A take off on the Three Stooges classic routine: "How long have you had a weak back?" "Oh, since about a week back!"

Good morning to all my readers, wherever you happen to be, and I bid you a hearty hello from my place to yours, where you will find me singing Achy Breaky Back instead of Achy Breaky Heart, on this Thursday, July 30, 2026. Yeah, I was heavily involved in moving stuff around to provide for the carpet cleaner yesterday, emphasis on heavy. Ha! I told the wife not to worry because I could get it all done without her help. She had the nerve to say she didn't doubt I could, but she didn't want to see me all laid up for three or four days. She actually said that. She did. She really did. I know a lot of folks who suffer from back issues as a result of accidents, disk problems, and other maladies. While I typically sympathize with their ongoing battles with pain, it's hard to appreciate the other person's situation until you have a similar challenge. Mine, fortunately, Lord willing, will go away in a few days as predicted by the wife of my youth. Meanwhile, bring on the back pain remedies. I think I could use a good massage. I've never had one. Maybe that would help. How many think the wife would do that for me? Okay. Maybe another time. I'm just doing my typical exaggeration here, and I would never want to belittle or downplay those who literally are incapacitated by back-related problems. Here's how the comedy world likes to play up the issue of pain for a man versus childbirth pain for a woman: "A simple common cold for a man is the biological equivalent of childbirth labor, leaving him bedridden and asking for final-will arrangements." I suppose that pretty much means I shouldn't complain about my Achy Breaky Back. Ha!

 

Brother Allan Taylor, a visiting minister who specializes in Church growth through Lifegroup or Sunday School effectiveness, gave a briefing to our teachers, leaders, and officers involved in this activity after our morning services this past Sunday. He has been with our group several times over the past several years. As always, he gave great insight into the hows of reaching new people for Christ through the work and ministry of Sunday morning Lifegroups. He also worked with our senior staff on Monday morning before departing for his home in Knoxville, Tennessee. After having arrived home, he suffered a catastrophic stroke, and sadly, as a result, he has passed on to his reward. This has pretty much left us all in shock. I mention this for this reason: We must cherish every part of every day because we never know how it may play out. This situation reminds me of the Holy Spirit-inspired words from the half-brother of Jesus, James, writing what is regarded as the earliest of the New Testament texts; he said this: "Yet you do not know [the least thing] about what may happen in your life tomorrow. [What is secure in your life?] You are merely a vapor [like a puff of smoke or a wisp of steam from a cooking pot] that is visible for a little while and then vanishes [into thin air]." (Writing of James, Chapter 4, Verse 14, from the Amplified Bible) Also in a Psalm attributed to Moses, we see these words: "So teach us to number our days, that we may get a heart of wisdom." (Psalm 90:12) That gives me a lot to think about, or as they used to say back where I come from, it gives me a lot to say grace over. What say you? Amen.

“Life would be infinitely happier if we could only be born at the age of eighty and gradually approach eighteen.” — Mark Twain

Hello and welcome to our time together for today, Wednesday, July 29, 2026. As you already know, I am slouching my way towards my 80th trip around the sun. I am honest here. I never expected I would be here on the planet this long. I am thankful to God for giving me this time, and I sincerely desire to fulfill His purpose as best I can until I draw my last breath. One thing I do know: You lose much of what you thought was important to you earlier in life. The other day, the child technician who did my EKG said something when we finished that hit me pretty hard. "The good news, sir, is these electrodes will be easy to remove since you don't have much hair on your chest." Really? You could have said anything other than that. There was a time when my hairy chest was a feature of my identity. I now have professional proof that that is no longer the case. Oh well, I will not need to shave it off if I find myself involved in an athletic endeavor needing a reduction in aerodynamic drag. See? You can always find a positive outcome to occupy your thoughts. Sports that shave their chests include competitive swimming, wrestling, body building, and running. I even have choices. Wow! Is this a great country or what? 

 

Looking at the network distribution statistics of my blog, it is always surprising and encouraging to note how many page views come from outside the USA. I've explained before how this might happen. The blog is out there in the public domain. Being the wordy writer I am, there are lots of potential hits coming from internet word searches. I'm not saying all the page views reflect those who actually read my blog, but some might. When they do, hopefully they will come in contact with the message of hope that comes only through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Let me quickly add that God can do anything at any time He so chooses, and He has often used what we think is a coincidence or accident to speak. Many testimonies attest to this truth. For instance, "Isolated tribes deep in the Amazon rainforest found a single battery-powered radio locked permanently onto a Christian shortwave frequency playing Bible stories in their native dialect, which they had never written down." Far-fetched? Not to me, my friend. If God chose to chastise a hireling prophet by having a donkey talk, well, He can use something as insignificant as a homespun blog to communicate truth. He can. He really can! (The donkey speaking can be found in the Book of Numbers, Chapter 22.)  Amen.

Matthew 6:34 ~ English Standard Version ESV ~ “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."

I often hear, as I go here and there, the phrase, "One day at a time." That represents how we approach life. Right? It is Tuesday, July 28, 2026, and I welcome each and every one to our time together as I click and clack the old keyboard here at the ole blogger ranch (my upstairs office, to be clear). For those of us who operate in Christian circles, that "One day at a time" reminds us of the song by the same title rendered in this way: One day at a time, sweet Jesus. That song was written in 1974 by two great songwriters who have both gone on to their reward, Marijohn Wilkin and Kris Kristofferson. It was recorded by more than 200 artists, with Christy Lane's version selling over 1 million records. It continues to be a popular favorite for many. It was named Song of the Year at the Dove Awards in 1975. The lyrics tap into what it means to seek God as one lives out each of their days here on the planet:

 

 One Day at a Time, Sweet Jesus - as recorded by Christy Lane

[Verse 1]
I'm only human, I'm just a woman
Help me believe in what I could be and all that I am
Show me the stairway I have to climb
Lord, for my sake, teach me to take one day at a time

[Chorus]
One day at a time, sweet Jesus
That's all I'm asking from You
Just give me the strength to do everyday
What I have to do

[Post-Chorus]
Yesterday's gone, sweet Jesus
And tomorrow may never be mine (Ooh)
Lord, help me today, show me the way
One day at a time

[Verse 2]
Do You remember when You walked among men?
Well, Jesus, You know, if You're looking below, it's worse now than then
Cheating and stealing, violence and crime (Ah)
So for my sake, teach me to take one day at a time

 

The lyric metaphors certainly take some liberties reflecting Biblical themes, but the sentiment speaks to our need for God to help us take one day at a time. Another song speaks to how I see myself, as demonstrated in the chorus: " I need Thee, oh, I need Thee; Every hour I need Thee; Oh, bless me now, my Savior! I come to Thee." How about this one that makes clear our dependence upon God: "I can't even walk without You holding my hand." You think you can make it on your own? You think you can chart your own course in life? Okay. Been there. Done that. Here's the truth: those are roads to nowhere, my friend. I sat across the desk from a man often referred to as self-made. He had truly accomplished much in his life. His photo was on the front cover of several business magazines. From scratch, he had built a multi-billion-dollar enterprise. I greatly respected him and was honored to work for him on a consulting endeavor. However, while I was on that project, he discovered he had liver cancer and died several months later. Some say he found God before he left this life for the next. I sincerely hope that is true. Eternity. That, my friend, is a very long time. The Bible says it clearly: "What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?" (Matthew 16:26, Mark 8:36, and Luke 9:25). This is why we need to have Jesus, yes Sweet Jesus, in our life to help us live, one day at a time. Amen.

