John 10:29, "My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; and no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand."

Welcome one and all to today's episode. You are seeing it for the first time and that's the same experience I had when I was putting it together. Funny how that works, and, often I am as surprised as anyone when I read what I wrote. Okay. Enough of that. It is Monday, August 11, 2025, and it's a good day to pause and recognize the truth about our very existence. From the Book of Job we read this about God: Chapter 12, Verse 10, from the English Standard Bible: "In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind." It's best that we acknowledge this truth and give Him thanks for the life He has given to us. I do thank Him for my life and I hope you will do the same. The photo above was put together to reflect on the beginning years of our just completed 15 year run as Santa and Mrs. Claus, beginning back in 2009. Many of the children in the photos above are now in college with some already out in the working world. It has been our desire to bring a smile in our portrayal of the Jolly Ole Fellow and his wife. We had thought to hang it all up but there were just too many requests, therefore, we decided to make a go at it, one more time. We do love being with the children. We always have. The preparation work in making the transformation into Santa is quite taxing, the work itself involved is just that, work. I know. There are some who think it must be the easiest job in the world. My response says give it a go, then, we will talk. And, dealing with a few people, usually the moms and dads, mostly the moms, does require Santa to be prayed up. Fortunately, that's typically the exception. In the end, it truly is all about the children and according to my wife I reach out to little ones whether I'm in Santa mode or not. We already have several bookings including a couple of out of town projects. I need to have a meeting soon with the participants in my doing this work. They include Uncle Arthur, cousins Bursy, and Tendon, along with Ty a really good friend. In case you missed it those stand for arthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, and Tylenol. It will take a village to get this done and I am always thankful for Mrs. Claus who encourages me, drives for me, and reminds me not to worry but just be happy. 

 

Speaking of making others smile, I thought maybe our Lil Miss Biscuit might bring a little cheer. I will say it. She causes me to laugh out loud. Not Lol, buy really, laughing out loud. That Lol designation has become very much overused and while it originally did mean laughing out loud, in today's world it is used to convey everything from amusement to sarcasm. But, when I say Lil Miss Biscuit is funny. I mean it. She makes me laugh. Out loud. I think that was actually around before the abbreviation was around, but, in our world today there's not so much of wholesome laughing out loud. A lot of that is because of the difficulties people face in life. I can get down and out too. I can. I really can. I try not to but our stinking thinking at times causes us to lose our perspective, especially, as those who have their trust guaranteed by faith in Jesus, the Christ. The Aussies like to say, "No worries." We believers should be the ones who live with a no worry attitude. How? The Apostle's Paul inspired take, from the Berean Literal Bible, Philippians 4:6 "Be anxious about nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God." Reading that verse is good. Quoting that verse is commendable. Living that verse is tough but when we do live it, it is the reflection of who we are in Christ. No one said my thoughts would pass the discombobulation test. It's just a blog and after all is said and done, who in their right mind could be angry for long with Santa Claus? Take care and have a blessed rest of today. May God be with us all. Amen.

"Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things." ~ Robert Breault, American Operatic Tenor

Welcome to Friday, August 8, 2025 where I am thinking this morning. Dangerous? Yep, but it does remind me that much of our lives as a couple, soon to be 61 years, has centered around family gatherings. Sadly, as we have gotten older these gatherings are no longer as much of a focus due to many reasons. Our children are grandparents now. Their children have their own lives and while we still do Christmas with as many as we can get to come, we no longer do all the other special days together. I'm not complaining. This is how it works in life. I am so thankful that we do enjoy the memories and I hope you do too. I've chosen to provide a blog I wrote back on December 22, 2007, my first year of blogging 18 years ago. 

 

Flashback, December 22, 2007, enjoy!

 

That's right! I was at the Super Duper Center at 7 a.m., this morning and back home by 9:30 a.m. I had my list and I had my shopping game face on and I got in, got it done, and got back out, with little to no interference or trouble. That's not to say I didn't see quite a few people there walking around like they were in a daze. They must have not gotten the memo about making sure I had the place to myself.

