TONY THE TIGER

I had breakfast with Paul and Bob this morning. It was a hoot! We laughed so much that
I cried. We are ate a pretty good breakast while we chatted about so many things that I
can't remember them all. I do wish I could remember their jokes. Next time I'm taking a
note pad and something to write with. We're do it all over again in about three weeks. I
can't wait because it's what Tony the Tiger says, "GREAT!!"
I worked on a couple of devotions for the future whenever I'm at the Retirement Village.
It pays to be prepared. I think next time I going to to walk about some people in the
past who've helped me most and see if they will share their stories too.
Now that I'm visiting all the retirement homes, I hope to take time to just listen to
the residents share stories from their lives. I might learn a thing or two and that would
be GREAT!!

SPEED LIMIT: 55

Fifty-five years ago my parents presented me with a Holy Bible. That was on February
11, 1955. I was 11 years old at the time. It has John Carroll Coomer written on the cover.
Inside it says it is from Mother & Daddy. What a treasure to hang onto after al these 55
years.
What makes this a strange sight for even me to see is that inside the cover, Carroll is
written in pencil. That's my name and I wrote it myself. I almost missed seeing my name
on the dark black paper. Why I wrote it there is a mystery to me except that I always
was writing my name way back then. These days I write John Carroll whenever I write
down my name.
Way back then the speed limit was just 55 on most roads. Now it's 70. How the times
have changed. How I have changed! I'm now 65 years old and that seems so fast to
me these days. I'm not as tall as I once was, but then I never was tall come to thionk of
it. Even now, I'm the shortest member of our family. While I may be short in sature,
I stand tall in many other ways I guess. It's because 55 years ago Mother & Daddy
gave me a Holy Bible with my name written on it. Some call it the good book, I just
hope I live a good life for the Name above every other Name, Jesus.

Congrgational Care Minister

I have been named the Congregational Care Minister at Broadway. I will visit the elderly
and do a monthly devotion at the Retirement Village once a month. I will be "on call" next
week which means I will visit those in the hospitals.
Since I served as pastor at Broadway for five years several years ago, I know many of
the people already. Along with consecration communion at the 8:15 service on Sunday
and being a greeter from time to time, I will now be with the people even more. My
father did something similiar at the retirement home where he resided for a few years.
I guess I'm following in his footsteps. "Like father, like son," they say.
Now that I'm retired, it's time to go to work.

LEAP OF FAITH

My wife brought a stack of books home from the Public Library last week to read. When I
saw The Third Chapter I knew I had to read it. It deals with adjustments we must make
as we age. Since I'm aging, I thought this might give me gudiance from where I am to where
I'm going in the future.
While I've read several books about aging before, I thought this one might offer me a
different perspective since it's a secular book. Only into 40 pages the author has me
already thinking about things that I hadn't given thought to before. It is a hard book
to stay with but I'm sure it will be well worth it before I get to page 248. In the meantime
I'm writing a new chapter just this week as my journey takes off in a new direction. I
just hope the chapters will be full of passion, risk and adventure as I take this leap of
faith. While it isn't skydiving , it still has a real sense of adventure to it. H E R E
G O E S ! ! !

Lost & Found

I rearranged some of my books on my bookcase and now I can't find one I need. If I keep
looking I'm sure I will find it but I may not need it by then. However, I did find another
book that I am re-reading just for the fun ot it. So not all is lost.
After worship, I went to Barnes & Noble and read a few chapters in a book by Lee Child.
It is really a good book. When I got back home I came across an article about Lee Child
that encourages me. He tells of being fired from a job and wondering what to do to make
a living. He wondered if writing might work. He has been working at it now through 14
books that have been very successful. It pays to never give up. Made me appreciate
what I read from him all that much more.
If things go as I think they will, I will be starting a part-time job soon that will allow me
to use my years of experience as a pastor. It is an opportunity to do some of the things
I liked doing when I was serving churches as pastor. I will say more when there is more
to say on the subject. I'm already helping each Sunday at the 8: 15 a m service as well
as being a greeter from time to time at the 9:30 service. I want to serve the Lord as
much as I can, for as long as I can. It's an honor.

