Stutter stepping down memory lane.

Hello and welcome. Today. It is Friday, August 31, 2018. This year, as they say, is moving on down the road. At a fast clip, I might add. I do want to send out a thank you to our three sons, Chris, Jimmy, and Rodney. They pooled together to buy me a cooling vest kit for my recent birthday. That's something one wears to help keep their body cool. With the onset of the Santa Enterprises activities, it will be a welcome addition to my wardrobe. I do have a photo shoot on the books that is planned for outdoors in early November. We never know just how warm it might be around these parts at that time of year. Mrs. Claus and I have been talking about me using one of these for many years. I do need to take it for a trial run soon to make sure I know how it works. By default, I tend to be hot natured. Add to that bright photography lights, a long line of children, and there have been times when I felt like I was in meltdown mode. This unit is supposed to maintain an internal temperature in the high 60's Fahrenheit. I think it lasts up to four hours, but, the kit also includes some replacement inserts so I could be covered up to eight hours. Thanks to my boys for this greatly appreciated gift.

For Flashback Friday I want to share from a blog I wrote 11 years ago. I'm almost certain that throughout this writing experiment I've shared more about food than any other subject. We were not wealthy growing up but we always had wonderful family meals. The saying goes: Some eat to live and others live to eat. I do believe our heritage favored the second of those sentiments. At any rate, here it is, from August of 2007: "I grew up eating homegrown vegetables, meats butchered locally, and home cooked meals made from scratch. Some people look back on this type of eating and think it to be poor people’s food or something they are glad they never have to eat again. Obviously, those who see it this way didn’t have the types of food or the cooks we had. My Granny Mac along with my mom were recognized as some of the very best cooks in our area. At our Church homecoming special meals people would elbow each other to get to Granny Mac’s cornbread dressing or my mom’s homemade chicken and dumplings. We may not have had a lot of things but we always had good quality meals because of the love that went into making them. And, that’s exactly the ingredient Granny Mac used to talk about. She always said that good cooking starts with caring. Her reward came when those she loved sat down and gobbled up her many hours of hard labor. She would actually stand and watch us all eat before she ever sat down herself. That might not work in today’s world where equality reigns but in Granny’s world she received the blessing as she knew she had poured her best into making the meals she prepared to be something special. I also have the extra special blessing of having a wife who was brought up in the same tradition and she has become our queen of the kitchen to me and our boys, their wives, and their children, and our grandchildren. What’s her secret? The same one Granny Mac had: CARING! How does it show itself? Being in the kitchen at 4:30 a.m. to prepare each and every sumptuous dish so that at noontime when the herd shows up it will be not only a meal but a lasting memory. I sometimes feel sorry for her, but she, like my mom, her mom, and Granny Mac, receives the same sense of satisfaction in seeing her brood enjoy the fruit of her labor."

Home fried Cracklins.

That was 11 years ago and time has changed our opportunities to enjoy family meals as frequently as we did back then. Kids have grown up and schedules have become crazy and some have scattered here, there, and everywhere. However, we still do it when we can and it is still the stuff of memories for our clan. While my mom eventually had to hold back on cooking the 'big' meals, she was still active in the kitchen up until just a few months before she was called home by the Lord at age 93. I know many who didn't grow up the way I did and they had a different 'food' experience. That's how personal traditions are built. Sitting here, I can see my Granny Mac hovering over her stovetop frying up some fresh pork skins. The real-deal pork skins. I would have known, I helped in the butchering of the hog. We called them cracklins back then. Just so you know, they are nothing like those you buy in a bag. Coming in the back door on a frosty cold day and smelling those cracklins, well, like I say, that's the stuff memories are made of. That may be why the Cajuns call them Pig Candy. You may know that line from the famous poem, "while visions of homemade cracklins danced in their heads." What? You are not familiar with that one? You do need to get out more. Have yourself a most wonderful Saturday, Lord's Day Sunday, and Labor Day holiday on Monday. One last thing? I see. You no longer wonder how I became a diabetic? Good observation. Take care and may God add His blessings to each one. Amen. ...More later.

Thank You Lord for all You have done in my life. Amen.

Good morning and welcome. Today is Thursday, August 30, 2018, and I appreciate you showing up for today's conversation. I am a blogger. I write about things. Because I choose my topics some might get the idea that I live an idyllic, trouble-free life. Let me set the record straight. Each and every day we wake up to about every kind of trouble one might imagine in terms of the burdens and concerns we carry. We are blessed to have a large family. We all live in a fallen world. We love our family. Our family is made up of dozens of individuals who are dealing with challenges each and every day. My point? The wife and I are constantly interceding to God on behalf of our children and their families, our grandchildren, and our great grands. In addition to these near and dear to our hearts, our extended huge blended family is also fraught with the stuff hurled at them by this world. At any given time, we are praying on behalf of many within our family sphere who are dealing with health, family, job, or emotional difficulties. We also have those in our Church family who are struggling. My point? Simply this. We need God's help. Period. That certainly includes yours truly. I am living proof of the testimony of the old spiritual, "It's me, it's me, it's me oh Lord, standing in the need of prayer." Amen.

Now that I have cleared that up let's see what we can come up with for 'the rest of the story'. The other day I was recalling a story to a younger lady about something that happened to me in the 4th grade. She has children of her own but couldn't believe that I can remember all of my teachers from my elementary days. I can, beginning with the 3rd-grade teacher in the rural Louisiana town where we moved after my dad passed away in 1954. This younger lady said she would be hard-pressed to name all of her grade school teachers. Here's the interesting thing about this. I'm certain I could not come up with the names of my kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, or 3rd-grade teachers in Port Arthur, Texas where we lived before dad's passing. I can claim a few memories from my school experiences there but not with clarity. I've written many times about the block on my recollections that came as a result of us losing dad so early. It has been a source of frustration from time to time. God blessed me with good recall but the first seven years of my life, are, at best, fuzzy images that I can't pin down. I do remember the stories I've heard about the experiences I had, but, these are second-hand accounts, so to speak. That mental block brought on by a traumatic event is a reality. My greatest loss here is in not being able to remember my dad, him as a person, and, his voice. And, as a serial blogger, I can only imagine the material I have on the other side of that wall. Who knows? It may all come tumbling out. One day soon.

I know. Part of what I do here is to make others feel better about themselves. Baggage. I have mine. You have yours, but, all of God's children do have them some baggage. And, yes, I have read a lot of material about this blocked out part of my life. I have not sought professional help. I do know that hypnosis is often used, but, I have issues with that which I will not go into at this time. Now you know what makes me such a well-rounded person. The bottom line: We all are who we are, able to function the way we can, only by the grace of God. Lest anyone get the wrong idea, I believe I've been blessed more than I can ever thank God for in the life He has given to me. Maybe, knowing the details of my first seven years, He concluded it not to be interesting enough for me to get hold of it. I'm just joking, don't write me a letter challenging my understanding of theological constructs. I do know this. I am thankful. Yep. Thankful. Even with the cares of this life, I am thankful that God knows and I know He knows and He cares and I know He cares and He will never abandon me and I know He will never abandon me. Reminding myself of that makes me hopeful, (as in calm assurance), therefore, I recommend that we all remind ourselves of these truths. Amen. ....More later.

