“My focus is not on the flood that surrounds me. Rather, my focus is on the God Who surrounds the flood.” ― Craig D. Lounsbrough

Thanks so much for bearing we me as I have been just a wee bit discombobulated of late. It is Wednesday, March 31, 2021, and, I do bid each one welcome. Our Jimmy had his three bypass heart surgery this past Monday morning and according to those working with him, he is doing fantastic. We cannot visit him because he has tested positive for COVID. It may be a false positive but they can't know that for sure yet. At any rate, they are working with him and he is making progress. His story is a little different than their story. I tell him on the phone they tell us he is doing fantastic and Jimmy responds, "That's what I hear them saying." I think because of the associated pain and the effort required for the physical therapy, he may not be quite ready to pronounce himself as being fantastic. He may be home by the end of this week. We continue to be so thankful to God and to so many, literally from many places throughout the world, who have lifted up our Jimmy. Thanks so much and join us in praising God for His provisions. Amen. 

Mr. Bentley has been missing Jimmy as well. I took these photos the other day and put them up on the Shi Tzu Facebook page. Mr. Bentley continues to be well followed and very popular. The close-up on the right had this caption: Bentley here, "I think it best for all concerned, Mr. Cat, that you would turn around and go back to where you came from, just sayin..." There were over 50 comments. One, in particular, was really interesting to me. It was from a photographer who pointed out how I had staged the photo well with the worn cement and the aged beam matched to the gray coloring of his coat. Really? Well, how do you like that? I did all of that without even knowing it. I will tell you this about that. Had I tried to do something on that order it would not have been what it turned out to be, him sitting up on that beam, period, end of story. I do love it when I hear how well I did something I didn't know I had done. Know what I mean, Vern?

Take care and have a great day and know that God is always there and He is on our side. Amen. ....More later. 

Prayers Appreciated

Good afternoon. It has been a very eventful day here on this Monday, March 29, 2021. Our Jimmy had his open heart surgery this morning. They ended up doing three bypasses. The surgery went well and he did well, however, in the process he tested positive for COVID. Therefore, he has been put into ICU Isolation which means no one can visit him. We believe this to be a false positive but we will have to wait until they do a more comprehensive test. We thank God for the initial heart result and thank everyone for their prayers. I will let you know how it goes.

May God continue to bless. Amen. .....More later.

Excerpt from the song, 'Jesus Take the Wheel', composed by Brett James, Hillary Lindsay, and Gordie Sampson, sung by Carrie Underwood: "Jesus, take the wheel Take it from my hands 'Cause I can't do this on my own I'm letting go So give me one more chance And save me from this road I'm on Jesus, take the wheel..."

Good morning and happy Friday, March 25, 2021. We seem to have way too many balls in the air at the same time these days. That popular country song comes to mind, "Jesus Take the Wheel". Our Jimmy is now registered and scheduled to check into the hospital for open-heart surgery next Monday at 5:30 a.m.  This will be the most significant surgery in our immediate family clan during the wife's and my 56 plus years of marriage. We are sure the outcome is in God's good hands, and, we are overwhelmed by the many who are seeking God's provision for our Jimmy at this time. We are so thankful for friends and fellow believers who exercise God's invitation to come directly into His throne room based on the finished work of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ. (Hebrews 4:16) And, yes, I am running a wee bit late again compared to my normal publishing schedule, but, as they like to say during these days, the schedule just ain't that normal. Thanks again for your prayers and support. Amen. 

Y'all have yourselves a blessed weekending Saturday, and, may the first day of the week, Sunday, find us all thinking about and giving praise to the One who was raised on the first day! Amen. ......More later.

Here are some thoughts I came up with back in the fall of 2009: 

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2009

Thanking our Sovereign God!

As I drove into the parking lot of the office this morning I just had to pause and thank God for a place to come and work. There are so many who are unemployed and we can easily take for granted the blessings that God provides to us. Part of what we are learning in our study of Genesis has been the Sovereignty of God and how we should be aware of our moment-by-moment dependence upon Him. John Piper, a respected Bible preacher, did a series where he was exploring why God does what He does in the way that He does them. His conclusion is that God does so in order to magnify His sovereign grace and to keep us in our humble place. He goes on to say that if we really are tuned in, we are not only humbled by God and how He provides but we are also happy or content. So many today feel as if God constrains their individuality or their ability to do their own thing. That's kind of funny when you think about that passage from Romans Chapter 9 where the Apostle Paul gives an example of that sentiment and he says this: "Shall the thing created demand an answer from the Creator as to why he was made the way that he was made." He continues by saying: "Who are you to question God?" (My paraphrase.) That's some tough verses for a Tuesday morning, September 8, 2009, but for those willing to embrace the God of the Bible, there is faith, confidence, and consolation as they live out the life He has given.