Charmaine J. Forde, Poet and creative director. ~ "An ounce of goodness everyday, Can soothe the heart in many ways, An ounce of goodness 'just because' Don't wait until Christmas to be Santa Claus."

Are you still reading my last Friday's posting? I wouldn't doubt it because it is rather long. However, I chose to share the entire Luke Chapter 15 because of its context. After all, it is the B-i-b-l-e, and that's the book for me. Never apologize for sharing God's Word. Amen? Here we go again, and this time we find ourselves waking up to another brand new day on this Monday, July 27, 2026. I have said many times that our goal in our Santa program is to bring a happy smile to children of all ages. We had such a good time at one of the Chick-fil-A's this past Friday evening; well, we are going to do it again this coming Friday, Lord willing. The Chick-fil-As we work with have some of the best folks you will ever meet. Many of them know we are believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, and while we enjoy having a blast with children from all over, we especially enjoy sweet fellowship with the Chick-fil-A workers. The response of 'my pleasure' instead of 'you're welcome' typically is accompanied by a genuineness that's hard to miss. That practice, 'my pleasure,' was introduced by founder Truett Cathy back in 2001. He was inspired to do this after having experienced elite service at one of the Ritz Carlton hotels. It has become part of the brand ever since. Now, we see former Chick-fil-A employees who have moved on and work in different restaurants, but they still say "My Pleasure," and they still carry with them a genuine presence. Talk about spreading a positive experience! It reminds me of how we too carry with us and in us the very presence of the Living Lord. Speaking for myself, I often wonder if I am allowing Him to produce a positive experience with those I meet. Yikes! That makes me a wee bit uneasy, so let's move on. Right?

 

In my last physical therapy session, I told the young woman helping me that she seems to always bring the best out of me. She wanted to know how. I told her that in my recent EKG, there is a brand new abnormality that popped up for the very first time. She shrugged her shoulders, and then she laughed. Out loud. She did. She really did. The new finding revealed an issue in my anterior leads. I did exactly what my doctor and the doctor before begged me not to do. Once I saw the results of the test, I consulted immediately with Dr. Google and every other medical site I could find. Some pretty gloom-and-doom scenarios found their way into the potential outcomes. I know. At the very top of the report, it always reminds me to respect how the care team had not reviewed the results yet. When my doctor finally got back to me, he basically did the same thing my physical therapist did; he shrugged his shoulders and told me that while it was a new issue, he thought it was mostly something connected to my age; therefore, don't worry about it, and if I were to produce any new symptoms, he would refer me to the cardiologist. Again, enough already with the age thing! My wife thinks I obsess over my approaching 80th trip around the sun. (To be precise, that one revolution around the sun takes 365.25 days to complete.)  Let me be clear about the age situation. It's where I am, and that's where I find a lot of material to write about. Let's face it. Aging jokes are popular. Just check out the stand-up comedians on Dry Bar. This is one of the only YouTube channels one can watch these days due to the gutter language spoken on most so-called comedy channels. Sadly, the jokes now begin at age 40 these days. And that, my friend, was a long time ago for me. Ha. Have a great rest of the day and don't forget to give God the glory. Amen. 

Charles Haddon Spurgeon commenting on Luke 15: "In each parable something that was lost has been restored. We see the longsuffering father, effusive with joy and love upon the return and restoration of his long lost son."

Hello, Friday it's been what? Seven days since we visited. Good to see you on this day, July 24, 2026. Thank you, Lord, for allowing Friday to show up.  And I do welcome each one to our daily time to do what I used to see those guys doing who sat outside the barber shop back home, under the shade trees; they were shooting the breeze, bumping their gums, and telling their tales. I admit it. I do a whole lot of that here on my electronic page. I do. I really do. I grew up around storytellers. Did you? Hearing about the exploits of my granddad, my uncles, the town tellers, my schoolmates, my pastors, my teachers, and so many others- those stories helped me to understand and enjoy the life granted to me. Jesus was the greatest at telling stories that illustrated the truths He shared while He walked here on earth. He told stories about planting seeds, about weeds, even one about a tiny mustard seed. He enthralled His audiences with illustrations concerning God's Kingdom. Different scholars might count them up and come up with different numbers, but there's no denying how His stories perfectly illustrated truths that penetrated the hearts of men, women, boys, and girls. You can look them up and read them. That's right. The stories, or parables as they are called, are found in the Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Reading them is well worth our time. It is. It really is.

 

I am trying to determine which stories to share as told by our Savior. That's somewhat difficult because there are so many to choose from. I think I'm going to go with the parables Jesus used to illustrate how He came to seek and save those who are lost, those who have strayed, and those who need His provision. These reflect on what the verse, 'God so loved' is all about. It is a rather long chapter, but it speaks to me. I chose to share it in a modern language translation.

 

 Luke 15 ~ New Testament for Everyone ~ The parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin

All the tax-collectors and sinners were coming close to listen to Jesus.  The Pharisees and the legal experts were grumbling. “This fellow welcomes sinners!” they said. “He even eats with them!”  So Jesus told them this parable.  “Supposing one of you has a hundred sheep,” he said, “and you lose one of them. What will you do? Why, you’ll leave the ninety-nine out in the countryside, and you’ll go off looking for the lost one until you find it! And when you find it, you’ll be so happy—you’ll put it on your shoulders and come home, and you’ll call your friends and neighbors in. ‘Come and have a party!’ you’ll say. ‘Celebrate with me! I’ve found my lost sheep!’ “Well, let me tell you: that’s how glad they will be in heaven over one sinner who repents—more than over ninety-nine righteous people who don’t need repentance.
 

