Scientific discovery: Cold water on a windshield freezes when the temperature is below freezing.

We don't have a groundhog event around these parts to test when spring might be arriving but here we are once again bracing for another round of sub-freezing temps later this week. It is Tuesday, February 8, 2011 and I bid you welcome to this latest edition, hot off the presses, or perhaps in this colder than normal winter, cool off the presses. This past Sunday morning I went out to my car around 6 a.m. to get it started for Church. I had read the weather forecast on the internet the night before and for our area it predicted 37 degrees. That's not bad at all coming off of below freezing for nearly three days in a row. It did seem colder than that but I got in and started the car and turned on my windshield wiper to clear the window. It smeared a little so I gave it a couple of shots of water. Uh oh! It was obviously colder than 37 because I was suddenly surrounded by the crystal cathedral. (Turned out to be 30 not 37) It was very early, therefore, I knew the traffic would be next to nothing. I figured I could limp along until the defroster caught up. Welcome to a series of wrong conclusions. As I backed out of the driveway the first thing I saw was a car coming towards me. I didn't actually see the car but I did see their lights producing quite a show inside my vehicle. I more or less felt my way along and eventually the defroster did catch up. When I arrived at the Church property I couldn't help but chuckle to myself about how that no matter how many years you occupy space on the planet, you still can, at any given moment, end up doing some pretty stupid things. I'm sure having shared my little driving escapade, I will no doubt be having a follow up discussion with my better half!

It seems more and more she starts these types of conversations with, "How many times have I told you.....?" And, I am very glad she's concerned because while we do live and learn, if we are not careful the learning part might be very costly. Right? A little excitement on a Sunday morning never hurt anyone. Our eldest son was one of those who drove in to his workplace last Friday. He had to make his way across all those frozen freeways and side streets to get there. I was very concerned about him making that trip. I talked to him on his phone several times and he did have a very difficult time getting across the metroplex. I advised him early and often to figure out a way to get done whatever he needed to get done from home, on his laptop. I told him it wasn't very smart to risk his life for such a long trip when we were watching folks on the TV slipping, sliding, and wrecking all over the place. He would not listen. My wife was listening to me talk to him. She was really stirred up. Not so much about him doing what he was doing which did greatly concern her, but it was me telling him that he should use good judgment and stay home. Finally, she had one of those volcano eruption responses where she blurted out: "Who do you think he learned this kind of stubbornness from? How in the world do you think you have any room to be giving that type of advice?" I am so thankful he made it safely there, and then back home later in the day. And, I have done some soul searching on the other stuff and decided that she was just a little up tight from being cooped up on a very icy day. As for the person she was describing, they would certainly be someone in need of help. Know what I mean?

Okay. Some of these stories have been embellished a little as a way of bringing a smile. Truth is, we all tend to be set in our ways. That can be both good and bad. I will be the first to admit that I need to see myself as a work in progress where the Master Potter is still chipping away at the flaws. I have not arrived. I've known a few folks who really thought they had, and typically, nearly everyone could see a number of areas where they still had quite a ways to go. I also know that with age we tend to think that growing and changing is for the younger generation. I believe we still have room to grow and improve up to and until that moment when He calls us home. The song written mostly for children by Joel Hemphill but later recognized as fitting everyone comes to mind: "He's still working on me to make me what I ought to be. It took Him just a week to make the moon and stars, The sun and the earth and Jupiter and Mars. How loving and patient He must be, He's still working on me." That would include us all and to tell you the truth, I'm glad He's not finished with me yet because I've very recently heard some fairly convincing first hand accounts about some areas that still need some work in my life. How about you? The chipping process may not be comfortable but as one preacher put it, "We can become an object of notable excellence. One that  reflects honor and glory back to Him." A good thought for a Tuesday. Have a great day and may God bless each one. Amen.           .....More later.

I don't think they even sell snow chains for tires here in this area.

