Friday, May 30, 2025

"Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it." – Charles R. Swindoll, 90 years old, Well known Christian Pastor, Church Leader, Prolific Writer and Broadcaster

Good morning and welcome again to the place where keystrokes come to die. Just joking. I do hope you and yours are well on this Friday, May 30, 2025. I was out this morning picking up the debris left by the stormy weather we had while I was in Louisiana earlier in the week. The storm came through. It had winds strong enough to scatter limbs here and there in our backyard. What do you do? You pick it up and get on with it. We do the same thing, with God's help, when storms come into our lives. They are at times very unexpected but we are not to think like we are the only ones that have to deal with them. Live in this old world and it's not if but it's when you will have to deal with the storms of life. First and foremost, remember to remember that God knows all about the storms that come our way. Yep. Even the ones we bring on ourselves. As His beloved children, He has promised to bring good out of all that happens, therefore, we can trust Him to help get us through the storms that come our way. But, we do have to do our part. Pick up the pieces. Clean up the mess as best we can. And, seek Him and His provision throughout the recovery process. Here's what the Apostle Paul wrote, (Holy Spirit inspired), to the local assembly meeting in Philippi, Greece, concerning how he had been able to deal with difficulties he faced:

 

 Philippians Chapter 4 (from the literal translation found in the Legacy Study Bible):

 

~ 10) But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived thinking about me; indeed, you were thinking about me before, but you lacked opportunity. 11) Not that I speak from want, for I learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. 12) I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in abundance; in any and all things I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. 13) I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. 14) Nevertheless, you have done well to fellowship with me in my affliction. 15) And you yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the first preaching of the gospel, after I left Macedonia, no church fellowshipped with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone. 16) For even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs. 17) Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek the fruit which increases to your account. 18) But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I have been filled, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19) And my God will fulfill all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20) Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever. Amen. 21) Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. 22) All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household. 23) The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. ~

 


You may be someone who feels like they can avoid storms in life. I'm pretty sure there's not too many who think like that because most, if not all, begin to deal with life's difficulties at an early age. I know my family did, but, we had the help of God and those He sent to minister to us. That's right. Those who came along side and supported us, provided help as best they could, prayed for us and let us know they were with us as we dealt with our storm. Your storm may be different than the other person's storm, but, we all have them and we all need each other and mostly we need the provision of God if we are to gain some insight and wisdom even as the Apostle Paul said, "I have learned....". May God help me to learn that which He wants me to learn even in, during, and after the storms that come my way. And, you too! Okay. That will be enough for another week of giving a thrashing to the keys on my computer keyboard. I do hit them pretty hard. They probably wonder if I am taking it out on them. Ha! Have a great rest of today, and, tomorrow on Saturday. May Sunday find us all in one of the places where God's people come together to worship Him through song, prayer, teaching of His word, and hearing from Him through His called minister. When you think about it, why wouldn't we? Right? I thought you would agree. May God add His blessings as we keep on our way. Amen.

Thursday, May 29, 2025

Romans 15:13: ~ "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

Okay. I am back. Let me update that. I am here. Being back may imply more than I can prove. It is Thursday, May 29, 2025, and I bid each and everyone a hearty hello and warm welcome to today's edition. I did drive over there on Tuesday, 6 hours and 45 minutes in my ole truck, (217,000 miles), then to the viewing Tuesday evening. We had the service yesterday at 11 am and I was privileged to speak and set forth my thoughts about the wife's older brother, Cleon, 89 years young. When we were in Scotland back in the mid 1990's I became acquainted with a song the Scots have claimed as their national anthem. In that song one of the lines has stuck with me. It talks about how it could be and it hearkens back to those who have stood up and counted and then it says this, "When will we seek your like again?". That's my feeling about my brother-in-law, when will we see another like him again? I remember the first time I visited Cleon's family home. It was Christmas of 1963. I was there as the boyfriend guest for the family Christmas celebration. We married the next year and that home became one of the early gathering places for family events. Tons of memories associated with our visits there. When I left yesterday I realized it was most likely the last time I would see that place. That's not anything to lament over, it's how life works. I am blessed to still be able to remember so many good times associated with that home. Family reunions. Hunting expeditions. Lots of laughter and joy. And, at times, it was where we gathered to say farewell to the wife's dad and then a few years later, the wife's mom. Great people and now their eldest son joins them, along with his brother Milton, a sister who was miscarried, and the host of heaven as they worship the One who saved them, the Lord Jesus Christ. While I am so looking forward to being there to be honest I don't know how all of that will work, but, I do believe as much as I know how and as the fellow in the Bible told Jesus, "Lord, I believe, but, help my unbelief." (Gospel of Mark, Chapter 9, Verses 23-25) I say Amen to that. What say you? 


I will say this about my traveling prowess. Not so much anymore. Essentially, I hurt all over more than anywhere else. That is an exaggeration but let's face facts here. That much driving, often during blinding rainstorms, well, it's more for younger folks than for old timers like me. I have waited a long time to be able to call myself an old timer, so, how do I like that? It was the first time I said it so I think I need a little time to process it. Meanwhile, if you will pass that arthritis relief cream over to me I will see if it can be of use in getting me up and going again. Just joking. A smidgen. As we gathered as a family I am definitely now considered the elder representative. That's a lot of responsibility because the family looks up to those who are in that position for direction and as an example. Wow! I thought about Cleon and how he was always looked up to. Cleon's life reminded me of what the old preacher said, "Live your life in a way so they will not have to make stuff up at your funeral." We didn't have to make anything up at his service. Now that chapter has closed and we move on, on to the next God ordained story of our family. May God be pleased as we seek to live in a way that brings honor to His name. Amen

Tuesday, May 27, 2025

"Your heavenly home was bought for a price, and that payment results in a title deed that can never be lost through foreclosure." ~ David Jeremiah

Good morning and welcome. It's Tuesday, May 27, 2025, and it's another day and yes, another celebration of life and homegoing service. That is the true circle of life my friend and the most important thing is for us to get ready, live ready, and leave ready. I will be headed over there in some pretty ugly weather and it is a six to seven hour journey, therefore, pray that God will give me safe travel and that He will bless all that is done and said as we meet to celebrate our dear Cleon's life. Amen.

 

Cleon with his sisters, Dorothy and Marilyn.

