"In the Beginning...."

"In the beginning..." That's what this is all about as I attempt to do a daily devotion during 2007.
Sure, I've started such things in the past, but I always get side-tracked. In other words, I don't
do too well with it. I start only to soon stop in my tracks! Good intentions are not good enough.
I've had good intentions of dropping some weight, but it's still there. I've had good intentions of
watching less tv, but the tv is on. The lure of the things still attract and trap me. Maybe that's
why I write this prayer on New Year's Eve:
Jesus, there is a song we sing about You. It's entitled, "Turn Your Eye's Upon Jesus." I admit
that it is easier to sing than to turn and keep my eye's upon You. Forgive me, Lord. Distractions
do me in. I start and then I stop. I'm asking You to keep Your eye's upon me because I desire to
do Your will and I know I'll fail if I try to do it all alone. Lead me in paths of righteousness so I'll
do the right things from the beginning of another new year on into eternity. Amen.
I will share some of my thoughts and prayers with you who read my Blog in hopes that it will help you in your new year. May your new year make a new you, in Christ Jesus.

BOLD HEADLINES

The headlines of this morning's newspaper were printed in bold print: "HANGMAN EXECUTES SADDAM." I couldn't miss those tragic word if I had tried. And then, there's all the news on television about the hanging Saddam. For some reason, I started thinking about the things I've said and done that deserve death. It's not hard for me to think of all the sins I've committed that" stamp these word in bold print: "GUILTY!" I deserve death due to my sins that separate me from our Holy God. I should be punished. But, I'm, spared because Someone else took my place, my punishment upon an old rugged cross 2,000 years ago. His name is Jesus. The headline should be printed in bold print: "JESUS SAVES!" We should go tell everyone, everywhere about Jesus. That's the Good News that overcomes the bad news. And we sure could use some Good News, couldn't we? Well, it doesn't get any better than this!

A Year with Jesus

One of the best books in my study is, A Year with Jesus, by Eugen Peterson. Peterson is the
author of The Message. A Year with Jesus is made up of daily readings and mediatations from
Matthew and John. I go to this book daily to help me take my required daily doses of spiritual
instructions and inspiration. These tend to "jump - start" my soul and also provide additional
"Sermon Starters". "Sermon Starters" are a source of sermon seeds that I turn to from time to time to work with new sermons that I might feel led to preach sometime, somewhere.
As I was approaching the section from John's Gospel, I felt that I need to do something different
in 2007. I should start a collections of daily thoughts for my own good. It will be like journaling.
It will be made up of thoughts and prayers that speak to and from my soul. Wish me well as I
work with this. I might even share some of my thoughts through this Blog from time to time.
Most of all, I simply wish to spend more time with Jesus. After all, isn't that what it's all about?

Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year

While at the Doctor's office this morning, someone said, "I'm sure glad Christmas is over!" I started to say, "Since when?" But, I didn't. The Christmas celebration continues until Epiphany, January 6th. That's when the Christmas decorations can be put away. Until then, let''s sing Christmas carols and continue to celebrate. We need something special in our lives to offer each of us hope and help. That's what Jesus does for us, isn't it? He has brought us hope and help as no one else could ever do. The good news is that it's daily in our ordinary lives, in ordinary places. That's what makes Him so extraordinary. So, I wish you a Merry Christms and a Happy New Year!

BROTHERS

Last night I started reading, Three Weeks with My Brother by Nicholas Sparks and Micah Sparks. It seems like it is going to be a good book to read each evening before turning over and going to sleep. When he is telling about his family, I reflected upon my brothers and sister and the things we did when we we young. I got to thinking, could I spend three weeks with any one of my brothers? My oldest brother and sister died a few years ago so that means I have an older brother, a twin and a younger brother. All three are wonderful brothers but I doubt I could stand three weeks with any of them. Maybe three hours if I work at it. I doubt that three of them would want to try three weeks with me. Even I have trouble with me. Me, myself and I are a handfull! Maybe I could write a book about all the troubles we've seen and gotten into. It might becme a movie. Now if I could come up with the title for it. What about The Preacher Kids? I hope I get the lead role in it because I've been told I look like a star, a falling star!

"IT'S GREAT!!!"

