Matthew 1:21 ~ "She will give birth to a Son; and you shall name Him Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” ~ New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Merry Christmas and may God help us all to look to Him both now and in the upcoming year! Also, greetings from the one and only, Sir Bentley Barksalot, Esq.

 

Deuteronomy 18:15-19 "The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your fellow Israelites. You must listen to him. For this is what you asked of the Lord your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly when you said, “Let us not hear the voice of the Lord our God nor see this great fire anymore, or we will die.” The Lord said to me: “What they say is good. I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their fellow Israelites, and I will put my words in his mouth. He will tell them everything I command him. I myself will call to account anyone who does not listen to my words that the prophet speaks in my name."

Hello folks. I know it has been a while, however, we are having a melt-down season portraying the jolly old elf and Mrs. Elf, aka Santa and Mrs. Claus. It is Friday, December 10, 2021, and I do hope all is well with you and yours. We are the proud great grandparents of Gabriel Roman, born this week to our granddaughter Amanda Faith and her husband Manny. He arrived four weeks early via an emergency c-section. God has been good. They have had a rough few days of recovery but are supposed to leave the hospital today. Praise God. Our family clan continues to grow as prophesied in the white shoe polish proclamation on our red car the night we were married: Watch Louisiana grow! Tonight, Lord willing, we will be appearing as Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Houston Down Syndrome Association Christmas party. We were not able to do this event last year due to covid but we are thankful that we are able to donate our time to such a worthy endeavor, enriching the lives of those dealing with down syndrome. 

Since I last visited, we've had several health crises and other challenges, but, who doesn't these days? I could wax on and on about it, but, such is the plight of us older folks. Mr. Bentley is well. He continues to try and decide whether he has been sent to us to provide orderly direction, or, maybe he is just a lovable pup. At times, we think he is all of the above and more. Until next time, may our great God add His blessings to each one. Amen. ........until next time.

“He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has." ~ Epictetus (AD 50 - AD 135)

Well hello there, my, it's been a long, long time. If you recognize that opening from a famous country song, well, you can feel better about yourself because that's the only prize I have for you today. It is Tuesday, November 16, 2021, and, I am in the upstairs office because the ladies' Bible study is meeting downstairs. I have been away, not only in mind but also physically. We spent an entire week up in Branson, Missouri. We spent a lot of money in Branson. I think they consider themselves to be an entertainment venue. We had a great time with Marilyn's sister, Dorothy, and her husband Jimbo. When I returned home, Mr. Bentley was very happy to see us. That photo above is one I snapped a few minutes after we came in the back door. (Without the Christmas stuff. I added that. Just so you know.) We did have a good time but the words of a very influential philosopher echoed in my mind upon our return. I can hear Paw Paw Mac, "I would go but I didn't leave anything there and I didn't lose anything there." Confession time: I did make a couple of video calls to check on things here but also to talk with Mr. Bentley. Okay, I said it. Paw Paw Mac again, "Son, have you lost your ever-loving mind?" Yep.

We've been working in the Santa Enterprise some. Last Saturday we traveled up to Mount Enterprise, Texas, for family portraits. We had a wonderful time. The lady photographer is a pastor's wife and we have known them for many years. We made a trip to Del Rio, some 10 years ago with them when he was the mission's coordinator for the American Baptist Association. We had not seen them since that time, but, when we showed up Saturday, it was like a homecoming of sorts. Their son, Dawson, was there to help out and the last time we saw him he was maybe 12 or 13. He now has his associate's degree in music from Texas Baptist Institute. Even Dawson considered us like family, and so we are, all together, a part of the family of God. They must not have cable in Mount Enterprise because we had many families that had 3, 4, and 5 children. We had a great time, but, it was taxing on our bodies, to say the least. The photo is of yours truly with Charlotte and Emily. This was Jill's first time to do these kinds of photos and we feel blessed to have been able to go and work with her. They are already booking folks for next year. 

We had worked really hard last Friday to get ready for our granddaughter Amanda Faith's baby shower which was held on Sunday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. in our home. It was advertised as a come-and-go affair but most of the folks came and stayed which really filled up our home. It was great to hear so much laughing and talking going on. I was in the living area watching over Mr. Bentley and the Christmas decorations since we had many kiddos running here and there. We must have had between 30-40 folks who showed up and they gave Amanda and Manny a wonderful shower to help get them started with our great-grandson, Gabriel, due to arrive in late December. May God bless and keep them as they prepare for and await this child. Amen. I could tell about all the aches and pains involved in catching the ever-turning merry-go-round of life, but, since we are not in the waiting room at the doctor's office, I will save it for then. The theme for the baby shower was little pumpkin and they had decorations to match. Y'all be safe out there and know that God is faithful, always and forever, He is faithful. Please say a prayer for our Jimmy who checked himself into the mental health facility yesterday. The holiday season wreaks havoc with those dealing with depression-related mental illness. Wishing each one a wonderful upcoming Thanksgiving Day and may it be one where we all find ourselves giving true thanks to our Great God. Amen. ......until next time.

