I think my hourglass somehow figured out how to function in hyper-drive.

Good morning and welcome to Friday, September 28, 2018. Another month is about to slip away from us and they do seem to be clicking off quickly these days. A lot of research has been directed in trying to unravel the mystery of why time seems to move faster as we grow older. The experts think they know some of the reasons. When we are younger we experience many new and enjoyable things. Those have to be processed and stored by our brains for future reference. Because they are things that may have been stimulating and enjoyable, therefore, when they are remembered they seem to have lasted longer. As we age things become more routine and we do not pursue as many new experiences. Thus, the theory is the routine seems to move more quickly. At any rate, everything is moving quickly for me. That might mean I am stuck in the memory fast lane of a boring, routine life. I don't see it that way, but, I will be the first to admit I am a creature of habit and routine. My own opinion is our age does, in fact, give us a sense of the clock running out. I do know that I find myself at times thinking about if I live for another five, ten, or fifteen years, how things will be. Or, maybe, it's just a natural part of life. Or, maybe, no one knows. Even the scientists still call it a mystery. And, there are times when it does seem to be much slower than it should be. Waiting in line. Any line. Anytime. Oh well, as we all say from time to time, "It is what it is."

Here's my flashback Friday from September 28, 2007. ~  "One Hundred Blogs And Counting! Today marks my 100th blog! It should now be clear to those who read my blogs why my grandfather used to worry about me coming up for air when I was talking. It has been quite interesting since typically I don’t really think often about what I am going to write until I sit down to do it. I am thankful to use this forum to share some about my life and how God has, in spite of that unholy trinity made up of me, myself, and I, brought me this far. In the final analysis, we do in many ways reflect the sum total of all that’s happened to us and God is the only One who can make it into something that has a purpose, meaning, and ultimately can bring honor and glory to Him. Having 100 stories reflecting past and present events, ideas, thoughts, opinions, and testimonials make me at the least a junior blogosphere junkie, and a card-carrying member of the blogging universe. I already have one granddaughter who reads my daily recollections and perhaps someday the rest will do so as well, and even their children might later on. It will be interesting for someone to hear a great-grandchild say, “No wonder I am like I am, just look at Poppy and his experiences!” That will be good because it will help connect them to our family heritage. Just think about how many times I’ve mentioned my Paw Paw Mac. I also hope some of these meandering musings have brought a smile since truly the funniest things in life are those that really happen." ~ (For better or worse, that little blurb was written some 2,800 blogs ago, and, it pretty much is still working like it did when I started.)

Part of life involves having to say so long for now to loved ones and dear friends. This past Wednesday, our dear sister in Christ, Anita, went home to be with her Lord and Savior. She experienced that wonderful change when she became absent from the body and present with the Lord. (2nd Corinthians 5:8) Sister Anita could easily have her photo in the dictionary beside the word 'servant'. She was a seed planter in that she worked with children her entire life. I searched to find a photo that describes her life and found the one above. That's Sister Anita on the right, leaning over helping the little ones to do their crafts. She and her husband Ronnie had three boys. Her beloved Ronnie passed away in 2001. Sister Anita picked up the pieces, raised her boys, while also devoting herself in continuing to bless the lives of children of all ages. We were blessed to know this dear lady for over 20 years. I thought about Sister Anita and all the kids that have passed through her classes in Sunday School or in her AWANA Bible Club sessions. Many of those kids are out there today making a difference. Some are still in school from elementary through college. Some have become missionaries, many are moms and dads, business managers, law enforcement officers, medical and dental technicians, educators, and they reflect every walk of life one might think of. The best news of all is how that many of them have followed her example and are actively engaged in serving the Lord through a local congregation of believers.  She made a difference. For time and eternity. She gave her best to her Lord. That, my friend, is what we, as believers, are called to do. She was a part of the Thursday Evening Gathering that met in our home. We will miss her. However, we know we will see her again. We have God's Word on it: "But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words." (1st Thessalonians 4:13-18) Please join us in praying for her family at this time. Have a great Saturday and Lord's Day Sunday, and may God bless us all is my prayer. Amen. ...More later.

“You know, in a way, 'Dear Santa Claus' is rather stuffy... Perhaps something a little more intimate would be better... Something just a shade more friendly..." "How about 'Dear Fatty'?” ~ Charles M. Schulz, The Complete Peanuts

I will tell you this about that. Last Tuesday evening's promo photo shoot for Santa and some beautiful children went well, but, it was intense. We went non-stop for 90 minutes, and, I'm never sure why but I always feel like when we finish that I have been beaten with a tire tool. I know part of it has to do with the pressure we feel in making great photos. The rest of it has to do with dealing with a new set and in our work with the children. Yeah. Here's a news flash: Not all children love Santa. While some may not recognize it, there's quite a lot of physical exertion involved. At any rate, I agree that I chose to do this work of my own volition, therefore, I'm just sharing, not complaining. Moving on, it is Thursday, September 27, 2018, and it is a good day to thank God for allowing us to do all we are able to do. Amen? Amen! Since some of these aches are associated with my age, I wanted to share how I received my 'new' Medicare Card this week. According to the information sent, a law was passed requiring Social Security Numbers to be removed from the Card. The bottom line, I have a new Card. (I'll not share my thoughts at this time on the unbelievable acceleration of the government capture of electronic health information on every person in our country who accesses medical care. In the meantime, we should all be concerned.) I get the new Card. I have one page to explain this change in English. The back side is printed in Spanish. There are another two pages included with notices printed in Arabic, Armenian, Chinese-Traditional, French, German, Haitian Creole, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Tagalog, and Vietnamese. I know we, as a nation, are a melting pot of nationalities, but, whatever happened to English being recognized as our official language?

One of the interesting things about aging, hopefully gracefully, is how the younger generations don't have a clue regarding many of your references from the past. The music I talk about, not a clue. The movies I thought that were special, never heard of them. Famous quotations that helped define our times, are you kidding? Even TV programs we watched, were those in black and white? This is a matter of daily record as we continue our journey here. However, there is another side to that coin. When these kids are talking in their made up abbreviated language, I don't have a clue. When they are discussing anything about rap music, count me out. When they dialogue about the latest video games, it's as if I never existed. My point? It works both ways. One thing that can unite all generations is a common identity in Christ. In a recent song that pretty much crosses all genres, the lyrics speak to the needs that we all have, regardless of our status in life or our age. And, it points us to Jesus. (Go to YouTube and find this one as it is recorded by numerous people.)