“Or supposing a woman has ten drachmas and loses one of them. What will she do? Why, she’ll light a lamp, and sweep the house, and hunt carefully until she finds it! And when she finds it she’ll call her friends and neighbors in. ‘Come and have a party!’ she’ll say. ‘Celebrate with me! I’ve found my lost coin!’ “Well, let me tell you: that’s how glad God’s angels feel when a single sinner repents.”
 

The parable of the Prodigal: the father and the younger son

 

Jesus went on: “Once there was a man who had two sons. The younger son said to the father, ‘Father, give me my share in the property.’ So he divided up his livelihood between them. Not many days later the younger son turned his share into cash, and set off for a country far away, where he spent his share in having a riotous good time. “When he had spent it all, a severe famine came on that country, and he found himself destitute. So he went and attached himself to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into the fields to feed his pigs.  He longed to satisfy his hunger with the pods that the pigs were eating, and nobody gave him anything. “He came to his senses. ‘Just think!’ he said to himself. ‘There are all my father’s hired hands with plenty to eat—and here am I, starving to death! I shall get up and go to my father, and I’ll say to him: “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you;  I don’t deserve to be called your son any longer. Make me like one of your hired hands.” ’And he got up and went to his father.“While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and his heart was stirred with love and pity. He ran to him, hugged him tight, and kissed him. ‘Father,’ the son began, ‘I have sinned against heaven and before you; I don’t deserve to be called your son any longer.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Hurry! Bring the best clothes and put them on him! Put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet! And bring the calf that we’ve fattened up, kill it, and let’s eat and have a party! This son of mine was dead, and is alive again! He was lost, and now he’s found!’ And they began to celebrate.”
 

The parable of the Prodigal: the father and the older son

 

“The older son was out in the fields. When he came home, and got near to the house, he heard music and dancing.  He called one of the servants and asked what was going on. “ ‘Your brother’s come home!’ he said. ‘And your father has thrown a great party—he’s killed the fattened calf!—because he’s got him back safe and well!’ “He flew into a rage, and wouldn’t go in. “Then his father came out and pleaded with him. ‘Look here!’ he said to his father, ‘I’ve been slaving for you all these years! I’ve never disobeyed a single commandment of yours. And you never even gave me a young goat so I could have a party with my friends. But when this son of yours comes home, :once he’s finished gobbling up your livelihood with his whores, you kill the fattened calf for him!’ “ ‘My son,’ he replied, ‘you’re always with me. Everything I have belongs to you. 32 But we had to celebrate and be happy! This brother of yours was dead and is alive again! He was lost, and now he’s found!’ ”

 

All I can say in response to these precious illustrations: "Thank you, Lord, for seeing my need and searching me out so that I could be rescued by You."  I'm not going to try to improve upon the words spoken by our Savior. Let Him speak to you is my prayer. Amen.

What is a fun fact about physical therapy? "Physical Therapy Dates Back Thousands of Years! Some treatment methods date all the way back to 460 B.C., when the Greek Physician, Hippocrates, advocated for the use of massage, hydrotherapy, and manual therapy techniques for pain relief." ~ copied

Good morning and welcome to this day, Thursday, July 23, 2026. I didn't get a cap and gown, but I did complete my physical therapy course. It was rigorous from my perspective. You know, the program was designed for older people whose muscle groups have atrophied from long-term inactivity. If confession is good for the soul, I would guess it's good for the body since I qualified as the possessor of those sleepy muscles. I did 8 sessions, an hour each. According to my wonderful advisor, a doctor of physical therapy, she was running out of superlatives to describe my progress. I actually looked around the room to see if she was actually talking to me. She addressed me as Mr. Cecil, and her analysis went along these lines: When you came to us, your rating was at this level. Now, after these 8 sessions, your rating is at this level. Really? Okay. If you say so. She was throwing in some strong 'greats' and 'wows' to indicate how much progress I had made. Let me be clear. I have made considerable progress, and this young doctor of physical therapy has been of great help. I have better balance now. I can climb stairs better. In general, I am stronger than when I started. Here is my caveat. My age. I am better and can function more effectively than before, for my age. I know I tend to lean a wee bit cynical; thus, I kind of felt like she was reporting how well she did, but since I am practicing at being better at overlooking, I'll give her the benefit of the doubt and say how much I appreciate her technical skills and her approach to helping someone like me. Let me add this: I thank God for His provision of access to these types of remedies and people like her. I do. I really do. 

 

Do not look for me at the next Ironman competition. In fact, my time spent in physical therapy reminded me more of the old WipeOut TV competition show where people mostly embarrassed themselves trying to navigate through a series of odd physical challenges. Most of the time, most of them wiped out. I identify with the wiped-out brigade. I recently reconnected with the most popular grammar and writing program to analyze my blogs. He or she does not care for my homespun colloquialisms. That program wears me out, and at times I can see how he or she ends up doing a lot of head scratching. I always want to produce blogs in the most readable form possible. Please don't throw rocks at me. That is my desire. I well remember my grandfather, Paw Paw Mac, upon discovering my mishap or failure, and my excuse was that that was not my intention. He heard me and would then ask the pertinent question, "Okay son, then what exactly was your intention?" I continue to be a work in progress. I appreciate your tolerance and your support. I do. I really do. Let's just say all of it together adds up to make life a wee bit more interesting. And, you have your forth and back experiences as well. We all do. Regardless of what yours are about and regardless of the stuff I live to tell about, God is still on His throne and Jesus is still our Savior, and, Holy Spirit God still lives within those who are His own. Now, that my friend is what Good News is all about. It is. It really is. Amen.

"You can give without loving, but you can never love without giving." ~ Robert Louis Stevenson

Tuesday morning table group leader for the women's Bible study. 

Well, look over yonder and see what's coming down the track. Yeah. It's Wednesday, July 22, 2026, and it is another day we have to pause long enough to thank God and give Him praise. That lady in the photo is none other than the wife of my youth, and I haven't really said much about her of late, but after being married to her for 61-plus years, I can't even begin to describe the blessing she is in my life, in our family, and to so many others. She carries with her the God-given spiritual gift described as helps or service, and she personifies the description: "A practical desire to assist, support, and serve the needs of others in the church." I'll not get into a discussion of whether one can possess more than one supernaturally provided gift, but she just might make that case in the way she functions in life. Extrovert in the extreme, but she lives with an introvert by nature, and that makes for an interesting combination. I have no idea whether the axiom that opposites attract holds true, but I do know there are differing talents and abilities within a marriage that help make it work. At times it can be a wee bit of a tension builder, like when she chooses to visit with the cashier for an extended conversation and I happen to be ready to leave and go home. One of my most important callings is that of loving her in the same way Christ loved the Church and gave Himself up for her. (Reference as given in Ephesians 5:25) Because we both continue to have that old man nature to deal with, this can be very challenging; however, with the help of Holy Spirit God, it can be done. The toughest part of that calling is the example of our Savior because He sacrificed His very life for His bride, the Church. The bottom line: I have work to do. What say you?

