"O Lord heal our land, ..... heal our land."

Good morning and I bid you a hearty welcome to this only day that we have to do something with, Friday, September 9, 2011. This coming Sunday will usher in the 10th anniversary of that fateful day back in 2001. Each of us remember what we were doing when we found out about the attack on the Word Trade Center in New York City. I was sitting at my work station actually listening to the BBC news from London on the radio when they interrupted to report a plane crash in New York City (8:46 a.m.), only to report the second crash moments later, (9:02). We then learned about that plane crashing into the Pentagon, (9:37 a.m.) Finally, that last plane was crashed into that field in Pennsylvania at 10:03 a.m. Bewildering. Chaotic. It was a confusing and fearful feeling as we all reeled from the blow struck by those who hate us and our way of life. Yes. It did change us all. Yes. We are still paying for it in dollars today. Yes. We will never be the same, but at the same time, we are also, by the grace of God, still standing, standing tall as a beacon for freedom, still waving Old Glory, still pledging allegiance to our flag, and still proclaiming to one and all, friend and foe, that we here in America are one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all! I pray for the families left behind who still mourn the loss of their loved ones murdered in this series of cowardly attacks. I pray for those who are still dealing with injuries suffered in the attack. I pray for the emergency response teams that faced the aftermath with not only loss of life but many injuries that carry on today. I pray for the men and women who wear the uniform of our nation who now face each day in harm's way. I pause also to remember those heroes that helped take down that flight in Pennsylvania saving countless lives in the process, in so doing, they not only gave their lives, but they exemplified the American spirit. And, finally I pray that America, we, the people, would somehow regain that flag flying spirit that led us to crowd into our places of worship where we prayed together to seek God that He would guide and protect us, through the night with the light from above. Amen and Amen.

I know plenty who will be attending special commemorative events around the country. I think that is wonderful. For us, we plan to, Lord willing, to join with our local fellowship of believers on this upcoming Sunday, as is our practice, and we will no doubt offer up prayers to God, as is also our practice. Freedom. It's not always easy and it certainly can be dangerous as we saw on that fateful day. And, we also know it isn't free. You and I are free today because of those throughout our history who shed their blood. Of course the ultimate freedom that each heart yearns for is found only in Christ. That freedom certainly was not free in that He gave Himself up for us all. It is really wonderful to live in the land of the free. But, folks, "What shall it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his own soul?" (Mark 8:36) Coming to know Christ is the freedom that counts not only for this time but for all eternity and may God help us to share that message with a lost and dying world. Amen.

Some have expressed concerns that we might come across too patriotic in our observance of this anniversary. They think we might further provoke our enemies. It's hard to imagine that we still have folks who think we can appease our way into favor with those radically opposed to the very founding principles of our way of life. But they are among us and our freedoms allow them to have their say, and I am glad they can do that very thing, here, because they couldn't exercise much freedom at all in the lands where our enemies plot our destruction. Yes. There is a struggle here to protect our individual freedoms while taking necessary actions to guard against future attacks. That balance is precarious and it is one that is worth the time and effort because when we give up our individual freedoms we cease to be the America of our forefathers. Having that tension is a good thing and we can be thankful for those who stand guard over our liberty. We, even as a fairly young nation, are still a work in progress, but one that God has immensely blessed. We have some huge challenges on our plates right now but I believe that God can still bless our great land, and I ask that you join me in seeking Him to direct our way forward. Amen. Have a great Saturday and Lord's Day Sunday, and I'll see you next time.     .....More later.

Still stirring that pot, but folks, don't you think it's about time for us to do something about it?

