Thanksgiving

          I trust that you have had a wonderful Thanksgiving.  We do have so much to be thankful for.  God has been so good to us.

         So because of Thanksgiving I want to do two things here this week.  The first is to share some laughs.  So here goes.

 

THANKSGIVING ONE-LINERS

 

What do Thanksgiving and Halloween have in common?

One has gobblers, the other goblins.

 

What did the turkey say to the computer?

Google, google, google!

 

What kind of face does a pilgrim make when he's in pain?

Pil-grimace.

 

What's the best way to stuff a turkey?

Serve him lots of pizza and ice cream.

 

What sound does a limping turkey make?

Wobble, wobble!

 

What do you get if you divide the circumference of a pumpkin by its diameter?

Pumpkin pi.

 

What's the most musical part of a turkey?

The drumstick.

 

When is the turkey soup bad for your health?

When you are the turkey.

 

Why can't you take a turkey to church?

They use fowl language

 

What do you call a running turkey?

Fast food.

 

Pilgrims were still alive, what would they be known for?

Their age.

 

          Enough of that.  Secondly on a more serious manner I would like to share the words of a prayer chorus that we often used when working with children.  It shares some of the important things that we should thank the Lord for.

 

For mother's love and Father's care,

For food to eat and clothes to wear,

For home and friends and answered prayer,

I thank Thee, Lord.

 

But most of all my thanks shall be

That on the Cross of Calvary,

The Savior gave His life for me,

I thank Thee Lord.

 

          I also thank you for taking time to stop by and read this blog.  There is never anything profound here but about 25 of you keep dropping by and humoring me.  I've often thought about quitting this blog and at some point I probably will.  But right now it gives me a way to communicate with others during a time of isolation and pandemic.  It forces me to think and attempt to do something constructive.

          But I am also thankful for my hymn blog which gets almost 1,000 hits each week.  I'm especially thankful for the many comments I receive from all over the world.  They are an encouragement to me.  Here is one I just received this week.

          "I minister with a few folks in total theatre for expressing and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We just sang "In this Very Room" at an ordination accompanied by an interpretation that this VERY Room is not only the space we are in but the very redeemed body which has become the Temple of The Holy Spirit. The Love, Joy, Hope and Power are there because God is with us at all times.  It is a great song. Your story is beautiful and, as God anoints all great works that exalt Him, this song expands for God's purposes in the lives and hearts of so many through the generations. Thank you for the gift and may the Lord bless and keep you, recompense you according as you and your wife have labored and given to so many."

          Let me close this Thanksgiving blog by sharing a comment that I just received from David, a reader in South Africa.

          "Hello my name is David from South Africa and a born again Christian and love the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To me He is my everything my Alpha and Omega.  When I wake up in the morning I glorify Jesus and at night when I go to sleep I glorify Jesus. When I first heard this song Oh When I Come to the End of My Journey by Evangelist Jimmy Swaggart, the presence of the Holy Spirit came all over me and I began to weep and there was a joy unspeakable and full of glory that permeated my room. Thank you my Brother in Christ and bless you for this amazing song by Sister Lucie Campbell.  May the Lord Jesus shower His Grace and Mercy to you and your beautiful family. And continue His Work.  Kind regards, David"

 

Headlines

          Much of my life was spent working on newspapers.  I've worked on the editorial staffs of the Lancaster Sunday News, the Sunbury Daily Item, the Lancaster Intelligencer Journal and the Lititz Record Express. The experience I gained during a variety of assignments was invaluable.

          Only the Lititz Record Express provided me with the experience of writing headlines.  This was always a challenge since you needed to summarize the article in just a few words.

          Over the years many newspapers have failed in the creation of their headlines.  Here are some of those that didn't do too well.

 

·        Barbershop singers bring joy to school for deaf

      *     Bridges help people cross rivers

      *.    City unsure why sewer smells

      *.    17 remain dead in morgue shooting spree

      *.    Starvation can lead to health hazards

      *.    Man accused of killing lawyer receives a new attorney

      *.    Parents keep kids home to protest school closure

      *.    Hospitals resort to hiring doctors

      *.    Federal agents raid gun shop, find weapons

      *.    Total lunar eclipse will be broadcast live on Northwoods public radio

      *.    Diana was still alive hours before she died

      *.    Meeting on open meetings is closed

      *.    New sick policy requires 2-day notice 

      *.    Statistics show that teen pregnancy drops off significantly after age 25

      *.    Bugs flying around with wings are flying bugs

      *.    Study shows frequent sex enhances pregnancy chances

      *.    Marijuana issue sent to a joint committee

      *.    Worker suffers leg pain after crane drops 800-pound ball on his head.

