The View From Here

I always wanted to be somebody, but I suppose I should have been more specific.

2012-02-15T03:03:00.000-08:00

Hello and welcome to Wednesday, February 15, 2012. The last sentence in yesterday's blog was bungled up pretty badly. It was supposed to have said that our day would be crowned by us all experiencing the love of God. Not a bad thought but somehow when you fling in the word crowed instead of crowned, well, it just doesn't communicate exactly what I had in mind. When I was in a huge conference meeting room once, out in San Diego, we experienced a medium sized earthquake. Pretty scary stuff. The speaker tried to gain control over the panicked crowd by saying, "I bet you think I didn't plan this to happen." And, I suppose I could have said I rewrote that sentence hurriedly, which I did, but didn't do a final proof reading of it like I usually do before I send it out, because that would have been exactly the truth. I certainly never plan on the mistakes that end up in my stuff and I also know that I take it more seriously than most people. Why? Now, that my friend is a good question. I suppose I take myself a little too seriously when it comes to the stuff I write. But, I know there are miscues along the way and while I hate to admit it I am capable of messing things up. Okay. I said it. Now I feel ever so slightly better. I'm glad I didn't accidentally use the word 'bitter' or you would think I have even greater problems than those you already know about.

I read where the financial losses at the US Postal Service continue to escalate with more than 3 billion dollars in red ink for the last quarter of last year. Wow! That included Christmas. Sounds like they are copying the habits of our government! The other day I saw on someone's list of their most satisfying simple pleasures in life a mention of them actually receiving a real personal letter from a real person in the mail. Outside of Christmas cards I'm trying to think when the last real personal letter I received. Remember all that stuff I wrote about how we are doing nearly everything online? That pretty much tells the tale when it comes to the post office. As a young teenager, away from home in Florida for the summer, I can remember asking my uncle each day if I had received a letter from the one I loved. That became a joke around the shop and pretty soon all the guys were asking if I had received my love letter. Nowadays, it's a handful of keystrokes, grab an image or two, and it will be in their inbox within seconds. I suppose that saves all the smelling the guys in the shop used to do of the letters I did get. Or better yet, just get them on their video interface and visit with them in real time, person to person, regardless of where you are. I know we've all had those unpleasant experiences of fighting long lines in trying to get stuff done at a local post office. It can be frustrating and that's why they have become the symbol of government inefficiency. Kind of like those fellows I grew up watching work on the roads in our rural area. They very much lived up to the sign they carried with them: Slow Men Working. But, in the end, it is still sad in some ways to see an institution like the Postal Service being phased out. We found some very old letters the other day and my wife asked me why I had mailed them to her airmail when they likely never got onto an airplane. Because I wanted her to know just how urgent my love for her was, or something like that. Or, maybe that was the only stamps they had that day. Who knows? It was a very long time ago!

Maybe you and I need to prepare a list of our most satisfying simple pleasures. How about sleeping in on a Saturday morning with a steady rain falling outside your window? For my wife it would be driving up to the mega mart just in time to get a parking space close to the front door. Maybe it would be coming home from work, walking into the kitchen and being knocked down by the aromas of a home cooked meal, one that reminds you of those you grew up eating. I do love that one. You knew I would have to include this one: That first taste of Community early in the morning. I may have moved from simple pleasures to outright blessings. For us older folks we can think about time spent with our children, grandchildren, and great grands. Some like to mention the pleasure of finding cash in some old jeans or a jacket but since I can't remember doing that, I'll have to pass on that one. Big one for me: Remembering old times, people, places, and those who have greatly influenced and impacted my life. Dreaming. Yep. Still do quite a bit of that. It's a rather old habit. I used to get into all kinds of trouble in grade school where I was accused of being a serial day dreamer. (I'm pretty sure they never used the word 'serial' but I thought it fit the context so I threw it into the mix.) Guilty as charged. Day, night, and everything in between. You would be surprised at the places I've been, the people I have seen, and the events I have been able to experience. A lifetime pursuit. But, this isn't an episode of True Confessions, it's a reminder that we all can take the time to recognize and relish the simple things in life that God has allowed us to enjoy. Have a great Wednesday and Lord willing I'll see you next time. Amen. ....More later.

Did you hear about the romance in the tropical fish tank? It was a case of guppy love.

2012-02-14T02:29:00.000-08:00

I suppose this is that day where love is in the air. That's right. It is Valentine's Day, February 14, 2012. Let's hope that we are people who show love year round, but it is not a bad idea to be reminded of the blessings that God has given to us, especially in our mate. That photo is of my darling wife and myself and I suppose it could be called the before and after. Here's my official caption: "Happy Valentine's to my one and only. She is a remarkable woman and I thank God for her every day and for Him putting us together. This is our 50th year of exchanging cards, 48 of them as a married couple. Please don't send any remarks about how beautiful she still is along with your questions about what happened to me. One fellow the other day saw the photo on my computer background and said something like that and then added how that I obviously have had a pretty tough life. Thank you very much for the vote of confidence!" That's okay and if I stopped to think about it, at my age, I might forget to get started again. Don't get me wrong. We would be the first to say that had God not held us together, there's no telling what kind of story we would have to tell. Therefore, we actually honor Him on this day devoted to love because He has worked in our hearts and allowed us these many years of being together. Happy Valentine's Sweetheart, because no matter how I look at it, Baby you are still the greatest!

I actually sent that same photo of us to our hometown newspaper over in Louisiana and they actually published it. I was talking to my mom Sunday evening and she told me it was in the Leesville Leader. They had asked for readers to submit Valentine's photos and since I do read their online edition, I sent it along with a caption to them. My wife overheard the conversation and wanted to know exactly what photo I had sent. I told her it was more or less a before and after shot. She said she hoped it wasn't that one of us when we were just kids taken at the fair, right after we had started going together. Bingo! How is it that those kinds of loaded questions seem always to be exactly on target. My mom will save that paper for us. I am very thankful for the wife I have. It's okay with me if people know that. I know in Genesis Chapter 2, it says that a man will leave his parents and in so doing he will cleave or cling to his wife. I suppose it was somewhat of a surprise that we embraced that verse when I was so young. I joke about how that I had to finish raising her but since I was only a year older, I suppose that begs the question of who finished raising me. Through it all, over these many years, she has been a woman of integrity and grace. As far as what happened to me, you should remember that I was in a head on collision once and went through the windshield. See there. There is an explanation! But as you can tell, it doesn't bother me at all, not in the least, it doesn't, that is, it doesn't bother me, bother me, bother me.

Today's love talk has completely changed. I now say things like, "If you were to get rid of me, who would take care of all of your online activities like Medicare, retirement, taxes, and other assorted stuff?" Think about it. That is a statement we could have never conjured up, not that many years ago. And, you don't have to be young to take advantage of the benefits provided in this so called electronic age. My mother, who will be 88 in May, uses her computer every day. Since we installed her new laptop she now can check out Facebook which has proven to be both good and bad. Her children, her grandchildren, her great grandchildren, and maybe even one or two of her great great grands use Facebook. She reads what they post. Sometimes the lingo used and the inferences made cause her to be concerned and she does fret over their situations. Some of this is caused by the language gap in how young people say their stuff today. On the plus side, she gets to see photos daily and hear about accomplishments being achieved within her large extended brood. I think the blessings greatly outweigh the downside, however, these kiddos might well take to heart when she sends them some grandmotherly advice. And, when she feels compelled, that's exactly what she does. Just like any other concerned mom. Have a great Valentine's Day and may be crowed by God's love being experienced by us all. Amen. ....More later.

The evening news is where they begin with 'Good evening', and then proceed to tell you why it isn't.

2012-02-13T02:58:00.000-08:00

I well remember that tune, Monday Monday, by the Mamas and the Papas, but I recently read the lyrics from this 1966 hit and it actually surprised me. It tells of a woeful story about someone leaving someone and how that every Monday finds them crying about it. Man, I thought Monday was already rough enough just doing what it does. But, here's hoping that this Monday, February 13, 2012, will be one where we do a lot of smiling as opposed to dwelling on sad stuff. I still hear that tune in my head and for the life of me never knew that is what that song was all about. Well, I suppose the old saying is true, you do actually learn something new every day. I am a diabetic, type 2. This means any and everything coming out about this disease usually gets my attention. One of the drugs that has been developed in recent years is called Byetta. It was developed based on the saliva of the Gila Monster. No. I have not lost what little bit of my mind that I have left. It is 100% true. That drug is a synthetic version of a protein, exendin-4, derived from the Gila monster's saliva. There's probably a really good story behind how they decided to pursue that type of research. Can you imagine a chemist coming home one evening and being asked what he had done that day? "I was real busy analyzing and studying the spit from one of those Gila Monster lizards." I don't take that drug but you just have to love a story like that!

A lady signed off the telephone call by saying, "Okey dokey artichokey." I will admit I've not heard that one before. Someone said it must be country slang but I'm not sure what country they would be talking about. Where I came from I'm not sure anyone had heard of an artichoke, much less to use it in a piece of slang. When in doubt, Google it. I found out it is a favorite way of ending a conversation as used by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. That's good enough for me. I will now eliminate that one from any future use, even though I thought it was kind of cute when I first heard it. If the Mrs. Clinton uses it quite often, I'm more than willing to leave her and it alone. One of the sites advised that it should be used very infrequently for fear of looking like a big idiot. Did I say it was one of Mrs. Clinton's favorite slang expressions? Enough said on that subject. On that same urban dictionary site they had several variations that could be used and since maybe you have not yet learned something new for today, I thought I would share some of these with you: ~ okey dokey dickery do ~ okey dokey diet cokey ~ okey dokey pig in a pokey ~ okey smokey McSkiddly do. Wait just a minute. Don't get all riled up. I never promised this daily dialogue would be a competitor to Masterpiece Theater. That by the way is a PBS show imported from Britain and the BBC and it has nothing to do with barbecue sauce.

When you get older you can't help but think about how you might have done things differently. While we know there are very few do overs, it does help us to think about change in the here and now, since we can never go back. These are some comments from Erma Bombeck about her views on her life, made after she found out she had a fatal disease. "If I had my life to live over, I would have talked less and listened more. I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained and the sofa faded. I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace. I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth. I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed. I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage. I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about grass stains. I would have cried and laughed less while watching television - and more while watching life. I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband. I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day. I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil or was guaranteed to last a lifetime. Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle. When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later. Now go get washed up for dinner." There would have been more "I love you's".. More "I'm sorrys" ... But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute... look at it and really see it ... live it...and never give it back." Not bad thoughts at all and very relevant for those of us who are still breathing air on the planet. For me, I would probably include much more of my time trying to live in a way that was pleasing to my Lord and Savior. Some good stuff for us all to ponder, here on this brand new Monday. May God bless. Amen. ....More later.

Without my morning coffee I'm just like a dried up piece of roast goat. ~Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) The Coffee Cantata

2012-02-10T02:26:00.000-08:00

That would be correct my friend. It is Friday, February 10, 2012, and that whirring sound we are hearing is the sound of time getting away from us. You never know what might happen to your stuff when it gets sent all over the world wide web. The little ditty I did the other day on one of my favorite subjects, coffee, garnered this response in the comments section from a reader, out there somewhere: "Dear Sir, I stumbled on your Blog by accident and could not stop reading. I should be studying but I thought to myself that I will go to bed a hour later tonight to catch up, as your blog is good reading material. I must admit that I do enjoy your blog very much. I just want to let you know that you are not alone and that I share your sentiment on that rich aromatic, full bodied beverage which we so fondly refer to as coffee. I am "slightly" addicted to it. Maybe the word "slightly" is an understatement, but I always believe to be modest than to brag about my addiction. After all, an addiction is not something that we are suppose to brag about. I even take my own coffee to university as I became very "touchy" about the quality of my coffee. Trust me, if I say that not even a military cook can manage to make worse coffee than our cafeteria at university, and then they expect one to actually pay money for it. Ha, you only trick me once. I have to go as the last bit of coffee just ran down my throat and I need to refill my mug before I start again revising for tomorrow. God Bless and may God's hand protect you and your family that you may share thousands mugs of coffee together. February 7, 2012 2:18 AM." Pretty neat, don't you think? I also received a another note from one of my coffee loving buddies and he said he had sent that particular blog to a number of his associates that seriously enjoy their cup of Joe. Here's a quote for you carry with you as you go your way today: "The morning cup of coffee has an exhilaration about it which the cheering influence of the afternoon or evening cup of tea cannot be expected to reproduce.~Oliver Wendall Holmes."

That concept of "I stumbled upon" is one that helps define how life is actually lived. Or maybe the "I just happened to be" is another one of those that make each day interesting. This week I just happened to be in a confined space with two interesting fellows. One was from France and the other was a young man originally from Mexico. I was actually transporting them to a customer site to oversee them doing some follow up work. The fellow from France brought up the subject of religion. As my wife would say, "He obviously had no idea who he was riding with." He had been raised Catholic but while in the French Foreign Legion he converted to Islam. I listened to his story intently and asked a few probing questions here and there. He was passionate about his reason for embracing the Koran. Then it was my turn. I was able to share with him why I believe The Bible, why I believe in Jesus as not only the Son of God, but as God the Son. I shared with him the words of our Savior when he announced that He and He alone is the way, the truth, and the life, making it clear that no one can come to the Father except through Him, the Son. (John Chapter 14) The young Hispanic fellow was mesmerized as the ping pong comments went forth and back. It was cordial but clear and it was quite a ride, I must say. Now I ask that you join me in praying that God will use the seeds planted to work in this man's life. That's right folks. I know that he was taking it in and I know he appreciated me taking the time to share my thoughts on The Truth. It was one of those "I just happened to be" moments and I thank God for the opportunity. Amen.

We just never know what a day might bring but it helps us if we follow this admonition: "...always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;..", 1st Peter, Chapter 3, Verse 15. Sometimes we neglect the meekness and fear part. That's where we show respect and humility as opposed to breathing out fire and brimstone or beating someone over the head with our Bible. This doesn't mean we soft peddle the truth, but it does mean we share truth with love and compassion. One of the things that everyone detests, including us all, is to try and deal with someone who looks down on us indicating a superior or arrogant spirit. I just threw that in because to tell you the truth, it took quite a bit of patience for me to hear that fellow out as he went on and on. But, since I was willing to listen to him, he, in turn, was willing to listen to me. That was my first time to deal directly with someone who had embraced Islam and it was pretty exciting to have that dialogue and to be able to share Christ. Now, it is on to today's agenda where we will all have our "I stumbled upon" or "I just happened to be" moments. Have a wonderful Saturday and then go and enjoy gathering with other believers down at the meeting place on Lord's Day Sunday. Why do I say that each Friday? Because based on my experience it really will 'do a body good'. Y'all take care now. You hear? May God bless each one. Amen. .....More later.

Think about it: We are blessed beyond measure!

2012-02-09T02:33:00.000-08:00

Just how thankful are we? No. I really mean it. Just how thankful are we on this Thursday, February 9, 2012? What prompted that question? I read a Church newsletter from a pastor friend up in West Virginia. His music pastor, Brother Greg, had an opening challenge and I thought I would get us going today by using it. Here's how he put it: "Praise God from whom all blessings flow!!! Did you wake up this morning? ( I guess you did if you are reading this.) Some people didn't wake up today. Did you get out of bed? Some people were not able to get out of bed. Did you have breakfast? Some people had nothing to eat. Did you make it to work? Some people have been laid off from their jobs, some have been unemployed so long their unemployment benefits have run out. Did you drive to work? Some people do not have a car. Did you accomplish something worthwhile at work? Some people are severely handicapped or have been severely injured and can't do any physical work at all. Did you make it home safely after work? Some people didn't. Did you have a home to go to? Some people have no place to live. Did you have someone at home to share your day with? Some people are all alone. Praise God for the blessings you have received. Thank Him most of all for the salvation of your soul." That was a little bit of conviction served up when I read it but I think it is something we all need to meditate upon. Thanksgiving is not always something that comes naturally to us. Amen? Yes. I hear those affirmations: Me too! Amen!

I more or less stumbled onto that one and since it spoke to me, I figured there might be someone else it could encourage. At the same time, I'm not one of those who thinks our thankfulness should be based solely on the woeful conditions of others. Our grateful response to all that God has done for us should prompt us to be proactive in having a thankful heart and a thankful lifestyle. We all know that typically there are others who are worse off than ourselves and the theme of that reprinted message more or less reminded folks of that. But we are actually instructed to give thanks in all things because us doing so is the express will of God for us. This is a specific admonition/instruction given by God through His Apostle Paul as recorded in the First Letter to the Thessalonians, Chapter 5, Verse 18. We recently witnessed the baptism of a teenager who had an incredible testimony to share. She is a leukemia patient currently in remission but she expressed how that her diagnosis played a role in her coming to know the Living Lord of the universe as her Savior. My baby sister, Kayla, had a similar testimony. As she came to the end of her journey with her life cut short by cancer at age 27, she said that she was so blessed to have had 18 months after her diagnosis to speak to the people she wanted to reach, and to share her story, and in becoming so close to her Lord. She felt so blessed to have had it work out this way. No. Leaving here was incredibly difficult because of family and friends but she embraced her promotion with a spirit of grace, humility, and thankfulness. Not because she had to conjure up an image of someone worse off than her, but only because of the nearness she experienced of God and His grace during the final days of her sojourn here. The Apostle Paul said that we should: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!” Quoted from his letter written to the Philippians, Chapter 4, Verse 4. Amen.

I'm so glad that we who know the Lord can share with others our testimony of His working in the lives of His own. I was visiting with a dear brother at our inner city Bible club last Tuesday and he was telling me about a victory won in the life of an individual they had been praying for over a long period of time. I had also been praying about this matter and I can tell you that he and I shared a moment of joy as he rehearsed this moving of God to change the heart and direction of someone near and dear to him. Isn't it wonderful to have stories that are about real people where God has worked to accomplish great things? It's not just the folks in our Bible. They are great illustrations and many are great role models. But we have the promise of God's Spirit abiding in us and at work in and around us to accomplish His purpose in the lives of men, women, boys, and girls. As I read about it in The Scriptures, I can see myself in so many of the individuals there along with their challenges and situations. I've also lived it growing up where folks cried out to God in times of great need and He responded, not always by removing an obstacle, but by making Himself known resulting in our seeing faith and perseverance being worked out before our very eyes. That's why when I read about those folks who are both mentioned by name, and some unnamed in the Heroes of Faith as found in Hebrews Chapter 11, I am aware other names have been added, and are still being added as God works in and through His very own. The world conditions us to seek all this life has to offer us with a focus on personal gratification. But, we are witness to those who chose a different route, to believe in God, to stay faithful to Him, even during trying times, and today we seek to be one that will be remembered for the very same reasons. May God help us to live in such a way that we too will leave behind a legacy that bears testimony to the God we knew and served. Amen. ....More later.

Forget health food. I need all the preservatives I can get!

2012-02-08T03:09:00.000-08:00

Okey-dokey. Made it to that middle of the week, here on Wednesday and we discover it is February 8, 2012. Thanks for tuning in to today's episode where you find me once again working without a net, without a script, and mostly, without a clue. Don't you just love it when things are said mostly to be the way they are because of the aging process? The longer I hang around, it is the more I hear this kind of stuff. Like the old Hee Haw joke, "Doctor, it hurts when I do this." Doctor: "Well, stop doing that, and remember it is just part of the aging process." Give me a break. I've read there are some doctors who refuse to give this as an excuse to their patients. We all should be so lucky. How about this one? "That sounds just about right.....FOR A PERSON YOUR AGE." Makes me want to lay down on the floor and holler out, "I've fallen and I can't get up." Not really. I know what you are thinking. The fact that I am writing about this is only because the shoe fits, and it only proves that these remarks are consistent with the aging process. I Googled up some responses to this fill in the blank: "I'm not getting older, I'm......." Getting better at denial. ~ Getting more discounts. ~ Getting bitter. ~ Getting more forgetful. ~ Getting busier. ~ Getting poorer. ~ Just getting. ~ Becoming more complex. ~ Progressing through LIFE. ~ I've always tended to treat these kind of things in a blended approach, therefore, I'm most likely a little of 'all of the above'. But, does that mean we have to be reminded of it, every single day? I will tell you that some folks may worry about using up trees but the people who sell Medicare related insurance products, they don't. I probably received at least a three foot stack last year, and now my wife is up to bat and every single day the mailbox is leaning from the weight of new stacks of materials. The person who said they were not getting older just more complex may have been on to something. That's what I'm thinking. I'm getting one. That is, a complex.

Don't get me wrong. I am very thankful for the ability to have mobility, to be able to get up and go each day. Casey Stengel, the great baseball manager, was quoted as saying: "A lot of people my age are dead at the present moment." Another old joke says that any day above ground is a good day. This tells us that while we are still able to breathe air here on the planet, God is not finished with us yet. In my case, like the song that children sing, 'He's still working on me'. I remember that passage from Jeremiah Chapter 18 about the Potter and the pottery wheel. The Master Potter uses His hands and His instruments to shape, mold, and yes, at times, to remake that clay into what He envisions it to be. No wonder I'm still here. In Ephesians Chapter 2, we read these words: "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God before prepared that we should walk in them." Dr. Charles Stanley says this verse means that the Lord God of heaven is working to make us into an object of notable excellence. When it comes to me, I suppose I should be very happy that our God never sleeps or slumbers, because I've got a long way to go. You know. Diamond in the rough because of His grace alone, with a whole lot of chipping and polishing still needed to reflect back the glory and honor He deserves. And, those truths may be related to the aging process because wisdom, while not limited to age, certainly does often accompany it. Something for us all, regardless of our age, to think about. Amen.

I was looking at some of the newest bumper stickers that are intended to bring a smile. There's plenty out there that are crude and offensive but some are pretty funny. Like: ~ Adults are just Kids with money. ~ As long as there are tests, there will be prayer in schools. ~ Consciousness: That annoying time between naps. ~ Don't believe everything you think. ~ God must really love stupid people, He made so many of them. ~ Follow your dreams, except for the one where you are at school in your underwear. ~ News Flash: Humpty Dumpty was pushed! ~ I could use some happy right now. ~ I'd work from home but I would miss my daily dose of ROAD RAGE! ~ I'm an optimist but I don't think it helps much. ~ I'm not a complete idiot, some parts are missing. ~ Sing it, bad boy! But please roll up the windows. ~ I'll save some of the others for another day and at this time I will close out today's cornucopia of confusion. About the only thing I can be certain of would be The Scriptures I used earlier. Since they are breathed out by the Lord God Himself, we can always stake our everything on them because of Him. Have a great Wednesday and Lord willing I will be serving up some yet to be known or revealed stuff for our next session together. May God bless. Amen. ....More later.

Be careful saying that Jesus is on your side.

2012-02-07T02:26:00.000-08:00

My wife asked what was up with the onslaught of corny jokes. I told her that's what happens when I am doing my best to avoid talking about that subject I had previously agreed to avoid. Well, here we are, it's Tuesday, February 7, 2012, and I am going to have to call a time out on my agreement, at least long enough to address President Obama's recent use of our Savior to support his plan to increase taxes. When someone quotes from the Bible they do get my attention. After two tours through seminary classes, and more than 40 years of study and teaching, I do take seriously any and all things pertaining to the Word of God. He said that Jesus would support his plan to increase taxes on the rich and he quoted from this verse: "But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For to whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more." (Luke 12:48) He, of course, only used the sentence in bold. The reason I am compelled to speak out on this has to do with the liberal mindset demonstrated in how our President views things. This verse is a call to him, personally, and to you, and to me. It is not a mandate for a worldly minded government to forcibly take from the citizenry in order to decide how it should be redistributed. It has to do with anyone who has been blessed with talent and treasures using them in a responsible way. I mentioned a few days ago how the Obamas' have little to show in tangible terms that indicates how they have put this verse into practice in sharing the tremendous wealth they have been blessed to enjoy. Outside of very minimum giving in terms of charitable endeavors, they have mostly given photo ops and lip service to what it means for someone to honor the weight of what Jesus was talking about. This is how liberals think. They want to use every one's funds to pursue their vision but for the most part they have little to show in terms of personal commitment of their personal resources. I am sick and tired of those who twist The Scriptures to try and sell their stuff. And, he has exactly the sum total of zero credibility as a Bible quoting person since he sat and listened to hate and venom spewing from the pulpit in the Church he attended for over twenty years. Hear me right on this. I fully support a taxation system that is fair, for everyone, but I also know that in the hands of fallen people, that's likely never to be achieved, especially by a government corrupted by its politically driven nature. Okay. I feel a little bit better and now I will return to the agreement we previously had, still in progress. You know the one. It's the one punctuated by the corny jokes.

She should be happy I never used some of the really bad ones. What's that? You actually are interested in the ones I didn't share? Okay, but don't blame me. ~ The Teddy Bear was dining in the restaurant and the waiter asked if he wanted dessert. His response, 'No thank you, I'm stuffed." ~ "A jumper cable walks into a bar and orders a drink. The bartender told him, "Okay, I'll serve you but don't try to start anything." ~ "An invisible man married an invisible woman. I've been told their children were nothing to look at either." ~ "Did you hear what the digital clock said to the grandmother clock? "Look ma, no hands." ~ "A lady walks into a building and tells the clerk, 'I'll have a cheeseburger with fries please.' The clerk replies, 'Lady, this is a library.' To which she whispers quietly, 'I'll have a cheeseburger with fries please.' ~ "Knock, knock. Who's there? Little old lady. Little old lady who? I didn't know you knew how to yodel." ~ "What did Tarzan say when he saw the elephants charging? He didn't say anything because he didn't recognize them. They were all wearing sunglasses." ~ Don't threaten me. I am only a reporter. I would guess the people who came up with these are living in a secret location with new identities. They are that bad!

I enjoyed watching the Super Bowl game in a sort of interested/dis-interested manner. I was pulling for the Giants for no good reason other than liking the Manning family story and not being a big fan of the dynamic duo of Brady and Belichick. I've never cared that much for Coach Coughlin but I will admit him being currently at 65, the oldest coach in the NFL did have some appeal to me. The game itself was intense. The defenses on both sides were bruisingly brutal. The commercials were nothing to write home about and at the end I felt good that the team I chose to support won, but I wasn't standing up and shouting or anything like that. I actually enjoyed following Tim Tebow last week as he was at Indianapolis for the game build up. The news media just can't seem to understand why it is that people like this young man. They reported how that he was one of if not the most popular athletes wherever he went and whatever he found himself doing. In one shot I saw of the big media center you could see Tim with a huge crowd waiting to get his autograph. A couple of desks down sat Joe Montana with very few folks in line. I saw Tim accept the 'Never Say Never' award at the NFL Honors ceremony. When he addressed the audience he first gave honor and glory to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The audience did something pretty strange. They applauded. He then gave credit to his coaching staff and teammates. Finally, he commented how that it had been a great evening and when you can see Alec Baldwin go down on one knee and pray, well, while it was a parody of Tim's famous bowing, Tim said it was worth coming to see. Good testimony and hopefully he will be, with God's help, a good role model for younger athletes for years to come. And, I will say a prayer for him that God will use him in mighty way. Amen. Have a great Tuesday and I'll see you next time. ...More later.

What do you call a baby monkey? A chimp off the old block!

2012-02-06T02:52:00.000-08:00

Someone sent me a cartoon the other day. Two fellows are sitting on the park bench talking. One says to the other: "Yeah, my wife asked me what I intended to do today. I told her - - nothing." She said, "That's what you did yesterday." The man said this is what he told her, "That's right but I haven't finished yet." And, I'm not finished yet either on this Monday, February 6, 2012. I suppose I must have seen my shadow last Thursday because it was Groundhog Day and I did have to go to the dentist. I know that doesn't make much sense but it is still early and maybe, just maybe, it will get better as we go. One can always hope. Sometimes things just end up sounding funny. Like one teenager who wrote an essay with the title: Obesity is a large issue. Or the fellow who asked, "Did I tell you about my new gym? It has worked out well." Sometimes a headline has a reason to shine: "Daycare Fire Raises Questions/Sparks an Investigation." Or maybe this one: "Housing for Elderly Still not Dead." How about this from an agency report: "We experienced 150 drug related deaths last year, an all time high." Government can also participate: "Red tape continues to hold up bridge." Then we have this one from a Church: "There was a sprinkling of children among those being baptized." Okay. I give up. Some of these puns are pretty puny but it does show just how 'punny' anyone can be if they are not watching their words.

