Gratitude

        Every once in awhile I receive an e-mail from somebody that I think might be worth sharing. So this week I am sharing one that I think has some excellent comments for all of us to consider.  Unfortunately I don't know the source or the author.  But here it is.

           Here's Today's Tip... Gratitude.  "If you learn to appreciate more of what you already have, you'll find yourself having more to appreciate." - Michael Angier

          What if there was something that was both simple AND that could radically transform you, your life, your relationships, and your health?  Would that be something you'd be interested in? 

         We thought so.  Believe it or not, this "something" that we're talking about is gratitude, and yes, it really is that powerful. Research has shown that practicing gratitude can:

     *  Elevate your mood

     *  Reduce feelings of depression

     *  Help you feel more connected

     *  Help you become a better, more likable, more trustworthy person

     *  Lower levels of inflammation

     *  Reduce anxiety

     *  Boost energy levels

     *  Reduce the severity/symptoms of illness

     *  Improve your sleep

     *  Helps you develop stronger bonds and relationships

 Simply put, giving thanks can make you happier, and by helping you get outside of yourself, stop being self-centered, and become other-focused, gratitude can help you get away from ruts, setbacks, and self-pity. It may also make you more successful.

         According to legendary pastor and leadership and management expert John C. Maxwell, gratitude, by its very nature, automatically works to eliminate three mental characteristics that most undermine individual success in an interactive world:

     *  Isolation

     *  Egotism

     *  Arrogance

 Maxwell also talks about how gratitude can enrich your life:

     *  Grateful people linger over life's blessings

     *  Grateful people live in the moment

     *  Grateful people leave fear behind

     *  Grateful people live on purpose

     *  Grateful people love those beside them

          So, how do you put gratitude into practice? Great question. In a New York Times article, Arthur C. Brooks, author of Gross National Happiness, suggests practicing three gratitude strategies to tap into its powerful benefits:

     *  Interior gratitude: Keep a daily or weekly list of the things you are grateful for. For example, each day you might write down 1 - 3 people or things you are grateful for.

     *  Exterior gratitude: Write thank-you notes and share your gratitude with others. These can be handwritten notes, phone calls, e-mails, or text messages.

     *  "Be grateful for useless things": Mindfully express thanks for the everyday stuff that we too often take for granted, like running water, air conditioning, washing machines, etc.

          So during this historic pandemic maybe we need to concentrate on showing gratitude.  It can make a real difference to others and especially to yourself

"In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

VOTE

          November 3 - one of the most important elections in the history of our country.  On that day voters will decide if this country takes a different path - one that veers to the far left and away from traditions that have made our country great.

          This election has stirred controversy like never before.  I have refrained from saying much about it since many of my friends and even relatives, unlike me, support the liberal agenda.  This is hard for me to accept but I don't want to risk hurting our relationships over this.  But with a week to go, I think I need to express my feelings and choices.  So here are my viewpoints on several key issues.

          TACT AND RUDENESS - without a question I am disappointed with how Trump has related to friends and opponents.  His Twitters have often been disgusting.  If this were the most important category I would not be able to vote for him.   However, after listening to Biden's many, many ads I've come to the conclusion that he is just as guilty. He also has been very nasty at times.  And what Trump has endured over the years from the Democratic Party is horrendous.  For that reason I could never vote for Biden.

          Conclusion?  Neither would get my endorsement in this category.

          TRUTH AND INTEGRITY - Many, including the Democrats, have labeled Trump as a liar.  And, unfortunately I think there is evidence that some of this is true.  However Biden's ads have accused Trump of many things that aren't true.  And at one time he lied to the public about his schooling, his degrees and his awards.  That is so sad. And at the last debate he denied saying he and Harris would eliminate fracking and he also denied helping his son gain special perks and income overseas while Joe was VP.  After the debate evidence was presented that he had lied about all of this.

          Conclusion?  Both are guilty and neither would get my endorsement if this were the only category.  Aren't there any honest officials anymore?

          ABORTION - This is a big one for me.  No president in history has done as much for pro-life as Trump.  He is also the first ever to speak at the pro-life rally in Washington.  On the other hand the Biden-Harris team had vowed on day one to begin reversal of all the policies that Trump has made on limiting abortions.  They are pro-choice without a doubt and have radical views such as allowing babies up to 8 months old to be aborted.  They fully support the abortion industry and Planned Parenthood and will work to include support for them in the national budget.  And they do not even try to hide these plans or their hate for pro-life issues and supporters.  And this includes Biden who claims to be a faithful Catholic.  Really, Joe?  What did your nuns teach you?.

          Conclusion?  This one is a no-brainer - Trump.  And I don't understand how any believer in Christ could decide otherwise.

