SOUNDS OF SILENCE

While out back on the deck early this morning, I saw one bird on the wire above our yard.
That seemed so strange and so silent. Most of the time there are so many more. It's like a gathering of the birds to chit-chat over what's going on, like where's the best place to get a
worm these days?
But this morning there was the sound of silence as I looked up at only one bird. Where are
the other birds? Are they all mad at this bird? Did they fly off without telling this bird where
they were going? The real reason for the sound of silence is that there is a hawk high in the
sky ready to dive down and get birds. The rest are gone, It's as simple as that. It's so sad.
I miss the sound of birds in the trees and on the high wires. It just doesn't seem right not
having birds in our back yard.
The sound of silence is something I seek after some times. But today I wish I could hear
the sounds of the birds out back and overhead.

"HAVE YOU WEIGHED TODAY?"

While waiting for my wife at Greenwood Mall yesterday, I kept hearing a voice. I
thought maybe it was God until I realized what I was hearing. The voice kept on
asking a question, "Have you weighed today?" I knew then and there that it had
to be someone other than God. He already knows the answer as well as my
weight.
When I took a good look I discovered who was asking the question again and
again. It was a machine in a health store that asked that question as people
passed by. Most people didn't seem to care and kept walking on their way.
Even when someone who worked in the health store passed by the machine
as he was leaving, he was asked, "Have you weighed today?" He didn't stop
to respond to the question.
I began thinking, what if there were a machine asking, "Have you read the
Bible today?" Have you prayed today?" "Have you searched your soul today?"
Or, something like that. Then I realized that the question is asked from
within our souls, not through a machine. I know I'm poked in my spiritual
ribs from time to time with such soul searching questions and I have to
deal with them. So should you.

Good Day

When I took the two dogs out a little before six this morning, I saw a small rabbit skipping
across the back yard. What amazed me was that the dogs didn't see or smell Peter Rabbit.
Dirty Dog (my name for her) has been searching for Peter Rabbit for quite awhile and yet
she missed her chance to chase the little feller. Derby Dog (my nickname) didn't do anything
but bark. He always barks, even at the bark on the trees.
I love the stillness of the early morning before traffic starts up and down our street. Before
long it will be like a race track to see who wins the way to work award today. At times it's
the police waiting and watching who win the "gottca" award of the day. I hope I don't
help him win with my driving after awhile.
My coffee is too weak. I failed to put enough coffee in and so I may toss it and start over.
I hate weak coffee. I like it like me, strong! Maybe I should go to Starbucks and get a
cup. Talk about strong, they make it strong enough to lift a load of steel to the sky. And,
the price is sky-high! A donut for the nut would be good to make my day go great. But
since I don't need it, I'll eat my breakfast of champions, oats. Yuk!
Well, that's enough morning news from Bowling Green for a Friday morning. Good Day!

Is That You're Final Answer?"

When I wrote on Facebook this morning I may of made a mistake writing what I was
thinking. "What to do, sleep in, Barnes & Noble, that is the question." Well, the final
answer came from my wife, "take me out for lunch." I have a hunch I better take
my wife to lunch. I may be dumb, but I'm not stupid!
I could of gone to a meeting this morning rather than taking time to simply chill at
home. I decided I didn't really have to go to the meeting so I stayed home and did
some work at my desk. It felt good to take charge. It felt good to not be in a rush
to go, go, go. Even if I do take the wife out to eat, I'm going with her so I get fed! I
may be dumb, but I'm not stupid!
I have an idea that there will be other places to go than to lunch. There always are. So
I will go where sent. As a wise man I know said, "I may be dumb, but I'm not stupid!"
And that's my final answer. But I do have a question, "what's for lunch?"
** And the answer was: we went to a mexican resturant and came home. I was wrong
on having to other places but I was delighted to be wrong. By the way, I paid for the
meal and gave a good tip too.

REACH OUT AND TOUCH SOMEONE

I spent much of the morning on the telephone talling with people from our church. Most of
them are elderly and can't come to church any longer. That's why I want their church to
come to them, even if it is by telephone. This type of reaching out to touch someone can
be a blessing to those who can't be out and about any longer. It is also a blessing to those
who take the time to call them. I know, I just got blessed.
This afternoon I hope to see several shutins and let them know they are not forgotten
by their church. Although I can't stay long with each one, I hope that the visit from their
church stays for a long time in their minds and souls. Again, I'm so blessed by being able
to stop in and simply let them know they are not forgotten.
Rather than coming home and taking a nice nap afterwards, I'm meeting someone at
Starbucks for fellowship and coffee. It's another way to let someone know that they
are important and that someone is their for them at any time, day or night. In this
case, late afternoon. So, I've got to get going and raech out and touch someone before
yet another day is gone.

