well. Now would be a good time for us all to sing together the great Gaither tune, ~ Because He lives, I can face tomorrow Because He lives, all fear is gone Because I know He holds the future And life is worth the living, just because He lives. ~ This song of hope and affirmation is the one requested for Billy Graham's memorial service. How fitting. That song encapsulates the truth that undergirds the living out of our lives, one day at a time, with all that happens, the good, the bad, and the hard to bear. Much has already been said about Resurrection Sunday showing up on April Fool's Day this year. I've already heard ministers making the point how it is appropriate to remind people what God has to say, "The fool has said in his heart, 'there is no God'." (Psalm 14:1) It landing on April 1st is somewhat of a rare occurrence. It is a quirk of attempting to match our Gregorian calendar to the way in which the Jewish calendar marks Passover and how Resurrection Day is determined. The last time it was celebrated on April 1st was in 1956. The next will be in 2029. Then, 2040. The good news is reflected in the truth of our Lord's resurrection, and that, my friend, is no joke at all, and especially, it's no April Fool's joke!

Next Monday we will pause to remember the birth date of my mother-in-law, Mom Rawles. She took her flight to her heavenly home back in 1998. On the anniversary of her birth date, ten years ago, I wrote a tribute in my blog dedicated to her memory. It's worth sharing again.

Today we celebrate the memory of my wife's mom because it is her birthday. She passed on to the other side a number of years ago. What a remarkable woman she was! She was what is called a stay at home mom, a pastor's wife, and a woman who wore her faith like it was her everyday clothing. She loved Gospel music, good preaching, and spending time with her family. She was also a one of a kind human sewing 'machine'. There's not much she couldn't figure out how to make. She was a hand quilter and during her lifetime she made literally hundreds of quilts. She was also a writer. She wrote poetry and we are blessed to have volumes of her work. She loved game shows and always wanted everyone to win something. She had problems sleeping at night so she would listen to cassette tapes of Gospel singing. Her favorites? The dozens of tapes she had of her own children and grandchildren singing songs that thrilled her night after night.

She was plain and mostly in the background most of the time. She was a very simple cook who loved variety in putting meals on the table. You never knew exactly what she might be serving but you always knew there would be lots of different dishes to choose from. She battled serious health issues from her teen years forward but she never complained and always kept on keeping on. God blessed her with 81 years and when she passed away the local newspaper said she had been a homemaker. Wow! That she had been and so much more.

God has been so good to me in giving me such wonderful women in my life. I was close to my father-in-law and my mother-in-law. I was saved under the ministry of my wife's dad. Of course, they raised up the woman I married and they stood by us through thick and thin. I can still vividly recall the very last conversation she and I shared just two days before she was called home. It was a happy time of banter and expression of caring and love. She had a quick wit about her and I pause today to thank God one more time for her many contributions to my life. The good news is that I will see her and all those in my family whose faith secured them a place in God's presence. I don't know if they use quilts in heaven, or do lots of needlework, but I can tell you this if they do she is up there running circles around everyone else.

Oh, how blessed we have been! Thanks be to God! Have a great Saturday and Lord's Day Sunday. Here's what I have in mind. I will do my best to show up, Lord willing, come next Monday, at our regular meeting time. Until then, may God bless us all. Amen. .....More later.

"In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt." ~ Margaret Atwood

It's Thursday, March 22, 2018, and I say hello once again and welcome to my corner of the world wide web. It's quite the quaint place here at the ole blogger ranch. It's a type of recovery center for worn out keystrokes where they come to find a place on the page again. I've taken note how that many who follow my blogs enjoy me talking about my growing up days, the stuff of yesteryear, and those kinds of recollections. I've written before about some of my kinfolks who have been a part of my sojourn here on the planet. When I was a kid, fresh off the boat, so to speak, I recall going out to visit some of my grandfather's people. (I use that metaphor, fresh off the boat since we had moved to a tiny rural town from Port Arthur, Texas after my dad passed away.) We would load up in Paw Paw Mac's pick-up truck and head out to the country. (Might as well have been called the Outback.) We were headed for an area much more country than the small rural town we lived in. After several miles on the worn out blacktop road, we turned onto a red dirt road and made our way through the woods and over rickety bridges and we finally arrived at my grandfather's sister's house. I don't know if I had any idea what culture shock was, but, I do recall that everything there was different because these were people who lived, literally, off the land. Many years later, I understood that even though it was only a little more than 30 minutes away from town, this was as close to Appalachia one could get in that part of Louisiana.

I was maybe 8 at the time. For lack of a better way of saying it, compared to these folks I might as well have been a city slicker from New York City. They were always glad to see my grandpa. It was as if maybe he had made it out of the swamp. The house and fence were in pretty bad shape. Once we got inside my great aunt and the others fawned over me talking about how sad it was for my mom to be left with such a heavy burden to bear. I don't exactly know why, but, even at that age, I sensed that while we might be family, we certainly lived differently than these folks. We had running water. I don't think they did. We had a huge butane tank. They had a wood burning stove. They had electricity but the lights were dim as they had one bulb hanging down on a wire in the middle of each room. We had light fixtures. They were friendly, but, it was hard for me to pick up the dialect they spoke. Looking back, I'm pretty sure this was my first time to visit a foreign land. I remember every time we went, there was a lot of talk about medical problems and how they were waiting to get assistance from the government. I don't know how many families lived in that same house but it was several. I was paired off with some of the kids near my age and that was quite a learning experience for me. They were nice enough to me, even offering me a chew of tobacco and volunteering to roll me a cigarette too. No thanks. I had to pay close attention when they talked and even then I only caught a word now and then. They did seem to be happy with their life there, it being the only one they knew. They showed me around. We walked behind the house down to the creek. They took me through a couple of the nearby fields. They talked about how they helped to plow and plant. This too was part of my heritage.

