"With God in charge, I believe everything will work out for the best in the end." ~ Henry Ford

Good morning and welcome to Wednesday, September 30, 2020. I always appreciate those who take a few minutes to peruse my prose each day. I see where one of my Santa Claus brothers posted this morning that we have 86 sleeps until Christmas. To be honest, for folks who typically are already into Christmas in a big way, for us, thus far, this year's celebration is hardly a blip on our radar screen. We have a couple of events on our schedule where we are supposed to show up as Santa and Mrs. Claus. Even those are mostly a 'wait and see' at this point and time due to the pandemic chaos that appears to be hanging on. We are blessed to know the real meaning of Christmas, therefore, the coming into our world of the Jewish Messiah and Savior of all those who respond in faith still undergirds our faith as we continue to deal with each day's challenges. Some say the rancorous presidential debate clearly reflects our nation in decline. It certainly demonstrated an absence of civility and decorum. We are having a bah humbug season and even the debate seems to fit the narrative. Most mainstream media sources believe Biden was helped but who would have thought they would have said anything different than that? I did read where the betting odds went up in favor of Biden coming out of the debate. Oh well, there is good news in this sad time in our history. It has to do with God and His ultimate control over His creation. I recommend we all trust Him to work all of these things out as we do our best to honor Him even in these difficult times. Amen.

Best I could tell, we were within 5 degrees this morning of breaking into the 40s. That is a very nice way to start our day here in these parts. I have been sleeping without my sleep apnea machine, (CPAP, continuous positive airway pressure therapy), for the last several days. The mask I wear broke and became unusable. I have new parts coming, but, everything takes time these days. Meanwhile, I have no idea if I am sleeping well or not because I don't have the computer report to look at each day as recorded by the machine. Our medical insurance provider farmed out the in-home medical equipment to a third party and I have to go through them to get parts. Once they place an order it goes back to our primary insurance provider for approval. Once it is approved they call me to collect the co-pay. Once that is done they ship. The turnaround promised is 6 business days. I tried to explain how it was broken and even though I had tried to rig it I couldn't use it until I received the new mask. I already knew the people I was talking to were only there to take the order, but, I suppose it made me feel better to share my concerns. And, I won't even go into how long you have to wait to talk to the person who orders the parts and supplies. That's not necessary because we all know exactly what that is like in today's menu-driven automated phone system world. (Your call will be taken in the order it was received, please stay on the line.)

We have a new light in our neighborhood. It is set on a pole, seemingly in the middle of the ballfield just down from our house. The first time I saw it in the wee hours of the morning I couldn't help but think about the proverbial, "make sure the light at the end on the tunnel is not an oncoming locomotive". I understand that some of the neighbors who are nearer to the playground have complained about it shining into their homes. I suppose it was added as an additional security measure. I don't know what the wattage is, but, it does pretty much light up a good portion of the area. I hope we don't have any planes attempt to land as a result. The word translated into English for 'light' is found 442 times in the King James Version of the Bible. It is often used to describe the difference between good and evil, dark and light. As an example, here is how Jesus descbribed Himself as found in the Gospel of John Chapter 8, Verse 12, "Once again, Jesus spoke to the people and said, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.'" (as rendered in the Berean Study Bible) And, we can all be thankful He is! Amen. ....More later.

"There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured with what is right in America." - Bill Clinton, President of the United States, (Considered to be one of the best debaters beginning in high school)

Good morning. It's Tuesday, September 29, 2020, Presidential Candidate Debate day, and I bid each one a warm and hearty welcome. That's right. We will have the first debate between President Trump and former Vice President Biden this evening. Some believe it will set all-time records for viewers. I don't know exactly why, but, I'm not that much excited about the prospects. It appears the Republican talking points is to continue to paint Biden as the candidate in hiding since he doesn't make many public appearances. The Democrats continue to lambast the President on his handling of the COVID pandemic along with the hit taken by the economy. The rank and file on both sides are looking to the debate to help solidify their thinking. Some want Biden to fall apart and have a lot of gaffes. It does appear a lot of this has been media programmed to set the bar as low as possible for Biden. That means if he holds his own at all he will be declared the outright winner. On the other side, they hope for the President to dodge and duck specific answers to important questions along with some falsehoods along with the way. President Trump has typically been good on the debate stage, but, he does tend to come across as mean spirited at times. Biden's people would love to see the President come across as petty and snarky. I'm not sure whether this debate will change any votes or not, but, it could show something about Biden's fitness to serve. President Trump pretty much is what you see is what you get and most people already know that. I'm sure it will be 'must-see' for all the political junkies out there.

I had Mr. Bentley outside this morning at 4:45 a.m., and it was 57 degrees. It was nice. I did feel the lower temp on my arms. Supposedly, it will be in the lower 50's in the morning. That should give us all something to look forward to. Growing up, we typically did not leave heaters on overnight, and, we only had them in certain rooms of the house. When we first moved to the little town in Louisiana, we lived with my mom's parents. All of us boys slept in the same room. No heat. Linoleum floor rugs. I can remember how the windows would be frozen shut and we all were under a heavy load of quilts. When your toes hit that linoleum, it was so cold they seemed to have stuck. If you actually caught your toe on one of the frayed edges, well, I suppose that's where kids begin to begin learning bad words. One reason we didn't think much about it was because we didn't have any alternatives. I always got up when I was called. My younger brother, Donald, would stay in bed until they dragged him out. Once we were all up we would elbow and jostle each other to try and scald our backsides up against the one space heater going in the living room. I suppose that's when I started learning how to live with the cold. However, the time and my age have taken their toll and even this morning the thought crossed my mind of how a sleeve might feel good. How sad. Next thing you know, I will be shivering at the drop of the hat.

