" Today, give a stranger one of your smiles. It might be the only sunshine he sees all day." ~ H. Jackson Brown, Jr., 1940-2021, Best Selling American Author

Good morning and welcome. We’re beginning to put dates on our Christmas calendar for our appearances as Santa and Mrs. Claus. It’s starting to feel like Christmas to us, even on this last day of September—the 30th—in the year of our Lord, 2026. This will be my 17th year as Santa and Mrs. Claus’s 16th year. Convincing her to join me was one of the best decisions I ever made. She has a heartfelt love for people of all ages. I’ll admit it has stung a time or two when she couldn’t be with me, and a little tyke announced that they had come to see her. Ouch! But I understand why. At present, she is still recovering from a recent surgical procedure. I’m praying she will be completely healed and ready to go by the end of October. We’re always amused when people ask whether we’re a couple or just two independent Christmas performers. We laugh and tell them our story: We started dating when she was 15, and I was 16. Two years later, we married. She was 17, and I was 18. I’m now 80, and she’s 79, so you do the math! Sometimes I think I wear the suit, but she keeps the Christmas spirit going. That’s no small thing when you’re 'The Santa Claus'. Ha! Countless times, a frightened child has found comfort in Mrs. Claus’s arms long enough for the family to capture a photo. After all, that’s usually why the parents come. I also recognize the dads and moms too, who have worked all day and would rather be home in their recliners. I understand. When the temperature inside 'the suit' soars above 95 degrees, wearing it is no tiptoe through the tulips! Still, at the end of the day, we love bringing joy to families—especially to children from age 1 to 100+. Amen.

 

I know. The Nat King Cole classic “The Christmas Song” speaks of “kids from one to ninety-two.” But with around 108,000 Americans now aged 100 or older, I thought I’d expand the coverage, so to speak. As Santa, I’ve had my picture taken with many older folks, though I couldn’t tell you the age of the oldest person to sit on my knee. The photo above shows my mom with me as Santa when she was 88 years young. She was blessed with five more years before leaving this life for her heavenly home at age 93. I’ve also been privileged to take photos with many children with special needs. We could all learn something from their open, loving hearts. They brim with genuine joy. Now for a confession: I enjoy a good laugh and love being happy, but I don’t walk around smiling all the time. In fact—and I’m a little ashamed to admit this—I have to practice smiling for several weeks before our Santa appearances begin. Is that sad, or what? You’ve probably heard a preacher say, “If you have any happiness at all, let your face know it.” Ha! Don’t get me wrong. I do smile. But I tend to be serious, and my face often shows it. My wife has told me throughout our years together that I’m too serious-minded. And let me tell you, she is very serious when she says it! You know what I mean, right, Vern? I’ll close with this: If you’re feeling down, put on some Christmas songs and think about the true meaning of Christmas. Without Christ, there would be no Christmas; and without Christmas, there would be no Santa. Ho, ho, ho—and Amen, too!

"In our prayers, we talk to God, in our Bible study, God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking." ~ Dwight L. Moody

Good morning and welcome. It's another beautiful day here in the neighborhood located at the Old Blogger Ranch. This one, given to us by the Lord God of heaven, comes in the closing days of September, the 29th of 2026. I am currently helping to teach through the letter the Apostle Paul wrote to the local, called-out assembly meeting in Rome; it does make for a lot of deep thought and soul-searching. I know the letter to the Romans is considered to be one of the most theologically rich writings from the Scriptures. Paul's letters actually even caused the Apostle Peter to scratch his head: 2 Peter 3:15-16 ~ Legacy Standard Bible ~ "....and consider the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given him, wrote to you, as also in all his letters, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which the untaught and unstable distort, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction." It appears the local assembly meeting in Rome was made up of people with different backgrounds. Some were Jews. Others were Gentiles. Some likely were more educated than others. Some probably worked with their hands. The truth is, God breathed out this letter by Holy Spirit inspiration, and today there are up to 10,000 titled works, including commentaries and other writings about this letter. The original recipients did not have those texts. They may have had a copy of the Old Testament Greek translation, called the Septuagint. They may have had some copies of excerpts from earlier writings of Paul, and maybe page copies from the earliest Gospels. One writer suggested that Paul wrote to everyone because, even if some of his wording was hard to comprehend, he provided enough basic truths about Jesus so that everyone could apprehend his writing. The wonderful news is how Holy Spirit God works to open our understanding as we take in the Word of God. You might read all 10,000 titles and know more than most, yet still be lost in your sin, while a child might read or hear this letter, call on Jesus to save them, and they become transformed by God's power. I have to remind myself never to let the prestige of study get in the way of sharing truths that transform lives for time and eternity. Amen.

