Mammy and Pappy!

Something every one must have is a mammy and a pappy

Sure some will argue that modern science can bypass the pappy because it is now possible to impregnate using an alternate method.

The fact still remains everyone must have a mammy and pappy. Now I had a mammy that was a pure southern gal with all the trimmings.

The Yankee trash that came down at the end of the Civil War tried to decimate the people of the South. They took away everything that they could from the inhabitants and destroyed the rest.

The one thing they couldn't take from them was their pride; it is still a characteristic of the Southern people. Well my mammy had enough pride for two southern belles and on top of that she was a little sassy. Oh, did I mention she was also poor.

When she was of the marrying age (anywhere from 13 to whatever) a Jim Dandy came to town. He was a sporting kind of guy who always wore a nice suit, a straw hat, and he also had a good job. I’m not sure how they met (it wasn't at church) but anyhow they got together. After a short time they were attracted to each other, and ended up getting married.

Now, I had a pappy except there were a few preliminaries that had to take place first and a time lapse (about 9 months) before I got here.
My big day finally took place and I arrived. As soon as I was cleaned up mammy stuck something in my mouth that I had never seen before. It didn't take long for me to figure out how to use it, it was love at first bite.

After about 4 years I was denied the use of my two comforters, and I must say that was one of the most traumatic experiences of my life.

I don't think my pappy was quite ready for my arrival because it complicated his life more than expected. His company sent him from city to city to do textile work, and we lived in boarding houses instead of a house of our own

Finally this became too much for my pappy, and he took a job where we had a house and a new baby.
I also had something everybody has, and that is a family tree. I had a mammy and pappy. I had 2 grand mammies, 2 grand pappies, 4 great grand mammies, and 4 great grand pappies and so on, getting bigger with every generation, until we arrive back to great grand mammy EVE and great grand pappy ADAM.

I was in the garden when Adam was in the garden because I was in Adam, and when Adam sinned, I sinned, because I was in Adam. All have sinned and fell short of the righteousness of GOD because all were in Adam.

2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us: If anyone is IN Christ he is no longer in Adam, by generation, because now GOD is his Father by regeneration. When I was in father Adam, my generation stopped at his creation, but now since I am in Christ I go back one step to further to GOD, who now is my Father.

John 20:17 Jesus said; I am ascending to my father and YOUR father, to my GOD and your GOD.
(The IN principle is better grasped by this example. If your father died when he was 5 years old, where would you be? Answer; nowhere, because when he died, you died, for you were, by generation in him. Today millions of family lines do not exist because the potential father died before he procreated. The fact we are here shows, we were in our ancestors back to ADAM.)

I must say that being IN Christ is far better!!

2Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Dual Citizenship

Today it is not the usual or" norm", but it is possible for a person to have dual citizenship.

Having been born in Tennessee and lived in California most of my life, it seems like I have had a dual citizenship. This is so, because of the distance between the two states, as well as the difference in the people, especially in the thirties.

In my early formative years, it took some getting used to; as I experienced people from Italy, Portugal, Mexico and other countries. Most spoke their native language when conversing with each another, but I didn't have a clue as to what was being said. I used to enjoy listening to the women talking while they shopped. They all seem to speak rather fast, and all at the same time, and nobody truly listened. Being from the South the conversations went very slowly, and your visits were longer if you wanted the latest news.

Jesus spoke of a new and different kind of citizenship during his ministry on earth. He said, “Seek first the kingdom of GOD and all the other things will be added unto you.”

Further study reveals that this also included citizenship in heaven.

Immigrants who came through Ellis Island were registered, but full citizenship only came after meeting all requirements. So also, citizenship in heaven also has its requirements.

Jesus preached “Repent for the kingdom of GOD is at hand and believe the gospel!” The focal point of the gospel was, “You must be born again.” This new birth is the necessary requirement for our spiritual citizenship in heaven.

Since I have been born-again, I take great comfort in the knowledge that I am a son in the kingdom of GOD. I have been registered in the book of heaven. I have been sealed by the Holy Spirit as GOD’S child for the present, and for all eternity. I will endeavor to keep my citizenship in the USA, as well as in God’s realm; and He will keep me as a son of His Eternal kingdom.

What I treasure above all else, is that my name is written in the Lamb’s book of Life and will remain there for all eternity.

Revelation 21:27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defiles, neither who ever works abomination, or makes a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.

Grandpa’s Rules

The mind is a wonderful file system with a great capacity for storage.

The mind’s delete system could use a little improvement, but the present methods are not very desirable such as lobotomy, and/or drugs.

I can't speak for others but my filing system needs a great deal of organizing, because I have difficulty in finding the document I need, such as the right word, and how to spell it. Where did I put it, and a long list of other things such as the names of people, who someone is, where I knew them from, or do I like them?

I have all this information in the file cabinet, but can't always find it when I need it. I have secretly bought supplements that claim to help me remember and afterward I could see no difference except I was poorer! (Oh poor me!)

Another thing I have bad feelings about is; while I search through the files I find one I wish I could extinguish! But no such luck, so I just try to bury it in the back hoping I won't run across it again. Finding one of those files always causes me to re-live the "happening" over again and I would rather not do that.

I must confess I have only found one way to deal with this and it works every time but since you probably already know what it is, I won't bother to rehearse it with you. But Just in case someone doesn't know maybe I should tell them how to do it.

You must follow these instructions very carefully so listen!
Don't put it in the cabinet and it won't be there. If it isn't in there you won't find it.
Acts and non actions are the culprits that place these unwanted files in your system. Soooooo before you act; think, evaluate, rethink and then possibly act. Now this may cost you some time but will save you a lot of energy, and embarrassment later on.

Many guys and gals if they had said, “No,” to certain actions they wouldn't have files they wish to avoid.

When I was young, I would get irritated when talking to my grandfather, because he seemed to talk so slow. I could out talk him, many times over, this was because I just talked, and I didn't think it through. One day I got up the nerve to ask him; what was his problem, and why did it take him so long to say something? He answered me by telling me this; “When I want to say something, I always think of what I want to say, and then I say it to myself, and if it sounds right to me, then I will say it, and if it doesn't sound right, then I don't say it.”