I know what many of you are thinking: "He is nothing less than a veritable smorgasbord of scrumptious surprises this morning." What's that? Not even close? I didn't really think so but I love that sentence so I thought I would find a place for it. That sentence might qualify as one of those opening volleys intended to hook or draw the reader in. They tell me that great authors were masters in crafting their opening sentences. I'm not nearly so clever, therefore, I follow a different approach. It's a stylistic variation that is not as well known. It's called the Open Letter system. When I sit down to write "I open up and letter fly." And, as you can tell, that's what happens here, the letters fly and often I can't even be sure what I intended. Not really. But, it is interesting to evaluate how these techniques are used to capture and keep our attention. Dickens wrote, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times..." (A Tale of Two Cities, 1859) I suppose he couldn't find a place for the word smorgasbord. But we can forgive him since that word was not coined until between 1915-1920 by the Swiss. Where else can you tune in and find some Redneck humor one day and quotations from a literary giant like Dickens the next? I'll end this little vocabulary venting with that famous pun that makes nearly every list: "Did you hear about the guy who emailed ten puns to friends, in the hope that at least one of the puns would make them laugh? Unfortunately, no pun in ten did."

Santa and his buddy, Braden.

It doesn't take that much to make my day. There's a little guy who comes to our local fellowship on Sunday evenings to be a part of our children's Bible club. His name is Braden. Braden has some learning challenges but he is one special little guy. His parents are friends with one of the young couples in our Church who are raising a beautiful child who is autistic. Braden has been at Chic-fil-A the last two years when I was there as Santa. This last time he told me he was going to make me an ornament. I am the greeter on Sunday evenings at the door where most of the kiddos come in. He knows that I am Santa and he told me several times he keeps forgetting to bring me my ornament. The other evening he brought it to me. What a blessing. Then, the other day I saw their family picture on Facebook when I was on the page of the couple who goes to our Church. I clicked on it and the photo I've included for your viewing pleasure was on their front page. Now, I ask you, "How many times have you ever landed on someone's Facebook page and been surprised to see yourself as Santa, bigger than life, sitting there with a young man named Braden?" Not even one time? Ah ha! And, you thought I was just this ordinary fellow who wasn't very famous at all. Right? Think again Buckaroo! I know it sounds like I am gloating but that would not reflect the truth at all. I'm blessed to have the opportunity to bring a little joy to children, and to have the sense to thank God for being able to enjoy it so much. I discovered that photo by accident. Or did I? I report, you decide. Have a wonderful Monday and may God add His blessings to it! Amen. ....More later.

One ancient theory is that coffee was discovered by the Ethiopians. They observed the goats dancing after eating some beans.

2012-02-03T02:48:00.000-08:00

I hope you are enjoying a good cup of coffee as you join me this morning, on this Friday, February 3, 2012. I've made it a point not to discuss my drinking habits with my new doctor. Coffee drinking habits. I've adopted the recently discarded military practice, "Don't ask, don't tell." I don't have a clue what he might think about it but why risk a confrontation. I have been trying to manage my consumption and I am happy to report that the efforts continue even though the results are somewhat iffy at this time. One good way of knowing you need to cut back some is to recognize the symptoms that occur when you have overindulged. ~ You get a letter telling you that Juan Valdez has named his donkey after you. ~ You haven't blinked since the last lunar eclipse. ~ You don't walk in your sleep, you jog. ~ The only way you can watch a movie on dvd is in fast forward mode. ~ You are able to type 60 words per minute, with your feet. ~ You complete 20 miles on your treadmill and then discover it wasn't plugged in. ~ Your goal in life: To amount to a hill of beans. ~ When someone asks how you are doing, you reply: "I'm good to the last drop." ~ You can't wait to get to sleep because you are so anxious to wake up and smell the coffee. ~ You accidentally introduce your spouse as your coffee-mate. ~ Those would be warning signs that perhaps one has had a little too much of the caffeinated nectar. I suppose I can take credit for sharing these with you as a public service. That way you will avoid having to deal with something like this happening: "Doctor, every time I sip on my coffee I feel a jabbing pain in my eye." Doctor responds, "Try taking the spoon out of your cup."

This is what you get when I continue to avoid that other subject. You know that one that may well be the elephant in the room, or maybe the donkey. It has been an interesting week and I am always feeling better when I finish with a sense of having accomplished something. For me, that typically means chipping away at some tasking, here, there, and yonder. Filling in a few blanks. Following up and cleaning up some loose ends. But, we all have our schedules and you need only listen to folks to learn that many feel loaded down with all they have to try and get done each day. That's not new. Jesus spoke to a group of folks one day who were experiencing the same sort of situation. They were loaded down. Not only in trying to make it each day in a world where their nation was being ruled by hateful outsiders, but their approach to their religion tended to be burdensome and crushing as they tried to make it each day. Jesus had an answer for them and by association, for us as well: "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-29 as rendered by the New American Standard Bible.) Many have pointed out that the 'yoke' would have been a double with two carrying the weight, meaning Jesus would be helping to carry the load. One old preacher put it this way: "If you want to live a life where you can deal with your burdens, you need to get 'yoked up' with Jesus." The other thing we see is how that relief comes from the inside - out, rest for your soul. A wonderful truth that can help change our attitude and our altitude! Amen.

I always find it interesting when people advise others not to preach to someone who needs help. By preaching I suppose they mean condemnation but often they also include sharing any of God's truth. Wow! I've even been told before that sharing God's Word is the last thing they needed to hear. Wow! That really puts us in a bind because all of us are nothing but beggars who get to tell other beggars where to find nourishment. When we remove the opportunity to give someone the source, well, that may make someone feel a little better, but when it comes to helping them solve their greatest needs, it will not set them free. And, I am aware of using gentleness and respect when we do try to help those in need but without God's help, for you, for me, and for anyone else, we really have nothing to offer. All the help this world can come up with will never come close to the power of God to work in a person's life. He is, after all, the Creator, therefore, He knows exactly what each of His created humans stand in need of. Okay. I suppose you could call that a mini sermon but it really just sort of fell out and when I can't come up with something else, I attempt to share what is percolating at the time. No. The percolating comment is not a way to get back to some more about coffee but it does remind me that I still have some to enjoy, therefore, I'll go pour another cup and also bid you a wonderful Saturday, and Lord's Day Sunday, and Lord willing I will see you next time where I will be trying to compose a tune or two on the old keyboard. May God bless. Amen. .....More later.

The attitude of Congress toward hidden taxes is not to do away with them, but to hide them better.

2012-02-02T02:28:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Thursday, February 2, 2011 where I am proud to announce that I have finished my taxes. This is the first time in years that we didn't wait until the middle of April. I had increased my deductions some last year with a target of being close to a break even outcome. We were very close with just a small amount due back to us. I was able to do all of this sitting at my desk at home. I used the TaxAct software but there are any number available to assist in this process. My filing is about seven pages and it is impressive how far these software tools have come. Since I've used this one for a number of years I was able to input last year as a starting point. I then only had to change the amounts and add any new inputs. Once the basic return is input then a number of checking routines are executed as well as a line by line comparison for the past two years. I suppose from the time I downloaded the new software until the time that I sent in my return electronically, I probably used up a little over two hours of my time. They predict that a small deposit will be coming to our bank in about seven days. I've done my own taxes for all but a couple of years and I well remember some of those all day sessions spent beating my head against the wall trying to get everything compiled and ready to file. Yes, I am also aware of the risks associated with doing transactions online in real time but I see the risk-reward here as being very much in favor of doing it this way. And, I no longer hear the wife telling the children, "Don't talk to daddy right now, he's getting ready to be in a bad mood because he's preparing our tax return." Too bad it came twenty years after they left home. And, you are right, the fact that I didn't have to send a check also helps!

Tax return finished, filed electronically. My wife's Medicare application that will take affect later this year, filed electronically. My wife's retirement application completed, filed electronically. I still have to add her to the Medicare supplemental and that will also be filed electronically. Now I am not going to try and be mean but may I just say that trying to get these things done either over the telephone or by going to a field location, well, if you have ever tried, it's no wonder people are being driven to doing it all online! It's not that the people are discourteous but it's the process and the system they use and the built in delays and the frustrations. I well remember going to get my driver's license renewed. It was required to get a new photo. (I must remember to do this again in 2014. Note to self: Order up some anti-depressants before going to that renewal place.) I showed up and hit the jackpot. No one was there. Hallelujah! I walked over to the booth where the lady was at her computer. She told me that I should go back behind the red line and wait until my number is called. Hello? "There's no one here, madam." She started calling out numbers. I ran back over to the number machine, grabbed one, and waited until mine came up. Lucky me. I talk to mom and dad every day. They are not able to do these things on a computer and I know how much of their time is spent trying to get a call back or to get a question answered. Sure, I would love person to person communication but when the system is so cumbersome, and, oh by the way, you don't always get correct information, it's no wonder people are finding out how to use anything, including the computer and the internet to get their business done. Again, the risks are there but taken within the context of doing it some other way, I'll take all the precautions that are prudent but will continue to do all I can electronically. I sure hope I don't have a bad dream tonight about that incident up at the renewal joint.

Okay. You have to know that I do tend to embellish things. Surprised? I bet you are not surprised. Take for instance the feral cats. They are here but they are probably not as bad as I make them out to be. Some have made suggestions about how to reduce their population, but I believe someone has worked on that problem because there are fewer now than before. I am not a cat lover. Sorry. If you are. Good for you. I'm not. I do not like for them to stare at me but I am aware that this is what cats do. Some of my stories tend to be a little over the top. And, they likely do get more so with time and the retelling of them. Any exaggerations that I use are done so for either making a point or in my attempt to bring a laugh or smile. Some don't need any help at all because that is how it actually happened. I've said all along that some of the funny things we encounter in life are there for our enjoyment, if we are tuned in and seeing them for what they are worth. However, if our intention is to be glum about it all, then we become less because of it. There are times to be serious and, yes, these are serious times we are living in. In the Bible study I teach on Sunday mornings and the one I lead on Wednesday evenings, we deal with verse by verse study. We are very serious about our study. But, we also enjoy our time together. That's right. We are able to laugh out loud if the situation calls for it, and I think we all are better off for it. Often, my illustrations that typically poke fun at myself becomes the basis for a good laugh. Balance is key. But without a smile or a laugh, life would be pretty sad. I'm thankful that I've got plenty of material because I don't have to go far to find something funny about yours truly. Try it out on yourself. Who knows? There may be more to laugh about than you thought! May God bless until we meet again. Amen. .....More later.

You might just be one if you have ever thought a quarter horse to be one that sits out in front of Wal-Mart.

2012-02-01T02:46:00.000-08:00

Okay. Because I love my wife, today I will not say anything at all about politics. If she is any indication, we sure have a lot of folks who would rather just change the channel forever and ever, Amen. Sadly, that will not solve any of our problems but true to my word I will try and stay away from the subject here in today's edition on this Wednesday, February 1, 2012. I have not watched any of the redneck reality shows. I did read where one of the women on the show was concerned about the way in which her family was portrayed. Hello? I hope she didn't think they put her redneck family on television in order to promote abandoned cars as yard ornaments. That same article said the ratings thus far were pretty good. And, that means more dollars from advertisers and eventually merchandise sales and all of that should help ease her embarrassment over what people might think. That reminded me that I haven't shared any redneck sayings lately. ~ "He fell out of the ugly tree and hit every branch on the way down." ~ "Darlin.You’re hotter than doughnut grease at a fat man convention." ~ "Ain't no point in beatin' a dead horse...'course, can't hurt none either." ~ You might have some redneck in your family if you ever: "Kept a can of Raid on the kitchen table." ~ "You think that a turtleneck is what they use in making soup." ~ "You have a framed picture of Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, or Elvis hanging over your fireplace." ~ "You have burned your yard to keep from mowing." ~ "You have ever given new mousetraps as Christmas gifts." ~ I admit some of those are pretty bad but it at least has nothing to do with that subject I'm not talking about today.

I also read the other day that the new series on the Weather Channel about Coast Guard rescues in Alaska has become a big hit. They have ordered up two more seasons. We say: Hooray. We love that show. We finally like a show that other people are watching. It only took about thirty years. I have a better understanding and have developed a profound respect for the folks they call Swimmers. These are the Coast Guard personnel that either jump or they are let down into the icy waters where the storm is brewing and folks are in distress. They've had some episodes that featured their training. Talk about some rough stuff! The terrain in Alaska is so beautiful including the lakes and waterways but it can be a most dangerous place as well, at times changing so quickly people are immediately put in harm's way. We also try to catch the Alaska State Trooper program on the National Geographic Channel. It is the standard cops type format but with Alaska being the backdrop, it has some amazing stories including the exploits of wild people and wild animals. No. We are not planning on moving to Alaska. That just happens to be the setting for these episodes that are well presented, making them interesting to us, as we see it. You might like watching reruns of 'My Three Sons', or 'The Rockford Files'. That I suppose is why most of us have at least 200 channels to choose from. That way we can have so much to not be interested in. I think I know what I just said but I will think about it some and let you know if I come up with something better.

We had a guest speaker last Sunday evening in our Bible study class. At the end I announced that we would not have a class next Sunday because it is an AWANA Children's Bible Club skip night. I also said that it happened to coincide with the Super Bowl. One of our very faithful men immediately spoke up and said he did not appreciate the fact that the Super Bowl would have any impact on scheduling services for our fellowship. He gave a very impassioned view of why he believed that having services would be a great way to show our honor for our Savior. I couldn't agree more. But, as I told him, that was something that began a few years ago and if I remember correctly it actually did happen at first by coincidence. After that, it more or less became a part of the schedule. Again, I totally agree with the points he made and I would be there, Lord willing, if we were to have our services. Some Churches do the party deal and show the game up on the big screen. We've tried that before. The fellows in the booth try to block out the inappropriate commercials but that has proven harder to do than one might think. I know it is a difficult decision in terms of trying to accommodate people's preferences but there are times when it just might be good to take a stand. As part of my dear friend's comments he said we need to always in every way possible show respect for the One who gave His life on The Cross for us. How could anyone argue with that? Something to think about. Have a great day and may God bless. Amen. ....More later.

I’m so busy...I don’t know if I found a rope or lost my horse.

2012-01-31T02:39:00.000-08:00

Hello and welcome once again to that place where keystrokes go to be cast into oblivion, or a facsimile there of, so to speak, if you know what I mean, on this Tuesday, January 31, 2012. It seems like just thirty days ago we were ushering in a new year. That's because it was a new year. Good. Thanks for reminding me. I would say I've not been myself lately but then you would want to know who I think I am and then that would get rather complicated, therefore, I will try to soldier on and work my way through these challenges. I'm only joking. I know exactly who I am and that's enough to keep anyone awake at night. But, how in the world are you doing these days? Are you mostly like the rest of us in that you find yourself so busy that you feel like you are constantly meeting yourself coming back? Or maybe you are so frazzled by it all that you feel like you have been pulled through a rat hole backwards. That's our so-called modern, busy life. I received a note from a dear brother in our Church on his way back from a mission trip to the Philippines. He said the people there in the remote areas have no concept of time and he believed that may be one of the reasons they seem to be so happy. Wait a minute. How could they be happy if they are not running around all day like a chicken with their head cut off? How dare them? They need some of our modern conveniences and our know how to make their lives easier, and better. Right? It just makes you wonder why we think we are so smart and everyone else is so dumb. Now, I know you know what I mean.

I suppose I will begin acting my age, someday. I was telling my wife the other day about how that I still show respect, courtesy, and deference towards the older people I meet. I do it without thinking. The other day at the store it happened several times. When I got out to my car it suddenly hit me. I'm as old or maybe even older than some of those folks I was trying to assist. My wife said I do this because I don't think old and I can't see myself that way. I don't want to end up one day like the little cub scout who got into trouble for helping the little old lady cross the street. Why did he get into trouble? Because the little old lady did not want to cross the street. Maybe I've read one too many articles about how that 70 is the new 60 in today's senior citizen world. That scale ratio would place me back in my late 50's, therefore, I suppose I should be showing respect for my elders. That's what I was taught to do when I was a child. I guess mom can be proud that something stuck with me. It does make me wonder if one day I will wake up and begin walking across the room like one of those Tim Conway bits where he is playing the old man. You know. Those stutter steps always cracked me up but they might not be so funny when that's all I can do. Joking only. I am thankful that I am as well as I am. Maybe the diabetes was a blessing. It made me change my way of living. Literally. And, that may be a contributing factor to why I'm not able to act my age. What's that? You think it is mostly mental? Well, I will tell you, I've often wondered about that myself.

I downloaded my updated tax software and I have begun working to see where we stand. By now most of us are aware of the secretary who works for the billionaire Warren Buffet. She has become a national figure because of the income tax rate she pays. She pays 35% and her boss pays less than half that rate. No one asked for them to make such a big deal over all of this but our President who is intent on creating a class war based on any and all things that make us different, he and his minions thought it would be good for his campaign. That's all well and good and she, the lowly secretary, did get to sit up in the First Lady's box during the State of the Union speech. But as with all things, here's the rub: Experts have attempted to understand how she could be paying that rate. Their conclusion is that she would have to be making between $300,000 to $500,000 per year. How many secretaries do you know that make that kind of money? Warren Buffet's money is taxed differently because his is mostly based on investment income. What is missed in all of this is to look at the entire chain where his money is made from the companies he has invested in. Often, there has been many taxes paid based on state, local, and federal rates. I'm not saying the tax code we have is anything other than insane but at the same time, you, I, and everyone should know all the facts before we knee jerk a response. Would I love to see the tax code simplified? You betcha! Until then, I am thankful for those who have made it a whole lot easier by writing software to assist in fulfilling my duty as a tax paying citizen. I'm in this better mood about it since my early look says that we might break even or get a little back this year. That hasn't happened in a while so I had better check it closely because it could be a mistake but until then I will enjoy this feeling that the proverbial sword of Damocles has been kicked up a notch, for now. Have a great day and may God bless each one. Amen. .....More later.

This year's politics is serving up a buffet with lots to offer but most of it is stale, inedible, or ruined.

2012-01-30T03:36:00.000-08:00

Welcome back to our program which is already in progress. What program? The program of life, my friend, and I bid you a hearty hello here where it plays itself out on the only day we can do much about, this one, Monday, January 30, 2012. Speaking of programs, I have tried to watch some of the Republican debates but for the most part, they have been in rerun mode for some time now. After about 30 minutes you get the most of what is likely to come out of that particular program. My take is that they are having far too many of them, (19 thus far with many more to come.), and according to the latest polling, the mud fest going on is mostly helping the President. They most likely believe that when the smoke clears they will have time to repair some of this national damage but I'm not encouraged by any of them, therefore, I am praying that God will intervene in some fashion. I did hear someone say the other day that God is intervening by allowing us to have what we are living through at the moment. Maybe God is waiting on our nation to return to the values that we were founded upon. I know that many of my friends and neighbors have resigned themselves to a vote for anyone who is nominated to run against President Obama. I very much understand that sentiment, however, I will, if I feel led, write in a person's name that I feel is a better choice. That's my leaning at the moment and I am thankful that in this country we have that right, even to be wrong. It is still something we all should be praying about. Amen.

I suppose some of you think I must be a pessimist but that would not be true. Realist perhaps, but obviously one who knows that we are in trouble and the further we travel down this road it is the more that we need our God to work on our behalf. That said, we also are confident that all things do work together for good to all who love the Lord their God and are the called according to His purpose. (My rendition of the thoughts expressed in Romans 8:28.) Yesterday our class read from Matthew Chapter 11 where we have that remarkable account noting how that John the Baptist had sent some of his followers to ask Jesus if He was really the Coming One or should they be expecting another. The great man John known for his baptism denoting repentance was shut up in prison and his questions indicated that he was perhaps confused and maybe even a little depressed as he viewed how things were going. How could that be? This great man of God? Yes, it can happen to any believer. John was the last of the Old Testament Prophets and his vision of Messiah most likely included an immediate change from the evil rule of Rome to the claiming of the throne of David by Jesus the Christ. Jesus had a word for John. He sent back his followers and told them to remind John of all the miracles that were being performed and how the Gospel was being preached to the poor. He then added this: "Blessed is he who is not offended in Me." Faith. That was the answer Jesus sent to John and that is the answer He sends to us today: Keep on keeping on in your belief in your God and be thankful for the privilege of knowing Him through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

My wife and I visited a dear older lady in the hospital yesterday. This wonderful sister in Christ had been admitted due to stroke like symptoms. And, no wonder. She has been for a long time now busy 24x7 taking care of her ailing husband. But she is a champion of faith and it was our distinct privilege to pray with her as we called out to God together. At a time when many would throw in the towel she expressed her faith in God, that He would somehow work it all out. I know the world in general looks at people of faith and thinks we operate this way just so we can cope with life's challenges. We would be the first to admit there are challenges for us all but our faith life is not based on some form of psychology, no, it is founded in the Person of our Great God: Father, Son, Holy Spirit. Our faith is real because our God is real. And, we are aware that faithfulness does not always mean a successful outcome as the world counts success. Our great hero, John the Baptist, received this word back from Jesus, and I believe that he was refreshed and encouraged. I know. That's not written in the text but I'm giving you my thoughts. Why do I think this? Because Jesus knows how to send us the encouragement we need. I suppose then that everything turned out okay for John? Not as the world would assess it. Those who read and study know that not too long after this event John was executed by the King. The world would say John didn't succeed, yet, Jesus said he was one of the greatest men ever to walk on the face of the earth. He also lived his life focused on doing the will of God and in fulfilling the calling God had placed on his life. Therefore, John is forever in the presence of his God. That is the success of a faith filled life and it is one that should encourage us all today. Amen. ....More later.

Since I never got the hang of marching, I'm now meandering to the beat of a different drummer.

2012-01-27T02:21:00.000-08:00

Good morning and welcome to this work week bookend, Friday, January 27, 2012. Very early yesterday morning just after I had sent my blog out, the electrical power also went out. I was the only human person on the property. One of my co-workers had a scented candle on his desk and I finally figured out how to get it lighted. I also had my flashlights. It was just me and those infernal feral cats. You know those wild cats that roam the property like they own it, and choose as a hobby, staring me down. Oh, there's no doubt they are aware that I am not real fond of them. Therefore, I can see them channeling up some inner lioness along with that stare. And, that stare is sending a message that says this: "One of these days dude, yes, one of these days." You think I might be a little paranoid? Maybe I am. But I just have to tell you those cats give me a case of the old fashioned heebie-jeebies. I always try to get a head start on the next day's blog. No power. Sitting alone in the dark. I do have some of those flexible lights you can wear around your neck. You know, the ones, As Seen On TV, where if you buy one set you get another for no additional charge. (My guess is they could have set four sets and still made a profit.) I turned those little lights on and grabbed me some paper and began writing many of the very words you are now reading. Longhand. Old school. What's that you say? Long-winded too? Hey, that's not nice, especially for a fellow using primitive writing tools.

Quiet. Dead silence. Not a creature was stirring. That's something we all long for, right? I could see my computer just sitting there. It looked as if it was still fully dressed but with nowhere to go. Without electrical power it wouldn't even make a very good door stop. That reminded me of how the old preachers used to describe our need of God's power in our lives. Without His power at work in us, we cannot achieve the purpose of our life as a believer. Having been saved by His power, we need a daily source of enabling ability from the Spirit of the Living God. Without His enabling power we may look good on the outside, like my computer, but with nothing to show in terms of results. Without His power we can end up producing very little and could be called what my grandfather used to say, someone who looks deader than a door nail. We do well to recognize Him as our Source. Only when we are connected can we be enabled to live in a way that brings honor and glory to His Name. Now that is a good thought for the day especially for those three fellows sitting here in the dark, me, myself, and I. This would mean I need to get plugged in every day so that I can achieve all that He would have me to do! Amen.

Across our state many thousands lost power on Wednesday during the storms that passed through. We didn't even bobble here. Yesterday it was clear, crisp, cool, and then, BAM, without any warning whatsoever, someone flipped off the switch and I was in the dark. I remember watching those PBS series where they took ordinary people from our modern times and carried them back into a time when everything had to be done differently. One series saw about fifty people who had to live off the land with only the same provisions that our Pilgrim ancestors had. Sounds like fun? Not even a little bit. It was actually painful to watch these people try to make it each day. We do take our modern conveniences for granted. The people who tried to go back 300 years learned to work with their hands, in the sultry heat and the very bitter cold. They had to deal with mosquitoes and other pests. They had to find and kill game to feed themselves. And, they had to deal with new hardships each and every day. This was a harsh reality brought to this approach of intense make believe. They shed tears, wrapped their bloody hands, and fought exhaustion each of their weary days. As I watched these programs I had a renewed sense of admiration and respect for those who came before us in search of a land where they could enjoy religious freedom. I thanked God for them and I also thank God for the advances and the advantages He has allowed us to develop and use. May we all find ourselves using them for His honor and glory. Okay. The power was only off for a little less than 2 hours and I soon returned back on to the computer and he and I both were smiling again. May God bless each one until we meet again. Amen. ....More later.

Weather Tip: Never cut a hole in your umbrella to see if it has stopped raining.

2012-01-26T02:49:00.000-08:00

Hello folks, it's Thursday, January 26, 2012, and this last couple of days of weather gives me the opportunity to discuss once again one of my all time favorite subjects, news media weather forecasters. I said the last couple of days but let's face it, we have pretty much had weather every day since I've been on the planet. I've heard it was that way even before. I'm one of those who can be thankful that Texas weather is often very unpredictable and that goes both ways, sometimes with better than expected, and also at times, a worst case scenario. On Sunday and Monday the local channels did a good job preparing us for a major rain event coming our way. Some of the coverage seemed to be a little over the top but we did get a huge rain yesterday. Thankfully, it was not as bad as it could have been. Some areas in the state were harder hit but for us we got the rain without the major flooding. Thank God for the 2-1/2 inches of rain that fell at my house because we need it, and we still need more. In fact, I think most of us who carry fresh memories from last year's drought would love a few rainy months. The potential for bad weather does drive folks to watch local news and they, like the good capitalists they are, use it for full effect. This recent rain along with some very stiff winds did uncover another wrinkle from the drought. While many of the dead trees have been taken down, there are dead limbs and branches still lodged in the trees that did survive. Many of these rained down over the last couple of days and driving in was a little eerie with all the debris scattered on the roadways. It comes down to this: If it's not one thing, it's typically something else.

I tell you I know I am not the sharpest knife in the drawer at times, but some of these abbreviations just knock me down. The other evening we had the POTUS giving the SOTU address to Congress. And those two are some of the easier ones, President of the United States, POTUS, and State of the Union address, SOTU. Many times I am reading a news article and suddenly one of these acronyms show up and typically you can figure it out by the story, but man, it seems less than informative to me. They have a database out on the web with the government abbreviations listed. I am fully aware that all businesses have their own dialogue and jargon. But our government typically knows how to make everything out there to pale by comparison to their approach. That database is filled with thousands of these unique designations. There has to be some confusion because in many instances the same abbreviation is used for different functions. You could say the CFR to refer to the Council on Foreign Relations, or it could be a different CFR, the Committee on Foreign Relations. These should not be confused with the CFR that stands for the Code of Federal Regulations. No. I am not making this up. On the very first page you will find nine different designations that use AA. I thought about making a sentence using only the abbreviations and then leaving it to you to go and decode it but I actually have a slight headache just writing about this wacky stuff. And, that's not even thinking about the trillions of tax payer dollars that support their use of FSA. FSA? Yeah, you got it right the first time, that's the Flexible Spending Account!

