“Why should a man be scorned if, finding himself in prison, he tries to get out and go home? Or if, when he cannot do so, he thinks and talks about other topics than jailers and prison-walls?” ― J.R.R. Tolkien, On Fairy-Stories

Yes! It is official. Friday, that is, on this July 26, 2013. Thanks for showing up today. They estimate there were 350,000 babies born the day that the new prince showed up but it was only the boy George, who would be king someday, that totally dominated the news media. Instant celebrity. When the new parents brought him out to show him off there were shouts of jubilation and tears of joy. Not only there but all over the world. Literally. I read an interesting editorial describing this fascination that we here in the states have with the royal family. With all the problems going on, this was our most important story? The writer attempted to answer why. He first wondered if we remember that we actually fought a revolution to get rid of the influence of that same ruling dynasty from across the pond, yet, he observed how Americans are captivated to the point of obsession regarding all things William and Kate. His theory is that we are grasping to find an escape whenever and wherever we can. This prince charming story makes for the fairy tale dreams most people had as kids. That's why children dress up and act out their heroes. That's why little girls dress up like a princess. Let's not even think about the video game world which is nothing more than role playing for kids from 1 to 99. When it comes down to it, most of us would rather enjoy a story that doesn't involve all the 'real world' issues that we have to face each and every day. After all, we can deal with all of that anytime but we'll be happy if something else exciting comes along to distract us so we can postpone dealing with it as long as we can.

Maybe even the news reporters get tired of the junk they have to deal with all the time. At the same time we all know that looking the other way doesn't change the hate, evil, and sadness being inflicted on those who are our neighbors and fellow citizens. We also are aware that as sojourners in a fallen world that we are not immune from troubles that are common to our humanity. They do live shots on the news where tragedies have occurred from the most exclusive of neighborhoods just like they do from the so called 'other side of the tracks'. We also don't have to look at others to find potential for wrongdoing. Without God's help we all would be operating on our base instincts, even as Jeremiah the Prophet said, "The human mind is more deceitful than anything else. It is incurably bad. Who can understand it?" (Jeremiah 17:9 from the NET Bible) We need a relationship with God and we need a constant contact with Him. We often sing a well recognized song during our hymn time on Wednesday evenings. "In The Garden" The chorus says a lot: "And He walks with me, and He talks with me, And He tells me I am His own; And the joy we share as we tarry there, None other has ever known." Amen.

Another work week has come and is now well on its way to being gone.We still have one more day within this week, Saturday, and then we get to start a brand new week with Lord's Day Sunday. This is how the calendar actually works and when we coordinate our thoughts around this layout, well, it makes everything else work better. Or, at least, that's what I have always found to be the case. While Monday is typically the first work day of the week for most people, it's always the second calendar day, therefore, we should get our brand new week started off with a bang and my advice is to do that by showing up at the place where folks actually honor the first day of the week (Resurrection Day) by honoring God and His Son alongside other like minded believers. I know that's not new since I have, over time, mentioned it enough for it to be sort of like a broken record. Young people today wouldn't catch the broken record metaphor but many of us well remember how that phonograph needle would hit that defect and repeat itself over and over. My reason for saying it as much as I have is because it has made a difference in my life. I feel like it could do the same for others as well. Okay. Have a great end of the week on Saturday and a wonderful first day of the week on Lord's Day Sunday, and I will try to be in my place on Monday, the second day of the new week with something to share. I'll try. Take care and may God bless each one. Amen.   ....More later.