The house we own was built in 1971. We purchased it in 1984. Our driveway has been in need of repair for some time now. I recently got a bid to see how much it would cost to replace it. It was a huge number. That motivated me to look at alternatives. Yesterday, the wife, our middle son Jimmy, and yours truly became driveway repair technicians. I mixed up 300 pounds of concrete and the wife and Jimmy smoothed it out. It still needs to be replaced but as I told the work crew, it will be better than it was until we decide to do something else. We didn't know that Mr. Bentley had slipped out of the house and had shown up to supervise the project. The next order of business is to have our roof replaced. That's coming up in the next few weeks. In the words of that famous commentator, Rosanna Rosanna Danna, "It just goes to show, if it's not one thing it's another!" Please don't ask me if we had a clue as to exactly what we were doing. We more or less made it up as we went. It may be cured in time for Thanksgiving. Joking only. Have a great rest of the day and may God be with us all. Amen. ....More later.

“There are two kinds of forecasters: those who don’t know, and those who don’t know they don’t know.” ― John Kenneth Galbraith

The picture painted by local weather forecasters.

This must be the place and since we are here, we might as well sit for a spell and enjoy a hot cup of strong Community. I have found Community Coffee to be the very best for friendly conversations. It is Monday, September 28, 2020. The weather folks remind me of my mom standing on the porch hollering at us kids. "This is the last time I'm going to tell you to come in. There will be morning lows this week in the 50s. I guarantee it and if you don't believe me, maybe the belt can talk better than me." The question for us kids was to try and predict when she really meant the last time. We had no doubts about the belt doing the talking, but, we would always try and push it to the limit. As it relates to the weather people, this time they mean business. It will be fall-like weather and they are excited about it. I suppose that's why they promise the great reveal coming up in the full edition of the weather segment. In other words, don't touch that dial or my belt will have to do some talking. Okay. I most likely stretched a disconnected metaphor way too far but when you put it out there I've found it best to stay with it. Yes. Even if it wasn't that good, to begin with. Here's my take on the weather forecast. I sincerely hope they are right. And, I'll be the first to congratulate them if they are. If not, well, I will join that chorus in progress of 'I told you so' and move on to the next great weather reveal, coming up right after these twenty-two commercials.

I know what some are thinking. I sure pick on the weather folks a lot. Well, to be honest, they are very easy targets and they have the reputation to go along with it. I love the photos of weather folks doing their best to keep their little canoe in the water while the camera accidentally pans out and you see a couple of fellows walking by in 2" of water. Or, those who hang onto a tree for dear life when in actuality everyone else is going on their merry way. Those are the things that do tend to give them their stereotyped image. At the same time, I know many of them are hardworking, well-qualified people who do their best each and every day. I think in large measure the comical image has developed as a result of their producers wanting to wring out every penny of time and advertising out of the weather segment. (And, yes, I am aware that John Kenneth Galbraith was a famous economist and I borrowed his quote in my title that was likely related to economic forecasting.) It was one of those if the shoe fits then wear it kind of things. Weather people used to get a lot of bad press when they overhyped potential weather systems that caused people to take specific actions as a result of the forecast. Nowadays, they seem to be covered by that blanket of immunity which says, "We missed the forecast but at least people were not injured." I worked out in the public world for over 50 years and I can't remember as a manager getting those kinds of do-overs when I made a wrong decision. But, good for them. I suppose. They will be back tomorrow with more teases to keep everyone tuned in.

I know many of you will not be surprised to learn that I write all of Mr. Bentley's comments for him. The Shi Tzu page he posts on has over 22,000 members from nearly every corner of the globe. When Mr. Bentley first started posting, he was designated as a 'Rising Star'. Later, he moved up to 'Conversation Starter'. Today, his postings have a badge stipulating his prose as being a 'Visual Storyteller'. As I said before, he and I work as a team, therefore, I do like sharing that title as a visual storyteller. The technical definition of a visual storyteller is someone who uses images to help describe what they are writing about. To me, I prefer those who can paint word pictures with their writing. As it relates to Mr. Bentley, I look at his photo and try and come up with a caption that explains his expression or what is on his mind. Here's the story I put with the above photo: ~ Bentley here, "We went outside and those pesky kids were out there again on the corner waiting for their school bus. I saw them, bowed myself up as big as I could, and let out my most ferocious bark. My leash holder laughed and told the kids, 'Don't worry about Bentley, he wouldn't hurt a flea.' There went my street creds right down the drain!" ~ Who would have ever thought I would end up being a ghostwriter for a mutt? Who knows? Maybe he will someday share his royalties. Have a great rest of the day Monday and may God be with each one. Amen. ....More later.

“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” – George Bernard Shaw

Our first grandchild, Tiffany Marrie, with our newest great-grand, Ava Ramona.

Hello, once again and welcome to today's edition. It is Friday, September 25, 2020, and I do bid each one a hearty hello as we make the best of the day God has given to us. There are days when I get the sense one choice might be to use the 'This Page Left Intentionally Blank' option. However, something typically shows up and we end up putting something on the page. The collective we as in me, myself, and I. Yesterday, we were keeping our great grand Gabi for a few hours while her mom took care of some medical appointments. Gabi, Mr. Bentley, and I went out and sat on the tailgate of the old pickup truck. Mr. Bentley loves to do that so he can sit in my lap and watch folks going forth and back. He was a little perplexed by having little Gabi-girl with us, but, he pretty soon accepted it. I did notice myself often saying to Gabi how she should be careful playing in the bed of the truck. Watch out! Don't fall! You might hurt yourself! Really? I grew up riding in the back of old trucks and hanging on as best we could. But, the older we get it is the more cautious we are. I know in my mind I was doing it to protect her or was it more to protect me from something happening on my watch? Oh well, she didn't get a bobo while she was with me and I suppose that's a good thing. Right?

