New Year

Memorable Christmas Eves

          I have many great memories of Christmas Eve experiences.

          Before going to college these memories included trips to visit my grandparents in Bethlehem and Sunbury. While going to college they included trips to Sunbury to go caroling with Dianne and our friends in Sunbury.  Our trips to Sunbury continued after our sons were born.  These were exciting times.

          Later, and for about a dozen years, we were responsible for planning and leading Christmas Eve services in our church. That was fun and rewarding.  Then, for about 20 years, our interest switched to a Christmas celebration with our family.  These included special dvd's of the past year, prayer and Bible reading, exchange of gifts, plenty of food and wonderful fellowship.  These years produced great memories.

          But there was one Christmas Eve which wasn't too great. I don't remember the exact year but I was about 30.  We had two young boys who were looking forward to enjoying the holidays with their grandparents, two hours away in Sunbury.

          I was suffering some serious undiagnosed back pain and was scheduled for two difficult tests in the hospital the day before Christmas when I had off from school.  The plan was to complete the tests and then head to Sunbury that evening.

          The first test was a spinal tap. I was in an examination room, almost nude, waiting for the procedure to begin.  In walked a nurse and greeted me, "Hi Mr. Kauffman".  I was stunned to see that the nurse was Vicki, a young lady who had been in my math class just a few years prior.  I quickly learned the lesson that in the hospital there is no such thing as modesty.  It was one of the first difficult memories of that day.

         Next it was on to a myelogram.  Over the years this procedure has improved but then it was a very difficult and painful procedure.  I survived and was sent to a hospital room to wait for instructions to dismiss me.  But we waited with no word from the surgeon.  We were all eager to leave for our Christmas vacation.

          So, we began trying to contact the surgeon reminding him that it was Christmas Eve and we were waiting to leave for the holiday.  We were concerned that he might have forgotten me and left for his vacation.  Finally, about 6 pm the word came and they quickly released me.

          Then we faced the next challenge – snow.  I was driving and decided to take the shorter but more difficult route- over the mountains through Tower City.  Slippery roads made this a real challenge.

          Next, I became very ill.  I had to go to the bathroom but on Christmas Eve nothing was open.  And I developed a tremendous headache which would last for days.  But the Lord helped us to safely complete a very difficult but memorable trip.

          We later found that severe headaches are a side effect of myelograms and that you should spend time on your back after the procedure – not driving through a snowstorm.  But nobody warned me.

          However, the Lord hadn't forgotten me.  He had several angels ready to help.  My wife drove me home while I was flat on my back on the rear seat.  Angels helped our two young sons to behave as Dianne drove.  Dianne's sister and her husband followed us to Lancaster County on their way back to West Virginia to make sure that we were safe. My father and my brother shoveled - by hand – our driveway and street so that we could get through the snow to our garage.  Immanuel – God with us.

           It indeed was a Christmas Eve which I will never forgot. And I will never forget the protection and provision of the Lord.  And as I continue to suffer with increasing back problems, I need to remember how He took care of me and give Him the praise. What a great God He is!

First Meeting

(NOTE - This blog was written BEFORE we had an UNEXPECTED visit with our new great grandson just a few days ago .)  

     

            On a day like this, many years ago, a husband and his wife waited with anticipation the arrival of their precious son.  It was a day of challenge and a day of anticipation.  She had to overcome the long trip by donkey with increasing labor pains.  They had to find a place to stay and give birth.  But God was with them and had the way prepared for them.

          Then they would meet unexpected visitors.  Lowly shepherds invited by angels would find their way to the manger and greet God's Son, born there as a baby.  What a special day that would be remembered and celebrated for many years, even today.

          Today my wife and I are also anticipating a special day in our lives – meeting our new grandson, Malachi Pierce Cetnar who we expect to visit us.  It will be his first visit to us here in Pennsylvania from his home in Massachusetts where he was born on October 12.

          But there are many things that could prevent this visit.  The weather, especially the possibility of ice or snow could prevent their arrival.  Illness could be a problem.  RSV, flu and covid seem to be everywhere and could prevent our meeting.  As I write this, days before Saturday, I don't know what happened today.

