"This world of ours... must avoid becoming a community of dreadful fear and hate, and be, instead, a proud confederation of mutual trust and respect." Dwight D. Eisenhower

It's February 11, 2014 in this time zone and I welcome you once again to today's episode here on a Tuesday. I hope we never lose our flag waving patriotic spirit. Most of the countries represented at the Olympics are fervently behind their home teams. We should be also. At the same time, our system of government stands in stark contrast to many where people live under oppressive regimes. Yet, we should know that it's very easy to conclude an entire nation in the same breath along with their ruthless leaders. And, being who we are, we can come across as having a superior attitude. While we are said to be the only remaining super power, although I wonder about that sometimes, we have to be careful that our freedoms and privileges do not cause us to look down on the regular folks who make up the countries we compete against in these games. I read one Russian newspaper commentator who gave his point of view about how we often come off to others: "As for the Americans, they, in principle, are very dismissive to other countries' history, because they believe that there is only America that brings light to the world, and all the rest are barbarians that revolve around America and have to look the USA in the mouth and listen to every word the States says." I felt a little stung by these words. We can love our country and our way of life without demeaning others, especially the ordinary person, who, like ourselves only want what's best for them and their families.

I read that Russian comment on an internet site that has English translations of foreign newspapers. In another item, the recent leaked conversation between two of our top diplomats has been a source of embarrassment to our country's foreign policy program. The call itself included some sharp criticisms of those we are aligned with. Our State Department has decided to go after those they believe who leaked the cell phone call, the Russians. This all happened just as the Olympics were getting underway causing even more attention to be paid to it. The rest of the world is somewhat amused at the heated response from our country. After all, it has been the USA that has been in the news for months and months concerning our spying on nearly everyone on the planet. One writer said it appeared the Russians had already won the gold medal in the information leaking competition. They obviously see it as an example of us saying do as we say, not necessarily as we do.

Knowing that we all tend to see things through the lens of our own personal presuppositions should help us to do our best to get the facts before we leap to a conclusion. When we were in Scotland we ran into many people who sincerely thought that since we lived in Texas we should own and work a huge ranch. We were asked several times about why we were not wearing our boots and hats. How did they get that idea? At that time the TV show 'Dallas' was at the top of the heap and it was being beamed all over the world. Another great example is how our missionaries are changed as they go into a foreign land and work one on one with the people there. Often they find their preconceptions to have been faulty as they come to fully appreciate that within the human family, we all share equally in our sinful nature and in our need to know God and His provision of salvation through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. That is the common bond we all share regardless of our skin color and language. Okay. That's my international report for the day, so stay tuned for something new which should be coming soon to a page near you. May God bless each one. Amen.     .... More later.

"Growing old's like being increasingly penalized for a crime you haven't committed." ~ Anthony Powell, English Novelist, 1905-2000

It's another Monday and this one is labeled February 10, 2014 where I say hello and welcome back. Many folks last week were complaining about the polar vortex/frozen tundra scenario and how it came, left, returned again and on its last visit it decided to stick around for a few days. I will say this about it, I was out in that windchill some and when it was a feels like of around 20° degrees, it was even making me feel uncomfortable. Best I recall we grew up where the seasons were a little better defined and we typically did have some really cold spells during the winter time. We just haven't been as used to it the past several years. Plus, as bad as I hate to admit it, I'm no longer ready to sign up to be the freeze out champion of the world like I was as a teenager. While it's still a ways down the road, I think it has something to do with that sign I can begin to see up ahead that reads 70 but it doesn't have anything to do with the speed limit. The wife at times has those woman flashing deals going on which makes her better able to handle the cold than me. Now there's just something not right about that. My world. It's upside down. No wonder I'm beginning to lose my grip. For the record, I am mostly joking, but the further I go it is the more I feel compelled to use the word mostly.