Good Thursday morning here on this September 8, 2011. I'm not sure what Mayor Bloomberg up in New York City is up to but it does seem incredible that he would specifically not invite any clergy or any first responders from the fire and police forces to be a part of the 10th anniversary of the World Trade Center attack coming up this Sunday, September 11. To leave out those who represent the Lord God of heaven and those who heroically risk their lives when such calamities occur boggles the mind. One person told me he thought maybe leaving any mention of God out could be a prophetic act that in many ways depicts where we are as a nation. The mayor said he didn't have the room because the commemoration is for the families and not for others. He did make room for a huge number of politicians and I know that does not surprise anyone. And then these folks who hold office are left to ponder why the public has so little respect for their elected officials. In fact, a recent survey indicated that over 80% of the American people would like to see the entire Congress turned out of office. Why? Enough is enough and failure is failure no matter what label you wear on your suit lapel, Republican, Democrat, Independent, or Libertarian. Bottom line: Let's try someone different and hope for a different result!

That's not likely to happen because we have allowed the system to favor the incumbent so much so that it is difficult, not impossible, but difficult to unseat a sitting member of the Congress. But, that's enough about all of that for one day. I maybe need to give all the political stuff a rest since it often is like talking about the weather, we all talk about it, but no one does much about it. We did have a most wonderful kick off for our first inner city Bible club for this new season, last Tuesday evening. We had about 40 kids and we had a blast. We've got several new ones this year and one little guy was so cute when he asked me, "Are you Santa Claus' brother?" We had several who asked for one on one counseling at the end of our lesson, therefore, we know that God is at work in the lives of these little ones. I'm always pretty much wasted in terms of being tired when we finish each Tuesday evening but I can tell you it surely goes in the column marked Good Tired. And, I ask you, where else are you going to find a 65 year old fellow who gets recognized as Santa and who is also the long term cheer leader in the program? You heard it right, cheer leader. Look it up, check it out, and let me know if you find someone else who hits on all of these distinctions.

I know quite a few folks who don't drink coffee. They are about as sad a lot as I have ever seen. Just kidding. But, on a cool morning, when the air is brisk and you sit back and enjoy that cup of hot, black Community, made strong enough to bring a smile to Paw Paw Mac's face, well, it may get better than that, but you would have to do some proving. You are not sure about someone who gets excited over a cup of coffee? While I wouldn't go to the mat in trying to answer that one, I can tell you that it just happens to come with the package and I can't help it, because it is one of those small little extras in life that seems to make it all better. And, I think we all can agree that anything in the current environment that makes it a little better, go for it because there's plenty on the other side of the ledger. Yet, regardless, we who know the Lord are never down and out, we are always on our way to be in His presence, and it is how we make the journey that matters most, especially in terms of our influence for good on those He brings into our lives. Now, another sip, and a wrap up of today's musings along with a prayer of blessing on us all as we continue our sojourn here. Amen.   .....More later.

The mornings are cool but the political rhetoric is scalding hot.

I did see some of our guys bundled up yesterday like maybe a frost was on the ground. I just have to tell you that just knocks me down. I would go up to those dressed that way and recall to them what my grandfather used to ask me: "Son, what in the world are you going to do when it really does turn cold?" Yeah, me too, it does seem like the wrong day here on a Wednesday, but because of the holiday we are already here, middle of the week, as they call it, hump day, on this September 7, 2011. I watched the President's speech on Labor Day from Detroit. I saw it live and I know he was in a deep dark blue Democrat Party setting, but even given this, I was somewhat appalled at the tone of his rhetoric especially when he spoke about those who disagree with his policies and approaches. While I would have expected some partisan rancor, this was so over the top it actually made me a little angry. I agree with the President that he along with all members of Congress should put party aside and do what's right for the nation. I couldn't agree more. But, I also am very unhappy with his name calling and vilification of those who disagree with his solutions. While his PR people say they are not driven by the polls, (all politicians say that), I am more than sure they are aware that according to the latest Gallup survey, at least 50% or more of the American people are unhappy with his performance and when asked about the economy that disapproval number sky rockets. It would seem counter intuitive to call the majority who you need to help right the ship of state a bunch of bad names and insult them as a way of making progress. Granted, the union bosses all used even more hateful name calling and the entire event was somewhat sickening to me. To me it was not very presidential and there were certainly no positive messages as far as I could tell. We are in bad shape folks and it just seems to get more so each day.


