"You can give without loving, but you can never love without giving." ~ Robert Louis Stevenson

Tuesday morning table group leader for the women's Bible study. 

Well, look over yonder and see what's coming down the track. Yeah. It's Wednesday, July 22, 2026, and it is another day we have to pause long enough to thank God and give Him praise. That lady in the photo is none other than the wife of my youth, and I haven't really said much about her of late, but after being married to her for 61-plus years, I can't even begin to describe the blessing she is in my life, in our family, and to so many others. She carries with her the God-given spiritual gift described as helps or service, and she personifies the description: "A practical desire to assist, support, and serve the needs of others in the church." I'll not get into a discussion of whether one can possess more than one supernaturally provided gift, but she just might make that case in the way she functions in life. Extrovert in the extreme, but she lives with an introvert by nature, and that makes for an interesting combination. I have no idea whether the axiom that opposites attract holds true, but I do know there are differing talents and abilities within a marriage that help make it work. At times it can be a wee bit of a tension builder, like when she chooses to visit with the cashier for an extended conversation and I happen to be ready to leave and go home. One of my most important callings is that of loving her in the same way Christ loved the Church and gave Himself up for her. (Reference as given in Ephesians 5:25) Because we both continue to have that old man nature to deal with, this can be very challenging; however, with the help of Holy Spirit God, it can be done. The toughest part of that calling is the example of our Savior because He sacrificed His very life for His bride, the Church. The bottom line: I have work to do. What say you?

 

Does she have annoying habits that still drive me up the wall? She does, but when I stop and think about it, she doesn't have nearly as many as I provide for her to consider. Ha! I guess I will say this about our long time together: Overlook it. If it's not crucial, overlook it and keep on keeping on. You may have to bite your lip now and then, but in the grand scheme of things, it just doesn't usually amount to, as they used to say back where I grew up, "It doesn't amount to a hill of beans." I'm not meaning to imply there aren't important issues that need to be addressed, but most of what we deal with doesn't amount to much, and we should keep that in mind. I am doing my best to become an effective 'overlooker' which may not be a word, but I think it gets across my point. Caring enough. Meanwhile, she has her own responsibility to seek to live out God's instructions to her as a wife. If we are both seeking to be who God would have us to be, well, it makes for a better life. It does. It really does. Y'all enjoy the rest of your day and always know that our Sovereign God cared enough and He loved enough to send His Son to die for the most unworthy of us all. He did. He really did. Amen.

"Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some." – Charles Dickens

Good morning, and welcome to this brand-new day, Tuesday, July 21, 2026. I mentioned before the great honor and privilege I had on July 11th of officiating the wedding of our granddaughter Kyleigh to her new husband, Taylor. The photo shows Kyleigh helping direct my signing of their marriage certificate. It was a memorable event and one that my wife and I will treasure as a blessing from the Lord. I was able to conduct that service because God enabled me to do so. He deserves to be recognized for the way He provides for each of us. In the book of Job, Chapter 34, we have the words preserved of a young man, Elihu, who essentially stood up for God as he confronted Job and his three friends. Essentially, he was concerned that in all the dialogue forth and back, God's honor and glory were not being preserved. Elihu challenged any intrusion into words that challenged God's character. He said this about the power of God: "God could decide to remove life from the world. He could take back his spirit and his breath. If he did that, everyone that is alive would die. As humans, we would become dirt again." (Job 34:14-15) This, I believe, is where we get the sense of the fear of the Lord. We worship an Awesome God. I cringe sometimes at how the word 'awesome' is thrown around and attached to every kind of thing or action. I say it again, we serve and worship an Awesome God. That ice cream may have been good, but there is no way it should be described as 'awesome'. I know. Some would call me legalistic or petty. That's okay. Take it as my opinion. As they say, if everything is awesome, then it follows that nothing can be distinguished as being truly awesome. This leads me to remind us all to do what the song says, 'Count Your Blessings'. 