"He's a Chain Breaker"
Songwriters: Jonathan Lindley Smith / Mia Fieldes / Zach Williams

If you’ve been walking the same old road for miles and miles
If you’ve been hearing the same old voice tell the same old lies
If you’re trying to feel the same old holes inside
There’s a better life
There’s a better life

If you’ve got pain
He’s a pain taker
If you feel lost
He’s a way maker
If you need freedom or saving
He’s a prison-shaking Savior
If you’ve got chains
He’s a chain breaker

We’ve all searched for the light of day in the dead of night
We’ve all found ourselves worn out from the same old fight
We’ve all run to things we know just ain’t right
And there’s a better life
There’s a better life

If you’ve got pain
He’s a pain taker
If you feel lost
He’s a way maker
If you need freedom or saving
He’s a prison-shaking Savior
If you’ve got chains
He’s a chain breaker

If you believe it
If you receive it
If you can feel it
Somebody testify

If you believe it
If you receive it
If you can feel it
Somebody testify, testify

If you believe it
If you receive it
If you can feel it
Somebody testify

If you’ve got pain
He’s a pain taker
If you feel lost
He’s a way maker
If you need freedom or saving
He’s a prison-shaking Savior
If you’ve got chains
He’s a chain breaker

If you need freedom or saving
He’s a prison-shaking Savior
If you’ve got chains
He’s a chain breaker

That song reflects the life story of Zach Williams. The story itself is also worth listening to. My favorite renditions are from Zach Williams himself, the version done by The Gaither Vocal Band, and the version done by The Triumphant Quartet. All of those are available out on YouTube. Okay. Let's see if we have today's checklist covered. Another Santa story, check. Some cautionary insights into our governmental oversight of its citizens, check. A discussion of the generational divide and how Jesus can bring us all together, check. A sharing of a song describing the power of our Savior to break whatever chains that need to be broken, check. I suppose I should come up with a good closing statement here. When in doubt, always share from the Truth, the whole Truth, and nothing but the Truth: Romans 15:5-6 - "May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." Enough said! Have a great rest of the day and may God add His blessings to us all. Amen. .....More later.

"But Governments and peoples do not always take rational decisions. Sometimes they take mad decisions, or one set of people get control who compel all others to obey and aid them in folly." — Winston S. Churchill

Good morning and welcome. Today's edition has on its banner page, Wednesday, September 26, 2018. Why are people so fed up with the way news is being reported today? I watched a clip earlier this week from a fellow standing in line at the Vegas event where President Trump was appearing. He saw that CNN was there. He streamed their coverage and one of the anchors said the President was scheduled to speak at the event and there were maybe 200 people waiting to get in. This fellow started at the front of the line and videoed those standing in line to the end. It went on and on. There were thousands waiting to get in, not 200. Why would CNN make such an erroneous claim? I'll go back to my original question. Why are people so fed up with the way news is being reported today? With all the charges and counter-charges flying forth and back regarding Judge Kavanaugh's nomination to the Supreme Court, I did see a photo on Facebook that jokingly made a point. The photo is of maybe a two-year-old boy being held by a waitress wearing a low cut shirt. The little kid appears to have inadvertently laid his hand on the waitress' bosom. The caption read: This photo ruins any hope for him to ever become a Supreme Court Justice. This is not a commentary on the validity of any truth claims that anyone has made but it is symbolic of the runaway political madness that has taken hold of our nation. (I take full responsibility for any opinions that are explicitly obvious or implicitly recognized.)

Back when I was growing up I lived and breathed the game of baseball. I'm not ashamed to say I slept with my glove. I did a stint as a pitcher, played third base, and the outfield. I threw side-armed and when I was pitching I could throw really hard. That was the good news. The not so good news is how I never knew exactly where the ball might go. Unintentionally, I hit a few batters. And, I have been hit a few times as well. I can tell you it is not a pleasant experience. There's a video making the rounds again from a major league game played back in April of last year. The game was between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Chicago Cubs. I had not seen the clip until the other day. Cardinals hitter Stephen Piscotty was hit in the right elbow by a pitch at the plate. In a hit and run situation, he slid into second and the throw came in hot and hit him squarely on his left arm. Twice. After that, the ball was put in play and he attempted to score from second base. He made it in safe but the ball came in and caught him on the side of the head, on the fly. He was laid out on the ground. He was not seriously injured but I will tell you I've never seen anything like that. I well remember that because of my wildness when I was pitching, batters were nervous about the potential of me beaning them. I'm not sure what Piscotty thought about it after being hit three times in three minutes in the same inning. I think that would have given anyone second thoughts. (I tried to check to see if this was a record but while they do keep statistics on hit batters, I could not find any records of those hit while a base runner.)

I always try to check out the 'hot' toys for the upcoming season. I looked at the list from the online edition of USA Today, and, the top 25 toys as projected by Amazon. One of those on the Amazon list is the new version of the Monopoly game. Cheaters Edition. Here is the description: "This version rewards stealing money from the bank and not paying rent when you land on someone else’s property. There are 15 Cheat Cards in the game. For ages 8 and older." Okay. As a self-appointed observer of all things pertaining to the culture of our times, well, it did get my attention. It may be innocuous and in good taste, but, there's something about it that seems to fit today's ongoing narrative. "What can you get away with?" "Get caught, Get cuffed!" It will be interesting to see if Santa gets many requests for this one. I did notice several of the top toys have fur and built-in electronics and can be interacted with. Amazon is expecting some of these to sell out quickly, therefore, it will accept prepayment with a guarantee to hold the price and delivery. I can't remember us going to extraordinary means to acquire a hard-to-get toy for our boys, but, I'm not going to say we didn't. And, I can't remember them being horribly disappointed because they didn't get one they had their heart set on. They might have a different story on that one. I know my mom, as a widow, always went out of her way to do the best she could for the six of us kids. Doing her best meant some Christmases provided more toys than others, but, looking back, I am very thankful for her devotion and sacrificial heart for her children. I could probably even come up with some of the toys I received as a kid, but, that would take more effort from the concentration area of my brain. Something I'm not prepared to deal with today. Perhaps another time. Meanwhile, I do hope you have a blessed day as God provides. Amen. ....More later.

"I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year." ~ The character Scrooge as written by Charles Dickens, 'A Christmas Carol'

Believe it or not, today is the day. It is Tuesday, September 25, 2018, and I've been playing some Christmas music today. Why? This afternoon I will be donning the Red Suit for some promotional photos at our favorite professional photographer's studio. (Mindy Harmon of the Woodlands, Texas.) She has a new Christmas set this year and she will be featuring some of these promo shots to get us ready for the upcoming season. I actually tried on The Suit coat last night. I had some alterations made to it after the end of last season so I needed to make sure everything still works like it should. I think this will be our 7th or 8th year to work with Mindy and her staff. There's no way to guess how many treasured memories we've been a part of, working in this venue. (See the photo above.) Social media has been cluttered recently with postings of people asking each other if it is too early to start decorating for Christmas. Our tradition has always been to wait until after Thanksgiving, however, we might move that up to early November this year. Mrs. Claus did a wonderful job of decorating last year and it became a photography set as we opened our home for folks to come and make Christmas Selfies with the Clauses. That added quite a bit to our schedule, but, we were able to provide this service for a number of families. I will be consulting with the CDIC to make a final decision. Sorry. CDIC stands for Chief Decorator In Charge.

Great Grand Poppy with Gabi-Girl, made this past summer.

