My Mom. Tribute to a Woman of Distinction.

The wife with our three sons. Happy Mother's Day!

Good morning and welcome to another day here in my itsy bitsy piece of the bloggersphere and today we find ourselves working with another Friday, this one on May 9, 2025. This is the weekend where we honor our moms. If there has ever been a human person born on this earth who has been surrounded and blessed by moms, well, it would be me. At home, at school, at Church, at work, everywhere I was I ended up being blessed by the moms God placed in my life. The next set of photos are some of those influential moms in my life, many of which have gone on to their heavenly abode.

Next is a blog I wrote 16 years ago. Yep, 16. I know. I've drowned me a whole lot of words under the bridge so to speak in my time doing these episodes. Mom was turning 85. God blessed her with another 8 years. Remarkable! Happy Mother's Day to all those out there and may God add His blessings to each one is my prayer. Amen. 

Tribute to a Woman of Distinction!

 

This coming Sunday is the celebration of my mom’s 85th birthday. That’s a big number in the age game but a very special one for a one-of-a-kind mom and I am thanking God for her on this Friday, May 1, 2009. She may not be well known outside of her circle, but her circle is large and it includes many faces, young and old, who love, respect, and honor her for the great woman she is. First and foremost, she is my mom and I am her son. She did what she could to help me grow into being a child of God and a productive member of society. I’ve not always done either as well as I should but it’s not because of her lack of trying. Thanks Mom for always being there for us and in my case for these nearly sixty-three years.

You have heard my story before about how blessed I have been to have such wonderful women in my life. I think about my grandmother Mac, my mom, my wife, my mother-in-law, my wife’s grandmother, my sisters, and many of my aunts. What I notice about my mom is her lifetime of resolve and determined commitment. She believes in God and does her best to serve Him. She loves her children and continues to mother us all even as she edges towards this great milestone. She is a friend to those in need and enjoys spending quality time with her huge brood from the eldest to the youngest great-great grandchild. Moms are the universal language of love and reflect God’s provision for His hands extended in helping shape little ones for time and eternity.

Often the men who served in WWII are thought about as being a part of the greatest generation. But rarely do we hear much about the women. Most of them, like my mom, stayed home, took care of the children, praying and waiting every day for their men to come home. Moms are special. Moms remember stuff that others wouldn’t even notice to begin with. My mom remembers that when I was born and they brought me home in the middle of August there was a freak cold spell and they had to heat up the room for me to have a bath. Only a mom would remember something like that! She remembers me being one of her best eaters and often says she wishes she would have saved for my grandchildren some of the countless grocery sacks that I had drawn pictures all over. As I think about this remarkable woman my heart fills up with a sense of overwhelming blessing as I meditate upon her being God’s gift to us as our mom. I love you, Mom. Happy 85th Birthday and thanks for always being a woman of distinction in my life. May God bless you. Amen. ….More later.

"Every generation revolts against its fathers and makes friends with its grandfathers." ~ Lewis Mumford, (1895-1995), American historian and sociolgist

Good morning and welcome to today's episode. It is Thursday, May 8, 2025, and, it looks like we have a beautiful day ahead. I am not Catholic but it's hard to miss the coverage being devoted to the choosing of the next Pope. Here's what's interesting to me. Here in the United States it is being covered more like college game day or perhaps coverage of an NFL game. Split-screens with Vatican experts giving live play by play of the potential activities going on behind the closed door sessions where votes are being counted four times each day. As Charles Barkley once said about a mind boggling play on the basketball court, "I don't know what the word surreal means but that play is just that, surreal." That's kind of my view of the coverage of the next Pope, wall to wall, so to speak. One interesting side note. An analyst pointed out the obvious tidbit where all the technologies of the world are currently focused on recognizing a signal from a smokestack. Hey, let's face it. With 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, well, as the current occupant of the Oval Office might say, "The potential ratings are H_U_G_E!"

 

I know you know that I am fascinated by the generational identity classifications, Perhaps too much so. The Artificial Intelligence (AI) assessment puts it this way: "Generational identities are defined by an individual's awareness of their membership in a generational group and the significance of that group to them. These identities are often shaped by shared historical experiences, technological advancements, and cultural contexts. Generational identities can also intersect with other identity markers like gender, race, and national context." There are numerous ways the so-called experts break down the dates that match these made up tags. That's right. They are made up. They know who actually coined the names of these various identity groups. Here's one breakdown: Traditionalists—born 1925 to 1945; Baby Boomers—born 1946 to 1964; Generation X—born 1965 to 1980; Millennials—born 1981 to 2000; Generation Z—born 2001 to 2020; Alpha, still being worked on. That doesn't match the photo graphic because there are differing ideas even among scholars on how to break these out. For instance, I was born in 1946, the so called starting year for the boomer generation. That most likely puts me with one foot in the previous generation and its influences on me while it being very clear I have next to nothing in common with those born in the tail end of the boomer generation, those born in the 1960's. While I enjoy reading about all of these designations, in many ways the vaunted analyses of it all in many ways do not amount to a hill of beans. (I heard that one a lot growing up, maybe from those in the greatest and silent generations. Ha!)

 

My point? The Source of all truth, God's Holy Word, the Bible says this: "And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation." (Hebrews 9, 27-28) Regardless of what generation we were born to live in we stand in need of God's provision. That's right. Every man, woman, boy, and girl. God has provided a way for us to be made right with Himself and to live in His presence for all of eternity, here's how Jesus put it: "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." Old or young, the answer to our greatest need is wrapped up in seeking Him, for "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." (Romans 10:13)  Jesus is the answer to how generations become united as one. In Him. Okay. You can quote me on this one. Go ahead. I dare you. Double dog. Just joking. Have a God-blessed day and I'll see you next time, Lord willing. Amen.