~ Richard Cleon Rawles Obituary

This world lost a good man when Richard Cleon Rawles, 89, of Winnsboro, left this world for his heavenly home. It has been said for many years that if any photo should be in the dictionary beside the word neighbor, Cleon's would be it. He was born in Winnsboro on August 19, 1935, to Mary Emma Stephenson Rawles, and Wilson Lee Rawles. He passed away at his home surrounded by his loving family on May 23, 2025. The home-going service will be held on Wednesday, May 28th, 11:00 am at Dennard First National Funeral Home, 6637 Main St, Winnsboro, LA 71295 with nephew Bro. Michael Goins officiating. Visitation will be on Tuesday, May 27th, 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Burial will follow the service at the Crowville Masonic Cemetery, LA 17 & Masonic Cemetery Rd, Crowville, Louisiana 71295. Cleon will be afforded full military honors earned in his service to our country.


Cleon and his son Darrin.

Cleon was preceded in death by parents, Wilson and Mary Rawles, brother and sister-in-law, Milton and Glenda Rawles, Jewel Rawles and Dian Miller. The Rawles have always been a very close family. He leaves behind his son, Richard Darrin and wife Sharon, and grandson Alan all of West Monroe, Louisiana. Cleon's relationship with his son Darrin was a great model of how it should be. Cleon also leaves his loving sisters, Dorothy Goins Hale and husband James of Anacoco, Louisiana and Marilyn Abbott and husband Al of The Woodlands, Texas. There are other kinfolk, friends, neighbors and especially his nephews and their families who thought the world of their Uncle Cleon.


Cleon was a worker. He knew what it meant to work the earth as a farmer. He served his country in the US Army where he was entrusted in the handling of many secret and sensitive documents. He achieved the rank of Sergeant, E-5. Returning home he went back to farming and also was a rural route postal carrier for 35 years. The people on his route, many of them elderly or shut-in, loved Cleon because he went above and beyond to serve them. He was not only beloved by his family but his family revered the example he demonstrated each and every day. In summary, Cleon was honorable, a man who could be counted on. This world would be much better off today if there were more like him.


Honored to have the privilege of participating in his service, his obituary will be read by his brother-in-law since 1964, Al Abbott; those acting as pallbearers will be Byron Rawles, Chris Abbott, Rodney Abbott, Scotty Goins, Melton Brady, and Robert Williamson. Honorary pallbearers are Derek Rawles and Jimmy Abbott.


John 14:27 (Jesus speaking): "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." ~

 

Lord willing, I will be back home by tomorrow evening because there's always something else to get done. You do know what I mean. Right? Stay dry and remember to thank God for His goodness, His love, and His mercy. Amen.

Friday, May 23, 2025

"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus." ~ The Apostle Paul in his letter to The Galatians, Chapter 3, Verse 28

Good morning folks and welcome to our time together on this Friday, May 23, 2025. Thanks for showing up. Yesterday I was touting my Louisiana roots, but, as a youngster we lived in Port Arthur, Texas until dad's passing in 1954. We had moved there from Louisiana so maybe 4 years there for me and then back to Louisiana until accepting a job and moving to Houston in 1969 and we have been in the Houston metro area our entire time. That makes for over 60 years here in the Lone Star State. We bought the house we are living in back in the summer of 1984. It got messed up a lot when Hurricane Ike put a huge pine tree in one of the upstairs bedrooms allowing for over 12 inches of rain to collapse ceilings. This meant we did extensive repair which was an unexpected upgrade to a place built in the early 1970's. But it and Texas are home. We haven't forgotten Louisiana where a huge number of our relatives continue to live, but, God has been good to allow us the run we have had here. It's been interesting to hear people's responses when they learn I am originally from Louisiana. Hey man, "I bet growing up you really enjoyed Cajun music and boiled crawfish?" Not really. I grew up in the west central area of Louisiana better known as the Bible Belt. I don't think I even heard Cajun music until I was in my 20's and it was many years after that before I even tasted boiled crawfish. We were raised up as strict fundamentalist Baptists. Therefore, any mischief we got into had to be well thought out and undercover. As the comedian says about his upbringing, "My parents were so strict I'm pretty sure Jesus had a whole lot more fun than I did." I can identify with that thought. However, we reflect the diversity everyone talks about today. The people in South Louisiana are mostly Catholic, and, the people in the upper part of the state are mostly not. One of the famous characters from Louisiana who was Governor, and also a U.S. Senator, Huey P. Long was able to proclaim virtue and abstinence in the upper part of the state while emphasizing partying and having a good time in the south. When we moved into this ole house our across the driveway neighbors were both hoots. They were older and became very dear to us, (Ruth and Ellis). When we first talked he asked me where we went to Church. I told him the Baptist Church we attended. He said they were lifelong Methodists. And, then he said the way you know the difference is this: "We Methodists do our drinking on the front porch and you Baptists do yours on the back porch." They were so dear to us.  People could only dream of having such wonderful neighbors. They were blessings!


I said all of that to say this, no matter where you come from you are a part of the family, the human family. Our pastor likes to say it like this, "I'm committed to trying to reach all the people Jesus died to save!" Sometimes we get the idea that Christianity is mostly for Americans and that may be why many are willing to buy a Trump Bible for $75. My point is how every man, woman, boy, and girl have the same problem. We all are sinners. (Romans 3:23) This means our sinner status separates us from a Holy and Righteous God. That's the problem Jesus came into the world to solve. He died in our place and everyone who accepts His blood offering of Himself by recognizing their need, repenting of their sins, and, putting their faith and trust in Him, that causes one to be made right in the sight of God and we become His very own children. That's how I see the common denominator for all people everywhere. As is so often said, the ground is level at the foot of the cross. Okay. Now you know a little of my background. A tiny bit, but, enough to say we all need God regardless. Regardless. The Provision is available, but, there's still the part about whosoever. You have to become the whosoever that calls on the name of the Lord. (Romans 10:13) Don't wait to do it because while we all share the common human identity, we also share the common risk of not knowing what might happen, period, going forward, from now. That's something to think about! Right? I do hope you have a great rest of today, a wonderful Saturday, and, a fresh beginning on Lord's Day Sunday. Until next time, don't forget to remember to thank God for His great love, mercy, and grace. Amen.