"Christmas is the day that holds all time together." ~ Alexander Smith, Scottish Poet, (1829-1867)

Bentley here on this Thursday, October 21, 2021.  The man of the house, (so-called), has been playing tons of Christmas music, watching Christmas shows and movies, and getting all of his Santa gear together since they will be kicking off the season this upcoming weekend. I think he's trying to get into the mood. I've heard him say that's not so easy based on the high prices for any and every item on the planet. Meanwhile, I've been working on my own song. I hope you enjoy it. It's sung to the tune of the one you have heard all your life. What? Never heard it before? You would not be my target demographic for today's edition. Here goes:

You better watch out, you better not bark, you better not whine I'm telling you why, Santa Claus is coming to town. He's making a treat list and checking it twice, he's gonna find out if you're naughty or nice, Santa Claus is coming to town. He hears you when you're snoring, he knows when you're a pain, he knows when you tore up the bed, keep away from the pillows for goodness sake. His bag is filled with goodies, from rawhide chews to snacks, he knows which ones you deserve so be good for goodness sake. You better watch out, you better not bark, you better not whine I'm telling you why, Santa Claus is coming to town. 

Hope you enjoyed that. I might just work on some others going forward, so, stay tuned. Your loyal pup, Signed: Sir Bentley Barksalot, Esq.

Proverbs 29:2 "When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, But when a wicked person rules, people groan."

Hello everyone. Bentley here, "They tell me the dude on the left
has made his own movie. Does anyone know how that could
happen? Asking for a friend.

Good morning and welcome to today's edition. I am thankful to report that based on me being able to see my breath on a mirror this morning, well, it means I am still alive and kicking, albeit, not very high, but still kicking on this Tuesday, October 19, 2021. I even feel better after seeing how the great grammar program doesn't recognize the word albeit. They didn't try to correct it but wanted me to dismiss it. Hope everyone is okay out there where Covid is still alive and well, disabling or taking out way too many of those we know personally or they are known to our friends. Our facts are anecdotal at best, but, we do see the postings of folks who are dealing with this serious illness. Maybe people have forgotten the exact quote by then-presidential candidate Joe Biden at the last presidential debate held in October of 2020. In his own words speaking to his plan regarding the Corona Virus, "I will end this." He also indicated his team would hit the ground running with their plan to eradicate the pandemic. As is often said in response, "How's that ending of the pandemic going, Mr. President?" But, we don't hear too much about the dozens of major failed promises made by this administration. In an interview on CNN, a former NY Times editor took the mainstream news media to task and listed a dozen or more major news stories that were either left out altogether or downplayed in the reporting. The CNN interviewer was stunned to hear his network being called out. I would say it is about time but we all know they will continue as they have always been in their approach to suppress the truth and report what they want their audience to hear. I know all administrations play the blame game but I don't think I've ever seen as much blame being slung here, there, and everywhere this early on, 10 months in. When the Bidens' were caught walking around without masks in a prominent Washington DC restaurant, a clear violation of local law, Jen Psaki replied by attacking Trump on what she called his many crimes which were, of course, much worse. Got it? Change the subject. Or, conflate things that have nothing to do with the issue being queried. Example: The out-of-control price increases and the shortage of goods and services, (supply chain issues), are good news because they can be blamed on people ordering too much which is a sign the economy is booming. While the lemmings take time off from going over the cliff to pause and applaud such absolute nonsense, people like myself, shake our heads and offer up a prayer of thanksgiving that we belong to God and He will deal with it all, in His own good time. Amen. 

This upcoming weekend, we plan, Lord willing, to travel to Louisiana for a wedding on Saturday, and then on Sunday afternoon in the same area, we will kick off our official Santa season working with a professional photographer to make Christmas memories for children of all ages. This marks our 13th season and we both look forward to it along with some feelings of dread due to our age and the aches and pains involved in sitting, holding children, and posing for long periods of time. Yet, Dr. Fauci has agreed that 'some' families can celebrate the upcoming holidays. Some. Don't get me started again. I did hear one commentator on a religious broadcast talking about how it might not be so bad if we end up not having an overabundance of stuff for Christmas. He thought maybe families could enjoy each other more and spend their time doing something other than focusing on the material things of Christmas. Even Santa can agree with that sentiment because the Christmas Spirit is about family gatherings and enjoyable times while focusing on the true Reason for the Season, "But when the fullness of the time came, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons and daughters. Because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba! Father!” Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God." (Galatians 4: 4-7, New American Standard Bible, NASB.)  There's much for us to think about from this passage and for those who are believers, it is most wonderful news! Amen and Amen. 

We have a long list of those we are praying for. I do call out our granddaughter, Kyleigh, who is currently on her way to Thailand to work as a teacher, 6th Grade Math; for our brother, Victor, who is dealing with Covid even though he has been fully vaccinated; for so many others with heart-wrenching circumstances, local folks, friends, families, dealing with every kind of challenge imaginable. As the image says, Prayers Up! Please join with me. Amen. .....Until next time......

"If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they keep my word, they will also keep yours. " ~ Gospel of John, Chapter 15, Verses 19-20

Hello friends and neighbors. It is Wednesday, September 29, 2021, and, I bring you greetings from my place to yours. I know many of you will not be surprised by the continuing lambasting of Christians in the mainstream media. While it is not new, there are some things happening now that we all should pay attention to. A recent theme has arisen where the beliefs in life after death are being linked to folks who are not obeying the coercive mandates regarding the pandemic. In short, if you believe the Biblical teaching on eternal life, well, you are not as inclined to do all you can to keep on living here on the planet. I know. The abortion versus the right to life has this kind of connotation as well, but, delving into the very specific beliefs of individual Christians in order to paint them as enemies of the state, well, to me this gives us all reason to be concerned. Not that we should be surprised since we know persecution for those committed to Christ is predicted in The Scriptures, however, the subtle forms of how this is beginning to work are somewhat chilling to me. They blamed the burning of Rome on people of faith and now they are attempting to link the prolonged pandemic with its associated deaths to none other than people of faith. While it may only be MSNBC and CNN talking heads at this time, once it is out there, it does begin to resonate in our overwhelmingly secular society which sadly includes many established religious entities. It is something for us all to keep our eyes on. 

