"I am blessed: I have a warm bed to sleep in, a bathroom only steps away, running water and plumbing, food in the refrigerator, and the comforts of a home." ~ copied

Good morning. Welcome to another day here at the ole blogger ranch. Today's roundup finds itself up and at em on this Tuesday, September 30, 2025.  We, or, at the least the wife, has been doing her best to pour on the water trying to hang on to the green grass for as long as we can. We have been blessed with spotty showers throughout this past summer and it has kept everything looking pretty good. Some summers come along and all the kings men and all the kings horses could not preserve the turf because of old fashioned drought and hot weather. We've been at this house address since the summer of 1984, forty-one years, and given the fact that it was built in the early 1970's, well, it like us might just be humming the gospel tune, 'This Ole House'. It was written by Stuart Hamblin, put out in 1954, and it describes the last words of an old man living in an old house that has fallen into such disrepair that it is no longer structurally sound. The man tells of how the house "once knew his children" and "once knew his wife," but that he was not going to need it any longer, nor did he have time to repair the house's numerous flaws because he is dying and going to heaven very soon ("ready to meet the saints"). That's a description found in Wikipedia and we don't think we are quite there yet but we can see some of our experience with our house in that song. The song itself was a great success and was recorded by many different people. Just for the fun of it here are the lyrics. Go ahead. Sing it. I know many of you know how it goes. Enjoy!

 

[Verse 1]
This old house once knew my children
This old house once knew my wife
This old house was home and comfort
As we fought the storms of life
This old house once rang with laughter
This old house heard many shouts
Now she trembles in the darkness
When the lightnin' walks about

[Chorus]
Ain’t gonna need this house no longer
Ain't gonna need this house no more
Ain't got time to fix the shingles
Ain’t got time to fix the floor
Ain't got time to oil the hinges
Nor to mend the window-pane
Ain't gonna need this house no longer
I'm gettin' ready to meet the saints

[Verse 2]
This old house is a-gettin' shaky
This old house is a-gettin' old
This old house lets in the rain
This old house lets in the cold
Oh my knees are gettin' chilly
But I feel no fear or pain
’Cause I see an angel peekin’
Through a broken window-pane

[Chorus]
Ain't gonna need this house no longer
Ain’t gonna need this house no more
Ain't got time to fix the shingles
Ain't got time to fix the floor
Ain't got time to oil the hinges
Nor to mend the window-pane
Ain’t gonna need this house no longer
I'm gettin' ready to meet the saints

[Verse 3]
Now this old house is afraid of thunder
This old house is afraid of storms
This old house just groans and trembles
When the night wind flings its arms
This old house is a-gettin' feeble
This old house is a-needin' paint
Just like me, it's tuckered out
But I'm gettin' ready to meet the saints

[Chorus]
Ain't gonna need this house no longer
Ain't gonna need this house no more
Ain't got time to fix the shingles
Ain't got time to fix the floor
Ain't got time to oil the hinges
Nor to mend the window-pane
Ain't gonna need this house no longer
I'm gettin' ready to meet the saints

 

[Verse 4]
Now my old hound dog lies asleepin'
He don't know I'm gonna leave
Else he'd wake up by the fireplace
And he'd sit there and howl and grieve
But my huntin' days are over
Ain't gonna hunt the 'coon no more
Gabriel done brought in my chariot
When the wind blew down the door

[Chorus]
Ain't gonna need this house no longer
Ain't gonna need this house no more
Ain't got time to fix the shingles
Ain't got time to fix the floor
Ain't got time to oil the hinges
Nor to mend the window-pane
Ain't gonna need this house no longer
I'm gettin' ready to meet the saints

 

Okay. That should do it for today. Have a great one and know that God is aware of everything involving His own. He is aware and He cares. May He add His blessings. Amen. 

"Coffee sets the blood in motion, makes the motor spirits flow, an excitation that precipitates digestion, chases away sleep and allows you to use your cerebral faculties a little longer." ~ Honoré de Balzac, (1799-1850), French novelist and playright.

Good morning and welcome. It is Monday, September 29, 2025, and even though summer was not notified that it should have exited by now, I did enjoy the early morning coolish air, (59 degrees this particular day). I say that about summer because it has the potential to be in the mid 90's for highs this week. Have you ever stopped and thought about the conversations you have with your other half. I know. That's dangerous territory but in our case it can, at times, be either entertaining or enlightening. Last night she said, out of the blue, "I need to go to the store in the morning." Me, "Okay, what's the reason?" I was just making conversation. Her response, "I have only one bottle of coca cola left and you should know coca cola is to me what coffee is to you." Hello, now wait just a cotton picking minute. When anyone invokes the coffee subject, well, I do get tuned in, in a hurry. Life is too short to drink anything but Louisiana Community coffee. I'm pretty sure nearly everyone knows that's my firm belief and they also know I am 100% unanimous in my opinion. We will be traveling some in support of our Santa Enterprise in the upcoming months and I will be carrying my own coffee maker along with Community. They have coffee makers in the hotel rooms, don't they? They do but I don't even want to go into detail how much I detest the coffee they supply. Might as well have water with food coloring. I've even tried using two of their coffee units at one time, but, it still comes out fit only for pouring down the drain. I've called ahead to find out and often the people at the front desk don't know what kind of coffee maker they have and they don't have any idea what brand of coffee is supplied. And, they call themselves knowledgeable. Whoever heard of such ignorance, especially when it comes to what may be one of the most critical items provided to their guests, so-called. At any rate, I take my own coffee maker and my own Community and my own coffee mug, therefore, I don't have to worry about their provisioning, period. No. I am not obsessed with the coffee I drink. I'm just too long in the tooth to settle. Sure. It cost more than the 5 pound bucket sold at the big box store, but, as three cups proved this morning, it's worth it. And, since she had the audacity to compare her need for a soft drink to my inspirational connection to Community, I did what I often do when she is talking to me. I first said, "Do what?" And, then I grunted. 