I mentioned yesterday how technology has changed our world. This past Saturday I was able to spend about 20 minutes with our little great grand Gabi-girl and her mom, our granddaughter, Brittany. It was a two-way video call. Gabi-girl was all wired up and running around, playing with her toys, and with their kitten. She is a sweet child and what a blessing to visit with her in their home located on the Army post in Fort Riley, Kansas. Our eldest, Chris, her Paw Paw, visits with her nearly every day. Being able to visit this way is a blessing. It's not the same as holding her in my arms, but, it's pretty amazing when I think how all of this has come about during my lifetime. I can remember as a kid that even making a long distance call was thought of as a big deal. It was expensive. People tried to make it as concise as possible to limit the time. And, typically the message was very important. Often, a long distance call meant a serious illness or even a death notice. Today we live in an anytime all the time connected world. We all know this can be a blessing or a curse, but, for a few minutes last Saturday it allowed Great Grand Poppy to enjoy visiting with his great-granddaughter, Gabi-girl. In case you are keeping score, you can put that one in the 'blessing' column. Amen.

I know that most of you know my views on the importance of each believer being a part of a local New Testament fellowship of believers. Today's identity calls it Church but because that name has been associated with so many different sorts of religious shenanigans I typically try not to use it that much. The actual word in the original Greek language is Ecclesia. It reflects a set apart, called out assembly, congregated together for a purpose. That purpose is the pursuit of the Great Commission given to the local assembly by our Lord Himself, ""'.... All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.' Amen."  The 'Amen' which is a 'so let it be' affirmation was added by the Apostle John. When we meet we come together to worship the Lord, to encourage and build each other up in the faith, and to hear from God as His Word is shared. This prepares us to go forth as directed by the Great Commision. I took the above photo this past Sunday at our local fellowship, Mims Baptist, Conroe, Texas. I was up in the balcony with two of our grandkids. They don't care to sit with me in my regular pew, ground floor, left aisle, first seat, 4th row back, not that I have a particular spot. My point? The local assembly is God's plan and it was purchased by the blood of our Savior who gave Himself up on behalf of the Ecclesia. (Ephesians 5:25) I posted that photo on my Facebook page on Sunday with this caption, "Great worship at Mims Baptist today. God was in the house!" I was there. Others were there. But, more importantly, God was there with us and He could be heard and felt. That, my friend, is something every believer needs. Not preaching down to anyone because don't forget my motto, "Just one beggar telling other beggars where food can be found." Amen. ....More later.

"In life, as in a football game, the principle to follow is hit the line hard." ~ Theodore Roosevelt.

Good morning and welcome to our little visit for today. I've already downed 3 or 4, maybe more because I'm also not counting, cups of Community 100% Columbian blend. The good news is how imbibing that much caffeine has very little impact on me, it has very little impact on me, it has very little impact on me. It is back-to-work Monday, September 24, 2018, and we are ready to make the best of it. I've been seeing a particular meme circulating lately that caught my attention. It says, "Lord, please don't let me die before I am dead." I not only get that sentiment but, I've also seen it up close and personal. Back in the day, when I had a large organization I had a number of folks who were close to retirement. I had the habit of telling people I had several who had retired but they were still showing up every day. I also used to tell certain folks in my group that perhaps they should carry a small mirror in their pocket. That way they could use it to occasionally breathe on it to see if they were alive enough to make a sign on the mirror. These were folks who reminded one of why they invented the Slow Men Working signs. I will be the first to admit that at age 72 I am not as actively engaged as I have been in the past. However, I'm still ready and willing to contribute where I can. And, I do believe I am much more capable than some might think. Yep. I do use my age as an excuse to tell them how I see things or as they used to say back home, to tell them how the cow ate the cabbage.

Here at my workplace, somewhat off the beaten path, I look up in the sky on an early, dark morning and the stars seem to be brighter than ever and close enough to reach up and grab. When I was a youngster going hunting with my granddad we would sometimes spend the night out in the woods. We often referred to them as the 'big woods'. We would be miles away from civilization and I would be all wrapped up in some homemade quilts in the back of his old pickup truck. Laying there and looking into the night sky was an amazing experience. With very little ambient lighting, back then the stars looked maybe even ten times closer. And, the sheer number of them was breathtaking. For a long time now when I see those stars I think about that encounter between God and Abram (Abraham). "Then the LORD took Abram outside and said, 'Look at the sky and see if you can count the stars. That's how many descendants you will have.'" (Genesis 15:5) It's interesting to me how the LORD took him outside. He had an object lesson He wanted Abram to see. They say that even today in the Middle East where this took place, the stars almost look like lamps that can be touched. In Abram's day, there's no telling how brilliant they were. That's typically what I think about when I see them so clearly. The promise God made to Abraham. And, I also remember seeing them clearly as a kid out on a hunting expedition. The best news of all? I am a part of that promise through the Greater Son of Abraham, Jesus the Christ. (Matthew Chapter 1) You can be a part of that promise as well. Amen.

I saw a good one the other day. "I'm having a get together for a few friends who are going to come over and sit around and we all are going to stare at our phones, would you like to join us?" Another one of a couple sitting at the dinner table when the husband announces, "I just read on Facebook that you would like for me to pass the salt." Those may bring a chuckle, but, they also are a sad commentary on where we are today. At 72, I'm able to remember well when folks sat out on the front porch or in the den or around the kitchen table or around the piano and enjoyed each others' company. I've participated in all of the above. Many times. And, some of them were very politically incorrect. That's right. The menfolk sat out on the front porch laughing and carrying on while solving all of the issues of the day, while, the women folk were inside doing their thing. I'm not one of those who lampoons the use of technology. God has allowed some marvelous technological innovations that are very beneficial in every facet of our lives. If they are used with the proper caution and control. That same phone that allows parents to interact with their children and grandchildren in far-flung places using a video feed can also become the source of an obsessive behavior disorder. Talking about technology, I recently read about a school system in Colorado who contracted with and paid an outside data firm to grant children computer access to their huge educational databases. However, the elementary aged children could accidentally put in information that landed them on questionable responses and in some cases, on pornographic websites. Here's where we are today: It took a group of parents two years to get the district to cancel that contract in favor of a different system that protected against such access. And, the parents standing up to protect impressionable children were the ones who were lambasted as being against education and progress. I report. You decide. Take all of that for what it is worth and be reminded of this statement from the late Bible scholar, R. C. Sproul, "God is either sovereign or He is not God." Amen. ....More later.

"Suspect each moment, for it is a thief, tiptoeing away with more than it brings." ~ John Updike

Hello out there in the world where folks let their fingers do the walking on the computer keyboard or the numeric pad on their phone or tablet in order to grab hold of my blog, today's edition, coming forth on this Friday, September 21, 2018. However you got here, I send out a huge and hearty welcome. This week has been something else. But, let me be clear. I pretty much think they all end up being that way. Or, that's how they get interpreted. It more or less becomes the standard operating procedure. I find myself worn out at the end of the work week whether or not I've really been productively busy or not. I suppose, at least in my case, I get to the end of the work week and turn in my 'occupied' sign and without even thinking I let out a deep sigh of relief. I'm not sure I am tired but it must be easy to make myself think that I am. I do know that of late I've been thinking about sleeping late. Strange. That's not something I typically focus on. Sleeping late? It's like someone got inside my internal clock and messed with the hands. Hey, what you got planned for your days off? I am really looking forward to sleeping late. How absurd. What is wrong with me? And, the sleeping late involves doing so on a train. Preoccupied with sleeping on a train. I'll let you shade tree shrinks take that information and come up with some guesses as to what my problem might be. Please don't tell me it has to do with something that happened when I was a toddler. Please! You know. Did I say, choo-choo, or whoo-whoo? I'm just messing around. Thus far, the best answer has been the R word. As in RECLINER. It seems always ready and willing to help me with my problems.

