GOD AROUND THE HOUSE
So here we go! I have had the idea for a daily devotional for a long time.
Lord willing these stories, and a few others will be published very soon.
My quest is to do my best to write about simple daily things right in front of me.
I know God is always with us, but I think most of the time we miss him. He is eager to
reveal himself to us. I feel we often miss him because we are looking for him in the big stuff. I hope that my words can calibrate and adjust the lens of your heart to teach you
how to spot him in the everyday things of life.
The world is crowded with him. He walks everywhere incognito.
C. S. Lewis
I was getting for work early one morning. I entered our master bedroom and stopped
and watched my wife. She was dressed for work and had open the window. I watched her
with great curiosity trying to figure out what she was doing. Kim was leaning over
and was blowing on something outside the window in our flower box. She did it 3-4
times and then waved her hand at it several times as well as if to shoo something away.
She kept looking down at it as she closed the window. I startled her when she turned
around. Bugs really bug her, and I thought she was trying to spook an insect away
wondering why one outside would concern her. When I asked, she showed me a
tall dandelion which had sprung up in the midst of all the dead flowers.
As I drove into work, I thought about this. I as a writer and always trying to see
if I can glean a lesson out about everything. What had caused that weed to catch her eye?
Why did she try to cause the little seeds of a weed and make them fly. I am sorry I like to rhyme
and I do it all the time. I do it without thinking or meaning to and for that I apologize
to you.
I smiled as I thought about how a grown woman would revert to something we all
have done so many times. That is one of the things I love most about her and hope
she never outgrows it.
I think I asked God to quicken me and help me see something hidden there. At that instant
something came to me. Kim was not able to blow hard enough to set the seeds free.
Many times, when we fail like we have blown it, God can take even those things and can use
those very things to give insight and wisdom to others. We may be unaware we are being
used to help others who we may never meet or know while on this side of life.
Don' t follow or agree? That is fine but I would like to strengthen this point with several
well known Bible stories. Perhaps the best would be the story of Job. Satan first blow was to level his home killing all his children. Even his friends thought he must have done something wrong. Unknowingly Job's job was to teach us how to stand strong when all had gone wrong. He had no idea his story would inspire so many to not fall apart when the winds of adversity
come against them.
On a smaller scale Kim's was not able to blow hard enough to set the seeds free. She
had no clue God was using this as an example to give hope to you and me. Who
could imagine how God could use a dandelion to teach us to stand strong and hold on?
Is there anyone so wise as to learn from the experiences of others?
Voltaire
Lord, please give me the tenacity of a weed.
Mrs. Leon Walters
Defeat may serve well as victory to shake the soul and
let the glory out. Edwin Markham
LATEST ENTRY
Tomorrow is again another special day for America. We as a nation celebrate
those who are serving at present and for all those who have served to protect and defend our great nation. I tip my hat to each and every one of them.
This is very personal for me because both my father-in-law, Tom Govert, and my dad, Gerald Gordon served in the army. Our oldest son Joshua at this moment is at sea. He is on the U.S.S Gerald the Atlantic Ocean and is a naval aviator. His first catapult takeoff and landing were on the U.S.S. Ronald Reagan.
Almost 30 years ago he was in kindergarten. He told me he really liked when people come to school to talk about their jobs. He said several veterinarians were coming that morning.
I thought that was odd. I myself went to different schools where they had different
occupations such as a dentist, a medical doctor, and yours truly, an optometrist
I was off that November morning and was deer hunting. In my defense, I was not around any news, mail, conversation or any banks. I still should have connected the dots that cold
November morning.
When I picked him up at noon I asked him about the presentation. He said it was just a bunch of old Army guys, and they did not talk about animals at all.
How blessed we are to live in this great and wonderful nation! I think right about that
time the children were learning about primary colors. They learned if you combine red and blue you get purple. I heathy grew up in a Godly home and learned purple was a color
that represents holiness and a color for royalty.
Our nation has been blessed by God to prosper and be a beacon for all to lead them
to learn of Jesus and his own service and sacrifice for all. Sadly, we have become a nation
who have forgot many things. For example, how blessed we are to live in this land.
We are not as united as we should be. We are in a state of great confusion because we
have turned our backs on God. So, if purple is a Godly color, what do you get
when is purple divided? Thats right! Not red, white, and blue but just red and blue.
May we come together and stand as one against all evil. Pray for President Trump
and all who lead us. My prayer is that he will lead us not only forward but Godward!
I wish I knew someone who made hats. I would suggest they made a purple hat that
said MAGA. It would stand for Make America God's Again!
We are one nation under God, but we will be remembered as the nation that has
gone under if we continue to turn our back on him.
Ronald Reagan
Humor is a rubber sword- it allows us to make a point without drawing
blood. Mary Hirsch
ENTRY
My wife and I have a little white Audi convertible. I saw it online years ago and had it
shipped up here from Miami. We have had a lot of fun with it over the years. It
gets around really well on snow and gets incredible gas milage. We like to go down
to the Gulf and a full tank will almost get us the entire 600 miles!
I am no longer a spring chicken anymore. My doctor reminds me from time to time.
I do not need his help because the mirror in our bathroom testifies to the same. Like most I
ponder the brevity of life from time to time.
Once in a while we try to push back the clock. We get in the car and put the top down
and go for a drive. Sometimes we take the dogs, and they love feeling the air rushes by.
They get mad when we get home when I blow air in their faces. I am confused by their inconstancies as I am sure by mine as well. These jaunts usually more times than not seem include a trip at the DQ drive thru.
Not long ago we did our little routine. I had used my reding glasses to look at something
before we left. As we were going down the road I needed them again. My wife was
enjoying the scenery and I trying to look for them without letting her know I lost them.
I knew they were there, and we had not stopped anywhere along the way. At one point,
I even reached around on the rear floorboard without success. I was floored by how good I was at hiding things from myself.
I have like you my own little quirks. When I get frustrated, I run my hands thru my hair.
As I did this, I found them. As they say on television, wait there's more! To my dismay
I felt something else. There was yet another reading pair up there. I was trying to be young
and cool driving around in an awesome car with the top down.
Driving around with 2 pairs of reading glasses on you head negates all attempts to be young
and cool I don' care who you are. I hope this funny made your day because I am so thankful
my Lord has allowed me to reach an age where I need reading glasses and has crowned me
with a hoary head. To God be the glory for these things and for a place to share this story.
The hoary head is a crown of glory, it is to be found in the way of righteousness.
Proverbs 16:1
When it comes to staying young, a mind lift beats a face lift any day.
Marty Bucella
Life is like a dog sled team. If you are not the lead dog, the scenery never changes.
Lewis Grizzard
A laugh at your own expense costs you nothing.
Mary H. Waldrip
ENTRY
There is an old upright piano in our basement. I had a chance to buy it several years ago.
The little church I grew up in decided to upgrade. I really wanted that upright piano because
of the upright lady that had played it for years. She was my grandmother Olive Flamion.
I called her Momo.
She was born in the little town called Dolittle Mills. Her dad was a prominent country doctor.
Momo was their twelfth child, and her nickname was Dorthy dozen. When she was a young girl
she rode horseback through the country to a small town 8 miles away to take piano lessons.
I sat there and watched her hit those keys week after week and it struck a chord in me
heart as I sit there watching her use her God given talent for God's glory.
Mark Twain said all of us had a dark side. I did not think that was true because I never heard
Momo say anything bad about anyone her entire life. She kept in stock all the goodies my brother
and I loved. She used those old Tupperware containers to make popsicles of various flavors.
Some of my greatest childhood memories were made in her home and it is as close to unconditional love I have ever known. She washed my mouth out with soap more than once, but it did not diminish my love and respect for her.
My angelic grandmother did indeed have a dark side. She took her afternoon soap operas
very seriously. When my brother Steve and I acted up during her soaps, we saw an ugly side
I would have never thought possible. I thought it might just be the last days of our lives. ;).
I miss her so much and sharing this story is bittersweet. It makes me feel close to her
and yet miss her all the more all the more. I have some of her old hymnals marked with paper clip to the place of the songs she played at church that day. I have not removed them nor plan to.
She preached with her life, and she left her mark on me and others who knew her.
Even in college I teased her about her soaps. I told her Bob Hope quote. I started watching
popular tv show called Dallas. We were discussing old J.R. Ewings antics in the last episode.
It was after church and we were having fried chicken, which is not tradition, but I think
some kind of law in the Protestant faith. She was unusually quite at first and then she said she was surprised I knew so much about the show. I told her I enjoyed watching and tried to watch every Friday night. She leaned forward looked at me with a simpered smile and said," the only difference between your soap and mine is that yours in on in the evening."
An afternoon soap opera is the only place in the world where a woman can carry
a baby for four years and still has it prematurely. Bob Hope
Being a role model is the most powerful form of education.
John Wooden
Nobody can do for little children what grandparents do. Grandparents
sort of sprinkle stardust over the lives of little children.
Alex Haley
ENTRY
I would bet that if I would come to your home, I would find one of these if not several. We
have several in our home. It is not very big and is a type of container and is most likely
to be found in or around a sink.
I need to tell you a short story to make this make sense. We were in Venice Florida and
each morning, I would take an early morning stroll out to the jetty. I would talk with the old
guys who were fishing. The told me on the other side is where the super-rich lived in a small area.
They mentioned several retired sports stars and one who made a lot of money writing books about
scary things and of all who did so, he was indeed the king. They said the gut who lived in there was by far the richest dude in there was not known. He receives 30 million a year of his invention years ago. They made me guess several times. They said I had them in my house in several places and I most likely
chipped in a small portion of his royalties last year.
I gave up and they explained he was the inventor of the pump soap dispenser we all have to wash
our hands. He did not invent soap or the pump. He put the two together and made millions. I think
of this often and now so will you.
I should have come up with this because when we were on a trip when I was young my dad and I
into a small gas station. My dad was adamant about washing hands after a bathroom visit. We
both only had to do one thing. As I went to the sink, he told me not to wash my hands! What?
He told me to rinse my hands with water but not to touch the black soap in a small dish. It
started out as a white bar but that was many hand washings ago and it was full of germs.
There was my chance. Even back then there was an unmet need. There was still room
for improvement. He saw something the rest of us clearly missed. They say we have to pay for our mistakes. I think of this often. As I help my wife carry in and unload the grocery sack, I see a few of these.
I know a few cents will make their way to Florida in the form of royalties to a guy wo lives
in a castle.
The world is full of filth and is getting worse. The Bible tells that our most righteous acts are like filthy
rags in God's sight. Nothing this world has ever come up or ever will not be able to wash
our sins away. The world is a mess and was messed up filthy and nasty before we even were born.
However, God saw this and he had a plan. He sent his son Jesus to wash away our sins. His body
was the only vessel pure enough to carry his spotless and precious red blood.
Quit trying to clean yourself up before you come to Jesus. He will take you "As Is". He loves you
even though you are a mess. You could never do anything to make him love you more or do anything
to make him love you less. Open your Bible and open your heart and read of his love for you and it
will pump you up. It will cleanse your heart and mind. Things that you used to do will sicken you.
Things that did not appeal to you before will become important .and you will know your heart has been
altered. You will become more forgiving. Perhaps God himself may give a fist pump
when he sees you becoming a dispenser of grace.
When Pilate saw he was getting nowhere, but that an uproar was starting, he took
water and washed his hands in front of the crowd.
Matthew 27:24
All of us have become like one who is unclean, and our righteous acts are
like filthy rags. Isaiah 64: 6
Christianity, like soap, must be personally applied if it is to make a difference
in our lives. Billy Graham
ENTRY
Something very unusual happened to me this past week. It was very cool
and it happened to me late evening on a very hot summer day. I only worked a half day
in the office. I was chomping at the bit to get finished and get home and mow
the yard.
I grabbed a quick lunch and went out to climb aboard the mower. I reached down
to turn the key but my heart skipped a beat when I saw that someone had skipped a
step! The key was already turned! Yours had not turned it off. I knew what
was next... nothing. The battery was dead. No more mower at least for a little while.
So, I was off to a slow start or a no start if you will. I knew what to do next. My
wife had driven the brown SUV that day and the battery cables were not available.
I looked for our battery charger and then realized it was over in the horse barn.
Another delay but it was ok. I was pleased with myself because this would have
caused a conniption for me years ago. I have a long way to go but this was not like me
and I liked it. So, I get the charger and notice the large prong on the cord was drooping a bit.
As I gently raised it, it broke off. I took it back to the house wondering if it still
would work with only with 2 prongs. I was surprised and relieved to find it did.
I thought to myself this is just not my day! I scolded myself and recited to myself
and instead of cussing under my breath I gave God praise for my life, breath,
and for a lot "mower" patience than I had years ago.
We have a lot of wild turkeys on our property. As I was mowing, I thought I would
go get it after i was done. I mowed for hours and forgot altogether about the feather.