"As soap is to the body, so laughter is to the soul." — A Jewish Proverb

I think I will try and turn the volume down a wee bit for today, on this Wednesday, August 29, 2018. You can always find something to smile about, typically, close to home. The other evening I was talking to the wife in the other room and I reached into the bathroom cabinet for the deodorant. Instead, I came out with a tube of toothpaste. No. I didn't use it, but, I had to take a moment and laugh. At myself. Being of a short stature, I learned quickly not to assume people in the back of the elevator are talking to you. I answered them a time or two only to learn their conversation was directed to someone else. Embarrassing? Yep. But, it was also funny. I heard this one the other day. The mommy was having trouble getting the ketchup to come out of the bottle. The phone rang and her four-year-old daughter answered it. "Oh, hello, Pastor, no, she can't come to the phone right now. She is hitting the bottle." Or, the one about the preacher who told his congregation that on the next Sunday he intended to preach on the sin of lying. He asked that in preparation that everyone should read the text found in Mark Chapter 17. The next Sunday he stood up and asked how many had read Mark Chapter 17. Over half the congregation raised their hands, upon which he let them know he would be preaching on lying because there are only 16 chapters in the Book of Mark. A college student reported how her professor, an avid animal rights defender, accidentally stepped on and squashed a ladybug while he was teaching. He picked it up and tearfully began apologizing to the little critter. The student said she didn't have the heart to tell him he had stepped on a red M and M.

It's best to always have a backup plan. I heard about this young fellow who went with a girl for the first time to a movie. In the middle of the movie, he leaned over and asked her if she would like a kiss. Her angry glare answered his question so he pulled out a bag of Hershey Kisses from his coat and told her he thought he would have one. One guy reported that he had always had trouble in his life. He said he was even once accused of plagiarism in an essay he wrote about his own life. Of course, aging is crammed with one laughable moment after another. One elderly gentleman lamented, "First, you forget names, then you forget faces, after that, you forget to pull up your zipper." An outspoken older lady made her thoughts clear, "Some want to turn back their odometers. I don't. I want people to know why I look this way! I've traveled down many roads in my time and a lot of them were unpaved." Getting old is certainly not for the faint of heart. Here is another insight into the real world of the aged: "Just before the funeral services, the undertaker came up to the very elderly widow and asked, 'How old was your husband? '98,' she replied. Two years older than me.' 'So you're 96,' the undertaker commented. She responded, 'Hardly worth going home, is it?'" Maybe this could be our creed: "My memory's not as sharp as it used to be. Also, my memory's not as sharp as it used to be."

I found most of the thoughts behind these anecdotes scattered here and there out on that internet thingie called the worldwide web-based information highway. My wife prefers funny stuff over the political and cultural subjects I cover from time to time. For me, I go with an 'all of the above' approach, while, always remembering the value of a good laugh from time to time. At the same time, we all know that life is not just one big ole belly laugh. Dr. Seuss recognized this. In his popular book, 'Oh, The Places You'll Go!', he had this sobering thought, "And when you're alone there's a very good chance you'll meet things that scare you right out of your pants There are some, down the road between hither and yon, that can scare you so much you won't want to go on." Realty. However, it's not enough to hold one back as the good doctor explains, "With banner flip-flapping, one more you'll ride high! Ready for anything under the sky. Ready because you're that kind of a guy!" My way of interpreting that is that we should embrace the day we have before us and keep on keeping on. I think I'm going to go with that. Subject to revision, but, it will do for now. Enjoy the rest of your day and may God bless us all is my prayer. Amen. ....More later.

Proverbs Chapter 6, Verses 6-10, as rendered in the New Living Translation: "Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones. Learn from their ways and become wise! Though they have no prince or governor or ruler to make them work, they labor hard all summer, gathering food for the winter. But you, lazybones, how long will you sleep? When will you wake up? A little extra sleep, a little more slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest—then poverty will pounce on you like a bandit; scarcity will attack you like an armed robber."

I'm telling you for the 2,886th time, and, as always, I do bid each and everyone a hearty hello here on this Tuesday, August 28, 2018. As we approach the beginning of thinking about thinking about the fall season, I am reminded of how it went with me as a young fellow growing up in rural Louisiana. The coming fall season always made me anxious for hunting season and with it an opportunity to get out into the woods. That was always a great feeling of anticipation. At the same time, around this time each year is when my grandfather became serious about fetching wood to use in the fireplace for the upcoming winter season. My grandfather was always conscious of what needed to be done to prepare for the future. He would follow the Farmer's Almanac to plant his crops. Paw Paw Mac was a man of his word but even more so, he was a man of The Word. He well understood verses like these, Proverbs 6: 10-11 "A little extra sleep, a little more slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest—then poverty will pounce on you like a bandit; scarcity will attack you like an armed robber." ~ Proverbs 13:4 "Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper." ~ Proverbs 14:23 "Work brings profit, but mere talk leads to poverty!" ~ In other words, he took these admonitions seriously. I can't say I enjoyed sawing all day in super hot weather on the other end of a crosscut saw. People always ask why we didn't have power chainsaws and the like. Let's just say we were very slow adopters. That stacked up wood didn't get used right away. It sat there for a couple of months or more before it began to be used. Yet, when I backed up to that fireplace I appreciated my granddad's foresight and I enjoyed it even more knowing I had helped to fetch it. I think it made an impact on my life. One of my favorite verses related to this subject is also found in the Proverbs, "Without oxen a stable stays clean, but you need a strong ox for a large harvest." (14:4) I'll let you think about that one as we move on down the road.

Last Sunday at the services of our local fellowship, I introduced myself to an elderly gentleman sitting behind me. I told him I didn't think I had met him before. He said that I hadn't but he heard we had some preaching going on at our Church and someone had given him a sample tape and he had come to join up. He had his son and daughter-in-law with him. I told him we did have some preaching going on and if he could stand the conviction it brings he would be very happy here. He then told me that he had pastored for 65 years. That took me aback. My wife's dad pastored for over forty years. Her brother pastored and traveled as an evangelist for 30 years. I know first hand what a difficult challenge this can be. Sixty-five years in pastoral ministry is an amazing accomplishment. He still had a twinkle in his eye and he was true to his word. At the end of the sermon, our pastor invited folks who had a need to come to the altar, as well as any who felt led to join with us. The old dude got up, got on his walker, and led the way down the aisle with his son and daughter-in-law in tow. And, yes, for any who might be wondering, we do have some preaching going on in our local fellowship. Anointed by God and He is at work. What a privilege to be a part of His working among us. Amen and Amen.

I don't know if you have heard about the latest campaign from the folks at Peta, (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). They are actually tackling the issue of people who eat crabs. Yep. They have mounted a billboard campaign in Baltimore to try and get folks to go vegan. Since I am a self-appointed observer of our culture, let me share with you something that is happening even as I write my blog today. We are more and more getting a distorted view of God's plan for His created world and more importantly, His plan for His created human family. Calling a crab a 'me' might be a clever marketing technique but it does speak to a much more serious matter. The animal rights people are attempting to make animals equal to people. Is this what God had in mind? By the way, I'm happy to report the folks in Baltimore are incensed by the campaign to make them feel guilty for eating seafood. (And, this just in: PETA has finally got the cookie company to take the fictional animals out of their circus cages on the boxes of the animal crackers. I'm sure those pictures of fictional animals feel much freer now that they can roam around on the width of the box cover.) Here are some inspired verses from the Apostle Paul that I want us all to at least think about in light of the way in which all of this is being framed. "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away." (My bolding. Paul's second letter to Timothy, Chapter 3, verses 1-5) We are called to live life God's way. God's way is clearly shown in God's Book, The Bible. Don't say I didn't tell you. (I've always wanted to use that one. I certainly heard it a lot growing up.) Take care and may God bless the crabs we are about to partake of to the nourishment of our bodies. Amen. ....More later.

"Socialism is no longer a dirty word in the US – and that’s scary for some." ~ Article written by Arwa Mahdawi for the UK Guardian.