"Yesterday's the past, tomorrow's the future, but today is a gift. That's why it's called the present." ~ Bil Keane, (1922-2011), Cartoonist, best known for The Family Circus

Good morning and welcome. Today, it is Wednesday, May 7, 2025, and, I, for one, am thankful to have awakened this morning because I realize that every heartbeat actually belongs to God, therefore, I give Him thanks and praise. What say you? Wordplay is simply that, using words in a playful manner. When we read or communicate we liven up the exchange by playing around with words. Let me break the ice by doing my best to bite the bullet and in so doing I will try to hit the nail on the head. At the same time I wouldn't want to let the cat out of the bag but I will settle for killing two birds with one stone. I sure hope I am not barking up the wrong tree here, knowing that dealing with it is a piece of cake. I am trying to avoid it costing an arm and a leg but wouldn't want to be cutting corners at the risk of ending up being under the weather while putting the ball back in your court. In many ways it's back to square one, but, a blessing in disguise, which, these days are a dime a dozen, but, I never want to be accused of beating around the bush, however, as they say, better late than never. What? You think I might have bitten off more than I can chew. I remind you, actions speak louder than words, and since you are the apple of my eye I will not allow my bark to be worse than my bite. I do hope I haven't burned any bridges, if so, I will have to call it a day, but, I must tell you I will not cry over spilled milk or be the devil's advocate in this matter. Remember, every cloud has a silver lining, that is, if it's not allowed to get out of hand. I will give the benefit of the doubt in the blink of an eye before I hit the sack. You can jump on the bandwagon, keep your chin up, and, when it's all said and done, let sleeping dogs lie. We wouldn't want to miss the boat because of an off the cuff remark that occurs once in a blue moon and shows up from out of the blue. Right? You think I might be trying to pull your leg? Nope. Just trying to stay on the ball and to tread lightly on thin ice while doing my best not to rain on anyone's parade because let's face it, Rome was not build in a day. Whew! Fortunately while trying to have the best of both worlds I was saved by the bell and have attempted to stay with it through thick and thin knowing that time flies when one is having fun. Don't get the idea I am twisting your arm, so don't get up in the air because that would only occur when pigs fly. In closing, you can't judge a book by it's cover and your guess is as good as mine. 

Before you report me via the crisis hotline, realize I sat down with a list of idiomatic phrases and put together that paragraph to celebrate Witty Word Wednesday. No, like Cinco De Mayo, it's not a holiday celebrating a real historical event, it's just an excuse to have fun. Being the serious minded guy that I am, don't be swayed by today's posting as indicating I have a fun side to my personality. I do enjoy a good laugh now and then. It does a body good. Like medicine. Yep. You've heard that one before. It's taken from Proverbs 17, Verse 22. Solomon, via inspiration, either said these things or he collected these sayings as a way of providing instruction. This means that according to Solomon, known as the wisest man ever to walk on the planet (with one exception The Lord Himself, Jesus Christ), presents laughter as being good medicine. And, that's no laughing matter. I do know Solomon was a very high IQ guy but 700 wives and 300 concubines, what in the world was he thinking? As the preachers like to joke, he had a least 700 mothers-in-law too! I quickly add I have never been able to tell mother-in-law jokes because mine was almost too good to be true. She, in her own simple way, was truly a woman of God. So many jokes I've had to pass on, but, I am the one blessed as a result. 

 

Here's your assignment for today. See if you can spot all the idioms I used in the first paragraph. When you finish that exercise, take a moment to consider all that God has done and as a result give Him thanks and praise. Yeah. I was surprised too when I found that selfie with Solomon and his wives. Wow! It is true. You can find almost anything on the internet. Take care now, you hear? And, may God add His blessings. Amen.  

Corinthians 15:57: "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

If I were to go missing today, this is what I look like.

Good news today on this Tuesday, May 6, 2025. The wife's sister, as expected, has been confirmed to have cancer but all the early reports indicate a very positive outlook. She will need to undergo an additional surgical procedure with other steps yet to be determined. The news is answered prayer. Have those out there who are a little older noticed that we seem to have become more skittish these days? I was almost attacked by a spider earlier today only to discover it was a black twist tie that was bent and it kind of looked like a spider out of the corner of my eye. I will admit it, I jumped a wee bit but I am glad to report the twist tie has been decommissioned and I was not bitten in the process. We old people can be funny. Don't you think? I used the photo above based on a joke I heard told by Nate Bargatze. He said when he and his sibling were younger there was a rash of reported kidnappings and his parents went ahead and made photos of them and listed the vital statistics, just in case. I thought it was a funny story, however, the number of missing people these days is very sad indeed and there are new notices almost every single day. Many of them are for teens who are runaways or just missing and there are typically a few older folks who suffer from dementia and they have wondered off. Like I say, the story he told was funny, but, the reality of this situation played out in everyday life, it is both sad and serious. I remember one of our boys ran away after an argument and some disciplinary activities. The wife and I were beside ourselves. It took us several hours but we did, with the help of others, find him. He was hold up in the woods. Scary stuff. We were out of our minds for a few hours but some have been looking for days, weeks, months or longer. May God help all those who are dealing with a missing person in their lives. Amen.

 

I continue to be overwhelmed by the number of folks who take the time to read my blogs. Believe it or not, some report they have been encouraged or helped in the things they read. I am humbled by these types of responses. One of my favorite songs out of the many favorites I have is entitled, 'If I Can Help Somebody', published in 1945, by a recognized songwriter, Alma Bazell Androzzo, (1912-2001).  It has been recorded by many Gospel artists over the years and it speaks to the pursuit in life that truly matters, that being the serving and helping of others. Here are the lyrics, (Look it up on YouTube, I personally like the Gaither Homecoming version featuring Glen Payne of the Cathedrals Quartet):

 

If I Can Help Somebody

If I can help somebody as I pass along,

If I can cheer somebody with a word or song,

If I can show somebody he is trav’ling wrong,

Then my living shall not be in vain.

 

Then my living shall not be in vain,

Then my living shall not be in vain;

If I can help somebody as I pass along,

Then my living shall not be in vain.

 

If I can do my duty as a Christian ought,

If I can bring back beauty to a world up-wrought,

If I can spread love’s message that the Master taught,

Then my living shall not be in vain.

 

Then my living shall not be in vain,

Then my living shall not be in vain.....

If I can help somebody as I pass along,

Then my living shall not be in vain.