Thursday, May 22, 2025

"Concede that the new government of Louisiana is only to what it should be, as the egg is to the fowl; we shall sooner have the fowl by hatching the egg than by smashing it." ~ Abraham Lincoln

Top: Speaker of the US House, Mike Johnson
Bottom: US Senator John N. Kennedy
 
Good morning. It's Thursday, May 22, 2025, and, I declare today to be a Big Beautiful Day. I did that to go along with the President's Big Beautiful Bill passed out of the US House early this morning. It's supposed to be the answer to all our problems, especially if you are around when it all kicks in which right now that time is not clearly known, however, it is something I continue to choose to be positive about, that is, until further notice. Why? Well, I already know how to wring my hands because I've had plenty of practice, therefore, I will be able to implement that option at any time I see fit. I will say this about our Louisiana boy who is Speaker of the US House, Mike Johnson. Don't underestimate what can be done by a little fellow from Louisiana especially when everyone says it can't be done. I mean, think about it, he has a freak show within his own Republican caucus, but, time and time again he continues to over achieve. He is a committed Christ following believer and I for one am proud of his demonstration of True Grit. Between him and Senator John Kennedy who also represents Louisiana, there's much to admire. Senator Kennedy is becoming the Mark Twain of Washington with all of his illustrative quips and cutting remarks. His interviews of government officials are golden. Here are a sample of Senator Kennedy's quotes that make my list of being worth remembering:


 ~ "The price of gas is so high it's cheaper to buy cocaine and run everywhere."

~ "If you hate cops just because they're cops, the next time you're in trouble, call a crackhead."

~ "I don't know why we should give money to countries that hate us. They should be able to hate us for free!"

~ "Life is hard, but it's harder when you're stupid."

~ "I don't pay extra in a restaurant to prevent the waiter from spitting in my food."

~ "I don’t know whether foreign leaders love President Trump or are just scared to death of him—but either way, it’s working."

~ "The Chinese Communist Party will steal your socks without taking off your shoes. That’s how they’ve gotten rich."

~ "Most Americans understand that the Democratic Party took a sharp left and kept driving."

~ "I saw what the American people saw: President Biden and his people spending 4 years pushing on a door that was clearly marked 'pull'."

~ I believe in the power of ideas, and the Democrats have no ideas. All they have is hatred for one man — President Trump — even when he's right."

 

Okay. I realize these quips are good for soundbites but they only count if something is done. That's not so easily accomplished in Washington DC. However, I did want to brag a little on these two fellows who represent the state where I was born and it is where I spent many of my formative years. I started to say where I grew up but God  is still growing me up, so, I will just leave it at that. Y'all. Yep, that means you too. Get out there and have yourself a God blessed day. I will be working on that myself. Take care now. You hear? And, as always, may God add His blessings. Amen.

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

Billy Graham: “The greatest inheritance you can pass on to your children and grandchildren is more than the money or material possessions you get. It’s a legacy of both character and faith.”

Good morning friends and neighbors, and any onlookers, who happen to show up for today's visit, here, on this Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Sometimes I try to think about thinking about exactly what it is I would want my children, my grandchildren, and my great grands to learn from me before I cease breathing air here on the planet. First and foremost, is the need for a relationship with God through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. This constitutes the handing off of the faith walk to the next generation. Family traditions are important too. The importance of family and finding ways to spend time with one another is tough in these challenging times, but, a priority that should not be overlooked. Respecting those who have paved the way, our elders. I tried to do that through my example of being devoted to my grandparents and my parents and my wife's parents as well. I have wanted to model a message of love and respect for my wife that can be recognized and modeled by our family. Caring in general. Allowing God's Word to be central to finding development, growth, and direction in life. The critical nature of prayer as a part of who one is and how one functions in need of the Lord at all times. Honesty. The value of hard work. Being mannerly. Living within one's means. Saving for the proverbial rainy day. These are just a few of the areas where I seek to have my life matter during my time here. 

 

When I was in school growing up, there was nothing quite as exciting as a schoolyard brawl. While perhaps not as exciting, watching these Washington governmental hearings on any and every department and or subject reminds me of an old fashioned food fight. Respect. Out the door. Decorum. Out the door. Manners. Out the door. I'm not saying it's worse now with the new administration, but, the level of outright vile speech and vulgarities seem to be reaching new heights. The party opposite, (as they say in the old country), seems to be using street language cursing as a way of making their point. Soon, we will need to put rating warnings on these committee hearings to protect our children. Since I am an older person with the time available, I watch more of it than I should. Even at that, I find myself saying enough is enough and just having to change the channel. I know it is currently mostly founded in what is termed as Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS). But the use of curse words? In official meetings? I guess my mom always taught us how people who communicate using fowl language can't really make a cogent argument otherwise. Or something like that. I'm pretty sure she never used the word cogent but I am certain of her meaning. It's bothersome, but, as they say, welcome to the world we live in. Yep. Indeed!

 

That's enough of my musings for one day. I'm sure we all have better things to do and I will be trying to think of some for myself as well. I do hope you will have a great rest of the day and my prayer is that we all will look to our Great God as we try to make sense of how to function in the world we live in. Amen.

Tuesday, May 20, 2025

"My home is in Heaven. I'm just traveling through this world." ~ Billy Graham

Good morning and I do bid each one a hearty hello and warm welcome. It's a good day to rise and shine and give God the glory on this Tuesday, May 20, 2025. As many of you know, the wife along with her sister are over in Louisiana seeing after their beloved brother Cleon who is 89 years young. Cleon has had a rough few weeks and has now been allowed to return home from the hospital on hospice care. He has said he is ready to go for a long time but just recently he came to realize he wasn't sure about his standing with God. So, the girls, lead him in the sinners prayer and he was gloriously saved. Now he is super ready to leave this old world. Those girls don't have to wait to get to heaven to exercise their praise, worship, and shouting. They did all of that when he was once and for all set free from the sentence and curse of sin. Some want to argue with those who doubt their salvation and try to convince them they are okay. We had a dear pastor many years ago who had a very different approach. If someone expressed concern and couldn't find a peace about their relationship with God, he would immediately get them on their knees to call on the Lord to save them. But, what if they were already saved? Here's what truth says, "Who ever calls on the Name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:13) And, "who ever believes in Him will not perish but will have eternal life." (John 3:16) At any rate, Cleon is home now and he is so happy to be there as he anticipates, whenever the time comes, to seeing His Savior and his many loved ones who will be there to greet him. All of this sounds morbid to you? Squire Parsons who passed away recently was a tremendous Gospel song writer, singer, and minister for the Lord, he wrote a song with speaks to me about this so called morbid discussion of death (Look it up on YouTube, it will bless your socks off.):

 

I call it Home

 

Somewhere beyond the grave there is a land,
Where Jesus went to prepare by His own hand;
And for the saved by grace there is a resting place,
And in a few more days it will be mine.