 

Does she have annoying habits that still drive me up the wall? She does, but when I stop and think about it, she doesn't have nearly as many as I provide for her to consider. Ha! I guess I will say this about our long time together: Overlook it. If it's not crucial, overlook it and keep on keeping on. You may have to bite your lip now and then, but in the grand scheme of things, it just doesn't usually amount to, as they used to say back where I grew up, "It doesn't amount to a hill of beans." I'm not meaning to imply there aren't important issues that need to be addressed, but most of what we deal with doesn't amount to much, and we should keep that in mind. I am doing my best to become an effective 'overlooker' which may not be a word, but I think it gets across my point. Caring enough. Meanwhile, she has her own responsibility to seek to live out God's instructions to her as a wife. If we are both seeking to be who God would have us to be, well, it makes for a better life. It does. It really does. Y'all enjoy the rest of your day and always know that our Sovereign God cared enough and He loved enough to send His Son to die for the most unworthy of us all. He did. He really did. Amen.

"Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some." – Charles Dickens

Good morning, and welcome to this brand-new day, Tuesday, July 21, 2026. I mentioned before the great honor and privilege I had on July 11th of officiating the wedding of our granddaughter Kyleigh to her new husband, Taylor. The photo shows Kyleigh helping direct my signing of their marriage certificate. It was a memorable event and one that my wife and I will treasure as a blessing from the Lord. I was able to conduct that service because God enabled me to do so. He deserves to be recognized for the way He provides for each of us. In the book of Job, Chapter 34, we have the words preserved of a young man, Elihu, who essentially stood up for God as he confronted Job and his three friends. Essentially, he was concerned that in all the dialogue forth and back, God's honor and glory were not being preserved. Elihu challenged any intrusion into words that challenged God's character. He said this about the power of God: "God could decide to remove life from the world. He could take back his spirit and his breath. If he did that, everyone that is alive would die. As humans, we would become dirt again." (Job 34:14-15) This, I believe, is where we get the sense of the fear of the Lord. We worship an Awesome God. I cringe sometimes at how the word 'awesome' is thrown around and attached to every kind of thing or action. I say it again, we serve and worship an Awesome God. That ice cream may have been good, but there is no way it should be described as 'awesome'. I know. Some would call me legalistic or petty. That's okay. Take it as my opinion. As they say, if everything is awesome, then it follows that nothing can be distinguished as being truly awesome. This leads me to remind us all to do what the song says, 'Count Your Blessings'. 

 

Count Your Blessings

 

The classic sacred hymn "Count Your Blessings" was written in 1897 by American Methodist minister and insurance salesman Johnson Oatman, Jr. The uplifting musical tune was composed later that year by Edwin O. Excell.

 

1 When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Refrain:
Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your blessings, see what God hath done;
Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.

2 Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, ev'ry doubt will fly,
And you will be singing as the days go by. [Refrain]

3 When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings, money cannot buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high. [Refrain]

4 So, amid the conflict, whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey's end. [Refrain]

Baptist Hymnal, 1991

 

I may be over the hill by many estimations, but I'm still learning, and one of the things I am working on is the sentiment found in that song: stop, consider, and thank God for His provisions and His blessings. I will be working on trying to realize what all these instructions from the Apostle Paul mean until I draw my last breath: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, the Amplified Bible (AMP) reads: "Rejoice always and delight in your faith; be unceasing and persistent in prayer; in every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus." That's my assignment for today, tomorrow, and the rest of my life. What about you? Take care now, you hear? Amen.

"I'm a conundrum. Or an enigma. I forget which." ~ James A. Owen, An American comic book illustrator, publisher and writer

We made it to Monday, so give yourself a pat on the back, but in doing so, I advise you to be careful, especially if you are in my age group. Patting myself on the back might just send me back to the starting line for my physical therapy sessions. Hello and welcome. Today is Monday, July 20, 2026, and I am still basking in the wonderful day we had in our gathering together at our local fellowship of believers yesterday, Sunday, that day which is the first day of the week. Most people have always been somewhat bent out of shape about Monday. Why? Typically, it's back to work or back to school. However, when it comes to days of the week, we've had the first day of the week already; it was yesterday, Sunday. Okay. I am old now, so I can hand down something I learned over the years. If you recognize Sunday for what it is, that being the Lord's Day because it is Resurrection Day, and, it is the day local assemblies (Churches) met as recorded in the New Testament, therefore, if you give that day to the Lord and if you spend time with other believers seeking God, worshiping Him, and learning more about Him, well, your Mondays will not be a dreary dreaded drag. In other words, your attitude feeds your altitude, and when your attitude is fueled and refreshed by Holy Spirit God, you will have a different perspective, yes, even about getting up and going on a Monday morning. Amen.

 

I didn't show up to send out a sermon, but I will be honest here: when I sit down to write, I typically write what comes into my pea-sized brain. I do not claim inspiration because most of what I write about comes from perspiration. Just joking. You know. I was looking for something other than inspiration since my stuff is pretty much homegrown by that notorious committee I have to deal with each day, Me, Myself, and I. Sometimes I climb the stairs up to my office here at the ole blogger ranch with something burning in my mind so much so I can hardly wait to hear those keys clacking. There are times when I feel that way at some time during the week, but by the time I get to it, I no longer remember that great idea. And there are others, like today, when what I see on the page is the first time I've seen it too! Wow! I, at times, am the first to ask the question: I wonder where that came from? Even as I sit in the chair right now, I had several clarifications to share about stuff I wrote earlier because I obsess over never wanting to misinform or mislead in what shows up on the electronic page. I do. I really do. But, alas, those clarifications often find themselves in the file marked "Never to be heard from again," and I have to just move on down the road. I heard that comment. "Why don't you do what you used to tell your mom to do? When you want to remember something, jot it down." Ouch. That is, by the way, a great idea, and it's time for me to begin to follow my own advice. Thanks for sharing. Y'all have a good day as provided by the Lord, and be sure to give Him thanks for it, and I will do my best to do the same. Amen.

Socrates: "Beware the barrenness of a busy life."