Here's a Friday flashback from September 21, 2007. ~ We hired a new kid to work out in our plant last week. Everyone was joking about us now hiring children. He just enrolled in college and is working to help support himself. In addition to being young, he looks even much younger. He did quite a bit of welding in high school and thus far he seems to be a fast learner and a hard worker. The older guys were saying we might have to open a daycare for our new employees. I had seen the young fellow but not spent any time with him. One day I was walking through the shop checking on various projects and there he was standing in the shipping and receiving area. I went over and introduced myself to him. He said to me, “Sir, you sure look familiar to me, could it be possible I know you from somewhere?” I saw the opportunity for a joke so I told him, “Well, back in the early seventies I did work as a department store Santa, and you may have sat on my knee, but I would guess you were born much later than that.” He was dead serious, “No Sir, that would not have been possible because I was not born until 1989.” Wait a minute. 1989? 1989? That’s almost 1990. Sometimes moments occur when you really begin to appreciate how much water has flowed under the bridge, or in my case, under several bridges. As Willie Nelson used to sing, “Ain’t it funny how time slips away?” And so it does. ~ Bear in mind that was 11 years ago. Think about it. Today, that same scenario could be played out with a worker born in the year 2000. That's hard for me to take in, but, it fits, so I might as well get used to it.

When we talk about conditioning it would be hard to not mention candy corn. I heard a fellow talking about how this candy, were it not associated with Halloween, would never be purchased and consumed. Yet, 35 million pounds or 9 billion pieces are sold every year. We plunk down our money and get in return the yellow, orange, and white concoctions made of  Sugar, Corn Syrup, Confectioner's Glaze, Salt, Dextrose, Gelatin, Sesame Oil, Artificial Flavor, Honey, Yellow 6, Yellow 5, and Red 3. But it is appropriate for the season. And, that's why we buy it. It is not for the taste. That does not mean I will pass it up because eating it is also a part of the conditioning. Maybe we end up mostly being like lab rats. We already have some in our home. It adds such a festive touch to our decor. If you decide to pass it up this year but need to stay in touch with your inner candy corn, here's a tip. Take three tablespoons of granulated sugar and wash it down with Karo light corn syrup. Now you know where to come to get advice. I do hope you enjoy your Saturday and Lord's Day Sunday. Lord willing, I will do my very best to show up on time to get our work week cranked up with our next visit. May God bless. Amen. ...More later.

Was the Genesis account of Noah and The Flood real? Here's what Jesus said about it, "For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be." (Matthew 24:38-39)

Good morning and welcome. Today is Thursday, September 20, 2018. This week I have been preparing to do an overview of the Genesis account of Noah and The Flood. This portion of The Scriptures is one of the most widely taught to children. Those of us who grew up in Sunday School can attest to that. Those images from the children's lessons persist. I do fear that many have grown into adulthood but have not really considered the agonizing seriousness of this text. The Apostle Paul said that when he was a child he acted like he was a child, but, when he grew up and became a man, he put away the ways of a child. (My paraphrase from 1st Corinthians, Chapter 13.) The flood passage is about sin. The righteousness of God. His judgment upon sin. And, thankfully, His grace that was extended to Noah and his family. The details of this judgment were mercifully skimmed over when we were children. Looking at it today makes one aware of the sinfulness of sin and how God views sin. He was grieved. One commentator has said that one must love before they can grieve. God loved His created human family. Yet, they had rebelled against Him to the extent that He brought complete annihilation to every man, woman, boy, and girl who breathed air on the planet at that time. The only exception was Noah and his wife, their three sons, and their wives, a total of 8 people, along with the animals in the ark. The magnitude of this judgment is breathtaking. It has meaning for us today. The Apostle Peter writing in his first letter, by Holy Spirit inspiration, said this, "....when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water." (1 Peter 3:20) My point? God cannot tolerate sin. His Divine longsuffering is at work today and He awaits those who respond to His Son, but, this invitation will not always be available as final judgment looms ever closer each day.

I am not actually preview teaching my lesson here. How do I know that? Because I typically don't know exactly what will be taught until I get up and teach. I do my best to prepare to teach. I used to use notes and even write out my lesson in its entirety. Many years ago, likely influenced by my late father-in-law, Bro. Wilson Rawles, and my late brother-in-law, Bro. Milton Rawles, I began to focus on preparation and then using only the Bible as my text, allowing God to help direct my thoughts at the time I stood behind the teaching lectern. I tell people it is working without a net, but, it really isn't. Not if one is prepared and prayed up. I don't want to sound trite, but, God typically shows up even if I don't have my act altogether. And, don't go around saying that I said something I didn't say. I have no problem with people who use notes. I have no problem with people who write out their sermons or lessons. My way is not the only way and it may not even be the 'best' way. It's the one that works for me. God is good to work with us as individuals and He can take what we give to Him and use it to reach people and to bring honor and glory to Himself. Amen.

I've been reading where some prominent people are renouncing their 'white' privilege and all that it has helped them to achieve. Another supposed important Hollywood personality has encouraged all Americans to not just vote for but fully embrace socialism as a way of life. You know. That's where everyone shares equally. As you might have expected, these pronouncements reminded me of an encounter that someone had with Jesus the Christ. ~ Now a certain ruler asked Him, saying, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’ ”And he said, “All these things I have kept from my youth.” So when Jesus heard these things, He said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” But when he heard this, he became very sorrowful, for he was very rich. ~ (Gospel of Luke, Chapter 18, Verses 18-23) One thing I found lacking in the individuals renouncing their racial identity and the one calling for everyone to embrace socialism, none of them made a commitment to give away the millions they have accumulated. Not a word. Just something I noticed. I thought it was worth sharing. Take care, and enjoy the rest of the day God has given to us. Amen. ...More later.

Is it bragging if it is nothing more than stating the facts? Ponder that one for a while.

Good morning and welcome to Wednesday, September 19, 2018. I wanted to share how thankful we are for our granddaughter, Lexie Dee. She was named Homecoming Queen at her high school last week. That's quite an achievement when you consider she attends one of those mega schools with over 3,500 students. She is a senior. And, yes, I have trouble even processing that. She has always been a good student and has done well academically. She has her sights set on attending the University of Texas. She is the daughter of our Rodney and wife, Mitzi. We are thankful for the enabling giftedness that God has placed in this child. We are her grandparents. Proud grandparents. At the same time, we pray for her spiritual well-being as she continues her journey. We know that a relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ, is the key to a meaningful life. And, to be honest, she reminds me of her MiMi when she was that age. Her MiMi wasn't the Homecoming Queen because they didn't have that program at her school, however, she was Miss Anacoco High School, therefore, I guess it runs in the family. I'm not done yet. And, her MiMi ended up dating and marrying me, the former Mr. Hornbeck High School. We are talking royalty here, or, upon further review, maybe it was Royal Crown Cola, (RC Cola as it was known back in the day.), with some peanuts floating in it for good measure. Talk about good! May God continue to bless our Lexie Dee! Amen.