Time for a little exciting news. Mitt Romney has released his federal tax returns for 2010 and 2011. Five hundred pages worth. I am not a Mitt Romney supporter but it was somewhat humorous to watch the media frenzy that went after those returns. It was like watching one of those nature films of piranha devouring a carcass. I heard one prime time commentator who said they had killed a lot of trees in printing and distributing these reports to their distinguished panel of experts. She also commended these folks for working around the clock to dissect, analyze, and form an opinion about the taxes paid by Mr. Romney. This was an illustrious group of people. A professor of business from a recognized high profile college. A former director of enforcement for the IRS. A tax expert that helps high income people manage their financial portfolios. A business writer for a major newspaper and of course, the commentator herself, who has been at times called a news babe. Not by me. They laid Mr. Romney's taxes out there for all to see. Their conclusion: He paid every single tax he owed as far as they could tell. BUT, alas, their consensus was that for the huge amount of money he made, he should have paid much more in taxes. That was how they saw it but they would give the disclaimer every few minutes about how that everything he did was perfectly legal even though their slant was that it was also perfectly horrible. One thing that did stick out was the Romneys' giving to their religious affiliations and other charities. They are very generous people. Compared to our President, according to his tax returns, the Obamas' are not so inclined, (It stood at 1% when he took office but since then it has been increased to 5%. You do have to give him credit for being a quick learner.), and the Bidens' even less so. I believe the Bidens' showed less than $400 to charity for the entire year of 2010. But, the panel did not play that up, but I did, only because while I may not have my own panel, I too can look at the numbers and form my own opinion. And you can do the same. It's part of the American dream. You know, it's that freedom of speech thingy. My assessment of their coverage: "We distort, you decide." Have a great Thursday and always remember these blogs can be printed out and I've heard they make really good birdcage liners. May God bless us all. Amen. ....More later.

Dear people of the world, please try to do things that make my life a little easier. Thank you very much.

2012-01-25T02:44:00.000-08:00

What? You thought maybe after that much stuff splattered here, there, and everywhere, that I would give up and throw in the towel? I can only say this about that: Not Yet! It is Wednesday, January 25, 2012, and I am trying to get ready for another day here in my neighborhood, you know, the one where I hang out each day. I just wanted to say a couple of things to you folks who use the Bluetooth connection for hands free talking while you are driving. If you are going to also use your hands when making a point, don't be surprised if some idiot, like me, tries to respond by waving back at you. We can't be sure whether we know you are not and we have been taught to always be courteous and one of the things we do is to return a wave. However, when we do, just trying to be nice and through no fault of our own, would you please after having returned this look of horror because someone waved back at your waving, refrain from giving that 'I'll call 911 on you for messing with me' look. Some people. What good is it to free up your hands for holding on to the steering wheel if you are going to drive around waving them in the air? It reminds me of when I used to ride elevators every day. You get on the elevator and it is crowded. Someone in the back says hello. They appear to be looking at you, so, again, courtesy and all of that, you return with a cheery hello, only to find out they were shooting a hello to someone behind you. That's what you call messing with people's minds. Come on folks, clean up your act! What's that? According to my wife I could also improve on some things? That's news to me, but, hey, thanks for passing it on.

Pet peeves. We all have them. I bet as you read these that I collected from the web you will be either agreeing or thinking about some that belong to you. "My greatest pet peeve is....." ~ People who share their every thought throughout their day on Facebook. We don't need to know everything! ~ When people cough or sneeze without any thought of covering it up! ~ People obsessed with their cell phones and they use them to intrude on any and all who happen to be within shouting distance. ~ Mosquito's making that incessant buzzing sound in your ear. ~ Seeing a cop give someone a pass because they are good looking. ~ The way people drive and that drives me crazy. ~ To see a garage that is full of junk and clutter. ~ When I see people using food stamps to buy junk stuff. ~ Seeing the referee call a roughing the passer penalty when they hardly even touch the quarterback. ~ People who do not wash their hands after going to the bathroom. ~ When someone tries to do a guilt trip on me and make me feel bad for doing the right thing. ~ The way kids dress today. Pull up those britches, you look like a bunch of idiots. ~ When I hear words mispronounced. ~ People who use the word 'chemistry' when they talk about their love life. Give me a break. ~ People who whine all the time. ~ Those who refuse to listen when you are trying to talk to them. ~ Anyone who happens to be in front of me at any particular moment. ~ There are many more but I think we get the idea that it doesn't take much. Right? I guess it would be a good exercise for us all to think about ourselves in terms of what behaviors we engage in that become other people's pet peeves. Meanwhile, wipe that look off your face, I hate it when people give me that look! That's right, I'm talking to you, and you, and you also!

Have you ever been pretty much put in your place? I have many times and it is good to be reminded that we do sometimes come off like we are trying to fulfill that old saying, "Who died and left you in charge?". I've told this one before but it did ring my bell one day. I could at times when I was in charge of a large department feel pretty full of myself. One day I called one of the senior managers in accounting and the young lady who answered said he wasn't taking any calls right now. That didn't sit well with me, therefore, I let her know exactly who it was that she was talking to. She chuckled and said, "So what?" The nerve. Didn't she know I could get her in hot water? What was she thinking? I hung up the phone and later when I talked to the accounting manager I asked about her. He told me that she was acting a little feisty since that was her last day on the job. I've often been reminded of that "So what?". That's right. Who am I to be lording over anyone? And, yes, it does help us to know that we have not been placed in charge of any and all people we meet. I've said all of this to help you and I think about what things that set us off. Are they really that big of a deal? Most likely many of them are not and because they are not and we are just as prone to be the source of a peeve for someone else, well, maybe we could use an attitude adjustment from time to time. What's that? Sounds like it would be a full time job in my situation? That would be exactly correct and that's why I need the Lord and His Spirit working in me and on me, 24 by 7. Amen. .....More later.

Always remember: The road to getting somewhere in life is always under construction.

2012-01-24T02:40:00.000-08:00

Greetings on this auspicious occasion. No. It's not something you would have known about. Today is special because it marks the 1200th episode of my daily visits with you, my wonderful audience. It is special to me because I have enjoyed sharing so much about my life and my views. Special because I know from some specific responses that God has used some of the verses and applications I've shared to minister to folks in their time of need. I gave up some time ago in trying to avoid repetitive stories. Why? Because my stories are on a mental Lazy Susan and they whirl around and stop without giving a lot of forewarning or notice. If on any particular day, a story shows up and it seems to fit the subject at hand, then I try to wear it. But it is Tuesday, January 24, 2012, and I am glad to be with you again. I will be the first to confess there's no way to estimate just how many mangled sentences, dangled participles, and other word atrocities I've committed since that first blog was written and published on May 9, 2007. For any of the words that did make sense I can thank my teachers including my high school English teacher, Mrs. Reba Jones. She was a huge encouragement to me in my writing. Also another teacher, Miss Mollie Self was instrumental in my life long love of reading. These folks have gone on to their reward but their influence is still a part of my life and the lives of many others who have gone on to put into practice their instruction. I've used this one many times but it does seem to be a reasonable assessment of my work thus far. It's what my grandfather used to say about me talking so much: "When is that boy going to stop long enough to come up for some air?" I'm still at it Paw Paw, and I know in many ways, you would be proud.

People are paid to come up with memorable slogans or tag lines. If they are really good they become a part of the culture. The hamburger chain Wendy's brought back one recently that took the nation by storm. "Where's the beef?" That ad campaign from the mid 1980's became so ingrained into the dialogue of our nation, the slogan began to be used in conversations from politics to visiting the neighbor at the mailbox. That would be the greatest dream for those who conjure up such ideas. Writing memorable promotional tags is big business. One I see often mentioned is the "Don't Mess with Texas!" logo. I also saw a list of state slogans the other day and they had been ranked and saluted based on their memorable message. I couldn't get into some of them but here's how they ranked the top ten. Number 1 was Montana with this slogan: "The Last Best Place". 2. Idaho —"Great Potatoes. Tasty Destinations." 3. Michigan—"Say Yes to Michigan" 4. District of Columbia—"Taxation Without Representation" 5. North Dakota—"Legendary" 6. Indiana—"Restart Your Engines" 7. Wyoming—"Like No Place on Earth" 8. Ohio—"So Much to Discover" 9. New Mexico—"Land of Enchantment" 10. Nebraska—"The Good Life" Those more near and dear to most of us were scored like this: Number 28. Texas—"It's like a whole other country." Number 30. Louisiana—"Pick Your Passion". This ranking was like most rankings, in the eyes of those doing the ranking. But, it is good to know there are actually people gainfully employed and engaged in spending their days working on stuff like this in hopes of coming up with another, "Lego my eggo!" winner.

We had a visiting speaker Sunday evening in our Bible study class. Brother Gus Moore is originally from Liberia and he fled that war ravaged country many years ago. He and his family have become American citizens but now that his homeland is somewhat stable he hopes to return soon to carry the Gospel to his fellow countrymen. Brother Gus has a passion for truth. On Sunday evening he gave tremendous insights from The Scriptures into why a candidate's recognition of the True God is essential to secure a believer's vote. Not what might be personally good in terms of policy or lower taxes. Not just because of the sentiment of anybody but the present incumbent. Those may be benefits but that, according to Brother Gus, should not drive the believer's decision. We must choose someone who recognizes the One and Only True God as given to us in the Word of God. He went on to deal directly with some of the known views regarding this issue on the part of those currently seeking the presidency. I was impressed and also convicted once again to seek God's direction in this matter. It reminded me that I cannot disconnect my faith from my duties as a citizen. My belief in God defines who I am, therefore, I need to operate my life, including the conduct of my civil affairs, in accordance with His Word. That was a sobering challenge and one that I will be praying about as we move towards this momentous time in our nation's history. May God bless each of us as we seek to please Him, yes, even in how we approach an election! Amen. .....More later.

George Washington never told a lie. He also never had to file a Form 1040.

2012-01-23T02:43:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Monday where we are celebrating the fact that we are up and able to go on this January 23, 2011. It was my privilege to officiate the funeral service of our neighbor Roscoe last Saturday afternoon. These are always sad occasions but my desire was to point everyone there to the reality of God being the source of true comfort and peace. Roscoe leaves behind a lasting testimony of being a good neighbor. Plain spoken and direct, you never had to wonder where he stood on any particular issue. He will be missed. We also received word of the passing of another dear friend, Troy Bailey. Troy was 89 years young and about as genuinely sweet as they come. He was a WW2 veteran and we are so very proud to call him and his wife Dorothy true friends for many, many years. Brother Troy came to the know the Lord later in life but he was one faithful man and he and I loved to exchange stories about that good old fashioned home cooking. We could talk the talk regarding peas, butter beans, fried okra, homegrown tomatoes, and some of that skillet cornbread. Throw a little of that home canned pepper sauce into the mix and both of us would soon be wiping the drool off our smiling faces. I attended his home going service Saturday morning and left immediately to do the service for our neighbor Saturday afternoon. May God bless the memory of this fine gentleman and brother in Christ and may God bring comfort to his mourning family. Amen.

You may have heard by now that Paula Dean the celebrity cook on the food channel has announced that she is diabetic. I've never been a fan of Paula Dean but I know enough about her cooking style to say that she may be directly responsible for at least a good share of the Type 2's who became diabetics while using her recipes. She has signed up with a diabetes drug company and I can almost guarantee you that pretty soon she will be hawking all kinds of diabetic cookbooks. Her world for years has revolved around the concept that you could never add too much butter or granulated sugar. I read where a number of the diabetic associations are welcoming her as a spokesperson for dealing with this disease. I have my own thoughts about that: No thank you. Maybe she will have one of these huge events where everyone can bring her old cookbooks and burn them. They say most folks have trouble tolerating those who become preachy about their conversion from fatty foods to healthy eating. At that book burning event they will no doubt provide the opportunity to stop by the merchandise booth for any number of her brand new personal nutrition guides, healthy cookbooks, and maybe even some autographed diabetic cooking utensils. If she actually ends up helping some folks in the process of selling the antidote to her previous cooking style, well, I suppose that will be progress. As for me, I will stick with my Dora the Explorer gummy snacks and dream about opening a package where all of them will be lime flavored. Now that would be sweet, if you know what I mean.

Sometimes your kids know how to encourage you. When I told our youngest, Rodney, that I would be doing the service for Roscoe, he volunteered this information. He said, "Dad, if you do 5% as good as you did for Uncle Donald's service, it will be great, because that was one of the best I've ever heard." He went on to describe why he thought it was such a tremendous service. That left me both encouraged and puzzled as I tried to remember exactly what I said at Donald's service. At any rate, I told him how much I appreciated him saying that, and it was good of him to encourage me. That got me to thinking. Wonder how much of what you or I say to others each day that fits the category of it being uplifting, complimentary, and encouraging? I wonder how much falls into the negative category or even in the neutral column? The Apostle Paul followed the example of our Savior in promoting the use of wholesome words. We are called to build each other up. That is exactly what the word edification means. (There are many different passages on this subject but a good quick summary can be found in 1st Thessalonians, Chapter 5, Verse 11.) I will admit that I felt a little more confident after Rodney said that to me. I know. With me, it doesn't take much. But it is a good object lesson for us all. And, I will add my own Amen to that! Have a great Monday and may God bless each one. Amen. .....More later.

Mary had a little lamb, its fleas were white as snow!

2012-01-20T02:26:00.000-08:00

I think everyone is aware by now that I am a word person. Using words is one of my passions. Overusing them is perhaps one of my faults and misusing them one of my habits. I love word play and was a fan of Archie Bunker primarily because of the malapropisms he came up with each week. "I got bigger fish to fly." The technical definition of a malapropism is where someone chooses a similar sounding word instead of the correct word and what comes out is usually quite humorous. Yogi Berra is known for this very thing. He once commented on the power of larger states in electing a president. He said that states like Texas sure did have a lot of electrical votes. Of course he meant electoral votes but it is certainly funnier the way he said it. It was Yogi, after all, that gave us this wise advice: "Always go to other people's funerals or they won't come to yours." It is Friday, January 20, 2012, and this is what I have on my mind for today's edition. Children have a natural ability to play in the word game. Ark Linkletter shared many wonderful insights into how children view the world. He shared this one from a little girl: "A census taker is a man who goes from house to house increasing the population." One student shared this jewel on their test: "The US Constitution was adopted to secure domestic hostility." There's plenty of hostility that has been secured but not so much tranquility. Maybe they were on to something!

Here's some word definitions I found for women. I have observed that the ladies do look at things just a wee bit different than us guys. Argument: A discussion that occurs when you're right, and continues until he realizes it. Airhead: An act you put on when pulled over for speeding. Blonde jokes: Jokes short enough for men to understand. Clothes dryer: An appliance designed to eat socks. Diet soda: A drink you buy at a convenience store to go with a half pound bag of peanut M&Ms. Diamond: Something you think should be on your finger but he can only see in a baseball park. Eternity: The last two minutes of a football game. Exercise: Walking up and down a mall, occasionally resting to make a purchase. Grocery list: What you spend half an hour writing, then forget to take with you to the store. Hair dresser: A magician who creates a hair style you can never duplicate. Hardware store: Similar to a black hole in space: once he goes in, he isn't coming out any time soon. Housework: Work around the house including moping and washing dishes. Childbirth: You go through 36 hours of excruciating contractions. He is content to hold your hand and say, "focus ... breathe... push...." Patience: The most important ingredient for dating, marriage and children. See also the entry under "tranquilizers." Waterproof mascara: Mascara that comes off if you cry, shower, or swim, but not when you try to remove it. Valentine's Day: A day when you dream of a candle light dinner, diamonds, and romance, but consider yourself lucky to get a card. ~ I found these on a language joke website. They were unattributed as to their authors. We laugh but we do know that God made us differently and that was His intention. I know we would have a better world if we all embraced His plan and purpose for His created human family. Amen.

It's no wonder we end up at times being confused. We are bombarded with contradictions day in and day out. Silence is golden but we are told it is the squeaky wheel that gets the oil. You are never too old to learn although it is well known that you can't teach an old dog new tricks. Clothes make the man but never judge a book by its cover. Great starts make great finishes but always remember it ain't over til it's over. Birds of a feather flock together but opposites attract. Good things come to those who wait but he who hesitates is lost. Okay. I'm getting weary from all of this and I know you are too. It has been a very challenging week but most of them are and that's something we all have in common. One thing I can remind us of is that God is always faithful. As the song puts it: "My Redeemer is faithful and true. Everything He has said He will do, And every morning His mercies are new. My Redeemer is faithful and true." I remember a preacher once who was so excited about a particular verse he found. It is from Psalm 139 where the writer declares in verse 12: "Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You, But the night shines as the day; The darkness and the light are both alike to You." He was excited because this tells us that God sees all the time the same. In our darkest hour, He sees it all just like He does in the brightest sunlight. The night and day, the light and the dark, they are all the same to Him. That preacher found great comfort in knowing that our God sees in the dark and perhaps we can also. Now it's time to say so long for now but I pray that you will have a good Saturday and Lord's Day Sunday, and we will see you, Lord willing, next Monday, bright and early. Amen. .....More later.

If you don't like the weather at the moment, hang on for a few minutes and it will change, sort of like Mitt Romney on any number of issues!

2012-01-19T02:33:00.000-08:00

Hello and welcome to Thursday's edition, not hot off the press, but calm, cool, and calculated off the information super highway, aka 'the internet', or the www (world wide web), I'll let you choose on this January 19, 2012. You have to love our weather. This past Saturday and Sunday I was literally dealing with a sheet of hard ice on my windshield. On Monday we were up to 75 and balmy. Yesterday morning back into the high thirties and I believe they are predicting nearly 80 by Friday. Welcome to the weather yo yo round up where we will provide all the different flavors that anyone could enjoy, enough even to make Baskin Robbins happy. Now many people believe these roller coaster ups and downs cause people to be sick. The science is rather muddled on the subject. The weather itself as an entity typically is thought not to make one sick. However, if it is cold you are indoors more and subject to picking up an ailment in a contaminated space. If it is warm you might be outside more and that could trigger allergies. If the weather makes a drastic change and you get wet, you might already have cold like symptoms and then you could have chills. The bottom line, the jury is out, and no one seems to be able to know for sure whether we have a serious threat or an old wives' tale. Meanwhile, my advice is for you to stay warm when it is cold and dress appropriately when it is warm. How's that for a meaningless piece of advice?

I hate to tell folks that I told them so but like so many constituents here in the state of Texas, we had a gut feel that our governor was not ready for prime time. If you were to go back and read my blogs written when he first announced, I predicted that he would prove himself to be an empty suit. Call it intuition or just an old fashioned reading of the tea leaves here in and around the Texas political landscape, but if anything, he has exceeded my expectations, meaning in the wrong way, by leaps and bounds. Today I hear that he is barely holding on to 2nd spot in the polls here in his home state. Ouch! Before he showed up for his first debate I believe nearly 50% of the Republican voters anticipated him to be a real alternative to Mr. Romney. That didn't work out so well, did it? I actually hear people who are surprised that he turned out to be such an embarrassment. I wasn't. Now you might think I have some kind of vendetta against Mr. Perry. Not any at all, period. I've never been a big supporter of his and I believe the record will show that even when I voted for him I made it clear that I had to hold my nose. These last few debates has made him mostly a whiner and sadly, his arguments seem to be more like those from a Harry Reid, Nancy Pelolsi, or maybe President Obama himself. As a conservative that is about as sad as it gets. But the side show continues, at least for now, and we can all hope when the smoke clears that he will be satisfied to live on his huge pension that he is already drawing. He said it was not his idea, his financial adviser told him to go ahead and take advantage of a quirk in the law and that he should start drawing, even though he is still in office. To most people that sounds like double dipping but I'm sure us mere mortals wouldn't be aware of all the precedents, procedures, and policies that caused him to have to take these funds now. Based on polling data, most Texans are not the least bit proud of him doing this.

Here's some quotes that may make you scratch your head. If they do cause you to scratch your head, well, you might not need to worry about the weather. "Always remember you are a one of a kind, just like every other person in the world." ~ "Choosing the lesser of all evils is still choosing evil." ~ "Worst excuse for not turning in your homework: I couldn't find anyone to copy it from." ~"He who laughs last just didn't get it' ~ "Whatever women do they must do twice as well as men to be thought half as good. Luckily, this is not difficult for them." ~ "Remember: Don't Insult the Alligator till after you cross the river." ~ "What if everything is an illusion and nothing exists? In that case, I definitely overpaid for my carpet." ~ "Money doesn't make you happy. I now have $50 million but I was just as happy when I had $48 million." ~ "What do you get when you cross the Godfather with a lawyer? An offer you can't understand." ~ "The only reason people get lost in thought is because it's unfamiliar territory." ~ Okay, enough already. Please don't send me any inquiries about any of these because they will have to stand on their own. The one about choosing the lesser of evils might be very much in play this election year. I will admit that I go forth and back on that issue quite often. Being unhappy with all candidates but voting for the one you think will be less terrible, well, that does present us with a dilemma. I know what those inclined towards rational thought would say. A write in for someone you believe to be more qualified is a vote for the worst of the evils. However, at some point and time we have to be able to square the privilege of our vote with our conscience. Have a great Thursday and may we all continue to seek God's direction as we make these important decisions. Amen. .....More later.

I've saved this one for a long time: What did Adam say on the day before Christmas? It's Christmas, Eve!

2012-01-18T02:22:00.000-08:00

Good morning and welcome to Wednesday, January 18, 2012. The other day I had to be on the other side of Houston for the company. I met a fellow there that had an interesting comment when he first saw me. Him and his cohort were chuckling and he told me that with just a little bit of adjustment he thought I could be Santa Claus. We laughed. After we had concluded our business I handed him one of my Santa business cards and I thought he was going to fall out on the ground. I love it when things like that happen. He could hardly wait to get that card back into the office to show it to his co-workers. Maybe I don't have to wait to enjoy the Christmas season. Our pastor and one of our faithful men are on their way to the Philippines to visit the missionaries that we are privileged to support. They will be there to dedicate a new worship facility and to meet and greet all our brothers and sisters there in the Southern islands. I often read about Churches taking groups literally all over the world on short term mission endeavors. I can't help but wonder how many frequent flyer miles the Apostle Paul would have accumulated had he been able to fly to far flung places in order to introduce the Gospel to men, women, boys, and girls. He would have likely had one of those platinum cards with five stars. Of course he labored with the tools he had available to him in his day. And, we should use those that God has made available to us! Amen.

We all have our challenges. A fellow told me the other day that things were so tough for him right now he could fully appreciate the words of the Apostle John writing in The Revelation when he responded to our Lord's promise, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! (The Revelation, Chapter 22, Verse 20.) What was that fellow saying? Come and get me Lord and get me out of this mess of troubles I'm having to deal with. I know exactly how he was feeling. We all do. But I reminded him of the reason why God has not yet sent His Son to catch us up into His very presence. It is because there are still men, women, boys, and girls that need to become His very own by trusting in His Son. How do we know this? It's exactly what the Apostle Peter said in his 2nd letter, "The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance." (2nd Peter 3:9) But I well can appreciate this desire to be rid of the troubles and trials that at times seem to dog our steps. The good news? God knows all about it and He will never leave us nor forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5) There is a song that says His grace is enough. Let me say this about that. I stand in need of a whole bunch of it every single day! Thankfully, He has plenty to share. Amen.

My wife got a kick out of the little cartoon showing the two monks. One was instructing the other how that fasting had nothing to do with fast foods. She said she thought she would vote with the one holding the bag from the burger joint. My mom really laughed out loud over the fellow who had the hospital gown on that didn't quite fit in the back. That was the one where he said he now understood why they called it the I.C. U. She said she showed it to dad who typically isn't known to laugh easily and he laughed too. That's good. I enjoy hearing that something I've shared brings a smile. Given the daily stresses that come pretty much to everyone, well, Lord knows we can use a laugh now and then. The technician who drew my blood was a very nice fellow. He did an excellent job and I told him I appreciated it. He then told me that he appreciated me. It looked like we might get into one of those appreciation dueling matches. The lady that checked me in was just bubbling over with friendliness. I began to think I might be stuck in one of those Twilight Zone episodes where everyone acts strange. These people actually seemed to enjoy being at their workstations and in serving the folks who came in. What in the world was wrong with them? You will have to admit, you don't bump into that type of upbeat and friendly environments very often. I really wanted to play along and my distorted thinking almost tired to keep the merry go round going. I thought about saying that I appreciated him appreciating me, but, he might have thought I was making fun, so I restrained myself, at least for this one visit. Next time. Who knows? I do appreciate all of you who read my daily dialogue and even if you leave the page shaking your head, well, that is something. Right? Right. Have a great Wednesday and Lord willing we will do our best to keep the home fires burning. Amen. .....More later.

"A doctor gave a man six months to live. The man couldn't pay his bill, so he gave him another six months." Henny Youngman

2012-01-17T02:33:00.000-08:00

It is Tuesday, January 17, 2012, and I am on my second day of fasting for my blood work. I had begun Sunday evening but abandoned the process Monday morning after remembering it was a national holiday. I couldn't find out whether the lab would be open or not, therefore, I made an executive decision, boiled up some Community, ate a few low calorie snacks, and postponed my meeting with the needle. I plan on being there this morning when the doors open to get this matter settled. The fasting stuff is not that big of a deal when you talk about it being mostly sleep. The only major hurdle for me is the holding off of the coffee, not because I am addicted to it, no way, just that it is a part of my routine. That's it. And I think everyone knows that I don't like to mess with my routine. The fasting thing does work on your mind. You can't ingest anything but H2O. You talking to me? You telling me what I can and cannot do? See what I mean? That's how it works. The idea that you can't do what you want to do. That's a pretty good description of that old man nature. Like the little kid who refused to sit down on the pew even though his mom scolded him several times. Finally she sat him down and popped him one. He looked up at her and thought to himself, you may have me sitting down but in my mind I'm still standing up. Yep. That would be just about how it works.

I did see a sports headline Sunday morning announcing that the Tebow madness has now ended. He is a rookie. He can get better. Our local team came close. The Texans defense played about as well as any I've seen but here again, a rookie quarterback, along with some muffed plays, turnovers via interceptions, and the Ravens win and advance. If you watched that game there's no way one can say the best team on the field won. But, as they used to say back in the day, that's the way the cookie crumbles. The Saints game against the Forty-Niners was perhaps one of the best games I've seen in a long time. That game had just about everything. Drama, clutch plays, and a last second score to win the game for San Francisco. There you have it. All my favorites out on the same weekend. The Texans, the Saints, the Broncos, and I didn't really care one way or the other about the Giants versus the Packers. But, guess what? These games are history and we still have work to do. We get up and get our stuff together and as my grandfather used to say, "Son, you have the same clothes to get glad in." On a priority scale, football games one way or the other don't really amount to much especially when you think about them in terms of spiritual matters where eternity is at stake. On the other hand, I would just as soon my teams had won. Know what I mean, Vern?

In so many ways, every day we have is one where God allows us to fill in the blank. I am aware there are all kinds of constraints but often we fail to appreciate the opportunities we have to make a difference with the day He has given to us. One thing I have noticed is how that you have a much better opportunity to make a difference if you are looking for an opportunity to make a difference. Duh? Sure, it does sound rather silly to state the obvious but maybe we all can be reminded to remind ourselves how those opportunities are more than we might think, if we just take the time to see them, and to respond to them. We often find ourselves way too impressed with our own schedules, our own business, and our own pursuits. When we become that preoccupied we just might miss out on a God ordained opportunity. Even as I write this today I can well remember times I can look back on where I could have done something that I know God would have had me to do, but I didn't because of being too busy. Thankfully, someone else usually will take up the slack but we miss out on the blessing. I know I need to be reminded of this each day and I wouldn't be surprised if we all could be more sensitive to the opportunities to serve that present themselves to us. Have a great Tuesday and may God add His blessings to it. Amen. ......More later.

Taking time to appreciate those God has placed in your life.

