"We are living in a world today where lemonade is made from artificial flavors and furniture polish is made from real lemons." ~ Alfred Newman

Hello and welcome to this Thursday, October 3, 2013. Okay. I admit it. I did attempt to log in to the new healthcare government website. Curiosity got the best of me. At any rate, when I tried to access the system I got the equivalent of 'all lines are busy, please stay on the line for the next operator' type of response. They reported that 2.8 million people visited the website on the first day but they either don't know or they are not yet reporting how many actually signed up. The one thing the President has going for him is the 'can do' innovative spirit of the American people. I am against a government takeover of the healthcare system and while this initial system may not fully accomplish this, it is a huge step in that direction. Meanwhile, given the fact that this system is now the law of the land, I have confidence that our uniquely American brand of capitalistic magic will begin to find ways to make it less onerous. After all, that's who we are and that's what we do! I, for one, hope that it will kick in sooner rather than later.

In the midst of all this angst, perhaps it would help us all to think about the real meaning of love. Here's an excerpt from a book written by Norman P. Grubb, the late devoted missionary and Christian writer, talking about 1st John, "And, finally and supremely, you've got the Apostle John on perfect love...the golden verses of the Bible. The first paragraph is in the middle of the second chapter, about the 8th verse of the second chapter. The second paragraph is about the middle of the third chapter, where he talked about Cain and few things around there. And then the third paragraph is the greatest paragraph pen has ever written. There has never been a paragraph like it...never been a revelation like it...the depths are just beyond us. That is in the middle of the fourth chapter, where he says twice over, "God is love"...the profoundest statement ever made. And he says in another part of the statement (4:16), "He that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God and God in him." What a statement! There again I've circled round and round that and said, "Whatever does it mean?" "He that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God and God in him." There are some astounding statements in this letter and I suggest that there is no paragraph in heaven and earth that has ever been written greater than that paragraph in the middle of 1st John 4."

Some food for thought on a Thursday. I highly recommend that you read the references in context from the Bible texts he comments on and I do think it will be a blessing to you. It's very easy in the heat of the battle as we defend our political viewpoints to forget that our thoughts, ideas, convictions, and every expression we make should be filtered through the love that God has for us and for others, the source being His love that dwells in us. This doesn't mean we fail to take a stand but it does have to do with our attitudes when we do stand up for what we believe in. God came to Cain and asked him why he was angry. That might be a good question for us too. Don't you love it when I come up with something I didn't even know that I was going to come up with? One thing I can assure you of, I need to be reminded of this as much as anyone. So, there you have it, another day and another version of my two cents worth. You are welcome to use any and all of it that might help you along your way. Take care and may God bless each one. Amen.   ...More later.

"Men forget everything; women remember everything. That's why men need instant replays in sports. They've already forgotten what happened." ~Rita Rudner

It's Tuesday, October 2, 2013, and I send to one and all a greeting of hello and howdy from down around these parts to wherever you happen to be. We are coming off a pretty tough last weekend for our sports followings. The Saturday LSU-Georgia game was one of the best games I've seen from a collegiate competitive viewpoint, but I thought I would have to chug-a-lug a bottle of Pepto by the end. (LSU lost. You can take the boy out of the state but you can't take the....) Then on Sunday our Texans fell apart in the second half of their game against the Seahawks during which I was doing my best impersonation of Hank Williams Sr., "I'm Walking the Floor Over You." My NASCAR guy, Jeff Gordon, finished 4th at the Dover race but he could have won the cotton picking race and between him and the Texans where my remote was glowing from how often I was flipping forth and back, well, it was an excellent reminder of why I made a pledge many years ago not to let things like this get to me. It was a pledge to myself and I will tell you that it's fairly obvious that I have not always kept it. I came to work Monday morning with muscle spasms in my legs from trying to help the Texans get another first down, and with shoulder pains from leaning with Jeff in the turns trying to give him a little help as well. Hopeless? Guilty as charged but I am aware there is room for improvement. One would hope.

