A Plethora of Odds and Ends, This and That, and the Other too.

Taken from our front porch.

We served 26 this year with only one of our clan who came later due to a job conflict. We certainly did enjoy our time of family, feasting, and fellowship. I hope everyone did the same. It is Friday, November 29, 2019, and we are currently dealing with a somewhat rare event, the invasion of the fall leaf drop. There's a current long article running on the Houston Chronicle website detailing how conditions all lined up to give us the remarkable fall colors we have this year. The wife likes to keep our accumulation under control, therefore, we pursue a combination of raking, bagging, and mowing to try and keep it under some semblance of control. I typically throw into the mix how it is mostly a waste of time and effort since the leaves are still plentiful and the wind is still blowing. The wife informs me that keeping it done little by little is better than trying to deal with the leaves when they are really deep. Those people reporting in the Chronicle article all have many letters after their names. I don't. She doesn't either but she does come from a family that believes a clean yard says something about something. That trumps my uninformed opinion. We were out there raking and mowing at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday morning. We did get it done, however, there's still plenty that have not turned loose yet and the wind is still blowing. That's my eyewitness report on the subject for now. Stay tuned for more as we continue our pursuit.

You just had to know this one was coming. A recent study of adults in the UK and the US showed some 27% of those asked would prefer Santa Claus to be female or gender-neutral. Many in the UK protested in the comments section that in their celebration he is called Father Christmas for a reason. Others pointed out that while the portrayal may be mythological, it is based on a real person, Saint Nicholas. I have read several reports from fellow Santas who report they now are very restricted in what they can and can't say in the places where they work. They have to use gender-neutral language and stay away from anything religious or political. It's in their contract. One report I read spoke about a Santa being fired when he answered a question from a young visitor. The kid asked Santa if Hillary Clinton was on the nice or the naughty list. The Santa thought about it for a few seconds and jokingly responded that she was on the naughty list. The mother of the child heard the response, reported the Santa, and he was relieved of his duties on the spot. As Granny Mac used to say, "What in this world is this world coming to?" For those who might think I take being Santa lightly, I assure you of my commitment to do my best, with God's help, to always love and respect the children and work with them in as honorable way as possible. As for all these politically correct rules, well, I'm not sure, will have to wait and see, but, I do know I don't have to be Santa if it were to ever come to that.

We need to enjoy today, tomorrow, and Sunday, because starting next week it will be Santa and Mrs. Claus on the front burner all the way up to and through the weekend before Christmas. I think we have 17 events to do in December and we may do more by opening up our home a few times for folks to come and take photos. We are not gluttons for punishment, the schedule just worked out this way. We are so thankful we continue to be able to do this demanding work. We do not take that for granted. We know this could change at any time at our age. I am acquainted with a wonderful Santa who has had a very active Christmas career. He is a decorated war veteran, a retired police officer where he most recently served as a detective for the Los Angeles Police Department. He has a great Santa look and loves working with children. Recently, his doctor noticed a spot on an x-ray and that led to tests and more tests. He is currently doing his best to keep his Santa commitments while undergoing chemo. He went from being totally able to having an uncertain future seemingly without warning. Never take your health and well being for granted. Have a great Black Friday, a wonderful Saturday, and a blessed Lord's Day Sunday. I'll do my best to break off practicing my ho-ho-ho-ing long enough to catch back up come next Monday, Lord, willing. Amen. ....More later.

Hymn: "Count your blessings; Name them one by one. Count your blessings; See what God hath done. Count your blessings; Name them one by one. Count your many blessings; See what God hath done." TEXT Johnson Oatman, 1856–1922. MUSIC Edwin O. Excell, 1851–1921.

Happy Thanksgiving Day, 2019. Amen and Amen.

“The most effective way to destroy people is to deny and obliterate their own understanding of their history.” ― George Orwell

Postcard dated November 11, 1909.

Happy Thanksgiving Day eve, on this Wednesday, November 27, 2019. I chose that particular postcard from the past because there has always been a connection to God and His provision for our nation, the United States of America. In regards to this, here are some interesting facts lifted from the George Washington Mount Vernon Website:

George Washington and Thanksgiving

Americans don’t know it and children aren’t taught it, but George Washington is responsible for our Thanksgiving holiday. It was our first president, not the Pilgrims and not Abraham Lincoln, who led the charge to make this day of thanks a truly national event.

Thanksgiving Proclamation of 1789

On October 3, 1789, George Washington issued his Thanksgiving proclamation, designating for “the People of the United States a day of public thanks-giving” to be held on “Thursday the 26th day of November,” 1789, marking the first national celebration of a holiday that has become commonplace in today’s households.

Primary Source and Transcription

While subsequent presidents failed to maintain this tradition, it was Washington’s original proclamation that guided Abraham Lincoln’s 1863 Thanksgiving Proclamation. In fact, Lincoln issued his proclamation on the same day, October 3, and marked the same Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 26, as Washington, setting Thanksgiving as the last Thursday of November after our first president’s example. The proclamation was printed in newspapers, including the October 9, 1789 issue of the Pennsylvania Packet and Daily Advertiser.

George Washington first mentioned the possibility of a national Thanksgiving Day in a confidential letter to James Madison in August 1789 (just months after taking office), asking for his advice on approaching the Senate for their opinion on “a day of thanksgiving.”

By the end of September 1789, a resolution had been introduced to the House of Representatives requesting that “a joint committee of both Houses be directed to wait upon the President of the United States, to request that he would recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving.” The committee put the resolution before the president and George Washington issued the first national Thanksgiving Proclamation within days. ~

Now we know. Washington's words, "by the Providence of Almighty God" still ring true today. And, fortunately, it's too late to bring impeachment proceedings against him for being politically insensitive to the politically correct world. I just threw that in for good measure, however, I'm not sure how measured or good it was. The bottom line, as a people, as a nation, we have God to thank for our existence. The 'Father of our Country' agreed with that truth and so should we all. Amen. ....More later.

Just getting ready has its own rewards.

Happy, Happy Day, here on this Thanksgiving Tuesday, November 26, 2019. The planning is underway. Lord willing, we will have over twenty of us gathering here in our home this upcoming Thursday. It's always a time to look forward to. My mom used to ask me this question, "Son, how can every big gathering end up being the best ever?" She, knowing how prone I am to hyperbole, realized that our family time together is very precious to me. Even more so as we continue to climb the age ladder. Best ever may be an exaggeration but it does reflect our heartfelt sentiment. I quickly add the use of the ladder metaphor might not be a good one since we do not do a lot of climbing these days. The experts tell us the best way to avoid conflict during a family gathering is not to bring up politics. I can't ever remember that one being a problem in our group, however, now that it is being paraded in countless memes on Facebook, who knows? It could end up being like the proverbial 'wet paint' sign that causes folks to want to touch it to find out if it is really wet or not. Our hope is that we will have a combined sense of how God has blessed us as a family and that we will allow His presence to unite our hearts. Amen.