Last Friday I really went off about the recommended teaching activities that were sent out by the White House to accompany President Obama's speech being made today to school children of all ages. Many folks were alarmed by the wording of this material in politicizing our children. Guess what? Those materials have been replaced and the most offensive paragraphs have been deleted and replaced with something different. As for the speech, I read through it yesterday, and I don't know if it has been changed or not but it is now limited to encouraging children to do their very best and to take responsibility for their learning. I know the school district here in our area decided that parents could opt their children out during the speech for an alternative learning activity. They also decided not to do any of the pre-speech or post-speech activities as recommended by the government. Good for them! And, good for everyone who spoke up and spoke out on these matters that concerned them. It did make a difference! My guess is that we not only saw the changes in the accompanying lesson materials, but I would also guess we ended up with a changed speech as well.

This week is an important week for our country. The health care debate will be front and center as the congress returns from summer vacation. The anniversary of September 11 will remind us once again about the danger that surrounds us each day and how religions based on hate can destroy innocent lives. It will also be a very significant week for us personally as we will be observing the first anniversary of our experience with Hurricane Ike. That's why I wanted to start out the week with a reminder to us all that God is Sovereign and we are privileged to be His very own children because He chose to send His one and only Son to die on The Cross for you and for me. As my baby sister observed from the Gaither song, while battling leukemia, "Because He lives I can face tomorrow." But she said to her she would rather sing it: "Because He lives I can face today!" Amen. One day at a time and we live knowing that all of our days are a gift from Him and how we should be using them to live in a way that pleases our God and serves Him and others! Amen. .....More later.

Julien B. Well: “Live in the awareness that Christ lives and that He lives in His people.”

A photo of yours truly with our most recent great and grand, Ava!

Good morning and all I can say is this about that. I had other fish to fry this morning, therefore, I am running late. It is Thursday, March 25, 2021, and, I do hope you are up and going as we face the day before us. I shared that photo as a way of getting us all off to a great start. Or, at least it helped me some but that I suppose would be expected. I heard this morning on a news radio program that President Biden, having learned what he could be empowered to do, now wants to go forward with a dissolution of the senate filibuster provision. It appears he was convinced based on the fact that he could become a more transformational president than President Obama. What this means, if it were to go forward and be implemented, is that any and all legislation proposed for any and all reasons would sail through the Democrat-controlled House and Senate. My point? We have not seen anything yet. And, I will add, President Biden putting Vice President Harris as the point person for immigration, given her clear stated biases during the previous campaign regarding decriminalizing illegal entry and calling border security personnel thugs, well, that sounds like our borders might as well not exist. Since the President touted her work as attorney general in California, folks should check out what people on the ground there thought of her work during that time. I can tell you it is not positive even by the liberal crowd. Okay. Enough of that. 

We have been busy working on our Resurrection Day music. The wife and I are a part of our local assembly's choir. Some of the music is really hard. Especially, for folks like me who use the open letter system for singing. You know. Open up and letter fly. We have a special guest soloist coming and she has sent the music we are to accompany her on. Hello? There are so many sharps, it looks like an ad for a pound sign convention. But, slowly but surely, we are beginning to begin to learn our parts. I do not read music, however, I can to a certain extent follow the part line I am supposed to be singing. The other evening during a special practice for our bass and tenor singers, our director, who is a most wonderful Godly man and skilled music leader, said about the really hard piece that once we learn it, it will be with us the rest of our lives and we will never forget it. I told my singing buddy next to me, our leader who is in his early 40's should say that when he is nearing the 75-year mile marker and then I would put more stock in it. In fact, the truth is, I typically need a lot of retraining from one week to the next. But, I do enjoy joining other fellow believers in doing our best to make a joyful noise in praise and adoration of our Great God. Amen and Amen. 

I suppose I should be glad they have not asked me to sing a solo, as in, so low you can't hear it. Or, they haven't asked me to sing On A Hill Far Away, only to say I am still not far enough away. Just joking. Enjoy the rest of your day and may God, our Great God, bless each one. Amen. .....More later. 

“In politics as in philosophy, my tenets are few and simple. The leading one of which, and indeed that which embraces most others, is to be honest and just ourselves and to exact it from others, meddling as little as possible in their affairs where our own are not involved. If this maxim was generally adopted, wars would cease and our swords would soon be converted into reap hooks and our harvests be more peaceful, abundant, and happy.” — George Washington

Hello everyone and welcome. It is Wednesday, March 24, 2021, and, I do hope all is well with you and yours. I recently rewatched the 1984 CBS mini-series on the life of George Washington. It consists of 6 episodes starring Barry Bostwick as George Washington, and Patty Duke as Martha Washington. This, by far, is the most detailed treatment of the life and times, (from age 11 to his leaving office as our first President), of the man, called the father of our country. This is perhaps the third or fourth time for me to watch this series and it was still able to keep my attention. The series presents Washington as a larger-than-life figure, which he was, but, it includes his faults and failures as well. The current so-called 'woke' culture which supposedly has to do with social awareness, typically has little use for those who sacrificed to found our nation. I remember many years ago seeing a history professor in an interview heaping scorn and ridicule on George Washington and the other patriots who gave so much in order to establish our nation. It is much worse today as revisionism now rules over facts. Watching that series stirred everything within me that makes me proud and thankful for America and its founders. I know. We are belittled as flag-waving privileged bigots for loving our country, warts and all, but, truth is, God used flawed folks to get us up and going as a nation, people like George Washington, and I for one thank Him for doing so. Amen. (I watched it on YouTube since we have a premium membership but I understand it is available from our sources including DVDs for purchase. It is well worth anyone's time!)

