USA's coldest recorded temperature: Prospect Creek, Alaska, -79.8 °F, January 23, 1971

Good morning folks and welcome to Wednesday's edition here on January 8, 2014. Monday and Tuesday turned out to be very cold days for us here on the Gulf Coast, especially the start of each day. I think our local low was around 18 °F degrees under the walkway here at our office in Magnolia, Texas. That would be considered cold almost anywhere but we are very aware how much colder it has been in major portions of the South. Friends we know in Arkansas have been reporting below zero readings for extended periods of time. Weather. It's always a topic of discussion. On Sunday I heard many discussions among our people about preparing to protect the plants, pets, and plumbing. I also heard one fellow excitedly talking about a couple of rounds of golf he expected to play this week. One today and another on Friday where the temperature may hit the mid 70's. Nowhere but Texas folks. This preoccupation with weather is not new. Jesus illustrated a point using people and their ability to evaluate indicators that help them to predict the weather and the seasons: "Then the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and testing Him asked that He would show them a sign from heaven. He answered and said to them, 'When it is evening you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red’; and in the morning, ‘It will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ Hypocrites! You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times.  A wicked and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign shall be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.' And He left them and departed." (Matthew Chapter 16, Verses 1-4)

Most of us have seen some football over the past few weeks, college and professional. That is, the plays on the field that are televised in between commercials. The commercial being run from Nissan about their car, the Rogue, has been run almost into the ground, no pun intended. It's the one with the lady driving and her passengers say they are going to be late. She then floors the accelerator and goes up a ramp, becomes airborne and lands on a commuter train, only to exit at the appropriate location and make it to their destination, early, of course. The best part of that commercial is the small print disclaimer: "Fantasy do not attempt. Cars cannot drive on trains." You think?  I read the other day that people polled have voted the red haired lady on the Wendy's commercials as the most annoying personality on TV. You know the one. She pops up with this 4 inch thick monster looking burger that she bought off the $1 menu at Wendy's and uses it to make everyone else wish they had never lived. The runner up was Flo from the long running Progressive Insurance ads. If the first rule is to make them memorable, well, I'm writing about them so there you go. Other than the likely response of I don't give a flip one way or the other, what say you?

What's that you say? I'm not doing a good job of disguising the fact that I'm hurting for material these days? I suppose I have two options. Find better material or figure out a more clever way to hide the lack thereof. No. I'm not apologizing for littering up the bloglosphere with my digital mishmash of bits and bytes scattered from who knows where and beyond. It just happens to be that which bubbles up into what I feel like sharing on any given day. I will be the first to admit that some days are obviously better than others. Different strokes, or something like that. For instance, several people liked the one I wrote about me shopping for the little coffee packages over in Louisiana. And, that obituary I shared last week of the man with the demonstrated heart of giving, well, it too resonated with a number of folks. You just never know what a day might bring here at the ole blogger ranch. But, not to worry, I'm often the last to know too. Remember to take your burdens to the Lord and leave them there. Until next time, may God bless each one. Amen.      ....More later.

“The sun did not shine. It was too wet to play. So we sat in the house. All that cold, cold, wet day.” ― Dr. Seuss, The Cat in the Hat

Before I get to today's blog, I want to talk about Joy for a moment. In this case it is found in a child, our great granddaughter Madelyn Joy, or Madi-girl as we call her. Today she is celebrating her 4th birthday and we are thanking God for her as we pray that He will protect and help her to become all He has planned for her. She has thus far lived up to her name in bringing Joy to our entire family. Happy Birthday Madi! Love, MiMi and Poppy