My wife says she doesn't know why I even listen to President Obama. He is the President of the United States, that's why I listen to him, and I still have respect for him as a person, and I certainly have great respect for the office he holds. As many of you know I am a NASCAR fan, not diehard, but a fan nonetheless who does pay attention to the sport. I was disappointed when five of the ten drivers invited chose not to attend a special presentation and meeting with the President of the United States. No matter how they responded to why they chose not to attend, the message was sent that these individuals had snubbed the President's invitation. To me, in our nation, that's the ultimate invitation, regardless of who it is that sits in the oval office. I heard their explanations and while they seemed reasonable for almost any other invite, they sounded very lame when it came to the negative attention they got from the national media. NASCAR for years has tried to shed its image as a red neck, mostly confederate flag waving, guys and gals who enjoy showing off the wide gaps previously occupied by their now missing teeth. My opinion is that unless there was a dire emergency involving family, these drivers should have shown up out of respect for the office of the president and for the overall good of the sport that abundantly provides for them. You may have liked their decision and while I didn't that's what we call different strokes for different folks here in the wonderful home of the brave and land of the free.

We had three of our workers here who were evacuated out of their homes because of the threat of fire. As of this morning they still do not know if their homes are still standing. I told one fellow who called to check on us that it takes on a whole new meaning when close to home means exactly that, close to home. There's a Facebook page set up for our county where people can update the community on the wildfires and road closings and lost homes, etc. Some of the postings are gut wrenching. Folks who had to leave behind livestock and one who had turned their horses loose with a tag giving their telephone number, hoping to recover them later. We have a few members in our local fellowship who were put on alert because of the fires coming their way. This has been some kind of year for us here. They had originally said maybe some rain relief in October and now they are pushing it out to November. Many are actually hoping for a hurricane to come close enough to dump some water on our parched acreage. After dealing with Ike, I'm not ready to join that prayer group but I do know that our God is aware and He will provide for us in His own good time. Bible faith is not a 'hope that it will turn out okay', it is an assurance that regardless of what happens God is still God and we are still who He has declared us to be, His own dear child. Rain or no rain. No matter what! That gives us the strength to get up and go each day where we, by faith, take it one step at a time. Amen.     ....More later.

Let's hope today becomes a preview of more relief on the way!

It's around 57 degrees here this morning and I really can't find it in my heart to feel sorry for you cold natured people. That doesn't mean I would be ugly about it because I can visualize some of my grand kids digging out jackets this morning. It is Tuesday, September 6, 2011, and I welcome you to our first gasp of a breath of cooler air. Tropical Storm Lee didn't give us rain but sadly it did bring more wind to areas that are prime candidates for wildfires. There's already some deaths recorded from this latest round of destructive fires including a young mother and her child up near Tyler, Texas. Such heartbreak, it reminds me of a young fellow here in our Company who lost his one and only child, a daughter last week to a sudden illness, just one year old. My wife and I attended the cemetery service Sunday afternoon and I can tell you that in my 65 plus years here on the planet I've never been to anything sadder, including the loss of many beloved family members. You read about folks incapacitated because of their grief but seeing this young mom and dad so much in shock and traumatized like they were was almost more than one could take. We pray for the entire Briceno family and ask God to bring a special measure of comfort to these who have lost such a lovely little girl. We left moved by the experience but also reminding each other that in times like this there are no answers, just God and His provision for us. I know that sounds simplistic but it is the only help for those dealing with such a huge loss. May God help is my prayer. Amen.

