John 10:29, "My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; and no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand."

Welcome one and all to today's episode. You are seeing it for the first time and that's the same experience I had when I was putting it together. Funny how that works, and, often I am as surprised as anyone when I read what I wrote. Okay. Enough of that. It is Monday, August 11, 2025, and it's a good day to pause and recognize the truth about our very existence. From the Book of Job we read this about God: Chapter 12, Verse 10, from the English Standard Bible: "In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind." It's best that we acknowledge this truth and give Him thanks for the life He has given to us. I do thank Him for my life and I hope you will do the same. The photo above was put together to reflect on the beginning years of our just completed 15 year run as Santa and Mrs. Claus, beginning back in 2009. Many of the children in the photos above are now in college with some already out in the working world. It has been our desire to bring a smile in our portrayal of the Jolly Ole Fellow and his wife. We had thought to hang it all up but there were just too many requests, therefore, we decided to make a go at it, one more time. We do love being with the children. We always have. The preparation work in making the transformation into Santa is quite taxing, the work itself involved is just that, work. I know. There are some who think it must be the easiest job in the world. My response says give it a go, then, we will talk. And, dealing with a few people, usually the moms and dads, mostly the moms, does require Santa to be prayed up. Fortunately, that's typically the exception. In the end, it truly is all about the children and according to my wife I reach out to little ones whether I'm in Santa mode or not. We already have several bookings including a couple of out of town projects. I need to have a meeting soon with the participants in my doing this work. They include Uncle Arthur, cousins Bursy, and Tendon, along with Ty a really good friend. In case you missed it those stand for arthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, and Tylenol. It will take a village to get this done and I am always thankful for Mrs. Claus who encourages me, drives for me, and reminds me not to worry but just be happy. 

 

Speaking of making others smile, I thought maybe our Lil Miss Biscuit might bring a little cheer. I will say it. She causes me to laugh out loud. Not Lol, buy really, laughing out loud. That Lol designation has become very much overused and while it originally did mean laughing out loud, in today's world it is used to convey everything from amusement to sarcasm. But, when I say Lil Miss Biscuit is funny. I mean it. She makes me laugh. Out loud. I think that was actually around before the abbreviation was around, but, in our world today there's not so much of wholesome laughing out loud. A lot of that is because of the difficulties people face in life. I can get down and out too. I can. I really can. I try not to but our stinking thinking at times causes us to lose our perspective, especially, as those who have their trust guaranteed by faith in Jesus, the Christ. The Aussies like to say, "No worries." We believers should be the ones who live with a no worry attitude. How? The Apostle's Paul inspired take, from the Berean Literal Bible, Philippians 4:6 "Be anxious about nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God." Reading that verse is good. Quoting that verse is commendable. Living that verse is tough but when we do live it, it is the reflection of who we are in Christ. No one said my thoughts would pass the discombobulation test. It's just a blog and after all is said and done, who in their right mind could be angry for long with Santa Claus? Take care and have a blessed rest of today. May God be with us all. Amen.