Some call it Heaven, I call it Home,
Some call it dreamin', let me dream on;
Some call it Paradise, somewhere beyond the skies,
Some call it Heaven, I call it Home.

Someone said you can't go back home again,
Things will not ever be as good as they've been;
I've got good news for you, when Heaven comes into view,
One glimpse and you'll know the best is yet to come.

Some call it Heaven, I call it Home,
Some call it dreamin', well let me dream on;
Some call it Paradise, somewhere beyond the skies,
Some call it Heaven, I call it Home.

Some call it Paradise, somewhere beyond the skies,
Some call it Heaven, I call it Home.

 

I can only say this about that. I look at Cleon at 89 and I look at myself at soon to be 79, and, I am aware that my time is not that far off. I've lived a lot of wobbliness in my time here, but, the closer I get to that time when I will see Him, well, I, like the Apostle Paul, I am torn between staying here as long as I can or going on to be with Jesus. (Philippians 1:21-24) Let me be clear. I am like the Apostle Paul in this one facet, I certainly would never compare myself to him in any other area of his remarkable service to the Lord. I mention this because the closer I get it is the more I realize what I don't know. I love the songs. I love the stories about heaven. I love people's concept of how it will be, but, I'm pretty much stuck with only what I know from The Scripture and the one I am clinging to says that "where I am, there you will be also." (Gospel of John, Chapter 14, Verse 3)  One day I will experience the reality of that promise from my Lord and Savior. This means all the rest will be icing on the cake. I did not say we will have cake in heaven. (Certainly not Devil's food cake or cleaning done with Dirt Devil devices.) Just joking around and the icing comment was only a figure of speech. My final point. If you have any doubt whatsoever, get with God and get it right. Now. Right now, as in, at this very moment!

 

Pay attention to this prophetic confession uttered by one of the oldest Bible characters, the man Job as recorded in Job 19:25-27:

 

For I know that my Redeemer lives,
And He shall stand at last on the earth;
And after my skin is destroyed, this I know,
That in my flesh I shall see God,
Whom I shall see for myself,
And my eyes shall behold, and not another.
How my heart yearns within me!

 

Okay, that's enough yearning for one day. Right. Y'all take care out there and don't forget to come back to see me, right here at the Ole Blogger Ranch. May God add His blessings. Amen.  

Monday, May 19, 2025

"Weather forecast for tonight: dark. Continued dark overnight, with widely scattered light by morning." ~ George Carlin, American comedian, (1937-2008)

Good morning and welcome. Today is Monday, May 19, 2025. I read this bit of news for our area here in South East Texas where they are predicting we might just hit the century mark in hot weather this week. Yikes. Just a week or so ago we were waking up to mid 50's in the mornings with highs in the 70's, but, the switch has been flipped and we didn't pass go, didn't collect $200, but, we landed on the space marked hot! Welcome to Texas weather! Hot weather, I read one fellow lamenting how he got home, wanted to take a shower, but the wife had used up all the cold water. There's plenty of those 'it's so hot' jokes out on the internet. One said he was so hot he was trying to make his wife mad just to get one of her icy stares. So hot, if you listen very carefully you can hear the trees whistling for a dog. It's so hot my body fat sweat smells like grease frying. Sometimes you get so hot you begin perspiring like the politician listening to the sermon at Church. Okay. It's warm and I do hear that A/C monster churning away pretty much 24/7. I also know that this early heat wave is nothing more than a down payment as we enter the summer months. But, as always, it's the weather, therefore, we have permission to talk about it and we are reminded of the reality of the old joke, everyone talks about it but no one does anything about it. 


The heat can be uncomfortable, but, I am reminded how I lived into my 20's before having a window air conditioning unit. I did have a few box fans but they often sucked in the moisture adding some insult to injury. For today's America, they pretty much advertise how one cannot actually live without having air conditioning. Really? Tell that to the more than 60% of the world's population who do not enjoy that modern convenience. (Stats according to Google AI.) I can say unreservedly that I do not want to live without it. I was working on a consulting project in the Chicago area in the mid 1990's when they experienced a prolonged unprecedented heat wave. Some 700 residents died due to heat related illnesses. They didn't have capacity at the local funeral homes. They had to bring in refrigerated trucks. Many of these were the elderly who lived in older neighborhoods where many houses do not have air conditioning. Ironic to think they had no air conditioning so they died but had to be put in refrigerated trucks until their remains could be buried. My point? I am going to say it at the risk of getting some hate mail. Here it is: We were tougher back in the day. We were. Not by choice, it was just a way of life. There was no staying in the house because it's too warm outside to play. Nope. And, I quickly add those before us were tougher still. Much of that toughness was having to survive things like the Great Depression and World Wars. We never complained about not having A/C. We didn't know we could. Were we often uncomfortable? Sure, but, it was a way of life.

 

I am so glad I know who holds my today and my tomorrow. In fact, the kids song that says He's got the whole world in His hands is very true. Therefore, I can trust Him. You can too. Stay cool and try to stay away from older folks like myself who tell you how tough they had it compared to you. Or, maybe, listen to them and learn. That's biblical too. Enjoy the rest of your warm day, in Jesus Name. Amen

Friday, May 16, 2025

1 Corinthians 3:5-8 J.B. Phillips New Testament: "After all, who is Paul? Who is Apollos? No more than servants through whom you came to believe as the Lord gave each man his opportunity. I may have done the planting and Apollos the watering, but it was God who made the seed grow! The planter and the waterer are nothing compared with him who gives life to the seed. Planter and waterer are alike insignificant, though each shall be rewarded according to his particular work."


