"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.