          JUDGES - It is very obvious that Biden and the Democrats want the courts to be led by liberal judges who will make laws rather than apply the Constitution.  And if they take control of Congress they will work to pack the Supreme Court by expanding the number of justices.  This is what you do when you can't win under the established laws.  Sore losers?  Defenders of the Constitution? They have also shown their true colors by the nasty attacks they continue to make against Trump's choices. They have been vicious and almost evil at times.  Trump has also worked to fill lower court vacancies with conservatives. 

          Conclusion?  No question here.  I voted for Trump before because of the prospect of Supreme Court vacancies and I will do so again this time.

          PANDEMIC -  If you can, please name any country or leader in the world who has done a better job in handling this?  And yet Biden and his friends are crucifying Trump for his efforts.  Yes, he has made mistakes, but there were no guidelines for handling this.  And what did Biden do?  He sat in his basement and became a Monday morning quarterback.  And his plan for the future is nothing more than what Trump has tried.  And yet his advertising promotes him as the great savior of the nation.  And while he regularly criticizes Trump for not wearing masks, the majority of his ads include pictures of him without a mask dealing with folks, especially seniors.

          Conclusion?  How can I trust Biden more than Trump?  I can't, so once again Trump.

          CRIME AND VIOLENCE - I'm not sure if anyone can control what has been happening.  However the cities where this has been happening are all run by Democrats.  What has Biden done to stop this? As far as I know he hasn't even condemned this but he and Harris have supported the Defund the Police effort s.

         Conclusion?  Without a doubt, Trump.

          CHRISTIANITY - Of the four, only Pence appears to be a born again Christian. Trump claims to be one but his life doesn't always convince me.  Biden is now hitting the Christian radio networks claiming he has faith, but his definition of faith is not what I call Biblical faith.  Another ad shows a friend of his who shares how good a man Biden is, how he attends mass  regularly and how he was taught the principles of Catholicism by the nuns.  What about abortion, Joe?  And Harris has no time for Christians or religious liberty.

          Conclusion? No guessing here.  Trump has continually defended religion and religious rights.  This will probably be reversed if Biden wins.  Now I don't think being a born again Christian is a requirement for a president, I certainly don't want one who has no time for Christians.  We aren't electing a pastor, but I do want a president who at least is kind to Christian principles.

          ECONOMY - Trump's first three years made our economy one of the strongest and best in history.  But then came the pandemic which nobody could control.  And our economy was hurt badly.  Whose fault was that?  Certainly not Trump's alone.  And the Democrats were part of the problem helping to support excessive spending and even wanting more.  However, the economy has slowly becoming back and much depends upon what happens to the pandemic and this election.

          Conclusion?  I don't trust the Biden liberal team to bring the economy back with their excessive spending, taxes and give away programs.  Trump has done it before and I believe he can do it again if there is any hope for this country.

          ISRAEL - I believe it is important that America support Israel.  Under Trump's leadership several key treaties have been made between Israel and its former enemies.  Jewish leaders now support Trump because of his leadership.

          Conclusion?  Obviously Trump.  Biden in his four decades in Washington has never done anything for Israel and he has been silent about that on the election trail this year.

           So there you have my perspective.  I certainly am not an expert on politics but I have watched what has been happening.  And, as a result, I have already voted, by mail-in ballot, for Donald Trump.  I hope that you might consider doing the same.

          I do feel that it will take a miracle during these troubled times for Trump to win again.  But I rest in the fact that the Lord is still in control and He will take care of His children no matter who on earth controls the presidency, congress and the courts.  Great is our God!  My hope is in Him!

My hope is built on nothing less

Than Jesus Christ, my righteousness;

I dare not trust the sweetest frame,

But wholly lean on Jesus’ name. 

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;

All other ground is sinking sand,

All other ground is sinking sand.

When darkness veils His lovely face,

I rest on His unchanging grace;

In every high and stormy gale,

My anchor holds within the veil.

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;

All other ground is sinking sand,

All other ground is sinking sand.

His oath, His covenant, His blood,

Support me in the whelming flood;

When all around my soul gives way,

He then is all my hope and stay.

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;

All other ground is sinking sand,

All other ground is sinking sand.

When He shall come with trumpet sound,

Oh, may I then in Him be found;

In Him, my righteousness, alone,

Faultless to stand before the throne.

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;

All other ground is sinking sand,

All other ground is sinking sand.

Do We Mean What We Are Saying? (LB)

LOOKING BACK - Repeating and editing a blog that I first published on January 13, 2011

          There are a few little things that people say to me that really bother me. One of those is when people pass me, especially at church, and say "how are you doing?" Then they keep on walking away before you can give an answer. Obviously they don't care how I am doing and really don't want to know. 

          So often we are guilty of saying things which we really don't mean or don't intend to do. Here are a few examples.