 

          If biblical events were being covered by today's media you might get the following headlines

 

On Red Sea crossing:

WETLANDS TRAMPLED IN LABOR STRIKE

Enforcement Officials Killed While Pursuing Unruly Mob

 

On David vs. Goliath:

HATE CRIME KILLS BELOVED CHAMPION OF RELIEF TROOPS

Psychologist Questions Significance of Rock Used as Weapon

 

On the prophet Elijah on Mt. Carmel:

FIRE SENDS RELIGIOUS ACTIVIST INTO FRENZY

400 Killed In Unprovoked Attack

 

On the birth of Christ:

HOTELS FULL, ANIMALS EJECTED FROM SHELTER

Animal Rights Advocates Enraged by Insensitive Couple

 

On feeding the 5,000:

LAY PREACHER STEALS CHILD'S LUNCH

Disciples Mystified Over Behavior

 

On healing the 10 lepers:

QUACK PREYS ON TERMINALLY ILL

Authorities Investigating Use of Non-traditional Medical Procedure

 

On healing of the two demon-possessed men in Gadarenes:

MADMAN CAUSES STAMPEDE

Local Farmer Faces Bankruptcy After Loss of Hogs

 

On raising Lazarus from the dead:

ITINERANT PREACHER RAISES STINK

Will Now Being Contested by Lawyers of Heirs

 

          So read your newspaper today but be careful about interpreting the headlines.

Questions

         I know I don't have any special wisdom.  I am terrible about trivia.  And I generally try to keep my mouth shut rather than opening it and sharing how little I really know.  But there are numerous situations I am observing that I really don't understand.

          For example, with the obvious danger of getting covid if you don't get the vaccines, why don't more of my friends get the shots?  Over 4,000 folks in Pennsylvania are getting covid each day so why do folks continue to take this gamble.  In the last two weeks four of our friends have caught it.  One died in the hospital, another is in the hospital on a ventilator, two others had mild cases and will probably not need to go to the hospital.  I don't understand their decisions.

          I don't understand why medical facilities have relaxed their entrance procedures.  Were they not effective?  Do they think the threat of covid is over? Are they tired of taking criticism from the people they serve?  The local health campus and a medical center we use do very little screening anymore.  Last week I went to my family doctor.  This time I was asked no questions about covid exposure and no temperature was taken when I entered.  Just come as you are – like it was before the pandemic.  I don't understand that.

           I don't understand how folks get a religious exemption from getting the shots.  What Bible verse do they use to defend their request?  Maybe Hezekiah 20:21, "Thou shall not get a covid shot."  I don't know.  Does a pastor write an excuse for them?  We have a friend who is a nurse at a medical facility that we often use.  She received a medical exception.  Then she tested positive for covid.  It is interesting that a specialist from that facility told my wife that if my wife didn't have the shots and came to the hospital for treatment, he wouldn't treat her.  Fortunately my wife now has three shots.  But I don't understand religious exceptions.

          I don't understand why there is so much fuss about wearing masks in school. Most kids have no trouble wearing them.  And they help keep children safe.  Why wouldn't a parent want that?  The bottom line is that many folks just don't want to be told what to do.  We all want our own rights.

          And I don't understand why churches abandon their members who choose not to attend services for fear of covid.  With so many conservative folks living as anti-masking and anti-vaccine, church is not the safest place to be if you have a low immune system.  But when you no longer attend in building services you are often forgotten.  No visits, no telephone calls, no church bulletins or announcements, no personal attention.  It can be like you died and I don't understand that at all.  But that may be a subject for another day.

          And I don't understand our government at all, but who does?  Why are we giving huge stipends to refugees who have broken the laws to come to this country?  Why is our governor giving government employees who get the vaccines special vacations with pay?  Where is that money coming from for these unusual expenditures?  Probably it will come from the same places that will be used by President Biden to fund all of his new major laws.  Increase the national debt and tax the rich to give to the poor – more evidence of socialism taking over in our country.

          And I don't understand why I even question these things in a public blog.  All I might do is stir up more controversy since so many of my "friends" have opposite opinions.  I should avoid these topics

before I lose more "friends".  But I may be safe since very few of these folks even read this blog anymore.

          Then I don't know why I even think about these problems.  I should have better things to do, like take a nap or enjoy a snack.

November 5, 6 Memories

          Time passes but memories seldom do.  And sometimes memories are brought back to us by things we can't control.

          This week the calendar dates of Friday and Saturday brought back difficult memories from 28 years ago.  My how time flies.

          It was Friday, November 5, 1993 when my mother observed her 72^nd birthday.  We never did much to celebrate birthdays but this year each of her children, their spouses and her grandchildren individually took time to drop in during the day to visit her and wish her a happy birthday.  That was unusual but I believe that the Lord planned this.