Needless to say, I had no way of knowing at that time there was a young girl, 6 or 7, some 160 miles away, and she lived on a rural farm similar to my granddad's people's place. However, today, having direct knowledge of that girl's history, I recognize how she and her entire family can look back and be thankful for the faith, love, and family bond they experienced in that rural farm environment. They were poor, but, they often talk fondly of the foundations that were laid as they helped each other to get by, one day at a time. Don't get me wrong. They feel blessed that God's plan brought them out of that world into the one they enjoy today. Yet, they all have always shown a Godly pride in remembering their days down on the farm. For me, I was always glad to get back to our house after having visited our country cousins. When I would return, it made me appreciate the things I took for granted. We didn't have that much, but, compared to those folks living out off the red dirt road, well, we were more or less living like royalty. In my mid-teens, I was blessed to meet up with that same young girl who helped pick cotton as a tiny little kid. Today, after nearly 54 years of being married to that farm girl, I know that her life experiences helped make her into who she is. One thing I do remember from my visits out to our kin in the deep woods. They may have been poor but they always seemed to have coffee on the stove, chewing tobacco, snuff, and the items required to roll up a smoke. Those, I suppose, were deemed to be necessities. Like my Community Coffee. Yeah. I get it. How about you? Thanks for traveling along with me today. Lord willing, I will catch up with you next time. Until then, may God bless us all is my prayer. Amen. .....More later.

“It is spring again. The earth is like a child that knows poems by heart.” ― Rainer Maria Rilke, (1875-1926), Poet and Novelist

It's Wednesday, March 21, 2018, and I bring you greetings on the day after the official beginning of Spring, or at least that's what was written on the wall calendar I follow. I don't know about you but I am soaking up as much of these cooler mornings as I can, because, believe me, there is an expiration date and they will be only a memory before you know it. We do have pollen. The yellow stuff. Everyone is so happy when a shower comes along to wash some of that caked on stuff away. And, many have the sniffles that are either brought on by or aggravated by the pollen. Allergies. I can't remember if we had allergies when I was growing up. I'm not sure we were allowed. At any rate, I'm certain that whatever we encountered, my grandfather's overarching rule applied, "You've got the same shoes to get glad in." Don't take that to mean something negative. It was just how we operated our day to day living.  Paw Paw always gave you encouragement, "Son, I can tell you one thing for sure, it will feel better when it stops hurting." I'm not sure what temperature we had to have in order to pay a visit to our town physician, Dr. Stephens, but I'm pretty sure it had to indicate a real fever. Today, everything is knee-jerk, "Son, you most likely need to get that checked out. You just never know." Me too. I throw that one out almost everytime they tell me one of my grandchildren has some indication of an ailment. That must mean we are so much better off today. Does it? Think about it. I'm not so sure.

I think my folks attempted to be very Bible-oriented in how they handled things. The phrase, "it came to pass" shows up 480 times in our Authorized King James version. That supported their approach to dealing with challenges. It didn't come to stay, it came to pass. And, most of the time it worked. It really did. There were a few exceptions. I came down with pneumonia and had to hospitalized back when I was 12 or 13. I'm sure that happened after I didn't get better over an extended period of time. I also had my appendix out when I was 15. Yep. They couldn't do that one on a house visit, so I was operated on at the hospital. Oh yeah. I almost forgot. I had a huge gash on the top of my head sewed up at the clinic when I was a teen. But, before I went to get the stitches, I had some old-fashioned home remedy applied. We had been swimming and went to the house of some who were with us. It was the closest. I was bleeding profusely. Their dad, Mr. Davis, well, he put my head between his legs, held me down, and poured Iodine directly into the wound. I was ready to speak in many tongues at that moment. However, I well remember what Dr. Frazier said to my mom. "Mam, you don't have to worry about infection. This wound is fried. Literally. Nothing could live in it." I think he thought to pour that Iodine was a good thing. I did learn a valuable lesson from that experience. Don't dive headfirst into a swimming hole that you have never been to before. I didn't say their approach to raising kids made me any brighter. Is that why they call it the school of hard knocks?

That self-inflicted accident happened as a result of peer pressure. We didn't know that was the name back then, but, we had several of us boys racing down the hill to get to the swimming hole first. I won the race but didn't get a prize for finding the stump. I knew I had hit something, but, I didn't know I had opened up my skull. When the girls finally got there, they freaked out when they saw blood instead of water running down my face. Who knew? I know what you are thinking. If I took that hard of a lick on my head that far back, well, you are thinking that might explain a lot. Add to that the Iodine sterilization and the lead pencils and going barefoot and having no seatbelts and drinking water from a dipper, well, all of that together and so much more, it might just explain a lot. It does. It tells the story of my growing up among people who loved me and did the best they knew how to see after my needs. The other day, I caught the tail end of one of those programs where the Christian psychologist was trying to help a man cope with having never heard his dad say that he loved him. The man was a little younger than me. I have no recollection of my grandfather ever saying he loved me. But, I have no recollection growing up, and since, of ever thinking even once that he didn't. It was clear to me that he did. He loved us all. He was devoted to his family. He proved that every day of his life. That's good enough for me, but, thanks, Doctor, for asking. See you next time. Until then, may God bless us all. Amen. ....More later.

