Working on my 'pain' vocabulary: Aching-Cramping-Fearful-Gnawing-Heavy-Hot-Burning-Sharp-Shooting-Sickening-Splitting-Stabbing-Punishing-Cruel-Tender-Throbbing-Tiring, and Exhausting!

Not our choir, used for illustration only.

Here we go again. Old people on the move. Ha! Today, Thursday, June 25, 2026, our old people choir, (Legacy Choir, if you will.), will be singing some patriotic tunes at two of the large hospitals here in this area. Instead of turning chairs, we hope we will see folks pausing to reflect on the profound blessings we enjoy as Americans, including some of those busy professionals wearing white coats. But, first things first. Early this morning, I return to the torture chamber for an hour's worth of pain and suffering. I tried to think up a nickname for the very physical pleasant therapist who manages the mechanisms and instruments of cruelty. Yes. I know. That is a beyond the pale description. (The English Pale (Ireland): A fortified area in medieval Ireland directly under the control of the English Crown. Venturing "beyond the pale" meant stepping outside the protection of English law into uncontrolled, unpredictable territory.) But, I did put it that way intentionally to make my point. You can make up a song about 'no pain, no gain', but, so far I'm not buying it. And, lest you get the wrong idea, I do greatly appreciate the young lady who has spent seven years of her life preparing to make old people like me be as miserable as possible. Why? Their plan typically works and progress wins the day. Need I open the envelope and read what my profile says: I am not typical. Back to the nickname. She's not a bully per se because she always speaks is very encouraging and soothing terms. Oh yeah, I almost forgot. I said earlier and she continues to wear me down with her constant question, "Does that make sense?" I've participated in a number of active listening courses during my managing people years, and questioning is a major part of getting buy in, but, repetition just doesn't do it for my not typical self. Are you with me? Sorry. I couldn't resist. Okay. I'll go with this one, but it's a working name in progress, and, it's just between us: Madam Diabolical. Ha!

 

I have written stuff in the past tongue in cheek that some of my wonderful readers took literally.  ( "Tongue in cheek" is an idiom that describes a statement or action that is humorous, sarcastic, or insincere, but is delivered with a completely serious expression. It is meant to be understood as a joke rather than taken literally, often relying on irony or exaggeration.) This means I'm certainly not trying to give this young woman a bad rap or a negative review. Not at all. I tell her all the time, she has seven years to prove she knows what she is doing and I have only that stupid chart on a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being unbearable pain, what level are you now? I often refuse to try and rate my pain. I might just take the chart above with me and we can read it together. Ha! Here's the rub. Figuratively, and, literally: I need some strong medication or perhaps anesthesia in order to continue the current physical therapy regimen. However, they don't like giving old people the really good stuff because we might fall. The song puts it this way:

 

Tomorrow, tomorrow!
I love ya tomorrow!
You're always
A day
Away!

 

Lord willing and I am able, that's when I visit my orthopedic who is a week late in helping me, or, that's the way I see it. Again, Ha! Y'all have a blessed day and may God add His blessings. Amen. 

AARP: "Side sleeping for older adults can cause severe joint and hip pain from uneven pressure, and put a strain on the heart—especially for those with congestive heart failure who may experience breathing difficulties on the left side. It also promotes facial aging and sleep wrinkles."

Hello and welcome to my own version of looking for intelligent life. Just joking. I was trying to use that particular concept as an opening really for no good reason. Just because. It is Wednesday, June 24, 2026, and, I do hope you and yours are well, engaged in the life God has given to you, and actively thanking Him for His provisions. I heard about an old timer who represented the bestowed blessings of God in this way in his prayer: Thank you Lord for all the blessings you have stowed us up with. And, I say, Amen to that sentiment. What say you? I was explaining some of my achy breaky pains to our youngest, Rodney, when he came to visit on Fathers Day. His response was a wee bit chilling. "But dad, surely you should expect to have some issues at your age. You know, you may need to have those hips replaced or maybe even a knee." He went on to recount some older folks who have undergone those types of procedures. I was already aware those remedies were available but they are reserved for those who need them. Surely, that would not be me. Right? I actually prefer not to even think about thinking about those fixes to my current problems. As I sit in my steno chair up in my office at the ole blogger ranch, my thought is this: No thank you. I remember one of the doctors told me a number of years ago that to take the pressure off of my hips I needed to learn to sleep on my back. I told him I was a long term dedicated side sleeper in the fetal position. His response was rather blunt: "Okay, then keep on hurting." He may have missed the day they covered bedside manner, however, I clearly understood what he was saying. I did. I really did. And, yes, I still sleep on my side. 

