"In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity." - Sun Tzu (Military General, strategist, philosopher, 544 BC to 496 BC)

Top of the morning to all those who read today's edition. It is Friday, February 28, 2025, and, I thank God for me being able to climb the stairs to hunt and peck on the old computer keyboard this morning. I used the ancient quote for a title because we are in the midst of chaotic times as the newly elected administration attempts to implement its vision for our country. We've all heard the saying, 'You can't make an omelet without breaking some eggs.', and, I think we are seeing eggs being broken here and there as the status quo bureaucratic monster is being dealt with. The woe mongers are pulling out their hair and predicting end of life as we know it scenarios. The mainstream press enjoys promoting the naysayers. Bottom line: They hate Trump and everything he stands for, period. It continues to be what was previously called the Trump Derangement Syndrome. Sadly, their steady flow of negativity does have its impact. On some. The stuff I am reading and hearing about where we are throwing away billions on waste, fraud, and abuse, not to mention the cronyism where political friends are feeding at the trough of tax payer funds is enough to cause one to agree with Senator Kennedy from Louisiana, "Would someone pass me the sick bucket!" I have said all along the status quo bureaucracy has an almost impenetrable life of its own. Others have tried before to wrestle it in order to make positive change and improvement. Most have failed. Will this current effort fail? We will have to wait and see but I, for one, say keep up the fight. Sure, there will be mistakes made but last November this country said the outcome will be worth it! At the end of it all I am counting on this truth: "The Lord Almighty has sworn, "Surely, as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will happen."" (Isaiah 14:24) 

 

American humorist Jack Handey came up with this little ditty, "Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way when you criticize them, you are a mile away from them and you have their shoes." Being critical, criticizing others, well, it's one of humanity's favorite pastimes. I heard a commentator talking about the release of information pertaining to the Jeffrey Epstein saga. He said the reason so many want to see the names of everyone involved is because we all have an innate desire to see the mighty brought down. That's a major theme of many movies and TV shows. Seeing the powerful brought down and destroyed appeals to our psyche. I will admit I am drawn to a good Clint Eastwood or Charles Bronson settling the score film. This inclination can lead us to having a critical spirit and that can become a destructive force in one's life. This thinking can be a slippery slope. One thing I know to be true. A critical spirit is contagious, and, it can become fatal to a productive life. Fortunately, God has given us some insight into how we can deal with and overcome the destructive nature of a critical spirit. Here are some Bible verses for us all to ponder, as rendered in the English Standard Version, ESV:

 

Romans 2:1-3  "Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things. Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God?"

Matthew 7:1-5  "Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye."

Ephesians 4:32  "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."

Jeremiah 17:9  "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?"

James 4:6  "But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."

James 4:11 "Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge."

Ephesians 4:29 "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear."

Romans 7:18 "For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out."

2 John 1:9-11 "Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works."

Philippians 2:13 "For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure."

1 John 2:15 "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him."

Galatians 5:22-23 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

1 Corinthians 6:3 "Do you not know that we are to judge angels? How much more, then, matters pertaining to this life!"

Matthew 7:1 "Judge not, that you be not judged."

Galatians 5:16 "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh."

Romans 15:7 "Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God."

John 15:5 "I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."

Acts 17:11  "Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so."

Jude 1:3 "Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints."

Okay, that should be enough for today, for any day, therefore, have yourself a blessed day today, a great day on Saturday, and, a wonderful Lord's Day Sunday. And, may God add His blessings. Amen.

Throwback Thursday

Good morning class. It's good to know you showed up today. This day is a special day for us. It's our baby boy's 54th birthday. Wow! Happy Birthday Rodney! And, I've chosen to declare a Throwback Thursday edition here at the ole blogger ranch on this Thursday, February 27, 2025. The blog I copied is from nearly 10 years ago but I think it gives you an idea of what I was writing about back then. Hope you enjoy this little stroll down my version of a memory lane, ruts included. Enjoy!

 
 "Nigglywiggly" is the actual name of the little paper flag thingie on a Hershey's Kiss. ~ copied
 

Hello and welcome. Today is Monday, March 13, 2017, and it's our privilege to give it our best shot. That may be asking too much for some of us, but, it is a good way to face the day. We live in a world where information overload is the norm. We can only take in so much. Even so, we end up missing a whole lot of the details. Here's a few that you may or may not know. ~ Most American car horns honk in the key of F. ~ The name Wendy was made up for the book "Peter Pan." ~ Barbie's full name is Barbara Millicent Roberts. ~ Every time you lick a stamp, you consume 1/10 of a calorie. ~ The average person falls asleep in seven minutes. ~ Studies show that if a cat falls off the seventh floor of a building it has about thirty percent less chance of surviving than a cat that falls off the twentieth floor. It supposedly takes about eight floors for the cat to realize what is occurring, relax and correct itself. ~ Your stomach has to produce a new layer of mucus every 2 weeks, otherwise, it will digest itself. ~ The citrus soda 7-UP was created in 1929; '7' was selected after the original 7-ounce containers and 'UP' for the direction of the bubbles. ~ To escape the grip of a crocodile's jaws, push your thumbs into its eyeballs - it will let you go instantly. ~ Reindeer like to eat bananas. ~ No word in the English language rhymes with month, orange, silver, and purple. ~ Mel Blanc (the voice of Bugs Bunny) was allergic to carrots. ~ The electric chair was invented by a dentist. ~ The very first bomb dropped by the Allies on Berlin during World War II killed the only elephant in the Berlin Zoo. ~ More people are killed annually by donkeys than in airplane crashes.~ (Source: http://www.djtech.net/humor/useless_facts.htm) Be thankful that I stopped there. Believe it or not, there were 500 of them.