          It was a good day and now it is a great memory.

          The following day, Saturday, November 6, my wife and I left early in the morning to drive to State College to attend the Penn State – Indiana football game.  We had a good time especially since Penn State won, 38-31.

          We decided to go home by the way of Selinsgrove since my mother-in-law was not well.  We stopped for something to eat at a fast food spot – I think it was Hardees – near Middleburg.  When we arrived at my wife's parent's mobile home my father-in-law greeted us and told us that we had to immediately call my son because my parents had been in an auto accident.

          We called Craig who told us that my mother had been killed and that my father was in the hospital.  He was the only family member the police were able to contact.  We immediately headed home stopping only at a restaurant to go to the bathroom before reaching Lancaster.  Fortunately no police saw us because we made the trip in record time.

          When we arrived at the hospital we met Craig, my sister and her husband, and our pastor.  My brother and his wife had also been out of town and they arrived a little later.  It was a sad and stunned gathering.  An elder from our church also arrived to be with us.

          Together we went to see my father who did not have any serious injuries.  He had already been told about my mother.  He ended up being admitted for observation and was released a few days later.

          Then we asked if we could see my mother.  That was a mistake because she looked terrible and was still hooked up to hospital equipment.  I will never forget that sight.  They told us that she had died instantly although later we heard some conflicting information that said she was still alive when she was taken out of the car.  No matter which was true, she was then with her Lord in heaven.  All of her physical problems, which were many, were then all resolved.

          We then learned that a teen on his way to work ran through a traffic light and hit my parent's broadside.  My parents were on the way home from shopping.   Apparently the boy's parents came to the scene and quickly took him away so the police did not have an immediate chance to examine him.  There were some stories that he might have been drinking earlier in the day but there was no evidence available about his condition at the time of the accident.  So we will never know if he was sober.

           The next few weeks were very busy.  We had a private service and burial attended by family and a few friends and family.  A very heavily attended memorial service followed in our church.  The number of people who came to give their respects stunned us.  Mother had many friends throughout our denomination and community.  We had to cut off the visitation line and the service actually started an hour late.  Many stayed after the service to talk to us.

          My wife and I stayed with dad for about a week and then he lived alone for another 16 years until the Lord took him home.  He never complained but he missed her deeply.  He displayed his faith and trust in the Lord that he had shared with us all of his life.  His faith was real and was an example to all of us.

           I still miss my mother and often wish that I could talk to her again but I know where she is and know that someday I will see her again.  Mother had many physical problems but God kept her from going through all the suffering that so many older folks face in nursing homes.  I am so thankful for that.

          But specifically, Friday, November 5 and Saturday, November 6, even in 2021, bring back many memories.

Grin And Bear It

          First it was the pandemic which changed our lives in so many ways - isolation, covid, differences in opinion about masks and vaccines, changes in our everyday events.  And still things are not back to "normal", whatever that is.

          Then came a liberal socialist government which wants to give everybody everything - for free.  And while they were taking over inflation took over - higher prices for food, huge increases in heating costs and soon big increases in our taxes.  And there is nothing a person can do and these things will never get back to "normal" especially with our liberal administration.

          And in the midst of all of this change, besides prayer, maybe we need a little humor to keep us going.  And maybe that is my purpose in this different blog.  

         So, do you think a gallon of gas is expensive? Just put things a bit in perspective.

*   Lipton Ice Tea 16 oz $1.19 = $9.52 per gallon

*   Ocean Spray 16 oz $1.25 = $10.00 per gallon

*   Gatorade 20 oz $1.59 = $10.17 per gallon

*   Diet Snapple 16 oz $1.29 = $10.32 per gallon

*   Whiteout 7 oz $1.39 = $25.42 per gallon

*   Brake Fluid 12 oz $3.15 = $33.60 per gallon

*   Scope 1.5 oz $0.99 = $84.48 per gallon

*   Pepto Bismol 4 oz $3.85 = $123.20 per gallon

*   Vick's Nyquil 6 oz $8.35 = $178.13 per gallon

And this is the REAL KICKER...

*   Evian water 9 oz $1.49 = $21.19 per gallon?! $21.19 for WATER - and the buyers don't even know the source. 

          So, the next time you're at the pump, be glad your car doesn't run on water, Scope, or Whiteout, or heaven forbid Pepto Bismal or Nyquil!

          Many of us have spent too much time visiting doctors and having medical tests during the Pandemic.  Here is what one person said about a recent visit to the doctor.

