Since this is the only day we have at present, let's make the best of it, in a way that brings honor and glory to our Great God!

The model I wear.

Well hello there. It is Wednesday, January 29, 2025, and I welcome one and all to Episode 3596. I am writing this at 11:44 a.m. central standard time, here in the US, and I mention this because for many, many years I wrote my blogs every day between 4:30 a.m. and 6 a.m., religiously. Not anymore. That's what retirement does for you or to you, choose the one you like. Today I slept in a little longer trying to get my CPAP hours up, (continuous positive airway pressure), since we went to bed pretty late last night. We have become watchers of some of the K-Dramas on Netflix, Korean shows with English subtitles and since many of them are serialized, we sometimes finish the episode before retiring. The doctor harps on me getting between 7 and 8 hours wearing that horrible contraption, (mask), which supposedly gives me the best shot at not keeling over during the day when I have this immediate onset of needing a nap. We then listened to the wife reading our daily Bible passage. I, of course, had to throw in a few inputs of commentary kind of like Paul Harvey's, "the rest of the story." I saw the morning news and guesses about the weather. Then I listened to a couple of hours of inspirational singing from an Australian group called ChurchAlight. If you have YouTube, search them out and watch and listen to their rendering of simple God honoring, truth embracing tunes. This is how it goes when you don't have to be at a regular job at a set time. I am aware that much of what I write about can seem to be discombobulated at times but as our Pastor likes to say, "If the shoe fits, buy one in every size." And, I would be remiss if I didn't divulge how the CPAP typically reduces my interrupted breathing occurrences from 40+ per hour to less than 5. 

How am I able to get up and go each day? There was a time in my life when I would have said it has to do with by the grace of God and some handed down old fashioned gumption. These days that question is best responded to in this way: by the grace of God and His provision of a plethora of medical treatments and prescriptions. Here's a confession for you. For nearly 60 years I prided myself on not needing medications to keep me going. I not only practiced that but I also let others know how my mind over matter philosophy ruled my days. A little thing called Type 2 Diabetes arrived as a very unexpected result from a physical examination and the bell rang and I was off to the races. I was in denial for some time, but, the very ever present medical malady became my new testimony along with some humbling in the process. You mean my old fashioned gumption couldn't overcome this diagnosis? I say this about that. Some twenty years later and I am still working on it with a little help from my friends, (see the photo above). The bottom line is this: It is still by the grace of God and He has provided me with what I need to get me up and out of bed each day and for that I continue to be beyond grateful. Add ageing into the mix and that's another story for another day. I know you can hardly wait.

 

Connecting the Dots!

I enjoy seeing short quotes and quips along with short anecdotes as they parade across the screen or one of the social media platforms. It's most likely my short attention span coupled to my mind going in a dozen different directions at the same time. Our Pastor said once that when you get ready to eat choose someone who follows the pattern of Jesus when He prayed over the food, "Then He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the multitude." (Luke 9:16) That way your food doesn't get cold while someone prays around the world. I appreciate his reminder. Back to the quotes and quips. So, I see this one: We are pilgrims, not settlers; this earth is our inn, not our home. - John H. Vincent  (1832-1920). That reminded me of the song that says this world is not my home I'm just passing through and that reminded me of the words of our Savior from John Chapter 14: "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. ² In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. ³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also." Well, you connect the dots your way and at this late date, I think I will keep on with the discombobulated method I have developed. Y'all take care now. You hear? May God add His blessings. Amen.

Today's Episode: A little of this, that, and the other.