          We faced a similar challenge when Malachi's mother, Taylor, was born.  She came in the middle of a huge snowstorm that was so bad that Lancaster was closed to travelers.  Her parents made it to the hospital but the city was closed to everyone else.

          Her brother was staying with us and really wanted to see his new sister.  So did we.  So, we jumped in the car and ventured through the falling snow to the hospital.  It was an exciting and probably dangerous trip. But we made it there and eventually home again safely.

          Zachary thought his little sister was beautiful.  Their first meeting was something we shall never forget. And we look forward to the same thing happening again today.

          I have looked forward to holding Malachi, hugging him tightly, and talking to him. I thank the Lord for Him and pray for him daily.

          And I know that all that happens, even a surprise visit, is part of God's plan. 

Special Things I Like

          In the past I've often shared that my favorite of the four seasons is Fall, and it is.  I love the cooler temperatures.  I love football season.  And I love the beautiful leaves, as long as they stay on the trees.  I don't enjoy cleaning them up when they fall.

          What I don't enjoy is the winter that follows.  I don't like the cold and the sky-rocketing heating costs.  I don't like ice.  I don't like snow that needs to be shoveled or plowed.  But I do enjoy the beautiful winter scenes that God provides.  I wish that God would just allow the snow to fall on the grass and not on streets or sidewalks.

          But there is a part of winter that I really enjoy – the Christmas season.

          I enjoy the beautiful decorations – Christmas trees, lights, wreaths.  I enjoy Christmas cards and letters.  The older I become, the more that I enjoy the letters which let us know what has happened with each family the previous year.  They help me keep up to date with the lives of friends and relatives and help me pray intelligently for them.  That becomes more appreciated as age, physical problems, and distances tend to keep us more separated. One of our greatest gifts are the friends that we have and we should never take them for granted.

          I especially appreciate the beautiful Christmas music – religious and secular.  I listen to it every chance that I have.  It can be very stirring and comforting and it brings back many great memories.  My one regret is that radio stations usually stop playing it on December 26.  Why so soon?  Why can't they at least wait until January 2 to end this special music?

          Now I don't get too excited about presents, probably because I really don't want for anything at this point in life.  But surprise gifts received are always appreciated.  On the other hand, giving gifts is always a special part of this season.  It is special to see the surprise and excitement of the receiver.

          I enjoy times of celebrating with family members but I do miss bring with those who the Lord has called home.  But I thank the Lord for so many great memories and I've learned to appreciate the times that I now have with my friends.

          And I enjoy the Christmas season for it helps me focus once again on the One who made this season possible – the Birthday of the King!  Thank God for His unspeakable gift.

          But during all seasons of the year I am thankful for the few friends who take time each week to read my ramblings.  Thank you! So, I wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy new year.

Thursday Turmoil

          Somedays you think it might have been better to stay in bed. Thursday was one of those.  I think shortages of employees caught up with us.

          For the past month my wife was working on a special cross-stich project as a gift to our new grandson.  She wanted it for his visit with us on Christmas Eve.  For weeks all her spare time was devoted to this project.

          This past week she worked day and night with the goal of getting it framed on Friday.  We worked late Thursday night to complete it and we finally did.  Friday we planned to take it to Hobby Lobby to have it framed.

          We arrived at Hobby Lobby when they opened at 9 am.  We were disappointed to learn that it couldn't be done before mid January at the earliest.  Only one employee was assigned to this job.  Last year he had four who were doing this but now he was the only one they could hire.  He said his daughter worked for the Framery and they were actually in worse shape with later promised completion times.

          Thankfully, he was very kind and agreed to cut out all the pieces needed to complete the project.  Now we need to struggle to complete it ourselves. This will be fun, or should I say a Christmas challenge!

          But our frustrations were just beginning.  When we tried to leave our car wouldn't start.  It sounded like a dead battery. We have been members of AAA for several decades and decided to use the service for which we shelled out big bucks for many years.