 

Well, well. That gives us all something to work on. It does. It really does. Beginning with yours truly. That reminds me of another song, 'He's Still Working On Me'. And, He is, but, I will save that one for another day. Join us in thanking God for His provision. And, as I often say, y'all take it easy out there, you hear? May God add His blessings. Amen.

"Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." Letter of 1st Peter, Chapter 5, Verses 6-7

Me and Biscuit enjoying the cooler air along with some strong Louisiana Community Coffee!

Hello and welcome to today's edition. I think it is Number 3664. That might include a few that are yet to be published. At any rate, today is Monday, May 5, 2025 and here we are doing what many do in life, we are waiting. Waiting. At this moment we are waiting the lab results from the wife's sister's testing done at MD Anderson. Waiting. While we trust God completely, the human element still causes us to be on the edge of our seats while we wait. Think about it. They tell us on average an individual will spend 292 days during the average lifetime waiting in line. That's 7000 hours of time spent in line. This doesn't count the other time spent waiting. Some have attempted to estimate how much total is spent but I don't think I need to convince anyone that waiting is a time consuming part of our existence. I used to tell folks that waiting is a common denominator because we all wait at the same speed. The folks over at MD Anderson cannot be on the edge of their seats like we are. Why? They have hundreds or more waiting each and every day. Therefore, they must focus on getting accurate results and their conclusions based on this data, not, in trying to meet every individual's expectation in terms of delivery. Trusting in God means we seek Him and we under gird our faith by hearing directly from His inspired Word, (these verse rendered in the English Standard Version, ESV or in the New International Version, NIV):

 

Psalm 27:14  "Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord."

Isaiah 40:31 "But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."

Lamentations 3:25 "The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him."

Isaiah 30:18 "Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him."

Psalm 130:5-6 "I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning."

Psalm 33:20-22 "Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name. Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you."
 

Exodus 14:14 "The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still."
 

Psalm 37:34 "Wait for the Lord and keep his way, and he will exalt you to inherit the land; you will look on when the wicked are cut off."

Psalm 62:5 "For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him."

Psalm 37:7 "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!"

Psalm 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God."
 

Isaiah 64:4 "From of old no one has heard or perceived by the ear, no eye has seen a God besides you, who acts for those who wait for him."

Psalm 130:5 "I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope;"

Proverbs 20:22 "Do not say, “I will repay evil”; wait for the Lord, and he will deliver you."
 

Genesis 49:18 "I wait for your salvation, O Lord."

 

These verses were printed from a random search regarding waiting. There are so many others that speak directly to God's knowing and caring about each of us and our difficulties, including our waiting. The old song says, 'Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.' This doesn't mean we forget about it, but, rather, we trust Him with all of the process. That's right. Including the waiting. Okay. That's all I have to say about this. At least, at this time. Take care now, you hear? And, until next time may God add His blessings is my prayer. Amen. 

"A man is not old until regrets take the place of dreams." ~ copied

Good morning and welcome to this day, Friday, May 2, 2025. Wow! For those of us who are a wee bit older, time does seem to move faster. Here's some of what health science has to say about this: "Time appears to pass faster for older people due to a combination of factors, including changes in brain processing speed and the accumulation of experiences that make each new day feel less significant compared to when we were younger." Changes in brain processing speed. Check. Days as an older person seen less significant than when one was a younger person. Check. The young girl at the pharmacy who checked me out yesterday was born in the year 2000. She looked at my information and gave me this tidbit: "Oh sir, just think, you were 54 when I was born." Oh thanks for that vote of confidence. While I don't believe in ducking any of the issues surrounding the aging process I don't go around looking for reminders of it. I know you know what I mean. Right, Vern? Just so you know, that little child at the checkout looked about 12 to me, not 25. Oh well, the old brain processing unit, it's not what it used to be. Yesterday, our granddaughter brought her two, our great grands by for a visit.  How blessed I felt to sit and rock little Avery Lynn, she is 5 months old. They tell me my dad who died in January of 1954 loved babies. Maybe that's why there were six of us stair stepped kids. But, it was said that if he was around a baby and a rocking chair it would not be long before he would be rocking that little one. Me too! I spent a lot of time doing just that yesterday. Maybe being older is not so bad. I should right that down. Right?

 

The song says I have more to be thankful for than I did yesterday. That's not exactly what it says but I used this phrase because it fitted my purpose today. Got it? My slow processor just issued its thoughts on that statement. He agrees and therefore I do too! We continue our prayerful watch with the wife's sister as we await the lab results and the recommended next steps as she deals with the 'C' word. She has a great attitude and lets face it, she has said and I wholeheartedly agree, it's in God's hands and whatever He decides she is ready. Ready. Being ready is our calling. Quoting Bible verses is good. Enjoying the encouragement and prayers of others helps a lot. Please continue to pray, however, nothing takes the place of knowing God is with you each step of the way. That's where faith carries us through. We don't live with a hope so, we find our very being with a know so, and, that has to do with God's grace, mercy, and peace as we deal with all that we come in contact with in our journey here. I've been blessed to have been able to share a few words with those who are about to arrive at their real home, their heavenly home. How wonderful it is to be able to say, "See you later.", as opposed to "Goodbye." Okay. I started to say I've said enough for today, but, even with the slower processor there always seems to be more where that came from. Have a great day today, a wonderful Saturday, and, may Sunday, the first day of the brand new week, find us all in the meeting place where believers gather to worship God and learn more from His Word. Amen.  

"Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Oh, give thanks to the God of gods! For His mercy endures forever. Oh, give thanks to the Lord of lords! For His mercy endures forever:..." ~ Psalm 136:1-3

Thursday, May 1, 2025, that's what we have on our agenda so we might as well, with God's help, make the best of it. While the medical news concerning the wife's sister was not 100% what we would have wanted to hear, we are thanking God for the good prospects concerning her situation moving forward. Her next steps options are still pending but thus far, they are all considered to be positive. And, I quickly add how God is to be thanked, regardless, period, end of that thought. The Throwback for today is a blog I wrote some time ago. For some reason it had a large number of views, (over 2,500). I will have to read it again myself to try and discover why so many people landed on it and chose to read it. Here it is:

Monday, October 4, 2010

"Yabba dabba doo!"