 

Count Your Blessings

 

The classic sacred hymn "Count Your Blessings" was written in 1897 by American Methodist minister and insurance salesman Johnson Oatman, Jr. The uplifting musical tune was composed later that year by Edwin O. Excell.

 

1 When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Refrain:
Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your blessings, see what God hath done;
Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.

2 Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, ev'ry doubt will fly,
And you will be singing as the days go by. [Refrain]

3 When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings, money cannot buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high. [Refrain]

4 So, amid the conflict, whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey's end. [Refrain]

Baptist Hymnal, 1991

 

I may be over the hill by many estimations, but I'm still learning, and one of the things I am working on is the sentiment found in that song: stop, consider, and thank God for His provisions and His blessings. I will be working on trying to realize what all these instructions from the Apostle Paul mean until I draw my last breath: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, the Amplified Bible (AMP) reads: "Rejoice always and delight in your faith; be unceasing and persistent in prayer; in every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus." That's my assignment for today, tomorrow, and the rest of my life. What about you? Take care now, you hear? Amen.

"I'm a conundrum. Or an enigma. I forget which." ~ James A. Owen, An American comic book illustrator, publisher and writer

We made it to Monday, so give yourself a pat on the back, but in doing so, I advise you to be careful, especially if you are in my age group. Patting myself on the back might just send me back to the starting line for my physical therapy sessions. Hello and welcome. Today is Monday, July 20, 2026, and I am still basking in the wonderful day we had in our gathering together at our local fellowship of believers yesterday, Sunday, that day which is the first day of the week. Most people have always been somewhat bent out of shape about Monday. Why? Typically, it's back to work or back to school. However, when it comes to days of the week, we've had the first day of the week already; it was yesterday, Sunday. Okay. I am old now, so I can hand down something I learned over the years. If you recognize Sunday for what it is, that being the Lord's Day because it is Resurrection Day, and, it is the day local assemblies (Churches) met as recorded in the New Testament, therefore, if you give that day to the Lord and if you spend time with other believers seeking God, worshiping Him, and learning more about Him, well, your Mondays will not be a dreary dreaded drag. In other words, your attitude feeds your altitude, and when your attitude is fueled and refreshed by Holy Spirit God, you will have a different perspective, yes, even about getting up and going on a Monday morning. Amen.

 

I didn't show up to send out a sermon, but I will be honest here: when I sit down to write, I typically write what comes into my pea-sized brain. I do not claim inspiration because most of what I write about comes from perspiration. Just joking. You know. I was looking for something other than inspiration since my stuff is pretty much homegrown by that notorious committee I have to deal with each day, Me, Myself, and I. Sometimes I climb the stairs up to my office here at the ole blogger ranch with something burning in my mind so much so I can hardly wait to hear those keys clacking. There are times when I feel that way at some time during the week, but by the time I get to it, I no longer remember that great idea. And there are others, like today, when what I see on the page is the first time I've seen it too! Wow! I, at times, am the first to ask the question: I wonder where that came from? Even as I sit in the chair right now, I had several clarifications to share about stuff I wrote earlier because I obsess over never wanting to misinform or mislead in what shows up on the electronic page. I do. I really do. But, alas, those clarifications often find themselves in the file marked "Never to be heard from again," and I have to just move on down the road. I heard that comment. "Why don't you do what you used to tell your mom to do? When you want to remember something, jot it down." Ouch. That is, by the way, a great idea, and it's time for me to begin to follow my own advice. Thanks for sharing. Y'all have a good day as provided by the Lord, and be sure to give Him thanks for it, and I will do my best to do the same. Amen.

Socrates: "Beware the barrenness of a busy life."