 

Balance. That's what we all need in our lives. One person said knowledge can be communicated, but wisdom cannot be handed down. If I spend my time studying the Bible so that I can answer all the quizzes correctly, or I can provide stunning informational insights into particular teachings, well, I might just miss the most critical for us all: 2nd Peter 3:18 "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen." I realize many of my readers are committed to serving God and others. This means much of what I write about is most likely aimed at yours truly, me, myself, and I. I want to thank so many who encourage me in throwing words onto the electronic page. When I hear that something I wrote about helped lift someone's spirit and outlook, well, that means so much. It does. It really does. I also remind everyone how easy it is to skip any and all things that come to your media inbox. Realistically, my blog probably shows up among many other choices. Some days my blog may look interesting; some days it may not. That's when you skip it and hope I will do better next time. And I think that's what I find myself engaged in, most of the time. Trying to do better. If you ever desire to find a reference for my work, please do not contact the grammar program. Enough said. Have a great rest of the day, and may God add to it His blessings. Amen.

"Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there." ~ Will Rogers

I bring you slow greetings today, Monday, September 28, 2026. I said slow intentionally. I've been reading about what scientists know about how older people think. One common denominator turns out to be brain slowness. Everything works slower. Front to back, side to side, our thinking becomes slower as we get older. It is true: We older folks do indeed have a lot of information stored in our upstairs filing cabinets. As we engage our thinking, especially when we are dealing with changes or new information, we typically compare that to what we already know and what we have learned. That takes time. I've mentioned before how others saw me as exceptionally quick in my ability to respond when I was younger. Honestly, I haven't heard that one for some time now. Older people tend to be less negative. That's good. We no longer deal with much, if any, peer pressure. That's good. We also operate with less stress than we did when we were a part of the workforce. That's good. We have our history and what we have experienced, which can be used to help inform and advise others. That's also good. Here's one I really like: Age can be a really great excuse when I say the wrong thing or I forget something, like a name. Best of all, God doesn't see our age as a negative because, with His help, we can continue to be fruitful in serving Him and others. Many verses speak about how older people are to be respected and how they continue to be a vital part of God's plan and purpose. Last week at the Bible conference, we heard much about how each one needs to finish well the journey God has given in our sojourn here on the planet. That's what I would like to do. To finish well. What say you?

 

I shared this short story some time ago, but it is much more like the world the wife and I live in today. It is. It really is.  ~ An older couple were both having problems remembering things. During a checkup, the doctor tells them that they’re physically okay, but they might want to start writing things down to help them remember. Later that night, while watching TV, the old man gets up from his chair. ‘Want anything while I’m in the kitchen?’ he asks. ‘Will you get me a bowl of ice cream?’ ‘Sure.’ ‘Don’t you think you should write it down so you can remember it?’ she asks. ‘No, I can remember it.’ ‘Well, I’d like some strawberries on top, too. Maybe you should write it down, so’s not to forget it?’ He says, ‘I can remember that. You want a bowl of ice cream with strawberries.’ ‘I’d also like whipped cream. I’m certain you’ll forget that; write it down?’ she asks. Irritated, he says, ‘I don’t need to write it down; I can remember it! Ice cream with strawberries and whipped cream – I got it, for goodness sake!’ Then he toddles into the kitchen. After about 20 minutes, the old man returns from the kitchen and hands his wife a plate of bacon and eggs. She stares at the plate for a moment. ‘Where's my toast ?’ ~ I kid around about being older because I are one. The grammar program just left the building after that sentence, but here's what God has to say, Psalm 92:12-14: "The righteous will flourish like a palm tree... They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green." Let's get on with it. Amen.

"You cannot stay where you are and go with God. You cannot continue doing things your way and accomplish God's purpose in His ways. Your thinking cannot come close to God's thoughts. For you to do the will of God, you must adjust your life to Him, His purposes, and His ways." ~ Henry Blackaby

Happy Friday. This one self-identifies as September 25, 2026. I wrote something the other day that has been bugging me. I said our God was a God of unlimited chances. I need to add a couple of caveats to that statement. When we pass from this life to the next our time to return to God ends. And even scarier is when someone's heart and conscience becomes so hard and seared that they no longer care about returning. This means we should return NOW, while we can feel Him calling us back home. Amen. Now on with today's edition. I should be a better person after hearing eleven sermons at our annual Bible conference that began last Sunday. In addition, great biblical truths were also presented in the music shared. But as we all know, hearing is just that, hearing. Taking it in and having it change the heart that's where a difference is made. Getting perfect attendance at the Bible conference might get you a star on a chart, but when it is all said and done, it can mean you were there, nothing more. I pray that for me and so many others, it will end up being more than just being there. Amen? Yes. Amen. It's easy for us as believers to soak up great preaching where God uses men to expound the Scriptures, but sometimes people like me need a kick in the backside to help me put feet to the truths I have heard. Here's what the half-brother of Jesus said in the earliest writing of the New Testament: James 1:22-25 from the GOD’S WORD Translation ~ "Do what God’s word says. Don’t merely listen to it, or you will fool yourselves. If someone listens to God’s word but doesn’t do what it says, he is like a person who looks at his face in a mirror, studies his features, goes away, and immediately forgets what he looks like. However, the person who continues to study God’s perfect laws that make people free and who remains committed to them will be blessed. People like that don’t merely listen and forget; they actually do what God’s laws say." 