Good morning and welcome. Today is Tuesday, January 28, 2025. It's a good day to still be breathing air on the planet. I say that with a hint of sincerity since I am foraging ahead to my next number designation coming up in August and it will indicate my 79th year of sojourn here on earth. Yes, I know I typically add in the 9 months my mom carried me because I do believe that life begins at conception, therefore, I would be 79 years and 9 months on my next birthday. This reasoning makes me already 79 and 3 months, but, I wouldn't want to further confuse the issue, although my head is spinning a little even as I put this to the electronic page. Recent actuarial assessments indicate the average lifespan of an American male is 74.8 years. Now you can appreciate my appreciation for still hanging around nearly 5 years longer than the average. Ladies, on the other hand, still manage to report in with a lifespan on average of 80.2 years. Wow! The combined average in America is 77.4 years. We can thank our womenfolk for bringing up the average. I do know that as I have grown older I'm even past many of the jokes told by comedians about age. They typically like to tell jokes about new aches and pains in their forties. Ha! We have a beloved neighbor in her mid 80's. She, unfortunately, has begun to take some tumbles in her home. I can sympathize. Just this week I was leaning on the bed putting my jeans on. My left foot caught in the pants leg and I found myself on the floor. Just me. Falling. And, the floor. I landed on my left hip but unlike the  old commercial, in this case I am so very thankful to have been able to say, "I've fallen but I can get up." Praise be to God. Amen. 

I used the picture at the top of today's episode on Facebook to highlight some important verses and how they have played a role in me getting to where I am today, hence, the Then and Now scenario. One thing is clear. As a believer in Jesus the Christ and as one who trusts my future into the hands of The Almighty God based on the finished work of my Savior, well, verses become more and more meaningful as each day passes. Yes, I am privileged to still be teaching and I do know that puts me into The Word perhaps more than others. I am so thankful how this endeavor can grab hold of me at times. Only God the Holy Spirit can illuminate the truth to our hearts and while I have been a student of The Word for sixty-plus years, none of that work can replace what happens when I hear from God as I take in His Word. Maybe, its less distractions. Maybe its an acknowledgement of me being in the fourth quarter of my sojourn. Or, perhaps its the blessing God has promised on those who seek to hear from Him. Whatever, I give Him all praise for any insights He provides as I read and study The Book. What a great God we have folks. Amen. 

The wife and I recently observed our 60th wedding anniversary. In case you didn't know, she is a remarkable woman and I actually don't think anyone would debate that statement except maybe for her. We do not brag about how great we are and how wonderful we must be to have been together this long. Can't do it. Only by the grace of God. Period, end of that story. And, today, we continue to have our own challenges but we have them together. I would not be who I am today had God not put that woman in my life. Yep. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. Truth is, it's one of the things I thank God for often. I started to say daily, but, I don't always remember everything I should be thankful for as I commune with our Father who is in heaven. And, I am aware of the Scripture that tells us "in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1st Thessalonians 5:18, New King James Version) Many of the verses in the top photo are familiar. Some may not be. Look them up. It will be time well spent. Until next time, may the Good Lord bless us all. Amen.

Looking Back, All I Can Say is, "My Redeemer is Faithful and True". Amen.

Greetings folks, it is good to know there's someone out there reading my stuff. Today is Monday, January 27, 2025. Welcome. I started this little writing adventure many years ago. Here is my very first attempt: 

Tuesday, May 8, 2007

May 8, 2007

Well, it took me over sixty years to get here and as Yogi Berra reportedly said, "You sure can observe a lot just by watching". That observation stuff, however, can be both good and bad especially if you are determined not to revise any of it, that is, if that's possible since reflections and memories over time tend to take on a life of their own as they all become fused together. Some days it's "Wow, I can't believe the life I have enjoyed!", while another day might be, "Hey, I'm not sure I can make one more day!". This is how it works in the so-called real world and we have trouble because the roller coaster ride can start without notice at anytime even right smack in the middle of one of those really great days and suddenly you find your heart pounding and breath interrupted by the crashing ride. Okay, maybe not quite that dramatic but with age, maturity, family, more family, relationships, issues, challenges, and chaos all around, it can be quite daunting.

However, I call this blog The View From Here because when it's all said and done, it's the way I see it. You most likely see it differently but that's what blogging is all about. We can speak from our viewpoint, our way of interpreting all the things we have to deal with, and in general, the viewfinder through which we see the world, and especially our world.

One final thought in this opening monologue: I know that without God as the foundation of my life through my identity with His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, there would be little hope in all the ups and downs encountered in this journey called life.

 

That's how it all started. I obviously was very committed to this enterprise since I ended up with nearly 3600 episodes with 432,000 views. Based on the stats provided by the Blogger utility, they have been read pretty much from all over the world. I prayed back then and I pray again, that, my testimonies along with my Word of God references will have an impact on those who intentionally or accidentally land on my blog. For those who have any interest, they are available to click and read. I am no doubt a little rusty but hopefully that will get better as we pick up and move forward. Y'all take care now, you hear? And, may God add His blessings. Amen. More later ...........