“There is no doubt that I have lots of words inside me; but at moments, like rush-hour traffic at the mouth of a tunnel, they jam.” ― John Updike

Hello and welcome to Tuesday, March 20, 2018. Here in our area Spring Break has ended and everyone is now back to doing their best to suppress their road rage inclinations. I saw several postings on back to work Monday where they were saying that traffic was completed jammed. Welcome back. We enjoyed you enjoying your time off. I hope you had a good time. We did. At least, the traffic was much lighter. Now we have the re-training in progress of all of those who forgot how to drive while they were away. It doesn't take many to make a mess. Oh well, this is life in the suburbs, or a facsimile thereof. It's grown up so much I'm not even sure it can be called a suburb anymore. I think it just might be a 'large human settlement' in the making. I used that one from Wiki that gave it as a way to describe the word 'city'. Whatever it is that we are, I can assure you we do not have enough lanes available to avoid gridlock. The catch-up projects are always problematic since they exacerbate the already upside down traffic problems and here's the truth, typically, by the time they finish, it's time to work on the next revision. How do you know this was not a part of the original plans? It's pretty clear when you see them having to dig up and relocate all the underground facilities to accommodate another lane to support traffic flow. I believe there was a master plan at one time but progress, spelled MONEY, typically always trumps any previous plans. Just a traffic user's perspective, coming to you live and in color from the ole blogger ranch. (See the photo above.)

I still see critters on my way into work in the wee hours of the morning. I sometimes do not recognize exactly what critter I am seeing. Yesterday morning I saw some eyes light up and when the animal turned to run away I could see only the outline of a bushy tail. The eyes were large. On that same trip, I saw another one that still has me scratching my head. I came around a curve and an animal was on the side of the road in the grass. My lights barely caught it. It looked silver. But, here's what really got me. Suddenly, it rushed me like it was going after my truck. It seemed to run almost like a dog that chases a vehicle. I have no idea what that was all about. I've heard about those raccoons that go mental and they act very strangely when they do. This didn't seem to be a raccoon, but, what in the world would have possessed it to charge my truck? Most of the time I spot different ones of all sizes and I have some idea what they might be, a skunk, an opossum, maybe a coyote or even the occasional giant owl. But these two left me puzzled. Any animal with a big bushy tail is not something I see very often and when the wild animals start chasing my vehicle, well, I'm not sure if the rest home is that far away for me. Yep. It does keep me focused on the road up ahead and on both sides.

I actually do not want to be on an episode of 'When Animals Attack.' Some days you do wonder if maybe you should have slept in. The same yesterday, I stopped to fuel up my pickup and guess what? They had some kind of computer problem and not one of the pumps was working. I went up to the door and I saw the fellow inside. He was working. The door was locked. I got his attention and he sign languaged me back that everything was down and no one could get gas until it was fixed. He shrugged his shoulders. I shrugged mine. Over 20 pumps and not one of them working. A computer issue. This is the world we live in. I mean, I would be glad for that little TV screen to not be able to show stuff while I'm filling up my vehicle, but, one would think they would have a way to sell gasoline when the system is trying to figure out what to show next. It was irritating, but, if that's the worst thing to happen to me, I suppose I can move on. Yeah. After I left that C-Store, that's when I saw the bushy-tailed figment of my imagination and that ferocious something that tried its version of road rage out on me. I don't think we have Tasmanian Devils in this area. See what I mean? I could have waited until after daylight. Maybe the gas pumps would have been working and all the animals would have been back in their dens with their little feet up on their little ottomans. Maybe. Maybe not. To put an exclamation point on today's visit, when I came out of the house this morning, a huge owl flew out of its nesting tree. I could hear its wings flapping and it let out that blood-curdling scream. Yikes!  Thanks, Mr. or Mrs. Owl for the spilled coffee. Enjoy the rest of your day and may God bless us all is my prayer. Amen. ....More later.

Irish Blessing: "May the most you wish for be the least you get."

Good morning and welcome back to my version of the real world, here on this Monday, March 19, 2018. Most of you probably knew that last Saturday, the 17th, was St. Patrick's Day. The people I heard promoting it mostly talked about filling up on Green Beer. Since we are a melting pot, the Irish people have played an important role in our history. One of the great contributions, from my point of view, has to be Irish music. I've been a big fan of the Irish Tenors since they came on the scene many years ago. Even before that, I enjoyed what I could find of Irish folk music. There's also a very healthy market for Irish country music which has been patterned after, American country music. I did honor the holiday. Last Friday, when I was at my desk, I listened to many of my favorites as performed by the Irish Tenors. They have over 100 out on YouTube, therefore, there's enough variety to suit every taste. I tend to like the sad tunes and believe me, the Irish have plenty of sad ones. Many of those reflect the hardships and challenges they have faced throughout their history. The photo is of the CD cover of what is perhaps my favorite compilation, (19 songs). I may have worn out that CD many years ago but it too is captured and preserved on YouTube. Call it up and give it a listen. I think you will like it. This is an Irish blessing that I had not seen before. You might have to think about it some:

Here’s to your coffin!
May your coffin have six handles of finest silver!
May your coffin be carried by six fair young maids!
And may your coffin be made of finest wood from a 100-year-old tree,
that I’ll go plant tomorrow!