I do thank you for keeping up with me as I continue this writing adventure. For those nearly 40 folks who get my blog each day by email, I am particularly impressed how some of you miss my morning visit if I'm either running late or whenever on rare occasions the email demons decide not to deliver to some on the list. I appreciate the inquiries when a glitch does occur. I also want you to know that I do recognize there are times when a typo or even a wrong word ends up on the electronic page. Sometimes my sweet wife lets me know about it and often I notice them myself, after the fact. Most of you probably think that's not a big deal, but it is to me. I hate it when that happens. It bugs me to no end. I'm not talking about dangling around some participles and abusing the grammar like there's no tomorrow. That, I'm afraid, comes with the territory. But, I do not like it when I have a mistake because often it interferes with the sentence and the thought I am trying to express. I know. Most folks figure it out and go on. I always do my best to correct them on the blog of record which is stored out there in that magical storage place somewhere over the rainbow, but, that doesn't fix it on those distributed via email. Sorry about that. I guess my wife is right after all. I am human. Who said dealing with blunt trauma truth on a Monday morning would be easy?

Let me give a shout out to my wife, who, though retired from her public job, is pretty much burning the candle at both ends most of the time. Her typical week is not for the fainthearted. As most of you know, our middle son, who is impaired and disabled due to his bi-polar condition, lives with us. We also have two of his teenaged children living with us. That's like a whole lot right there. In addition, she has stepped up and is busy in a variety of ministries associated with our local fellowship. The other day when our nearly 20 year old dishwasher (it's one of those electrical units, not an illegal immigrant) gave up the ghost and flooded the kitchen, well, she had good reason to be beside herself. She often tells me that I really don't have a clue. Know what? I believe her. Because this Mr. Clueless gets up and leaves most days and when he returns, he eats a good home cooked supper and then retires to his napping nest to enjoy his favorite TV programs which he later has to stream on the internet since he slept through them. I thank God for her and look forward to the arrival tomorrow of the new electrical dish washing gizmo so that at least one little piece of her world can be made whole again. I guess she does pretty good for a cotton farmer/preacher's daughter. And, after all is said and done, some 49 years and 54 days ago she hooked up with me, but I'll not try to evaluate the merits of that choice at this time. Have a great rest of the day and may God bless each one. Amen.  ...More later.

"All the good ideas I ever had came to me while I was milking a cow." ~ Grant Wood, American Painter, 1891-1942

In 1930, Iowa artist Grant Wood painted American Gothic. The models (pictured here) used for the painting were his sister Nan Wood Graham and his dentist, Byron McKeeby.

Seems like we were just here, but, when I say ....more later, I suppose that's exactly what I mean. If you don't believe me, stay tuned for Friday's edition here on this February 7, 2014. I know the silly face photos are in vogue today but I can't for the life of me figure out why. I suppose it has something to do with humor and making a memory but seeing folks and families with their faces all twisted up just doesn't do much for me. This past season they even asked Santa to become a party to such nonsense. Have they no shame? I get the part about teenagers and kids doing it. Acting crazy more or less comes with the territory. But, family portraits? Sorry. Maybe the parents want their children to remember them as wild and crazy guys. I must have missed out on that portion of the gene pool. It is, however, a free country, and if you like posting those kinds of photos, then go for it. Meanwhile, old stick-in-the-muds like me will likely continue with our version of the American Gothic portrait or a facsimile thereof.

We all know there are plenty of haters who are doing anything and everything they can to root against and cause the Duck Dynasty franchise to fail. Once you are in the crosshairs of the Hollywood elite and the mainstream media, odds are, you will likely be destroyed. In this case, there is one little factor they may not have taken seriously. That's the ordinary Jane and Joe Doe viewer who makes choices about what they will and will not watch. The good news for the Robertson family is how they have persevered and since their first show of the new season, they continue to be at the top of the charts for all of cable. Here's their most recent numbers from the category 'This week's most-watched cable shows': Cable Top 25: 'Duck Dynasty' Tops Cable Viewership for the Week Ending February 2, 2014 ~ Cable Top 25: 'Duck Dynasty' Tops Cable Viewership for the Week Ending January 26, 2014 ~ Cable Top 25: 'Duck Dynasty' Tops Cable Viewership for the Week Ending January 19, 2014. While sponsors do feel the pressure from the elites, it's you and I who buy their products and they typically will always vote with their profit motive in mind. Oh yeah, in case you wondered, we're still watching, and we're still laughing out loud.