Gabi-girl!

At this time of year, I always think about as I young fellow, my first days to hunt each fall. Good memories.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2007

It Won't Be Long!

When I was growing up one of the things we looked forward to was the beginning of hunting season. My granddad was an avid squirrel and deer hunter and he always took the time each year to prepare for the upcoming season. We would all clean our guns and make sure what little equipment we had was ready for use.

To kick off the season sometimes we would leave on Friday afternoon for a squirrel hunting venture. We would find us a good place for a camp and get set up for spending the night. My grandfather typically would try to kill a couple of squirrels for our breakfast the next morning. We would have a roaring fire and enjoy the brisk cool weather deep in the piney woods.

We didn’t have a tent or other types of conventional camping equipment. My granddad would sleep on an army cot and my little brother and I would sleep in the back of the old pick-up truck. We didn’t have sleeping bags so we used old worn-out quilts to roll up in. By the time morning rolled around we were usually freezing since the truck collected dew and we would be half wet all bundled up in our sleeping gear.

Way before daybreak my granddad would be up building the fire and making breakfast. We would begin to stir as the smell of food made its irresistible call. Paw Paw had made fried squirrel, smothered in gravy, and fried eggs along with homemade skillet biscuits (he called his biscuits sinkers because they were so heavy), and hot coffee. Talk about a way to wake up! He would look to see us up on one elbow and typically would ask, “Are you boys going to be laid up all day like a bunch of dogs?”

We would make our way over to the fire and after a short prayer dig in to one of the finest meals served anywhere in the world. We would finish off our feast with some biscuit and homemade jelly or syrup and sit back and bask in the great outdoors. We are food people and we are breakfast people. I’ve had a proper English breakfast in London and in Scotland as well, I’ve had the finest steak and eggs in a premium hotel restaurant in New York City but let me go on record: not one of them would ever compare to a campfire breakfast made by Paw Paw Mac.

We didn’t hunt for the fun of it, although we boys had fun, we hunted because it was a part of our way of life. It was one more element in the food chain and my granddad believed in making sure we took care of our kill so that it could be taken home and preserved for a future meal. It’s still hot weather here in our area but it won’t be long until those first few days of coolness come on the scene. On those first days, I walk around the yard with my coffee in hand and I remember the anticipation and excitement of our first of the season hunting expedition! 

Have a great Saturday and Lord's Day Sunday. May God be with each one. Amen. .....More later.

"Life brings tears, smiles, and memories. The tears dry, the smiles fade, but the memories last forever." ~ copied

Good morning and welcome. It is Thursday, September 24, 2020, and I send each one a greeting as we continue the journey. I have been privileged over the years to have enjoyed meals in some pretty nice restuarants. High class places with prices to match. I can remember when I would travel on business there would always be the 'special' place everyone said was a 'must visit'. I could really scour the vault and come up with a few recollections of the heralded equisite menu, but, that would be really difficult. I know it included some really good steaks, lobsters, and things of that sort. Interestingly enough, I don't even have to open to vault to remind myself of the wonderful food cooked up my mom, my grandmother, my mother-in-law, and for these nearly 56 years, my great cooking wife. I know. Different strokes. Just this past week, the wife served up her mom's smothered steak and gravy alongside rice, peas, okra, cornbread, and a tall glass of iced tea. I've eaten that meal including the leftovers three different times and I complimented her every time I enjoyed as if it was the first time. So many memories built in. Simple? Some might even refer to it as poor folks food, but, it is the stuff my memories are made of, and, I am so thankful that I enjoy simple meals and have someone who knows how to make it special. Amen. 

Yep. I know you've heard all about my enjoyment of homecooked meals before, but, it is something I continue to enjoy and I am so thankful that I do. I mean that. Three score ten plus four and I still get excited when I come in contact with the smells originating from the kitchen. It's a family legacy deal in our clan. In other words, we grew up with food being a huge part of our lives and it has continued. That little sign on the board was what we thought as grandkids. It is what my kids thought about their grandmothers. And, I am very happy to report our grandchildren feel that way about the wife, their MiMi. Others may have their own special recollections from their past. They might include special times spent in travel or other memorable activities. I have a few of those too. However, nothing brings it all back to me more than the indelible images of a wonderfully prepared homecooked meal. When I think about this I can't help but remember my wife's brother, our dear Brother Milton. He loved the simple things in life and in particular he was excited and exhuberant about the simplest of homecooked meals. I remember when the wife and I were dating and after Church services we went over to Milton's and Glenda's. They had their first child and he was maybe a year old. They had invited several people. I was very shy but also very observant. Milton was like a child in being so excited to have folks there with them. He couldn't stop talking about the meal we would be enjoying. Fried potato and light bread sandwiches washed down with a glass of milk. "You can't beat that on cold evening, brother!" I can remember it like it was yesterday. My point? Enjoy the simple things God has given to you and yes, it might even be good if we could be excited some about these blessings. Amen. 