I do have a tendency to embellish my recollections from time to time but truth be told, that's a pretty fair representation of our dialogue on that subject. I want to make something very clear. I do enjoy my coffee and I do enjoy writing about it, however, it's not the focal point of my life. I've not always been focused on the purpose and meaning of my time here on the planet, but, my understanding of the truth even at this late date, as one meme said: I've lived long enough that the words 'unlikely passing' will not be in my obituary, therefore, I will share a summation of it all as given by Solomon. Remember him? Jesus recognized Solomon's wisdom in Matthew 12:42, look it up. It will do you good to do so. No. This is not a Bible sword drill although that's always a good idea. My point? Hearing from Solomon, a man who literally tried everything under the sun in search of life's meaning only to conclude this:

 

" Now all has been heard;
    here is the conclusion of the matter:
Fear God and keep his commandments,
    for this is the duty of all mankind." Ecclesiastes 12:13, from the New International Version (NIV)

 

At 79 plus 10 months which includes the 9 months in my mom's tummy, I am still finding myself struggling in the pursuit of this admonition. As a dear old preacher friend of mine said one time, "We, believers, all are fellow strugglers as we live out our lives here." That's why we encourage and pray one for another. Right? Right! And, Amen. Have a great day and may God add His blessings. Amen. 

Hebrews 11:38 speaks about those that lived for God but this world was not worthy of them. I believe Charlie Kirk was an example since this verse 'signifies that these individuals were so spiritually excellent and faithful that their existence enriched the world, yet the world itself was incapable of appreciating their true worth'.

Well, hello there, I hope you are feeling mighty fine on this Friday, September 26, 2025. Lil Miss Biscuit and I, with a cup of hot strong Community Coffee were outside before daylight this morning enjoying the mid 60's temperature with a wee bit lower humidity and that makes for a good start here. I'm not sure but I think Al Gore eliminated fall weather when he was dealing with the climate crisis, so, we are left with our memories to console us as we conjure up images of fall colors which we might get a semblance of here if it stays dry. Just joking. Don't send me any hate mail because had he and his ilk been correct in their projections, those states with coastlines would be mostly under water by now. On to something more positive, while we are observing the aftermath of the Charlie Kirk assassination, the Gospel is still being proclaimed as clips and reels are played on social media platforms all over the world. Talk about going out with a bang! No pun intended. He had said he most wanted to be remembered for "his courage for his faith because his faith was the most important thing in his life..." As I hear kids say and Charlie's testimony most definitely deserves a , "Wowie! Zowie!" While we recognize his contributions it is clear God has used his death to speak to the hearts of those who constitute the command that we go into all the world. His death might have been the catalyst but Charlie would have been the first to tell anyone at anytime, it is the power of the Gospel that changes lives, not the messenger who proclaims it. Frank Turek, an outstanding apologist/defender of the Faith and of the Gospel, said these words that continue to resonate with me, "Now, I want you to know that Charlie right now is in heaven, not because he was a great husband and father, not because he saved millions of kids out of darkness on college campuses, not because he changed minds and chased votes to save the country, not because he sacrificed himself for his Savior. Charlie Kirk is in heaven because his Savior sacrificed himself for Charlie Kirk." That brief summation is holy shouting grounds for those of us who will one day experience the transition Charlie experienced, "....Absent from the body present with the Lord." (2nd Corinthians 5:8)

 

I hope today's visit will be the source of encouragement to all who seek to live their lives for the Lord. The old song says, "It will be worth it all when we see Jesus." I do hope you have a great today, Saturday, and, that, on Sunday, you will find the time to attend a called out assembly, (a Bible Believing Church), where people spend time loving each other, worshiping God, and hearing from Him as His Word is shared. As I like to close each time: May God add His blessings. Amen.

"The Bible is not an end in itself, but a means to bring men to an intimate and satisfying knowledge of God, that they may enter into Him, that they may delight in His Presence, may taste and know the inner sweetness of the very God Himself in the core and center of their hearts." — A. W. Tozer, his book: The Pursuit of God

It's Thursday, September 25, 2025, and I know what y'all were thinking. Maybe I was cancelled like some of the people we see in the news. No. That was not the case. I have been busy. Church busy. Our Bible conference started last Sunday. My participation included teaching John Chapter 11 to my lifegroup and then Sunday morning choir, Sunday evening choir. We had sermons for each service. Then on Monday we had two sermons in the morning, one during lunch, and then one Monday evening, where we also had the choir. Repeat that schedule for Tuesday and Wednesday. Lots of great expository preaching and lots of great music all directed towards the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. In other words, my schedule has been full. The results? Well, for one thing, and I am unanimous in this conclusion, I am almost disabled from a bout of conviction-itis. That's what happens when the Word of God is preached by the man of God, it will accomplish the purpose that God intended. Yep. It will. It really will. That, by the way is promised in the Bible. In Isaiah, Chapter 55, Verse 11, we read this from the literal translation as given in the Legacy Standard Bible: "So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what pleases Me, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it." Since we know the Bible, the Word of God, is written by men but breathed out by God Himself, (see 2 Timothy 3:16-17), this connects the Word shared to the Isaiah promise where it will accomplish God's intention. This is what makes it worth our time. To hear from Almighty God from His Book, the Holy Bible is an amazing thing and one worth our time and effort. In addition to the conviction, there was also illumination and encouragement as we received instruction in our becoming more of what God would have us to be. The good news? He loves each of us enough to continue to working on us. The late Dr. Charles Stanley said God was shaping us as we grow in our faith in order for us to become objects of notable excellence that reflect honor and glory back to Him. (my paraphrase) At the end of our conference my body reports being tired. (Don't get me started on what it means to navigate I-45 North to get to our Church property multiple times this week. Yikes!) And, that, my friend, is why you have not seen my blog every day. What's that? You thought I was showing mercy to my recipients? That's a good one. Whatever, I am b-a-a-a-c-k! and glad to be sitting here with my Lil Miss Biscuit's nose in my back as she is in the chair watching over me. 

 

The wife's sister, here from Louisiana, has her final two radiation treatments, one today, and the final one tomorrow. Thanks to so many who have prayed for her. Thus far, the treatments have not been difficult at all. Just a wee bit of tiredness but we consider her entire cancer journey as an example of God's provision in that He has been with her each step of the way. I mention that because for most of us there will come a time when we are in a situation where His presence and His provision will be very much our need. Yes, I need Him every hour as the song says but there are circumstances and situations where that need becomes overwhelming and I'm here to tell you, based on my own experiences, that He will not let you down. Does that mean it turns out the way you want it to? It does not mean that but it does mean the felt presence of God helped us to get through the challenges we faced and He will do the same for you, as His child. Not His child? I remember a pastor from back in the day who, when people said they were not sure of their salvation, he would tell them, okay, let's get it right, right now! He would take them to the altar and rather than try to convince them they are okay he would lead them through the plan of salvation God gave in His Word. I'm not sure who might read today's edition, perhaps someone near or someone far away, (Remember it is God's intention that counts!) But I leave you with this simple explanation on how you can be saved: 

Have a blessed day and remember to remember that God deserves our praise and worship, period. And, may He add His blessings. Amen. 