Now it took him awhile to say all that but it was good advice. I don't always follow this rule; if I did my cabinet would have a lot more room in it, and wouldn't be so crowded.
I have said things that were hurtful when I did not mean to do that at all, because - -
I forgot - - to remember Grandpa’s rules.

Proverbs 17:27 He who has knowledge spares his words!
(He doesn’t talk without thinking first!)

The Hand

There is a story in the Bible about a hand. It was not just any hand, but was a particular hand.

This hand was the hand of the Most High GOD. It only went forth at the command of GOD. In Daniel 5:5 we find the hand was sent out to write a message of doom for a king and kingdom.

There was only one man who could read the message. Daniel the prophet was this man. What he saw written, was final and soon to come to pass. The King wanted Daniel to tell him what was said, and what it meant. Daniel read and explained the writing to the King saying; MENE, GOD has numbered thy kingdom, and finished it. TEKEL, thou are weighed in the balances and found wanting. PERES, thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.

This hand of GOD is the hand of judgment falling upon nations who reject GOD. America has been blessed by GOD more than any other country before, and therefore more is required of it. Today we find that this country is well on the way of rejecting the Only True GOD.

Our President has openly declared this nation is not a Christian nation. Many Christian leaders are being chastised and ridiculed, for standing up and saying there is no other GOD Save Jehovah.

The enemies of the Christians are growing in numbers. They are in positions of authority: political, legal, and also in the secular world. The Words from the Bible are being slowly erased from government buildings, just because they are found in the Bible.

The former President would conclude his speeches with, “GOD Bless America.” I would think for what reason should God bless America? Does America love GOD? DO the people serve Him? Do they claim Him as Lord and Savior? The present President would not dare to say those words, and I for one miss hearing them.

In Sodom and Gomorrah, the Hand of God went forth and destroyed those cities, because of their unrighteousness. The question today is, how long will GOD allow this country to escape his wrath? The strength of America, contrary to poplar belief is not its military, its financial domain nor its economic power, but rather it is in its belief in the Almighty GOD. It is in our worship, and dedication to HIM. How long will GOD restrain his Hand from going forth, and to what degree will its strength be shown? I fear we may soon find out!

Psalms 33:12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom He hath chosen for his own inheritance.

Proverbs 14:34 Righteousness exalts a nation: but sin is a reproach to all people.

Ye Ole Grab Bag

As a kid I would shop for the best buys at the penny candy stores. Something you should know is - - that not all penny candy has been created equal.

I had many favorites, but there was one that was always included in my nickel purchase, and that was the “Guess What.” There wasn't much mystery, because it always included two taffy kisses, and then some kind of small toy.

In British law there was a warning called, “Caveat Emptor.” - - Latin for 'Let the buyer beware' in America it was called, “Don’t buy a pig in a poke.” The advice being given is, 'Don't buy a pig until you have seen it'. The fact is, it might not be a pig at all.

The grab bag has a sense of mystery about it, and likewise the mystery box. You pay your money and hope for the best. Sometime you win and sometimes you don’t. Sort of reminds me of the Lottery!
These things are usually a trivial matter where you can't lose much, but there is another practice that been going on for thousands of years; and that is the mail order bride.

The custom of ordering brides from far away began in antiquity, as evidenced in early Biblical accounts. For example, while dwelling in Canaan, Abraham sent his servant to travel to his home country, and select a wife for his son Isaac. The servant brought back Rebekah, who agreed to marry Isaac, without even seeing him beforehand.

As the Western United States became more settled there were many men who wanted a wife, but women were scarce in the West. Once they had made communication with a woman in the East, she would provide him with the vital information: age, single, widow, children and most important a photo which often was of someone else or a very old photo. In most cases the men took what they got and made the best of it.

Where I lived in 1945 it was unheard of that someone would send off for a wife. There was a man and his son living together; the older man’s wife had long since left. They saw an ad advertising mail order brides and decided they needed someone to do the cooking, housekeeping and such. The dad thought that the son should marry the woman so it would be acceptable in the community, and the son agreed to do that

They sent for a bride and she arrived right away. The lady stayed with them for awhile, and the son decided he wasn't satisfied with her, and wanted her to leave. Well the dad liked her, and wished to keep her around, so he told the lady that he would marry her if it was all right with her. She decided that would be okay, so she married the old dad.

I guess all’s well that ends well!

Proverbs 18:22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing.

Ouch

If you have ever stubbed your toe, or hit your finger with a hammer, or got something in your eye, you are well aware of the word, “Ouch,” or its equivalent.

Depending upon your religious persuasion or social grace you might not restrain yourself from using a stronger phrase; for one word might not express what you feel!

Ouch, is a normal response to physical pain and we do whatever it takes to stop the pain, from rubbing the hurt to using a drug. The level of pain dictates the level of response that is needed. It has been said that pain is our best friend, for in the absence of it, many have found out too late they have a disease that has gone too far and can not now be treated.

The older I get, this tool of pain, is used more often to inform myself of something that needs attention. Trying to maintain what is considered “a life” is occupying more of my time now, and it is getting more difficult to accomplish some things that were once easy and simple to do.

Many Bible scholars believe that GOD’S original plan was for man to live forever, his body rejuvenating itself on a continuing basis. There is still inherent in man some of this process, for our body reproduces new skin, blood, and new cells. However, because man now lives in a fallen state, the process doesn’t fully complete itself and we get old and die.

In the Biblical account of Creation, we are told that GOD created the heavens and earth, and our original environment and then He said; it was good. But there was a fly in the ointment and man sinned. The only protection GOD gave man to keep him from sinning was to obey what GOD had told him to do. When they failed to obey, they became subject to the aging process and to death.

GOD values HIS word very highly and does not take kindly to anyone violating it. Some might say; I don't believe that! And that is your right to have an opinion! The simple fact is that, not believing it - - doesn’t make it NOT true. You may say I don’t believe in God, but your not believing in Him doesn't mean He doesn't exist. His existence does not depend on what you believe!