I don't have a clue as to what Mr. Bentley is thinking at any given time, however, I am convinced of one consistent behavioral response: He doesn't have any notion that he is a dog! Whatever we were supposed to do to teach him otherwise, well, it didn't get done, period, end of the story. Not really. The story continues, 24x7. Even if we sent him to one of those therapy sessions where all the other dogs would be saying things like, "Hello, my name is Rowdy, and I am a dog." Our Bentley would have to announce: "Hello, my name is Bentley and I am King of the world." Oh well, as they say, it is what it is, and, we actually are the enablers here. And, we still love him even though at our age it is more difficult to bow and curtsey if you know what I mean. Vern. Some will get that reference. Others can just continue on their merry way. Have a great day and may God add His blessings. Amen. .....until next time. 

Philippians 4:6 English Standard Version: "..... do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."

Good morning. It is Tuesday, September 28, 2021. I start off today by requesting prayers on behalf of our family. Our eldest Chris and his wife Sherrie are continuing to battle Covid. Their grand Bella has also tested positive. Her mom, Stef, may have the early symptoms as well. Also, our middle son, Jimmy, continues to deal with serious mental health issues. In addition, our granddaughter Brittany is having some female-related surgery this morning. I am more concerned about our Chris since he tends to deal with things too much like me, myself, and I. Thanks for praying. Amen. 

I have to take a few lines here to provide a Public Service Announcement or PSA as they are referred to out in the social networking world. (Don't worry, I had to look it up the first time I saw it.) At any rate, I want to share some of my recent experiences with what is called easy-off packaging and containers. Or, perhaps so-called is a better expression. Supposedly, using that terminology means whatever is inside the package or container will be easily accessible. This might apply more to those of us who are a wee bit longer in the tooth, myself checking in at 75 years and counting, but, it is the truth as I have experienced it. (Useless factoid: The expression 'long in the tooth' dates back to the 1800s and at that time it alluded to a horse's gums receding with age and making the teeth appear longer. Over time, it became a metaphor for getting on in years. Source: dictionary.com.) The image above gives a few of the tools I use to accommodate the easy off opening of packages and containers. There are others including one's own teeth but for many of us, that is not a recommended practice. Just passing on what works for me. 

Mr. Bentley has some additional insight into the easy-off package opening process. He thinks it quite amusing to watch us scramble in trying to get all the spilled prescription pills up off the floor before he snatches one of them. When we finally get the cap off the bottle they fly everywhere like an explosion. He actually thinks it must be a game since anything that hits the floor is his by default. And, he really loves the fact we are down on our hands and knees alongside him trying to feel around for the lost items. He shrugs because he does it all the time and he doesn't seem to get why we are so frantic. Oh well, he helps make us laugh even in these most exasperating situations. God is good. God is great. Amen and Amen. Until next time...................

“Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” – Proverbs 19:21

Taken on my way to Church for a special service last evening.

Hello and welcome. It has been a while, but, I am thankful to have awakened this morning, and I believe I could make some kind of a breath mark on a mirror if asked. It is Tuesday, September 21, 2021, and I hope y'all are doing well. Our eldest Chris and his wife Sherrie are dealing with Covid as I write and we continue to pray for their recovery. I just finished listening to the teleprompter speaking through President Biden at the United Nations. I had heard the Prime Minister of the UK, Boris Johnson, say how the world needed to hear about a 'massive infusion' of capital from the President. They may have exchanged talking points because the teleprompter indicated that is exactly what we will be doing, giving away money like there is no tomorrow, subject, of course, to the consent of the American people. Translation: Whatever Pelosi and Schumer can force down the throats of the American people without their consent. No. I have not joined the local cynicism club because I know God is in control, but, I am expressing my opinion of the facts on the ground as we continue to press forward. We attended three memorial services last week including one where I was asked to officiate. The services were for a fellow we have known for many years, 47 years young who succumbed to Covid; the one I handled for a dear sister in Christ, aged 85, who went on to glory in a sweet and peaceful manner; and, finally, one of the saddest ever, the service for an 18-year-old fellow who was one of the most talented and personable kids I've ever met. He seemingly had everything imaginable going for him, yet, he died at his own hand. There were probably 500 - 600 people at his service. What a week!

Bentley is considering writing a book entitled, "Life Through the Sideview Mirror".