Charlie Kirk, 2024, during an interview with Russell Brand, ~ "I mean, I'm nothing without Jesus. I'm a sinner. I fall incredibly short of the glory of God. We all do. I gave my life to the Lord in fifth grade, and it's the most important decision I've ever made, and everything I do incorporates Jesus Christ."

Okay. Here we go round and round, again, like it was the first time, on this Monday, September 22, 2025. I can't remember all the lyrics off the top of my head but I can tell you this about that: "You've got to know when to hold them and know when to fold them." I'm not talking about poker, I'm talking about trying to decide when it may be time to back off just a wee bit from all the stuff I'm trying to stay involved in. Don't worry about it. It is an age thing and I do believe it to be quite natural. I will be brief today. Just watch and see. The Mims Baptist annual Bible Conference began yesterday and we have morning preaching sessions and evening preaching sessions along with great music for the next three days. I am attending. The wife's sister starts her cancer radiation followup treatments here in The Woodlands today, therefore, the wife will be assisting her. Say a prayer for her as she does have treatments for the next five days. And, just so you know, I said I am thinking about thinking about what's best for me to stay involved in, however, I can be nothing but thankful to God Almighty that I have been and continue to be able to do what I am doing. We will see. And, yes, I need some God input on exactly what's best. Yes. I've heard that one before, meeting yourself coming back will keep you young. I'm pretty sure that is not a fact, Jack! At least, not for someone headed for the 80 year old sign post. But, we will see. We did have a great Saturday and Sunday was wonderful with nearly all day activities at our local assembly, Mims Baptist. We did have about three hours between morning and evening activities, and, I spent that time watching the memorial service for Charlie Kirk. I didn't see President Trump speak but I read some of his comments this morning. I was afraid he would use the occasion to go on the attack and he didn't hold back. I will say this: The Gospel message of Jesus Christ was clearly heralded during much of the time I watched. The President wasn't there until sometime later but hopefully he heard what we all heard, Charlie would have wanted his Savior to be the guest of honor, not anyone else. That's my take. You can have yours. Okay. I better shut down and get ready to head to hear some great sermons from God's Holy Word. Amen.

 

Get out there and have yourself a wonderful day and may our Great God add His blessings as we continue our journey, together. Amen. 

Flashback Friday ~ It can be the re-experiencing of a memory, thus today's example.

Well hello there and welcome to Friday, September 19, 2025. Today I've chosen to share a blog that garnered the second most views of those I have written starting in 2007. This one had 2,700 views. I know. That's not many compared to celebrity stuff but as my wife said one time when I had gotten a huge promotion at work, "Not bad for a Hornbeck boy." In case you don't know that's where I hail from, Hornbeck, Louisiana, and it was a rival town to where she came from just down the road in Anacoco, Louisiana, thus, her attempted humorous jab. Okay. I re-read this entry from 2010 and it still rings true today. I do hope you and yours will have yourselves a blessed upcoming Saturday and Lord's Day Sunday. Find yourselves at a place where God is worshipped and His Word is faithfully taught, do so and you will have a truly blessed week end and the beginning of a brand new week (Sunday), going forward. May God bless each one. Amen.

 Monday, October 4, 2010

"Yabba dabba doo!"

It's good to see you made it back safe and sound. Most people chuckle when I use the word 'sound' in any context about myself. The classic words found in the standard last will and testament comes to mind: Being of sound mind. I need to be coming up with some kind of alternative for mine so that they don't get off on the wrong foot from the get go. But how in the world are you doing, anyway, on this Monday, October 4, 2010? Last Thursday was the 50th anniversary of the debut of the Flintstones Cartoon Show (September 30, 1960). I hate the word favorite because I have way too many in way too many categories. But I did enjoy the Flintstones immensely. The Flintstones characters paralleled and parodied one of the best comedy sitcoms of all time, The Honeymooners. I could still watch the Flintstones and I've never tired of watching The Honeymooners. Now please don't try to discover what deep seated psychological defect I'm carrying around that would make me gravitate to these types of shows. Whatever it is I'm pretty sure it's not contagious, however, I just remembered that my youngest son is also a huge fan of  The Honeymooners. I'll have to rethink some about the deep seated defects stuff, but to be honest, there's so much clutter on that radar screen, I'm not sure I could spot anything even if I saw it. But until I do, get your day started off with a clarion wake up call from Fred Flintstone himself, "Yabba dabba doo!"

Some of you thought that exclamation was what Adam said the first time he laid eyes on Eve. Preachers have been using that as a joke for so long I'm sure some might even think it is in the Bible. Speaking about the Bible, I saw last week the news story about the survey where folks of all persuasions were asked questions about religion and the Bible. They also ran it on the nightly news programs. Surprise! Surprise! Most people, sad to see, even practicing Christians, couldn't correctly answer very simple questions about the Bible. Most of them could not name the four Gospels, couldn't identify the city where Jesus was born, and didn't know that the first book in the Bible is Genesis. Guess what group scored the highest on this test? Those identifying themselves as atheists! The president of the American Bible Society commented that this should be a wake up call for all Christian leaders in how they should get back to the basics in providing instruction. In my time as a teacher I have observed a huge generational disconnect where far too many Church leaders have emphasized just about everything else other than the sound teaching of the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. I fully realize the purpose of our instruction is not so that people can answer quizzes, however, being clueless about God's Word reflects a huge issue that can only spell trouble for many as they attempt to cope with the significant challenges they will face in this life.

Perhaps its the short attention span that most of us have developed as we attempt to email, text, watch TV, talk on the cell, and whatever else, all at the same time that causes us to resist taking the time necessary to dig deeper into the riches found in God's Holy Word. We have to admit that we are living in a hurry up world. I can remember seeing someone heating up their food in a microwave. As they stood there peering into the oven they were cheering it on to hurry up. Hurry up? We're talking seconds here but it's still not fast enough. I have a theory about this fast pace of life and you have heard it before. It's one that relates how the enemy of all that is good uses our busy lives to distract us and to lead us away from the things that truly matter for time and eternity. We would like to but we can't find time to pray, to study The Word, to be with our spouse or our children, to find a place to serve others, and the list goes on and on. Yet, it's not from a lack of activity but rather it comes from our failing to see the revolving door trap we find ourselves in. Spinning that door faster and faster will not get you to where you need to go. I'm not preaching, I'm just sharing because I have been there and done that and would love to re-do much but that's not possible. But I can do what I can today and part of that is to share my experiences with you, and perhaps, help you to avoid some of those traps that are being set even as I write this blog. God will help us but we have to seek Him and that requires .... what class? Our time and our attention! No. I am not passing a plate today but I'll keep that in mind. Have a great work week and may God bless each one. Amen.              .....More later.