Of course you can tune in everyday to watch the games going on in Washington, D.C. If you want to know why the American people are fed up with being fed up about how their government operates, tune in to a news channel or CSPAN and you will see the reason portrayed in vivid detail. The President is acting out his role as he sees it, that being the Observer in Chief. Not Leader, not Negotiator, but as one who stands on the sideline watching the action and critiquing the play on the field. Why would he not be a part of the action? My guess is the round table polling they've done indicates the Republicans will end up being the loser in the government shutdown scenario we now see unfolding. This means he might have a shot at getting the House in 2014. If he has the House and the Senate, 'Katy bar the door' for his last two years in office. I sure hope the so called smart people up there have heard of the law that has to do with unintended consequences. At any rate, if that were to happen we might have to alter FDR's famous quote, "Only Thing We Have to Fear Is Fear Itself."

Talk about changing America, if that were to happen, we haven't seen anything yet! But, bear in mind that this would be one of my takes on the situation, which, last time I heard, each of us are still entitled to have. Meanwhile, I do have other fish to fry, as they say, and I'm sure you do as well. Of course we can still take time out to enjoy a few word play shenanigans.  ~ Bakers trade bread recipes on a knead to know basis. ~ A grenade fell onto a kitchen floor in France, resulted in Linoleum Blownapart. ~ A chicken crossing the road: poultry in motion. ~ A thief fell & broke his leg in wet cement. He became a hardened criminal. ~ Police were called to a day care where a 3-yr-old was resisting a rest. ~ Those are so bad, they might just take your mind off the latest breaking news that typically is a downer. The other thing I would recommend is to do what the old song says, "Take your burdens to the Lord and leave them there." Meanwhile, get on with having a good day and I will see you next time where you will hear that loud bell clanging from down at the ole blogger ranch bunkhouse. May God bless each one. Amen.   ....More later.

"Christmas gift suggestions: To your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect." - Oren Arnold, Author

Happy October 1st, and welcome, on this Tuesday, where some are counting down the days until Christmas 2013, some 84 days and ticking. Our Christmas season will begin in mid November with a two day Santa event at the Junior League Market Festival here in our area near the big mall. This means that by the end of this month we will have to begin preparing our costumes for the season. David Letterman told about the man out Christmas shopping who saw a fellow out of breath standing waiting for the bus. He mentioned to the fellow that his watch was running slow. The fellow responded, so was the guy who previously owned it. One comedian said he gave his kids packages containing batteries with a note that said: Toys not included. A lady went to the post office to buy stamps for her Christmas cards. The postal clerk asked what denomination she would like. Stunned, she replied, "My good heavens, has it come to this? I suppose I will have 50 Methodist and 50 Episcopalian, if you please."

I am entitled to wax on prematurely as it relates to all things Christmas because as they say, "If the boots fit......", or something like that. Since it is October 1st, I suppose I can start the official countdown for my week of vacation scheduled to begin the 14th. People are funny. When they found out we were planning a week out of town they have acted like that's something I rarely do. They are very pleased but very surprised. I'm glad that me leaving makes them happy. Just kidding. I know what they are thinking. If anyone needs a trip out of town, it would be yours truly. See. I must really have them fooled. But, all kidding aside, I am thankful that so many of those close to us are very happy that we might be able to get away for a few days. I may be blogging from Branson but I will have to wait and see. Who knows? The only WiFi there may be for the farmers and hillbillies who watch RFD-TV. Wait a minute, I watch a lot on that channel myself. What does that make me? What's that you say? Inquiring minds don't really give a flip. Point well taken.

You will have to admit that I am willing to dialogue forth and back on any number of thoughts, ideas, and opinions, even if I have to make them up myself. That's what you call being tuned in and aligned with your audience. Or, that's what some might call it. Others might say it's mostly throwing up words onto the electronic page, often with very little thoughtful insight or analysis. I'm pretty easy. I like that one too. I count our visit each day to be a privilege. I occasionally bump into someone I've not seen in a while who brings up a blog I wrote many moons ago. They tell me that it brought back a memory or that it caused them to think or maybe they just had to laugh out loud. Now, I'm not all together sure what mind boggling or mind blowing is all about, but, I can tell you, that kind of stuff really humbles me. You might say I have been blogging all my life. Notebooks filled with penned observations, notes, and thoughts. Scribbled ideas. Now, all I have to do is to let my mind tiptoe through the keyboard as the bits and bytes get sent through the woods and over the hills, even to grandma's house I go. Have a great day and may God add His blessings to it. Amen.  ...More later.