Hello friends and neighbors, we survived the frozen tundra, and on this Monday, February 7, 2011, we are thankful to be back in our place once again. Over the years I have been just about as critical of the local weather forecasters as anyone. This past Friday they single handedly added at least one million kids to those who dislike them. Why? No snow. Not even a dusting. But they unanimously predicted a minimum of 1 to 2 inches and when everyone went to bed Thursday evening they expected to wake up to a blanket of white. It didn't happen. But, what we did get was a frozen world where great danger awaited those who ventured out. How bad was it? At least 800 motor vehicle accidents, 4 fatalities, and huge losses in terms of crumpled up cars and those injured but not killed. Therefore, I, for perhaps the first time ever, am going to go on record as supporting the call by the forecasters for everyone to stay off the roads on Friday. Yes, we had sad grandchildren at our place but as we watched the unfolding of so much chaos out on the roadways, it was clear that their dire warnings were on target. I heard a couple of the weather folks who had not yet gone into the witness protection program take a stab at why the snow didn't materialize and how that it would have been much better had it snowed as opposed to the rain that froze immediately when it made contact with the ground. Here's a confession. Had our Company not closed I am 100% convinced that I would have been first in line out on the roads trying to make my way over the hills and through the woods to my workplace. Therefore, I thank God that I didn't become one of those TV highlights from either being somewhere in the ditch or worse, maybe even injured.

The Superbowl was mostly watchable this year and now that we have finally gotten the NFL schedule concluded, although, they will continue to dominate the news regarding the contract dispute between the owners and players, now we can get on with a sport I do care about. NASCAR. The Daytona 500 is coming up on February 20th. You hadn't even thought about it? What's that you say? Isn't that where they go round and round in circles for hours? Yes it is but there's a whole lot more to it than just turning left all day. I became a Jeff Gordon fan many years ago and now have moved into what some call a 'long suffering' Jeff Gordon fan. He still has the potential but he will be turning 40 this year and the young guns are all over the sport these days. While the viewers have fallen off over the past 2 years, the sport still averaged nearly 6 million per race last season. Of course that pales in comparison to the NFL but it is second only to football and believe it or not, basketball, hockey, and soccer would kill for those numbers. I'm no fanatic but I do watch it when I can and it's fun to swap stories with my eldest son who is also a fan. He tends to favor a different driver and that makes for good family competition. My wife also pulls for Jeff when she's watching but she also likes our son's driver too. Women. They like everybody. What's up with that? They are probably the reason that everyone gets a trophy in kids sports today, regardless of who wins. That teaches them something but I'm not sure it prepares them for how the real world works.

It's a new work week and a new opportunity. I know I mention this quite often but there's really something positive about being able to put yesterday behind while focusing on today. There's typically not that much we can do about what we wish we would have done but there's always the time God gives us today. I've had to learn this when I get a less than desired blood glucose number. I can feel really terrible about whatever I did or didn't do to follow my program, or I can learn from it, and move ahead with a commitment to do better today, not sometime way down the road, but today! You would be surprised at how much we can see accomplished whenever we focus our time and energy on the day we have been given. This is not just my idea because it just happens to also reflect a biblical principle. The Apostle Paul wrote as he was inspired by God to the Church located in Ephesus that they should "redeem the time because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:16) The sense of the Greek in this verse indicates we should make the most of each and every minute because our time is also filled with temptations and troubles. If we go each day with a desire to make contact with places and situations where we can make a difference, I'm convinced that God will not only provide them to us, but He will also make them known to us. This means that I may be able to speak a word of encouragement or to comfort a hurting heart today, that is, if I am predisposed to redeem the time. That's some pretty good advice for us all on a Monday as we get our day and our work week started. May God bless. Amen.              ......More later.

Every Sunday is Super if you use it to honor our Great God!

Welcome to Friday, February 4, 2011 where we are experiencing the rare, but not totally unprecedented, presence of icy conditions. I was fully ready and more than willing to show up at work but our owner decided to favor safety first, therefore, I am sending this out from my home today. We all know that Superbowl Sunday is the preoccupation of most of America this week. A poll just released indicated that 78% of Americans are planning on watching. This poll also showed that more men look forward to this game than they do their anniversaries. That to me is a very sad commentary on our social condition here in our country. But, it is what it is, and I know the office betting pools are booming, the parties are being planned, and the game itself is expected to be one of the most bruising affairs ever. I also heard that each attendee is expected to spend a minimum average of $5,000 as a part of their Superbowl experience. I don't know if you need one of those scientific calculators to do the math but that's a whole lot of moolah any way you look at it. Add to that the advertising and broadcasting revenues along with the spending by the 78% who will be watching and you have yourself a mini-stimulus package, all by itself. The producers have done a great job over the years in hyping the commercials because I hear ladies often talking about how that watching the commercials is the only reason they watch the game. Only in America folks could you get people to watch a sporting event just so they can see the ads designed to sell them something. Is this a great country, or is this a weird but wonderful country, or what?