We had a busy but enjoyable three day stretch. On Saturday we visited mom and dad again to work with them on their new computer set up. They are special people to us and anytime we can spend time with them, it is precious to us. My wife was able to visit her sister in Louisiana who is also recovering from surgery. We fought a huge rainstorm nearly all the way home. NEARLY. It began to tail off the last 50 miles and then about 25 miles out it was like we had switched channels on our outside picture because the sun was out and it was dry as a bone. We were disappointed but also very thankful for the blessings of the much needed rains in so many areas like those in our hometown in Louisiana. Our five year old Alex told me this, "Poppy, your yard is straw!" He is right and we are sad but it has been an experience that helps us all appreciate just what a needy people we are. Without rain, resources begin to dwindle and the residual effects are all around. Like trees dying, animal life changing their routines, and a whole host of people related impacts that hit in the pocketbook. I've never seen a time when the younger generation was more apt to issue a praise report on their social media network when a few drops of rain fall. If that is meant from the heart and they are truly thanking God, then that would be a wonderful result coming about because of this drought. One thing is certain, God knows all about it and He is still the answer. Amen.

We enjoyed a great service Sunday morning at our regular meeting place where our local fellowship shows up to worship God and hear from Him as His word is presented. I introduced our upcoming study in Matthew to my class. I typically try to present a balanced picture of a book like this within the context of the other Gospels in order to harmonize the truths presented and events recorded. I'm not going to do it that way, this time. I want us to read Matthew again, for the first time. I want us to accept it for what it is. The very Word of the Living God and to focus in on exactly what Matthew was saying to those who first read his text, and then by extension to hear what God has to say to us through that same text. It should be rewarding and I am looking forward to how God deals with me and the rest of our class as we study together. If you are not a part of the study of God's Word I highly urge you to become involved because it can be life changing as God works in each heart. We were pretty much low profile on Monday but appreciative of having the day off. Now it is back to our regular routine and let me just say how thankful I am to have one of those, regular routine thingies, because it does mark our day with opportunity and promise, as God directs our steps. Have a great Monday here on a Tuesday and I pray that God will bless us all. Amen.     ......More later.

Enjoy your Labor Day!

Okay ladies, you can now put away your white and move on to your fall colors because, traditionally, Labor Day, marked this transition. Hello and welcome to Monday, September 5, 2011. Today we think about our Granny Mac because this is her birthday. I know the Labor Day designation was originally put into law to reflect upon the contributions of organized labor and the contributions made to our nation by those who work in a variety of trades. Yet, I can attest to the fact that labor is not reserved just for those who wear a union badge. People like my Granny Mac put in their work day, every day she was able, and thus, she instilled in us a work ethic, along with my grandfather, my mom, and so many others, that has encouraged us all in our sojourn here on the planet. My own personal experience with the so called labor movement has been on the other side of the fence, so to speak, being in management for most of my working life. I meet people every day who are a part of organized unions, like firefighters, teachers, and police officers, telecommunications repair folks, and so many others. They believe that without their unions they would not have the benefits they enjoy. And, that seems to be the great divide between labor and management, but in the end, it is up to each individual to do their duty, and we all would do well to heed our Savior's call that we would so let our light shine in a manner where others would see our good works and in response, they would give glory to God. (Matthew 5:16) Enjoy your holiday and we will see what falls out for tomorrow's episode, Lord willing, of course. Amen.             .....More later.

Happy Birthday brother!

Welcome to Friday, September 2, 2011. Today I pause to remember my brother, Donald Richard Abbott who would have celebrated his 63rd birthday tomorrow, September 3. We lost Donald this past June after a ten month battle where he struggled to recover from a massive heart attack and traumatic brain injury. Donald was as unique as they come and he seemed always to run on his own set of rails. He was generally a free spirit who made friends easily and pretty much did his own thing, in his own way. As careers go, his 20 year stint as a U. S. Marine reflected a huge part of his life. When he enlisted it was as if he was born to be a Marine. His dream job was that of a Drill Instructor which he did for nearly 12 years. When he hurt his back and was no longer able to be a DI, it was a huge blow to him. Nearly everyday we read about those who wear the uniform of our nation with many of them being killed or wounded. I almost always think about men like Donald who poured into his recruits the fighting spirit and instinct required to survive the worst in battle. Every time I've met a Marine and they learn about my brother being a DI they give him and others like him credit for the training that was given to them. When Donald retired he worked in a number of different industries but he never lost his connection to the Corp. While we continue to mourn his loss, we are also proud of his service to our country. He was a dad, a skilled employee, a beloved son, and many other things, but the bottom line was his identity as a United States Marine. Happy Birthday brother and may God bless our memory of your time here with us. Amen.  
                                        
