OUR SATURDAY DATE DAY

My wife and I spent most of Saturday taking things easy. We went to McDonald's
and then to Barnes & Noble. Afterwards we went to Logan's Steakhouse to eat.
I finished reading a new book by Ann Lotz and then started a new mystery.
When we got back home I was told of a friend who is in the Medical Center
and not doing very well. His parentsare dear friends from many years ago.
His father, Rev. J. C. Thorpe passed away awhile back and I couldn't attend
the funeral so I want to be with his son as much as I possibly can. He was
sleeping and no one was there to talk with so I left a note for his family.
I'm watching Western Ky Unveristy playing footbal and wishing them well.
Their Coach attends our Church almost every Sunday morning.
It's nap time but I have an idea the doorbell will ring and rings with trick
or treaters and I won't get much rest.

GONE WITH THE WIND

While I was reading the newspaper out on the front porch, the wind was so hard
that I almost lost it. So, I went in and took a book out to hold the paper down
with. The book is Gone With the Wind. It should work since it is so heavy.
While I was working with a sermon called Autumn Leaves, I saw so many
leaves leaving our yard with the wind blowing that I was delighted. Then
I saw some leaves leaving the yard next door and blowing into our yard,
I was disappointed.
While I was getting a hair cut this morning, I noticed that the mirror in
the shop sure is ugly. He ought to buy a better one. It would help his business.
Come to thank of it, it was that ugly when I started going there many
years ago. In fact, that ugly guy is even uglier!
While was working I just reached down to pet Derby's back because he
sleeps at my side quite often when I'm at the PC. When I started petting I
realized it was a black purse belonging to my wife. Hey! Maybe I should
reach down there again. I might find Gold in them there pockets!
While I was doing this, I could of been taking a nap. What a waste of time.
I better go before I forget it.

ADVENT IS APPROACHING

Today I'm working with an Advent devotion for booklet at Broadway. Advent
begins the last Sunday of November so I better be busy with what I've been
asked to do. Today looks like a good day for praying and thinking about what
I need to write. I just hope it doesn't start snowing before I'm through.
Our daughter's dog barks at all the workers working on our master bathroom.
We have to place Derby in his crate and cover the crave so he can't see when
someone walks by. I think he is trying to protect us by barking. Most of the
time he barks at anyone and anything anyway so this is nothing new for us.
He even barks at me. Who can blame the little feller?
Well, I better get going since the deadline for the devotion is drawing near.

AUTUMN LEAVES

Today is the 30th birthday for our son. He is here sleeping on a couch and snoring.
Since I was up before 6:00, I fixed some sweet rolls for the family. If I knew where
teh candles are, I would put one on each sweet roll for him. Might melt the icing if
I did so I will hold off on doing it.
When I grow up I want to be as tall as Stephen since he is six-four & I'm so short.
Maybe I could get his good looks as well to boot! I wish his grandparents could
see him now. Only my dad saw him grow to be so tall and good looking. We're so
proud of Stephen and wish him well on his birthday.
I worked on what to preach next month at the Retirement Village. I'm going to
talk about Autumn Leaves and how we change as we age through the years. I
am amazed at how fast each Autumn falls around so fast each year as I tear yet
another month off the calendar.Wasn't July just yesterday? Where did Summer
go?
I love to look at the leaves of all shapes and sizes and their stunning beauty each
fall. Trouble is, they fall and they fall and they fall and someone has to rake them
all up or ride over them with a lawn mower.I'll let James do that for us since my
wife took my mowing license away from me last year. That's what happens when
you get almost as old as my oldest brother. Right,Ken?

Out & About

I went to SKY (rehab) today to see an elderly man who is there for a couple of weeks.
We had a good visit with one another. After that I went to Barnes & Noble and read
the rest of a book I was reading. Afterwards I picked up another mystery to start
reading the next time I'm there.
This afternoon was spent for three hours with a couple whose daughter was having
surgery to help her fight cancer. She will get the results Wednesday morning. We
pray that they will be good. I was impressed by the faith of this family and how
they handle crisis after crisis so well.
I'm home now and wanting some much needed rest. Maybe I can get it if I hide
somewhere where no one can find me. Come to think of it, they might not even
miss me or even try to find me. It is tough when you play hide & go seek & no
one seeks after you! That's why I'm out & about!