           I went to the doctor for my yearly physical. The nurse started with certain basics. "How much do you weigh?" she asked. "135," I said. The nurse put me on the scale. It turns out my weight is 180.

         The nurse asked, "Your height?"    "5 foot 6," I said.    The nurse checked and saw that I only measure 5 foot 2 inches. 

          She then took my blood pressure and told me that it is very high.

         "Of course it's high!" I screamed. "When I came in here I was tall and slender! Now I'm short and fat!"

          The pandemic also gave pastors an excuse for no longer visiting the homebound from their congregation.  But one pastor found another excuse to stop visitations.

          The pastor visited an elderly woman from his congregation.  As he sat on the couch he notices a large bowl of peanuts on the coffee table.

          "Mind if I have a few?" he asks.

          "No, not at all" the woman replied.

          They chat for an hour and as the pastor stands to leave he realizes that instead of eating just a few peanuts, he emptied most of the bowl.

          "I'm terribly sorry for eating all your peanuts, I really just meant to eat a few."

          "Oh that's all right" the elderly woman says. "Ever since I lost my teeth all I can do is suck the chocolate off them."

          So be careful what you eat and maybe you can at least smile as you fill up your car with gas, buy groceries, visit your doctor or sit in a cold house this winter.

Fall Saturdays

          Fall weekends have always been one of my favorite times of the year, because of football.  For about 68 years this is how I spent by Fall Saturdays. 

          When I was in high school for seven years I played in the band and we attended and performed at every football game.  Then when I was in college I traveled for four years as chief statistician with a very successful Susquehanna University football team.  Then for 25 years I covered area high school football games for the Lancaster Sunday News.

          But next came one of the most exciting events in my Fall schedule - Penn State football games.  The first couple of years I was able to purchase tickets from some friends.  I also began to advertise for tickets in the local weekly newspaper.  I was often successful in using a Penn State ticket line on my computer.

          However I also learned that many folks have extra tickets and they would offer them for sale the day of the game.  So we made a sign that said simply "We Need Two", placed it in the window of our car and began the drive to State College.

          And that worked!  PSU fans knew what it meant. Usually we were stopped by somebody with tickets to sell before we reached Harrisburg.  One time we stopped at our local Turkey Hill and somebody saw our sign and sold us tickets.  Only once were we not successful.  For the big PSU-Alabama game we were stopped near Lewisburg and were offered tickets at $25 over face value.  We refused, stopped at Lewisburg for a brief visit with my wife's sister, drove home and watched the game on television.

          We never had to pay more than face value and we got to sit in all sorts of locations in the stadium.  That was fun.

          Then we found a gentleman in Columbia who had season tickets and seldom used them. For many years we became a frequent buyer.  Those seats were great and easy to get to.  And they were right near the handicapped parking which we used.  Easy in, easy out.

          Things changed when he died.  They moved the handicapped parking away from the stadium.  They ran shuttles which were easy to use going to the game.  But they would not send the shuttle back after the game until it was full.  That made an early departure to beat the traffic very difficult.

          Later, after we stopped going to the games, they moved the handicapped parking to another part of the town which meant you had to use the shuttle.  It was just too far to walk.

          We miss the tailgating.  That was amazing.  The setups, displays and variety of foods were incredible.  Some folks don't even go to the game, they tailgate, stay at their cars and watch the game on television.

          When we were more able we often walked downtown before the game and shopped in the college stores.  If we were there on the right weekend the Ag Building had a tremendous show featuring flowers and produce.  And there were vendors and displays around and in the Bryce Jordan Center.  So many interesting things to do before the game.

          And I enjoyed the pregame events in the stadium.  The warm-ups, the cheerleaders and the appearance of Joe Pa.  Then came the band and their great sound.  But the highlight was the appearance of the drum major who did his traditional flip at midfield.  And when he landed upright on his feet, the crowd went wild.

          Of course there was the excitement of the game.  The crowd noise and participation was incredible.

          But alas, all good things must come to an end.  Now that we have trouble walking we have been forced to give up this experience.  

          Now instead we trade the experience for a short walk to our living room,  sitting on a recliner instead of being crunched in a small bleacher seat, watching the game on a large television, going to our own bathroom instead of waiting in long lines, getting a snack without paying inflated prices, and avoiding the heavy traffic going home.  And when there is rain, hail, sleet or snow, we are comfortable in our home.

          But I still miss the excitement of being there!

          

"Lucky" Benny! (LB)

First, a little brain twister for you to warm you up:

A murderer is condemned to death. He has to choose between three rooms. The first is full of raging fires, the second is full of assassins with loaded guns, and the third is full of lions that haven't eaten in 3 years. Which room is safest for him?