I put up a posting on the Shi Tzu FB page which said the following: Bentley here, "They actually have mentioned obedience training because of my exuberant personality. Can you believe that?" I was not prepared for the anger and angst expressed by Bentley's fans. Here are some of the remarks offered as examples: "They will miss that exuberant personality when you grow out of it!" ~ "I don't think so!" ~ "Oh my goodness! You are such a perfect boy. No training needed for you." ~ "Bentley, If you can get them into the right program it should be okay. Please be patient! They’re only human! Good luck!" ~ "That really does it. Bentley is just the way that God made him. It's in his DNA." I guess I will have to be satisfied in knowing someone who is popular. I suppose I owe him an apology. The other day as we rode around the neighborhood in the wee hours of the morning, I was praying out loud. I told the wife how Bentley did not seem to be inclined to participate in my prayer time. I also mentioned he may have done better had he been a Saint Bernard, you know, being a saint. Okay. It's funnier than you are letting on. Go ahead. Laugh a little. The Bible says, Proverbs 17:22, "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones."

May God add His blessings. Amen. ......see you next time.

"We live in a broken world full of broken people. But isn’t it comforting to know God isn’t ever broken? He isn’t ever caught off guard, taken by surprise, or shocked by what happens next." ~ Lysa TerKeurst

Good morning and welcome to this day, Tuesday, September 7, 2021. The photo depicts our new fall centerpiece in the family room. The wife stayed up late last night and finished this beautiful display. Mr. Bentley was in his kennel fast asleep and did not know about this most recent update to our decor. When he came out of the bedroom early this morning he thought the demons had invaded and camped out. I never heard him growl so much, but, as soon as he found out we were not being evaporated by some type of fiery darts, he shrugged, and went about his way. Don't get me wrong. He didn't ask for the latest edition of fall decorating tips from Good Housekeeping, but, he did settle down thinking it best to just go with the flow. I can now cut back on his growling exercise treatments because he is 100% up to date. 

Last Saturday, we, along with a huge throng, (50 or more), gathered at a local park to celebrate the first birthday of our precious great-granddaughter, Ava Ramona. Maybe someday she will look at the photos and be really happy that so many folks showed up to sing Happy Birthday to her. Kudos to our granddaughter Tiffany and husband Brandon for hosting such a wonderful day. And, we also recognize Ava's big sister, Madelyn Joy, 11, who was such a great help in every facet of making the day special. What a great turnout on Labor Day Weekend! We pray for God's blessings and His best for this little one as she continues to grow and develop. Amen. 

Madelyn Joy. She did so much to help make her baby sister's
birthday so special.

I was also the Head Waiter for the wife's table at our Church's Ladies Banquet last week. It was a remarkable event and I survived serving eight wonderful ladies without crashing, falling, and/or spilling anything. I had previously notified everyone to consider me as a waiter and how they should envision Tim Conway on the old Carol Burnett Show. I chose my Hawaiian Santa Claus shirt and my Santa Claus cap as my uniform. I was blessed to serve 'my' table. God is good. He is. He really is. Amen. ......next time.

“In dictatorships the media is controlled by the State. In democracies the media is controlled by wealthy individuals with political affiliations. Objective media and journalists simply do not exist in the mainstream.” ― Robert Black

Well, well, and, yes, my grandfather used to tell me that was a deep subject whenever I used that as an introduction. How in the world are you doing on this fine Tuesday, the last day of August, the 31st, in the year of our Lord, 2021? I can assure you of the only thing secure in this life, knowing Jesus, period, always, forever, end of the story.  As for any other security, I think any of us who have lived for any time at all can see how precariously fragile and temporary they are. I thought you should know I've pretty well given up on watching any of the American news broadcasted on American television. Yes. All of them, including the so-called conservative channels that spin everything and report their stories through their preconceived prism. Instead, we are watching a lot of the channels across the world: I-24 from Israel, BBC, from London, Sky News from London, the Australian news sources, the 24-hour news channel from France, and a number of channels from India. (And, many of them do not have commercials which is also a plus!) Sorry, it has come to this, but, we can't even be assured of accuracy regarding recent hurricane coverage on the major news channels here in our land. One quick example: One of the so-called big three news sources had their main guy standing on a street in New Orleans wearing a baseball helmet and hanging on for his life while someone snapped a broader view where there were electrical repair guys standing on both sides smiling with no impacts noted. See what I mean? Take that example times 1,000 on the political coverage from all sources and you will understand my frustration with the coverage. I get it. That may not be your view, but, it is my view. Mr. Bentley's photo reminded me to remind us all: "And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh." Luke 21:28 King James Version (KJV) 

One last note: Before you write me, let me assure you, I am fully aware of the bias from these other international sources, however, when it comes to reporting on America, that bias is not as prevalent as it is here in the states.

We are planning to plan on doing some Santa and Mrs. Claus appearances this upcoming season, however, we are fully aware of the potential pitfalls regarding roadblocks that may be ahead. We have been told there is much pent-up demand for some of these sessions and the photo folks are really excited about booking their clients. We essentially have them penciled in at this time. And, I suppose as it relates to each and every day as well, penciled in. Only God knows. I could give you many thoughts regarding my heartfelt sadness in how things came crumbling down in Afghanistan, but, most of you are well aware of these views. Me being sad is very small indeed compared to those flag-draped coffins and the impact felt by all the families. I'll leave it at that. The photo of Mr. Bentley reminded me to remind us all:

 

"Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High

will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,

my God, in whom I trust."

Psalm 91:1-2

Have yourselves a merry little day and I will see you next time, Lord willing. Amen. .....until then.

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!" ~ Philippians 4:4, New American Standard Bible, (NASB)

Our very first great and grand Madelyn Joy, granddaughter
of our eldest Chris and wife Sherrie. This is her back-to-school
photo as she enters middle school this year. Yep. That's our
old Caddy in the background. She and it look great!

