Matthew 1:21 ~ "She will give birth to a Son; and you shall name Him Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” ~ New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Merry Christmas and may God help us all to look to Him both now and in the upcoming year! Also, greetings from the one and only, Sir Bentley Barksalot, Esq.

 

Deuteronomy 18:15-19 "The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your fellow Israelites. You must listen to him. For this is what you asked of the Lord your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly when you said, “Let us not hear the voice of the Lord our God nor see this great fire anymore, or we will die.” The Lord said to me: “What they say is good. I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their fellow Israelites, and I will put my words in his mouth. He will tell them everything I command him. I myself will call to account anyone who does not listen to my words that the prophet speaks in my name."

Hello folks. I know it has been a while, however, we are having a melt-down season portraying the jolly old elf and Mrs. Elf, aka Santa and Mrs. Claus. It is Friday, December 10, 2021, and I do hope all is well with you and yours. We are the proud great grandparents of Gabriel Roman, born this week to our granddaughter Amanda Faith and her husband Manny. He arrived four weeks early via an emergency c-section. God has been good. They have had a rough few days of recovery but are supposed to leave the hospital today. Praise God. Our family clan continues to grow as prophesied in the white shoe polish proclamation on our red car the night we were married: Watch Louisiana grow! Tonight, Lord willing, we will be appearing as Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Houston Down Syndrome Association Christmas party. We were not able to do this event last year due to covid but we are thankful that we are able to donate our time to such a worthy endeavor, enriching the lives of those dealing with down syndrome. 

Since I last visited, we've had several health crises and other challenges, but, who doesn't these days? I could wax on and on about it, but, such is the plight of us older folks. Mr. Bentley is well. He continues to try and decide whether he has been sent to us to provide orderly direction, or, maybe he is just a lovable pup. At times, we think he is all of the above and more. Until next time, may our great God add His blessings to each one. Amen. ........until next time.

“He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has." ~ Epictetus (AD 50 - AD 135)

Well hello there, my, it's been a long, long time. If you recognize that opening from a famous country song, well, you can feel better about yourself because that's the only prize I have for you today. It is Tuesday, November 16, 2021, and, I am in the upstairs office because the ladies' Bible study is meeting downstairs. I have been away, not only in mind but also physically. We spent an entire week up in Branson, Missouri. We spent a lot of money in Branson. I think they consider themselves to be an entertainment venue. We had a great time with Marilyn's sister, Dorothy, and her husband Jimbo. When I returned home, Mr. Bentley was very happy to see us. That photo above is one I snapped a few minutes after we came in the back door. (Without the Christmas stuff. I added that. Just so you know.) We did have a good time but the words of a very influential philosopher echoed in my mind upon our return. I can hear Paw Paw Mac, "I would go but I didn't leave anything there and I didn't lose anything there." Confession time: I did make a couple of video calls to check on things here but also to talk with Mr. Bentley. Okay, I said it. Paw Paw Mac again, "Son, have you lost your ever-loving mind?" Yep.

We've been working in the Santa Enterprise some. Last Saturday we traveled up to Mount Enterprise, Texas, for family portraits. We had a wonderful time. The lady photographer is a pastor's wife and we have known them for many years. We made a trip to Del Rio, some 10 years ago with them when he was the mission's coordinator for the American Baptist Association. We had not seen them since that time, but, when we showed up Saturday, it was like a homecoming of sorts. Their son, Dawson, was there to help out and the last time we saw him he was maybe 12 or 13. He now has his associate's degree in music from Texas Baptist Institute. Even Dawson considered us like family, and so we are, all together, a part of the family of God. They must not have cable in Mount Enterprise because we had many families that had 3, 4, and 5 children. We had a great time, but, it was taxing on our bodies, to say the least. The photo is of yours truly with Charlotte and Emily. This was Jill's first time to do these kinds of photos and we feel blessed to have been able to go and work with her. They are already booking folks for next year. 

We had worked really hard last Friday to get ready for our granddaughter Amanda Faith's baby shower which was held on Sunday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. in our home. It was advertised as a come-and-go affair but most of the folks came and stayed which really filled up our home. It was great to hear so much laughing and talking going on. I was in the living area watching over Mr. Bentley and the Christmas decorations since we had many kiddos running here and there. We must have had between 30-40 folks who showed up and they gave Amanda and Manny a wonderful shower to help get them started with our great-grandson, Gabriel, due to arrive in late December. May God bless and keep them as they prepare for and await this child. Amen. I could tell about all the aches and pains involved in catching the ever-turning merry-go-round of life, but, since we are not in the waiting room at the doctor's office, I will save it for then. The theme for the baby shower was little pumpkin and they had decorations to match. Y'all be safe out there and know that God is faithful, always and forever, He is faithful. Please say a prayer for our Jimmy who checked himself into the mental health facility yesterday. The holiday season wreaks havoc with those dealing with depression-related mental illness. Wishing each one a wonderful upcoming Thanksgiving Day and may it be one where we all find ourselves giving true thanks to our Great God. Amen. ......until next time.