 

I would be remiss if I didn't mention that I did try to learn to sleep on my back. And, I did actually achieve sleep that way, but, it wasn't the kind of sleep I needed. Now, when I fall asleep in my recliner, I am told, too often if you ask me, that I can sleep sitting up with my head on my chest and my mouth wide open. They tell me it is not a pretty picture and they often check on me to see if I am still alive. I would share a photo since they seem to enjoy making them of me in that position, however, I will spare you the shock and me the embarrassment. While we are on the subject, here is an explanation from the Sleep Foundation: The fetal position—sleeping on your side with knees drawn toward your chest—is the most popular sleep position, favored by over 40% of adults. It is widely considered a 'natural' and comforting posture because it mimics the security of the womb." So there you have it, another tip toe through the maize of difficulties experienced in the sojourn of yours truly. You likely have a different set of issues and the solutions you have discovered. Each of us is unique, but, some of us seem to be more so than required to make it on our journey here. I'm just messing around because the sum total is how little I have to complain about, therefore, take it all with a grain of salt. Okay? And, I know inquiring minds are interested in knowing about that figure of speech, so, here is what Wikipedia says: "While the exact origin is debated, many historians point to the writings of Pliny the Elder in 77 A.D. In his Naturalis Historia, he recorded a recipe for an antidote to poison that required the mixture to be taken "with a grain of salt," suggesting that the addition would protect the person and render the poison less harmful. Over time, this evolved into the figurative idea that adding a little bit of "salt" helps you swallow or process information that you might otherwise doubt." Now we know! Yay! May God add His blessings. Amen.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10: "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up."

I was in a hurry this morning. Our local, called-out assembly, (Mims Baptist Church), scheduled a men's Bible Study on the letter to The Ephesians, a chapter each week, and we meet between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. Therefore, that was a big To-Do for me as I embraced this brand new day, Tuesday, June 23, 2026. We started this study week before last and that first one was very informative and the 30 minutes allotted to discussion was really a barn burner. I mean we had some really vocal guys at our table, present company included. Let's just say we had the iron sharpening iron going on. You know. The image I conjure up is using a iron whetstone to sharpen a knife. The more you rub and hone in on the object being sharpened, it is the sharper that object becomes. That concept is mentioned in the Proverbs, Chapter 27, Verse 17. Here is how the Amplified Bible presents this verse: "As iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens [and influences] another [through discussion]." You've probably heard that verse quoted often related to spiritual men's conferences or other similar men's gatherings. Now you know why they use that terminology: iron sharpening iron. And, I quickly add, sometimes I don't always realize how dull I am until the light gets turned on during our discussions of the truths from God's Word. In that first session I saw many dragging in very sleepy eyed, but, they left with a fresh sense of how God communicates what we need, individually especially, and collectively as well, and that makes for time well spent. It does. It really does.

 

Solomon writing with Spiritual insight from Above.

I did want to mention what a great Fathers Day I enjoyed this past Sunday. Our eldest and his bride were out of the country at a resort in Mexico all last week celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary. I know. You are thinking I look way too young to have a son celebrating that kind of milestone. What? You didn't think that at all. Okay. It would help if you could play along with me on these kinds of reports. I was young for a long time. Just bear with me here. I had a baby face all the way into my late twenties and early thirties. I hear you. That was then and this is now. We did have a friend who was prematurely gray. He was infuriated when they would offer him the senior discount especially when the rest of us were around to witness it. But, none of us get to the end of our sojourn without some wear and tear. And, I think you've heard some of my challenges in that arena. That ending passage penned by Solomon in the Book of Ecclesiastes never resonated so much with me until I experienced the full measure of what it means to grow older. It's worth our attention regardless of our age because the sooner we learn this truth, the better:

 

Ecclesiastes 12 ~ New Living Translation

1 Don’t let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your Creator. Honor him in your youth before you grow old and say, “Life is not pleasant anymore.” 2 Remember him before the light of the sun, moon, and stars is dim to your old eyes, and rain clouds continually darken your sky. 3 Remember him before your legs—the guards of your house—start to tremble; and before your shoulders—the strong men—stoop. Remember him before your teeth—your few remaining servants—stop grinding; and before your eyes—the women looking through the windows—see dimly.