Fun Friday, as some like to call it, but, for those of us who mainly stay in the shadows, it's just Friday, May 16, 2025. I continue to receive random comments regarding the contents of my blogs. Some ask questions about my theological beliefs. Some thank me for reminding them of their spiritual roots and their need to become active in terms of their Christian service. Others say something they read encouraged them. And, while I know most of you are not that interested in the nuts and bolts of how people end up viewing my blogs, well, thanks anyway, I'm going to share some information that shows you how the time spent here putting this together causes an occasional hit from those looking for something else. Who knows? Maybe when they land on my blog, even by mistake, they might just take the time to read a little out of curiosity, if nothing else, to find the words in my writing they were searching for. Here are some of the word/phrases people have searched for and in so doing they have ended up viewing my page:

 

apostle paul    393
family love    393
christmas music    387
yabba dabba doo    380
remote control    292
jeff gordon    236
happy birthday  213
god bless you    213
old people jokes195
mom and dad    190
Other     596086

 

That's a whole lot of 'Other' in those stats. Here is where they originated from:

 

United States 186K
Singapore 162K
Hong Kong 52.4K
Russia 33.2K
Canada 13.7K
Germany 11.9K
United Kingdom 9.3K
France 8.43K
India 7.36K
Other 115K
 
Some might think I have become too focused on religious subjects, however, when I think how someone might be encouraged or uplifted, even rescued, by the Sovereign working of God as His Word is shared, well, it makes me include something spiritual in each episode. And, let's face it, as I rush towards the door marked 79, not including the nine months in my mom's tummy, I am inclined to use what time I have left to count not only in the moment but also for eternity. I've heard about and read about too many testimonies where someone just happened to make contact with the truth in all kinds of ways which made a difference, or, as the saying goes, "Could it be God?" It could be. And, it is! As we go about our daily this, that, and the other, our influence gives us all something to think about. And, as we finish out the week tomorrow, Saturday, we move on to Sunday where we all are faced with deciding to honor the Resurrected Savior by attending worship services on the First Day of the Week. (First Day, Sunday, that's when He came forth from the grave and that's when the early Church met to hold services.) Yep. That, my friend, was my version of a non-paid intentional advertisement to help us all remember why we join with others each Sunday to celebrate God The Father, God The Son, and God The Holy Spirit. Amen.

Thursday, May 15, 2025

“The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.” ― Mark Twain


Hello and welcome. Today is Thursday,  May 15, 2025, and I bid you a hearty hello and warm welcome. It was on a Thursday in 1952 that our baby sister, Kayla Jean was born. She was an amazing little one, the last of us six born to dad Cecil and our mom. Our dad Cecil died suddenly on January 2, 1954 so we became, as a family unit, very familiar with death, up close and personal, at a very young age. Kayla was the apple of dad Cecil's eye. She used to play a game where she would hide from him when she knew it was close to his time to be home from work. She continued to do so after his death but he was no longer there to look for her. Today, on the anniversary of her birth, Kayla would have been 73 years, however, God had other plans for her and she passed on to her reward at the age of 27 after a valiant 18 month battle against acute leukemia. We were devastated by her exit, however, she made an indelible impact on all our lives before she said farewell for now. She did. She intended to do so, and she did. Here's how one of the local newspapers reported her departure:

 

Kayla Jean Moore Sabine Index, Many, La., Jun 28, 1979

Kayla Jean Moore, 27, of New Orleans, died on Tuesday, June 26, in New Orleans, at 11:50 a.m., following a short illness. Services will be held in the Hornbeck First Baptist Church today, at 4 p.m., with the Rev. Ron Killmell, and the Rev. Harry L. Booth officiating. Burial will follow in the Beckom Cemetery.

Survivors include her husband, Captain Robert Moore of New
Orleans; three daughters, Stacey, Kelly, and Mary Beth Moore, all
of New Orleans; her mother, Mrs. Lena Chavez of Leesville, her
step father, Jose Chavez , also of Leesville; two brothers, Cecil
Al Abbott of Houston, and Gunnery Sgt. Donald R. Abbott of New
Orleans, two sisters, Mrs. Francis Wagley of Hornbeck, and Mrs.
JoAnn Graham of Haynesville; her maternal grandmother, Mrs.
Gertrude Macmillan of Hornbeck, and numerous nieces and nephews.

 

Dad Cecil holding Kayla, Resurrection Day Sunday, 1953.

There's been much said about one's grave marker and how the dash between the birth date and the death date is what really matters. In other words, it's not the number of years you live, it's how you live in the time you have. Our sister became an amazing testimony of what it means to be a believer facing the reality of death. She had a word of encouragement or a Bible verse for every person she came in contact with. At the last Christmas observance as a family before her departure, she went around the room and read something she had written about each of us. Many who visited her in the hospital, (I don't even want to think about how much she suffered during the harsh treatments she underwent.), talked about how they left her bedside feeling uplifted by her sweet spirit and heart of encouragement. She was the stuff of Hebrews Chapter 11 in her demonstrated faith. She sincerely hated leaving her family, her girls, but, she was given the grace to leave this world trusting that God always knows best. Always. Yep. Always. 

 


The reality? If the Lord doesn't catch us up to meet Him in the air, we will face the same exit that Kayla faced. Maybe different circumstances, but, it is a certainty in this life. That is death. It's okay. We can talk about it. God gave us an instinct to keep breathing air on the planet, however, we, at the same time, look forward to the realization of what it means to experience this promise by our Savior, "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also." (John 14:3) Thanks so much Baby Sister for showing us how it can be done! So much to live for in this life but so much more to look forward to when we see Him. Yay! and Amen!

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

"The best tunes are played on the oldest fiddles!" ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson, (1803-1882), 19th century American essayist, poet, philosopher, lecturer, and minister


I just checked. Guess what? It's Wednesday, May 14, 2025. There was a time in my regular way of functioning where I would have likely known without checking. Being retired, and I hate that word, but, it is what is, does tend to cause one to phase out the keeping up with every little detail in life, like the day it is, the month it is, and, yes, even the year it is. Exceptions are noted on the refrigerator where we keep our appointments calendar. We know when we attend Church, Bible Study, and choir practices, but, sometimes we have to check to see what day it is. Like today. We do have Bible study tonight. Medical appointments, birthdays, graduations, travel schedules, and things like that need to be posted so we know what we should be doing on any given day. Currently, I am working with a painting contractor to get the outside of the house painted. Lots of forth and back, but, the fellow we are dealing with seems to be trustworthy. I am also trying to recover from the shock I felt when I received the proposed bill for our house insurance. It is up 60% since 2023. Our favorite Senator, Kennedy from Louisiana says home insurance is in crisis mode which will, if unattended to, bring about a collapse. My agent tells me he has older folks on modest fixed incomes who have had to go without home insurance because of the dramatic increase in the cost. These folks are hoping not to have a major issue from storms or even a localized disaster like a fire. I am also spending quite a bit of my time getting ready to get ready to teach from the Gospel of John, a Holy Spirit inspired text written simply enough for a new believer to grasp while at the same time deep enough to drown the most gifted commentator. I enjoy doing my blogs each day. Be aware that when you read what I write you are seeing things I didn't see until they were written. I know. That doesn't make much sense, so, consider the source.