Good Tuesday morning to each and every one, on this, the 24th day of August, in the year of our Lord, 2021. I know that's quite the amount of bolding to get us started, but, on some days, well, that's just how I roll. For those who may be suffering from low blood pressure, I have a sure-fire remedy. Take the time to watch any of the US government briefings on Afghanistan and the blood pressure will certainly rise. I just finished watching the live briefing from the Pentagon and, between Mr. Kirby and General Taylor, they bring new meaning to what I hear as conflated gobbly-gook newspeak nonsense. They talk in circles to the extent I actually felt like I did back when I was a kid getting off the tilt-a-whirl at the local fair. But, they are vastly better at what they do than the current occupant of the Oval Office. And, yes, it is true. News reporters, out of fear for their futures I suppose, have to apologize for asking any question that reflects the actual views of the American people. "Sorry Sir, I'm just the messenger." How sad. Whatever happened to speaking truth to power? Oh yeah, I forgot. I used the word truth when speaking of the mainstream media. Sorry. My bad, as they say. Yesterday, the Whitehouse spokesperson castigated a Fox News reporter for saying there are stranded Americans in Afghanistan. She said it was irresponsible to call them stranded since they are committed to getting all Americans out, with the tired caveat, that is, if they actually want to leave. No Americans are stranded. They are just unable to get to the airport. I will close out this little critique with recent headlines and stories calling Americans as being stranded from the following news outlets: ABC News, Axios, The Washington Post, The Daily Beast, and NBC News. I'm sure a new definition for the word stranded will soon be announced as we pause to remember President Clinton's famous response, "It depends on what the meaning of the word 'is' is." Better stop now I hear the blood pressure monitor just about to top out.

I was very honored to do my best to teach the ending verses, (chapter 4), in the letter the Apostle Paul penned to the Church located in Philippi, Greece. Paul, at the time of this writing, was a prisoner held captive in Rome awaiting his appeal to Caesar. He was deprived of freedom and he had many challenges in his life, but, The Holy Spirit moved upon his heart to write this letter of encouragement to his dearly beloved believers in Philippi. The theme of the letter was that they might experience joy in the life God had given to each individual believer through Christ. "Rejoice in the Lord always, again, I say, rejoice!" (chapter 4, verse 4) Regardless of the circumstances. I'm sure the Phillipian believers could recall how Paul and Silas were found singing psalms of praise at midnight when imprisoned in their own city. These two missionaries had been severely beaten and thrown into the most secure jail cell that existed, yet, they chose to allow what was on the inside to flow out, praise and adoration to God. He later shared what he had "learned". That's an important word because even as believers we have to discover through experience what true joy is all about. Good times, bad times, horrible times, and even worse times, these situations led Paul to declare he could make it through them all with contentment and joy because of the enabling power of the strength given to him by Jesus Christ. This expression, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.", was not given to us to be reduced to a t-shirt slogan or a bumper sticker. It was not Paul's prescription for chest-thumping prosperity where one can claim the world's riches. It meant, if we take it in the context it was given, and, if we follow the precepts outlined in this chapter, day by day, we can live life from the inside out where the living Lord of the universe, through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, flows through us true joy and contentment, no matter what, period, end of story. Amen.  

I couldn't leave out a sketch of the one and only: Mr. Bentley.

I didn't even scratch the surface of the riches found in this letter. My advice: Go and read it, pray over it, and allow God to speak to your heart. He will. Okay. Let me see if I got it all done. I shared a cure for low blood pressure: Check. I spilled my guts about the absolute travesty going on in Afghanistan: Check. And, I shared a God-inspired prescription for how believers can live out their lives, regardless of the circumstances, with joy and contentment: Check. Not bad for a throw-down blog for a Tuesday. May God bless each one. Amen. ....Until we meet again.....

"I know how I made it, I made it by Grace .... God's Amazing Grace!" ~ Amen.

Good morning and welcome. It is Tuesday, August 17, 2021. Today, speaking on behalf of me, myself, and I, represented on this three score, ten, plus five years, plus one day, (not including the nearly 9 months I spent in my mother's womb), I announce how truly blessed I have been the past several days where my family and friends helped me celebrate my 75th year of sojourn here on the planet. Last Saturday, our eldest son and his wife hosted a barbecue cookout for some 24 of us to observe this milestone. My wife outdid herself in the planning, preparation, and execution to make this day special for me. The food was excellent. The fellowship even more so. We were joined by the wife's sister and her husband, her son and his wife from Fort Worth, our three boys, their kids, (our grandchildren), and five of our great grands. As you know by now, I love to see my life through many of the songs we sing. There is a Southern Gospel tune that sums up my estimation very well: "I know how I made it, I made it by Grace .... God's Amazing Grace!" Amen. 

Brother in law, Jim, and yours truly.