4 Remember him before the door to life’s opportunities is closed and the sound of work fades. Now you rise at the first chirping of the birds, but then all their sounds will grow faint.

5 Remember him before you become fearful of falling and worry about danger in the streets; before your hair turns white like an almond tree in bloom, and you drag along without energy like a dying grasshopper, and the caperberry no longer inspires sexual desire. Remember him before you near the grave, your everlasting home, when the mourners will weep at your funeral.

6 Yes, remember your Creator now while you are young, before the silver cord of life snaps and the golden bowl is broken. Don’t wait until the water jar is smashed at the spring and the pulley is broken at the well. 7 For then the dust will return to the earth, and the spirit will return to God who gave it.

8 “Everything is meaningless,” says the Teacher, “completely meaningless.”

9 Keep this in mind: The Teacher was considered wise, and he taught the people everything he knew. He listened carefully to many proverbs, studying and classifying them. 10 The Teacher sought to find just the right words to express truths clearly.

11 The words of the wise are like cattle prods—painful but helpful. Their collected sayings are like a nail-studded stick with which a shepherd drives the sheep.

12 But, my child, let me give you some further advice: Be careful, for writing books is endless, and much study wears you out.

13 That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty. 14 God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad.

 

Enough said and well worth our time. May God bless the reading of His Word. Amen. 

"...let us neither express nor cherish any hard feelings toward any citizen who by his vote has differed with us. Let us at all times remember that all American citizens are brothers of a common country, and should dwell together in the bonds of fraternal feeling." ~Abraham Lincoln, 1860

Good morning and welcome to our visit today, this one landing on your electronic doorstep on this Monday, June 22, 2026. I get it. The current President who occupies the Oval Office and is the head of our elected government, he is a polarizing figure. At the same time, as we prepare to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the birth of our nation, the above recent polling result is very sad. Or, it is to me. I wasn't proud to see the sad manifestation of what happened to President Biden in decline during his most recent time in office. However, I never even thought of it in terms of whether I was proud to be an American. I am blessed to be an American. Every day of my life, I am blessed to wake up in the land of the free and the home of the brave. Yes, during the Biden administration, I see what happened as a form of elder abuse on the part of those who manipulated our highest office to establish unbelievably far leftist ideology that impacted our daily lives. That was sad to me, but, never would I give up my heart of loving the land that has been as President Reagan so elegantly said, "The city on the hill." President Trump has done his fair share in provoking much of the hostility he appears to enjoy. And, I for one, think he is on dangerous grounds regarding some of his god-like pronouncements he has made regarding Israel. At the same time folks, we are Americans, regardless of the platform we support. We are Americans. I think we all should be very unashamed to sing along with Lee Greenwood, in his testimonial song, 'God Bless the USA". When I saw that poll graphic my heart sank because just 20 years ago the same poll showed the numbers for Republicans and Democrats to be in the 90's in being proud to be an American. I know. God will have the final say and I trust Him to take care of it all in His own good time. Amen.

Well, I continue to see the mileposts as I near my next rest stop at Exit 80. (August birth date.) I mentioned last Friday how I was excited to be consulting the orthopedic specialist that afternoon. I did everything I knew how to make that happen. I got myself ready. I even brushed my teeth. Again. I made my way to the clinic. I arrived at the exact time recommended for me to show up. (Remember, showing up is very important.) There I was at the check-in center only to discover how I was a week early for my appointment. As Riley used to say, first on radio and then on TV, "What a revolting development this is!" Don't recognize that catchphrase, well, look it up because it does apply to my misadventure. Here's part of how the wheels really do begin to fall off the truck. I then attempted to act like it wasn't that much of a problem. The fellow at the desk was ever so kind. He first tried to see if they could work me in. No way. My doctor was already overbooked and running late. Then he attempted to see if I could get some lab work done while I was there. No way. I have some tests pending but they were not schedule-ready at that time. Finally, he gave me that third grade teacher look that said maybe I should come back next Friday, and try again. Oh well, that's not the first time I've done my own version of stupid pet tricks and it most likely will not be the last. Now, I have the countdown to my next physical therapy session next Thursday morning and I will again be doing it without any shots in my hips and just so you know, I am already experiencing pre-pain as a down payment. Ha! You what? You will continue praying for me because it's obvious I need it? Good call. Keep it up, for me, for yourself, for others, and for our great United States of America. Amen.  