The Chosen

Since I had to take our card in for an oil change and a couple of other things this morning,
I took a book to read. While I was waiting, I started reading Searching for Home for the
second time. I read it back in 2004 while on vacation and was blessed by it then. Little
did I know when I picked it up to take with me that I'd be blessed by it even more the
2nd time around.
I've met and heard M. Craig Barnes and am always blessed by him. He has a way of
enabling people to take a good look at things with depth and understanding. It isn't an
easy book to read. It takes time. Lots of time. I find myself reading something two or
three times to be sure that what he says, is what I thought he said.
I would love to hear Dr. Barnes preach again because of the way he lifts up the Lord
and lifts up those who listen. I mean, really listen. No short-cuts, no clip-notes to what'
he writes or says.
I only got through 16 pages while waiting. Not because time went fast but because I
wanted to soak in what I was reading because it seemed like I was the one being read.
I plan to get back to the book as soon as I can. I have to make time to retreat to some
quite place and allow my soul to be searched again. Of all the books I could of chosen
from, this book was chosen for me.

CELEBRATION CONDUCTED

After attending the 8:15 service at church this morning, my wife, daughter and myself
went to Elizabethtown for the funeral of Alice Addington. I preached the funeral message
three other family members shared some thoughts with us. The music was very good
and the place was packed. Following the funeral we went to the home of one of her sons
for food and fellowship. It was a time of celebration.
Aunt Alice was a very special person in all of our lives. She leaves behind so many memories
that we will treasure for years to come. It was indeed a high honor to conduct her funeral.
I saw several people from the church she attended and where I pastored years ago. It was
like a family reunion for us.
We're tired and worn out after a long day. Our daughter drove which was helpful for her
dad. I would of driven but she chose to drive her vehicle which pleased me very, very much.
She did a great job driving Mr. Daisy. I slept some on the way back to Bowling Green. Even
though we have to be up and at it in the morning bright and early, today's celebration was
well worth it.

Daily Devotional

I'm reading The Daily Bible Devotional by F. LaGard Smith for my daily devotions right
now. I had a copy of it several months ago but it got destroyed by water. It wasn't going
to buy another copy but I felt that it would be worth it after reading half way through my
first book.
As I read page after page, I underscore those things that stand out in my soul. He has a
way of asking questions that allows the reader to take a deep look down into his or her
soul and deal with what's happening spiritually in their lives. I write "ouch!" from time
to time whenever I feel a poke in my spiritual ribs.
I like to take my coffee and this devotional out back to the deck and read early each
morning. I find it to be a good way to start my day by digging deep to carve out those
things that need to be removed from my life. I find myself turning back to some pages
and asking myself, why did I do that or, why did I say that? I wonder how he knows
me so well. I have an idea that it's because he knows himself as well. So do you. So
does God. Thank God for the One who knows all, but forgives all. God's amazing grace
still works!

MONK

Friday night is when I relax and watch MONK on tv. There are times when I am bored
with the show and then there are times when I want to watch a show a second time. My
wife and I play MONK to see which one of us can figure things out first. As much as I
hate to say it, MRS. MONK is right more than MR. MONK is. I think it has something
to do with the right-left side of her brain. My brain is wired wrong and that's why I
am always getting into trouble. I gotta blame someone for my bad behaviour.
I didn't do much today but take things easy around here. Since my wife went shopping
all day, I just read, relaxed, face-booked, etc. We have a busy weekend coming and I
think we want to get in some down-time. I didn't say what you're thinking! Naughty,
Naughty!! Good idea though.
Well, there I go getting in trouble again. I just can't help myself. Maybe MONK will
help me find a way out of it tonight. If not, I may kill a couple of cokes and eat M & M's
and just fade away into the night. Or, I might just stay up all night and watch reruns
of the good old days when Perry Mason was MONK! I sure wish this were perfect
and not so off centered. You know what I mean Jelly-Bean?

Right Day & Right Place

I got up on the right day and met at the right place with the right people for breakfast
today. When I told the two guys my mistake from yesterday, they laughed about it.
We had a great time sharing stories and laughing together as usual. I can't wait to be
with Paul and Bob for fellowship and food.
I got a haircut and came home to do some work since everyone else is gone. Maybe I
can read and catch up oon who to visit next week for the church. Since I'm helping
with a funeral in Elizabethtown Sunday afternoon, I'm trying to take things easy as
much as possible. Aunt Alice was married to an Uncle of my wife. I was their pastor
many years ago and thought the world of them. She was a sweet woman.
The three of us are table leaders at our wednesday night Bible study starting next
week. We will be looking at what we should do if we know we only have one month
to live. I've read the book and found it to be very, very good. I'm sure the study will
be good too.

