1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ~ GOD’S WORD Translation ~ "Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Whatever happens, give thanks, because it is God’s will in Christ Jesus that you do this."

Good morning and welcome to the early edition of today's insights into this, that, and the other. Thanks for showing up on this Tuesday, June 9, 2026. I will not be publishing a blog tomorrow or on Thursday because the wife of my youth and I are traveling to Louisiana to visit a very ill lady who has been a special close friend to the wife for around 50 years. Please pray for this dear lady and her husband at this most difficult time. God knows all about it. We had our men's Bible study at 7 a.m. this morning. I have my first actual physical therapy exercise visit at 10 a.m. Hey, I remember it well when they said, "Hey, go ahead and retire, you've done your 60 plus years, enjoy all that free time." This afternoon we leave for our travel. It's around a six hour drive which used to be nothing, not even a drop in the bucket. These days we break it up if possible so we will stop at the wife's sister's place and spend the night and then get up early Wednesday and travel on. On the way back we will do the same thing.  

I will close up shop early today since my physical therapist has plans for me. I have been doing some of the exercises she gave me and it has actually helped my mobility some while at the same time it hurts like ole billy heck. Yeah. I have heard that one, no pain, no gain. Oh well. It is what it is, and, we will see how it all goes. I will keep you posted. While I am at it, thanks so much for all of you out there who stay in touch by reading my daily postings. I do appreciate the feedback and the support. I do. I really do. In our early Tuesday morning men's Bible study we are going through the letter written by the Apostle Paul to the local called out assembly meeting in Ephesus, Greece. Ephesians. We covered the first part of the first chapter today. Wow! It tells about how believers are guaranteed a certain future in Christ, and, we have the Holy Spirit living in us to make sure it all comes to pass. And, as Mark Lowry likes to say we all love the 'it came to pass' because it means it didn't come to stay. Amen? Yes and Amen. Have a great rest of the day and I will see y'all, Lord willing, come next Friday morning. Amen.

 

 

"What’s the secret to having a smoking hot body in old age? Cremation." ~ Readers Digest online

Good morning and welcome to the second day of this brand new week that God has allowed us to wake up and seek Him and His provision on this Monday, June 8, 2026. One of the things you hear much about from older folks is their experiences as they seek to interact with those providing their health care. I've been writing these blogs since the summer of 2007 and I betcha that truth could be validated in my own writings. By comparison, I most likely wrote very little about health care earlier in my sojourn. At the same time I have killed a lot of keystrokes writing about my nearly 25 year battle with Type 2 Diabetes. Today, as I near the road sign marked 80, I spend a fair amount of my waking hours chasing down a variety of medical specialties, and, that gives old people something to talk about. It's like two ladies in the waiting room sharing all the gory details of their most recent surgeries. My primary care for several years recently retired. I have a new one. My old primary care told me that getting my prescriptions authorized by the new doctor should not be a problem. Wait just a cotton picking minute! So, today I get to meet, live and in person, my new primary care because they want to see me before rubber stamping my prescription renewals. No problem. I don't have a need to see him but they have a need to see me. See? My wife has seen him already and she has already built a rapport with him. They had a follow up via teleconference the other day and I heard them laughing it up. Really? The first challenge will be to get his name even close. Dr. Phetsamong Nhonthachit is his name. My pulmonologist told me to think about it like 'no-touch-it' said together, Dr. Notouchit. Oh well, I mention all of this because it is how days are often defined for older people. It seems we find ourselves always getting ready to get ready....and so it goes. Welcome to my world. 