The merry go round stopped and when I got off I discovered it was back-to-work Monday, August 27, 2018. I have a few things that have been percolating their way to the top of my list. For those millennials hoping to see our country become some type of socialistic environment, they might want to take a look at some of those who have in recent years gone in that direction. Venezuela. It pretty much did what the folks like Elizabeth Warren and others want to do here. While it took a few years, a once rich nation is now in desperate straights. That chicken above cost, in their currency, 14,600,000 bolivars. That equals $2.22 in US currency. Current reporting from Venezuela indicates the country is in total chaos at this time. The left-leaning folks might think long and hard before they promise to make everything free here in our nation. Elizabeth Warren has a plan to nationalize American businesses. (government takeover) That's hard to even fathom. This is a plan coming from a person who was given a concession to get a professorial job because of her stated claim to be of Native American heritage, which, has been proven to be false. Here's another item. A major liberal publication reported on the death of a well-known member of the homosexual community. He died of AIDS. By his own admission, he was a prolific philanderer in terms of his sexual exploits. The publication reported a link between his death and his lifestyle. The homosexual community went ballistic. You can't make those connections. They demanded a retraction. The truth doesn't matter. This is the world we live in. A Mexican food restaurant in San Antonio served a meal to the United States Attorney General and his entourage. The manager had his photo made with Attorney General Sessions. The immigration lobby came against this local eatery. They are boycotting it and its parent company. The manager and the corporate group have put out mea culpa after mea culpa to no avail. Even though under President Obama, families were separated, today's enforcement has become a cause that will see the ruin of anyone who doesn't toe the line with this group's stand. A famous actress who is one of the main complainants charging sexual harassment against the now disgraced studio head, well, she has been discovered to have had a relationship with an underage teenage boy. (He was 17. The age of consent in California is 18.) She broke the law but they paid that young man $380,000 for his silence. This is consistent with much of the agenda of the radical left. Can we all learn to spell Double Standard together? It's the way I read these stories, you know, as in, my opinion.

In a former life in a galaxy far, far away, I headed a computing and telecommunications organization for a major oil company and had over 150 people working for me. In 1993, after nearly 24 years, I left that environment to pursue other opportunities. I do have some contact with a few of my former colleagues and they keep me informed about the lives of those who were under my shepherdship back in the day. Sadly, this often involves letting me know when one of the folks who worked for me has passed from this life into the next. I learned this week that one of 'my kids' had died suddenly. He was 59, his name is Perry. His twin brother Pat died four years ago. Pat and Perry both came to our group while still continuing their college education. These boys were something else! They had the work ethic woven into their being. They were smart, dedicated, skilled, and they were committed to achieving our goals and objectives. Back in those days, many of those in my group, especially those who had served with me for a long run, called me their 'daddy'. I only heard about it. I think maybe one or two had the nerve to say it to my face. For them, it was a term of endearment. For me, it said they would do just about anything to follow my leadership and serve the interests of our Company. I well remember these boys, and, may God bless those mourning their passing and may He comfort each heart. Amen.

Looking back, I know I set an example of someone serious about the work we were organized to accomplish. I led in that way. I was all in. Every day. All the time. Those two boys and many others bought into my program and followed my example. We were driven. We were very successful. However, sitting here today, I can't help but wonder if they picked up anything of lasting value from my example. I'm talking about their eternity. Jesus was very clear on this, "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" (Mark 8:36)  I do remember them having some Church related experiences. Perry used to help in a new fellowship where they had to set up chairs every week in a rented space. There was no mention in either of their obituaries about any religious connection. I pray they were exposed to the Gospel and responded to and embraced Jesus before they left this life. There's nothing wrong with demonstrating a strong work ethic, however, we all live out the life God has given to us and we who know Jesus are called to live in such a way as to influence others. One thing my recent 72nd birthday has done to my mindset is to make me increasingly aware of how my time is slipping away. I do know and am thankful I have earned the respect of many throughout my sojourn, but, I am left to ponder whether that influence pointed them to Christ. The old Blackwood Brothers quartet song comes to mind, "How about your heart, is it right with God? That's the thing that counts today!" Amen. ....More later.

“The universe is made of stories, not of atoms.” ~ Muriel Rukeyser, (1913-1930), American Poet

We are zipping on as we continue the journey. Today we have arrived at that highly anticipated end of the work week, for many, and this Friday happens to find its place on the calendar as, August 24, 2018. I forgot to inform everyone that my wife has left me. Again. Early yesterday morning. She and her sister are off to see their older brother, Cleon, who lives in northeast Louisiana, to honor him in view of his recent 83rd birthday. I would complain but it would not be appropriate. First and foremost, it wouldn't do any good. And, even more important, she typically has a good reason. Speaking of good reasons, we've been having a good number of people to join our local fellowship of believers each week. They join, then the next Sunday they are presented to the congregation. Recently, we had so many, they took up the first four rows. They mark off the seats as reserved. That meant they took my 4th-row pew. I dutifully backed up to the 5th row and sat myself down. A lady came and stood by me. She blurted out with a tiny bit of edge, "I guess you are taking my pew today." I decided to give her something to think about. No. Not a piece of my mind. I have to keep as much of that as I can. I told her how sorry I was but there were so many people giving their lives to Christ or transferring their memberships to our local fellowship, well, they needed all of that space just to sit them. She was taken aback. (In other words, it not only knocked the sails down on her boat but it threw them in the water.) She then meekly replied, "Well, that is so wonderful, and what a blessing!" You've heard that little saying, "Don't mess with Texas", well, you might not want to mess with me when it comes to pew selection. (Don't get the idea I was cruel or ugly to this lady. I am only pointing out the value of a good reason.)

For Flashback Friday, here's an excerpted piece I wrote eleven years ago. "The part of Louisiana where I grew up rarely had snow. But the times it did, it was magical for us kids. I remember once when I was a young teenager we had perhaps the most snow ever with two or three inches accumulated. Talk about walking in a winter wonderland! We didn’t have winter clothes, therefore, just about everything we had was soaked as we would go out and play and come in and change. We had eaten enough snow ice cream to make us all sick but we were having a ball. We boys, of course, lived to torment girls. My sisters had some friends over that day and it gave us new targets for snowballs. I knew all of the girls there except one who was a new friend and my sister told me it would be advisable for me not to mess with her because she was a rodeo girl. What a laugh! A rodeo girl? Don’t mess with Ann because she might get angry? That was like saying sick em to a dog. Whoever heard of any boy being worried about a rodeo girl?  Having made me a huge wet snowball I slipped around the house and then to the back porch where they were all sitting. I came to the corner of the house and with my best Dixie League fastball I let the snowball fly and it caught its target right in the face. A direct hit! Wow! What a shot! But Ann didn’t whimper and scream, she bolted up off that porch and started towards me. There was something about the way she moved that made me aware that I should leave the premises, so I turned and ran as fast as I could in the snow. I could hear her breathing. She was still coming. Ann caught up with me down in the grove of pine trees in a lot beside our house. She brought me down like I was a steer and having pinned me in the snow she began to teach me some rodeo techniques. She was laughing as she smothered me in the snow. She flipped me over and stuck my face into the snow and began rubbing my nose in it. I couldn’t catch my breath and I couldn’t get up. This was not like anything I had experienced before. Finally, she stood up with one foot on me and let out a yell. Everyone had come down to observe my humiliating predicament and they all stood there laughing, everyone that is, except me. I was still trying to catch my breath. I learned at least one lesson that day. No, it wasn’t anything about the feminist movement or equal rights. It simply came down to this, ‘Don’t mess with Ann because she is a rodeo girl!"