We come to the Thanksgiving table and enjoy the special time we have together. As I write this today I can see this annual event being carried out from my earliest recollection. In my mind's eye, I see the faces of folks near and dear to my heart. Their time here on the planet has ended, but, we remember them, and, for so many, we know we will see them again when we all get together in heaven. I see us all around the table at Granny and Paw Paw Mac's. I can hear Paw Paw as he prepared everyone by saying, "Okay, Mama, you can pray now." Granny Mac was a legendary prayer maker. She could pray up a storm and a blessing. I see us around the table at my mom's and dad's place. They too await our arrival to our real home in heaven. I see us gathered around at my in-law's place where often our dear Bro. Milton would be called on to announce the blessing. They and he too are now in the presence of our Lord. Brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, near and distant family, those I grew up with, and so many brothers and sisters in Christ, I hear their voices and their laughter. Precious memories. Some think to have these thoughts is morbid. To me, it's a wonderful part of the celebration itself and one that I treasure. This is why making memories is such a huge part of our sojourn here. Amen.

All these things are a part of the preparation. Yep. I am aware of how this can be a very stressful, difficult, and even depressing time for many. I don't take that lightly. And, lest you think I have only 'yellow brick road' memories, I can assure there's plenty laden with pain and anguish. How can we enjoy the day and also the memories of the past? I believe it mostly has to do with recognizing and thanking God for His purpose and plan for our lives. Trusting Him. Seeing things through the lens of faith, knowing many are beyond our understanding, but, they are never beyond His. Back when I was a kid we would sit around and listen to the menfolk telling tales. That's right. Political correctness was not in play and the womenfolk were all busy in the kitchen or taking care of the little ones. Us kids were taught to listen quietly. We would have never interjected our thoughts about what was being said. We might hear about their recollections of Thanksgiving Day celebrations when they were kids. Their experiences in the war. Their hunting and fishing stories. That, sadly, is a missing element in today's world. The little ones do the talking and the older ones now do the listening. And, we lose the stories that help frame the context of who we are and where we came from. Okay. I'm not auditioning to fill in for Dr. Phil, just giving you my version of My View From Here. Take care, now, you hear? May God bless. Amen. ....More later.

Happy Birthday to our Granddaughter Stefani!

Good morning and welcome to Friday, November 22, 2019. I pause today to wish our granddaughter Stefani a most happy birthday. She is the youngest of our eldest Chris and his wife Sherrie. We pray God's blessings on Stef today and her beautiful daughter, our great-grand, Bella. May God continue to lead, guide, and direct is our prayer. Our love, MiMi and Poppy.

Eleven years ago on this exact date, the 22nd, it was Thanksgiving Day. Here's what I wrote back then to get the day started: ~ It's 6 a.m. and it's already a good day! We've already had our morning prayer together and my wife is now downstairs sipping her hot chocolate and watching the local news. I kind of slept in this morning and didn't roll out of bed until shortly after 5 a.m., but we are excited about the big day we have planned. Yes, it is Thanksgiving Day and in our house, the cooking will soon be well underway. It’s a wonderful day because overnight the temperature dropped into the high thirties and we, or at least I couldn’t be happier. I do love the cooler weather! I think the wind chill supposedly makes it feel like thirty degrees. What a way to usher in this wonderful time of family, food, and fellowship! It’s the kind of day when a wonderfully dark, rich, and strong cup of Community coffee seems to make everything in the world just a little bit better. I remember an African American computer operator named Enoch from back in the olden days who used to say he liked his coffee the same way he liked his women, hot, black, and sweet. Well, I don’t do the sweet but I will go for coffee (only) that’s hot and black! It’s a joke. You can laugh. No one will know.

If you detect a wee bit of fuzziness in my writing today, you would be correct. I woke up. Got up. Took Mr. Bentley outside. And, when I returned I found my ticket for today was on a train called the Discobobulated Express. It most likely comes from too much of one thing and not enough of the other, if you know what I mean. The one consistent thing from eleven years ago, my Community Coffee. I appreciate how a fairly wide circle of friends and family are very much aware of my devotion to Community Coffee. I've been told many times I should be a spokesperson for their Company. The image above was tagged to me and posted on Facebook by a niece-in-law who lives up in the Dallas area. I not only approve this message but, I may have actually found myself dumping that supposed coffee because I wasn't interested in colored water as a beverage. Just me. If you love the other stuff, go for it! Quirks. You have yours, I have mine. Where we get into trouble is when we begin to only see the other person's. It looks like the Discobobulated Express is about to go into a long black tunnel, therefore, I will say so long for now. Don't forget to enjoy your Saturday and show up to demonstrate your thankfulness at the meeting place on Lord's Day Sunday. As for me, I will do my best to work on what always puzzled me as a kid growing up: "You better straighten up and fly right." I never knew my folks were into aviation. May God bless each one. Amen. ....More later.

“Why do they not teach you that time is a finger snap and an eye blink, and that you should not allow a moment to pass you by without taking joyous, ecstatic note of it, not wasting a single moment of its swift, breakneck circuit?” ― Pat Conroy

Okey dokey, let's get on with this brand new day, Thursday, November 21, 2019. Us older folks like to joke with each other by saying, "Getting older is not for the fainthearted." Guess what? Getting older is not for the fainthearted. I am an eyewitness. In visiting the hospitals this week I was amazed at the array of technologies being employed to keep folks alive. Even really old folks. I'm not altogether sure what I think about that. There's no way to look at someone wired up seven ways from Sunday and not consider how that could be you. I'm just not sure how I feel about the level of extraordinary means available to keep a person breathing air here on the planet. Don't get me wrong, what a blessing that we live at a time when advanced medical science and provision are available. It's a personal thing. I know how a family feels. I've been there and done that. The natural inclination is to cling, to hold on, to keep them as long as we can. On the other hand, our faith in the unseen certainty of our eternity should also be a part of our decision making procress. I thought about the old saying, "Everybody wants to go to heaven but no one wants to die." Things to ponder because the truth is, "Getting older is not for the fainthearted." Amen.

Thinking about things like that makes me want to make the most of the days where I am not, as my grandfather used to say, "All laid up like a pack of dogs." I don't know why but the thought came to mind about the 'do not resuscitate' process. My thought was in order not to resuscitate, one would have to be living to begin with. Maybe I should take the advice I used to give to some of the people who worked with me. When they were dragging around I would recommend they carry a small mirror in their pocket and use it to see if they could make a breath mark on it. Fog it up a little. Just to inform them if they are still alive or not. We see memes posted from time to time that reminds us to not stop living before we are dead. Let me make clear, some folks become incapacitated without warning. That could happen to any of us. However, the question I'm thinking about today has to do with, "This is the day the Lord has made and given to me, what will I do with it?" I'm not talking about making a bucket list of all the things I dream of doing before I kick it. I'm reminding myself of what God has told us through His inspired Word, "Watch carefully then how you live, not as foolish persons but as wise, making the most of the opportunity, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:16-17)  Weighty stuff, my friend, weighty indeed! Amen.