Even as I plunk around on the keyboard, the wife, who had a restless night, is up making breakfast. She's preparing fried bacon and homemade French toast. Growing up, we had French toast when mom prepared cream of wheat for us. I can't remember ever eating it without the cream of wheat. She made her batter the same way the wife does. Today's edition will be made with some neighbor provided 'farm' fresh eggs. That's right. Right here in our subdivision, she has laying hens. We didn't have a lot of stuff growing up. More than ofthers, but, a lot less than most. However, we had bold traditions and we had food prepared with love and attention. I will never forget Granny Mac's saying, "Good food begins with caring." And, she cared. That's what I had on my mind today and now I have thrown it out there for everyone to see. "I think that fellow is a little over the top when it comes to things like simple homecooked meals." Guilty, your honor. Now that everyone is hungry, I will say so long for today as I pray God's blessings on us all. Amen. .....More later.

"Don’t be surprised. There is nothing new under the sun. Only endless repackagings." ~ Pastor John Piper

To celebrate yesterday's First Day of Fall, here is our great grand, Bella-girl!

Good morning to one and all. I welcome you to another visit from my humble abode to yours, on this Wednesday, September 23, 2020. Taking a cue from Bro. Piper in today's title, maybe I should list my job as a repackager since most of what I share are things restated but very similar to what we all have seen and heard before. It's like we all show up and get on the train but end up pretty much passing the same scenery each day. Often, I succumb to the obvious and talk about the weather. Speaking of which, we have had two days of medium steady rain. Off and on, but, mostly on. Not hard rain. This came to us compliments of Tropical Storm Beta. Best I can find out, we have received a little over 2 inches of rain. It seems like that number should be higher. It is supposed to end this morning. Certain areas south of us took another pretty serious hit in terms of flooding. Our eldest and our youngest have to be out and about a lot due to their job responsibilities. Yesterday, the eldest drove through an intersection with 2 feet of water. The youngest became a part of a huge downtown Houston parking lot out on the freeway waiting for water to subside. We felt better when both of them made it back to their homes later in the afternoon. Our resident Shih Tzu, Mr. Bentley, does not care for the wet. He doesn't like to go out in the rain. Necessity typically wins the battle but after being dried off he lets us know he is none too happy with the situation. 

Bentley will mark his second year this coming November. He has been a member of our family since January of 2019. To say he has changed our world is an understatement. Turned it upside down might be a better way to put it. He in many ways dominates via his personality and antics. We had no direct personal experience with having a pet in the house with us and could have never guessed we would ever have one that loves so outlandishly. The wife used to tell everyone he is more spoiled than a baby, but, I think she now believes him to be passed that stage, maybe 'ruined' would be a more apt description. The photo shows him on his favorite viewing perch. He enjoys being able to survey his kingdom from there. He is naturally funny and brings a lot of laughs to our day by day living. I hear a lot regarding his development about what we should have done and not done, but, here we are, and, here he is, and, we know he has been a blessing. At times, a very annoying blessing, but, a blessing none-the-less. He is popular in our neighborhood. He posts from time to time on Facebook to a page devoted to Shih Tzus. He is very popular on that page as well. I can hear my grandfather now, "Son, who would have ever thought?"

This current debacle involving the confirmation of a new Supreme Court Justice is, in many ways, laughable. It's as if hypocrisy and politics have only now been found to be companions joined at the hip. I am for doing it because I am a conservative and this window may not be open again in the near future. I have not drilled down too far into all the ins and outs here, but, we do have a Republican President, and, we do have a Republican majority in the US Senate. That's not to say the vote is guaranteed, but, it is the best circumstance any sitting president could hope for as it relates to getting a confirmation. The mainstream media has joined the Democrats in being aghast that this might happen. The Democrat leadership has said they might impeach the president for exercising his constitutional duty. Go back to my first sentence of this paragraph and read that word again, laughable! No one doubts we are a divided nation. And, the idea of replacing one of the most liberal activist justices in our history with someone who is more inclined to yield to the clear meaning in our constitution, well, it is easy to see why they use words like, "We will burn the Senate down." I say, let's get on with it! And, pray God will be with us all. Amen. .....More later.

“I always enjoy cutting Barney's hair. His ears kind of wing out and it gives you room to work.” — Floyd Lawson, the Barber, The Andy Griffith Show, Season 5

Good morning and welcome. Today is Tuesday, September 22, 2020, and I bid you welcome to another day here in our neighborhood.  I watched an old documentary special examining the Andy Griffith Show and why it became such a runaway hit. The late Andy Griffith was the main source but many of the well-known stars were interviewed as well. At the outset, Andy said Mayberry was not a real place. Many came to believe it was but it wasn't. He also said in reality, a place like Mayberry didn't exist because the world is filled up with complexity, troubles, and difficulties, therefore, most of them could not be solved in a 30-minute program. However, he went on to speak to how most of us want to think about a place like Mayberry because much of the storyline depicts life as we would like for it to be. I have often mentioned my growing up in a small rural town as being somewhat Mayberryesque. I believe I typically tried to include the caveats concerning the stuff that wasn't so pleasant, but, on the whole, the way folks conducted themselves, the way they cared, and, the way they looked out for each other, well, that made it my 'Mayberry' if you will. Interestingly enough, I know fellows who grew up alongside me and some of them can't get past those ugly realities and they see a very different story when they think of their hometown. I suppose that is part of how it works. Perception is the reality to the one doing the perceiving. One of the interesting tidbits coming out of that documentary was how much caring and respect there was among the actors who played on that show. Maybe that is what showed up on the small screen and maybe that's why we still watch it today. 