 

When it comes to Community Coffee, the Boy Scout motto applies: Be Prepared! If that has given you a headache I have something that will help. I've always found that a steaming hot and strong cup of Community Coffee is good for whatever ails you. I'm not a doomsayer, prepper, or one given to the survivalist mentality, however, I do believe in maintaining a robust inventory of on hand Community Coffee. Nothing dramatic. Just a couple of cases to tide me over. It's at this point that I usually say I am kidding, but, there's nothing to kid about when it comes to my Community. Well, maybe, there's something to kid about, but, not about having it ready and available for use. That's not to say there are not plenty of coffee jokes out there. ~ The not so bright young lady went to her eye doctor and told him that every time she drinks her coffee her eye starts hurting. He told her that she should try removing the stirrer before she drinks. ~ The only time a lawyer will make coffee is when they have sufficient grounds. ~ After two cups I realize that my life really is based on a true story. ~ My coffee habit is an act of mercy on any and all I come in contact with. ~ Most of these have a ring of truth, at least for those of us who love our coffee.

I need to do a word search on my accumulated blogs and find out the most used words. I know coffee will make the list, but, hopefully, there are many others used that carry much greater importance. Words like God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, the Bible, family, grace, and those that pertain to eternal life in heaven along with the power to live out a productive life in our sojourn here. One pastor presented his view as to the most important word in the Bible. After naming all the recognizable ones that any of us might think to be the most important, he gave his rationale for the word, 'with'. Here's a quote from his article, "God has made the first move. He has extended His hand in peace and said to us: 'I love you and I want to be with you, won't you come join me?' It's up to us to accept that open invitation." Pastor Chris Kirwin went on to show the use of the word 'with' in many verses, like its crucial use in the Gospel of John, Chapter 1, Verse 1, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." There was much more to his analysis. I'm not saying he is correct in his choice, however, I thought it was interesting, therefore, I chose to share it. I'm very glad that He created us to have fellowship with Him. What say you? Until next time, may the good Lord up above bless your little pea picking hearts. Amen. ....More later.

“The Word of God well understood and religiously obeyed is the shortest route to spiritual perfection. And we must not select a few favorite passages to the exclusion of others. Nothing less than a whole Bible can make a whole Christian.” – A.W. Tozer

 

Well hello there, my it seems like we visited only yesterday, right? That was a bad take off on the Willie Nelson song, 'Hello Walls' but let's see what we can do with this day, Wednesday, February 26, 2025. We see the above quotation, Jeremiah 29:11, on shirts, jackets, ball caps, bumper stickers, and, people generally use it to encourage others. This verse is often included in graduation recognitions and other milestone well wishing. Here's what the site Got.Questions.org says about the importance of context in accurately establishing truth: "It’s important to study Bible passages and stories within their context. Taking verses out of context leads to all kinds of error and misunderstanding. Understanding context begins with four principles: literal meaning (what it says), historical setting (the events of the story, to whom is it addressed, and how it was understood at that time), grammar (the immediate sentence and paragraph within which a word or phrase is found) and synthesis (comparing it with other parts of Scripture for a fuller meaning). Context is crucial to biblical exegesis in that it is one of its most important fundamentals. After we account for the literal, historical, and grammatical nature of a passage, we must then focus on the outline and structure of the book, then the chapter, then the paragraph. All of these things refer to "context." I dare say that many if not most of those who embrace 29:11 as a universal truth have ever read the chapter itself along with the surrounding chapters to get the context. I am not the wild Bible guy telling everyone to get off my lawn. I don't go around asking people to please not display this verse. My point is to say this about it. Check it out. Study it. Find the context of when and why God through the Prophet uttered these words. I can tell you this without hesitation. Not everyone who heard these words received a hope and a future. Some received the tragic end of their lives. Example: Jeremiah 29:29-32,  Zephaniah the priest read the letter to Jeremiah the prophet. Then this message from the Lord came to Jeremiah: “Jeremiah, send this message to all the captives in Babylon: ‘This is what the Lord says about Shemaiah, the man from the Nehelam family: Shemaiah has spoken to you, but I didn’t send him. He has made you believe a lie. Because Shemaiah has done that, this is what the Lord says: I will soon punish Shemaiah, the man from the Nehelam family. I will completely destroy his family, and he will not share in the good things I will do for my people.’” This message is from the Lord. “‘I will punish Shemaiah because he has taught the people to turn against the Lord.’” Check it out. I prefer Romans 8:28 to indicate God's favor, "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." It too necessitates a study of Chapter 8 to gain a full appreciation for its application. Okay. That type of thing is more of a pet peeve to me than something more serious. Don't throw your t-shirt away but study, pray over, and discover the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

 

I promise I did not get up on the wrong side of the bed today. And, if you think I am complaining you miss my point entirely. Is there any sense in which 29:11 might apply? I think we could say it does fit the application of Romans 8:28 since that verse applies to those who love God and are the called according to His purpose. In that sense, God does have plans for His own. But, it does not apply universally. Those who love God and are the called according to His purpose are the recipients of this promise and I add the truth about all things. It does not mean that all things will be good things as we define good, but, each and every iota of each and every thing for those who love God and are the called according to His purpose works together for good. I read just this week the heartbreaking post from a dad whose missionary daughter and son-in-law were murdered by gangs in the country where they were proclaiming the Gospel, Haiti. That was not a good thing as I see it, but, it was an all thing and it did work together for good in their testimony for Jesus and the fact they are in His presence now. Do I understand all of that? Not really but I believe 8:28 underpins even their tragic deaths. I have no idea how any of this came up on my radar today. And, I will be the first to admit that I have not always been right about my way of seeing things, not in the past, not in the present, and if history can be used to predict, well, I will likely not always be right in the future time continuum. But, that's enough for today. If I continue I will likely have a headache. Just joking. Y'all along with me can busy ourselves in focusing our efforts on loving God and in being the called according to His purpose. Get it? Have a great one and may God add His blessings. Amen.  