One upset critic of nursing homes said this: "Let's put the seniors in jail and the criminals in a nursing home." ` copied

I am running late today but on this Thursday, September 18, 2025, I do have a really good reason. I do. A good one. Our old people's choir sang this morning at one of the nursing homes in Conroe, Texas. We've been there before, but it's been a few years. As always, the residents at that skilled nursing facility or perhaps the long-term care facility, well, they gave us a super, warm reception. And, just for the record, the old people's choir is officially called the Legacy Choir and if using old people is hard for you to handle, you can always say Legacy. (Back in the day when I was very involved in the running of a large information technology program the word legacy was assigned to outdated software that was still hanging around way past its use by date.) If the shoe fits, well, buy a pair in every color. I always joke when I go to the old folk's home. I tell people I can handle it fine except I do not appreciate the staff telling me it is time for me to return to my room. It's a joke. I know. Don't quit my day job. I told the wife on our way home it really doesn't do any good to say I really hope you never put me in a place like this. Why? Things happen. Life changes. Decisions have to be made. At the same time we all have what they used to call back home: Our druthers. It is a real word. It has to do with a person's preference. Just so you know. After we finished a rollicking good time of singing we then mingled with the residents and shook hands and visited. A good time was had by most. I can't speak for the entire group. That's why I used the word most. Oh yeah. They continue to play either Russian roulette or spin the bottle to determine how many roads to shut down in and around our area. Very exasperating when you are trying your best to get from point A to point B. I have no idea why it's referred to like that but I do know the exasperating part, real well. The wife asked if I wanted her to put the address to the senior citizens domiciliary into the GPS app on her phone. I told her not to worry because I had looked it up on a map and using an old school approach I figured out where we were going. As you can readily see, I finished this report earlier but I kept on, therefore, (breathe a sign of relief here),I will put this day's visit to rest.

 

I do want to pause to recognize our grandson's 20th birthday. Alexander Benjamin Abbott, our Alex, he's not always had an easy time of it with a number of autism related issues, but, I thank God that he is in his first year of college and while some days are better than others, he is hanging in there. Praying that God will continue to sustain him as he makes his way forward. Until next time, may God bless each one. Amen.

“You know you're getting old when Santa starts looking younger.” ~ Robert Paul, Writer

Okay. It's Wednesday, September 17, 2025, and, I'm just back from an early morning computed tomography (CT) scan of my chest. On average people old enough to be on Medicare spend nearly 21 days per year dealing with their medical needs. That's nearly one month! The radiologist has already read the scan and I saw the report online. Now, I await the official response from the doctor who ordered the scan, the pulmonologist. No doubt a good portion of those 21 days is used up waiting. Essentially, my chest scan is unchanged. This means the stuff that is questionable hasn't changed which is a good thing I think. I base this on the fact that we were doing scans every six months but the radiologist now recommends it not be done again for one year. I thank God. That report does go into a lot of detail about what they can see on the scan. The purpose of the scan was focused on particular nodules and their development or lack thereof, however, it's like this: On our way to looking at the chest stuff we did a little walk through the anatomy index of this 79 year plus individual. Their tour included observation of the kidneys, the liver, the stomach, the throat, and, many other hard to pronounce items of interest. I'm not surprised to learn how they can see in their fly over that I have a lot of calcification of my arteries. This is to be expected in older people, however, it can be a signal of potential heart related issues further down the road. Back in the mid 1960s when I worked for the Veterans Administration in their hospital located in Pineville, Louisiana, nearly every older veteran was written up for having one form or another of arteriosclerosis which includes the hardening of the arteries around the heart. All of this means that this Santa needs to be working on getting ready to get ready. To that I will add the popular meme IYKYK. (Okay, for those who wonder, it means this: If you know, you know.)

 

I also had blood work done earlier in the week. My primary care is keeping a close watch on several of the markers that pertain to my diabetic condition. All of this medical stuff makes it clear that given my age it's clear I am headed in the direction of the exit door and that should not be a surprise. When King David was on his death bed he said these words, "I am about to go the way of all the earth." (1st Kings 2:2)  He was seventy years young but his words were a euphemism for him knowing he would soon die. It's a quite natural process and for those of us blessed to have been given an extended time here on the planet, well, we know better than anyone the reality of this getting ready to go. I am currently working on the lesson for the upcoming lifegroup class from John Chapter 11 where Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead. He called Lazarus back to life and he came forth from that tomb. What a stunning miracle from the One who is the Resurrection and the Life! Lazarus was dead but he became alive again. Yet, he picked up his living fully aware that he would again die at sometime in the future. This raising up of the dead man foreshadows our guaranteed eternal state: 1st Thessalonians 4: 16) "For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17) Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord." (from the Legacy Standard Bible) This means the aches and pains, the age related challenges we face, they all are moving us closer to our destiny and while they may bury or burn our bodies here, we will live forever and ever with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Now that should encourage us all. If not, I'm sorry, I don't know how to help you. Amen and Amen. 

"If I’d known I was going to live this long, I would have taken better care of myself." ~ Most likely originially said by a retiring editorial columnist Billy Noonan in the early 1950's although it is attributed to others as well.