I suppose I could call up some really sad music and sit right down and have myself a pity party. You know. Dwelling on all the wasted time and lost opportunities that help define my existence. I could. But, my experience in doing that very thing, yep, experience, tells me that while remembering the past has some lessons for us, wallowing in it pretty much keeps one stuck. The immediacy of today is where you, me, we all, can make a difference. Forget about the size of the difference and focus on the pursuit of the life God has given to you. He will provide the opportunities if we are willing to see and embrace them. I know what some of you are thinking. Maybe I should stay out of hospitals. They get me dwelling on the reality of the shortness of our time here on the planet. Hey. If it wasn't that it would be something else and to tell the truth, I need at times to be reminded of how I need to get up off of my blessed assurance and get on with the life God has given to me. Therefore, you may not have needed any of today's observations and admonitions. Good for you! I did. I do. And, I'm pretty sure when tomorrow comes, if I am still around, I will need them at that time too. Have a great rest of the day and don't forget to carry that mirror with you. May God bless each one. Amen. ....More later.

From the famous song: "It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas Soon the bells will start And the thing that will make 'em ring is the carol that you sing Right within your heart."

Good morning and welcome. It's Wednesday, November 20, 2019, and I bid you a hearty hello from my laptop to your receiving device. Last Sunday afternoon we did a photo engagement with a new-to-us professional photographer. She sent us the address. It was a beautiful public park. She had a couch set up in front of some trees with decorations all around. It was slightly boggy because of all the recent rains. She had her clients scheduled for every 10 minutes for two hours. We were busy. I was up and down, down and up, changing positions, standing behind the couch, holding a baby in one arm and a toddler in the other. Mrs. Claus was also in many of the photos. It was taxing, to say the least. But, the thing I didn't like about it was all the little kids in the park who were naturally drawn to Santa and Mrs. Claus but they were not invited to the party. Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world, and, I am so thankful that, as Santa, I do too. I could deal with folks on the sidewalk taking pictures of us taking pictures. I could deal with those shooting video from their cars. But, I didn't like to see so many beautiful longing faces that I couldn't touch. Believe me, if at any time I was not engaged with a client I was doing my best to reach out to as many of the other kids as possible. They had candy for the clients but not for the bystanders. We loved doing this booking, however, I would hope we could think about the situation involving all the other children if we do it again. Just me. You are right. I am a paid Christmas performer and I do follow the lead of the person who engaged us, however, I can still have an opinion, and especially so as The Santa Claus!

And, the season is upon us. I am always fascinated with how people recognize me as we get closer and closer to Christmas Day. Just a few weeks ago they may have looked at me and wondered if I had wandered in off the street. But, that perception changes. After doing the Bible time service for the folks in the apartment complex on Monday, the wife and I headed to the hospitals to visit ailing folks from our Sunday Bible Study class. Nearly everywhere we went, down the halls, in the rooms themselves, folks were greeting me as Santa. Nurses, aids, cleaning people, many wanted to say hello to Santa. I passed out several of our souvenir business cards. One nurse asked as we walked by if I played Santa. I handed her a card and told her I didn't play at all. She nearly yelled. After all, my card does pronounce me to be The Real Santa. After making our last stop, we got on the elevator with a wonderful African American lady pushing her cleaning cart. She loved traveling with Santa and Mrs. Claus. As we walked the halls she would call out to her cleaning buddies and ask them to look who she was with. She loved that we do charity work. She said God would bless us for doing so. She was a real fan and I later told the wife it's folks like her that make me proud to wear the white beard.

Andy Warhol's words "In the future, everyone will be world-famous for 15 minutes" was a commentary on the short-lived nature of celebrity. I get that, however, we do get to reprise our roles each Christmas and to tell the truth, it feels pretty good to be loved by so many. I may be naïve, but, to me, we often are the recipients of the joy and we feel blessed as a result. It's good to be recognized for doing the portrayal in a way that allows folks to make memories. We are glad we are often complimented on our presentation and approach. Yet, there is a joy in seeing the faces of children of all ages and I'm not sure this would be worth doing without that. I do read from some who sit in the chair and they see it mostly as a paid gig. Because of that, they do it, but, based on their own testimony, they don't enjoy it that much. I can still remember over nine years ago the first time they picked up a frail young boy from his wheelchair and laid him in my arms. The breath nearly left my body and I had to hold back the tears as a huge smile came over his face. For less than a minute I had been privileged to brighten the day of a little kid who had mostly struggles in his life. I have a photo of that little boy somewhere in our archives. It's a reminder of why we do what we do. And, yes, for our paid events, the funds are welcomed. However, even at those, we get to ride the joy train. And, I say Amen to that! As I so often ask, "Is this a great country or what?" Amen. ....More later.

Funny is where you find it.

Hello folks, today is Tuesday, November 19, 2019, and I'm trying to help us all find things to bring a chuckle or at the least, a smile. Where to look? Believe me, it is my experience they are all around you most of the time. The wife and I are both beginning to begin to be a wee bit hard of hearing. Her more than me. We do repeat a lot of things to each other and sometimes we just look at each other and shrug our shoulders because whatever it was, it wasn't worth repeating. The other day we were getting ready to go somewhere. We are both in the bathroom brushing our teeth. We both use those battery-operated toothbrushes. We are brushing away and next thing I know she is asking me a question. I try to answer but everything is garbled and mixed up with the whirring of the toothbrushes. I just had to laugh. The other morning, Mr. Bentley and I came out of the house very early in the morning. Just across the driveway at our neighbor's place, there were three giant buzzards perched on their trash cans. They were pecking away at whatever they were interested in while staring intently at Mr. Bentley and me. I made some noises and stomped my feet but I realized I had never learned how to shoo buzzards. About that time a truck and trailer with all the lawnmowing equipment in it came by. It had three or four Hispanic dudes inside. They all looked at me and put their hands up in the air as if to say, "What kind of neighborhood is this?" I put mine up in the air too and had to laugh. I was reading a posting on Facebook during the cold last week. Some dear friends of ours had lost their electrical power. Fortunately, they had a fireplace and could stay warm but one thing they said intrigued me, "So much for having power operated recliners." That made me smile. Maybe because we have them too.

Last Saturday I posted on Facebook this photo along with a little write up: "Tomorrow, we recognize Sir Bentley Barksalot, Esq.'s first birthday. He came to our home back in January of this year (6 weeks old). We had no pets, we have one now! We've never had a pet in the house, we have one now! We are still trying to teach him that he is, in fact, a dog. He acts like he owns the place. However, I have noticed how he does a better version of unconditional love than most folks I know, including yours truly." On Sunday morning a dear Church brother came up to me and said his wife had shown him that photo and read the caption to him. He said it seemed to him that I had previously been an avowed no pet person but now I had become a dog lover. That took me aback a little. I knew he was right about me being outspoken in the past about never wanting a pet, but, to go as far as to call me a dog lover, now wait just a cotton-picking minute. I think perhaps that is over the top. I will go as far as to say I am fond of Mr. Bentley. Being fond of Mr. Bentley surely doesn't make me a dog lover, does it? Do we have to label people? Can't we all just get along? Joking only. Don't write to me. I really don't think it would help.