Friday Facts

I went to Barnes & Noble this morning and read ten chapters of a new book by Lee Child. I
hope to get in several Saturday while drinking coffee. I'm finishing my first book by him that
I have from the Library. Thus far I like his mysteries. I needed a new writer for awhile.
I had planned on going to the district preacher's picnic but it's too hot for me. My MS can't
stand the heat. I hate to miss being with friends and seeing what's going on in their lives
and churches.
Our 40th anniversary is drawing nearer by the day. May the Lord bless Janice for being
with me for forty years in the wilderness like Moses did. I hope she will sign up for 40
more with me as we head towards the promised land. She said I promised her lots way
back 40 years ago but I don't remember doing any such thing. Maybe my thinking is
broken down again.
It sounds like I don't do much doesn't it? Well, I just don't tell everyone everything
because everyone else is busy going and dong too. There are always things to do,
places to go & people to see.

"PLEASE WAIT HERE"

While I was at the Public Library this morning I saw a sign that really didn't make much
sense to me. It read: "PLEASE WAIT HERE". It didn't say why, so I stopped and waited
and waited but no one told me to stop waiting so I moved on. Such a silly sign!
While I was at the Public Library this morning I read an article about a man who instructs
people with canes in how to defend themselves. It read: "CANE-FU. I think I'm going to
join the club. I need to know how to protect myself from dogs and other wild things like
people. I might even name a cane Cane-Fu.
While I was the the Public Library this morning I read five magazines and the USA Today
edition for Wednesday while my wife was checking out books to bring home and read. If
I know her, she will read some of them but not all of them. By the way, I've read four of
them today already.
While I was at the Public Library this morning one of three dogs got out. I thought that
maybe Memphis needed a vacation so I didn't go get him. He still isn't home after a full
day. I'm sure he will come wagging his tail home when he gets hungry enough to eat
back in his own back yard. The last time I saw him he was next door at a sign that read:
"PLEASE WAIT HERE."

Here Goes!

I went out and sat on the swing and watched the rain for several minutes this morning. As
I drank my morning coffee I felt so relaxed knowing that it wouldn't last long. Too many
places to go, people to see and things to do.
When I looked out the bedroom window to see if it was raining, I saw rain and our two
huskies out in the back yard. I knew that wouldn't last long either. Right! They both got
out before I could get out and rescue the rescue dogs. I don't know why they were out
of the house. I did catch one before she could run off. Memphis is under the truck so I
left him there till he wants to come in where it's dry.
It's good day to do nothing but I have too much to do. Maybe I should start soon and
then try to relax. Here goes!

I THINKI HAVE A FEVER

My wife and I went to a couple of car lots this afternoon just to see what's out there. Lots and
lots of cars, that's what! The longer we looked, the more we wanted to look. We looked at cars
that are big, small, new, used, expensive and cheap. I bet we walked 10miles, not really, just
looking and looking and looking. Makes me want to take a taxi.
Car fever has hit. We may or we may not get another car. All I know is that the fever is high.
I better take two asprin and go to bed before I need a Doctor. Maybe the Scripture says it
best, "and it came to pass." We shall see. All I know is that I want to feel better soon. Real
soon!

Practice What You Preach

While waiting for worship to begin at the 8:15 service this morning, a woman asked me
a question. She asked if I would be willing to talk to her Sunday School class on ordination.
I told her I would. That's when she said she would meet right after worship and take me
to her class. I thought I wouldn't be doing what she asked for until another time.
Needless to say, I started think about what to say while the sermon was being preached
by my pastor. I reflected upon my own ordination and what it means in the United
Methodist Church. After the service I shared some thoughts with those there in the
class.
The preacher preached about the good samaritan and I knew that I didn't want to be
like the two men who passed by the man in the ditch without helping him. Golf on tv
would have to wait while I explained what ordination is all about in a 10 minutes message.
I hope it helped them because the Lord sure helped me keep from going off in a deep
ditch. I just practiced what I preach about being a good samaritan.