 

I mentioned that stereotypical comment about the two ladies sharing their surgery stories, well, move over ladies, because older men, (full disclosure requires me to say I are one.), they are not in the least bit reticent when it comes to sharing their medical stories. I will say this about how things go in today's world. I spend a fair amount of time in waiting rooms. That used to produce a plethora of stories in the wide ranging conversations being exchanged. Not so much anymore. Why? If there is a WIFI signal, everyone is looking at their phone screen instead of blabbing stuff to their neighbor. I still get some great material from time to time as the wisdom of Yogi Berra helps, "You can observe a lot by watching." If you don't know who Yogi Berri is, maybe you should try one of those blogs devoted to pets. Joking only. I've said before and will say again, being in the waiting room often reminds me of how blessed I am. My heart typically breaks for the little ones who appear to be dealing with serious health challenges. Look the other way? No. Pray for them as you see them and seek God's provision on their behalf. Sure. There's some funny stuff too. Old people going to the wrong door when they hear their name called, the elderly wife mothering her husband can produce some gems, and, then, I saved the last because it is the one I know the most about. Me. I actually have thought about who it might be that will look at me and find something to write about in their blog. I also get to see the joy on many faces when I hand them one of my Santa Claus photo cards. Kids. Yes. But, I quickly add, kids of all ages. Okay. That should be enough, already. Right? Y'all have yourselves a great day and may God add His blessings. Amen. 

Early in my Santa journey I learned a universal truth: You cannot please everyone, no matter how hard you try!

 

 

Flashback to Friday, June 5, 2009 (My thoughts some 6,209 days ago.)

Admit it, we are all swimming in the deep end of the culture pool!

 

What’s your all time most memorable commercial? No doubt you have one that sticks in your mind. It may be dated since many new ones come on the scene each year but we all have been inundated with hundreds of thousands of video, print, voice over, signs, and every form of advertisement imaginable, that is, if we have breathed air on this planet. While we might like to think this bombardment has not influenced us, we would be kidding ourselves to try and defend that position. This particular feature of the culture war is what I have before me on this Friday, June 5, 2009. Not surprising, a recent top ten vote for most popular commercials by USA Today included two beer commercials, three cola ad spots, the famous “Got Milk?” promotions, and the burger “Where’s the beef?” campaign.

However, the ad chosen number one by a wide majority was not that familiar to me. It is one put up by Monster.com in 1999 that runs black and white footage of children talking about what they want to be when they grow up. Each child in the commercial speaks about a particular underachieving goal as their passion in life and at the end the punch line is how that Monster.com has a better job and future for every person. I watched the ad and remembered it but it certainly would not have made my top ten. My list would include the recently resurrected “See the USA in a Chevrolet!” by Dinah Shore, (Sadly, it is being played now as a swan song for the GM bankruptcy.); the “Plop Plop, Fizz, Fizz, oh what a relief it is!” Alka Seltzer ad along with another one where the fellow says, “I can’t believe I ate the whole thing!” (These ads may have appealed to me because it was back in the days when we didn't know that indigestion needed some very expensive medication for an ailment called acid reflux!) These are all from the past and I am too, but, brand identity does end up being a part of the life we live especially in this commercialized world.

Jesus told us to be in this world but not be of this world. (See John 17 and 1st John 5.) That’s one of the toughest challenges you and I will ever face. The incessant drumbeat of all things worldly surrounds us and our children every second of every day. To say otherwise is to do the proverbial ostrich head in the sand maneuver. We may think it cute for our little ones to be able to sing the latest beer tunes and quote the less than wholesome memorable lines from TV ads but there is a corrosive element to all of this and as the old saying goes, “The steady knock does wear the rock.” Seeing it for what it is goes a long way in beginning to form a response to try and fulfill the admonition of our Lord. We can’t escape the deluge of commercialized media but we can do all we can do to offset it, to reduce its influence, to change the channel, or whatever is needed to deal with this issue. I’m not saying you can do what the old Pepsodent ad proclaimed, “You will wonder where the yellow went when you brush your teeth with Pepsodent!” But you can do what you can do with God’s help. This is some food for thought as we enter our Saturday and Lord’s Day Sunday. May God help each one as we deal with the life we have! Amen. ….More later.

"Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things." — Charles Dickens

Here's how my day is going thus far. I had written what I considered to be a good blog, but, at the last minute I decided to hold it back for another day. Sometimes it just goes like that. Therefore, I am sitting here thinking about today, the one given to us by our Heavenly Father, this one in particular, Thursday, June 4, 2026. I didn't want to be in a situation where I wished I could have unsaid something, if you catch my drift, so, I am moving on to another subject for today. Today's admonition in the verse given in the title image does not mean that we are thankful for everything that happens to us, but, rather, we give thanks in every situation because we know God is still our Father and it is will for us to have a thankful spirit. Some theologians distinguish between being thankful in all situations versus being thankful for all that happens. This is a great test of our faith because no matter the circumstance we know that we know that God is still on His throne and we are still His child, therefore, even in the midst of turmoil or chaos we have something to be thankful for. There are even times when some have come to believe their great challenge while tragic was actually a stepping stone in their walk with God. The renowned pastor/teacher Dr. J. Vernon Magee when his 'Through the Bible' radio program was at its peak, he came down with cancer. This was a crippling development in his life. As he was unable for some time to do his programs and as he often lay on his sick bed he became aware of something. That 'Through the Bible' program had become a worldwide phenomenon and Magee was taking credit for it being successful. He repented and gave it all to God because he came to know it was God at work not Magee and he had been the instrument in the hands of The Almighty. He gained remission and returned with a new perspective that changed it all. It was God's Word, it was God's provision, it was God at work, and, He deserved the honor and glory involved in reaching the lost around the globe. Period. Cancer became something Magee was thankful for in the sense that God used it to get his attention and to change him. Was he happy to get cancer? No. Did he enjoy all the medical procedures and treatments? No. Was he able to see God's hand in it all? Yes, and, Amen. Dr. Mcgee passed away in 1988. Yet, he is still preaching and teaching 24x7 through God's Through the Bible radio program which airs on over 800 terrestrial radio stations across the U.S. and Canada. In addition to these radio outlets, the global ministry broadcasts in over 100 languages and dialects to more than 160 countries. As the old preacher I grew up hearing used to say, "Ain't God good?" Yes, and Amen.

 

I know how easy it is for anyone to become discouraged living life where things can be at times overwhelming. How do I know that? Been there, done that, too many times to count. We can talk about how people rise to the occasion, they buckle down and persevere. While that's commendable it is different than having God as an ever present help in our time of need. (Psalm 46:1) I think about how unpredictable things are in this life. They are. They really are. I will not catalog again all the tragedies our family has faced over the past seventy plus years, but, there were enough to go around. The following song has become a staple in our family. It has been sung time and time again in our gatherings as a local called out assembly, and, in our personal times of reflection and worship. It has been very often sung at the home going service of one of our loved ones. It reminds us all of some important truths:

 

I Know Who Holds Tomorrow 

 

I don't know about tomorrow;
I just live from day to day.
I don't borrow from its sunshine
For its skies may turn to grey.
I don't worry o'er the future,
For I know what Jesus said.
And today I'll walk beside Him,
For He knows what lies ahead.

 

Many things about tomorrow
I don't seem to understand
But I know who holds tomorrow
And I know who holds my hand.

 

Every step is getting brighter
As the golden stairs I climb;
Every burden's getting lighter,
Every cloud is silver-lined.
There the sun is always shining,
There no tear will dim the eye;
At the ending of the rainbow
Where the mountains touch the sky.

 

Many things about tomorrow
I don't seem to understand
But I know who holds tomorrow
And I know who holds my hand.

 

I don't know about tomorrow;
It may bring me poverty.
But the one who feeds the sparrow,
Is the one who stands by me.
And the path that is my portion
May be through the flame or flood;
But His presence goes before me
And I'm covered with His blood.

Many things about tomorrow
I don't seem to understand
But I know who holds tomorrow
And I know who holds my hand.