Good morning and welcome. Today is Tuesday, September 16, 2025, and, while I did not say the title quote myself I can certainly identify with it and appreciate the embedded truth. I have been saying for a long time in response to the proverbial, "Hey, how are you doing?", this ditty: "I'm in good shape for the shape I'm in." I understand they have tracked down the first mention of this from a writer named Ben Hayslip who used to hear his grandfather say something like that. Hayslip later incorporated the saying into a song, 'The Shape I'm In", sung by Joe Nichols. I've been using it a lot without knowing any of that background. Life is all about sayings. The most accurate source are those found in God's Word because that's where we find the truth, the whole truth, and, nothing but the truth. I attended Church with an old gentleman who had his own response when he was asked, "Hey, how are you doing?", here is what he would say, "If I kicked I oughta be." It took me a while to unwrap that one but essentially he was saying if he complained about anything then he deserved to be kicked. Get it? I do hear this one quite often, "Better than I deserve." That would likely fit us all especially when we begin to begin to grasp the outpouring of mercy and grace that God has extended to each one of us. Colorful sayings do add something to the living out of our days here on the planet. This was the subject of a conversation at coffee break time in a job I had many years ago. Everyone was sharing the sayings they heard growing up. I mentioned how my mom used to, if we didn't straighten up and fly right, she would threaten "to pinch our heads off". One of the secretaries was from Michigan and when I said that she nearly fainted. She thought my mom was potentially guilty of child abuse because of her cruel threats. She went on to say she could visualize my mom actually pinching off the head of a child. Yikes! The rest of the group had to laugh. Why? We never visualized anything like that. We just knew it was her way to say we needed to behave. As I said before, The Bible gives us many sayings that have become part of the common dialogue as we communicate our way through life.

 

Examples of Common Sayings from the Bible

A drop in the bucket
        Origin: Isaiah 40:15, which describes the nations as "a drop of a bucket".
        Meaning: A very small, insignificant amount. 

By the sweat of your brow
    Origin: Genesis 3:19, "By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food...".
    Meaning: Referring to hard work or labor. 

Don't cast your pearls before swine
    Origin: Matthew 7:6, "Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine".
    Meaning: Don't offer something of value to those who cannot appreciate it. 

Pride goes before a fall
    Origin: Proverbs 16:18, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall".
    Meaning: Arrogance or excessive self-pride leads to downfall. 

The writing is on the wall
    Origin: Daniel 5, where King Belshazzar receives a writing on the wall.
    Meaning: A warning of impending doom or a sign of a disastrous future. 

It is better to give than to receive
    Origin: Acts 20:35, where Jesus said, "...it is more blessed to give than to receive".
    Meaning: Giving is more rewarding than getting. 

A house divided against itself cannot stand
    Origin: Matthew 12:25, "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand".
    Meaning: Disagreement and internal conflict will lead to ruin. 

Nothing new under the sun
    Origin: Ecclesiastes 1:9.
    Meaning: All things that happen have happened before. 

The love of money is the root of all evil
    Origin: 1 Timothy 6:10.
    Meaning: The desire for money can lead to wicked acts. 

Go the extra mile 
    Origin: Matthew 5:41.
    Meaning: To do more than is required or expected.  

 

So, there you have a little insight into how sayings do play a role in our day by day living. God has been good to allow us to enjoy life and that includes our communications. Take care and may God add His blessings. Amen. (The alignment on today's blog is a little discombobulated, sorry.)

"You can observe a lot by just watching." Yogi Berra, 1925-2015, Yogi Berra transcended the world of sports to become an American icon. Few athletes have made such a transition. Yogi is a household name, known even to those unfamiliar with baseball history. He was a child of Italian immigrants, a World War II Navy gunner who served at D-Day, a record-holding athlete, a Major League coach and manager, a husband and father, an engaged community member, a friend to many and, famously, a one-of-a-kind master with language who uttered some of the most frequently recalled sayings in American life. After a long career and during a very public retirement in which he remained involved in baseball, Yogi spent many of his days at the Yogi Berra Museum & Learning Center in Montclair, N.J., where his interests in education, sports and community came together as one. His legacy is carried on in the Museum’s exhibitions and programs.

I'm back. It's Monday, September 15, 2025, and I welcome you to today's edition. Typically, I type these out with our pup, Lil Miss Biscuit, sitting in the chair with me. I know. Who would have every thought? Certainly not me. But, she, I suppose, does offer emotional support because I can feel her nose on my back and sides as she moves around and causes a fair amount of typos. I have written many times about Yogi Berra and his wonderful and wacky fracturing of the English language. The one in the title is perhaps my favorite. Perhaps. There are so many. Google them. They are outlandishly funny, but, in the case of the about observation, I find it to be 100% reflective of my self-appointed role as observer in chief, abbreviated as OIC, if you like those kinds of things. On Saturday I was at the big car wash getting one of the trucks cleaned up. You know. It's the same one we used back in the mid 1970's and its basic car wash was a wee bit over $5.00 back then. Now, with tax, title, and license fees, it's $26.99 drive out for the not very clean wash or as my grandfather would say, they mostly give it a lick and a promise. (The origin of the colloquial expression 'a lick and a promise' takes us back to the early 1800s. It was mostly used in the context of house cleaning, when maids or servants would skim over a bigger task to get the smaller tasks done first, with the intention of coming back and dedicating their full attention to it.) I need to update my usage since the workers at the car wash have NO intention of coming back to do a more thorough job. A more proper way of explaining it would be to say they give it a 'lick'. Period, end of that story.  Okay. I was there. It was crazy busy. Weather forecast says a week or more of summer hot days, therefore, with very little rain predicted, on a Saturday, many people get their vehicles washed. There was a line to pay. In that line, I, following Yogi's prescription observed the cycle of life, in living color, (not the one from Lion King but very similar), because there at the register was a fellow in his late twenties, full of life, in good shape, flexing his muscles while paying, behind him was a man who had lived quite a bit longer, maybe in his mid to late 40's. His shoes were worn down, his shoulders were slumped and he showed signs of what wear and tear does. Finally, one of my people was there, he was an old dude, maybe in is early 80's and he was impatiently moving his feet forth and back, and I thought to myself, that's you, that's you, can you see it? And, I could, and I did, and now I've shared what my observation yielded and at the end of it all I can only agree with Solomon's conclusion when he ended the writing of Ecclesiastes like this: 

 

 