I know I should be more tuned into the political machinations saturating the airwaves 24x7. Just me, but I pretty well get as much of that as I can stand if a very short update period. Sorry. From all sides. I do try to stay informed but I do it as best I can without becoming a part of the neverending cycle of stuff flying around on every platform known to humanity. I support people and their passion to be involved. I'm not as much in support of some of the sick stuff many of them post in support of their passion. It's as if people see something and since it came from the internet, well, that automatically makes it 100% fact. Some of what I see is downright hateful. Other stuff is downright inaccurate, wrong, as in, you know, fabrication. Throw in media bias and you have the roar of an ocean of confusing rhetoric that just keeps pounding the shore, wave after wave after wave. From all sides. I know a few people who nearly have a stroke over materials they see and those materials are made up, to begin with. If you attempt to inform them of that fact they typically get angry. Not at being apoplectic over false information but at the person for trying to help them find out the truth. Oh well, that's my throwdown on the situation for today. Will I vote? Lord willing and even if the Creek Indian Nation rises, I will. (One of the leading contenders for the meaning of the old saying Lord willing and the creeks don't rise.) 

Today is a great example of how my approach to blogging works. I sat down at the laptop this morning at 5 a.m. and I have finally gotten to this paragraph at 5:58 a.m. I didn't know I was going to write about Mayberry until I wrote about it. I didn't know I was going to go off on the incessant political stuff until I wrote about it. Now I come to the end of today's edition. Some read what I write and nod in agreement. Others come to different conclusions. Aren't we thankful that we still live in a country where we can do just that? I know I am. I told you the other day about the folks living here in our neighborhood in how many have Trump signs up in their yards while a few have Biden signs. On one particular street, next-door neighbors have opposing signs in their yards. I noticed the one with the Trump sign has now added a Trump banner hanging from the eave of their home. There may be a Biden banner coming soon. Let's hope they can live in peace and harmony even though they have differing views regarding politics. I actually see good God-fearing people on social media telling their friends if they intend to vote a certain way to please 'unfriend' them now. Oh well, I know I am being a broken record here. If a young person happens to accidentally read that sentence and wonders what a broken record is, send me a comment and I will explain it, explain it, explain it. Have a great rest of the day and may God bless each one and may He bless our great country. Amen. .....More later.

From the New King James Version, Hebrews 12:14 "Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:"

Good Monday morning and welcome to this day where we will be observing it for a full 24 hours, September 21, 2020. Our pastor has reminded us often that people who have not been changed by the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, well, they act like who they are, those unchanged by the power of the Gospel. He reminds us that only God can change the heart and He does that through the instrumentality of the Holy Spirit. In fact, that is an exclusive responsibility of God the Holy Spirit, to convict and convince the heart of a person lost and disconnected from their God. All the condemnatory memes and posts asking lost people to re-post 'Jesus is Lord' is not able to change their hearts. The living example of one who loves the way Jesus loves and is willing to show that love even to the unlovable, well, that will set up opportunities to share the Gospel and see the Holy Spirit do His work. The Apostle Paul instructed the Church meeting in Ephesus, Greece, to 'speak the truth in love' which will reflect their maturity in Christ. (Ephesians 4:15) Sometimes in the midst of our angst and frustration, we put forth the truth but do so without our love being just as obvious as our message. Here is how the Apostle Peter said our witness should be carried out, "but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;" (1 Peter 3:15 as rendered in the New American Standard Bible).

The other day I wrote some about the Book of Job. I wanted everyone to know I did listen to the entire book, all 42 chapters. It is a book of sadness, suffering, and trials, but, it is at the same time a revelation of God's sovereign providence and His provision for His servants even during dark days. My point? I wouldn't recommend a reading for others that did not speak to me as well. We did get us a couple of very nice mornings over the past several days even as we await yet another weather system that may create additional issues for folks in its path. (Tropical Storm Beta) Yesterday, we clocked a 64 degree low and I was up early and sitting outside drinking my Community. I told the wife it was eerily quiet out there and I finally figured it out. The central a/c system wasn't breathlessly kicking on to try and mitigate the heat and humidity. I also bet the electric meter was happy to be less engaged, at least for a few hours. And, you will not be surprised to know I have looked ahead at what the prognosticators are guessing about our upcoming weather. We may get some low 60s in October but it appears it will be November before we get into the 50s. Unfortunately, the 90s are not yet off the charts, but, those lower temps should give us all something to look forward to. Amen.

I did look back and I found a blog I wrote and published on Tuesday, November 12, 2019, where we were actually looking at a cool down into the low 30s with the next morning perhaps even into the 20s. Now that was the weather like I remember us having growing up. While I am not on the bandwagon of those radical climate change folks, I do know the weather patterns have changed, based on my own experience during my 74 plus years. I also do not doubt the ability of human beings to contribute to our own destruction because we as a whole are a fallen race. However, these changed weather patterns may be normally occurring during different periods of time. We have scientists who say the sky is falling and we have others who say we are actually in a normal adjustment that can be proven to have taken place before. While I don't have personal knowledge regarding the answers, I do know it is different than when I was a kid where we would see frost typically beginning in mid-September with ever colder weather all the way through the next March or April. I do know this. It is ultimately in God's purview to determine the future of how and when He will usher in the final days of earth's existence as we know it. He, as the all-knowing God, has everything under control. Even if I can't make sense out of all the babbling talking heads, I can, with confidence, trust God and look to Him with simple childlike faith. Amen. .....More later.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALEX!