It is a mistake to think you can control reality by not believing in it, whether it is GOD, sickness, poverty, or any other reality.

Psalms 100:3 Know ye that the LORD he is God: It is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Psalms.14:1The fool has said in his heart there is no GOD

The Hot Dog That Wasn't So Hot

In Oakland Calif. there was a hot dog stand that served 12 inch, “out of this world,” hot dogs. They had their own recipe for the hot dogs and had a meat company make them according to their own specifications. They served their 12 inch dogs with mustard, tomato, onion, relish, and a 12 inch bun. The word luscious was coined to describe them.

One day the hot dog stand raised the price from 10 cents to 15 cents, and that was a big jump in price for us young boys. We boys had an extremely limited income being we usually had to hustle for our money. The difference was it now took much longer to save up for one dog. But that just made us hungrier for them.

When the day finally arrived that me and my cousin had enough money to splurge, off we would go. This particular day we could smell them dogs a cooking before we ever got to the stand.

We plopped ourselves down at the counter and placed our order. Two with everything we proudly said. About 3 minutes later the cashier handed us those succulent morsels and no one had to tell us what to do next. We savored then to the last inch.

As we left - - both I and my cousin began to feel queasy and each step we took, the feeling grew worse. My cousin reluctantly started barfing about a half block away. I took off running and with luck; I made it to a vacant lot a short distance away.

The hot dog made me feel good as it went down, but it felt a whole lot better when it abruptly came up. That day those dogs made us sick as a dog.
After that experience, I stayed away from the stand for three weeks, but finally gave in and went back again.

Over the years I never had a problem again nor did my kids, for they grew up eating and enjoying those “Casper hot dogs.”
For the majority of time, my trust in Casper’s food was rewarded with good food. Just once that trust was misplaced.

Today we are called upon to trust people in many situations and for the most part it is rewarded with a favorable outcome, but once in awhile our trust is misplaced and the result can be very severe. There is no iron clad way to totally defend ourselves from this happening. Sooner or later it can happen to everyone.

There will probably be good friends, people we respect that will try to involve us into something we won’t feel comfortable about. If (when) this happens, trust your inner feelings more than your friends and if your inner feelings tell you, “No,” or you are not certain, stop or go very slow - - for you can afford to miss a good deal more than you need to get in a bad one.

Proverbs 30:8 Remove far from vanity and lies; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me.

Remember you are never so vulnerable as when you are greedy, for greed causes us to lose our ability to reason.

Blabber Mouith Disease

Since my childhood I have been with an affliction called blabber mouth disease.

While it could be fatal if not treated, there is no cure for it. The symptoms are speaking at length, when you don't have anything to say.

This speech is also known as; drivel, smart-mouth, idiotism, uncommon-insensible, insignificant-ness, inarticulate-ting and many other titles all of which will add nothing to your day except to irritate you.

Those who are afflicted thusly have no sense of social propriety. They feel they must say something on every subject, even though they know nothing about the said subject being discussed
As a child I was given the, “Will you please shut up and go out in the yard and play,” treatment.

This was pretty effective because while I was alone, I couldn’t think of anything to say, that I was interested in. As I grew up I learned other break away techniques, such as; Excuse me I see a friend that I must say hello to,” or, “I just remembered I must make a phone call.” I have heard them all, and know they don’t want to listen to me any longer, and are gracefully trying to escape me.

Just to be mean, some times I follow them to where they are going. Once I walked into the women’s restroom with a woman. I guess I was on a roll and just got carried away until I was invited to leave. I waited outside for about thirty minutes but she wouldn’t come out.

Two such people can talk for a short time but they soon become bored with playing the one-up-man-ship game. That’s where you have to top what the other person is saying.

How to treat this problem is done on an individual basis, because each subject’s personality is different. They thrive upon using people’s social graces and politeness to carry on their meaningless conversation. The best and most effective way to free yourself from this circumstance is to be blunt. You can say things like, “Get lost,” or, “Beat it stupid because you don't know what you are talking about so shut up.”

Now this may seem cruel but not to worry, they have a resiliency system that is fantastic, and after two minutes they are back on the job again.

If you think about it, you probably have experienced the people I have just described.

You have met at least one for you have been reading this blog, and I have no clue as to what I'm talking about.

Don’t Say It

If you haven’t anything to say - - don’t say it.

As a kid I was admonished to not say anything, if I didn’t have something sensible and valuable to say. I thought about that for a long time and come to the conclusion that I needed a further explanation on that. I was told, “You just rattle on and on, and don’t really say anything.”

Using that logic over the next fifteen years, I didn’t say much. I used ‘Yes and No” a lot, because they were pretty safe words to say. Even today, I mostly listen and I might judge what people say, and grade them as to whether they really had anything worth while to utter.

If their speech is vulgar they get a grade D minus. If they use the LORD’S NAME in vain they get a grade F minus. When they gossip it’s a grade C which isn’t good but I guess a floppy tongue lubes itchy ears. If they lie they get a grade D unless it’s a bare faced lie. That’s when they look at you and lie and they know that you know they are lying. It seems they simply can’t help themselves but go ahead and lie anyhow then they get a grade F.

When someone gives you a promise to do something and they have no intention of doing it, that’s a grade D minus.

What if someone brags on you? This is tricky because now you need to guess as to what their motive is. Is it sincere? That’s a B. Are they making fun of you? It has to be a D minus. Are they trying to use you? Maybe a C plus because you probably can figure that out and won’t fall for it.

A good policy is, if it is flattery look for the motive. If they are telling the truth or it is helpful they get a B plus.

I suppose I should stop because I actually don’t have anything to say!

Oh, oh I just heard someone say; “You can say that again!” Now that wasn’t very nice was it!

Friends I Have

I have many friends! However, the number one friend I have, is my Wifey. She has been my good friend for over sixty years (I would have said that even if she wasn’t, but she is).