Another week of flailing and thrashing in getting my blogs sent here, there, and, to the regions beyond. I am glad you have joined today's edition here at the ole blogger ranch. This one comes to you live and in person, (or at least I was alive when I wrote it, ha!), on this day, Friday, July 17, 2026. It has been a very busy week here, how about where you are? Being busy can be a trap. There are studies out there that try to analyze the impact of busyness. There's the Principle of Busyness, The Cult of Busyness, and, The Anatomy of Busyness, and these attempt to look into how being busy doesn't always end up with effective results. Having been in the public workplace for nearly 60 years and many of those spent in supervisory positions, I can attest to how being busy often leads to more busyness instead of producing results that make a difference in the success of the project or endeavor being pursued. I remember well, working as a hired consultant, having the opportunity to do a comprehensive evaluation of a major aplication project underway in the company's information technology department. Work had been going on for years and there was much activity. Much. A lot. Some of it was frenetic and moving fast enough to be almost like a blur. Sadly, all these efforts were just that: Efforts that produced a lot of busyness but with almost zero results towards the stated target. It became my job to document what I found and report back to upper management how some 10 to 12 million dollars had been spent keeping a whole lot of folks busy but the work products produced were not able to accomplish the project goal. See what I mean? It can happen to any of us. Me. You. Anyone. We can confuse being busy with effectiveness and results. It's the bridge to nowhere syndrome, and, I kind of feel that way this week, however, I am thinking about thinking about how I might do better next week. Ha!

 

I well remember times when I knew exactly where I was going. I had the picture of it in my mind. I did not need to verify or check out the destination in any way whatsoever. I knew where I was going. I made it to where I knew where I was going. It was not the right place. I was busy. I worked hard, but, that did not get me to the right place. Okay. That actually happened. It did. It really did. More than once. I didn't say I was proud of it but it does add illustration to what I was trying to convey about busyness. By the way, this is a consideration in our spiritual life as well. For a number of years I conducted ministry effectiveness planning meetings in a variety of churches. It was very straight forward. What are we attempting to accomplish? And, how well are we doing towards that goal? You would not believe some of what happened in those sessions. You wouldn't. I never had to break up a fist fight but the atmosphere became somewhat heated at times. Why? The work and ministry of a local church is a priority for those who are members. Their efforts should be guided by truth but they should also be focused towards seeing men, women, boys, and, girls come to know Christ and then to grow into mature workers for the Lord. We were able in many instances to get past the pettiness and establish realistic and noteworthy goals in ministry activities. Okay. I am tired now from sharing all of this, but, being intentional counts and being effective in our serving of the Lord also counts. For time and eternity. And, that, my friend, is a long, long time. Amen. 

"Dogs come into our lives to teach us about love, they depart to teach us about loss. A new dog never replaces an old dog. It merely expands the heart." — Unknown

Happy Thursday, July 16, 2026, and, I am just back from taking Lil Miss Biscuit for her annual visit to the veterinarian. She, just like her predecessor, Sir Bentley Barksalot Esq., they both would prefer not to go. They also, even though it's only once a year, begin to get all shaking like they are having a chill as we get closer to the vet location. The people at our clinic love animals and they really have nothing to fear but that doesn't keep them from getting all nervous and hyper. Maybe I should go the long way around and see if she recognizes where we are headed. I know. She's a pup so what's the big deal? Since I am a recently converted dog lover I likely don''t have standing to answer that question but here's the deal: It bothers me when she is bothered. Okay. I said it. I hope that makes someone happy. All of this dog loving stuff is fairly new to me, within the last ten years. After we lost our Bentley I made it clear I never wanted to have another pet, period. Then one day our son Jimmy showed me a litter of pups on Facebook from a lady he knew back in high school, the pups were for sale. But, I didn't want a pet. Which one do you like, he said. They are only three weeks old and since the mother to the pups can't nurse, you could feed her as well as they can. Really? Next thing I knew we were in the ole truck headed into the outskirts of Houston to look at these new born pups. I think there were five or six but I can't even remember why I was drawn to Biscuit but the short story goes like this: She came home with us. And, that's how my proclamation to never have another dog got altered. Now I find myself having to plead guilty to my contributions in allowing Lil Miss Biscuit to never realize she is a dog. To her, like Bentley, this is her domain and we are privileged to enjoy her company and serve her interests. I know. The truth hurts, but, that's the way we roll these days. 

 

In preparing for teaching the final lesson from the writing of Joshua, one thing really sticks out. Joshua wanted all of those in his nation, Israel, to know without any doubt whatsoever, that it was God who had won the battles they had fought. God prepared their way. God was there to deal directly with their enemies. This means, God rightly should receive the glory for what Israel accomplished in conquering the foes they encountered in the Promised Land. The reason that hit me is because it is something we all need to consider. We live in so much of a mutual admiration society where people are often praised way beyond their earned recognition. It can happen in Church too. We often applaud the performance when the presentation was, I hope, intended to point us to our Great God and He deserves the applause and the praise. Think about it. Children are now raised with recognitions of every sort imaginable. No matter what the field of endeavor there typically are commendations and trophies galore. It begins with toddlers and goes on and on and on. I've witnessed it time and time again. In my own family. I just think it gives us all something to think about. God. He provided all that we have including the next breath and heartbeat. I remember one time I became sick and tired of so many people telling me how lucky I was or how I seem to always be in the right place at the right time. What about me? What about how hard I worked? I thought to myself I need some recognition around here, it's not luck. And, it wasn't. It was the hand of God that helped me and I almost collapsed in my chair at work when I entertained the thought of how big I was. We must never rob God of His glory, period, end of story, from the get-go to the end. Food for thought. And, it may be tough but it's worth the chew. Amen.                                                                                                  

"What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas… perhaps… means a little bit more!" — Dr. Seuss

Here's how it goes around my house: "Everyone is getting rain except for us, it seems to be going around us every time we have some hope." Two days later: "I am so thankful for the rain but if you ask me it could quit anytime now, it could, it really could." Does that sound familiar to you? It shows forth the fickle nature we all possess. Sorry. It does. It really does. The so-called human nature. Right. Well, I didn't show up to talk about that on this Wednesday, July 15, 2026. In fact, I showed up to bring up one of my most favorite subjects, Christmastime. Too early? Not on your life! This evening at our regular rehearsal, the Mims Choir will be breaking out the Christmas music for the planned spectacular program coming up in December. Too early? For fast learners, maybe, but, for people like me, I need all the time I can get. I do. I really do. Our pastor often talks about knowing not only what is your lane but more importantly, knowing how to stay in your own lane, well, for me, my choir lane is marked slow and pianissimo which where I come from means, keep your mouth pretty much shut, you hear? Just joking. But, only a little. Just so you know, this evening Mrs. Claus and I will be reprising the look in the photo above as we attend choir practice. It should be fun. If you know the tune to this one, feel free to sing it while reading my blog. Likely, no one will see or hear you and I will not tell anyone you were singing it. Okay?