I'm still waiting for them to come up with a day set aside to honor my heritage. My cousin, a granddaughter of my dad's twin brother, submitted her DNA to Ancestry.com to have it analyzed. It came back, 100% European. The highest percentages were Great Britain, 40%, Ireland, 30%, Scandinavia, 14%, Italy/Greece, 9%, Europe West, 6%, and the rest were traces in the 1% range. This means we should be celebrating European Heritage Day, and, it is celebrated in some 50 countries but not in the United States. Too white. I'm not making a racial statement, but, in our current climate, it seems that white people are the bad guys in every category looking for someone to blame. That DNA assessment would be based on my dad's family. The dad's genes typically have the most clout, but, that's not to say that my mom's contribution is without impact. All of that is still part of the ongoing debate, but, science has discovered that while children get more of their mom's DNA, the way it works within each individual typically means that dads prevail in passing on their traits. I haven't seen the same results from my mom's family. We think it to be European there as well, perhaps with Scotland thrown into the mix. If not having your own day is bothersome to you, well, Hungary will celebrate their version of European Heritage Days on September 15-16. Maybe at that time, you could whip up some goulash and enjoy your heritage. Joking. Don't write me. Because I really don't know that much about any of this.

I suppose I could celebrate a little with the Irish, maybe 30% worth. To add further confusion to all of this, the United Nations recently released the listing of happiest countries in the world, in ranked order. These rankings are based on a number of factors. It's easy to see where those countries at war are ranked the lowest. This is followed by those dealing with significant poverty and economic hardships. The United States was ranked 18th this year. That's four places worse than we scored last year. The fellow I heard theorized it had something to do with the political unrest we are experiencing. Simple enough: It's Donald Trump's fault. Here's the interesting part. The happiest nations in the top rankings were dominated by Scandinavia. Finland was number one this year. (Of course, they have a population of only 5.5 million.) I believe the next ones are from that general vicinity as well. This means the happiest nations in the world are overwhelmingly white. So much so, you need sunglasses just to read the report because, you know, so much blonde hair. I'm sure a lawsuit will be filed to contest these findings because they by, definition, must be racist. And, very unfair. Oh well, as a friend of ours used to often say, 'It is what it is'. You can look all of this up and digest it for yourself. And, please try to stay happy while you are doing it. It will help our ranking. May God bless each one. Amen. ....More later.

Happy Birthday to our Kyleigh!

Another day, another birthday! Yep. This is Friday, March 16, 2018, and we are so glad to send birthday greetings to our Kyleigh who lands on number 23 today. We do thank God for this lovely young woman who will soon be graduating from college. One of her favorite things in the whole wide world is Christmas and everything related to Christmas. What's not to love about that? At least, as her Poppy and MiMi, aka Santa and Mrs. Claus, we wholeheartedly agree! We so look forward to all that God has planned for our Kyleigh. May He continue to bless is our prayer. Amen. Our love, MiMi, and Poppy.

You may have noticed that I have struggled some in my efforts to reign in and corral my words this week. They, at times, seem to have a mind of their own. Unruly, uncooperative, and often discombobulated, but, I typically end up letting them speak for themselves. They do have some advantage. They start with the blank page and it is on their side. At times, they tend to try and disguise themselves by changing the letters in their name. Fortunately, I have the Grammarly utility roving around to identify would be impersonators. But, it doesn't catch them all and occasionally one of the traitors ends up on the final electronic page. I know you have seen that from time to time. The other thing they like even better is when they can entice me to use a correctly spelled candidate but it turns out to be the wrong word to begin with. Oh, they just love that one. There are many reference materials available to help guide the construction of well-written sentences. I suppose the one commandment I neglect more than all the rest has to do with making sure every word is necessary. What fun is that? Maybe that's why I have a word rebellion on my hands. They don't like me taking advantage of them in pursuit of being recognized as Mr. Wordy. Then again, it is my blog, and they will have to get used to me channeling Frank Sinatra, "I Did It My Way!"

Please hold back your inquiries about my mental well being, but, I do appreciate the concern. There are some things one must learn to live with. I used that photo mostly because I liked it. I get the message it conveys based on the caption, but, I liked it, with or without some deep meaning. I would never vote for Hillary Clinton. Her view of the world and how things should be done is diametrically opposed to my way of seeing things. However, I really don't see the value of folks putting up photos of her falling on some stairs in India with nasty comments superimposed on them. That to me is not only cruel but, for many who are doing it, in my opinion, they are not doing their testimony as a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ any good at all. Those chiming in with agreement to these mean memes are aiding and abetting in this un-kind endeavor. I do know that in the opinion of the world, all is fair in the political realm. I see lefties posting ugly photos of President Trump golfing with his belly hanging over his belt along with some hateful comments. I think those to be inappropriate as well. As far as political cartoons go that describe policies and leanings, well, they are not so personal and they are a part of how opinions are expressed. That's my take. No room for hate. From any side. And, especially from those of us who are called to have the mind of Christ. (Philippians 2:5) I think I had better stop and go and get my pontificating creds checked. I do hope you have a wonderful Saturday and Lord's Day Sunday. May God bless us all is my prayer. Amen. ....More later.

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." ~ From the Apostle Paul's letter to the Philippians, Chapter 4, Verses 6-7, as rendered in the New King James Version of the Bible.