          We had our cell phone and began the call for service.  What a joke!  We got into their phone system and tried, unsuccessfully, for over 1,5 hours to get help.  But we couldn't reach anyone to request help.  Terrible service!

          Fearing the battery on our phone would fail, we called my brother-in-law and asked him to try and make the call for us.  He tried for 30 minutes before reaching anyone.  He gave them our information and they said they would contact us, which they did about 45 minutes later.  He asked them if they were busy that morning and the operator said no, they didn't have any calls for service.  Well then what were they doing?

          My brother-in-law decided to come and try to help us while we waited for AAA.  We tried unsuccessfully to jump the battery.  Then we decided that when AAA finally would contact us we would ask to be towed rather than risk anymore damage.  They finally did call and we made arrangements to be towed.  My brother-in-law and my sister took my wife home to wait for my call when the car was finally fixed.

          Shortly after they left the tow truck showed up.  He first tested our battery and determined it was bad.  He started the car and suggested that I drive somewhere to have the entire system tested.

          I went directly to Toyota.  They checked it out and said it was just the battery, which they replaced.  Thankfully, during the process I remembered that the dead battery had been purchased at Toyota.  They checked and found that it was and that there was 50% credit still available.  Thank you, Lord!

          But strike three still to go.  I have been working for weeks to prepare a family Christmas letter.  We decided that this year with about 150 contacts we would send it by e-mail whenever possible to save money.  No problem, at least I thought so.  However, I am working with a new computer and I couldn't insert the letter.  I struggled and finally I was able to use a pdf file to do it.  I saved it until we were ready to send it.

           So, Thursday I recalled the letter and surprise – the contents were gone! Where they went - I have no idea.  Now I am getting back to trying again.  If you do get our letter you may have to open a pdf, if you can.  So let me at least say – "Merry Christmas"- in case it doesn't open.

Lexophiles

 First, a little brain twister for you:

A woman shoots her husband. Then she holds him under water for over 5 minutes. Finally, she hangs him. But 5 minutes later they both go out together and enjoy a wonderful dinner together. How can this be?

(Answer below)

Now -

         Lexophile is a word used to describe those that have a love for words, such as "you can tune a piano, but you can't tuna fish", or "to write with a broken pencil is pointless." A competition to see who can come up with the best lexophiles is held every year in an undisclosed location.  Here are some of the best entries.

... When fish are in schools, they sometimes take debate

... A thief who stole a calendar got twelve months. 

... When the smog lifts in Los Angeles U.C.L.A. 

... The batteries were given out free of charge.

... A dentist and a manicurist married. They fought tooth and nail 

... A will is a dead giveaway.

... With her marriage, she got a new name and a dress. 

... A boiled egg is hard to beat.

... When you've seen one shopping center you've seen a mall. 

... Police were summoned to a daycare center where a three-year-old was resisting a rest. 

... Did you hear about the fellow whose entire left side was cut off?  He's all right now. 

... A bicycle can't stand alone; it's just two tired.

... When a clock is hungry it goes back four seconds. 

... The guy who fell onto an upholstery machine is now fully recovered. 

... He had a photographic memory which was never developed.

... When she saw her first strands of grey hair she thought she'd dye. 

... Acupuncture is a jab well done. That's the point of it.

 .. Those who get too big for their pants will be totally exposed in the end.

~ What's the definition of a will? (It's a dead giveaway.)

~ Time flies like an arrow -- Fruit flies like a banana.

~ A backward poet writes inverse.

~ In a democracy, it's your vote that counts;  In feudalism, it's your count that votes.

~ If you don't pay your exorcist you get repossessed.

~ With her marriage she got a new name and a dress.

~ Show me a piano falling down a mine shaft and I'll show you A-flat minor.

~ When a clock is hungry it goes back four seconds.

~ The man who fell into an upholstery machine is fully recovered.

~ A grenade thrown into a kitchen in France would result in Linoleum Blown apart. 

~ You feel stuck with your debt if you can't budge it.