With just 90 days until Christmas Day, it's time for us all to begin thinking about thinking about getting ready. At our local assembly, our Church choir and orchestra are heads down in learning the selected music planned for early December. Some of the music is truly challenging. And as you can see in the photo above, we are beginning to anticipate our appearance schedule as Santa and Mrs. Claus. Using the artificial intelligence utility ChatGPT, I've been updating some of our favorite Santa photos with our more current faces. Believe it or not, when we started 17 years ago, we actually looked a wee bit younger than we do today. What? You knew that already. Good. And, not to worry, I never get rid of the original photos; we just like to present a more realistic and up-to-date image of what they will be getting when we show up. If the Lord allows us to do this adventure this year, it will be the last time Mrs. Claus does so in her seventies, and it will be Santa's first time showing up in his eighties. Remember, our goal when we show up as the Clauses is to bring joy to children of all ages. May God add His blessings. Amen.

2nd Corinthians 5:8 ~ Smith's Literal Translation ~ "And we are confident, and are contented rather to be absent from the body, and to be at home in the Lord."

We made it to Thursday, September 23, 2026, and I, for one, am thankful that I did. Why? It gives me another day to strive to fulfill God's purpose for my life. A dear brother in our local assembly, whom I sing with in our choir, experienced a tragedy two days ago. He showed up for the morning session of our Bible Conference, but his wife was not feeling well, so she stayed home. When he returned home, he was shocked to find that she had left this life for her true home in heaven. And what a shock it was! She too had sung in our choir the evening before. We know where she is now because of Scripture's promise; however, he and so many others are grieving the passing of this dear saint of God. See what I mean? We just never know what will happen on any given day in this life. We don't know. We really don't. At the same time, we do know who knows all things, and He is always there for us. Many years ago, six others and I were in a commuter van headed into downtown Houston for another day at our workplaces. A young man lost control of his car and veered into our lane, and we experienced a head-on collision that killed that young driver. We in the van all survived with some injuries, but it was an unexpected tragedy as we went about our daily routine. The van driver and I were co-workers for many years, and as fellow believers in Christ, we stood on the side of the road and embraced each other because we knew we had been spared. Am I trying to be melodramatic? Not even close. I can still recall seeing that very handsome young man leaning back in the seat of his car. He looked like he was sleeping, but he had left this life for the next. I know I often mention my age, but I ask you, having reached 80: How could I not? Live long enough, and you will appreciate the change in perspective that comes with becoming a member of the 4% Club. If I am going to get anything done while I am still among the living, I best be getting on with it. And if you have important things to get done, especially as it relates to your relationship with God and others, you might best get on with it because we never know what a day might bring. Can you say Amen? I can: Amen!

 

Yesterday, I suppose all these things were whirling around in that pea-sized brain of mine because I awoke at 3:30 a.m., and while I wanted to go back to sleep, I felt an intense need to call out to God. I thought about my own need for God's presence in every part of my life. I typically repeat the model prayer in my time of seeking God: "After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen (From the instruction of Jesus, Matthew 6:9-13.) Yes. I am aware the last sentence, called the doxology, is typically not found in the best manuscripts, but I pray it because I think it honors God, for it is His Kingdom, and He does have ultimate power, and He does deserve all the glory forever and ever. Amen. Just me. After praying this as the beginning, I go on to share my burdens and seek His help on behalf of myself and others. Is what I do the right way to do it? I would never say that. It is a way, and it's my way. I do know this. God wants us to be real. Genuine. You can't hide anything from Him. If you can't think of anything to pray about, you have my permission to pray for me because I know the old song has it right: "It's me, it's me, it's me, Oh Lord, standing in the need of prayer." Have a blessed day, and don't forget to remember to thank God for it. Amen.