Another week of flailing and thrashing in getting my blogs sent here, there, and, to the regions beyond. I am glad you have joined today's edition here at the ole blogger ranch. This one comes to you live and in person, (or at least I was alive when I wrote it, ha!), on this day, Friday, July 17, 2026. It has been a very busy week here, how about where you are? Being busy can be a trap. There are studies out there that try to analyze the impact of busyness. There's the Principle of Busyness, The Cult of Busyness, and, The Anatomy of Busyness, and these attempt to look into how being busy doesn't always end up with effective results. Having been in the public workplace for nearly 60 years and many of those spent in supervisory positions, I can attest to how being busy often leads to more busyness instead of producing results that make a difference in the success of the project or endeavor being pursued. I remember well, working as a hired consultant, having the opportunity to do a comprehensive evaluation of a major aplication project underway in the company's information technology department. Work had been going on for years and there was much activity. Much. A lot. Some of it was frenetic and moving fast enough to be almost like a blur. Sadly, all these efforts were just that: Efforts that produced a lot of busyness but with almost zero results towards the stated target. It became my job to document what I found and report back to upper management how some 10 to 12 million dollars had been spent keeping a whole lot of folks busy but the work products produced were not able to accomplish the project goal. See what I mean? It can happen to any of us. Me. You. Anyone. We can confuse being busy with effectiveness and results. It's the bridge to nowhere syndrome, and, I kind of feel that way this week, however, I am thinking about thinking about how I might do better next week. Ha!

 

I well remember times when I knew exactly where I was going. I had the picture of it in my mind. I did not need to verify or check out the destination in any way whatsoever. I knew where I was going. I made it to where I knew where I was going. It was not the right place. I was busy. I worked hard, but, that did not get me to the right place. Okay. That actually happened. It did. It really did. More than once. I didn't say I was proud of it but it does add illustration to what I was trying to convey about busyness. By the way, this is a consideration in our spiritual life as well. For a number of years I conducted ministry effectiveness planning meetings in a variety of churches. It was very straight forward. What are we attempting to accomplish? And, how well are we doing towards that goal? You would not believe some of what happened in those sessions. You wouldn't. I never had to break up a fist fight but the atmosphere became somewhat heated at times. Why? The work and ministry of a local church is a priority for those who are members. Their efforts should be guided by truth but they should also be focused towards seeing men, women, boys, and, girls come to know Christ and then to grow into mature workers for the Lord. We were able in many instances to get past the pettiness and establish realistic and noteworthy goals in ministry activities. Okay. I am tired now from sharing all of this, but, being intentional counts and being effective in our serving of the Lord also counts. For time and eternity. And, that, my friend, is a long, long time. Amen. 

"Dogs come into our lives to teach us about love, they depart to teach us about loss. A new dog never replaces an old dog. It merely expands the heart." — Unknown

Happy Thursday, July 16, 2026, and, I am just back from taking Lil Miss Biscuit for her annual visit to the veterinarian. She, just like her predecessor, Sir Bentley Barksalot Esq., they both would prefer not to go. They also, even though it's only once a year, begin to get all shaking like they are having a chill as we get closer to the vet location. The people at our clinic love animals and they really have nothing to fear but that doesn't keep them from getting all nervous and hyper. Maybe I should go the long way around and see if she recognizes where we are headed. I know. She's a pup so what's the big deal? Since I am a recently converted dog lover I likely don''t have standing to answer that question but here's the deal: It bothers me when she is bothered. Okay. I said it. I hope that makes someone happy. All of this dog loving stuff is fairly new to me, within the last ten years. After we lost our Bentley I made it clear I never wanted to have another pet, period. Then one day our son Jimmy showed me a litter of pups on Facebook from a lady he knew back in high school, the pups were for sale. But, I didn't want a pet. Which one do you like, he said. They are only three weeks old and since the mother to the pups can't nurse, you could feed her as well as they can. Really? Next thing I knew we were in the ole truck headed into the outskirts of Houston to look at these new born pups. I think there were five or six but I can't even remember why I was drawn to Biscuit but the short story goes like this: She came home with us. And, that's how my proclamation to never have another dog got altered. Now I find myself having to plead guilty to my contributions in allowing Lil Miss Biscuit to never realize she is a dog. To her, like Bentley, this is her domain and we are privileged to enjoy her company and serve her interests. I know. The truth hurts, but, that's the way we roll these days. 