Christmas Time Is Coming

Snowflakes falling my old home is calling
Tall pines are humming Christmas time is coming.

Can’t you hear them bells ringin’ ringin’ joy to all here them singin’
Let it snow and I’ll be going back to my country home
Christmas times a’ coming Christmas times a’ coming
Christmas times a’ coming and I know I’m going home.

Holly’s in the window home where the wind blows
Can’t walk for running Christmas time is coming.

Home fires burning my heart’s yearning
For the folks at home when Christmas time is coming.

 

That song is an old Bluegrass standard and if you don't remember the tune here's how you fix it. You can look it up on YouTube and listen to many artists performing it, or, you can do what I often do, make up your own tune. I very often sing my prayers to the Lord and I use all kinds of tunes, some known to be out of tune, but, it's always the heart that counts and God hears our hearts. He does. He really does. He hears our hearts even when no words can be found or can come out. It may be hard to believe but I am getting invitations for Mrs. Claus and I to appear at events coming up this next November and December. Already. Here is an excerpt from a recent request, from a venue we've appeared at every year since we started 16 years ago: "We've always appreciated the joy you both bring to our guests and the care you put into making the experience so special. It's been a pleasure partnering with you, and we're grateful for your continued support of our mission to give back to the community." Lord willing and I mean that seriously, not as a throw down but as a reality, Lord willing, and we are able we at this time are planning our 17th season. Our goal has always been to bring joy wherever we show up. They tell us this year's choir Christmas music will be challenging. I can't help but laugh because for those of us in the slow lane we have more or less mastered singing perfectly wherever there is a rest and for the challenging stuff we are expert at being ever so pianissimo. Ha! Ho, Ho, Ho, and May God add His blessings. Amen.

"For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God." – 1 Peter 3:18

Just back from our men's Tuesday Bible study up at Mims Church in Conroe. Blinding rainstorm getting there, and, while it was a wee bit lighter coming back, it was bumper to bumper with a lot of slipping and sliding, but praise God I'm here and able to say hello again. Not to worry, it's just me, and, I have come calling on this, Tuesday July 14, 2026, to send you a hearty welcome and a prayer for your well being. I always re-read my blogs and I noticed I left something really important out of yesterday's visit. At the end of our service on Sunday we celebrated communion, or, as we call it, The Lord's Supper. In our practice, we observe this ordinance in remembrance of Him, the Lord Jesus Christ, our Savior. We consider ourselves and how unworthy we are but He made us worthy through His broken body and the giving of His blood. That's why we take the symbolic bread and fruit of the vine, juice, representing His body and blood. Some say we have a bloody religion. Some denominations have attempted to tone down any mention of His blood and some actually have deleted references to the blood of Jesus. We haven't and Lord willing we never will! Amen? "What can wash away my sins, nothing but the blood of Jesus; What can make we whole again, nothing but the blood of Jesus." I may not have punctuated that song as the original writer but I was quoting it off the top of my head. How about this one? "There is power, power, Wonder working power In the blood of the Lamb; There is power, power, Wonder working power In the precious Blood of the Lamb." That observance capped off a wonderful day and it illustrates how we can experience the working of Holy Spirit God in our lives as we gather together as the body of Christ. I know. A lot of that sounds like inside baseball since we do know the lingo, however, we are welcoming to any and all who show up and we feel privileged to share the truth from God's Word in all our gatherings. We do. We really do. 

 

I am studying for my physical therapy test scheduled for tomorrow morning. That's a joke. I already feel like I've been pulled through a rat hole backwards. What more do they want? My grandfather, Paw Paw Mac, used to say that one and I have been called on to explain it, but, if you can't get it, well, just move on down the road. It's like the kids today when they are sending notes to each other they use this symbolic representation 'IYKYK'. Okay. I will decipher that one for you: If you know, you know. While I may not be able to explain the details of what it means to be pulled through a rat hole backwards, I promise you, I know exactly how it feels. I do. I really do. I thought I would try that out on you before I use it with my physical therapist tomorrow, Lord willing. Our smart friends over at the Artificial Intelligence function on Google gave me this insight: "You are likely referring to the 1800's idiom "dragged, (or pulled), through a knothole backwards." Good for them. I like Paw Paw Mac's better. What say you? That A.I. article did go on to say that some people substitute 'rat hole' instead of 'knothole'. And, that's the way we roll folks, all the way from our grandfather, a legendary, simple but God loving man who could be very direct when trying to help us, but, we all, all his progeny, mourned him as we so respected his character and his testimony for his Lord. He was a larger than life figure in my life and I am reminded of him often as I continue my journey here. While we like to say he left us way too soon, at age 71, think about it, God gave him an early call home because he had finished his course. I came up with that a number of years ago and that's my story and I'm sticking to it. Y'all, and yes, that means you too, get out there and have yourself a blessed day. Okay? Good. Amen.

"I have heard of some good old woman in a cottage, who had nothing but a piece of bread and a little water, and lifting up her hands, she said, as a blessing, What! all this, and Christ too?" ~ Charles Spurgeon

Welcome one and all. I am so happy to be able to greet you this morning, on this, Monday, July 13, 2026. My oh my, what a last few days! Last Friday we traveled down into the heart of mid-town Houston and the traffic was still busy as we were attending my granddaughter's wedding rehearsal. Thank God and GPS for getting us there on time. We turned around and did the same thing on Saturday evening. The GPS carried us into the location a completely different way and it exited us a different way as well. I was trying to think back when I came into Houston for a job interview back in October of 1969, I am almost certain I found the building I was looking for using a fold-up paper map. That was my first visit to a city as large as Houston and because of that, a number of embarrassing things happened to me that day and I will not dredge them up so that I can be embarrassed again. Needless to say, the fish out of water, the square peg looking for the round hole, the odd man out, and, other kinds of idioms, I fulfilled them all. That first visit was life changing because it ended up with a job offer that brought me and my family to the Houston area and we have made our lives here ever since. Given my map reading ability and the fact I didn't get past the tender foot badge in boy scouts, I could have easily ended up in Houston, Mississippi or Houston, Missouri, perhaps, Houston, Minnesota, and maybe I would have caught the notion I was on the wrong road if I found out I was headed for Houston, Alaska. And as they say, a lot of water has run under a lot of bridges in these past 57 years. Plenty of highlights and sadly, plenty of low ones as well, however, getting to officiate our granddaughter's wedding, our Kyleigh, or as we used to call her, Ky-Ky, it certainly is a memorable highlight I will always treasure. 

