Better look before you leap....to conclusions!

Okay. So I got yesterday's date wrong on my blog. But it happens. Know what I mean? I have from time to time suffered from that ailment that writers have, you know the one where you sit in front of a blank page with no ideas that might end up being written about. The not so good news. I have never allowed that malady to keep me from throwing something out there, and that's what I am up to, this morning, so, welcome, here on this Tuesday, July 17, 2012, and I do believe that is the correct date. The recent Supreme Court ruling on the healthcare legislation caused several news outlets to preemptively announce the wrong decision. Notable news channels like CNN and FOX actually led with the wrong verdict. Talk about embarrassing, but getting the facts wrong on headlines is not new. One of the most famous was from the Chicago Daily Tribune when on November 3, 1948 it boldly announced: Dewey Defeats Truman. That was a presidential election and they had it exactly wrong. Harry Truman won that election. Even further back, when news came of the Titanic's sinking many newspapers anticipated better results and headlined how that most of the passengers had been saved. You might recall a few years ago how that the death of Bob Hope was announced in the US House with a tribute even though he was still very much alive. It seems the Associated Press had been working on his obituary and it accidentally got released. Mr. Hope had a great laugh when told about the report of his death being announced, none other than on the House floor. It just goes to show you: You can only believe what's written in the funny papers. And, by the way, with all the stuff being flung about on Facebook and via emails, it would behoove us all to check it out before we add our names to the distribution list.

I can always point people to God's Holy Word as the Source of truth but today we have many who report what it says differently than the clear meaning given. The wrong headlines can be corrected but when someone is given a false interpretation of what God says, well, sometimes the outcome can be tragic, even eternally so. I am not saying I know with 100% accuracy everything the Bible talks about. What I do know is that if you do want to know with clarity and certainty, especially as it relates to the issues of life, right and wrong, and matters that impact eternity, the truth can be discerned through study and prayer. One thing is crystal clear, God through His Word will not lead us into wrong because He is the essence of truth. Here's what Psalm 119:160 says: "The entirety of Your word is truth, And every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever." We can get our facts messed up. We can report them erroneously. However, when it comes to the ultimate Author of our Bible, God Himself, as it says in Numbers 23:19, "God is not like people. He tells no lies. He is not like humans. He doesn't change his mind. When he says something, he does it. When he makes a promise, he keeps it." (God's Word Translation, 1995) In a world where getting the facts sorted out is typically in the eye of the beholder, we would do well to be reminded that God's Word is there for us. And, I commend us all to it and to its truths. Amen.

I read with sadness the report of the death of a American billionaire lady over in Great Britain. She was in her mid 40's and married to a Swiss billionaire. Both of them inherited their money. Now he is being detained until the cause of her death can be determined. One fact is undisputed. They both were addicted to illicit drugs. Woefully so. And, for many years. This was confirmed by their families. This does seem so incredible, not necessarily surprising, but incredible that people who, as the world would put it, had it all, would end up in this type of tragic situation. I've already heard folks saying it just goes to show you that money cannot buy you happiness, and while that is true, it doesn't seem to dampen people's clamoring after it. I hear people talking about how they are aware that the facts regarding lottery winners indicate mostly heartache and ruin, but yet, they say they would still like to give it a shot. I know of one situation where a young woman received a rightful large financial settlement but had to essentially go into hiding as a result. Too many outsiders trying to get hold of her money? No. It was her family and friends trying to get hold of her money. The Bible makes it clear that money is not the problem. In fact, many might be surprised how much is said about financial matters in the Scriptures. But, one thing is clear, loving money to the extent that it controls one's life typically leads to destruction. (1 Timothy 6:10) Okay. See what I mean? I fought the blank page and it lost, not necessarily because I've written great prose but I did get something posted, and, that was my original intent to begin with. Have a great day and may God bless each one. Amen.        .....More later.

I told you we had some water in our area.