2012-01-16T03:00:00.000-08:00

Good to see you again and I do hope all is well as we reconnect here on Monday, January 16, 2012. We never know what a day will bring. Last Thursday I received a call informing me that our next door neighbor, Roscoe, had died in his sleep. Roscoe was seventy years young and by all accounts in excellent health. A Vietnam veteran, Roscoe was an icon in our neighborhood. He would help almost anyone to do almost anything. He loved working on bicycles for the children. He loved telling stories. He loved to laugh and carry on. On a number of occasions I asked him about his relationship with the Lord. He always told me he was sure of his faith in Christ. One thing is sure folks. That's a settled issue as of last Thursday morning. Roscoe wore his hair long and it was gleaming white. His beard was also white. You could spot him ten blocks away. He was a neighbor in word and in deed. We pray for his sister and others in his family as they deal with this loss. Often we talk about how wonderful it would be to go to sleep and wake up in heaven. We don't get to choose because God is in control. But we do know that we never know what a day might bring. Our son Jimmy was very close to Roscoe. He reported that in his last conversation on Wednesday evening, Roscoe said he was feeling better than he had in a long time. My point is this. We can all be reminded that as we get up each day, we are not guaranteed to see the sun set, or to embrace another morning, but we do have the moment that God has given to us. This should cause us all to think about how we will use the time He has provided to us. Amen.

On Friday morning I scanned my normal online newspapers and in particular looked at the obituaries. One of these is the Alexandria, Louisiana Towntalk. That's where I read of the passing of one John Langley, aged 80. John and his wife, Bernice, who died a number of years ago, were greatly influential in our young married days. We took a job in Alexandria back in the winter of 1965. We had an infant son. John was a Tech Sergeant in the United States Air Force. He was also my immediate supervisor. I have no idea why but he and Bernice took us in like we were a new addition to their family. We were just starting out at the bottom of the pay scale. They fed us. They carried us places. Looking back, it was uncanny. About seven years ago I called John to express my condolences over the loss of Bernice. It was a remarkable phone call. I carry my daddy's name, Cecil. No one calls me that but John used to. I had not seen or talked to John in maybe 25 years. When I told him who I was he responded, "Hey Ceeeeece!" It was like we had just been over for dinner. Here's why I am telling this story. God places people in our lives and perhaps we don't even recognize at the time what a tremendous blessing they are. I am thankful that I was able to personally thank John and I also had sent them a card once outlining how much we appreciate all they had done for us. They had a house full of kids folks. They had plenty to do. He was Cajun and Native American. She was a New York born and bred Yankee. We had almost nothing in common with them. But, for whatever reason, they took us in and I just can't help but give God praise for His provisions, even in some friends who contributed so much to our lives. Amen.

Thank You Street

John was a larger than life character. Stories. We have hundreds of them about our times together. People count. People matter. I heard an old timer a few years ago say that one of the things he hated most about growing old is in saying goodbye to so many friends and loved ones. Many would rather not give the subject of death even a thought or mention. However, it is as much a part of God's design in creation, after the fall, as anything else in this world. In fact, one only needs to do a very brief survey of The Scriptures to discover that God would have each and every person to think soberly about life here on the planet, about its temporary nature, and about the uncertainty of each day. In doing so we are presented with the truth about living forever in the presence of God. Jesus came to give witness to a message of hope. Hope based on acceptance of God's provision of salvation. Jesus said that when faith and trust in placed in Him, it is rewarded with a changed heart and life along with a guarantee for an eternity in the presence of God. (Read all about it in that famous interview between Nicodemus and Jesus the Christ, as recorded in the Gospel of John, Chapter 3.) Now here is my advice. If someone has made a difference in your life and they are still around and you have never expressed to them how you appreciate all they have done, you need to do something about it while you still have time, because as I said at the opening of today's blog, folks, we never know what each day will bring. May God bless each one. Amen. ....More later.

Winter must be really cold for those who have no warm memories.

2012-01-13T03:06:00.000-08:00

Okay. Here we go again. It is Friday, January 13, 2012 and I bid you a warm welcome on this rather cold morning. Since we are dealing with some below freezing temps here, it brings up the opportunity to share some cold weather related funnies. Here's the set up: It was so cold the .....politicians put their hands in their own pockets. (One of my favorites, by the way.) It was so cold the pet stores began selling penguins. ~ ...the police tell the robber to freeze and he does, he actually freezes. ~ ...the optician began giving out scrapers for people to scrape the ice off their eyes. ~ ...the silly putty became serious. ~ ...the smoke coming out of the chimney had to be broken off. ~ ...the snowman begged not to be left out at night. ~ ...the cows were rubbing up against the electric fence. ~ ...the neighbor had to chop up his piano for firewood but he was only able to get two chords. ~ ...the hot sauce was added to every meal hoping to get some heartburn. ~ ...the parents were praying that they and the children would get cabin fever. ~ ...the person writing this blog read through about 400 so cold jokes, so you wouldn't have to. ~ The End. You may have your own 'it was so cold' story. Most of us do. Mine include some stories from back when I would go hunting with my grandfather. We had very little in the way of winter clothing and being out on a deer stand before daylight after having broken ice on the puddles with your tennis shoes, walking in the dark, well, it was some of the most miserable fun I've ever had. I wouldn't trade it for anything. These were the times where my grandfather taught me to just say no to the cold, and those times became great memories that warm my heart, even on a cold day, even on a day like today.

It's somewhat discouraging to see what is happening in the development of the upcoming presidential contest. President Obama and his advisers have decided that only one approach will work for them. They must divide the people of our nation based on any and everything they can come up with. Race, creed, color, religion, income, status, you name it, they will be using it to create as much acrimony as they can. Why? Because that's what's best for the nation? No. It's a political calculation they believe will work to get him reelected. I'm not saying they don't believe that him being reelected is a good thing for the country. They do. I don't. But they do and this means they will do whatever they believe will make this a reality. This strategy based on class warfare may well see things happen that we haven't experienced in many years. While I certainly hope for the best I fear that things like rioting and perhaps even worse as people are stirred up to rise up against each other. The so called occupy movement is a down payment on this type of negative energy that causes havoc for those trying to go about their daily affairs. This is how I see their strategy playing out. How sad that in just four years they would jettison the hope and change positive message they claimed they believed in for one where they pit Americans against their fellow citizens. The power of this office is intoxicating and we are likely in for a very bumpy ride. In spite of this, I remain positive. Not because I feel strongly about any of the candidates who will likely run against the President. It's for one reason only. I believe God and His Word. He is in control. My trust is in Him and I know that regardless of what happens, good, bad, or indifferent, He is on the side of those who have put their faith and trust in Him. Of this I am sure! Amen.

The doctor's visit went as expected. I said to him, blah, blah, blah. And he replied, blah, blah, blah. He asked about my numbers. Those are the ones that come from sticking a sharp object into an otherwise perfectly good fingertip. That produces what is called a droplet of blood. You then chase that droplet with a little strip and when they come in contact the strip is read by a special device producing a blood glucose reading. I gave him a summary of my readings but he ordered up the full slate of blood tests to see for himself. It's like, yeah, I hear what you are saying but lets do the testing anyway. Just joking. They do the testing for a number of reasons and going into them will only prolong this boring story and extend the pain. Therefore, we end the week the same way we started the week. Seeking God and His help for ourselves, our families, folks in need, and our nation and our world. (Just for the record, it is only barely below freezing although it will likely knock off a degree or two before the sun comes up.) We had some very stout winds over the past couple of days and it is now dead calm. To me, that makes the cold a whole lot less of a problem but I know it doesn't work that way for everyone. Have yourself a wonderful Saturday and Lord's Day Sunday and may we all get our year kicked off by being faithful to assemble with other believers to learn more about our great God and to be prepared to serve Him. Amen. ........More later.

I refuse to take a breathalyzer test to determine what coffee I have been drinking!

2012-01-12T02:49:00.000-08:00

While I was away from the office I enjoyed that Hawaiian coffee given to me as a gift. When I returned to work there sat the two pound bag of Community staring at me like I had cheated on her or something. Ever since then it seems that I have had trouble getting the strength exactly where I want it to be. I try a little more coffee, or a little less water, a little less coffee and a little more water but I can't seem to get it exactly right. I've begun to think I may have a rebellion on my hands. I think she gets some satisfaction out of seeing me have to add a little water to my cup. But, I've tried to do my best to get along and maybe things will be better now that I've had a few days to reestablish my connection. Silly? It might be to you but I'll have you know that where I come from dealing with coffee is not a matter to take lightly. I actually know a person who says out loud that he doesn't really care what brand it is as long as it is on sale. That's all that matters to him. I nearly put my hands up to my ears when he talks that way. I may be forced to do that same thing someday but I will do my best to hang with the Community for as long as I can. I'm sure my little coffee story is somewhat tiresome to some of those who tune in, therefore, I will seek to move on as we all pursue that which God provides to us on this Thursday, January 12, 2012. This morning I go to see my medical doctor. I do have my notes and I am ready. I do hope he is also ready. Hey. Please don't ask for my doctor's address so you can send him a sympathy card. I'm not that bad of a patient. Well, I'm not too bad of a patient. I'll let you know after the visit whether he has decided to take a sabbatical or not. Just joking. Don't go around telling folks I have trouble with doctors. It's just not true. They might have some trouble with me but that is an entirely different matter.

I have worked hard the last few days to stay away from the political shenanigans that suck quite a bit of air out of our existence, but in reality they typically don't amount to much more than a hill of beans. Sunday afternoon when things were heating up in New Hampshire where the Republican candidates for the nomination for President were begging for votes, folks across the land were tuned in to the latest episode of the Tebow show. That game between the Broncos and Steelers drew 45 million viewers. That's the most for an opening weekend playoff game since 1988. They tell us the Republican race has turned very ugly with negative ads heating up the airwaves. Brother Tim did some heating up of the airwaves both on and off the field on Sunday. No, I am not obsessing over Tim Tebow. It's just too much irony to miss out on the fun of it all. Here you have the worst rated quarterback statistically but he is helping set records each week. Hello? What's not to love? Why do people care? Folks who are believers care because this man is under attack from all sides because of his faith. Others care because who doesn't enjoy seeing a classic underdog story being played out each week. His jersey is the number two in sales for 2011 just behind Aaron Rogers of the Green Bay Packers. His book, "Through My Eyes, a Quarterback's Journey", was the number one selling sports book of 2011. It is true that the rest of Tebow's team have been to a great extent overlooked in all of this. He would be the very first to lament this fact because he knows that football is a team sport, and in particular the Denver defense has been instrumental in much of their success. Meanwhile, here's a fellow who chooses to acknowledge his Creator and Savior and he has somehow captivated the attention of a nation. I pray that his testimony will stay strong and that he will be able to withstand all that is being hurled at him, because you can be sure that our enemy, Satan and all his emissaries, are working tirelessly to bring him down.

I will tell you that things in the medical world are changing. I fully expect my current doctor to walk into the examination room with his laptop ready. My records will be at his fingertips. He can reorder my medications with a keystroke or two. He can order new tests. He can record questions and update my status. And, since we are all only getting our 15 minutes of fame with our doctors since that is all they are allowed to spend, technology can be a way of making the most of that time. I still remember a complete physical examination I had done by my doctor in the mid 1980's. He was in many ways a throwback to old school ways. But, I must tell you that when he mailed me the results I was shocked to read the entire two page letter, written by hand, by my doctor. That was in some ways comforting but also puzzling since we all know the time constraints most doctors are dealing with. However, I feel very comfortable with a doctor using a laptop. But here's the rub. Use a lap top, a Big Chief Tablet, or some audio recording device, the proof is always in the results my friend, not in the tools used. If I can be more well informed and able to interactively participate in my own medical treatment, and in so doing we get results dealing with my diabetes and whatever else happens to be at work, then great. If all of the technology ends up being just that, some gee whiz exercise, then you haven't gained anything. And, thus far, I am mostly pleased but I do feel an obligation to learn how to make the most of this brave new world. This will be one of my major points with my doctor this morning. How can I better interact with the system electronically to achieve the best possible outcomes? When it's your health at stake that would not be the time to adopt a don't ask, don't tell policy. Just saying. I will likely have more to say about all of this at another time. No, it is not a warning. But until then, have a great day and may God bless each one. Amen. .......More later.

What are you trying to say? Now that, my friend, is an excellent question!

2012-01-11T02:53:00.000-08:00

Hello out there and welcome to another edition on this Wednesday, January 11, 2012. We rarely write checks anymore, therefore, I suppose that is another one of those new year mistakes we've eliminated. You know the one where we end up writing the wrong year down. This past Monday we did get some rain. It actually started very early Monday morning and from that time until late afternoon it did do some raining. We most likely had two inches or more in our neighborhood at home and maybe three or more inches here at the company. Praise God for nourishing our land because we are still in need of it. I am aware of some who got the six to eight inches and experienced some flash flooding as a result. And, I am certainly not making light of their plight because some houses took on water and some schools were also impacted by the torrential downpours. (We've had a flooded house before and we've also had our home nearly destroyed by Ike.) One of our customers called me with a technical question and said he would be staying at the office because he couldn't get into his subdivision because of the flooding. He lives on the other side of Houston. These types of stormy days are typically a good news, bad news, type of story. I think there were one or two twisters that touched down but mostly just the rain and we all are aware of the devastating drought we have been in for the past year, therefore, I do give the Lord God of heaven praise for providing this much needed rain for our area. Amen.

Those still nursing their football wounds might be interested to know that taking sports too seriously can be hazardous to your health. There are actual studies that show heart attack incidents increase on the Monday following a big sporting event. One international study correlated the heart attack impact from when the World Cup Soccer matches are underway. They concluded there is a connection between heart attacks and the games. I don't want to scare anyone but a study by the Journal of the American Medical Association indicated that one has a substantially better chance of surviving a heart attack if they experience it during daytime working hours on a weekday as contrasted to the rate of survival after hours and on weekends. I think we all could have guessed that one. Right? They are fully staffed with all the specialists readily available versus skeleton staffing with folks on call. I worked at a fairly large VA Hospital in the mid 1960's and I do know the stories were legendary as to the things that went on in terms of diagnosis and treatment options, after hours. Essentially, after 5 p.m., the entire hospital administration was left in the hands of one civil service employee down in the admitting area. They were very good at what they did and they did have access by calling people but generally it was understood they were not to ever call out folks unless it was absolutely necessary. That led to some pretty funny stories about how folks got admitted to the hospital and who signed for this, that, or the other. I'm sure that in our day and time they have twenty two watchdog agencies now walking the halls on a 24 by 7 basis to make sure nothing like this could happen. But, it sure did make for some funny stories and I do love funny stories but I wouldn't have wanted them to be about me. Know what I mean, Vern?

This is an old funny but maybe we all could use at least a small grin to get our day started. "A hillbilly family took a vacation to New York City. One day, the father took his son into a large building. They were amazed by everything they saw, especially the elevator at one end of the lobby. The boy asked, "What's this, Paw?" The father responded, "Son, I have never seen anything like this in my life. I don't know what it is!" While the boy and his father were watching in wide-eyed astonishment, an old lady in a wheelchair rolled up to the moving walls and pressed a button. The walls opened and the lady rolled between them into a small room. The walls closed and the boy and his father watched small circles of lights above the walls light up. They continued to watch the circles light up in the reverse direction. The walls opened again, and a lovely twenty-four-year old woman stepped out. The father turned to his son and said, "Go get your maw!" I think I know what some of you are saying. He is just trying to be funny, bless his heart. That's the catch all I heard growing up. "She is dumber than a post, bless her heart." If they put his brain on the head of a pin, it'd roll around like a BB on a six-lane highway, bless his heart." I get it. But, I'm the one with the keyboard and while I am aware that you have the ultimate power called the delete key, why don't we all just take it for what it's worth, smile a little, and go out there have yourself a reasonably good Wednesday? And, may God bless us all as we go. Amen. ....More later.

Are you ready for some football ........... to end?

2012-01-10T02:57:00.000-08:00

Good Tuesday morning, here on January 10, 2012, where the buzz about the BCS has now been put to rest. The college football season has now officially ended with the crowning of the champion. I actually watched the first meeting of these two storied teams back in the regular season and I thought that game was one of the most bruising and hard hitting I had ever seen televised. Last night LSU did not show up for the championship game. Give Alabama credit. They did. And, they did in a big way, dominating on both sides of the ball. LSU had a great regular season but when it came down to that one and only final game, let's face it, they blew it, big time! I know folks take their football seriously no matter what area of the country you happen to live in. But, the folks over in Louisiana, well, I do believe they may have the corner on fanaticism when it comes to the Bengal Tigers. I can only imagine how crushed the folks over there felt. Embarrassed, disgusted, and angry could also be an apt description of how Tiger fans are feeling. But life does go on and they always have their beloved Saints that are still in the hunt to be champions of the world. Speaking of being overheated, I got home from Church Sunday evening just in time to see the overtime between the Denver Broncos and the Pittsburgh Steelers. I know folks have made much out of the Tebow saga but we who are believers cannot help but admire this young man's testimony and outspoken devotion to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. That being said, I got home, my wife was sitting on the couch, and four of our grandchildren were there. When Tim threw that 80 yard pass in the opening seconds of the overtime period, I literally lost it. I was jumping up and down like a foolish person and my grand kids thought it was the funniest thing they had seen in a while. I even jumped up and down during the replays, therefore, I plead guilty as charged because even now I can't help but think it was rather silly, but, it was also exciting. My wife questioned whether I should have said "Praise the Lord" so loudly when I was jumping up and down. I suppose she had a theological point to make but as I told her, Tim was no doubt doing exactly the same thing, therefore, I was just agreeing with him. How many yards did Tim accumulate? How about 316 total yards? How did the media report his yardage? Total yards: 3:16 as in the Gospel of John. You just have to love it folks! Amen.

I think it was our pastor who announced that football season would soon be over. And, while there are many more ladies today who are plugged in to keeping up with both college and the pros, when he said that, there was a fairly loud chorus of amens called out from the females there. I do remember several years ago the pros in particular began to target ways to get more women to watch the games. I suppose that is wise since the ladies continue to outlive men and they are in most cases the main purchaser of products and services for the household. I believe I have observed quite an increase in the number of ladies that both follow and talk football. Our local professional team, the Texans, won their playoff game last Saturday. I am glad they did but I also thought the hype leading up to the game was way overdone by all the local news media outlets. We had wall to wall coverage of everything including play by play of the tailgate parties beginning in the wee hours of Saturday morning. I was at my eldest son's home when the game started. I listened to it as I drove back to our house. When I arrived I was shocked to find some of our grand kids watching Sponge Bob. While I am not that much of a fan, due to the magnitude of that game I was alarmed and immediately announced that the program in progress would have to be interrupted due to an emergency switch to the channel carrying the playoff game. They all gave me that 'whatever' look and we finished out the game and then continued to watch the Saints trounce the Lions. It does not get easier from this point forward for our Texans and certainly not for Brother Tebow. But as far as football goes, it was a pretty decent weekend.

I've written before about some of the responses to Tim Tebow's public displays of his faith. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and I understand the argument made by some who are genuinely offended. However, there have been some who have been way over the top, perhaps even dangerously so. One player on the Ravens made some bold predictions about what they would do in the playoffs and then added that they would do so without God on their sidelines. He went on to say they did not need God on their sidelines. I would not want to be the person who mocks Almighty God even if it was for the purpose of making fun of Tim Tebow. According to The Scriptures, without the providential mercy of God we wouldn't have the next heartbeat or the next breath in our bodies, therefore, this fellow's comments were ignorant of the truth at best, or, if he knew better, they were blasphemy against the Creator God. But, that's the way I see it. I admire some sports commentators that while they do not align themselves with Tebow's faith, they support his right to be who he is. If he is genuinely committed to his belief in Jesus the Christ as the Savior, then they recommend that people leave it at that. Many have pointed out that no one would be criticizing a player for an outward display of devotion to their Muslim faith. The point many of these commentators make is to let Tim be Tim, cover his football performance, and quit obsessing over his faith. Good advice, at least as I see it. Have a wonderful Tuesday and may God bless each one. Amen. .....More later.

Wishing our Brady Darrell a wonderful 6th birthday!

2012-01-09T02:51:00.000-08:00

It's another wonderful day in the neighborhood here on this Monday, January 9, 2012. Yeah, today is the day that we will know who reigns supreme as champion of the college football world. But we just happen to be blessed to have our very own champion who turns six today, our Brady Darrell. Brady is the youngest of our youngest Rodney and his wife Mitzi. Brady's sisters Kyleigh and Lexie round out a wonderful family. I know it's not necessarily politically correct but the rhyme heard back in the day about what little boys are made of fits our Brady to a tee. "Frogs and snails And puppy-dogs' tails." That would be just about right. He is a rough and tumble, fun loving, little dude and we are so very proud to be his MiMi and Poppy. Brady at times reminds me that he might just have training wheels on in preparation to be the next Steve Martin's 'wild and crazy guy.' On Christmas Day he and his six year old cousin Alex played like their dads used to play, old school, outside in the damp and cold, and they did have a ball. Watching them out of the kitchen window was like seeing something on the old Super 8 movie film. Our family is so blessed to have such a wonderful collection of offspring, each with their standout personalities and unique characteristics. Mr. Brady can hold his own in continuing the legacy of an outside of the box personality. He is a hoot and we love him very much. Happy Birthday Brady and may God bless you on this, your 6th birthday!

You will remember that newfangled weighing device we brought into our home that I talked about several blogs ago. When you walk into the bathroom it's as if he is staring at you, daring you to get on, and in general, seems to display some very menacing characteristics. He may not like the fact that I've made him repeat his calculations more than once because I wasn't sure he had the right answer. That does seem to make him a little more cross. But, I have been legitimately trying to give him a little less to contend with each time I step on. It has something to do with my six month diabetic check-up coming up this Thursday. I suppose I owe the primary nurse an explanation of sorts having loudly protested the lack of accuracy on the scale she used at my last visit. Now that we have the new electronic monster in our home, we know her scale was closer to the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Maybe she will not remember. They have so many patients. I do recall that when I protested she asked what I thought it should be and I told her what my scale at home said, and she wrote that down instead. Now that's what I call bedside manner! But coming out of the holidays I've got many targets that do need some attention and I can truthfully say that I am making progress. If I can, I hope to be able to report to my doctor that I am only around 5 pounds over my desired weight instead of the double digits I have been chasing. The exact number has been withheld based on a confidentiality agreement which means that I would rather not say, and I do know that many of you know exactly what I am talking about!

I wrote all of that so that you could smile along with me. I am mostly looking forward to my doctor's visit. I do try to make it a positive experience by being prepared before hand. I will likely do a checklist of items I want to discuss and that will make the best use of our time together. That doesn't mean we can't laugh about all the little quirks that make our lives what they are. Given the choice, I would just as soon not have to deal with diabetes. One thing I have observed. It is persistent and relentless. You may need some sleep but diabetes doesn't need any and he is on the job 24x7. Yet, I know others who are dealing with far more serious issues. They are in my daily prayers. We are surrounded by empirical data that prove the ravages of The Fall as reported in Genesis. I'll take God's explanation above any and all of what this world has to say. After all, He is the Creator, therefore, it would be silly to seek answers from the creation when we have God's word on it. See what I mean? An old preacher responded once to the claim that he was narrow minded. He pleaded guilty, held up his Bible, turned it sideways, and pointed to the width of its spine, and declared that he was as narrow minded as it was. I can fully identify with that sentiment. Not in a mean spirited way but in a loving way that points others to the truth. Have a great Monday and may God add His blessings to it. Amen. .....More later.

These are tough times but pausing to wish our Madi a happy birthday helps me to count my blessings!

2012-01-06T02:25:00.000-08:00

First work week of the new year is on its way to being completed. Yes siree, it is Friday, January 6, 2012, and only one week from the dreaded Friday the 13th. That's kind of scary, don't you agree? Kidding only. We see each and every day the same, each one a gift from God to do with it all that we can with His help for His honor and glory whether it's the 3rd, the 13th, 23rd, or the 30th. These Presidential polls are really up and down like a yo yo. So much so the CNN anchors are all being treated for whiplash. Joking again. But, really folks, a couple of weeks ago they were saying President Obama had regained his footing and the train was back on the track and it might be impossible to stop that train. A week later he is down 5 points and they are grasping to understand why. That's where the whiplash comes in. One thing, however, is clear. With them and with the President there is very little in the way of accountability. Maybe they were all weather forecasters before they became news reporters. They see an uptick and report it like it's all over but the shouting, yet, the next week they show up with this grimaced look on their faces as they seek to understand just what is wrong with the people out there. One liberal talking head recently complained that Iowa shouldn't even be allowed to play a role in choosing a candidate because they are just too white, too evangelical, and too rural. I suppose her answer would be to load the folks in Iowa up in boxcars and ship them to rehabilitation camps. This kind of maddening analysis from so called senior correspondents would be amusing to watch if it wasn't so potentially hurtful to the cause of liberty and freedom. I hope if Big Sis, (Janet Napolitano, head of Homeland Security), is monitoring my blogs that she will take into consideration that we still have the right to form our own opinions. Even to be wrong. I believe in America we can still do that. Can't we? (I reduced the size of that image hoping maybe they wouldn't notice.)

Don't get all tied in knots because I promise I will not be turning my daily visits into a political analysis blog. There are already plenty of those out there. However, the political realities of the day are a part of the fabric of life as we know it, therefore, from time to time I will be throwing my two cents into the hopper. I wonder what that two cents is worth in today's currency. The actual origin of this expression is not clearly established but it has been around for a long time predating even the founding of our country. Some even think it could be an allusion to the teaching Jesus did concerning the widow's mite, but, typically it is commonly used as a figure of speech reflecting a 'for what it's worth' in terms of the value of a thought or opinion. The good news is that while we all have our opinions and can do our best to help shape future direction, in the end, the results and outcomes are clearly in the hands of Almighty God. I trust Him to act according to His will and way, today, tomorrow, and forever and ever, Amen.

I end on a wonderfully positive note. Tomorrow we celebrate the birthday of our one and only great grandchild, our Madelyn Joy, who will be two. We spent New Year's Sunday with our eldest son and his family and little Madi was there and in rare form. She is a pretty little precocious, prissy, and precious little girl and we love her very much. She is very much at home with our son and daughter-in-law, her Paw Paw and Maw Maw, just like her mom was with her MiMi and Poppy, (that would be the wife and I just in case you lost your scorecard.) Her parents, Tiffany and J. C., are rightly proud of this child. The photo is her at our recent Christmas gathering. She is pointing something out to her new Dora the Explorer backpack. She does tend to liven up things when she is around and we are so thankful to God for His giving to us of this young life. May God bless her and may He give her parents the knowledge to raise her up in the love and admonition of the Lord. Happy Birthday Madi from your MiMi and Poppy. Now that is a good way to end our week. I do hope you have a great Saturday and Lord's Day Sunday and Lord willing I'll see you on this same station next week. May God bless. Amen. .....More later.

Are we asleep at the wheel? Or, is this how we think we can make change work?

2012-01-05T03:09:00.000-08:00

Hello Americans, Paul Harvey is no longer here to boom that salute out but we can still try and analyze the current events in his memory. Welcome to Thursday, January 5, 2012. We now know that Mitt Romney won the Iowa caucus results. That 8 vote margin of victory was a big boost for him, I suppose. On the eve of that contest, I found it interesting that over 40% of those who were determined to cast a ballot were still undecided. Undecided? After all the wailing, gnashing, and the spending of campaign dollars like there was no tomorrow, and they still had that many people who couldn't make up their minds. Wow! This, by the way, is what I have been saying all along. The cream is supposed to rise to the top folks but when you have a bunch of candidates where there just isn't much there, - - - there, well, you end up with folks making up their minds based on 'whatever' instead of being excited and enthused about a particular individual. I know that doesn't hold for each candidate. Ron Paul supporters who follow his libertarian principles are about as fanatical as they come. I'm no pundit but I cannot imagine an America with the honorable Mr. Paul being our President. Here's my problem. That over 40% undecided ends up creating a void of sorts into which Mr. Obama can fill up with his populist message of him being for the little guy. And, sadly, that just might mean he will be reelected. Not because he has earned that right but because we have not selected someone who can mount a campaign where people will move from the undecided to the committed in terms of supporting their election. And finally, the caveat that gets everyone off the hook: The thoughts and views expressed here belong to the blogger who is solely responsible. That would be me, in case you missed the fine print.