From the New Living Translation, Chapter 12 "Don’t let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your Creator. Honor him in your youth before you grow old and say, “Life is not pleasant anymore.” ² Remember him before the light of the sun, moon, and stars is dim to your old eyes, and rain clouds continually darken your sky. ³ Remember him before your legs—the guards of your house—start to tremble; and before your shoulders—the strong men—stoop. Remember him before your teeth—your few remaining servants—stop grinding; and before your eyes—the women looking through the windows—see dimly. ⁴ Remember him before the door to life’s opportunities is closed and the sound of work fades. Now you rise at the first chirping of the birds, but then all their sounds will grow faint. ⁵ Remember him before you become fearful of falling and worry about danger in the streets; before your hair turns white like an almond tree in bloom, and you drag along without energy like a dying grasshopper, and the caperberry no longer inspires sexual desire. Remember him before you near the grave, your everlasting home, when the mourners will weep at your funeral. ⁶ Yes, remember your Creator now while you are young, before the silver cord of life snaps and the golden bowl is broken. Don’t wait until the water jar is smashed at the spring and the pulley is broken at the well. ⁷ For then the dust will return to the earth, and the spirit will return to God who gave it. ⁸ “Everything is meaningless,” says the Teacher, “completely meaningless.”  ⁹ Keep this in mind: The Teacher was considered wise, and he taught the people everything he knew. He listened carefully to many proverbs, studying and classifying them. ¹⁰ The Teacher sought to find just the right words to express truths clearly. ¹¹ The words of the wise are like cattle prods—painful but helpful. Their collected sayings are like a nail-studded stick with which a shepherd drives the sheep. ¹² But, my child, let me give you some further advice: Be careful, for writing books is endless, and much study wears you out. ¹³ That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty. ¹⁴ God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad." ~

 

Okay, don't send me a note asking me to explain everything Solomon said here, but, the point is well taken in that we should honor God now, regardless of what station in life we find ourselves. For those of us who are seen moving our feet forth and back as we stand in line, here's some interesting information regarding the last phase of the human life cycle:  Young-old (ages 65–74), Middle-old (ages 75–84), Old-old (ages 85+), and Elite-old (ages 100+). We all know our time here is in God's hands but I thought those divisions were of some use especially given the fact that I am only Middle-old, yay! If none of any of this makes sense to you, well, choose to praise the Lord and keep on trucking, and, may He add His blessings as we go. Amen.

Acts 17:26–27 English Standard Version "And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us,...""

Charlie Kirk, Child of God

Good morning, today is Friday, September 12, 2025, and, if you are able to read my blog that means you are still breathing air on the planet and this day gives us all an opportunity to pause and thank God for the life He has given to us and to seek Him as the only hope for us and for our nation. I did climb the stairs yesterday and I did have something planned for the September 11th remembrance, however, stuff happens and I was going here, there, and it seemed like everywhere, but, I am here today and I am thankful to be able to share with you all. The Charlie Kirk assassination has been both gut wrenching and heartbreaking. I do pray for his wife and their two little ones along with so many others who are directly impacted by this heinous act. Thankfully, it appears the perpetrator is now in custody. I don't know about you but seeing so many celebrate his death, with exuberance, well, that makes me sick to my stomach. I did not take the time to search through all my blogs to come up with my first writing that dealt with the terrorist attacks back on September 11, 2001, but, the following blog was written to commemorate the 6th anniversary of that sad, sad, event. 

 

We Remember! (September 11, 2007)

 

Living in a time when a great cataclysmic event takes place usually etches in the mind exactly where you were and what you were doing when you heard about the event itself. Today we pause to recall the terrorist attack against our country which occurred six years ago on September 11, 2001. Many in the buildings that made up the Word Trade Center Complex are not around to remember where they were when this horrific attack took place. They are joined by others who gave their lives in trying to rescue and save those who were in those buildings.

I was at work that morning. I happened to be listening to the BBC feed on FM radio whenever the announcer broke in and said there had been an airplane crash into the World Trade Center. Shortly after the first announcement there was the report of a second crash. I left my workstation and went into the other office where we could watch the news on television. We all stood dazed as the events began to unfold in New York City.

I know my grandparents remembered exactly where they were whenever they heard about Pearl Harbor. I can remember the day President Kennedy was shot how we were all in our high school classes and suddenly the intercom began playing a Dallas, Texas radio feed. I was in a shop class and it took us a few minutes to figure out what was going on. The president of the United States had been shot in his motorcade in Dallas. It was an unforgettable moment.

Others no doubt remember the receiving of unexpected news about the loss of a loved one. I can remember receiving a call from my baby sister’s husband calling us from the West Coast and telling us that they had just come from all day at the doctors and instead of the minor medical procedure that had been planned, she at age twenty five had just been diagnosed with fast moving, fatal leukemia. I stood straight up in the bed.

There’s also many wonderful days that come to mind like our wedding day, the birth of our children, and other special events that we love to relive in our thoughts. I’m so thankful for the wonderful memories that are also a part of our sojourn here.

But more than anything else on this day of remembrance of this significant day in our history, and as we think on other days that are memorable to us, in trying to gain some context for life here on this planet with all of its ups and downs, I kept being reminded as I wrote this blog of this Old Testament passage from Jeremiah chapter 9:

23) Thus says the LORD:
“Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches; 24) But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,” says the LORD..

Therefore, on this day when so many will be grieving, let those of us who know God and have a relationship with Him through His provision of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, let us pause to pray for all who are hurting, and to seek the peace that only God and God alone can provide. More later……………..

" What at first was plunder assumed the softer name of revenue." ~ Thomas Paine, (1737-1809), American Founding Father, French Revolutionary, inventor, political philosopher, and statesman.

Hello fellow sitters and to those who called me a hero because of my sedentary standing, pun intended, with oak leaf clusters, I do thank you. I do. Today, it is Wednesday, September 10, 2025, and I do thank all those who read my daily posting. Many do make kind remarks along the way and I thank those who had less than kind remarks but decided not to share them with me. Life. It can get busy. As soon as I finish my blog I will be headed to the place where they inspect vehicles. It is the law of the land here in Texas and it is also another way to collect revenues. Once you get the inspection you then go for the registration and I've written much about that place. It's where you can observe folks serving the public taking their breaks, or, that's what those waiting notice. The wife is a H-U-G-E fan of cop chase videos. When you read that sentence do your best to impersonate our President when you say the word H-U-G-E. It fits her attraction to these videos. We, at times, have to watch them with the sound turned down because our police folks often use some of the street language vulgarities that we would rather not hear. I know they likely think the folks they chase understand that better than anything else, however, many of their body cam replays would not be something children of almost any age should be listening to. That's my thought on that. Because we live in the Greater Houston Metro area we will need to undergo the tailpipe test on our vehicles while other more rural areas are no longer required to do so. That means the dude living up near Woodville can fog up the road with his pickup spreading his polluting emissions to his heart's content. Another: My thought on that. Oh well, it will be interesting to go and get my wife's car fixed up for another year. I already took care of her truck. I think I see a trend. More and more stuff is in her name now. Maybe she got a call from my doctor or something. Just thinking out loud.