Good morning and welcome to Friday, September 18, 2020, where we are thanking God for our grandson Alexander Benjamin (Alex) on his 15th birthday! Alex has been a character throughout his time here on the planet. He does deal with some inherited health issues and most acutely with a form of Autism that can complicate his life. Yet, he has been given great intelligence and abilities in many different areas. We pray that God will continue to be with him as he continues his journey. Our love, MiMi, and Poppy.

Here is how it all went down in my first blog written where I recognized Alex's birthday:

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2007

Happy 2nd Birthday, Alex!

Psalm 127 (New Life Version)

1 ) Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders work for nothing. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the men who watch over it stay awake for nothing.
2 ) You rise up early, and go to bed late, and work hard for your food, all for nothing. For the Lord gives to His loved ones even while they sleep.
3) See, children are a gift from the Lord. The children born to us are our special pay.
4) The children of a young man are like arrows in the hand of a soldier.
5) Happy is the man who has many of them. They will not be put to shame when they speak in the gate with those who hate them.

Today we celebrate the 2nd birthday of our Alexander Benjamin. He is our number nine out of ten total and we certainly believe our three boys, their wives, and our grandchildren to be blessings from God.

We actually had his party at our house last Saturday evening and we all had a ball. This boy is a real character and we love him so much. It is our desire that we would be able to help shape his life into all God has in mind for him. He spent the night with us last night and we are always glad whenever we can spend time with our beloved little ones.

Each one is different and special in their own way and we pray for Alex and all of our kids and their families each and every day. You are something else little buddy and we hope you have a wonderful and blessed birthday! ~ 

Okay, that's your flashback for today. Take care and may God bless each one. Amen. .....More later.

Book of Job, Chapter 42, Verses 7-10 "After the Lord had said these things to Job, he said to Eliphaz the Temanite, 'I am angry with you and your two friends, because you have not spoken the truth about me, as my servant Job has. So now take seven bulls and seven rams and go to my servant Job and sacrifice a burnt offering for yourselves. My servant Job will pray for you, and I will accept his prayer and not deal with you according to your folly. You have not spoken the truth about me, as my servant Job has.' So Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite did what the Lord told them; and the Lord accepted Job’s prayer. After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before."

Hello and welcome to our fireside chat, without the fire, the sweater, and with no promises on the chat. It is a privilege to be writing this today, Thursday, September 17, 2020. I say that because it means I must be up and about once again as provided by the Lord God of heaven. That is the truth as given clearly by Elihu, the younger in the group who came on the scene late, in his response to Job and his three miserable friends. Job 34:14-15, "If He were to set His heart to it and withdraw His Spirit and breath, all flesh would perish together and mankind would return to the dust." (As rendered in the Berean Study Bible) That is what is meant when one says every heartbeat belongs to God. With that acknowledgment, we continue. In passing, may I tell you the Book of Job often does get a lot of resistance because many believe it is too depressing and sad. While Brother Job does deal with deep sadness and he was obviously depressed, the Book itself gives tremendous insight into the Sovereign majesty of our God and His plans and purposes that go beyond our understanding. That is, unless He chooses to reveal them to us. The Book also gives insight into how folks know a lot of spiritual things, but, as shown by the so-called friends of Job, they are not always accurate in their understanding of the truth. The triumph of God and Job's response of worship of Him is inspirational and an encouragement to all of us who are fellow strugglers making our journey through life. Amen.

I'm not sure when I read the Book of Job it is a friendly wake up call from the front desk, or, a slap in the face along with some ice-cold water. I think it typically is the latter for me, myself, and I. What say you? I've always been intrigued by the way God had revealed Himself even back in the earliest of times. If Job was as ancient as it appears to be, the insights and understanding of God at that time is amazing, and, even the misappropriated thoughts of his three friends show a remarkable depth in terms of spiritual realities. Job had much to say at different times but he was clear concerning his relationship with his Redeemer. Here are some profound words from the mouth of Job as recorded in Chapter 19, Verses 25-27, "I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed,   yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!" That always just knocks me down. How could Job have had that kind of appreciation and confidence in his certain future? It came from God Himself. We have the same truth and as believers, we have the same destiny as Brother Job. Amen. 

Why is this so astounding to me? Think about it. God, Creator God, chooses to love and care for His created human family to the extent that He reveals Himself and calls Job to have a relationship with Him. Today, you and I have the completed revelation of God as given in His Holy Word. We have a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. We have the promises of God. We have the hope of our eternal destination in the presence of the Lord. When Adam fell, it was God who took the initiative to come to Adam and to seek him out. (Genesis Chapter 3) I promise you I did not start out today's visit with Job in mind or in trying to turn it into a theological Thursday. God has made truth much more accessible than one might think. Dr. J. Vernon MaGee used to say he wanted to put the cookies (truths from God's Word), on the lowest shelf where even the little kids can reach them. That, my friend, is what God did for us, for me, for you. Job went through a lot of suffering and ended up having his desired one on one meeting with Almighty God. As a result, his response is instructive for us all.

From Chapter 42: 1) Then Job answered the Lord and said:

2) “I know that You can do everything,

And that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You.

3) You asked, ‘Who is this who hides counsel without knowledge?’

Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand,

Things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.

4) Listen, please, and let me speak;

You said, ‘I will question you, and you shall answer Me.’

5) “I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear,

But now my eye sees You.

6) Therefore I abhor myself,

And repent in dust and ashes.”

Amen. .....More later.