We made the poster this year!

I was happy to receive an invitation for Santa and Mrs. Claus to participate in the county sheriff's department providing Christmas gifts to needy children. We were there for last year's inaugural event and it was heartwarming to see folks being helped in this way. Donations exceeded expectations last year and needy children received a total of 228 brand new bicycles along with 700 Christmas presents. We will not soon forget the exhilarated facial expressions of the children and the tears in the eyes of their parents. This program is confidential and by invitation only for those who have been identified as needy. Christmas has to do with giving. Christ was God's gift to us all. Christ's name is on the season and what a blessing to see gifts given that bear His name. (Christmas Gifts.) I hope this year they turn the air conditioning system on early. Being in that huge exhibit hall on a warm day made for a grueling session, but, rewarding. If you would like to contribute to this effort this year, they are gladly receiving donations. You can find out the particulars by calling, 936-538-3456.

The fake news syndrome has landed squarely on the weather forecasting community. Let's just say they have been caught making things look newsworthy in a 'fake' sort of way. One reporter from The Weather Channel was shown slipping and sliding around in a very dangerous wind and rain situation. Meanwhile, behind that reporter, some fellows were strolling down the street with no appreciable impact from the elements. The Channel responded by saying their reporter was standing on wet grass and he was also exhausted. That didn't help. It made it worse as a whole new set of criticisms gushed forth from every corner of the social media world. In another scene, one of the main anchors on CNN is shown waist deep with waders on. Meanwhile, his support crew is casually standing on high ground. They had found a ditch for him to shoot the shot. CNN said it was their purpose to demonstrate the danger from the flooding. Recently, the NY Times gladly insinuated that the current Republican Ambassador to the UN had spent over $50,000 on curtains for the ambassador's apartment in NY City. It was a gotcha piece. One problem. A big one. The curtains were ordered by the previous Obama appointed ambassador. But, guess what? The writer knew that and actually buried that fact in the article itself. After much social media criticism, here is the retraction from the so-called paper of record: “An earlier version of this article and headline created an unfair impression about who was responsible for the purchase in question,” wrote The Times in its correction on Friday. “While Nikki R. Haley is the current ambassador to the United Nations, the decision on leasing the ambassador’s residence and purchasing the curtains was made during the Obama administration, according to current and former officials. The article should not have focused on Ms. Haley, nor should a picture of her have been used. The article and headline have now been edited to reflect those concerns, and the picture has been removed.” My reason for sharing this is simple. Pay attention folks! Pay attention! Here's a piece of truth with no fake information: "Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth." (Psalm 46:10, from the New Heart English Bible.)  Amen. ....More later.

"Give thanks in everything, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." ~ 1st Thessalonians 5:18 as rendered in the Holman Standard Christian Bible

Just me. No need to adjust your set. Good morning and welcome. It is Tuesday, September 18, 2018, and I pray that all is well with you, and yours. Last Saturday's wedding of the wife's 'twin' sister who is 18 months older turned out to be beautiful and well attended. In the beginning, it was going to be maybe 30 people and that got expanded to maybe 75. In the end, many folks wanted to come and we had well over 200 who showed up. It was my privilege to offer up a prayer of blessing on the couple and the proceedings. I saw many people from my past. One fellow I went to grade school with came over and introduced himself. I had already heard him tell someone his name so I knew who he was. He asked if I still lived in the area. I told him not since 1969. He recalled a time out on the playground when he accidentally twisted some of my fingers and how angry I was about it. While I didn't recall that specific incident I do remember him and his family. I saw way too many people who I remember being so vibrant and active in the past, but, time has taken its toll on their health. Cancer, stroke, and other maladies have made their lives difficult. All stooped over, on a walker, or needing to be helped, I remember when I had trouble keeping up with them. I'm not in the least bit unaware that it could be me since I am in their age range. Imagine seeing Charlie and Melba Lou. We used to double date with them a long time ago. And, Diane. She sang, 'Whether Thou Goest' at our wedding in December of 1964. (That was a popular wedding song taken from the Book of Ruth. However, it was only later that I learned the lyrics are the commitment made from Ruth to her mother-in-law. Hello?) My heart does go out to those struggling. And, here's how I see it: Today I was able to wake up, get up, and go. For that, and so much more, I thank the Lord God above. I do. I really do. Amen.

Today is another special day in our family neighborhood. Our grandson, Alexander Benjamin, becomes a teenager today. We do thank God for Alex. He has had some challenges along the way, but, we so look forward to all that God has planned for his life. He was, literally, a Hurricane Rita baby, and that complicated arrangements for him as an infant. Marilyn and I have been blessed to have this boy in our home quite often. He is a character. He was back then and he still is today. He is a bonified gamer. He is now 13 and cousin Brady Darrell will hit that same number this next January. After that, no more grands who are little kids anymore. But, not to worry, we have great grands taking up the slack. Happy Birthday to our Alex and may God lead, guide, and direct your way. Our love, MiMi and Poppy.

I do thank our boys, Chris, Jimmy, and Rodney, along with our grandchildren, Jimmy Jr., Alesha, Amanda, and Brady, for driving over to Leesville, Louisiana, to support their Aunt Dorothy's wedding. Within our family, family matters. It's a nearly 400-mile round trip and the trip back was complicated by some heavy rainstorms. I know this meant so much to her and to us. Dorothy and Jim were both widowed. Dorothy's son, Michael, an ordained minister, performed the ceremony. It was a remarkable event. Here are two people in their mid-70's getting started together with a wedding that could have easily been featured in a magazine. That was a new one on me. I commend all those who made it such a wonderful event. There was a huge reception with food for everyone. Our Chris helped the groom with his necktie. It was, for me, one of those deja vu moments. Charles, Dorothy's first husband who died five years ago, well, he helped me to do a better job on my neckties as a young civil service worker at the Veterans Hospital. I don't know why I thought of that, but, I did. It tells me that with our family, family matters. I ask everyone who reads my blogs to say a prayer for two of our dearest friends who are dealing with serious health issues. Sister Anita Paulk is in a hospital in Huntsville, Alabama. Brother Tommy Erickson is in a hospital here in our area. These folks are the real deal, genuine, and they love the Lord and they love serving Him by serving others. Thanks for praying. Take care and Lord willing, I'll see you on this same station, tomorrow. Amen. ...More later.

Psalm 46:1 "God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble."