BEEN BUSY

It has been a pleasure to preach for times this month at Sugar Grove. While there
were not that many in number, we were still blessed by being in the House of the
Lord. It was a challenge to say something each Sunday that might increase their
faith and equip them for ministry. I did what I could and left the results to the
Lord.
I'm ready to be back at Broadway without having to dart out the door to go preach.
Today, for example, my wife and I attended the 8:15 service which ran over an
hour. She had to leave while Communion was being served so she could be a greeter
for the 9:30 service. I joined her as soon as I could. We went to the 9:30 service
but left before the Pastor preached so we could get on the road to Sugar Grove
and the 11:00 service. It was a busy morning for both of us.
Afterward we ate at Wendy's and took something home to our daughter who
was worn out from having to drive to Nashville and back yesterday afternoon
for a part for someone retiring from where she works. She stayed in bed most
of the day. Even the dogs took a long nap in teh afternoon. So did I!
I look forward to being back at Broadway but also wish to slip away to go hear
a couple of friends preach soon. I keep saying I'm going to do it but keep holding
off on doing it.
This week I need to make several visits to the shut-ins from Broadway. I wonder
at times if they have many visits or telephone calls that mean so much to them.
That's why I want to see them so that they know they are not forgotten and
forsaken. While there are a couple of other things to do, I look forward to looking
at the leaves that shine in the sunshine with such radiance. They will be gone
before much longer as we soon enter November. Christmas is only two months
away from today, by the way. I better be working on what I want for Christmas
instead of doing all the other things that I do.

Four for them

I preach for the last time this month at Sugar Grove Sunday. It has been a challenge
to say something that might encourage and equip them. There are so few attending
now that it's difficult to know to say. While they are still in good spirits, they seem to
be struggling to survive. My prayer is that they keep their eyes upon Jesus and let
him guide them forward into the future.
One of the blessings of being there has been to see my younger brother lead the
music and play the piano. He sings and plays with such gusto that you can't help
but sing. He has been like a new spark plug that has ignited a new flame of faith
for them. And, they have been like a spark plug for him. The two go hand in hand
so very well.
I look forward to being back at Broadway for the second service each Sunday after
Sunday at Suar Grove. I also long to go hear a couple of friends preach at their
churches soon. Most of all, I long to serve the Lord with gladness and come into
his presence with thanksgiving.

"Just walking in the rain"

Since I was up early this morning, I took the fish for a walk since it was raining so
hard. I thought they needed the walk, and I know I did. About half way down the
street, one fish drowned and the other jumped in my shirt pocket. When I pulled
him out, he had a hard time breathing so even though it was real dark and real
wet, I started giving mouth to mouth. That's when I saw it wasn't the fish, it was
a woman! I thought she would slap me but instead, she grabbed me and gave
me mouth to mouth! Ten minutes went by when before I could stop her.
I'm not sure about the fish, but I felt so good being soaking wet in the rain until
I saw the face of the woman, she had to be 80 or more! I ran. The fish ran. The
woman chased us until she dropped her walker and I escaped.
I would of called 911 but I couldn't remember the number! They might of saved
me from almost being the fish that got caught!! By the way, I'm a keeper if I say
so myself! Trouble is, I weigh too much. I'm over the limit.
As for the woman, the last time I saw her she was running naked down the street
with an old man yelling out, "Ethel, is that you?"

A BUSY WEEK

Our master bathroom is being remodeled starting today. It will have a new shower,
vanity and other things as well. It will be better for me to get in and out
of than whet we had had. The only trouble is that it will take a month to do it all.
Maybe our Thanksgiving will be giving thanks for the remodel.
I preached for the third time this month at Sugar Grove yesterday. I'm still not
sure what I'll preach Sunday as yet. I need to give it tought through prayer and
not filled rushed about it. It has been a blessing for me. I hope it has for them.
I went to a hospital this morning to see a man from Sugar Grove who had a
heart attack Saturday night. I asked him if it was his way of not having to hear
me again Sunday. He smilled and said, "No, Bro. John." Made me feel better.
This is a busy week but that is just fine. It is good to be able to get up and go.