It was late in the evening when I remembered. I took the mower down to the spot.
I noticed a small strip I had missed in a turn close to the feather. I turned on the mower
blowing towards the feather. I sat there in pure amazement as mower lifted up the feather
almost 5-6 feet in the air and twirl and float higher and longer than it seemed
possible and come down and stick into the ground standing straight up!
I have shared this with a few this week. A buddy kidded and told me to get a shovel
and start digging because the feather marks the spot of perhaps buried treasure.
I have thought about this all week. Too be honest I wondered if God had done this because I had not blown my top like the old days. I knew in my heart that was not the case. This is something our family calls a Godwink.
I am sure sometimes God does something beyond reason and logic to show us he
is nearby. Even without the strong finish it whirled and twirled higher and longer than
possible. A gust of wind must have taken over after a lift from the mower. I put the feather in my bedroom and when I look upon it will always fondly how it whirled and twirled before its most unusual landing. I will always treasure this memory.
I had run into problem after problem here of late and my energy and personal battery has
been very low. Problem after problem has sapped my strength. This little thing
has lifted my spirit and recharged my battery. I asked God for several days the
meaning behind this. My answer came to me this morning as read my Bible. He is
reminding me to stand my ground and stand firm and tall. You may think I am a
big turkey for thinking this way. I have always been blown away by the way God
reaches and teaches us. May he bless you today even in a small way to remind you
he loves you and is present in your life. May our Savior show you favor!
Some trust in horses and chariots, but we trust in the name of our Lord
our God. They are brought to the knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm.
Psalm 20:8
The wind blows wherever it pleases. You cannot hear its sound, but you
cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone
born of the spirit. John 3:8
Birds cannot fly without feathers, but I saw a feather fly without a bird.
I saw it with my own two eyes and on that you have my word.
GKG
The knowledge of past times and places on earth is both an ornament
and nutriment to the human mind. Leonardo da Vinci
ENTRY
A few days ago, our zero-turn riding mower was brought back after being in the shop.
It was running fine, but the blades were in need of sharpening. I had been brush hogging
and I use the mower to get around the edges of the field. The mower is lower than the tractor
so, I can reach areas that I get to on the tractor. I also use it on a certain place in a field
I call" Pucker Hill". It is a very steep hill that is fall too much of an incline for a tractor.
I raise the deck up as high as it can go. The weeds are far too tall and thick for the mower
and the blades were bent. Because of this combination, the blades have also lost their edge.
The last time it was in the shop they asked me if I wanted them to replace the muffler.
I passed on this option but this time I had them do this and I was shocked at how
much this lessened the mower's noise.
Years ago, I was speaking in a large church. My main point was how many times we
get bent out of shape by small thinks. We get upset over small things that can ruin
our day or week. I meant to tell the congregation how my muffler how fell off my truck
as I drove down a gravel road. I said it wrong. I said it backwards. I got a big laugh
from the crowd that for a second puzzled me. They roared because they thought I
was clearly a witty fellow. They were not aware. I had a slip of tongue. What
I said was far better than what I meant to say. I told them that a few days ago,
was going down the road and my truck fell off my muffler.
This goof was spot on because it was exactly in line with the topic at hand. Many
times we all do this. We make a big deal out of small things. We forget how much we have and
all of the blessings we have. I am puckered even now because I let a very small matter
that happened earlier in the week rob me of my joy and peace and it was indeed such
a small concern. I could not raise my deck like my mower, but I should have set my mind
on higher thoughts then and even now.
Think of the Bible as a muffler if you will. It will help lessen the noise of this crazy
world and the strain of this hectic pace we all try to endure. Oh, if we could just
send our brains off to the shop to be repaired. Here is what you need to understand, we can!
We attend church and read Scripture and God renews our mind and our spirit and we
are tuned up and good to go. Instead of going shopping we realize the need for stopping
and resting on Sunday. This is not a one and done mind you. Why is this so hard to understand?
We do not eat one time and think that's all we will ever need You have to keep going back to the dinner table. You also need to continue to return to the Lords table and share thoughts with sharpen like-minded people. You will find the daily grind will get you bent out of shape and dull your senses and spirit. Let God take the edge off and keep your mind sharp.
Nostalgia is like a file that removes the rough edges from the good old days.
Doug Larson
There remains a rest then a Sabbath rest for the people of God.
Hebrews 4:9
A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is his glory to overlook an offence.
Proverbs 19:11
ENTRY
I love to get up early and read my bible. I cannot tell you the difference it
makes in my day. I soak my mind in God's word and as I do, I feel like
my mind is being recharged. My phone is on the charger and is around the corner.
It is out of sight and out of earshot as not to distract me. We live in a world with weapons
of mass distractions. I feel smart phones have made us more stupid. Many will lose
focus today and will lose their lives texting as they drive.
When I am through with this story, I plan to sit in the hot tub. It has been one of the best purchases we think we have ever made. Our sons spent a lot of time there uses it to aid in sore muscles as they played various sports. I have had some good father in sons chats at different times
and I replay them in my mind from time to time. They have moved on but to this day, I do some of my best thinking and praying as the warm 106-degree water. It helps to loosen sore and stiff muscles
that are a part of aging.
Many of my stories and ideas have been born while in the hot tub. I give credit to the hot water for helping me solve hot mess issues at home or in the office. I have thought about this often. It is not the water my friend but that I am by myself and am away from all distractions. I have read and I
have read but now it's God's turn to talk. As I turn on the jets, I am often amazed at what
he does when I allow him to direct the flow. Many times, he addresses hot topics that
I do not want to cover. I have put myself in the vulnerable position and know this will help my soul
as much as the hot water. If I listen to him and take his advice, it can prevent me from getting into more hot water down the road.
There is a great story in the bible about people who gathered around a pool of healing waters. An angel would stir the waters and the first person in would be cured of their disease. A man who was lame was cut off from the healing as people cut in front of him.
in front of him. We are not told his age, but he was an invalid for 38 years. Jesus asked him
if he wanted to get well. He said yes and Jesus healed him on the spot. Jesus told him to pick up
his mat and walk. The religious leaders picked on the man for carrying his mat on Sunday.
They were upset with Jesus for healing on the Sabbath instead of rejoicing because of the miracle.
I love this story and think of it often as I slide down into the warm water. As I do, I ask God to stir
up my faith and allow me to slip into his presence. If you give God first place in your life you will be surprised how everything else seems to fall in line. You will lose some friends if you do this, but
it will be the best trade you ever made.
I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in someone else goes down ahead of me. John 5:7
It is remarkable to what lengths people will go to avoid thought.
Thomas Edison
ENTRY
Last week I finally got around to a job that I had been putting off. It is not my nature
to procrastinate. I had what I needed. It was dark and there was little to no wind and I
went outside but I was wrong. I did not have what I needed. I was lacking the nerve or moxie
to sneak up in close range and spray the small hornets' nest. They had unfortunately decided
to use part of my home to build theirs.
If you ask most to finish this sentence: He was mad as a __________. Most would say hornet
unless you are a city slicker. They can put the hurt on you and then some. I was a young boy and was walking a few steps in front of two friends. Suddenly I felt pain in the middle of my back.
My first thought was that one of them had thrown a piece of gravel at me as hard as they could
throw at close range. I spun around and was as mad as a hornet. They saw what had occurred
and took flight themselves. I had planned to even the score but now my goal was simply
too outrun them.
Perhaps there was another reason for my delay. I felt bad about destroying their home. I had no
choice. We spend a lot of time on the porch, and I cannot put my family in harm's way.
My thoughts went way back to a conversation I had with my dad when I was a young boy.
My dad was off on a weekday. I was so excited and wanted to go swimming or fishing. We
had to go to a funeral. I cried because I did not want to do this. He put his big arm around me
and said I would learn a man has to do many things he doesn't want to. I think of that memory often and never realized how much ground he covered with that nugget of truth.
So, I sprayed the nest, and the next day came back with the garden hose to break up what was left
of the nest. As I did so I was thinking of God had used hornets to go on out and before to attack
the enemies of his chosen nation Israel. They Bible makes it very clear to be an enemy of
Israel was to be an enemy of Him.
As I watch the news unfold daily, I just wish our country's leaders knew a little bit more about
the Bible. If a country picks a fight with that country, he will be as mad as ... you guessed it.
I will hornets ahead of you, so that they will drive out the Hivites, Canaanites, the Hittites before you. Exodus 23:28
I may think that hornets do not have an ideal social organization. But I know better than
than to poke their nest. Fred Reed
When I hear a man preach, I like to see him act like he was fighting bees.
Abraham Lincoln
ENTRY
I would like to tell you a little bit of a back story to help you understand why something
is missing from our back yard.
Years ago, I read about the story of Dennis Byrd. He was a young man who was from
Oklahoma. He went on to play for the New York Jets. He was injured playing pro football and was
told he would never walk again. Hid internal fortitude combined with prayer and strong faith
allowed him to Rise and Walk. That is the name of his book, and a movie was made about him.
I would invite you to read of his struggle and guarantee your own walk and faith will be strengthened.
This young man worked out in his back yard and made his body strong. He knew of the old country adage saying a dog fights harder in his own back yard. He took dirt from his own back yard and slowly released it when he ran own on to the field of his opponents. In his mind, he laid a claim on enemy territory.
I have shared this with many patients, friends, churches, and now you. I told my son this wonderful
story and tactic. I removed a jar of dirt from our back yard. I took it right from under the kitchen win window up above. If it was open this dirt would hear his mother humming as she did the dishes
or all our voices gathered around the table.
Josh took this dirt, and it has been sprinkled in many places around the world. He has put in in jets and on the deck of every aircraft carrier he has lived on while on sea tours. He and his wife lived in Japan for over a year and some of our farm dirt is on the other side of the world on a marine base in Japan. Our son is fighting for our nation's freedom along with all those who serve with him. When push comes to shove, he has a mental advantage. He is not just fighting for home but from home.
I hope you like this story so much in fact that you take some loam from back home to where you live now. maybe you could spread some on the concrete sidewalk in front of your city home from the place you grew up. Maybe take a little from home to the factory or office where you work. I have shared this with many young people in the office. Several have shared with me later that they did the same and took
dirt from their backyard and put on their college campus.
I think this might comfort me as much if not more than it does my son. I am proud of my son, and I know he misses home. He is proud of where he grew up. I hope that some of the things we have taught him
stay with him and perhaps may even be shared with people who we will never see or come to know.
He is a naval officer. I do know but I would bet that Joshua has shared his dirty little trick with fellow warriors or others under his command who may be a little homesick.
How many people have you made homesick for God? Oswald Chambers
A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.
Henry Adams
What counts is not necessarily the size of the dog in the fight- it's the size of the
fight in the dog. Dwight D. Eisenhower
ENTRY
It has been about two weeks since I mowed our yard. It has been so hot and humid here of late.
Last week I was watering the flowers behind our house. My wife Kim came out on the deck above and looked down on me. It was symbolic .... she always does!
We had a little chit chat, and I told her to look at the grass. I had been in the area a few minutes
and had since returned. I pointed out to her that you could see my tracks and could tell quite easily
where I had walked before.
The grass was crunchy and dry and felt uncomfortable in bare feet. That is why I was now wearing
my old beater shoes. Grass is supposed to be green, lush and soft. To walk upon it I think takes
us all back to our childhood days.
Many conversations were of course centered around the weather which it seems has always
the case. So, a few days ago we were blessed with a nice amount of rain as several storms passed
through our neck of the woods.
I love words and always have. it just so happens my word of the day was pluvial. It was a new one
for me and has very much to do with in relation to this story. My dad was avid reader. It was
hard to run a word past him he didn't know. When I asked him the meaning of a word he would
tell me and made me look it up so I would remember. In his honor, I did the same with our three sons
and now you. Look it up please my friend.
My all-time favorite word is perseverance. Life is going to throw punches and will knock us down
We need to go on and keep going and try again. Several years ago, life was crushing me, and I was at one of the lowest points in my life. I was so jangled I could hardly focus my thoughts
to even pray. It had rained earlier that morning. I walked through an old road in the woods.
I could see the sky white clouds reflected in the water. I had my camera and took a picture and have it to this day.
This was a pivotal moment for me God used that muddy water and gave me very clear
message and insight. I was looking down and feeling down but I was to look up and keep
my chin up and not give up. The message was clear, I was to persevere!
So, in a few minutes, I plan to go out and mow. The grass is tall and green as you have ever seen.
Thank God for the rains and even using grass to teach us to persevere. During dry spells
we sometimes need to lay low knowing he will bless us with times of refreshment when he feels
the time is right.
Aman is getting older when he walks around a mud puddle instead
of going through it. R. C. Ferguson
Everybody talks about the weather, but nobody does anything about it.