 

Music and Lyrics by Ira Stanphill (1950)

You can look that one up on YouTube and find it recorded by dozens of folks. And, there is a great story behind the writing of that song so Google the song and the writer to read about it. My grandfather could not sing a lick, in tune. However, I've seen him singing and swaying many times to that song with tears rolling down his face. He knew about troubles and trials, but, even greater, he knew Who held his hand. Amen.

The potential: "Physical therapy restores movement, reduces pain, and empowers lasting independence. Evidence shows that over \(90\%\) of patients report an overall improvement in their quality of life post-treatment. " ~ copied

Okay. I did it. I went for my physical therapy evaluation. Yesterday morning. Today, the day after, is Wednesday, June 3, 2026, and I welcome each one tuning in from around the globe. That's not an exaggeration, because I've given you the stats before from the views coming in from sea to shining sea. Essentially, as it relates to the potential for physical therapy help, well, it's like that joke I shared a few days ago. The older horse fell down and this is what the horse said, "I've fallen and I can't giddyup!" Fortunately, the folks at the physical therapy place didn't send me packing after my first encounter and I appreciate that which no doubt the insurance payment for their services also had something to do with it. Ha! I know. That cynical side of me is one that I have to deal with all the time. At any rate, here's what I know based on how this first session went. The lady therapist interviewed me. Me, the potential patient, interviewed her. She did all the measurements and had me attempt various postures in order to evaluate how pitiful I am. I did reasonably okay for the shape I am in, except for the balance stuff that I failed miserably. I used that word failed because it is related to the word fall and that's what I would very much like to avoid. She then explained how they could help in the variety of areas where I need help. That was the sales pitch and their ability to accomplish the strengthening goals works best if I would be able to visit them twice per week. She also provided me with illustrated pictures of the stretches I should do at home. Okay. A lot to take in and a lot to consider. As for her, she has been working as a professional therapist for four years. She holds a Doctor of Physical Therapy certificate after finishing seven years of education and training. She is married, no children, but they do have two dogs they treat like children. She was very professional, very focused, and very positive about what they could do to help. I go back next week and while I remain somewhat skeptical, we will see. The exercises we did for the evaluation made for a lasting memory especially when I laid myself down to sleep. It was like the kids song:

 

Old man me had a pain, E-I-E-I-O!
And on his way to trying to sleep, he had another pain, E-I-E-I-O!
With a pain-pain here and a pain-pain there,
Here a pain, there a pain, everywhere a pain-pain,
Old man me had a pain, E-I-E-I-O!

 

I felt like some out there somewhere could likely identify with that little ditty of a song. Hey. I hope you don't think I am complaining. And, even more so I hope I am not. Why? Blessed. That's why. I am blessed. I really can't think of anyone more undeserving of the grace and mercy of God than the fellow living in my skin, the one I often refer to as the unholy trinity, me, myself, and I. And, I quickly add I am thankful for God's mercy, His grace, His sacrifice, and His Presence, and, as the Scripture says, "While I was yet a sinner, He died for me." (my own personalization of Romans 5:8). Okay. I need to wrap it up for today and get ready to think about thinking about those stretching exercises. You know. The ones given to me by that wee child therapist. Y'all, remember to thank God for His provision. His answered prayers and even those He didn't answer in the way we thought they should be responded to. Why? He knows best. Always and forever, He knows best. Amen.

"Dogs teach us how to be better humans. They model unconditional love, forgiveness, and the simple joy of living completely in the present moment. By observing our pets, we learn to let go of grudges, appreciate the small things, and communicate the power of empathy without words." ~ From The Artificial Intelligence Overview on Google Search

Hello and welcome to another edition where I spin the wheel and land on whatever subject or idea happens to pop up. Today is Tuesday, June 2, 2026, and, I am very happy to be up and going on this, another day gifted to us by our Great God. I chose that photo of the wife of my youth with Lil Miss Biscuit when Biscuit was just a mere puppy. The more the wife acts like she doesn't want Biscuit to mess with her it is the more that Biscuit pours on her idea of love and caring. Biscuit is intentional and persistent in loving even those who profess not to want her near them. I told you before that our doggy sometimes can teach us all a lesson. Or, at least she sure does teach me. Maybe not others, but, if God can speak through a donkey to a hireling prophet, and, if time and time again God uses other animals to illustrate an important spiritual truth, well, we shouldn't be surprised when one close to us just happens to remind us of a biblical illustration. You think I'm just talking out of the top of my head? Okay. Here are but a few animals from The Scriptures and I remind us all that God as Creator of all things can use any and all of His created world to communicate as He pleases. He can. He really can. 