 


I actually mentioned those few items to demonstrate that being older does not mean one spends most of their day just sitting out on the veranda. (I do sit on the porch quite often with Lil Miss Biscuit.) Speaking of that it reminds me how porch visits were a common experience in my growing up days. The grownups would talk, the tiny ones would play, the older kids would listen. That's right. Listen. Quietly. In today's world the little ones do most of the talking and the adults are the ones who do most of the listening. (That's not a professional analysis, just an observation based on how it works in my own domain and others I have visited.) I think about that last chapter in the writing of Ecclesiastes where King Solomon laments the onset issues that come with reaching an old age, but, he also speaks to the thing most critical in life.

 

Ecclesiastes Chapter 12, The Problems of Old Age as rendered in the Easy to Read Version

1) Remember your Creator while you are young, before the bad times come—before the years come when you say, “I have wasted my life.”

2) Remember your Creator while you are young, before the time comes when the sun and the moon and the stars become dark to you—before problems come again and again like one storm after another.

3) At that time your arms will lose their strength. Your legs will become weak and bent. Your teeth will fall out, and you will not be able to chew your food. Your eyes will not see clearly. 4) You will become hard of hearing. You will not hear the noise in the streets. Even the stone grinding your grain will seem quiet to you. You will not be able to hear the women singing. But even the sound of a bird singing will wake you early in the morning because you will not be able to sleep.

5) You will be afraid of high places. You will be afraid of tripping over every small thing in your path. Your hair will become white like the flowers on an almond tree. You will drag yourself along like a grasshopper when you walk. You will lose your desire, and then you will go to your eternal home. The mourners will gather in the streets as they carry your body to the grave.

6)
Remember your Creator while you are young,
    before the silver rope snaps and the golden bowl is crushed
like a jar broken at the well,
    like a stone cover on a well that breaks and falls in.
7)
Your body came from the earth.
    And when you die, it will return to the earth.
But your spirit came from God,
    and when you die, it will return to him.

8) Everything is so meaningless. The Teacher says that it is all a waste of time!

9) The Teacher was very wise. He used his wisdom to teach the people. He very carefully studied and arranged many wise teachings. 10) The Teacher tried very hard to find the right words, and he wrote the teachings that are true and dependable.

11) Words from the wise are like sharp goads. When these sayings are written down and saved, they can be used to guide people, just as a shepherd uses a sharp stick to make his sheep go the right way. 12) So, son, study these sayings, but be careful about other teachings. People are always writing books, and too much study will make you very tired.

13-14 Now, what should we learn from everything that is written in this book? The most important thing a person can do is to respect God and obey his commands, because he knows about everything people do—even the secret things. He knows about all the good and all the bad, and he will judge people for everything they do. ~


That's some really good advice and it comes from a God inspired source, Solomon, therefore, it is worthy of our study and application. Just so you know, the studying, while it can be tedious, it is nothing compared to applying the truths to our lives, every day, even if we are not sure what day it is. Okay. That should be enough for any of us to say grace over. (Southern saying but I couldn't find much about its origin.) Until next time, remember to remember to always thank God for His mercy, grace, and love. Amen.

Tuesday, May 13, 2025

"There are no traffic jams along the extra mile." ~ Roger Staubach, Hall of Fame Dallas Cowboy Quarterback, now a real estate mogul

Lil Miss Biscuit keeping an eye on things!
Whew! I am still trying to catch my breath. I had to be somewhere at a certain time. It required me to navigate in, through, and around the Houston metro traffic. Whew! I did no cursing. But, I must confess I wondered out loud whether or not some of those around me ever heard of the concept of road traveling courtesies. I concluded they did not and I told them so. Using my God bless you voice. I think. It reminded me how much worse it has gotten since I commuted into downtown Houston for over 20 years. But, I am back, and I am here to tell you I will not be affirming the soundness of my mind and certainly not my body. It is Tuesday, May 13, 2025, and, I am taking a break from counting up all the near misses during my most recent travels, to say this: Well, hello again, and welcome to another day in the life of yours truly. Lil Miss Biscuit is a great road warrior companion. She knows how to growl and has the bark of a large Rottweiler. She is way too skittish and shy to have tried out her bite but she can get someone's attention with the noise she makes. Biscuit has had a tough time following the legendary Sir Bentley, but, she has found her stride and she does know how to love, me, and people in general. I read once that pups enjoy that brisk air hanging out the window because it gives them a euphoric feeling. I tried doing the same thing. Maybe that was part of the problem with the near misses. Ha! 


Picking up on Mr. Staubach's quote, I can also testify to how clear the roadways are on Sunday mornings. Bumper to bumper nearly every day of the week, but, pretty much clear sailing on Sunday mornings. I remember back when I was out and about on the massive highway system and I would spot an unsuspecting older person trying to make their way through all the confusion and chaos that surrounded them. My heart went out to them while I was wishing they would stay out of my way. Today, I sit in this chair at my keyboard with this reality. Someone out there this morning no doubt spotted me and thought the same thing I used to think. Life has a way of giving one the boomerang effect now and then. The extra mile. I get Staubach's meaning. That extra mile is not too crowded. Jesus also said something about going the extra mile. "And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two." (Matthew 5:41) Jesus was talking about the practice of a Roman soldier having the authority to compel any person to carry his backpack for one mile. Jesus said if that happens you should volunteer to carry that burden another mile. The context of that passage is one that defines His followers by their heart of submissiveness, selflessness, and servanthood. I don't need to say more because I just felt a huge wind of conviction blowing on me.



It always works that way. It's me, it's me, it's me oh Lord, standing in the need of prayer. Glad y'all have it all together. You might want to keep your distance from me since I could contaminate you. Until next time may God add His blessings. Amen.       More later.