I've read through some of the reporting coming out of the winter Olympic games being held in Sochi, Russia. I do hope the athletes fair better than the reporters have thus far. The news folks who went a few days early are talking about their accommodations like they would from a 3rd world country. No running water. The rooms are incomplete. You cannot think about drinking the water and signs are up everywhere warning you not to. Toilets are either incomplete are out of service. Some hotels are still without heat. When Russia won the contract for the games they estimated the cost would be around $12 billion dollars. It has already exceeded $50 billion and the most interesting game may be who can guess the closest to the total that went to graft and corruption. Most would say at least half. And, to think, we actually have folks here in our country who think a Russian style of government would be better for us. I will not go as far as to tell them to be sure and close the door when they leave but I do understand how folks could feel this way. I'm very sure we will be hearing much more about all of this as the days unfold. Here's a prescription for us all to consider: Enjoy your Saturday. Be sure and meet up with other believers on Lord's Day Sunday. And, finally, tune in next time as I will do my best to come up with something to write about. Until then, may God bless each one is my prayer. Amen.   ....More later.

"Cheerfulness is the best promoter of health and is as friendly to the mind as to the body." ~ Joseph Addison, English Essayist, Poet, Playwright, and Politician, 1672-1719

Good. You found the station once again, so welcome to where we find ourselves already busy working on a brand new day, Thursday, February 6, 2014. I think we all enjoy friendly service. The place where the wife and I get our medical care has some very bright eyed and bushy tailed folks who are very welcoming. I'm not just talking about the reception area people, it's pretty much everyone. Big smiles. Hello, how are you today? It's like they all attended the same how-to-be-friendly seminar. They make it enjoyable, to a point. I'm not a big fan of finding some little something to bring up so we can chit chat for a few seconds especially with folks who are mostly getting the arrangements made for me to take care of my business. I will, however, engage in the conversation and go along for the ride, but it's not my natural inclination to do so. I wouldn't dare not participate. They are just too nice. That's likely the point of the training. It works. And, yes, that is a brand new Medicare Advantage card I'm using, and yes, now that you mention it, I too think it looks really sharp. Hello? Beam me up Scotty at your earliest convenience!

I hope you know I'm mostly exaggerating, because given a choice, I think we all would prefer a little over the top friendliness to the potential alternative. When I said it works, they can prove it. This particular medical provider has the only 5 Star rating for Medicare related services delivery within the Houston metroplex. They also are rated number one in a large number of specialty categories. Paying attention to and taking care of your customer always pays off. Back when I ran a large service program, our emphasis was on professionalism and continuity. As a result, I also know what it means to be recognized for having a highly effective service program. But, here's something that many people may not have known. When you provide that kind of professional service on a consistent basis, it not only works on those providing the service but we discovered it also worked on those receiving the service. Over time we were able to experience gains in productivity and excellence from everyone involved. This is not the norm in the majority of businesses today and why it is not recognized and pursued is hard for me to understand. Very hard indeed.

In one way or the other it really is a back to the Bible approach to life. An example is how one can take the teachings recorded primarily by Solomon in the Proverbs and find the keys to providing effective labor, products, and services in a way that honors God and helps one to be successful in life. Things like planning, hard work, honesty, integrity, and diligence are all components that combine into the way a business can function under God's direction. There are dozens of verses throughout the Bible that deal with these matters. Jesus also had a pretty powerful underlying principle for us all to follow in our personal lives as well as in all endeavors in life. It's often called the Golden Rule, Matthew 7:12 - "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets." Also in Luke 6:31 - "And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise." It really is the foundation of how to treat others, yes, even our customers. (They are others too!) Okay class, that ends today's lecture but be sure in tune in next time where you can be certain it will be something that reflects The View From Here. Take care and may God add His blessings to our efforts each day. Amen.   ....More later.

"The reason women don't play football is because 11 of them would never wear the same outfit in public." ~ Phyllis Diller

Hello and welcome to Wednesday, February 5, 2013. Thanks for showing up here at the place where we can sip on a cup of hot, black, and strong Community while we do our best to straighten up all the stuff that needs it. I can dream. Right? Okay. The super duper Superbowl turned out to be a super bust in terms of all the predictions. I didn't really have a dog in the hunt but was to a certain degree rooting for Peyton since he is nearing the end of his career and since he had the greatest season ever after recovering from what many thought was a career ending neck injury. The game? It was too ugly to watch. So, here's what I did. I didn't. Watch, that is. Unfortunately, there were not that many alternatives. I did catch some up-to-the-minute news which seemed not to be so up to the minute to me. I watched RFD-TV where they play some wholesome entertainment shows like Larry's Country Diner. Mark Lowry, the Christian singer and comedian was the guest on this week's episode. It was good and Mark got in some great words of testimony for our Lord. I know what everyone wants to know. What was my favorite commercial? Since I was only flipping forth and back, I didn't see that many of them, but the one that struck me as being good was the MetLife Peanuts cast gathering around the piano for their rendition of the Star Spangled Banner. I did like that one. I did.

