"When life feels chaotic, trust in God's plan." ~ copied

Hello and welcome. Today is Friday, April 24, 2026, and, I will do my best to be less long winded today. I will also attempt not to be too 'preachy' in my visit today. Those two recommendations were filed alongside a few more as I heard my blog being read aloud, traveling down the freeway. These recommendations came not from an anonymous source but from my editor and proofreader in chief, none other than the wife of my youth. Therefore, I will do my best to keep my blog out of the ditches and on the road today. It's not always easy to do that, but, I will try. For me, my blog can be like that song from Frozen, 'let it flow, let it flow, let it flow'. That's what happens when my fingers get to walking on the keyboard. Speaking of fingers walking. I can hold my own on the typing keyboard, but, I will tell you watching those kids fly on their phones, they are in a league of their own. I struggle on the phone keypad because I suppose I still attempt to see it like a keyboard. Those kids, individually, have their own approach using even their thumbs to make their hand a blur as they interact on their phone. The experts say kids are catching up on typing speeds with an estimated ability to key in 40 words per minute. Not me! I can still do somewhere around 60-70 on the typing keyboard and maybe 10 on my phone. Stay tuned because I will find a good reason to blame that on. Isn't that the American way? How about a lack of dexterity? Or, maybe carpal tunnel? Arthritis? And, the list could go on and on. Truth is, they are motivated and they have the skills to execute that motivation. I will continue to be thankful for the world where "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog." still rules the world. Ha!

 

Our rush hour commute has ended and the wife is now back home where she can quietly fuss and fume about her not yet being able to drive. It was an interesting two weeks. I will say this about it, if you are involved in any type of roadway work, the theme could be: Construction, construction, construction! Here are some more peeves to add to the list. A major intersection has now been rearranged for the past several weeks and it is down to two lanes and it is dangerous because of the huge number of vehicles that utilize those associated roadways. The cones are in place, the signs are in place, but, one thing is missing. Any sign of worker life, period. Long lines of vehicles from all directions but work has yet to be started. Maybe they wanted us to get ready for the pain first. How considerate! And, one of my showstoppers that I have talked about before. Coming off a major freeway with an exit to a flyover that flys into a traffic signal. Guess what? The traffic backs up for a mile and that means people trying to gain access to the freeway have to get through those waiting for the flyover and it does cause me to groan nearly every time I use it, it does, it really does. Okay. I will quit for today especially in view of the recent recommendations that came to my attention. Yikes. Y'all, and, that includes everyone, don't forget to have a great Saturday and Lord's Day Sunday, and, always remember the Lord and give Him the glory. He deserves it. Just do it! Amen.

Ephesians 5:25 from the Amplified Bible ~ "Husbands, love your wives [seek the highest good for her and surround her with a caring, unselfish love], just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her,...."

Today is Thursday, April 23, 2026. As you can see it is a very, very important day for our family. Happy Birthday Sweetheart and know that next to my personal salvation, you're still the greatest blessing in my life and in the lives of so many others. You are. You really are!

Y'all have a great rest of today and may God add His blessings to us all. Amen.

"The Bible is considered the inspired, authoritative Word of God, while commentaries are fallible human interpretations designed to help explain the text's context, history, and meaning. Commentaries provide valuable scholarly insight, background information, and deeper analysis of difficult passages, whereas the Bible itself is primary source material, best understood first through personal study." ~ copied

Two of the three bookcases in my home office, I can remember back in the day how often I referred to many of these reference sources, And, I still do, however, I find it quicker using the computer or my even my phone to locate what I am looking for. I would apologize for it not looking pristine, but, truth is, that's how I roll. A wee bit disheveled, and, a whole lot discombobulated, but, God loves me anyway. Amen.

