"Your brain is a drama queen — and that's not always a bad thing. The brain's memory system doesn't treat all events the same. The emotionally intense moments take priority – and awkwardness, shame, or embarrassment tend to top the list." ~ Sep 13, 2025, Behavorial Health Network/Hartford HealthCare

Good morning and welcome to Thursday, March 5, 2026, where, I am at it again, thinking about this, that, and the other too. I do thank you for tuning in to today's program brought to you by the Grace of God because without His grace I couldn't be here sending out this stuff from the station here at the ole blogger ranch. That photo. Let me explain. There's these social media forums where people deal with certain topics. One that has become somewhat popular asks this question: What do older people wish they could tell their younger self? I know it's silly. Back to the photo. That's yours truly, the older me talking to the younger me. I'm not going to delve into advice because I didn't notice something about the photo that ChatGPT produced until later. The younger me. I'm wearing short britches. That's important. It reflects another early crisis in my life. Having just finished all that was involved in the loss of my dad, we moved from Port Arthur, Texas, a small city, (population 60,000 to 65,000), to Hornbeck, Louisiana, a rural village in early 1954, (Population 524). I landed in the 3rd grade surrounded by some rough and tumble country boys and girls. They must have thought I was real cute in the little short britches jumper I was wearing when I showed up. It wasn't a problem for the 3rd grade at Lee Elementary in Port Arthur, but, then again, to my recollection there weren't anyone there wearing overalls. Out on the playground I received a lot of attention from those who thought I must be really special. So much so, I went home and while crying I begged mom for her to get me some bluejeans and get them fast. Those who have read my blogs over the years are aware how aggravating it is to me in having many memories either distorted or absent due to the blocking effect that occurred with the death of my father. However, I did not forget the short pants fiasco that got itself sorted out way back then. How? Very simply, I changed my dress code. That's how. That's what the photo spoke to me. And, as you can see, I am still stewing over that incident. Joking only. Well, maybe a little. The experts tell us that embarrassments stay with us, even as children, especially if they involve classmates. As you can tell, it really didn't bother me, ....bother me, ....bother me, that much.

 

I did visit my foot doctor aka a podiatrist yesterday. Prior to showing up at the clinic about 30 minutes from my house, the medical facility folks bombarded me with all kinds of reminders giving me the opportunity to opt in or out of being there for that particular appointment. They always constantly indicate how my arrival time should always be 15 minutes before the scheduled visit with the doctor. Unless the traffic goes completely haywire I always do my very best to make the 15 minute prior schedule. You know: Being on time means being early. I do my part. At 7:40 a.m., I first have to wait for the check-in person to get their computer logged in. Okay. I can handle that. My appointment is at 8 a.m. and I am told to sit and wait until I am called. I am familiar with the process. No activity at 8 a.m., not any at 8:05 a.m., 8:10 a.m., nada, 8:15 a.m., finally the nurse comes and calls out for Mrs. Abbott. She looks at me and apologizes. We go back to examination room where I get on that scale to weigh and then answer her questions and wait for the doctor. She did tell me they were short of staff because I asked. A few minutes later the doctor shows up and does his thing. He is a great doctor and I feel fortunate to have such good care. However, being in the service delivery environment for much of my working life, well, the process leaves a wee bit to be desired. Think about it. I am retired. What else did I have to do? Take a nap? Walk the dog? Those make for a reasonable assessment, however, I was still thinking about all of this and I had it on my mind and now you know about it too. Be clear. Not complaining just sharing. You've heard that one too? Ha! The bottom line is to always take time to stay in touch with the God who loves you so much He sent is one and only Son to die, for me, for you, and according to The Scriptures, He died for the sins of the whole world. He did. He really did. (1st John 2:2) Until next time, you know, give God the glory. Amen.

A couple shows up for marriage counseling. The counselor asks, "What brings you here today?" The wife responds, "My husband takes everything literally and I can't stand it." The husband, "My truck."