Charles Dudley Warner
ENTRY
I enjoy the upkeep of having a nice and neat yard. My wife is on our mower at this
very moment. it is a little bit on the chilly side. She came in the house to get a warmer
coat. It takes about 3 plus hours to do our entire yard. She had on her earphones
and I wondered what station she is listening to today.
Tomorrow when she comes up the hill after work, she will look around the yard and
see the fruit of her labor. It will please her to know she played a part in keep our little
neck of the woods looking tight and bright.
Our boys are grown and have places of their own now. This chore that was passed down
to our sons has returned. We both enjoy mowing and often tag team as we did last week
I am not anal about our yard but still stive to keep it" looking tall "as my dad used to
say. A few years ago, I was trying to solve a strange mystery behind our house. I blush because
it took me way too long. there was a small patch where the grass kept dying. One day I was
looking down from our deck. I realized one of our guys could urinate from the back deck and
still be able to see and hear the tv without going down the hall to the bathroom. Who said
that males cannot multitask?
His mixture of byproducts did a better number on the grass than anything sold at the
local hardware store. If we could brand and bottle it , I guess we could call it number one.
At first, all 3 of my boys were suspects. I thought hard as I tried to solve this mystery.
Who shot JFK? Now this. I didn't have a lot to go on. I knew whoever it was going
on my lawn was a Methodist because we all know they believe in sprinkling.
Years ago , i put fertilizer on our yard at another house. I had to refill the small wagon several times . As I refilled the Revoir, I was not aware fertilizer pellets were leaking on the ground. A few weeks
later the brown patches all over our yard stood out like a sore thumb. I was surprised that
what would help the grass thrive and grow did the opposite when put on too heavily.
I think of this lesson and example each and every time I mow. I also think of this as I teach
with writing or speaking. One has to be careful because if we teach too hot and heavy
it can cause people to be turned off and maybe even cause burnout if we are not careful.
Always drink upstream from the herd.
Will Rogers
I drink too much. The last time I gave a urine sample it had
an olive in it. Rodney Dangerfield
We don't believe in mowing the lawn, we do it to avoid unnecessary
engagement with the neighbors. Miranda Judy
ENTRY
There is great excitement all across our country today. Today's date is 4/8/2024.
and it is a Monday morning. It is a click before 9:00 A.M.. In about 4 hours the total eclipse
will start. It will last about 4 hours with totality predicted for our area around 3:O4 pm.
It will cross our nation and Indiana will best places on the planet to view this. People
have traveled great distances to see this phenomenal and rare site.
We have known about this for some time. I was thinking about this early this morning.
Can you imagine years ago working in the field to see the sunlight disappear. I would think
this would cause a great deal of concern and panic.
We normally would be in the saddle today. I closed the office so my staff could be home with
their families to see this once in a lifetime event. My wife Kim went down the drive this morning.
I am tempted to drive to her place of employment but do not plan to do so. I will be at home today.
Some articles have suggested this may cause animals to panic and act very strange. I have thought I should put our horses up in the barn but decided against it. I am glad to be home to keep an eye on
them as well.
I was thinking about when Jesus was being crucified. God's word tells us the sky became dark
and the sun ceased to shine for 3 hours. When Jesus died there was an earthquake, rocks were split
apart and people who were dead came alive and walked around. I was not there but I can
imagine there was great fear all across the land. They did not have news channels predicting all of
these things. With all our technology, so called smarts and modern day know how this would scare
us all today if these things would occur after this afternoon.
I am ready for the eclipse. I am also ready if Jesus should return today or even tomorrow. So many people have obtained glasses to watch this event today. When we read the Bible, we get to see the world events through the lens of Scripture. It allows us to see what has happened, what is occurring and what is to come.
So many people are in living in darkness and yet are unaware of what is ahead. Just as these glasses
protect our eyes, his blood covers our sins and protects us from the path of his wrath that is forthcoming.
on a day known only to God himself.
When we have God in clear focus, his powerful presence eclipses
our fear. Charles R. Swindoll
Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the son will
not see life, for God's wrath remains on him. John 3:36
Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of the light
because their deeds were evil. John 3:19
ENTRY
I am as rule a person who does not like to play games. I have and most likely
will give in and play cards or a board game at a party or family function. To be honest
I do not really care for them, and I am not really sure why.
I do not like to waste time and I think that is how I envision these frolics. I am very much
goal focused perhaps almost to a fault. I love to read but care very little for fiction.
I think it is mainly an escape and has little to offer and is just a waste of time.
As I have gotten older, the years have changed my perspective of many things. I catch
myself watching silly reruns of shows many that I have watched before. I love to watch
funny and comedy shows before bedtime. It helps me unwind and helps me
escape the pressures and complexities of life that will be waiting for me in the morning.
One of these is the sitcom FRASIER. I chuckle at the situations Frasier and his younger brother Niles
get into. They are board certified Psychiatrists. They are supposed to be highly trained medical doctors
who we watch with amusement struggle with their own problems and weaknesses.
Does it make me feel better to see they have problems as well? I don't think that is it.
I think it appeals to me at a far deeper level. We all have funk and junk in our trunks
and we all struggle with the curveball's life throws our way daily.
I know this is tv and of course fiction. I take my hat off to the brilliant writers
who have hidden many deep truths behind the dialogue and laughter.
Sometimes I share these lines with my staff or patients. As I do so I wonder if this is
the true reason behind why I am sitting on mine. Am I trying to find a lesson or treasure
in this farraginous pattern? As a favor to me, please look up that big word. If you
watched Frasier you wouldn't have too. ;
Truth be told, I am anxious as I write this very entry. I wish I could call into the
fictious radio station and ask the renowned and gifted doctor for advice. He always greets
those who call in with his signature line, "I am listening".
I think the problem I am having is spiritual. I think the one you're are dealing with is as well.
I will go so far as to state that if we track back far enough all issues and problems
lead us back to the Garden of Eden.
I have been trying to think of someone who I could call. Should I call a friend? should I call a Pastor?
Should I call a close friend of mine who is a pastor? I do not have the number for Ghostbusters!
I am going to go upstairs and kneel beside my bed. It is where I go and what I do when I don't.
know what to do. I learned long ago God's number is 333. read the verse below to get the
connection my friend. How comforting it is to know God is real and he is there for us and
is always listening.
Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things.
you do not know. Jeremiah 33:3
It's no wonder he wins every time. He has never done anything in
his life but play games. Henry James
ENTRY
Spring is upon us, and I like many are itching to get out in the yard and plant flowers
and work in the landscaping. There is a bountiful crop of daffodils this year. We have
several colors and varieties in the yard. The bright yellow is the most common but the
yellow ones with orange in the center are my favorites.
I am always on the lookout for them and bring my beautiful wife a clump quite often.
I have several vases around the house but always have trouble finding them. I often
take them to my office and put them out front to be enjoyed by patients and my staff as well.
I don't know if vase less a correct term but I find myself in this state often because I cannot
remember to bring them home.
Because of their high visibility, patients often ask about them. Many conversations
stem from people who also ask about them. Many times, I will share with them a story I hold near
and dear to my heart.
When my mom was alive, we always went down to her house on Easter Sunday. We went to a Sunrise
Service and later enjoyed a big breakfast. Our tradition was for my brother, Steve, and I to load each
of our three boys and drive to a large field full of what we still call Easter flowers. This was a homeplace to a country family years and only small portion of the old house remained.
Our goal was to surprise their Nana and their mommies with flowers. They always acted surprised and
these little boys were on a mission. I always served as driver and camera man and snapped many
action shots. One of these treasures was of our youngest son, Jarah. I would guess him to be about five
years old at that time. All the other boys picked with one hand and held the flowers in the other.
The picture I treasure is of Jarah in mid step. Both of his hands are empty but both pockets
are crammed full of flowers. You can see both beautiful yellow blooms as well as green stems!
My heart swells every time I think of this, and I will never need a DNA test on this one.
He indeed and for sure is my son.
Art is a collaboration between God and the artist, the less the artist does,
the better. Andre Gide
Flowers may beckon toward us, but they speak toward heaven
and God. Henry Ward Beecher
ENTRY
More times than not, if you would enter my office you would see my glasses sitting on my desk. I sat them down on my desk several minutes ago while I made a call. I was looking for something to write about this morning . I was looking for a subject . After the call, I had not noticed the computer was a little blurry. I rubbed my eyes. This did not help. I could clearly tell there was a problem.I looked around and then saw my glasses sitting there on the desk looking back at me.
I first started using reading glasses in my mid to late forties as most do. Years ago , I was sitting in my chair our as youngest son, Jarah , entered the room. He asked what I was doing. I told him I was rea reading my Bible and doing my morning devotionals like I always do. He wanted to know why I was wearing glasses. I explained how the muscles in the eye weaken with age and I was not a young man anymore. He then said, " But you are any eye doctor! You studied against it."
I asked him if he thought doctors get sick or if he thought dentist get cavities? He said no to both
questions. I chuckle and if his line of thinking is correct, we should all go to school to
be funeral directors!
I love life's little musings. I always think about the truths often deep hidden within
humerous situations. As my young son went on his way, I thought about our conversation. My
young son may just be on to something.
Death and decay are one the way. Even if we try to not thinking about caskets and tombstones,
the mirror daily testifies that time flies.It reminds all of us everday that we are in decay. God has given us the Bible . It helps us to make good decisions . It tells us death is not to be feared but expected .
We all will die but when we must study against it. The Bible tells us what goes down after we die is clearly up to us!
Just as my glasses help me to see, God's word helps us to see why we are here and what went wrong long before we arrived. It tells that we could never pay the cost and we are lost. People often do this and do this to gain favor with God . They do not realize it has been done for them .
If they just accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior, they will forever with Him. If they do not, they will die in their sins. I know Jesus was a carpenter but he might have been the worlds first eye doctor .He lays out the only two choices we have and lets us choose. You can live forever with Jesus or die in you sins.
I have made my choice and because of that I rejoice . Now I ask you, 'which is better, one or two? "
We have an ad that runs ever month in a local paper with our ad as we sponser a path listing the times
of all local church times and locations. It has always had our logo as this timely advice:
Glasses and Bibles should be worn.
As for me and my house,we will serve the Lord.
Joshua 24:15
Experience is what you get while you were looking for something else.
Federico Fellini
ENTRY
For the most part, we have had a gentle winter this year. A few days ago we had
a bright sunny day with an afternoon temp near 70 degrees. The sun felt great
and I had to keep looking at the calendar to make sure it was still Febuary.
About a month ago my wife carved a few days and headed south for about 4 days.
The weather back home was supposed to be gray dark and rainy during our break.
Itseemed I must have hooked that same weather on my bumper because it was
cold nasty and rainy in Florida as well. I would estimate we saw the sun for about 35 minutes
total in our four day stay.
I must admit , I am not a fan of winter . I loved it in my youth because we would be off school
and the days were spent on the rolling hills sled riding. Those days are long gone and
now have to make the call if our office will be open or closed that day. I also have to make
sure our office lot has been cleaned and cleared of snow and ice to make it safe for
staff as well as patients. Even if we are off , I still need to take the tractor and blade and
clean the long and windinG lane up a hill to our home.
When I think of winter I envision the long boring rainy cold afternoons . They seem to linger and
last forever. I must admit a sunny day with snow on the ground is indeed stunning. Then
a cardinal lands in a bush outside my office and I watch it as I sip my coffee. This in its own
way can rival anything the sea can offer.
I know our thoughts and emotions should not be linked to the weather but I think they are.
I use the weather on many occasions as a ice breaker as I engage conversation with
patients. Most of them feel the same way and better when the sun is out and bright.
I think it has always been this way and I can perhaps back this up with scripture. There
is a verse that says it is pleasing for the eyes to see the sun. It was written thousands
of years before Jesus was born.
I remember a story I read years ago about a doctor who climbed Mt. Everest. He noticed
that the climbers spirits and moods was much better when the sky was clear and they could see the
summit. On days when the weather was bad they seemed to feel bad.
On gloomy and doomy days I try to see through my moods and scold myself . Emotions
do not have brains and I should not allow them to lead the way on any given day. I know the
sun is still up there . I just cannot see it . I need to focus my thoughts things above .Not the sun
mind you , but on God and heaven. I need to rise above my moods and focus on
what life is about and what matters most.
I try to tell a funny or story to lighten the mood or conversations. By doing this a chuckle
from them brightens their day and in turn mine . I don't think the sun goes on vacation but maybe
sometimes it needs a day or two away from us . While it rests, its up to the rest of us to see if we can
do our best shed a little light in our little corner of the world.
Light is sweet and it pleases the eyes to see the sun.
Ecclesiastes 11:7
We are cups , constantly and quietly being filled. The trick is ,knowing how to tip
ourselves over and let the beautiful stuff out.
Ray Bradbury
ENTRY
If you would enter our home through the sunroom, you would more times than not see a
clear plastic pithcher siting on the floor. Sometimes I place it on the floor to remind me to
water the plants in the sunroom. Often as I use it to transport water to the thirsty plants, I
think about another story about Jesus . There a small little hidden tidbit that I recently
uncovered as I read the story yet another time.