(Answer below)

NOW - LOOKING BACK - Repeating and editing a blog that I first published on May 5, 2010

          Somebody recently sent me this story and I thought you might enjoy it. So here goes … Benny worked at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. His primary job was to keep the exhibits clean and polished. 

         One day he happened to be dusting around the Arabian exhibit, and he noticed an ancient urn that needed some cleaning. He got out his dust rag and began polishing. 

         Lo and behold, an enormous genie appeared before him. "Master," the genie began, "I am the genie of the urn. I can grant you three wishes, but there is one condition I will put on you - You must never shave or cut your beard for the rest of your life, or you will be forced to take my place inside the urn forever." Benny thought about it for a bit, and decided it was a fair condition for three wishes. 

         So Benny wished for 49 percent of the total Microsoft stock, which was promptly granted. Then he wished for the most beautiful woman in the world as his wife, and lo and behold, she was. Finally, he wished for fame and fortune, and he instantly became a worldwide celebrity. 

         Over the years, Benny's beard became longer and longer until it almost reached the floor. As it grew longer, it began to itch. He tried to ignore it, but the itch became more and more irritating, while the memory of the genie's warning faded. 

         Finally he decided he had to get rid of the beard and he shaved it off. Instantly he was trapped in the urn, to stay there forever.  

          The moral of the story? ...... A Benny shaved is a Benny urned.

          Be careful what you wish for!

BRAIN TWISTER ANSWER -

The third room. Lions that haven't eaten in three years are dead. 

Disagreements

          About a year ago I posted a comment on Facebook thanking those who had gotten their covid shots making my life a little safer.  It was an honest comment of gratitude and nothing more.  But it really stirred up an unexpected negative reaction.

           I received all sorts of negative comments in return telling me that I had no right to condemn friends who have chosen not to get the shots.  Many of these came from folks I barely knew. Others came from friends and fellow Christians. And many displayed anger. I  didn't see that coming!

           I think I was also defriended by some of my Facebook "friends".  I learned quickly, but too late, not to discuss covid and vaccines with others.  Sadly it is too explosive a topic especially among conservatives and Christians.

          I am saddened that many churchgoers can't be tolerant of the opinions of others.  We are the same ones who cry intolerant when those with alternate views on things like abortion and gay marriage attack us.  We may have different viewpoints but we still need to take heed to the scripture, "Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving".  Or has this admonition been taken out of our lives?

          Early in the pandemic I heard pastors from two different Bible Fellowship Churches pray and ask the Lord for unity in decisions on things like mask wearing.  It appears that they were facing criticism over their decisions.

          If you have been following the news you may have heard of the many arguments and disruptions at school board meetings over mask wearing and covid procedures.  Patrons have been taken out of meetings by the police because of their disruptive actions.  Board members have been threatened.  And it appears that much of the protests are coming from conservatives and probably even "church people".  What have we come to?  Isn't there any common courtesy any more?

          Now I have stopped expressing my viewpoints on these subjects but a few of my "friends" on Facebook haven't. They must feel that they can convert me. From a few Christian friends I continue to get posts that the covid is a hoax, it is just a normal virus.  I am told that mask wearing does nothing.  I hear that vaccines are not good and shouldn't be required.  And the government can't make us wear masks and take away our rights. Now I listen but I don't respond.

           My wife and I have gotten our shots, as recommended by our doctors.  We plan to get the third shot as soon as our brand becomes available.  We wear our masks.  We ask visitors to our house to wear their mask if they are not vaccinated.  All of our immediate family are vaccinated.  But not all of our extended family has chosen to do so and we have chosen to accept that but not to visit with them.

            Many have resisted getting the shots because they feel the government can't force us to do so.  Some believe that this is the first step in the antichrist requiring us to have the number 666.  I guess they could be correct, but the Lord has not yet led me to resist.  I obey many things that the government requires such as - wearing seat belts, stopping at red lights, paying taxes, getting required shots for school and taking the polio vaccine.

          We have had friends who have died from covid.  We know many who have suffered through it but fortunately have survived.  So we are taking it seriously.  And I no longer am debating this with the few friends I have left.  Life is too short to be rude to others.

          Oh yes, my grandfather died in 1918 in the Spanish Flu epidemic.  And that also wasn't a hoax.

Land of Plenty

          Compared to the rest of the world, we live in the land of plenty.  Most of us really lack for nothing.  

          It is appalling to see pictures on the news of folks around the world living without homes and food.  It is also distressing to realize that there are many folks right here in the United States who are also homeless and living in poverty.   I can't imagine their pain.

          Growing up the only time that I can recall not being able to get things we needed was during the oil shortage many years ago.  I remember waiting in long lines to get gas.  I remember the restrictions of only being able to buy gas on even or odd days and of keeping several cans filled.  But those days didn't last long.