I guess it is something about it being so early in the morning or maybe only morning-people (which I am!) were there because everyone seemed to be in a really good mood. The goods were in disarray and there were the normal area supervisors barking out orders like someone had died and left them in charge, but on the whole, it wasn't that bad. My approach was to cruise up and down the aisles forth and back before choosing anything. I did this for about thirty minutes in the toy department so I could get an idea of exactly what was still on the shelves. I hate it when you are always finding something more to your liking and then having to take the item in your basket back to where you originally found it. Okay, I know most people just throw it out wherever they happen to be but I only do that when I can't find the place where I picked it up. That's happened a few times but I usually try to be a shopper with integrity.

I would have liked to have avoided anything with a 'Made in China' label on it but to tell the truth I don't think my grandchildren are ready for wooden clothing. I was able to diversify some by finding stuff made in India and Pakistan. I still remember when the founder of this huge conglomerate once had a 'Made in the USA' campaign, but things haven't been the same since he passed away a number of years ago.

This concludes this phase of the 2007 Christmas Celebration Project. On Monday I will be visiting the grocery store to prepare for our annual steak cookout for Christmas Day. Yeah, that's what we've been doing over the past twenty five years and we all look forward to it. There will be huge thick beef steaks for our three sons and one of the daughters-in-law, and I reckon this year I will have a small one, and a few medium ones for others and we will do charbroiled chicken for those who enjoy that better. We'll also have a garden salad, baked potatoes with all the stuffings, lightly seasoned mushrooms, some pinto beans, and fresh baked bread. Of course there will be all kinds of desserts appropriate for the holiday and we are so looking forward to having our bunch together next Tuesday.

I may be sixty plus but I still get excited as we anticipate family, food, and fellowship. We also know that God has provided all that we have and it is because of Him that we are able to put together this special gathering. I do hope as well that you are making plans to enjoy this special time! ......More later.

"When my blood runs black as the moonless night, and my heartbeat sounds as the Warriors march, only then may you say, I’ve had enough coffee." ~ Anonymous

My grandfather used to say this: I feel like I've been pulled through a rat hole backwards. I am not that clear on how that works logistically but I think maybe I get just a wee bit of what he meant by it. Well, that's that and I now turn to the business at hand, today's edition brought to you by Louisiana Community Coffee, on this Thursday, August 7, 2025. Yes, you would be correct. I do not receive any remuneration from the Community Coffee company, but, many, yes, many folks over the years have told me I should. Even though I have been going here and there this morning I was still able to enjoy three cups of the Dark and Bold, Intense Blend precious liquid. The key is to end up with about two inches of liquid* in the cup and that first sip will set you free, are something like that. Some ask if it leaves an aftertaste but I only wonder if they mean for an instance or for many minutes, the answer would be a resounding YES! I used to grimace, (maybe that's why my face turned out like it did), when I would see my Paw Paw McMillan in the early hours of the morning pour the syrup like coffee left from the previous day into a cup and drink it down. It did cause him to shake his head and shoulders like a horse waking up. Waste not was the habit of those that came through the Great Depression. Okay, it's confession time again. I do that very thing now. I do. I really do. "Oh look I left a couple of swallows in that cup." Sure you can feel it in your toes but it's enough to shame forever those who go into one of those coffee salon shops and order one of those mixed offerings with many ingredients, and, they then have the nerve to call if coffee. No siree! It may be something but it's not coffee. Bill O'Reilly wasn't available, therefore, I gave you the no spin on that one. In less than two weeks, if the Lord provides, I will mark my 79th year plus the 9 months in my mother's womb, so, perhaps it may be a tad late to tell me the coffee I drink is not really good for me. That was not a rant. Just sayin....or just sharing.... as they say back home. Hey, this somewhat a free country. I say somewhat because I just thought of how much we paid for our home and the land it is on, but, the taxation authorities still control my ability to live in it. Think about that one. Back to being free. You are free to like whatever you like. I like Community Coffee. I'm not mad at others because they don't drink Community. Because, after all, we do have folks who don't know any better. Go ahead, say it with me, "You know what I mean, Vern? *(I finally found a small k-cup coffee maker that will allow you to put in the exact amount of water you want added to the coffee. One cup at a time. Yay!)

