Thanks be to God!

Okay. It's Friday, January 23, 2026, and hallelujah, I am home now from my 3 day of intense treatment for flu, pneumonia, and some triggered heart atrial fibrillation, (afib). What a nightmarish experience. Not because of the care I was given. Not because of a challenge to my faith in God. It was a crisis of my own making. I became totally incapable of being in control making me 100% vulnerable and 100% dependent on all these people zipping in and out. Drugs taken, drugs pumped into my system, 24 hours per day and all I could do was just lay there. Some of the conversations going on forth and back kept me guessing about just how serious this might be. God was with me. My family. My Church family. Extended family and so many friends, some from far away. Prayers. Me? Helpless. Okay. I learned something. I know that's surprising but I did. God wanted me to know this: When there's nothing I can do, there's no end to what He can accomplish using whatever means He chooses. Lil Miss Biscuit has been right here with me. She is not fond of the mask but she knows well who it is underneath it. Still taking what the young nurse called mini but mighty drugs, the steroids in particular are doing a number on my blood sugar readings even causing my little meter to scratch her head. Ha! There's more and since I was there and since this is 'my' blog, I will likely share some of it. Thanks for all the prayers. Do this for me: Take a moment and thank God for His provision for his 'not in control' servant. Amen 🙏 

Calling In from My Sickbed

Today is Wednesday, January 21, 2026. I'm starting my second day here in the hospital. This current ilness began with some early symptomst last Saturday and after a rough few days, finally came yesterday. Looks like pneumonia for sure with perhaps some heart implications as well. Will be checking that out today. I just want to go home but we will see how things unfold. All prayers are appreciated. God's got the final say. Until next time, may He add His blessings. Amen.

Here's a flashback Friday, this one from May 9, 2008: "Fandering on a Friday!"

According to the urban slang dictionary, fandering means to pander to fans by putting into a medium of presentation something that is unnecessary or unrelated. I don’t think I’ve done that in this blog but at any rate, it’s Friday, thank God it is, and thank God every day for every day. I took this brief online personality quiz to determine what kind of cereal I am. It asked five questions and then gave the following report: “You are a Fruity Pebbles. You are mean like Barney who is always stealing Fred’s Fruity Pebbles.” I have no clue as to how this quiz works but that is what it said. I also completed one that involved selecting colors in order of those that make you feel good. After going through two sets of panels and having selected the colors in the order of preference, this is what the overall summary said: Sensitive and understanding but under some strain; need to unwind with someone who is close to you. There were other more detailed tidbits but since I didn’t like them that much, I decided to quit sharing while I am ahead.

Most of us are interested in what makes us tick. We all desire to accomplish something with the investment of our time and efforts. In my case, it may be respect for my commitment and integrity. In yours, it may be a need to see projects finished on time. Others may experience fulfillment through the technical details involved in a project or activity. That’s what makes life so wonderful. We are so different but all loved equally by our heavenly Father as demonstrated in His sending of His Son to die for us. Even here in my work environment there are folks from many different backgrounds and cultures. Some are recognized craftsmen in their area of specialty, while others are in training or helpers. Yet, we all join together in pursuing a common set of goals and objectives and that’s what helps us succeed!

It took me a number of years to realize that while I may have some admirable traits, my model is not the only one in town. In fact, there’s every combination under the sun, nonetheless, there is one common trait within every person and that is the fatal disease of sin that only God can cure. We can debate the technical details regarding how salvation works including the choosing and wooing until we are blue in the face, but in the end we hear these words from the Apostle Paul: “God desires that all men (mankind, humanity) be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.” (1st Timothy, Chapter 2) This means within the process of offering salvation, it is not an empty exercise, the offer reflects the heart of God desiring to save each lost person.

That common thread of this unique eternal need is truly what binds us together as human beings. We all are precious in God’s sight and we all need His salvation. The song I’ve mentioned before has it exactly right, “the ground is level at the foot of the Cross and no one stands higher than you or I.” Unfortunately, far too many of us who are believers have become conceited in our position in Christ and we seem to be unable to identify ourselves with those who are lost. On our best day ever we would be just as lost as anyone else had God not reached down and saved us. Paul made this clear when he wrote to the Church in Ephesus that any who are saved are saved by grace alone and that salvation is not of human origin or instrumentality, but it is the gift of God lest anyone would have something to boast about. (Ephesians 2:8-9) A boastful believer who feels better than others will never become the bridge who will help others find their way to God. Have a great Saturday and Sunday and always give God the glory in everything. Why? He deserves it whether we do it or not! Think about that! Amen. ….More later. 