The World Series didn't turn out like I wanted it to. The three division NASCAR champions were not my choices. LSU is undefeated but their defense can, at times, make one wonder how they have won all their games. I saw where the Texans got creamed last Sunday but we don't watch NFL so we were not disappointed. I can remember a few years ago I would have been watching. It's interesting to see how folks connect to a variety of activities and they become identified with them. I saw interviews of fans on both sides of the LSU, Ole Miss rivalry where they asked this question: "Why do you dislike this particular opponent?" The answers were amazing. They talked about games played 25 years ago. They talked about people who did something and those people are no longer even alive. They mentioned this, that, and the other as reasons for their hard feelings. I know those passionate feelings sell season tickets, but, does that make any sense at all? Games are promoted saying, "There's no love lost between these teams." I've been there and done that but I believe age has helped me not to take things that don't amount to a hill of beans too seriously. If I find myself getting too involved in a televised competition, I switch the channel. It's just not worth the aggravation. Yep. I hear those comments about how I must not be a real fan. Bingo! We have a winner. And, just so you know, I typically sleep very well. Thank you very much and may God bless each one. Amen. ....More later.

“The more you overthink the less you will understand.” ― Habeeb Akande

It's Monday, November 18, 2019, where I'm coming out of another 'under the weather' feel sickly time. It hit me last Wednesday and it continued through Friday. Chills and aches. You know. The kind where your bones feel like they have been beaten with a tire tool. Here's what one language website said about the 'under the weather' figure of speech: "To be under the weather is to be unwell. This comes again from a maritime source. ... Originally it meant to feel seasick or to be adversely affected by bad weather. The term is correctly 'under the weather bow' which is a gloomy prospect; the weather bow is the side upon which all the rotten weather is blowing." I never got completely down but close enough. Laying around, lethargic, and I may have done some murmuring now and then. Mr. Bentley didn't know what to make of it. He was very confused because there were times when I couldn't play with him or even take him outside. I have my ideas about where it originated. Last Tuesday, we were across town and on our way home we stopped at a burger joint. Around midnight I began feeling really bad, cramping, and then the chills started. Oh well, I tried my best not to let it get the best of me, and, even today I am still sore from the experience. Doctor? I let it run its course and did my best to do what I could to get over it. I always had going to the clinic as a backup plan. If my blogs suffered any, now you know why. I mean more than usual. I do appreciate the wife doing what she could to help. She also gave me some input from time to time, "You are not going anywhere." I think they call that tough love. I don't know why but I'm pretty sure age is a factor. You know. It's part of the package.

I haven't mentioned the "I" word. Impeachment. I also have not watched any of the live hearings. I have seen snippets, summaries, and a few commentaries along the way. There is a lot of stuff being posted about this process. Rather than go into my own opinion about it, other than to say I'm in the 'waste of time and taxpayer dollars' camp, I thought I would share some of the cutting ways it is being interpreted across the fruited plain. ~ From Nancy Pelosi, "We must impeach to see what the charges are!" ~ It's rumored the Democrats are going to call the animated group, the Raisins, to reprise their big hit, "I heard it on the Grapevine." ~ From a never Trumper: "He will serve two terms: one in Federal prison and the other in New York State prison. ~ Democrats party when the impeachment inquiry starts but become very sad when reminded that Mike Pence is next in line. ~ This hearing is proof why we should never prosecute any murder in America where we know the trial will be too boring to watch. ~  All of these are framed through the context of the person's political viewfinder. That's how it works. Trump haters say he is guilty of high crimes and misdemeanors regardless because to them getting him out of office any way possible is justified. Meanwhile, the business of America has for the most part in Congress been put on hold due to Trump Derangement Syndrome. Sad. But, true.

I suppose my opinion comes through, but, I would remind you that while pragmatism may have its issues, in the case of supporting President Trump, I actually have little choice but to do it. With a big IF. If they prove his actions as President rise to the level and the evidence is there to back it up, my pragmatic assessment could change. I see many of my friends who are avid supporters of the President. I am not. I do support him as President and given the alternatives known today, I will support him in his reelection. That may sound confusing, but, it works for me. Interestingly enough, reading the Twitter feed where people talk about the actual hearing, it's obvious that people respond with personal attacks on whichever side they are against. They criticize the clothes they wear, the accent of their speech, their obvious lack of education, and on and on. Those for Trump do this to the Democrats on the panel. Those against Trump do this to the Republicans on the panel. Personal attacks. The proof must end up showing the President to be guilty of violating his office to the extent that he should be tried in the Senate. So far, I think hard evidence is very lacking. However, the process continues and I think it is fair to say we will all have to wait and see what happens. God already knows. And, we can trust Him. Amen. ....More later.

Here's one we've likely all learned: "Being busy does not mean we are successful."

As you can tell, we pretty much keep the 'occupied' sign lighted most of the time in our busy existence. It is Friday, November 15, 2019, and we are already getting ready to get ready for Thanksgiving and Christmas. The other evening we were visiting with our eldest son about the food for Thanksgiving and I said we could talk later about it. I had him on the speaker and the wife piped up, "Let's go ahead and decide because you do know what a procrastinator your dad is." I suppose it's good to be known for something and I'll not argue with her assessment but will offer one caveat. Throughout my professional working life, I did some of my best work at the last minute. But, it's best to take things in stride. I believe the treatise on love as found in 1st Corinthians 13 does say that genuine love doesn't keep score or lists. I thought I would throw that one in as one of those sufflate examples, you know, where one breathes out spiritual influence. Hey, I didn't know about that word either until I looked it up. At any rate, we will be actively engaged from now until the end of the year. Santa Enterprise commitments, Church-related activities, and our beloved family gatherings are being worked on and anticipated. I started to say that kind of schedule would keep one young, but, I do believe that particular train left a long time ago.

On this date, twelve years ago, I wrote a piece and this is one of the paragraphs from it, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2007 We May Never Pass This Way Again! Recently we had our wonderful native missionary in from the Philippines to visit the states for several months. He has a daughter in Michigan and he has many friends and Churches that love and support him. Our Church has been his main sponsor for over twenty years. He and I have known each other from our connections through the mission projects we’ve helped fund and I did meet him about ten years ago when he was here taking classes at the seminary. But this time when we met it was very special. He somehow communicated to me and I tried to communicate to him a mutual love and respect for the work and ministry God has allowed us to share. When he left, I told him if we don’t meet again here that I would see him at the house, up there! I wasn’t sure he caught the meaning but I knew he did when he said, "Yes, brother, how true, if not here, see you on the other side, up in Beulah Land."