 

Yesterday, we also enjoyed a great time of fellowship, sharing, hearing God's Word taught and preached at our local gathering place at Mims Baptist, Conroe, just north of The Woodlands area where we live. I say just north but on some weekday travels there the traffic is bumper to bumper and there have been times when it took us one hour to get to prayer meeting or choir practice. Yep, eleven miles, folks, and, having worked in downtown Houston for nearly 25 years, well, on those long commute days it does bring back some memories. The old saying has proved itself time and time again: The more things change it is the more they stay the same. We enjoyed a great Bible study from the writing of Joshua where our teacher did a drill down on one of the great characters found in God's Word, Caleb. The passage we studied was how Caleb at age 85 proclaimed his fitness to get the mountain he was promised by Moses. He stated he had not lost any of his vigor since beginning his long journey to the promised land. Now, as I approach the 80th year of my sojourn with all of my aches and pains, my many doctors, my wonderful physical therapist, and a dozen prescriptions, to say I am impressed with Caleb is an understatement. He not only said he could do it, he did it folks! He did. He really did. (Joshua chapter 14) We then sang in choir and heard a great sermon from the first letter the Apostle Paul was inspired to write to the called out local assembly, church, meeting in Thessalonica, Greece. It was about our future as believers. It was about how our Lord is coming back and He is coming for us, dead or alive. Our pastor, the Dr. Bro. Jerry Chaddick, well, he knows how to shuck the corn, and, he laid it out for all to see. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) We returned home, ate a homemade tuna sandwich, played with Lil Miss Biscuit, and, then, I fell asleep. A good nap of nearly 3 hours. Wow! I end today's visit by reminding us all that our God is good. He is folks. He really is. Amen.

Genesis 2:24 ~ Legacy Standard Bible ~ "Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother, and cleave to his wife; and they shall become one flesh."

Our granddaughter Kyleigh and her fiance Taylor.

Good morning and welcome. Today is Friday, July 10, 2026, and, I am getting ready to do something I've never done before. Life is about new experiences. Right? Well, this evening the wife and I will be going to the rehearsal run through for a wedding tomorrow evening. A couple of years ago I obtained my registration giving me the right to perform weddings. I did that because my brother-in-law's goddaughter was getting married and they asked me to officiate her wedding. But, tonight's run through is different because it is for our granddaughter Kyleigh. I feel honored to have been asked to officiate this wedding, but, it is also an emotional time as we have loved on this girl for so many years, hopefully, I can keep it all together. When my brother-in-law asked me to officiate his daughter's wedding he said he knew I had spoken at a number of funeral services, filled in several times in different pulpits, as well as other events, why not weddings? Why not indeed. I did know about a number of professional Santa's who have added Christmas weddings to their portfolio of services. I've not done that one yet, however, I am a wee bit surprised our Kyleigh didn't go with a Christmas motif because this girl dearly loves everything about Christmas including the fact that her Poppy is the Real Santa Claus. Ha!

 

That's our Kyleigh standing next to Mrs. Claus and her sister Lexie by me. (Our Granddaughters!)

I do appreciate all the reader comments I get. I do. I really do. Most of it has been very positive, however, over the years, I've even gotten some pretty serious criticisms from different folks who landed on one of my blogs. Many of these came from outside the United States, and, while, I actually felt bad because they were upset with my expressed thoughts, I fully supported their right to their opinion. Just for the record, I chose not to engage in arguments because that's not what my blog is about. I have, on occasion, gone forth and back regarding specific questions about my understanding of The Gospel, because at the end of the day, that, my friend, is what makes a difference for time and eternity. It does. It really does. I will with God's help do my best to conduct this wedding for Kyleigh and Taylor in a way that supports them and honors God. However, one thing I have learned in my sojourn thus far, you just never know how things might develop, you don't, you  really don't. Get ready, be ready, and let God. Amen.

"Fast walkers in their 80s cut their risk of cognitive decline by half, a study finds...." ~ Sourced from a story on the NPR website

Well hello there, my, it's seems like it's been a long time, or something like that. That particular thought relates to the hit song written by Willie Nelson, 'Hello Walls', and it came out in 1961 when Faron Young sang it to a number one position on the charts. Today, however, is the only one we can deal with at the moment, this one happens to identify itself as Thursday, July 9, 2026. I'm still engaged in the exercises overseen by my physical therapist. She introduced a new one yesterday, and, she asked how I felt when I finished my one hour of therapy. I did not ask her to ask but she did. (I'm not sure she knows my philosophy about 'I report, you decide'.)  I told her she had achieved a new threshold. That being how my good left hip is hurting as bad as the bad right hip. She laughed and said it didn't surprise her and the soreness should be gone in 24 hours. I told her I already knew she was going to say that. I did. I really did. I asked why she thought I was getting so many leg cramps mostly during the nighttime hours. She said to drink more water, and then she added  this jewel: "You have to remember sir, you are waking up muscle groups that have been sleeping for a long time." That caused me to upgrade her nickname form Madam Diabolical to this new one, Madam Maniacal. Please don't write me. I am only having a little fun. This very young woman is actually helping me. I think I see the light at the end of the tunnel and I am hoping against hope that it's not a train. I have been looking at exercise bikes, but, I haven't ordered anything yet because I do know how in many instances they soon become dust catchers. We already have plenty of dust catchers. Right Vern? Right. I may give her a hard time, but, I am thankful for her being committed for the long game, pretty much equal to the total number of sessions my insurance will cover. Don't shake your head, we all know while it is there to help people, it is, first, last, and always, a business. Now you know why they put up with  people like me. Ha!

 

We did get a little bit of a downpour yesterday and it was both needed and appreciated. I saw early this morning how the highest temp on this date was 105 back in 1980 and the lowest recorded was 64 back in 1905. The local news people were also talking about how the Sahara dust intrusion has some positive influence in helping tropical systems not to develop. Who knew? Well, I know Who does know. Right? Yeah, our God knows all about it, He does, He really does. That passage about the sparrow comes to my mind quite often. Jesus speaking:  Matthew 10:29-31 ~ New Living Translation ~ "What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows." Sparrows were sold in the marketplace in the first century as a food source for those who could not afford something better. Generally speaking, the sparrows were viewed as being extremely insignificant in the eyes of most people, however, Jesus demonstrated God's knowing and caring heart in this illustration. Can I explain how it is possible for God to know these precise details about everything, all the time, all at the same time? Let me use a very theological response here: NOPE! By faith, I believe He does know. He does. He really does. That includes you. That includes me. As a believer, that gives me encouragement and confidence that I am known by God and He cares. Think on that one some and have a blessed rest of the day. Amen.