Yesterday I went for my six month diabetes check up with my doctor. My appointment was for 8:20 a.m. with blood work to follow. I'm thankful for the medical team that helps watch over me. I appreciate their efforts on my behalf. I don't mind delaying the intake of any food until after the blood has been drawn. And, I am very much interested in the results that will be available within a few days. But, there's one thing that really bugs me. The list of things I should avoid includes coffee which means no COMMUNITY until 10 a.m.! (Technically, it was more like 11 a.m. since I was compelled to fetch some of the knock off java they sell at the golden arches on my way back to the office.) I've asked to speak to the person who developed these fasting/no coffee rules but so far I've not been able to do so. You would think there would be some type of appeals process. After all, this is America folks, home of the brave and the land where those who have a clue drink Community. Just joking. I know. We all have our little challenges in life. I made it but it wasn't easy. At least I kept my composure and thankfully my Christian testimony when that little nurse asked is such a cheery little voice, "And just how are we doing today?"


Maybe I could get them all to show up early on the day I am scheduled, say, 5 a.m. It's a thought. Let me be clear. While I make jokes about things like coffee, I am well aware that many are dealing with issues where there is very little to laugh about. I'm also the first to say that if missing out on my morning coffee is the biggest problem I have to deal with, then, I really don't have much to complain about. But, it does make for a good little story, and, that's what much of this daily visit is about, telling stories. Thinking about complaining reminds me of an elderly fellow who used to be in our local fellowship. When you first greeted him, he always had the same response, "If I kicked I outta be." It took me a while to get the full import of what he was saying. If he kicked or complained about something he should be kicked himself. That was his way of saying that as a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, he was doing just fine. It's like the Southern Gospel classic written by Mosie Lister, "Well I'm feeling mighty fine I've got heaven on my mind Don't you know I want to go where the milk and honey flow There's a light that always shines down inside this heart of mine I've got heaven on my mind and I'm feeling mighty fine.." Sounds good to me. Take care and may God bless us all. Amen.    ....More later

Mr. President, the buzz saw that your healthcare bill ran into wasn't lobbyists and special interests it was tens of millions of American's who were saying, 'Stop!' ~ John Boehner

Happy happy greetings on this Tuesday, February 4, 2014. Most of you know that for the past seven years I have worked for a small business. We typically have around 35 employees reflecting a broad range of experience from entry level helpers, top notch welders, and skilled metal working technicians. I applaud our owner for offering healthcare coverage that he helps to pay for. If you have been stranded on an island for the past several years you might be the only one who may not know about new requirements based on the new healthcare law, called Obamacare, that went into effect beginning with this new year. While I am covered on a Medicare affiliated plan, I was still required as an employee to sit in on the briefing about the changes being made to the company coverage being offered. The actual wording officially calls the new law the Affordable Care Act, but, may I make clear that the workers in the session I was a part of had one unified response, "I cannot afford this!" It quickly became the unfordable care act for them. In fact, while some of them may not speak good English, they did know how to say, "Where do I sign up to pay the penalty?" This is not a made up story or one that I read in some conservative biased news source. I was there. I saw the numbers. In my opinion, this is why opposition is growing, and the best I can understand it, the insurers say this is only a prelude to what is likely coming down the pike.

I know people who say the President is only trying to help folks who have no health coverage. They believe it shows a lack of compassion on the part of any who oppose this plan. All I can say is, if this is the solution to that problem, then I'm not sure it will solve it since it depends on government bureaucracy to deliver, and, more importantly, if you kill the paying person in the process, what have you accomplished? I read where one region of the country that went all in for the new law now has an average 72 day wait for a regular doctor's appointment. What does all of this tell me? We are in need of reform within the healthcare delivery system in our nation but having it become a government run program is not the answer. Sadly, with all the chaos brewing, having the government dominate it even more is exactly the next step in the process and many believe this was President Obama's intention all along. What a mess. What a mess.