Sadly, that dear brother is now dealing with disabling dementia and for lack of a better term, he is pitiful. His wife is also ailing but doing her best to care for him. He has been a long term Soldier of the Cross and while I can't fathom why something like this would happen because that is known only to God, I do take comfort in knowing that God is still with him every step of the way. So much in this life, we cannot make sense of. Yep. I do have my own long list. Yet, our faith calls on us to follow the admonition from this great song,

Bow the Knee, Writers: Chris Machen and Mike Harland

There are moments on our journey following the Lord
Where God illumines ev’ry step we take.
There are times when circumstances make perfect sense to us,
As we try to understand each move He makes.
When the path grows dim and our questions have no answers, turn to Him.

Chorus:
Bow the knee;
Trust the heart of your Father when the answer goes beyond what you can see.
Bow the knee;
Lift your eyes toward heaven and believe the One who holds eternity.
And when you don’t understand the purpose of His plan,
In the presence of the King, bow the knee.

There are days when clouds surround us, and the rain begins to fall,
The cold and lonely winds won’t cease to blow.
And there seems to be no reason for the suffering we feel;
We are tempted to believe God does not know.
When the storms arise, don’t forget we live by faith and not by sight.

Chorus:
Bow the knee;
Trust the heart of your Father when the answer goes beyond what you can see.
Bow the knee;
Lift your eyes toward heaven and believe the One who holds eternity.
And when you don’t understand the purpose of His plan,
In the presence of the King, bow the knee.

I have certainly found that song to apply to many of the perplexing happenings in my life. It is sound, Biblical advice. Amen. Time to get on with it and to say farewell for now. Enjoy your Saturday and remember to remember Lord's Day Sunday. Lord willing, see you next time. Amen. ....More later.

Happy 19th Birthday to our Granddaughter, Lexie Dee!

Today is Thursday, November 14, 2019, and it is our privilege to pause to wish our granddaughter, Lexie Dee, a wonderful happy, happy 19th birthday. She is a remarkable young woman and is currently a first-year student at the University of Texas, Austin. May God continue to lead, guide, and direct your way. Our love, MiMi and Poppy Abbott.

Another day, another milestone. Yep. You read it here first. Not so much, but, today's edition is my 3,200th blog. I started to say I don't know what to say about that, but, obviously, based on my track record that would not be an accurate statement. The image in the photo is an inflatable object. I put it there intentionally because it has some applications for this particular occasion. Inflate and inflation could both be appropriate descriptions of the many blogs I've written over the past 12 plus years. There's also the word overinflate that might apply, (you know, as in the hot air analogy). The word insufflate has to do with blowing air into a cavity or it can reflect the theological application of breathing out spiritual influence. I couldn't avoid the word conflate since it has to do with combining different thoughts and ideas into one. Deflate is very much on target since I've no doubt let the air out many times and in the process let everyone down. On nearly every one of these occasions I've quoted my grandfather, Paw Paw Mac because his prophetic words about my incessant talking have carried over to my blogging world, "Will that boy ever come up for air?" As the inflated numbers prove, "Not today Paw Paw, not today!" Thanks to so many for hanging in there with me and for the encouragement I've received along the way. And, thanks to God for allowing me to have the ability to sling words onto the electronic page. Amen.

Okay, Bentley here, and it is good to be able to give my side of the story. I hear a lot of talk about my birthday coming up. They tell everyone I'm still learning because after all, Bentley is only one year old. Time for both a fact and a gut check: "According to the American Veterinary Medical Association: The first year of a medium-sized dog's life is 15 years of a human's life. The second year of a dog's life equals about nine years for a human. And after that, every human year equals approximately five years for a dog." They can adjust all they want due to my size and weight but in the end, I'm not the sniveling little puppy dog they talk about so much. In fact, I hear tell that the Master of the House, (I used that designation very loosely but don't tell him because he actually thinks he is.), was actually driving at age 15 and smoking, although I know he is very unhappy about the smoking part. It was a part of his rural culture, blah, blah, blah. And, I inherited the propensity to have an occasional accident from my great Chinese ancestors dating back to a very long time ago. I threw that one out just as a smokescreen, pun intended. If he can blame rural culture, then to me, one excuse is about as good as another. At any rate, this Sunday I will be one year old and I will celebrate my nearly eleven months of taking over this house and property which I somehow inherited. The people who had me before were so poor they had to play cops and robbers with real cops. That may be why the lady of the house handed me as a tiny little puppy to this new guy and I saw him hand her some cash, the green stuff. Lately, I hear my new Mistress of the House talk about how that I am still here but only by the skin of my teeth. To which I say, "Will someone get that lady some anatomy lessons." I found out what she dislikes the most. When I am trying to get her attention, if I growl a little and maybe even let a bark or two slip out, you would think I had committed a serious felony. Sure, they laugh when they tell other people my name is Sir Bentley Barksalot, Esquire, but just let me bark a little and it's get rid of the dog time. Sometimes it's hard for me to let either of them to continue living on my premises but for now, they have been moderately efficient in keeping my water and my food supplied. While they think about some kind of puppy birthday recognition, I'm going to be checking out the adolescent parties that might be available to me. Have a great day and don't worry, there's plenty of secrets from this joint and I've not even gotten warmed up yet.

Take care, enjoy, be thankful, trust the Lord. Amen. .....More later.

Today's edition can be called a mixed bag, by that I mean that it contains some good items, features, or people and some bad ones.

Sobering reality! 

I think the really cold stuff has moved off the map now, therefore, for those who have been hibernating, well, I think it is safe to come out now. It is Wednesday, November 13, 2019, and I bid you a hearty hello along with a prayer for a good day. It's not too hard to understand why the world population is growing. Approximately 60 million die each year, however, some 140 million come on the scene to take their place. Here in the United States, we are not really keeping up in terms of population growth. The growth rate of 0.62 for 2018 was the lowest in 80 years. This brings immigration into the picture. Big time. Those who want open borders see the opportunity to grow their base which they need to help them politically. With the birth rates plummeting, everyone sees the need to allow more immigrants into the country to have the folks needed to supply the labor market. The question is how immigration is achieved. On the one hand, we need skilled labor that will lead to higher productivity and growth. On the other hand, some see less skilled warm bodies for political gain. As far as seeing the population growth come back, it's not likely. That rate would be 2.1 and we are seeing the 0.62 instead. Ever wonder how a country can become an immigrant, both legal and illegal, that becomes the majority? Look out your window, it is a work in progress. Ever wonder how socialism became a viable choice in our country? I'll let you connect the dots.

That tone detector utility provided by my grammar software rated that first paragraph as being very formal as opposed to friendly or joyful. Formal? I can assure you I wrote it wearing the same pajamas I do every day. And, if you are wondering, I do not see too much of friendly or joyful in that chart. I am not fretting, just venting, I suppose. Not really even venting as much as just sharing. I sat down and the subject of population growth came to mind and that's why I wrote about it. I did look up the numbers and read some background information, but, never get the idea that my stuff is highly researched or reviewed. I believe it is a fact that if you review your own work you are less likely to not spot a particular error. Or, at least, that sounds right to me. Maybe I had in mind the recent hype about how Texas may turn blue and become a Democrat majority state. Could that happen based on the demographics mentioned above? I actually think it could. Some of what has fed all of this in Texas has a particular name. It's one that has been around a long time. Greed. Business folks want cheap labor. In case you didn't know, they make more money that way. It would be somewhat ironic if the business-friendly state of Texas ended up having that model crushed because of that simple word, greed. Or, since I am being formal, let's use a nicer term, profits. I am just thinking out loud here for crying out loud. But, without the tears. They will likely come later.