It's somewhat difficult for me to consider how this virus situation has dominated our lives for now just over one year. For those out there who hold regular jobs, it has had a nightmarish impact. Of course, as a survivor of actually having had the disease, I can only express thanks to God for His provision. Truth: I am still here and still writing.  I wouldn't even want to begin to assess all the influence and impact this 'crisis' has wreaked upon our Republic. The one that immediately comes to mind, at least in my opinion, is how the perception regarding the handling of COVID cost President Trump his reelection. That brought about a sea change in government, period. Big government is back and using COVID as its cover, it is back on steroids. Where all of it will end up, God only knows, however, very few could argue how personal liberty and freedom has been and continues to be both undermined and eroded with each passing day. I could go on and on, but, there is one thing I know about all of this. I trust God. He is at work to accomplish His plan and purpose and nothing, not COVID, not Big Government, or any other thing can thwart His sovereign power over all things. Therefore, we look up as we continue the life He has given to us. Amen. 

As always, I do appreciate each of you who take the time to peruse my blog each day. While it may not always show, I do take very seriously what I put onto the electronic page. This does not mean that everyone will always agree with my viewpoints, Hey, that's okay. Our nation was actually founded upon those principles of individual freedoms. And, as the old preacher used to always say, "I do respect your right to be wrong." Joking only. Have a great day and remember to pray for our government leaders because God would have us to do so. (1st Timothy 2, Romans 13) Amen. .....More later.

"Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year." ~ RALPH WALDO EMERSON

Bentley here with a quote to help get the day started, “God provides the wind, but man must raise the sails.” ― St. Augustine

Another day has dawned, and at our homebase it came with thunder, lightning, and rain. That typically is not how Mr. Bentley likes to start his day. He indicated he needed to go out. We went to the garage and I opened the garage door and when he saw the stormy weather he decided he would just wait until the storm passes by. This is how things began here at the ole blogger ranch today, Tuesday, March 23, 2020. Mr. Bentley continues to light up the Facebook Shi Tzu Addiction page, made up of folks who have Shi Tzus in their homes. Mr. Bentley is popular with folks across the globe. Here is a sample comment from the photo and caption above, "Preciousness overload. Bentley, oh Bentley, you are absolutely adorable!" Speaking of Facebook, it seems a lot of people are being put into what they call Facebook Jail. I believe it has to do with something they have posted that Facebook deems as unacceptable. Some appear to relish the idea of being banned for a period of time. Some conservative groups have taken to advertising how their postings are being suppressed and using this as a fundraising tool, 'Help us to fight Facebook by sending us your money." It makes it difficult to know the reality of what is really happening. My point? One would hate to think that people would try and get themselves suppressed intentionally so that they could then use that as a way to appeal to folks who care about the issues they represent. It is kind of sad one has to consider things like this, but, as an old friend of ours used to often say, "Well, it is what it is." Of course, she was always right. 

I don't know the exact qualifications for determining whether we have a crisis on our southern border or not. The Administration says they have everything under control, however, the spokesperson for the President, accidentally, according to her, referred to what is happening there as a crisis. I saw a snippet from the Speaker of the House and she said she thought everything was being managed but what is most important has to do with the change in tone regarding the children as contrasted with the previous administration. It appears even the mainstream thinks there are humongous problems involving those flooding into our country. I'm all for caring. At the same time, effectively managing the situation and the outcomes is what the folks in charge are responsible for doing. I well remember my days as a senior manager where projects that didn't produce the expected results had to be dealt with. I had no doubt the people worked hard and they cared a lot about the work, however, their responsibility was to effectively manage their projects to produce the results expected. The change in tone will not help anyone if there continues to be chaos and confusion as the outcomes being experienced. Now you know why I wasn't asked to help evaluate their performance. Joking only. 

We continue the countdown for our Jimmy's heart surgery scheduled for next Monday. There seems always a lot of getting ready to get ready stuff when it involves a medical procedure. As one might expect, he is apprehensive but he knows, given the current condition of his heart, this needs to be done. They predict he will be in the hospital for up to 7 days. Thanks again for your prayers and support. God knows and cares. See you next time, Lord willing. Amen. .....More later. 

Psalm 124:2 from the Amplified Bible, “If it had not been the LORD who was on our side......"

My mom and dad and our clan from Resurrection Day, 1953.