Good morning and welcome to the day before things begin to begin to get back on track. That's right. Tomorrow is a special day here at the ole blogger ranch. Why? That's when, Lord willing, the wife of my youth returns from Branson and that will make all things better. At the same time, I say this, today is the day the Lord has given to us, and, it is the only one we can do anything about, therefore, let us pause and give Him thanks for it, Wednesday, March 4, 2026, and seek His help in making the best of it. Don't get too caught up in sympathy for me being here while she has been away. As one observer might say, "Don't look like you've lost any weight so I reckon you've been able to eat a few bites." Thank you so much. I just love it when people give such encouragement. Don't you? And, that would be correct my friend, I've been able to eat a few bites along the way and I've even cooked up some stuff too. It's not the same. And, while I know how to make homemade biscuits, not the same. I know how to make homemade cornbread, not the same. She never complains when I cook because when I do, she doesn't have to. She tells everyone I am a good cook and while I appreciate the compliment I'm not in the least fooled by it. Why? It's just not the same. I will say this about that: It's a little difficult to swallow my cold cereal while looking at the photos she sent out of the entourage eating at the restaurant. As a friend of ours used to say, so very often, "Oh well, it is what it is." 

 

Enough about that. Our pastor has some advice with regards to those who get all worked up watching news feeds many hours per day. As the campaign featuring First Lady Nancy Reagan put forth as their slogan intended to help children stay off of drugs, 'Just say no!' And, that's the recommendation, before you pull your hair out, and, for some of us it wouldn't take long to get it all out, just say no and turn it off. Go for a walk, read your Bible, listen to the plethora of audio Bible streams, visit your neighbor, and, here's a good one, take a nap. I sometimes do that without even knowing it. Oh, don't fret, I do find out that I have taken a nap in one of two ways, when I wake up, or when I am awakened by the voice of She Who Must Be Obeyed. That is a joke reflecting a British sitcom, 'Rumpole of the Bailey'. Rumpole was a barrister and that's what he called his wife, quietly, under his breath. It became popular and they even sold various items like t-shirts and coffee mugs with it imprinted on them. Our older neighbor Ruth, who lived across the driveway from us at that time, she watched it too, and she and the wife of my youth always joked and laughed about that moniker, Too much if you ask me. But you didn't, therefore, I'll leave you with this one and see if you recognize it, "Time to say goodnight, Gracie." Until next time, may God add His blessings. Amen. 

James 5:7–8 — New Living Translation (NLT) ~ 7) "Dear brothers and sisters, be patient as you wait for the Lord’s return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen. 8) You, too, must be patient. Take courage, for the coming of the Lord is near."

Welcome, welcome. Today, is Primary Election Day, Tuesday, March 3, 2026. I will be voting today. I know many voted early. The primary is important because it determines who will be on the ballot come the fall election that is crucial to how we will be governed moving forward. As for the military action taking place in the middle east, my social media has been blowing up with all the self-appointed experts who are giving their insight as to how this action aligns itself with the prophetic passages in The Scriptures. I give a shout out to our God ordained Pastor, the brother Dr. Jerry Chaddick this past Lord's Day Sunday, in his handling of this development from a biblical viewpoint. That's right. Pundits have their points of view, but, only the Word of God can be counted on to reveal God's point of view. Brother Jerry quoted what Jesus said about the end times from Matthew 24. He then used James Chapter 5 verse 7 and following to remind us we are to be patient awaiting the Lord's coming. His point? HE IS COMING! Maybe soon, maybe not, but He is coming and the truth has to do with what we as believing individuals are doing in response to this truth. Are we ready and are we getting our family and others ready too? It was a powerful word because it was rooted in The Word, not conjecture, and it was not based on all kinds of contrived prophetic thoughts, only The Word of Almighty God. That, my friend is where we need to start, need to continue, and, we need to finish, in The Word of our God. Amen.

 

I already am hearing all the recriminations being thrown at The President for this military action. That's not unexpected in our system, however, at the same time we all must pause to think about those who already, in this military action, who have given their lives in service to our country. May we as a people never forget the sacrifice made by those who don't make the decisions, but, they serve to defend and protect our way of life, and, in so doing they so often give up their lives in return. I think about their families and my heart goes out to them. I remember the local fellowship we attended for many years. On Memorial Day those in our congregation would bring photos and memorabilia to recognize their family members who wore the uniform and served our nation. One older lady in particular always brought items that had belonged to her brother. She had been very close to him and he had lost his life in combat. That left a void in her life and she always tried to honor him in remembrance of their familial love. That always struck me as not only being poignant but it also reminded me that families never quite get over the loss of their beloved ones. Today. I pause to pray that God will comfort all their grieving hearts. May God bless their memory and may God bless our nation. Amen.