Good morning. I know some who read yesterday's missive are likely still scratching their heads. Me too! Today is Wednesday, April 22, 2026, and, I do appreciate y'all for keeping up with my random thinking machine that often operates on overtime. When I said the only God inspired commentary on the Bible is the Bible itself I meant it. At the same time, I will be very clear on the fact that I do consult many commentaries written over the centuries that attempt to clarify the context, the language used, and, yes, often the opinion of what it means from the writer's perspective. I do not rule out the benefit from the studying of these writings. However, and I say this from experience, never think that any written commentary by a human author can usurp the Holy Spirit breathed out Word of God, our Bible. I do have many of these in book form but I will confess how easy it is to seek out great works available online. Whether it be the dozens of translations of the biblical text or the comments of some recognized Christian giants, they can be accessed and read, and, for me, I can get them much quicker than finding it in the pages of a book. Some folks prefer the books. That's fine with me. As for the bookcase photo, I can hear my sweet wife giving me her thoughts: I can't believe you showed that. Can't you see that spider web up in the left hand corner? The whole thing needs to be dusted and straightened. My response: Thanks for your input and have a nice day. Someone look at her and see if she is smiling. I hope she is. Joking only. I've actually had guys tell me they would never, ever, say anything like I do where the wife would be involved in the story. Really? My wife is used to it, and, I think we will be okay, maybe in a week or two. Ha!

 

Have you ever thought about how your thoughts, and even your dreams and aspirations change over time? I've been blessed to have been a lot of places during my sojourn here, but, travel, in general, is no longer on my bucket list. To begin with I never had a bucket list, but, if I had had one, this activity would no longer be on it. My current status just doesn't fit into that particular thing that at one time I was very much pursuing. Today I look forward to paying out my participation amount for my drugs so that we don't continue to dole out hundreds each month to keep us wired together and able to get up and go. When I was a kid I loved to go swimming. I did. I really did. As a teenager I spent many entire days at the swimming hole. Okay. I tried to think about the last time I went swimming and it was so far back I couldn't even garner a guess. Time. It changes our perspectives, our priorities, and our practicalities. This doesn't mean I don't have things to do or things that occupy my attention. But, it's not the same. Don't write me and tell me about the 90 something year old fellow who climbed the mountain or the 100 year old lady who swam across the lake. I applaud these types of achievements. I do. I really do. I'm just giving you some insight into how things have changed for me. I am not sad about these changes. Not at all. And, lest anyone think because I spend a lot of time in Bible study that it makes me somehow more of a Christian than the other fellow, don't even go there. There's only one way to be a Christian and many of those who know a lot about the Bible but have never responded in true belief to the Gospel message, well, bible study or not, they will not be in heaven. I do think often about the verse some preachers say is one of the scariest in the Bible. It's where Jesus is talking about those who proclaim but do not possess salvation. Matthew 7:22-23 from the New International Version NIV, "Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’" Childlike faith folks. That's what the true pursuit in life is all about, bucket list or not. Okay. Enough rambling. Let's all pray one for the other. Why? We need it folks, we do, we really do. Amen.

The Limit of Human Knowledge: Deuteronomy 29:29 states that "The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us". This highlights that some things are beyond human understanding, allowing individuals to relinquish the burden of knowing "why". ~ copied

I opened up the present and out came today, Tuesday, April 21, 2026. I called it a present because it is given to us by the Lord and we have the opportunity to make something of it. We do. We really do. Myself and another fellow were recently discussing how God had chosen to reveal Himself from the very beginning. He revealed Himself to Adam and Eve and He chose to have fellowship with them. Later, when Adam and Eve had another son named Seth, the Bible says "Then men began to call on the name of Yahweh." (Genesis 4:26 from the Legacy Standard Bible, LSB) Enoch comes along. His story, what little we know of it is nothing short of mind boggling. We read that at age 365, Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him. (Genesis 5:25, LSB) Just like that. He was here and then he was gone. Bam! Later, we read from the only God inspired commentary on the Bible, that being the Bible itself, as found in Hebrews 11:5 from the LSB, "By faith Enoch was taken up so that he would not see death; and he was not found because God took him up; for prior to being taken up, he was approved as being pleasing to God." Now that is something my friend. Go now and read the entire Book of Job. All of these accounts are prior to Abraham, therefore, in reading the Book of Job I am taken aback at how much the individuals we find in this great book knew about God. Oh yeah. They were wrong about a lot of things, but, man oh man, their knowledge and understanding just floors me. God's design from the get go was to have an interactive, intimate relationship with the crowning achievement of His creation, the human family. That was His design. I wrestled with the 'they are without excuse' from Romans Chapter 1 for an entire week. But I get it. God  purposely designed His creation in a way that reveals Himself to His created human family. I don't understand it but isn't it amazing how we see those even before Moses, the Law and subsequent commandments,  how they were connected via the knowledge they had of The Creator? My point? I'm not sure I have one, but, I will say this: His design then and His design now continues as He seeks out those who respond to the message of truth about Himself, those who diligently seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6 LSB, "And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who draws near to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him." My advice for me, myself, and I, along with all who happen to read today's episode is to put your faith in Him, believe in Him, draw near to Him, and continuously seek Him. Just so you know, I have a ways to go but He's still working on me! Amen.