Top Ten Reasons Not to Wash My Car

I'm watching golf all day because J B Holmes isn't doing pretty well at this point at
the British Open. We met when I was pastor at First UMC, Campblellsville. As I've
said before, his caddie is a member of First Church. I sure hope he does well today.
I love this weather! Good day to be outside with a tv watching the golf game!
My car needs washing. Top Ten Reasons Not to Wash Car: 10. the water is cold.
9. can't find a clean rag. 8. why do it when you can wait till tommorrow 7. saving
water in case of a drought 6. can't find my rubber ducky 5. it will just get dirty
again 4. pray someone shows up to do it for me 3. can't find the car keys to open
it 2. not sure it's my car since it is so dirty 1. birds are flying over it and taking aim!
Watch it!!! Sounds good enough to me!
Back to the golf game. Come on J. B.!!

"And That's the Way It Is"

I took my wife out to eat tonight at Pepper's Resturant. The place was packed with people
feeding their faces. It's amazing that we didn't know anyone except the people who work
there which says how often we go there. We both were pleased with our food and service.
We love mexican food whenever we eat at Pepper's.
We came home and learned that Walter Conkite has died at age 92. My Grandaddy lived
in Louisville with us back when Walter Conkite did the evening news. He always thought
Conkite should be president. I think had he run he would of won way ahead of anyone
else.
I finished my mystery today so I have to go get another one sometime Saturday. I think
I may change to someone else since I've been reading the same author for the last three
books I've read. Stephen White has a new one out in August so I may wait to buy a book.
That's why I like the Library where it's at no cost unless I fail to finish and renew a book
at the right time.
I'm ready for bed so I'm heading that direction as soon as I say, "And that's the way it
is. Goodnight."

It Beats Me!

Well, I made a mistake again. This time instead of staying on the porch swing and reading,
I goofed when I got up. I walked out to the mail box and instead of getting the mail, I got
busy pulling weeds. Before I knew it I had on gloves and had a hand on a rake cleaning up
the weeds I'd pulled up. While it looks better, I'm beat! Next time, I stay still on the swing
and watch the weeds grow. Now I have to take a second shower so I look and smell better,
lots better.
While it's not hot, I enjoy working in the yard except for the bug bites. Why did Noah have
to go and take two of them there bugs on the boat anyway! They sure have had an extended
family to bug and bite people as much as they do. Gone is good ridance, I say. I spray stuff
on my hands, arms and legs and still attract those gritters anyway. I guess it's my charm.
I hope to have time to still get some reading done today. Right now I have to give thought
to a couple of things that need some serious attention. Therefore, I'm beating in on down
the bunny trail of life. Hope my dad doesn't see me! (It's a family story that is top secret)

RAIN DAY EXCUSES

This is a day when I could be out on the front porch swing drinking coffee and reading a
good book. This is a day when I could go to Barnes & Noble and drink coffee and read a
good book. And, this is day when I could clear off some of the selves of my bookcase and
make space for books that are stacked high and about to fall over since they don't have
a space-place yet. I think that if I rearrange the read books I would have more places
to place new books but that's hard work. Thus, I'm going to go back to bed. Just kidding.
I'm going to possibly do all three things before the day is over.
I'm about through with another mystery so I might go to the public library and see if
I can find a good mystery to read without having to buy one. The one I'm about through
with came from the public library and it's been really good. These are my night books
mostly being that I read them before going to bed each night. It's better than tv and
all the yelling going on.
We had over two inches of rain last night so it's too wet to work in the yard today. God
is good! That's today's excuse and I hope it works.

Tuesday Things

We're having new flooring placed in the family room and hallway today and yesterday. It
will be nice to not have all that carpet to clean! Needless to say, the house is a mess. We
had to remove a lot of things from the family room as well as provide a place for the
dogs to be out of the way. It's been a wild around here.
I attended a funeral of a dear friend yesterday that blessed me as I heard so many
good things about Dean. I told someone Iwould have to pay someone in advance to
say those kind of things about me. I got an "Amen!" to what I had said. I paid in
advance.
One of the women in the pew behind us hummed hymns as the organist played and
then she stood and sang with gusto. It made the service all that more specail. I had
spoken at a retirement home about humming a few day's ago. Now have an added
illustration of how to humin worship.
I hate to see what all we've got to do to put things back in place after the flooring
is done. But I have an idea we will get it all done in the sweet by and by. So, bye!