Speaking of that incident, my wife absolutely loves to watch the Ninja Warrior competitions. She is, of course, partial to the ladies who participate. She talks to them. Urging them on. Sometimes, she gets loud enough that I have to remind her they cannot hear her. I only mention this because she has always told folks about the way I act when I am watching a sports competition or a NASCAR race. Yes. I have been known to lean forward trying to help get the first down, and, let my racer be in the lead at the end, I will stand and cheer. Yet, like the proverbial boomerang, it may have traveled some distance before it returned, but, wowie zowie, she has now joined the fan crew. That word, of course, comes from being fanatical. It just sounds funny to hear her chanting, "Beat that wall, Beat that wall." At least we can laugh together, and, laugh at each other. As long as it is all in fun I believe laughing together is one of the greatest blessings a couple can enjoy. Let's face it, often our lives are filled with things that are not very funny. Not at all. A spontaneous eruption of a heartfelt guffaw will do any body good. Even the Bible tells us that, "A joyful heart is good medicine, But a broken spirit dries up the bones." (Proverbs 17:22) I need to send a note to my grammar correction software, "Stop trying to correct God!" Enough said. Thanks for riding shotgun with me this week. Have a great Saturday and Lord's Day Sunday. With God's provision, I will do my best to meet back up, come next Monday. May He bless us all. Amen. .....More later.

"History fails to record a single precedent in which nations subject to moral decay have not passed into political and economic decline. There has been either a spiritual awakening to overcome the moral lapse or a progressive deterioration leading to ultimate national disaster." ~ Douglas MacArthur

Another day has dawned and I do bring you greetings on this Thursday, August 23, 2018. I'm really glad that people take care of themselves. I appreciate the fact that they brush their teeth and they eat healthy meals. I'm glad they participate in different types of bodily exercises. I'm glad they do things like housework, commute to work, watch their favorite TV programs, fix their hair, and even paint their fingernails and toenails. However, I am not sure it's a great idea to record these and post each and every one of them on Facebook for everyone to see. I do understand the great accomplishment when one of the littles go in the potty chair for the first time. That could be a reason to celebrate in any home. My wife was taught the old school method. Our boys were on a timeline schedule. Learn how or suffer the consequences. She was not a child beater, but, spanking was a part of the program around our house. I know. Dr. Spock is probably rolling over in his grave based on that admission, however, it was the tried and true method that was handed down to her from those who had experience in that area. Today it appears that as we do everything we can not to warp the child, we have ended up warping our entire society. A few weeks ago I talked about how in view of the daily murders taking place, the mayor of Chicago tearfully pleaded for families and communities to return to time-tested values of right and wrong. Guess what happened? The people in those crime-ridden neighborhoods have risen up against the mayor. How dare he connect these senseless killings to a lack of moral values in their neighborhoods? They want more money, more programs, and an apology. My response? If we are not living in some strange times, I'll eat my hat.

I realize my piecing together of topics can be somewhat discombobulating at times. I do get called out on it from time to time. My wife often sends me a note with this sentiment, "Good, but all over the page." Welcome to my world! Maybe that's why I so often heard growing up how I needed to have my head examined. My brain is likely not at peak performance but think about this latest estimate from science: "The brain processes equivalent to a billion billion calculations per second." That, my friend, makes today's supercomputers look as fast as a horse and buggy by comparison. No wonder I splash stuff all over the canvas of my blog. I'm not looking for excuses but it does help to understand the underlying mechanics. My thoughts about this ability we have? I am awed by God's creative genius. That's right! In the beginning....God! How do I know that is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth? Simply put, by faith. "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." (Hebrews 11:6) God gave us the power of reasoning that we might come to know Him, "And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?" Responding to and knowing God is what makes the difference as we live day by day in this fallen world. Amen and Amen.

I used to talk about my blog as a sort of cornucopia of thoughts and ideas, you know, overflowing with a variety of all kinds of stuff. I know you love it when I talk technical like that, but, I do a lot of tongue in cheek when I put together the syntax that makes up our daily visits. Folks who do not recognize the 'tongue in cheek' application are at times puzzled about my meanings. Direct from the English Language and Usage website I bring to you the etymological information on 'tongue in cheek':  "An expression, and practice, which has largely fallen out of vogue (since the mid-to-late 20th century)—and for which the above Wikipedia definition holds a limited measure of validity, "tongue in cheek" most accurately alludes to the act, or refers to the act itself, of surreptitiously pushing one's tongue, noticeably, into one's cheek on either side of the face, so as, while restraining any frontal lip or facial expression, to gesture (to signal) to one or more "confederates" in view of the "tongued" cheek, but conceal from another—usually the brunt of some joke or act of mirth—who is facing the opposite (untongued) cheek. It is tantamount to a wink (especially for those unable to wink), but further serves as a means, ala Wikipedia's biting of tongue, by which, when needed, to suppress any visible facial "tell" that might be "picked up" by the person intended to be deceived." While that most likely doesn't clear up too much about how I use it, it does give insight into how it is typically used. And, it will likely distract most people from finding fault with other aspects of my writing. That last comment may have been tongue and cheek. I report. You decide. But always remember, God is still on His throne and He still rules over all. May He continue to bless. Amen. ....More later.

“I remember my mother’s prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life.” —Abraham Lincoln

You guessed it. We made it to another mid-week checkpoint. This one happens to be on Wednesday, August 22, 2018. One of the biggest fans of my blog over the years was my mom. I miss hearing from her back when she was able to read them. She developed serious eye issues before she left this world for home last year at 93 years young. But, for many years she was able to read them and she would tell me what she thought about them when we talked on the phone. "Son, that thing you wrote was so funny I had to read it to your dad. You know he doesn't laugh that much but I could tell he thought it was funny too." Another day, "Son, I'm not sure I would have said that. You never know how someone might take it." I know she appreciated the stories I wrote about growing up and those that told my thoughts about what a great mom God had provided to me. "Now son, everyone knows you love your mother. You don't have to write all of that. People will think I might even be 'somebody'." I typically talked to her and dad at least twice a day. If that didn't happen they would be checking to make sure everything was okay. Or, they would be checking to make sure their telephone was working properly. It wasn't always easy to make those calls with all that was going on. I will tell you this. Now that they have both gone to their heavenly reward, I don't regret any of those calls, in fact, I not only treasure them but, in the grand scheme, it was such a small thing to do. So, who is policing my writing activities these days? Now that is a good question.

As many of you know, I have done and continue to do a whole lot of observing as I pass through on my journey to my 'real' home. I've seen some stuff in my three score ten plus two years. That includes observing up close and personal one of my most formidable adversaries, actually three of them, Me, Myself, and I. I'm not waxing nostalgic here because much of what I have seen involves pain, hurt, and sadness. I know all too well how the pursuit of things in this life will typically never give anyone what they think it will, and it most always, even when it is obtained, brings with it a sense of emptiness and disappointment. Been there and done that. I see it at work in those around me every single day. If we can just........(Fill in the blank.) Some chase material things. Some chase experiences. Some want happiness so bad but look for it in all the wrong places. I'm not preaching but this is a truth discovered by King Solomon. He chased it all. Don't believe me? Go read about it in the Book of Ecclesiastes. He had unlimited resources. Nothing restrained his desires. However, he did come to a conclusion from having given himself over to the search for happiness. He said it was like chasing the wind. Yet, in this process characterized by excess, he also discovered the truth about life and how to live with meaning, purpose, and peace. (Chapter 12)

1) So remember your Creator in the days of your youth—
before the difficult days come,
and the years draw near when you will say, “I have no pleasure in them”;
2) before the sun and the light of the moon and the stars grow dark,
and the clouds disappear after the rain;
3) when those who keep watch over the house begin to tremble,
and the virile men begin to stoop over,
and the grinders begin to cease because they grow few,
and those who look through the windows grow dim,
4) and the doors along the street are shut;
when the sound of the grinding mill grows low,
and one is awakened by the sound of a bird,
and all their songs grow faint,
5) and they are afraid of heights and the dangers in the street;
the almond blossoms grow white,
and the grasshopper drags itself along,
and the caper berry shrivels up—
because man goes to his eternal home,
and the mourners go about in the streets—
6) before the silver cord is removed,
or the golden bowl is broken,
or the pitcher is shattered at the well,
or the water wheel is broken at the cistern—
7) and the dust returns to the earth as it was,
and the life’s breath returns to God who gave it.