Hello and welcome to another day, and this one shows up as Monday, March 22, 2021. Over the past several weeks we've been having tremendous services at our local fellowship meetings, typically called 'Church', and, we thank God for His moving among us. We have folks giving their lives to Christ in most services, and, we have the altar filled with folks seeking God. I used the photo above because it is of my personal family which caused me to be reminded of my Church family. All people who have put their faith and trust in Jesus the Christ are our brothers and sisters. This would be the family of God and it extends to people of faith regardless of where they might reside. However, there is a local family of believers that is critical to our growth and development and this is the one, the local called-out assembly, that is mentioned the majority of times in The Scriptures. Real people, real locations, meeting together to carry on the work and ministry given by the Lord. Yes, we are united with people of like faith all over the globe and they truly are connected to us, however, God's plan for each believer is to become a part of a family of faith where they can live life together and labor on behalf of the Kingdom. Here's the sentiment reflected in the Gaither song, 'The Family of God':

You will notice we say brother

And sister 'round here

It's because we're a family

And these folks are so near

When one has a heartache

We all share the tears

And rejoice in each victory

In this family so dear

Looking in the rearview mirror, it is clear our family has had its fair share of challenges, heartaches, and, yes, tragic circumstances. So much so, one fellow many years ago observed how we as a family must be under the judgment of God and if we didn't get right we would all end up dead. That was his outside-looking-in viewpoint, and as I recall, his feeble attempt to verbalize a word of comfort to us. While I can't explain why we had to deal with all that came our way, I can say that God has been with us through it all. It is not just our faith but it truly has been the object of our faith, our belief in God and His sovereign provision that has sustained us. My grandfather's favorite song was well known among his clan and it became for many of us, our song as well: 

I Know Who Holds Tomorrow, 1950, written by Ira Stanphill

I don't know about tomorrow

I just live from day to day

I don't borrow from its sunshine

For its skies may turn to grey

I don't worry o'er the future

For I know what Jesus said

And today I'll walk beside Him

For He knows what is ahead

Many things about tomorrow

I don't seem to understand

But I know who holds tomorrow

And I know who holds my hand

I don't know about tomorrow

It may bring me poverty

But the one who feeds the sparrow

Is the one who stands by me

And the path that is my portion

May be through the flame or flood

But His presence goes before me

And I'm covered with His blood

Many things about tomorrow

I don't seem to understand

But I know who holds tomorrow

And I know who holds my hand

It would be nice if we all could enjoy a peaceful snooze just like Mr. Bentley. Have a blessed rest of the day and remember to remember, God's got this! Amen. ........More later.

We so much appreciate all the prayers being offered on behalf of our Jimmy. Thanks so much.

Hello Friday, March 19, 2021, and, I do hope we all are up and at'em as we do our best to get on with the life God has given to us. Another day and another wall here in my upstairs office. The man in the uniform dates back to WWII and it is of my dad, the one I was named after, as in Junior-Jr. The framed certificates include my completion of a three-year seminary study program and some of the study materials are represented by the white binders to the left in the bookcase. Another one contains a scholarship from McNeese University given to me when I graduated from high school. The others include my completion of an extensive supervisory and management program at LSU and the 1987 memo announcing me as the promoted department head over all computing and telecommunications for Pennzoil Company. And, there's more of the photos of us from years past, (before gray and then white hair), more vehicles, and a variety of books and other study materials. Each one of the artifacts tells a particular story and they include the distinguished career the wife had in retail sales. She was good at what she did and was often commended for going above and beyond. I look at these things and all I can repeat is the truth as I know it: God has been gracious and good to us. Amen. 

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2010

America is still a great place to be!

It is Thursday, October 21, 2010, and today is a good day to be reminded that while there's much that could be better, we are, here in this country, still the most blessed of people on the earth. I know that many are suffering from the ill effects of this jobless recovery. I know that stress seems to be at everyone's doorstep right now. However, we are Americans, yes, we are the folks that still get the lump in our throat as we see Old Glory waving and hear our national anthem. Obviously, these troubles would have been fixed if they were easy because politicians will do just about anything to keep their cushy jobs. I'm not being negative about politicians, just sharing the truth as I see it, that's all. You don't have to be a subscriber to the Tea Party movement to be fed up with those of all political stripes and persuasions who have far too long manipulated our governmental system to maintain power and their place on the dole. How can we be hopeful in what sometimes seems to be a hopeless world? I was talking with my sweet mom the other day and she was telling me how weary she becomes at times as she considers all that has happened to her in her eighty-six-year sojourn, and in this current crisis with my brother. But, she said the thought came to her that she should count her blessings so she with tears of thanksgiving began to echo back to the Father all that He had brought her through and all that He had provided to her. This became a comfort to her heart because it is therapy sanctioned by God Himself. I'll call it the Tears of Thanksgiving Therapy Treatment Program.

I was talking with some boys the other night at our inner-city Bible club meeting about how they can always remember God's love for them. They each were dealing with some difficulties in their lives. I told them that when they are feeling down and out, perhaps when things seem to be going wrong, they should take a minute and stretch out their arms. I had them stretch out their arms and they instinctively knew it was the sign of Jesus on the Cross. I asked them why Jesus was on that Cross. They replied because He paid for the sins of the world. I asked whose sins did He die for. They said for the sins of everyone. I had each one of them stretch out their arms and then call out their name when I asked who He died for. That's how personal it is when it comes to God's love. God didn't so love a blob of humanity that caused Him to send His one and only Son to die. No. His love was for individuals, men, women, boys, and girls, those with names, those with heartaches, troubles, and turmoil. Those in need of a Savior! I told those boys that anytime they find themselves in a really rough place where they are overcome with all that's going on, that they should take a minute and stretch out their arms because that is exactly what He did for them, for us, for you, and for me. That's right folks. Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so!