"Television has created a nation of news junkies who tune in every night to get their fix on the world." ~ Robert MacNeil, former co-host of the MacNeil-Lehrer Report on PBS

I'll know it's getting cooler when these electric bills don't cause me to grab the smelling salts. But I digress, which you might agree I have much practice and maybe even some ability at doing. It's good for us to have this time again as we say farewell to September on this Monday, the 30th, in the year of our Lord, 2014. I know I am a news junkie of sorts. In fact, the other day I took the News IQ Quiz on the Pew Research Center's website and scored in the 5% range, meaning that only 5% get that many right answers which is 91% better than the average of those taking the test. I answered 13 out of 15 correctly. It was not an easy test. I missed one that had four different charts representing the stock market averages over the last five years. I was supposed to spot the one that was an accurate representation. They mostly looked alike. The other one I missed had a population distribution graphic for the United States. The graphic beside it was unlabeled. I was to choose out of four answers which country that chart represented. Hello? I put the Netherlands but it turned out to be Nigeria. Who knew? I can assure you, I did not get the memo on that one. Bottom line, you can take that score and put $2 with it and maybe you can get a small cup of coffee, maybe.

I know I've been in rant mode of late but there are some high stakes games being pursued at this time in our nation's capitol, and, it's hard not to notice. Even with the likelihood for a government shutdown, as it is called, within days the debt limit must be raised in order for the country to pay its obligations. Typically, the administration and those in the Congress negotiate and come up with an accommodation so that this is mostly a procedural matter. The President has been adamant. He will not negotiate at all, period. He thinks this is a winner and the Republicans, fearing the backlash from a government default, will cave. He sent out an adviser who said dealing with the Republicans who are threatening not to vote to raise the debt limit is like dealing with terrorists. The host responded by asking the adviser if he thought the then Senator Obama was acting like a terrorist when in 2006 he voted against raising the debt limit. The adviser did not have an answer. I could help him because I've heard the administration's lame explanations. They say there was never any doubt in 2006 whether it would pass, therefore, the then Senator could lodge a protest vote. Does this mean if his vote would have been needed, he would have set aside his deeply felt principles? See what I mean? It's all one gigantic feeding trough and the pigs, regardless of where they come from, are always hungry.

That vote in 2006 was cast against President George W. Bush's request, therefore, as liberals see it, any vote against Bush is a badge of honor, while any vote against President Obama proves one is a racist and obviously, according to his adviser, by extension, a terrorist. Sorry. But, being a self appointed umpire, as we all should be as citizens, I have to call them like I see them. That's enough of the weighty stuff, let me see if I can come up with a lighter ending as I prepare to make my exit. Two kids were trying to decide what game to play. One of them offered, "Let's play doctor." The other one agreed, "Okay, you operate and I will sue." Don't let these continuing resolution budget thingies along with the debt limit deal get you down. Those shenanigans have been going on ever since the politicians showed up. Pray about it and stand up for what you believe is right. If you don't agree with my position that's okay. In our system, everyone also has the right to be wrong. Just joking. Take care and may God bless each and every one. Amen.   ....More later.

"The two day weekend has only been around for less than 100 years. Capitalism ironically led to the acceptance of the five day work week and the weekend off because it had managed to change the focus of days of rest from relaxation and contemplation into opportunities for leisure activities that produced dollars." (copied)

It's another Friday. This one happens to be the last one for this month. It lands on September 27, 2013. Here's some things that have been said about Friday: "The golden child of the weekdays. The superhero of the workweek. The welcome wagon to the weekend. Thursday is only a place holder awaiting your arrival. While coffee does make my mornings, Friday, you make my week worth doing." And, I'm sure there are many more that reflect upon these same sentiments. There's the story about the fellow who made a decision on Friday. It was payday so at the end of the day he cashed his check and spent the weekend with his buddies. He had not informed his wife about this escapade. When he arrived home she met him at the door and screamed at him for two hours and ended by asking him how he would like it if he didn't see her for a few days. He told her that would be fine with him. By Thursday of the next week the swelling had gone down enough for him to see his wife a little out of the corner of one eye. Bad joke? I agree but it does play off that genre of husband-wife humor and someone out there may even have a faint smile after reading it. And, as I see it, we need any and all smiles, anywhere we can get them. Within reason, of course.