* (after giving directions) ...you can't miss it.

* I never watch television except PBS.

* The engine is supposed to make that noise.

* Just ignore him -- he's never bitten anyone.

* Don't worry, I can get another 40 miles when the gauge is on "empty."

* It's not the money, it's the principle of the thing.

* You get this one and I'll pay next time.

* I have read and agreed to the terms and conditions.

* I'll call you right back.

* Don't worry.

* I don't need a nice ring when you ask me to marry you.

* I will pay you back next week.

* I'll be there in 5 minutes.

* No, your driver's license picture looks fine.

* The dog ate my homework.

* This car is just like new.

* Guaranteed to last a lifetime.

* This will pay for itself the first time you use it.

* We don't need to stop for directions. I know exactly where we are.

* Congratulations! You've just won an all expense paid trip to the destination of your choice. Absolutely free! No strings attached.

* Sadly, "I'll be praying for you." 

         Several women in a church prayer group were visiting an elderly friend who was ill. After awhile they rose to leave and told her; "We'll do what we can to help. We promise to keep you in our prayers." 

         "Just do something more useful like wash the dishes in the kitchen," the ailing woman said, "I can do my own praying."

          When my mother died folks kept saying to us, "If there is anything we can do, please let us know." We knew that most of them didn't really mean that. So we started answering them by suggesting that they take dad out for a meal once in awhile. Most never did.

          So how are you doing? Have a good day.

          The scripture reminds us, "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight, my Lord and my Redeemer."

          Maybe we ought to be more careful about the words and comments that come out of our mouth.

Lost Words

          Many things have been lost from our youth.  These include many words and phrases that we seniors often used as we grew up.  For example, Mergatroyd!   Do you remember that word?   Would you believe the spell-checker did not recognize the word Mergatroyd?   Heavens to Mergatroyd!   

         Some old expressions that have become obsolete because of the inexorable march of technology.   

*  Don't touch that dial,

*  Carbon copy,

*  You sound like a broken record,

*  Hung out to dry.

*  Back in the olden days we had lots of moxie .

*  We'd put on our best bib and tucker , to straighten up and fly right.

*  Heavens to Betsy!

*  Gee whillikers!

*  Jumping Jehoshaphat!

*  Holy Moley!

*  Holy Toledo!

*  We were in like Flynn and living the life of Riley ; and even a regular guy couldn't accuse us of being a knucklehead, or a nincompoop   Not for all the tea in China!

*  Back in the olden days, life used to be swell, but when's the last time anything was swell?  Swell has gone the way of beehives, pageboys and the D.A.;  of spats, knickers, fedoras, poodle skirts, saddle shoes, and pedal pushers.

*  Oh, my aching back!

*  Kilroy was here, but he isn't anymore.

*  We wake up from what surely has been just a short nap, and before we can say, "Well, I'll be a monkey's uncle!" Or, "This is a fine kettle of fish!"   

          We discover that the words we grew up with, the words that seemed omnipresent, as oxygen, have vanished with scarcely a notice from our tongues and our pens and our keyboards.  Poof, go the words of our youth, the words we've left behind.   We blink, and they're gone.   Where have all those great phrases gone?

*  Pshaw,

*  The milkman did it

*  Hey!   It's your nickel.

*  Don't forget to pull the chain.

*  Knee high to a grasshopper.

*  Well, Fiddlesticks!

*  Going like sixty.

*  I'll see you in the funny papers

*  Don't take any wooden nickels.

*  Wake up and smell the roses.

*  Turns out there are more of these lost words and expressions than Carter has liver pills.  (Carter's Little Liver Pills are gone too!)

*  Leaves us to wonder where Superman will find a phone booth.

*  Okidoki.

*  "Monkey Business"!

           Anyway, See ya later alligator ... after while crocodile!

Spectacular October Day!

          It was a beautiful October day.  The sun was shining.  The air was crisp but comfortable.  The leaves were just beginning to change colors.  And the Star Barn provided a spectacular setting which was to be the scene of many answered prayers.

          About 26 years ago we began to pray daily for a granddaughter who was not yet born. We asked the Lord not only to keep her safe but to allow her to grow up to be a godly young woman who had a passion for serving the Lord.  Then we began to ask the Lord to also prepare a godly young man to eventually become her wife and lead in the development of a home where Christ was honored and worshipped.

          As Taylor grew up the Lord led her to a ministry with Disciplemakers and she was assigned to the Penn State campus where she has had an impact on the lives of many students.  There she began to attend a local church where she met Daniel, a young man working on his doctorate in chemical engineering.  Soon they began to date and it wasn't too long until they became engaged.

          Originally they planned to get married in December.  They arranged to rent a church, an area for a reception, a caterer, a pastor and a wedding party.  They sent the date out to many of their friends and everything moved along smoothly.