 

I get into these subjects and they tend to weigh on my mind and that 'without excuse' was one of those truths that had me going for a good long while. That took hold of me when I was thinking about the billions who have lived on the planet since Creation. The evolutionists put it at nearly 120 billion people given their age projection of the earth being millions of years old. The young earth creationists, (6,000 years ), project that number to be around 30 billion people who have lived since the origination of our created planet. I favor the young earth approach, however, my point had to do with the number of people who have lived and the fact that so many likely did not respond to God's revelation of Himself, therefore, the heartache of just how many would be in that category, lost and without excuse. Now you know. That's what was occupying a lot of my time for a number of days. My summation is this: When you need to find peace on this kind of concern, start with, stay with, and end up with, God's Word. That's where the answer can be found to all of life's questions. Okay. What's that? Do I now understand it all? Not on your life, Bubba! I heard both the late Dr. J. Vernon Magee, and the late Dr. Charles Stanley express a similar situation they experienced. Many people often asked them what about the native in deepest darkest Africa who has never heard the Gospel. What will happen to them? Both of these men of God answered how God will deal with them consistent with His Person and He can be trusted. At the same time, they both put this forth to those asking the question, "Obviously, you are not in that situation of having never heard the Gospel, so, what are doing about it, in your own life?" Don't you just love these 'where the rubber meets the road' explanations? If it gives us all something to think and pray about, well, I consider that to be a worthwhile effort, for me, and yes, for you too. Amen.

Children's Song: "Rise and shine and give God the glory, glory, children of the Lord."

Welcome back and thanks for tuning in to today's episode, and, we are off and running, on this Monday, April 20, 2026.  I write these blogs in a way that reflects storytelling, maybe not great stories, but, that is my approach. Much of what I write about reflects tongue in cheek for both interest and comedic effect. Here's an overview on this style of putting together material: ~ "Tongue in cheek" is an idiom describing a humorous, ironic, or sarcastic statement delivered with feigned seriousness. Originating in the 18th century as a physical gesture of contempt or irony, it was in use by 1842 to describe mocking, non-serious, or witty remarks. It is commonly used to mean something is not meant to be taken literally. ~ (from Google) At the same time, I do so much appreciate those who care enough to want to help me even when I don't need help, per se, although, I can always use all the help I can get. Are you confused yet? I can't speak for you but I do know that I am. I hate when I confuse myself, and, it's happening more and more as I countdown my time here on the planet. I have people tell me nearly every Sunday they enjoy watching me sing in the choir. They do. They really do. I worry sometimes that I might be a distraction in whatever it is that causes them to watch me and I do hope the message of the lyrics set to music is what is being communicated. I will say this about my singing. I do my best. I am not saying I necessarily do my best in preparing or even in practicing, however, when we are gathered together and we are presenting truth in song, I give myself over to doing my best. And, I will also say that I am often moved by the message of what we are singing. The other thing that may attract attention is how for many of these folks I am them. They are older. I am older. They are not able to be up in the choir but they enjoy seeing someone wearing the while hair and beard up there doing their best. Again, I appreciate their support and I do hope I am an encouragement to others so they too can be moved by the truths being shared. Don't get me wrong, everybody, even Lil Miss Biscuit likes a pat on the back, but, for those of us serving the Lord we should always give Him the glory. Why? He deserves it! (Psalm 115:1 "Not to us, LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness." New International Version, NIV)