Jesus sends some of his men on ahead to find a certain place. Jesus tells them to look
for a man carrying a pitcher. To us that seems not big deal but in those days that was
unheard of. the men hearing this must have rolled their eyes. This was something only
women would do. The most likely had never seen this before.
Regardless, off they went. He gave them another clue saying he would be walking
towards them. the pupose of this mission was to find a place where Jesus could
celebrate the passover meal. there most likely would be much work to get this room
up and ready. Soon they saw the man with the pitcher in hand. they were told to follow
to his home and he had an upper room and that is where this will all take place. He
had also told them this upper room had already been set up and was ready. I do not name these
entries but if I did, I would call this one THE SET UP.
I think at times all of us have done things not really understanding why. Something
in our heart or mind nudges us to do so. Perhaps we buy a book and then smile when days
or weeks later we know just who it is for and give it to them.
Maybe God has given you a task or a vision and you are waiting and nothing seems
to be happening . You feel ready and maybe you are. Could it be that the other people
that will play a part and the other things you will need are not yet in place?
I write these small entries often when feeling a nudge in my heart to do so. Sometimes the
timing or topic does not seem to make sense to me. I have learned by walking with Him and trusting Him even more the years, it doesn't have too . Maybe my words even these words
will be in place and ready for the day you are in need of them.
The disciples left, and found things just as Jesus had told them.
Mark 14:16
The way to see by faith is to shut the eye of reason.
Benjamin Franklin
ENTRY
As you enter our house from the garage, you enter through our sun room. It is filled with
a variety of plants .The room has many windows and allows in a lot of sun. Because of the
many windows it gets really warm in the summer. Because of the same it is a little cooler in there
on cold winter days. Even though the sun is shining , it will be cool in there because it is 5 degrees
right now with an expected high today of 7! Regardless of the weather there is something really cool in and about that room each and every day.
My wife and one of her friends drew a mural on the wall . It is a Bible scene about the woman
woman who meets Jesus at a well in the heat of the day. In the corner of our sunroom is a
water fountain. I love to turn it on and just sit quietly and listen. I think there is something almost spiritual about the sound of water.
In the mural , Jesus is sitting on the edge of the well. We see her off in the distance to tell her
friends and family about her encounter. He waterpot has been left behind and is near the well.
The Bible tells us that many will come to believe in Jesus because of her testimony .
I have preached this story before and took one of our larege water pots from our kitchen and
used them without my wife's knowledge and or permisson. It is a miracle that I brought them
home without damage.
What I love perhaps most about this wonderful story is that she was broken. She came in the middle
of the day in the heat rather than probably to endure the gossip of the other women. She had
tried to quench her thirst with men.. many men. Women were outcasts in those days and she was an
outcasts among outcasts.
It was not cool to talk to women back in those days. Even the disciples were certainly surprised
to find Jesus talking to a Samaritan woman of no doubt ill repute. I cannot do this wonderful story here justice so I not only invite but ask that you read John chapter 4 for yourself.
I think the girls did a great job with this painting. I feel they perhaps captured one of the most important aspects of this story. His words changed her life and her direction. She not only forgot her waterpot
but her past history . I have found it is that way even to this very day . I have seen many broken lives turned around and repaired after an encounter with Jesus. If they listen to his words and heed
them as well, things usually turn out well for them.... in fact very well!
There is a small jewel hidden at the end of this story. It tells us that the people tell
the woman they came to believe in Christ not because of her words but his. May i point out
something most of us may have missed? Her words caused them to want to listen to him. I type these very words with the hope of that same type of influence .
Even though you are a person of faith who has acquired some degree of biblical litercy and
theological knowledge, there's one thing you can be sure of - God will confuse you.
Paul Tripp
.. and His voice was like the sound of many waters. Revelation 1:15
ENTRY
Last week I spent most of the day taking down Christmas our outside decorations . It seemed to me
like I had just put them up. It aso seemed like a few days went by instad off an entire year. The wisdom
of those who told us this would happen is unfolding right before our eyes .
I grew up in a small little town. There were two houses that lrft theirlights up all year round. As a kid,
I thought that was the laziest thing I had ever seen. Now that I am 65 I am starting to look at this a little differently. I imagine the old guy watching a college football game and it is halftime. He steps out
on the porch and steps over a sleeping dog or two and bends down and plugs in his lights. He is
back in his recliner 5 minutes later and is ready for Christmas. It is intrueging to me how we look at things
years later.
The weatherman has been talking about some cold and brutal conditions in a few days. Even though
I pack up all the Christmas lights , I leave the many and long dark green extenion cords out . They
are used to run down to the horse water tanks. We have heaters that float in the tank to prevent
freezing as temp soon will drop.
I have on many occassions had to go out in the dark cold nights to use a sledge to bust and break
the ice on our ponds. If the horses to not drink then and soon, it does not take long to freeze back up.
Often and several times down through years, I find to my surprise the chore was already completed.
The horses have taken things intotheir own hands or hooves if you will. They have used their rock hard hooves to bust open the ice around the edges to allow access to clean and cool water. I stand there in the dark marveling again at God and how he gives them the wisdom and the tools needed to survive in this type of weather.
He has our best in mind as well and has given us the Bible to help us in this world. Do not get me wrong
life is still very difficult with Jesus . He never told us it would be. Still as I look up at the stars and in childlike wonder. I cannot fathom how they make it and can take it in this world without Him. Nothing
is too hard for God. He can even make water flow out of a rock.
Sometimes it takes years to get through to some in regard to faith. I have learned to keep chipping away.
I do so with the hope that even I could play a part and make a difference in anothers life. Just this thought warms my heart on a cold winters day and keeps my hope and faith afloat.
The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.
Proverbs 12:10
He will hew to the line of right, let the chips fly where they may.
Roscoe Conkling
ENTRY
We have a small beautiful lake on our farm. It has been a great source of fishing and fun down through
the years . I pass by it often as I travel over to the horse barn . I feed the critters early the other morning before work and there was a fog hanging over the water. Many colorful leaves were floating upon the surface and it was indeed pretty as a picture. I had time to go back up to the house to get my phone and snap a picture but I did not do so and regret it.
As life often does , memories flow in and out of our minds without order and even our permission.
As I sat here reflecting and pondering this, another memory of our little precious dog" Hans "stirred within my heart and gently surfaced . We had trouble getting pregant and had to wait quite awhile but God came through for us and again for that I raise my hands, and heart to him today. Hans was our firstborn and was a special little dog and had no clue he was a dog and slept in the bed with us his entire life. He is burried on the farm behind our home but he will live forever in our hearts.
Back then, we lived in a house about two miles away. Hans loved to come out to the property and
ride in my old pick up truck just as much. I am a fair weather fisherman at best. I can talk the fish are not concerned or probably even aware I am there.
One evening, I walked along the bank casting artificial bait. I came around the boat and was crossing the dam. Hans decided to get a drink. As he did so little circles ripples went out as his little pink tongue lapped up the cool, clear water. I noticed a large dark object crise up a few feet from him . This was a nice bass intent on having a quick snack of this little pink bug or so he thought struggling near the bank.
Without thinking I threw my plug between them and twitched the line to make it look like it was injured.
The bass nailed it and I pulled in the 4 1/2 pouder and gave Hans the assist. I let the bass go but I go back to that day often wondering which of the two would have been more startled . I regret my interference
and wished I had just observed. I would bet Hans would be hesitant to even drink from his water bowl and the bas would pass on little pink bugs from that day on.
Many men go fishing all their lives without knowing that is not fish they are after.
Henry David Thoreau
Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you....
Psalm 55:22
Some go to church and think about fishing ,others go fishing and think about God.
Tony Blake
ENTRY
As we head into fall, there is less daylight each and every day. It takes a lot of work to keep
things going on a farm. The horses are a labor of love but take a lot of time as well. I spent several hours this past week fixing fence . I do not like to think about it or much less want to admit it , but my energy
is also waning with each passing years. I would like to think I can still hold my own but it takes more effort and time to do the same task as aopposed to years ago. Me and the old gray mare have
a lot in common!
So last week , I was delayed at the office and again ran out of daylight. I was feding 4 hungry
horses on the east side of the barn. It was pitch black and as I walked out of the barn a bright light shined down on me and the entire area! No it was not an alien encounter .Nor was it a Saul
expericience.
It did not startle me at all in fact I smiled and said my mind and my heart said thank you Jarah
without audible words. This was solar light that our youngest had put up there a few years back.
We had a very sunny day and the light was fully charged and helped me see what I was doing
and made the tasks much easier and go much faster.
Had I known his intentions, I probably would have said no. He had to climb very high up on the side of the barn to place it above the barn door. It was late and I thought that most likely he was already in bed at that hour. Still even thought he was not here and present this present that did did for me was
actively at work.
I think many times the things we do and say may help others in this same way. I live with the hope that maybe my feeble ministry efforts through books and stories could be at work when I am not awake
or even perhaps even alive.
Jarah's efforts also reminded me to send a pray upward thanking God for giving me another day and
for watching over me and my family. I also thanked him for my eyes that allow me to see or the
solar light or even the light of day would not help.
I also thanked him for the Bible that allows us to see through His eyes . It helps us to continue to have hope in a crazy world where darkness seems to be gaining ground. If you are having trouble finding
your way, open your Bible and ask God to see him in the dark and by the light of day. May His face
shine down upon us as in Him alone we trust.
Ears that hear and eyes that see - the Lord has made them both.
Proverbs 20:12
Immediatly, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes , and he could see again. He got up
and was baptised. Acts 9:18
There is always light. If only we're brave enough to see it. If only we're brave enough to be it.
Amanda Gorman
ENTRY
It is bow season and I have yet to be in the woods . I have been looking at several trail cam pictures
fellow hunters have shared with me. It has started to get those juices flowing down within me
as gun season is not far off.
I love bow hunting and it actually prefer it. The deer are relaxed and tend to follow their usual
habits. By noon on opening day of gun season all bets are off and all of the shooting lets them
know that something is up.
I spoke a few weeks ago on a Friday night as a guest speaker. I was invited by a friend of mine and we all gathered around a big bonfire. I shared with the younger dads that one of my biggest regrets was spending way too much time in the woods especially deer season when our sons were young. I shared with them how fast their kids will grow and leave the nest in know time. Yes, I was told the same and had not clue how true this would and it took awhile for those arrows of truth to hit home.
I am not sure what this season will bring. Last year was not a good one! I was having terrible shooting pains from sciata down my left leg. I was not able to walk near as far as I would like too. I caught myself hunting in stands closer to the house when some of the best and my favorites were a long way off.
One cold morning ,I decided to use our yougest sons stand which he claims as his own. It is where Jarah always goes and where he got his first buck. It was well before daylight and had been awhile since I had ventured into the woods and you would be surprised how easy it is to lose your bearings in the dark. I shined my flashlight down into the valley and saw several small things shining close by and in the distance. It was not the eyes of a lion, tiger or bear.. oh my!
I had forgotten that years ago, I had lined the trial from the edge of the field to his stand with reflective
tacks in the tree leading him where he needed to go. I smiled as I walked with ease and confidence as
headed in. This lighted path was a great help. Soon I was at the base of the tree. There on the tree at eye level was a group of the reflective white tacks in the shape of a cross. I remember telling my young son that he had nothing to fear even in the darkness and there was no need to be afraid because Jesus was right there with him .
My leg was hurting and I was not looking forward to the climb up the steps. I knew it was gonna be a little rough but my reward was waiting above. I hope this metaphor helps you . I soon would be suspended
between heaven and earth and many and most times feel closer to God in a deer stand than any building I have ever been in.
As I reflected on this , I was amazed how my own words and teachings returned to help me. I know that all of us will go through dark periods as life goes on and we will beat times feel bewildered and feel lost. We just need to believe that Jesus is with us. We need to keep keep our eyes on the cross to lead us home and to things that are far beyond and more wonderful than anything this world can offer!
For our present troubles are quite small and wont last long. Yet they produce for us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever. 2 Corinthians 4:17
To lead an unexamined life means to rush from task to busy tasks , but not call enough time-outs to reflect
on life's larger meaning and purpose. Patrick Morley
There are times when we stop, we sit still. We listen and breezes from a whole other world
begin to whisper. James Carroll
ENTRY
My favorite season is summer but fall for me is a close second. I enjoy hunting but the show of the leaves in Southern Indiana is indeed a sight to behold. If I would move from here I would long to go back home when I heard the leaves were in their glory.
It is a challenge to know how to dress this time of year. The other morning it was 46 degrees and today we will be in the mid 70's. You need to have a tee shirt handy as well as a hoody and may need and use both before the day is over.