It's Monday, July 16, 2012. Welcome. I know that many of you think I am very prone to exaggeration. Often that interpretation is very accurate. Typically, it is for comic effect. But when I was talking about how out of control the flooding was last Thursday, I was not kidding. The photo is from one of the entry points into the subdivision where we live. That's why I had to make a big drive around to get home Thursday evening. Thankfully, we are on high ground, and we have never experienced flooding from rising water, however, we did experience flooding one year when we had a pipe burst behind our fireplace. It did quite a lot of damage before we got the water turned off. I wanted to share that photo because in our area we have a group of volunteer firefighters that really do care. They went to work during those rains and performed a number of rescues right there in our area. I believe some 10 homes were flooded. I heard the testimony on the radio of a gentleman that lives a few streets down from us. He was very broken up. He said they had worked all their lives to have a nice home and nice things but now it was all ruined. My heart goes out to him and so many others, as well as my deep felt gratitude to those who put aside their other duties and braved the elements to help. A couple of those volunteers grew up in our Church. Seeing them at work in some photos was cause for me to thank God for them. Amen and Amen.

The molestation case at Penn State University is about as horrific as it gets. Joe Paterno is dead. He's the lucky one. Three other principals lost their jobs but I listened to those from the board of trustees and the one thing I didn't hear was anyone being held accountable. They knew about the investigations but did not provide any follow up. In other words they looked the other way while young children were being attacked. Why? They did not want the bad publicity. They did not want any financial ramifications. I would have thought they would have all resigned but they didn't. A sad situation my friend, a very sad situation. I also noted that the 2 billion dollar loss by the big bank J P Morgan Chase has now become a 5 billion dollar loss. It was thought to be a huge lapse of oversight and responsibility at 2 billion, but, the head of the bank is considered to be a rock star in the banking world, therefore, he gets to also keep his job. He's so influential he provides advice to our treasury department. Yes, folks, status and prestige as the world judges, counts, but, no amount of explanation can account for such wrong. In the Penn State case, the lives of dozens of children were ruined. In the case of the big bank, shareholders and fee payers will, in one way or another, have to essentially pay for the greed and avarice of those plotting their get rich quick schemes. Again, it is a sad situation my friend, a very sad situation.

Gutter. That's what they are already calling the political campaign for President of the United States. Gutter politics. President Obama came out of the Chicago approach to winning elections. That approach is similar to how the mafia operates. Eliminate your opponent. Do and say whatever it takes to destroy your adversary. That's the Chicago way. Check it out for yourself if you don't believe me. It is well known and well established. As for Mr. Romney, well, he has a past record of how folks with connections thrive. That typically is not anything new but in an election where emotions are running high, these types of business dealings offer opportunities for the Obama team to portray Mr. Romney as being completely disconnected from the reality of most folks in America. But, when you think about it, there has always been a disconnect from those who are mega wealthy contrasted to average Americans. I happen to see pretty lavish behavior going on with the President and his family since he took office. I don't begrudge him these perks that all presidents enjoy, however, I would also say that very few of his fellow citizens, many of which who are struggling, would ever even dream of the way travel, leisure, and consumption of tax payer resources are being pursued. Gutter. Yep. That's what we have and the forecast is for 100% chance of more of the same with it getting dirtier and dirtier as we get closer to November. That should give us all something to look forward. NOT! Meanwhile, let us thank God for His provisions and do our best to live as He would have us to. Amen.           .....More later.

"How High is The Water, Momma?" Johnny Cash

Good morning and welcome to flash flood territory. It is Friday, July 13, 2012, and you are right, I am the fellow who recently was ardently seeking for a few rain drops. Well, praise the Lord, we have gotten that and much more. Yesterday morning I came in to work in a rainstorm. I don't think rainstorm does it justice. It was more like a avalanche of water. I couldn't see well enough to see well enough to know if I had a place to pull over or not. I'm not making this up. I now know what it feels like to drive a vehicle by using the Braile system because that is all I could do, feel my way along, period. Forget about seeing the road. When I finally reached my turn off, I nearly fell out from the sheer exhaustion, but, I did take the time to give praise to God for having made it. I was more than happy to wade the ankle deep water to open the gate. And, while I know there have been some issues with flooding, we have been in need of rain, therefore, I am thankful. I remember writing several blogs over the past few years about driving in the worst rainstorm ever. Well, guess what? Just when I thought there couldn't be one to top that last one, yep, it was a doozy folks, a real doozy. I will not soon forget what that racing metaphor means, because yesterday was one morning when I really was: Up on the wheel!