Good morning. It's Monday, September 17, 2018, and I am reporting to you live and in person from my home away from home, my workstation here at my day job. Ten years ago Hurricane Ike paid a visit to our street. We were not hit by rising waters. The wife and I were hunkered down for hours as the more than 100 MPH sustained winds raged. So many homes impacted by Ike were inundated with flood waters. We were high and dry. However, we took a tree into our upstairs that essentially opened our roof and through that opening we took in 18 inches of rain. Our ceilings collapsed and we experienced extensive damage. We were blessed in the way our loss occurred. Because of the type of damage we sustained, our homeowner's policy covered our loss. Over the next six months, we dealt with a myriad of challenges. As many of my readers know, the details were gutwrenching. I'll not rehearse them again but suffice it to say that we, at times, wondered if we would make it through all that happened. We said at the time and we continue to say today: Only by God's grace. Period, end of story. We know that God provided for us during this challenging time and our hearts go out to those who have lost loved ones, their homes, their livelihoods, and, their sense of well being. We see almost every day the continuing saga of those still trying to recover from last year's devastating storm, Hurricane Harvey. Now we have the folks over on our east coast who are dealing with the aftermath from Florence. I pray that God will be close to those who are downhearted and hurting. I pray that in the midst of it all they would experience the peace that only He can give. Amen.

I can remember as a freshly minted 15-year-old how our area of Louisiana was flooded due to the 1961 Hurricane, Carla. Our house was high and dry but we were surrounded by a lake. What do kids do when they have a water wonderland surrounding their home? They get out there and play. That's what we did. I don't think it was deep enough for us to swim but close enough. Back then we didn't have the 24-hour news cycle constantly reminding everyone of the dangers that threatened anyone who would venture out. I'm sure those waters stirred up some snakes but I don't recall seeing any of them and I certainly don't think we were concerned about them. I'm not attempting to fault those who warn us of inherent dangers. But, for us kids, I suppose, being dumb and uninformed, we had a blast. Today, we live in a cocoon of second by second warning. Over time we all become conditioned to this environment. We begin to operate with these things in mind. We warn ourselves, we warn others, we call to make sure our grandchildren are aware, and it goes on and on. I thought of all of this last Friday morning as I watched a live feed of the coverage of Hurricane Florence. The on-scene live shots were what we have become accustomed to seeing, switching from one reporter to another, all of them strategically placed to be holding on for their lives about to be swept away. I bet had we seen that type of coverage back when Carla came through we would have all been stuck inside the house. Balance. That is all I am talking about.

I suppose today's episode is my contribution to the much-maligned opening sentence, "It was a dark and stormy night." Some critics consider it to be the worst sort of opening line while others rank it as being pretty high on the list of the best. I know the feeling. The worst ranking, anyway. I know the Dickens' line, "It was the Best of Times, It was the Worst of Times...", from his 'A Tale of Two Cities', is thought to be perhaps the greatest opening line. I guess it is in the eye of the beholder. For our purposes today, that would be my readers. I report. You decide. Or, do what I often do, pass. I read an obituary the other day and the fellow had left instructions to make sure everyone knew that he made it through a long and well-lived life and to his knowledge never used algebra. I know what some of you are thinking. He had better be glad the folks building the highways and bridges he traveled did understand mathematical principles. I thought of that one myself. I am fascinated when I see young marrieds who feel compelled to pass on to others their discovered secrets to a happy marriage. I see them posting these on social media. They have been married maybe two years. Hello? I suppose they just want to help out. Good for them. Keep at it and give me a call in another 50 years. Just joking. Have yourself a blessed rest of the day and I will do my best to catch back up with you come tomorrow morning. Until then, may God bless us all. Amen. ....More later.

Here's my take: "Heaven is my destination and life is my journey to get there."

Hello and welcome to Friday, September 14, 2018. My wife left yesterday to go to Louisiana to help prepare for her sister's wedding. I will be going tomorrow. I feel very privileged to have been asked to word a prayer of blessing on this couple. This is an exciting time for them and we pray for God's best as Dorothy and James start this new chapter in their lives. They are close to our age and we know that God will be a part of their life together, and, when it is all said and done, that really is what makes the difference.

Here's my flashback, back-in-the-day, posting from Friday, September 14, 2007: "In 1965, when we moved to Alexandria, Louisiana for me to work out at England Air Force Base, we rented a garage apartment. It was owned by a wealthy optometrist and it really looked good. The furniture was very nice and had probably been used at one time in his huge mansion that was situated in the next block. However, it was a very cold place. They had obviously not put any insulation in the walls or ceiling and we nearly froze to death in that place. One time the pipes froze up in the kitchen with the heaters going. Our eldest was an infant so we had to take extra measures to make sure we kept him warm. I believe we borrowed an electric heater from Granny Mac and used it in the bathroom to help keep him warm. It was a very cold winter that year and we soon found out that a place that looks nice versus having a quality of life are two different things. We didn’t have a television set. We listened to the radio quite often. We played cards. And, we would go out to the movies on buck night. This meant we could watch two full-length movies for one dollar at the drive-in movie theatre. When it was cold we would have to run the car some to heat it up and then turn it off for a while. We kept the baby all bundled up so he was fine but with the windows being cleared, then fogged, cleared, then fogged, it could be quite a hassle but it was entertainment and we typically went maybe once or twice per month. On payday, we would treat ourselves to a hamburger basket at this wonderful little roadside hamburger joint. They made hamburgers the old fashioned way and served them with curly fries. I guess it was like a reward or something but we used to so enjoy eating at that place. This was long before there was a fast food place on every street corner." (I don't know if we were as happy then as we thought we were, but, we did seem to be that way, therefore, I assume we were. We probably didn't know any better. And, based on inflation that $1 buck night bargain would cost $8 in today's currency.)

This has been a challenging week. We've had a lot of rain already with more forecasted as part of the tropical system threatening our shores. We have family impacted by Hurricane Florence as well as others we know who are connected to folks here. We've already had flooding in some areas in our general territory and that's before the heavy stuff gets here. The folks caught by these waters have a common response: Helplessness. The authorities all sing from the same song. "We need improved drainage and better flood management tools, along with more dollars." I hope we all have been praying for those impacted by these weather-related events. The wife and I do not have to imagine how many of these people feel. Our place was pretty much wiped out by Hurricane Ike back in September of 2008. Our insurance covered most of our rebuilding costs and even with that blessing we were devastated in trying to keep on keeping on. Based on our experience, I can join the chorus who confess the truth found in Psalm 124, "If the Lord had not been on my side...." Even when we were at our wit's end He saw us through. He deserves our thanks, our praise, and our devotion. Okay, thanks to the blog-ites who have kept up with us this week. May God bless each one as we continue the journey. Amen. ...More later.

"Oppose not rage while rage is in its force, but give it way a while and let it waste." ~ William Shakespeare

Here's my tip of the hat to the NFL, meaning: Neighbors, Friends, and Loved Ones. That's not original with me. It was actually the theme of my son's Church where they had a tailgate fellowship this past Sunday. We continue to not watch the NFL. This is our second year. I really couldn't use the word boycott because we've just moved on to other things. It's a personal decision. I don't feel bad towards those who continue to follow the sport and their particular team. I'm also not on a crusade to keep them from making up their own mind. I could say I will quit buying Nike stuff, but, that would be somewhat self-serving since I haven't been buying any Nike stuff in the past. There are probably a number of other hot-button issues I could throw out, but, I thought those would suffice for today, on this Thursday, September 13, 2018. On these issues and so many more, there is enough rage to go around. Here's a factoid that got me to thinking about this: "A writer was upset with an online review of his book, so he traveled to Scotland, hunted down the reviewer, went to the store where she worked and hit her in the back of the head with a wine bottle." I do not commend his actions, but, at least he didn't just write hateful stuff about the reviewer. Rage of any kind typically only begets more rage. For me, I say one should make decisions in keeping with their values. If that means watching an old black and white war movie instead of football, go for it. And, I do need to do my best to not be influenced by the naysayer noises coming from the 'better half'. Come to think about it, I could be dealing with some rage coming soon to a location near me.