"Anyone who stops learning is old, whether this happens at 20 or at 80. Anyone who keeps on learning not only remains young, but becomes constantly more valuable, regardless of physical capacity." ~ Henry Ford, 1929

Happy Wednesday folks, this one comes to us identified as July 8, 2026. Many of you are aware that I am creeping up on an auspicious occasion, Lord providing, and, that would be my 80th birthday scheduled for this coming August. This upcoming event does give me some pause as I consider the more than 4,170 weeks along with the nearly 3 billion heartbeats in my breathing air on the planet. When the Apostle Paul came to the end of his time, he had this to say about the life he had lived: "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me at that day: and not to me only, but to all them also that love his appearing." (As rendered in the Webster Translation of 2 Timothy 4:7-8) I don't really see myself fitting my time into the testimony of Paul, but, I do know this: What God thinks about our time here pretty much defines what we've been able to accomplish, period. Jesus said the greatest standard to measure our lives is in this way: "‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." (Matthew 22:37-40 from the NIV) I do know because of my salvation I will not stand at the White Throne Judgment, (Revelation 20:11-15), where those who have rejected God and His Son will be cast into hell, however, I will stand before the Lord Jesus Christ at what is called the Judgment Seat of Christ and it is there my works as a believer will be examined. (Romans 14:10–12, 1 Corinthians 3:10–15, and 2 Corinthians 5:9–10) Those are some sobering truths. The good news along with the best news is how God so loved He chose to provide a way of salvation for us. I am thankful for that and very ashamed of how many times I have failed Him. The point is this: Make the most important things in life as given to us by God the most important things in life. Mine and yours. More on this later as that day approaches. You with me? Good!

 

Do not get the idea I am practicing to become more and more morbid as I age. Actually, as God provides, I feel like I might have another 20 years to hang around, but, longevity in and of itself is not a great goal. Our lives should count for time and eternity. The only way to do that whether you are young or old is to get yourself aligned with God's will and purpose. Grandma Moses, the recognized brilliant painter, didn't pick up a brush until she was 76. She, by the way, was a devoted Christ follower. She lived to be 101 and she was able to experience her paintings being viewed in museums all over the world. That is a remarkable story. Don't you think so? Maybe I will, here in my office, throw some paint against the wall and call it art. You know. Like the monkeys you see on YouTube. I should think some about that one because others nearby may not think that to be a good outlet for me. I know you know what I mean. I often have prayed to have more resources so I can be of more help to others, but, in response, I've felt a good dose of conviction from Above asking me what I am doing with what I already have. Yikes. Then, I feel like I may have forgotten to say may I and it's time to start over. I was on the steps going into the choir loft at our Church many years ago and the fellow next to me said, "I know we have a great financial burden regarding our Church, so, I've been praying the Lord would allow me to win the lottery so I can take care of it." We were up against each other and this little knee jerk response came out of my pea brain, "God doesn't really care about what you would do if you won the lottery, He wants you to be faithful with what He has given to you." I actually said that. I did. I really did. I remember it well. Looks like it may be time for me to embrace the 'physician heal thyself' concept. See what I mean? Being me. I wouldn't wish it on anyone. Pray for me. In fact, let's pray one for another. Just do it! Amen.

"National pride and the belief in the American Dream remain remarkably resilient. Recent data from the Archbridge Institute indicates that roughly 73% of Americans are proud to be citizens. Around 80% agree you can be patriotic regardless of your political or religious beliefs, and roughly the same share feels they have the same or more opportunities than their parents." ~ copied from an article found on whyomingnewsnow.tv

I am glad to report that I am in pretty good shape, for the shape I am in. Thanks so much for asking. Today is a great day to thank God for His blessings. It is. It really is. The children sing out this sentiment: Rise and shine and give God the glory, and, if, you haven't done that, well, today, this Tuesday, July 7, 2026, is a good place to start. It is. It really is. Here's my observation from watching excerpts from 4th of July celebrations all across our nation: Patriotism is not dead in the United States of America, and, I, for one, hope it hangs around for as long as God allows us to be one nation, under His guidance. To me, this was a spectacular showing of the heart of our people. From sea to shining sea, folks turned out to celebrate this nation, and it being founded on the principle of our God given freedom. This is not to say we don't have huge issues, many troubles, and great difficulties that challenge our ability to function, however, with all of these, we, the American people still love our country, love our flag, and, we are willing to pay homage to the God who gave us the liberty and those who have sacrificed to keep us going. We have so many haters who only want to see the bad and they pontificate about it day and night. They, no doubt hated these celebrations of what it means to embrace the American spirit. Why? They are rooting for our nation to fail because their existence depends on the bad, while, most Americans acknowledge our problems, we still love the home of the brave and the land of the free. These celebrations were a slap in the face of those who only sell negativism as the outcome of their hatred. I felt that surge of love for my country, I had that lump in my throat as I considered all those who have paid the price for our freedoms, yeah, old fashioned patriotism. It's still an inherent part of who we are. And, I say, thank God that it is. What say you? 

 

Last Saturday, the wife and I, it being the 4th of July, we ventured out to a movie theater to see the new film, 'Young Washington'. This movie attempts to show some of the situations that helped shape the larger than life character of what many call the Father of our Nation, George Washington. I did some fact checking on the movie itself and my take is this: Close Enough. In portraying a biographical movie its next to impossible for the legendary image not to show up in the depiction. However, it got hold of me. It was emotional. My wife asked why I reacted that way. Back in the day, I was better at remembering a lot of what I had stored in my memory banks, like American history. I loved it. I lived it, and Washington was a huge part of the information I had retained, therefore, seeing some of the scenes in that movie, it reminded me of God's providence working through individuals to found our nation. George Washington was a huge believer in God providentially working to preserve him in battle after battle, for a purpose. He was that kind of believer. Go check it out. He was. The battles he faced in his young life, well, they involved God's intervention since he did have bullet holes in his hat and coat, on more than one occasion. The mainstream critics thought the stories in the movie were sanitized because the movie is being marketed to a Christian audience. I'll take that any day over the trash they like where our heroes are degraded as a way of story telling. Washington was not perfect. He had his challenges just like every other person who has ever breathed air on the planet, however, he was aware that God chartered his destiny and he went with that belief. We are blessed as a result. We are. We really are. Amen.