"I would not know how I am supposed to feel about many stories if not for the fact that the TV news personalities make sad faces for sad stories and happy faces for happy stories." - Dave Barry

Good morning blog readers who do so intentionally and to the others who accidentally, (or providentially), land on my blog, well, I bid each one a good day because it is the one that God has made, this one is identified as Tuesday, February 25, 2025.  Our pastor has been admonishing our congregation to curtail the amount of time spent watching news outlets on all kinds of media devices. Why? In his way of seeing it, watching too much will turn one into something of a crazed zombie and more importantly it takes us away from focusing on the true Source of all Truth as found in the pages of God's Holy Word. I will confess that I do like to stay informed, but, I have found, at least for me, it's best to limit my intake even from those that tend to see the political world in the way I do. That's right. Our pastor, who is our faith leader, also mentioned how those in power who got there with our vote still need the Lord just like we do. We are given clear instruction in The Scriptures on how we are to pray for those in power. 1st Timothy 2:1-2. "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people — for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness." Romans 13:1 "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God." Proverbs 21:1 "The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will." Colossians 1:16–17 "For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together." Many years ago I remember teaching on this subject as we encountered it in our verse by verse Bible study. A fellow in our class was vehemently opposed to the administration in office at that time. I mentioned that Rome was in control when Paul instructed Timothy to pray for those in authority. That was too much for that fellow. He stormed out and didn't return. Okay. Here's my closing thought on this subject. I will do so with some of the lyrics from a song published in 1901, 'This is my Father's world', lyrics by Maltie B. Babcock, music by Terra Beatta:

 

This is my Father's world:
O let me ne'er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong,
God is the Ruler yet.
This is my Father's world:
Why should my heart be sad?
The Lord is King: let the heavens ring!
God reigns; let earth be glad! 

 

I was thinking the other day how much our conversations change as we age. It's a natural progression as life changes the subjects being covered. One of the things I've noticed about old people conversations is how they tend to be long winded, especially if where I was born, my first job, family background, kids, grand kids, great grands, and, even more crucial, health related issues are being covered. I do not speak that about others. I speak for myself. I see the look I get from that lady across the room. That look simply says this: You have talked enough, give someone else a chance. She knows me best and most of the time she is right. Not all the time. In fact, I could tell you some real doozies about some of her shenanigans, but, alas, I neither have the nerve nor the permission to do so. Just joking. Mostly. She and I used to watch a TV series on British television about a notable barrister, (lawyer), 'Rumpole of the Bailey'. Rumpole's wife was named Hilda but under is breath he called her She-Who-Must-Be-Obeyed. I think I've said enough to give you a clue about how the trick is done. Right? Again, just joking. Mostly. Why not laugh? It will do you good! Yes! Even Laugh Out Loud, (LOL)! For heaven's sake, it's about time. Know for sure I am talking about wholesome laughter, certainly not the crass laughter from the world. "A merry heart does good like a medicine: but a broken spirit dries the bones."(Proverbs 17:2) Since some of us still have trouble using our cellular phone, I will leave y'all with some handy helpful hints to improve your texting prowess. Enjoy. And, never forget, the very breath in our body is in His control, therefore, let's rise and shine and give Him the glory. Amen.

 

FWIW: Forgot Where I Was

BTW: Bring The Wheelchair

ROFL... CGU: Rolling On The Floor Laughing... And Can't Get Up

LOL: Living On Lipitor

OMG: Oh, My Grandchildren!

IMHO: Is My Hearing-Aid On?

BYOT: Bring Your Own Teeth

FYI: For Your Indigestion...

TTYL: Talk To You Louder

LMDO: Laughing My Dentures Out

LWO: Lawrence Welk's On

"It's easy to look at the things of this world to solve our challenges and obstacles in life, but when we submit our lives to Christ, His grace, mercy, peace and love will bring true fulfillment to our lives." - Bethany Hamilton, (Young surfer who lost her arm to a shark attack.)

Welcome back. Today is Monday, February 24, 2025, and, I hope it finds you and yours doing well. That's somewhat of a loaded greeting in that most if not all of us have some burdens that are concerning. That, my friend, is called life in a fallen world. And, it is precisely why we need the grace of God to help us to make it. This is the point of the Apostle Paul's testimony as recorded in his 2nd letter to the local assembly meeting in Corinth, Greece. He was talking about significant personal challenges in his life and how God had responded, "And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (2nd Corinthians 12, Verses 7-10) I know what you are thinking. How? Because I am me and I respond the same way. Well, that's the Apostle Paul, and, after all is said and done he was one special man of God. Listen. In that same passage we find him petitioning the Lord to remove this thorn that hindered him. He pleaded. God knew what was best for Paul. God knows what is best for you and for me. And, as the caption reads in the photo above, if I need to be humbled, I always have the wife to give me hug.

 

I typically publish the photo of me and the boys during rodeo season. We only attended the big show in Houston one time. I was always given tickets because of my job but I usually passed them on to others. We and another Church family did use tickets when our boys were young to go to the rodeo and a Charley Pride country music concert. I think it was on a Sunday afternoon. One reason I didn't take advantage of many of the free tickets was how so many of them were to games and other venues that were on weekday evenings. Right or wrong, I worked hard, often 12 or more hours a day, and the thought of going to the Dome or some other event did not appeal to me. I was usually up between 4 - 4:30 a.m. every day and at work by 6 a.m., two hours before the regular folks were required to be there. I'm not bragging about it and if I had it to do over I would have changed some of that schedule so that I could spend more time with my family. More balance. Thankfully, I had, and still have, a wife who willingly took up the slack. Not saying it should have been that way, just sharing how it went for us for many years. Yep. Some called me a workaholic. I never agreed to that. To be honest, in my own mind I did what I had to do to keep up with the huge responsibilities I carried. Cop out? Guilty to some extent but with explanation. However, I think rather than make further excuses I had better plead the 5th or drink one. That is a joke. I hope you know that. If only.... That dwelling on yesterday may serve some purpose but we must forage ahead with the life in the here and now, the one God has granted to us. Today! So. Make that visit. Call that person. Seek God's direction. And, do what He leads because He really does know best. Amen.

 

I do hope you have a wonderful day and if you run out of things to do, you can always say a prayer for me because no one knows better the truth in that old song, "It's me, it's me, it's me oh Lord standing in the need of prayer." (Most likely a Black Gospel song originating from back in the early 1900's if not earlier.) As you can tell, I didn't have anything to say today but, surprise, surprise, I ended up saying something anyway. Until next time, may God add His blessings to one and all. (and, to all a good night!) Amen.

“Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.”- Albert Einstein

Today is Friday, February 20, 2025, and I bid you a God blessed hello from my station here to wherever you happen to be. I had my six month appointment with my podiatrist this morning. I may be in the minority but I actually enjoy the doctors who help to take care of my health. Today's visit was just a regular check of my feet because I do have early stage diabetic induced neuropathy. This doctor, as usual, was very cheerful. He likes to kid. He checked my feet pulses. All good. Most of the time he ends up telling me how much better off I am compared to some of his other patients. He didn't today. He asked about my recent bout with gout. I told him it was no longer a problem but I would likely be taking the medications for the rest of my life. I mentioned how at first when they said the rest of my life, it sounded ominous. But, when I thought about it. Well, I'm going on 79 so the rest of my life is not as big a deal as it once was. Hearing this, he laughed and said, "Mr. Abbott, you are something else." Not exactly sure what that means but it almost sounded complimentary. I remember when I first started seeing him I mentioned that I thought it would be useful to do as much as I can to stave off any chopping off of my toes. He responded, "Let me tell you this. I've removed quite a few toes in my time and for the most part, the patients have done very well." He along with the other specialists usually hit me with the diet, exercise, and healthy living speech. I am blessed to have had a good long run as a diabetic. My diabetes is typically classified as being well controlled. I thought I could beat it altogether way back when I became one, but, alas, that was not to be, therefore, I am thankful for God's provision in this situation. A few weeks ago I had a follow up with my pulmonologist and upon seeing I had lost 25 pounds he told me I was now the skinniest Santa Claus he had ever treated. He got a big laugh out of that one. He may have even said, "Ho, Ho, Ho." I think it best that he concentrate more on his day job. Right?

 

A memory popped up. The one and only Sir Bentley Barksalot, Esq. (2018 -2023)

At this time in my sojourn I typically see my primary care and four other specialists to help keep me going. Growing up, we saw a doctor. That's right. A doctor. It was much later in life that I began to hear the word specialist used. I'm not saying they were not around, it just wasn't on our radar screen at the time. For many years we saw the one doctor in the little village where we lived. We saw him until he retired. He often gave out the medication we needed at his office. He had been there a long time. He helped deliver some of my uncles and aunts. If we were bedridden with the flu he would come to our home to check on us. When he retired we had to find our medical care in a nearby town. Today, I have a great primary care physician but he will quickly hand off any issue that might require the consultation of a specialist. That is part of how the system works. And, that's why us older folks spend a lot of our time to and from appointments, tests, and procedures. I thought you might want to know that. Maybe not.

 

Yesterday we had an old people's gathering at our local assembly. We are now designated as Legacy. That replaces Sr. Adult. We gathered to eat, fellowship, and, to play Bingo. I did some eating. I did some fellowshipping. I did not play Bingo. We have a lady in our family who is a devout Catholic. I started to call her and ask if she had any Bingo tips for a Baptist gathering. She would have thought that to be funny because she has a great sense of humor. It was a really good time for the 100 plus of us who ventured out in the below freezing weather to be together. That's our table in the photo. I was an onlooker as the rest of the folks were keeping a close watch on where to put the next dried bean onto the Bingo card. I enjoyed watching them play. Here's the truth. Looking around that room I was struck by the sheer volume of wisdom represented. Lots of white hair on display. Lots of experience in those who for so many years have walked with the Lord. The guy sitting across from me is a fellow diabetic so we had plenty to talk about. He and his wife were previously in a bible study class I helped teach. Covid hit and we lost a number of our older members. The classes were reorganized and I now help to teach a different class, but, we are all still connected as part of the family. God's family. That's right, we are brothers and sisters in Christ. That relationship is the common denominator that allows us to enjoy our time together. Thanks be to God for our local assembly and the opportunity to love and be loved by His family. And, a special thanks to the Church staff for all the planning and coordination that made this event so special. The wife's dad was a preacher man and he often said this, "Now here's the thing." Quoting him, I tell you, here's the thing: Y'all have a great Saturday and Lord's Day Sunday and may God add His blessings. Amen.

"God answers our prayers not because we are good, but because He is good." - Aiden Wilson Tozer

Good morning and welcome to another beautiful day in the blogosphere neighborhood, this one checks in on February 20, 2025. When we pray about something specific and God answers in a remarkable way, what is it about us that begins to wonder how this happened? Sometimes, instead of immediately falling on our knees and thanking God we begin to rationalize how it may have come about. Coincidental? Other factors? Natural forces at work? The Christian singer from South Africa, Bobby Michaels once shared his experiences in this area while at a concert at the Church where we were members. He said he prayed at times and things happened as a result which taught him to always say first: "Could it be God?" He often prayed to have someone come in contact with him so that he could help them spiritually, sharing his faith, and sharing the good news about Jesus the Christ. Many times people did come into his life in unusual ways and he came to understand they did so as a direct answer to his prayers where God providentially worked. God is sovereign and He can work in any way He sees fit. When we pray and He responds, may we always give Him the honor and glory for doing so. In fact, we should be thanking Him in all things for this is His will through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (1st Thesssalonians 5:18, "Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." as rendered in the Berean Study Bible.) For me, well, I often find myself like the fellow recorded in the Gospel of Mark, Chapter 9:23-24, "Jesus said to him, 'If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.' Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, 'Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!'"

As you can see, I'm basically still operating like the Joel Hemphill song: 

He's still working on me
To make me what I need to be
It took him just a week to make the moon and stars
The sun and the earth and Jupiter and Mars
How loving and patient He must be
'Cause He's still workin' on me

 

There really ought to be a sign upon my heart
Don't judge him yet, there's an unfinished part
But I'll be better just according to His plan
Fashioned by the Master's loving hands

 

He's still working on me
To make me what I need to be
It took him just a week to make the moon and stars
The sun and the earth and Jupiter and Mars
How loving and patient He must be
'Cause He's still workin' on me

 

In the mirror of His word
Reflections that I see
Makes me wonder why He never gave up on me
But He loves me as I am and helps me when I pray
Remember He's the potter, I'm the clay

 

He's still working on me
To make me what I need to be
It took him just a week to make the moon and stars
The sun and the earth and Jupiter and Mars
How loving and patient He must be
'Cause He's still workin' on me

 

Now you know. I am most definitely a work in progress. How about you? Until next time, may God add His blessings to one and all. Amen. 