          Of course I did not live through the depression or through the war years where there were rations and shortages.  Those must have been very difficult times.

          But recently we have seen growing shortages of some goods and services.  Some of this has been the result of the pandemic.  When it started we saw empty shelves of things like toilet paper, paper towels and cleaning materials.  Some of this was because people began to hoard these products.  Then these things began to return to stores.

          However, recently one major store announced that they were again placing limits on these products.  Is this shortage back again?

          But there are shortages elsewhere.  Have you looked at car lots?  The local Toyota dealer's lot has about 10% of the number of cars that it normally had due to shortages in chips.  We were considering a trade in but the shortages and the increases in price have made us reconsider.

          When we had to replace our microwave after our kitchen fire the store where we have purchased all of our appliances for years had none in stock.  In fact they had very little stock of any product.  This week I read where they have temporarily closed their one store.

           We have a relative who has been waiting for many months for a new refrigerator which they ordered.  They also tried to buy some new furniture and found that it would be backordered until sometime in 2022.

          A local diner which we used to frequent, often for breakfast, has stopped serving breakfast.  They now don't open until noon because they can't hire enough staff.

          My car inspection period begins October 1.  In the past I could call a week or less in advance for an appointment.  I like to get it done as soon as the period begins, so this week I called to make an appointment.  The first that they could take me is October 28 - a month away.  I asked why and they told me that they are short staff.

          The same day I called a specialist who we have seen regularly in the past.  Again I could usually get an appointment a week or two in advance.  This time the first available date was November 3.

          We have another relative who has been waiting for months for workmen to show up to do some needed repairs to their house.  Many promises, but so far no results.

          And I could probably fill this blog with recent experiences with the U.S. Postal Service.  We have had lost mail, delayed mail, and mail delivered to the wrong location.  They claim it is because they are short of help due to covid.  Now they have announced increased charges and longer delivery times.

          Oh yes, I just heard that there will be shortages this year in Christmas items.  So you are being warned to shop early and buy early, especially if you are buying online.  Maybe we should order now for 2022.

          So are all of these shortages just short term or are they here to stay? To me it appears that President Biden and his liberal democrats plan to fix things by running up the debt and giving everybody all that they want.  Why work and even run a business when the government will provide all that you need?  These are dangerous times for our country.

          But thankfully, we as believers have all that we really need through Christ.  He is our provider.  There are no shortages with Him.  What He has promised He will do.

All that I need is in Jesus

He satisfies, joy he supplies

Life would be worthless without him

All things in Jesus I find

Peace and joy everyday I find

When I call him

He answers right on time

When my burdens get hard to bear

I go to Jesus in secret prayer

Everything in Jesus I find

A Great Loss

          It was 5:50 in the morning and the telephone was ringing.  Calls at this time of day usually bring bad news.  Nothing good happens at that time.  Fortunately we were up and dressed which is unusual for us that early in the morning.  But an electrical contractor was scheduled to arrive at 7:00 to do some work so we were up and ready for him.

          The call was from our church secretary and her news was not good.  A good friend of ours, Jack Lewis, had either had a heart attack or a stroke and his wife was waiting for the ambulance to arrive.  This was a real shock since Jack appeared to be in good health.  He was athletic, active and only 62.  This had to be a mistake.  We were called to place a request on the church prayer team which we operate.

         Less than an hour later we received a second call informing us that Jack had passed away.  Despite attempts at CPR he apparently had died in his sleep. We were stunned.

         Jack was not only part of our church family for many years but he was an important part of our Awana family. For 37 years he had served in Awana usually working with the games and the Awana Olympics.  For 35 of those years he had worked with us. We trained him. He was an exceptional leader and was so good with the kids.  He loved them and they loved him.  He was especially good with those from the city where many of the parents often did not provide much support to their children.

          I don't know how many times his teams dominated the regional Awana Olympics but it was an unusual year when they didn't win first place.  He was also an exceptional coach.

          But in a way Jack almost seemed like a member of our family.  He would do anything for us.  We had the joy of watching him grow spiritually over the years.  His love for the Lord and his burden for children were exciting to watch.  

          Jack had a cleaning business and he was good a it.  He had more business than he could handle.  During the many years that Dianne served as custodian at church Jack would often provide her with materials and advice in how to care for serious and unusual problems.

          He also developed a heart for the children of Haiti.  He participated in and actually led many of our church's annual mission trips to Haiti during the summers.

          He will be missed by his wife and daughter.  He will be missed by his many friends at church.  He will be missed by the children.  And he will definitely be missed by us.