Yes. America is still a place where a fellow like me can go and share hope with some underprivileged children. While we take our freedoms for granted there are places today where sharing the message of Christ is illegal and can end up costing people their very lives. That's not a scare tactic. It's reality. Sadly, here in our own country, this very freedom of expression as it relates to God and His truth is under constant attack today. I fear that we will see in the not too distant future the passing of legislation that will make some truths from the Bible off-limits or illegal, not way over across the ocean somewhere, but right here in our own beloved America. It will be packaged as anti-hate laws but the effect will be to stifle the proclamation of thus says the Word of the Lord. It is already beginning to begin and it has a head start with our neighbors up in Canada. I'm not sure what those of us will do when that day comes. I pray for the strength that God granted to our founders, many of whom came from places where oppression reigned, and their desire was to be able to freely worship God and to practice His Word based on the leading of their hearts. It will be difficult. It will be divisive. And, it's already started. God has blessed our nation greatly. We need God's blessings as we move forward but God will not be mocked, therefore, let us all pray that He will intercede and keep these freedoms alive and well as we move forward. God bless each of you and may God bless America! Amen.       ...More later.

Have yourself a most wonderful Saturday and Lord's Day Sunday. See you next time, Lord willing. May God provide for each one is my prayer. Amen. ....More later. 

“The key is this: Meet today's problems with today's strength. Don't start tackling tomorrow's problems until tomorrow. You do not have tomorrow's strength yet. You simply have enough for today.” ― Max Lucado

Bentley here, "For the last time. I am just being me, I am not auditioning to play Grumpy!"

Good morning and happy days to one and all on this Thursday, March 18, 2021. I no longer check my blood sugar as much as I did earlier in my diabetic journey. I have adopted a spot check approach and today's wake-up number check came out at 110. I will take that number any day of the week and seven times on Sunday. I  suppose one reason for this relaxed approach has to do with how my medical support folks view my situation. As I have aged they seem to be more concerned about me being over-medicated prompting a fall of some kind. Therefore, my targets are no longer as strict as they once were. I think this has been a good thing for me since I no longer fret over it as much. And, it seems, for me, my overall A1C has been pretty much as good as it was when I was much more on top of all things diabetes. For me! Every person is different and I would never recommend my approach to anyone. Just me, and, I am thankful it continues to be flagged by my primary care as being in the well-controlled category. 

Our Jimmy has been scheduled for a quadruple bypass procedure later this month. He will soon be 53 and he's pretty bummed about it, but, he really has to get it done given the seriousness of the status of his heart. The surgeon assured Jimmy he does these types of surgical procedures nearly every day. The first bypass procedure in the US dates back to 1960 and while it continues to be a serious affair, we all know of the great improvements and innovations achieved in this specialty. We are trusting God as we seek His provision. Amen.

I seem to have focused on medical stuff today, but, it too is a good deal of what constitutes The View From Here these days. And, so it goes. Have a great rest of the day and may God bless each one. Amen. ....More later.

“If we feel we are missing out sometimes, it may be because we simply forget to consult the past or neglect to think up its ties with the presence. ("Walking down the memory lane" )” ― Erik Pevernagie

Good morning and welcome once again. I am in my office upstairs on this Wednesday, March 17, 2021, as I wish each and everyone a happy St. Patrick Day celebration. The photo is another part of the memory chain here in my office. The framed artifact on the right reflects scenes from "It's a Wonderful Life", one of our all-time favorite Christmas movies. The flag at the top left is the one from my dad's funeral back in January of 1954. Most of the books are Bible-related study materials. Nearly all of these are readily available on the internet today and I typically look them up when doing research or lesson prep. The portrait on the left wall is a family photo from when our boys were much younger and still at home. The other photos all reflect on our journey together. There are quite a bit of Jeff Gordon memorabilia since I used to follow him some when he was racing in NASCAR. There is also a diecast model of a 1955 Ford Crown Victoria which is the car I used when my girlfriend and I, now my wife, were dating. I see the four-point deer antlers from one I shot and killed hunting with my wife's brother Cleon, most likely in the late 1960s or early 1970s. That trophy-looking pen set lists the 12 different jobs I held during my tenure at Pennzoil Company between 1969-1989. It was a gift from my staff celebrating my 20th anniversary. There are some vintage photos of family, some Avon cologne bottles given to me by my mom, and a variety of miscellaneous this, that, and the other. Those two bookcases reflect a lot of water under a lot of bridges with even more memories. See what I mean?

Sorry to be running late but I had to interrupt to take Mr. Bentley for an early appointment with the vet to get a shot for his allergies. Yep. When they say the Shi Tzu breed is high maintenance, if that means dollars, I can testify. Our Jimmy has his heart surgeon consultation this morning. The wife's sister is doing well but her podiatrist doesn't want her to put any weight on her foot for four months. We are thanking God for things being as well as they are. I do hope y'all have a good rest of the day. May God bless each one. Amen. ......More later.

Happy Birthday to our sweet and grand, Kyleigh!

Kyleigh with Dad Rodney.