Dr. Seuss - “The sun did not shine. It was too wet to play. So we sat in the house. All that cold, cold, wet day.”

Good morning. I am coming to you this morning live and in person on this Wednesday, February 19, 2025. I quickly add it was live and in person when I sat down at the keyboard at 9:22 a.m., here in the US Central Time Zone. Well, well, I had mentioned earlier that I hoped the weather folks would miss their cold weather projected for the next few days at least by a wee margin. However, I've been out in the weather this morning checking our outside pipes and believe me, with the wind whipping it up between 15-20 mph along with the 33 degree temperature, well, the feels like was in the low 20's. It didn't take me long. My grandfather used to like a little ditty that gave this illustration. A fellow was with a group touring a plant where they made horseshoes. The guide told them whatever they did they should not even think about touching one of the horseshoes because they typically were dangerously hot while they were being worked on. One fellow couldn't resist. He picked one up and immediately threw it down. The guide hollered at him, reminding him of the danger. The fellow laughed it off stubbornly and announced how it just doesn't take him that long to look at a horseshoe. Well, friends, it didn't take me long to get hold of our outside pipes, make some alterations on the insulation, and get back into the house. Okay. I admit it. I no longer can handle the cold like I did many years ago. When I was a teen a handful of us boys decided to do some cold weather camping and fishing on one of the area lakes. It was in January. We put out trot lines and would run them now and then to see if we had caught any. On one trip the boat crew began daring each other to see who would go in for a swim. It was windy and cold. I couldn't stand it, so, I stripped down to my undies and dove in. No one came with me. I swam around for a few minutes acting like it was great. To tell the truth, I was freezing. It actually took my breath away. Today I need a nebulizer just to tell the story. 

We do have to get out in the cold tonight. The wife and I both sing in the choir at our local assembly, (Mims Baptist, Conroe, TX), and tonight we will be a part of a worship gathering which will include a concert by a group called Shane and Shane. Our choir along with two other choirs from other churches will be in the choir loft with an estimated 150 voices. The audience will include some 150 worship pastors and/or leaders who are in town for a worship conference. Our goal is to lead ourselves and others into a recognition of God and in doing so we would offer up to Him deserved worship and adoration. Back in the day I could sing a little. Today, I often wonder if I can sing a lick, but, I can do what I can do, hopefully, for the honor and glory of God. If you are in the area you might think about joining us. You will need a ticket for the concert to get in. You can get one by going to the Mims Church website. They will send you a link for an email and after you pay you will get one of those scan thingies with a barcode for them to check at the door. Do what? That's where we are folks. No paper tickets anymore, just a barcode in an email to demonstrate you have paid for your ticket. Well, I never. I'm kind of glad some of the preacher folk I grew up around are not here to see it. They would likely think it has something to do with the mark of the beast, the antichrist, or something of that sort. I didn't say it didn't but for now I've got mine somewhere on my phone, hopefully, ready to scan for tonight.

 

My wife groaned this morning when she announced we were beginning in our daily Bible readings in the Book of Leviticus. I've heard the late Dr. Adrian Rogers threaten his congregation with doing a series from Leviticus if they didn't pay better attention. He was joking. The reason this book is thought of in this way has to do with its emphasis on a large number of detailed, seemingly archaic laws regarding ritual purity, animal sacrifices, and dietary restrictions, which can appear strange and outdated to modern readers, especially when considering the context of contemporary morality and social norms; many find it difficult to relate to and understand the practices described within the book, leading to perceptions of it as overly complex and restrictive. All of that is true but the essence of the book shows forth God's desire to have a relationship with His chosen people and how they must respond in order to meet with Him. This should inform each of us what the ultimate sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ is all about. It was to bring us into right relationship with God. Here's the inspired explanation as given through the Apostle Paul, writing in Romans, Chapter 3, Verses 21-26: "But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus." Now those are some powerful truths right there. I may not comprehend it all, but, thanks be to God I can apprehend it by faith. Amen. See you next time, Lord willing.

" If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and a man." - Mark Twain

Good morning blog readers. I bid you welcome to my version of this, that, and the other on this Tuesday, February 18, 2025.  I am playing catch up with photos of our new pup, Lil Miss Biscuit. Nearly every day I get one of Sir Bentley that pops up as a memory. I must have made hundreds of that little dude during his five years before he passed away. What can I say about Biscuit? She can not be compared to Bentley because she is who she is, a whirlwind with tornadic tendencies. She loves to play fetch, can jump high, and wants to love on anyone who will let her. She goes crazy when someone comes in, starts flipping over, jumping up and down, and, if we let her get to them she will smother them with a lick saturated welcome. We got Biscuit while I was still trying to get over losing Bentley. She didn't know what huge paws she was stepping into, but, that was unfair. After all, she was only 5 weeks old when she came to live with us. Given the fact she was part Shi Tzu, we thought she would be a lot like Bentley. She is not. She will not be because she is Biscuit through and through. Next month she will be coming up on her first birthday. The experts say her first year will equal 10-15 years compared to humans depending on size and breed. She is small, therefore, she should be on the lower end, but, at the end of it all, she's Biscuit and we, (mostly yours truly), has grown to love her more and more as time goes by. 