It's good to see you made it back safe and sound. Most people chuckle when I use the word 'sound' in any context about myself. The classic words found in the standard last will and testament comes to mind: Being of sound mind. I need to be coming up with some kind of alternative for mine so that they don't get off on the wrong foot from the get go. But how in the world are you doing, anyway, on this Monday, October 4, 2010? Last Thursday was the 50th anniversary of the debut of the Flintstones Cartoon Show (September 30, 1960). I hate the word favorite because I have way too many in way too many categories. But I did enjoy the Flintstones immensely. The Flintstones characters paralleled and parodied one of the best comedy sitcoms of all time, The Honeymooners. I could still watch the Flintstones and I've never tired of watching The Honeymooners. Now please don't try to discover what deep seated psychological defect I'm carrying around that would make me gravitate to these types of shows. Whatever it is I'm pretty sure it's not contagious, however, I just remembered that my youngest son is also a huge fan of  The Honeymooners. I'll have to rethink some about the deep seated defects stuff, but to be honest, there's so much clutter on that radar screen, I'm not sure I could spot anything even if I saw it. But until I do, get your day started off with a clarion wake up call from Fred Flintstone himself, "Yabba dabba doo!"

Some of you thought that exclamation was what Adam said the first time he laid eyes on Eve. Preachers have been using that as a joke for so long I'm sure some might even think it is in the Bible. Speaking about the Bible, I saw last week the news story about the survey where folks of all persuasions were asked questions about religion and the Bible. They also ran it on the nightly news programs. Surprise! Surprise! Most people, sad to see, even practicing Christians, couldn't correctly answer very simple questions about the Bible. Most of them could not name the four Gospels, couldn't identify the city where Jesus was born, and didn't know that the first book in the Bible is Genesis. Guess what group scored the highest on this test? Those identifying themselves as atheists! The president of the American Bible Society commented that this should be a wake up call for all Christian leaders in how they should get back to the basics in providing instruction. In my time as a teacher I have observed a huge generational disconnect where far too many Church leaders have emphasized just about everything else other than the sound teaching of the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. I fully realize the purpose of our instruction is not so that people can answer quizzes, however, being clueless about God's Word reflects a huge issue that can only spell trouble for many as they attempt to cope with the significant challenges they will face in this life.

Perhaps its the short attention span that most of us have developed as we attempt to email, text, watch TV, talk on the cell, and whatever else, all at the same time that causes us to resist taking the time necessary to dig deeper into the riches found in God's Holy Word. We have to admit that we are living in a hurry up world. I can remember seeing someone heating up their food in a microwave. As they stood there peering into the oven they were cheering it on to hurry up. Hurry up? We're talking seconds here but it's still not fast enough. I have a theory about this fast pace of life and you have heard it before. It's one that relates how the enemy of all that is good uses our busy lives to distract us and to lead us away from the things that truly matter for time and eternity. We would like to but we can't find time to pray, to study The Word, to be with our spouse or our children, to find a place to serve others, and the list goes on and on. Yet, it's not from a lack of activity but rather it comes from our failing to see the revolving door trap we find ourselves in. Spinning that door faster and faster will not get you to where you need to go. I'm not preaching, I'm just sharing because I have been there and done that and would love to re-do much but that's not possible. But I can do what I can today and part of that is to share my experiences with you, and perhaps, help you to avoid some of those traps that are being set even as I write this blog. God will help us but we have to seek Him and that requires .... what class? Our time and our attention! No. I am not passing a plate today but I'll keep that in mind. Have a great work week and may God bless each one. Amen.              .....More later.

Happy 57th Birthday to our Jimmy!

Good morning and welcome. Nothing reminds us of our sojourn and the time we've spent here on the planet like the birthdays of our boys. Today, Wednesday, April 30, 2025 is one of those reminders as we pause to recognize the 57th birthday of our middle son, Jimmy. Our Jimmy has not had an easy time of it during his 57 years, and, he continues to fight mental health battles that most people, thankfully, will never know anything about. We always seek God's provision for him and pray for His guidance and direction in his life. Happy Birthday son, and may God add His blessings. Amen.

 

Marilyn, left, and Dorothy, twins born 18 months apart.

The wife is with her sister, Dorothy, today as they deal with a followup to a suspect mammogram. They, along with Dorothy's husband Jimbo, are at the Woodlands location of the M.D. Anderson Cancer center. Heaven is hearing from family, friends, and folks far and wide as they lift up this matter to our heavenly Father. These girls, well, as we used to say back home, they are something else. Close does not describe these two. Joined at the hip. That may explain it but it may even be more than that. Their mom and dad, Bro. Wilson Lee and Mary Rawles instilled a sense of family into their brood. He, an old time preacher man, and she, a walking talking woman of God, well, their kids took seriously what it meant to stick together as a family. While mom and dad Rawles along with Bro. Milton have gone on to their heavenly home, Cleon, 89, Dorothy 79, and Marilyn 78, continue the family legacy. The 'girls' as they have always been called have been helping to care for their brother on a regular basis. Now Dorothy and her husband Jimbo are dealing with this latest challenge. That's what life is made up of, challenges. Dorothy knows she has God with her along with Jimbo and her sis. Dorothy's sons, Scotty and Michael and they kids are also on their knees today praying for God's provision and peace. Many who read my blog are also praying. You are welcome to join in the prayer circle. I have been seeking God and I know He already knows all about it but He has invited us to come into His presence in our time of need. I like the way the Berean Study Bible translates Hebrews 4:16 "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Dorothy will be undergoing tests and subsequent procedures as needed to deal with this issue. We will know more later, but, she said as she left this morning that God had given her a peace about it all. And, I say Amen to that!

 

Another day and another time of celebrating and in seeking God's provision. Always. I leave us all with this verse to consider: "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." (Philippians 4:8-9) Have a great day and may God add His blessings. Amen.