"The heart of God, His plan for His people in their later years, is that they continue to make a difference for their Lord in the church. Both older saints and the younger need to embrace this. Checking out from serving Christ before checking in to heaven should not be an option for any child of God." ~ Conclusion to an online article written by Forrest McPhail, Missionary

Thursday. Really? I, as an official representative talk to older people all the time. It comes with the territory so don't act so surprised. When I do talk I often get this response, "Oh, it's Thursday already, to tell you the truth I don't even keep up with what day it is anymore." See what I mean? Well, I have a wee bit of that myself, but, not enough to not know that today is Thursday, January 15, 2026, and, I bid each one a hearty hello from the occupant of the typing chair to wherever you happen to be. They tell us that older people struggle most with the activities associated with daily living. You know. Medicine. Taking care of basic personal matters, paying bills, keeping appointments. Things like that. As of this writing, subject to change at anytime, I have yet to experience the need for assistance in those areas, however, can I tell that I am headed in that direction? I would have to say yes but that destination is still a coming attraction at this time. I am thankful to God for that and my heart goes out to those who are dealing with aging issues. The Bible tells us that we are to run the race given to us, not the one given to the other fellow. Here's how it reads from the Book of Hebrews, Chapter 12, Verses 1-2, "Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." I may be in the slow lane now because of my age, but, I am still in my race. As the old preacher always said, "When you see therefore, make sure you understand what it is there for." Having just finished reading Chapter 11, the Faith Hall of Fame Chapter, the inspired writer says 'we also'. That means those believers in Jesus who received that text back then and by extension it also means believers like you and I today. So, my next stop has an 80 on it, but, that doesn't mean my race is finished. I feel like at times I'm in the proverbial 'forgot to say may I' game because I end up having a penalty requiring me to restart my lane. Sorry. That's just me. But, the truth says get up and go again, yep, keep running the race given to you with endurance, at least all that you have at this time, and, that endurance comes by looking to Jesus. Let me sum it up this way. My arthritic hips get on fire when I take a one block walk with Lil Miss Biscuit. Yet, I can still run the race of the spiritual life I have been given by the grace provided to me from my Savior. Okay. So, I will be the first to admit today's writing comes out somewhat discombobulated, but, I think you get my point: Regardless, keep on keeping on in the life race given to you by the Lord. Amen. 

 

When I am in a group of senior citizens who are truly citizens of heaven the discussion so often is all about what we could do in the past. Some of those testimonies are wonderful and we need to not only hear about them but learn from them. At the same time, we are in the here and now and can only do now what we are able to do, but, we must not sit down and say it's time for someone else to get the job done. No. We still can do what we can do. God knows that better than we do. We want to hand down the faith but to do that the way it should be done means we continue in the faith. The first Sunday of this brand new year, we had the going strong 88 year old visiting preacher in our pulpit, Bro. Dr. Jerry Vines. He spoke fluidly and without hesitation from The Word of God, and, the Spirit of God moved and produced results in the hearts of men, women, boys, and girls. That encouraged me. I share it to encourage others. Let's keep on doing what we are still able to do. We can still pray. We can still encourage others. We can still give of our time, our talent, our treasure, and, of our testimony. We can. We really can. Find your race lane and keep on running. Amen. 

"Viewing photos activates memory recall, helping to stimulate memories and bring back forgotten details like laughter or feelings." ~ copied