No Virginia, thanks for asking but Santa did not take a vacation away from the political shenanigans that define our times. I listened to the debate for and against the government monitoring of blogs, social networks, and others means of interactive communications between citizens. You know, like the one I am doing right now. One school of thought says it is an intrusion into our right to privacy but that doesn't make too much sense because we who write or communicate are putting it out there for the entire world to see. The other position is that our government should not be in the business of this type of surveillance since it could lead to abuse. That I understand as well. In my case, let them read all they want to. I obviously am not ashamed of what I have to say and in my own little way of looking at it, maybe some of them might learn a thing or two. But they might want to know that most of my writings also include a reminder that all power is ultimately in the hands of an Almighty God, therefore, they could end up being moved by His power in responding to the Gospel which would change them for time and eternity. So, welcome aboard all you prying eyes. Jesus loves me and you too. He proved it by coming into this world, living a perfect life, dying on The Cross for lost humanity, and then He resurrected and ascended back into His heavenly domain. You too can be saved. How? Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be, period, end of story!

I use the images because I am a visual person. A picture might not be worth that much in today's economy, but it still has power in conveying a message. I enjoy searching for the images that fit my stories, or, at times I actually find an image that prompts a story. Some of these I save and look for a way to use them. I have one in particular that I have had for some time now. It is a photograph of President Lincoln. Someone very cleverly altered the photo to show him holding a boom box. I've not come up with a proper story yet to fit it but it just seemed too good to pass. That's right. I can now use it to show you by way of illustration. That will allow me to share it and delete it because to tell you the truth it has bugged me for months because I haven't come up with a good story for it. I thought about writing a Presidential rap for Honest Abe but never spent the time, but now you know a little about how some of this stuff ends up being on the page. And, perhaps even why some of it seems to be all over the place on the page. I do attempt at times to have a flavor of a deeper ironic meaning but I can't claim to be that clever, therefore, most of what you see here at my blogging hangout is just what it is, nothing more, nothing less. But, enjoy the image because it is now going to be retired from my little library until I find another one, maybe soon. Who knows? Confused yet? Join the crowd. See you next time and may God bless as we seek to include Him in things like making electoral choices. Amen. ...More later.

Mama snowman was cutting a carrot for a soup for the family dinner. Soon her husband came up to her and guess what he said? "Honey! Have you seen my nose?"

2012-01-04T02:50:00.000-08:00

Yes, it is Wednesday already, January 4, 2012, and this new year seems to be zipping on along. Time not only flies when you are having fun but according to some out on the web, it also flies when: "You are alive." ~ "You are tweeting." ~ "You are getting old." ~ "You are cross-stitching." (Yikes!) ~ "You are a mom." ~ "You are wasting it on Facebook." ~ "You are working like a dog." ~ "You are running out of it." ~ "You are analyzing it." ~ "You are not paying attention." ~ "You are losing your mind" ~ "You don't know what you are doing." ~ The 'yikes' was added as a personal comment. It was not a part of the person's thoughts. I just couldn't get there about the cross-stitching. We have tried to stay positive as we enter into this unplowed ground of 2012 but some of the forecasters have had some pretty tough thoughts about what we might expect. Here's what one financial analyst from Reuters had to say: "With a spiraling debt crisis in Europe, political upheaval around the world, and crumbling creditworthiness in major industrial nations, 2011 was a tough year to know where to invest. 2012 is unlikely to offer much respite." Ouch! What are we to do when there is so much gloom and doom out there? The only thing I know is that we must look up to the One and Only God from whom all blessings flow. The song says it best: "He will make a way When there seems to be no way." Amen.

Today we mark the retirement of one of our long term workers, Roy, or as we like to call him, 'Ol Roy', you know, like in the famous dog food. Roy is not only a gifted craftsman in the field of sheet metal fabrication, he also plays the role of the world's crankiest old man each day that he comes to work. We are not a comedy team but he likes to do his best every single day to make me the punch line in all of his moaning, groaning, and complaining. He has spent over 50 years specializing in metal fabrication. I've been privileged to work with Roy for over five years now. Those who have known him the longest say he only picks on those he really likes. All I can say is that I must be his long lost brother because I get it everyday, both barrels, and it has become part of the fabric of our working environment. Deep down inside Roy has an undercurrent of caring and compassion. God has been good to allow me to work with fellows like Roy. He carries with him wisdom and experience that our younger generations will likely never master because we've figured out ways for them not to have to. I forgot to mention one thing. I'm not completely without an ability to respond to Roy's barbs and we both have enjoyed our friendly squabbling each day. I will miss him and I pray that God will help he and his wife to enjoy the remainder of their time here in this life. Go with God old friend.

No thank you. We will not be auditioning for someone to come in each day just to aggravate me in Roy's place. Given his dedication to that endeavor, it would be very difficult to find anyone who could. I now move up one more notch in the eldership category here at the Company. There are only a few of us older dudes and I still have our dear Bro. Jim working part time with us each week. He and I also have a neat relationship but it certainly is not based on flinging barbs forth and back. Our owner has always supported what he knows is a skill set found in these older workers that is hard to find in today's workforce. I applaud him for doing this, especially since I am now called an older worker myself. Part of the fun comes because I am not what they are. They live and breathe sheet metal design, layouts and building, and all the other activities involved. I deal with administration, customer service, computing, internet, sales and marketing, website design, procedures, manuals, newsletters, and all of those types of things that they find both foreign and maybe even a little frightening at times, and yes, perhaps even, as they see it, unnecessary. This contrast in duties and responsibilities is what often presents the basis for us to poke fun. And, I would not want to work in a place where laughter is not a part of the fabric. Some do. I suppose I've not had to do that because when all else fails, I always have myself as a primary source. And, let me tell you that as I grow older I do some pretty amusing things, many of them, not on purpose, if you know what I mean. Have a great Wednesday and may God bless one and all. Amen. ....More later.

Yes, that would be me. The one with the mall walker in the headlights look!

2012-01-03T02:32:00.000-08:00

Sorry about the length of yesterday's blog. I too thought it to be a little on the wordy side. I was not trying to convince anyone that my attempt at brevity over the holidays was only a passing fancy. It just happens that way and any attempts to interfere with the process has the potential to make a mess of things. What's that? You thought it was a mess already? Okay. How about a bigger mess? How are you on this wonderful cool and/or cold, (depending on personal tastes), Tuesday, January 3, 2012? Like I've done in past years, I became a mall walker for several days before returning to work. I can tell you this. Having not done the walking for a while, well, that first day caused Uncle Arthur as in arthritis to get himself all stirred up. He can be a noisy old coot at times. I did practice that old Yogi technique as I made my brisk rounds. "You can observe a lot by watching." This economy has done a number on the stores in the mall. So many are no longer there. Many of their replacements are, to me anyway, quite odd. I suppose the folks with money must like some really weird looking clothes because they now have some really really weird looking stores to shop in.

I did see some encouraging scenes. The same old dudes I've seen for years were all huddled up over across from Chick-fil-a for their fellowship and Bible study. I observed a rather large lady opening up the grate on the candy store. That's a better advertisement than those skinny as a rail girls opening up the plus size stores. Now to the people walking, they are a hoot. Especially the older ladies. Yes. I do know that I cannot see myself and that maybe they have some stories to tell about me but they are not the ones writing my blog. Right? I love those who have the elbows in the air working them like there is no tomorrow. Then you have the lady walking with her mate making it very difficult for him to sip on his coffee because of her pace. Some of them have their lane. They must have been given that lane by the mall authorities because they will move you out of the way if you happen to find yourself there. One day I was there a little later and there were more people in the mall. I, at times, must have a messed up link that sends me very bad information. I was walking pretty fast and a young lady was meeting me. She was heads down texting on her phone. I don't know why but I faked a collision into her lane just for the fun of it. Now get this. She was not in the least bit amused. Some people. They do need to lighten up.

Yes I am aware that my exploits as a mall walker is not really a very exciting thing to report on in explaining how I used my time off. But I do believe the wife and I will someday become an official part of this brigade, therefore, knowing the ropes ahead of time can't hurt. Many people are just back to work today because of how the holiday fell. That means the traffic gridlock into the downtown corridor of the metroplex will be back into full swing today. I was a part of that scene for well over twenty years and that gives me another thing to be thankful for as I drive each morning where the most likely competitors for the roadway are rabbits, raccoons, skunks, opossum, deer, some stray hounds, and the occasional coyote. No doubt even as I write this the planners are busy planning new ways to extend the metro madness even into the most remote of any and all nearby targets. They call it progress but we all pretty much are aware that often it is nothing more than a race to expand the tax rolls. Meanwhile, I will enjoy the country road feel each morning for as long as I can and do my best to share it with all the critters. I hope you too will find something to be thankful for as you start your day. It might just be something very small indeed, like a friendly commute, but, we can be thankful for all that God provides. Amen. .....More later.

Just when you thought it might be safe.....He's baaaaack!

2012-01-02T02:28:00.000-08:00

Okay. I admit it. We did not celebrate the New Year. I was in bed by 10 p.m. which was a little late for me but the fireworks did make it a little difficult to find that spot called deep sleep. A little. On Sunday I was up early and warming up some left over coffee from the day before. I always try to leave a little to tide me over while I am making some new stuff. I haven't quite made it to my grandfather's ability to pour it up cold and swig it down. Up Sunday, no hangover, anticipating a Spirit filled service with our local fellowship and feeling full of thankfulness for God's granting to us another year. What will I do with it? Now that my friend is the question! I'm hearing John Denver in my head this morning: "Ain't it good to be back home again." That's right. I'm back in my little work space here at the Company and yes, I've missed this part of my life. Don't get me wrong. I've greatly enjoyed my time off and I am thankful for it but at the same time I enjoy working, coming to work, and being a part of the activities that make up my job. I greet you on this Monday, January 2, 2012, along with a prayer that we all will turn a page and make some progress in this brand new year. What's that you say? I had better be careful because someday I will be retired and then what? That's a good question but I'm not concerned about that because I will be inventing a new routine when that occurs. Being off like I was for the last ten days was a vacation, a holiday, a time of rest and relaxation, but when that day comes that I exchange my early morning get up and come to work routine for another routine, well, I expect it to be something other than just laying around, and I certainly don't expect to be like what my grandfather used to say, "All laid up like a pack of dogs."

What about my New Year's resolutions? I do have some goals and aspirations for the new year. They are not necessarily associated with the new year because they are changes that I do need to focus on regardless of the calendar. Like paying attention to that new weighing device we brought into the house several weeks ago. Like continuing to stay on top of my diabetes and controlling my numbers as best I can. Like doing a better job of serving God and others. Like dealing with the issues that I know need to be dealt with. It's not hard for any of us to come up with areas where we need improvement. Right? I hope you see it that way because none of us have arrived and we certainly cannot in all honesty sing that old country song: "It's hard to be humble when you are perfect in every way." The process of taking stock or self examination is not always pleasant but it is biblical as God would have us to be focused on that log in our own eye before we start nick picking the tiny splinter in the other person's eye.

Here we are. This brand new year has training wheels on it. As it relates to our work here at the Company, well, it will take a little time for everyone to get back on track, back into the groove, to see things humming like they should. It's all about adjusting. And, that's one of the things we all can do to help make it better for ourselves and others. Flexibility. My way or the highway might be a popular slogan that many seem to want to live by today but the Apostle Paul left us with some great instruction in how we should operate our day by day living. Where there are things that don't involve principle and they are mostly preference oriented, then we should yield instead of bowing our backs. In areas where someone may be uniformed or ignorant, we should give them the benefit of the doubt while making certain that our walk and talk matches. (Check out both letters Paul wrote to the Church at Corinth, 1st and 2nd Corinthians where he gave tremendous insights into God's perspective on personal liberties and behavior.) This does not mean that we should enter the new year with an anything goes attitude. Sadly, I think that has been the prevailing notion in our nation for far too many years. Truth matters. And, we can find it anytime we seek to know it as found in God's Holy Word. Have a great Monday and may God bless us all to serve Him in this new year. Amen. ....More later.

2011 - Transitions

2011-12-30T04:06:00.000-08:00

Rest in peace brother.

It is Friday, December 30, 2011, and it is the last time this year I will be greeting you via this blogging utility. It has been a remarkable year with many transitions here, there, and seemingly everywhere. We did our best to serve and support our brother, Donald, as he ended his sojourn here on the planet. It was a difficult time for many but mostly our mom who had to say farewell to another of her kiddos. Donald had his own set of issues in life but he was a hero to our family for his years of service to our country as a United States Marine. Any time we lose a loved one it tends to overshadow the rest of our year. It also makes us aware that none of us are immune from the fall and that someday we all will take our final breath and then go on to our reward. That is, unless the Lord shall descend from on high and catch us up to be with Him in the air. That would be perfectly fine with me but according to the Apostle Peter, He hasn't done that yet because His desire is for men, women, boys, and girls to come to know His One and Only Son. Yes, our hope is in our future eternal home but we know that He knows best as to when that Day will come. Amen.

I suppose the other notable transition was my joining the Medicare Movement. You might recall how I thought I was really a little young to be getting all of that in place. Well, guess what? Some days it seems that I feel like I'm very much in that age group. Way too much, if you ask me. But, I am now a card carrying elder medical care consumer and news items that I never cared for before now catch my attention. We also had our fair share of family challenges with our large entourage but we thank God that as we come to the end of 2011 we are still, for the most part, up and going. That's how I used to hear it. If you can put both feet on the floor each morning and get up and go, well, you are blessed, period, end of story. As a dear old brother used to say, "If I kicked, I ought to be!" Yes, my friend, we are blessed. Blessed to know the Lord. Blessed to be able to have His calling upon our lives. Blessed to be a part of His family and to share with others in our local fellowship. Oh yeah, I could bend your ear with a long list of things I wished would have gone better, but, in the end, we give God the glory for His provisions in 2011, and we seek Him and His help in the coming New Year. May God bless each of you and thanks so much for tuning in each day. Amen. .....More later.

"If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that."

2011-12-29T04:20:00.000-08:00

Hard to believe that I have been off since last Friday and if I have calculated it correctly, I find myself already at Thursday, December 29, 2011. Time flies when you are obsessed over time flying. I have enjoyed every day and even though I have been busy it has been a blessing to be off. My routine has been changed and that's always a good thing to force some adjustments and see each day from a little different perspective. I am thinking about the new year of 2012 that is just around the bend. We have some plans in the making that will have a huge impact on our lives. I will share more about these in the future. The main thing I wanted to mention is how that while it is okay to make plans, they must always be bathed in prayer with a recognition that all outcomes are in the hands of Almighty God. Being presumptuous about what we will or will not do, well, that flies in the face of truth. James, likely the earthly half brother of Jesus the Christ, wrote his letter and in it he addressed this very point. Chapter 4: Verses 13-16, "Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit'; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, 'If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.' But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.'"

This reminds us that while making plans is a good thing, we must always include the basis or foundation of all that we do or think as being provided to us as God wills. That's not a cop out, that's an opt in to the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Amen. ....More later.

Yes, Virginia, I am still here.

2011-12-28T06:01:00.000-08:00

Good Wednesday morning. I bring you greetings on this beautiful December 28th day in the year of our Lord, 2010. We made our little trek over to Hornbeck, Louisiana yesterday and spent the day with mom and dad. What a day it was. We had a most wonderful time. I had made them a barbecue meal and had it in the trunk of the car, as a surprise. I had told mom not to worry about lunch because I had it covered. She had trouble sleeping Monday night trying to think through all the possibilities. I tried to think of everything. Potato salad, lettuce and tomato salad, hot rolls, beans, and of course, the barbecue, along with a coconut pie and some Mississippi Mud Cake. They were very surprised and it was, thankfully, very edible or as my sweet, sweet mother in law used to say, eatable. The photos show dad doing his regular thing, making us a wonderful breakfast, then we have my beautiful wife visiting with mom, next my beautiful mom, (notice the little card behind her left shoulder, it's her son, the Santa), and then finally, dad and I getting ready for our barbecue luncheon.

We got back home around 6:30 p.m., and yes, it was a tiring trip but one we will not soon forget. We had ourselves one great time and thank God for our mom and dad. Have yourself a wonderful Wednesday and may our Great God add His blessings to it. Amen. .....More later.

I'm channeling the country singer: "Louisiana, how I wish I could go back home again."

2011-12-27T02:41:00.000-08:00

Good Tuesday morning. It's a good day to be on the road over to Louisiana. Come to think about it, any day is a good day to be headed home. Welcome to the 24 hour period designated December 27, 2011. By the time you read this we should be well on our way. Sometimes we need to stop and clean the lenses through which we view things. Our preconceived notions can catch up with us. Yesterday I saw a headline on the ABC News website. It read: Bidens Visit Wounded Troops on Christmas. What was my response? Sorry outfits. I wouldn't doubt that a visit from that turkey lurkey would wound one of fine service man or woman. Then it struck me. They didn't wound anyone, they just visited the wounded. Wow! Silly me. See what I mean? I almost got all stirred up and that's how things get started, emails, and stories, and pretty soon they are flooding people's inboxes all over the place. I have a wonderful friend who sends out some pretty inflammatory stuff from time to time. Some of it is exactly like that headline misinterpreted. When I point that out to him it makes him angry and he declares that it is still a good story anyway even if the facts are not accurate. We all need to clean those lenses from time to time.

As you can see by the profile photo change, I have put away Jolly Old Saint Nicolas until next time, Lord willing. Last Saturday I was doing some final shopping, mostly groceries for our big day, and decided to have the hair and beard trimmed. I'm not all that particular but the big box store hair place is likely not the right venue for a post Santa trim. I figured that out when the lady gave me the standard deer in the headlights look. Or, that may be how they do their thing, every day. At any rate, she proved that butchery may have been a better choice as a vocation but because it was Christmas and because she seemed well intentioned and because I had a soft spot for those who stand all day and work on trying to please bearded white haired old men, I gave her a huge tip anyway, and told her that she had made a start of what would be a work in progress. Bottom line, I am now back to my regular slightly off kilter self. What's that you say? The jolly part was mostly an act, right? Yes and no, at times maybe, but now we will just have to wait and see. Now you folks go right out and have yourself a wonderful Tuesday and I will see what we can do with the one God has given to us. Amen. ....More later.

"Twas the night after Christmas and all through the house, every creature felt stuffed including the mouse. The toys lay broken and all the batteries were dead, while Santa lay sleeping all snuggled in his bed."

2011-12-26T05:14:00.000-08:00

Twenty four million. Wow! That's how many packages UPS reportedly was to deliver last Thursday, its busiest delivery day of the year. Welcome back. It is the Monday after, here on the 26th day of December, 2011. I mention the 24 million because I will tell you something that is true, I wasn't interested in nary a one of them or in receiving any gifts whatsoever. I'm blessed to still have my two front teeth so I will have to wait to even look forward to singing that silly song. But, really, I just don't have a pronounced desire for stuff anymore. Now don't get me wrong. I greatly appreciate my family giving me gifts to show their love and appreciation but I certainly was not seeking them. I well remember one little girl sitting in my lap and she had this to say: "I just want everyone in my family to have a wonderful time at Christmas!" And, she echoed my sentiment, exactly, 100%, right on the money! And, thank God we were once again blessed to have our bunch all together on Sunday afternoon. We prayed as a family, we laughed, we played, we ate, we enjoyed enjoying each other, and that to me was the gift I sought for Christmas. We don't have to read about how that Christmas joy is for those aged 1 to 99 because we have our own model in progress from those barely walking up to those of us wearing the white hair. What a time we had. Another one for the memory vault. And, I pause to thank the Lord God Almighty for His wonderful blessings. Amen.

We, like every family, have our challenges. Best I can tell, no one is immune. But it is wonderful to be able to put all of the troubles-in-progress aside for one day in order to love on each other. Seeing our boys together again always fills us up with memories from days gone by. Observing the excitement of our little ones, well, that's better than the commercial that tries to conjure up a meaning for the word priceless. We have our tradition. We always read the account of our Lord's birth. For well over twenty years we have featured a steak cook out for our Christmas meal. This is the way we roll. I've been looking for a place to use that because I hear it a lot and I thought it sounded kind of cool. Ha Ha. Your celebration doesn't look anything like ours? Good! That's why yours is yours and ours is ours. And, oh by the way, that's what makes it special for those who are collecting memories that will be used as a platform for their own unique application in their families. My blogs this week, if there is one, every day, will be somewhat abbreviated. Maybe me cutting them back a little will become a habit. But, don't count on it because Paw Paw used to see me talking and he would always wonder out loud, "Is that boy ever coming up for air?" Have a great Monday and Lord willing I'll see you again soon. ......More later.

What is the favorite carol of prison gaurds? Guard arrest these merry Gentlemen!

2011-12-23T03:51:00.000-08:00

It is Friday, December 23, 2011, and best I could tell, about the only things stirring on my way in was a varmint here or there. Since we will be shutting down next week until after the first of the year, my personal coffee maker here at work is very much looking forward to a well deserved rest. The one I use at home, it's not so much looking forward to working overtime over the next several days. It has been on its last legs for sometime now but it still makes great coffee, therefore, I believe it should be allowed to live out the rest of its days allowing the wonderful nectar of Community to flow through its veins, so to speak, of course. If I'm not mistaken it may have been trying to send out some distress signals to the EPA, but that's probably just my imagination. I do know that just as it finishes brewing it goes into overdrive doing what sounds almost like a rap, spitting, sputtering and generally making its own style of music. I hope it didn't catch any of E. T. when the kids were watching it because it just might think about trying to go home. But enough of that silliness and I do recognize it for what it is. Maybe the Christmas Eggnog was a little too strong this year. Joking only. I've not had any Eggnog or any other intoxicants, that is unless one can become intoxicated by the anticipation of having all the kiddos home for Christmas this coming Sunday. (Lord willing, of course.) That is something we are so looking forward to.

Some of you, and you do know who you are, have been with me for the duration of this blogging adventure. It has covered four and one half years and, Lord willing, after the first of the year, it will soon number 1200 days worth. This makes the 5th time I have been able to send out a Christmas prayer to one and all using this electronic connection.These blogs do reflect at least the cracking of a window revealing some insight into where I live, work, and a view of my world, through my eyes, The View From Here, and it, at times, has been excruciatingly personal, while at others it has been frivolous and lighthearted. One thing I will readily admit is that for the most part is has been always consistently inconsistent. But, it has been wonderful to share with you all and to bring forth those things that swirl around in the recesses of my mind. And, all of you must know by now that I was a great fan of recess. Joking only. Christmas. It is, as the song says, the most wonderful time of the year, and we are privileged to know the truth about the Savior whose coming into the world is celebrated as the Reason for the Season.

I do pray that you and yours will keep Him in mind as you enjoy time with loved ones. Many people like to use His coming into the world to promote their own ideas. World peace. Universal love. Charitable causes. These are all well and good but let us never forget that God brought forth His Son to redeem fallen humanity. Therefore, we can be sure that the greatest gift is not found in pursuing causes but in finding the Christ. At this time of year the most well known verse in the New Testament says it all, John 3:16: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life". The chorus from a song comes to mind: "Knowing You, Jesus, knowing You - There is no greater thing. You're my all, You're the best, You're my joy, my righteousness, And I love You Lord." My prayer is that we all can embrace that Bible verse as the reality of our life and sing that song in response to the Gift that God has given to us. Have a wonderful Christmas and may God bless each and everyone! Amen. ....More later.

"What is the favorite Christmas song aboard a ship?" Deck the Halls.

2011-12-22T02:46:00.000-08:00

I used to be one of the biggest Eddy Arnold fans around. I had nearly everything he ever recorded on vinyl. That's right. Yes, Virginia, there not only is a Santa but we, back in the day, did listen to music recorded on something called an LP, the long play record. Perhaps my most favorite Christmas song that he recorded is this one, "Christmas Can't Be Far Away". You can search for it on YouTube. I just did. It still sounds great. Now that's what I'm talking about! It is Thursday, December 22, 2011, and the song is right on target. Here are the lyrics:

A neighbor tipped his hat to me this mornin'
The landlord even smiled and said good-day
And I want you to know a stranger said hello
Christmas can't be far away

Old tight wad down the street is buying candy

To pass out to the neighbor kids at play
The town is on the go
The weather man said snow
Christmas can't be far away

The small fry on our block have all been saving
And now they're hiding things and looking sly
Mom will get that doodad she's been craving
And Dad'll get his usual Christmas tie

Both young and old are planning sweet surprises
They'll soon be tied with ribbons bright and gay
Good will is in the air
You feel it everywhere

Christmas can't be far away
Christmas can't be far away

As I read those words I can hear Eddy's golden voice, and it is true that folks, at least most folks, are in a better mood at this time of the year. We that know the Lord are aware that true joy is found only in Him. Last Sunday morning I finished my short series on the Senior Saints God chose to be a part of His bringing His Son into the world. I wrote a few days ago about Zechariah and Elizabeth, an elderly couple chosen by God to be the parents of John the Baptist. This week we looked at two more individuals advanced in years, Simeon and Anna, who were close to God because they had devoted their lives to walking with Him. According to the inspired historian Luke, writer of the Gospel bearing his name and the Book of Acts, Simeon was a man who constantly looked for the coming of Messiah, (the Consolation of Israel). The Holy Spirit was upon this man and had informed him that he would actually see the long awaited redeemer before he closed his eyes in death. When Joseph and Mary brought Jesus to the Temple to dedicate Him to the Lord as prescribed in the Old Testament Law, Simeon was there and when he saw them with the Child the Holy Spirit informed him that it was the very one he longed to see. Here's Simeon's response: ".... he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said: “ Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, According to Your word; For my eyes have seen Your salvation Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel.” (Luke 2: 28-32) Next we meet Anna, an elderly widow, who had devoted her life to fasting and prayer in the Temple, day and night. She too was moved by the sight of this Child. "And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem." (Luke 2:38)

I encourage everyone to read about all of these people and how God used them, even in their old age, to accomplish great things in bringing His Son into the world. It might just surprise you what you will find. Speaking of surprises, I have been concerned for some time now about our bathroom scale. It is one of those that operates manually but there has always been a discrepancy with it compared to my doctor. I figured my doctor's might be off but when I changed to the new medical team under Medicare, well, the same thing came up again. I figured it was time to do something. I ordered a new one. One that guaranteed accuracy. It came in yesterday. We went through the set up procedure and then we checked the results. It is accurate. We have a five pound bag of flour to prove it. The good news: It is accurate. The bad news: We've been using a very bad measuring device. How bad? About nine pounds. Uh oh! Now we know. That explains a lot. And, it will be up to each of us to take action accordingly. I thought about this in the context of our Savior coming into the world. Most in the world at that time were using a wrong measure in their longing for Messiah to come. They had the same Old Testament used by Mary, Joseph, Zechariah, Elizabeth, Simeon and Anna. But they had allowed it to become distorted by tradition and the interpretations of men. The result? They looked for a material Savior only, one that would conquer their enemies and restore them to prominence. Those using the right measure, they looked for a spiritual Savior, One that would save His people from their sins. Now those are some important thoughts for us all to ponder as we seek to use the rightly divided Word of God as the final measure for everything that pertains to life and Godliness. Amen. ......More later.

What is a time-travelers favorite season? Christmas, of course. Because of all the present that is there.

2011-12-21T02:52:00.000-08:00

Okay. I've heard about those who finished their shopping very early. I applaud their forethought. Other than that, their good planning has not seemed to slow the traffic at the mall. Not even a little bit. And, what about the 15% increase in on-line purchasing? That alone should show up, somewhere. Not in our area. After getting as close as I could, it took me 15 minutes last Saturday afternoon to get to the pick up point for my wife. That was about maybe 5 or 6 blocks. I stayed in front of Sears so long people began to think I was an ornament. That traffic melee was disastrous and not a police person in sight, not one of them was stirring, but the horns were a honking, and the road rage was raging, and it all happened right dab in the middle of the season of perpetual joy. That will do for now. I've caught my breath and it's time to move on to something less frustrating. It is good to have this time together, here on a Wednesday, this one happens to be on December 21, 2011. Some of my readers do live in remote or rural areas, therefore, this preoccupation with traffic delays must make them laugh, although they do occasionally have to be held up by some cows crossing the road. As I recall, even that type of delay will get on a person's nerves. Ever wonder why most of us are in such a hurry? But we are. "A woman darted into the dentist office along with her husband. She frantically blurted out, 'I'm in a hurry, I need a tooth pulled and I need it pulled quickly, no Novocaine, no nothing, just need it done quickly.' The dentist was very impressed with the courage of this lady but then she added, 'Okay honey, show him your tooth.'"