"Slang is a language that rolls up its sleeves, spits on its hands and goes to work." ~ Carl Sandburg, (1887-1967), American poet, jouralist, editor and winner of three Pulitzer Prizes

Okay. I made it up the stairs and I am now sitting in my home office clicking and clacking on the computer keyboard. Today, well, it's Tuesday, April 29, 2025, and I bid you a welcome to my tiny little speck of a space here on the world wide web, or, as I like to call it, the blogosphere. If they were to do away with slang and colloquialisms I would have to quit any writing I might do, immediately. Yep. That's right, neighbor. If I couldn't give you a rain check, if I couldn't be head over hills in love with my wife, if I couldn't tell you the facts that were within the ballpark, well, it would be hard to communicate. Add to that my own recollections of what I heard growing up and you get a steady diet of word salads. Think about it. What if I couldn't throw in a 'bless your heart' now and then or maybe letting you know when someone is too big for their britches, or, she is madder than a wet hen. See what I mean? I've seen a few who were drunker than Cooter Brown. No. I have never met Cooter, but, I do know when that dog won't hunt. Not to mention 'well I'll be' or 'did you ever?' or 'heavens to Betsy' or 'what in the Sam hill?'. I can testify that I've been as full as a tick before and I've been upset as all get out along with an exclamation of how 'if it had been a snake it would have bitten you' a few times. Where in the world would I be without y'all thrown out here and there? Okay. I think you get my drift and I will continue using my way of talking if that's okay with you. It is? Well, that makes me happy enough to slap my pappy. (I never would have slapped my grandfather but one time. I'll let you guess what may have happened if I ever did.)

 

I am just messing around today but I happen to enjoy the old slang sayings. However, I will confess here and now the truth about the way the youngsters communicate today. They use, heaven only knows how many, mostly abbreviations and cryptic slogans which, on the rare occasion when I feel I need to know, I have to Google the letters to see what they mean. These kids must get a kick out of seeing us respond the way they do when they try to read the stuff I mentioned in the first paragraph. I did look through those in the visual above and I don't think there are any off color but I can quickly tell I am definitely out of the loop when it comes to knowing much about them. Hey, you older guys, we still have one thing we can do to camouflage our writings. Right? Cursive. Aha! The common denominator that crosses every age group, skin color, language, and, ethnic background is the Gospel of Jesus Christ and His provision of salvation to any and all who repent of their sins and call on Him. That means we can have fellowship with even the youngsters who know Christ as Savior. What a blessing! Amen? Yes, Amen!

“Most Christians salute the sovereignty of God but believe in the sovereignty of man.” ― R. C. Sproul (1939-2017) Renowned theologian, Christian apologist, and ordained pastor

Well, hello there. Hope all are well on this Monday, April 28, 2025. It's a good day to thank God for His mercy, grace, and His provision in allowing us to still breathe air on the planet. The song says it accurately, "my life is in His hands". I believe that. I remember the fellow who came up to the late Dr. Adrian Rogers and told him he believed so fervently in the sovereign control of God over his life, so much so, he could step out in front of a train and if it wasn't his time to go then he would not be killed. Dr. Rogers calmly told the man if he steps out in front of an oncoming train, he will find out that it is his time to go. This means we understand God's always working to accomplish His will, but, in my opinion we don't do stupid stuff because of it. Got it? Good. No. I will not be taking up any rattlesnakes anytime soon to show everyone the evidence of my faith and no, I will also not be drinking strychnine to show my belief in God's protection. At the same time, I recall the Apostle Paul picking up some sticks for firewood and in so doing he was bitten by a highly venomous snake. The people saw what happened and they sat down and waited for Paul to die. God had other plans for Paul, therefore, the serpent's venom did not harm him. (Read about it in the Book of Acts, Chapter 28) That is what I see as God's supernatural intervention. God can do whatever He determines to do and He's not impressed with the crazy shenanigans people might come up with. I am not throwing off on folks who read from Mark's Gospel, Chapter 20, and somehow get caught up in the snakes and the poison, but, my heart's desire is for us all to serve God based on a balanced view of His Holy Word. 

Me too! Those typically country folks who handle serpents are easy pickings, but, to be sure, most everyone have areas where there is a failure to adhere to the clear teachings found in God's Word. Mark Lowry, Gospel singer and comedian, says you will likely never hear a sermon on gluttony from a Baptist pulpit. We all laugh but it's because we know it's true. I enjoy watching Church services on YouTube, from pretty much all over the globe. I enjoy watching the Koreans honor our Lord and Savior as well as the Australians, Spanish speaking congregations, and, many, many English and American Churches too. One service I enjoy is a Baptist Church in Kentucky which is highly charismatic in their practice. They jump for joy, shout, and even some of them take a lap around the sanctuary now and then. They typically all dress pretty much alike, have hairstyles that are similar, and, the fellows, all the way down to the little ones, always wear a coat and tie. My reason for pointing this out is the influence the parents and other adults have on the children. From the smallest there, they begin the hand waving, jumping, and other antics just like mom and dad do it. It reminds me of just how much we do shape the lives of the youngest among us. Their parroting their parents reminds me of that old anti smoking commercial where the dad is outside on the porch with his little boy. He gets called inside the house and lays down his cigarette and once dad is out of sight the little boy picks up the cigarette. The real reason I watch that particular congregation is their singing. They sing out. Yep. They do. Not always with the best of harmony, but, they do belt out the songs and I enjoy that part of it. Their pastor likes to say Amen as the punch line to every sentence, but, that's his choice and they seem to respond to it. Okay. Now you know some about the stuff that interests me. I do try and keep my self appointed status as an Observer Extraordinaire. You do your thing. I do mine. 

 

One thing is clear. One shoe does not fit all even among those who are Christ followers. I grew up in a community of believers that pretty much taught we were right and everyone else was wrong. Even as a kid I recognized obvious hypocrisy in our little world of being right. For instance, we had leaders in our congregation that were at odds with other leaders in the congregation, so much so they didn't speak or have contact with each other and their families didn't either. A kid could see that was not in keeping with the message of unity and fellowship coming from our pulpit. Oh well, enough about that. I am thankful that while we, even as believers, have plenty of faults, God still loves us and works with us to help us be what He would have us to be. And, I learned early on the concept of us being right and everyone else being wrong just isn't how it is. It's not. Sorry if that bothers someone, but, it's good to know that any and all people who have trusted in Christ as their Lord and Savior, they are children of God and our brothers and sisters, period, end of that chapter of the story. Until next time, may God bless each one. Amen. 