Good morning and welcome to today's visit where I will not be answering any live questions today, so, please forward them to me in writing and be sure to have them notarized along with a stamped return addressed envelope. That's nonsense but I throw it out there just for an opening. I didn't say it was a good opening. Just your everyday ordinary opening. Satisfied? Good. Today is Wednesday, January 14, 2026, and, I'm thinking about what we remember when we find and look at an old photo. This one popped up the other day. That's my baby sister, Kayla, (1952-1979, succumbing to leukemia at age 27), and, of course, yours truly. We are sitting on what will be the front entrance porch to our new home, under construction, in Hornbeck, Louisiana. After dad passed away in early 1954, mom and us six kids moved there and took up residence with Granny and Paw Paw McMillan, mom's parents. I believe we moved into our new home in 1957, therefore, I'm guessing this photo was in the summer of 1956. Kayla was the baby of the family which meant there was typically one of us kids with her since mom was working. I wish I could remember more about this particular photo but I don't have any specifics to share. It does give me a warm feeling anytime I see or even think about Kayla. She left us so early, but, my oh my, what a testimony she had, at age 27. She used to tell me how much she hated to leave her husband and three daughters, but, how privileged she felt to know that while her life exit was within months, how God had given her the time she had along with a desire to share what she wanted to share with a whole list of people. That's right. She made a list. She either visited directly or called each person and let them know she loved them and how she wanted them to know Christ so they could be with her forever and ever, Amen. She did that. She really did. I can't sugarcoat the suffering she endured but I can remember how much she was loved and how she was a good soldier, often enduring hardship for our sake because we didn't want to see her go. In the photo it looks like she is ready for the beach and me, well, it looks like I might be looking for something to carry in those beautiful oversized cuffs on my jeans. I do have good news. I believe with all my heart, because of our shared faith in Christ, that I will see her again and she will be perfectly well and we will live for endless ages in the presence of our Lord.

 

Her legacy does live on. Her three daughters grew up and Kayla would be happy how they have become women of faith and resilience. For those left in our immediate family, just JoAnn and myself, we will never forget her last Christmas here in 1978. We were on her list too. She went around the room to each of us individually and told us what we meant to her and how she wanted to see us all together in heaven in the by and by. Needless to say, there was a whole lot of tears on that day. In fact, those tears have never faded. My mom always told me about all the questions she hoped to get answers to when she saw the Lord. I told her, well, just maybe when you see Jesus you will no longer need to have those questions answered. The old song tells us we will understand it better by and by, and, in one way or the other, I believe we will. Until then, I'll not forget our Kayla as I so look forward to seeing her again, soon. (Don't get the idea I know how it will all work because while I know generally what the Scriptures tell us, well, I'm trusting in His provision to make it all happen. Amen.) What say you? May God add His blessings. Amen.

"Laughter is vital for overall well-being, providing significant physical, mental, and social benefits. It acts as a powerful stress reliever and helps foster resilience, improve mood, and strengthen relationships." ~ copied

Well hello there, it seems like just yesterday we were enjoying our, one way, conversation. It's a joke. Go ahead and laugh. It will do a body good. What? You don't believe that? Here's what God's Word has to say, Proverbs 17:22 from the English Standard translation: "A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." It's Tuesday, January 13, 2026, and, as my granddaddy always told me, "Son, you've got the same clothes to get glad in." He typically said that when I was presenting a gloom, doom, and despair countenance. We all have our unique personalities mostly shaped by our living experiences, even from an early age. I am not the happy-go-lucky kind of person. My wife is. I lean towards staid and serious. That can be a detriment as we go about our daily living. The wife can pretty much mix with and get along with anyone. Me? It's just not so simple. I appreciate people who are the life of any gathering, and, I do know that as a Christ follower, He has made me a new person. At the same time, this new life in Christ can be revealed within each individual in different ways. I do love to laugh. I do enjoy spending time with folks. I am not inclined to be goofy. I do try to, like the Apostle Paul, mix in with folks enough to enjoy our time together and perhaps influence us all to have a more dedicated life. (1st Corinthians 9:22, the Apostle Paul, "To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some." At the same time, no one wants to be around someone who carries a sign saying, 'the sky is falling'. Introvert, extrovert, we all can serve the Lord with the abilities He has provided to us. Timothy appears to have been timid and perhaps overly anxious, "drink a little wine for your stomach's sake"1st Timothy 5:23. I need to allow God to work in my life to accomplish His will as opposed to me using my own understanding and then trying to do it, my way. The Paul Anka song, 'My Way' made famous by Frank Sinatra is all about me, myself, and I. There is a Christian version of that song. Here are the lyrics:

 

And when the end is near

And as I face the final curtain

My friend, I'll say it clear

I'll state my case of which I'm certain

I've lived a life that's full

I traveled each and every highway

And more, much more than this

I did it God's way!