 

Dorothy and Marilyn, the Rawles girls, twins born 18 months apart.

When you pray about something often and God shows up big, well, it is only right that we stop and recognize His intervention and give Him the rightful praise He deserves. We saw God's working on behalf of the wife's sister as she has dealt with cancer surgery and will now undergo additional follow-up treatment. The doctors, nurses, and staff at MD Anderson, The Woodlands, have been extraordinarily kind and helpful. An answered prayer! The surgical procedure was a remarkable success. An answered prayer! The follow-up treatment will be significantly less that what was envisioned. An answered prayer! Yep. Yep. Yep. Join us in giving all the thanks, honor, and praise to our Great God for Him showing up the way He has throughout this challenging process. And, I quickly add this: He is still God regardless and He still deserves all the praise, regardless. Yet, in those times when we cry out to Him and He intercedes as He has for our dear sister, well, thank You, thank You, thank You. I will close now and get on with my to-do list. Y'all take care now, you hear? And, may God add His blessings. Amen.

"What’s big, hairy and drinks a lot of coffee? Java the Hut" ~ copied from coffee jokes found in Parade Magazine

Lil Miss Biscuit and I were outside enjoying the 64 degree weather at 5 a.m., this morning on this Tuesday, September 9, 2025.  It made my Louisiana Community Dark and Bold Espresso Coffee taste even better. A good start. Hope you had one too. There are some items I don't dare click on. Like this one, 'Four proofs that you are overworked'. Ha! There may have been a time in my past when I would have checked that one out right away, but, not today. Nope. Sadly, I have learned the true meaning of sedentary. In fact, my better half has related to me how my recliner needs replacing. According to her expert opinion, the seat is worn out. There's not too many ways one can wear the seat out of a recliner, therefore, I chose not to click on the overworked meme. For any who might be unfamiliar with the word sedentary, well, it just reflects someone who spends too much time in the seated position with very little physical exercise. I looked at some of the excuses people make about not getting up and doing stuff but none of them were to my liking. I can't really use the age deal because of the 102 year old man who just finished climbing Mount Fuji in Japan. How dare him! He really should be ashamed of himself, that is, if you ask me. I know. You didn't. Okay. Here is my best way to describe why I don't get up as much as I should. This should be good. They call the phobia that people have who are afraid to leave their home, agoraphobia. That's not my problem. It's the old story of how it hurts when you do a certain thing and the answer is not to do it. In my situation it is, at 79 and counting, mostly the pain associated with arthritis and a number of other itis's like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis that cause pain, inflammation, and stiffness in the joints, particularly the hips, knees, and ankles. This pain can force a person to alter their gait and limit their walking distance. Thus, we need a new recliner. Or, at least, that is what I have heard which usually means there will be a new one in our near future. I don't need a crystal ball to ascertain that one. 

I can get some expensive injections in my hips that help a little. I might even qualify for some body part replacements but I'm not inclined to pursue that track. Meanwhile, I am asking for some credit because I do climb the stairs each day to do my blogs. I mention that because it is my understanding that stair climbing is a low-impact exercise that provides significant health benefits, including strengthening the lower body and core, improving cardiovascular health, and enhancing bone density. Just throwing that out for consideration before I am given some kind of couch potato award. I think what I will do is spend some time working on the fall of the year resolutions. You never heard of those. I'm not sure they are a thing but it sounded like something I could put up under the excuse column. We all know making resolutions take time. They have to be thoughtfully considered and analyzed before implementation. Okay. Enough already. I will try to get up more and move around. I think my response to the recliner seat expert is simply to move to a different recliner. Are you not impressed with my crisis solving skills? And, I do need to get up and move around more because we are getting ready to get ready for all that is involved in our Santa Enterprise activities. Much of that does involve somewhat strenuous work. I am feeling tired right now. In fact, I think I am going to go back and find that meme about how to tell if you are overworked. I will keep you posted and I do pray that God will provide for us all. Amen.

“To succeed in life, you need three things: a wishbone, a backbone, and a funny bone.” ~ copied

Okay. Confession time here on this Monday, September 8, 2025. Don't get too excited because it has to do with the fact that we watched a lot of The Three Stooges when I was growing up. We did. We really did. One of their running skits involved the joke: "How long have you had a weak back?" "Oh, since about a week back!" I do not know why but I used to love that little ditty but I do recall that when I would tell it many would do the eye roll. It didn't bother me because I could always give them Curley's patented response,  "nyuk, nyuk, nyuk". Today I understand the true meaning of the joke. I did wrench my lower back when I was cooking up a mess of pork ribs and now I can truly answer the question, "How long have you had a weak back?" with "Oh, since about a week back." Yep, the joke is on me, myself, and I, this time and it hasn't been a very pleasant last few days. But, praise God it is much better than it was and I do think I am on my way to recovery. My better half has been saying time and time again, "You don't really have any excuse whatsoever to not see a doctor." I know that to be a correct statement, however, I have a man card in my wallet issued to me by my local Church and I'm not 100% sure but I think having that card entitles me to a certain level of stubbornness. Yeah. Church and stubbornness don't go together that well, (unless you grew up like I did in a fundamental independent hell, fire, and brimstone Baptist local fellowship), but, for this purpose I am using my own homegrown interpretation of the man card rules. You do know I am just joking around but there is typically the thread of truth that under girds the jokes. At any rate, I am better, except for when I turn a certain way to which I already know what some of you are thinking, "Doctor, it hurts when I turn a certain way." "Well, stop turning that way!" 

 

It is, by the way, after 8 a.m. here at the ole blogger ranch and the temperature is still 67 degrees. I should be outside with Lil Miss Biscuit in my lap drinking some of that strong black Louisiana Community Coffee. Right? I already did that earlier and it was like a fulfillment of Bible prophecy. Do what? Yep. It was. To me, anyway. According to Al Gore and others as reported in the mainstream twenty years ago, our coastlines should have been obliterated by now and most of us would be dead from heat related illness. However, God made a promise to Noah and that, my friend, is one I believe to be more trustworthy than the forecasting of Greta Thunberg and her ilk. Here's what God said about seasons on the earth, Genesis 8:22:  

 

"As long as the earth endures,
seedtime and harvest,
cold and heat,
summer and winter,
day and night
will never cease."