I love these kind of fall days. I have always called them October Flannel Shirt days. You start off working in the morning with a tee shirt and a flannel shirt. Around 10 ,I take off the flannel shirt and throw it over the horse fence. I work until about 3 in the afternoon and start getting goose bumps on my goose bumps. I look around wondering where I left my shirt and if ginkgo tablets really help your memory.The air is clean , crisp , and cool and goes to the very bottom of your lungs . As our warm breath leave our body we see it. I believe it reminds all of us who do believe just how blessed we are to be given another day of life. We should then
use our very breath to thanks God for each and every one.
I will praise the Lord as long as I live. I will sing praises to my God even with my dying breath.
Psalm 146:2
Autumn is a second spring where every leaf is a flower.
Albert Camus
ENTRY
I have told stories before about the flowers in and around our house. I have shared how it takes
to do this chore. I often whisper a little prayer of thanks upward when we have a rain and I get to take
the evening off.
I do not like to admit this, but I often forget that some rains don't reach. The flowers that
enjoy the shade on our porches are deprived of the gentle rains that they need as well. Often
when I do remember to water the porchies , I think about parenting. I know and can think of several
situations where well meaning overly protective parents deprive their kids from learning valuable
skills that they will need long after the parents are no longer here to hover over them.
One day I was on our raised porch on the back of our home. I needed to water 2 hanging baskets
and 2 potted plants that sit right below the potted plants on both sides of the porch. The hanging
plants do not have as much soil so I usually water them first and give them just a bit more.
I watered one of these hanging plants, I headed to the other side of the porch but suddenly stopped.
I heard the sound of water dripping and tried to process this without turning around.
I looked back to see that the plant was running over and sharing it with the flowers below and
under them.I smiled because this was a good example and reminder to all of us to share the blessings
that we have been given with others.
He who betows his goods upon the poor, shall have as much again, and
ten times more. John Bunyan
A good measure , pressed down and , shaken togeher and running over , will be poured unto your lap.
For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Luke 6:36
ENTRY
I usually get up around five in the morning. The first chore of the morning is to let the dogs out.
As the microwave warms my cup of tea, I stand out on the deck and watch the dogs . I put a lighted plastic collor on each of them. Skyler has a pink one and our three legged dog Buster's is blue. It is easy to see where they are in the early morning darkness. This morning both took care of their business rather fast . Some mornings it takes a lot of searching to find the perfect spot to go. It seems the more pressed for time that I am the greater chance there is of that very situation.
It is October now and the morning air is quite cool and you can see your breath most mornings. I am
trying to wake up and figure out who I am . When I see my breath , I often say a little thank you to God for my breath and another day of life.
As I watched the dogs , my eyes were on the skies. I looked at several constellations high in the sky.
I thought of how my dad had taught me how to spot them. Since fall is upon us , several are now present
that are not present during the summer months.
The Bible mentions a few of these. I think how God has placed them for not only to admire but to help us find our way and discover new lands. Sure we came up with instruments later on, but he put them up there far in advance waiting on our wits to sharpen.
As I stand on the deck, I stand in awe. These very stars I look upon will be still be here after my time on this earth is gone. All of the characters we read about in the Bible looked up and saw these very same stars. They looked down and saw Jesus, Moses, King David as well as all the others.
They could bear first hand witness for the stories we only read about. This applies to not only the Bible but all stories down through history. They continue bear witness to God and in turn bring him glory . It serves as a shining example for us all to look up to.
I have not been to the Holy Land. I would love to see the places where Jesus lived and to look upon the things with my eyes the things his eyes have seen.What the heck, right on my back deck, I can do just that.
You see, it will aways be a type of Holy land as well for me.
Be glad of life because it gives you the chance to love and to work and to play and to look up
at the stars. Henry Van Dyke
The common tasks are beautiful if we have eyes to see their shining ministry.
Grace Noll Crowell
ENTRY
We have many flowers around our house. It takes quite a while to water them all. It seems
to me that many ideas and thoughts that I will write about later will come to me when I am doing this simple chore. It is very cool this morning and soon our first frost will arrive. It is kinda sad because I will miss doing this.
Since it has not been as hot here of late ,I have not had to do this as often. I was disappointed in myself as
I walked behind our house the other day. We have a trellis on both sides of our home. I plant different colors of morning glories and they climb up and onto a railed porch.The ones on the north side are not exposed to the sun near as much as those on the south side. The ones on the south side looked puny and were in need of a drink and refreshment bad.
This can serve as an example to all of us. Often the playing field in life is not level. We may work at the same job and have equal pay but one may have a loving and supporting spouse and another is raising his or her kids alone. Maybe both families have the same number of kids but one family has a child with medical issues
or special needs. Maybe your family is close and supportive and your neighbors have dysfunction in theirs.
I seen Satan uses this to cause great distress for people because he makes them feel like there is something wrong with them. They beat them selves up and and Satan adds more woes to cause more pain from the blows.
These flowers cannot get up and move to the other side of the house. They have to depend on the one who planted them and placed them there. Even if they could move across the street or across the county, they would still need someone to care for them. In this way they have this in common with us.There is something you can do right now that will not only to level the playing field but tip it largely in your favor. Call on God an ask him to help you . I want to share something that I have found in my own life. When we give up and throw our hands up, that is when God shows up.
Take heart knowing God has placed you right where your are. Maybe you are the one that is feeling high and dry and are in need of help. Maybe God is causing you to look across the road or street and wonder what you can do to help lend a hand to your neighbor. Perhaps you have been planted there for such a time such as this.
We take excellent care of our bodies, which we have only for a lifetime; yet we let our souls shrivel
which we have for eternity. Billy Graham
A generous man will prosper; that he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.
Proverbs 11:25
ENTRY
Upstairs in our master bedroom ,there is an eclectic display on the wall. I have bragged on my wife's
ability to decorate in the past .Her skills have made our home look both comfortable and inviting. On the wall are two different pieces of metal both the same size. They have been sprayed black and even though they are the same size the patterns on them are a little different.They are the top and bottom grates on a register that came from the house where I grew up.
My faimily would be surprised to know how many times I sit and stare at them. They take me back to my
childhood home . My brother and I slept upstairs in twin beds. The living room was right below us. I would get up from my bed and sneak over to the register and through those grates was a great way to watch tv after I was suppose to be sleeping. I knew which boards in the hardwod floor creaked and the ones that did not. Despite my best stealth , my dad more times than not would yell at me and tell me to get back in the bed.
It was not until I was an adult that my mom spilled the beans. She told me where and how I messed up and alerted my dad that I was up there. To see the tv , I had to use gently push a lever that caused the grates to slant to best view the television. In these old homes this allow heat from the stove below to rise up and into upstairs rooms. The vent was usually wide open to allow best air flow. So when I adjusted the register , it never registerd that small little particles of dust would fall like snow and trickel down below. That is how my dad knew ! Dust particles would trickle down and fall like snow in a direct line of sight between my dad's recliner television. So see it is my mom's fault! If she would have only cleaned that area a little
better. Knowing my dad, I would bet a shiny nickle he probably told mom not to touch it so he would know when I did.
I cherish these memories. Sometimes as I am getting ready for work, I have more serious thoughts.
I am fearful because many people I know and are fond of ,are on their way to hell . They do not care
about God, faith, and heaven. They are unaware and are not concerned of what is in store for them because they do not know Jesus as both Lord and Savior .When we surrender and give our life to God our names are registered in the Lamb's book of life. I cannot think of anything you are doing today that is more pressing or important than doing this. I do not are who you are. If you have never done this , I pray maybe the slant on my story will help you see how trully important this is ,and will eternally register with you.
Dust you are and to dust you shall return.
Genesis 3:19
I will never blot out his name from the Book of Life, but will acknowledge his name before
my Father and his angels. Revelation 3:5
I hate housework. You make the beds, you wash the dishes and six months later you
have to start all over again. Joan Rivers
ENTRY
We have a very old small barn on our barn. It was there when we bought the property years ago.
It has a lean to on the east side where I store our old tractor. The horses can go in and out any time
they wish . They mainly use it as a shelter not against rain and wind, but most often to escape pesky summer flies.
My wife's granpa , Pete Markul, worked for a electric company for many years up north. Years ago, we did not have electricity on the property. He ran a bunch of wires up to to a bright lamp in the barn. He ran the wires to a special plug and put another on my old Ford truck engine. I could pull up close to the barn and
plug it in and have lights using the truck engine as a generator. This was a hugh help when I was treating a sick or injured horse. He would be surprised to know that my favorite horse is named in his honor, Feather Markul.
Years later , we had a newer tan pole barn built up on the hill. It had a living quarters as well.
We spent many hours there before we were able to build a home on the farm. We made many memories in the cabin that I will always cherish. We often joke that if our rowdy boys are ever asked if they grew up in a barn , they can say we sure did!It was in that very room where I first started to study God's word and began to get serious about my faith. It was there where I first flirted with the idea of possibly writing a book .
I look back on those days with great fondness.
I had to stop writing this story and it has been almost 24 hours since I had to stop. I find it ironic but
it seems I need yet another barn! There were horse out in our front yard ! They had been there quite awhile but darkness consealed their presence. I said a prayer asking God to help me get them in easily and without mishap and I am greatful for that. It did take several hours to repair the fence.
Our barns and even others I see as I travel often make me think of a wonderful Bible story . A man was
so rich that he did not have enough room to store all his stuff. He thought he would just tear down his barns and build bigger ones and just kick back and take it easy. In this parable told by Jesus ,this man is rich in earthly wealth but has a poor relationship with God. He is unaware that very night will lose not only all he has but his very life. This should be a warning as well as a reminder to all of us as to not let money cause us to lose focus of what is most important. It is ok to have money as long as it don't have you.
Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not to have a rich relationship with God.
Luke 12:21
Time goes , you say? Ah ,no! Alas, Time stays ,we go.
Austin Dobson
It's no use closing the barn door after the horse is gone.
John Heywood
ENTRY
I was over at our horse barn feeding the horses. As I was trying to fill up the feeder bucket,
the horse in its eagerness bumped my hand and spilled a great portion of it upon the ground. I was a little perturbed at her ,but then wondered if perhaps this could be by grand design.
A few night ago I was very tired after a long day. It was late. I was so tired and thought about waiting
till morning. It took a while but I finally got up enough to go over to the barn when all I wanted to do was head for my bed. Of course I was in a hurry and that always leads to mistakes. In my haste , I made
much waste as I spilled a lot of feed upon the ground as I raised up one of the 50 pound bags of feed.
There was enough there that I could have filled two or three scoops. I actually planned scoop it up for the horses. I wondered again if God had something else in mind. I felt in my heart he was behind this, and
it was to be left behind.
I do know this that something always comes up and cleans this spilled food. I do not know if it a deer ,
rabbit, or even a coon. All I know is that some one of God's creatures has figured out that a snack can be found here from time to time.
This makes me think of the Bible story about Boaz. This wealthy man told his men to not to glean the fields perfectly. He wanted them to leave some behind for a young girl named Ruth who went out into the fields each day to provide for her and her mother in law, Naomi. I suggest you read the Bible story found in the Book of Ruth. Things turned out pretty good for him .
Be it a little larger tip at a restaurant, or dishing out a few bucks to someone we know who is having
hard time greatly pleases God. Maybe the stray kitten who shows up on your doorstep was sent to see if you can spare a little saucer of milk. I know you are afraid if you feed it it will come back. That could very well happen but I think other wonderful things may come your way because of your kindness and compassion. I think that when we do this , God opens up his hand even wider on our behalf.I have found you cannot outgive Him, believe me I have tried.
When you harvest your crops, do not harvest the grain along the edges of your field,
and do not pick up what the harvesters drop.It is the same with your grape fields,- do not strip
every last bunch of grapes from the vines, and do not pick up the grapes that fall to the ground.
Leave them for the poor and the foreigners who live among you, for I, the Lord , am your God.
Leviticus 19:9-10
ENTRY
We have a curved walkway leadind from our sun room out to the garage. It is glassed in on both sides and has flowers on both sides. Often when we have guests they will comment on this as they pass through this area of our home.
We keep our shoes lined up in this area. It takes away from the wow factor but it is functional. There are not near as many shoes there as when our sons lived here. They always grumbled because the rule was left on left , right on right ,and both toes touching the wall. Our oldest son went to OCS in Rhode Island and these young navel recrits were told to leave their shoes in the hallway with specfic instructions. You guessed it.
At one time I was the big man on this campus. I do not have a picture of this, but remember all our boots lined up largest to small. My size 13's were top dog . My dad teased me as a youth saying that if my feet grew any larger, I would have to back up to a door to knock on it.
He would be amused to see that if we would line them up now, my feet would be the smallest of all the guys. We have a size 14, 15, and a size 16. My dad passed away many years ago and only got to meet our oldest and boy were they tight. My dad wore a size 10. I try to keep his memory alive and tell my boys stories and lessons that he passed on and along to me. I use these nuggets of truth each and every day and I often share these with patients . I am so blessed to have such a great dad. I hope that I can measure up as a father. I have big shoes to fill indeed.