George Washington, 1st U.S. President: "While we are zealously performing the duties of good citizens and soldiers, we certainly ought not to be inattentive to the higher duties of religion. To the distinguished character of Patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of Christian."

Whew! I'm glad that's over. All tuckered out. Already? Yeah, just back from the physical therapy appointment and to say it kindly, I hurt all over more than anywhere else. It's Friday, June 19, 2026, and, I am thankful to have survived and I am thankful to live in this country. What say you? After our patriotic music presentation at the care home for elderly people, we all went and greeted those who had gathered to hear us sing. One lady I spoke to held my hand and I said to her, "God bless you." And, then, I said, "And, God bless America." Upon that last greeting she lay hold of my hand and squeezed it as hard as she could. Here's my explanation: She, like many of us, are pretty well done in our time to enjoy the blessings of freedom and liberty, yet, we know if our offspring and theirs are going to enjoy the same, God will have to make it happen. He will. He really will. The world thinks if they can only find the right leader or the right political platform or all kinds of idealistic programs, but, without God all of any of those things are doomed to fail. Seek God today, tomorrow, and as long as we have breath in our bodies on behalf of this great nation He has allowed us to live in and to enjoy its blessings. Amen.

 

I did give the lady therapist an idea of how well our time together is going. Before meeting her I was in pain most of the time. Most. Since our time together started I now experience pain 24x7. That's why this afternoon I will be seeing the orthopedic to see if he can order up some shots to help this situation. The lady therapist said the last thing they wanted to do was to add to my pain levels. Hello somebody! I can hear some of you now, loud and clear, "Bless your heart." Thanks and I hope you mean it because many times that's what we say in the South whenever we really don't follow or agree with their particular circumstance. They worked me so hard today I felt like I had been rode hard and put away wet. I'll let you look up that colloquial idiom to get the complete meaning, but, if you don't have time I'll use this one: I feel like a bunch of thugs jumped out of a car and beat on me with baseball bats on my legs and hips. Got it? Good. You do know I am exaggerating some. Slightly. Y'all enjoy your Friday and Saturday, while you get ready to do business with Creator God by showing up at the place where believers gather to worship Him and learn more from His Holy Word. Amen.

"The pain of parting is nothing to the joy of meeting again." ~ Charles Dickens

Good morning and welcome. Today is Thursday, June 18, 2026, and, as is often said, time is getting away from us, and, it is, it really is. Thanks for praying for our Jimmy. After observation they released him to come home for more observation. Their theory is he had some type of reaction to one of the handful of pills he has to take each day just to keep him going. This is not a completely new outcome for us, but, we are thankful it was not a more serious diagnosis. Today I am remembering my brother Donald who passed away 15 years ago. He was two years younger than me and he was an interesting kid growing up. I think the word unconventional might be the best way to describe him. Or, perhaps nonconformist. At any rate, he typically lived out his time in Donald-world. He loved his jet black dog, Lobo, from the get go. He loved fishing. With a passion. We had a little creek about maybe a half mile away from our home and he would go nearly every day, rain, sleet, or snow, as they say. He would go into the field behind our house and dig him up a few earthworms and take his pole, line, and hook and head off along with his little dog Lobo, to the creek bank, Brushy Creek to be exact. Granny Mac might holler out, "Son, look out for snakes!" He would just laugh. He grew up calling things like he saw them. Our little Church had more hypocrites than you could shake a stick at. It did. It really did. The kind that sat in the Deacon's Corner on Sunday and would take advantage of a widow or elderly person on Monday. Donald would call that out and poke fun at the obvious disconnect. When he graduated from high school, at age 17, he had mom sign for him to go into the Marine Corp. He spent the next twenty years serving our country and much of that time was spent preparing young recruits serving as a drill instructor. After retirement, he worked in a high school ROTC program and also as a manager for a trucking firm. He loved Gospel music and he would often assure our mom that he was ready to meet God. I was able to be with him quite often during his last days here on the planet. He was across the Houston metroplex from me, but, I was the closest family member to him. I am thankful that I was able to pray over him along with my sister and a few others as he departed this life for the next. I also felt very privileged to present the Word of God at his home going service. Unique. That's another word to describe him, almost, from the time he was born. May God comfort all of his children and grandchildren as they remember him today. Amen.