I did see one meme that struck a chord with me. It said us older folks could cripple the younger generation if we all started writing everything in cursive and driving vehicles with a stick shift. Like I say, I thought it was funny. I read a list of things that older people do that does tend to tick off the younger generation(s). ~ Thinking that every young person knows everything about electronic devices and should be able to fix them. ~ When they accidentally call the younger person on their cell phone, over and over again, accidentally. ~ When they ride with the younger person they hold on to whatever than can like their lives are in jeopardy. ~ Anything that follows the phrase, 'When I was your age ....' ~ Seeing the stuff the older person is sharing on social media. Are you kidding me? Really? ~ Watching the older person trying to use their phone to take a photo. ~ When older people show up super early for any and all events. ~ The classic: Older men wearing their trousers nearly up to their necks. ~ Being cranky. ~ Driving slow, really slow. ~ I did see a blurb from a study in the UK that said one of the reasons old people slow down is because they know so much. Another one I saw said that being forgetful was a sign of intelligence. That reminds me, "Does anyone know where I might have laid my glasses?

We cannot deny that we do change as we grow older. Based on my own personal experience I would say these changes can be amusing. Fortunately, my wife still has a sense of propriety because one of the frequently heard refrains goes like this, "You're not wearing that, are you?" That is a really difficult question. Let's see if we can break it down. I'm walking towards the door with the keys in my hand. I report. You decide. Maybe, the better way to have said it would be, "Please change into something that will not cause me to die from embarrassment." Suddenly, just as I finished that sentence I could hear Merle Haggard crooning away, "Mama tried to raise me better but her pleading I denied, That leaves only me to blame 'cause Mama tried." I have never dodged the truth that I am a work in progress, forever and ever, Amen. I hope everyone enjoys old people jokes. While they can. If God provides, you too will get to this destination. I saw a little blurb of a millennial making a joke about the founder and president of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg, testifying before a congressional committee. The punchline said, "There's no way that group of old whitehaired people lets him leave the room without fixing their WIFI." See what I mean? Again, enjoy it while you can. Okay, that should wrap up the senior citizen feature for this week. May God bless each one is my prayer. Amen. .....More later.

"This society in which we live is radically changing. What previous generations saw as evil is now embraced as being good. It is a dangerous and slippery slope upon which we stand when we reject what Solomon called the beginning of wisdom - the fear of God." ~ Ray Comfort, New Zealand Christian minister and author

Well, well, no need to worry, it's only me and my blog and we have shown up to say it's another day in the neighborhood that God has given to us on this Wednesday, September 12, 2018, and I do thank Him for it. Amen. I'm sure many of you have noticed that President Obama has decided to inject himself into the political quagmire that defines our discourse these days. He has every right to do so since he did most recently sit in the Oval Office and he does represent the Democrat Party. I think those who have responded to his speeches by calling him all kinds of slanderous names should be ashamed. Especially, those who claim to know the Lord. I oppose his politics. I could not disagree more with him saying he is responsible for the improved economic conditions. I can do that without being racist and hateful. As for him trying to take credit for the current economy, I heard one expert who said that cannot be anywhere near the truth. He based that on what he has seen in policy changes at the highest level of our government that has spurred economic growth. Those policy changes were and still are opposed by President Obama. Sadly, President Obama seems to be okay with this movement within the Democrat Party towards outright socialism. While he and his compatriots paint President Trump as the greatest threat to America, I hope most sober-minded citizens will give a lot of thought to how things would be in their vision of what they call democratic socialism. And, President Obama is right when he says that voting matters. It does. It really does. There's so much at stake.

I've been politically involved since I was a young teen. My great uncle was very involved in some local elections. He was in cahoots with some candidates who were trying to unseat the status quo incumbents. I was his helper. He paid me a small amount for my time. We went up and down country roads stopping at houses to give folks our brochures and other information. My uncle would typically deal with the head of the house and they would be whispering forth and back. I'm not sure if he ever promised stuff or resorted to actually buying votes, but, I wouldn't put it past him. I was more or less along for the ride. It did cause me some trouble. One of my life-long school chums was the son of one of those my uncle was trying to defeat. He wasn't happy that I was helping my uncle. I really wasn't taking a stand on anything, but, he saw it as me aiding and abetting their enemies. It all got resolved on election day. Everyone my uncle pushed lost. My friend and I eventually patched things up and life returned to normal. I think he finally realized that me helping my uncle was just a job to me. It was like the time one of the candidates for governor stopped to stump in our little town. He brought with him a truck that had free soft drinks and snacks. Some of us boys got real political in enjoying those treats. I enjoyed them so much I made myself sick as a dog. Literally. (I would describe how that saying fits but it would be too gross to mention.) I wasn't old enough to vote and did not support any candidate but I did support the free snacks. I guess that was my taste, pardon the pun, of democratic socialism in action.

I have been a voter since I became eligible. I hope that is your persuasion as well. I vote even when I don't have positive vibes about those competing, including those who say they identify with my values. In fact, that's where I get the word 'quagmire' I used earlier in this episode. What we have, in terms my grandfather might have used, is a huge mess. People I voted for who are supposed to espouse principles that honor our nation's commitment to liberty and freedom end up becoming owned by the system itself. Keeping their power and prestige becomes their overarching purpose. Frustrating? You betcha! However, I continue to vote. Sadly, I do at times, end up choosing the lesser of the evils presented to me. However, I continue to vote. Occasionally, someone rises up and calls us back to our roots. They connect with people like me. I vote for them. They don't win because The System is powerful. However, I continue to vote. Then we see something no one could have imagined. Donald Trump wins the election. Impossible. He was a flawed candidate and I did not support him running, however, when it came time to vote, I voted. The choice was clear but limited. It was Trump or Clinton. I took the flawed Trump over the alternative. I would do it again. In a heartbeat. He has contributed his own fair share to the mess we have, but, some good is being accomplished, thank God! And, if the Lord gives me strength, I will show up for the mid-term election on Tuesday, November 6, where I will again make decisions among flawed candidates, just like the rest of us. May God lead, guide, and direct our nation is my prayer. Amen. ....More later.

“You can be sure that the American spirit will prevail over this tragedy.” ~ Colin Powell

Good morning and welcome. It is Tuesday, September 11, 2018. Seeing that date immediately reminds me of that fateful day back in 2001 when our sense of security here in our country was not only rocked by the planes that crashed into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon but, it forever changed us as a nation. It goes without saying that families are still grieving the loss of their loved ones who were massacred in this act of terrorism. Simply put, we couldn't believe what had happened. We were in shock. We recognized our vulnerability. And, for so many, including myself, we turned to God and sought His help. Churches were overflowing as people tried to make sense out of this cataclysmic event. Another amazing response happened. We, individually, and as communities returned to and embraced our patriotic spirit. The American flag became the symbol of our resolve. My parents and their parents remembered exactly where they were when they first heard about the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. They could tell of the shock and how they attempted to process this news. They then would go on to describe the response as a nation founded on the principle of liberty came together in unity to deal with this attack. Our lives are partially defined by our recollections of events like Pearl Harbor and 9-11. Sadly, but more or less to be expected, not too long into the recovery, the patriotic fervor waned and the seeking of God and His help also faded. In memory of this day, we would all do well to reaffirm our total dependence upon God, and to renew of love for the nation He providentially gave to us. Amen.