Okay. For all you skippers of all things that may even have a hint of politics, let me see if I can find something else to share. And, if you think I feel bad when someone skips what I write, think again Bucko! You can't really engage in any form of social media without picking and choosing what you will spend time on. My poor mom used to try and read nearly everything posted. She thought that was the right thing to do. Some of it was long and tedious. It had been copied and pasted or shared from another source. But, mom thought she would be letting her 'friend' down if she didn't read it all. I did try to help her to understand how much of those postings came about, however, you do have to admire her loyalty. I'll close with a few of Mr. Bentley's jokes. He swears they are hilarious. ~ What did the Dalmation down the street say when they fed him his treat? That sure hit the spot. ~ What did the dog say to the sandpaper? RUFF!, and to the tree? BARK! and what happens when it does rain cats and dogs? Be careful you might step in a POODLE! and finally, why did the pup spend so much time chasing his own tail? he was trying to make both ends meet. ~ Mr. Bentley is still laughing and I hope this gave something useful to the skippers. Enjoy. After all is said and done, remember, God's got this! Amen. ....More later.

“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” ~ C.S. Lewis

Okay. I know I write some joking stuff about the hype surrounding cold weather, but, every once in awhile, we actually get a flavor for what many folks deal with in the official season of winter. I think today and tomorrow might just be that once in a while preview. It is Tuesday, November 12, 2019,  and as this makes its way to your location we are still dealing with some low 30's here and maybe we will see some mid 20's in the morning. This reminds me to be thankful for the home we have and for the central heat and for not having to get up in the wee hours and go to work. I do still get up early but it's primarily to take care of the newest member of our household, Sir Bentley Barksalot, Esquire. He sleeps well, but, when he needs to go out, he needs to go out. That's typically around 4 a.m. I could take him out, bring him back to his sleeping kennel and I could go back to sleep for another hour. That sounds good, however, by the time I get my clothes on and get him outside, well, The Community Coffee begins to send out a message and I often answer it, get on the computer and finish my blog and send it out. Of course, the instigator of this unnecessary early start, well, he typically has found him a nice warm spot, is all cuddled up, and fast asleep. Mr. Bentley will be observing his first year birthday this coming Sunday. I think he has some things he wants to share later in the week.

I openly confess that at threescore, ten, plus three, I am not as resilient in dealing with the cold as I have been able for most of my life here on the planet. While I never received any official plaque or trophy as the all-time reigning freeze out champion in my teen years, I do have it as a memory to fall back on. That is something to remember when I feel the need to layer up or wear a sweater on a cool day. Oh, how the mighty have fallen. I know Granny Mac always wanted to see me cold because I used to tease her about her being chilled so often. Maybe one of the angels will get her a message that while I can't really say I am now in the category of being cold-natured, I haven't lately gone out on the driveway on a frosty day in my short-sleeved shirt, looked up into the sky and blurted out, "Not today Granny, not today!" After all, I am now teaching an old people's Sunday Bible Study class, I help conduct a service each week for older people in an apartment complex, and, we also go to help minister to older folks in several different memory care facilities each month. The other day when we were in the photo studio making Santa memories, the photographer lady who we have worked with for 9 years asked how I was doing. I told her I was doing pretty good for someone 73 years old. She seemed surprised and said she had no idea I was that old. Good, because any additional help in the lifting and handling of the kiddos is greatly appreciated.

Here's a fact. We never saw ourselves getting older. It just happened. Yes. I am aware of all the slogans out there that talk about being thankful for being an older person because it's a privilege not afforded to everyone. Really? Is that the best they can do? Please don't hit me over the head with an actuarial table. I can remember back in the day when I would take up playing softball or basketball on our Church team. Typically, out of shape, those first practices were really hard on the body. Talk about aches and pains! Now I get a little of that soreness as provided by the wear and tear cooperating with those not so welcome relatives of mine, Uncle Arthur, (arthritis), Aunt Bursy, (bursitis), and Cousin Rhema, (rheumatism). I saw a meme the other day about an elderly version of a Beatles' song, "I want to hold your hand so I won't fall down". Next thing you know they will be bringing back 'Too Old to Cut the Mustard'. The experts are all over the page in trying to understand exactly where the idiom unable to cut the mustard originated or how it came to indicate failure. Perhaps it's because mustard added zest and spice and when a person fails to live up to expectations, well, that could be where it began to take on its meaning. At any rate, I am still able to depress the keys on my electronic keyboard as evidenced by the preceding mostly mundane meanderings. Nonetheless, we continue the journey, by the provision and grace of God. For which we are thankful. Amen. ...More later.

"It is the soldier, not the reporter, Who has given us freedom of the press. It is the soldier, not the poet, Who has given us freedom of speech. It is the soldier, not the organizer, Who gave us the freedom to demonstrate. It is the soldier, Who salutes the flag, Who serves beneath the flag. And whose coffin is draped by the flag, Who allows the protester to burn the flag." Father Dennis Edward O'Brien, USMC

I bid everyone a good morning where we are all practicing our bracing this morning. You know, they tell us to brace for the coming arctic blast. That's got the weather folks who stand in front of a blank green screen trying to make sure they point to the right item on the map on the monitor they read from. This is what's got people stirred up around these parts, therefore, I thought we might as well chime in with our two cents worth on this Monday, November 11, 2019, a day set aside to pay honor and respect to all of those who have worn the military uniform of our nation and served us all, Veterans Day. I'll talk more about Veterans Day in a moment, but, first, let's finish up on the predicted deep freeze deep in the heart of Texas. Last Saturday morning, at 8:30 a.m., Mr. Bentley and I went for our morning ride. It was 43 degrees and a wee bit chilly as the wind blew on us through my open truck window. When we came around where the little park is located I noticed a teenaged girl swinging. That's looked odd on such a cool morning. A few more blocks and I saw a mom, a kid, and a little dog. They had stopped on the road and the 10-year-old boy was sitting on the asphalt cross-legged working on tying his tennis shoes. He was wearing basketball shorts and a light jacket. Mom had a long coat and her head was wrapped up with one of the old fashioned scarves. The little dog was patiently waiting but shivering in the cool air. Further on, I saw a kid come out of his house and run for the car. He had trouble moving because of all the winter gear he was wearing. He looked like he might be headed for a guest shot on one of those National Geographic shows where they spend time with the Eskimos. Like I say, they were likely practicing their bracing for the really cold stuff which should be here for Tuesday and Wednesday. That is, if the weather person was pointing at the right graphic on that blank screen. You can see how easy it is for me to be confused.