Sometimes you just have to grin and bear it. In the State of the Union address, the President said he was willing to listen to any Republican ideas that make sense and then he uttered this unforgettable little ditty, "Let's see if the numbers add up." I don't know which speechwriter came up with that jewel but if that doesn't beat all, I'll eat my hat. I started to say something about the pot calling the kettle black but surely someone out there would think it was a racial slur. But, how funny is that line about the numbers needing to add up? The administration have no answers about the money. They don't know who has paid and not paid. They will not know until they know but they don't know when that will be, but, yet, they have the gall to say they will consider any ideas to improve the law based on the premise: "Let's see if the numbers add up." That's not just worthy of a smirk, chuckle, or laugh out loud. That gets a full blown incredulous guffaw, if you ask me. You didn't, but I told you any way. Aren't you glad I'm here to give you these thoughtful insights? Not so much? And, may I add that it would be funny but it's not because, like here at my workplace there's just too many in line to pay the penalty. I almost worry more about what they will do next to try and fix it, but, I'll save those concerns for another day. Take care, remember that while I might rant and rave, I am fully aware Who is in ultimate control. My trust is in Him. Amen.        ....More later.

"Father, I know that all my life Is portioned out for me, And the changes that are sure to come I do not fear to see; I ask Thee for a present mind, Intent on pleasing Thee." taken from a hymn written by Anna L. Waring, 1850

Welcome back to a brand new work week and a brand new month. It's Monday, February 3, 2014, and I bid you a Texas sized howdy and welcome. Using quotes by recognized people in my titles and in the body of my blogs does increase the number of visits, depending on the person. It took me a while to figure that out. I never began doing it for that reason but if someone is looking for a quote by a certain person and they end up landing on my blog and in the process they hear about God and His grace, well, I consider that to be a good thing. I've had nearly 400 visits to one I wrote back in November of last year. That one has this as its title: “Wherever you are, be all there.” - Jim Elliott, missionary martyr. Based on my understanding of Bro. Elliott's testimony, he is a man worth quoting. I also remember hearing his widow, Elizabeth Elliott, doing her inspirational radio program and I listened to her off and on for years. Sometimes you can't figure out why one particular blog has so many hits. I did one last September that generated even more visits. My guess is that it must be the Garfield graphic I used and maybe that's what generated that many searches.

I mention this because we never know how God might use something to get someone's attention. I've used this little story before but it is worth repeating. I remember the testimony of a Russian engineer who was working in Iraq during the Saddam Hussein reign on an underground project. One of the workers on that project had scribbled on the side of the tunnel the iconic John 3:16. The engineer finished his work and returned to Russia but that verse kept swirling around in his head. He asked someone about it and they said they thought it came from the Bible. He visited a library and looked up the verse. His heart was struck with conviction and he ended up giving his heart to Jesus. We don't know what a word, deed, or seemingly insignificant action might do as God works to accomplish His purpose. Pretty exciting stuff, if you ask me. You didn't ask? Still exciting. To me. Anyway.

I read another little ditty about an older man visiting the grocery store in bitterly cold weather. They had found a spot but he noticed one coming open nearly at the front of the store. Not wanting to walk so far in the cold, he redirected their car and when he got out, a man just happened to be passing by who stopped long enough to comment on his license plate. He was from that same area and they continued to visit as they went into the store. As it ended up, the man changing parking spots was able to witness to the fellow who stopped to ask about his license plate, and he gave him a pocket New Testament that the man promised to read. As they parted company, the man who did the witnessing had these thoughts: "I was awed with the timing of our meeting. If we had parked in the first available spot nothing else that followed would have taken place. Further had there been delays on the road or any other change whatsoever, this bit of our lives intersecting each other would not have taken place. It is strange but perhaps every meeting new or old is a divine appointment. Had I viewed previous ‘chance meetings’ in such a way what interesting memories might I have had." Now that is a plateful of food for thought if I ever saw one. Take care and may God bless each one. Amen. ...More later.