Welcome once again to the early morning meeting place. Pull up a chair, grab a cup of Community and let's see if we can sort some of this stuff out. It's Tuesday, January 7, 2014. Over the last few days I think we all heard about all we ever wanted to hear concerning professional football players doing their thing in the cold. The game in Green Bay ended up not breaking the record cold game from back in 1967, but it did produce a very cold experience for all those interested. You may not have heard that a record was also set a few days ago for those attending an outdoor ice hockey match. The game was between the Detroit Red Wings and the Toronto Maple Leafs. Just under 106,000 showed up to see these two teams go at it. Why is that newsworthy? I repeat, it was outdoors at the massive Ann Arbor, Michigan stadium. The record is one reason that it is noteworthy, but even more telling is the fact that it was played outdoors in 13 degree weather! People make a lot of excuses why they can't show up for this event or the other but reports like this tell me that if someone is willing to go and see an ice hockey match in that kind of freezing weather, well, it reminds us how people pretty much make it to whatever it is they determine they want to do, period. No matter what. It was a great match with the Maple Leafs winning 3-2. And, those attending got to be a part of history, that is, if they like many of their football loving compatriots are thawed out enough yet to enjoy it.

I'm getting used to it but it did take a while. People more and more respond to me as if I am an older person. I know they mean well. And, yes, perhaps it is time for me to nod in agreement when asked if I want those easy to open caps on my medicine bottles. Typically, when someone makes a point to show deference to me due to their perception of my age, well intended I'm sure, I look around to make certain they are talking to me. I know I try to show respect to those I consider to be elderly and I usually don't see myself in that category. I will say that the lids on a variety of jars do seem to have gotten tighter over the past few years. I also am not very patient trying to figure out what kind of super glue they used to seal cereal or cracker boxes. While that's not a new development for me, the wife usually panics when she sees me about to open almost anything. I might be on my way over the hill but I can still muster up enough brute force, (if it can be called that anymore), to render almost any container un-resealable both now and in the future. I had more to say but my short term had a little lapse issue and my long term reports that he doesn't have anything worth adding. Some of you know exactly what I'm talking about and I would appreciate it if you wouldn't act like you don't.

That was intended to bring a smile and we all need to find humor in our day by day living. They say there has to be a kernel of truth if any story is to resonate as being truly funny. It seems that much of what I write about, especially as it pertains to my daily exploits, end up with way too much of my version of reality. The late-great funny man George Burns who lived to be 100 once said this, "You can't help getting older, but you don't have to get old." He was no doubt talking about a state of mind. Part of the enjoyment of life is the fact that folks are funny. And, we are folks, therefore, we are also funny. As it relates to some of the shenanigans I get involved in, well, enough said, I often do a pretty good job of amusing myself. My thought is if you haven't laughed at yourself lately, you're not really paying attention. You need to regain that one because it really is good medicine for your bones. Okay. Enjoy your day and let's all be thankful that God gave us the ability to laugh. Amen.   .....More later.

Don't you just love hearing from both major political parties how they plan to prevent each other from getting anything done in the next session of Congress?

Welcome back on this bright eyed and bushy tailed Monday, January 6, 2014, to an environment we affectionately call the place where 'the rubber meets the road'. I send out a warm hello to each and everyone along with a thanks to all those who have hung in there each day as a regular reader. I hear from folks that tell me they, the husband and wife, faithfully read my blog everyday. That's humbling to me but I do appreciate the vote of confidence. Speaking of voting, I think it interesting that the President's chief pollster, Mike Allen, has a recommendation for the press for how they should pursue coverage in 2014. "Do not cover any of the opinion polls for the year of 2014." He said they shouldn't cover them because they are too much of a horse race style of snapshot and the numbers give people the wrong idea because they often do not reflect everything going on inside the numbers. Hello? Of course the President's approval numbers are currently in the ditch running lower right now than the very unpopular President George W., at this same time in his second term. I wonder if that has anything to do with it? It reminds me of that old TV show Hee Haw gag, "Doctor, it hurts when I do this." The doctor would always respond, "Well, don't do that anymore!"