"Christmas is the day that holds all time together." ~ Alexander Smith, Scottish Poet, (1829-1867)

Bentley here on this Thursday, October 21, 2021.  The man of the house, (so-called), has been playing tons of Christmas music, watching Christmas shows and movies, and getting all of his Santa gear together since they will be kicking off the season this upcoming weekend. I think he's trying to get into the mood. I've heard him say that's not so easy based on the high prices for any and every item on the planet. Meanwhile, I've been working on my own song. I hope you enjoy it. It's sung to the tune of the one you have heard all your life. What? Never heard it before? You would not be my target demographic for today's edition. Here goes:

You better watch out, you better not bark, you better not whine I'm telling you why, Santa Claus is coming to town. He's making a treat list and checking it twice, he's gonna find out if you're naughty or nice, Santa Claus is coming to town. He hears you when you're snoring, he knows when you're a pain, he knows when you tore up the bed, keep away from the pillows for goodness sake. His bag is filled with goodies, from rawhide chews to snacks, he knows which ones you deserve so be good for goodness sake. You better watch out, you better not bark, you better not whine I'm telling you why, Santa Claus is coming to town. 

Hope you enjoyed that. I might just work on some others going forward, so, stay tuned. Your loyal pup, Signed: Sir Bentley Barksalot, Esq.

Proverbs 29:2 "When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, But when a wicked person rules, people groan."

Hello everyone. Bentley here, "They tell me the dude on the left
has made his own movie. Does anyone know how that could
happen? Asking for a friend.

Good morning and welcome to today's edition. I am thankful to report that based on me being able to see my breath on a mirror this morning, well, it means I am still alive and kicking, albeit, not very high, but still kicking on this Tuesday, October 19, 2021. I even feel better after seeing how the great grammar program doesn't recognize the word albeit. They didn't try to correct it but wanted me to dismiss it. Hope everyone is okay out there where Covid is still alive and well, disabling or taking out way too many of those we know personally or they are known to our friends. Our facts are anecdotal at best, but, we do see the postings of folks who are dealing with this serious illness. Maybe people have forgotten the exact quote by then-presidential candidate Joe Biden at the last presidential debate held in October of 2020. In his own words speaking to his plan regarding the Corona Virus, "I will end this." He also indicated his team would hit the ground running with their plan to eradicate the pandemic. As is often said in response, "How's that ending of the pandemic going, Mr. President?" But, we don't hear too much about the dozens of major failed promises made by this administration. In an interview on CNN, a former NY Times editor took the mainstream news media to task and listed a dozen or more major news stories that were either left out altogether or downplayed in the reporting. The CNN interviewer was stunned to hear his network being called out. I would say it is about time but we all know they will continue as they have always been in their approach to suppress the truth and report what they want their audience to hear. I know all administrations play the blame game but I don't think I've ever seen as much blame being slung here, there, and everywhere this early on, 10 months in. When the Bidens' were caught walking around without masks in a prominent Washington DC restaurant, a clear violation of local law, Jen Psaki replied by attacking Trump on what she called his many crimes which were, of course, much worse. Got it? Change the subject. Or, conflate things that have nothing to do with the issue being queried. Example: The out-of-control price increases and the shortage of goods and services, (supply chain issues), are good news because they can be blamed on people ordering too much which is a sign the economy is booming. While the lemmings take time off from going over the cliff to pause and applaud such absolute nonsense, people like myself, shake our heads and offer up a prayer of thanksgiving that we belong to God and He will deal with it all, in His own good time. Amen. 

This upcoming weekend, we plan, Lord willing, to travel to Louisiana for a wedding on Saturday, and then on Sunday afternoon in the same area, we will kick off our official Santa season working with a professional photographer to make Christmas memories for children of all ages. This marks our 13th season and we both look forward to it along with some feelings of dread due to our age and the aches and pains involved in sitting, holding children, and posing for long periods of time. Yet, Dr. Fauci has agreed that 'some' families can celebrate the upcoming holidays. Some. Don't get me started again. I did hear one commentator on a religious broadcast talking about how it might not be so bad if we end up not having an overabundance of stuff for Christmas. He thought maybe families could enjoy each other more and spend their time doing something other than focusing on the material things of Christmas. Even Santa can agree with that sentiment because the Christmas Spirit is about family gatherings and enjoyable times while focusing on the true Reason for the Season, "But when the fullness of the time came, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons and daughters. Because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba! Father!” Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God." (Galatians 4: 4-7, New American Standard Bible, NASB.)  There's much for us to think about from this passage and for those who are believers, it is most wonderful news! Amen and Amen. 