My family has been a good source for my friends. My kids are my friends, at least on my part they are. I could have been a worst father than I was (that sounds better than saying; I could have been a better father than I was).

Some neighbors are my friends; none are my enemies so far.

Moving on to another group; my dogs are friends of mine. They hang out with me as much as they can. It’s only when they have some dog stuff to do that they don't. It usually is something like barking at other dogs in a pickup truck as it goes by; or digging holes in the dirt.

My next group might not be considered friends to some, but to me they are and I would hate not have them as friends. They include; my house, my car and pickup truck, my stove, refrigerator, computer, television and my bed. My bed is especially important because I spend a lot of time in it. It gently caresses my whole body all night. In concert with my goose down comforter, and electric blanket, these have to be high on my friends list. All of these things are created to make my life more comfortable and my association with them is very pleasant.

The Bible says; if a man wants to have friends he must be friendly, and it also says, there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother. Jesus is that friend. He is my friend and I do hope that He is yours also!

Good News and Bad news

Have you ever had someone come up to you and say; I have some good news and some bad news for you which do you want first.

A lot of thoughts occur to say in response to that such as; neither, which do you think I should hear first or just give me the good news.

I hate to have to decide this issue with no hint or information to base my choice upon. If I take the bad will it override any good I hear later or - - if I hear the good will it be negated by the bad which follows?

No one is excluded from having to face this kind of issue sometime. Let’s look at the good news. Good news will advance us in one or more ways and after viewing it from all angles lets embrace it to the extent we are comfortable with it.

The bad news usually doesn't go away without doing some damage.

Included here are a couple of quotes from Heather Tooley’s web page in dealing with problems.

"Take a mental break from the problem at hand. For a short period of time, free your mind of any turmoil. It's like taking lunch at work - you feel more prepared to take on the rest of the day afterwards. 

And - - Do a self-check. What are the pros and cons of each solution you are considering? Decide what you can live with and what you cannot.


By facing your problems you discover more, who you are in the process. Your values and principles play a large role in how you solve problems. Write down all of the possible solutions to your problem."

Additionally, "Weigh the good and bad to help you determine what course of action to take. Use a” window of time" to make the best decision without over-analyzing."

We have often heard “the gospel is good news” this is partly good news. For those who accept it and live by it, and allow it to guide our lives it is the best of news.

But there is the other side where those who (using a scriptural term “neglect”) do not avail themselves of the benefits of the gospel salvation; will not fair well in the Day of Judgment.

In that day there will good news and bad news. For some it will be enter in to the joys of the LORD. For others it will depart from me for I never knew you, and that is the worst of news.

Today is the Day of Salvation; Seek the LORD now while he may yet be found

Drawing Near

Awhile back, I was sitting around doing nothing and actually just being bored. I didn't want to listen to bad news on the TV. So there I sat. All at once I thought maybe I should read my Bible for awhile. So I found my bible and opened it, and immediately saw the verse in James 5:8 which says; “Draw near to GOD and He will draw near unto you.

A similar verse I found in 2 Chronicles 15:2; “The LORD is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you;”

And then I opened my Bible again and saw Hebrews 4:16; “Let us come boldly to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in the time of need.”

I thought is this just a happenstance or perhaps it is divine direction. I mused on this for awhile, and came to the conclusion that I'll just go up to the throne room and see what happens.

By now my mind was in fast mode, I thought, I should take one more look at James 4:8. This time a closer observation revealed a second step which is; “Cleanse your hands you sinners and purify your hearts, you double minded.” Now I didn't think that applied to me but just in case I asked the LORD to forgive any wrong I might have done.

Having prepared myself, I was ready to enter the throne room and once there I thought what should I do now? So I began to bless the Lord and praise Him but every thing was quiet. I didn't know what else to do so I continued to worship.

After some time I was beginning to get nervous when all at once I heard this awesome voice, it wasn't the loudness of it - - but the sound of absolute authority. When I got over my fright I heard the voice saying; “What do you want?” After some time I found myself saying, “Oh nothing, I wanted to hang out here for awhile.” The voice then said, “AND” I had never heard the word “AND” said exactly like that.

I thought I had better answer but what should I say? Being somewhat of a Wise Guy, I thought, “And - - what?” Well I decided not to say that. Instead I said: “To draw near so you so you would also draw near to me.” I thought that was a good answer! The voice spoke again and said “AND.” By now I began to freak out from that word, “AND.”

It was scaring me. I tried once again, mustering enough courage to say, “I'm here to get some grace and mercy.” All the time I was thinking to myself please don't say, "AND" again. This prayer was answered; when the LORD spoke again saying, “Was there anything else?” Quickly I said, now that you mention it there is a couple of things I could use some help on - - - !

Not all these events happened as portrayed but when you need to access GODS grace there are some things the born-again believer must keep in mind. First, you are going to address your awesome GOD and give Him the respect that is due Him. When you draw near Him He will draw near to you but chances are he will give you the same respect back to you that you give Him.

There are several other things I could list for you, but you will need to learn them for yourself. There is a maturing process needed for each individual to personally go through to learn draw near to God!

The Mule and the Hill

My uncle Wiley bought a mule that was half native horse and half mustang. He was a small mule but very strong. One thing was wrong, no one could ride him. Several guys had got hurt trying. Uncle Wiley had a hired hand named Calvin who managed to ride him with no difficulty at all. We were all amazed knowing the past history of the mule.
It was harvest time, and we were gathering corn to put in the barn for the winter. This work was exhausting, and the long hours made us extremely tired. The river bottom was where the corn was growing, and in order to get it home it was necessary to climb a long steep hill. I wasn't looking forward to climbing that hill, especially since Calvin was going to ride the mule. I said to Calvin, “Why don't we both walk and we can talk on the way.” Well Calvin said he had a better idea. “Lets both ride the mule.” He reasoned we could both hold him down with our weight.
Now I'm going to tell you I thought that was a bad idea, but as I gazed at that hill and being so extremely tired, I gave in, and climbed on board. Calvin told the mule to giddy-up and off we went. As we started up the hill that old mule humped his back, which caused us to lean back. That old mule jumped out from under us causing us to land smack dab on that hard gravel road. We both got banged up something awful.
The fact that we were so very tired made that hill a lot longer than it was. We didn't see that mule until we got home. Seems I can still hear his hooves pounding the gravel as he ran away from us, they got quieter and quieter as he got further away. I surely did underestimate him, for he was a lot smarter than I gave him credit for. He knew he wasn't about to carry us up that hill because he was as tired as we were.
The underestimation of many things can get us into trouble. Concluding that entering into a business venture is a sound investment can cost you everything you have.
Vetting is a relatively new term to me but it must become a practice when we involve ourselves with people both new and old especially with finances. (Vetting is a process of examination and evaluation to determine if it is safe to proceed)

Remember that the mule may have wisdom that you are not aware of.