Here's a few more of web surfed Christmas memories served up for your reading pleasure: "Best: When my entire family was all together. Worst: When she said, "I want a divorce" (at Christmas)." ~ "My most memorable best was my first bike. I was about 8 and my older sister had a bike and wouldn't let me ride hers. When I woke up on Christmas morning and saw it at the end of my bed I could hardly breathe. It had no brakes so I had to learn to ride it pretty fast so I didn't fall off." ~ "My most memorable Christmas was about six years ago when my entire family and their children all gathered in the country town we were raised in ... took over half a motel and showed the children all the places we had told them stories about for so many years." ~ "Well, my most memorable Christmas was in July when I was like 8 ..so, 40 years ago. My dad was a roofer so we lived like kings in the summer and paupers in the winter (he didn't know how to save). Anyway, he had a very hard winter and couldn't even afford a tree that year so one day in the next July we came home and dad had the tree up and it was all decorated and there were presents galore under it for all 4 of us , I think that was the year we all got bikes and to this day it is one of the only Christmases I remember like it was yesterday ...he was a fantastic dad .. I love you dad and miss you every day ..." ~ "My most memorable Christmas was when I was about 4 or 5. Had the flu and was up all night sick & throwing up. I remember being super upset because I thought Santa wouldn't come because I wasn't asleep." ~

Admittedly, some of those are a little on the different side of life but I would imagine that others might think the same about some of our recollections. In doing these searches, I've seen some that were pretty sad. People remembering, seemingly with glee, a Christmas party where everyone was so drunk, no one even remembered being there. I'll pass on that one, if you please. I also read many who were recollecting the loss of a loved one who died during the Christmas season. That's always going to be a part of life that does leave its mark. However, in my walks down memory lane, I remember just about as many folks who have passed on to the other side as those who are still counted among the living. Sure, it brings a tear here and there, but thinking about those days when we were all together, enjoying the festivities, and the feasting, remembering the laughter and joy, well, I just happen to think those are blessed memories because God gave us the ability to capture and keep them. The even better news is that for so many of those we can no longer touch or hold, well, we will see them again because they are in heaven and that's where we are headed too. We sing about the great reunion day but I rather doubt we can even imagine what it will be like when we see our Savior and our loved ones over in the Gloryland. I wouldn't miss that for the world and I pray that we all will make being there the first priority of our lives. Okay. I've almost reminisced myself into a tizzy, therefore, I had better say goodbye for now and wish each one a blessed day. Amen. ....More later.

How do Santa and Mrs. Claus get around? Surely you know this one: On an icicle built for two.

2011-12-20T02:46:00.000-08:00

Hello Tuesday and also welcome to my regular readers here on this December 20th, in the year of 2011. I started to use the phrase 'my retinue' but my understanding is that designation is reserved for groups that follow noble or elevated personages. I wouldn't want to pass myself off as that even if I were to be standing on the top of a step ladder. DQMOT, BICBW, BTA, HHOK, BFN, :). That's my attempt at using the abbreviations that folks use when texting or facebooking. Translation: "Don't quote me on this, but I could be wrong, but then again, ha ha only kidding, bye for now, smiling." That smiling is indicated by the :). I sure hope they won't be selling those teaching dvds on how to learn this language. Here's a good one. They even have a symbol for Santa, "I'm Santa Claus", as indicated by: *<:-)(. I sure hope that helps clear up some misunderstandings out there. What's that you say? I have to be kidding? Nope. There are several hundred of these commonly used abbreviations and I can't tell you how good I feel about not knowing 99.9% of them. I love that picture of *<:-)( as he tries to use that computer by candlelight. Something about that candle just seems so right and in general there's something about that image that speaks volumes to me. One thing I see is the truth about how that no Santa would be complete without his mug of Community or Kona Sunrise which I happen to be sipping at the moment thanks to a wonderful friend's Christmas gift. Don't worry. The two pound bag of Community is standing proudly next to the 24 oz. bag of Sunrise. So far, they are getting along quite well. Hawaii is a state after all so I guess that one being born there makes them a citizen. Just kidding. I had no intention of the getting into the birth certificate controversy. That reminds me. In page after page of those nonsensical abbreviations, I did not see a symbol for Community. Where do I send my complaint? There ought to be a law. Don't you agree?

Here's a few more folks recalling their most memorable Christmas: "I forget how old I was maybe around 1st grade. My sister had gotten me an album of a singer I really liked though she signed it from ☺. So I thought someone named smiley face had gotten me the present. My parents kept telling me to thank my sister which confused me because I thought it was from someone named Smiley Face."~ "Mine was probably 2nd grade. We got to go to Disney World!" ~ "I was out at my grandparents for vacation with cousins and aunts, and uncles, you know, just a lot of family and the power went out. I remember my Grandma following me around trying to get me to put my hair up (it was super-duper long, like halfway down my back then) and she was concerned because she thought I was going to get it in a candle and set my own hair on fire by accident. Ha ha, gotta love my crazy family!" ~ "My most memorable Christmas was when my father opened up a gift my daughter (4years old at the time) got him. It was a pair of cufflinks with the initial L on them. He asked what the L stood for and she told him LOVE." ~ " I had been in Vietnam for 11 months and wasn't sure if I would ever see my family again. My mom sent me a small metal Christmas tree that folded out to about a foot high. With no ornaments to be found, we made some out of beer cans! Of course everyone had their "goody boxes" from home to share that Christmas. One of the guys played guitar, so we did our best with some Christmas carols and passed around the goodies from home. It turned out to be a very special Christmas." ~

As we might expect, memories that people have are all over the page. I've known a few people who had no recollection of good times at Christmas. These bad thoughts typically reflected family issues, excessive drinking, or other types of abusive situations. That to me is tragic and it makes me all the more thankful to God for the great ones I hold dear in my heart. Last Sunday afternoon our local fellowship of believers put on a small Christmas carnival for a nearby apartment complex. The wife and I did pictures for everyone as Santa and Mrs. Claus. And just so you know. I prefer it said that way. Santa and Mrs. Claus. People on Sunday were calling us Mr. and Mrs. Claus. While that may be technically accurate, Santa and Mrs. Claus seems so much more appropriate. I know you know what I mean. One lady won a $25 gift card in a drawing. She was so excited and said with those funds she would be able to get her daughter the special gift she wanted. The Gospel of Jesus Christ was all over that property. No. We didn't have a preacher standing out on a podium in the parking lot. What we did have was people loving on other people and reaching out to them. We also featured an illusionist where every trick ended up showing forth truths about our Lord. We had an older lady come for a photo and that was fun. A few minutes later the older lady's mother came for a photo. It was a joy to see so many smiling faces. We even had a couple of kids that preferred Mrs. Claus but I checked the official bylaws and at this time I've decided, against my better judgment, not to move their names to the Naughty List. But, as they continue their journey they might want to think seriously about their behavior as it relates to Santa. Enough said. Have a great Tuesday and may God bless one and all. Amen. ....More later.

What do you call a Christmas letter that is sent up the chimney? Black Mail!

2011-12-19T02:51:00.000-08:00

Good morning and welcome to Monday, December 19, 2011. Today's blog is a reprint from one I wrote four years ago back in December of 2007. It was one that garnered a number of positive comments, therefore, I wanted to share it with you again. You will notice that me being Santa again was not on my radar screen at that time. It was entitled: "Confessions of a Miffed Myth!" Here it is in its entirety:

"I've had quite a few jobs in my lifetime. They have ranged from being physically labor intensive up to executive management. However, none were quite as interesting as the December back in 1973 when I worked in the evenings and on weekends as a department store Santa. Yes, that is the Christmas stamp from 1973, and yes, it did cost 8 cents! I was actually hired by a temporary agency that supplied Santas to a variety of stores. They conducted one mass training session where we were told about the outfits and how to do the make up, and then we were encouraged to read the poem, “Twas the Night Before Christmas”, by Clement C. Moore, to give us the idea behind the kind of Santa they wanted. I was assigned to a Sears store located in one of the area malls.

The store had set up a Santa Shop area next to their furniture department, and it was decorated with a large chair for Santa, all types of props, and it had a Polaroid camera to make instant photos for those wishing to buy a picture of their child with Santa. There were several of us who played Santa and a number of young ladies who dressed up like elves. They worked the camera and operated the register. The Santa uniform, while uncomfortable and sweaty, was very nice and the beard very realistic. It was quite an ordeal to rush in and undergo the transformation from an office worker to the Jolly Old Saint, and I did have to use a pillow for my tummy back in those days. There have been a few times over the years when I wouldn’t have needed one because I could have supplied my own, but that’s another story. Just so you know, I would have to use one today!

Typically, I would work from 6 p.m. to store closing on the weeknights I was scheduled, and on Saturdays I could work as many as 12 hours. This job might look like loads of fun but I will tell you from actual experience, it can be very, very difficult. The children, of course, were wonderful. And, you can put up with those that cry, and those who spit up on you, or the occasional accident that soils your suit. But, when you are dealing with THE PARENTS, and especially, THE MOMS, there’s little to no hope for any kind of enjoyment.

I want to mention a word about the music. The Jackson Five came out with a Christmas album in 1970 with many standards recorded in their memorable style. The songs were: 1. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas 2. Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town 3. The Christmas Song 4. Up On The House Top 5. Frosty The Snowman 6. The Little Drummer Boy 7. Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer 8. Christmas Won't Be The Same This Year 9. Give Love On Christmas Day 10. Someday At Christmas 11. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus. But there was only one huge problem: This was the only cassette our Santa Workshop had to play. I challenge anyone to listen to this music evening after evening and for 12 hours on Saturday without going postal! I guess the only thing worse I can think of is if it had been Alvin and the Chipmunks!

People showed up in droves and they were paying $2.50 for a special card with an instant photo of their child with Santa. Okay, we were not a portrait studio. It was a Polaroid camera! Hello? This was something that was obviously lost on many of the mommies who brought their children. They wanted the picture to be perfect which led to retakes, and log jams, and anger on the part of those waiting in line, and stress, and confusion, and chaos. There were times when I thought some of the moms were going to come to blows as they argued about their photos or their position in line. Believe it or not, some showed up to have twenty-five pictures made so they could send them out as Christmas cards. Now I ask you, who would think you might be able to keep a squirming kid posed for even one photo? It’s called insanity!

There were times whenever it got so completely out of hand I had no choice but to announce a time out for Santa to go and feed his reindeer. (That’s what the sign said when I was on break.) If the children cried which many did, it was Santa’s fault. If the picture was bad, it was Santa’s fault. If the line was too long, it was Santa’s fault, and the list could go on and on and on. The last week before Christmas the store was open until 11 p.m. each night and I often pulled the entire Saturday shift by myself. Yes, we needed the extra money and we even have a photo of our boys taken with me, after we explained how I was only a helper because the real Santa was busy getting all the toys ready for them.

Despite these challenges, there were some moments that still stand out in my mind nearly 35 years later. I think about the little guy who wobbled up to me, trembling, as he brought all his old pacifiers in a bag to show Santa that he was kicking the habit. I remember the sad young ladies who came to make a photo for their boy friend or husband stationed overseas. Then, there was that look in the eyes of children with disabilities as they had their moment with Santa. One night an entire high school Christmas party crew showed up for photos. Having a football player and his date sit on your lap was not exactly what I had in mind when I signed up for this work. And, THE CHILDREN. Santa is about children. Their innocence and their exuberant joy helped make an otherwise miserable experience one that still causes a warm glow in my heart and brings a smile to my face. Here’s a final word straight from the old dude himself: "He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, And away they all flew like the down of a thistle. But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight, "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!" ……More later."

Lots of important stuff to think about my friend.

2011-12-16T02:29:00.000-08:00

Twas the week before Christmas and all through the house, the Community was brewing making jealous even the mouse. That will be enough of that. Thanks for that vote of confidence. We have awakened ourselves and found out this fact: It is Friday, December 16, 2011. Today is the anniversary of the birth of my eldest brother, Jimmy Don. Today, it's hard to imagine, but had he lived, he would be celebrating his 69th birthday. He left this life back in 1962 before completing his 20th year. I remember how he tried to comfort and help mom after we lost dad in 1954. Jimmy was an eleven year old and he carried a huge burden as he tried to help shepherd our little pitiful flock. He grew into a most handsome young man and had started college but then we suddenly lost him and today we pause to thank God for the life He gave to him and we also just want to add our birthday wishes to our big brother.

This is an important next few days for us. Our daughter-in-law Mitzi celebrates her birthday, the 18th, this coming Sunday. Mitzi is married to our youngest son Rodney. They are the proud parents of Kyleigh, Lexie, and Brady. I used the word devoted in my blog yesterday. Mitzi wears that word well. She epitomizes the devoted wife and mom. She is also a very devoted neighbor and friend to her large network of comrades. Her and her friends go way back. How about all the way back to grade school? I would say that is unique. One of the special things she and her long term friends are doing is to try and instill this same sense of connection in their children. I think that's pretty neat. We are so blessed to have her in our family and we thank God for her and wish her a wonderful birthday celebration.

Not finished yet. We also have our very first grandson's birthday this Sunday, the 18th. Jimmy Don Jr. will be 15. Jimmy Don Jr. will be 15? This young man has been a special treasure to our family since he made his appearance 15 years ago. As I sit here typing away it's hard to even describe his impact on our lives. We were with him from the beginning from when MiMi and I used to do the tag team on rocking him at night. It's not always been an easy journey and he's had plenty of challenges along the way. We see him as a remarkable young man with so much potential. He is thoughtful and at times can be a little on the quiet side. He is a gamer. I know most kids his age are gamers but some more than others. I think maybe he would tilt on the 'more' side. He is close to his brother and sisters. We are so very thankful for him and consider him to be a tremendous blessing. Happy Birthday to our Jimmy Jr and may God continue guide you and bless your life. Love, MiMi and Poppy.

I'm certainly not finished yet. This Sunday, the 18th, will also mark the 47th year of our sojourn together as husband and wife. And what a sojourn it has been! I started to say it seems like yesterday that I met her for the first time but that would not be correct. It wasn't yesterday. It was nearly 50 years ago and she was out at a nearby Church participating in an old fashioned singing school. I had tagged along for no good reason but God had a different plan in mind. All I can tell you is that when I saw her the lights in the Church dimmed. And, I saw a bright light. No. No. That's what happens when people are dying. Excuse me. I was captivated and and even more than that, I was captured. I didn't go there for that reason. She didn't go there for that reason. But all these years later our lives have been intertwined as we have faced the good times and those others too. We've been blessed. Her family. My family. We are blessed. Our offspring. Their offspring. Their offspring's offspring. We are blessed. More than anything else, we share a common faith in the God who brought us together and I pause to celebrate the wonderful woman He provided to me. May God bless the recognition of our 47th anniversary and may God be praised for His blessings on us. Okay. I know today's blog has been deeply personal. But, it is a reflection of what happened to be on my heart and mind, therefore, I leave you with a prayer that God will help us all to treasure those He has placed in our lives. Amen. See you next week, Lord willing. ....More later.

PS: I almost forgot the most important thing. Here's my message to my wife: Baby you're the greatest!

A dog breeder crossed a setter and a pointer at Christmas time and got a pointsetter.

2011-12-15T03:35:00.000-08:00

I can hear those groans out there. The Christmas puns I've been using are so bad but you will have to admit some of them do bring a flicker of a smile. That flicker is at least better than the alternative. Right? Good to see you here at the old Bloggerville coffee shop. I've already had a couple of cups and according to the indicator on my pot, I have 8 more cups of Community to help keep me on track this morning. It is Thursday, December 15, 2011 and while many are up to their knees in snow, the mud just keeps on being slung by the Republican candidates. I'll be glad when they finally thin the herd because watching these debates becomes somewhat embarrassing to me. I know the process is designed to produce the strongest candidate but when you start off with the crew we have running, well, the sooner we get to a place where we can begin to build a strategy for defeating the current incumbent, the better. I'm not one of those who say Amen to any and everything that comes from these people. Like when one of them says that anyone of those on the stage would be imminently more qualified to be president than Mr. Obama, and I look at all those people, and I wonder if that could be true, and I also wonder why they say idiotic things like that. But, that's just me. I know there has to be some people who are building all those TV stages and helping do the production of the debates, therefore, I suppose if it can't do much for the voters, then maybe someone will receive some wages from the activity. Last Tuesday evening at our Crosstrainers Club meeting, the teacher asked the class if anyone knew the meaning of the word devote. One little girl raised her hand and asked if he meant like in an election. Maybe she was on to something. (She did get a really good laugh.) While it is not hard to be devoted to defeating the current administration, I will tell you, at least for me, it's very hard for me to be devoted to any of these folks, at least at this time in the process.

But, at this time of year, we are reminded about a Ruler who came into this world to establish His kingdom which will last for eternity. I read this poem written in the 1500's by a Jesuit Priest, Robert Southwell. Some of the word meanings are obscure to us today but the impact is precious to all who have found the Savior of such lowly birth:

Behold a silly tender Babe, in freezing winter night;
In homely manger trembling lies, alas a piteous sight:
The inns are full, no man will yield this little Pilgrim bed,
But forced He is with silly beasts, in crib to shroud His head.
Despise Him not for lying there, first what He is enquire:
An orient pearl is often found, in depth of dirty mire;
Weigh not His crib, His wooden dish, nor beasts that by Him feed:
Weigh not His mother's poor attire, nor Joseph's simple weed.
This stable is a Prince's court, the crib His chair of state:
The beasts are parcel of His pomp, the wooden dish His plate.
The persons in that poor attire, His royal liveries wear,
The Prince Himself is come from heaven, this pomp is prized there.
With joy approach, O Christian wight, do homage to thy King,
And highly prize this humble pomp, which He from heaven doth bring.

I looked up some of the words for you. Joseph's simple weed refers to his garment. 'O Christian wight' refers to a living being as in person. The bottom line in the 1500's is still the same for us today. God moved to bring forth His one and only Son that we might have life in Him. The Apostle John wrote about the life Jesus gives to those who come to Him. He quoted our Lord when He said: "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." (John 10:10) That thief is Satan and his evil influence in the world. The abundant life mentioned in this verse is something featured prominently in many sermons today. I can tell you unequivocally that this word is not a promise of worldly fame or financial prosperity. It does not imply a happy go lucky existence. What it does promise is the presence of the Living Lord of the universe abiding in His own. Those who teach this materialistic emphasis from this verse insult the very memory of those who have suffered for the cause of Christ. Think about it. Many of those who actually heard our Savior say these very words would have their lives taken from them as martyrs as they expressed the fulfillment of the abundant life He had given to them. Now that is something for us all to contemplate as we continue to think about His coming at this time of year. Amen. ....More later.

Santa's sleigh rings too loudly with all the little bells for him to qualify for the No Bell Prize!

2011-12-14T02:47:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Wednesday and we are still in the Christmas countdown mode on this mild 14th day of December in the year of 2011 (as we calculate days). I've thought about thinking about what my favorite Christmas memory is but I'm not sure I can come up with one that stands out so as to be my all time favorite. I do have many to choose from and I'm not bragging because good memories are a blessing and we know that any and all good things come from God, therefore, we thank Him for allowing us to have so many good recollections of our Christmas celebrations. But when in doubt, Google it. You do know what I mean. Right? Here's a sampling: My favorite Christmas was .....When I got my Atari. I almost cried. ~ My favorite Christmas was the year I got a BB gun from my dad. It was awesome! And, contrary to my mom’s fears, I didn’t shoot my eye out—or anyone else’s. ~ It was in 1943. My sister was a new baby. My family had been into the nearby town of Kennett, Missouri and were returning after dark. As my mom lit the old kerosene lamp, my dad built a fire in our wood cook stove. As we stood there in our kitchen around the stove, my mom and dad looked at each other, smiled and started singing, Silent Night. Our smiling, singing parents did more than the cook stove to warm us and to this day, tears come to my eyes when I hear Silent Night. ~

My favorite Christmas was ..... I was living with my folks in a beautiful log cabin in Montana, miles from town and we got a snowstorm. It was picturesque in so many ways. Mom was baking up a storm, dad and I worked on puzzles and kept the wood stove blazing and we were as cozy as could be. I don't even remember one gift I received, but I will never forget that Christmas. ~ All of the ones when my parents were alive, missing them like crazy during the holidays. ~ I woke up around 4 a.m. and found a "Suzy Smart" under the tree. She had a desk, blonde hair tied in a pony tail, and a cute little school-girl skirt and blouse. I took her and sat down to look at her and suddenly she started talking! It startled me, since the house was asleep and quiet...but once I knew how she worked, she talked to me until her battery ran out later in the day. ~ Always getting to open 1 present early on Christmas Eve day, simply because we nagged my parents so much they would give in. Then that night we would go over to my grandparents and my grandfather would do a scavenger hunt for one of our presents. ~ I was in my first year of college in a small town in Missouri. I was 7 hours away from home and missing the Christmas preparations with my family when some of my suitemates and I decided to volunteer and help take kids shopping at Walmart for their families. We each got a child and we had a money limit of what we could spend on each family member. It was the most amazing moment of my life. I will never forget that Christmas. Instead of thinking about what presents I wanted for Christmas I got to help a family have an amazing Christmas.~

Maybe I will share some more from the web with you before we end our time of remembering the birth of our Lord and the blessings that He brought to us. I know some of the ones I shared were sentimental. That's such an integral part of how our memories are made. I remember our baby sister's last Christmas before she made her journey to her heavenly home. She had written out what she wanted to say to every person there. I can tell you, the tears flowed freely on that special gathering. Our Kayla was such an inspiration to us all as she bravely dealt with Leukemia, one hand held by those who loved her, the other held by her Savior. That conjures up one special Christmas memory to me. I also remember when Marilyn and I were young parents and she was pregnant with our youngest. We were struggling to make ends meet but I had slipped around and bought her a new watch. She had not expected it and we traveled over to Louisiana where I slipped it into the pile of gifts at her family's gift giving party. She was handed the present and she didn't have a clue. None of us could have expected what would happen next. When she saw it she burst into tears and all the lady folks joined in with her. It wasn't a very expensive watch but she knew that it involved some sacrifice. That little gift exchange set the tone for one of the most memorable of our Christmas gatherings. Now don't get me started. And, you do know that old grandpa's tend to be emotional so I had better end this for now and wish you a wonderful and blessed day. See you next time where we might all be surprised at what finds its way onto the page. ....More later.

What goes "Oh, Oh, Oh?" Silly, it's Santa walking backwards!

2011-12-13T02:27:00.000-08:00

Hello folks out there in the wonderful world of blogdom. Welcome once again to a little slice of my world on this Tuesday, December 13, 2011. Last Saturday afternoon when I delivered my wife to the big mall for her work the congestion was unbelievable. Just getting her to the front door was like playing dodge ball with all those cars darting in and out trying to grab a spot, leave a spot, or wait for a spot. When I finally let her out I then embarked on the next challenge. How do I get out of here? I decided to cut through the JC Penny parking lot because there was no way I could merge into the main lane without creating even more havoc. That was another huge mistake. The parking lot was filled up with folks doing that grab a spot, leave a spot, wait for a spot, and a few who acted like they were not sure exactly what they were doing. One particular driver was blocking up everything pretty good. I looked over and saw that white hair. Immediately I thought, "old people", they need to stay home. But as I repositioned myself to take another run at getting out of the gridlock I happened to catch a glimpse of someone in my mirror. That someone had white hair. That someone was me! It suddenly dawned on me that the fellow behind me watching me do my thing through the maze was no doubt telling his wife, "Look at that honey, old people, why don't they just stay at home?" It just goes to show you that if the walking cane fits, then use it!

Speaking of old folks, in our Sunday morning Bible study we are studying some older people from the birth narrative of our Savior. That's right. Old folks. The inspired historian Luke preserved for us the account from what we call Chapters 1-2 of his Gospel. In Chapter 1 we meet some senior citizens, Zechariah and Elizabeth, who, even though they were advanced in years, became major participants in the fulfillment of God's promise to send Messiah. This couple is described as being righteous and blameless in the eyes of God. He was a priest. She was also descended from the priestly tribe. They had no children. This was a huge burden for them because at that time it was thought to be a curse and shame. Obviously, they remained faithful despite having to bear this burden. They lived in the hill country north of Jerusalem. Twice a year Zechariah would go to Jerusalem to serve at the Temple along with others within his order. On the particular visit recorded by Luke the lot fell on Zechariah to burn incense before the altar of God. This was a huge honor and a priest could only do it once in his lifetime. Zechariah went in to perform his duty. That burned incense represented the praise of Jehovah God along with the prayers of His people. While he was there doing his duty, Gabriel, an angel of the Lord appeared and told him his prayer had been answered and that he and Elizabeth was to have a child. Hello? A child? This child was destined to be the 'Elijah of his day' for he would herald the coming of Messiah. Zechariah had some questions, asked for a sign, and was struck mute because of his lack of faith. He finished his duties, returned home and Elizabeth conceived and they brought forth their son. This baby grew into the great man of God, John the Baptist, and yes, God still has work for His own, regardless of their station in life, or their age. Go read about it. It is a marvelous account of God's choosing of people to bring honor and glory to His name. Amen.

That should be encouraging to those of us who hold up folks in the parking lot and who proudly wear the white hair. It shows that God is not through with us and we are His servants as long as we are here in this life. The Bible tells us that there will come a time in our lives when work will cease and we will go on to our reward, therefore, we are to position ourselves to be used of God. Far too many of our seniors have bought into the world's template that wants to limit our potential and contribution. I've even heard some older saints express the opinion that they had served when they were younger and now it is time for the younger ones to do their part. But, what if there is no retirement plan for being a servant of the Living God? What if the final plan is for God's very own to be promoted into their heavenly home? I think that is an absolute fact for both of these questions. Yes. Many of us have ailments and even limitations that we may not have had when we were younger. But that doesn't mean we are out of the running to do what we can, if we would but make ourselves available and be sensitive when He calls us to an opportunity. We are blessed in our local fellowship to have a number of senior saints that contribute greatly to the welfare of the body. My mom who is 87 still prepares meals for shut ins and we know of many others who do what they can do for the cause of Christ. Zechariah and Elizabeth had chosen God and dedicated themselves to serving Him before He called them to be the parents of John the Baptist. Yes, I know I am the man I saw in that mirror. Yes, I know the hair that is left is white. However, I also know that God can give me, you, or anyone the strength needed to get up and do His bidding. That's my sermonette for today and it may just end up doing me some good. Have a great day and may God add His blessings to it. Amen. .....More later.

What does a reindeer do when he has an upset stomach? That's easy. Of course they take an elk-a-seltzer!

2011-12-12T03:17:00.000-08:00

It is Monday, December 12, 2011, and I bid you welcome. If you are not ready to hear a little venting, then you might want to skip this opening paragraph. Here goes. Last week the administration sucked up about as much gall as they could and began to pursue the matter involving the murders of innocent soldiers at Fort Hood. How did they refer to this heinous act? As an incident of workplace violence. Here we have a radicalized Islamist who essentially declared Jihad on our military but yet the political correct idiots in our own government refuse to call it what it is. How can murder in the name of Islam be referred to as workplace violence? The same thing happened last year when the two soldiers were mowed down in front of a recruiting office in Little Rock. The shooter readily admitted: "This was a jihadi attack." How did our government refer to this shooting? As a drive by shooting incident. The mainstream press not only supports this miscarriage but they even take it to new levels. The left bastion of reporting, The NY Times, reported that the shooter in Arkansas was upset over the Iraq and Afghanistan wars as if he was maybe a war protester or something. The shooter himself said his actions were justified under the rules of Jihad. Why do they do this type of shoddy and insulting presentation of what they know is not even close to the truth? Out of fear that they might offend the folks in the Islamic community. They certainly have no such fears about castigating people of faith or those who promote traditional family values. I once again remind us all of the Scripture: "Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!" (Isaiah 5:20)

Our first appearance together at the Cocoa and Cookies with
the Clauses, in early November.