           Jack's death is a reminder that we don't know what a day will bring.  We need to be serving the Lord and trusting Him each day.  And thankfully we have the assurance that after our last breath here on this earth, we will be with Him eternally. And we know that this is what happened to our dear friend Jack.

          When I was leading Awana most evenings we ended with the following chorus.

I'm going to heaven, can't wait!

Going to see Jesus, can't wait!

Heaven is wonderful, bright and fair,

Praise the Lord I'm going there.

I'll be there for ever, can't wait!

Going to leave never, can't wait!

And I know I'll not be very late,

'Cause I'm going to heaven and I can't wait.

I'm going to heaven,

And I —- can't —- wait! (can't wait!)

          Jack isn't waiting anymore.   He is there.

          If you are interested, here is Jack's obituary.   OBITUARY

It Really Smells!

          At first it was a sick smell from our basement.

          I thought it might be sewage backing up since years ago we did have a sewer blockage and had to have somebody come to open the line for us.  There are a few problems that are part of our system from when the house was built in the early 1960's. But we have not had any problem since then.  I checked everything and could not locate the source.

          Then a few days later we had 9 to 10 inches of rain from a tropical storm.  And, as usual, we had some water in our basement.  But it wasn't nearly as bad as some past experiences.  So I opened our two basement windows and the cellar door.  With the sump pump and dehumidifier running all soon cleared up.

          But the smell didn't go away and I had the growing feeling that we might have some damage from the water, such as mold.  I checked everything that I could and still could not locate the source of the smell.

          Years ago we had a squirrel get into our basement.  It eventually died behind some furniture.  That smell was terrible.  We finally found the remains plastered to the floor.  Could we have a squirrel once again?  I didn't think so since we tried to eliminate the places an animal could gain access to our basement.  

          But the smell persisted.  We hoped that fresh air and the dehumidifier would eventually take care of the smell, but it didn't.

          Then last Wednesday my wife went down to the basement to get some items out of the freezer for supper.  I suddenly heard her call for me.  I feared that she had fallen again and I rushed downstairs to help her.

          Thankfully she hadn't fallen but when she opened the freezer door she was hit by this horrible smell.  Everything had defrosted.  The bottom of the freezer was filled with blood from the meat that we had stored there.  It was horrible and it definitely was the source of the smell.

           It turned out that the circuit that contained the freezer had gone bad.  We have no idea how long it was off - probably a week or more.  Everything in the freezer was ruined.

          I had just talked to our youngest son so I knew he was home.  I called him back and told him our situation.  He said that he would be with us to help as soon as he could.  Thankfully he was able to come.  And with a mask and gloves he cleaned out the freezer as best as he could.  He was God's provision for us since we could not have done it ourselves.

          Then I called my brother-in-law who is a retired electrician to ask for names of electricians he could recommend.  He gave me some ideas including one who had done some work for him.  I was thankful for his suggestions.  But I was surprised when he actually showed up a little later with his equipment.  After much work he found the problem was with a neutral in our electrical box.  And he was able to get our current back on. It wasn't the freezer.  God's provision once again.

           But he recommended having the entire box replaced.  It was the original from when the house was built although it had been added to when our kitchen was remodeled and our central air was added.

          So on Thursday morning I called a local company.  They came right out and gave me an estimate.  I agreed.  On Monday they came and after about eight hours of work replaced and upgraded our box.  It is a relief to be in a situation which is now much safer.

          This week we worked on cleaning out the freezer and have done the best that we could without damaging the coils.  We will now begin to refill it when we can afford to do so. My estimate of replacing what we had is about $750.  The electrical work will cost at least $1,200.  This comes about two weeks after we had to have our digital piano repaired at a cost o about $900.  But the Lord knows.

          It is ironic always amazing how our prayers are often answered.  A few weeks ago I knew that the freezer really needed to be defrosted and I didn't know how we were going to do it anymore.  We could no longer get down on our knees and do it ourselves and we couldn't ask anyone to come and do it for us.  But the Lord decided to do it for us.  Of course it did cost us a considerable amount of money. But it is now done and somehow He will provide that as well. 

          And the smell is gone!

What A Day! (LB)

LOOKING BACK - Repeating and editing a blog that I first published on September 11, 2011

          September 11 - a day that Americans will never forget. It is one of those days that everyone remembers exactly were they were when they first heard the news of the terror attacks. It was a day that changed our lives forever. 

          As I mentioned in an earlier blog, there are several days that I will always remember where I was when I heard the news ... the end of World War 2 ... the shooting of President Kennedy ... the launching of Sputnik ... the first walk on the moon ... the shooting of President Reagan ... and a few others. 

