"The present moment is a gift. That's why we call it the present." - Unknown

This little guy came to see us over in Louisiana. And, I say it again: Is this a great country or what?

Last Sunday morning when our annual Christmas musical was being promoted our Associate Pastor for the Worship ministry asked how many people there already had their Christmas tree up. The wife and I were in the choir but we both had our hands up. I didn't count the number but I was told there were quite a few hands in the air. Our tree was up at the time but not decorated. It happened to be the one we have used for a number of years, but, alas, it has now found itself on the side of the road awaiting trash pickup. The pre-strung lights did not come on this year. That was frustrating to Mrs. Claus. Following that catastrophe, the limbs did not want to be shaped and nettles began falling like pennies from heaven. (dated reference, song recorded by Bing Crosby in 1936) I suggested we replace the lights, work on the limbs, and, give it one more year. That was the suggestion of the character referred to as Father Christmas over in the United Kingdom. The result? I'm glad you asked. There is now a new tree and the pre-strung lights came on just fine, therefore, tranquility has returned to our version of Claus world. I do hope that will be of encouragement to someone, Ho, Ho, Ho. But, how in the world are you faring on this another day provided to us by the Lord, this one happens to identify itself as Friday, November 7, 2025? I used to do a lot of the decorating, but, when people began noticing that when I walked I resembled Tim Conway doing the 'old man' skit on Carol Burnett, I was eased out of that part of the Christmas activity. I quickly add that Mrs. Claus does a most wonderful job. She does. She really does. I hope I read those words correctly from the note she gave me or that tranquility deal might be in the ditch again. You do know I'm just joking around. Right?

 

I also hope we can keep up with the Santa appearances we are adding to our schedule. We are supposed to be slowing down, but, it's hard to say no to the people we work with. Speaking of our local assembly's Christmas musical, we had a lady pass out in the choir loft during a special choir practice last Sunday afternoon. Thank God she is okay now, but, it caused quite a stir, not to mention the disruption to our practice time. Her blood pressure had dropped precipitously and that brought on the scary situation. The truth is, it could happen to anyone, and, even more so to those of us who have medical challenges along with birthdays that began in the 1940's. I don't know why, but, I do have concern from time to time that I might fall over in the Santa chair. Not from dozing off, hopefully the Monster energy drink will help keep that from happening, but, my blood sugar might go all crazy on me, or, I might just take a tumble. That wouldn't be good. You knew that? Me too. The moms would be busy telling the kids this is what happens when you don't go to bed when I tell you. At any rate, it does cross my mind, but, so far .... so far. I started to say 'so good' but I do not want to be presumptuous. What's that? Yes. You in the back. "I should take better care of myself and perhaps be in better shape?" Whoa! Okay. Those are good comments and I will be sure to write them beside your name on the Naughty List. Ho, Ho, Ho. Enjoy today, Saturday, and, then, on Sunday, the first day of the week, here's my recommendation: Get yourself and your family to a God honoring, Bible teaching local assembly aka a Church. If you are in the Conroe, Texas area, come to Mims Baptist. You will be blessed. Until next time, may He watch over us all. Amen.