Job speaking, "Who among all these does not know That the hand of the Lord has done this, In whose hand is the life of every living thing, And the breath of all mankind?" ~ Job Chapter 12, Verses 9-10

Hello and welcome. It's Monday, September 10, 2018, and I am happy to be able to greet one and all. If, and that is a big if, because no one knows what a day may bring, if I were to be able to complete another 106 blogs I will hit the 3,000th episode. That's a whole lot of stuff flung onto the electronic page. And, yes, I am aware that I ran out of material a long time ago, however, I take encouragement from the wise man Solomon who wrote, "That which has been is what will be, That which is done is what will be done, And there is nothing new under the sun." (Ecclesiastes 1:9) My point about 3,000 is how reaching it will give me another milestone reason to pause and consider the future of my blogging excursion. I did pause last month to think seriously about leaving the public workplace. I am, for crying out loud, 72 years young already. The wife and I talked forth and back about it. We agreed to continue thinking and praying about it. That means 72 is now in my rearview mirror and I continue the journey. I have also become the punch line for conversations that mention older workers. I walk up on a conversation and I'm not sure what they are talking about, but, one of them blurts out, "Hey, look at this guy, he's 72 and still going strong." I actually would take issue with how to define 'going strong' but I do thank God for the capabilities I still have. It's even worse when they use that same sentiment to point out me working as contrasted to a friend or family member who had some catastrophic health failure at age 70. I tell them that it is only by the grace of God. I know that to be the truth. Amen.

I will admit that I am not unpleased when folks identify me by my alter ego, 'The Jolly Old Elf'. However, I do get a wee bit uneasy when they touch the beard. I can typically see it coming, "Oh, I just love your Santa Claus white beard." Watch out. The hands are coming. I'm not talking about children here. They can handle my beard all they want. I know. And, you are right, it is an occupational hazard, and, yes, I am aware that it comes with the territory. I did finish the background checks for the wife and I. They ran it against all the crime and other relevant databases and didn't find anything for her or me for the past seven years. Thank God for the statute of limitations. (Joking only, don't call the cops. Thanks.) I also paid for an entertainer's liability insurance policy on the both of us. I've not purchased that before, but, many of the senior Santas who have been at this a long time advised me that not having it in today's world would be unthinkable. It's not cheap but it is a legitimate business expense, therefore, I will be sure to include it on my income tax statement. I am supposed to do some promotional shots soon and my first official scheduled appearance is set for the middle of October. While the wife was away the other evening, I watched the last half of the movie, 'Elf'. I don't know exactly why, because it is pretty dumb, but I laugh a lot when I watch that one. And, I am supposed to be jolly. Right?

We all know this quote from Elf is on target, "The best way to spread Christmas Cheer, is singing loud for all to hear." Several people have posted on Facebook some information about how putting up Christmas decorations early improve a person's psychological well being. I haven't checked it out but I know we always look forward to decorating our home. The song the wife and I sang at the special needs elderly care center has some Christmas themes embedded in it.

"I'm Glad I Know Who Jesus Is", Words and music by Geron Davis

Verse One: In a little town of Bethlehem so many years ago,
They told Him there was no room in the inn.
But they had no way of knowing Who they had turned away -
The Lamb of God Who would take away their sins.

Chorus

I'm glad I know Who Jesus is!
I'm glad I know Who Jesus is!
He's more than just a story;
He is the King of Glory.
I'm glad I know Who Jesus is.

Verse Two: So many people still today don't know who Jesus is;
They've never felt His peace within their souls.
But I want my life to show them how His love can set them free
He's the only One Who can cleanse and make me whole!

Chorus

I'm glad I know Who Jesus is!
I'm glad I know who Jesus is!
He's more than just a story;
He is the King of Glory.
I'm glad I know Who Jesus is.

Tag

He's the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End;
He's Counsellor, Deliverer to me.
He's the Everlasting Father; He is the King of Glory,
I'm glad I know Who Jesus is.

There are several recordings of that song out on YouTube. It has a good message, and, I'm thankful that I do know Who Jesus is. Amen. .....More later.