In addition to all the FB greetings, cards, texts, calls, and gifts, yesterday, the Birthday program continued since it was the actual date of my birth. I started the day by taking our middle son Jimmy to the mental health facility for his treatment. I sat out in the parking lot for 2-1/2 hours. I observed a lot. One thing stuck in my mind. An older lady drove up and parked near to me. She got out of the car and spoke to the passenger in a way that I thought must be a small child. It wasn't. It was her husband who couldn't have been much older than me. She took him by the hand and led him into the facility. Tears filled my eyes. Sure, but for the grace of God, that could be me, but more than that I felt a need to pray for that couple and for the dozens of other folks showing up for therapy sessions or treatments. What a way to humble someone on their birthday. The wife stepped up again and prepared a birthday supper feast. Since her sister's husband also had a birthday last week, we celebrated together. Sorry. But the menu was too good not to share. Everything homemade, just saying. We had field peas, fried okra, breaded, fried pork chops, rice and gravy, baked corn on the cobb, potato salad, sliced tomatoes, and melt in your mouth cornbread along with iced tea and some of my sister-in-law's fresh homemade pepper sauce. What a meal! What a blessing! What a way to celebrate our birthdays! Thanks to my wife for her many hours of work. 

Okay. I can't leave without mentioning Mr. Bentley. He participated in the eating as well. Mostly, it was just small pieces of the fried pork chops, but, he enjoyed my birthday too. I posted the photo above on the Shi Tzu Facebook page where Mr. Bentley is very popular. I used this caption: "Blessed to celebrate my 75th year today here on the planet. Blessed to be with the wife of my youth for soon to be 57 years, our three sons and their families, 11 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren, AND our MR. BENTLEY!" Bentley has a huge following and as of this morning, that posting had 869 likes, 224 comments, and 9 shares. Most of the commenters wished me a happy birthday but also had to say how much they love our pup. Here is a short example: "Happy birthday to you and beautiful Mr. Bentley and all your family. Blessed." Many were very long and went on and on. He is a character and, yes, I am thankful for him being here with us.

Enough gloating, but, hopefully in a thankful manner because I truly believe with all of my heart it is only by the grace of Almighty God! Amen.    Until next time......

God Knows My Name

Good morning and welcome. Today is Tuesday, August 10, 2021. I am in the final countdown to my upcoming 75th birthday which, Lord willing, I will acknowledge next Monday, the 16th. I never expected to make it to this milestone since so many of the men in our family checked out early, however, I know that I've made it to where I am and I am 100% clear on this: It is only by the Grace of Almighty God!

Harry S. Truman was President when I was born, on Friday, August 16, 1946. People were listening to Give Me Five Minutes More by Tex Beneke & The Glenn Miller Orchestra. Folks were also busy at the movies watching Black Beauty starring Mona Freeman. (As a side note: I would later get to see President Truman, live and in-person, in August of 1961 when I visited the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library in Independence, Missouri. He made a cameo appearance to greet the kids who came that day. It was a Jaycee's train ride trip provided to me by my mom's brother, Uncle Waymon, for baseball players to go and experience a real major league baseball game. I did experience one. It was on August 21, 1961, where I saw the Kansas City Athletics play the New York Yankees where I also witnessed Roger Maris hitting his 51st home run in the year where he hit 61 home runs breaking Babe Ruth's record.)

Thinking about 75 reminds me of some Bible passages. Genesis 12:4 "So Abram went forth as the Lord had spoken to him; and Lot went with him. Now Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran." 1st Peter 3:6 ".....just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord; and you have proved to be her children if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear." I remember many years ago when I taught through this passage I pointed out to the wife how Sarah had called her husband Abraham, lord. To which she replied, that's well and good but you are not Abraham. 

Faith and family are what I think about as I look back. Grandparents, parents, siblings, uncles, aunts, cousins, my wife, in-laws, children, grandchildren, and now, great grands. Church family and all those who influenced my life along the way. There's really way more to say, but, I will end with this: I thank God the Father of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and Holy Spirit God for knowing me, saving me and bringing me to where I am today. I close with the lyrics to a song that has touched my heart and I hope it will minister to all who read the lyrics or call it up on YouTube.

He Knows My Name written by Paul Baloche

He counts the stars one and all

He knows how much sand is on the shores

He sees every sparrow that falls

He made the mountains and the seas

He's in control of everything

Of all creatures great and small

And He knows my name

Every step that I take

Every move that I make

Every tear that I cry

He knows my name

When I'm overwhelmed by the pain

And can't see the light of day

I know I'll be just fine

'Cause He knows my name

I don't know what tomorrow will bring

I can't tell you what's in store

I don't know a lot of things

I don't have all the answers

To the questions of my life

But I know in Whom I have believed

Bridge

He knew who I was when He carried my cross

He knew that I would fail Him but He took the loss

And He knows my name

Every step that I take

Every move that I make

Every tear that I cry

He knows my name

When I'm overwhelmed by the pain

And can't see the light of day

I know I'll be just fine

'Cause he knows my name

Every step that I take

Every move that I make

Every tear that I cry

He knows my name

Have a great week and may God add His blessings to one and all. Amen. ......until next time.

Happy 23rd Birthday tomorrow to our granddaughter twins, Alesha and Amanda!

Good morning and welcome. I bid you greetings here on this Thursday, August 5, 2021. Tomorrow we will pause to recognize the 23rd Birthday of our twin granddaughters, Alesha and Amanda. These girls have always been near and dear to our hearts. Alesha continues to work on her job and Amanda does too as she and her husband Manny await the arrival of their baby boy this upcoming January. We pray for God's blessings on all their lives as they continue the life journey He has given. Happy Birthday! Our love, MiMi and Poppy.