 

This past Sunday afternoon I went with some other folks from our local assembly to visit in a nearby subdivision to give invites to our Church. It had been a while for me. We took warm pizzas with us to hand out. My little group had twenty six homes to visit. We did visit, but, as with the trend in our world today, not with much success. Some didn't want our pizzas or whatever it was we had to say. The Ring technology makes it much easier for folks to dismiss you off the front porch of their property.  Sometimes it is programmed to say that you should be aware you are being filmed. Others are home but chose to ignore. We left a Resurrection Day invite, Easter, and a Gospel tract in their door handles. We took 26 pizzas with us and came back with about half of them. However, praise the Lord, we did find some who were willing to visit and they welcomed the pizza and the invitation. One old missionary saying stuck in my mind, "You can never take the Gospel to the wrong address." I believe that because it is God who is at work and He can use any and all means to draw people to Himself. The group I was with had a great time of fellowship with each other as we went door knocking together. May God use our puny effort to work His will is my prayer. Amen. 

If you read my blogs you will have likely not heard the last of Lil Miss Biscuit. She has somewhat of a dominating trait that makes her presence known. And, since we are old people, we are here with her for many waking hours on most days. She can hardly stand it for us to get ready for Church. She knows we will be leaving. We are blessed to have our son Jimmy to watch over her while we are gone. But, when you see her photo or an article about her, if that doesn't suit you, you can just say no. That's the good thing about blog reading. You don't have to. Meanwhile, I will close out for today with a prayer that each one will pause and remember to remember the blessings God has provided, and, in so doing we will give Him the praise and glory. Amen.

"The Bermuda Triangle got tired of warm weather. It moved to Alaska. Now Santa Claus is missing." - Steven Wright

Welcome back. It's Monday, February 17, 2025, and I bid you a warm welcome on this almost cold morning here in Southeast Texas. We are supposed to have some really cold weather later in the week but I'm counting on the forecasters to be wrong. Again. It's okay for them to be wrong especially when we avoid serious weather threats. That happened to us this past weekend where they had predicted serious storms for our area but the weather front moved north and east of us, thankfully. That system did do a lot of damage including the deaths of a number of folks. We made a turnaround trip over to Louisiana Saturday to attend the Homegoing Celebration of a former neighbor, a friend, a man of God, and an all around sweetheart of a person, Billy Bush. He was 92 years young. His family actually lived next door to us in the small village where I was mostly reared. This means I had known him for over 70 years and he and his family, our neighbors, were more like family. Really. At any rate we attended the service in the sanctuary of the Church meeting place where the wife and I started out our dating time beginning in 1962. Lots of memories. Many of the children of the folks who've gone on to their reward actually look like their parents because they sit in roughly the same area and they do favor them. Lots of memories, indeed! The service was great. Jesus was the main focus since that was Bro. Billy's focus as a teacher of God's Word since 1958. I had a chance to visit briefly with a fellow I played baseball with back in the early 1960's. He was known for being one of the hardest throwers around. He could be wild at times but he was good. I asked him if he remembered that game we played against Rosepine. Yep, he did. I asked if he remembered surprising me as the third baseman with a pick-off play that he had never done and I didn't see it coming. Yep, he did. In fact, he said that player from Rosepine was likely still running today. We had a good laugh. It was a game losing play on my part since I didn't see the ball coming and it sailed into the woods. We both remembered it, more than 60 years ago. See our our minds work. There were wonderful wins and plays galore, but, I am hard pressed to remember those, but, that mistake, that error, the bad play, still haunts me to this day. The wife and I spent about seven hours on the road but we enjoyed our visit and she and I got to spend some time walking down memory lane as we recalled those 'old days' in our lives. I didn't say the good old days since they were not all good and we actually only have today to do something of value on behalf of our Lord and our family. Amen.

 

One of the things that really stirs the emotions is when they sing the same songs in the same way from way back then. They had a choir made up of anyone who wanted to get up there. Most of them grew up learning to sing parts so they made a joyful noise to the Lord. The song that really took me back was the one I used to hear on Saturday evenings where I attended services primarily to see my honey, 'Glad Reunion Day', written by Adger M. Pace, released in 1940. Here are some of the lyrics:

 

 [Verse 1]
There will be a happy meeting in Heaven, I know
When we see the many loved ones we've known here below
Gathered on the blessed hilltops with hearts all aglow
That'll be a glad reunion day

[Chorus]
A glad day, a wonderful day
Glad day, a glorious day
There with all the holy angels and loved ones to stay
That'll be a glad reunion day

[Verse 2]
When we live a million years in that wonderful place
Basking in the love of Jesus, beholding His face
It'll seem but just a moment of praising God's grace
That'll be a glad reunion day

[Chorus]
A glad day, a wonderful day
Glad day, a glorious day
There with all the holy angels and loved ones to stay
That'll be a glad reunion day

 

Wow! What a thought! In the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 13, we read,  Verse 29) "People will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God." In the Book of the Revelation, Chapter 7, Verse 9 we get this insight, "After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands....." Makes me want to go there, how about you? Until next time, may God add His blessings.

"Doubt thou the stars are fire, Doubt that the sun doth move. Doubt truth to be a liar, But never doubt I love." - Quote William Shakespeare