 

Since last Friday, I thought of  some really good things in mind to share. I did. I really did. Maybe some of them will show up as we continue this week's tip toe through the word salads I put together each day. Why can't I come up with them since they were in my mind earlier? Aha! And, alas, for good measure, now you get a glimpse into how the memory functions for those in my age group. I hear you. When you think of something you want to remember, write it down on a note pad. That is such good advice, so much so, I've actually given it to others in my trying to help them not to be so frustrated about some age related forgetfulness. It's another example of how I should take my own advice. And, I can hear my mom's voice. Loud and clear. I can. I really can. "Well, thank you Dr. Abbott!" I promise to try and remember to remember to jot down things I want to recall later. The wife and I sang a duet one Sunday at our local Church gathering. It was a difficult song because of the way the lyrics were structured along with an off beat approach. A lady in our congregation later told the wife she appreciated our singing, however, that particular song did not reflect our best effort. And, we knew that it didn't, and, I can be certain it was because of me, not the wife of my youth. No one will ever understand how someone, the wife, who can sing it right can keep up with someone like me who pretty much makes it up as I go. The lady said it did not reflect our best effort and to be honest, again, while we knew it, it still stung a little to hear it said. That's how I feel about some of my blogs that come off the top of my noggin, how they do not always reflect my best effort. But, that doesn't keep me from slinging words onto the electronic page, so, stay tuned, if the Lord allows, I will continue to sling. I will. I really will. Maybe I will be a better slinger than I am a good singer. Ha! Have a great rest of the day Monday and may God be with us all. Amen.

"It's not that we are so old, it's that we're way past our warranty." ~ copied

We made it to Friday, April 17, 2026, and, I am here at the ole keyboard clicking and clacking out today's episode. I do bid each one a hearty hello and warm welcome. While I was waiting for the wife of my youth to finish her appointment with the gastro doctor, a young couple with maybe three year old twin girls came up to check in and I heard the dad give his information including his birthday which he mentioned was the year 2000. Really? Yes, friends, I am aware there are people born since 2000, but, it kind of hit me in the gut because it reminded me that 1946 was, literally, a long time ago. The statistics show that well over 100 million babies have been born in the United States since 2000. Is it any wonder that we who are in our age group are the new minority. Duh! That's how it works, dummy. In my age group and older there are slightly less than 15 million remaining. That's one way of saying it. We are at this stage in life.... remaining. Back in the day, in a galaxy far far away, when I ran a large computing and networking organization consisting of over 150 people, I used to tell the managers that reported to me how I had no desire to burn out, but, I preferred burning up in my commitment to getting the job done. That was way back in the early 1990's, and, knowing what I know now, maybe I would have been a little more moderate in my exclamations. I did quite a lot of exclaiming back in those days, but, we live and we learn, and, one day we wake up as those 'remaining', therefore, I conclude that God still has a reason to keep me around, at least, for now. If for nothing else, I can continue my clicking and clacking. That fellow checking in gave me the opportunity to remind myself that I certainly have socks older than him. I do, or, at least I think I do, but, they may have found themselves victims of the clean sweep program instituted by you know who. But, I'm not going to mention any names, but, believe me, you do know what I mean, right Vern?

 