These are but a few of the animals we find in the Bible that help us to visualize and understand the truth being communicated. There are so many others. And, it's not restricted to animal life because as I said before, God can use any and all of His created world to communicate truth, therefore, I will leave you with one that is a beautiful example and there are dozens more, so go check them out. 

Here is a passage I thought of that goes with the chosen illustration:

 

Psalm 1 (New Living Translation, NLT)

¹ Oh, the joys of those who do not
    follow the advice of the wicked,
    or stand around with sinners,
    or join in with mockers.
² But they delight in the law of the Lord,
    meditating on it day and night.
³ They are like trees planted along the riverbank,
    bearing fruit each season.
Their leaves never wither,
    and they prosper in all they do.

⁴ But not the wicked!
    They are like worthless chaff, scattered by the wind.
⁵ They will be condemned at the time of judgment.
    Sinners will have no place among the godly.
⁶ For the Lord watches over the path of the godly,
    but the path of the wicked leads to destruction.

 

Like a tree planted by the waters, that's what we want to be. You can read for a long time all that has been written about that particular Psalm or song, but, when it comes down to it, I think most of us can get its meaning for ourselves. It's clear enough. It is. It really is. There's no gotcha here, just, some sharing. You know, one beggar telling other beggars where they can find bread. Amen.

“By faith, we understand that the universe has been framed by the word of God, so that what is seen has not been made out of things which are visible." ~ (Hebrews 11:3)

Welcome back. Speaking of back, I have an evaluation session with a physical therapist tomorrow. How in the world do you like that? It is Monday, June 1, 2026, and, I am still trying to come up with some good information to share with a physical therapist. So far, the only one that makes a lot of sense is the old Hee Haw joke, "It hurts when I do that.", the punch line response, "Then don't do that." I'm a little perplexed. Yes. I know. That is normal but I'm perhaps a wee bit more so regarding this upcoming evaluation. The reason I can't do things like I want to do things, the reason I am a little unsteady, the reason I have to do some thinking before I move around, well, it has to do with pain. Almost any movement at all sets my hips and legs on fire. I suppose I have in mind how physical therapy might just do the same. Oh my! My insurance provider contracted me out to a physical therapy company. When I talked to the lady on the phone she said not to worry because it will be just like working with your primary provider. Really? If that is so, why in the world did the physical therapy people make me fill out endless questionnaires? Most of that information is readily available from my primary provider. They even wanted to know quite a bit about my mental status. Join the club Bubba! I may need to get some folks to vouch for my saneness. Just joking. The real question I have is simply this: If the reason I am experiencing pain when I stand or walk, is it due to a medical issue or something the workout folks can help with? Meanwhile, I noticed the other day one of those motorized shopping carts. It was a brand new unit sitting out in the parking lot. I had never really paid much attention to this type of transportation, but, that baby was sleek and it looked like it would fly down those aisles. Please know I am kidding.  A little. Maybe, just a smidgen. Ha!