My wife and I were in Nashville at a book store a few days ago. While she shopped, I looked for a book to buy. I scanned several and than came across, Everday Greatness, by Stephen Covey. I found myself taking time to read some of the stories in it. About the time I was ready to buy the book, she said she was ready to go. I put the book on the shelve and we went on our way. I made a mental note to get a copy of the book when I got back to Bowling Green. When I went to my favorite book store, they didn't have it. I almost told them to order me a copy, but I didn't. The next day I was at a Mall and saw the same book, but I didn't buy it since I was in a rush. When I got home I told her about the book and that I would buy one after Christmas. When we were opening Christmas presents, I discovered that my wife I bought the book for me. The trouble is, there was a note attached to the book saying that I can't read it at home. She not only gave me the book to read but a two night "get lost" to Lexington after the first of the year. Since I was born in Lexington, I love to go there. I love to go to the Joseph Beth Bookstore most of all and just brouse. Then I go to the motel and camp out with coffee, good food and good books. It's a neat retreat. My next job is to get my supplies ready to go. Everday Greatness, some snacks and a good coffee cup. As Tony the tiger would say, "My everyday wife is GREAT!!!!!"

DE-CLUTTERING FOR 2007

I was watching a tv program about de-cluttering for 2007. They spoke about all the things that take up space in our lives that we really don't need any longer. The author said to give things away rather than try to sell them at a yard sell. I wonder what are the things in my soul that I need to de-clutter? I can list several things that I don't need to take into the new year. And, these are things no one needs. So, they go to the dump. I have a sack full of bad memories and bad thoughts that need to be tossed. Then there's the grudge smudge that has to go! The best thing about ridding myself of these terrible things is that it makes me feel and act better. One of the hardest things to give up and leave behind is my own personal complaint department. Not where people come and complain about me or to me, but where I need to stop all my complaining. Who made me God? Who am I to say such things? It's gotta go, folks. I already feel better by just thinking about things that clutter my soul. I just have to be careful what I replace all these things with next year. I don't want to go from bad to worse. I do declare, de-cluttering is coming clean and having a clean page as 2007 rolls around Monday. I invite you to join me as de-cluttering of our souls gets rid of what's not good for our souls. It's soul important.

A DIFFERENT ROAD & A DIFFERENT ME

As our family was leaving Columbia Tuesday after celebrating Christmas with the Coomer clan, I realized that the Scripture was being fulfilled. Matthew 2: 12 reads, "....they left for their own
country by another road." Throughout all the years we've gone to Columbia we always had to go to the far side of the tiny town to get home. About the time we were coming to Columbia, my brother informed me that there was a new entrance to town that shaved off several miles. Was he right! I didn't give it much thought until we were leaving to come back to Bowling Green. We were riding on a brand new road. We were doing something we had never done before. We had often wondered why the State didn't build and entrance-exit on the side of town. We were riding on a road that had only been in our dreams. We were returning home, but not as we always had done. It was something new on something new. It saved time, traffic and mileage. It felt so good! I have an idea that's how the Wise Men felt as they headed home after seeing the Savior born in Bethlehem. The road was different, but more that that, much more than that, they were different. Someone new made them something new. I have an idea their family and friends saw something different about them too. I hope my family and friends can tell that something new has happened to me, again. That something is Someone. His name is Jesus.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Merry Christmas. All of our family is home for Christmas. Some are still sleeping while some are wondering when we can open Christmas presents. After all are up, we will eat our traditional brunch and share stories at the table. Tomorrow we will all go to be with the Coomer clan in Columbia. It is always such a delight. They say some snow may fall tonight. So, even if it is the day after, it would be nice to have snow. Again, Merry Christmas. May the Christ of Christmas live in your life and give you blessing upon blessing.

WHAT'S ON MY MIND

While almost everyone, from everywhere are out shopping, I'm "home alone." I like being here at home, alone. The dogs are sleeping and I'm finishing a book I began reading a few weeks ago.
This is my Christmas present to myself. I've taken the book just about everywhere I've been
with "high hopes and great expectations" of completing it. It hasn't happened. It won't happen until I make it happen. This season of solitude has been like tearing open a Christmas present, very, very slowly. The door bell rangand I had to get up and answer it. Someone was out selling something I don't need. So, back to the book. All of us experience interruptions of one kind or another for one reason or another. It's how we handle them that matter. Some things can't be put on a shelve and taken down some other time to finish. They demand action. It's called priorities. Today, my priority is to finish reading a very good book so I can get onto another one. Maybe someone will give me money for a new book or better yet, the very book I want to get to next by Stephen Covey. If they don't, I'll go get it myself. Have a Merry Christmas!

