Thursday, October 21, 2021

"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.

Tuesday, October 19, 2021

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......