Another reason Sunday is an important date, other than the most important being the first day of the week when God's people gather to honor He who came, died, was resurrected and ascended back into heaven all for the purpose of saving lost men, women, boys, and girls, is that on February 6, 1911, Ronald Reagan was born. His life story is amazing because only in this country could someone grow up with his background and end up being one of our greatest presidents. As we pause to honor the 100th anniversary of his birth, we know that he is a polarizing figure in our nation. The mere mention of his name causes many to flash with anger and disdain while at the same time he is beloved and revered by others. Just so you know, I am 100% in the beloved and revered category. I say this fully realizing his frailties, missteps, and mistakes. To me, Ronald Reagan embodied all that makes a tear come to our eye when our national anthem is played. He represents a memory of all that is good about being an American. The media hated him with a passion while the heartland of America loved him with an even greater passion. If leaders are God ordained, and I believe they are, then I feel comfortable in saying thank God for arranging for Ronald Reagan to be our President. May God bless the memory of this good and decent man on this 100th anniversary. Amen.

This is the week that was, as they say. There's really no way to catalog all the discreet activities that make up our busy, busy lives. But there are enough of them to go around. I am sure you would agree. Time has become that illusive figment of our imagination in terms of getting more of it. I am glad when I hear my youngest son say he is going to spend time with his wife and kids, no matter what. Why? He says he doesn't want to wake up one day and look back on all that he missed out on. I know exactly what he's talking about and I applaud him for taking that approach. It involves work to make T-ball practice, or the volley ball game, or the recital, and any other host of activities that involve our children. For those of us who didn't do such a good job in learning that when it would have done the most good, we still have today and the rest of our time here that God provides to us. Time management is not just a business tool. It's been around as long as when God established time in the beginning. It's about making time for those things that are the most important. It requires effort and often hard choices but as they say we will never regret any time we chose to do what God would have us to do. Doing life His way requires that we do some time management and we need His help to make those wise choices. That's a fitting end to a busy week of buzzing around in the blogosphere. May God bless you all and I'll see you next time. Amen.             .....More later.

I didn't expect to need to know how that deicing stuff works.

Hello friends and neighbors, glad to see you on this Thursday, February 3, 2011, where we continue to peek into the cold that so many of our fellow citizens endure each winter. My wife has an electric warming blanket on her side of the bed and it allows her to be as snug as a bug in a rug. She accuses me of slipping my feet over there occasionally to warm them up. Doesn't she realize there's little in the way of knowing exactly where your feet end up when you are sleeping? And, doesn't she also realize that maybe my diabetes plays a role here? You know. The feet deal? That is, if I even do it which has not been proven beyond a reasonable doubt, at least at this time. My sister lives up in the Dallas area and she is not that unhappy that folks are having trouble getting to their city for the upcoming Superbowl. She gets real stirred up when she talks about how their local government is cutting people left and right but they can come up with huge sums of money to pour into the Superbowl. She said that all of the streets and roads in and around the stadium had priority for deicing while the common, ordinary folks had to make do. I told her that it is the largest sporting event in the world, therefore, I suppose we just have to learn to live with it. We might all feel a little different about trying to get to Dallas if we had tickets for the game and we lived in Green Bay or Pittsburgh. But since we don't, we can complain away!