Monday, May 12, 2025

"Some people ask the secret of our long marriage. We take time to go to a restaurant two times a week. A little candlelight, dinner, soft music and dancing. She goes Tuesdays, I go Fridays." ~ Henny Youngman, (1906-1998) Comedian, best known for his one liners


Good morning and welcome to the second day of this brand new week, today being Monday, May 12, 2025. I've been up a while already, but, hadn't taken time to climb the stairs to my writing station that attaches me to the blogosphere. Wow! Mother's Day! We were able to show honor, respect, and love to the wife and she got to visit with all the boys yesterday. I grilled up her favorite on Saturday and we ended up eating it Saturday afternoon and Sunday after Church. I am responsible for the beautiful clothes worn by my bride. See? I can, occasionally, do something right. Yeah. You are right. The stopped clock is correct twice each day. As for the grilling, well, I used to do quite a lot of it, but, to tell the truth, and I know this will not be a big surprise to many out there, I am not quite as capable as I was say even five years ago. The good news is the meat turned out great and she was very well pleased. I do love it when a plan comes together. We have a huge widely distributed brood which means she got calls, texts, and messages throughout the day. When we arrived home from Church I told her she was the prettiest one there. She laughed but even at our age compliments are much better than criticisms. My compliment to her was sincere. It was. Sometimes even a compliment can come across as not being much of one. Like these, for instance, (copied from an internet posting about backhanded compliments):

 

    1    I always feel more intelligent after reading your work.
    2    It’s really difficult to underestimate you.
    3    Your haircut makes your nose look smaller.
    4    You look really nice in this light.
    5    That’s a beautiful photo of you. I didn’t recognize you at first.
    6    You’re not as dumb as you look.
    7    I love how you just don’t care what anyone thinks of you.
    8    I don’t care what others say about you. You’re alright in my book.
    9    Your Instagram makes you seem so fun!
    10    I didn’t expect you to get the job - Congratulations!
    11    I wish I was as relaxed as you are about messiness.
    12    You’re so charming when you make an effort.
    13    Those earrings are so nice. My grandma would love them.
    14    Your house feels so cozy and lived in.
    15    Well, that’s a level of incompetence I’ve never seen before.
    16    You’re pretty… on the inside.
    17    That’s not the ugliest shirt I’ve seen you wear.
    18    You might not be the prettiest, but you’re definitely the funniest!
    19    You clean up nice.
    20    You’re smarter than two dumb guys.

 


I think finding a way to encourage others is the mark of someone who seeks to build others up. God would have us to do so with intentionality. Sadly, and too often I might add, the backhanded compliment is actually an attempt to put another person down perhaps to make oneself feel superior. Yikes. I will throw in a confession here. I am good at making others feel small or less. It's something I need to work on. I do. It's one of those 24x7 projects because of the knowledge I have of me, myself, and I. You don't have that problem? Good. Work on the sin that so easily besets you, (Hebrews 12:1). That might have sounded like a gotcha, but, I'm just saying we all are works in progress and as believers we are in the hands of  the Master Potter, Jeremiah 18, who wants to shape us into an object of notable excellence, (comment by the late Dr. Charles Stanley). Kidding around, just joking, don't take it personally, are ways we often excuse the put down instead of a build up. I am thinking right now of some individuals who have been seriously hurt by comments made towards them, at home, at work, in social gatherings, and, yes, even within gatherings at their local Church. Really? Yes. Really! I'm not saying there's not a place for Don Rickles types of humor, but, we need to be careful, or at least I need to be careful. The other thing I want to mention is how I've known and continue to know folks who do so very well in building others up. They consistently do it so well. I say we should, I should, want to be like them. Right? Amen.

Friday, May 9, 2025

My Mom. Tribute to a Woman of Distinction.

The wife with our three sons. Happy Mother's Day!

Good morning and welcome to another day here in my itsy bitsy piece of the bloggersphere and today we find ourselves working with another Friday, this one on May 9, 2025. This is the weekend where we honor our moms. If there has ever been a human person born on this earth who has been surrounded and blessed by moms, well, it would be me. At home, at school, at Church, at work, everywhere I was I ended up being blessed by the moms God placed in my life. The next set of photos are some of those influential moms in my life, many of which have gone on to their heavenly abode.


Next is a blog I wrote 16 years ago. Yep, 16. I know. I've drowned me a whole lot of words under the bridge so to speak in my time doing these episodes. Mom was turning 85. God blessed her with another 8 years. Remarkable! Happy Mother's Day to all those out there and may God add His blessings to each one is my prayer. Amen


Tribute to a Woman of Distinction!

 

This coming Sunday is the celebration of my mom’s 85th birthday. That’s a big number in the age game but a very special one for a one-of-a-kind mom and I am thanking God for her on this Friday, May 1, 2009. She may not be well known outside of her circle, but her circle is large and it includes many faces, young and old, who love, respect, and honor her for the great woman she is. First and foremost, she is my mom and I am her son. She did what she could to help me grow into being a child of God and a productive member of society. I’ve not always done either as well as I should but it’s not because of her lack of trying. Thanks Mom for always being there for us and in my case for these nearly sixty-three years.

You have heard my story before about how blessed I have been to have such wonderful women in my life. I think about my grandmother Mac, my mom, my wife, my mother-in-law, my wife’s grandmother, my sisters, and many of my aunts. What I notice about my mom is her lifetime of resolve and determined commitment. She believes in God and does her best to serve Him. She loves her children and continues to mother us all even as she edges towards this great milestone. She is a friend to those in need and enjoys spending quality time with her huge brood from the eldest to the youngest great-great grandchild. Moms are the universal language of love and reflect God’s provision for His hands extended in helping shape little ones for time and eternity.

Often the men who served in WWII are thought about as being a part of the greatest generation. But rarely do we hear much about the women. Most of them, like my mom, stayed home, took care of the children, praying and waiting every day for their men to come home. Moms are special. Moms remember stuff that others wouldn’t even notice to begin with. My mom remembers that when I was born and they brought me home in the middle of August there was a freak cold spell and they had to heat up the room for me to have a bath. Only a mom would remember something like that! She remembers me being one of her best eaters and often says she wishes she would have saved for my grandchildren some of the countless grocery sacks that I had drawn pictures all over. As I think about this remarkable woman my heart fills up with a sense of overwhelming blessing as I meditate upon her being God’s gift to us as our mom. I love you, Mom. Happy 85th Birthday and thanks for always being a woman of distinction in my life. May God bless you. Amen. ….More later.

