Friday, March 20, 2026

“All our discontents about what we want appeared to me to spring from the want of thankfulness for what we have.” ― Daniel Defoe, Robinson Crusoe, (1719)

A depiction of Robinson Crusoe with his rescued native friend, Friday.
It's Friday my friend, and it's the name Robinson Crusoe gave to the native he rescued from cannibals and he did so on a Friday, therefore, he named him Friday. I do know you find that to be very interesting but you might prefer that I get on with today's edition, on this March 20, 2026. (For those who don't know about Robinson Crusoe, well, I feel a wee bit sorry for you because it is a wonderful story found in the novel written in 1719 by Daniel Defoe.) There are also several movies made from that great novel. Okay. Well, how in the world are you doing on this, another day in the neighborhood? Let me hit this one head on. Got it? Good. Based on the information I have heard from the current administration, I am, at this time, supporting the military action in Iran. I am convinced many of the news sources are actually rooting for our armed forces to lose because of their hatred of President Trump. You can have your opinion. That's mine. I'm not saying there is no propaganda coming from the administration because the reporting is typically done to form a positive view of their actions, however, this joint military action alongside Israel makes sense given the threat that Iran poses along with their long term status of being the number one sponsor of radical terrorism. I can understand why some people do not care for President Trump. His history, his mannerisms, and, his commentary at times has contributed to this dislike. However, to root for Iran in the coverage of the news is unacceptable and it is why the FCC has threatened to investigate some of the news reporting entities. It's one thing to be biased, liberal versus conservative, but, to manipulate the news in order to support a sworn enemy of our country is frankly beyond the pale. I am not enjoying the higher prices at the pump, the grocery store, and, just about any and everywhere things are purchased. Hopefully, the report that these spikes are temporary will be proven to be true. Meanwhile, I support our troops and I pray for a speedy completion of this conflict. Amen.

 

That particular ongoing hostility may not be the elephant in the room, but, it is one that impacts us all. And, especially, the lives of those who lose loved ones as a result. Me feeling one way or another can never come close to the pain these families are dealing with. May God comfort them and may they look to Him for help going forward. Amen. Join me in praying for the soon resolution of this conflict. Again, I want to thank you, the readers, of my blogs. I appreciate the comments I receive from time to time. And, I especially love to hear the wife of my youth chuckle when she proofs my daily posting. It makes me think that if it brings a smile to her it might just do the same for someone else. At times, there's not too much smiling going on in a world that literally is in such a mess. Only God can help us but it's good that we all can do our part to cheer each other on as we, together, continue our journey here. I remind us all of this truth. As believers, this world is not our final dwelling place. It's not folks. It's really isn't! Here is an old hymn that has an idea about that place we call home:

 

Is Not This the Land of Beulah? (1882): Often associated with the line "I am dwelling on the mountain". It became a popular Methodist revival song written, or arranged by, William Hunter or John W. Dadmun. You can hear this on YouTube sung by several different groups including the Gaither Homecoming choir. 

 
Lyrics
 
I am dwelling on the mountain,Where the golden sunlight gleamsO'er a land whose wondrous beautyFar exceeds my fondest dreamsWhere the air is pure, ethereal,Laden with the breath of flow'rs,They are blooming by the fountain,'Neath the amaranthine bow'rs. (note unfading, undying, forever flowers)
 
Is not this the land of Beulah?Blessed, blessed land of light,Where the flowers bloom forever,And the sun is always bright!
 
I can see far down the mountain,Where I wandered weary years,Often hindered in my journeyBy the ghosts of doubts and fears;Broken vows and disappointmentsThickly sprinkled all the way,But the Spirit led, unerring,To the land I hold today.
 
Is not this the land of Beulah?Blessed, blessed land of light,Where the flowers bloom forever,And the sun is always bright!
 
I am drinking at the fountain,Where I ever would abide;For I've tasted life's pure river,And my soul is satisfied;There's no thirsting for life's pleasures,Nor adorning, rich and gay,For I've found a richer treasure,One that fadeth not away.
 
Is not this the land of Beulah?Blessed, blessed land of light,Where the flowers bloom forever,And the sun is always bright!
 
Tell me not of heavy crosses,Nor of burdens hard to bear,For I've found this great salvationMakes each burden light appear;And I love to follow Jesus,Gladly counting all but dross,Worldly honors all forsakingFor the glory of the cross.
 
Is not this the land of Beulah?Blessed, blessed land of light,Where the flowers bloom forever,And the sun is always bright!
 
Oh, the cross has wondrous glory!Oft I've proved this to be true;When I'm in the way so narrow,I can see a pathway through;And how sweetly Jesus whispers:"Take the cross, thou need'st not fear,For I've tried the way before thee, "And the glory lingers near
 
Is not this the land of Beulah?Blessed, blessed land of light,Where the flowers bloom forever,And the sun is always bright!
 
That's what I call a good one. What say you? Enjoy and may God add His blessings. Amen

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