"Don't ever underestimate the importance of treating others with respect and kindness." ~ copied

Here we are, the last day of June, the 30th, in the year of our Lord, 2026, and, in our area we are already dealing with heat and humidity. We live in what is referred to as the Greater Houston Area and it encompasses some nine counties. We reside north of the big city in The Woodlands, TX area. Yes. It's already hot and whether that's seasonably so or unseasonably so pretty much depends on your political leanings and somehow that doesn't impress me as being very much weather related. I'm surprised that folks are surprised that it is hot here as we near the celebration of the 250th birthday coming up on this next Saturday, July 4th. I'm not saying the temperature doesn't have an impact because it does. It really does. It, along with just about any number of other things can bring on a bout of irritability. It can. It really can. Sadly, a whole lot of stuff can happen as a result and most of it is not good. Not good at all. We end up not only ruining our day but we can cause others to join the irritable brigade. The saddest of all is when this irritable spirit disguises our true identity as a Christ follower. We like to say we just got up on the wrong side of the bed, however, our attitudes, good or bad, make a difference in how our lives are pursued, and, they can even make a difference in others for time and eternity. Well, that's just the way I am. Really? Again, I have likely said that before, but, it's not good enough. Have you ever noticed how much more aggravated you get about how others are doing whatever it is they are doing, when your attitude is in the ditch? The one I know the best is also one that needs a lot of help, on any given day, but, recently I noticed how I was driving along as a team, me, myself, and I. "What y'all doing up there, practicing for a funeral procession?" "Do something, get back on your meds, just do something, already!" To the wife: "Are you seeing what I am seeing?" Her response: "They most likely have a good reason." Don't you just hate it when you hear stuff like that? Could it be God reminding us of who we are and the kind of attitude He wants us to show forth? (Maybe. After all, he did speak to the hireling prophet through a donkey. Book of Numbers, Chapter 22, Verses 21-39)

 

I heard a fellow at a conference one time talking about how he had decided to make an example of a young employee who had not performed well. In front of a large group he singled her out and berated her for not doing better. Her response? She, right there in front of God and everyone, started sobbing. I mean bawling her eyes out. She was humiliated and distraught. The man said it hit him like a ton of bricks. Who did he think he was to inflict this kind of degrading experience upon that young woman? What did he do? He said he apologized to her and to the entire group he had assembled and begged hers and their forgiveness for being so insensitive and cruel. May I just say this about that. It was much better than an attitude that says, "Well, after all is said and one, they deserved it." Okay. They did and we did and we do. Had it not been for the One described in the Dottie Rambo song, "He looked beyond my fault and saw my need." Okay. I mention that testimonial from that fellow because I saw him early on in my managing of people days, and, it did me a lot of good. You know what's even better? We have a Book filled up with God ordained and inspired directions on how to live out the life He has given to us. And, when we yield to His Spirit, we can go forth and put our best foot forward. I may have to change the title of my blog to the 'Daily Dose', but, I actually think that one is taken. Ha! Final word, and, it will help us all: May we find ourselves on this day praying one for another. Amen.

Ronald Reagan: "I never drink coffee at lunch. I find it keeps me awake for the afternoon."

Welcome back. Today is Monday, June 29, 2026, and, I wanted to say a few words about one of my favorite subjects of all time: Coffee! My long term readers recognize how I have written essay-like blogs, dozens of them, on this subject. Why? It is a part of my heritage and I admit to one and all, it is something I flat out enjoy, typically, three or four cups per day. That Community label is important but more about that later. Most of the folks in my family were coffee drinkers. Real coffee. To my knowledge, none of those I saw or were around ever drank any of the specialty coffee drinks available today. I found reported how the first one of the shops featuring those types of coffee drinks opened out in California in 1966. We did have a few that put sugar in, or sugar and cream, or cream only, but, for the most part nearly all of our folks drank it black. After my dad passed away in 1954, we moved from Texas to Louisiana and my grandfather, Paw Paw Mac, became a role model to us children. He was a man of few words but he lived his life out in the open, committed to his God and his family. And, to his coffee. The closest to coffee we were able to get growing up was what they called milk coffee. It had sugar in it and had we called it a latte we may have all been rich today. Ha! I did often observe my granddad as he poured up his cup. It came out slow because it was black as black could be with some thickness to it. Early in the morning his Depression Era experience kicked in as he would drain the left over cold from the previous day. He grimaced a little as he drank it but wasting it was not an option. I used to think I would have never imagined me doing that same thing, but, alas, I find myself drinking left over cold from wherever I find one of my cups that still has some in it. My point? We do have a heritage and it includes coffee. I drink Louisiana coffee bean roasted, family owned Community. My folks drank it and I do too. Life is too short to do what we did when we were a young married couple where we bought whatever was on sale regardless of the brand. No. I may do that again some day, but, for now, I have a case delivered to my front door about every three weeks. Too much? Way too much, but, I don't find it to make me the least bit edgy, edgy, edgy, or edgy. 