I am thankful. Here I sit, sipping on some day old Community that is super hot, black, and strong. I am snacking on some instant oatmeal. I cut up a few dried apple pieces and threw in one of those tiny boxes of raisins. Then I poured some of that powdered milk in, added a pack of Splenda, a little water, zapped that little bowl for about 2 minutes, and bam!, there you have it, something that almost passes itself off as being breakfast. I was talking with an old timer the other day and we were lamenting one of the great tragedies of our time. Most eating places no longer serve home cooked grits. We didn't tear up but we both agreed that calling something a Big Breakfast without homemade grits should be against the law. I told him the last time I was in an IHOP that I do believe they brought me a bowl of instant grits. We both just hung our heads. You think maybe that was a little over the top, do you? You must not be a grits aficionado. I've been at conferences before up east where everyone raised an eyebrow when they heard me ask if they had homemade grits. Most of the time the answer was no. Those folks from that part of our land seem to think that grits are mostly associated with poor people and I say Amen to that, and while you are at it, could you spoon me up another big helping because I have some butter just waiting to climb on. Yum yum.

In a few weeks I just might be writing again about our parched earth around here. Not today. I will tell you this. Our yard is really enjoying some relief these past few days. Last year's drought was deadly. And, the proof is still all around us. Nearly every day I see crews out working on tree removal, especially along the road ways. We live in an area known for trees. That drought decimated the tree population. In all things we give thanks, not because things are always pleasant, but because God is with us, regardless of the weather or the storms in life. Being His child means that He will never leave or forsake us. That is a good thought to end this week. I do pray that you will enjoy your upcoming Saturday and that Sunday, the first day of the week, will find you in the Lord's meeting place, where you can hear from God in a special way, along with other folks. Until next week I'll try to keep my socks wrung out and the Community going. Y'all take care now, you hear? May God bless each one. Amen.         .....More later.

Even my doctor refuses to see me.

Hello folks, it is Thursday, July 12, 2012. I am not going to the doctor this morning for my annual physical check-up. They called me on Monday to let me know that he would be out of the office today. Well. Whoop-dee-doo! My prior doctor had these notes stuck all over the wall about all the dire consequences of not showing up on time, being charged if you didn't call, and other threatening notices. I always got the first appointment and still had to wait! Maybe I should have put my own note on his wall. I did get there early. I was ready to go. I was the only patient scheduled at that time. First in line, but, I still had to wait. Even after I wrote a nice letter to him and his staff thanking them for their help and telling them I was moving to another medical coverage, they still sent me an angry form letter about not showing up for my next appointment. Time for some of that Angry Birds game, if you know what I mean. The email I received from my current doctor simply said my appointment was cancelled by my provider. I suppose he would be the provider in this situation. And, oh by the way, you will need to call and set yourself up with another appointment, at your convenience, of course. I know. The sarcasm is thick and creamy this morning but that's just the way it is, but I will try not to let it ruin my day.

I was all primed and ready to have my little forth and back with my doctor. You know. If you don't get personally and directly involved in an interactive way in your personal healthcare these days, who will? Now I will have to de-prime and then get ready to be re-primed for my next visit. No wonder we meet ourselves coming back at times.As you can tell, the good thing about all of this is how that I have learned to not take it personally. You wouldn't have guessed that from the way I have been carrying on? I thought I was being rather calm about the whole thing. It has been reset for the 24th so that should give me plenty of time to get my thoughts recollected. If he tells me why he wasn't able to be in the office it will probably be a very reasonable explanation. It usually works that way. Like the time the fellow didn't show up for a presentation he was supposed to make at the company I worked for. The comment was made that he might better have a really good reason for standing us up. He did. He was dead. They found him laying on the bed in his hotel room with his presentation in his lap. Massive heart attack. No doubt helped along by unreasonable people who expected him to always be where he was supposed to be without ever being a second late. At least he had a good excuse. Right?