A GIFT OF GRACE

Donald Trump has given the gift of grace to Tara Conner for Christmas. Now it will be up to her
to take that gife and use it well. Some people exchange their Christmas gifts because they don't
like them or they don't fit. Well, if the gift fits, take it! This gift of a second chance is something
she should treasure for years to come. It's up to Miss USA not not mess up. Again. We all need such a gift from time to time, don't we? I know I do! That's really what Christmas is all about.
It's all about a God of grace giving each of us someone who can fully forgive us. His name is Jesus. Don't take God's grace for granted. It is wrapped in love as God wraps His arms around all of us and whispers in our hearts, "I love you." "Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound.." It comes from Someone richer than Donald Trump too! Isn't that something to really celebrate this Christmas?

"IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS"

Our Living room and Dinning room are really starting to look nice for Christmas now that I've cleaned off my desk. It had stacks of books and papers all over it plus, my own dust collection.
I'm proud of my collection of dust. Since I'm not charge of air-traffic control, the dust lands all
around the room and stays there until one of us cleans it up. Well, today it was my turn. Now
it will be my job to keep two dogs from wandering into the room. Not to mention the dust that
sneaks in somehow from time to time. Almost every day brings something new for the season.
Today I found that the angels had landed on the roll top desk and decoarte it nicely. The three
manger scenes all add to the reason for the season. The Christmas tree in the Dinning room has
white lights with white decorations scattered from top to bottom. I can hardly wait to see what
will show up next. Even though it's warm outside, there is a sled leaning up against the front
door entrance as if to say, "let it snow, let it snow.." "It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas"
at the Coomer's. And that's just fine with me.

SPEAKING OF SPEAKING

Last night I picked up a book I bought back several years ago. It was like a reunion. It was as if
I had found a long lost friend. It's a book of sermons by a Pastor who died of a heart attack in 1993. The text for one sermon is from Hebrews 11: 4, "....he died, but through his faith he still speaks." Wow! What words! He has blessed me so many times through the years when working
on my own sermons. Something he had said or had written would come to mind and I would be
blessed by it. It was indeed as if he were still speaking.
All this has gotten me to thinking of those who have lived their lives and gone on to Glory. They
are family members and friends, some whom I knew very well and others whom I didn't know all that well, yet, they said or did something that's left a lasting influence upon my own life. It's
also gotten me to thinking, will people remember me or anything I said or did after I'm gone?
I hope so. Maybe I still have time to do something about it. That's why I'm writing this Blog. It
is to remind us all that someone, somewhere, some time, some how has been blessed by our lives. So, let's add to those memory making things that matter the most. That's what that book
did for me last night. I'm so glad I picked it up because it sure did pick me up!

FULL HOUSE

In my last Blog, I said something about all my daughter's stuff that was taking up room in the gargage. When she arrived home, she was quick to remind me that much of what is there is not
her's but her brother's. She's right. He has always taken up a large part of the parking area. He has tools, lawn equipment and a mulitude of other items. I'm just delighted that we have room for all these tings, and more. Just don't tell them I said that!
Isn't it amazing that our houses are full of things already and yet we will go get more things as
if we don't already have enough. Then we will have yard sales to try to get rid of things that we
no lobger need or, didn't need in the first place. I can't say much because of all the books that
take up lots of space in our place. We all are guilty to having too much, aren't we? Maybe we
should slow down on the getting and get to work using what we already have. It saves money,
space and patience. I know from experience. Do you?

BORING BETTLES

For the first time in many months, I can get my car in the garage. After our daughter moved home, we had to store her stuff in the garage and couldn't get a car in out of the rain or snow. There is still a small problem though, the garage door opener doesn't want to work. Sometime today I have to go get a new battery and hope that will take care of that. How can something so small, be so big! These are those tiny "boring bettles" that bug us. Things like: a dripping faucet, a gravy spot on a new tie, etc.. These nagging things drive us nuts! Small boring bettles brought down huge chestnut trees years ago and at times they still seem to try to bring us down. Timber! How do you and I handle the stresses that strangle us? We wait with patience and give it our best. I must admit that it is much easier to preach than to practice. Just ask my wife. But most of the time, most of the tiny problems can be dealt with just like the large ones, get over it and get on with it. What was a problem isn't anymore and the gargage door will not win, I will. Because just like it, life is up and down. So, I don't intend to stay down, I'm going to get up. Won't you join me?