Crossing the Border

My wife and I are taking our daughter out to eat today in Portland, Tn at
5 Chefs Resturant & Coffee Shoppe. Since she worked on her birthday,we
thought this would be a nice way to celebrate. Besides, her dear dad loves
food and coffee, any time, anywhere. (well almost)
I'm going to be in the back while we let her drive us there so I'm taking a
book I bought, Three Feet from Gold, to continue reading. It seems to
have some sermon illustrations that I might want to use some Sunday.
Besides, I've seen most of the scenery along the way and think this might
be a good way to travel.
Our son has a birthday the 30th so I'm trying to save my money to buy
something nice for him. I wonder if he likes to read used books, mine!
They are already underlined in important places to save him time when
he is reading them. Besides, there are free to him for his birthday. I have
an idea that they will still be right where they are so his OLD man can
re-read them again. Are'nt I nice? Don't answer that that way! It hurts
my feelings.
Now,bring on the 5 Chefs and all their goodies. I'm hungry. I sure hope
this has a good ending!


UPDATE: We went & had a great time. Not many there with us which
was ok with me. We enjoyed the atmosphere and the food. Most of all
being together to honor our daughter. I slept soundly after we arrived
back across the border into Ky & onto Bowling Green and home sweet
home.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JENNIFER

Today is our daughter's birthday and we wish her a very happy one even though she
has to go to work. I'm sure she will be given many "Happy Birthday" greetings while
at work. She is so blessed to have so many friends in her life to her her celebrate it.
When I grow up, I want to be like Jennifer. She is strong willed and yet has a soft
heart. She is someone you can confide in and not have to worry about others knowing
what's going on. She is a strong Christian who shares and lives her faith. She is my
daughter and I'm so very proud of her.
Our son has a birthday in a couple of weeks and we're proud of him as well. I'll wait
to say more about him then.
May God give our children blessing after blessing because they bless so many
other lives.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JENNIFER!

THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING

When I went to the mailbox this morning I found only one thing in it, the
November Reader's Digest. I hadn't subscribed to it but there it was. But
I knew who had ordered it for my family, my dad.
Dad's been gone for over a year but here is the gift that keeps on giving.
It will expire at the end of the year and I doubt I will want to have the
gift that keeps on giving, keep on coming. But I know that the giver of
the gift will keep on giving for as long as my life lasts. For how can I ever
forget my father who was always giving something to make my life so
much better? I can't. But I can "go and do likewise" as I give something
of myself to others. As they say, "Like Father, like son."

WHAT A WELCOME!

My wife went with me to Nashville yesterday to visit a member of our church
who had serious surgery last week. Fred was doing fine considering what he
has gone through and has yet to go through. His smile and spirit was contagious
to anyone in the room.
When I was going into a service three weeks ago Fred was standing at the door
as a greeter. He could of stayed home but there he was welcoming everyone
who went through that door. What a witness he was and is.
Today I'm going to see several shutins and Wednesday I do a devotional at
the Retirement Home again. I think I'm more blessed than they are be being
there. It's amazing how this time comes so soon each and every month. It
might be slow for them but it sure seems to fly by for me.
Well, I best bet up and at it or the day will be gone before I get going.

BRINGING IT TO THE TABLE

I read, Bringing It to the Table by Wendell Berry at Barnes & Noble this morning.
It brought back many memories of my Grandparents who lived on farms. Berry
speaks of how more and more farms are disappearing from the landscape year
after year and how harmfull that can be.
We take farms for granted as long as we can purchase our food at a supermaket.
Little, if any, thought is given to where the food came from. I know I know where
it comes from but I know also that I don't give much thought to it. As long as I'm
fed, I'm satisfied. But Berry says we should thank about and do more about how
the food on our tables get's there in the first place.
I remember watching my Grandparents working on their farms. I even worked
some myself when I stayed with them from time to time. The best part was
when the food was brought to the table. We didn't wait to get going when it
came time to ask for the tater's and green beans. It was a feast for the family
which we were glad to get.
This 240 page book has made me give more thought to the farmer's who work
hard and long to get food to the tables. I'm glad I got to read Berry's book on a
Saturday morning while drinking my morning coffee.