Here is a piece I wrote 10 years ago. I thought it was appropriate in light of this special day: ~ We Remember."Happy Veterans Day on this Wednesday, November 11, 2009. There is a history of how this particular day came to be the one we recognize where we as a grateful nation pause to pay tribute to all veterans and thank God for their willingness to serve our country. It started out as a day set aside to honor veterans of WWI but as we all know this world is filled with wars and rumors of war, therefore, over time, it was changed to honor all who have honorably worn the uniform of our country. My deceased dad and his deceased twin brother both served in WW2. My stepdad is retired from the U. S. Army and he served in Korea and Vietnam. This week my mom is hosting a mini-reunion for her two remaining siblings, Uncle Asa and Uncle Waymon and their wives. Both of these men fought for our country in WW2. Uncle Asa is 88 and still going strong. Uncle Waymon is 84 and dealing with health issues but still able to travel. I want to pay special tribute to my stepdad and these two men along with many others in our clan who wore the uniform and are heroes to our family.

This past Sunday, our local fellowship, like Churches all over America, had all those who have served to stand and be recognized. It always puts a lump in my throat as many of our most elderly wobble their way to the front and then stand at attention and offer a salute to the flag of our nation. It is our privilege to offer our gratitude to those who served. At the same time, we also remember the fallen who were willing to go but were not able to return. We remember those who suffered injuries, some that altered their lives forever. We also remember those who have suffered great emotional injury that has made everyday life a challenge in their return to the civilian world. All of these remembrances have one thing in common: Sacrifice. And, we thank God for so many who gave so much that we might remain a free people.

I watched much of the proceedings at the memorial from Fort Hood, Texas yesterday. For those killed in such a senseless way, it was a sad tribute, but a tribute indeed to what this country is all about as those from every corner who had volunteered to serve were memorialized. In honor of all our veterans, I offer up this prayer to our Great God: 'We ask for blessings on all those who have served our country in the armed forces. We ask for healing for the veterans who have been wounded, in body and soul, in conflicts around the globe. Bring solace to them, O Lord. Have mercy on all our veterans who answered our nation’s call to service. Bring peace to their hearts and peace to the regions they fought in. Bless all the soldiers who served in non-combat postings; May their calling to service continue in their lives in many positive ways. Those who have fought to make peace, may they know you O Lord, the Prince of Peace, I pray in Jesus Name.'" ~ Amen. …..More later.

Make sure and read my flashback blog post, it will bless your blesser.

I start off with this quote, "The timeless in you is aware of life's timelessness. And knows that yesterday is but today's memory and tomorrow is today's dream." ― Khalil Gibran. I'm not sure what the full context of that one is all about, however, it sounded pretty much like a reasonable way to get this day started on this Friday, November 8, 2019. On Wednesday evenings, our pastor has been teaching through the Holy Spirit inspired book of the Bible, The Revelation of Jesus Christ. He continues to emphasize the need for us to see the reason and purpose these truths were shared. Essentially, time is getting away from us all, every man, woman, boy, and girl. God's Word is true including His revealing of how things will end. For those who are saved by the blood of Jesus, this ending is one of victory and exultation. For those who have rejected the salvation offered by God, the outcome is almost too horrific to contemplate. How does this connect to the purpose of this inspired text? We had better take seriously the fate of those who have not been washed by the blood of the Lamb. That includes our families, friends, and everyone else who is living without Christ in their lives. As our pastor reminds us, this means there should be a sense of urgency in our witness to those outside the family of God. Before it's too late and the events come to this world, as they surely must, as described in God's Word. Sobering stuff my friend. Sobering indeed! Amen.

Donated property and buildings.

One of my all-time favorites, if not my most loved, from 12 years ago: ~ NOVEMBER 7, 2007 It's A God Thing! Looking back over the past year of working here at this place, there is one particular thing that I believe is the most significant of all since I came. It’s something that began the second day I was here. I was actually on my way out the door to go to the inner-city children’s ministry program we do on Tuesday nights when the owner of the company began talking about a Church he thought was near where we met that would soon be closing their doors. His brother-in-law happened to be the pastor of this particular Church and because the area where the building is located had become ninety percent Hispanic they felt they could no longer minister there. My ears perked up. Exactly where was this property located? Turned out the address was only five miles from where we were meeting in the community center of the apartment complex where we did the children’s ministry. My black minister friend had been able to raise enough money to purchase property and had begun working on a building plan but after ten years the funds had not been available to proceed. The owner of my company went on to say that the Church was going to disband but they wanted to donate the buildings and grounds to someone who would carry on the ministry in that area.

I cannot tell you exactly how I felt but it was a strange feeling because somehow I sensed God was involved in this situation. I told the owner I would immediately inform my black minister friend and get him in touch with the Church leaders of the disbanding work. Okay, there’s much more to the story and it took about three months to get everything done, but in January of this year, the African American mission began conducting services in the disbanded facilities. I was privileged to be their first invited guest speaker later in the month. We finished out our year at the apartment complex for the children’s ministry but with this new school term in September, we started having the children’s Bible club at this new location. These folks went from having to meet in a facility that had just one large room to a fully equipped Church property with Sunday school rooms, an auditorium, a fellowship hall, and a gym. The next major hurdle was to determine how they could minister to the Hispanics in that area. They put out fliers and knocked doors and had a good response to our children’s ministry. Over twenty families had indicated an interest. The previous folks had not been able to reach the community because of cultural and language differences. What we have found is that most of the children speak English, therefore, they have no problems coming on Tuesday night and enjoying our Bible club program.

The first night we had only two Hispanic children. They, by the way, have not missed one club meeting. The next week we added one. After that, we began to see a few more coming. Last night I believe we had about forty children and maybe eight were Hispanics from the nearby neighborhood. The fellow who owns the company where I work had very little knowledge about this ministry in the inner city. He really didn’t even know why he told me about the Church that was disbanding. It was more or less a comment made in passing. Obviously, God had something else in mind. Wow! Do we serve a great God or what? I may not make another day, another week, or another year here but I will always be grateful to God that He worked it out so that I could be used as a conduit in providing this property to reach boys and girls for Christ. No matter how much I accomplish here and my desire is that it be important things, there can be nothing greater than to know there will be children’s lives changed forever as a result of God arranging for me to come here. He and He alone deserves the glory and I gladly give it to Him. ~

If that doesn't get you fired up, well, as the old preacher's used to say, "Your wood is too wet." I got myself all excited in thanking the Lord once again for His working to reach those in need of a Savior. Amen. Have a great Saturday, Lord's Day Sunday, and, we will see what lands on the page for our next visit. May God bless each one. Amen. ....More later......

