Big wheel keep on turning!

Good morning everybody. Thanks for showing up here at the old blogger ranch where we all just like to sit for a spell and visit. It is Friday, July 20, 2012. How's that busy life going that you have there? You know. The one where the rule is to burn the candle at both ends. I actually have never burned a candle at both ends but it's obvious that it would tend to use the candle up more quickly than if you only burned it on one end. I suppose that is what is implied and I did not take the time to give you some insight into the origin of that saying. But, I do know that I have been tagged over the years with that saying, many times. I plead guilty, especially for a large part of my life where I spent far too much of my time in being about as busy as one can be in things that really, for the most part, when it is all said and done, didn't amount to a hill of beans. Most people involved in that Gerbil wheel lifestyle don't see it that way, they just keep that wheel turning. I thank God I have learned there are endeavors that do count for time and eternity and they are worthy of our pursuits. These are the ones pursued out of love for God and caring for others. Finding the balance is difficult but doing something about breaking that candle on both ends burning cycle is worth the effort. Take it from me. Been there, done that!

I didn't even mention last week on this very day we had a Friday the 13th to contend with. Just joking. Guess what? I can tell you what happened last Friday the 13th? Some really wonderful things happened in the lives of some people. Some really bad things happened in the lives of others. Many had a really good day. Many had a really bad day. Others had what they might call a same old, same old kind of day. Yes, there was laughter and yes, there were tears. That's how it goes as we count our days. And, that pretty much is how it will go UNTIL that Day comes. That's the Day when our Savior will return to make all things right. The Apostle Peter said there will be some who scoff at this coming Day. They will report that things are going on just like they always have gone on. He said those people willingly forget how it was in the days of Noah when the flood came. The folks back then were going about their busy lives without heeding the warning that a day of judgment was coming. But that Day did come! The door of the ark was closed and the floods came. (See 2 Peter Chapter 3) Therefore, whether it be Friday the 13th or any other particular day we can always look up because one day soon He will come back just like He said He would. Amen.

Another one of those kinds of weeks folks and it has been so good to have y'all along for the ride. Come to think about it, most weeks are like that, for all of us. Thanks so much to those who have been praying on behalf of our brother in law and his family. It means so much to know that people care enough to pray. Prayer is a most remarkable provision that God gave to us so that we can connect ourselves into His resources from which flow the things we stand in need of. I am often hit with this challenge, "Since God knows all things, why pray?" That's a real easy one. We pray because God has both made a way for us and invited us into His very throne room. (See Hebrews 4:16) It is God who chose prayer to be an integrated part of the unfolding of His will. Jesus, God the very God in human flesh, spent much of His time in prayer while He was here on the earth. That's good enough for me. Amen? Yes! Amen! See you next time and may God bless.    ....More later.

Try holding your breath because this will only hurt a little. How many times have we heard that one?

It's Thursday, July 19, 2012, and the impact of the recently signed into law Affordable Care Act is already being felt. My eldest son told me the other evening that his health insurance coverage for him and his family provided through his job is being increased by 25% effective immediately. That will put his health care coverage at over $2,000 per month. The mandated no cost preventive screenings required in the new law are obviously not free to the people performing them. These kinds of promises where everyone gets something for nothing reminds me of how my grandfather used to warn me. He would say, "Son, that sounds like too much sugar for a dime." And, my guess is that we have not even begun to see the kinds of serious cost burdens, that, will have to be covered by someone. I am not against trying to provide services to those who cannot provide for themselves. But I scan the British newspapers and I can tell you there is a steady flow of horror stories based on their socialized government run healthcare system. For thirty years we taxpayers subsidized turning corn crops into fuel, called Ethanol. Last year that subsidy went away, some 6 billion dollars. Studies indicate that Ethanol now provides 10% of the fuel consumed in our nation. At what cost? Billions upon billions spent previously along with the impact on our dining tables from the associated increase in all the edible corn related products. (Corn syrup, corn oil, kernel corn, corn on the cob, corn flakes, to name a few.) That's only the tip of the iceberg in looking at what happens when government meddles in trying to manage and manipulate markets. Ethanol wouldn't even show up on the radar screen of something as massive as healthcare. Better hang on folks, we are in for a ride!

It is good to be back with you today. Yesterday I ran over to Alexandria, Louisiana to visit with my ailing brother in law. It was a turnaround trip which I used to do without even feeling it. Not anymore. The bones have a way of letting you know. They can be loud at times. But, we had a wonderful visit. It was just like old times. He greeted me like he has for the past 48 years, "Hello, brother in law, what time did you leave from over there this morning?" I had over two hours of one on one and we pretty much got caught up on all the important things in life, like NASCAR, the Saints, the Cowboys, the Rangers, the Astros, the Texans, the Rockets, and other related subjects. They have hit upon a regimen of drug therapy that has freed him from any pain and as he said, "I feel great, I'm eating good, but I have no air, none whatsoever." This is because of his lungs barely working at all. I was able to share a prayer with him and then we were on our way for the 230 mile return where I got back in time to teach my Wednesday night class and enjoy the fellowship of some of the sweetest people around. Thank you Lord for providing for us as we go here, there, and other places, and thank you Lord for the grace you are showing to our brother in law. Amen.