"If you don't think photos are important, wait until that's all you have left." ~ copied

Well hello there, my, it seems like a long time, but, I am thankful to report that I am back, at least for today, as in, one day at a time, and this one happens to be on Monday, March 2, 2026. I had myself a very busy last week with much time spent at the hospital with our Jimmy. If that won't wear you out, I'm not sure I know what will. We do thank God that Jimmy is home now and much better. He was actually in Church with us yesterday. That was tough on him since being around crowds is one of the issues involved in his psychosis. The wife of my youth, I think all of you know her, well, she did it again. She left me. This time she got on a bus with others from our local assembly and they are currently in Branson, Missouri, for a Gospel music festival. She had scheduled this some time ago and while she considered cancelling due to Jimmy's situation, we decided that me, myself, and I can handle things while she is away. She will be back on Thursday, Lord willing, and, we are already looking forward to her return. One of the things I am enjoying in using the artificial intelligence utility, ChatGPT, is in improving and preserving some old photos we have. The one above is of my grandfather, Andrew Rancher McMillian, and that would be my mom standing on his right, and, I am guessing that to be Uncle Waymon on his left since Uncle Asa is the oldest and he is not in the photo. My mom, Lena, was born in 1924, therefore, that photo was likely in the late 1920's. It pictures the service station, mechanic shop, operated by my grandad and another fellow. This was his work at that time. He went by the name of Rancher but since he worked as a mechanic, he was given the nickname 'Wrencher'. This shop was located in Leesville, Louisiana. I know this photo is not of great importance to most folks, however, it is to me, especially since my grandfather, Paw Paw Mac, was my mentor and my example of a man of faith in God in both his confession and his practice. And, my mom, well, it goes without saying, how she made a huge impact on my life in her 93 year sojourn here on the planet.

 

I am in the early stages of getting ready to get ready to teach a Bible lesson on discontentment and complaining. Whoa! I suppose it is easy to recognize how these attributes are truly a part of the human psyche. The Bible text will be from Numbers Chapter 11 and I can say this about my early review of this subject: It's me, it's me, it's me oh Lord, standing in the need of prayer. While you may not have a problem with these actions that greatly displease the Lord, I know many of us can identify with them all too well. One of the other things we will notice is how a complaining spirit becomes contagious. You know. Like the song, One Bad Apple. Now it would be easy to try and marginalize these sinful responses to God's provisions by saying, well, everybody does it. Not good enough. If it displeases the Lord and over and over again, it's clear it does, well, we need to allow Him through His Spirit to help us overcome any discontentment and complaining. We do. We really do. I will be submersed in this subject all week long, so, pray that I will learn God's will in this area of my life as I prepare to share His Word with our life group, Sunday School class, Bible Study, Fellowship, or, us older folks who as beggars that found the Bread of life seek to share that Bread with others. Okay, already. So. It is a wee bit discombobulated, but, it is, after all, Monday. Now let's get out there and find a reason to be uplifted in the working out of our salvation as we go our way. (Philippians 2:12-13) Amen.

"Life is a collection of moments—photographs preserve them." — Unknown

Good morning and welcome. Today. It reports in as Wednesday, February 25, 2026. Our Jimmy remains in the hospital and the medical folks working with the mental health professionals have determined he should have a complete neurological assessment before making any decisions moving forward. This will involve an EEG and an MRI to examine his brain situation. He does seem to be some better and we thank God for this along with thanking all those who are praying for him. Amen.

 

I will admit it. I have taken a liking to using the artificial intelligence utility, ChatGPT. I think, in many cases, it is allowing me to recover with better clarity some photos that are of importance to me. The top photo is of our family back in the summer of 1953 as we prepared to leave Port Arthur, Texas to Columbus, Georgia via a train ride on the Kansas City Southern rail line. Dad worked for the KCS and was able to get rail passes for us to travel. His twin brother, Uncle Walter lived there. It was our last trip together as a family before Dad's passing away in January of 1954. I first colorized the old photo using the Colorize Images application. I then handed it off to ChatGPT and told it to add the train. I worked through a number of these before I got the one shown above. Let me be clear. I'm not 100% happy with the facial renderings in all cases, however, it does represent a memory of a special time in the life of our family. And, I've written much over the years about my love of riding trains. In that particular trip we also road a sleeper rail car and the reports are correct: There's nothing quite like sleeping on a train at night. I know. My time could likely be spent on something more productive, but, you enjoy your bird watching and I will work on restoring some special memories. 