          But then the pandemic began to interfere.  Gov. Wolf slapped restrictions on attendances.  Their rented church did not open as others were doing. Other problems developed and they began to pray about making a major change.  They found that the Star Barn was actually available on October 4 and both the wedding and reception could be held there.  The church returned their deposit.  The pastor and wedding party were available then and a new caterer was found.  Answers to prayer. 

          So the date was changed and the Lord provided this beautiful day for a special outdoor wedding that allowed about 150 to attend.  The ceremony was also streamed to many who couldn't attend.  The only real problem encountered that day was that one of the groom's party was 15 minutes late and that held up the start.  But I don't think anybody was upset by that since the weather and scenery were so great.

          The ceremony was God honoring.  The pastor did an excellent job.  And the bride was beautiful.  And before long we were introduced for the first time to Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Cetnar.  Our prayers for 26 years were answered.  Now we begin to pray for them as a couple and are asking the Lord to lead them and use them in the years to come.

          But there were other prayers answered that day.  My wife and I have isolated ourselves since March.  We have not been with anyone or with any group during that time.  Because of our age and physical challenges our doctors have directed us to do this.  So it was a step of faith for us to step out and attend our granddaughter's wedding.  We prayed about it and thankfully a few of my blog readers read my request and prayed with us.  We attended and had a wonderful time!  Then, a few days ago, I had a Covid 19 test for my surgery yesterday.  PTL, it came back negative.  More answers to prayer.

          Sometimes our prayers are answered immediately and sometimes they take years to be answered.  But God hears us and doesn't forget us.  We just need to keep trusting him.  One of my favorite verses is Jeremiah 33:3, "Call unto me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things which you knoweth not."  That has been so true in my life.

          P.S. – This blog was written before my surgery on Friday afternoon.  So right now I don't know how it went.  Please join us in praying for a safe and successful surgery and a good recovery.  Thank you!

My Favorite Season

          2020 has been a year that we will never forget.  Covid19 has affected all of our lives in so many ways.  Life has just not been the same.  It is easy to get discouraged.

          But we shouldn't forget some of the many things that God has provided us that still exist.  I was reminded of that as I read a blog that I had published on September 7, 2010. I have decided to share this once again in hopes that it might help us take a more positive view of our life today despite the many negative things that surround us..

          Let's be reminded that God hasn't changed.  Let's take time to appreciate what He has provided for our enjoyment.  God is so good, all the time.

          LOOKING BACK - This weekend we received a brief taste of my favorite season of the year - Fall. Now I do like all four seasons and I am glad that I live in an area where I can experience all four. But, without a doubt, I love the season that has just begun. The relief from the heat and the low humidity that we experienced this weekend made me realize that this beautiful season is on the way. There is no question that I do enjoy the cooler temperatures.

          There is something special about Fall evenings, especially when the smell of burning leaves and active fireplaces mix with the crisp, cool evening air. And I love the beauty of the changing leaves - if only they would stay on the trees a little longer. It is so beautiful when the mountains are painted in mixtures of reds, oranges, yellows, and browns. God is such a masterful artist.

          Then there are the fields of corn stalks and pumpkins which are so evident in Lancaster County. And I look forward to fresh, tasty apples. In fact I could eat one right now.

          And with this season comes football which is probably my favorite sport. I enjoy baseball, but it is so slow. Basketball is fun, too, but it is played indoors. Football is exciting, fast, and filled with excitement. And what can match a great football game on a crisp Saturday afternoon or a great night game with heavy coats, gloves, and blankets. Oh yes, it is a great time to look forward to in the months ahead.    

          Unfortunately, those months pass so quickly and then comes the snow - opps, let's not ruin the thought with four letter words. Let's just enjoy the beautiful days ahead. Grab an apple, watch a football game (even if just on television), take a walk in the woods,  and enjoy this time of beauty which comes just once a year. Enjoy each day and thank the Lord for His beautiful creation.

1. 1. I sing the mighty pow’r of God, 
      that made the mountains rise,
      That spread the flowing seas abroad, 
      and built the lofty skies.
      I sing the wisdom that ordained 
      the sun to rule the day;
      The moon shines full at His command, 
      and all the stars obey.
   2. I sing the goodness of the Lord, 
      who filled the earth with food,
      Who formed the creatures through the Word, 
      and then pronounced them good.
      Lord, how Thy wonders are displayed, 
      where’er I turn my eye,
      If I survey the ground I tread, 
      or gaze upon the sky.
   3. There’s not a plant or flow’r below, 
      but makes Thy glories known,
      And clouds arise, and tempests blow, 
      by order from Thy throne;
      While all that borrows life from Thee 
      is ever in Thy care;
      And everywhere that we can be, 
      Thou, God, art present there.