I would ask for prayers on behalf of our brother-in-law Charles. This is my wife's sister's husband. He is in the hospital over in Louisiana and not doing very well at this time. He's been in for several weeks and may be there for a while longer. It's his lungs. They are hardly working. We go way back with these folks. Some fifty years. Charles is a fellow who has always lived up to the Louisiana slogan of the state being a Sportsman's Paradise. Always active, always outside, fishing, hunting, doing yard work, staying busy. Now he struggles for the next breath. We know God knows all about it and we are seeking His best for Charles and the rest of this wonderful family. There are others we are also praying for each day. The prayer list is long. Maybe as we get older we better recognize the frailty and fragility of life. That inscription on the coffee mug is so true. We do recognize the plight of others but certainly challenges take on new meaning when it is ourselves or someone very close to us. Many times it changes our point of view. Knowing that might help us to be a little more understanding even when your appointment gets highjacked. Just joking. I've already said it doesn't really bother me that much, hardly any at all, in fact, why am I still even mentioning it? Now, you go out there today and have yourself a good one, and don't forget to thank God for all that He has done, is doing, and will do in the future for us all. Amen. .....More later.

The Big Bang revisited.

Welcome one and all. Today is Wednesday, July 11, 2012, and I send out a big howdy to everyone tuning in for today's episode. My wife is a huge fireworks fan. She prefers to see them in person but will settle for watching them on TV if she has to. They now have a show about those who design and execute those huge fireworks displays. It's on the Weather Channel and it's called Pyros and it is pretty interesting. There's a lot more to it than folks might imagine. The wiring and the layouts are very involved. They all connect into a computer system and that's how they become synchronized with the music. These people have to deal with things like unexpected weather problems, issues involving parts of the system not working properly, and a host of other things that come up as they prepare to entertain. They are paid handsomely to do all of this. It requires skill and ability. It is very high tech. Knowing all of this makes it interesting to read about what happened last week out in San Diego at their planned 4th of July fireworks display. Instead of the 20 minute program they paid for, due to a glitch in the system, it lasted exactly 20 seconds. Talk about the Big Bang! In this case I think they are calling it the Big Bust. And, for them, it wasn't a theory, it became an embarrassing reality. The fellow representing the fire works company said they felt terrible about what happened or didn't happen, but those thousands who showed up were in no mood to be forgiving. It just goes to show you. Sometimes failure is not only an option but it demonstrates just how embedded it is in the fabric of life.

Things do not always go the way we think they will. I read about a lady who retired and looked forward to continuing her collecting pursuit. Sadly, one day while she was away, her house caught fire and burned, taking with it the 1500 Barbies she had spent a lifetime collecting. We just never know. You probably heard about the plane that took off but was disrupted by an elderly passenger who was blind and only spoke French. He became disoriented and began swinging at everyone around him. They rerouted the plane to a different city and the people on board ended up losing a full 24 hours before they finally made it to their destination. No one could have expected to be in that situation. We just never know. I've been re-routed a few times on airplane trips but never with that much excitement. They are very sensitive to what is said at airports these days. One flight last week was delayed due to a casual comment made to a flight attendant. He simply asked if the crew had been out late partying the previous night. That was enough to shut down the plane and have all the flight crew tested for drugs. After they completed that process they continued the flight but they kicked the fellow off who had asked the question. You just never know. These are some strange times we are living in folks, strange indeed. I know the Elvis image doesn't match the commentary but I like it, so I stuck it there.

