"Rejoice with your family in the beautiful land of life." ~ Albert Einstein

Happy 80th Birthday to Sister-in-law, Dorothy. That's Marilyn and her, twins, born 18 months apart.

Well, well, yep, as I was told growing up, "That's a very deep subject son." It is good to be back after the happenings over the past few days and I bid each and everyone a hearty hello and welcome to today's visit from my place to yours, on this first blog of September, this one of the 2nd day, in the year 2025. The wife's sister, my sister-in-law, Dorothy, observed her 80th birthday last Saturday. What did we do? Over in Louisiana on Saturday following the theme of a family reunion to be held at the fellowship hall of Good Hope Baptist Church, we actually threw her a huge surprise birthday party. She deserved it. My wife was the instigator. Of course. What else is new? And, Dorothy's daughter-in-law Deanne helped to coordinate the whole event. Dorothy's eldest, Scotty, he and his wife Michele came from the Forth Worth area and they arranged for a huge decorated cake for the occasion. Here's the deal: Dorothy Lea Rawles Goins and now Hale, she, has one of the longest testimonies of being a God honoring woman that I know of. I thought of this so I will throw it in. She just might be one of those who will hear her Savior say, "Well done good and faithful servant." (Matthew 25:23) She actually began serving the Lord at a young age. She is a superb pianist and a very effective piano teacher. Children she has taught now serve the Lord through their playing. That's called legacy. A great day. Some 60 plus folks showed up and we fed them. Since it was hosted in a Baptist facility everyone brought side dishes, therefore, we had enough food for at least 150 or more. Sounds right. Right? She was surprised. My wife worked for weeks gathering all the things used in this celebration. Many photos dating all the way back to their roots were mounted for folks to see. Here's my reading on it. Ready? Bro. W. L. Rawles and Sister Mary Rawles, they raised up some remarkable kids: Cleon and Milton, both legendary figures who have now gone on to their reward, and Dorothy and Marilyn, the twins, born 18 months apart. They continue their journey and they continue to honor their parents in following in their service to their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Yeah! And, I've been along for the journey for 60 plus years. Is this a great country and do we have a great God, or what? Amen.

 

Time has made a change in me.

Okay. Hope you are ready. Because I now have the Paul Harvey Rest of the Story for you. We decided to grill meat for the big celebration. Dorothy's youngest son and pastor, Michael, he was to grill chicken and sausage. Our son Chris was to grill the brisket. Me, myself, and I, was assigned grilling the pork ribs. Everyone had their assignments. Michael and Chris have those fancy pellet grilling contraptions. Me? I have a really nice charcoal grill. I buy my ribs already cut and typically I get the plump ones. I had sixty ribs to cook. I got them home Thursday afternoon and prepared them with the seasoning and marinate. That was laborious. Late Friday afternoon I got the charcoal going and I grilled the ribs. I had them finished and put away in a cooler around 10 p.m. Saturday morning I drove over to the event, (185 miles). We got ready. Our Chris had a Wagu beef brisket that literally melted in your mouth. It just dissolved. Michael's chicken was perfect. I had good ribs, you know, gnaw off the bone ribs. Sixty ribs. The brisket went first. Wiped out. The chicken was very popular too. My ribs? I brought about 20 of them home with me. My analysis. A Wagu brisket at an enormous price cooked on a fancy smoking machine? Chicken so good people were gobbling it up? Then my ribs. I guess they didn't know I threw my back out man-handling those ribs. I called Chris and told him his brisket reigned supreme. I had told him I favored charcoal because that's what Jesus used when he cooked up fish for his followers for breakfast. (See John 21) Cooking like Jesus. Chris told me his reading indicated Jesus also did a lot of walking from place to place. He then asked how I was doing in that area. Back to the main story. There was a time when I could have cooked those ribs and a lot of other stuff almost blindfolded. May I remind me, myself, and I of this truth: Not anymore! I suppose it won't be long before I get me one of those contraptions that you put the meat on it and it calls you on your cell phone when it is ready. Those ribs, by the way, were to die for and I have really enjoyed them. Who knew so many would leave their teeth at home? May God add His blessings to each one. Amen.