~ He often broke into song because he couldn't find the key.

ANSWER TO BRAIN TWISTER:

The woman was a photographer. She shot a picture of her husband, developed it, and hung it up to dry (shot; held under water; and hung).

Was that worth waiting for?

Sovereign God

            Another Thanksgiving Day has passed here in the United States.  I hope that you had a great day, possibly sharing with family and friends.

            I also hope that you took time to thank the Lord for His many blessings upon you.  During the year we faced many challenges as a country and as families.  2022 will be a year most of us will never forget, but God was there and He provided what we needed.  We serve a great God.  All praise to Him!

            For those of us over 60 I am thankful that advertising for Medicare will soon stop for a few months.  Each day our mailbox is filled with sales pitches and our tv is filled with advertisements pitching Medicare plans.  I am tired of all of these and am thankful that they will soon stop – at least for another year.

           But I am even more thankful that the election ads are finally over – at least for another year.  To me the ads were obnoxious and full of half-truths and lies.  They were nasty and cruel.  And to many of us the results were the same.

           But, let's thank God that He's still in control!

            In a November 11 devotional produced by David Jeremiah there is a prayer entitled "Our Sovereign God". that I think is worth sharing with you.

          "Dear Lord, the times are in Your hands and so are we. You warned that perilous times would come in the Last Days, but You also told us the Last Days would prepare for the return of Christ.  We're apt to be troubled by politics, upset by elections, and wary of rulers.  But You, O Lord, direct the affairs of history; and if the prophet Daniel could praise You in Babylon, we can praise You in our modern world.  Thank You for being on Your throne.  The rulers of this world with their power and pride are no match for Your sovereign rule!"

            Amen and amen!

             And  here are a few extra thoughts on the subject of thanksgiving.

BE THANKFUL...

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire.

  If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don't know something,

  for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times. 

  During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations,

  because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge,

  because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes. 

  They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you're tired and weary,

  because it means you've made a difference.

It's easy to be thankful for the good things. A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks.

Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive. Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, and they can become your blessings.

He who is grateful is never truly poor, and he who isn't is never truly rich.

        

Holiday Riddles

TURKEY RIDDLES

So bad, they're good...

 

What did the mother turkey say to her disobedient children?

If your father could see you now, he'd turn over in his gravy!

 

Why do Pilgrims have trouble keeping their pants up?

'Cause they wear their belts on their hats!

 

What is the difference between a chicken and a turkey?

Chickens celebrate Thanksgiving!!

 

What is the Turkey's favorite black tie celebration?

The Butter Ball

 

What do you get when you cross a turkey, the beach, and Broomhilda?

A turkey sand-witch

 

What kind of music did Pilgrims listen to?

Plymouth Rock

 

Which side of the turkey has the most feathers? 

The outside

 

Why do turkeys eat so little?

Because they are always stuffed

 

Why did the turkey cross the road?

It was the chicken's day off.

 

What key has legs and can't open doors?

Tur-key.

 

What sound does a space turkey make?

Hubble, hubble, hubble.

 

How do you keep a turkey in suspense?

I'll tell you at Christmas.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.  And make sure that you have a thankful spirit for all that the Lord has done for you.  God is so good - all the time!

To Blog Or Not To Blog?

          It was the late 1990's when I decided, as I began to approach retirement, that I wanted to use technology to enrich my life.  I also decided that maybe the Lord would have a new ministry for me using technology during retirement.

          My niece's husband helped me purchase an expensive software program called Dreamweaver which enabled me to create websites.  Soon I created a site called fbfawana.com which allowed me to post news and pictures about the Awana program at our church which I directed.  This site turned out to be very successful with many using it weekly to follow this special program for children. 

          Over the years I added many features to it including our church history, writings for my grandchildren, writings by my son about his hunting trips and eventually even my first blog.  The problem with the blog was that it was hard for people to locate.  I soon realized that it should not be part of this website.