What a father says to his children is not heard by the world ; but it will
be heard by posterity. Jean Paul Richter
If you want your children to keep their feet on the ground , put some
responsibility on their shoulders. Abigail Van Buren
A lie can be half-way round the world before the truth has got its boots on.
James Callaghan
ENTRY
Years ago I bought a big white dually . I was and so far the only new vehicle I have ever owned.
I paid close to 40 k for the truck 20 years ago. That same model of F350 runs about 95k now!
Our family likes to name our cars and trucks and I really am not sure why. I called this big white truck
BIG VIC mainly because we have victory in Jesus. It served me well and told me down many roads
and miles. As a lay speaker it has heard many prayers said out loud before I would enter churches as
a guest speaker.
My favorite picture of me with our three boys is on a shelf in my office at home. My wife kim took the picture. I am in the drivers seat with the 3 boys looking at the camera from the seat behind me.
I would not have sold that truck to anybody but I wound up giving it to our youngest son years later.
We gave it to him on his 16th birthday. I wote a short poem on a big circular piece of cardboard.
It said:
Roses are red and violets are blue
Now the dually belongs to you!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
As I red and studied this morning I went back in time and replayed this memory as I read about
God told Moses in regard to his name. God told Moses his name was I AM. God told him to go and ask his people to be set free. When they ask who sent you tell them I AM has sent you. We see from scripture God has many names . Because of that story the plate on that big white truck was IAM4AM.
Looking back I would bet that many people tried to figure out what on earth that stood for. Many would ask me in a parking lot as I parked and it gave me a chance to do a little witness for Christ because of that big truck.
Once in a while I would get behind a car whose plate was 3RD DAY. I liked to be reminded of that especially when I was having a rough day. When things are not going well and all hell is breaking out, Jesus
broke out of the tomb on the third day and broke death grasp on us . That should give us hope and joy to know that no matter what is on our plate today , it is all going to be ok. We need to keep our eyes on Jesus
who has paved our way home with his own blood.
God replied ," I AM THE ONE WHO ALWAYS IS. Just tell them , I AM has sent me to you."
Exodus 3:14
ENTRY
In the southwest corner of our yard is a large tree. This is the direction one would
need to travel to get to the place where I grew up. As a crow flies it would be 25 miles away.
It is a sweetgum tree . I planted it there because there was a sweetgum tree in my parents yard
off to the side and behind my parents home. While mowing I often look at the tree in our yard
and my mind takes me back in time .I think of the large tree in my parents yard and the back
story behind it.
I was young and was in my physical prime. I had my shirt off and had just finished lifting weights in my parents basement. My dad had just come home from work and called down for me to come up.
He said he had a chore for me and we hopped in the truck and traveled a few miles down the road .
Dad had spied a small sapling along the road and wanted it for the yard. We dug it up with I would guess a dirt ball around its roots close to 300 pounds. Maybe I was showing off or maybe I just wanted to see if
could lift it alone. I did so but it was not easy. I waddled thru the weeds and a small ditch and put it on the tailgate huffing and puffing. He seemed pleased and impressed but his was going agaist the grain from
his teachings. Through him, I had been taught a wise man knows to try use his mind more and his back less.
Over the years I watched that tree grow into a tall and mighty specimen. I glanced at it many times as I
was visiting my parents. My back is not near as strong as it used to be but no man on this planet could move or lift that tree now. It's roots are firm and it is set in it's ways.
I write children's books as well. I often think how we must try to bend the lives and minds of this precious children towards Christ Jesus while we can. Studies have shown that the chances of them accepting him as their Lord and Savior go down with each passing year. The time to teach them and to reach them is now.
The soil in return for her service keeps the tree tied to her, the sky asks nothing and leaves it free.
Rabindranath Tagore
ENTRY
Our kitchen is to the left side of our house as you come up the hill. As you step out onto a covered porch with a few flower pots. Off to the right is a lime green swing which was a must have as we built our home.
I blush as I write these words because I do not have enough sense to sit out there and reast and relax as
planned . Sometimes I do sit there for a few minutes before supper. I look out and see a piece of paper in the landscape or a tuft of grass we missed by the sidewalk while weedeating. So instead of resting, praying , and relaxing , it turns into another work session.
Near the swing is a large triangular shaped piece of metal. Hanging from it is another hollow tube.These
items are banged or clanged together when it is time to call us up to the house and for supper. We hardly ever use them but it looks cool and it is how cook let the cowboys knew that supper was ready.
Our youngest son came out the other evening and wanted to tag aong with me as I went out to "feed the ponies ". I was eager to show him something I had been doing to call some babies up to the fence instead of going out into the field to find them. I did my dad's whistle and then banged the scooper between the bars on the metal red gate. They equated this hillbilly dinner bell with the promise of of vittles In no time flat , these youngsters came flat out running as hard as they could go. I heard the mixture of thundering hoofs and Jarah's belly laugh.
The little church I grew up has someone pull on a rope and ring the bell right before church starts. It lets the
sleepy little town know people are being fed up on the hill. Not many go to church these days down there
these days or anywhere for that matter. It is certainly not a laughing matter.
A good example is like a bell that calls many to church.
Danish proverb
Time has no divisions to mark its passage; there is never a thunderstorm to announce the beginning of a new year. It is only we mortals who ring bells and fire off pistols.
Thomas Mann
ENTRY
When a doc or nurse asks me about allergies of any kind, I always tell them poison ivy. I also add that
my lips will probably break out because I said it.I have had giant bubbles between my fingers so big I have
trouble making a fist. When I do close them, the bubbles would erupt and of course would spread to other places.
Often in the office , I have to help patients try to find and figure out what they used or were around that
caused an allergic reaction on around their eyes. Sometimes it is a new pet, change of shampoo, or a new
contact lens solution. I have honed this area of questioning and have flushed a lot of rabbits out and into the open over the years.
About a year or so I have a personal situation that stumped me. There was something in my life that would
cause my lip to swell up .It would first start to tingle and within 10-15 minutes . I first thought it was a gel
on my son's head because I always kiss him on the head. When it puffed up when he was not around, he was
taken off the suspect list. I blamed my wife , the dog, a son's girlfriend and could not figure this out to save
my life. My family and staff at worked showed no mercy and found it amusing especially when it caused
difficulty speaking and would playfully mock me.
I always tell patients I learned in school our bodies never have an allergic reaction when it first is exposed .
The next time is when the body has decided this is not welcome is when it blows up in some way or another.
I went down one Saturday afternoon to see Helen Keller's homeplace in Tuscambia Alabama. I drove up on Sunday morning to find it was closed . I was disappointed but decided to go home through Columbia Tn.
and visit James Polk's home.
It was late Sunday evening and I was tired. I dreaded the Nashville traffic. I read years ago chewing gum helps
with mental capacity especially when we are fatigued. Knowing this, I reached down and popped a piece of Juicy Fruit chewing gum in my mouth as I neared the city. I have a habit of running my hand though my hair
when I am stressed out. I had done this more than once in anticipation and dread of big city traffic. I felt my
lip start to tingle and in no time my upper lip was hugh.
I had bought a hair gel in florida at a grocery store. I help my hair in place better than anything I had ever
used. I knew I had found the problem. I had this on my fingers as I popped the gum in my mouth with my left
hand which is my usual go to when I run my hands through my hair. I never used this any more and my lips
have not been quite but have been quite normal.
Imagine you were sitting in a little country church right now and you see a stranger come in. We might turn our head out of curosity and maybe even flash them a smile or nod to make them feel welcome.We do not know anything about them . I do know one thing indeed , they have never hurt you or someone your love. In short , no prior history!
Now imagine the same setting and we turn to see our least favoite person on planet earth. I know you know who I am talking about even thought I do not. I know one thing, their had been prior history beteen the two of you and their presence has made you feel funny and uncomfortable. That person or persons that have that
done this to you, you need to try to forgive them. Even though we thought we had , this shows we were wrong.
Yes, I have people too I do not care for and would like to never be near or around but that is often not possible.
When a deep injury is done us, we never recover until we forgive.
Alan Paton
Face your deficiencies and acknowledge them;but do not let them master you. Let them teach you
patience ,sweetness, insight. Helen Keller
A warm smile is the universal language of kindness.
William Arthur Ward
ENTRY
In front of me and on my desk, I have a very special book. I look forward to reading it in the near future.
Our youngest son ,Jarah, and his wife ,Kirby, gave it to me on a Saturday afternoon not long ago.
It was about 3 days after my birthday and they told me it was a belated birthday gift. It is called FAMOUS
HORSE STORIES. I kidded and asked they how on earth did they know that I love horses.
Jarah said told me that I should look inside . He said the author had signed it for me. I had my doubts because
it has been around for awhile and was publihed in 1949. As I opened it to the front, I did not see
an inscription but a sonogram! This picture of a baby inside this book told me a baby was growing inside
our beautiful and wonderful daughter in law.
I am not sure how I held it together' but I did. I told them I can't believe you was able to get this signed for me.
I handed the book to Jarah who passed on and over to my wife , Kim. She opened the book and then
became unglued. She cried like a baby and melted as she saw a picture of a baby. She saw her first grandchild for the first time. Tears and hugs all around as our hearts were joyous with this news.
I plan to read this book soon .I have been known to loan books out or even to give them away. This book
is too special and will always have a special place in my library and my heart.
Grandchildren are God's way of compensating us for growing old.
Mary H. Waldrip
ENTRY
It is ironic but as I was writing the story below, my wife fell as she was out in the yard with the dogs.She was not hurt bad but fell on her right arm. She came in and sit in my big leather chair and told me her story as
I was telling mine.
Turns out that she had turned the dogs out in the back yard for a potty break. One dog obeyed the rules ,did his thing and came back up and on the deck. The one one is usually the most responsible decided to go for a
stroll way down behind the house and close to the horse pasture. Kim had walked out there to keep her , Skyler,
away and alive. As Kim walked across the yard, she was tripped up by a large piece of barb wire some idiot
had left in the yard.That idiot would be me!
She was not mad and I was able to keep her from calling a lawyer. I felt so thankful she was not hurt but felt bad because it was indeed my fault. In my defence, I do not have a leg to stand on...either. I had repaired a
section of fence the day before. I picked up all my tools and headed back to the house. It was not procrastination but I planned to take this over to the barn on my next run .
As I thought about what to do with this, I pondered throwing it in the pond. I imagined someday someone getting snagged and held in the water by their clothing or worse yet their skin. I did not forsee Kim going
down to that remote spot as even a remote possibility. It goes to show that we all need to think about the o loose ends during any project for that matter. We need to think about those who will will come up behind us .
There are some wonderful moms and dads out there that would do anything and everything for their kids.
They do not have faith and are not raising them in Christ or the church. It concerns me greatly that these parents do not realize how much their family including their kids are in danger of hell after this life is over.
Much sorrow and pain will be caused because of what they did not put in place and leave behind . They were doing this that and the other thing and forgot to give the most important of all lessons. They need need to make sure that their legacy is about following Jesus and making him their Lord and Savior.The Word will protect them from the world and all the evil it offers. They will see things that the others do not see or even know to look for.
We never know the love of a parent until we become parents ourselves.
Henry Ward Beecher
ENTRY
A few days ago, I was trimming some low limbs off a clump or river birches in our front yard. It has
become more difficult here of late to mow around them. I did not want to take away from the look of the tree
but still need to take away a few limbs. As I snipped and clipped, I wondered if there was something that I
could take away and use in an upcoming story, sermon , or blog.
I clipped a larger limb that had spit off into two limbs. I did not want to cut it but it was way two low and
went too far out into the yard. I did not notice it at first . When I began to gather them up, I saw that a small
nest was in the fork. The family that had been raised there was long gone . I looked up the hill at our home
and felt a twinge in my heart as my wife and I are now empty nesters.
I picked up the nest and held it in my hand. It looked like any other nest but it had a lot of white in it. Upon
closer inspection , I realized they were long white hairs. They were horse hairs either from a mane or tail.
I smiled because our only white mare has had a baby of her very own this summer. Her name is Wish.
When I curry the horses they seem to enjoy it. In the spring , large clumps of hair fall to the ground. If the
wind is blowing often the hairs will cling to your clothes or get in your mouth. Every time I do this I marvel at
God keeps the horses warm as winter comes. Then in the spring , the birds use the strands to make their nests.
Our barb wire fences have many stands of hair all over the farm as the fence steals a few hairs from their
tails as they swat at pestering flies. I can sometimes tell who the donor was by the color of the strands
swaying in the breeze.
So what can we take away from this story? I have learned that everything God does has a purpose and
a plan. I like you forget this sometimes ... most of the time to be more exact. Maybe you lost or misplaced something recently like the awesome hoodie I bought in Lake Tahoe last year and left behind at the airport.