I TOLD YOU SO

I made a mistake this morning as hard as it is for me to admit. I thought today was
Friday. So, I started getting ready to go have breakfast with two of my friends. While
I was dressing my wife asked me where I was going. I told her and she told me I was a
day early. I thought then she would tell me to take her out for breakfast since I was
ready and raring to go. Since she didn't, I slowly slipped on out of the room with my
face down low.
Just yesterday I read a book about forgetting things. I can't remember the name of
it but it was funny. I hope I don't end up in one of her books about forgeting. Maybe
I simply have too much in my small brain. I call it brain strain. One good thing about
already being dressed is that I'm ready to go. Now, all I have to do is remember where
I was going. Oh yea, to visit some shutins for the church.
I will remember to meet two minister friends in the morning right on time. The great
thing is that I'm already dressed for that too. There, I told you so! Just forget to
remember what I just told you. I did!

MONDAY MUSING

Just back from a surprise birthday party at GattiLand. It was wonderful being with so
may of our friends. I hope we do it again some time soon just for the fun of it. I refuse
to tell how much pizza I ate becasue I can't count that high. Yum - Yum!!
Our daughter took off from work early an arrived after we had started. She sat at a
table across from us so I watched her while she was there. She laughed so much that
she cried. While watching, I thought she sure is cute. Takes after her mom. I'm so
proud of her. I can see why she has so many friends to be with. Maybe she should
share some charm with me so I can have friends too.
I hope to get some visiting done Tuesday with some shutins from our church. I will
call some and go see others just to let them know we care. I know I would want to
know that. I've always enjoyed hearing the stories of shutins because they have so
much to share that is rich in heritage. Maybe I can learn from their wisdom.

Sunday at Sugar Grove

My wife went with me to the early service at Broadway and then to Sugar Grove where I
preached for the 15th time. I preached about singing a new song from Psalm 100. Instead
of singing to the Lord, I said some hum instead. My mother hummed while doing dishes. I
hum when I'm driving. Some hum because they don't know the words or can't carry a tune
when singing. The congregation seemed to get something from the sermon. I got something
out of listening to my youngest brother playing the piano and leading the singing at the same
time. We even bought his lunch when we got back to Bowling Green.
I hope to get some rest this afternoon knowing this will be a busy week. I haven't even read
the papers yet to see if my name is in the obits. I hope not because I need a nap. I'm wanting
to go to Barnes & Noble and read if I can get up the strength to do it after writing this blog. I
will see which way my feet take me when I get going.
It was good to be back at Sugar Grove to preach again. Even though they are few in number,
it is a blessing to see a small church doing big things. They keep on keeping on inspite of
being small in number. There is no doubt God uses them in Kingdom work. I'm honored
to help and be helped.

PICNIC AT THE PARK

We're going to Elizabethtown to a family reunion today. The Addington side of our family
meets every August at a lake where there is a great picnic area inside a shelter. A cousin
owns the place and invites us there each time. His mother is under hospice care and so
we're hoping he can still show up. I was their pastor many years ago when I was at the
big city of Cecilia.
Since I've been in the family for forty years, it is amazing how many of the family members
are no longer with us. That's why these times together are so imortant. I know of one who
was with us last year who has since died. We will miss her being there today. It isn't all
the food and having such a great place to gather as it is family gathering for hugs, story
telling and keeping up with one another. I'll be glad to be back home late this afternoon
but it will be a day well worth having.
Aunt Alice would be lovng on each one of us and kidding with us if whe were with us
at the picnic at the park today. You know what, she will be with us in our thoughts,
prayers and spirit. I can hear her now yelling out, "Let's eat! I'm starving!" To that
I say, "AMEN!!"
UPDATE:
We had a great day at the picnic at the park with relatives. We saw some people we
hadn't seen in several years. After the picnic, we stopped to see Aunt Alice. She
wasn't aware that we were there at all. I had a prayer for her and left her in the
hands of the Almighty. I'm sure we will be seeing some of them again soon as we
gather to say goodbye to a dear woman.