 

A lot of what I write about is tongue-in-cheek while typically there is a kernel of truth in there, somewhere. That's not the case when it comes to referring to or quoting from the God breathed texts compiled in The Bible. The Bible impacts people's lives, for time and eternity. Here are some random quotes from a variety of people writing things about the truth and efficacy of The Scriptures:

 

~ The Bible is not an end in itself, but a means to bring men to an intimate and satisfying knowledge of God, that they may enter into Him, that they may delight in His Presence, may taste and know the inner sweetness of the very God Himself in the core and center of their hearts. — A. W. Tozer, The Pursuit of God 

~ The primary purpose of reading the Bible is not to know the Bible but to know God. — James Merritt

~ I’ve experienced His presence in the deepest hell that man can create. . . . I have tested the promises of the Bible, and believe me, you can count on them. — Corrie ten Boom

~ Want to hear God speak? Read your Bible. Want to hear God speak audibly? Read your Bible out loud! — Justin Peters

~ I have sometimes seen more in a line of the Bible than I could well tell how to stand under, and yet at another time the whole Bible hath been to me as dry as a stick. — John Bunyan

~ I am convinced that a prayerless approach to God’s Word is a major reason for the low-level dissatisfaction that hums beneath the surface of our lives. — Matt Smethhurst 

~ The Bible is something more than a body of revealed truths, a collection of books verbally inspired by God. It is also the living voice of God. The living God speaks through its pages. Therefore, it is not to be valued as a sacred object to be placed on a shelf and neglected, but as holy ground, where people’s hearts and minds may come into vital contact with the living, gracious, and disturbing God. For a proper perspective on Scripture and for a valid understanding of revelation, there must be constant interworking of these factors; an infallible and authoritative Word, the activity of the Holy Spirit in interpreting and applying that Word, and a receptive human heart. No true knowledge of God takes place without these elements. — James Montgomery Boice

~ God’s way is perfect and his Word is flawless. A perfect God could have nothing less than perfect communication with his people. It is we who read hastily, skip prayer, and fail to meditate on his Word, who find it confusing. — Tim Keller

~ When asked, ‘What is more important: prayer or reading the Bible?’ I ask, ‘What is more important: breathing in or breathing out?’” — Charles Spurgeon

~ The Bible redirects my will, cleanses my emotions, enlightens my mind, and quickens my total being.  — E Stanley Jones

~ We speak only to the degree we are spoken to. . . . Our prayers should arise out of immersion in the Scripture. — Tim Keller

The Bible is powerful and able to change your life from the inside out. No other means is given by God to accomplish such a task. The Spirit of God, who is at work in the hearts of Christians, uses the Word of God to transform them into Christlike people. — Nate Pickowicz

~ [People] do not reject the Bible because it contradicts itself but because it contradicts them. — E. Paul Hovey

~ 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. — D.L. Moody

The Bible is a vein of pure gold, unalloyed by quartz or any earthly substance. This is a star without a speck; a sun without a blot; a light without darkness; a moon without its paleness; a glory without a dimness. O Bible! It cannot be said of any other book that it is perfect and pure; but of thee we can declare all wisdom is gathered up in thee, without a particle of folly. This is the judge that ends the strife, where wit and reason fail. This is the book untainted by any error; but is pure, unalloyed, perfect truth. — Charles Spurgeon

~ The Bible—banned, burned, beloved. More widely read, more frequently attacked than any other book in history. Generations of intellectuals have attempted to discredit it; dictators of every age have outlawed it and executed those who read it. Yet soldiers carry it into battle believing it more powerful than their weapons. Fragments of it smuggled into solitary prison cells have transformed ruthless killers into gentle saints. — Charles Colson

~ The Bible is authoritative on everything of which it speaks. Moreover, it speaks of everything. — Cornelius Van Til

~ Here then, is the real problem of our negligence. We fail in our duty to study God’s Word not so much because it is difficult to understand, not so much because it is dull and boring, but because it is work. Our problem is not a lack of intelligence or a lack of passion. Our problem is that we are lazy. — R.C. Sproul

 

I looked up the names of those I was not familiar with before sharing their quotes about the Bible, and, they all seem to be well grounded, while, at the same time their ideas do not carry the same import as The Scriptures themselves. I think you most likely get where I am coming from. Right? Good. Take care and I'll let you know my schedule for becoming 'buff'. I know. That train left a long time ago. Until next time, may God add His blessings. Amen.