Good morning and welcome to another day where we proudly recognize the birthday of another grandchild. It is Tuesday, March 16, 2021, and we pause to celebrate the 26th year of the sojourn here on the planet of our granddaughter, Kyleigh. Kyleigh is a remarkable woman, school teacher, friend to a huge group of her peers, and she has always shown love and respect to us. We notice things like that. We thank God for Kyleigh and pray that He will lead, guide, and direct her way. Amen. Happy Birthday Sweetie, our love, MiMi and Poppy.

Today I am working in my upstairs office. I don't come up here that much anymore but when I do, the room is filled with memories. First of all, I have the handed down Keurig that thinks it is an expresso machine. It puts only a smidgen of water into the cup and it is so strong it makes me close my eyes and wince, but, at the same time, it is so-o-o-o-o good! You know. A little of that goes a long way. Sitting beside the Keurig is a hand-painted circular saw blade, painted by and given to me by Bro. Max Holmes, who has gone on to his heavenly reward. Max was a real character and when I see that saw blade I remember him, some of his very plain comments, and some of the laughs we shared together. I will never forget a visit I had with him in the nursing facility. A lady we know showed up on one of those motorized vehicles, called a mobility power scooter. She had her tiny little Terrier with her, Gracie. Max was an over-the-top dog lover and the lady put Gracie up on the bed and she went up to Max and licked him all over his face. Max was in hog heaven. They had brought Max's supper and Gracie saw it on the tray, went over to it, looked at it, smelled of it, and turned away. Max gleefully pointed out, "What have I been telling you? That stuff is so bad, the dog won't even touch it!" I always had prayer with Bro. Max and that sawblade triggers many good memories. When I am back up here again I will try and share some more of why this ole office is a place filled up with stuff collected on the Memory Highway. 

Sentimental? You betcha! And, may I just say as I get older it appears to be getting worse. I say that so you will recognize some of it in my writings. An example: The other afternoon we were watching the John Wayne film that is one of our favorites, 'Big Jake'. It is about him recovering his kidnapped grandson. In that scene when his grandson asks him, "Are you my grandfather?", well, I found tears welling up, or, maybe I had something in my eyes. Both of them? Oh well, I will just have to get used to it. Enjoy your day and may God add His blessings. Amen. .....More later.

Okay. I confess: "Mr. Bentley has left his paw prints on my heart."

Good morning and welcome. It is Monday, March 15, 2021. For you history buffs, it is the day designated as the Ides of March, remembering the date of the assassination of Julius Caesar. Thanks to everyone who has been praying for our son, Jimmy. We did have his heart cath last Friday. The news was not what we had hoped for, but, at least we now know. He will have to undergo surgery to deal with one major artery that has a 100% blockage, and, a second with partial blockage. He will be consulting with a heart surgeon, hopefully, this week. He recently had the stress test for an entirely different reason, therefore, we are thankful that it discovered these issues. God is good. Amen. 

Our pastor mentioned yesterday that part of the educational process being developed by the new administration is to teach the children how to reeducate their parents. Of course, indoctrinating children has been going on for a long time, but, it appears it will now be formalized into an official program with curriculums designed for this purpose. If you don't think this to be scary, well, I don't know what it will take. We have determined that our societal problems are caused by old statues, children's books, and cartoons, while rap music using filth is considered to be a cultural art form. One meme recently portrayed this sentiment: Thank you for saving my son from seeing Pepe Le Pew, meanwhile, I just saw him kill a prostitute on Grand Theft Auto to keep from having to pay her. My take? Nothing new, but, to me, only God can get us out of this mess. It is as simple as that. 

Meanwhile, we have 'today' to deal with. And, each of us needs God as we navigate through the vicissitudes of life. (Sorry, but, I haven't used vicissitudes in a while.) Take care and may God bless each one. Until next time, may God add His blessings on each one, and, on our great nation. Amen. ....More later.

Happy Birthday to our granddaughter Celeste Danielle!

Good Friday to one and all. It is March 12, 2021, and we pause to recognize and celebrate the birthday of our granddaughter, Celeste Danielle. She is a remarkable woman who has distinguished herself in her academic pursuits, in her work as an emergency dispatch technician for the Baytown Police Department, and as an entrepreneur in her online jewelry sales business. In addition, she loves the Lord and is unashamed in her testimony for her faith. We thank God for her and pray that God will continue to bless. Happy Birthday! Our love, MiMi and Poppy.

Here are some puns I found and used in a blog I wrote back in 2007. Maybe at least one of them will bring a smile. Have a great Saturday and Lord's Day Sunday. Say a prayer for our Jimmy as he undergoes his heart cath this afternoon. Until next time may God bless us all. Amen. ......More later. 

1. Two vultures board an airplane, each carrying two dead raccoons. The stewardess looks at them and says, "I'm sorry, gentlemen, only one carrion allowed per passenger."

2. Two fish swim into a concrete wall. The one turns to the other and says, "Dam! ... "

3. Two Eskimos sitting in a kayak were chilly, so they lit a fire in the craft. Unsurprisingly it sank, proving once again that you can't have your kayak and heat it too.

4. Two hydrogen atoms meet. One says, "I've lost my electron." The other says, "Are you sure?" The first replies "Yes, I'm positive."