 

I'm not into the specialty coffee world, and, I would likely wear a disguise to go into one of those places. Back when I was walking the mall very early in the morning I did have one of those places where the folks there were kind to me. One fellow in particular would actually grind beans and make me a strong cup. He made it extra strong for me and often wouldn't charge me for it. I suppose it was my age, but, I appreciated it. I also went in once on behalf of my grandson who wanted one of those fruit smoothie concoctions. I held my head down as best I could for fear someone would see me there and grimaced a little as I paid an outrageous price for a strawberry-something frozen drink. Okay. The thing that prompted me to write on today's featured subject is the novelty gift my eldest son gave me for Father's Day. It is a rechargeable battery operated heated coffee cup. It is. It really is. This means when I brew coffee into this cup it will keep it somewhere around 150 degrees °F to the last drop. Now that is exciting. Don't you agree? I do enjoy my coffee hot and strong, I also like my food to be hot, but, I will write about that on another day. I do realize the marketplace reality and how Community now features dozens of different flavors for folks to choose from. It saddens me, but, they still produce the kind I like, therefore, I continue to support my birth state, Louisiana, and, the oldest and largest family owned coffee producer in America, the Community Coffee Company. Y'all have a wonderful rest of the day and may God add His blessings.Amen.

George Washington: "It is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favors."

Okay. Today, I will do my best to not pontificate on my aches and pains, my older age, and other things related to those issues. Fair enough? After all, there's no crying in baseball. Right? Good morning and welcome. We made it to Friday, June 26, 2026. Yay! I highly recommend to anyone, anywhere, that on this upcoming Sunday, June 28, you will make your way to Mims Baptist Church, 1609 Porter Rd., Conroe, TX 77301, where there will be a presentation of a God honoring, country loving program that will make everyone appreciate God's blessings on our land. This program will be in both morning services, at 9:15 and 10:45 a.m. Then, a great time of fellowship on the Church property will begin at 5 p.m., Friday, July 3rd. There will be lots of special activities for all ages and food trucks for refreshments. Then, when it gets dark there will be a spectacular fireworks display commonly known as the largest in Montgomery County. The wife and I feel privileged to be singing in the choir on Sunday and here's the truth: Folks we are blessed to live in the United States of America, yes, with all of her flaws, all of her challenges, and, yes, even with all of the political divisions that exists, it is still by God's Provision, blessed beyond our ability to measure. Our response? Thanks be to God. Amen.

 

I asked our friend Google what the most famous written paragraph was in history. The first one that showed up in this one: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." That, of course, comes directly from the Declaration of Independence, 1776, penned predominately by Thomas Jefferson. The second was an excerpt from the 272 word Gettysburg Address written and delivered by President Abraham Lincoln, in 1863, where the national cemetery was officially dedicated. The third was one of the jewels from Charles Dickens, 1859, in his opening to what would become a classic, 'A Tale of Two Cities'. I'm happy the declaration is recognized because it clearly identifies the originator of the rights we enjoy as citizens, The Creator, Almighty God. Yeah, I am fully aware of critics throughout our history and how they have attempted to find ways to nullify the meaning of this statement. However, as we like to say here in the South, "It it what it is!" May we all join together in making the days leading up to the official 4th of July, days of thankfulness to God for His provision for our nation. I will do my best to do exactly that. What say you? Until next time, Lord willing, I will see you from here at the ole blogger ranch. May God bless each one. Amen.

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.