"God's provision is the concept that a divine power (God) supplies everything His people need—physically, spiritually, and emotionally—including sustenance, protection, grace, guidance, and salvation, often through unexpected means, emphasizing trust in His care beyond what humans can see or expect, as seen in biblical narratives like manna from heaven and Jesus feeding the multitudes." ~ copied

Good morning and welcome. Today is Thursday, January 8, 2026, and I do hope and pray you and yours are well and able to get up and go. That does become some more difficult as we mark time here on the planet but God is faithful and He is with us each step of the way. Seems like everyone and his or her brother is utilizing Artificial Intelligence apps to alter or change photos. Me too! The above collage was worked on from real photos and they were turned into paintings by ChatGPT. I have a few thousand more if you happen to be interested. That is a joke and I know some might get sick and tired of me droning on about this, that, or the other. In the just finished season we were able to complete our 16th year doing the Santa appearances including a couple of open house take-your-own photos here in our home. I've mentioned before how doing this well is not for the fainthearted. We will have to wait and see what 2026 will bring because we know it has only been by the grace of God we've been able to do what we have done and if we are able to continue it will be because of His provision.  

I once again want everyone to know how much I lean on, depend on, and, need the help and support of the help-meet, (old  King James), God has given to me, my dear wife. (Genesis 2:18 English Standard Version, ESV, "Then the LORD God said, 'It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.'" Including the time we dated we have been a part of each other's lives for nearly 65 years. I do a few Santa events where I am by myself. I don't like doing it by myself, period. While she denies being the crown jewel of our presentation, I will assure you she is. Recently, we did an event where an older lady came by. She asked if she could take a photo. We said yes and we will get someone to take it of you and us together. She politely said, "Oh no. I just want a photo of you two." She then said, "Y'all have made me so happy today." And, she began to cry. Tears of happiness. My point? Rewarding? Yes. Very. Now my bride would say it would have happened if it were only me. Not so fast. Whatever it was she saw it had something to do with us as a couple, Santa and Mrs. Claus. That's my brand. That's what distinguishes us from others. I am a member and follower of a number of professional Santa social media programs and I will tell you this about my Mrs. Claus. She is the best. She is the best. She is the best. And, lest you wonder about how I feel about it, I am 100% unanimous in my opinion. Okay. She also fixed me a wonderful omelet with sausage and cheese and toast and orange juice this morning. It was great but I'm sure it didn't taint my independent analysis of her contributions to my life. As they say, somewhere, enough already. Get out there. Make what you do intentional, especially the things that honor our great God. Amen.

 

Note: I know my blogs are not for everyone. But, I do want to thank so many who take the time to respond, especially sharing some of their life experiences they remembered when they read my blog. I've mentioned many times before what my grandfather, Paw Paw Mac, had to say about me and my mouth. "Son, I was worried you would not be able to come up for air." He was right. I do tend to go on and on as I string together a collection of run-on sentences. Thanks.