SUNDAY

When I walked into church for the 8:15 service this morning I was met by my District
Supertindent, Dr. Mike Powers. He said he was preaching at the three services today
since our senior pastor was taking some time off. I was glad to see Dr. Powers because
he is a good preacher. He hit a home run in that service and I'm sure did the same at
the other two.
It was so strange not to see Dean Maggard in the service today. He died last week and
will be buried tommorrow. He was one of the people who made you glad you were in
the House of the Lord. Dean was a door-keeper in the House of the Lord as he would
welcome everyone to worship. Now someone else has to take that post and welcome
people as Dean did.
I hope to relax and read and maybe even watch a golf game on tv today. After all
it is a day of rest.

Friends

I met a minister friend for breakfast this morning to get caught up with one another. He
and his wife just returned from taking a trip to Chicago for a few days. Since I went to
Seminary in Naperville, I am well acquaited with Chicago. Another minister friend and
I used to go to Chicago during Lent just to hear great preaching and have time together.
I don't understand why Paul and his wife didn't invite me along as their tour guide.
Paul and I laughed at amost anything anyone of us had to say since we both needed a
break so we don't get broken with the stress and strains of life. It's great therapy for
both of us. Since Bob couldn't be with us we talked about him. It was almsot all good!
At one point I got choked up and alomost spewed coffee on the table. He did ask me
if I was ok. I told him if he would pay the bill I'd be just fine. I'm just fine. Thanks Paul.
After we ate I went to the Mall to walk awhile. Whike there someone sneaked up on me
started scratching my back. I knew who it was before he spoke and I looked to see if
it was Louis. It was. Such a nice guy! Then he kept walking on his way. I would of gone
with him but after all the coffee at breakfast I had to go see John!
I'm back home and trying to stay cool on a very hot day. I've already been refreshed by
two friends who help me along life's journey. I hope I help them as much as they help me.

Well Done Dean

A few minutes ago I learned that a dear friend died late last night. Dean was a member
of a church in Bowling Green where I was pastor several years ago. Every Sunday at
the 8:15 service, Dean would shake my hand as help slip a piece of candy into my hand.
It was a breath mint. I asked Dean if my breath was that bad. He never did answer me
which leaves me wondering.
Dean and I joked back and forth like a ping-pong match. Most of the time he would
out-wit me, which isn't easy to do. Following every service where I participated in
the service he would always aproach me as he was about to leave and say, "Well
done." Now that Dean has left I simply say, "Dean, well done, friend, well done." I'll
miss his humor and his smile, but most of all I'll miss a man who made others feel
better by his love.

Sights in the City

Most of today was spent going places all around town. First, went to see my eye doctor.
Did you see that? Just checking your eye's. Then we went to a Farmer's Market where
we ran into someone we knew from another town far away. She was spending some time
with her son's family. Afterwards we went to check out some flooring for a room in our
house. I was floored by how much it cost! Then to a resturant where we took our good old
time just taking things easy. Just as I thought we were headed home we had to go to a
used furniture store. I called it a bore store! When we left I had to go right, not left. Left
was towards home. Right was to sight-see some of the area we hadn't seen for a long
time. The good news is that now I know another place to eat. When we got home we
were worn out but it was a fun time.
Since we were gone most of the day I didn't get some things done I had planned today.
But that's ok, there is tomorrow. I just have to high tell it out of the house before the
lady of the house finds me. I doubt it works, but I'll give it a try because a man gotta
do what a man gotta-do, run!! Get out of sight in the City!!

"The Buddy System"

Our daughter's dog, Derby, is being taken for a walk a couple of times a week by a friend of Jennifer’s. When we tell Derby that Amanda is coming to take him for a walk, he gets so exited. Then when she shows us, he jumps and jumps. What amazes me is that she calls Derby “Buddy”. She says "Hi Buddy." When she's ready to take him for a walks she says, "Here, Buddy." Derby doesn't seem to care if the name isn't correct. What matters most is that he has a new friend taking him on walks. We all need a Buddy. When I was at Camp Loucon swimming, I had to have a buddy or I couldn't stay and swim. It's called the "Buddy System." And it works well. Do you have a Buddy system? Someone who you get excited about being with? If you were to say, "Here, Buddy” would anyone come to you? If not, maybe you need to get with the program and have a buddy. Even if you have to go to "Rent-a-Buddy." Just kidding. This is serious stuff. "What a Friend We Have in Jesus". Talk about best Buddy!

For Your Eye's Only!