When I returned to work on December 30th I had not been keeping up with Houston area deaths while I was away. I typically like to scan the obituaries because of my nearly 45 years of living and working in the area. I pulled down the tab and selected the obits for the past week. I was somewhat stunned to find that 196 folks had left the scene since I had last checked. I spent most of the day scanning through them as I could here and there when I had a moment or two. The old saw about how the only things in life that are certain are death and taxes may bring a smile but in reality there's much more to it. I read about the sudden and unexpected deaths of folks who no doubt had other matters on their mind when they were the victim of an automobile accident or seized by a heart attack. Thousands of wives, children, moms, dads, brothers, sisters, and other family and friends, left behind. I didn't know personally even one of those 196 folks but in many ways I knew them all. How? Because they were just folks. Sure, I even mentioned to my mom that perhaps eight or more were at least 95 years or older. Sadly, way too many were in their teens or early twenties. Just folks. The other thing I am always pleased to report are the accomplishments and contributions made by those who have applied themselves during the time they have sojourned here on the planet. Some had glowing testimonies they carried with them into the presence of their Lord. Sobering? Yes. But also encouraging as we all have opportunity to think about the legacy we are building that will be left behind.

How's it going in the new year? So far, so good, but at the same time, the more things change, the more they stay the same. The regular bills keep coming just like they always have. You can't help but to begin thinking about getting ready to think about your tax return. Doctors visits to schedule. Places to go, people to see. A major activity for me is to get my new calendar diary set up for the new year. Birthdays, anniversaries, important numbers, contact information all has to be transferred. Why don't I do it electronically, then I wouldn't have to worry about it? While that's not a bad idea, it's not how I operate in terms of keeping up with stuff. To each his own I suppose. I did read on Facebook how that many people we know were very diligent and busy clearing out their old files and setting up new ones, and doing all the other stuff for managing their affairs in the new year. I guess we are more or less somewhere in the middle. We know that we need to get those kinds of things done but we don't always have a sense of urgency about it. You know. We eventually get there but it may involve a little kicking and screaming before we arrive, so to speak. Maybe that should have been one of my resolutions. That's right. I didn't make any. Maybe I should have made a resolution to make resolutions. I'll have to think about that before the end of this brand new year. You do the same. Take care and may God bless each one. Amen.    ....More later. 

Hopeless Romantic: "How do I love you? I love you so much. In fact, I love you like I love my coffee in the morning."

Well, how do like this development? It's already Friday, the first one of the brand new year, here on this January 3, 2014. I want to give a shout out to my eldest for giving me one of those fancy coffee machines for my office. You know the one I am talking about. You pop in the little single serve cup and wham, bam, next thing you know the Community nectar is smoking and ready to consume. I did have some trouble getting it to work how I wanted it to work. We had to do some experimenting to get it as strong as I am used to it. But, now that we have come to an agreement about just how much liquid should be used to make a delicious cup, well, things are right with the world. You noticed I didn't call it a K-Cup. That's the one that comes with the brand of the coffee maker, copyright and all of that jazz. The Community Coffee Company named theirs Single Serve, therefore, that's the appropriate name even if it came late. Don't laugh. I do try to inform and educate along life's way.

When we were over in Louisiana last week, my sister-in-law has one of the same kind of machines but she did not have a ready supply of those little individual servings available. She is not a coffee drinker and I used up what she had on hand before anyone even thought about waking up for the day. It was around 6 a.m. when I drove down to the nearby country store to see if they had any. I walked in and the lady there, maybe in her late 40's greeted me like they do back home, "Hello honey, how can I help you today?" Trying to communicate in the best way possible for the masses, I responded with my question, "Do you have any of those little K-Cup coffee packages?" I got in response the twisted up lips and puzzled face, "What's that baby, were you wanting some coffee cups because we do have them?" I dutifully continued my quest, "No mam, it's the little individual coffee containers that you put in one of those newfangled coffee making machines." She was a lady of action, "Well, Sweetie, let's just go back here and look because I do think one of the girls here has one of those fancy machines." I followed her back to the shelf where they had coffee. It did my heart good to see those bags of Community all shined up and ready but there were none of the Individual Serve packages. She was sorry, "Darling, maybe you can get them at the Dollar General over in Anacoco but they don't open until 9 a.m., and it looks like you must be on a road trip." I told her I was just visiting and would drive into Leesville to see if I could find them there. She wished me well. I do love me some country folks. They are genuine and that to me is a good thing.