Solomon wanted everyone to discover this before it became too late for them. All of that metaphorical language speaks to the aging process that leads to taking our final breath. That's not morbid because the last time I checked the death rate was still 100%. For any who might be struggling, I do have good news. The shepherd boy who became king, David, he messed things up about as bad as he could have. Yet, like the prodigal son, (Luke 15), David came to his senses and got things right with the Lord. It didn't make the agony, pain, and sorrow he had birthed go away. However, as he came to the end of his life because he had been restored, (Psalm 51), David could sing his own personal worship chorus to the Lord. (2 Samuel 22) Okay. I didn't set out to write about all of this today. Here's how it came about. I sat down at my computer workstation. I began to begin hitting some keys in search of a topic to share. Now you know how it works. Yes. What you see is what you get. (WYSIWYG) I do hope you have a blessed rest of the day and that God will watch over each of us. Amen. ...More later.

"The older I get, it is the more that I treasure the simple things in life." ....Me

Happy Tuesday, and we open the envelope to discover this one happens to identify itself as August 21, 2018. I don't know if I qualify by any objective standards to be called a foodie, but, if any of them have to do with loving homecooked meals, well, I am one. Don't have your culinary expert friends write me challenging my downhome designation. Last Thursday was my birthday. We had an official celebration and a wonderful family gathering and barbecue last Saturday. However, when I came home from work Thursday afternoon and came through the kitchen door, an intoxicating smell filled my nostrils. The wife of my youth was finishing up on one of my favorites. Homemade cornbread dressing with chicken, English peas, potato salad, and jellied cranberry sauce. She made me a tiny spice cake because she knows that is one of my favorites. Here's the deal. That dressing didn't just melt in my mouth, it evaporated. I should know. It evaporated from my plate three different times! I immediately thought of my mom and my Granny Mac. I could see them looking over the banister rail from heaven giving the wife a thumbs up. I didn't even know they knew how to give a thumbs up. Wow! The things you learn in heaven! Please don't get all theological on me, I was just having a little fun in trying to explain how good my birthday supper was. And, I will say it again, and, I am unanimous in this sentiment, I would rather eat my wife's cooking than at any restaurant, anywhere, at any time, no matter how many stars, or $$$ they might have. You can quote me on that.

The upcoming Christmas season will mark my 9th year as a professional Santa Claus. I started back in 2009 and the wife joined me as Mrs. Claus in 2010. The photo collage is of our great and grand Madi girl, through the years. I put that collection together because having our grandchildren and great grands to be a part of our Christmastime endeavor has been a real blessing. Most of the events we participate in are paid performances. This means we are paid in the same way an actor or singer would be paid. We do some charity work and we enjoy those venues as well. Because of our understanding of the true meaning of Christmas, that being the birth of our Savior, many wonder if it is a good thing for us to participate in this type of portrayal. I understand that concern. I grew up with Santa as a part of my upbringing. The wife did too. We were both raised in very religiously conservative homes. Santa never superseded or interfered with our belief in the Reason for the Season. However, I fully respect those who choose not to make Santa a part of their Christmas experience. From a personal standpoint, it can be grueling work, but, children of all ages love Santa and what His character represents, therefore, I tell people all the time when we wear the Red we are in the joy delivery business. In addition to this, we often bring this joy to the elderly and to children with physical or mental challenges. My point? It does have its own rewards. Maybe that's where the ho ho ho comes from. Or, something like that.

I don't know how you get your week kicked off, but, I will pass on something that has made a huge difference in my life. Church. Or, the original word used in the Bible, Ecclesia. That word denotes a called out assembly, one that meets for a purpose. I like to use the terms local assembly of believers, or local fellowship of believers because the word 'Church' is tagged on so many different things today. I said the meeting of folks together had a purpose. In our way of reading the New Testament, they gathered to worship the Lord, sing songs together, pray together, to build each other up in the faith, to give of their financial resources to support the work of the ministry, to be taught God's Word, and to carry out the ordinances prescribed in The Scriptures, Baptism and the Lord's Supper. The establishment of the local assembly was God's idea and He founded and commissioned it as the means of carrying out His work here on earth. That makes it pretty important. Right? Because real people make up the local fellowship, well, it can be messy. However, God still works through His chosen means of sharing Himself with the world. When people ask me about our commitment to the Lord's work through the local fellowship where we are members I tell them why we are committed. Sometimes I get, "Oh, you are one of them." I sure hope so since Jesus gave Himself up for the Ecclesia. (Ephesians 5:25) Why do we try to make every service? Simply put, as a believer, I am commanded to be faithful to active participation. Here's how the writer of Hebrews was inspired to make this clear, "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near." (Chapter 10:23-25) That's not me looking down on someone else, it's me, a beggar, telling other beggars where I found food. Take care and may God bless us all. Amen. ....More later.

This is a song written by Mosie Lister and made popular by the Southern Gospel group, The Booth Brothers: "Well I’m still feelin’ fine after all this time I’m feelin’ mighty fine today Every day I’m climbing just a little bit higher Walkin’ up the King’s Highway I still want to go Where the milk and honey flow And I’m not gonna change my mind Happy on my journey And I’m still feelin’ mighty fine."

Bottom, left to right: Cleon, Marilyn, Bro. Milton in heaven now, and Dorothy

Good morning and welcome to our session for today. Our title: Back-to-work Monday. Date: August 20, 2018. Yesterday, we noted the 83rd birthday of my wife's brother Cleon. When I think about Cleon, I think about him being quiet, contemplative, competent, and probably more than anything else, being completely faithful to his family. Every family would be well off to have a 'Cleon' to be there for them and I know he has been influential in my life, therefore, I thank God for my brother-in-law. Amen.

The week before last we had a special called meeting of our Thursday Evening Gathering in our home. We had a beautiful couple who do mission work in the Middle East to come and talk about their efforts there. We've known the lady since she was born. Her parents are our dear friends. When I introduced them I told how I remember as a little one she didn't grow her hair quickly and they used to tape a bow on top of her head. She exclaimed that I had truly known her for a long time. We were blessed to know that while the work in that part of the world is not easy, the Gospel message carries with it the power of God. They have three little girls and we were so blessed to hear all that God is doing in their lives. We had a total of 17 of us that evening. We enjoyed two hours of singing, praying, and hearing about God at work in such a faraway place, and a good old-fashioned time of fellowship. They have to be careful throwing about their names, but, I do know that if you pray for them, God knows who they are, and we do too! They should be back in their area of ministry soon. May God continue to lead, guide, direct, and protect them as they go. Amen.

I can't begin to express how overwhelmed I felt, having received so many birthday greetings to recognize my 72nd year. Those were wonderful. They were also very humbling. At the same time, I was reminded of this passage from the Book of Jeremiah, Chapter 9, Verses 23-24:

"Thus says the Lord:
'Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom,
Let not the mighty man glory in his might,
Nor let the rich man glory in his riches;
But let him who glories glory in this,
That he understands and knows Me,
That I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,” says the Lord.'"