A strange thing happened when I sat down at my desk a few minutes ago. I felt as
if someone was staring at me. Then I saw those eyes I had seen before, my dad's!
I keep a round bowl on the desk to hold old cards and letters. Someone had placed
the picture of dad right where I would see him, and he would see me (so it feels).
It's from the funeral home and offers information about dad. I had moved it out
of sight some time ago because I didn't need to see it every timeI sat down at the
desk.
This time I stared back into those eye's for quite awhile. I couldn't take my eye's
off his eye's. It was a wonderful moment for me I must admit. After all, dad died
a year ago and I miss being able to see him as well as talk to him. Not to mention
those hugs he gave to everyone he saw while he was in the retirement home before
his death.
I can still hear him saying, "Turn your eye's upon Jesus" Can't you?

Doing

I got up before 5:30 this morning to work with my message for the Retirement
Village next week. I'm sharing some thoughts on the subject of humming. My
mother hummed while she worked. I hum a great deal. Do you hum? I'll let
you know how the huming turns out.
While I was at Barnes & Noble yesterday I bought a book which I had read
before turning off the light last night. It may be brief but it is filled with tons
of great things. It's about peaks and valleys in our lives and how to deal with
them. We have been to the mountain and down deep in the valley of the
shadow, haven't we? It's what we do with the peaks and valleys that matters
most. I think it will preach!
Of all things, I'm going back to Barnes & Noble or to the library to get another
mystery to read at night. It has become a habit I have that I enjoy. I change
authors from time to time just to keep it interesting. Some times I read a
few chapters at B & N and the read some more the next time I'm there. It
saves money as well as being a relaxing place to be.
Have a great celebration for the 4th!! That's what I'm doing.

Been Busy

I've been busy in Bowling Green today with places to go, people to see, places to go and,
things to do. The dentist filled a cavity, Barnes & Noble sold me some coffee and a good
book and, a friend and I shared some time togther talking about things that need some
attention in my life. To top that, I paid a visit to my youngest brother on my way home
from places, people and things.
I hope I can rest up now cause I'm a tired old dog. I do like this cooler weather that
we're having today. I'm about to go out to the deck and start reading a new book I
bought at Barnes & Noble this morning. It's not too may pages so I will have it read
before the day is out most likely. I need a new mystery to read now that I've finished
First Family. It kept my full attention as I read it wondering where it was going. I
almost had the end of it right. Almost.
I feel like taking a nap now. Maybe I can slip in a short nap before we eat our evening
meal. Maybe we can go out to eat. That way I don't have to do dishes again. Besides,
my dentist told me to me to take it the rest of today off. So, with his orders, I'm off duty.
I'll let you know if this works or if I'll have to work.

What a Wonderful Gift from Dad

I bought a small book in 1995 that I've read again and again. Autumn Wisdom was written for and about people who've basically forgotten, the Aged. Richard Morgan shares some wonderful thoughts that people in nursing homes have shared with him through the past years. It is packed full of words of wisdom.

Since I do a devotional at a rest home each month, I want to say something that will help the residents cope with hope. That's why I share some of the thoughts from this tiny book from time to time. Last night as I was turning through it when apiece of paper fell out onto my lap. When I read it, I started crying. Let me tell you why I would cry.

This thin paper had a hand written note on it which read: John, I have enjoyed this very much. I should apologize for keeping it so long. But how could I have read it "three times" if I had not kept it. I have enjoyed it and compared my life to it except mine on a smaller scale. I wonder how it will be in HEAVEN!!I am planning on going. Glory!! JLC (over) I turned the page... I will be looking for you.

I re-read it while tears flowed down my face because a year ago yesterday dad was buried after a long life of 96 years. It amazes me that I hadn't seen this small book with such wonderful words of life before now. I think it's because I had put it away with others books that dad had had while he was in a rest home during his Autumn years sharing words of wisdom with those there. Of all days for me to pick it up again, I couldn't have picked a better day. But then, maybe I didn't pick the day or the book. Maybe my dad or my Heavenly Father placed it in my hands and my heart just when I needed it most. Talk about, Wonderful Words of Life!! Wow!

By the way, Morgan wrote a book after he settled into a rest home himself a few years ago. It's entitled, Settling In. I wish Dad had read it as well before he got Settled Into Heaven.