I drove the 25 minute trip on into Leesville and found that the Food Basket was already open. The folks in there were all busy getting everything ready for the day. Stockers were stocking and the one cashier was cleaning her area. I found what I was looking for and they were even on sale at $2 off what I typically pay for a package of 12. That would have been worth the 185 mile journey from home just to get that kind of deal on Community. I shared all this with you because I thoroughly enjoyed that little excursion. I grew up in that area and I can tell you the folks I saw that morning were brimming over with Louisiana hospitality and I actually miss that. I have a lot of respect for those who have such a great attitude. I often see the white hair of the milk guy unloading dolly after dolly of gallon jugs. No telling how many years he has logged. Still working, still smiling, and yes, he did know which aisle to check for the Community. I won't do a review of what we have learned today, I'll let you do that on your own. Have a great Saturday and Lord's Day Sunday, and try your best to start off 2014 by gathering where other believers come together to praise God and study His Word. Amen.  ....More later.

" And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Book of Joshua, Chapter 24, Verse 15, (KJV)

The way I see it, there's no better way to start off the new year than showing up here at my home away from home, my desk here at work, aka the ole blogger ranch. I bring you greetings on this Thursday, the first work day of the new year, January 2, 2014. Nearly everywhere I go people ask when I am going to leave the daily routine, you know, retire. I typically tell them I already have retired but I've also chosen to show up here each day to contribute what I can to the cause. I start off this new year actually feeling very well. In this upcoming year, if the Lord provides, I will hit the 68 mile marker, and the 50th anniversary of our wedding vows. I don't really know how I should be feeling at the age I am at the present moment. Don't get me wrong. I could do without the diabetes. I would also just as soon forgo the moderate arthritis that apparently comes with the territory. On the other hand, had I not found out about my diabetes as early as I did, and had I not responded by attempting to do my best to manage it, who knows? It might just be a blessing God used to keep me around.

What will the new year bring? There's no way any of us can predict what might end up being on our agenda on any given day. Life is like that. The wife and I used to sing a song that really lays out the reality of life itself. The song itself dates back to the early 1950's and we sang it mostly in the mid to late 60's. I have used it more than once in my visits with you, yet, I believe it does bear repeating as we face the unwritten pages that will define 2014:

Maybe it's You and then, Maybe it's Me

Verse 1 -Someone will get a blessing as promised by the Lord, Someone will then rejoice and happy be; Someone will be heartbroken and crying mournfully, Maybe it's you and then maybe it's me.

Chorus: Maybe it's you and then maybe it's me, Who'll be the next to face eternity; When the day has come and gone, He will take somebody home, Maybe it's you and then maybe it's me.

Verse 2 -Someone will be in sorrow and tears will start to fall, No comfort, peace nor happiness they'll see; Someone will have their troubles, be filled with misery, Maybe it's you and then maybe it's me.

Chorus: Maybe it's you and then maybe it's me, Who'll be the next to face eternity; When the day has come and gone, He will take somebody home, Maybe it's you and then maybe it's me.
 

Verse 3 -Someone will die tomorrow, as many have today, This life is so uncertain we can see; Someone the call will answer, we know not who 'twill be, Maybe it's you and then maybe it's me.

Chorus: Maybe it's you and then maybe it's me Who'll be the next to face eternity; When the day has come and gone, He will take somebody home, Maybe it's you and then maybe it's me.

Sad outlook? I don't see it that way because as believers we want to live in the reality of doing our best with God's help to make the best life we can while we have opportunity. My baby sister altered the lyric from one of her favorite Gospel songs to fit her cancer shortened life: "Because He lives I can face today." Yes. I do know the Gaither line is about facing tomorrow but Kayla's reality was very much one day at a time, therefore, her perspective was one of doing all she could with every breath God gave to her before her departure. This means we can face an unfilled in calendar with its many unknowns. How? Because He lives! Our faith in Him is our foundation as we seek to live out the life He has given to us. May God help us all to be all He would have us to be, while we have time, in the coming new year. Amen.   ....More later.