I don't know about you, but, those truths help to shape the reality of what life is all about. Here is the amazing thing to me. God knows me from the inside out. Nothing about me is hidden from Him. Yet, He loves me. I belong to Him. Forever and ever, Amen. Do I deserve this love? Nope. But, I am thankful for His provision through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, that makes me right in the Father's eyes. Just sharing. Nothing more than that. Have a great rest of the day and think some about what it means to be 'in Christ'. Amen. .....More later.

I have to be careful not to get stuck in the muddy places down on memory lane. You know, today is the day we have been given to make a difference!

Good morning, one and all, and welcome to Friday, August 17, 2018. You never know exactly all that is going on around you. Yesterday, I thought there must have been some type of evacuation or something. One I had not heard about. For crying out loud, where did all of those cars running here and there come from at 3:45 a.m.? Just for a moment, I thought I might be in one of those Twilight Zone time warps. Maybe they had heard the axiom, the early bird gets the worm. They may not have heard how it is the second mouse who gets the cheese. I'm getting ready to teach about the reflections of King David as he prepares to end his time here on earth. (2nd Samuel, Chapter 21) Thinking back, he rehearsed how that it was God who had brought him up, brought him through, and had provided for him throughout his sojourn. That was an appropriate study for me as I too reflected on my 72 years of breathing the air here on the planet. Here is what I posted on my Facebook page regarding my thoughts about my time here, "On the occasion of recognizing my 72nd year here on the planet I thought of this thematic phrase from the 124th Division of the Psalms, "If it had not been the Lord who was on our side, ....." I thank Him for His providential care and His faithfulness throughout the time He has granted to me. And, thanks to countless folks who have helped me along the way. It has been quite the journey. I am blessed. Amen."

Here's a flashback Friday special. I wrote about his little event back in August of 2007: "Yesterday afternoon I noticed a couple of high school boys came to our Church choir practice. It was pretty clear the high school girls in our choir had something to do with them showing up but it reminded me of when I essentially did the same thing. I had just come back from working the summer of 1962 with my uncle in Florida whenever some local boys asked me if I wanted to go out to a country Church where they were having a singing school. I asked why in the world I would want to do that. They said because there was a sizable group of good looking girls participating in the school. This new piece of information certainly sparked my interest so I tagged along. I went and there she was! I don’t know that much about love at first sight but I did learn how that a lightning bolt could strike you on the spot. I was there when it happened so I do know what I am talking about. That turned out to be one of the most significant days in my life since that singing school girl and I will soon celebrate our forty-third year of marriage." (If we make it to December, it will be fifty-four years and I still remember that evening like it was yesterday. I do. I really do.)

The great poet Carl Sanburg wrote this, "Time is the coin of your life. It is the only coin you have, and only you can determine how it will be spent. Be careful lest you let other people spend it for you." Time. We all have to deal with it, or, it will surely deal with us. There is something to the immediacy of embracing the time we have while we can. Another quote I found interesting comes from Kay Lyons, "Yesterday is a canceled check; tomorrow is a promissory note; today is the only cash you have, so spend it wisely." In the model prayer, Jesus taught us to focus on the day at hand, "Give us this day our daily bread." The earliest of the New Testament writings, the letter written by James, son of Mary and Joseph and half-brother to Jesus, had this as an inspired insight, "Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit.' Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. Instead, you ought to say, 'If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that.' But as it is, you boast in your arrogance; all such boasting is evil." (James 4, Verses 13-16, New American Standard Bible, NASB) What does this mean to me? Focus on the day and focus on the One who gives the breath in your body. Thanks, I needed that. Maybe someone else did too. Take care. Enjoy your Saturday and Lord's Day Sunday. And as always, Lord willing, I will see you next time here at the ole blogger ranch. May God bless. Amen. ....More later.

A prayer for my birthday: "On the occasion of recognizing my 72nd year, I pray I will dwell on God’s awesomeness and the blessings He has bestowed on my life. May I continue to serve Him with the remaining time He grants to me. Amen."

It's Thursday, August 16, 2018. Another year has come and gone. For me. Today marks the 72nd year of my sojourn here on the planet. I pause to express my thankfulness to God for His provision in allowing me to experience another year. A couple of years ago when I hit the ‘three score and ten’ (70) I received a greeting from a dear lady regarding the well-known verse, "The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away." (Psalm 90, Verse 10, A Prayer of Moses the man of God.) Her sentiment went something like this, "Bro Al, you have reached the age provided by the Lord, now everything in addition to this is a bonus." It almost sounded like I was living on borrowed time, but, let me be clear, I am fully aware that my very next heartbeat is provided by God. So many have helped me along the way and I am a very blessed man. Blessed indeed! Amen and Amen. I am looking forward to a family gathering this upcoming Saturday.

I've been dealing with the diabetic challenge since 2006. That was one of those life-changing discoveries. While it is not on my front burner all the time, it is something that does the incessant background gnawing each and every day. It most likely will get me. Someday. Mark Lowry used to say his favorite verses in the Bible were those that said, "And, it came to pass..." He said he liked those because they reflect something that didn't come to stay, it came to pass. Well, thus far, diabetes, for me, did not come to pass because it has pretty much taken up residence in my body. Even so, I could not be more thankful to God for the early diagnosis and the wonderful assistance I have had in being able to do a mostly reasonable job of managing this condition. Twelve years, and counting, and thankful. I've had the best medical assistance anyone could ask for. I consider all of these blessings to be God-provided. And, as you can tell, on this, my 72nd birthday, I'm still here to talk about it. Praise the Lord! Amen.

One of the greatest blessings of my time here has been the companion God provided to me. Including our time of dating, we've been in this life together for more than 56 years and if we make it to December, we will mark the formal celebration of our 54th wedding anniversary. I would like to say it has all been like a fairy tale where we lived happily ever after, but, alas, we've had plenty of challenges and hard times, but, in the end, she is the wife of my youth, and she is a gift from God. I thank God for our three sons and their family, our lineage. Sure, we are on our knees often praying for them all, but, what a privilege it is to have the family God has provided to me. I count the calling God has on my life to study and share God's word to be another wonderful provision in my life. I thank Him for the successes He has allowed me to experience in the workplace, for the people I have known, and the influence of those who helped me much along the way and who now await our arrival to our heavenly home. I'm also thankful that I continue to be able to get up and go each day, and, that I am able to enjoy working at the job I have. So much to thank God for. Hopefully, you get my drift here. He alone is worthy to be recognized and praised for His provisions. May God bless each one. Amen. ...More later.

"Ambition is a dream with a V8 engine." ~ Elvis Presley

Here we go. We spin the wheel and where it will stop no one knows. Okay. It stopped. Today's grand prize is Wednesday, August 15, 2018. Good morning. Today is the day before my 72nd birthday. The day of my birth will be recognized. I can guarantee that. Why? Elvis died on my birthday in 1977. You may have heard about one of the ancient kings that was hated by his subjects. He had prearranged that hundreds of the most beloved men in his realm be executed upon his death. That way he could be assured there would be widespread mourning and tears. I don't have to worry if there will be tears on my birthday. There are still those who make the pilgrimage to the gravesite of Elvis. They typically do this on his birthday in January and they also go in recognition of the day he breathed his last in August. I remember the day he died very well. After finishing up at work in downtown Houston, another fellow and I walked to the parking garage to fetch the commuter van. There were dozens of ladies openly crying, some were sobbing. I remember at one traffic signal one of the downtown buses pulled up. Many of the ladies sitting next to the windows were obviously distraught. The fellow who was with me worried out loud about his sisters. He told me they were pretty much fanatical fans. Before Elvis died my birthday was pretty much unnoticed. However, I do share my birthday with Fess Parker, (1924-2010), who I watched as a kid as he portrayed Davy Crocket in the Disney series. The theme song still sticks in my noggin because he was the 'king of the wild frontier'. I did me a whole lot of Davy Crocket imitation as I played outside. I had to improvise on the coonskin cap and the rest of his notable gear, however, I likely wiped out a large number of renegades in the woods surrounding our home. Later, the wife and I enjoyed him in the popular Daniel Boone series. That's my little story for today and I do believe the names have not been changed to protect anyone.