Maybe God let me use it for a few days. He needed me to position right where the one he had in mind
could find it . As I study His word and , I am in awe of his ways. I wish I could tell Wish this story and how
her loss helped another. I also wish I could see the person who is wearing that awesome hoodie.
Have you given the horse its strength or clothed its neck with a flowing mane?
Job 39:19
Troubles are often the tools by which God fashions us for better things.
Henry Ward Beecher
ENTRY
It is Saturday. I was off today but a patient who had been working on a home project got
something in his eye. I came in removed it and patched him up literaly. The foreign body had got up in his eye and under the lid. About 1/8 of his cornea was missing, and he had a pain of 9 on a 10 scale.He is going to be fine but there is a good chance I will need to come in tomorrow depending on how things go. Notice I did not say we will play this by ear. We will play it by eye.
When I was first learning to ride , my dad always stessed how important it was t make sure there wer no
burs or any thing underneath the saddle blanket. He preached that when the riders seat hit the seat in the saddle that is when the rodeo will start!
This patient favors his left eye and it is the one I just put a patch on. I warned him to be careful because
his depth perception will be reduced even more so with the best eye out of the line up.I also warned him
will pick on him and tell him every pirate joke they have ever heard.
When I see him again, he will tell me something I hear every single time when one has to do life with a single
eye. He will have a much greater appreciation for having two eyes than ever before. His short affliction will
make him more understanding for those who must do life like this for the rest of their lives.
I told him that years ago one of my favorite horses ,Rusty, had injured his eye. The poor guy coud not hold it
open and it watered profusely. I doctored up the big guy's eye and used similar human meds I used on my patient this morning. I used seveal red shop rags to patch his eye and used several rounds of gray duct tape spands around his hugh jaw.His eye healed as well but my 1200 pound patient did not make this easy .
Our wonderful farm neighbors has taken a walk through our woods on a beautiful October afternoon. Rusty
and the other horses came up to the red gate overlooking the field. They saw Rusty's occluded eye and concluded this must be how I practiced doing this. Rusty knew the full story and did not say a word.
I shut my eyes in order to see.
Paul Gauguin
An animal's eyes have the power to speak a great language.
Martin Buber
ENTRY
When I was growing up, we only had a well in our yard. We did not have a spigot and a hose to clean our cars
or water the flowers. This well water was deep and clear and cool .It was the best water I have ever had.
It took quite a while and to be honest I am not there yet, acquiring a taste for what us country folk
distastefully referred to as' city water.'
I spoke about this in the small church in bristow several years ago. I told how King David longed for a drink
from a certain well. Three of his finest men risked their lives and fought their way to that well and brought
it back to him. The king was touched by their kindness and devotion. He did did not drink it put poured
out upon the ground.
A lady who heard me speak that day still had a well. She brought some to the small little church and they kept
in the fridge until I could get back down and down it. I was with my youngest son and shared it with him.
Jarah was amazed how it was so different than what he knew as the taste of water. It was a special moment for me and him. I will always remember her act of thoughtfulness . The water passed over my lips and and is lone gone . It left a good taste in my mouth and her act of kindness shall remain well into the years.
The common tasks are beautiful if we have eyes to see their shining ministry.
Grace Noll Crowell
ENTRY
Last week I went around to the various water tanks. I needed to make sure they all were topped
off . Most people do not realize how much water a horse can down in one day. Because of this, I often stand
amazed of the water drop in 24 hours during times of high heat.
I pulled up the lever and looked at the tank about 100 feet away and slighty down the hill from me. I
counted in my head knowing I will see turbulence in the water in about 8 seconds. I did not see anything and
thought the hose must have feel out of the tank. Sometimes a young horse will play and pull the hoseoff and away. The were two youngsters in this field so they were on the list of suspects.
I walked down the hill and found that was not the case. There has to be a kink in the hose somewhere along the way. I checked the entire span and was trying to figure out this mystery. I went back
to the sourse. Two hoses split off from that same point. I had forgot that when I last used it I had switched hoses and a tank to the south that was full was running over and then some.
Everytime I fill either tank , I am always reminded of a bible story. An angel would from time to time
stir the waters and the first to enter were healed of their infirmity. It was called the pool of Bethesda
and we are told large crowds of sick people gathered there. A man who had been sick for 38 years was there.
Jesus walked up to him and asked if he would like to be well. The sick man explained he had no one to help
him .W hen the water was stirred up, someone always get in before him. Jesus told him to pick up his mat
and he was healed instantly.
This really caused a stir among the religious leaders. They got bent out of shape because Jesus healed him on
on the Sabbath . They pointed out the man was sinning by carrying his mat as he walked away. Seems like
they should have been happy that a man who was down and out was now up on his feet and on his way.
They were as confused as I was about trying to figure out why the hose was not working. Blessings were indeed being poured out and needs were being met but not in the way I thought it should be. When we are
connected toJesus and have him as our source, life is indeed full of surprises.
Crowds of sick people -blind, lame ,or paralysed lay on the porches.
John 5:3
ENTRY
Since my youth, I have always been fond of the color orange. I think that is another reason I enjoy
looking at the trumpet vines. Often as I trim them, I think of a heated discussion I had with an elderly patient
a few years ago. He was very well versed in his bible and knew scripture well. He belongs to a church where
they do not allow musical instruments in worship and feel this is indeed wrong.I have preached a time or two
in this type of church and I have often wondered what they feel this is so off limits.
I told him that many musical instruments are listed as being used as praise . We all know as a youth David
would play a harp when a tormenting spirit would come upon Saul. Several times prophets would listen to waited upon the Lord's spirit for guidance and direction. The use of trumpets were used to call men to arms
and used in battle as well as worship.
This gentleman drove a car down to his appointment. In my heart, I do not think he is going to hell because
he drives a vehicle. . Up in the area where he is from many churches have music in their churches but the
parking lot is full of hitching posts for horse and buggy.
As I asked about this, he told me that all of the things I had just said were true. He said what I had failed to understand that this was all in the Old Testament. He said there is not a single mention of any kind of music in the New Testament. Since Jesus came, it all changed and music was not used or mentioed and challenged me to find a single example proving otherwise.
I don't mean to toot my own horn, but I have read the Bible a few times as well. I told him I think there was going to be a certain sound we would all hear when Jesus returns , correct me if I am wrong but iI am
certain it is a sound made by a certain musical instument. ;)
For the Lord will decend from heaven with a cry of command , with the voice of an archangel, and
sound of the trumet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.
1 Thessalonians 4:16
ENTRY
Frow where I am sitting, I can see the arbor that covers our sidewalk as you walk up to our
front door. I planted trumpet vines on both sides and it is full of these beautiful orange
flowers . It is so full that I need to trim it back... again. There are a few misguided sprouts that are reaching
and over to a nearby rose bush. I will have to be very easy and train them to wind them in and
around the arbor, or Lord knows where they might end up.
When I go about this I often think about our three sons who have since moved out and now have lives and God fearing wives of their own. They grew up in the church and all attend faithfully and I could not be any more proud of them. I think back upon my own life and my mother was the spiritual leader in our home and she made sure my brother and I were in God's house every Sunday morning.
I am so thankful for the small little country church I grew up in . I have been known to sneak down there
from time to time if time allows. Many and most of the people have passed on . I can still see them and hear
their voices. they unknowing were bending, training , and influencing me . They were teaching me with their lives to cling to that old rugged cross.I am so thankful for each and every one of them, or God only knows where I would have ended up.
Train up a child in the way that he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 22: 6
ENTRY
We have a large rock down in our front yard. It came from a field in the horse pasture down on my parents
forty acre farm. I mentioned the idea of bringing it up and into their front yard . My dad at first dismissed
but later was all in. It sits off to the right as you come up the hill to our home. It is placed pretty close to the
way it was down home. When the time to come sell the farm , I took my tractor and bucket and brought it up
to our farm. I spend a lot of time there . It is one of my very favorite places to pray and talk to my Maker about
the things on my heart.
I have had so far a rough summer in regard to my health. I have had severe sciata issues that led to a back
surgery and a month later a second one as pieces of my spine broke loose causing a drop foot. I am not free of
of pain even know but it is starting to lessen a bit. I am trying to put my best foot forward(joke) but some days
are hard. I wonder if perhaps the lesson at hand is that I need to put my pride aside and let others help me.
As I sat on the rock a few days ago, there was a nice wind blowing on a warm summer evening. Sometimes
I take the dogs with me. I was by myself. I had my hands clasped together and my head down and my eyes
were closed. I had just started to pray and I heard a weird sound but at first dismissed it. Then it started again
kinda the same but yet different. It had a longer and louder two toned moan or groan sound. I stopped praying
and looked up. I had ridden down to the rock on our red ATV . I had not closed the door and the groaning
sound was the door being moved by the wind.
I could not help but think how we become more verbal as we age. I am amused sometimes as the sound I make move about when not one is around except the dogs. I know they will not say a word. Often I pray for
pets we have and some we have had in the past that have passed. One of those is buried near the rock. His
name was Gus, and I put him there because he loved going to the rock as much as I did. I still miss
my little buddy.
The door swayed in the wind. It creaked ,moaned, and groaned as I prayed. A verse came to mind .
The bible tells us that Jesus prays for us! It also tells us the Holy Spirit prays for us when we are without
words and do not know what to say.
This verse makes me think that since all creation looks forward to what lies beyond the grave, we may see
pets that we have loved and lost . I am not certain this is the case, but I live with that hope in my heart.
All creation anticipates the day when it will join God's children in glorious freedom from death and decay.
And even we Christians, although we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, also groan
to be released from our pain and suffering. Romans 8:22-23
To touch a childs face, a dog's smooth coat , a petaled flower, the rough surface of a rock, is to set up a new
order of brian motion. To touch is too communicate.
James W. Angell
ENTRY
Our oldest son and he is a naval aviator. I checked my email earlier and did not hear from him today. When he is out at sea , we can only email him . At times the ship goes quite and for many days
we will not hear from him.
I will be out doing chores and will hear a small play flying over our farm. Before I can think I turn my eyes
up to the heavens wondering if that is Josh. He did that many times during his college days . My wife says
does the same.
I was with him in a small Cessna one afternoon and we circled our home several times. I remember exactly how things looked far below. Our wives came out in the front yard and we could tell which one was
was ,Christina, because of her bright pink shoes.
We covered a lot of ground or I guess sky that day. It was mainly clear skies but there were a few
large clouds here and there. As he zeroed in on one he asked if I had ever seen a cloud . I said,' Maybe
one or two (Optometry humor)." He then asked me if I have ever touched one. He told me to crack my
small window on my side and stick my hand outside. My hand was wet with moisture when I pulled it
back inside the aircraft.
I have been through a cloud and I have been through the Bible. The combination of things floating around in mind affect what I see, hear, and feel not only on my hand but in my heart .You tend to look at things a little differently when you have been through them.
A child on a farm sees a plane overhead and dreams of a faraway place. A traveler on the plane sees the
the farmhouse and dreams of home. Carl Burns
The clouds are the dust of his feet.
Nahum 1: 3
ENTRY
I have written about getting older before. I leave notes all over to remind myself to do things.
All kidding aside, I think this is one of the best habits we should aquire. We are all so busy and daily
overwhelmed with information coming at us from all angles all day. Even last night as we slept, the world
kept spinning, and those who feed us our news have put a spin of their own as we are informed.
I see many patients who write on their hands. Perhaps that is even wiser because truthfully I often lose or
misplace my sticky notes or forget where I put my reminders. I guess if you really thing it is that important
and you want to make sure.
I saw a preacher yesteday morning in the office. I had not seen him for years and we had church and
enjoyed a chat about our Lord . We enjoyed the freedom of those who have learned you do not need a building
to have fellowship.I told him that morning I had read about the fact that God has written on his hands our
names on his palms. Look at your own cheat sheet. You have a large M on each palm. That stands for
memento Mori. That means,'Remmember you will die."
Whatever your hand finds to do do with all your might. Ecclesiastes 9:10
ENTRY
I am a person who tends to get a lot of things done. I have my share of bad habits . Over the years I have
absorbed a few good one. I try to get things done and then move on to the next one. In order to do that ,
you need to realize one is almost always more important than the next.
If that statement bothers you , please try to put your shoes on and now your socks. I also think pants
come first. If I am staying in a hotel and there is a fire, I can live without my shirt.
Many times as I plan my day , I need to keep an eye on the weather. I have some yard work
that I need to do and another task is to cut up some boards in the horse stalls over in the barn.
I will do the outside work first and the stalls later. Why? If it rains, I can still work innside the barn.
Even if the day gets away from me and I run out of daylight, we have lights in the barn.
I see a lot of students right before they go off to college. Many will have some requiements in subjects
that they are worried about. For many it is math. I ask them what is their favorite time of day.