"He has put a new song in my mouth— Praise to our God; Many will see it and fear, And will trust in the Lord." Psalm 40:3

Happy New Year to one and all as I welcome you to today's edition and get to put the date down for the first time, Wednesday, January 1, 2014. We didn't stay up to see the new year come in. I did see the proverbial ball dropping and fireworks at different locations across the globe at my desk yesterday, therefore, I could claim that I officially did see the changing of the year but that most likely wouldn't impress anyone, including me. For those who are really committed to resolutions, here's some input from a rather famous character: "You know how I always dread the whole year? Well, this time I'm only going to dread one day at a time." (This was Charlie Brown's response to Patricia 'Peppermint Patty' Reichardt's question, "Have you made any New Year's resolutions, Chuck?". The dialogue was in a 1986 animated TV special based upon the popular comic strip Peanuts, by Charles M. Schulz.)

But from my vantage point, we start off the new year like we ended the old, with an attitude of gratitude to God for His provision through His Son, and for His ongoing presence in our lives. May this new year be one where we can look back and say we made progress on behalf of honoring our Savior and in serving others. Amen.        .....More later.

"...and hope putteth not to shame; because the love of God hath been shed abroad in our hearts through the Holy Spirit which was given unto us." ~ Romans 5:5

Yes, it is the last day of 2013 here on this 31st of December and I am sitting here thinking about the year that has passed and the one that is coming up. I think most of us know what really counts is what we have done to further the kingdom of God because that's what will last for time and eternity. I suppose as we face a brand new year we can ask ourselves what is it that we want to leave behind because we all will someday and it might be soon. That's in God's timing. Yesterday I read the obituary of a man named Sam. After giving the details about the Church and the Pastor conducting the memorial, the write up included how that he left this world at the age of 39 but reading the tribute to him causes me to sense how he has left behind a living legacy, and it inspires me to do the same. What say you?

Excerpt from Sam's Obituary:

Sam was a Construction worker most of his life, and for the last few years, Levi was right there beside him. He was just a Jack-Of-All-Trades. He just knew how to do everything. Sam always had a smile on his face. His smile and personality was full of so much laughter, and it is already being missed by us all. He was the MOST LOVING PERSON, the MOST GIVING HEARTED PERSON, and the BEST DADDY his kids could've ever asked for. He was the best roofer you'd ever seen. Sam would give you the last $5.00 in his pocket, if he knew you needed it, even if it broke him. Sam would mow your yard if you were sick, and couldn't help yourself. He paid electricity bills for people who had less than him. He took people heaters so they wouldn't be cold. He took Thanksgiving and Christmas Dinners to those who would've had none. He just wanted everyone to have the same things he did. We can't begin to explain the sweetness that came from his heart...there just isn't enough room on paper. He was a Forever Friend to many, A Loving Son, A Loving Brother, and a Loving Uncle, and an Amazing Father that loved his kids and Ronna more than anything. He was the kind of person that we all looked up to, and the kind of person that would do anything to help another. He just had the BEST HEART in the world. He was perfect. If you ever met Sam just once, you would remember. He left an imprint on each person's life that he met, and no one could forget that smile and that sweet laugh that followed it. Sam was such a hard worker. He loved being outside, building bonfires, and spending time with his family and friends. Every weekend, you could probably find him at the pond, just fishing with Stevie. While he was working on his and Ronna's house, you could find Riley & Jagger right there beside him, helping him out. Riley would hand him the hammer, or Jagger would hand him his nails. If he was outside in the yard, you could find Gemma right at his feet. She was his little shadow, and tried to follow him everywhere. If no one would get it for her, she knew that "Daddy" would. He left an imprint on our hearts that will never fade away. When the wind blows the trees, we'll know it’s his Spirit watching over us...when the sun shines, we'll remember that is was Sam that lit up our lives with his smile...when the flowers bloom, we'll remember that sparkle he always had in his eyes, when he say, “I Love All Ya'lls...Sweet memories that we'll have forever, and never forget...We Love You Sam!

To make a difference folks, that's what we are called to do. May God provide us with the attitude and heart to pursue this as our desire in 2014. Amen.  ...More later.