HERE & THERE

Tribes is a small book so I read it at Barnes & Noble yesterday after visiting a member of the
church. Afterwards I glanced at a couple of other books before leaving to head home. I'm
glad I had hit the pause button during the day by going by Barnes & Noble.
Today is home work as I work with a new sermon for Sugar Grove for the 18th. I could use
an older sermon but I like the challenge of creating something fresh in my faith that might
be shared with others. I'm thinking along the lines of being prepared for the winter's of our
lives before winter sneaks up on us. I can even see evidence of the approaching winter as
leaf after leaf falls to the ground this fall. I guess that's why it's called fall.Did you fall for that
one?
My first pot of coffee was weak so I've got to go put on another one. If I'm going to drink
coffee, I want it to be stronger than what I made a few minutes ago. After all, I need to stay
awake while working with the sermon.

NOT FORGOTTEN

This morning I went to see a woman from our church who isn't able to even remember who
I am all though I was her pastor a number of years ago. But I wanted to remember her since
she has been a faithful follower of her Lord. How sad it is that so many saints are forsaken
and forgotten so much of the time. Good intentions aren't good enough if they aren't done
in some way.
I could of stayed away because she wouldn't even know I was there. I could of made up
excuses for not going. I could of said I will go when it's not raining. But, I knew I had to
go and I knew I wanted to go. My tommorrow had to be today. No more waiting, no
more excuses.
I know how much my dad's face showed how much a visit meant to him in the rest home
when he was there. I also remember my dad going to see the residents of rest homes
throughout the many years of his ministry and even after he was a resident himself. What
a shame that too many people fail to take time to see the shutins who wait for someone
to walk into their rooms if only for a few minutes. I hope that if I'm ever a shutin, someone
will stop by to see me. That's why I go see people who need to know that someone knows
them and they are not forgotten.

SUNDAY SERVICES

I attended three services yesterday and was blessed by all three. The first was the 8:15
service where the pastor preached on prayer before I served Communion. The second
was 9:15 where our daughter sang in the contemporary service before I had to leave
to go preach at my third service.
There were not very many at Sugar Grove but we were blessed. I preached about
places where we meet Jesus in our lives, one being through Communion. I served
Communion and thanked the people for the honor of preaching to them for the
16th time over the past few years. Their pastor is taking a month off to rest. Been
there, wanted and needed to do that.
After all the services we ate at Logan's Steakhouse before I watched football and
golf. A nap was helpfull around 4:00. I'm almost through reading Have a Little
Faith and am finding it to be almost as good as Tuesdays with Morrie. It would
be a good movie in the making.
I need to pray about what to preach next Sunday at Sugar Grove since I want
the sermon to be tailor-made for them. So, I best be getting to work and spend
some time in prayer. I'll pray for you too.

YOU ARE HERE

"YOU ARE HERE" is the title of my sermon at Sugar Grove Sunday morning. You've seen and
used a "YOU ARE HERE" sign at sometime in your life. Perhaps at a Mall or at a Roadside
Station. The map has an arrow pointing to the very place where you are at that moment.
It serves as a great guide, most of all when you really need a sense od direction.
"YOU ARE HERE will ask the question, Where is your here right now?" And, it will speak
about several times in the Scriptures when people were looking for the Lord Jesus. Are
you looking for the Lord Jesus? He is looking for you right where you are and as you are
so that He can let you know you are loved by Him. That's the Good News I have to share
Sunday morning.
By the way, one of those signs saved me from getting really lost once. I thought I knew
right where I was. I once was lost but now I'm found. That's great good news for me!

Thursday Thoughts

I'm home alone today while my wife is out of town. The sounds of silence are strange to me
because they are so few. I'm trying to not talk or listen to anything for as long as I possibly
can. It is a time to be still and know God.
After three days of working in my brother's yard, I need a day of retreat just to relax and
read. My sermon for Sunday is ready so I don't have to work with that. I visited at the
hospital yesterday morning and need to visit some homes Friday. I don't want to get
behind of my tour of duty.
I'm several pages into a new book by Mitch Albom, Have a Little Faith. It is much like
Tuesday's With Morrey which he wrote a few years ago. It is an easy read packed full
of thoughts to think about as they apply to the reader's own life. I want to take my time
reading the book so that I don't skip something I should see and give throught too.
I want to take our daughter's dog for a walk in a little while since he likes to walk a few
blocks. I just hope he doesn't tug so much even if he is small, he is so strong. Derby
has a bad habit of barking at everyone even if he doesn't have to do so. He needs
some obedience training. Come to think of it, so do I.