Fallback: Here's the blog I wrote 14 years ago on April 25, 2011

 

Brady and Alex wishing a Happy Brithday to their MiMi.

Welcome back from a busy Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. I do hope you are well as we begin another work week. It is Monday, April 25, 2011 and I bid you welcome. I spent Friday getting ready for Saturday since that was the Queen of our home and our heart's birthday. She pretty much did what she wanted to do. We started off with a special breakfast and ended the day with 17, (only 2 missing), of us gathered at the restaurant to celebrate and sing our love and appreciation for her. I heard her tell several folks that it was one of the best birthdays she had ever experienced. How do you like that? This was exactly what I had hoped would happen. On Sunday we experienced a wonderful time of fellowship as the two older adult classes took care of feeding breakfast to our little ones as they all gathered for a special Resurrection Day celebration. Our services were emotional as we recounted the price paid for our sins and the power our Lord demonstrated in His resurrection. It was a Day suited for worship of our great Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We then hurried home, grabbed a bite to eat, changed clothes, and drove across town to visit my brother. He was in a good mood and we enjoyed our time together. By 8:30 last evening I was fading fast, having used up just about all I had available in the resource column. But not to worry, I am up and at them, refueled and ready, but still thanking God for all that He allowed us to experience these past few days. Amen.

My daddy.

I also took advantage of being off on Friday to go to the Social Security Office and finish my application to be enrolled in Medicare. I had to show them my original of my birth certificate. I got there about 30 minutes early and was second in line, therefore, I was up at the window waiting on the technician about 10 minutes before the magic window was rolled up. You can count down to the exact second because those windows will not be moving until the little hand is precisely on the 9 and the big hand precisely on the 12. I know. I know. Those folks are probably doing the best they can but I just never went in for not being able to do anything at all until the buzzer goes off. I used to have a few folks that liked to operate like that in my organization and they soon learned that taking care of business came first, period, end of story. But to each his own. The lady I dealt with was pleasant enough and I was out of there within twenty minutes. While I sat before the shuttered window I was able to study my birth certificate closer than I had before. My dad passed away in January of 1954 but I could certainly see a little of me in that signature on that official birth certificate. I'm pretty sure there's no handwriting gene but the similarity was striking. I have to wonder just how much more of him I am carrying around in these increasingly weary bones of mine. I was 7 1/2 when he left us and he would have been 88 this coming Thursday. Because of the truth behind the resurrection, I will see him again some day. Happy Birthday Dad.

My Granddad.

The good news is that God always knows best and while I never got to know my dad that well, God did give me my mom's dad to help influence and mold my life. His birthday is also this week and I am not alone in pausing to thank God for this simple, ordinary man who made such a huge impact on so many lives. I don't know of anyone who knows me that doesn't also know my grandfather. Even if they just met me, it would not be long before they would hear some of his quotes as well as hearing about his life as a man of faith and family. I don't know how things would have been had my dad lived, but I do know that if I have anything much to offer in the way of being a man, my grandfather had something to do with it. Much of my work ethic, my determination, and a smidgen of my stubbornness can likely be traced back to the role model of my grandfather. He also was at the local meeting place where God's people gathered every service, rain, sleet, or snow, and always early. And you know who was often his sidekick. Okay. Enough said. At the end of the day, my daddy couldn't make me right with God by giving me life. My grandfather could only show me an example of faith. He could not believe for me. I stand before God as His very own beloved child only because of me having put my faith in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. And that my friend, is a sonship we all can possess and it matters not only for this time, but also forever and ever in eternity. Amen.         More later.

"Times of trouble send our hope deep down into fundamental truths." ~ Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834 - 1892)

Hope everyone is safe from yesterday's swath of thunder bumpers, I'm talking about the ones that came through our area here in Southeast, Texas. Today is Thursday, April 24, 2025, and, as always it's a good day to stop, think about it, and give deserved praise to the God above, for He is the maker of heaven and earth. We see this clearly declared in Psalm 146:6 "He is the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them--He remains faithful forever." I mention the thunder storms here because they caused the electrical power to go up and down like a yo yo and just when you thought it was back on again, bam!, off it went. Oh well, I might be a slow learner but I did quit setting the clocks on the stove and microwave ovens after the third time. Genius. Right? Storms. They are a part of our existence. No one is immune. The Word of God speaks directly to these difficulties in the life of those who occupy the planet. You often here the preacher say this, "You are in a storm, coming out of a storm, or, getting ready to go through a storm." That uses the storm as a metaphor for the ups and downs, troubles, sorrows, and challenges we face in life. While that sounds somewhat of a downer, it actually is a part of our development. The good news is how God has promised to be with us regardless of the situation or circumstance. (Hebrews 13:5 ....God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.") Truth. Sometimes I bring the storm on myself. Sometimes God allows a storm knowing what is best. Other times we just deal with the storms that come from living in a sin cursed world. A shepherd boy named David was inspired to pen these famous words, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." (as recorded in Psalm 23:4) My personal experience says this: God is faithful, period. That's what I am holding onto as we continue our journey here.

I will have to tell you I was a wee bit miffed by the power going on and off. Aggravating. Annoying. But, why let something like that get me all bent out of shape? Maybe because I am me, myself, and I. That doesn't excuse it, but, it does explain it. I'm unhappy while other folks are surveying the damage or even worse some are being treated for injuries brought on by the storm. Storms typically do not come at a convenient time and I had things to do that being without electricity presented obstacles to getting them done. However, not just in the grand scheme of things, in any scheme of things, my issues were nothing compared to what others were dealing with. I noticed on social media how folks in our area were all riled up with the power company. They were saying things like, "Something needs to be done about this." "It happens all the time." "They are picking on us." How easy for anyone to get on the band wagon when it's really not that big of a deal. It isn't. The outcome? The power came back on, stayed on, made it to Wednesday evening Bible study, and, here I sit on a Thursday morning with everything working. Why the fuss? Again, me, myself and I. "I think I'll go flag down one of those repair trucks and find out why they can't get this all working again." Maybe next time. I would pray for patience but I am well aware of what the Bible says about that, ( ...knowing that tribulation works patience, Romans 5). What is the answer? 1st Thessalonians 5:18, "in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you". I need to go work on that. Today, tomorrow, the next day, and every day for the rest of my days. Amen.