"You may have left the Father's house, but you've never left the Father's heart." ~ copied

If you're happy and you know it, your face should surely show it. I can live with that one. But the one that makes it hard to take in is this one: If you're saved and you know it, your life should surely show it. Yikes. That one smacks of some serious conviction. Let's just talk about love and freedom and leave that other stuff alone. It's Wednesday, September 23, 2026, and I often do think about my life and how it is perceived by others. I remember the confession made by a fellow at a Church service one evening. Due to illness, he had to take a leave of absence from his managerial job. When he announced it to his group, many of them were shocked when he asked them to pray for him. He could tell by the looks on their faces that they did not have any idea he was a Christian. He had worked with some of them for several years, but they didn't have a clue. I can identify with that because at times we tend to separate our believing life from our work life. Really? Yep. That happens to most of us, and far too often I am ashamed to say so. A young man who worked in my organization refused a promotion because the new job would interfere with his ability to spend time with his family and attend to his duties as a believer in Jesus. That stung. He essentially said that me and my first line managers pretty much were married to our jobs, and 'the job' typically always came first. He went on to tell me he worked hard and tried to be a good employee; he was content with his wages and felt like what he had was a blessing from the Lord, and he did not want to jeopardize his walk for a promotion. Okay. Enough already. Isn't it interesting how God can speak loudly through even something like a refused promotion? If only. Truth is, we can't go back and change things, but we can do what we can with God's help to use the time we have left to make a difference for time and eternity, especially in the lives of our families. Amen.

 

With all that preaching, be glad I didn't do an altar call, take up an offering, and single out those who, like me, have blown it many times in my sojourn here on the planet. As our pastor likes to say: "If the shoe fits, buy a pair in every color." You hear it said that we serve a God of the second chance. That would never be enough for someone like me. He is the God of unlimited chances because He is always waiting for us to come back to where we belong. He is. He really is. A song I heard growing up reminds us that we are always welcome to come home.

 

Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling

 

Written by: Will L. Thompson, published in 1880 

 

1. Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling,
calling for you and for me;
see, on the portals he's waiting and watching,
watching for you and for me. 

Refrain:
Come home, come home;
you who are weary come home;
earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling,
calling, O sinner, come home! 

2. Why should we tarry when Jesus is pleading,
pleading for you and for me?
Why should we linger and heed not his mercies,
mercies for you and for me? [Refrain]

3. Time is now fleeting, the moments are passing,
passing from you and from me;
shadows are gathering, deathbeds are coming,
coming for you and for me. [Refrain]

4. O for the wonderful love he has promised,
promised for you and for me! 
Though we have sinned, he has mercy and pardon,
pardon for you and for me. [Refrain]

Unlike the famous book title, 'You can never go home again.', you can always find your way back to the Father's house. Still not convinced? Go now and read the account of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32. Just do it!  Amen.

"We are called to serve Christ in our sphere of influence. Use whatever you have and be faithful." — Billy Graham

Hello and welcome. Today is Tuesday, September 22, 2026, and I thank God for another day. What say you? Yesterday they did a CT Scan of my chest. This is the third or fourth time they've checked nodules that were thought to be suspicious. Here is the impression as stated by the radiologist in the test results: "Stable pulmonary nodules which are most certainly benign. Continued follow-up is unlikely to be of benefit." Can you say Amen? I can. Hallelujah and Amen! I still have to wait for official confirmation from the pulmonologist who ordered the scan, but reading this report was good news, and I give God thanks. I can do without the scan, if you know what I mean, Vern. I understand that today is the official first day of fall. They predict mid 90's for a high temperature here in our area. Not so fall-like, right? The wife of my youth has put out some fall decorations. Already. I suppose I could crank down the A/C as low as it will go, and we could sit around and dream about cooler weather. You know you live where hot weather is the norm when you celebrate even a wee drop in the humidity. That happened this past weekend. I dragged the wife out on the driveway early Saturday morning to experience 73 degrees because, with the lower humidity, it was noticeably cooler. It was. It really was. That lasted a couple of days, and now we are back to our normal super-hot days, yes, even in September. 

 

The Word of God tells us to give thanks in all things. That has always been a tough one for me. I know it doesn't mean we should give thanks for a horrible tragedy, but rather that we can be thankful that God is with us even when we experience great challenges. We also know that even heartaches and trouble work together for our ultimate good according to the Scriptures. (1st Thessalonians 5:18 and Romans 8:28) All things. As the preacher says, all means all, and that's all it means. Like I say, always being thankful is not so easy for me. At the end of the day, the only way I can reflect God's truth is with His help. Pray for me that I will be who God wants me to be. I do want to finish strong, and to me that means being an influence of God's truth on those who are near and dear to my heart, my family, including even the little ones. If we believe God's word, we know the destiny of those who fail to respond to God's salvation; therefore, I want to be a living testimony of what it means to live for Him. May God help us all to seek Him each and every day of our lives. Amen.