"You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea." ~ Book of Micah, Chapter 7, Verse 19

Made it to another mid-week visit emanating from here at the ole blogger ranch. This particular missive arrives on this day, Wednesday, September 16, 2020. Regrets. We all have them. I wish I would have, I could have, I should have, I shouldn't have, and it goes on and on. There are not always do-overs available. The problem with regrets is while they tend to always be there to torment you, what happened cannot be changed. The only change that can be made is the one you make going forward. Regrets are like great embarrassments in how they are indelibly written upon our innermost thoughts, therefore, they can manipulate our ability to make progress or in many ways, hamper our efforts to function as we should. The Evil One is a master at accusing and reminding us of our failures. And, while we bask in the understanding of our forgiveness and restoration from the Lord Himself, those regrets and failures continue to plague our steps. I am reminded of that passage where the Apostle Peter talks about true believers who get off track to the extent they lose contact with the reality of their identity in Christ, "For he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins." (2 Peter 1:9) That is a pretty scary thought, but, obviously, it is the truth since all Scripture is breathed out by God Himself. (2 Timothy 3:16-17) I thought of this old song that reminds us of God's power to forgive.

My Sins Are Gone

By: N. B. Vandall (As performed by the Gaithers)

You ask me why I'm happy so I'll just tell you why,

Because my sins are gone;

And when I meet the scoffers who ask me where they are,

I say, "My sins are gone."

They're underneath the blood on the cross of Calvary,

As far removed as darkness is from dawn;

In the sea of God's forgetfulness, that's good enough for me,

Praise God, my sins are gone!

'Twas at the old-time altar where God came in my heart,

And now my sins are gone;

The Lord took full possession, the devil did depart,

I'm glad my sins are gone!

They're underneath the blood on the cross of Calvary,

As far removed as darkness is from dawn;

In the sea of God's forgetfulness, that's good enough for me,

Praise God, my sins are gone!

When Satan comes to tempt me and tries to make me doubt,

I say, "My sins are gone,

You got me into trouble but Jesus got me out."

I'm glad my sins are gone!

They're underneath the blood on the cross of Calvary,

As far removed as darkness is from dawn;

In the sea of God's forgetfulness, that's good enough for me,

Praise God, my sins are gone!

I'm living now for Jesus, I'm happy night and day,

Because my sins are gone;

My soul is filled with music, with all my heart I say,

"I know my sins are gone!"

They're underneath the blood on the cross of Calvary,

As far removed as darkness is from dawn;

In the sea of God's forgetfulness, that's good enough for me,

Praise God, my sins are gone!

They're underneath the blood on the cross of Calvary,

As far removed as darkness is from dawn;

In the sea of God's forgetfulness, that's good enough for me,

Praise God,

Praise God,

Praise God, my sins are gone!

There are some beautiful word pictures from the hymn writer in that wonderful song. It is a great way for us to start, stay, and to finish our day. With God's provision and help. Always. May God bless each one. Amen. .....More later.

“It does not take much to make us realize what fools we are, but the little it takes is long in coming.” ― Flannery O'Connor

Good morning and welcome to Tuesday, September 15, 2020. I find myself sitting here, a little past 4:30 a.m., and except for the perfunctory greeting, I am dealing today with staring at the proverbial blank page. I know it is called writer's block or some other type of lapse, but, as they say in our culture today, it is what it is, therefore, it too becomes a part of the fabric of life. And, I hasten to add, it must be dealt with and overcome or I will again be sharing some stale stuff from one of my previous visits. I did look at a list of 365 story ideas to see if anything might spark some interest. They were about as lame as they come. "The parents miss Christmas by one day and must try and fool the children into thinking they didn't." I don't think so. But, that's okay. I've learned to wait and to keep at it. Wait and keep at it. Maybe something will come to me while I am talking about not having anything. One of the things I have had for most of my life has been a prodigious ability to remember things. I have no idea if it was a gift or not, but, I do know it has served me well, especially in all my public working years. I have news for you. I still have a fairly decent memory but having said goodbye to age 74, I can testify to the fact that is is not as active and definitely not as quick as it once was. I think the information is still there. It's the access mechanisms that have slowed due to being tired and worn. But, we keep at it and hope for the best as I try not to allow it to keep me from coming up with something.

The wife has told me several times it may be good to reduce the number of blogs I write each week. You know. Maybe Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Thus far, the challenge to produce one each day has caused me to try and stay with the 5 day schedule. Maybe the doing of it helps keep what's left of my thinking cap working. That's what they used to call it, thinking cap. Or, as Paw Paw Mac used to say, "Son, use your head for something other than a hat rack." I've heard it said that it's okay to talk to yourself but when you begin to answer yourself or to ask yourself to repeat what you said, well, it might be time to go to Plan B. Folks who have trouble remembering things understand this plight all too well. I know the number one concern for older folks with memory issues is for them to remember to take their medications. There are all kinds of tools and helps to deal with this issue. I'm thankful that's not one I have to deal with. Yet. Rather than throw up our hands and throw in the towel, there are things we can do. When asked something I should know but the answer is just not forthcoming, I do what any self respecting forgetter does, I Google it. I don't always find what I am looking for but I do find the action of searching for it might just give me enough clues to remember the answer. It does help. It really does. Instead of feeling good about knowing all the answers, now you can feel good about knowing how to find the answers.

Okay. It's been one of those really slow news days here at the old blogger ranch. And, as always, I remind us of the most important thing to know and remember: As it is written in the prophet Jeremiah (9:23-24): "Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in his might, nor let the rich man glory in his riches; but let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,' says the Lord." Having a great memory but never knowing the Lord God of heaven is really no true knowledge at all. That would be the greatest tradgedy of all. How can people made in the image of God but separated from Him due to sin come into a right relationship with Him? Jesus, as recorded in the Gospel of John, Chapter 3, put it this way: "16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. 18 He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." Take care and may God add His blessings. Amen. .....More later.