Just When You Thought He was Gone for Good! Wham! He Shows Up Again!

Okay. Yep. I am still breathing air on the planet because of God's grace, mercy, and love. Happy 2024 folks and welcome to my blog once again. Today is Monday, January 8, 2024, and we are off and running. We just completed one of our busiest Christmas seasons. It was our 14th year to represent the Jolly Ole Elf along with his wife, Mrs. Claus. Me, at 77, her, at 76, can readily say, "It's only by the grace of God!" We already have many folks clamoring to get us on the schedule for this brand new year. That's a good thing if you are in the business of knowing this to be an ongoing venture, but, for us, it is, literally, a take it one year and one day at a time. We have to be honest. We are thankful for the health we have but that doesn't mean we do not have age related challenges. At any rate, we are pleased that people are pleased with our portrayal of these Christmas characters. And, many of you know, it is easy for Mrs. Claus, being a natural extroverted people person, and, she can warm up to almost anyone. For Santa, well, it is a work in progress. I can do it. It helps that I love children but since I am naturally an introverted person, I have to embrace that love in order to pull it off. I can do it. I have 14 years to prove that, but, I always do better with Mrs. Claus by my side. We are a team and she helps me to be the best Santa that I can be.

Will we be able to do 2024? We have our uniforms cleaned and ready, just in case, and, we will tentatively put dates on our schedule, knowing, that our ability to show up will be in God's hands. As the letter of James makes clear, chapter 4: 13) 'Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; 14) whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. 15) Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.” 16) But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.' We cannot presume upon our own ability to accomplish anything, even given our recent experience. We choose to put our plans in the hands of God and then respond accordingly. Don't be uninformed, between the two of us, we have more doctors than you can shake a stick at. (Paw Paw Mac's saying.) I remember my foot doctor, or, podiatrist, telling me that since I occasionally wobble a little, likely connected to my diabetic neuropathy or an associated blood sugar drop, that I should get myself a walking assist mechanism, yep, a cane. Are you kidding me? I was just a wee bit stunned with his response. He went on to say that it is always best to get it before you actually have to have it. Wow! The bottom line, I have one now. I haven't used it but I have it. It's in the corner. You know. Like Tiny Tim's crutch. See what I mean? Lots of factors go into how each day unfolds.

I used to chuckle when I would look from the kitchen at Granny and Paw Paw Mac's into the added den and see Paw Paw in the rocking chair sleeping, out like a turned off light. He could fall asleep at the drop of a hat. Uh oh! Now I have those who chuckle when they see me doing the exact same thing. They say things like, "He's out as soon as his seat hits the recliner." And, many more, some very funny. To them, of course. I suppose I've come, in so many ways, full circle. We had a noted Bible Preacher, Dr. Jerry Vines, 86 years young, preaching last Sunday at our local fellowship. At 86, he brought a tremendous sermon, 45 minutes, rarely coming up for air. Outstanding delivery. Tremendous insights. It's a God thing. I didn't get the chance to ask him how quickly he falls asleep, but, his ability at his age, gives me and others great encouragement as we continue the journey God has given to us. Well, I have enjoyed my time spent at the keyboard and it's been wonderful to visit with everyone again. Here's a fact. Many on my old distribution list have been promoted to glory. Many. That's sad because we don't see them anymore but we are also, at the same time, happy for them, since they have achieved their real destination in this life and heaven is now their home. Y'all take each day and live it with God's help with an attitude of gratitude because He deserves our worship and thanks. May God bless each one. Amen.

Happy Christmas to One and All.

Hello friends and neighbors. Today is December 7, 2022 and I bring you greetings from my house to yours. I wanted to drop by and say hello and to wish each and everyone a God-blessed holiday season. Amen.

Romans 15:13 "Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

Good morning and welcome. Today is Monday, March 14, 2022. Here's a quick word from Mr. Bentley as he was thinking about the tune written by the red haired stranger, himself, Willie Nelson: "Well, hello there. My, it's been a long, long time. How am I doing? Oh, I guess that I'm doing fine. It's been so long now, But it seems now, that it was only yesterday .... Gee, ain't it funny how time slips away....."