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Have a great day, and a great Saturday and Lord's Day Sunday. With the Labor Day holiday coming, it would be appropriate for us all to pause and pray for those who are without a job. Until next time may God bless one and all. Amen.                ......More later.

Don't wait until tomorrow because today is when God wants to work in your life!

Brand new day. Brand new month. Brand new forecast. Same old, and getting older by the day, me. It's a joke. You can either laugh with me or at me on this Thursday, September 1, 2011. The forecast is different but it is not what they had said last Monday, that one has slipped to Friday and I've been around long enough to know that sometimes they just keep on slipping, slipping, until they slip slide away. But we continue to anticipate a change in the weather and when it does not happen it will give us some really good stuff to complain about, as if we didn't already have enough. The other day when I wrote about all those white haired people in the waiting room, my mom asked if I realized I was one too. I gave it to her straight. I told her that I couldn't see me, I could only see them and for some reason as I sat in that chair I had this foreboding sense that this is how it will be for the rest of my life. I enjoy talking. Ask those who know me. But, when I am on a mission, like going to the doctor, I'm not too much into forth and back chatter. I like to get in and get out but others actually asked me why I was there. It's a eye doctor's joint. I certainly didn't come to get my teeth cleaned and I could have done without the excruciating details from the group regarding their last cataract surgeries. But, to each his own, and next time maybe I will have them dilate my eyes when I first arrive then I can be 100% anonymous, you know, I can't see them, therefore, I don't exist, or something like that.

I'm not complaining, just making observations. Or as they say in today's lingo, "just saying." I know I can be critical. Like this elderly lady at the doctors last week. She was sitting there in the dark room with the rest of us and the doctor walked by and spotted her. Suddenly, it was like the doctor had found her long lost friend and she came in and they just gushed forth and back with each other. What's up with that? Don't you see we are all sitting here swapping eye surgery stores, waiting on you to call our name, and here you are having a reunion instead of taking care of business? I know. I know. All the white haired ladies thought how nice, how sweet. Me? Don't you have something better to do? Then they finally call your name. Some of the folks had walking problems but they always ask them to walk 'this way'. It reminds me of an old joke I heard when I was a kid. The man goes into the drug store, (Yes, Virginia, they used to be called that, not a pharmacy.), and asked for the young lady to show him where the talcum powder was located. She tells him to walk this way and starts prancing down the aisle. He responded by saying, "Young lady, if I could walk that way I wouldn't be needing the talcum powder." Okay. It was funny way back when. Maybe not today.


It really is good to be able to laugh now and then. I just hope and pray that I never lose my sense of humor. I know that bad health and difficult circumstances can wear one down, making it hard to find room for a smile, much less a laugh. However, it doesn't have to be that way. We were talking the other day about my wife's mom. She was a very funny lady with her quick wit and whimsical come backs. I was recalling my last conversation with her as she was in her final hours. Her voice was weak but in it I could still detect that all familiar joking way of hers. She passed on a couple of days later and I can tell you it was no picnic but I will always treasure that last little verbal smile we shared together. I also know that her faith under girded her entire life, therefore, she knew her destination, and perhaps that's why she maintained her sense of humor until the end. I pray that I will be able to do the same but we never know for sure until we get there. Now that's a pretty profound piece of obvious observation to leave with you to ponder for today. Have a great Thursday and if you happen to be where it's cool, then rejoice a little for the rest of us. Amen.             .....More later.