It has been a busy week for me. I've been in the chauffeur training program and it has been challenging, especially with my trainer giving me a boatload of instruction. I can now add this experience to my resume, not that I graduated but the experience itself has been very meaningful. All of those people out there on the highways and byways giving me so much attention, so much recognition, they were waving at me, honking their horns, and some were even jerking to get out of my way. What respect! And, they looked so passionate as they commended my driving. Okay. Maybe they were not quite that receptive and perhaps the lip reading I did was aimed at someone else. Give me a break. "Get off the road!" Surely, that wasn't for me. Or, was it? You do know I am mostly joking around about getting back out during rush hour, don't you? Mostly. We do thank God for His provision each day. His goodness to someone like me is nothing short of amazing. Yeah. I know. That's what they call it: Amazing Grace. I, for one, am thankful that His grace that was and continues to be daily extended to me. It is. It really is. What say you? I can say with some experience that the traffic on Sunday mornings heading north on I-45 is very light indeed. Therefore, come check out a gathering of people where God is honored and His Word is shared, at Mims Baptist, 1609 Porter Rd., Conroe, TX 77301. We have two worship/preaching services, one at 9 a.m., the other at 10:40 a.m. We also have life groups often called Bible study groups or Sunday school for all ages. Come check us out and I promise you will be in the presence of God, and, you, me, all of us need to experience His presence. Right? I thought you would agree. See you next week and may God bless us all. Amen.

"Drive like your life depends on it." ~ copied

Yeah. It's only gotten worse folks, it has, it really has. Now you know how I feel about it. You do. You really do. It is Thursday, April 16, 2026, and, since the wife is currently on hiatus from driving and since she is covering for staff from our local Church who are tracking the steps of the Apostle Paul in Greece where our pastor is preaching at each of Paul's stops, (Over 80 folks over there), well, that leaves me to be the designated driver which means I've been fighting, literally, the traffic from The Woodlands to Conroe via I-45, around 16 miles, to get her there before 8:30 a.m. and fetch her by 4:30 p.m., well, it's a battle royal if you ask me. You didn't? But, I told you anyway. This week thus far there has been two major accidents on my return back. Sure. I used to travel the highways and byways for 50 plus years but it was a zoo back then and now it has turned into a calamitous chaos. It has. It really has. Maybe it's because of my age? Could be, but, I will tell you I am getting sick and tired of waking up from a bad dream where orange cones are attacking me. I know. I could have given an exaggeration alert, but, believe me, it has been taxing. Speaking of that, have you ever looked at the many pages of your 1040 submission so many times, you just got sick and tired doing it, so, you hit the button and sent it in? (Mine is 19 pages this year.) I have some very recent experience doing just that. By the way, for the first time since the early days of our federal tax filings, we eked out a small refund this year. That's very scary. I talked to my tax advisor and he said many of the tax changes were put in to help older people. He can vouch for me. I am one of those. He happens to be our eldest son, Chris, and we typically talk everyday from the time he leaves his office in Pearland until he gets to his destination in Kingwood, around 45 minutes on average and since he told me what he did as my tax advisor, a position I appointed him to without his knowledge or permission, I decided that just maybe that less than $200 tax refund was okay, maybe, so I went with it. I've never undergone a tax audit but I've had a number of associates who have and based on their stories about it, well, I would just as soon not have one. You can quote me and my tax advisor on that one. Ha!

 

I will admit how me, at my age, can instill fear into those jockeying for position out on the roadway. Today is her last day for this week and she will be doing the same schedule next week, Monday through Thursday. Here's an oldie from way back but it gave me a chuckle, so I share it, again: ~ An elderly man is pulled over for going 100 mph in a new sports car. The cop says, "If you give me a reason I've never heard before, I'll let you go." The man replies, "Years ago, my wife ran away with a state trooper. I saw you chasing me and thought you were bringing her back." The cop lets him go. ~ And one more: ~ A neighbor sees a woman in her 90s drive her car through his hedge and into his front lawn. He rushes to help her, saying, "You seem too old to be driving!" "Well, I'll be 97 next month," she replies proudly, "And I'm now old enough that I don't even need a driver's license anymore." "How do you know?" he asks. "The last time I went to my doctor, I showed him my license, he took scissors, cut it into pieces, and said: 'You won't need this anymore!' So I thanked him and left!"~ I scare my passenger enough each time we venture out, so, I really don't need to impose on others. Now, that, my friend, is about as close to the truth as I can share for today. She obviously dreamed of being a driving instructor as a child..... and, I will leave it at that. I will. I really will. Be careful out there and look out for the calamitous chaos coming to a freeway near you, soon. Have a great rest of the day and may God add His blessings. Amen.