I missed my little buddy yesterday and this morning too. He typically works the midnight shift. My observation tells me this little guy is very committed to his job. Maybe he called in sick or had to take the day off. I sure hope nothing bad has happened to him. He does have a very dangerous job. I don't know his name. Okay. I wrote all of that to describe a little dog that chases my truck every morning around 3:45 a.m. in the same area on the country road I travel. He is very dedicated to his calling. He times his response when I pass. And, he, with great commitment, enthusiasm, and excitement attempts to fulfill his purpose. He is a little fellow but he has a very agitated and loud, distinctive bark. He typically sits on the opposite side of the road patiently waiting. I show up and he comes across to try and attack my tires. And, yes, I worry about this little "Benji" looking dog because of the cars that might be coming around the curve on that side of the road. Maybe he got promoted to the day shift. Maybe his provider did the right thing and changed his job description. I never really got acquainted with him because he was always on the run, so to speak. One thing is clear, he was faithful to his job. He was always alert and prepared to do it well. Here's a thought: Maybe he retired and is now enjoying just laying on the front porch dreaming about the ones that got away.

One of my favorite observations by our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ, has to do with the widow and her giving of her offering. We had a visiting evangelist in our services this past Sunday and this is the text he chose for his evening sermon. Gospel of Mark 12, Verses 41-44: "And He sat down opposite the treasury, and began observing how the people were putting money into the treasury; and many rich people were putting in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which amount to a cent. Calling His disciples to Him, He said to them, 'Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury; for they all put in out of their surplus, but she, out of her poverty, put in all she owned, all she had to live on.'" (New American Standard Bible, NASB) Like I say, this is a favorite text, but Bro. Bob Pittman's three points really drove home the application. ~1) God doesn't see things the way we see them. 2) Giving is never about the amount, it's always about the heart of the giver. 3) Little is much when God is in it. ~ God blessed the presentation of this text with a God-honoring altar call, and, I believe many of us were moved as God spoke. My grandfather used to doze off during the services. If anyone said anything about it he would say he was just resting his eyes. There have been days when my blood sugar did precipitate me nodding off in the services. When that would happen, I had to deal with the embarrassed stare of she who must be obeyed communicating with me from the choir. She even signaled someone to elbow me a time or two. I didn't like nodding off so I worked on it. My doctor adjusted my medication and I am so thankful that it is not the problem it was before. This helps me not to miss anything coming from the pulpit. For that, I thank the Lord. And, I can stay alert, pay attention, and report back to you. That's good for everyone. May God bless each one. Amen. ....More later.

Job speaking, "Who among all these does not know That the hand of the Lord has done this, In whose hand is the life of every living thing, And the breath of all mankind?" ~ Job Chapter 12, Verses 9-10

Hello and welcome. It's Monday, September 10, 2018, and I am happy to be able to greet one and all. If, and that is a big if, because no one knows what a day may bring, if I were to be able to complete another 106 blogs I will hit the 3,000th episode. That's a whole lot of stuff flung onto the electronic page. And, yes, I am aware that I ran out of material a long time ago, however, I take encouragement from the wise man Solomon who wrote, "That which has been is what will be, That which is done is what will be done, And there is nothing new under the sun." (Ecclesiastes 1:9) My point about 3,000 is how reaching it will give me another milestone reason to pause and consider the future of my blogging excursion. I did pause last month to think seriously about leaving the public workplace. I am, for crying out loud, 72 years young already. The wife and I talked forth and back about it. We agreed to continue thinking and praying about it. That means 72 is now in my rearview mirror and I continue the journey. I have also become the punch line for conversations that mention older workers. I walk up on a conversation and I'm not sure what they are talking about, but, one of them blurts out, "Hey, look at this guy, he's 72 and still going strong." I actually would take issue with how to define 'going strong' but I do thank God for the capabilities I still have. It's even worse when they use that same sentiment to point out me working as contrasted to a friend or family member who had some catastrophic health failure at age 70. I tell them that it is only by the grace of God. I know that to be the truth. Amen.

I will admit that I am not unpleased when folks identify me by my alter ego, 'The Jolly Old Elf'. However, I do get a wee bit uneasy when they touch the beard. I can typically see it coming, "Oh, I just love your Santa Claus white beard." Watch out. The hands are coming. I'm not talking about children here. They can handle my beard all they want. I know. And, you are right, it is an occupational hazard, and, yes, I am aware that it comes with the territory. I did finish the background checks for the wife and I. They ran it against all the crime and other relevant databases and didn't find anything for her or me for the past seven years. Thank God for the statute of limitations. (Joking only, don't call the cops. Thanks.) I also paid for an entertainer's liability insurance policy on the both of us. I've not purchased that before, but, many of the senior Santas who have been at this a long time advised me that not having it in today's world would be unthinkable. It's not cheap but it is a legitimate business expense, therefore, I will be sure to include it on my income tax statement. I am supposed to do some promotional shots soon and my first official scheduled appearance is set for the middle of October. While the wife was away the other evening, I watched the last half of the movie, 'Elf'. I don't know exactly why, because it is pretty dumb, but I laugh a lot when I watch that one. And, I am supposed to be jolly. Right?

We all know this quote from Elf is on target, "The best way to spread Christmas Cheer, is singing loud for all to hear." Several people have posted on Facebook some information about how putting up Christmas decorations early improve a person's psychological well being. I haven't checked it out but I know we always look forward to decorating our home. The song the wife and I sang at the special needs elderly care center has some Christmas themes embedded in it.

"I'm Glad I Know Who Jesus Is", Words and music by Geron Davis

Verse One: In a little town of Bethlehem so many years ago,
They told Him there was no room in the inn.
But they had no way of knowing Who they had turned away -
The Lamb of God Who would take away their sins.

Chorus

I'm glad I know Who Jesus is!
I'm glad I know Who Jesus is!
He's more than just a story;
He is the King of Glory.
I'm glad I know Who Jesus is.

Verse Two: So many people still today don't know who Jesus is;
They've never felt His peace within their souls.
But I want my life to show them how His love can set them free
He's the only One Who can cleanse and make me whole!

Chorus

I'm glad I know Who Jesus is!
I'm glad I know who Jesus is!
He's more than just a story;
He is the King of Glory.
I'm glad I know Who Jesus is.

Tag

He's the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End;
He's Counsellor, Deliverer to me.
He's the Everlasting Father; He is the King of Glory,
I'm glad I know Who Jesus is.

There are several recordings of that song out on YouTube. It has a good message, and, I'm thankful that I do know Who Jesus is. Amen. .....More later.