Happy Valentines Day y'all on this February 14, 2025. Today is dedicated to love, especially with an emphasis on romantic love. It was the summer of 1962 when my wife had actually visited in my home before I ever met her. I was 15 at the time. She and some other girls came over to visit with my sister, JoAnn. They were all participating in a gospel singing school at a nearby Church and I came into the house and passed by them all sitting at the kitchen table. I didn't notice any of them and kept walking. Later on that same afternoon one of the local guys asked if I wanted to go out to Oak Grove Church to the singing school. I had just returned from working for my uncle in Florida and singing school was not anywhere on my agenda. They persisted. They told me I didn't have to do any singing and there were a lot of good looking girls attending. Good looking girls. Now that was a revelation that got my attention. We did go to the singing school and there were good looking girls there, especially one I noticed. When the program ended a bunch of the girls headed out. There were four or five of them crammed into a school-bus-yellow and white Chevy pickup. It was driven by Beverly. We still know her today. In the country we don't have a lot of entertainment and I think they went to the drive in for cokes. We followed. When they left we left and followed them. I was riding in a pickup driven by Charles Miller. We finally ran them down and they stopped near the artesian well. We got out. They stayed in the truck. I meandered up to the passenger side door and guess who was pressed up against the door. None other than that same cute girl I had noticed at the singing school. I got closer. Suddenly, we were face to face. Bam! I do not know what song went to playing but it had a lot of bells in it and I was struck and smitten all at the same time. Okay, that's my story and at this late date I have no choice but to stick with it because first and foremost it's the truth and secondly I still live with the other half of that visit to the truck door, some 62 and 1/2 years later. Our lives together has not been a tip toe through the tulips and we've had our ups, downs, joy and our share of sorrow. However, I couldn't be more thankful for the wife of my youth and how, only by the grace of God, we are still doing life together. Over the years I've had young married fellows ask me what they should do to improve their marriage and to make their wives respect and love them more. The only thing I could tell them is this. First, you can only do what God wants you to do and to be. That involves hearing and responding to this inspired admonition, Ephesians 5:25, "And you husbands, show the same kind of love to your wives as Christ showed to the Church when he died for her..." Invariably, they would say, but what about her? Yep, there's the verse that tells her to submit as unto the Lord, but, the husband can't be the wife, he can only do his part and when he does it will offer the best condition for her to respond in kind. Okay, that's enough of what I have learned and believe me when I say I'm still working on it, with God's help. 

 

Notice how I am sticking to my commitment to make this shorter. I believe she was thinking words. I was thinking paragraphs. I would be remiss not to share what true love as demonstrated in the Bible is all about. It's briefly explained in this one response from Jesus Himself,  "For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son so that anyone who believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16) It was love that was both undeserved and sacrificial as proven by Jesus on The Cross. Whatever your needs are today, whatever your situation, the issues and challenges, bring them all to Jesus. Allow Him to show you what true love is all about. And with that I bid you a farewell for now. See you next time, Lord willing, and the Creeks, (perhaps the Creek Indian Nation) don't rise. May God add His blessings. Amen.

“Love doesn’t make the world go ’round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile.” — Franklin P. Jones

Good morning and welcome. It's Thursday, Valentines Day eve, February 13, 2025, and, I am off and running fueled by some good ole strong Community Coffee. How about you? I mentioned the Valentines Day recognition because US consumers are projected to spend a record $27.5 billion to celebrate love. I don't know about you but that sounds like a lot to me. Throughout the years I confess to have spent a few bucks to recognize the woman I love. Today, we mostly talk about which restaurant we might go to, early, of course. Early. That's right folks, like maybe 4:30  to 5 pm, something like that. Choosing a place becomes quite difficult because to be honest, we eat out pretty often. In earlier days eating out was more special since our budget didn't allow it so often. It may not allow it today but at our age we just do it. I can go on record to say this about that. I am married to a gal who can cook, period. Therefore, I always prefer eating at home, but, she is a busy lady, going here and there, doing this and that, so, it works out better for us to get an early supper now and then in a variety of eateries. We almost always go for lunch after attending services at our local called out assembly, (Mims Baptist Church, Conroe, TX), and that's when the fun begins. "Where would you like to go?" Response: "I always decide, why don't you choose today." "No, I can't think of anywhere, so you choose." Response: "You always do this to me. Okay, let's do Chinese today." "If that's what you want, couldn't you think of something else?" Response: "This is what I am talking about. You always do this, so, why don't you choose since you didn't really like my suggestion." "Now that I think about it, I believe Chinese will be fine." We are at it again in trying to choose a place for our Valentines Day meal. Nothing decided yet, but, I'm sure it will become known soon.

 

I notice in those who suffer from dementia how they can remember far back but not so much in the here and now. I knew a man who lived to be over 100 years old who could tell me what he paid for lumber and nails back in the 1920's, but, as he continued to drive well into his 90's he might just have a procession behind him 2 miles long since his top speed was maybe 35 miles per hour. He once told me how surprised he was to find out it was illegal to go through a winking red light. I know some people who have pretty much made it their approach to life in forgetting as much as they can about their early days. Not me. I was privileged to grow up in a small town, or village, in Louisiana, and, I remember many of the days I spent there. I haven't lived there in over 55 years but I remember the shenanigans, the people, my family and friends, and how it all helped shape my life today. I still have some really good stuff blocked because of the sudden unexpected death of my dad in 1954. I occasionally can grab hold of something here and there but we all took his passing very hard. Our mom and the six of us children moved from Port Arthur, Texas, to the little village of Hornbeck, Louisiana, population then was around 400. Talk about culture shock! I've written a lot about it over the years but I'll paint this little picture for you. I was a 3rd grader. Needless to say, boys in Hornbeck did not wear short pants to school. The reception I received sent me home crying for some blue jeans. I got over it. Over it. Over it. At any rate, the thing that really made the difference was the love shown to us by those in that little village. Since everyone there knows everyone's business, it was clear that we were pitiful. My mom was widowed at 31, with six children in tow. I say love because the folks there helped us as best they could without us knowing they were helping us. It was years later that it became clear how blessed I was to be surrounded by such caring generosity. Others, even those I grew up with left as soon as they could and continue today to say how they never want to see it again. Not me! I thank God that He took care of us during a critical time in our lives and He used common, ordinary people in a tiny little town to be His hands and feet. I went often over to the old home place while my mom and stepdad were still living, but, alas, I go now for special occasions, mostly funerals. Yet, I am still thankful. Yep. Still. Amen and Amen.

"Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the Lord our God." - Psalm 20, Verse 7

Lil Miss Biscuit, yesterday, with a little help from an AI program.