I don't know about you, but I could get used to a wee bit of heat in the wee hours of the morning while using the A/C on the drive home. There's just something about that combination that appeals to me. It's Thursday, March 15, 2018, and as is my frequent habit I'm talking about the weather. We have been flirting this week with a dip into the high thirties. I think we've maybe got to 41. That is so nice, especially when we think about how we've already been in the mid-80's this year. Okay. Yep. Add my name to the list because everyone does talk about the weather but no one does anything about it. Enough about that, because the cool will all be gone soon. We never know what a day might bring. The front that brought us this cooler air slammed into areas north of us, creating tornadic like winds that took down trees. Some of those trees fell at a campsite in East Texas. One tree fell on a tent and killed the mom. A bus carrying an area high school band on their way to Disneyworld lost control and plunged into a deep ravine. The driver was killed. Many of the students were injured but all of them are expected to recover. Spring Break. A time for enjoyment and leisure. However, life is filled with unexpected happenings and some of them can be tragic. That's why these folks needed the Lord to be with them and that's why you and I need Him as well, every single moment of every single day. I pray for all those impacted. May God be near to them all. Amen.

Yesterday, I received word about the passing of a former work associate's wife. He is really broken up about this situation. They had both lost their first spouses many years ago, but, were totally devoted to each other. Now, he is having to go through this again. She was discovered to have Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer just a few months ago. I worked with him for a number of years before he retired from here at the Company. He and I were always big in kidding each other. This is a sad deal for him. He had been devoted to his first wife and they raised a family. She had been devoted to her first husband and they had raised a family. It's good to know they are believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. They know this life is not the end. Yet, my heart goes out to my old work buddy because I know he is hurting. Jesus felt that first hand at the grave of his friend, Lazarus. Grieving is a natural part of our sojourn. However, we are able to grieve with hope even as the Apostle Paul advised, "Our friends, we want you to know the truth about those who have died, so that you will not be sad, as are those who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will take back with Jesus those who have died believing in him. What we are teaching you now is the Lord's teaching: we who are alive on the day the Lord comes will not go ahead of those who have died. There will be the shout of command, the archangel's voice, the sound of God's trumpet, and the Lord himself will come down from heaven. Those who have died believing in Christ will rise to life first; then we who are living at that time will be gathered up along with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will always be with the Lord." (1st Thessalonians 4:13-17, as rendered in the Good News Translation).

I am doing this, that, and the other in support of closing out mom's and dad's earthly affairs. Based on what I've experienced thus far, I've learned to preface any coordination and communication with my co-executor brother, and others, by using this moniker: Nothing is easy. We knew it would be this way. Others have shared their war stories. The fellow who owns our Company had this to do a few years ago with the passing of his dad. It was supposedly all taken care of and since there wasn't a lot of business and family involved, it was thought to be easy. Nope. It took him two years to get it all taken care of. I think we've done fairly well by that standard since we're still in the first year, however, we still have a ways to go. That too is a part of life here. It makes me want to do a better job for my wife and children in terms of preparing for that coming day. I have that on my to-do list when the smoke clears from the current project at hand. I can hear them now. He was a man filled up with great intentions. Hopefully, I will get my 'round to-its' prioritized where this one gets completed. I don't want to see Paw Paw Mac in heaven and when he asks me what happened and I say, "Well, this is not how I wanted it to go." I well know what he will say, "Well, son, if that's not what you intended, what exactly did you intend?" How many times did I hear that one? Let me quickly add, I will be so glad to hear anything from him again! May God bless each one. Amen. ....More later.

“Facts are like cows. If you look them in the face long enough, they generally run away.” ― Dorothy L. Sayers, (1893-1957), Renowned British Crime Writer

Good morning. It's Wednesday, March 14, 2018, and I bid you a hearty hello and welcome. Since I have more or less appointed myself as a social media observer, critic, and curmudgeon at large, I thought I would flesh out how stuff goes viral without corroborating evidence as to the accuracy of the claims being made. That photo and caption were originally posted by a supposed U.S. veterans conservative organization. Many others grabbed it and ran with it. Now it is appearing all over the social media outlets. It states this information as being fact-based. There is a problem. It may be, but, thus far, fact-checking by different groups has not been able to validate its claim. The best they can conclude is that it is unproven. Why? Those assigned to the White House are selected via a process that is highly secretive. Only a few are ever privileged to serve in this arena. Now I will give you my thoughts about this photo. When I saw it, instead of saying "Look at that, un huh, I would have guessed that to be the case.", I immediately wanted to know if I could find out if it was true or not. I attempted to do that. The best I could come up with is that if it is true, no one has been able to validate it as being factual. However, and this is the big, however, it fits the preconditioned notions of many individuals and groups, therefore, it is appearing all over the place as FACT. It sure looks legit. I mean, 13,506. Just last week. And, zero, applied during the time that President Obama was in office. Not even one African American or Hispanic American wearing the uniform of our nation? This one, by the way, is mild compared to some of the others. Guess what? These types of memes come in all sizes from all viewpoints, far right, far left, and everything in between. I thought it was interesting enough to share. That's how it found its way onto my blog for today.