 

In preparing for teaching the final lesson from the writing of Joshua, one thing really sticks out. Joshua wanted all of those in his nation, Israel, to know without any doubt whatsoever, that it was God who had won the battles they had fought. God prepared their way. God was there to deal directly with their enemies. This means, God rightly should receive the glory for what Israel accomplished in conquering the foes they encountered in the Promised Land. The reason that hit me is because it is something we all need to consider. We live in so much of a mutual admiration society where people are often praised way beyond their earned recognition. It can happen in Church too. We often applaud the performance when the presentation was, I hope, intended to point us to our Great God and He deserves the applause and the praise. Think about it. Children are now raised with recognitions of every sort imaginable. No matter what the field of endeavor there typically are commendations and trophies galore. It begins with toddlers and goes on and on and on. I've witnessed it time and time again. In my own family. I just think it gives us all something to think about. God. He provided all that we have including the next breath and heartbeat. I remember one time I became sick and tired of so many people telling me how lucky I was or how I seem to always be in the right place at the right time. What about me? What about how hard I worked? I thought to myself I need some recognition around here, it's not luck. And, it wasn't. It was the hand of God that helped me and I almost collapsed in my chair at work when I entertained the thought of how big I was. We must never rob God of His glory, period, end of story, from the get-go to the end. Food for thought. And, it may be tough but it's worth the chew. Amen.                                                                                                  

"What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas… perhaps… means a little bit more!" — Dr. Seuss

Here's how it goes around my house: "Everyone is getting rain except for us, it seems to be going around us every time we have some hope." Two days later: "I am so thankful for the rain but if you ask me it could quit anytime now, it could, it really could." Does that sound familiar to you? It shows forth the fickle nature we all possess. Sorry. It does. It really does. The so-called human nature. Right. Well, I didn't show up to talk about that on this Wednesday, July 15, 2026. In fact, I showed up to bring up one of my most favorite subjects, Christmastime. Too early? Not on your life! This evening at our regular rehearsal, the Mims Choir will be breaking out the Christmas music for the planned spectacular program coming up in December. Too early? For fast learners, maybe, but, for people like me, I need all the time I can get. I do. I really do. Our pastor often talks about knowing not only what is your lane but more importantly, knowing how to stay in your own lane, well, for me, my choir lane is marked slow and pianissimo which where I come from means, keep your mouth pretty much shut, you hear? Just joking. But, only a little. Just so you know, this evening Mrs. Claus and I will be reprising the look in the photo above as we attend choir practice. It should be fun. If you know the tune to this one, feel free to sing it while reading my blog. Likely, no one will see or hear you and I will not tell anyone you were singing it. Okay?

Christmas Time Is Coming

Snowflakes falling my old home is calling
Tall pines are humming Christmas time is coming.

Can’t you hear them bells ringin’ ringin’ joy to all here them singin’
Let it snow and I’ll be going back to my country home
Christmas times a’ coming Christmas times a’ coming
Christmas times a’ coming and I know I’m going home.

Holly’s in the window home where the wind blows
Can’t walk for running Christmas time is coming.

Home fires burning my heart’s yearning
For the folks at home when Christmas time is coming.