 

Yes. I carry my coffee maker and my Community with me when I travel.

I will leave it at that for today. Don't forget to remember to remember that God has a very special love for those who are His own, the true seed of Abraham. (Galatians 3:29) Until next time, I bid you Godspeed and pray that He will add his blessings. Amen and Amen. 

"God is all-sufficient, meaning He is completely self-sufficient and provides everything needed, both for Himself and for His creation." ~ copied

Okay. It's afternoon here. Already. Today, well, it's been a busy one and I do have in mind an entire episode devoted to how we all became so busy. I am looking forward to seeing whatever it is that I will put onto the electronic page. But not today. It is Wednesday, August 6, 2025, and, I bid you welcome to my version of 'This That and the Other Thing'. Lil Miss Biscuit and I were out walking here and there this morning. I happened upon the extremely tiny wild flowers growing up on their own in the midst of all kinds of grasses and weeds. I took the photos above with my phone camera. The picture does not do justice to the beauty of these little flowers. Seeing them reminded me of some wonderful words spoken by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Matthew 6: 25-34, from the English Standard Version, "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and our heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." I saw those tiny little flowers blooming in the midst of a chaotic setting and I immediately thought of this passage. Thank you Lord for reminding me of your Sovereign Majesty and your faithfulness to oversee all things including my frail little life. All I can say is this: I must have needed this reminder and if I needed it, maybe someone out there in the blogosphere does too! Amen.

 

I did not say I can easily understand and apply these truths, but, I do know they are the truth, period, and, I can by faith apprehend them and with the help of God the Holy Spirit they can become more of a reality in my day by day living. For those who haven't noticed, I do practice my run on sentences as I write my blogs. My role model, none other than the Apostle Paul himself. Just joking but I remember back in the day when I would write a complete handout to support the lesson I happen to be teaching. It was the large greeting card size with four pages of information. One day a lady came up to me and this is what she said, "Brother Al, I can hear your voice when I read your handout." Other than the information being useful in encouraging a walk with the Lord, that, my friend, was a great compliment because what you see, read, and yes, what you hear when you read, well, it's me, it's me, it's me Oh Lord standing in the need of prayer. I would preview tomorrow's edition if I had a clue, but, since I can't think what it might be about, I do know this, the same God that made those tiny little flowers bloom is the same God that can take care of me, and you. He can. He really can. May God bless each one. Amen. 

"I am slow to learn and slow to forget that which I have learned." ~ Abraham Lincoln.

Good morning blog readers, and, welcome to another day in my neighborhood. It is Tuesday, August 5, 2025, and I do hope all is well with you and yours. The other day when I had Lil Miss Biscuit at the vet's office, they were unable to collect enough fecal matter to do the testing that was a part of her annual check up. Like, really? Too much information as far as I am concerned. But, it gets better. Since they couldn't collect it they handed me a little vial and told me to do the collecting. You're kidding. Right? Okay. We came home and I did the work as assigned. They clearly told me I had 30 days for this testing provision. I waited a couple of days and I carried the little vial back to them. When was this sample collected? I felt like Sergeant Joe Friday had shown up with a version of "Just the facts mam, just the facts." Okay. A couple of days ago. That will not do sir. It must be fresh like in the same day preferably within an hour or two. I explained how the helper girl, (I call her a girl because I can assure you I have socks older than her.), she made it clear I have 30 days to return it. No, no, no, no. The testing is available with the annual physical and it covers this test for 30 days but the sample itself must be fresh. You got it? Fresh, sir. Fresh. My wife must have known something because she said I should take it the day I collected the sample. However, it is a 15 minute drive from my house, 30 minute round trip, therefore, being a card carrying member of the National Association of Procrastinators, I elected to put it off. (That's a joke but it is the reason I put it off.) That brings us to today. I collected a new, FRESH, sample and Lil Miss Biscuit and I hurried it down to the vet's office. It reminded me of that episode of Amos and Andy where Kingfish and Andy have a check and they say they need to get it to the bank before the ink dries. That's how I felt. Oh well, Paw Paw Mac would be so disappointed in the type of collections I am into today. They say you learn something everyday. I would give my version of Abe's quote in the title, "I am slow to learn and very fast in forgetting", period, and that's my story and I am sticking to it.