Good morning blog readers here, there, and wherever. It is Wednesday, February 12, 2025, and I do bid each one a God blessed day. We are living in some really interesting days, don't you think? Our pastor mentioned this past Sunday how so many seem to have catapulted the newly elected administration to a position of supremacy, counting on it to solve all the problems we face each day. I voted for the change. And, I did so based on the alternatives and how I weighed them. That does not mean I blindly believe that any political party or individual politician can make things right in our land or in our world. Only God. A pastor friend posted this passage early this morning and it reminded me of the truth of God's Sovereignty: "It is I who by my great power and my outstretched arm have made the earth, with the men and animals that are on the earth, and I give it to whomever it seems right to me. Now I have given all these lands into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, my servant, and I have given him also the beasts of the field to serve him. All the nations shall serve him and his son and his grandson, until the time of his own land comes. Then many nations and great kings shall make him their slave. But if any nation or kingdom will not serve this Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and put its neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon, I will punish that nation with the sword, with famine, and with pestilence, declares the Lord, until I have consumed it by his hand. So do not listen to your prophets, your diviners, your dreamers, your fortune-tellers, or your sorcerers, who are saying to you, ‘You shall not serve the king of Babylon.’ For it is a lie that they are prophesying to you, with the result that you will be removed far from your land, and I will drive you out, and you will perish. But any nation that will bring its neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon and serve him, I will leave on its own land, to work it and dwell there, declares the Lord." (Jeremiah‬ ‭27‬:‭5‬-‭11‬) Hey! You can believe whatever it is you want to, just like those who doubted God's providential working in Jeremiah's day, however, that doesn't change the truth one iota. Our God is the one we choose to trust, worship, and with His help, to obey. He's got this. Both now and forever. You can count on it! Romans 8:28 "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Amen.

 

I could say more on that subject but I hope you get my drift. I do my blogs in my upstairs home office. We've been in this house since 1984. Time has made a difference. I used to run up the stairs and bound down them. I used to run up and down with a grandchild in my arms. I didn't say it was a smart thing to do but they loved it. The boys and I used to wrestle around on the floor. The wife would always warn there had better not be anyone who ends up crying. There was always someone who ended up crying. As for the steps, today I used the handrail and watch each step. Sometimes when I am out walking the dog I make up my mind to walk like I did twenty years ago, stepping high and at a good clip. That never works out very well. Those hips that are rubbing bone on bone, well, they don't care for those kinds of shenanigans. Not one bit! Yes. I am aware we can do things to make aging less taxing, however, to a great extent it works that way for us all. Oh yeah. While I may have run down the stairs with a grand in my arms, today, I pickup one of the great grands and make sure I have good footing. The closing lyrics from the Alan Jackson song, 'The Older I Get', pretty much sums it up for me:

 

"The older I get
The longer I pray
I don't know why, I guess that I've
Got more to say
And the older I get
The more thankful I feel
For the life I've had and all the life I'm living still"

 

Here in the US Central Time Zone, it's approaching 10:30 a.m., therefore, I wish each and everyone to have a day where you might just pause, look up, and give God thanks for all He has done, what He is doing, and what He will do for us in the future. See you next time and may God add His blessings. Amen.

"My doctor told me to stop having intimate dinners for four. Unless there are three other people." - Orson Welles

Well, hello there, it's good to be back playing some tunes on my computer keyboard today. It is Tuesday, February 11, 2025, and, I bid each one a hearty hello from my place to wherever you happen to be. God is good. God is great. And, I do thank Him for even the next heartbeat since He is in control. Amen! I am a long term Type 2 diabetic which came calling nearly 25 years ago. Better put, that's when I discovered I am one. One of those God things. I went in to have my shoulder checked after injuring it loading up our car to be towed from Louisiana back to our home place here in The Woodlands, Texas area. (transmission gave up the ghost.) Shoulder check. Strained. Meanwhile, the doc said let's do a physical since I had not had one in a long time. We did. Bam! I wasn't a diabetic with training wheels, I was full blown. No way. Can't be. At any rate, here I am, all these years later still thanking God for the doctor who talked me into a physical. Yep. It did radically change my life. Finger pricks, medication, and, on and off again weight management. Recently, I tried to lose some again and it has helped. I'm talking about being down between 20-25 pounds depending on the week I weigh. I am still around 5 pounds short of my target but I do have an excuse for most of my fluctuation. Enter the scene at stage right one outstanding Southern style cook, none other than the wife of my youth. Last Saturday, she decided to do a feast. We invited the boys and those who could come to enjoy some homemade chicken and dumplings, made from scratch cornbread dressing, baked ham, English peas, cranberry sauce, homemade yeast bread and rolls, iced tea, and, let's also have apple pie and Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla ice cream for dessert. It was all melt in your mouth delicious. I knew better but I had seconds. Sunday morning is my weigh in. The previous weigh in showed me only 2-1/2 pounds away from my target. The one this past Sunday showed me to be back at 4 to 5 pounds away from my target. But, in fairness, let me say this about that: It is not my fault. Who plans a Thanksgiving Day feast in February? Right? I knew you would see it from my point of view. 

We made a really good choice this past Sunday evening. Having heard all the hype we decided to watch the Super Bowl game. We had quit watching the NFL several years ago, but, we settled in for a couple of hours of the pregame festivities which were, to me anyway, as dull as it gets. The game finally started. We watched the first few plays, looked at each other, and asked, "Do we really care to watch this?" The answer was a resounding no, therefore, we went back to watching the Arkansas State Police chase down drivers who decided to make a run for it. Don't knock it. It's pretty interesting. Instead of talking about quarterbacks we focused on the legendary pit maneuver expert, (Pit: Precision Immobilization Technique), Arkansas State Trooper Jacob Byrd. Byrd is a twenty-something who has not only the training but also a sixth sense in how to disrupt a fleeing suspect even at alarming high speeds. His knows exactly where to hit the fleeing car and the results speak for themselves. He has a national following who watch his dash cam videos on various social media platforms. The wife, for some reason, loves watching car chases. She, also, for some reason, enjoys watching professional face slappers, especially when they knock their opponent senseless. And, for some reason, she really likes to see any loud mouth braggart go down, whether it is boxing or any other sport. I believe she just might be channeling something but I think for my own well being it's best to leave it at that. After all, I wouldn't want to cause any disturbance in the force that decides we'll have a Thanksgiving feast in February. You do know what I mean, right Vern? Y'all take care now, you hear? And always remember to be thankful to God. Amen.