We lost power here for about an hour yesterday morning. Here in the office we are 100% dependent upon the electrical power. I lighted a couple of candles and essentially waited for the power to come back on. I did do some writing by candle light and it reminded me that much of the treasured documents we hold dear were written by the light of a candle or oil lamp. The Church building where we grew up had these little platforms on the posts that were a part of the structural support. They always had song books on them since I was a kid. I was surprised to find out that their original designated purpose was for an oil lamp. I would have never guessed. We do get used to our modern conveniences. I was born in 1946 and at that time many of the things that are a part of the fabric of our lives were not even invented yet. The first credit card didn't show up until 1950. The transistor radio in 1953. Ray Kroc started franchising his first McDonald's burger joints in 1954. The girls didn't get their hands on a Barbie Doll until 1959. Can you imagine life without pop-top cans? We had to deal without them until 1963. I was married in 1964, the first year you could purchase permanent press clothing. Here's a biggy: The first ATM was introduced in 1969. And, from there it just became more and more technology driven: 1970, first video game, PONG; The first cell phone, now called the brick, introduced in 1973 at a cost of nearly $4000. Post it notes in 1974; First ink jet printer in 1976: In 1985 we got the first version of Windows; First digital answering machine in 1991; DVD's were invented in 1995; and in 2000 we had the completion of the project to fully map human DNA. Since then, widescreen, thinscreen, battery operated cars, phones that do almost any and all things, and everything in-between. Yes, folks, we have come a long way but when the lights are out it sure does make many these taken for granted items seem a little more special. Amen.

Many people are wondering about the revolts going on in Egypt with an eye towards how it might fit into biblical prophecy. One thing we do know, according to the Scriptures, is that eventually Israel will be completely surrounded by enemies desiring to obliterate them from the face of the earth. Egypt just happens to be the largest Arab nation in the region. But many in Washington think maybe, just maybe, a new regime coming in will adopt our values and freedoms as a model. My take on that scenario: I do not want to drink any of that Kool Aid. My guess is that whoever takes over either immediately or eventually will be very much more hostile to Israel and likely also America as well. We believe that God's plan and purpose for His chosen people, the Jewish nation of Israel, is not fully completed. We believe that Israel is the key to understanding the so-called end times scenarios. We also believe in a Sovereign God who will keep all promises made, and will fulfill all prophecies given. This should give us, as believers, courage and confidence, as we view these events unfolding before our very eyes. Speaking of that, I can remember growing up without any 24 hour access to the news from every place on the globe and to tell you the truth, I'm not sure we are better off for having it today. But, that's how I see it on this day and I'll try to have something to share when we meet again. Until then, may God bless you and yours. Amen.                       ......More later.

I feel so good because my free portrait only cost me $300!

It is Wednesday, February 2, 2011 and we are experiencing for us pretty much as cold as it gets, around 19 degrees this morning and with the wind chill we have a feels like of 5 degrees. My old fliver (the car) was very cranky about being cranked this morning. If he keeps acting that way I won't put a light under his hood again like I did last night. Yesterday I was sitting here at my desk when that cold front collided with the warm air and it was very rambunctious for at least a half hour or more. I first thought I heard the sound of a large truck but then realized as the limbs were flying around that it was the roar of the winter lion right outside my window. When I was out unlocking the shop buildings stuff was still rollicking and rolling. It reminded me of that time I rode out a hurricane in the high rise in the huge metro downtown. That storm caused many windows to be broken out, not necessarily from the wind, but from the debris flying around. I thought about how that just a few blocks from the building where I worked, a fellow, a lawyer tying to get home, crossed the street and was hit in the head by some metal object, killing him instantly. I couldn't tell if anything was going to become airborne here but it was making noises like it might be. I think we had 30 to 40 mile wind gusts but when it blew through, we were left with some much colder air, moving from the mid-sixties to the high thirties in about 90 minutes. I almost didn't bring my jacket but I ended up being very glad I did. Storms. They do come and thankfully they also pass. Storms of life. They also come and thankfully they too also pass.

I had thought about maybe abbreviating some of my daily blogs to make them shorter and a little less wordy. I thought about it, but in the end, blogging is about sharing and sharing is about putting yourself out there with your thoughts and opinions. If I were to write differently than how I actually think and talk, well, it might not end up being the long drawn out presentation that it is, and that would not reflect the real me. That is, if the real me does in fact come out anyway. I say that because most of us, not all, would just as soon not share all of our dirty laundry in public. But to the greatest extent possible I do try to reflect in my words plastered on the electronic page my genuine thoughts, ideas, and conclusions. I also desire to share insights that all too often have been gained by doing life the hard way which usually implies doing it my way instead of doing it God's way. You see. I can't even write about shortening my blogs without it being long winded. I can just see a particular English teacher writing notes all over my blog. What was Reba Jones' most common correction? Too wordy. She loved my work but thought it could be said in fewer words. Maybe I will do some thinking about that, and then again, maybe not. It is what it is and I have no problem in reminding everyone that you are always only one click away from being able to land on something more interesting.