One final thought about the more than 20 hour speech given by Senator Ted Cruz in the US Senate Chamber. The media. They have called this man every name in the book. They have painted him as a mentally disturbed obstructionist whose only purpose in life is to gum up the works. Flashback. State Senator Wendy Davis stood and delivered a 13 hour filibuster in the Texas Senate in August that ran out the clock on changes that would have increased requirements for abortion providers. She became a superstar darling of the mainstream media. She was feted on late night talk shows and did a victory tour on every news program on TV. They want her to run for governor, (which it sounds like she is doing), and maybe even president. Meanwhile, the Texas legislature promptly reconvened and passed the restrictions. Everyone knew that she couldn't stop this from happening, but her, in her pink tennis shoes, became an icon for taking a stand for the media's version of American values. Ted Cruz was also up against an impossible task. But, he stood on principle against what he believes is a healthcare disaster in the making, and he did so as provided for by the rules of the US Senate. Yet, a woman who wants no restrictions on taking away the lives of babies is promoted as the greatest thing since sliced bread, while Senator Cruz is portrayed as an anarchist. Check it out. See if I am right or wrong. We are living in an upside down world.

The liberal media are now responding by attempting to disprove their bias and in justifying the differences in coverage. One major news source said that Senator Cruz received over 400 more actual stories in news outlets than State Senator Davis. How hilarious! With 99.9% defaming him, it's no wonder they ran more stories. Folks, they really do believe we are dumb. No. I am not a Cruz supporter. I actually voted for his opponent. But, I do support his right to take a principled stand against something he believes is harmful to the American people. Think about it. They actually believe people will buy into their overwhelming negative and demeaning reporting and somehow, based on the sheer number of stories, this will prove they are fair and balanced. Check it out. I, for one, wonder if they actually write that kind of stuff with a straight face. Okay. I need to take a time out, count to ten, about a dozen times, and then move on to another subject. Meanwhile, you just take this little rant for what it's worth and go out and have yourself a great day, a wonderful Saturday, and a reflective Lord's Day Sunday. I'll see if I can do that as well, that is, as soon as the smoke coming out my ears dissipates enough so that I can see again. Take care and may God bless each one. Amen.   ....More later.

Excerpt from: Ode To Coffee By William A. Pricé, " Oh, thou most fragrant, aromatic joy, impugned, abused, and often stormed against, And yet containing all the blissfulness that in a tiny cup could be condensed! Give thy contemners calm, imperial scorn— For thou wilt reign through ages yet unborn!"

Yay! It's Thursday, September 26, 2013, time to wake up and smell the coffee, latte, hot chocolate, or whatever it is that gets you up and going. I typically wait until I get to the office for my first cup. Yes. You would be correct. That does take an inordinate amount of discipline. And, it would be very easy to get one to go with that unit sitting right there and those little pop in Community single serve cups on standby. You know. Don't leave home without it. However, as a diabetic, I typically check by blood sugar before I start lighting up the works with caffeine. Some say it impacts the result and I suppose there is a reason they tell you to not partake before drawing blood. At any rate, it does give me some keen motivation for that thirty minute drive, conjuring up the image of a steaming cup of hot, black, and strong Community at the end of the rainbow. Too much? I thought so too but since I'm working on my third cup even as I slap around the keyboard, it more or less comes with the territory. Welcome to what I have to deal with all the time here in my world. What's that you say? You hope I am exaggerating. Well, one would hope, but to tell the truth, you don't know the half of it.

