“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.....