 

Does this mean we should abuse the natural resources provided to us by God? Absolutely not, we would not be good stewards if we did, but, the climate crazies are right about one thing, this earth is headed for a cataclysmic change that will take place at the time and place of God's choosing when Jesus returns. You can find out all about it by reading the sourcebook of all truth: God's Holy Word, The Bible. Okay. I think I've pretty well covered enough to get a lot of push back from those who take issue with my assessment. But, be kind, remember, I have had a weak back since about a week back. May God bless each one.  "Nyuk, nyuk, nyuk." Amen. 

"Peace on earth will come to stay, When we live Christmas every day." ~ Helen Steiner Rice 1900-1981, American writer of both inspirational and Christian poetry. (This was one of Granny Mac's favorite writers.)

Now

1973

 

Okay. It is Friday, September 5, 2025, and, I bring you tidings of great joy as we think about thinking about the upcoming Christmas season. Our 100 member plus choir and the orchestra are heads down into practicing and preparing for our Christmas Musical coming up in early December at Mims Baptist in Conroe. Mrs. Claus and yours truly are marking down dates where we will be doing our best to portray Santa and the Mrs. at a variety of places and venues. Our family grew up loving Christmas. We brought our boys up that same way. We never forget the real meaning but we do know how to have fun at Christmastime. Back in 1973, yours truly did his first stint as Santa for Sears. I wrote a story about my time there. I even tried to get it published but it didn't find a home, however, I've kept it alive through my blogs. The last time I shared it was in 2019. Consider it your kickoff for the upcoming season. Enjoy! 

 

You have landed on a blog where an Oldie is being played. Hopefully, you will agree that it's also a Goodie.

Good morning and welcome to Christmas Eve, Tuesday, December 24, 2019. Today's episode is a reprint from one I first published in my blog written in December of 2007. It was one that garnered a number of positive comments, therefore, I wanted to share it with you again. It reflects my recollection of a short story I wrote back in the mid-1970s. You will notice that me ever playing Santa again was not even a blip on my radar screen at that time. The short story was entitled: "Confessions of a Miffed Myth!" These are some excerpts as best I remembered them. (The actual typed story is stored in a box, somewhere.) Here it is:
                                                       

I've had quite a few jobs in my lifetime. They have ranged from being physically labor-intensive up to executive management. However, none were quite as interesting as the Christmas season of 1973. During that season I worked in the evenings and on weekends as a department store Santa. Yes, that is the Christmas stamp from 1973, and yes, it did cost 8 cents! I was actually hired by a temporary agency that supplied Santas to a variety of stores. They conducted one mass training session where we were told about the outfits and how to do the makeup, and then we were encouraged to read the poem, “Twas the Night Before Christmas”, by Clement C. Moore, to give us the idea behind the kind of Santa they wanted. I was assigned to a Sears store located in one of the area malls.

The store had set up a Santa Shop area next to their furniture department, and it was decorated with a large chair for Santa, all types of props, and it had a Polaroid camera to make instant photos for those wishing to buy a picture of their child with Santa. There were several of us who played Santa and a number of young ladies who dressed up as elves. These ladies worked the camera and operated the register. The Santa uniform, while uncomfortable and sweaty, was very nice and the beard very realistic. It was quite an ordeal to rush in from my regular job and undergo the transformation from an office worker to the Jolly Old Saint, and I did have to use a pillow for my tummy back in those days. There have been a few times over the years when I wouldn’t have needed one because I could have supplied my own, but that’s another story. Just so you know, I would not have to use one today!

Typically, I would work from 6 p.m. to store closing on the weeknights I was scheduled, and on Saturdays, I could work as many as 12 hours. This job might look like loads of fun but I will tell you from actual experience, it can be very, very difficult. The children, of course, were wonderful. And, you can put up with those that cry, and those who spit up on you, or the occasional accident that soils your suit. But, when you are dealing with THE PARENTS, and especially, THE MOMS, there’s little to no hope for any kind of enjoyment.

I want to mention a word about the music. The Jackson Five came out with a Christmas album in 1970 with many standards recorded in their memorable style. The songs were: 1. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas 2. Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town 3. The Christmas Song 4. Up On The House Top 5. Frosty The Snowman 6. The Little Drummer Boy 7. Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer 8. Christmas Won't Be The Same This Year 9. Give Love On Christmas Day 10. Someday At Christmas 11. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus. But there was only one huge problem: This was the only cassette our Santa Workshop had to play. I challenge anyone to listen to this music evening after evening and for 12 hours on Saturday without going postal! I guess the only thing worse I can think of is if it had been Alvin and the Chipmunks!

People showed up in droves and they were paying $2.50 for a special card with an instant photo of their child with Santa. Okay, we were not a portrait studio. It was a Polaroid camera! Hello? This was something that was obviously lost on many of the mommies who brought their children. They wanted the picture to be perfect which led to retakes, and log jams, and anger on the part of those waiting in line, and stress, and confusion, and chaos. There were times when I thought some of the moms were going to come to blows as they argued about their photos or their position in line. Believe it or not, some showed up to have twenty-five pictures made so they could send them out as Christmas cards. Now I ask you, who would think you might be able to keep a squirming kid posed for even one photo? It’s called insanity!

There were times whenever it got so completely out of hand I had no choice but to announce a timeout for Santa to go and feed his reindeer. (That’s what the sign said when I was on break.) If the children cried which many did, it was Santa’s fault. If the picture was bad, it was Santa’s fault. If the line was too long, it was Santa’s fault, and the list could go on and on and on. The last week before Christmas the store was open until 11 p.m. each night and I often pulled the entire Saturday shift by myself. Yes, we needed the extra money and we even have a photo of our boys taken with me, after we explained how I was only a helper because the real Santa was busy getting all the toys ready for them.

Despite these challenges, there were some moments that still stand out in my mind nearly 35 years later. I think about the little guy who wobbled up to me, trembling, as he brought all his old pacifiers in a bag to show Santa that he was kicking the habit. I remember the sad young ladies who came to take a photo for their boyfriend or husband stationed overseas. Then, there was that look in the eyes of children with disabilities as they had their moment with Santa. One night an entire high school Christmas party crew showed up for photos. Having a football player and his date sit on your lap was not exactly what I had in mind when I signed up for this work. And, THE CHILDREN. Santa is about children. Their innocence and their exuberant joy helped make an otherwise miserable experience one that still causes a warm glow in my heart, and brings a smile to my face. Here’s a final word straight from the old dude himself: "He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, And away they all flew like the down of a thistle. But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight, "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!" Have a great day and may God add His blessings to it. Amen.    ……More later."