No Moe

How can you know when you have enough kids? The answer to this question can only be answered by the perspective parents. With some parents, one child seems to be too much, while others get along well with a dozen.

My grandfather raised fifteen of his own children.
The Marx brothers worked in vaudeville, and many bits that they did on stage were adapted to the movie screen. One such bit was a man, wife, and six kids come into a store where Groucho was a store walker. Soon the kids were lost, and the frantic father wanted Groucho to help find them. Groucho asked the father how much money he made a year. The man said $2500.00 a year, whereupon Groucho says; it costs $500.00 a year to raise a child, so it is impossible for you to have six kids. This didn't wash very well with the mother, and based upon her insistence they soon they found all of the children!
Having a child get lost is one of the most devastating events that can happen to parents. Most parents have had their child slip away and had to look for them, this can be extremely traumatic.
My wife and I had three children in six years. For me they were an inconvenience, for my wife it was a 24/7 life style.

One evening we were attending church and after the service we exchanged pleasantries with friends and went home. When we arrived home, a head count showed that one kid was missing. The only answer we could come up with was, “He must still be at church.” Having returned to the church, we discovered the lights were out, and it was very dark inside. We were privileged to have a key to the church, and so stepping inside we found our child sound asleep; he never knew we had left him.

This episode helped us to decide that we had enough kids. If we couldn't keep track of the ones we had, we surely didn’t need any more. Well that was that, and my wife also thought, there must be more to being married than being pregnant all the time.

This was the decision and the reason that we didn't have any Moe, short for Mozart!

A Reality

Sometimes reality is difficult to grasp, at times it seems to be vague and unreal.

I remember way back when I first met my wife and eventually asked her out on a date. I suffered a feeling of uncertainty because I wasn't sure she would accept. What I didn’t know was; that she had asked her brother to invite me over for Sunday dinner several times. I just thought it was him being nice to me. Later I found out she instigated it, but by then we were already married. From the first date on we were an item, so to speak, together as much as possible. As the courting went on she agreed to marry me and I knew we were going to be wed, but it still didn’t seem real. The realism of the event came and I still didn't feel the reality until later that day. The happening of the event had to occur before I actually felt it. Emotions follow action, knowing about it is not the same as the reality of it.

A preacher once was asked; “What scripture has to be fulfilled before Christ can return?” His answer was simple as he said, “Only the blowing of the trumpet”
Reviewing Matthew 24:31 and 1 Corinthians 15:52. This event is far greater than me getting married, but the reality of it is complex to grasp. For if I actually understood how real the return of Christ is; then my entire view point would be changed. My daily life would be different, my attitude would be different. Sad to say the full thrust of this event avoids me. I am aware of the issue, but how to solve it escapes me. Surely there must be an answer to this dilemma.

Since Christ is the prime actor the answer must lie in him. Since my association with him started with the Word of GOD it only makes sense to return to the Bible for the answer. The hungry heart will always find its need met within the word of GOD. It is as the Holy Spirit makes it alive to the reader. That is why it is called the Living Word. I am going to look at Jesus and his teachings in a different way. I am going to take his Words, as Jesus preaching just to me. I will allow the Spirit filled words not only to be knowledge, but also to become my reality. Think about it, He is speaking to you the words of life.

Grandpa’s Great Adventure

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I have been made aware that it is very difficult for young people today to believe that their grand parents were ever young kids, and even were once a teenager. To them it seems their grandparents were born old.

My grandpa used to tell me stories at night while we were sitting on the front porch of our country house. Some were true and some were made up. It didn't matter for I just loved them.

He told a true story about when he and some other boys (them being about 14 years old) were talking about something they had heard the older boys discussing. They had been told that there was a house of ill repute in town. All these young boys were interested to find out if it was true.

Finally their curiosity got the best of them and they elected a committee of two, to set out to see if it were true. My grandpa was one the two that had been selected. So one night they slipped into town and proceeded to watch the house for awhile. After a time this got tiresome and they decided to try to look into a window.

Something I should explain is that in the south they would have a cellar to put their canned goods, hams and sometime potatoes in for storage. On the side of the house there would be an outside entrance to the cellar with slanted doors.

There was a window above the slanted doors so the boys climbed up and started to look in. All at once the doors where they were standing collapsed and they fell down into the cellar.

Ever so quickly they got up and flew back out the cellar door.  People were excitedly coming out of the house demanding to know what was going on.

Grandpa and his friend ran all the way home repenting every step of the way. This happened about a hundred years ago.

In those days they had never heard of sex education or even knew what it was all about. Most had got their learning about those kind of things from observing how animal husbandry worked. Today there is more information about sex education than anything else. As in days of yore a lot of the information is either wrong or perverted.

Even with all today’s information and openness, there has never been a generation that is more ill prepared to deal with the madness our society is heaping on our youth. They are unprepared psychologically, intellectually, and worst of all spiritually.

Even our Christian kids are able to make mistakes despite all the parents can do. This can cause almost unbearable pain to a parent. The big question that they have to face is what now?

Parents after having searched their mind for the answers to the obvious, will still question why, and how could they, and what did I do wrong? Understand that mistakes happen and parents are not to blame, but all must move on. Realize that a hundred years ago kids and parents were dealing with some of the same problems and some made the same similar mistakes.