 

It has been a while since I have visited via the ole blogger, but, there are plenty of folks around who will attest to the fact that I've certainly had plenty to say, mostly in run on sentences. I feel sorry for the wife as she is in Branson this week participating in the Praisefest celebration. Think about it, she has to sing with so many Gospel greats and sit under the teaching of Dr. David Jeremiah. That was said tongue and cheek since I would have gone too but given that we had just spent an entire week there last November, I decided to stay home to watch over the rat killing going on here at the ole blogger ranch. And, as Paw Paw Mac might have said, I was there and to be best of my understanding I didn't leave anything there, therefore, no need to go back. 

Are we living in some remarkable times, or what? Think about it. I put $75 worth of gas in the old truck the other day, and, that was before the price went up even higher. And, I get it. I agree with those who say at least we are not fleeing our homes with bombs bursting in the air. I watched President Biden's speech to the Democrat Party retreat. He said everything was going great and they needed to get out there and tell people all the good they have done, are doing, and will be doing, going forward. That was my paraphrase but he essentially mostly did a poor job of reading this kind of nonsense. They did applaud but it didn't sound very convincing or enthusiastic. Oh yeah. All the bad that has happened is Putin's fault. Don't get me started on Vice President Harris' representation of our country on her most recent trip to Europe. If she is Biden's secret weapon, we are in more trouble that any of us might think. I think someone should send her a globe along with a map so she at least knows where the countries are. Oh well, we could get down and out, but, we already know how to do that. Instead, I need, you need, we all need to look up because here's a truth we can live by, God's got this, period, end of story. Have a great day and may God add His blessings. Amen. .....Until next time.....

Psalm 90:12 "So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom."

Greetings friends and neighbors on this Tuesday, January 4, 2022. It's interesting how views change as one experiences the last chapters of life. Take, for instance, New Years' celebrations. We've gone from watching the new year come in and all the variety of gyrations that accompany it, to pretty much treating it like any other day. The only thing stirring our interest these days is the fireworks and how they tend to terrify our Mr. Bentley. That did keep us up a little later than usual. The photo is an old polaroid that I snapshotted from my cell phone. It wouldn't scan on the computer. Too dark. As you can tell, we all have aged a wee bit from that capture from our past. My guess is, we were dressed for attending Sunday services. Today, all our boys are in their 50's and two of the three have grandchildren. It gives me another opportunity to share a song the wife and I often sang many years ago in Church:

TIME HAS MADE A CHANGE IN ME
                  Harkins Freye


1. Time has made a change since my childhood days;
Many of my friends have gone away,
Some I never more in this life will see
Time has made a change in me.

Chorus:
Time has made a change in the old home place;
Time has made a change in each smiling face,
And I know my friends can plainly see
Time has made a change in me.

2. In my childhood days, I was well and strong
I could climb the hillside all day long,
I am not today what I used to be
Time has made a change in me.

Chorus:
Time has made a change in the old home place;
Time has made a change in each smiling face,
And I know my friends can plainly see
Time has made a change in me.

3. When I reach my home in that land somewhere,
With my friends who wait to meet me over there,
Free from pain and care I'll forever be,
Time has made a change in me.

Chorus:
Time has made a change in the old home place;
Time has made a change in each smiling face,
And I know my friends can plainly see
Time has made a change in me.

That song speaks of how we mark time in our sojourn here on the planet. We often look back as we remember the life God has allowed us to live. We also look up to Him and, for me, the closer I get to closing out my days here, well, I look forward to all that He has in store. The little girl in the photo was very nervous about Santa and in the photo we catch her looking back to see what was behind. We do the same thing. Soon after, she was well on her way to the loving protection and care of her momma who stood nearby. And, so it is with us. The most important thing I learned coming into 2022 is how God can be trusted. People, even those doing their best, will not always be able to be there, and, that includes me, myself, and I. But, God, the very God, He will never fail us, He will never leave us, and regardless, period, we can count on Him as provided to us through His Son, our Lord, and Savior Jesus Christ. Have a great day today and remember, one day at a time. Amen and Amen!  ......until next time.