One thing my brother in law and his dear wife are blessed with are friends. Folks they go to Church with have flooded the place. I think he said he had some 40 visitors on Tuesday. There's people he used to work with at Fort Polk. There are his hunting and fishing buddies. And, of course, his family. One of the things this drug regimen has allowed him to do more of is one of his most favorite things in the world. TALK. He dearly loves to visit. He loves to communicate. He had really struggled in that area until they came up with this current treatment option. Now that's what I call a blessing folks. And, when you feel blessed you don't consider yourself to be lucky. No. We look up and send our thanks to our great God who provides for us, even something as special as helping us to do the very thing we love, something like talking. I suppose I still have my job here. The locks haven't been changed. I can still access my computer so I am off and running again. I do hope and pray that we all will think about the things we take for granted that God provides to us each day. I know a fellow laying in a hospital bed over in Louisiana who can tell you that he feels blessed indeed, very blessed. You have a great day and Lord willing I'll try to get something scratched up for tomorrow. Amen.    ....More later.

The reality of life includes having to say farewell, for now.

Hello again. It is Wednesday, July 18, 2012. My wife left Sunday after services at our local fellowship to go and be with her sister and their family as our brother in law Charles continues to be very critical. I am thankful she was able to go. Her and her sister are so very close and I am thankful she retired when she did because it gives her so much more flexibility. It is always different when she is gone. I suppose it works that way after nearly 48 years. The routine as far as schedule is concerned stays somewhat the same but it's very obvious that something is out of sync, missing, and maybe even a little awkward. My wife grew up in a preacher's home. She is used to ministering in all kinds of situations. And, her entire family are close and they are there for each other when needed. Thinking about this current challenge has been tough. On me. I think about them and their children. I think about our children. Our three boys and their two boys are close in age. We as believers have a longing to be at home with our Savior while at the same time we sense how difficult it will be to say farewell to those we love. May God be with them all as they seek His strength at this time. Amen.

Thinking about my life in the context of its limitations makes me aware that I've not always made the best use of it. I'm not talking about that famous list called the Bucket List of things I want to experience before I kick the bucket. I don't have a problem with folks who have adopted this approach as part of their creed but for me, it's more of me having not used to the fullest potential the advantages and opportunities that God has given to me. Most of that is water under the bridge and really there's no getting that spilled milk back into the bottle. However, there is one thing that I can do something about. It's called today. It is very easy to be paralyzed by the past in how you should have, would have, or could have. When we allow the past to occupy our thoughts and our time we rob ourselves of the potential we still have to make a difference. I think that is really what most of us would like to leave behind. An influence for good and a positive difference in the lives of others. Beginning with our families. I suppose all of this reflection on life has put me into a contemplative mood. But, it is a worthwhile consideration and one that I think we all need to do, from time to time. And, the Scriptures do emphasize the today aspect of life where we use all that God has given to us for His honor and glory. Amen.

I read about a lady in Michigan who says she kept the corpse of her close friend with her for 18 months so they could watch NASCAR together. I sure hope that's not how you define a true fan. But, it does seem that she also continued to cash his social security checks, therefore, I suppose there might have been more to it than just car racing. I'm surprised I haven't gotten any emails about this news blurb. But I will go ahead and set the record straight. I do watch NASCAR. In fact, this past weekend I watched the Nationwide race on Friday evening, the Truck race on Saturday night, and the Sprint Cup race Sunday afternoon. I also watched the preliminaries. I don't do that all the time. And, believe me, I can just as easily miss a race if I have something else to do. My main complaint is the commercials and those covering the races. There's like maybe a dozen sponsors who buy time on these races and their commercials run over and over again. Some of the same sponsors are on all the races. Evaluate what they are selling and you pretty much get an idea of who they think might be watching. By the way, that prized 25 to 49 age group they target for marketing purposes left me out a long time ago. (Is anyone else ready to explode the next time you hear about the 5 Hour Energy Drink?) As for the commentators, there are some that make me turn the sound down real low just so I don't have to hear them talk. My biggest pet peeve is to have someone explain something in detail that even a child can see and understand. If all of that added together along with me listening to NASCAR on my satellite radio makes me a fan, well, all I can do is quote ole DW, "Boogity, Boogity, Boogity, Let's go racin boys!". (I know, it's girls too but you can quote it the way you want to.) Have yourself a great day and may God bless each one. Amen.      .....More later.

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.