I like to think of every issue as a single battle that I plan to win and if I lose I will come back stronger and keeping coming back until I finally win. If you lose a battle and your kids “mess up” you don't “give up” you keep on keeping on and get ready to fight and win the next round.

These attitudes will go a long way in saving your kids from the evil one. Be a friend indeed to your child in need.

This post was shared at: Tell Me a Story

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All Boys Are Liars

The old black and white lie system has been replaced or added to by all the colors of the rainbow. Lies have now been color coded.
The offence of the lie determines the color of it. When someone lies to you, you must decide whether it is a white lie or if it’s a little more offensive perhaps a yellow and so on, the color determines how you respond.

There is one more notation, there are times when black isn't black enough so we call that lie blackest-black. Again there are times that what’s being said doesn't really merit being called white. An instance would be: you're out shopping with a friend and they ask you does this look good on me. Now what you want to say is, honey nothing looks good on you. But because they are a friend you use a colorless lie to be kind and you say, “Oh that really does something for you."
Now some might take issue with my Title Statement “All boys are liars,” but ask any mother. While outwardly she may deny and say her baby doesn't lie, inwardly she will say; dats right. Whether you agree or not, the question remains, if my Title is true, then when and why do - - boys lie?

To answer that you must take it in stages. This starts right after babies are born. They misuse crying which is supposed to indicate there’s something wrong with them. They learn that when they want something all they have to do is cry. It doesn't take long, and soon they will cry just to get attention. As the boys get a little older, lying becomes a case of self preservation because they are bound to violate mama’s rules. To avoid her scorn they will lie.

Next phase is when they enter into their teens. They still maintain the self preservation defense but now they face a new dilemma, and that is dealing with the opposite sex. It doesn't take long to learn that to make time with girls you must learn the secret words. These are the words girls want to hear and words they will respond to! The young teen will learn these from his peers and experience. Strange as it seems the girls know the boy doesn't mean what he is saying and that he is lying, but they want to believe it so badly! They are willing to overlook his insecurity at least for a little while.

Boys soon become men and the only difference between boys and men is age. Some marry, and in order to keep peace in the family he continues to lie. Inherent in wives is the capacity for suspicion; it is almost an art form, and with some it has been perfected. In addition to that, there is the driving force called, “The need to know.” Women can't help it. They want to know everything about everything. The husband will resort to lying to protect what little privacy he has left. What really hurts men is that wives know what husbands are doing and they also know what they are thinking. Would you believe it is even before the husband can think or do it?

Time passes and things change a little, the wives begin to care less about what the husband does. They figure they have gotten most of what he has to offer so they worry less. The husband has less to lie about and serenity has arrived at last.

Matt. 5: 25-26 (paraphrase) Agree quickly with your wife otherwise you are going to get it.

Experiencing California in the Thirties

My family moved from Tennessee to Oakland California in 1936. I had been asleep in the car, and I woke up to see the AVE for the first time. It was a great place to live. The climate was good, almost no sultry days, and usually a cool breeze in the evenings.

The Ave was a place where we had it all. Within three blocks there were places of employment; including a large textile mill that hired several hundred people, and a Montgomery Ward six story catalog store which gave employment to many. Near by was a hospital where you could receive good care and not to forget there was a funeral home just in case you needed one.

There were more stores than you could count, together with bakeries releasing those great smells as you walked by. Other stores included: a Hardware, Grocery, Movie Theater, drug stores, Five and Dime, Banks, Churches, and Schools from kindergarten through high school. You could go in every direction by using the local transportation system. San Francisco was only a few minutes away by car or transit. You name it and we had it all within three or four blocks, The Ave was a great place to live.

Life was good until things began to change. The mill shut down, the Wards catalog store phased out the catalog sales, and there was a huge fire that wiped out many of the stores. Eventually a Goodwill store replaced buildings that were burnt down by the fire. Sad to say, it was as if the AVE had died. It seemed that life could never be the same again.

This was one kind of tragedy, and it had a profound effect on the lives of many of the people who had lived there. But tragedy has many faces and from disaster, change can evolve either for bad or for good.

There are many degrees in misfortune, some more calamitous than others, but always hurtful to some extent.

In difficult times we need to remind ourselves that the Holy Scripture says, “We are not sufficient in ourselves but our sufficiency is in the LORD.”

Added to our times of disaster, we are comforted by our family and friends who are there to stand by us. There may be times and situations that will require us to go through a calamity; a trial that we would rather not go through. With God’s help we are able to make it, because of Him and because of the strength of those around us.

After the fire, it was like starting a new life, and so it is when someone suffers misfortune. It is not easy to recoup but it is very do-able.

Revelation 21:5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.

Ain't Got No Grammer

Some people don’t have good grammer. I would have said ain’t instead of don’t but ain’t - - ain’t good grammer. Try as I would I couldn’t understand what went where and why and how come.

I’m proud I know some who does get it, but I just don’t.

There are a lot of people in politics who criticize people with opposing views over their use of grammar. They try to show that these people are ignorant especially in letters to the editor and also on the web.
I don’t think being a grammertologist is good because (and my reason is) there is so much ungrammacal English spoken that it must be very irritating to hear it and will stress you out.

Long ago I decided I couldn’t speak good English so I decided to speak something else. I finally chose to speak American, that is Southern American but not South American cause they speak Portuguese and Spanish and all I know about Spanish is adios dos peso.
Even here in America most people understand Southern American except in New York where they speak Jewish mostly. I like speaking American because it is forgiving not judgmental. It allows you to coin a word like grammertologist and because anyone who reads it gets the idea what you are talking about and can converse with you.
Speaking American will help you understand people from other countries, when they use the wrong word or the wrong tense of a word. You are used to that already in speaking American. I figure about fifty percent of what is being spoken is a waste of time anyway

I don't miss much, speaking and hearing American. The most important thing when speaking is to” let your yea be yea and your nay be nay for any more is from the evil one.”