We have a long list of those we are praying for. I do call out our granddaughter, Kyleigh, who is currently on her way to Thailand to work as a teacher, 6th Grade Math; for our brother, Victor, who is dealing with Covid even though he has been fully vaccinated; for so many others with heart-wrenching circumstances, local folks, friends, families, dealing with every kind of challenge imaginable. As the image says, Prayers Up! Please join with me. Amen. .....Until next time......

"If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they keep my word, they will also keep yours. " ~ Gospel of John, Chapter 15, Verses 19-20

Hello friends and neighbors. It is Wednesday, September 29, 2021, and, I bring you greetings from my place to yours. I know many of you will not be surprised by the continuing lambasting of Christians in the mainstream media. While it is not new, there are some things happening now that we all should pay attention to. A recent theme has arisen where the beliefs in life after death are being linked to folks who are not obeying the coercive mandates regarding the pandemic. In short, if you believe the Biblical teaching on eternal life, well, you are not as inclined to do all you can to keep on living here on the planet. I know. The abortion versus the right to life has this kind of connotation as well, but, delving into the very specific beliefs of individual Christians in order to paint them as enemies of the state, well, to me this gives us all reason to be concerned. Not that we should be surprised since we know persecution for those committed to Christ is predicted in The Scriptures, however, the subtle forms of how this is beginning to work are somewhat chilling to me. They blamed the burning of Rome on people of faith and now they are attempting to link the prolonged pandemic with its associated deaths to none other than people of faith. While it may only be MSNBC and CNN talking heads at this time, once it is out there, it does begin to resonate in our overwhelmingly secular society which sadly includes many established religious entities. It is something for us all to keep our eyes on. 

I don't have a clue as to what Mr. Bentley is thinking at any given time, however, I am convinced of one consistent behavioral response: He doesn't have any notion that he is a dog! Whatever we were supposed to do to teach him otherwise, well, it didn't get done, period, end of the story. Not really. The story continues, 24x7. Even if we sent him to one of those therapy sessions where all the other dogs would be saying things like, "Hello, my name is Rowdy, and I am a dog." Our Bentley would have to announce: "Hello, my name is Bentley and I am King of the world." Oh well, as they say, it is what it is, and, we actually are the enablers here. And, we still love him even though at our age it is more difficult to bow and curtsey if you know what I mean. Vern. Some will get that reference. Others can just continue on their merry way. Have a great day and may God add His blessings. Amen. .....until next time. 

Philippians 4:6 English Standard Version: "..... do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."

Good morning. It is Tuesday, September 28, 2021. I start off today by requesting prayers on behalf of our family. Our eldest Chris and his wife Sherrie are continuing to battle Covid. Their grand Bella has also tested positive. Her mom, Stef, may have the early symptoms as well. Also, our middle son, Jimmy, continues to deal with serious mental health issues. In addition, our granddaughter Brittany is having some female-related surgery this morning. I am more concerned about our Chris since he tends to deal with things too much like me, myself, and I. Thanks for praying. Amen. 

I have to take a few lines here to provide a Public Service Announcement or PSA as they are referred to out in the social networking world. (Don't worry, I had to look it up the first time I saw it.) At any rate, I want to share some of my recent experiences with what is called easy-off packaging and containers. Or, perhaps so-called is a better expression. Supposedly, using that terminology means whatever is inside the package or container will be easily accessible. This might apply more to those of us who are a wee bit longer in the tooth, myself checking in at 75 years and counting, but, it is the truth as I have experienced it. (Useless factoid: The expression 'long in the tooth' dates back to the 1800s and at that time it alluded to a horse's gums receding with age and making the teeth appear longer. Over time, it became a metaphor for getting on in years. Source: dictionary.com.) The image above gives a few of the tools I use to accommodate the easy off opening of packages and containers. There are others including one's own teeth but for many of us, that is not a recommended practice. Just passing on what works for me. 

Mr. Bentley has some additional insight into the easy-off package opening process. He thinks it quite amusing to watch us scramble in trying to get all the spilled prescription pills up off the floor before he snatches one of them. When we finally get the cap off the bottle they fly everywhere like an explosion. He actually thinks it must be a game since anything that hits the floor is his by default. And, he really loves the fact we are down on our hands and knees alongside him trying to feel around for the lost items. He shrugs because he does it all the time and he doesn't seem to get why we are so frantic. Oh well, he helps make us laugh even in these most exasperating situations. God is good. God is great. Amen and Amen. Until next time...................