We are doing portraits at the Church beginning today. The big portrait company will be there. The Church will be provided with a pictorial directory as a benefit for hosting the portrait sessions. Many of our folks are signed up to show up at different times for their family portraits. Ladies at our Church are doing much of the scheduling and preparation necessary to support this process. Each family will be entitled to a free 8x10 of their choice as a gift for coming for the photo session. This sounds wonderful. It's a good thing. Right? Why do men hate even the thought of it? Since I am one I will speak as one who has been there and done that before. Come home. Get ready. Wear a tie. Dress up. Get the kids ready. Show up. They are running late. The kids are unruly. Finally, it's your turn. There are many photos taken. They even want to take individual shots. The parents. The children. The family. When they finish you get to look at the different shots on the computer. They all look great. They all cost tons. Mom likes several. Dad only likes the 8x10 free one. You do end up buying several because you have been made to believe that history will be incomplete unless there's a photographic record to pass down. This is how it goes and this is why the process is tough on men. Knowing all of that does not make it better but it at least lays it out for all to see. Don't forget to bring your best smile! May God bless. Amen.          .....More later.

They have quit telling me to act my age. I wonder why.

Hello everyone. It's Tuesday, February 1, 2011. How in the world are you doing, anyway? My relatives have really been messing with my old body lately. Uncle Arthur (arthritis), he's been doing a number on my hips. Cousin Bursi, (bursitis), he's been giving me a huge old pain in the shoulder and neck. Then finally, Aunt Rheuma (rheumatism), she's just tried to make it so that stuff hurts pretty much all over. I remember a few years ago I complained to the doctor about the pain in my hips. He asked me how I slept at night. I told him I typically sleep on my side drawn up in the fetal position. He said perhaps I needed to learn how to sleep on my back. I told him I didn't like sleeping on my back. He then said perhaps I needed to learn how to endure the pain. What? Everyone's trying to be a comedian and perhaps he's watched way too many reruns of Hee Haw. For me these visitors tend to do their thing in cycles, and I'll be glad to see them pulling out of our driveway on their way somewhere else. Enough of that. I told my wife the other day that it seems like I woke up one morning and the calendar turned its page and suddenly I am not only headed for 65 but I am both feeling and looking it, all at the same time. What ever happened to a gradual phase in approach? I think I checked that box as a preference but it obviously was ignored. Oh well, it could be worse and I don't even want to think how.

I am aware that 65 is only a number but when it reflects the number attached to the years of your sojourn here on the planet it can work on your mind to a certain extent. Our teacher this past Sunday evening brought a lesson from the Apostle Paul's letter to the local assembly in Philippi, Greece. He used that famous verse where we as believers are instructed to be anxious for nothing. That word anxious in the Greek has the meaning of being troubled or overly caring about something. The word nothing means exactly that, nothing at all, not a single, solitary thing. Let me see if I have this right? God sent a word to some folks going through some really tough times and that word told them they were not to be anxious or troubled over anything, period. Hello? Not even when they look in the mirror and see a soon to be 65 year old face? Not even when the fetal position which one has loved since his earliest time on the planet is soon to become a thing of the past? Of course these silly things are said tongue in cheek and the good news is how that the 'NOT' being anxious is not only given as an admonishment by God to deal with any and all challenges in life, but He has also provided us with a way to see that it happens. The actual verses: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7) I guess this means I should forget about trying to find a better mirror. It probably wouldn't make that much of a difference anyway. Right?