Thursday, May 8, 2025

"Every generation revolts against its fathers and makes friends with its grandfathers." ~ Lewis Mumford, (1895-1995), American historian and sociolgist


Good morning and welcome to today's episode. It is Thursday, May 8, 2025, and, it looks like we have a beautiful day ahead. I am not Catholic but it's hard to miss the coverage being devoted to the choosing of the next Pope. Here's what's interesting to me. Here in the United States it is being covered more like college game day or perhaps coverage of an NFL game. Split-screens with Vatican experts giving live play by play of the potential activities going on behind the closed door sessions where votes are being counted four times each day. As Charles Barkley once said about a mind boggling play on the basketball court, "I don't know what the word surreal means but that play is just that, surreal." That's kind of my view of the coverage of the next Pope, wall to wall, so to speak. One interesting side note. An analyst pointed out the obvious tidbit where all the technologies of the world are currently focused on recognizing a signal from a smokestack. Hey, let's face it. With 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, well, as the current occupant of the Oval Office might say, "The potential ratings are H_U_G_E!"

 


I know you know that I am fascinated by the generational identity classifications, Perhaps too much so. The Artificial Intelligence (AI) assessment puts it this way: "Generational identities are defined by an individual's awareness of their membership in a generational group and the significance of that group to them. These identities are often shaped by shared historical experiences, technological advancements, and cultural contexts. Generational identities can also intersect with other identity markers like gender, race, and national context." There are numerous ways the so-called experts break down the dates that match these made up tags. That's right. They are made up. They know who actually coined the names of these various identity groups. Here's one breakdown: Traditionalists—born 1925 to 1945; Baby Boomers—born 1946 to 1964; Generation X—born 1965 to 1980; Millennials—born 1981 to 2000; Generation Z—born 2001 to 2020; Alpha, still being worked on. That doesn't match the photo graphic because there are differing ideas even among scholars on how to break these out. For instance, I was born in 1946, the so called starting year for the boomer generation. That most likely puts me with one foot in the previous generation and its influences on me while it being very clear I have next to nothing in common with those born in the tail end of the boomer generation, those born in the 1960's. While I enjoy reading about all of these designations, in many ways the vaunted analyses of it all in many ways do not amount to a hill of beans. (I heard that one a lot growing up, maybe from those in the greatest and silent generations. Ha!)

 


My point? The Source of all truth, God's Holy Word, the Bible says this: "And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation." (Hebrews 9, 27-28) Regardless of what generation we were born to live in we stand in need of God's provision. That's right. Every man, woman, boy, and girl. God has provided a way for us to be made right with Himself and to live in His presence for all of eternity, here's how Jesus put it: "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." Old or young, the answer to our greatest need is wrapped up in seeking Him, for "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." (Romans 10:13)  Jesus is the answer to how generations become united as one. In Him. Okay. You can quote me on this one. Go ahead. I dare you. Double dog. Just joking. Have a God-blessed day and I'll see you next time, Lord willing. Amen.

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

"Yesterday's the past, tomorrow's the future, but today is a gift. That's why it's called the present." ~ Bil Keane, (1922-2011), Cartoonist, best known for The Family Circus


Good morning and welcome. Today, it is Wednesday, May 7, 2025, and, I, for one, am thankful to have awakened this morning because I realize that every heartbeat actually belongs to God, therefore, I give Him thanks and praise. What say you? Wordplay is simply that, using words in a playful manner. When we read or communicate we liven up the exchange by playing around with words. Let me break the ice by doing my best to bite the bullet and in so doing I will try to hit the nail on the head. At the same time I wouldn't want to let the cat out of the bag but I will settle for killing two birds with one stone. I sure hope I am not barking up the wrong tree here, knowing that dealing with it is a piece of cake. I am trying to avoid it costing an arm and a leg but wouldn't want to be cutting corners at the risk of ending up being under the weather while putting the ball back in your court. In many ways it's back to square one, but, a blessing in disguise, which, these days are a dime a dozen, but, I never want to be accused of beating around the bush, however, as they say, better late than never. What? You think I might have bitten off more than I can chew. I remind you, actions speak louder than words, and since you are the apple of my eye I will not allow my bark to be worse than my bite. I do hope I haven't burned any bridges, if so, I will have to call it a day, but, I must tell you I will not cry over spilled milk or be the devil's advocate in this matter. Remember, every cloud has a silver lining, that is, if it's not allowed to get out of hand. I will give the benefit of the doubt in the blink of an eye before I hit the sack. You can jump on the bandwagon, keep your chin up, and, when it's all said and done, let sleeping dogs lie. We wouldn't want to miss the boat because of an off the cuff remark that occurs once in a blue moon and shows up from out of the blue. Right? You think I might be trying to pull your leg? Nope. Just trying to stay on the ball and to tread lightly on thin ice while doing my best not to rain on anyone's parade because let's face it, Rome was not build in a day. Whew! Fortunately while trying to have the best of both worlds I was saved by the bell and have attempted to stay with it through thick and thin knowing that time flies when one is having fun. Don't get the idea I am twisting your arm, so don't get up in the air because that would only occur when pigs fly. In closing, you can't judge a book by it's cover and your guess is as good as mine. 



Before you report me via the crisis hotline, realize I sat down with a list of idiomatic phrases and put together that paragraph to celebrate Witty Word Wednesday. No, like Cinco De Mayo, it's not a holiday celebrating a real historical event, it's just an excuse to have fun. Being the serious minded guy that I am, don't be swayed by today's posting as indicating I have a fun side to my personality. I do enjoy a good laugh now and then. It does a body good. Like medicine. Yep. You've heard that one before. It's taken from Proverbs 17, Verse 22. Solomon, via inspiration, either said these things or he collected these sayings as a way of providing instruction. This means that according to Solomon, known as the wisest man ever to walk on the planet (with one exception The Lord Himself, Jesus Christ), presents laughter as being good medicine. And, that's no laughing matter. I do know Solomon was a very high IQ guy but 700 wives and 300 concubines, what in the world was he thinking? As the preachers like to joke, he had a least 700 mothers-in-law too! I quickly add I have never been able to tell mother-in-law jokes because mine was almost too good to be true. She, in her own simple way, was truly a woman of God. So many jokes I've had to pass on, but, I am the one blessed as a result. 

 


Here's your assignment for today. See if you can spot all the idioms I used in the first paragraph. When you finish that exercise, take a moment to consider all that God has done and as a result give Him thanks and praise. Yeah. I was surprised too when I found that selfie with Solomon and his wives. Wow! It is true. You can find almost anything on the internet. Take care now, you hear? And, may God add His blessings. Amen.