          In 2008 I found a free online program to create blogs that were easy for folks to access.  In September of 2008 I created Barry's Blog which eventually I began to update weekly.  This blog included stories of my experiences, jokes, puzzles and a variety of really relatively "unimportant" items.  It was really just a hobby for me and chance to use and develop my love of writing.

          The following month I decided to try another blog, "Hymns With A Message".  Each week I feature a hymn with a story about its author and its message.  I post a link to the audio of the hymn.  It has been fun to create and unexpectantly my readership grew with folks from all over the world.  I was amazed at the messages that I received.  This blog became a real ministry and a help to many.

          Over the years things have changed.  The company who hosted my website changed its operating system and my software could no longer communicate with it.  About that time I retired as Awana Commander and the cost of new software and the challenge of learning new software was just too much for me.  So, unfortunately, a few years ago, fbfawana.com was retired.

         For many years my hymn blog flourished.  Some weeks I had 900 -1000 viewers each week. I have written about 800 hymns.  But then, during the pandemic, for some reason my readership began to decline.  Now I have about 600 who visit it each week.  While the decline has been rather disappointing, there still appears to be a need and an interest.  Comments I often receive are encouraging.  

          In recent weeks I have had readers in Australia, Philippians, Canada, United Kingdom, Nigeria, Jamaica, Ghana, India, South Korea, South Afria, and many other countries. So, as long as the Lord gives me the direction ideas and motivation, I hope to continue this blog as a hobby and a ministry.

         But then that brings me to my other blog.  I admit that I have been very discouraged with this one.  You might be one of just about 20 readers who are visiting this one this week.  I am not surprised because my content has not been very interesting.

          I am considering stopping this one the end of this year but then I noticed where my readers are really from …  Brazil, Australia, South Korea, Russia, France, Ireland, India, and several other countries.

          Then, in a time of discouragement, last week, after my blog, "I'll Pray For You!", I received this comment from a reader in Brazil. "Indeed prayers are desperately needed today.  Please remember also my family and my country in your prayers, Mr. Kauffman. 🙏. Sara Santos, from Brazil."

          So, should I stop?

I'll Pray For You

          The pandemic changed so many things for most of us.  We still haven't gone back to church or out to eat at a restaurant.  We've spent less time with friends and we order all our groceries online.

          The one good change has been the fact that I have had more time to pray.  But I wish that I could say that my prayers were more effective than they used to be.  However, my prayer list has gotten much longer.

          It is no secret that people have serious problems that only the Lord can solve.  This past week I have been stunned by the new problems that I have learned about.

          A longtime friend has cancer and now his wife has decided that she wants a separation. What a disappointment and shock.

          A friend has a daughter with special needs who lives in a home for those with special needs.  This week the daughter was found on the floor where she apparently had been for three hours with a broken foot. She needed surgery.

          The daughter of a close friend is going through a difficult divorce and has been forced to move, with her children, home with her parents.  Her parents both have very serious physical problems themselves.

          A friend who is self employed had emergency surgery on his foot.  And while he recovers, they have no income.

           A young man with a special ministry has been diagnosed with kidney cancer – the same type that his mother died of a few years ago. 

          Another friend involved in ministry with several young children has cancer and has been going through various surgeries and difficult treatments. 

           A young lady has serious muscular disorders and has trouble scheduling appointments with specialists.       

           And I could add many more situations – friends who are ill, friends who are out of work, friends with family problems, friends with financial needs, friends with spiritual needs. 

          Serious needs are everywhere.  And what can I do?  Encouragement and faithful, fervent prayer are the only real solutions.

          Now I think most of us could learn more about faithfulness in prayer.  This week I recalled an old hymn penned in 1925 that I can remember singing years ago. Now I don't know much about Albert S. Reitz (1879-1966) and I know nothing about his prayer life.  Quite possibly you may never have heard it.  But in it, Reitz shares several practical issues about prayer.

 

1.     Teach me to pray, Lord, teach me to pray;

This is my heart-cry day unto day;

I long to know Thy will and Thy way;

Teach me to pray, Lord, teach me to pray.