Part of appreciating where you are is in thinking about where you came from. Using the photos associated with Google Maps, I came up with two of the places we lived as we were making our way forward. The first one is a duplex located in Alexandria, Louisiana. We lived in the left side of that house from 1966 to 1968. It, of course, looked different back then. We ate us a whole lot of beans, rice, and homemade biscuits in that place. It was from that humble abode that I pretty much launched my white collar career. (I use the word career only as an identifier because I've never been a career oriented person, just someone who worked in different jobs at different times.) Our eldest, (Chris, now 52), was a newborn when we moved to Alexandria in the winter of 1965. We lived at first in a garage apartment before moving to the duplex. (The duplex was a little cheaper.) We made our home there. I have fond memories of us living in that place. The next photo is of the first house we purchased after having moved to the Houston area. I took a job with Pennzoil Company in October of 1969. I moved Marilyn and the two boys at that time, Chris and Jimmy, to an apartment complex in Southwest Houston in January of 1970. We bought that brand new 1,200 sq. foot house in 1971, the year our Rodney was born. It was small but we didn't know that it was. We just had to worry about making the $168.00 payments each month. Looking back reminds me of great times and also trying times, however, they help to reinforce the one thing that has been consistent, God and His mercy and grace. For that, and so much more, I am thankful. Amen.

The proverbial old saying does apply. There has been much water that has flowed under lots of bridges during my sojourn here on the planet. Yet, we find ourselves on the threshold of making something of our life, one day at a time, and that particular one day happens to be today. I enjoy remembering the past. In fact, I know some folks who tend to want to live in whatever version of their past that was more agreeable than where they are today. The truth is, we can't go back. We can't change yesterday, but, we can do what we are able to do with the time we have left and while the journey does begin with a first step, today is where progress will be made or not made. Today. I am reminded of that challenge offered to the Israelites by their faithful leader, Joshua. "Now therefore, fear the Lord, serve Him in sincerity and in truth, and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the River and in Egypt. Serve the Lord! And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." (Book of Joshua, Chapter 24, Verses 14-15) I thought about him saying the choice was to be made this day! And, that was true for them and it is also true for you and me today. Lord, help us to choose the way that will honor you. Today. Amen. ....More later.

“I talk to myself, not because I'm lonely, but because sometimes I'm the only one who understands what I'm saying.” ― Anthony T. Hincks, Minister and Naturalist

Welcome, one and all, it's Tuesday, March 13, 2018. I have to admit the truth. Early yesterday morning, I left the door wide open here at my home away from home where I hunt and peck my way to producing these daily episodes, however, the temperature continued to drop, making it into the mid 40's, therefore, I finally threw in the proverbial towel and got up and shut the door. It was very pleasant for the first couple of hours but around 6 a.m. that dewpoint did a number on me and I had to yield to the cold on my neck and back. Yes. I do hate to disappoint anyone, but, I should get some points for trying. Oh yeah. The bugs thought I had moved to an open door policy so many of them decided to come in and visit. Friendly. They must like my writing because they tend to congregate on my computer screen. (Yes, I am aware that it is the light from the screen. Give me some credit.) You can see what I have to deal with each day. There you were, thinking that being me must be a piece of cake. At least I have an excuse. It's a really good one, I'm sure of that. And, as soon as I find out what it is, I will share it with all of us, beginning first with me, myself, and I. Meanwhile, I'll do my best to keep the home fires burning. Metaphorically speaking, of course.

The other evening we stopped by the Dairy Queen with another couple. While I was there, I gave a young African American boy, he was maybe 5 or 6 years old, one of my Santa cards. I had hesitated a little because his mom and dad were dressed in hip-hop attire. He was ecstatic and couldn't get over me standing right there by him. He gave me a whopping high five. His parents were happy for him, even though they appeared to be a little puzzled by his response. He was genuinely happy. Me too! In today's world, some say kids like him should only see a black Santa. Others think we need women Santa's to counter the male-dominated world of Santa-dom. I get exhausted just thinking about idiotic stuff like that. The character is, after all is said and done, based on a real historical person, Saint Nicholas. We might argue about how perverted and commercialized the Coca-Cola interpretation might be, but, here's my take. That little boy was overjoyed. I'm not going to explain it any further than that. Jesus loves the little children of the world, yellow, brown, red, black, or white, they are all precious in His sight, Jesus loves the little children of the world. And, just so you know, so does this Santa!

Most of the people in our area are on Spring Break. Facebook is crammed full of family outings and vacations. Here's a man-on-the-street observation. Judging from how light the traffic has been, folks really are taking "a break". Could it be that within the acrimonious and hate-filled environment that defines our political world today, that maybe, just maybe, the positive things that are being done have given some hope to folks? The tax reform. The improved economic climate. The job market. We should never underestimate the power of a more confident spirit within the citizenry of our nation. When people have a more positive outlook about where we are and where we are headed, they do things like book trips and do more leisure-oriented activities. I don't even qualify for being called a shirt sleeve economist, but, I do know that the traffic was really light yesterday going home. Sure. The schools are out and that accounts for some of it. But, I'm telling you that folks have left the area. When I got home yesterday I told the wife it was almost like The Rapture had occurred and we had been left behind. I do hope my throwdown assessment is accurate because that would be good for families and for our nation. Meanwhile, I'll zip on down the road and enjoy the commute just a tad more. That is, until next week when they all get back. Take care and enjoy. May God bless and keep us all is my prayer. Amen. ....More later.

Happy Birthday to our Celeste Danielle!

I pause today to recognize a very special granddaughter. This is a remarkable young woman. She has had to deal with many obstacles during her sojourn here, but, she is an overcomer! A noted academic scholar and now currently serving the public as a police and emergency dispatcher, we couldn't be more thankful to God for her and the life that He has given to her. A few months ago she was involved in a near-tragic work-related accident while doing a ride along. She had to have multiple surgeries and was in the hospital for an extended period of time. After that came rehabilitation. Again, she put her heart and mind to the task at hand and God provided. It wasn't easy, but, she is now back at her regular schedule. Resolve. Fortitude. And, beauty. Happy Birthday, Celeste Danielle, and may God continue to bless. Our love, MiMi, and Poppy.