 

I hear them say we have done exceptionally well this year, thus far, and not having as many 100 degree days. Tell that to our electrical power provider. They excel at keeping up with all things related to counting kilowatts. By mid-afternoon that electronic meter hanging outside on our garage, it can be seen rocking and rolling and it does know how to do the high pitch hum. We still get a paper bill even though we pay it electronically. There's something about tearing it open and hearing the wife say, "Is that he light bill, is there a problem?" (We grew up hearing it called the light bill.) I usually respond, "Do you have any idea how much our bill is this month?" It's our little routine way of dealing with these sorts of reality checks. I'm just messing around here. First and foremost, I thank God we are able to pay it. You don't? That's your choice, I do. I also think about those who struggle in many areas like paying the light bill. When I was a kid I could look forward to some cooler weather even as early as late August or September. Nowadays, after Al Gore got through with our climate we can't enjoy even a cold Christmas anymore. You do know that's a joke so please don't write me, and, just for the record I will not be relocating to Illinois or New York to avoid doing the work I was elected to do, you know, collecting a sample. Y'all have a great rest of the day and may God add His blessings. Amen. 

" What children need most are the essentials that grandparents provide in abundance. They give unconditional love, kindness, patience, humor, comfort, lessons in life. And, most importantly, cookies." ~ Rudy Giuliani

Eli finishing up on his popsicle as he plans his next endeavor.

Well, hello there. My, it seems like we were visiting just the other day, but, we have a new one, it's Monday, August 4, 2025, and, I do bid each one a very happy happy day. I came upstairs to try and catch my breath. Literally. We have our four year old great grand Elijah James with us this morning. He is a kid of action and his attention span is measured in milliseconds. Our three sons blessed us with eleven grandchildren and these grands, thus far, have done their part bringing into this world eleven great grands. We thank God for each and every one! Eli is very much preoccupied with mechanical interests. He likes to see how things work. Sometimes that involves taking things apart. (He plans on learning how to put stuff back together at a later date.) While he is a moving target, we do love spending time trying to keep up with him. I remember those clips from the baseball movie where the pitcher who wore thick glasses could throw the ball over 100 miles per hour, but, he didn't always know where it might be going. That pitcher was referred to as Wild Thing. Our little Eli is often referred to alongside the 'wild' word, but, I think he's a funny little guy and he makes me laugh in an entertaining sort of way. At the same time, Great Grand Poppy does not have the stamina required to make every step with Little Eli who tends to be planning the next adventure while the current one is still underway. We had a wee bit of a rain shower here this morning and as soon as it quit he and I did a bit of walking which allowed him to play the game of 'See how many questions I can ask' and my response game of 'See if I can understand what he said and answer one before the next one lands'. No wonder I feel the need for a nap coming on. 