For those of you who have pretty much tuned out the news, I have an update. I checked. The world is still in a mess. The political shenanigans continue. Folks are still dealing with famine, hunger, and wars and rumors of wars. We are still killing each other on the highways with our vehicles and in the alleyways with our guns. Children are still missing. The police are still overwhelmed as crime spirals out of control. They still do the weather but many of the weather people have become evangelists for the global warming theology. Sports. It's still going on. NFL players are still taking a knee, even in front of a decorated war hero holding our flag. Like I say, it is pretty much the way it was the last time you checked. There are many Bible passages that talk about how things will be as we near the return of our Lord and Savior. Here's one the Apostle Paul was inspired to write and send to his younger helper Timothy, 2 Timothy Chapter 3: "1) But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2) For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3) unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4) traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5) having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! 6) For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, 7) always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8) Now as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, disapproved concerning the faith; 9) but they will progress no further, for their folly will be manifest to all, as theirs also was." Jannes and Jambres are thought to be the names of two of the Egyptian magicians, (perhaps known but previously unnamed), who attempted to thwart God's plan to set His people free. If any of this is confusing, there is an excellent resource that is available online and free to use, David Guzik's Enduring Word Commentary. Check it out.

I think I've covered quite a few bases today. (I think we all can identify with that one since it does originate from what was once unchallenged as America's pastime, baseball.) I talked about Elvis, Davy Crockett, Daniel Boone, the status of the world, and God's promise to make all things right in His own time. I don't know if those rate highly in the game of Trivial Pursuit, however, they are worth considering. As I approach my 72nd year, let me just say this about wisdom. The Bible tells us the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. (Proverbs 9:10) The reverential recognition of God for who He is, well, that is fundamental to being wise from God's perspective. Knowledge abounds, education continues, but, none of that is of any lasting value without faith in God. I watched a 15-minute video the other day where Jews living in Israel were interviewed. The fellow conducting the interviews was a Jew himself and he was not a believer in Jesus as Messiah and Christ. As a college project, he agreed to try and find out why the Jewish people do not recognize Jesus in the way that Christians do. He talked to probably a dozen or more individuals. Young and old, their responses were articulate but chilling. Their tradition. Their teaching. Their sages. Their belief. It all says that Jesus was not the Jewish Messiah, but, an imposter who, when rejected by the Jews, started His own religion. Most of these people came across as being super intelligent and no doubt some of them were recognized as being wise. Heartbreaking. Jesus addressed this very thing, "Therefore I told you that you will die in your sins. For if you do not believe that I am he you will die in your sins." (John 8:24) I better quit while I am behind. Have a great rest of the day and may God add His blessings to us all. Amen. ....More later.

“We refuse to turn off our computers, turn off our phone, log off Facebook, and just sit in silence, because in those moments we might actually have to face up to who we really are.” ~ Jefferson Bethke, Author, "Jesus: Why He Is So Much Better Than Trying Harder, Doing More, and Being Good Enough"

 

Talk about wear and tear. This is my keyboard!

Good morning and welcome. It is Tuesday, August 14, 2018, and I am here doing my best to keep it all together as we get started on another adventure, you know, the day before us! I wanted you to see my keyboard because it stays very busy. The wife says she doesn't know of anyone who hits the keys harder than I do. Determination. Or maybe, bad habit leading to bad technique. The other day my keyboard stopped dead in its ability to function. Hello? What now? Wait just a cotton picking minute! It is wireless, therefore, being the wise person that I am I decided to check the batteries. What's up with these batteries these days? I probably changed these out just a few years back. I suppose they had been in so long, one of them had a wee bit of corrosion on it. Guess when it gave up the ghost? Right in the middle of me typing. Happens that way. Every time! I used some used triple AAA batteries and have had to switch them out already. Life can be such a struggle. But technology must be wonderful because I hear about it all the time. One of the fellows who posts on a forum regarding Old Time Radio programs passed on a tip the other day. He said that he has found that he can play his old time radio shows through his smart TV and take advantage of his enhanced sound system. Is that something or what? He can watch his radio programs on his smart TV. No pictures, just the sound. Do we live in a wonderful world? Or what?

For those wondering, that is not a halo over my head in the photo in the lead paragraph. It was nothing more than the glow from a fluorescent light. And, no, I was not attempting to tune my keyboard. I am only trying to keep us all on the same page. The phrase 'on the same page' is actually of fairly modern construction. The earliest use found to date is from the early 1970's where a newspaper used this quote, "I think we can beat Washington and whichever team we play next to get into the Super Bowl. If 47 players and our coaches are all on the same page, we can do it." My experience tells me that it got picked up fast because throughout my management days it was something you heard quite often. As in, get all the troops together and let's see if we can get everyone on the same page. Or, reading from the same script. Or, singing from the same hymnal. Singing the same song. Or, as they say in the UK, singing from the same songsheet. Having everyone pulling in the same direction is critical if you are to accomplish the desired outcome or destination. This is especially true in business, but, just as critical in the family and in the Church. Our pastor made this very point this past Sunday evening. The things we do when we gather are done for a purpose. All of them. They serve to honor the Lord and to minister to people. Know what business you are in. Honoring God through worship and being His hands to minister to needy people. When everyone is focused on that being the outcome of our efforts, well, God is pleased and men, women, boys, and girls are changed, for time and eternity. Amen.

Having experienced the unexpected weight gain that may be directly related to the consumption of food, or the result from a particular diabetic medication, or, a mysterious factor yet unknown, I do have one particular continuing complaint. It would seem the same people who used to make jokes about me having to wear padding as The Real Santa, now are having even more fun making everyone aware I will no longer need to wear any padding at all. They even go as far as to say that it might be a good idea for me to try the suit on to make sure it still fits. I suppose it was funny, even to me, the first few times it was mentioned. Whoever would have thought that Santa himself would become sensitive to being called a 'fatso'. (He had a broad face and a little round belly That shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly. He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;...) Please don't send me the 1-800 number for counseling for overweight Santas. Awareness is always the starting point for change. I'm not sure of that, but, it sounded like it might sell so I threw it in there for good measure. Whatever the cause, it has become resistant to efforts to alter the status quo. Cutting back doesn't seem to make much of a dent. Meanwhile, I guess it could be worse. I mean, that would almost always be true regardless of the situation. I am actually not so much depressed about it as I am puzzled. It's as if my regulator thingie has gone on the fritz. Meanwhile, I will practice my ho-ho-ho's and do my best to keep the Christmas Spirit alive and well. Enjoy, and thank God for the day that He has given to us all. Amen. ....More later.