 

Our pastor brought his message this past Lord's Day Sunday on 3rd John. This is the short letter written by the Apostle John and it contains many truths. John included these inspired words, "Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers." (Verse 2) Sadly, this verse has so often been used by the name it and claim in folks to try and show how God would have His own to be healthy and wealthy as they live out their lives here on the planet. Our pastor showed how the context is spiritual in its application and while we often enjoy material blessings, God is always most interested in our spiritual development and growth. The more our external life matches our new man spiritual soul, well, it will make a huge difference in how we live, period. It will. It really will. Thanks again for your prayers on behalf of our Jimmy. May God continue to be with us all. Amen.

Seeking God's Provision. Amen.

Good morning. It's Tuesday, February 24, 2026, and, I pray all is well with you and yours. I am currently at the hospital with our Jimmy. He is better physically but still having mental related issues.  I  am doing this on my cell phone so who knows how it will turn out? Thanks for praying for Jimmy. He will soon be 58 and sadly too much of his time here on the planet has been spent dealing with mental health challenges. We don't know but we know the One who does. Amen.

"The first emotional comfort, touching and being touched by our mother, remains the ultimate memory of selfless love, which stays with us life long." — Diane Ackerman in A Natural History of the Senses

Hello and welcome, why don't you pull up a chair and we will visit for a while. That, my friend, is a throwback to how it was in my growing up days. That was before social media and cell phones, where people actually sat down and talked to each other face to face on the porch or outside under a shade tree. That came to my mind as I was getting ready to get ready for today, this one, Monday, February 23, 2026.  Fast forward to the age we live in and we converse mainly through texting today. We graduated in large part to not even wanting to actually talk on our cell phone. Here is how it goes with us: "Did you ever talk with them to fix a time for us to get together?" "Well, I sent a text, and, I haven't heard back." See what I mean? In so many ways the old commercial lingo is right, "We've come a long way, baby." And, I am all for progress and as you can tell even in my blogs I am a user of modern technology. At the same time we pretty much have lost touch with the power of a touch, from a human voice or a hug or a pat on the back. Sure, I am well aware that I was born back in the middle of the 1900's and that really does sound ancient in a world where Artificial Intelligence has accelerated change to the extent many say it is moving so fast it's hard to even measure. I'm not saying we should go back to the days like they were when I was young, however, we should never leave behind the things that elevate human caring and interaction. I picked up a lot of my stories from sitting outside the barber shop under the huge Sycamore tree. That's where an older man told me how he accidentally lost control of his ax and pretty much cut off my grandpa's nose. He said my grandpa held it on his face until they could get to Dr. Stephens, the town doctor, where he sewed it up without any deadening and after having it taped up, they went back to work. That's where I heard that story. Sure, I also heard plenty of embellished fishing and hunting accounts where they started off by saying, "Man, you should have been there to see what we were able to do....." I also heard folks sharing some really tough news and saw others shower them with hugs and prayers. Technology, it can be great, however, nothing will ever replace the actual touch that comes from one heart to another. Amen.

 

Dealing with a loved one with mental health issues is about as challenging as it gets. The wife is currently at the emergency room with our Jimmy. Again. Your prayers are greatly appreciated. Everyone I know have challenges and that, my friend, is a part of life. I've been around a lot of tragic situations in my sojourn in my family and in dealing with others as well. I often hear this from those dealing with troubles. "I do not know how folks who do not know the Lord can make it when trouble comes." Well, I've learned they do the best they can and because God designed us with fortitude, many make it through. But, it's not the same and I can tell you this about that: I wouldn't want to go it on my own. I am thankful to have God on my side and to know that He will never leave me, and He will never forsake me. (Deuteronomy 31:6-8 and Hebrews 13:5) That promise is one that gives us the strength to make it, each day, that is, one day at a time. Amen.