          But twenty years ago I was in my classroom at school preparing for my next class. For some reason I decided to turn on the television to watch the news before class. I seldom did that during my prep time.

          Several minutes later I saw the first plane hit the tower.  I thought it was just a terrible accident.  But then the second plane hit - that couldn't just be an accident.

           The remainder of the day my classes of high school juniors watched  with me in stunned silence as the events unfolded before us. There was little that could be said. As I said before, in an instance our lives were changed. 

          During the days that followed, people flocked to churches. It was suddenly politically correct to talk about God and to call on Him for help. There was a spirit felt throughout the nation unlike any we had experienced for years. Security was tightened everywhere and we feel that even today. Wars were fought to try and stop the enemy - many additional lives were lost. 

          But in the years that followed, the wars continued and some security measures affected our freedoms, but for the most part, people returned to their previous ways. Religion was no longer important and, in fact, it even become a focal point of attack by many liberals and atheists. How soon we forget. 

          Twenty years later we have elaborate services to remember these events, but in New York City, pastors and other religious leaders aren't even allowed to participate. But God is still here and He is in control, no matter what man may do. And I have to believe that the return of the Lord is just on the horizon. We have just gone through a difficult time in this country with earthquakes, wild fires, hurricanes, flooding and unbelievable frustration. This has come at a time when our economy can't afford the billions of dollars involved in these losses. 

          I don't profess to have the answers, but I can't help but wonder if God has withdrawn His hand of blessing and protection from this country. The scriptures remind us that "God is not mocked for whatever a man sows, that will he also reap." Maybe September 11 is a time that each of us should renew our commitment, our love, and our obedience to God the Creator.

          Incidentally, Todd Beamer who called out "Let's Roll" when the passengers charged the cockpit of the one hijacked plane is the son-in-law of one of my best friends.  In losing his life he saved the lives of many who would have died if the plane would have reached its destination.

They Are Gone

          They are gone!

          Several years ago we were faced with a dilemma.  We had no way to  clear our snow anymore.  I had heart problems with five by-passes.  Shoveling was no longer permitted for me.  And I had back problems and balance problems.  Even running our snow blower became impossible.

          Then my wife joined me with heart problems of her own.  First she needed a pacemaker.  Later she needed her aortic heart valve replaced.  And she too developed arthritic problems which limited her ability to help with the snow.

         So we we were faced with clearing a large two car wide driveway, a  side parking area, a front walk, a side walk and a back walk.  Since we face the north side we can't even count on the sun to melt our snow.  Our families are all too far away to ask them to drive here in the snow to help us out.

          So I decided to try and advertise.  I placed a notice for "help wanted"  in the local Advertiser and on the bulletin board at the local grocery store - no responses.  I checked with several folks who do this professionally but they were already booked up.  One fellow who lives a block away and has a plow said he would come and look at our property - he never did.  Now our next door neighbor said he would help us when he could.  But he has his own job and obligations and we weren't sure how much we could count on him.

          Finally I made up a flyer asking for help and gave it to a number of our neighbors - especially those who were college students.  One would think college students might be glad to earn some extra money.  I guess none of them needed any money, if they had to work for it.  Maybe they were to busy studying - not!

          And throughout this entire process we prayed.

          Then an answer came.  Across the street came four young men who were college students and also worked as EMT's on ambulances and also served as volunteer firemen.  They were clean living young men with hearts to serve others.  They came to us after receiving my flyer and said that they would take care of us.

          And for several years they took care of us each winter.  Our snow was always removed.  In fact because of their need to get out quickly during emergencies our driveway was also always open right after they opened their drive.  And when needed, they came back to put ice melt on our ice patches.  We never had to ask - they just showed up and it was done.  We could not have asked for anything better.  They spoiled us.  One of them even showed up to help the night the ambulance came after Dianne's fall.

          We often told them that they were an answer to our prayers.  And they were.

           But, unfortunately that isn't the end of the story.  Early in August we noticed some trucks being loaded at their house.  And then one of them was gone.

          A few weeks later I talked to one of the young men as he was getting his car ready to haul.  He confirmed that they were all moving as of August  31.  They were all going different directions - one to South Carolina, one to New Jersey and two to Maryland.  They were applying there for jobs as EMT's or police officers.  It was so very hard to watch them move.

          Now while our big loss will be help for our snow removal, we will miss them as exceptional neighbors.  They were kind and thoughtful.  They were clean living and never had parties or made noise.  They were always ready and willing to help. And that is very unusual, especially in a college town.

          So maybe I need to start serious exercise so that I can try and get in shape to remove the snow myself if we don't get any help.  I guess you do what you have to when you have to.

          But first we will begin the one approach that worked before - prayer.  And we welcome you to join us in doing this.