As if we don't have enough to worry about, the new health care system is about to change life as we know it. Based on everything I have read and not just the heated rhetoric by the vocal flamethrowers, this reboot of the entire health delivery mechanism looks to be a disaster in the making. An editorial in the Las Vegas Review Journal Newspaper opened with these words: "This is going to hurt, America. But you already knew that." Another editorial from the online edition of the Lancaster Pennsylvania News said this: "In the case of the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, at least one unintended consequence already is emerging: Obamacare threatens to accelerate the redefining of the American work week from full time to part time." Bottom line, at least thus far, indicates higher costs, less coverage, and folks who have full time jobs are being cut to part time to avoid the consequences of having to cover them. Even with the heroic efforts of Texas US Senator Cruz and a few others, let's face it, defunding is not going anywhere because the Democrats control the Senate and the White House. My way of seeing it says about the only way forward is to start trying to make changes to it that will bring some sanity to its implementation. Stay tuned.

Meanwhile, you and I, the common voter in this nation must sit and observe all the backroom deals that have been cut, entire groups being exempted, special provisions made for Congress and their employees, and give-aways galore to special interest groups. Sadly, all of this will be paid for primarily by the folks in the middle. We will end up footing the bill for the 30 million previously not covered along with all the special deals that were cut. That's not bellyaching. That's reality. Why does it work this way? Because the largest amount of people who pay taxes are found in the middle class, (Up to 65% depending on which model is used). The President and his supporters believe the pain will yield to a system that will eventually be loved and appreciated. That's their hope. Sorry, but I can't get on that bandwagon. At the same time we are not without hope because we still live in the greatest nation on earth and we still have God as our Father. Amen.   ....More later.

"My proposal is: To set off walking this afternoon. To stop when we are tired. To get a lift when we can. To walk when we can't. To do it at once, and do it cheap." – Charles Dickens, from his Novel: Martin Chuzzlewit

Well folks, Wednesday is awaiting our response: Let's do this thing! Welcome to my write-up for today on this September 25, 2013. I've mentioned before that I did quite a bit of hitchhiking as a teenager. Now I know why I didn't always get picked up. One fellow recently confessed that he always thought they were giving him a thumbs up on his good driving. I tell you, life can be tough. Back then we thought nothing about standing on the side of the highway late at night trying to flag a ride. If that didn't work, we thought nothing about walking for hours to get home. Why? Weren't that many options and the dogs that came out to see me helped motivate my legs. I'm not saying I was never on edge because when you are out like that you hear all kinds of noises and when you try to guess what they might be, well, it can be a little scary. Yet, times have changed and I cannot even imagine folks hitchhiking today. I know some still do but it doesn't have the same look or feel as it did back then. Or maybe I'm just getting older and more cautious.

This next paragraph comes in the form of a special prayer request for some exceptionally special people. Kellie Vanderslice was diagnosed with breast cancer as well as osteosarcoma (cancer of the bone) earlier this month. She and her husband Nick have 5 children, 4 boys and a long anticipated baby girl. Kellie grew up in our local fellowship. Her husband Nick and I stood by each other in the choir for a couple of years. They live in Missouri where Nick is in fulltime youth ministry. They are some very special people to us and we seek God's provision and peace into their lives. Please add your voice to this worldwide prayer circle. Their testimony in the face of this challenge has been inspirational. It reminds me of our Kayla. They are doing their best to make a difference for the honor and glory of God as they deal with this unexpected development. Check out Nick's blog: http://pointingtohim.wordpress.com/

That verse comes to mind, "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;..." (1st Peter 3:15, New King James Version) The New English Translation Bible (NET) has a good take on this thought with their wording of this verse, "But set Christ apart as Lord in your hearts and always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks about the hope you possess." Kellie and Nick have already had a number of folks who have inquired about their obvious faith in the midst of this storm. Where did Kellie and Nick learn about the foundational truths they are now leaning on for strength? In their homes and in the Churches that God allowed them to grow up in. It matters folks. It really does. We all want our children to find Jesus and the eternal life He and He alone gives. But it is much more than just a get into heaven card because it is also all about what we do with that changed life while we are here and those works for the Lord count for time and eternity. May God bless them is my prayer and may we all be ready to give our answer when asked about the hope God has placed in our hearts. Amen.    ....More later.