"There is just one place for me, I'm happy when I'm near you ~ It's wonderful as heaven, a special kind of heaven, but only when I'm near you ~ Times when we're apart I wonder how I can face my heart ~ Say you'll never stray ~ More than just two lips away ~ If my waking hours could be spent while near you ~ I would be content, wonderfully content, just to be near you Make my life worthwhile ~ By telling me that I'll ~ Spend the rest of my days ~ All of those happy, happy days So near you...." (Number one song in America the month and day my wife was born, 'Near You' by Fracis Craig and his orchestra)

Good morning. Today is a most wonderfully special day in our family. It is Wednesday, April 23, 2025, and, we are celebrating the birthday of the wife of my youth, Marilyn. An old preacher once said that sometimes you find someone who gets saved better than others. I feel the same way about my wife. There are those who are unique but in her case she's more unique. I should know. From the first time I laid my eyes on her, that skinny little bit of a girl up in the choir loft at a singing school some sixty three years ago until this very day, she stands out. I know that Proverbs 31 is often tagged on to someone's name without much thought. The context of that tribute is to honor a woman of distinction who willingly served the Lord, her family, and others. Last evening, myself and our three sons met at the restaurant and we did just that. We honored our woman of distinction because according to the text, that kind of woman deserves the honor and recognition due her. Because times are different today, it is somewhat difficult to make one to one comparisons from that passage, but, I can honestly say and I mean this in the most prejudiced manner possible, Marilyn, in an overall sense, better fits its description than anyone else I've known. And, may I say this about that: I'm known many wonderful Proverbs 31 ladies. In short, she is a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, friend, and, more importantly, servant of the Living God. 

I well understand this qualifies as being over the top, however, at our age we never know how many more opportunities we have to say what needs to be said. Our sixty plus years of marriage has not been a tip toe through the tulips. Having said this, I want everyone, everywhere, to know that God blessed me so very much when He providentially brought us together. I love her. I love her family. She loves me. She loves my family. The song "Whither Thou Goest" was sung at our wedding on that frigid evening back in December of 1964. I had no idea it was taken from the words were spoken by Ruth to her mother in law, Naomi. A mother-in-law song? Who knew? But, the text reflects on our journey together: From the Book of Ruth Chapter 1, Verses 16-17

But Ruth said:

"Entreat me not to leave you,
Or to turn back from following after you;
For wherever you go, I will go;
And wherever you lodge, I will lodge;
Your people shall be my people,
And your God, my God.
Where you die, I will die,
And there will I be buried.
The Lord do so to me, and more also,
If anything but death parts you and me."

 

Okay, thanks for reading my blog today. Many of you know that I am speaking the truth of her demonstrated love for the Lord and others. May God continue to bless my dear wife as we face each day of the journey He has given to us, together. Amen. 

"The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing." ~ Walt Disney

Hello, welcome, and here's to wishing each one a terrific Tuesday, on this April 22, 2025. You know, as in get out there and get it done! Let's face it, the only way to get it done is to go do it! Be the person who is known as one who gets it done! If you know you can be better, well, be better! Do it when you are scared, when you are tired, and when you are alone, but, do it! Pay no attention to your mood, motivate yourself to finish the task at hand! Don't make excuses, they will only delay working your work to get it done! Don't settle, and don't wish you could, just work until it's finished! Yikes, complaining, it will never get across the finish line! Talking is not doing, doing is how things get done! Don't let the impossible keep you from accomplishing your goal! Whining will not work because most don't care and certainly do not want to hear it, therefore, use that energy on the task at hand! What should scare us the most is being average when we have the potential to achieve great results! Okay. I copied a few of those and wrote the others, mostly they are directed towards the audience of the fellow sitting at the computer screen clicking on the keys right now, however, they are admonitions for any and all who will hear and implement them as they make it each day. I was fortunate, no, I was blessed, let me correct that one, I was very blessed and privileged to head up an organization of over 150 people some time back, in a galaxy, far, far away. And, it was exhilarating to be a part of a team that achieved so many great accomplishments. As our most recent previous President would say, "Folks, that's not hyperbole!" And, it isn't and I know it because I was there and I was a part of it. How did we do what we did? The people! That's right. They knew how to get out there and get it done! Yep. And, they made yours truly look really good. They did! What a blessed experience it was. Thank you Lord! Amen.

 

I know that was perhaps a wee bit over the top but that's so much like me. You be like you. I'm not saying I don't need to change and I'm not saying you don't need to change, because, as long as we are breathing air on the planet and our mental faculties are somewhat workable, we can still grow and develop. I can. You can. And, yes, I used the somewhat workable mental description because, speaking for myself, it's not quite as sharp as it was when I was leading that organization so many years ago. However, it is still able to do what it can do. I am a Bible teacher for nearly 60 years. I believe it is my spiritual gift. I could study the material and make a presentation, but, when I yield myself to the Holy Spirit, well, He can speak through me and that my friend is when truth is imparted. That's when change can be recognized, felt, and responded to, beginning with me, myself, and I. Yep. There are other changes I need to pursue as well. I was leaning towards renaming my pup, Lil Miss Biscuit, to a new name, Five Miles. That way I could post on social media each day how I walked Five Miles this morning. That is a joke. Go ahead and smile. It will make you better able to face your day. Okay. I'm going to stop here because as they used to say back where I am from, I need to go see a man about a dog. Meaning: I've got other fish to fry. I'll let you work the application out for yourself. Don't forget to remember the Goodness of God and His blessings that should elicit thankfulness from us all. As always, I am unanimous in that assessment. I am. Take care, and Lord willing I will catch back up with you soon. May God add His blessings. Amen. 