Regrets I've had a few

I thank you Lord, you paid my ransom

You gave me life brand-new

And helped me through without exception!

You planned each charted course

Each careful step along the Biway

And Lord, my life is yours,

I'll do it your way!

Lord, there were times,

I'm sure you knew

When I bit off more than I could chew

But through it all,

when there was doubt,

You were my rock, you were my help!

I faced it all and I stood tall

I did it God's way!

I love, I laughed and cried

I've had my fill, my share of losing

And now as tears subside,

I find it all so amazing,

To think you brought me back

And may I say, you showed me your way

Oh no, oh no, not mine

Oh it was God's way!

And what is life without our God?

If not for him, then we have not

I sing the thing I truly feel

And to my Lord I humbly kneel

The record shows to him I bow!

I'll do it God's way!

Oh Lord..... I'll do it Your way!

Lyrics re-written by:

Deelyght Jagessar ~ March 2014

 

Note:  Deelyght Jagessar, Christian singer and songwriter, uses music, particularly re-imagined popular tunes, as a powerful medium for Christian worship and evangelism, making faith accessible and relatable. 

 

 

Well, there you have it. I wouldn't want to hazard a guess as to how much of my life has been lived 'my way' contrasted with 'God's Way'. No wonder the Apostle Paul said he had to 'beat his body daily'. He was using a metaphor to describe the seriousness of the training and discipline required to live a life pleasing to God. I read the other day from a man of God who said in today's Christian world we have substituted Bible knowledge for righteous living. He said we tend to know a lot about the Bible but we are not putting what we know into practice which leads to a life lived 'my way' instead of God's way. I think that's enough conviction for one day. At least it is for me. Y'all, keep up the good work and use your talents and abilities to serve God and others. Me too! Amen. 

"Them Old Cotton Fields Back Home" ~ Written by Huddie Ledbetter, American blues and folk musician, in 1940.

Good morning and welcome back to the ole blogger ranch where I will be your keystroke wrangler for this day, Monday, January 12, 2026. The two girls in the picture above are very special. The one on the left is the wife's sister, Dorothy, and she's sitting next to none other than my life mate, Marilyn. They lived their early years on a farm. I used today's title intentionally because these girls actually picked cotton out in the fields. Them along with their parents and the two brothers, Cleon and Milton knew what backbreaking work was all about down on the farm. The two girls are still here but the rest of the family have gone on to their heavenly home. That is an AI generated painting. Someone on Facebook wondered if that picture was real, but, she thought even if it wasn't those were sure cute girls. I will tell you this about that. Yes, they were cute then and the first time I saw the one they called 'Lil Bit', well, I was stopped dead in my tracks. Literally. That's not a made up story. I should know. I was there when it happened way back in the early 1960's. In response to the question of the reality depicted in that image, here's how it came into being: 

See? It is based on a real photo, black and white. I then used a utility to colorize it. After that, I handed it off to ChatGPT and asked it to turn it into a painting. Now you know. These girls got much of their foundation growing up on their farm. Today, they are both women of faith and I've tagged them with the Proverbs 31 description for many years. They worked hard in their childhood. They worked hard growing up in a preacher's home. They worked hard as wives and housekeepers. They worked hard in their devotion to their children and their families. They never forgot where they came from. In fact, they typically have always visited their old home place just outside Winnsboro, Louisiana, every time they were in that area. Their late brother Milton became a mighty preacher of God and many of his illustrations came from their time on the farm. Here's a little ditty I came across: "Get you a farm girl" is a phrase evoking an independent, capable woman connected to rural life, often the subject seen in country music. (copied) I got me one and God has surely blessed. There's more. Much more. But, that will have to do for today. Y'all enjoy the day and remember God has your back. He does. He really does. Amen.

 

 A sample of the lyrics from "Them Old Cotton Fields Back Home"

 

When I was a little bitty baby
My mama would rock me in the cradle
In them old cotton fields back home

 

It was down in Louisiana
Just about a mile from Texarkana
In them old cotton fields back home

 

Oh, when them cotton bolls get rotten
You can't pick very much cotton
In them old cotton fields back home

 

It was down in Louisiana
Just about a mile from Texarkana
In them old cotton fields back home