“Care keeps his watch in every old man’s eye, And where care lodges, sleep will never lie.” ― William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet

Why Sleep Matters: Quantifying the Economic Costs of Insufficient Sleep

Made it to the 5th day of this week, Thursday, November 7, 2019. So many would call it the 4th day since they count beginning on Monday, however, the week actually starts on Sunday, the first day, Resurrection Day, and that's why we meet as a local body of believers on that day. I've been telling people for the past 50 years plus how that getting the calendar rightly fixed in their minds will make the rest of their days go so much better. That, at least, has been my experience. One thing Facebook has done is to give insight into people's daily lives. Based on what I read from just about all areas of my reach is how folks, of all ages, are dealing with sleep deprivation. Here is a factoid that reflects on this issue: "In America, 70% of adults report that they obtain insufficient sleep at least one night a month, and 11% report insufficient sleep every night. It is estimated that sleep-related problems affect 50 to 70 million Americans of all ages and socioeconomic classes." It is concerning. I'm sure some have medical conditions that contribute to this problem. Sadly, many of the folks dealing with these issues have jobs that require acute alertness. While I do not have the problem, I am well aware of its impact on my family, on those who have worked for me, and with those I have worked with. Let me be clear, I do know what it is like to have a sleepless night. I think everyone has had challenges and difficulties that have precipitated this situation. However, my heart goes out to those who call their problem systemic insomnia and other names. I saw the other day a young woman who posted all the things she tries to help her fall asleep. She said these were recommendations from her friends. The list did not include one area that might be of help. I heard Dr. Charles Stanley say one time that when he tries to pray and read his Bible before bedtime he always gets very sleepy. It just might be worth a shot.

We've all seen the commercials with the theme of 'don't be that guy'. They have spawned all kinds of do's and don'ts lists out on the internet. Some are funny. Some are serious. Some are even taken from the Bible where the writer lists the types of behaviors where God says essentially: Don't be that guy. I know I have been and probably continue to be 'that guy', so, I wanted to get that out of the way up front. I did find some I thought were worth mentioning. And, yes, I could identify with all of them. Don't be that guy: ~ The Jerk ~ The Negative One ~ The Martyr ~ The Jealous One ~ The Slob ~ The Lazy One ~ The Smelly One ~ The Incompetent One ~ The Non-Team Player ~  The Scapegoat ~ The Emotional Trainwreck ~ The One Who Doesn't Show Up ~ The One Who Takes All The Credit ~ The One Who Never Follows Through ~ The One Who Just Doesn't Care Anymore ~ The One Who Cooks Stinky Stuff In The Microwave ~ The Gossip ~ The list could go on and on, but, I think there's probably enough of them that we all can work on in doing our best in not being that guy, starting with yours truly, aka me, myself, and I. Amen.

It's hard to believe that we will be celebrating Thanksgiving Day in just 21 days. On Tuesday morning I walked the mall while the ladies did their Bible study here in our home. Guess what? The mall Santa Claus set is in place and ready to go. Time, well, the saying is true, it waits for no one. I remember as a kid the holidays were something we longed for. And, they seemed to be so slow in coming. One does grow up and while I still love the holidays, they do tend to, as we grow older, arrive at the speed of light. You know the drill. It seems like only yesterday we were getting ready for last year's Thanksgiving family gathering. One thing I am thankful for is how we were always conditioned growing up to treasure these special get-togethers. I've known a handful of folks who grew up with such horrible experiences they always dreaded even thinking about the holiday season. Thank the Lord, not me! All the preparations to get ready, all the anticipation, by the time the big day came we were chomping at the bit. I can remember volunteering myself as a willing taster of anything that needed to be checked. Of course, I was not the only volunteer but one of the most eager. No wonder I woke up one day with the big 'D' haunting my path. (Diabetes) I can hear Granny Mac warning me, "Now son, it's supposed to be a taste. Don't fill up before we even have a chance to get it on the table." Such sweet memories from bygone years as we get ready to make some more this year. Amen. ....More later.

“God grant that men of principle shall be our principal men.” ― Thomas Jefferson

Good morning and welcome. It is Wednesday, November 6, 2019, and typically we refer to it as mid-week service day. That helps us to fulfill the Scripture that instructs us not to miss meeting together as a local body of believers. (Hebrews 10:25) One needs only to read a few obituaries to see what a mobile society we have become. Offspring and their offspring and their offspring scattered all over the world. Literally. It wasn't always that way. Families mostly settled in the same area. As the saying goes, "They have left the farm to find their way in the city." Many reflect their duty stations as a part of their military assignment. Others are where their work has taken them. The end result is a more urban society where city life is growing. These growing cities have become major population centers that offer great potential to some while at the same time they exhibit many urban problems like crime and poverty. Some today want these growing population centers to have more clout politically than rural and sparsely populated areas. Our founders actually anticipated how this situation could be used to try and dominate government representation. This is why we have the voting system we have. We hear about it a lot today, the Electoral College system. In the Electoral College system, each state gets a certain number of electors based on its total number of representatives in Congress. Each elector casts one electoral vote following the general election; there are a total of 538 electoral votes. The candidate that gets more than half (270) wins the election. Each state. Those who favor allowing the mega population centers to have the most influence in elections fail to appreciate the wisdom where EACH STATE gets their representation. We would do well to thank God for the wisdom shown by those who put together our form of government and we should resist any knee jerk populist ideas that would destroy the foundation of our great constitutional republic.

I'll not belabor the issue since I know many would prefer other types of sharing. But, I do want us all to consider the results of a recent poll of millennials. I think they now say this is the age group of 23 to 38. This was supposedly a reputable poll which indicated 70% of those asked said they would vote for a socialist-leaning candidate. That to me is scary. Very scary. Why? At my age I am doing the closing miles of my sojourn here on the earth, but, my children and especially my grands and great grands will be faced with the results of what could end up being catastrophic choices made at the ballot box. I'm not wringing my hands or pulling out the ever degreasing hair follicles I have. But, I am making my prayers to God for first and foremost, a spiritual revival of return to God and His ways, and, also that He would grant wisdom and understanding to those we will be leaving our country to. Finally, I confess my trust in God for regardless of what happens and who gets elected, He will continue to work out His plan and purpose. For that I am sure. Amen.

I want everyone to know I am painfully aware that way too much of my stuff can be at times both repetitive and even perhaps boring. I don't need a poll to tell me this because I am my own toughest critic. Some of it is to be expected given today's offering is number 3,194. There are times when I actually am aware of it while I am writing, however, it is what bubbled up, therefore, I have learned to go with my gut. The other evening when I was out on our friend's driveway greeting kids as Treat or Treat Santa, one little kid asked me some very pertinent questions, "Hey, why are you here? And, why are you here so early?" I really didn't answer him but only responded how those were some excellent questions. They reflect my thoughts at times about my blogging venture. Why am I here and why am I here so early? Several years ago when I was coming up on a blogging milestone, maybe the 2,000th episode, I shared how I might be coming to the end of my filling up electronic pages with the stuff I write. I received a private message from one of my readers that simply said, "Never stop, please, we love reading your blogs." That was not the only reason I continued, but, over time, it is the knowing I have been able to bring a smile, to encourage, and maybe even inform, and, of even greater significance, to share God's input, well, all of the above have kept me doing my blogs each day. I apologize for the days when they are somewhat blah, but, I fear that does come with the whole package. Have a great rest of the day and may God be with us all. Amen. ....More later.