“There will come a time when it isn't 'They're spying on me through my phone' anymore. Eventually, it will be 'My phone is spying on me'.” ~ Philip K. Dick, (1928-1982), Science Fiction Writer

I do have good news. You do not have to have a secret handshake or password to read my blog. In fact, I have empirical data that indicates, over these 11 years,  nearly 23,000 unsuspecting folks have landed on my blog from Russia. I suppose I should be glad I haven't been subpoenaed by the special prosecutor's office to shed light on this matter. But, given the fact I had nothing to do with them landing on my blog, therefore, I, for now, and forever proclaim that I did not collude with them. I thought I would get this back-to-work Monday off with a little political intrigue to get everyone's attention. I do bring you greetings on this August 13, 2018. I can only imagine how twisted up a Russian linguist would be trying to interpret some of Paw Paw Mac's homegrown sayings. They might suspect my grandfather of being a code talker or something. I think it works both ways. Here are some so-called colorful Russian idioms that help to liven up their language. (I'm using the English translations for obvious reasons.) ~ "There’s no truth in standing on your feet." Meaning: This is something people often say as a gesture of hospitality. Basically, you’re encouraging someone to sit down and make themselves at home. ~ "Don’t rush the horses!" Meaning: Don’t be in such a rush. ~ "Make a notch on your nose." Meaning: Take notice of what I’m saying and drill it into your memory. ~ "To make an elephant out of a fly." Meaning: This is essentially the Russian version of “make a mountain out of a molehill.” ~ "I will show you where lobsters spend the winter." Meaning: This is essentially a threat (stop, or else). ~ You can find more of these on the Babbel Magazine website. I suppose I woke up today feeling a need to be more culturally relevant from an international perspective. Nah. I don't think so. Just messing around. That's all.

I just hope those from over there, and they know who I am talking about, haven't learned too much insider information about me. They may have discovered that I actually prefer mustard greens to collard greens. I don't even want to think what they might glean from my clearly stated devotion to Community Coffee. I'm not sure what they would make of this quote I used back in 2014. It was one written by Robert Louis Stevenson in his 1878 travelogue, 'An Inland Voyage', "To know what you prefer instead of humbly saying Amen to what the world tells you-you ought to prefer, is to have kept your soul alive." Put that one under the microscope. Maybe they found out I like hot cinnamon candy and that as a kid I developed a taste for licorice mainly since most of the kids didn't like it which meant I had it all to myself. Who knows what they might have thought about me traveling back to my old homeplace and making sure I spent time at the cemetery since so many of my kinfolks have markers there? Maybe they think my preoccupation with diabetes is only a smokescreen to cover some other nefarious activities. When they boil it all down, I hope they took the time to analyze what I call my life verse from the Bible, "Your Word is a lamp to my feet, and a Light to my path." (My own transliteration of the 119th Division of the Psalms, Verse 150) They no doubt discovered that I love the Lord. I love my wife. I love my family. I love home cooking. And, yes, maybe a really big one, I do operate in costume, undercover, if you will, from time to time, going about in a red suit and saying strange things like,"Happy Christmas to all and to all a good night."

Okay. Before anyone makes an anonymous call to a nearby governmental office, let me make it clear that I am only having a little fun today. However, surveillance, in all shapes and forms, is an ongoing reality in each of our lives. A fellow here in the office told me the other day he was beginning to see pop up ads on social media regarding something he had been interested in before. I told him if he did a search on anything related, that's how they generate a personal interest hit and you start getting the ads. He immediately said he had not searched for anything on the internet related to the product. Maybe he used a credit card. The credit card may have connected back to his user profile and now the ads are flowing. I'm not sure what exactly happened but if you go back and read the quote I used in today's title, I think you see where we are. It was a prediction when he said it. It is not only a present-day reality but, it has been greatly enhanced. I do appreciate you taking the time to drop in for our visit today. I do enjoy our times together. You have my permission to enjoy another cup of coffee. Yes, Community Coffee would be best, but, we still have the freedom to choose, at least as it relates to our coffee. Enjoy the rest of your day and know that God is aware, before, during, and after. And, He cares. This means we can always trust Him. Amen. ....More later.

"A crook is a crook, and there's something healthy about his frankness in the matter. But the guy who pretends he's enforcing the law and steals on his authority is a swell snake. The worst type is the Big Politician who gives about half his time to covering up so that no one will know he's a thief. A hard-working crook can buy these birds by the dozens, but he hates them in his heart." ~ Well known philosopher, and murdering mobster, Al Capone

Okay. We made it to Friday. I get it. I'm happy about it too. But, for me, I've never been able to gin up being euphoric about the TGIF obsession. Just me. It is officially August 10, 2018, and I do bid each one a hearty hello. I did my best to watch some of the live feed from Yellowstone this week on the National Geographic channel. I, like many others, from time to time, enjoy seeing a 600 pound Grizzly Bear rip to shreds his prey and devour it before our very eyes. However, the dialog, the incessant environmental preaching, and the build-up that was given to what ended up being non-events, well, I could do without all of that. (Some of those reminded me of Geraldo Rivera's famous opening of Al Capone's vault. There was no there, there.) Don't get me wrong. The landscape shots were magnificent. The wildlife, when they could catch up with some, was good too, however, there's just something about seeing a gray wolf with a huge tracking collar that tends to lessen the impact. They had this British fellow on there who had read way too much of Carl Sagan. One thing was certain. That equipment used to film was impressive. Some of the lenses on those cameras most likely could have spotted that golf cart on the moon. I concluded the best way to watch it was to turn the sound down, have another channel on emergency standby to switch to quickly when another one of those long sequences of nothing was on the screen. See? Everyone has their own way of watching television. Even me.

Here's my flashback from August of 2007. ~ When our eldest was just a toddler we accompanied my wife’s parents to one of their Church member’s home where they were preserving fresh figs. This was the mid-1960’s but these people basically lived like it was still the 1940’s. The man of the home was a wonderful fellow but he did love his snuff. This gave me some pause when I learned to get a drink of water you had to go to the back porch to a pail with a dipper. I wasn’t sure just how much to turn that dipper because I assumed many others had done the same, but it made you less thirsty whenever the image in your mind was that dried snuff around our host’s mouth. Now he was very accurate with his spitting meaning he could land it just about wherever he wanted. This became more important as the men sat on the front porch with the children playing in the yard. Every once in a while I saw that snuff flying by our toddler’s ear which kept me nervous but didn’t seem to bother anyone else. The smell of fresh figs cooking was in the air and I could hear the ladies in the kitchen babbling and laughing as they talked about cooking, sewing, and most likely the latest news which where I came from was usually called gossip. After a couple of hours of coffee, homemade cake, and many conversations, we said our goodbyes and left with a promise that we would soon be receiving several jars of fig preserves. As they say, a good time was had by all. ~

I read what one younger fellow wrote in a spiritual devotion. He said that as a believer, our life is a billboard the world sees as they pass by. His implied question was, "What's on your billboard that people see?" I started to say I don't know why that caught my attention, but, I'm pretty sure it made me feel uncomfortable and convicted because it does speak to the heart of the matter. That will give me something to think about for a while. What say you? It reminds me of back when I was a kid and one of the themes I often heard from the pulpit had to do with what changes would one make if Jesus came to visit today. Not too long ago I shared in this forum the lyrics from the song, "If Jesus Came to Your House Today." That song talks about what kind of changes and adjustments we might make if Jesus showed up. Oh well, nothing like a good dose of conviction to get us ready for our Saturday and Lord's Day Sunday. Thinking about watching those bison in that live feed from Yellowstone reminded me of this little ditty from my childhood days, " Oh give me a home where the buffalo roam and I'll show you a dirty house." With that bit of wisdom, I will bid you farewell. For today. Lord willing, whether the Creeks, (Creek Indian Nation), rise up or not, I will do my best to catch back up with you come next Monday. Until then, may God bless each one. Amen. ....More later.