 

Lord willing, this afternoon our old people's singing group, officially call the Legacy Choir, will be presenting some patriotic tunes at one of the nursing homes in our area. The name nursing home often causes people to envision in a negative way a place of neglect and isolation. Because of this, the elderly care business has attempted to present names that tell a different story. A consultancy has these name considerations to help the image of this particular care business: Serene Embrace Senior Living; Graceful Guidance Care Center; Compassion Cove Assisted Living; Caring Whisper Residence; Patient Pulse Senior Sanctuary; Tender Harbor Retirement Haven; Loving Kindness Rest Home; Empathy Elder Cottages; Gentle Grove Senior Retreat; Endearing Echo Care Community; Harmony Haven Elderly Care; and, I kid you not, the list went on and on, and on. I just hope they don't treat me like they have in the past. You know. "Sir, aren't you supposed to be in your room right now. It will soon be time for your meds." Okay. That's a joke, but, for those in my age bracket I will tell you it is one that we all can identify with and even laugh about, albeit nervously. I look forward to ministering to these folks. I know they appreciate any and all opportunities to have contact with, let's just say it like this: The outside world. May God bless us as we seek to minister in His name in and through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

"There is nothing God doesn't know about your life. You may know the past and present, but God also knows the future. Choose today to walk securely - not in what you know, but in what you believe." ~ Dr. David Jeremiah

Folks, I've said it before and while it may be a 'duh' comment, it's still true: We never know what a day might bring. Today, it is Wednesday, June 17, 2026, and, we have been up pretty much the entire day already. Our Jimmy is back in the hospital after suffering some seizure-like symptoms. The wife carried him to the ER around 1 a.m. this morning and we do appreciate prayers on his behalf. To be honest, we had many other plans for our day but we are trusting God to help us to deal with whatever comes our way. We have so many of our dear friends, brothers and sisters in Christ, as well as family members, who are needing a special touch from Above. They do. They really do. On any given day, literally, my social media feed is filled up with folks seeking God's intervention. That tells me we are a needy people and as the song says, Jesus is right for whatever wrong in your life. He is. He really is. The truth remains the truth regardless of what you or I might be experiencing in this life. God is in control. He is on His throne. And, we can trust Him to see us through. I well remember a young man, having recently lost his beloved father, as he came to the platform and he presented this song:

 

Bow the Knee ~ Songwriters: Mike Harland /Christopher Machen

 

There are moments on our journey following the Lord
Where God illumines every step we take
There are times when circumstances make perfect sense to us
As we try to understand each move, He makes
When the path grows dim and our questions have no answers, turn to Him

 

Bow the knee
Trust the heart of your Father when the answer goes beyond what you can see
Bow the knee
Lift your eyes toward heaven and believe the One who holds eternity
And when you don't understand the purpose of His plan
In the presence of the King, bow the knee

 

There are days when clouds surround us, and the rain begins to fall
The cold and lonely winds won't cease to blow
And there seems to be no reason for the suffering we feel
We are tempted to believe God does not know
When the storms arise, don't forget, we live by faith and not by sight

 

Bow the knee
Trust the heart of your Father when the answer goes beyond what you can see
Bow the knee
Lift your eyes toward heaven and believe the One who holds eternity
And when you don't understand the purpose of His plan
In the presence of the King

 

Bow the knee
Trust the heart of your Father when the answer goes beyond what you can see
Bow the knee
Lift your eyes toward heaven and believe the One who holds eternity
And when you don't understand the purpose of His plan
In the presence of the King

 

Bow the knee
Bow the knee
Bow the knee
Bow the knee

 

 

His voice shook some as he shared this testimony from his grief supplanted by his belief. Our family has been through many difficulties that were often called tragedies and I can tell any and all what I have learned: When it seems there is no way, God is still the only answer. He is. He really is. I've been told by onlookers who say we just find a way to inject God into every challenge. They were so right. We do, and, I hasten to add we should do it as a normal part of our living out each and every day. We should. We really should. Do I always do that? You talking to me? I do not, but, that doesn't change how I should, you should, we all should be seeking God's hand in every breath we take. Okay. I, more or less, threw this together and you may have heard the statement that a person who represents themselves in court as a fool for a lawyer, well, I quickly add that a person who proofreads is own material has a fool for a proofreader. Or, something like that. Y'all have a great rest of today and may God add His blessings. Amen.