 

That song is an old Bluegrass standard and if you don't remember the tune here's how you fix it. You can look it up on YouTube and listen to many artists performing it, or, you can do what I often do, make up your own tune. I very often sing my prayers to the Lord and I use all kinds of tunes, some known to be out of tune, but, it's always the heart that counts and God hears our hearts. He does. He really does. He hears our hearts even when no words can be found or can come out. It may be hard to believe but I am getting invitations for Mrs. Claus and I to appear at events coming up this next November and December. Already. Here is an excerpt from a recent request, from a venue we've appeared at every year since we started 16 years ago: "We've always appreciated the joy you both bring to our guests and the care you put into making the experience so special. It's been a pleasure partnering with you, and we're grateful for your continued support of our mission to give back to the community." Lord willing and I mean that seriously, not as a throw down but as a reality, Lord willing, and we are able we at this time are planning our 17th season. Our goal has always been to bring joy wherever we show up. They tell us this year's choir Christmas music will be challenging. I can't help but laugh because for those of us in the slow lane we have more or less mastered singing perfectly wherever there is a rest and for the challenging stuff we are expert at being ever so pianissimo. Ha! Ho, Ho, Ho, and May God add His blessings. Amen.

"For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God." – 1 Peter 3:18

Just back from our men's Tuesday Bible study up at Mims Church in Conroe. Blinding rainstorm getting there, and, while it was a wee bit lighter coming back, it was bumper to bumper with a lot of slipping and sliding, but praise God I'm here and able to say hello again. Not to worry, it's just me, and, I have come calling on this, Tuesday July 14, 2026, to send you a hearty welcome and a prayer for your well being. I always re-read my blogs and I noticed I left something really important out of yesterday's visit. At the end of our service on Sunday we celebrated communion, or, as we call it, The Lord's Supper. In our practice, we observe this ordinance in remembrance of Him, the Lord Jesus Christ, our Savior. We consider ourselves and how unworthy we are but He made us worthy through His broken body and the giving of His blood. That's why we take the symbolic bread and fruit of the vine, juice, representing His body and blood. Some say we have a bloody religion. Some denominations have attempted to tone down any mention of His blood and some actually have deleted references to the blood of Jesus. We haven't and Lord willing we never will! Amen? "What can wash away my sins, nothing but the blood of Jesus; What can make we whole again, nothing but the blood of Jesus." I may not have punctuated that song as the original writer but I was quoting it off the top of my head. How about this one? "There is power, power, Wonder working power In the blood of the Lamb; There is power, power, Wonder working power In the precious Blood of the Lamb." That observance capped off a wonderful day and it illustrates how we can experience the working of Holy Spirit God in our lives as we gather together as the body of Christ. I know. A lot of that sounds like inside baseball since we do know the lingo, however, we are welcoming to any and all who show up and we feel privileged to share the truth from God's Word in all our gatherings. We do. We really do. 

 

I am studying for my physical therapy test scheduled for tomorrow morning. That's a joke. I already feel like I've been pulled through a rat hole backwards. What more do they want? My grandfather, Paw Paw Mac, used to say that one and I have been called on to explain it, but, if you can't get it, well, just move on down the road. It's like the kids today when they are sending notes to each other they use this symbolic representation 'IYKYK'. Okay. I will decipher that one for you: If you know, you know. While I may not be able to explain the details of what it means to be pulled through a rat hole backwards, I promise you, I know exactly how it feels. I do. I really do. I thought I would try that out on you before I use it with my physical therapist tomorrow, Lord willing. Our smart friends over at the Artificial Intelligence function on Google gave me this insight: "You are likely referring to the 1800's idiom "dragged, (or pulled), through a knothole backwards." Good for them. I like Paw Paw Mac's better. What say you? That A.I. article did go on to say that some people substitute 'rat hole' instead of 'knothole'. And, that's the way we roll folks, all the way from our grandfather, a legendary, simple but God loving man who could be very direct when trying to help us, but, we all, all his progeny, mourned him as we so respected his character and his testimony for his Lord. He was a larger than life figure in my life and I am reminded of him often as I continue my journey here. While we like to say he left us way too soon, at age 71, think about it, God gave him an early call home because he had finished his course. I came up with that a number of years ago and that's my story and I'm sticking to it. Y'all, and yes, that means you too, get out there and have yourself a blessed day. Okay? Good. Amen.