It reminds me of how I used to make excuses when I messed something up. I would tell my grandfather that it was not what I intended. He would then ask if that was true, then what did I intend. We all start our days with expectations but they rarely go exactly like we think they will. That's why we need to have the Unseen Hand helping us with each and every step we take. I am one to talk. I can get caught up in the heat of the battle or the challenge of the moment about as quickly as anyone. But, when it is all said and done, it is our faith that facilitates our confidence as we do deal with the ups and downs that dog our steps. We are not alone. That's right. Those thousands of other drivers did not get on a conference call and agree to figure out a way to impede your progress and mess up your schedule. That lady at the counter did not see you come through the door and decide at that time to get some small detail wrong on your order. I read a few weeks ago about a fellow who became so enraged with a messed up food order that he drove back around the place and hit the accelerator, lost control, rammed the side of the restaurant, and ended up nearly destroying his expensive truck. He sure showed them, didn't he? We might laugh about that but basically we can do the same thing in our minds as we encounter life's unexpected mishaps, if we are not careful. One thing I've noticed, there are plenty of opportunities for each of us, every single day, to see our own little 20 minute fireworks display go up in a second, and the results are always hurtful to all involved, and especially to ourselves. Okay. I think I've used up my daily quota of keystrokes. May God be with you until we meet again. Amen.   ...More later.

When a wreck occurs during the race, well, that's just racing. When it impacts your driver, well, somebody needs to answer for that one!

It's Tuesday, July 10, 2012, and I bid you welcome from here at the old blogger ranch. I try not to be as intense as I used to be when watching a sporting event on TV. I try. Occasionally, I let one slip up on me. Last Saturday evening I was watching the summer NASCAR race from Daytona. The driver I follow, Jeff Gordon, had some temperature issues early on that kept him a little timid in the early stages. About half way through he became much stronger and was running up front. He was running third, minding his own business, when his team called him into the pits for tires and refueling. As he was slowing down to go into the pits, he got caught up in an accident that had suddenly occurred behind him. Now that just infuriated me. Rarely do you ever see a driver get into the wreck behind them when they are slowing down. He was beat up and banged around but got back into line at about 30th. With just a handful of laps left he patiently was making his way back up towards the front and then at the very end, another big crash that took out multiple cars. Jeff somehow continued driving and crossed the finish line 12th. When I went to bed I had trouble falling asleep. That's a sure sign that I was overwrought. A good reminder. Don't take stuff like a car race so serious and get out of the kitchen, early, if it begins to get too hot. I should have.

Now you know one of my faults. What's that? You didn't know I had any. You have not been paying much attention is all I have to say. That Bible verse that says we are to confess our faults to one another, well, in my situation, that might just end up having to be done as a series, with episodes each week to get caught up. This up coming Wednesday evening I plan to be teaching from Hebrews Chapter 12. That's the passage that speaks about our lives as believers using the metaphor of a distance race on foot. The writer tells us we are to run our race without being loaded down with weights. Those weights have to do with the baggage we carry from the things we allow into our life that shouldn't be there. He talks about laying aside the sin that so easily besets. Every person has something that fits this category. Oh. It might not be one of what we think of as a biggie like the old saying, "I don't drink and I don't chew and I don't go with the girls that do." But, from God's perspective, any and all sin is big. It could be hatred, malice, envy, anger, or even something as obscure as indifference. You know. The not doing of what God would have us to do. But, at any rate, no foot runner in a race in his right mind would load up his backpack with 200 pounds of extra weight and then go out and try to win the race. How then is it that we are to run? Lay aside all those things that would hinder, and most important of all, eliminate distractions by keeping your eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and the Finisher of our faith. Amen. (Hebrews 12: 1-2)

We can get caught up in an event without even noticing it. We have watched a number of the Olympic finals for choosing the Americans who will represent our country in Great Britain later this month. We are not huge fans of diving, swimming, gymnastics, track, and other events. Then why in the world would I be straining to help someone get to the finish line? How silly is that? Me, sitting in my recliner, leaning forward to help them gain that final reach. We are the same way when we watch American Ninja Warrior. We are for the competitors as they attempt some very challenging obstacles and we end up trying to help them with our grunts, groans, and strains.That, I suppose, is a part of the human condition. It actually even impacts the wife who usually is fairly neutral about sporting events. Her thoughts about my driver when she sees me upset is that he should immediately retire from the sport typically worded: "Why doesn't he just quit?" I try to reason with her. I tell her he is only in his early 40's and he is, like, making millions of dollars each year, and he continues to be one of the most popular drivers in the sport, and he is still capable. That's how it plays out at our house. It may play out differently at your place. You may feel that way about The Wheel of Fortune. I know some folks who call themselves Wheel watchers. They have a special credit card connected to the show that somehow entitles them to some prizes if their number comes up. They would schedule emergency surgery around watching that program. See what I mean? We are a quirky bunch aren't we? Yours might be different than mine but we all have them. Have a great Tuesday and may the Lord bless each one. Amen.   ....More later.