A SWEET DAY AT OUR PLACE

Things were very tempting around our house Saturday. We've been baking cookies, cakes and pies to help pay for our Channcel Choir's trip to New York to perform at Carnegie Hall next June.I washed dishes, scrapped bowls and taste tested the goodies for free. I didn't have to be paid for doing my jobs. It was a sweet job. Somebody had to do it, why not me! I'm an expert taste tester for sure. Saturday morning I made a mistake and went to the Mall. Everyone from everywhere were there. The trouble is, I didn't see even one person I know. I did see someone getting a ticket for parking in a Handicap parking spot. I'm sure that's something that someone didn't want to get for Christmas, but he musta been bad, not good this year. I didn't even go see my two best buddies, Barnes and Noble. Most likely I didn't miss much. I came on home instead and got involved with my family as we did our small part in being helping hands. One of us, I won't say whom, looked like an elf but he has such elf esteem that he didn't really do all that much. Last time I saw him, he was taking a nap. Poor elf. But I'm sure he will elf himself to the goodies. I know I will.

WHERE YOU BEEN - WHERE YOU GOING?

When I went into the Dinning room to open the shades this morning, I saw the three Wise Men. They were behind some stalks of a plant as if they were hiding from me. One had fallen over so I put him in his place. Then I got to thinking: Where have these three Wise men been since last December? Why are they in the planter rather than on display? Maybe they are on their way to celebrate Christmas. They, like us, still have a ways to go. There are many stops ahead and there are many things to do. I'm sure thay they will in the right place at the right time. I just hope I am. And you.
One of my former churches had plastic people and animals on display just outside the building. I noticed that a couple of the sheep had gone astray. I wondered where they were. Had the sheep been stolen? Then I saw the two sheep had been blown across the street to the Baptist Church during the night. I asked the Pastor if he was stealing my sheep. He laughed and said he would have to dunk them and was afraid all they would do would be to float. I told those two lost sheep to stop straying and stay put. we would take good care of them. They did. Now if I can just get the rest of the Methodist to stop straying, everyone and everything will be right where they
belong. Are you?

"I WANT TO HOLD YOUR HAND"

While we were in the Waiting Room at the Hospital today, I saw an elderly couple come into the room. They were holding hands as they found a seat to sit down. He helped her take off her coat and hat and then took care of checking in. He took time to listen to what she had to say and explained things to her. When their name was called, he took her by her hand and led to the desk. Soon afterwards, they were taken away. I don't think my wife saw what had happened, but I took hold of her hand and told her I loved her. You see, that elderly couple rubbed off on me while my wife was waiting to undergo treatment. Fact is, it really wasn't her needing to hold my hand , as much as my needing to hold hers. Hey! I just had a great idea, someone should write a song about wanting to hold hands. I think it would climb to the top of the charts. What do you think?

DOG - GONE - DOG!

"Memphis has left the building." Memphis is a dog. A dog - gone - dog! No matter to Memphis if it was very cold, he wanted freedom from the home where he gets food, shelter, love, etc. So
we let Memphis be missing most of the afternoon. After all, all he wanted was his freedom. He
knew that we knew he would be back. Even if he would play games with us to get him home to
stay. He would tease us as if to say, "I'll be back when I get good and ready." Well, it was they taste and smell of tomato sauce that lured him home to stay. Memphis is back in the building!
We will watch him when he goes out on his lease to be sure he doesn't escape again. We don't know if Memphis missed us while he was gone, but we sure did miss Memphis. The dog-gone-dog is wagging his tail as I write this Blog because he is planning his next taste of freedom. I sure hope I can catch him before he's out on the town again. I feel like a dog-gone- fool whenever that happens. And, it puts me in the dog house. Again.

WAITING TO HEAR YOUR NAME

While we were in the waiting room of our Hospital today, we were waiting for one thing to take place, hearing my wife's name being called out. Why? So she could get out of one room and into another room where she would be put under for examination. "Janice" had a nice ring to it when her name was called out. We knew part of the waiting was over and another kind of waiting was about to take place. Sure enough, it was my turn to waite while she was put under for the test. I sat in the waiting room where I read and watched my watch. After awhile I heard my last name called out and was told to go be with her. Most everything went well. That's when I called out yet another name, Jesus. I thanked him she was going to be okay. Was He waiting for me to call His name? To thank Him? I think He knew we would call out His name because we do it daily again and again. But today, it was something special, for someone special, Janice.