Thanks. I needed to get that off my chest. It's been bothering me for several days now. Just Maybe, Mr. Bloggerman, you are overreacting. Maybe I am, but I think it's time for us to wake up and smell the coffee, (Community actually smells better), so that we can begin to gauge the depth of this war against our values. But, enough about that. How in the world are you doing, anyway? The better half and I are beginning to get acclimated to working together in our professional acting roles of Santa and Mrs. Claus. I had a fellow call me last Friday to tell me how much he appreciated our visit to their local fast food restaurant. He paid us perhaps the highest compliment one could hear. He said, "You guys are as close to the real deal as I have ever seen and you both seem to love it." He also sent me a photo he had taken with his phone of the little boy he had brought. He said they didn't know how the kid would respond but he obviously loved me and the rest of the kids did also. I told him he didn't hang around long enough because I couldn't even get a decent shot of my great grand and myself because she wasn't feeling well and it just wasn't a good night for her to be asked to be all Santa loving. That can happen to anyone. I know I do get plenty of undeserved credit like when someone tells me that I am the first Santa when their child didn't cry. Okay. That's nice but I also know that it would be bound to happen to any Santa when it became the first time that they didn't cry. I appreciate their confidence but I also am a realist. At any rate, we are enjoying our little foray into the make believe world and we might just have something that we can do together going forward.

Looking at our schedules, this looks to be a very busy week and the days are getting away from us in terms of the Christmas countdown. I have done most of our shopping thus far online. What's that you say? I'm missing out on the mall experience. Oh yeah. You are talking about the one where you park and walk for a quarter of a mile, push and shove, settle for something you really didn't want, and then go home and collapse from all the fun you have had. That's the one? I actually don't mind the mall that much but this year we have to use our time wisely and time is proving to be a somewhat rare commodity for us. But, we are thankful to God for being busy. We are also thankful to God for being able to be busy. I may be able to write a report on childhood obesity and offer an expert opinion after I finish my season of setting the not so little ones on my knee. The 'back' speaks to me a little after a few hours of work in the big overstuffed chair but the children, they are so wonderful and that is what makes it all such a blessing. I read a lady's tirade about Santa on her Facebook page this morning and I can respect her opinion. I went to high school with her and I understand her concern about the monies spent on Santa gifts when so many throughout our land are in such great need. I'm not sure getting rid of Santa would solve that problem but I do agree with her that the primary focus should be on the coming into the world of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Knowing Him is the greatest gift that we could ever receive. Now, here is exactly what I want you to do. Go out there and have yourself a wonderful day and don't forget to thank God for all of His blessings. Amen. ......More later.

What would you get if you ate the Christmas decorations? Tinselitis.

2011-12-09T03:09:00.000-08:00

The question of the day. If you could invite someone famous to share a holiday meal with you and your family, who would it be? That's what we have to get us up and going for this beautiful Friday, December 9, 2011. This comes from a recent survey that asked this question to over 1,000 people. I don't have a way to do a drum roll on my keyboard although you can likely find one on the web and play it here if you like. The results: Jennifer Anniston was the one who received the most mentions, followed by the new Duchess of Cambridge, Kate, wife of Prince William who didn't even make the list. Number three was the ex-husband of Jennifer Anniston, Brad Pitt followed by Charlie Sheen, Ashton Kutcher, and Kim Kardashian. When asked about who you would like to attend your Christmas party, Rachel Ray, the TV cook, was the run away winner. Paula Dean, the Food Network star was mentioned the most as the cook wanted to prepare your meal. I don't know about you but I can't really identify with these choices. Yes, I do know who these people are and yes they have occupied the headlines from time to time, often for very unsavory reasons. I do understand the mindless preoccupation with celebrity in our culture but it is still surprising when you see it dominating so much of what constitutes life in these so called modern times. I'm not going to name my choices because I think we already have some very special folks coming to our family gathering, Lord willing, of course. I suppose the argument could center on our definition of famous and what each of us consider to be important in terms of identity and accomplishment. God listed some of His favorites in Hebrews Chapter 11. We might start by understanding the character and attributes He saw in those in His 'heroes of faith' listing. That would be a good place to start.

Because of what I view as an almost insane attraction to these types of folks, all 200 channels on our dish is often filled up with shows that reflect this mindless blather. The other day I clicked through until I almost came down with click-itis but I finally landed on one of the religious channels and they were showing reruns of The Lone Ranger, starring Clayton Moore as the masked ranger and Jay Silverheels as his faithful sidekick, Tonto. The TV series was on between 1949 to 1957, and since we got our first TV in 1955 or 56, well, these kinds of programs were obviously in my zone of interest. We would watch those programs as kids and then immediately we would go out and play by reenacting them. Of course playing cowboys and Indians is way out of the political correct posture of the day. I noticed when I tried to write Indian with a lower case 'i', my spell checker didn't like it. But, we played the games all in lower case not with any malicious motives. Yes, I know. That was at a different time and in a different world. Some of the language used even in the cartoons today is pretty shocking to me. I know slang is slang but do we really want our children to do that kind of trash talking? They will grow up choosing some of those folks listed above as their role models if their only point of reference comes from Hollywood. But, I know, I'm just an old fuddy duddy poppy concerned for my grand kids and what will become of them and their offspring. Maybe they will build relationships where they will have trusted friends they can call Ke-mo-sah-bee, which is how Tonto addressed the Lone Ranger. Trusted scout or trusted friend was his meaning and we all should hope to have folks like that in our lives.

I never promised my readers a rose garden or a fair and balanced view of the world. Only, the View From Here, nothing more, nothing less. I could easily offer even a stronger disclaimer. Like, I report but please don't decide based on what I have to say. We all have the responsibility to seek out the facts and make up our own minds. And, if we are honest with ourselves, we have to know that we have the potential for being wrong. I suppose one of the great disconnects that people see in those who profess a love of traditional values is how that we seem at times to exempt ourselves. For instance, we say we ought to get rid of this program and that program because of principle. However, we might be the first in line when it becomes our problem or need. See what I mean? People smell hypocrisy a mile away and when I am guilty of it, they rightly question my views on other subjects as well. I think I will quit now since I get the uncomfortable feeling that I might just be talking about myself. We are a fallen people, and it shows. Right? Amen. But thanks be to our Great God who loved us anyway and sent His one and only Son to live a perfect life and to give Himself up on that Old Rugged Cross. That wonderful song by the late Dottie Rambo comes to mind, "He looked beyond my fault and saw my need." In response, we can all say Amen, Hallelujah, Praise Him, for His wonderful provision. Have a great Saturday and Lord's Day Sunday and I'll see you next time. .....More later.

My version: "Oh the weather outside may be frightful but the Community is hot and so delightful!"

2011-12-08T03:08:00.000-08:00

I suppose when you work without a net and in my situation the only fact checker you have is yourself, you are bound to get something wrong like putting Tuesday for Monday. I was most likely thinking about what I was going to write about the next day even while I was writing that day's blog. Yeah. I know it is a little weird but if the shoe fits I suppose it belongs to me. That brings me to a correction from yesterday. I accidentally used the injury count twice for the Pear Harbor attack. The number killed should have been 2402 or at least that's what I read on the Wiki site. Having gotten that out of the way, I welcome you to Thursday, December 8, 2011, and I bid you a warm welcome at that, on this, somewhat chilly day, for us at least. Anything below freezing justifies that it be called cold and we've had a few days of it and to be honest it's been pretty nice, for a change, if you get my drift, not snow drift, but some are buzzing about hearing of a flake here or there. I know where there are plenty of flakes but not of the snow variety. Just joking. Now don't go trying to guess who I was referring to because it was just a throw down attempt at a little humor. One of the younger workers here told me yesterday that he had put on five layers but he dutifully noted with some amount of satisfaction that I was at least wearing a jacket. My reputation does get around and to think it's mostly because I find myself asking them the same question Paw Paw Mac used to ask me as I would stand with my teeth chattering: "Son, just what are you going to do when it really gets cold?"

Christmas is a special time. Those high school girls who worked as elves with us in our Santa appearance the other evening reminded us of that. They were talking about how excited they were that one of the cable channels was showing all the old Christmas cartoons. They mentioned the Burl Ives Rudolph and said that it was their favorite back in the day. Back in the day? Wait just a cotton picking minute. Does a sixteen year old child have even freedom of speech rights to use that phrase. Back in the day? My wife and I laughed about this later because our kids as little boys watched those same shows. Christmas is a special time. That old cartoon would not stand up to the latest whiz bang computer generated animation. But it invokes a memory that is cherished by kids of all ages. Nothing in the 3-D world can substitute for the association a child makes with a Christmastime memory that takes them back. My sister and I were talking the other day about that wooden crate of raisins Paw Paw used to order for Christmas. He had the local grocery store get it for him. It was a treat for us. Inside that crate the raisins were still on the vine and they tasted so wonderful and we always looked forward to them. A Christmastime memory that still echoes today and brings both a smile and a tear as we think about how it was, ... back in the day.

Last Sunday at our Church attending the Birthday Party for Jesus.

I can't begin to tell all the little tidbits I've heard from children as I have portrayed that jolly old elf. I do my best to listen and enjoy them enjoying the experience. I have had more than one of our ladies in our Church tell me that their little ones tell everyone that Santa goes to their Church. I am also well aware of that transition time when children move on. It can be awkward as they enjoy Santa but with a new sense of the fantasy involved. Last year I well remember a young man in our Church who sat on my lap and whispered in my ear that he knew exactly who I was. I told him that was good. I then whispered back to him, "What do you want for Christmas?" Suddenly his smugness was gone and he was transported to the year before and with glassy eyes he began to name some items he was dreaming about. I see my photos appearing here and there. I've seen them on Christmas cards. I know those made at the studio will be sent all over. Grandma and Grandpa will look at them and their hearts will melt. I know it's not because of me but being a part of that experience is not a bad way to spend a few hours here and there. Knowing there are service men and women in far flung places who will log in to Facebook and see a video of their kids and I waving and wishing them a Merry Christmas makes this work a privilege. I wouldn't want Christmas without the truth about Christ but I also am thankful for the memories in my own life and for the opportunity to help make some that will be cherished in the years to come. Okay. That is it for today but we still have stuff to do, so lets get out there and get it done. Five layers? That boy would have had trouble hunting with my Paw Paw Mac, not to mention working on one side of the crosscut saw. See you next time and may God bless. Amen. .....More later.

We remember Pearl Harbor and we also remember that it was ultimately our Great God who gave us victory!

2011-12-07T03:46:00.000-08:00

A happy Wednesday to one and all as we get ready to work with the only day we have at this time, today, December 7, 2011. Yes, December 7 is a historical monument where we remember Pearl Harbor. Today marks the 70th anniversary of this fateful event. I don't know how many times I have watched the movie Tora! Tora! Tora! but it is, in my opinion, the best documentary on the calamitous attack against our nation. Tora! Tora! Tora! was the Japanese code words that translated means Tiger! Tiger! Tiger! indicating total surprise. Many of us who were not born or too young to remember might find it difficult to appreciate the sense of horror that accompanied the report of this murderous attack. Some 1282 Americans lost their lives as a result of the attack and another 1282 were injured. It was the 'shock' heard round the world. Today we can pinpoint where we were when we first learned about the assassination of JFK, or the 9-11 attack, as well as other calamities that impacted our lives. An entire nation had this same recollection seared into their collective memory on December 7, 1941. Our nation reeled in response but we also reacted. The Japanese Admiral who actually planned this attack had deep reservations about the longer term impact and implications of this action. He had studied in the US. He had a sense of what our people were made of. After the attack while all his officers were celebrating this monumental victory, Isoroku Yamamoto refused to party and seemed almost depressed. His famous prophetic words were recorded and if you've seen the movie, you no doubt remember them, "I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve." May God bless the memory of all those who fell on that fateful day. And, may God bless our nation who fulfilled that prediction with the help of Almighty God. That's right folks. Our entire nation united as a driven people to Remember Pearl Harbor, but we also were a people driven to our knees. These are lessons for us all to contemplate as we think back on this crucial time in our nation's history.

Those were some tough times for our country. When the Pearl Harbor attack occurred my mom was just a little over a week away from giving birth to her first child. With dad in the Army, she was no doubt greatly concerned about what the future might hold. She along with millions of others persevered and came out on the other side stronger and with a sense of God's protection and provision during this most challenging time. This experience along with many others she has faced has made her a living testimony to our family and to others. Today our nation faces some pretty daunting challenges. To summarize it all, folks, we are in a mess. There's certainly enough blame to go around but America can recover and she can become that shining light on the hill again. But we cannot do it on our own. We need God's help. We needed His help to defeat the evil that threatened our way of life in WWII, we needed His help to get back on our feet after 9-11, and my way of seeing it tells me we need Him more than ever today. I fear, however, that far too many of us are looking to the political system to help get us by, or hoping for a charismatic leader who will help bring us prosperity and peace. Nothing of our own volition or ingenuity will fix what needs to be restored, we need to see our nation return to the God who birthed us and has been with us all the way, through the night, with the light, from above. Amen and Amen.

Last night I was able to be with our Crosstrainer kids again. It had been a few weeks for me and it was good to see all those smiling faces again. Little kids are so genuine. They have not fully acquired that skill of pretentiousness that we all learn as we go through life. They were glad to see me. And, it showed. They had missed me being with them. Many people tell me from time to time how blessed they are to have me come and work with them in this ministry. You must be kidding. Right? The blessings are there but I see them overwhelmingly in my favor. That's not to say it isn't challenging and after a long day, I do at times feel some reservations about making that drive into the inner city. However, when I go it is always a blessing and I thank God for Brother Kim Williams and all of his folks there who take the time to try and make a difference in the lives of these children, a difference that will last for all time and eternity. They do like the idea of Santa Claus being a part of their program there. A young woman from our local fellowship is currently a kindergarten teacher over in the middle east. She put a photo of herself and some of her little students up on Facebook. The children were all dressed in their native garb but their little faces just jumped out at me. I was reminded again of how much our Savior loved everyone including the little ones when He was here on the earth. Yes, they are precious and His sight and they should be in ours as well. Have a great day and may God bless each one. Amen. ....More later.

Welcome to this day, where even in my world Tuesday happens to fall on a Tuesday this week.

2011-12-06T02:57:00.000-08:00

I actually noticed it right after I sent it out. I did put Tuesday in yesterday's blog, at least in one place. I saw it right after I hit the send button. But it wasn't Tuesday then, but it is now, and I welcome you to it, on this December 6, 2011. This is a good reminder that none of us are perfect and it is also a better reminder that getting something back or changed after it has been distributed is not so easy. I've known many folks who have wished they could get an email back. Even a live communication in person or on the telephone can be devastating but having one in print that lives on and on, well, it gives us all reason to choose our words carefully and to think about the influence and impact of our words. But, in my case, it was just a typed miscue. I had to laugh at some of the criticism of Bill O'Reilly, the Fox News Channel conservative mega star. He recently co-authored a run away non-fiction best seller on the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. The critics found some errors in one or two dates and one factual misstatement. These typically are not even mentioned in a book of this size and while they were immediately corrected for the second printing, those who dislike Mr. O'Reilly could not let it slide. Even the Washington Post internal watchdog chided his paper for making a big deal out of nothing. He said most historical books have many of these and they are typically corrected but hardly ever mentioned as major issues. Why did the liberal press go after this book that has received such widespread glowing reviews from historians? They don't like the author. It has remained in the top 1, 2, or 3, on the NY Times bestseller list for weeks now but they have not even shown it the courtesy of having it reviewed. Folks, I'm no fan of Bill O'Reilly and I certainly don't see him as a model conservative but this I do know, these incidents are not isolated because the culture wars are raging, and it does matter for the cause of traditional values that many of us believe in.

A very thoughtful man that I greatly respect made an interesting comment to me Sunday morning. We touched on the political quagmire at work in our system today and he said this, "I don't think any of those serving at the current time deserve to be reelected and that includes every single one of them." That pretty well sums up the attitude of many American voters at this time. The foul smell emanating from the seat of our national government is so putrid it has made the collective response of our people ready to throw up. Never in our history have the senators and representatives seemed more intent on proving the veracity of President Reagan's words: "Government is not the solution to our problems. Government is the problem." President Obama has lower approval ratings than President Carter had when Carter's administration was at its lowest point. But that's nothing compared to the less than 10% who approve of how the Congress is handling the country's business. I have friends who think we need to be careful in our criticisms of the Republicans because of how bad the alternative would be. They all ought to be ashamed as far as I am concerned and that includes the Administration and both houses. No wonder the President is running against a do nothing congress. He has no positive record to run on but with the way things are today, his strategy may well pay off. Sad. Yes, sad, but true, according to my way of seeing it, you know, the view from here and all of that.

I suppose I had better find a stopping point on the political analysis because as we all know, there's no end in sight. But, this is the official Christmas time of the year and we can all be thankful for what this Day represents. Because of God's promise to send His Son, you and I can have these strong feelings about the political realm we find ourselves in while at the same time we do not lose hope because our hope is not in an earthly ruler but our confidence is in the Lord Himself who is Lord of Lords and King of Kings. In a world where disappointment and hurt seems to constantly be on the prowl, it is refreshing to know that God is in total control and He will see to it all, in His own good time. Sometimes we don't feel like this is the way it really is but that is how our flesh works and feelings are the worst possible indicator of truth. Truth is found in trusting God and He has given us His Word, therefore, His Word is our basis for understanding life and all that is going on around us. Here's a common response: "I kind of know that brother but I really don't spend that much time consulting God's Word." Yes, that is an issue for each and every believer and that is why we have to seek God's help to help get us to get into His book because that's where we can find truth that we can depend upon for this life, and the next. A good reminder for us all, including yours truly, that we should desire to know the truth and live by it which can only be found by seeking God through the reading and study of His Word. Amen. .....More later.

Wonderful but dangerous rain, extra cold weather on the way, and here's my response: Have another cup of Community and let's talk about it!

2011-12-05T03:45:00.000-08:00

Hello again and welcome back. It's Tuesday, December 5, 2011, and this year is zipping by. I drove through what can only be described as a blinding rainstorm at times this morning. I was thanking God for the deluge but also seeking His guidance and care as I drove. There were intervals where the windshield wipers were not of great use regardless of the speed. We haven't had rain like that in quite a spell. We continue to need the rain and it is a blessing. At the same time we know it will be treacherous out on the roadways, therefore, we pray for all who have to get out. It is good to visit with you again and I do pray that you are off to a good start as we all try to get ourselves focused and ready for what God has for us. I'm not one for sleeping in but there's something about a rainy day that does suggest that choice as an alternative. But for those of us who are blessed to have responsibilities at our jobs, we know there is a higher calling and this gives us the motivation to get up and do what we need to do each day. I don't say that with any gloating at all because regardless of how they fiddle with the national unemployment rate, there are millions upon millions who do not have a place to go and work, and there is a growing unseen and mostly uncounted massive crowd who have given up altogether. Therefore, I pause now, on this day, to offer up a prayer for those struggling to find work and I ask God to help, in Jesus Name, Amen.

We are supposed to have some very cold air creep in over the next day or two. Some have predicted us to be down in the high twenties. My reputation is such that when these forecasts come along folks assume I am overjoyed. I am but I worry about things like my age changing that around a little. Here I am talking about how I love cold weather and everyone knows that I feel that way and then bam, it gets here and I end up shivering and shaking like a wet puppy out in the snow. Not a very pretty picture along with a load of embarrassment, if you know what I mean. But, I do look forward to it and if I have to add a layer or two because my Medicare card tells me to, well, so be it. Sometimes it would be better for me not to share so much about particulars in my life. Last night our Pastor was talking about what it will be like when we get to heaven. We had been rehearsing some of the blessings we all had experienced at Thanksgiving and he was commenting about how all those wonderful food items and all the material things we enjoy in life would not matter to us when we arrive at our heavenly home. He said since our departed loved ones who know Christ are already there, then we would have relationships made here on earth to look forward to there. He said we would not have that special cornbread dressing or the perfectly cooked turkey. For some reason I couldn't resist so I blurted out the only thing I knew for sure was that we would have Community Coffee there. It brought a good laugh but I'm not sure folks gained any greater appreciation for my theological understanding.

I usually have some thoughts jotted down for my blog each day either on paper or on my mental notepad, or I typically have it drafted the day before. That gives me a better chance to polish it up a little before I send it out. Not today. I came in this morning facing a blank page with mostly a blank mind to match. What's that you say? It shows. I feel the same way. The good news is that I can always remind my readers that God is there for us all. Yesterday the wife and I visited a dear lady from our local fellowship who is currently in rehab from some major surgeries. She has been through a really rough time of it. During my prayer with her I mentioned something about thanking God for His faithfulness through the tough times in our lives. This wonderful saint of God who had been laying there so quietly suddenly shouted out a loud Amen and thanks to God. Now that is a blessing folks and it should encourage us all because regardless of what we are facing, God cares, and He will provide. It may not be the outcome we have in mind but He knows how to infuse His own with a sense of His Person and His abiding provision. May God help me this day to have a testimony that would be like this sweet lady where a shout out to God would come forth even in a pitiful situation. Some good thoughts to end on as we now turn our attention to making sure we have a working umbrella, or something like that. Have a great day and may God bless each one. Amen. .........More later.

Yes, America has been blessed by the Lord, and we should never forget that is why we are a great nation!

2011-12-02T03:25:00.000-08:00

Yours truly with the Chick-fil-A location owner's kids!

Okay. Here we are again, celebrating another Friday, this one being on December 2, 2011. The wife and I, also known as, the dynamic duo from the North Pole, made our appearance at a Chick-fil-A last evening for a three hour time of fun and fellowship. Yesterday morning when I kissed her goodbye just before 4 a.m., she groggily muttered that I should not forget to remember we were scheduled to have Christmas fun today. What? Hello? I don't know what pill she took but I think I will have a couple, thank you very much! Joking. Joking only. Even my mom has been encouraging me to be more ho ho ho as I prepare for each venue. Maybe I should have gotten the Grinch costume or maybe the Mr. MaGoo. (I've always loved Jim Backus doing the voice of Scrooge as Mr. MaGoo!) What my wife and mom don't know is that I have a secret weapon. They are called kids, and they come in all shapes and sizes, from one to 99, and when they and I meet something wonderful happens and that's what it takes to get me fired up and ready to go. I think back on the memories we had as children and the fun stuff at Christmastime played a huge role. I've said it before but it's always good to note again that everyone involved in my upbringing emphasized the birth of our Lord and Savior as the priority of Christmas. Growing up, we did our Christmas program at our local fellowship. We had our lessons from Isaiah, Micah, Matthew, and Luke. And, we also had a great time of presents and parties. Some don't see how you can do both. I not only understand that, I both respect it, and readily admit that I have wrestled with the concept myself. My wife and I chose to honor the Lord in our family by remembering His birth, and to also enjoy the presents, the tree, and Santa too. We found it a difficult balance worth the effort.

I listened to a program the other day where the discussion topic focused on the status of our nation. Most agree we are a great nation and some use the words American exceptionalism to define what makes us a different nation when compared to others. Not everyone agrees. There are some who think we are rather ordinary but we have always thought ourselves to be something special, therefore, this idea about us being great or us being the greatest is more of an illusion than reality. Some of the experts debated these thoughts. Nearly everyone knows that we are currently not where we once were. One caller blamed religion for all the problems that America faces. One of the experts pointed out that we remain the most religious of all the western nations and that in his opinion, it could well be that we have been exceptional because of being a people of faith. I nearly had to pull off the road. He went on to say if you compare our history and look for values or features that distinguish us from others, religious faith is one of the dominating differences. Could it be that we have a wonderful illustration in this dialogue of God's fulfillment of His promise: "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord."? (Psalm 33:12) The man sharing the data was not promoting religion, he was just reporting the facts as they present themselves throughout the history of our nation. I say Amen to his analysis and I say let us all pray that we would return to that position of being a nation being blessed mightily by Almighty God.

Let me be clear about this matter of how we think about ourselves. We who are believers must always yield to thus says the Word of the Lord. The Lord would have us to know that whatever we have, whatever we achieve, and whatever status we experience, it is because of His provisions. We are never to think more highly of ourselves than we should because we do realize that we are a fallen people living in a fallen world in need of God's grace every moment of every day. This does not preclude patriotism or a sense of optimism in our nation because of God's hand on our land. I will be the first to say there are many who turn God's blessings into a rally for self praise and worship, even when they promote our country. That would be contrary to the truth because it would distort the source of any and all blessings on our land. Has God blessed in a special way the United States of America? He most certainly has and when we take His blessings and seek to accomplish His purpose, then I believe we will be blessed again. There's much more to all of this but I need to wrap up another week of our daily visits across the internet fence, as neighbors used to do. We made more family photos last evening at the suggestion of our helper elves. These two young ladies were live wires and they seemed to be sweet, sincere, and wholesome. They thought everyone should be in the picture including mom and dad. Family. The one we go home to each day, and God's family which He has allowed us to be a part of, now that is something to celebrate as I bid you farewell for now and may God bless us all. Amen. ...More later.

"I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year." ~Charles Dickens

2011-12-01T02:47:00.000-08:00

Made it to Thursday, December 1, 2011. Barely. Joking only, but I have been dragging this week from some allergies, cold like symptoms, or stuff of unknown origin. I must confess that I do not like to be reminded of my own frailties. I am aware of them. I observe them at work in others and I am sympathetic to any and all who deal with that which is common to humanity, but as for experiencing it myself, I'm just not too much into that. I'm not sure where I picked it up because it doesn't seem like the same type of congestion our Alexander Benjamin had to deal with last week. His was accompanied by a really deep and ugly cough. It may have been one of those little ones I handled at the Santa show but I believe I was already feeling the first waves before I showed up for that program. At any rate, I have been on a blistering attack with over the counter medicines and I do believe I am better. My mom thinks I say that regardless but as the Bible tells us, "As a man thinks in his heart, so is he." What's that you say? That Proverb is talking about the spiritual orientation of the thoughts and intentions of the heart? Well, okay, then. I am some better and I am thankful. My blood numbers have been a little elevated but I believe my system has been a little confused by all the foreign visitors who have showed up over the last several days. I know what you are thinking. If I've had all of this to say about a case of the sniffles, let's all hope and pray I don't get an operation anytime soon. It's a joke. You can laugh. In fact, I am laughing too. It does remind us all to thank God for every day that we are able to get up and go. Amen.

Any day, especially on a cool day, like the ones we have been experiencing this week, that you can sit and sip a cup of Community, enjoying every drop, while banging out some keystrokes to send to some folks you care about, well, that's a day to be grateful for, my friend. And, I am. Not everyone can say the same. Another big airline has declared bankruptcy and most experts believe the employees and retirees will be the ones who suffer the most. This week the news sources are remembering that ten years ago we had the collapse of Enron which dramatically altered the lives of thousands. I listened to some of the interviews of folks that lost their life's savings when Enron imploded and their stories are gut wrenching. It's obvious the younger employees were better fitted to restart their careers at a new place but many of those close to retirement saw their hopes and dreams evaporate over night. I feel for them. The commentators also say the economic problem we are now facing makes Enron seem like only one tiny drop in a huge bucket. This means that many of our fellow citizens are facing Christmas without much, if any, confidence and hope regarding their ability to survive. We all should be aware and concerned about them and their plight. First and foremost, while many may not see it this way, people need the Lord, period, end of story. They do folks because He is our only hope in the good times and the bad. Secondly, folks need to know that others do care. We may not be able to do much but we should do what we can to help. Some time ago I had told my mom about an older gentleman that I know who is struggling with health issues and in trying to help raise some of their grandchildren. On Thanksgiving Day my mom slipped me some money and asked that I give it to that man. She doesn't know him. But, he and his family had been on her heart, therefore, she felt led to reach out. When I gave that to him, he was dumbfounded, he teared up, and hugged me. Thank God for any and all who feel led to reach out to others and thank God for my mom who has set a good example for us all. Amen. (My mom would never ever have me to say anything about this but she is a giving person and we all can learn from her example.)