5. Did you hear about the Buddhist who refused Novocain during a root canal? He wanted to transcend dental medication.

6. A group of chess enthusiasts checked into a hotel and were standing in the lobby discussing their recent tournament victories. After about an hour, the manager came out of the office and asked them to disperse. 'But why?" they asked, as they moved off. "Because", he said, "I can't stand chess nuts boasting in an open foyer."

7. A woman has twins and gives them up for adoption One of them goes to a family in Egypt and is named "Ahmal." The other goes to a family in Spain; they name him "Juan." Years later, Juan sends a picture of himself to his birth mother. Upon receiving the picture, she tells her husband that she wishes she also had a picture of Ahmal. Her husband responds, "They're twins! If you've seen Juan, you've seen Ahmal."

8. These friars were behind on their belfry payments, so they opened up a small florist shop to raise funds. Since everyone liked to buy flowers from the men of God, a rival florist across town thought the competition was unfair. He asked the good fathers to close down, but they would not. He went back and begged the friars to close. They ignored him. So, the rival florist hired Hugh MacTaggart, the roughest and most vicious thug in town to "persuade" them to close. Hugh beat up the friars and trashed their store, saying he'd be back if they didn't close up shop. Terrified, they did so, thereby proving that Hugh, and only Hugh, can prevent florist friars.

9. Mahatma Gandhi, as you know, walked barefoot most of the time, which produced an impressive set of calluses on his feet. He also ate very little, which made him rather frail, and with his odd diet, he suffered from bad breath. This made him ...(Oh, man, this is so bad, it's good)... A super calloused fragile mystic hexed by halitosis.

10. And finally, there was the person who sent ten different puns to his friends, with the hope that at least one of the puns would make them laugh. No pun in ten did.

“We are like the moon. The moon shines anyway, but it does not produce its own light. It reflects the light illuminated onto its surface by the Sun and is never proud to say "I am the source of light". God shines through us, hence He deserves the glory; not us.” ― Israelmore Ayivor

Hello and welcome. It is Thursday, March 11, 2021. I have for many years passed myself off as a high mileage vehicle. I have proof. However, it is for my old Chevy pickup. It finally hit the 200,000-mile mark. I consider it to have been and still is a blessing. I was able to purchase it from the owner of the company where I spent the last 12 years of my public working life. Our pastor recently had his very expensive Chevy truck stolen. He said he had been bombarded by expert advice regarding truck theft and thievery in general. His final comment from the pulpit went like this, "Based on everything I have received and after due consideration, I suppose the only way to avoid this happening again would be for me to buy a Ford pickup." It was a joke, but, I can testify to the reliability and durability of my old Chevy pickup, and, Mr. Bentley dearly loves it too.

Speaking of Mr. Bentley, our granddaughter Amanda and her husband Manny brought over their newest edition, Yoda, a black pug, to show him off. He may weigh a pound and is maybe 7 inches long. Mr. Bentley wanted no part of this little miniature yipping and yapping puppy. He actually didn't know what to make of Yoda. If Yoda tried to come towards him, he backed up and looked around like he needed someone to tell him what he was supposed to do. Let's face it, our Mr. Bentley leads a fairly secluded life. They wanted them to be friends. Maybe next time.

The wife's sister goes back to her surgeon today and we are anticipating good results. Our Jimmy has his heart cath procedure tomorrow. And, as the song says, the beat goes on, and on, and on. Have a great rest of the day and may God bless. Amen. .....More later.

Remember, God's got this. Amen.

I bid you a hearty hello on this Wednesday, March 10, 2021. The story continues. Everyone has their own story and we learn, over time, as believers, God is at work in each portion of every day. "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28) This past Sunday, our Church sang along with the choir the song, "Way Maker". There is a part of this song that speaks to my heart:

Even when I don't see it, You're working

Even when I don't feel it, You're working

You never stop, You never stop working

You never stop, You never stop working

I don't know about you but I need to be reminded of this truth. The verse doesn't say all good things, it says all things, and, I thank God for His working in and through the circumstances in my life. Amen. 

I am thankful to report the wife's sister is out of the hospital and doing well. Thank God! Later this morning, our Jimmy has a consultation with the medical folks to discuss his heart cath procedure and potential follow-on treatment options. Thanks for all the prayers on his behalf. I will be dropping him off again and maybe this time I will wear my track shoes. Just joking. I think the wife's sister was discharged around 2 p.m., but they didn't get out of the hospital and back here to our home until nearly 7 p.m. I prepared them a hearty supper. It didn't all turn out great but as my mother-in-law used to say, it was eatable. They feasted on pot roast with carrots and potatoes, rice and gravy, field peas and fried okra, homemade cornbread, and sliced tomatoes, followed by pecan pie. My cornbread didn't hold together as well as I would have liked and the rice was a wee bit sticky, but based on how they ate, I would say it was acceptable. I will do better next time.

I do hope you all have a great day and may God continue to work in and through the circumstances we all experience. Amen. .....More later.