The Mama's and the Papas: "Monday, monday, can't trust that day Monday, monday, sometimes it just turns out that way...."

I am aware of the Monday morning blues syndrome. I see it quite often but since it has never been that prevalent in my own personal  experience, I still find it hard to understand. It is that dreaded day for so many, Monday, and this one happens to land on July 9, 2012. I am well aware of those who begin their party time Friday evening and run it into the final hours of Sunday. That would make anyone's Monday difficult. However, that's not the right answer for all of those who drag in. It has something to do with mindset. Back to work Monday during these tight employment times should be a cause for celebration. Yet, I see them every week. They can be seen stumbling and sleepwalking their way to the time clock. Many of them carry in their hands one of those super sized drinks that contains enough caffeine to ignite a bonfire. Unfortunately, they will need some help getting the can open. Sure. I know that not everyone is a morning person. But when you are not a Monday person and also not a morning person, I suppose that's a double whammy in trying to get yourself up and going. Those of you who know me are mumbling right now. I do hear what you are saying. If I didn't get up at 3:30 a.m. each day I could maybe understand a little better these kinds of challenges. That may be true but just so you know, I have plenty of my own to deal with but thankfully Monday or morning are not on my list, that is, not at this time.

I said I didn't understand. I am sure not criticizing or condemning because I've been around long enough to know that things you thought you would never do, well, they have a way of doing a boomerang on you and then you end up with a huge plate of crow to eat. There's a lot of theories about where that figure of speech or idiom, 'eating crow', came from. It may have originated in ancient times because the crow was grouped with other birds that ate the rotted flesh of dead animals and people. Therefore, eating crow would have had a very unpleasant ring to it, like maybe a meal of fried buzzard. It is found in print in the early 1850's as part of a humorous story about a farmer who claimed to be able to eat anything. At any rate, it has the connotation of being humiliated after being proved wrong where someone had taken a strong position. I suppose it is akin to eating humble pie. Now that one typically involves having to apologize after being discovered as being wrong. It also dates back to medieval times where it was a real pie. It was a meat pie thought of as being inferior because it was made out of animal innards, especially deer parts, the heart, liver, lungs, and kidneys. Yum yum. If I thought long enough I could probably remember a time when both of these pies were on the menu after one of my classic mess ups. No. I am not going to think long enough to share one of those with you. But, trust me. I have been there and done that.

I grew up in a small rural town. In some ways, Andy Griffith's portrayal of Mayberry reminded me of my hometown. In some ways. His death last week caused many to reminiscence about that wonderful show. I think most people realized that things don't always work out the way they did on that program. I heard Andy in an interview a few years ago talking about how that his role as Sheriff Andy Taylor did forever typecast him into the hearts and minds of millions. He said that while he was able to play off his upbringing in a small town, he was an actor, and in his opinion, he was not as good a person as Andy Taylor. Who could be? When he would play a role of a bad guy he said his mailbox would be stuffed with letters begging him not to ever do that again. His fans wanted him to always be their hero. I grew up among characters. Some I can recall and a smile immediately comes to my face. Similarly, that show was great because of the variety of characters we saw each week and how we learned to know and love them. I suppose we all enjoy an escape from that reality that grips our days and that's exactly what Andy's show did. It allowed us to take a break in a fun and wholesome manner. I still watch it from time to time. And, even though I've seen most of them more than a few times, I still laugh because it's still funny. I do hope you will have a great Monday and Lord willing I'll see you tomorrow here at the old blogger ranch. Goodbye for now and may God bless. Amen.        .....More later.