I do hope all is well with each one tuning in today. I have never in my entire life seen more disinformation abounding here, there, and everywhere as it relates to the 'pandemic' we continue to experience. On any given day you might as well be on "Let's Make a Deal" where regardless of what's behind any of the doors, well, you will not be able to count on it because the very next day it will all change. Yesterday, a senior doctor guy from either the CDC or FDA or M-i-c-k-e-y said that vaccinated parents should wear a mask inside their homes if they have children there. There was a huge backlash and by late afternoon he retracted what he called, his garbled message, and said they were not recommending that parents wear a mask in their homes. This tells me that he was either right the first time but bowed to the political necessity which is scarier than any of us could imagine, or, he was wrong to say what he said and that begs the question of how a senior doctor guy could be that wrong. Oh well, we are told the real number is $100, not the $100,000 mentioned by the President for each shot received. If it were the latter I might volunteer to take shots for all the Covid carriers allowed into our country by the current administration. No wonder the numbers are surging in Texas. Just saying...... I think I can still have an opinion, but not on Facebook. I read today where they took down an independent audit group that has evaluated and published many factual reports on how Facebook has favored one flavor of politics including in the advertising allowed. The outfit they canceled used only information provided by specific users who gave them approval, but, Facebook claimed they had been ousted due to breaking user confidentiality rules. Not even the left-leaning press is buying this one. But, as I often say, I give you my two cents worth and you can take it, add $7, and go down to that so-called coffee place where they have the anti-Christ emblem on each cup and get you some colored water. Okay. That last one was somewhat of a joke. I can joke, can't I?

I thank our eldest for coming over and helping me to deal with a surprise engine check light that came up on the old truck, two weeks before the tag was to expire. He used his gizmo that uses Bluetooth to talk to his smartphone and it gave us two options, 1) the oxygen sensor or 2) the catalytic convertor. I can easily translate that for you. One is about $100 and the other is hundreds. So, we did the oxygen sensor and it fixed the problem, eventually. We changed the part and it took quite a few miles before the computer reset itself. The initial state inspection failed saying it wasn't ready, but, praise the Lord, a week later it passed. When I went to get my tags, the lady told me my driver's license had expired last year. Really? I couldn't remember receiving a notice. I got the tags and drove directly to the local driver's license office. I was in the line of 50 plus people who did not have an appointment. The gentleman in front of me, noticing I didn't have any papers, told me they now require my birth certificate and social security card in order to renew your license. Really? Thank you comrade for telling me about the papers I would need. Glad that's not the case for voting these days. Sorry, I couldn't resist. I left, came home, opened the safe, and located my birth certificate and passport. When I looked for my social security card in my wallet I made an astounding discovery. Lo and behold, I found my new driver's license and it doesn't expire until 2028. I had given the lady my old license by mistake. All that blustering about, muttering, and talking to myself, driving here and there, well, it was all unnecessary. Old people. We are something else! And, yes, that is my final answer for today. May God bless each one. Amen. .....until next time.....

"A people that values its privileges above its principles soon loses both." -- President Dwight D. Eisenhower

Our great-granddaughter is so happy to help take care of
our newest great-grandson. God is good. Amen.

Hello folks and welcome. It has been a while but I am glad to bring you greetings today from my house to yours. It is Friday, July 30, 2021, and, I will just say this about that, I am glad to be feeling a wee bit better than I did before when I wasn't feeling that well. Maybe it has something to do with the vaccine we submitted ourselves to. You know. It is now being reported that perhaps it loses its protective properties after around four months. Really? I'm sure that doesn't have anything to do with the fact that the drug company already has a booster shot waiting. Let me see. Three hundred million plus boosters paid for in full by Uncle Sam. That could cause a rapturous chorus to break out in any board room. The mask mandate is making a return visit even for those who have been fully vaccinated. Really? But, the report used to justify this action by the CDC failed when peer-reviewed. My point is this. No wonder the state of the union is in a state of confusion. And, do not look for clarity of any kind from the President of the United States of America. His best day is filled with thick clouds of misremembered inaccuracies that used to be called bald-faced lies. "I used to drive an 18 wheeler." The White House minions came up with this jewel as a way of explanation. "We have proof that the then-Senator Biden actually rode in an 18 wheeler in 1973." And, as they used to say when I worked for the federal government, "I suppose that's close enough for government work." My point? How can anyone know anything about any critical subject in this world where information is manipulated by all sides? That's my story and at this time I'm sticking to it, and, don't try to fact-check me because it would likely say I need mental health treatments.

Mr. Bentley, wet, dry, before and after. (Yep. That's his little pig.
His favorite toy.)

I am glad to be hearing about many of the parents across the fruited plains who are waking up to what Wokeism is really all about. When they discover the schools they send their kids to are pushing an agenda that teaches kids to hate their country, to see themselves as being victimized by their parents, and, if white, to teach them they are defacto white supremacists, well, enough is enough, and many of them are beginning to cause a ruckus at their local school board meetings. The city administrations who have cut the budgets of their police forces and as a result have seen mass retirements and resignations among police officers, well, they are now begging for help to try and do something about the spiraling out of control crime they are experiencing. And, there's much more, but, let me hit on something that is truly more important than these really critical issues. It is time for those of us who are people of faith to renew our stand for truth. We should not be dismayed by these assaults against the basic principles upon which our nation was founded because our home is in heaven and we have a God that will deal with it all in His own time. Our calling is to stand for truth and The Scriptures simply say, "...having done all, to stand." (Galatians 6:13) I need to do this. You need to do this. We all need to do this. Amen. 