"For Peep's sake, who ate my Easter candy?" ~ copied

Good morning after Resurrection Sunday on this Monday, April 21, 2025.  The above photo was taken on Resurrection Sunday, April 5, 1953. It was the last Resurrection Sunday we would celebrate as an intact family. Dad, Cecil Sr., passed away on January 2, 1954, at age 31 due to heart failure associated with untreated pneumonia. I wish I could remember more than I do about the years leading up to his untimely and devastating death. My recording machine, (brain), has put up a no passing sign on those years. Why? Good question. Most likely it has to do with the trauma associated with this life changing event. I've written quite a lot about all of this in my blogs but when I look at this photo it does bring up the issue again. That would be yours truly sitting by mom on the bottom left and on the top row, JoAnn is standing on the right, we are the only two left. Everyone else has gone on to their reward. Dad, Jimmy, Kayla, Donald, mom, and Francis, all gone. That particular photo was taken in Granny and Paw Paw Mac's living room in Hornbeck, Louisiana. We were dressed to attend Resurrection Day services at Missionary Bible Baptist Church. We, most likely had left Port Arthur, Texas, and driven up on the previous Friday. As you can tell mom was serious about how we looked. And, I can with confidence tell you the locals who attended that Church most likely didn't go to the extent she did. Everything we wore was ironed. My mom believed the way we looked was a direct reflection on her. Absurd? Not really. In fact, I think it was fairly common among many moms back in those days. We had no way of knowing that in just 10 months after this photo was made we would be living with Granny and Paw Paw.(We lived with them until our new home was built, some 2 years later.) Don't get me wrong, I have bits and pieces of scenes, but, at seven going on eight I should remember much more with clarity. I do know it's all there. Filed away. One of these days it just might bust out and I will be overflowing with old-new stuff to share. At any rate, I do hope you and yours enjoyed a wonderful Resurrection Remembrance Day. We did. The services at our local assembly, Mims Baptist, were not just remarkable, the message went forth and many called on our Risen Savior to save them. Can't get any better than that. Amen!

 

I had myself a little unplanned weakness spell yesterday morning. Being a diabetic I am more than familiar with sinking attacks when my blood sugar is too low. This was a little different. I had to lay down for a few minutes. It was most likely a combination of me taking my morning medications on an empty stomach and that may have precipitated a fall in both my blood sugar as well as my blood pressure. I mention it because my wife reminded me that my dad died from the ailment called stubbornness. He had been ill for over a week and wouldn't go to the doctor. The wife wanted me to go to the urgent care. Are you kidding? No way. I finally got enough better to get dressed and get around. I was able to make it for Church services but I did feel a wee bit wobbly at different times during the day, however, once I had eaten and taken a two hour nap, it was all better. Eating and napping. I highly recommend it. I am much better today although I feel slightly vague, (thinking or communicating in an unfocused or imprecise way). Having re-read today's edition, I think I hit the vagueness bullseye squarely in the middle. I can't promise anything but maybe tomorrow. Maybe. Why? Because as Ira Stanphill wrote his classic from 1950, "I don't know about tomorrow but I know Who holds my hand." I can say Amen to that. What about you?

 

Until next time,  "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace." Numbers 6: 24-26.

"Those who deny the Deity of Christ, the authority of the Holy Scripture, their obligation to the Moral Law, etc., forsake Christ." ~ Simeon Ashe, English Clergyman, died in 1662

Good morning, today is Friday, April 18, 2025, also known as Good Friday because of the remembering of the judgment, crucifixion, and burial of Jesus, King of the Jews, of Nazareth, and, known also as The Christ, the Anointed One, The Messiah. There's plenty of historical information that gives a very accurate picture of how crucifixions were carried out. It was designed to be horrific and it was. Some estimate that more than 150,000 people suffered this form of execution by the Romans when they ruled the world. Around the time of the birth of Jesus, there were some 2,000 Jews crucified at the order of the Roman authorities. The gore is unmistakable. It was that way for everyone who suffered this fate. Therefore, the text of Scripture does not describe in detail each specific area of the physical ordeal involved because they were and are today readily available. It does, however, point us to the Person of Jesus Christ because it is a stupefying and jarring truth to consider God the very God in human flesh being put to death to gain redemption for God's created human family. I've always been struck in how Matthew, Mark, and Luke emphasize Jesus as the Son of God, while John wanted everyone to know Jesus as God the Son. He begins his record with these words, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it." (John Chapter 1, verses 1-3) There's no casual way we can take this truth in. It was this same 'the Word' who was on that cross and it was God's provision of salvation to all who believe.

 

Think about this: Revelation 13:8 states that Jesus was the "Lamb slain from the Foundation of the Earth"— not 'from the Fall of Man'. In eternity past, He knew exactly what Adam and Eve would do before they did it and He had already moved to correct the damage. The phrase "slain before the foundations of the world" refers to Jesus Christ being preordained to die as the Lamb of God, a sacrifice for the sins of humanity, before the creation of the universe. It highlights God's eternal plan for salvation and the preexistence of Christ. This is why we who believe are in utter awe of God's plan and provision. I can't wrap my mind around it. I can't comprehend it. But, praise God, I can apprehend and embrace it by faith. This is what I consider during this week of remembering He who knew no sin being made sin for me. (2nd Corinthians 5:21) He did it. For me and for you. The Amplified Bible adds its illustrative word pictures in expounding on the text from Hebrews Chapter 12, verse 2: [looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith [the first incentive for our belief and the One who brings our faith to maturity], who for the joy [of accomplishing the goal] set before Him endured the cross, disregarding the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God [revealing His deity, His authority, and the completion of His work].

 

No wonder they call it Amazing Grace! Amen? I do love Bible study aids, but, don't get so immersed in the commentaries, the timelines, and, even the vivid descriptions of the horror of it all, so much so that we might fail to remember the Who and the Why of that Man on the middle cross. I'm stunned when I even try to make sense of it all, but, I can only do my best to follow the lead of the so called wise in what they did when they came into the presence of Jesus. Matthew tells us this: "And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh." They got it right. And, so should we! The great news? Resurrection Day came on the first day of the week, (our Sunday), and, you and I can join others on the first day, this Sunday, in thanking God for sending His son to die, to be buried, and to rise again in victory over death, hell, and the grave! (1st Corinthians Chapter 15) Yay! and Amen!