Well, well, you did show up after all. Good. Now it's time for us all to get on with all that we have on our plate for today, Monday, March 12, 2018. I will admit that I was as shocked as anyone regarding a potential meeting between the murderous dictator from North Korea and our President. Hopefully, a lot of thought will be put into this meeting before it actually happens. If it does. However, may I go on the record, one more time, to point out the obvious. The seething, scathing response from the liberal left is absolutely pitiful at best, and, totally disingenuous. They are appalled that anyone would even consider having such a meeting. Wait just a cotton picking minute. These are the same people that fawned all over President Obama for his giving away billions to the murderous Iranians. In fact, they heralded him as a world statesman for accomplishing this so-called nuclear agreement. These same people, openly lampooning President Trump for even thinking about this meeting, they are the same ones who fell all over themselves in President Obama's outreach to Cuba, a regime known for its brutal treatment of any and all citizens who fail to fall in line with the dictatorship. I'm doing nothing more than pointing out the blatantly obvious. It's easier to see than the neon emanating from Vegas on a very dark night.  If people can't see this politically motivated flimflam, well, I can't really help them. But, you can decide for yourself. Man, some of this stuff is hard to believe that it could even be read off their teleprompters with a straight face. This is why trust for news media is in the tank. Period. I rest my case. Again.

Yeah. I agree. I sure do a lot of resting my case regarding the stuff I write about in these daily visits. And, as I often do, I add the fact that it happens on all sides, but, this one was so glaring, I felt like I should share it. This is the reality in our world where everything that happens is subject to being politicized and spun. Both sides and everyone in the middle take their shots. I get a little weary hearing people talk about how this situation has always been a part the fabric of our politics. That is likely the case. However, historical instances did not exist in a world where instantaneous communications allow these manipulations to go viral. Social media becomes saturated before a response or correction can even be formulated. Often, the damage is done, in real time, on the fly, and it continues to circulate as truth long after it has been proven to be false. I see this all the time. Certain media folks continue to quote discredited reports to support their findings long after they have been rejected by independent fact-checking sources. By the time someone in a political setting has an opportunity to set the record straight, they are way behind on the new ones that need to be dealt with. Lightning speed. Even a planted rumor can do major damage. That's the world we live in. Sadly, the technology is not the issue, it's the use of it to instantly plant seeds of doubt, real or imagined. Just from my little corner of the world, I see stuff being posted and reposted time and time again that has been proven to be false. Because it agrees with a person's political persuasion, they grab it and send to all their friends, without regard to whether it is true or not. I agree this kind of stuff has always been around, but, today it can be unleashed to take on a life of its own. You do have my permission to read this again when you have trouble going to sleep. It should help.

Okay. I suppose you now know what I have to deal with in trying to manage the little gray cells. They are very difficult to corral on any given day. Have yourself a most wonderful rest of the day, Monday, and I'll see you next time. Lord willing. Until then, may God bless. Amen. ....More later.

"As I look around on Sunday morning at the people populating the pews, I see the risk that God has assumed. For whatever reason, God now reveals himself in the world not through a pillar of smoke and fire, not even through the physical body of his Son in Galilee, but through the mongrel collection that comprises my local church and every other such gathering in God’s name." ~ Philip Yancey, Christian Author

Good morning and welcome to Friday, March 9, 2018, a day that many people will be celebrating around these parts because, for most of our surrounding school districts, it's Spring Break next week, and they have a week of vacation planned. Being with family. That's a great idea because family is God's idea. He originated the family. Dad, mom, brother, sister, it is all God's design. It's no wonder that when He established His local New Testament body of believers, He often referred to the members as family. Here's an excerpt from my blog, dated March 10, 2008, ten years ago, "The family part is the most crucial because that's exactly who we are as a local Church. We are the family of God and brothers and sisters united by our common birth experience through Christ. That is a remarkable benefit that comes with our salvation as we connect ourselves into God's people and identify with His chosen approach to carrying out His plans, that being the local New Testament Church. What a privilege to be a child of God! And, what a privilege to be a member of one of God's local Churches! Some like to think that being a child of God is enough and that is certainly the most important because it does provide for our eternity in heaven. However, God has a plan for every one of His own in this age and that plan includes them becoming a part of a local faith community." I am aware that participating in a local body of believers has been a consistent theme of mine throughout my blogging career. I am not always where I should be at any given time in my walk with the Lord, but, I am certain that doing life His way includes being a part of a local congregation. Amen.

Maybe I'll call that opening a sermonette and be done with it. The cooldown this week has been very nice, however, it can't fool me. It's not winter cold. It's different. It has a temporary feel to it like it's just playing with us. For us, this Saturday, (It's actually not Saturday, therefore, technically, the official change is made at 2 a.m. on Sunday.), is when we all get to do our robotic duty by messing with our clocks in order to adjust for daylight savings. Springtime means spring forward. This means we set our clocks up an hour. I hear people say this adjustment means we lose an hour of sleep. I suppose that could be the case but one can do something about it. We try to change our clocks early in the evening. This gives us the choice to go to bed at our regular time. I hear people say if they do this it means they might miss a favorite TV program. Really? That hardly seems possible with all the recording technology we have today, along with being able to watch almost any program on the internet at a time you choose, or the inevitable reruns that one will likely see, often, more than once. But, it is a choice. I typically try to do my best to keep my internal clock in sync if I can. However, there's no question that it will be complaining about the time change for several days. I could refuse to participate, but, that too has its own set of complications and consequences. Our pastor said it might be good for some of our folks to ignore the change. That way they would end up showing up early and being at the Church in time for Sunday School.