“I try to stay in a constant state of confusion just because of the expression it leaves on my face.” ― Johnny Depp

Good morning and welcome. It's Tuesday, March 9, 2021, and, we get up today with a thankful heart that God has allowed us to continue our journey. Of late, we have been pretty much as the sign on the airplane restroom door often indicates: Occupied. Last Thursday, I accompanied our middle son, Jimmy, to his heart stress test. I dropped him off and went on a quest. That involved finding a parking spot in a huge medical complex. I gathered that circling around and around wouldn't be too productive since there were already dozens of folks doing that very thing. Therefore, I went to the next lot, and the next, and the next. I finally located a spot and began my trek back to the building where Jimmy was awaiting his test. I was there to help him with the copay. The screening lady said they had a strict no visitor policy. I mentioned I was there to help with the copay. She said she had been told about me and she believed they could make an exception. She took my temperature, asked me all the pertinent questions, and then she handed me a little green dot to place on my shirt. She then directed me to the office where they had permitted the strict no visitor policy to be waived. They do have shuttles operated by what appeared to be volunteers but none of them showed any interest in slowing down at all as they whizzed by me. They probably didn't know I would be eligible for a green dot. After the stress test and EKG, the cardiologist did identify a couple of blockages and they will soon be scheduling a heart cath procedure to see what to do next. I appreciate prayers on our Jimmy's behalf. Thanks. Amen. 

Last Friday, the wife's sister, Dorothy, had foot surgery here in our area. She came to our home to recuperate. It was supposedly a fairly routine surgical procedure but as we all know, nothing typically ends up being routine. Our first issue had to do with the pain medication the doctor had set up for her. The CVS that received the prescription did not have the drug in stock. CVS cannot transfer a pain med to another location without the doctor's involvement. No problem. We had been given a phone number. That number would get to the doctor quickly. Hello? Call after call, message after message, no response. When you have your foot cut on, pain typically follows as the anesthetic wears off. We did what we could to help. Then some onset nausea set in. We would get that stopped for a while and then it would start back up again. Finally, at 1 a.m., Monday, she was kept at the ER for an extended period to administer fluids and pain meds. As I write this note,  she is in the hospital to continue this process. I can report she feels tons better and her spirits are good. We believe she will be released today and she sees her surgeon on Thursday for a follow-up visit. She has been a real trooper through all of these challenges and it has been our privilege, (the wife has done most of the heavy lifting), to do our best to help her and her husband, Jim, to deal with it all. Political correctness alert: The thought came to me whether trooper was accurate or should I have used troopette. Just joking. 

I must be doing some better on my writing. I don't say that due to any quality threshold being crossed but I have noticed the grammar software I use is finding more and more of my words to question. It may mean I am beginning to begin to be back to slinging my own version of slang. Enjoy the rest of your day and be sure to remember that we all are in God's hands. Amen. ......More later.

"You don't need a silver fork to eat good food." ~ The late famous New Orleans chef, Paul Prudhomme

Hello and welcome. Today is Monday, March 8, 2021, and, I do hope you are inclined to rise and shine and give God the glory. Amen. The brotherly biscuit challenge is underway with our eldest, Chris, throwing down his version of the gauntlet. The photo is of Chris's first shot, this past Saturday morning, at made-from-scratch biscuits based on his mom's approach. His gravy didn't do as well as he wanted it to, but, he knows what he did wrong and is ready to get it 'right'. Those, my friend, are beautiful biscuits. In fact, they look a whole lot like the ones we had Saturday morning. Will someone please send this photo to Crackerbarrell so they know what a real homemade biscuit is supposed to look like. Sorry. I couldn't resist. A few weeks ago, the wife and I ate at one and they brought out these little biscuits. I told the wife they must be the appetizer, you know, like the ones Red Lobster serves. She said she thought they were their famous buttermilk homemade biscuits. You've got to be kidding. Right? Oh well, to each his or her own, but, let me describe it the way I had mine last Saturday. I had it oozing with butter and I crammed a nice piece of beef sausage into it, and, I can't say I saw a bright light, but, it reminded me of what I heard Charles Barkley say one time. He was commenting on an unbelievable play made on the court and he said this, "I have no idea what the word surreal means, but, I think what we just saw might be it." I think you get my drift here. Good as it gets .... and then some!

Bentley here, "Trying to be sociable, I told this little joke to the lab next door, 'Why do you have to be careful when it's raining cats and dogs? Because you might step in a poodle.' He just shrugged his shoulders. Tough neighborhood folks, tough indeed!"

Mr. Bentley believes that if we go to the grocery store we should always come home with something special for him. He does. He really does. He goes from bag to bag awaiting the reveal. Last week, the wife returned and he was going crazy. I asked if she got him something and she said she had bought another bag of those bone-like chewies with peanut butter since the one in the cabinet was getting low. (Those things are outrageously high. Twenty of these smallish bones are nearly $11 at the big box store.) He does love them. She said she would fetch him one from the cabinet. I told her that wouldn't do. She needed to open the new package and give him one from it. That way he would know it was bought especially for him. I wouldn't want him to be disappointed. When I told Chris about this, he said he wished I hadn't. A wee bit over the top I guess. Right? Oh well, I'm only reporting the facts here, nothing more and nothing less. 

I get the idea that Mr. Chris thinks maybe the dementia train has already left the station. I've always loved trains. Have a great rest of the day and I hope God will add His blessings. To us all. Amen. ....More later.