CAR TALK

My wife had to drive our old Oldsmoble yesterday while I drove our other newer, nicer
car. I had air-condtion, she didn't. I had windows rolled up, she didn't since they don't
roll uo every time. I had the radio on, she didn't, it has been taken out by our dear son.
I had fresh air, she didn't since our son drives it most of the time. For example, when
we got home, I tossed thing after thing, thing after thing into the grabage can. I wish
I had had a mask on! Next time, I think she takes me up on letting me drive the old
Olds and her drive the Nissan. All I can say is, I offered.
We had some work done on the old Olds but it still needs more, much more! Maybe
we should clunk it! Not! Our son can drive our old olds until it is even older, much
older. He deserves a break today in an Old Oldsmobile and I'll even put gas in it if
he will pay for it! That's an offer he can't refuse.
Every Saturday I listen to Car Talk on national radio. Those two guys are so funny
that I almost cut my nose when shaving. I have learned lots listening to them for
many years. Our son could listen to them but then he is the one who took the radio
out of the old Olds. Too bad - so sad!
We're looking for a second car for us so that our son can have the old olds. We will
keep it locked and hide the keys so that we will still have air, a radio and a car that
still smells good. By the way, did I mention that the mirror was missing on the old
Olds? If you see it by the roadside, hang onto it and I'll have our son pick it up if'he
can get the old girl going!!

"IT'S ALL GOOD"

What a week this has been. The places I needed to go, the people I needed to see and the
things I needed to do all had to be put on the back burner of my soul. I'm glad to say that
things are about back to where they ought to be and I can do those things that I must get
done.
Isn't it amazing how an agenda has to be tossed to accomplish other things from out of
the blue! While the things I had to do where demanding, I made it and, as our son says,
"It's all good." I simply have to put a lost day into another day and see what I can do
with it when I take things off the back burner. It just hope and pray that things get done
without any more interruptions.
I'm tired tonight and need a good night's sleep so I can be refreshed and restored for
the weekend. I have visits to make and a sermon to prepare for Sunday but it will all
come together I'm sure. God got me through thus far and will guide me the rest of the
way. That's why I echo those words, "It's All good." I hope you've had a good week.

TUESDAY THINGS

I took my wife out to eat at MacDonald's this morning just so the two of us could be
alone. It was wonderful to be able to talk at the table without interruptions. While
we ate we talked about our calendar for the weeks to come and what we want to
do. We didn't nail much down but we're on the same page now.
I spoke with my stepmother this morning and told her how much we love her. She
told me about how her greatgrandson calls her brother,"Mr.Uncle George." Knowing
George, he is still laughing about his new name. "Out of the mouths of babes." It was
good to hear how well she is doing these days. She is my Mrs. Great StepMother!"
Since I was gone most of yesterday it is good being home even if I have tons of things
to be doing.I have to preach Wednesday and Sunday as well as visit several people
at resthomes as well as get ready to help lead a Bible Study. Now that I think of all these
things, "I'm going back to bed! Not!

AUNT BEA

I've had my morning coffee while waiting for my younger brother to pick me up to take
a trip. We're going to see a dear friend who is dying. We call her Aunt Bea because she
has always been almost like one of the family. Her husband was a Methodist preacher
and very close to our parents.
Uncle Ruby got me out of a pinch years ago when I was pastor of a near by church. Two
children came to the altar and professed Jesus and wanted to be baptized that very day.
Since I wasn't ordained, I couldn't do it so I told them to meet me back at the church in
the afternoon and we would get it done. Uncle Ruby went with me back to the church
after we had lunch at their house.
When I was going through the sacrament and got to the place to him to place his hand
on their heads and baptize them, he took my hand and placed it on their heads beneath
his hand and then he poured water over their heads. Then he told them, "Remember
this day as the day your pastor had his hand on your head when you were baptized."
Wow! What a wonderful moment for all of us. That was 44 years ago and I do remember
it as if if were today. I have an idea Aunt Bea remembers that day too.
Aunt Bea doesn't look like the Aunt Bea from Mayberry, but she sure could cook like
her. One day when our family stopped by their house for a short visit, we were about
to leave when she said she had some old scraps left that we could eat. My twin told
my mother and dad, "I don't want any of Aunt Bea's old scraps!" Well, they were
mighty good even if Harold had to say so himself. Aunt Bea will remember that visit
many, many years ago.
Aunt Bea has a very special place in our hearts because she has such a big heart.

*Update: We had a pleasant visit with unt Bea and her son. She was able to share
some stories withus as well as respond to things well. While she might be very ill,
she still has a lovely smile and spirit. It was a day well spent. I'm so glad we went.

FORTY

I can't comprehend why some people ask my wife how she could stay with me for forty
years. But she has being that today is our 40th wedding anniversary. I told people at
church this morning that I had forgotten all about until I saw our picture in today's
newspaper. I'm glad she reminded me to remember!
We went to worship and then out to eat at a fancy resturant, expensive too! About
twice as many years as we've been married. But that's ok since it's a special day. We
can go back to White Castle next Sunday or Waffle House. When we got home I watched
Tiger win another golf game while she read the newspapers and relaxed.
It's been a good forty years even with the hardships that have come our way at times.
I look forward to forty more. I don't know about her.