 

I did make a trip to our local remote station where one can deal with all things pertaining to the registration, licensing, and taxation of Texas based motor vehicles. I didn't have a prearranged appointment. I always think about doing that when I walk in and see nearly 100 people waiting to be waited on. I went to the kiosk and clicked on the box designating the purpose of my visit and a little ticket was immediately printed out. That ticket had a number on it. When you hear that number called you go to the directed civil servant to help you. The place was very busy. They have a dozen of the service window outlets to serve their clients, yet, I've never seen more than six of them in service at one time. I don't really get an overwhelming sense that customer service is in the air, however, I'm sure that feeling has much to do with the length of time I have to wait. The people there are polite enough but nearly everyone waiting to be served is there to pay real money. Here's one truism you can use: Never make it hard for people to pay you real money. I also noticed that when one of the technicians gets back from lunch it does take a little bit of time to become acclimated to why they are there. That's why I used to have some employees I never wanted to go on coffee break. Too much time retraining them. Okay. It's a joke. But, not altogether without merit. I did get to one of those windows after a little over an hour. You guessed it. I wasn't able to complete my business because of two reasons, 1. I was the wrong person. 2. I had the wrong paperwork. That will do it every blooming time. Such is life but we can always count on our Lord because He is always there for us. Always. Amen. 

"I do know of these That therefore only are reputed wise For saying nothing." ~ William Shakespeare

Eleven years ago. Now that's what I call precious.

Good morning and welcome to Friday, August 1, 2025. I was missing yesterday because I was out of town and as they used to say back home, "I had to see a man about a dog." No. I am not replacing Lil Miss Biscuit. It's just a country way of saying I had something to do. At any rate, I am back today and thankful to be sitting here at my home computer where I have long practiced on this keyboard. I'm not certain why I chose the title for today's edition. Saying nothing has not always been one of my strong traits and Bro. William Shakespeare certainly does not own the origin of that particular thought. We read this in Proverbs 17:28 "Even an ignorant fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; When he closes his lips, he is considered understanding." from the Legacy Standard Bible. And, I think we all know there are times when we should stand up and speak up, but, often that's when we choose to be quiet. What a mess this life can be, if you know what I mean, Vern. There are many ways people recognize the generation one is identified with. The way one dressers, the style of communication, the attitudes about the current political and financial environment, and, the list goes on and on. I will show up early and stay late to certify my status since I was born in 1946. I am not ashamed of what younger folks call 'old fashioned thinking'. It's interesting how most of the experts spend time recommending ways in which us older folks can learn to communicate with the younger generations. However, I can't recall any recommendations helping younger generations to know how to communicate with us older folks. Just a thought because I do think it's important that we do anything we can to help foster a recognition of the values we hold dear, those that will help in this time and for eternity. I'm sure Vern knows all about it. For those who may not get the 'Vern' reference: ~ The phrase "you know what I mean, Vern?" is a catchphrase popularized by the character Ernest P. Worrell, played by Jim Varney,(1949-2000), in television commercials. The phrase originated in the late 1970s and early 1980s as part of a campaign for Purity Dairies in Nashville. Ernest would often deliver product pitches directly to the camera, addressing the unseen "Vern" as his neighbor and friend. ~

 

See there? You learn something everyday. Not much from reading my blogs but there's always hope that like a stopped clock I will get it right occasionally, like twice per day. One can wish. My absence yesterday involved 6-1/2 hours of driving, only stopping a couple of times. That will leave a mark on a Baby Boomer or at least it will cause the boomer to hurt all over more than anywhere else. The bottom line is I feel blessed to still be able, period, thank You Lord. I need to be reminded not to take any and all the blessings of each day for granted. And, yes, I am still working on that admonition that instructs believers to give thanks in all circumstances. I'll get back to you on any progress I make. My computer just popped up a note saying I should expect rainy days beginning today. I'm not sure I can trust that message because think about it. Before I could even log in the computer gave me a test to prove I am not a robot. See what I mean? An artificially intelligent human made machine asks me to prove I'm not an artificially intelligent human made machine. Ironic? Oh well, forget about it. I suppose. Have a great rest of today, Saturday, and Lord's Day Sunday, and, Lord willing, I will catch back up with you soon. May God add His blessings. Amen.