Thanks so much for your support over the years and may our great God give us what we need to honor Him with the lives He has given to us. Amen. ......until next time.

"Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him." ~ Psalm 34:8

Bentley loves to follow the advice of Yogi Berra: "You can observe a lot by just watching."

Hello and welcome to a slice of life from my perspective coming to you on this day, Monday, July 19, 2020. I hope this greeting finds y'all doing well. It's really hard to know how to know what's going on in our world today. The stuff happening within our constitutional federal republic is quite perplexing these days. (A 'republic' is a form of government in which the people hold power, but elect representatives to exercise that power.) I say in all fairness, this is true from both the major sides and all the splinter sides that make up our political power base. We have a President who appears to be somewhat challenged in carrying out the very taxing duties associated with the office. We have a left-wing press that has adopted the mantra that says, "There is nothing to see here." This leads us to have to decide for ourselves and as we do what Bentley is doing in the photos, observing, this isn't working out too well for the current regime. We also have what appear to be firsthand reports of chaos within the office of our Vice President. Of course, folks are not allowed to comment on this because she claims special privilege due to her ethnic identity. This too has been glossed over as nothing more than right-wing attacks, but, as I understand it, the folks reporting the unbearable working environment in her office are her own staff. People she selected. Back in the day, when I worked for what was then a Fortune 500 corporation, we had a lot of folks that remind me of those holding these offices today. We had a name for them. Empty suits. I'll let you come to your own conclusion about what was a very well-understood moniker. (Let me give you a little help with that moniker word from Merriam-Webster: 'alias, · byname, · epithet, · handle, · nickname....')

The other day the wife had to go into the downtown corridor in order to see her podiatrist. Our doctors tend to work from different locations and we end up having to get an appointment wherever they happen to be. This office was located in a huge complex called The Shops at Houston Center. There are offices there but the main development is like a downtown mall. I was feeling poorly the day she went, therefore, our Jimmy went with her and as he explored the environs he happened upon the scene depicted in the photo he captured. On the left, you see the sign that some equate as the mark of the beast, but, for me, it's simply a sign designating a place where they sell colored water and call it coffee. On the right you see truth personified. I have no idea if this juxtaposition was intentional, however, it speaks directly to my heart. And, if you are one of those who frequent that other place, it's your choice, because here in America one can even eat Tide Pods if they choose to do so. Take this in the way it was intended. Again, I report, you decide.

Okay. I've stirred the pot enough for one day. And, always remember that a lot of what I write about is tongue in cheek, therefore, don't take it too seriously, except when you should. I do hope you have a blessed day and a wonderful week. May God be with us all. Amen. .....Next time.

"The more corrupt the state, the more laws." – Tacitus, Roman historian, (AD56 - AD118)

Bentley here, "I heard a lady at Church thought I could be magazine material,
perhaps even for a cover. Wow! That got me thinking. They call me a good boy all the time around here.  And this begs the question, would I be a cover-boy, a cover-dog, or maybe even a pup of the month? Asking for a friend. Thanks." 

Hello folks and welcome to my update being sent out from my upstairs bunker here on this Thursday, July 8, 2021. I said bunker because of all the scary news out there. Facebook is now asking individuals to report their friends, family, and others if they think they might be doing something subversive as in anything critical of the current regime. Like I say. Scary. But the good news is how, according to the highest source in the land, none other than the President of the United States of America, the average cost of a backyard barbecue or hot dog cookout went down 16 cents compared to last year. That was big news. Given directly by the President. Never mind the $1 per gallon increase in the cost of gasoline typically required to transport someone to the store to put themselves into the 16 cents saved eligibility bracket. When the President's press secretary was asked about this profoundly ridiculous announcement, she replied those questioning it must not enjoy a backyard cookout. Saturday Night Live has been bad for a long time but even they could not write imbecilic stuff like we see emanating from this White House on a daily basis. Or, maybe, it's just me, and, for the record, I do enjoy the back yard, front yard, and pretty much any and all forms of cookouts. 

I see the President, concerned about the surge in crime around our nation, got himself within 50 miles of where the epicenter is in Chicago by landing in a suburb and giving a speech on his rebuilding America project. While even the leftist fact-checkers are giving thumbs down on the Democrat blaming of Republicans for the Defund the Police movement, the President and his lemming patrol continue to claim had the Republicans jumped on the $6 trillion train, all would be well. These are days in which videotapes of dozens of influential Democrat leaders along with the Democrat mayors of the cities experiencing the unprecedented surge in violent crime show them live and in person committing themselves to use monies allocated to the police for other programs. My point? Even if the troubled cities received a windfall of new money from this preposterous project, they are on record in saying it wouldn't go to the police. What a feeble attempt to try and make the President and his cronies into newly minted law and order proponents. They no longer think we all are stupid, they believe most of us are brain dead. I might be slow, but, even I can channel Marvin Zindler on this one, "Slime in the ice machine!" 

Okay. I will admit that I was in a mood today to let off a wee bit of steam. Maybe next time I will have my feel-good shoes on. I might have a tough time finding them these days. Have a great rest of the day and may God bless each one. Amen. .....More later, next time.