SAY!

I went to a card shop yesterday looking for a card for my wonderful wife of forty years and
didn't find anything I reallyliked. So, I bought her a sympathy card. Poor woman has put up
with me all these years!
I'm working with a sermon for August 16th when I will be preaching at a small country
church for the 15th time. I'll keep going back till I get it right. Can I get an AMEN!?
Today is my last day as Pastor on call. Yesterday I made four visits and hope to do two
or three today. One little lady at a rest home told me I'm funny. I don't know why she
would say such a thing, can you?
I started reading a new novel at Barnes & Noble after maiking some visits yesterday.
It was my pit-stop. I drank coffee and read a some to see if I want to buy the book.
at this time, I doubt I do. I'll just read it whenever I'm in and out of B & N.
The three places where hot coffee spilled on me are red but not painful. I'm thankful
I'm healing and not hurting. Maybe I should sue myself for my MacCoomer Coffee
spill. Or, was that Starbucks because I saw stars. Glad there are no scars.

HOT STUFF!!

This morning I made the mistake of having my coffee cup on a tray as I sat down to
eat breakfast. Before I could say, "Good Morning America!",the tray started to fall
so I tried to catch it. When I did, I spilled coffee on my stomach and left leg. Ouch!!
I dried it off as soon as possible while trying to keep two dogs from getting near the
mess and me.
We sprayed something onto the burns and I went to bed. It stung for a long time but
it stopped being so painful. I took a couple of asprins and pretty well took things
easy all morning. I got to feeling better when we out for Mexican food at Pepper's.
I am thankful that that's that. I am fine and back to being up and at it. I learned
my lesson of placing my cup of coffee on a table and not a tray in my lap.
I took a nap this afternoon again because I was tired. I hope Friday will be much
better than today. I would show pictures but I don't want to go to the trouble.
Aren't you glad?

Back In the Saddle Again

My new visitation requires ten hours per week. I've already put in three, two yesterday and
one today. Since I still have to go to the hopital again today, I'm sure I'll be busy a good part
of the afternoon. But that's just fine since I enjoy serving the Lord and being with people.
I'm Pastor On Call this week which means being busy with other than just visits to the
elderly from the church.
It is interesting that at age sixty-five I'm back in the saddle again after taking a few years
to sorta rest from what I've done for over forty years. I just hope my horse doesn't throw
me off because I've had enough broken ribs since moving back to Bowling Green. It's
also interesting to be back of staff at Broadway again. I just hope the bishop doesn't
move me again. I'm too busy being retired!!

ENOUGH ALREADY!

Just back from taking Derby to get a haircut. He will be there most of the day since she
is so busy with other dogs to do as well. That's fine. I'm going to the church to see who
I need to see today that might be in the hospital, rest home or at home. Then by late
afternoon I'll go get Derby and bring him home.
The sermon yesterday was on ENOUGH. Well, we all have more than enough, don't we?
That's why we have yard sells, isn't it? Trouble is, we bring more stuff home from the
yard sell thinking we just don't have ENOUGH! Well, I've had ENOUGH of this! Maybe
I can give some stuff away today or simply slip inside someone's car when they aren't
around. Hey, maybe I can take things and give them to the Preacher while at Broadway
this morning. Aren't I nice!
Well, ENOUGH of this blog. Gotta get gettin!

A MAN PLAN

I got up early and washed our car and our daughter's car before it got real hot. Both were
in need of being washed. It may rain before Sunday but they won't be as dirty. Got that?
My wife, daughter and a friend are going to Sparta, KY to an Indy race this afternoon. It
doesn't even start tilll late tonight. I will glady stay home where it's cool and comfy. I may
be a wimp, but I'm a cool wimp! I may watch the race on tv but I doubt it. I rather read
a good book.
Beetle Bailey is good today since my wife and I celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary
this month and have talked about going on a cruise this fall. I wonder if my wife knows his
wife. Someone had to put it into motion.
I have to consecrate communion at the 8:15 service and then be a greeter at the 9:30
service Sunday so I may have to have skates to get from place to place on time. It is
a honor to be serving in the House of the Lord. Then I'm on call all of next week to visit
hospitals, homes and rest homes. I may need a vacation the following week. That's ok,
it gives me something to do that I like doing.
I better be seeing what's needed around here to get the three ladies off on time at 1:00.
Then I can watch golf all afternoon. I love it when a man has a plan.