McFriendship

When I arrived at McDonald's for lunch with a friend today, I couldn't find a parking place and I couldn't find Hal. I looked in the parking lot, the eating area, and the restroom. Hal was no where to be found. Like any good guy, I went ahead and ordered my food. Just as I was seated, he showed up. After he got his food and joined me, we had another great time together. This was the 13th time we've done this since he moved to town. There is seldom silence between the two of us because we have so much to say. Today I was reminded that I need to let him talk and I just need to listen. I always learn more when I just keep quite. Today, I learned a wide range of things as Hal shared things with me. It was worth more and better than the food. I sure got my money's worth at McDonald's today where they do it all for you. Most of all, they provide a place for friends to get together. That's all these two men need and it's not even on their menu. They could call it, McFriendship.

I'M A MEMBER OF THE I HATE TO WAIT CLUB

We have been waiting for a number of weeks for some workers to install insulation in our attic. We've called and asked when they were coming. We've called and been told they would be here on a certain day and they didn't show. Well, today they showed up at our door without calling to see if we where even home. That's fine with me because they are finally here and up in the attic doing their job. Advent is all about waiting. We're reminded that there are still some weeks before we celebrate Christmas. We hate to wait. We hate to wait in line at the grocery store, a red light, or to open the Christmas presents. But there are times when we must wait. It isn't optional, it's required. The thing to do is to spend the time wisely because before you know it whatever it is that we're waiting on is here. And then we wonder how it got here so quickly. We have high hopes and great expectations that we will feel a difference after the attic has new insulation installed. As cold as it is forecast to be tonight, it will be well worth the wait. Thanks to two men doing their jobs, we can get on with decorating the house now. Now is the time we have, let's rejoice and use it well.

"Look Dear, Deer!"

Tuesday morning I looked out our front window and saw two deer under a tree in our yard. It
was a sight to behold. I called my wife and said, "Look, Dear, Deer!" There they were. They
stood still and silent as if they hadn't heard or seen anything. I started sneaking up on them so
I could take a picture. They still stood still and silent as if they wanted to be seen. That's when
I realized that they would leave me alone if I were to leave them alone. These two deer didn't
hear or see me because they are made of wood. My wife had put them there and hadn't told me.
Boy, did I hope no one saw me acting so stupid. It would be the talk of the town. I can hear it
now, " Hey! Did you hear about the guy down on the corner? He thought two wooden deer were
real. What a crazy guy!" Well, tonight I'm going to dress the deer so they won't get cold. I'll
put a ribbow around their necks. Maybe a bow since we live on the corner of Bow and Grider
Pond Road. They sure are something to see, just standing there under a tree watching people
drive by. Bye.

Hands Up!

I've been invited to speak to some volunteers who work at a local Hospital. I think I'll share
some thoughts along the line of doing you very best as a volunteer. Why do these people give
so much of their time and talents when they could do something else? Do they do it to get attention? Would I be willing to do what they do? Most of the people who do volunteer work
are seldom seen if they do their work well. That is to say, it's not about themselves, it's all about others. Attention and applause isn't their goal, it's attenting to the needs of others. They
don't want to be in the spotlight, they want to spot a need and handle it as best they can. You
know, I think I just decided what to talk about next Tuesday: "Is There A Volunteer In the House?" I'm sure I will see a sea of helping hands popping up all over the room.

"AND THAT'S THE TRUTH!"

Yesterday I bought a new book entitled, Simple Truths. I plan to start reading it today. Before I do, I have to tell a simple truth. My daughter is at it again. When I went to my Blog early this morning, I found that she had added my picture to my last Blog. I hadn't asked her to add it and I didn't like the picture in the first place, so, I deleted it. The simple truth is, I didn't even like the Blog. I hope I have a good time reading, Simple Truths now that the truth has been told. It looks like the kind of book I will really enjoy reading. The simple truth to the book is that it was on sale. Had it not been, I doubt I would of bought it. I didn't need another book to go with my stack of books. But who can turn down a sale? Not me. I had gone to the book store to buy a book by a dear friend, J. Ellsworth Kalas. It is entitled, What I Learned When I Was Ten. His book will be my bed time sleeping pill. I read every night before turning off the light. It puts my mind in a better mood for sleep. I even find that something from the books show up in my dreams. This one deals with the span of a couple of years. When I read a couple of pages last night, I found myself going back to the time when I was ten. I can hardly wait to pick it up again tonight because this book is really going to be good. And, "That's the truth!"