On Sunday evenings I like to stand at the first entrance into our Church facilities and welcome the little ones coming to Bible Club. This past Sunday evening I was on the phone with my mom giving her an update on my brother when a little guy came running into the classroom and he jumped up and gave me a big hug. He's maybe four years old and his mom came in and said he was distressed because I was not out there to greet him. They left and I sat there with my eyes filled with tears. No, I'm not becoming a sentimental old fool. I think that happened a long time ago. But what came to mind is how that I used to greet his mom when she was a little girl just like I greet him. She told me some time ago that when they turn on to the Church property and see me standing on that porch it brings back precious memories to her. I just had to thank the Lord for this sweet blessing and for the little guy who missed me at the door. I've told you before folks, it doesn't take much to make my day and that little event was a huge handful on purpose that I will always treasure. Okay. Time to get on with keeping on keeping on, if you know what I mean. No. That's okay. You don't have to send me any anti-aging cream because I'm not anxious about it, at least at the moment. Have a great day and may God bless you all. Amen.              .......More later.

Modern day martyr very close to home.

Good morning. It is Monday, January 31, 2011 and we are thankful to be up and going as we begin a brand new day and a brand new work week. When we think of Christian martyrs we often have in mind those burned at the stake for their faith or someone who was killed in deepest darkest Africa. Last week we learned the heart breaking, gut wrenching, sad, but also uplifting testimony of a dear lady killed just 70 miles south of the U. S. border with Mexico. Sam and Nancy Davis have spent the past thirty years bringing the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the Mexican masses with a special emphasis on helping to plant new Churches. Mexico has become one of the most dangerous places in the world. The drug cartels rule and reign in some areas and they are well funded, well armed, and often well connected within the political world. Last week these dear people were going about their business when they were attacked by those who wanted to take away from them their pickup truck. Nancy was shot in the head. Sam was finally able to evade and he survived. Those who know these people say they were well aware of the dangers and they had experienced close calls before but their calling was first in their lives. My response when I heard about this was one of tearful and respectful sadness for these wonderful saints along with some fury about those who would do such a sickening deed. May God bless the memory of this dear lady and may God bring justice to those who took her life. The attacks against our Christian brothers and sisters around the world are on the increase. Sadly, many of the countries we pour our tax dollars into in the form of foreign aid are the worst offenders. Pray for those like the Davis' who are willing to risk their lives for the cause of Christ as they serve as role models for us who are also called to share our faith with others.

I didn't mean to start our day off with a downer but I've had these folks on my mind for over a week and when it keeps coming up, I typically know I need to share. In my mind's eye I see this lady in the presence of the Lord she served as He welcomed her home. No doubt there were many brown skinned believers who were there to greet her, with many more yet to arrive home. That's why the home going of any person of faith is never the end of the story. In many respects, it's only the beginning for those who receive the reward that comes from them having placed their faith in God's provision, that being the payment for sin made by His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. We so often talk about heaven as if it is a way out there, somewhere, some day kind of mystic vision. It is, for all those who are believers, a very real and living part of our day by day goings and comings. It's promotion day. It's reunion time. It's beyond anything we might be able to comprehend but it is ours to apprehend by faith. Our faith confirmed by God through His Spirit makes this, not a leap into the dark, but rather, it is the realization of the guaranteed hope we have in our Great God. Amen.

I will tell you that I do get stirred up when something like this tragic murder occurs. The Bible tells us that the wrath of man does not accomplish the will of God, therefore, I have to be reminded that it is okay to be angry but not in a way that it becomes sinful. This illegal drug trade is a killer, not just in this case, but many of our children, our family, our fellow citizens, are destroyed each and every year as a result. The politicians say there would be no trade unless there was a demand and we here in the states are working the demand side. There's truth to this but there's also those who are finding ways to hook new customers every day. Billions of dollars are spent every year by our government on the so-called war on drugs but as the story unfolds, little is accomplished. As I thought about this dear lady and her testimony, my anger turned to praise. This lady made all the news channels and many of the reports of her death were accompanied by glimpses into her testimony for her Lord. Even in the big newspaper her son was quoted in talking about her love for God and the Mexican people. Therefore, even as we call it a tragedy God used it as a triumph in reminding the world of Him and His love through people on behalf of reaching them so that they might live with Him forever. Thank God for this sweet lady's testimony and may we all be encouraged to live in a way that brings honor to His name when we exit our life here. Amen.                .....More later.