Living in Thee, Lord, and Thou in me,

Constant abiding, this is my plea;

Grant me Thy power, boundless and free,

Power with men and power with Thee.

 

2.     Power in prayer, Lord, power in prayer!

Here 'mid earth's sin and sorrow and care,

Men lost and dying, souls in despair;

O give me power, power in prayer!

Living in Thee, Lord, and Thou in me,

Constant abiding, this is my plea;

Grant me Thy power, boundless and free,

Power with men and power with Thee.

 

3.     My weakened will, Lord, Thou canst renew;

My sinful nature Thou canst subdue;

Fill me just now with power anew;

Power to pray and power to do!

Living in Thee, Lord, and Thou in me,

Constant abiding, this is my plea;

Grant me Thy power, boundless and free,

Power with men and power with Thee.

 

4.     Teach me to pray, Lord, teach me to pray;

Thou art my pattern day unto day;

Thou art my surety, now and for aye;

Teach me to pray, Lord, teach me to pray.

Living in Thee, Lord, and Thou in me,

Constant abiding, this is my plea;

Grant me Thy power, boundless and free,

Power with men and power with Thee.

          Prayer is as important to our spiritual life as is breathing to our human life.  May these words be a reminder to us of our need to spend time alone with the Lord.   May we have the discipline and desire to be prayer warriors for our own spiritual growth and for the many needs of those all around us.  

         And may I never be guilty of saying "I'll pray for you" and then not faithfully doing it.  

God Will Take Care Of You

          A few days ago, I woke up to a beautiful cool fall day.  I sat on the edge of my bed with a heart full of thankfulness for all the Lord had done for me.  I had just come through three stays in the hospital and a procedure in the Surgical Center.  And God had brought me through this challenging experience.

          Spending this special time with the Lord was a great way to start the day.  And He wasn't too busy and I felt His presence.

          But as sometimes happens my mind began to race ahead.   I thought of some physical challenges I still faced.  I thought about my wife's loss of hearing in her one ear.  And I shared with the Lord my concerns about her upcoming major surgery to discover the extent of possible colon cancer.

          Now while I committed all of these concerns to the Lord, I admit that I still felt uneasy about the upcoming events.  I had peace, but it was an uneven peace.

          My radio was on while I sat there praying and suddenly, I heard an old hymn that I hadn't sung in years, "God Will Take Care Of You".  It was exactly what I needed at that moment.

          This old hymn was written in 1904 by Rev. and Mrs. Stillman Martin.   Martin, a well-known Baptist evangelist, was invited to preach at a church some distance from where they lived. That Sunday morning, Mrs. Martin became suddenly ill, making it impossible for her to accompany her husband to his preaching engagement. Rev. Martin seriously considered canceling his speaking assignment, since he would need to be gone from her for a considerable time. 

          Just then, however, their young son spoke up and said, "Father, don't you think that if God wants you to preach today, He will take care of mother while you are away?" Agreeing, Martin kept his preaching appointment. The service proved to be unusually blessed of God, with several people professing Christ as Savior as a result of the sermon. 

          Returning later that evening, Martin found his wife greatly improved in health. And, while he was gone, she had been busily engaged in preparing a new hymn text, inspired by the chance remark of their young son earlier that day. That same evening, Rev. Martin composed the music for his wife's words just as they are still sung today. 

           It is amazing how after all these years the Lord brought these words back to me.

Be not dismayed whate'er betide,

God will take care of you;

beneath His wings of love abide,

God will take care of you.

 

Through days of toil when heart doth fail,

God will take care of you;

when dangers fierce your path assail,

God will take care of you.

 

All you may need He will provide,

God will take care of you;

nothing you ask will be denied,

God will take care of you.

 

No matter what may be the test,

God will take care of you;

lean, weary one, upon his breast,

God will take care of you

 

God will take care of you,

through every day, o'er all the way;

He will take care of you,

God will take care of you.

 

          He has done that for me and He will continue to do so, for He has made that promise to all His children.  And He is faithful.

          Lord, help me to trust in you and rest on your promises.