Life in this old world can be challenging. Just get up every day and you will experience it. We should never take for granted the things God has provided to us that allow us to function in this world. I'm even thankful for being thankful and especially that my expectations, over time, are not nearly as focused on materialism as they may have been earlier in my life. Not nearly. I didn't say zero because we all still have some things we would like to do, places we would like to go, and experiences we desire to have. However, age is a wonderful counterbalance in helping us to not only take stock but also to weigh the value of our interests. We are reminded that while folks may seek to have it all, the Bible is clear that one's soul and the relationship with God will be the only thing that counts in eternity future.To know Him is the purpose of life. Having that connection means He may well move on our heart. I heard a testimony recently of someone who had to get up and leave the service in progress of his local fellowship because God moved on his heart to go and check on someone. That person he visited needed someone to care. God sent that man to do just that. See what I mean? If God speaks to us about someone He wants us to help we should do our best to respond. This is His way of accomplishing His purpose among His people. I will be the first to admit that I've not always responded when God has moved on my heart. It's easy for us to think about all that we have on our plates, but God always has a reason for us as well as the person in need. A good reminder for us all and especially for yours truly. Have a great Thursday and may God bless. Amen. .....More later.

“Give a person a fish and you feed them for a day; teach that person to use the Internet and they won't bother you for weeks” Unknown Author

2011-11-30T03:18:00.000-08:00

We open up today's greeting and find that we have landed on this last day of November, Wednesday, the 30th, in the year of our Lord, 2011. That is correct. The calendar bears testimony to the dating in and around the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. That's exactly what the A.D. stands for, in the Latin, Anno Domini, which means year of our Lord. I am aware that some scholars have changed this designation from A.D. to C.E. which stands for Common Era. They also do away with B.C. (Before Christ) by using B.C.E. (Before Common Era). This way they attempt to dismiss any connection to Jesus the Christ as it relates to dates and time. They do have a few problems here. To begin with, there are over 2,000 years of written materials that do use the B.C. - A.D. form of dating. That is a huge body of documentation that stands as historical evidence as to the meaning behind these designations. Even more important is the immutable truth of the birth, death, and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, and no amount of fiddling with the time marks will change the truth. As the song says: "You ask me how I know He lives; He lives within my heart!" Amen, hallelujah, praise His holy name!

There are only 25 shopping days until Christmas. The recent black Friday promotion paid off big. The key? It was the opening of some of the big stores on Thanksgiving Day, some in the evening before Friday. Total sales are estimated at 52 billion, up from 45 billion last year. That's a whopping 16% increase. Wow! We watched in horror as the news feeds showed some of the fights, altercations, and shenanigans going on across our land as people tried to get their hands on the products they wanted. I heard about one fellow who died from a heart attack and several others received a variety of injuries. Playing those games are just not our cup of tea. But there are many folks that have made it an annual part of their shopping tradition. I was really surprised at some of the comments I heard directly from people who did show up for the bargains at stores in our local area. They reported they saw a lot of pushing and shoving along with some people having to be separated. I was actually somewhat shocked hearing these folks because I would have thought them to be the very unlikely candidates to have participated in this type of promotion. But, obviously they did. I read about the Target employees had put together a petition asking their management to please consider saving their Thanksgiving holiday, but in the end, the bottom line won, and they too went for the gold. I am well aware of those circular decision trees. Without the money coming in, we wouldn't have jobs, therefore, we must do whatever it takes to get the money. That kind of rationale can make sense if the process itself is governed by some strong ethical standards, but, alas, for the most part, those, if they exist at all, mostly gather dust in notebooks, and are there for show purposes only, not for interfering with the bottom line. This is based on my observations during my nearly 25 years in the large corporate world.

We all are aware of the risks associated with someone with bad intentions gaining access to our personal financial information. Mom and dad came up with a pretty clever system. They shred everything and then they burn the shredded strips. That should just about do it. Don't you agree? I did see where our government is offering a $50,000 award to the person who can come up with the best process to recover shredded documents. If they really wanted to make it difficult they could include recovering those documents destroyed by my mom and dad. I do know that we would need a blast furnace just to take care of the Medicare promotional literature we receive each week. I am a subscriber for several years now to the Life Lock protection services that supposedly helps secure all the digital information that exists out in the cyber world. They send me a report every month indicating the status of my protection. These are the things we have to do in today's electronic era. We do know that things can happen. The bank we use has changed names about five times over the past 15 years. All of the previous names were good names, well recognized, and thought to be very viable. However, mergers and acquisitions, along with bailouts and buyouts, well, we end up having to change bank names, check names, and on and on. When all the smoke cleared, that is, if all the smoke has cleared, we ended up with one of the largest banking institutions. That should mean something. Right? A couple of years ago we received a letter from this large banking institution saying that our account information may have been compromised because of a lost briefcase in Europe. They recommended we change our passwords. Hello? Of course we took this seriously and notified all the appropriate financial and credit agencies. This created some hassles for us but can you imagine little us being in someone's briefcase that gets lost in Europe? Thus far we haven't received any sympathy cards from someone over there who might have looked at our account information and felt sorry for us, but we all must admit that we do live in a mixed up crazy world, but it's the only one we have, at the moment, therefore, we need to make the best of it, each and every day. Have yourself a most wonderful Wednesday and Lord willing I will see you here next time right here at our designated spot on the world wide information highway. I think my mom always told me not to play on the highway but we live and learn. May God bless each one. Amen. .....More later.

"Life is like an ice cream cone, you have to lick it one day at a time." Charles M. Schulz

2011-11-29T02:37:00.000-08:00

Another cool morning, (35 degrees), and it feels so invigorating on this Tuesday, November 29, 2011. Except for the sniffles, but I should not complain because thus far in my journey here on the planet I've been blessed with consistent good health. Except for the diabetes. But, it is likely that it was self inflicted, therefore, I am thankful that we caught it early and I'm working on it, most days. I started to say I am doing my best but I did not want to get carried away. I have a fellow who works with me here at the company and his diabetes is much more advanced. He is currently fighting the loss of some vision along with other health issues. I work on my numbers. He works on his. I do a pretty good job most of the time. He does a pretty good job most of the time. But that doesn't mean the disease is tamed or disabled. He is proof that over a period of time it continues to do its damaging work. One of our granddaughters was recently tested because a school nurse thought she might have some signs of pre-diabetes, but thank God her blood tests came back normal. Typically, everyone has something to deal with because we do live in a fallen world and our bodies are impacted. As I read through the obituaries each day I am always impressed by those who have lived long and productive lives. Yet, when one comes up and it is a bright eyed child with a beautiful smile, my eyes fill with tears, and I am once again reminded of just how fragile life is. This reality is there for us all and it should help direct our hearts towards God for He and He alone is our daily hope. Amen.

I've never seen so many so called experts who are rooting for Tim Tebow to fail. Tebow is the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos. He has been, is now, and continues to be a voice for his love for His Savior, Jesus Christ. The experts say he lacks any of the basic skills to be a starting quarterback. They give him credit for being a good athlete but they detest the fact that he is a starter at the quarterback position. There has been only one huge problem in their assessment process. He is a winner. He won in college. He has 5 wins and 1 loss since taking over the starting role with Denver. Yes. He is unconventional because he runs the ball more than any other quarterback. However, it seems that when the chips are down he finds a way. A way to win and that has made his critics angry. Some have openly criticized him for the Jesus talk. They say the NFL is not the place for religion. Tim himself is fairly laid back, but when asked, he will stand up for his faith. Many of his fans have promoted his testimony and that's where a lot of the signs and shirts carrying a message of faith has come with him as a package. It's hard to tell sometimes whether they dislike him more because of his lack of solid mechanics or they dislike him primarily because of his faith. At any rate, I thank God for this young man who is willing to say to those who ask that Jesus Christ is the Lord of his life. I can't remember anytime in the past where so many critics were rooting for someone to fail. Personally, I hope he has a wonderful season and that he keeps on winning, but that's just me.

Some of the kiddos at the photo shoot last Saturday were a real hoot. One little girl, Presilee, took her Santa business very seriously. One of the shots we did with the children was to show them looking on as I read from The Night Before Christmas. I was showing her a picture of Santa in his sleigh with the reindeer and I said something about how that this was the way he brought the toys. She immediately corrected me and said, no that was the way "I" brought the toys. I need all the help I can get and even a five year old to help keep me in character. I'm also learning the difference between children who are afraid of Santa versus kids who are just downright obstinate. There are some who have no problems with Santa but for whatever reason they decide they will not cooperate in any way, period. Seeing mom and dad down on their knees begging a three year old to please have their photo made was enough to almost make me ill. One fellow told me that it sounded like someone needed an old fashioned spanking. I would heartily agree but that's not how its done anymore. Fortunately, those are exceptions to the rule and for the most part, it's a very wonderful experience. I keep telling myself that. Just joking. Maybe next year I will have more time to devote to this role playing opportunity. Have a great Tuesday and may God bless each one. Amen. ....More later.

All loaded and ready: Aim, Fire, Ready...or something like that!

2011-11-28T03:11:00.000-08:00

It's a little on the cool side here. The old jalopy didn't want to wake up this morning. There was some ice on the windshield and that seemed to annoy him a little. But, we thank God for the rain on Saturday, nearly two inches in our area, and we thank Him for the cool crisp weather that is supposed to be with us for the next few days. I do bid you a hearty hello and welcome back to where the rubber meets the road even though the treads are mighty thin, my friend, mighty thin. I always hate it when I take a break and end up having to retrain myself. But, I do welcome you to our time together here on this back to work Monday, November 28, 2011. If we had a show and tell this morning I would be loaded for bear. Loaded for bear? That would be correct, ladies and gentlemen, if they still say those words. That phrase has come to mean a number of different things, like being primed and ready for confrontation, or being over ready like bringing a bazooka to a fly killing contest. (I came up with that one myself and have no idea where it came from.) But, being loaded for bear goes back to those days when muskets were actually used to bring home the bacon, (I don't have time to chase that one down for you.), and it refers to when muskets were loaded by pouring gunpowder down the barrel, followed by the shot. The power of a given charge could be adjusted by adding more or less gunpowder. When hunting large animals like bear, a large and powerful gunpowder charge would be loaded into the musket. Hence loaded for bear is to be hunting with a powerful charge ready. Uh-huh, you learned something, didn't you? But my use of that phrase has to do with all that I had on my plate over the last several days. (Literally, when thinking about the Thanksgiving Day activities, and figuratively, when thinking about the busyness of my schedule.) What's that you say? You can tell I've not been doing this for a while? Good, in a couple of days I will get these training wheels off and my keyboard will not know what hit it.

Our honorees, Mom and Dad!

Back to my sharing. Our Thanksgiving celebration was wonderful. Family, fellowship, and feasting. Such joy and we do thank our eldest Chris and his wife Sherrie for hosting our entire gang once again. Yes, it has been said many times before but sometimes it just hits the nail on the head, a good time was had by all, and we did thank God before, during, and after for His wonderful blessings. We had some very special family members who came and joined us for our big day. Mom and Dad drove over Thursday morning and became a part of our family celebration. Just a few of us knew they were coming, and it was a huge surprise to many, but what a blessing. What a blessing. What a blessing! None of us will soon forget this very special memory and we do thank God for them and for the wonderful day He gave us all. That took care of our Thursday. My wife had to do her duty at the store on Black Friday, therefore, I was out and about doing this that and the other, you know, those things necessary to keep the home fires burning. On Saturday I spent 5 hours posing for the professional photographer in her studio along with some wonderful families with their even more wonderful children. Tiring? Yes! Was I exhausted? You had better believe it! But, in the end, when it was all said and done, it was something I suppose very few folks get to experience. Then, on Sunday, we picked back up with our lessons where we read and studied Matthew Chapter 10. What a whirlwind of activities and what a blessing to have had the privilege of doing them all. Thanks be to God who provides such abundance. Amen.

Now it is back to that wonderful thing we call routine. However, routine may be in the eye of the beholder since this week ushers in December and December promises to be pretty challenging for the wife and I. We have six appearances on the books where we will show up as that lovable North Pole couple. So many children and so little time. One good thing. It should keep me out of trouble. I'm sorry? So, you think there might be a little doubt as to whether that statement could be true. Okay. Let me update that one. It has the potential to keep me from as much trouble as I would otherwise end up being in. Do you like that better? I thought so. Some of the appearances involve Church related outreaches and we are very excited about bringing a Merry Christmas greeting to several groups of folks who just might need a little encouragement. We will not forget to frame our plans with a sincere LORD WILLING. I'm carrying a little congestion the past couple of days and our little Alexander Benjamin may have been the source. I also work with folks every day who have the sniffles. And we are surrounded by many who are dealing with family, health, and job issues. Every day I look through a number of listings of obituaries from this area as well as in and around the region in Louisiana where we were raised. Guess what? Names were added every day over the holiday period, therefore, we know that our lives, our hopes, dreams, our aspirations, and every detail of our plans are in the Lord's hands, therefore, we seek Him as we move forward, each and every day. Have a great Monday and may God add His blessings to it! Amen. .....More later.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving celebration and may God be praised for His provisions to us all!

2011-11-22T04:08:00.002-08:00

Welcome to Wednesday, November 23, 2011. We enjoyed a wonderful dinner last evening to celebrate our Stefani's 18th birthday. Anytime you can have an Italian dish made with eggplant coupled to a wonderful family gathering, well, you just have to admit that it is a blessing and we thank God for it, and for her. (Note to my diabetic monitoring device: You deserve a few days off because some of the numbers you might see could be somewhat scary.) With the Thanksgiving holiday before us, I plan to take a few days off from my blogging activity. Lord willing, and the Creeks don't rise, (Creek Indian Nation, if you wondered about the capitalization.), In fact, I am actually at home today having taken the day off to help my wife get ready for tomorrow. I do hope to be back at the old keyboard playing some familiar tunes beginning next Monday. This past Sunday we had a time of testimony and remembrance during my morning Bible class. The passage I used to introduce our time of sharing together came from the 145th Division the the Psalms. I like it because it causes those who read it to focus exclusively on the greatness of our God and His provisions for His own. During our testimony time there were wonderful memories recalled, some tears, some laughter, and some thankful thoughts directed towards God and our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. It was good because it emphasized the counting of our blessings. Therefore, I wish each of you a most wonderful holiday celebration, time off, and hopefully, some reflection upon God and His goodness to us. I leave with you for your reading and contemplation the 145th Psalm:

Psalm 145

A Praise of David.

¹ I will extol You, my God, O King;
         And I will bless Your name forever and ever.
² Every day I will bless You,
         And I will praise Your name forever and ever.
³ Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised;
         And His greatness is unsearchable.

⁴ One generation shall praise Your works to another,
         And shall declare Your mighty acts.
⁵ I will meditate on the glorious splendor of Your majesty,
         And on Your wondrous works.
⁶ Men shall speak of the might of Your awesome acts,
         And I will declare Your greatness.
⁷ They shall utter the memory of Your great goodness,
         And shall sing of Your righteousness.

⁸ The LORD is gracious and full of compassion,
         Slow to anger and great in mercy.
⁹ The LORD is good to all,
         And His tender mercies are over all His works.

¹⁰ All Your works shall praise You, O LORD,
         And Your saints shall bless You.
¹¹ They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom,
         And talk of Your power,
¹² To make known to the sons of men His mighty acts,
         And the glorious majesty of His kingdom.
¹³ Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
         And Your dominion endures throughout all generations.

¹⁴ The LORD upholds all who fall,
         And raises up all who are bowed down.
¹⁵ The eyes of all look expectantly to You,
         And You give them their food in due season.
¹⁶ You open Your hand
         And satisfy the desire of every living thing.

¹⁷ The LORD is righteous in all His ways,
         Gracious in all His works.
¹⁸ The LORD is near to all who call upon Him,
         To all who call upon Him in truth.
¹⁹ He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him;
         He also will hear their cry and save them.
²⁰ The LORD preserves all who love Him,
         But all the wicked He will destroy.
²¹ My mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD,
         And all flesh shall bless His holy name
         Forever and ever.

I add the blessing that Moses pronounced as found in the Book of Numbers Chapter 6: "The Lord bless you, and keep you; The Lord make His face shine on you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace." See you next Monday and may God bless each one! Amen.    ....More later.

Happy Birthday to our STEFANI!

2011-11-22T02:35:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Tuesday, November 22, 2011 where we are thinking about our brand new 18 year old Stefani. Our eldest son's baby girl is now 18. What? Our eldest son's baby girl is 18? Wowee Zowee! As the country song puts it, "Ain't it funny how time slips away?" Hard to believe but we know it is true and now we have a brand new voter in the family. She can now vote, but knowing her, when she does, it will be her own decision because she is a very strong and independent young woman. She's caught up in all the stuff that older teens are interested in like the latest greatest books and movies but at the same time she has a good head on her shoulders and has talked about her hopes and aspirations for years. She has some brand new legal rights but that doesn't mean she will ever out grow being her MiMi and Poppy's Stef. We thank God for this wonderful child and our opportunities over the years to be a part of her life. Our greeting:

We're so very happy
And so thankful too
To be blessed with a Granddaughter
As wonderful as you
Happy Birthday Stefani
May all your wishes come true!

Happy Birthday and may God bless. Love, MiMi and Poppy

Over the river and through the woods......

2011-11-21T02:45:00.000-08:00

Good Monday morning and welcome to a short week for most as we anticipate a special time with family as a coming attraction this week. We are so looking forward to it and that is what I am thinking about today, on this 21st of November, 2011. That old Bob Hope melody comes to mind, 'Thanks for the memories." I am so very thankful for my many memories that are made fresh at this time of year. I will be the first to admit that strolling down the lane of our family will bring tears because of so many who have gone on before us, however, that doesn't mean we can't enjoy spending some time with them by allowing our yesterday's to help prepare us for our Thanksgiving celebration. I've heard of folks who can remember their very first Christmas or Thanksgiving or other special events in their lives. That would take most of us back to when we were still in diapers, therefore, I'm not too envious of that particular ability. But I do know that my memories of Thanksgiving are a blending of the 65 that God has allowed me to participate in with number 66 coming this week. That blending is somewhat blurred because they really did take on a distinct similarity. You know? Traditions. Special foods that have been handed down for generations. Now the excitement and anticipation of seeing loved ones and the joy and laughter experienced, well, that ends up being very personal for each of us as we thank God for those He has placed in our lives along the way. Our table didn't look like the one in the famous Rockwell painting. We didn't wear suits on Thanksgiving Day. However, the look and feel of that image is oh so familiar and that's because on Thanksgiving Day we celebrate God's provision of family and that provides the common connection that spans our years of remembrance.

Food. I've written about our family's fascination with it before. We were descended from legendary cooks. People who took their cooking very seriously. Why? Since for us, it was the moms and grandmothers, they obviously cared deeply about what they put on the table. In our family that was a daily focus but on a special day like Thanksgiving Day, it was stepped up to the highest level they could muster. I actually saw a note that a mom in her 60's posted the other day that said their microwave oven had gone out and they weren't sure they could even remember any of the basics about food preparation. Oh what heresy! Sorry. Don't get me wrong, I have no problems with modern conveniences but please, oh please, don't mess with the skills required to continue family food traditions. I'm superbly blessed in this arena. I thank God that we still have my mom around who at 87 is still preparing meals from scratch many times each week. My child bride took her mom's excellent cooking style and married it to our family traditions and she became, very early on, one who could hang right there with the best of them. And, while she doesn't do as much of it as she once did when the kids were still at home, she still knows how, and she still does put on a spread that Granny Mac would be proud of. Don't I think all this emphasis on food is a little over the top? Sure it is. But, it's my recollection of how it was over the years for me, and food was a HUGE part of our times together, and Lord willing, we will continue those traditions this coming Thursday. And I do add a hearty Amen to that!

I'm not knocking those who order up their Thanksgiving meal from the restaurant. I'm not saying those who use the drive through on this special day are somehow less than me. That can be their tradition or no doubt in some cases necessity dictates how things might be done. My boasting, hopefully done in an humble manner, is because of how special it is to enjoy the whole range of thoughts, feelings, and experiences that flood one's soul during these special holidays. How serious is all of that? Pretty serious since I'm sitting here drooling over the thought of enjoying once again some cornbread dressing which has helped define our celebrations over the years. And, we do our best to hand down these same traditions. We do have wonderful additions to our family over the years and they have brought their special dishes to the table, so to speak. So, bottom line, we are blessed with the memories of the past and we are blessed with the anticipation of another time of us all being together. At the same time we are aware that pain, hurt, loneliness, and countless difficulties do not take any holidays. They surround the lives of many today and far too many, because of circumstances, will face the holiday with a much different perspective. Maybe looking at it from a hospital room or having to deal with the loss of a loved one at this very time of the year. We do not overlook the reality and we pray God's provision of peace and comfort into the hearts of all who are dealing with such in their lives. Now we move on as we get ready to get ready and that is also a part of the blessings God has allowed us to enjoy. Until next time, don't forget to make a list because you will need all of those special items for Thursday's feast. May God bless each one. Amen. ...More later.

Thank God it's........Today! (TGIT)

2011-11-18T03:19:00.000-08:00

Encore Friday. Not really. That has to do with a demand by the audience for an additional performance and since that's a very unlikely scenario, I best move on. But it sounded pretty good. Friday is that gateway day where the weekend is greatly anticipated and yearned for. With me, not so much, however, I will take it, and move on down the road. We arrived here on this November 18, 2011 day, with just one week until Thanksgiving and that is always something we look forward to. The Weather Channel ten day projection says it will be one of those near 80 degree days for Turkey Day but I do hope their long standing record of missing it holds up and we end up with a much cooler day. I do love the frost on the pumpkin kind of day for Thanksgiving but obviously I'm not in charge of making that happen. With all the good eats being anticipated, I may send Mr. Diabetes on a tour of Asia for that week, or at least to Hawaii, since our President included Hawaii as part of Asia. First, he said we had 57 states, and I suppose they were getting ready to remake the flags before someone noticed that he was incorrect. He was born in Hawaii, supposedly, but yet he is now ready to make it a part of Asia. Geography may not have been his best subject. He couldn't do any worse than those ambassador candidates during the Reagan administration who couldn't find the place they were being sent on a map. That happened during their confirmation hearings and I suppose there's enough embarrassment to go around. At least none of them, at least to my knowledge, have said that when we as a nation come to a fork in the road, take it.

Kids have some pretty funny stuff to share. They typically let you have their unvarnished opinion. Here are some that might bring a chuckle. When asked what the proper age for getting married, Judy, 8, had this to say: "Eighty-four, because at that age, you don't have to work anymore, and you can spend all your time loving each other." Tom, a five year old, offered his idea, "Once I'm done with kindergarten, I'm going to find me a wife." Mike who is 9 had some pretty good insight into the dating process: "On the first date, they just tell each other lies, and that usually gets them interested enough to go for a second date." And, you have to hand it to Jim, a ten year old, who is thinking ahead, ""You should never kiss a girl unless you have enough bucks to buy her a big ring and her own VCR, cause she'll want to have videos of the wedding." Okay ladies, I included this one from nine year old Lynette just for you: "It's better for girls to be single but not for boys. Boys need somebody to clean up after them." Leo who is 7 had some pretty good insight into the perils that might be encountered when one thinks about falling in love: "If falling in love is anything like learning how to spell, I don't want to do it. It takes too long." Dave, 8, understood why folks who love each other hold hands, "They want to make sure their rings don't fall off because they paid good money for them." Good observation, Dave! When asked how you can tell if people at the restaurant are in love, a nine year old Christine offered this jewel, "It's love if they order one of those desserts that are on fire. They like to order those because it's just like how their hearts are on fire." One thing is sure, Christine will be a wonderful future consumer of the genre of dvds known as 'chick flicks'.

This brings me to the end of another five days of my sharing what came out of my my stab at illuminating ruminating. (I was going for a rhyme.) Since one of those means to light up and the other has to do with deep thought, all I can say is maybe next week. But as my mom likes to say when she quotes me saying, "It is what it is." And, that's the truth brother. And, sister too. I suppose I could confess to being a serial word waster but it's a little late for that. I know at times I must seem to be excessively repetitious and perhaps even palaverous which has to do with being annoyingly bothersome. The good news is that we all have the next couple of days to rest up and then we will take another run at it next week, Lord willing. Tis the season to be thankful and I do hope and pray we all will find time to begin counting our blessings. I've noticed a good number of folks out on Facebook who have been doing a daily thankfulness countdown to Thanksgiving. And, some of them have been really good especially in terms of their inspirational content. Yes. We do have much to be thankful for, therefore, I commend you to find yourself alongside other believers on this upcoming Lord's Day Sunday, to express worship and thankfulness to Him, for He is our provider. Amen. Until next time go with this Irish blessing, "Until we meet again may God hold you in the hollow of His hand." .....More later.

After all these years, still trying to get the hang of Thursdays.

2011-11-17T03:04:00.000-08:00

It's me again. That's right. Like a bad penny, I just keep showing up. It is Thursday, November 17, 2011, and I bid you welcome. What's that you say? You've always wondered about that saying about the bad penny? Me too. The phrase origin is pretty old. It can be traced back to the mid 1700's but it most likely goes much further back than that. It hearkens back to the day and time when a penny was serious money, therefore, it was a prime target for counterfeiting. Thus, the bad penny, used to purchase things, gets into circulation, and it keeps showing up. This metaphor became applied to people who were of bad character who seemed always to be turning up. There's much more to it and you have my permission to do your own independent research but for now you can take the bit of trivia I've shared, write it down on a sheet of paper, carefully fold it, put it and $3.00 dollars down on the counter, and you might, the emphasis on might, just get yourself a small cup of what they pass off as coffee. Why do all things eventually come back to the subject of coffee? Let me just say this about that. I'm sitting here and underneath my desk are two large boxes. One of them has a huge logo that depicts the Community Coffee Company. The other contains a recent shipment of ten pounds of my favorite blend, Between Roast. Not too dark and not too light. Just right. Maybe that says a lot. I'll take a few moments and a few sips and get back to you on that one.

I haven't counted but I do know that I've not had much to say about the political world of late. That does not mean I have lost interest or that I have not been paying attention. Sure, disgusted is a term I think most of us could use when it comes to trying to make sense out of the political morass we find ourselves in. I had never thought too seriously about this one but I heard it explained the other day and I thought it to be a really good idea. This fellow was talking about changes that should be made in how laws are passed and implemented in our nation. He suggested that we pass a constitutional amendment stating that the President nor Congress can ever pass a law that does not apply to themselves as it does to all Americans. He went on to speak to the huge number of laws they have exempted themselves from having to obey or comply with. I knew that was true but when you think about it, this particular situation really does begin to produce a rotten smell emanating from our nation's capitol. It reminds me of that history notation about how unsafe trains were early in our history, accounting for many passenger deaths. However, when judges began to sentence the train executives to the unthinkable, that being a judgment which dictated they must ride their own trains, guess what? Train safety improved immensely. Could it be that this fellow's idea about all the laws applying to all Americans, regardless, could end up making it better for us all? I'm not sure but it sounds pretty good to me!

We all know what it means to experience a brain freeze after eating something really cold too fast. This phrase is now being tagged onto presidential candidates who have a momentary lapse in being unable to answer a question. Texas Governor Rick Perry had one the other day where he couldn't come up with his own answer for 53 seconds. Businessman Herman Cain suffered one regarding his views on Libya. Much has been made of this because the national media would have us to know that a brain freeze of this type might involve not being able to remember how to operate the atomic bomb at 3 a.m. in the morning, or some other dire circumstance. Most folks want all those seeking high office to be well qualified and ready. We have the results of what happens when you don't get someone who is ready, now in office and we all are dealing with the ultimate hang over of a collective brain freeze each and every day. And, by the way, when it comes to memory lapses, I can stand up and be counted. My wife and I had a family collective lapse where neither of us could remember a particular individual's name. If she had not asked me I could have told her immediately. Maybe that is the solution. Don't ask, don't tell. That way no one will know that you don't know. Of course that wouldn't have helped Governor Perry since he offered up his list and then couldn't remember his own list. Ouch. But, my thought here, is that equal treatment requires that we look at everyone equally. The President has his fare share of misspoken comments, gaffes, and downright absurdities, and to play up the miscues of others while paying no attention to his, well, it's just flat out wrong. I started to say that my wife and I had suffered a community lapse but then the coffee thing would come up again and we would be off and running. In view of all of the above, I vote to pull the plug on today's edition. Let's all hope there's something better just around the bend. And, I'll add my own Amen to that. .....More later.