The write up I did about my train riding experiences struck a chord with several people. Or, maybe it was what I said about my dad who left mom and the six of us, at such an early age for him, just 31 years young. I saw a fellow's posting the other day where he was pleading for help in tracking down his ancestors. He had waited until late in his own life to get started on this project, therefore, many of his older relatives have passed on. I know that feeling. All too well. I almost made contact with my dad's twin brother, but, I missed him by two months. I was getting close to finding him, but, he checked out of his temporary dwelling here and made that move into his heavenly home before I got to talk to him. I had so many questions that he could have answered. It was not meant to be. Based on what I learned later from his children, he may not have been willing to answer the questions I had. According to them, he rarely talked about him and my dad, and when he did, he was very guarded in what he revealed. I even consulted with a genealogical professional. She reviewed all that I had done and thought to engage her services would likely be mostly a waste of my money. While I was thankful for her honesty, I certainly was a little letdown. I had several years of working on my mom, but, she was as tight-lipped as a lost home-canned jar of pear preserves where the lid has become welded into the jar itself. I can hear her refrain, "Son, why not leave well enough alone, and let sleeping dogs lie?" Maybe that's why the lonesome whistle of the train still speaks to me. Or, I suppose it could be indigestion. Enjoy your Saturday and Lord's Day Sunday. I will do my best to regroup and try to show up, punch in, and be ready, come next Monday morning. May God bless. Amen. ....More later.

"Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity." ~ Robert J. Hanlon, in his book: 'Murphy's Law book two: More reasons why things go wrong!'

Well, hello there, seems like we talked only yesterday, but, I am glad you tuned in to today's broadcast, on this Thursday, March 8, 2018. I occasionally have someone mention to me something I wrote about in one of my daily editions. I'm not always clued into exactly what they are talking about, especially if it has been a while since I penned those words. I hate to ask anyone to tell me what I wrote, however, I do try to string them along until I get the gist of what they remembered me talking about. There may have been a time when I could have quoted them chapter and verse, but, that part of the indexing system has been playing hard to get for some time now. It's most likely an aging problem. Don't get me wrong, once I find out what I was talking about, I most likely can dissect it again. But, think about it, with today's visit, it will make 2,765 of these daily visits. Even accounting for the number of repetitions and duplications, that's still a fair amount of keystrokes and subjects to keep up with. And, believe me, I do appreciate anyone who takes the time to peruse the hash I sling onto the page each day and also those who ask me about something I shared. After all this time I am still trying to figure out why so many of those who do read my blogs comment about how they hope my wife has a good sense of humor. They never ask about my sense of humor. Very puzzling.

You've heard me lament from time to time about the chain letter types of electronic messages that are flying all over the place these days. Now they have begun to use the private message forum. I actually get them from people I know. Here is one I received this week: "This is for you. I have been praying a lot lately and a prayer warrior sent this to me. So I choose you. A blessing is coming to you in the form of money. Don't ask questions just forward this message to 50 people. The devil said you won't take the time to do this. Prove him wrong.  You will receive $15,900.00 in 1 day if you send this to 50 people. Don't ask just trust." I would never want to hurt the feelings of the individual who sent this to me, however, I can't even begin to say how insulting it is to receive stuff like this. I'm sorry. The person behind this particular one is someone I've known for many years. They are a professing and practicing believer. When I say insulting, I'm mostly thinking about them, their testimony, and what this says about how they view the world we live in. Maybe I tend to overreact, but, I guess I should be thankful the message didn't include a dire warning of what might happen to me if I don't follow the instructions. I don't think these types of communication are illegal. It would be if it asked me to contribute money and promised a guaranteed windfall as a result. The type above falls into the category of being dumb and the last time I checked, that's not against the law.

Maybe there are folks who participate in these types of things because they think them to be funny. I certainly don't see anything funny about them. Maybe I'm pulling back the curtain some on my own sense of humor. I've been around long enough to know that some of you are wondering why I don't say what I really think about it. Oh well. It's easy enough to ignore, but, it's not as easy to not have an opinion about it. The wife and I did take the time to vote in the primary election this past Tuesday evening. We are blessed in that most of the elections we participate in have the voting booths in our neighborhood fire department, therefore, we are able to walk a couple of blocks to vote. I know we always have a better feeling when we do our civic duty. I used to subscribe to that thing we so often heard, "If you don't vote, you give up your right to complain." I no longer see it that way. This is America. If you never vote you might have failed to exercise one of the precious rights we have, however, you can still complain because we are free to do so. I can understand the frustrations of the younger crowd. I've made it clear that our system is eaten up with cronyism. However, the fellow I mentioned the other day that I had voted for last time but found out he was not what he said he was, well, the people spoke. He had the power of the incumbency but lost handily because folks were fed up with his backroom approaches. This tells the younger folks they can make a difference. We all can. Staying home is not the answer. Okay. Enough already. I do hope you have a most wonderful rest of the day. May God bless each one. Amen. ....More later.