I am amazed that many do not know and admit they never really thought about it.They are gonna have
trouble in math but in life as well. You can count on it! Why? They do not think ahead.
Let's say they hate mornings and math is a weak subject for them. Then they take a college math
course at 8:00 A.M. . The same course is offered at 4:00 P.M. . They may be smart but it seems
they have made a mistake before they enter the classroom.
I made a mistake in the office a few days ago. We had a good day and seems we were going to get out
and go home early. A gal came in and my heart sunk as I read the note. A young man had just splashed
gas in his eye . He was in severe painand 45 minutes out. I gave the green light to head our way but did not use my head.
I needed to tell them that was ok but if they could not make it by then, go to the ER. They came
almost an hour and a half later! I know better. If you do not give them a timeline they will not only take
their time but yours as well.
I am not a fan of procrastination. I often jke that I am writing a book about this but it is not finished yet.
The title will be, JUST YOU WAIT. All my sons know this never did fly in our home and one grew up to be a pilot.
They grew up hearing a constant mantra:
Do it right, do it now, do it right now!
This is gonna be a bit confusing and a bit hypocritical. One of my chores today is to pick up and haul off
several large limbs I cut and left in the yard almost a week ago. It is because the limbs full of leaves will
have died and they will not be near as heavy. So sometimes there is a reason to wait. So there is always a
never an always and always a never.
I know that I am going out on a limb here ,but they do not teach stuff like this in college. I wish
they did. I think they should.
It is not easy taking my problems one at a time when they refuse to get in line.
Ashleigh Brilliant
I got my start by giving myself a start.
Madam C.J. Walker
ENTRY
In the back of our house are many flowers. You would have trouble finding another male who
appreciates and enjoys them as much as I do. I spend a lot of time caring for them and watering them
in a chore in itself that takes several minutes.I can do nothing but think as I stand there and I am amazed at
how many ideas that may make their way to stories are being born at such a time.
As i went about my routine the other evening, iI looked at the stalks that a few weeks ago held the
orange tiger lillies upright and on full display. I love those flowers and have written about them
before. I miss them already and am a little sad because their time has passed. As I refect on them , I look
forward to seeing my friends next summer if the god Lord allows me to be here to see them.
I need to take my snippers and cut down these straw like stalks. I then notices that there was a vine
not only growing around the stalk on several of them. I had planted some morning glory seeds nearby.
Morning glories come in different colors but my favorite are the purple ones that have a red center.
So I will let them stand and soon these purple flowers with adorn the now barren stalks.
This made me think about you and me you see. We all have others who came before us and we
are enjoying things passed down to us who have lived before us and their time has such since passed.
An example would be money passed down after or parents have passed or to those great men
who have passed down and along their great thoughts and ideas that have made the world a better place.
I read years ago in the Bible that wisdom would give us pleasure. When God allows me to see things
I get excited. I hope when it is my time to go that somewhere along the line, someone will be inspired when
they read my words....perhaps even this one.
God speaks to all individuals through what happens to them moment by moment.
J.P. DeCaussade
We are here on earth to do good to others.What the others are here for , I don't know.
W. H. Auten
The morning glories and the sun flowers turn naturally towards the light, but we have to be
taught , it seems. Richard Rohr
LATEST ENTRY
I was mowing our yard the other evening. I knew that I might not have enough to finish. I pulled the mower
pot of our garage and found that all 3 big red cans of gas were empty. I needed to run into town and get some.
I was a little miffed out myself because I driven the truck in to work that day.
It was a nice summer evening with a pleasant breeze. I rolled the dice and rolled on into the yard
to get as much done as possible. I almost finished our yard. I could have not been any farther from the house
when it started to sputter. I sputter caused me to mutter and chew myself out for being out of gas.
Mentally I was out of gas too. I am a completion freak and it was hard for me to walk away and on up to the
house but it it what it is. I will get gas tomorrow after work. I wondered if this unfinished task would
rob me of sleep.
Around ten o'clock I let the dogs out for bathroom duty. As I stood on the deck I saw a strange glow down
near where the mower was. I thought it was a reflection of the porch light. My theory was shot down when
turned off the porch lights. I knew what it was. I had not turned off the key. I had yet another thing to do
before bed. I went all the way down there but I was glad that I saw that. It had not been long so it did not
drain the battery .
I was amazed how even though it as pitch black, the tiny little orange light stood out in the darkness.
I wonder sometimes if I am wasting my time writing these stories and if anyone out in this world is
being inspired . The world in which we live is indeed a dark place and getting worse day by day.
That little glow from that button on the mower help shed a little light for me. I know it sounds silly but I slept soundly.I drifted off praising God thinking about how he used a mower out of gas to fill me with
hope and encouragement. I will remember the next time I feel like I can't cut it and cannot do this
any " mower".
That glimmer of light , surrounded by so many shadows,seemed to say without words
:Evil has not yet taken complete dominion. A spark of hope is still left.
Issac Bashevis Singer
There is a time for words and a time for sleep.
Homer
ENTRY 1
Our farm is about 4 miles east from Jasper In. We live on East Greener Road. Iknow you have heard
the phrase about the grass being greener on the other side of the fence.
I am here to tell testify and tell you that it is indeed greener on our side of greener road. It is because we
had issues with our septic system even before our home was completed.The septic system is on the southwest
side of the house and our wind usually comes from that direction. I am sure you get the drift.
Nonetheless we love our farm, and it has been a wonderful place too live and raise our three boys.When we
turn off Greener road and start up our lane we say aloud and praise both God and Jesus.We thank them for
for allowing us to return home safely.
I would like to think our sons do this as they drive up to their own homes now . I hope they will someday teach
their own children to do the same.I share this with you with the hope you would consider doing this as well.
I feel this pleases God and is good for all of us reminding us that even making it home safely at the end
of the day, is an very much overlooked blessing we all take for granted.
The grass is not always greener on the other side of the fence. The grass is always greenest where it
is watered. Robert Fulghum
LATEST ENTRY
My most story about mustard started with an epigram. That is a statement that usually that
is a jaw dropper. It is a statement that causes one to stop what they are doing and tune in. I have yet another for you that may be more astonishing.
Ready? My wife has been in Elvis Presley's bed! It is true. If you ever meet her, I would really appreciate if you would ask her about it. She will giggle but will turn the prettiest shade of red you have ever seen.
The back story is that we were down in Memphis visiting Graceland. After our tour of the house, we boarded the big jet that Elvis named the Lisa Maria after his daughter. We entered the front of the plane and made our way to the rear of the plane. There was the king-sized bed where the king of rock and roll slept.
They had the bedroom roped off with marron velvet ropes. I noticed the gal that was supposed to oversee this are walked to the front of the plane and had her back to us. As my wife Kim turned to face me, I noticed the large rope was very low was drooping a little lower. I gave my wife a push of force that was as good as any I made playing high school football.
She flew over the rope and landed on the pillows near the headboard. She scrambled to get off the bed like a cat on a hot tin roof. I got an ear full, but I didn't hear most of it because I was laughing so hard.
I don't know how it works up in heaven. In fact, no one really does except those who have passed on. Elvis loved to laugh, play pranks, and have fun. I love his music especially the gospel songs. He has entertained us for many years. I hope that God would allow him to see a beautiful young lady fly inside his plane. I am pretty sure he would get a kick out of this, and I would have laughed even harder if the security team had seen this and kicked off the plane.
As I said I love all his songs, but my favorites are the gospel tracks He used that heavenly voice to give praise back to God. I have never and will never call him the king. There is only one king, and he is my King. His name is Jesus. I have read many things about him down through the years. Elvis never liked being referred to as the king. His faith was strong. He loved the Lord even though fame and fortune brought forth many demons which i is usually the case. When I recently read this, I smiled, and l liked him even more.
even more.
When I am finished this short entry, I plan to listen to his song, I BELIEVE. I would invite you to do the same. I believe you will love it as well.
To judge a man by his weakest link or deed is like judging the power of the
ocean by one wave. Elvis Presley
LATEST ENTRY
Mustard saved my life! I loved it before it saved me. I still love it maybe even more. Actually
it did not save my life, my desire for it did.
We had just finished putting up our last load of hay. We knew a storm was on the way and
we got it in the barn. For that reason, spirits were high. We had worked 12 hours
in the hot sun and we were very tired. We were rich because at 2 bucks /hour our pockets
we filled with cash. This farmer, Cecil, was an elder in our church and one of my favorite farmers to work for. I don't think he ever realized we would have probably worked for free. The feast his wife, Ruthie, always had ready for us was pay enough.
We all gathered under their carport as the storm approached. Ruthie had taken the liberty of preparing a sandwich for me. I had never seen more slices of bologna and cheese between two slices of bread. I thanked her. I said a silent prayer thanking God, but it was the shortest and fastest prayer in the history of my mankind. I was about to devour my sandwich like a Great White shark. I raised the top piece of bread and there was no mustard!
I was in the southwest corner of the carport sitting in one of those old metal farm chairs that rocked. I got up to doctor her wonderful creation with the yellow condiment. I laid it on thick and turned to return to my chair. Just at that moment, our celebration was interrupted by a flash of light and heat. Lightning hit the metal chair I had been sitting in less than 30 seconds earlier!
The surge of electricity made our hair weird, we all nervously laughed. I think back upon that day and I know mustard did not save my life. I thank God for sparring my life that day. I often share this story and think about it just almost every time I reach for the mustard.
I do not know why I love mustard. I just do. God put something in me that causes it to appeal to me. He can use those desires to lead us forward. Satan is aware of them as well. He can use them get you to move towards him and away from God. My simple take away from this story is not enough. We need to read and heed biblical advice as to keep our guard up against his cunning and deceitful ways. I have read many words from some of the brightest men and women who have ever walked the earth. We can learn a lot from them but compared to biblical wisdom, they cannot even come close to cutting the mustard!
The kingdom of God is like a mustard seed which a man took and planted in his field.
Matthew 13:31
Do you send lightning bolts on their way?
Job 38:35
ENTRY 3
Our driveway is about 3 tenths of a mile long. I have had estimates for asphalt down through the
years and the prices keep going up.That is why we continue to go up and down our hill on a gravel road.
The steepness of our hill allows the hard rains to take our gravel road and wash it away. In fact I asked our
neighbors if could just dump the next load on their property to save the rain the trouble.
Gravel comes in many sizes usually in numbers. One would think that 53's would be much larger than a 2.
It is the complete opposite.The smaller the number, the larger the rock size.
I have found there are other things that seemed to be named backwards. Patients are always confused
by the term farsightness and near sightedness. Myopia the term for near sighted patients means the can
see close up. I fully agree it seems that would mean that they could not .
Flower terms are another example. It seems the ones that come up every year on their own or annually
would be called annuals and not perennials.
I thinks people also get confused about the size of sins. They feel some are much worse than others
but that is not at all what the Bible clearly explains. Sin is sin! They might look at the list of the Ten
Commandments and feel number 1 is worst than number 10 or vice versa.The Word of God
makes it clear that if you have broken even one... you have broken them all. There is not anyone
who has ever lived that is guiltless except for Jesus.
All have sinned , and come short of the glory of God.
Romans 3:23
So we are all sinners and in need of a Savior.When His red blood ran down from His body that did not save
you. When Jesus arose from the tomb , our sins are still in place. When we ask Him to be
our Savior and into our heart, our sins past, present, and future are washed away.
The next time Satan wants to dump a load of guilt on you, remind him you are in Jesus and
your salvation is assured and you are safe and no longer in trouble.
FULL
ASSURANCE
IN
THE
HEART
I believe America has gone a long way down the wrong road. If we ever needed God's
help, it is now. Billy Graham
ENTRY 4
Right now, there are several daffodils blooming in various places around our farm. There seems
to more and more with each and every day. I have planted many bulbs over the years and they have
spread quite nicely. There are different color varations and I enjoy them all.
About a week or so ago, I took a large vase to the office with I think 15 or so to be displayed and enjoyed
up at the front desk.
Often as I gather them I think of a pre Easter jaunt on a farm near my parents home years ago. I took a
picture of our youngest son, Jarah, with squished daffodils hanging out of both pocket as he gathered more.
The place where I took them was a Homeplace to a family that lived there years ago. I know of only one
other field that would even come close to this massive display.
I read a book about flowers years ago . I learned something there that I have shared many times since.
It is hared to find a good spot for flowers to grow as we match their need for light and shade. Even after we do '
the deer and other animals mangle then even more than Jarah.
Here is something we missed. The book says they are delicious especially the stems. The stems are made in such
way that it hurts to eat them. They are untouched because it just hurts too much. They slice and dice the tongue
and the critters leave them alone.
Have you noticed how God watches over and protects things he loves and that he has made? ;) It was not in the book
or anywhere in your Bible, but I think God really love those yellow flowers too!
Flowers always make people better,happier, and more helpful; they are sunshine , food, and medicine to the soul.
Luther Burbank