"A baby is born with a need to be loved – and never outgrows it." – Frank A. Clark

Here's what Bentley posted on the ShiTzu Facebook page: 

"You call that a cold front. Yes, I know an overnight low of 71 is better than the mid-80's, but, a cold front?."

Good morning and welcome. It is Monday, September 14, 2020, and, we are thankful to be up and going for another day, with God's provision. Amen. Last Thursday morning we awoke to a slightly cooler morning. It seems the highly reported cold front that was going to change things dramatically and then it wasn't, well, it ended up sending just a smidgen of cooler air our way. It wasn't that cool but 71 degrees with a breeze felt pretty refreshing. When Mr. Bentley and I were out and about making our inspection tour in the old pick-up truck around 6:30 a.m. we noticed the squirrels were out in abundance. I counted six in one yard and they were busy checking their stored supplies buried here, there, and who knows where. When we returned to the house we had a front-yard full of red robins and they were bob bob bobbing all around. They must have gotten the same clue the squirrels did from the slightly cooler air. I took a photo of the robins, but, there was not enough light to see them clearly. It wasn't the mid 60's that had been endlessly teased on every newscast, but, it was refreshing, especially with the breeze. I did exactly what I promised to do. Mr. Bentley and I sat outside and enjoyed the change. He, under the chair, trying to figure out what he could get into his mouth, and me, well, I sat there with a thankful heart and a huge cup of steaming Community, and, what a way to get our day started! Amen. 

Our eldest, PawPaw Chris, and his wife, MawMaw Sherrie, made the journey over to San Antonio on Saturday to see their brand newest grandbaby, Ava Ramona! When I talked to him on the phone he was still beaming. Yep. Beaming. I couldn't see him, but, that is the image he was transmitting with his words. Yours truly and wife, the Great Grand Poppy and Great Grand MiMi hope to make that journey soon. Some reflections from God's Holy Word, "Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you." Jeremiah 1:5; "Children are a gift from the Lord. They are a reward from Him." Psalms 127:3; "For this child I prayed and the Lord has granted the desires of my heart." 1 Samuel 1:27; "You have taught children and infants to give you praise . . ." Psalm 8:2; "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6; "Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children. Those who love their children care enough to discipline them." Proverbs 13:24; "Beware that you don’t look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels are always in the presence of my heavenly Father." Matthew 18:10; "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with promise: that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth." Ephesians 6:1-3; "A wise child brings joy to a father; a foolish child brings grief to a mother." Proverbs 10:1; "But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children." Matthew 19:14: "Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord." Ephesians 6:14; and, "For His Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children." Romans 8:16

While each one of those verses needs to be read and studied within their appropriate context, my point was to emphasize God's knowledge, His love, and His caring for all human life. "Father, we thank you for the birth of Ava Ramona and we pray for her continued health and well being. We pray that she will be brought up in the love and admonition of the Lord. We pray that she will one day become a part of the legacy of faith that has been the earmark of this family. Not that we are anything at all, but, because of You and Your love and our faith response to the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Amen." Okay. I think that will do it for today. I'll do my best to keep an eye out for any other strange wildlife happenings or cool front sightings here in our neighborhood. Y'all get out there and have yourselves a God blessed day. Amen. ....More later.

Remembering to Remember!

Good morning, it's Friday, September 11, 2020, and I want to share my first blog published remembering 9/11.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2007

We Remember!

Living in a time when a great cataclysmic event takes place usually etches in the mind exactly where you were and what you were doing when you heard about the event itself. Today we pause to recall the terrorist attack against our country which occurred six years ago on September 11, 2001. Many in the buildings that made up the Word Trade Center Complex are not around to remember where they were when this horrific attack took place. They are joined by others who gave their lives in trying to rescue and save those who were in those buildings.

I was at work that morning. I happened to be listening to the BBC feed on FM radio whenever the announcer broke in and said there had been an airplane crash into the WTC. Shortly after the first announcement, there was the report of a second crash. I left my workstation and went into the other office where we could watch the news on television. We all stood dazed as the events began to unfold in New York City.

I know my grandparents remembered exactly where they were whenever they heard about Pearl Harbor. I can remember the day President Kennedy was shot how we were all in our high school classes and suddenly the intercom began playing a Dallas, Texas radio feed. I was in a shop class and it took us a few minutes to figure out what was going on. The president of the United States had been shot in his motorcade in Dallas. It was an unforgettable moment.

Others no doubt remember the receiving of unexpected news about the loss of a loved one. I can remember receiving a call from my baby sister’s husband calling us from the West Coast and telling us that they had just come from all day at the doctors and instead of the minor medical procedure that had been planned, she at age twenty-five had just been diagnosed with fast-moving, fatal leukemia. I stood straight up in the bed.

There are also many wonderful days that come to mind like our wedding day, the birth of our children, and other special events that we love to relive in our thoughts. I’m so thankful for the wonderful memories that are also a part of our sojourn here.

But more than anything else on this day of remembrance of this significant day in our history, and as we think on other days that are memorable to us, in trying to gain some context for life here on this planet with all of its ups and downs, I kept being reminded as I wrote this blog of this Old Testament passage from Jeremiah chapter 9:

23) Thus says the LORD:
“Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches; 24) But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,” says the LORD.

Therefore, on this day when so many will be grieving, let those of us who know God and have a relationship with Him through His provision of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, pause to pray for all who are hurting, and to seek the peace that only God and God alone can provide. More later……………..