Today there is an attack on Christians because of their message. It is being done in a subtle way by attacking their grammar. It is the method and attempt to destroy the message and the messenger with this grammar harassment. This practice is known as “Snobs Practicing Snobbery while speaking Snobbish.” This practice by the elite we totally reject!

Matt.5:37 or as James says, “Always speak the truth in love, “so speak and so do”

LITTLE JOE

When I was a kid in the early forties, I lived on “The Ave.” The Ave was a name for a district in Oakland CA. Everything you needed was available on The Ave. All types of stores from clothing to a bakery, along with banking, grocery, and schools could be found. Most important of all, there was a movie theater!

The Ave was a district where people got along well, even though it was a mixture of many ethnic groups and varied ages. Parents allowed the kids to do pretty much as they wished. If the parents wanted their kids, they could easily find them hanging out on the main street of the Ave.

The bunch I hung-out with were good guys, but each had their own vices when it came to gambling and aggravating each other. Some of the boys got an allowance each week on a certain day. We, who didn't have an allowance, would try to get them in a card game or to shoot dice. It wouldn't take long for us to have their allowance. On one occasion, one of the boys spent part of his money before the game started, and it ticked us off because we felt that it was our money he had spent.

Certain boys were, more often, targets of our aggravation. From time to time, we would try to get a couple of the guys to fight. One of them was usually a fellow we called Little Joe. That seemed like fun and was entertaining at the time. No one ever got terribly hurt, but just seeing the loser running home crying was very funny to us, and good for a laugh. A few minutes later, all was forgotten and we were back together again.

I want tell you about Little Joe. He was smallish but fat. We would try to get him into a fight at times. He would usually get whipped and we enjoyed seeing him crying and running home. As time passed Joe began to grow and joined the army. After a tour of duty, he came home, and he had an attitude change. Now he weighed about two hundred-fifty pounds. He was six feet tall, hard-muscled and wanted to find the guys that used to whip him. Needless to say, they weren't to be found, and Little Joe was feeling pretty good about himself.

Times change and people change. The past election theme was about change.

The appearing of Jesus was about change. The change Christ brings, starts within and is perfected by obedience to the Word of GOD, and then is manifested outwardly to the world.

Little Joe has been bullied and feeling sorry for himself long enough! Change is coming!

It is time for Little Joe (the church of Jesus) to grow up into the mature adult it can be and begin to look for those who have bullied it for these past years and send them packing by its presence.

Partly Confused

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Looking back over my life it seems I may have been partly confused many times about life and living. It is a little demeaning to admit this but it might be the truth.

Part of the reason has been, just when I thought I had life all figured out - - the rules changed and now I wasn't certain where I stood!

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As a child I once had the privilege to attend a one room school house. It was the same school my mother had attended. There were eight grades all taught by one teacher in this one room.

Having attended a large school before, I found that this one room was truly a new experience. Amazingly the teacher was the same teacher who had taught my mother. She was a large woman. Heavy and would remind you of a drill sergeant.

Now even though some of those seventh and eighth grade farm boys had some rough edges she had no discipline problems. There was no mistake as to who was in charge. Knowing what was expected of us made it a lot easier to perform well. To recognize our place (authority and ability) kept us in line and in order.

In my Christian experience I have faced some uncertainty at times. Understanding my ministry, my gifts, my place in the body of Christ has left me partly confused at times. Success seemed to fade away as time went by and left me to reevaluate where I stood in the body of Christ.

This has required me to re-group, re-charge and go again, either in the same direction or even a new one.

Perhaps it was just a matter of weakness where I expended too much of my own energy. I realize I must draw upon the scriptures, such as “They that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength.”

This verse implies that weakness is not that unusual for the servant of God.

I have concluded that life changes and even though I also must change with it, there are some things that do not change.

God never changes; my position in him does not change, his love for me does not change, and his plan and purpose for me does not change and much more.

When uncertainty tries to come in because we are living in a changing world we (you and I) can quickly recover because of God’s unchangeableness and knowing our place in HIM.

One thing I’m happy about is that I’m the only one who is partly confused. God is not perplexed or confused because He knows all things. He is the one who holds the future, and He is a sure foundation.

God is our Rock in whom we can trust!

This post has been shared at: Tell Me a True Story:
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You are invited to share your true stories there on Tuesdays!

My Druthers

When I think about it, I have a lot of druthers. Druthers are kinda like rathers except I like druthers better.

For instance, I’d druther be me than someone else, cause I know what I got and don’t want to trade; cause I always get beat on a trade.

There are a lot of nice potential wives out there but I’d druther have the one I got than them, ‘cause she likes me and that make me feel nice - - - and she cooks good.

I’d druther have my kids than some other kids even though others might be more talented and prettier; cause even though mine ain’t pretty, I’m used to them. And they is already educated.

I’d druther have my dogs even if they ain’t very smart and don’t smell good. If I traded them off I might get some that were dumber and smelled worse.

I’d druther be old and ugly than to be pretty cause being pretty ain’t natural.

I’d druther have a new president cause the last two ain’t much account.

I’d druther be happy than sad, cause I tried sad and didn’t like it.

I’d druther for you to be you than to for you to be someone else cause you are the best YOU there is.

I’d druther have my GOD because there ain’t any other GOD! - even though some people say there is. But just saying it don’t make it so.

I got a lot of other druthers, but druther stop now.

I Don't Need it, I Don't Want It. I Can't Afford It!



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 Picture this if you can; a young couple who have been courting and are very emotionally involved and strong passion is being experienced by both. They wish to get married but their finances say they should wait until they are about forty.

As usual passion and emotions win out and they get married.

After a year or so they have gotten to know each other a lot better evidenced by the fact they now have a son. While they struggle with finances they are barely able to meet their obligations.

Then one day after a hard days work, the man arrives at home and as he enters the door he sees two men in his living room. His wife is looking sheepish and while he is staring at her she begins to explain. These men are trying to place a product in our home that will be very useful in our daily life.

At this time the men have stood up and are trying to shake his hand even though he protests that his hands are dirty. They assure him that they don't mind the dirt and proceed to keep on shaking. Looking again at his wife he realizes she has no more defenses left and is ready to buy!

The husband was taught with great effort by his mother to be polite to all people. So he graciously allowed the salesmen to take advantage of his upbringing to try to sell their product to him. After hearing their spiel for a while the blackboard of his mind appeared, and written on it was; “I Don't need it, I Don't want it and I can't pay for it.”

After reading his “blackboard” a couple of times he proceeds to say, “No thank you for this opportunity but we will pass on your deal.” He continued to say NO but the men were insistent that our lives would be enhanced by it and we would be denying ourselves of this great opportunity.

It seemed that these salesmen could not hear or understand the word NO. After the husband had said NO every way he could think of the men kept insisting He buy their goods.

Now to understand what happened next you must also realize that the husband was very dirty and wanted a bath. He was very tired and wanted to rest and he was very hungry and wanted to eat his dinner which was getting old and cold.  All of which lead to a short fuse. When they were asked to leave for the last time they just ignored him and kept talking.

His next action was to go to the door. He opened it as wide as he could, and said I will be counting to three and then with great violence I will throw you both out.

He was strong, muscular, angry, and totally unafraid. After deciding which one he would hit first he started counting. “One,” they didn't move but only stared at each other. On the count of “Two,” they got up and started toward the door while still talking.  By the count of “Three,” they exited the door.

The husband shut the door rather firmly. He then turned his attention to his wife and explained in rather ugly terms that she had better never allow this to happen again. Apparently she understood him and acted accordingly receiving a grade of “A minus” over the years.

We may often find ourselves in the, “Don't need, Don't want or Can't afford,” position brought about by circumstances in life.

In the Garden of Eden, Eve faced the master salesman and was unable to match wits with him. Her every objection was countered effectively by him. Being guileless she was at the mercy of the wiles of the Devil once she left the word of the LORD. Her husband was of no help to her for he also ignored GODS word. It was a “Don't need, Don't want, Can't afford” issue.

Eve understood what GOD had said well enough to explain it to Satan so she was without any excuse.
There are many such cases of disobedience in the Bible and the effects of disobedience can be severe and lasting. Lots wife is a case in point also Jonah and his sea journey and don't forget Judas.

The Devil is always selling something; if we are foolish enough to fall for his lies, we will pay and pay and pay. He is as a roaring lion seeking (make it personal) trying to sell me something evil.

Something I hate as much as anything is; if or when I get taken in on some deal I have to suffer the humiliation of someone saying “and you fell for it.” Talk about adding insult to injury!

James deals with another side of this issue saying; (paraphrase) you are deceived by your own lusts. Desires, emotion, and passion can lead to either happiness or a life of regret.

Emotions fall into the “Take heed” class. As long as these emotions are controlled by the word of GOD they will be good companions for you. Be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. Allow this to be the motto you follow, “Let God’s Word be your constant companion. His word will never fail you.

As Christians we must remember and act accordingly that sin is always a “DON'T NEED, DON'T WANT, CAN'T AFFORD IT ISSUE !!”

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All SIN AIN’T THE SAME

Which is worse, infidelity or gambling?

It seems that gambling is far worse than infidelity - at least in the case of Pete Rose and Tiger Woods. While both tried to lie out of the accusations against them, but the truth was bound to come out (which it did)

Pete has been banned from any involvement in baseball for life! No one will have anything to do with him or give him a position after he was banned.

On the other hand, Tiger has returned to the game with shouts of joy, praise and support. Whore mongering, infidelity and lying appear to be praiseworthy in this society. The PGA certainly has had nothing negative to say about his sexual escapades with fifteen women (the latest count).

Their stories are telling at least. While both specialize in hitting a ball, it seems only Pete has got the shaft.

TO BE OR NOT TO BE

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This question by Shakespeare in Hamlet has provoked much thought and established him as one of the greatest writers. This haunts all people who consider it. To be; who, or what, and how to become. While Shakespeare answers this in part in Hamlet, it leaves much unanswered for today’s society.

Dealing with the slings and arrows of life, with or without outrageous fortune in it’s self is a life time task.

I recall a time when I purchased a new television, a small down payment and thirty six payments to go. A few days later a relative entered my back door looked in my refrigerator and stole my new TV.

When I arrived home from work all I could do was sit on the couch, and stare at the place it had once sat.
I must admit, I wanted to hurt someone - - - bad !! 

The toughest part was for the next thirty six months I was reminded that it was stolen because I still had to make the payments each month.  I bought another set (a cheaper one) in order to have something to watch while some else enjoyed the deluxe set I was still paying for.

Slings and arrows are not designed to be fair but are something you rise above and keep going. They come in all forms; it may be personal, financial, or physical. They are surely designed to test you and try to remove you from; who and what you have determined to be.

After considering this question at length I decided to be who I wanted to be, (or as near as possible) to be comfortable and satisfied with myself, and to be at peace with myself. Having accomplished this I now have the answer and need not to seek a further answer to the; “to be or not to be” question. For I have my answer which is; “I WAS, I NOW IS, and will continue TO BE.”

(This is not considered a commentary on Shakespeare’s Hamlet)

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On “Growing Old”

Getting old is like watching grass grow even if you watch it intently you can't observe that anything is happening. It is only when you allow time to pass and then look that you can tell that something has surely happened. As with grass you must try to maintain it to keep in a reasonable state but outside influences have indeterminable effects. There are two things that are sources of information on the subject which are; the mirror and old pictures. I sometime question the accuracy of the mirror in reflecting the proper image. Surely it is making a mistake, perhaps a morphing of my image or a light refraction has occurred. While this would be a phenomenon, still stranger things have happened. But when I look at the younger pictures - - I reluctantly, though stubbornly must admit that age is creeping up on me. There is a time when all grass must be replaced and this is the part that is difficult no matter how much I weed and fertilize I conclude that the time is coming when old grass must go and new seed is being planted, a new lawn will appear and the old will at best, only be a memory.