"I'M BACK!"

I'm back at Broadway serving communion at the early service. It was
nice to be back with some people who have become so very special to
me. Many of those there gave me a warm welcome back. That was
so nice of them to do. I told them they were missed as well by myself.
Following the first service, I attended the second service with my wife.
We were blessed with the songs, sermon and spirit which stirred our
souls.
This afternoon I had a nice nap, read two news papers and played
with Derby (dog) inside and outside. I am re-reading a book about
a pastor I heard when I was a child, Dr. Williaam Sangster. I was
with our family at Lake Junaluska. I never will forget how he was
such a powerfull preacher. All ministers can learn a great deal by
reading what he wrote or by hearing him preach. I have three of
his sermons on tape and listen to them whenever I can.
The Oscars are on tonight so I guess I'll watch them with my wife.
I like to hear what the winners have to say. It will be the same old,
same old stuff. But it is still fun.
I better get back to my lazy-boy before Derby gets it before I do.

WATCH IT!

My wife and I went car shopping this afternoon and found out that
others had the same idea. The lot was full of cars & people. We
drove on off knowing we wouldn't deal today. Maybe Monday.
Everywhere we went, every place was full of people out and about.
The sun and warmer weather helped get people out of cabin
fever.
We went to Kroger where I watched people. An old man drove
into a handicap spot but it took him three tries to do it. Then
it took him almost 10 minutes to get in the store. Most likely he is
still in there after 2 hours. Poor man. Someone needs to take his
t-bird away.
UK won a game today and that made my day. I was born in
Lexington and root for UK all the time. I hope they can keep
it up. We shall see soon enough.
I hope to be back at Broadway for the early service Sunday.
It's has been since Christmas since I was there. My foot
seems stronger (not the smell) so here goes, one step at a
time.

The Pastor

I spent some time at Barnes & Noble this morning before going to the
library to return some books. While I was at B&N, I bought a brand
new book by Eugene Peterson, The Pastor. Even thought I'm retired,
I thought this would be a great read.
Peterson shares some thoughts about his many years as a pastor in
the book. It has already brought back many memories of my ministry
as a pastor, the good, the bad a nd the ugly. I know I will be blessed
by reading this 400 page book again and again. Peterson is one of my
favorite writers. I have most of the books he has published and re-
read them often.
Peterson says that too many ministers are nor pastors at all. They
are preachers but not good at being a pastor to/for their people.
He also says that we pastors don't stay long enough in the communities
where we serve. We want bigger, better churches and more money.
I agree with what Peterson has to say. I'm ashamed to say that I
have wanted bigger and better churches and more money. I have
had all three across the years and wish I had stayed longer at some
of the churches I served rather than moving on. If I had it to do all
over again, I would want to stay longer and do much more than I
have in the past.
I thank God for calling me into the ministry many, many years ago.
I hope I was both a good preacher and a good pastor to the glory
of Almighty God.

SILLY STUFF

After such a full day yesterday, my wife and I have been lazy all day today.
We didn't do much of anything because we needed naps and just to be slow
pokes. I'm proud of us. I didn't even go to Barnes & Noble. Maybe some
time Friday if I can while my wife goes somewhere else doing things.
I went over to see an older couple this morning and had a good visit with
them. We always seem to see who can out-do the other in telling things.
It is relaxing fun and fellowship every time I drop in on them. I told
that if they watched out their window they could see me walking on water
just like Jesus. They laughed and said they have seen a few Baptist do
walking on water. I told them that's why they immerse, they fall into the
deep end while we Methodist know where the rocks are. They made me
leave! (not really)
One friend called me on his way to Lowes and said he was going to get
some gopher wood for his boat with all this rain and wanted to know
if I needed some too. I thanked him for calling and said I already had
built my big boat. He hung up on me. (kidding)
Enough of this silly stuff, I've got to go check on my boat before the
rains come down harder. Anyone seen Noah?

GOOD NEWS - BAD NEWS

I've got some good news and I've got some bad news. The good news is that
my wife and I never argued all day long while on an all day trip to Nashville
and back. The bad news is that we didn't talk to one another all day long. I'm
just kidding. We had a very good day all day long. Even she will agree with me,
I think. I'm almost sure.
The other good news is that my twin was moved to the first nursing home he
had planned on going to when he got of the hospital. It will be more of what
he needs and the family wanted. I'm not sure just when we will be able to go
see Harold, but sure hope it will be soon. Since Harold was my womb-mate
many, many years ago, I want to see him in his new room. But I don't want
to be his room-mate again. He snores too much and too loud.
My body tells me that bed-time is drawing near. Now that is really good
news! I won't forget to leave the porch light on just in case you drop by.
Turn it off though before you go to bed. Thank you and good night.

APPOINTMENTS

Since my wife and I have three appointments in Nashville Wednesday,
were trying to relax some today to be ready for a long day tomorrow.
We have to be at the first appointment by 8:45 so we will have to be
up and at it good and early.
One of the things I like about a long day in Nashville is having so many
places to choose from when we eat. I like Cracker Barrel myself but I
am sure she will have something to say about where we end up going.
That's fine with me as long as I get fed before the trip back from the far
country to the promised land.
I take a book to read while I'm waiting for her to be through with her
appointments because I can read several pages if not the entire book
before she shows up. I also enjoy watching people pass by or simply
resting up before getting back behind the wheel to head home.
The weather looks like it will be nice for our all day out and about. I
am glad for that. I hate driving on snow and ice and in the rain so
sunshine do your thing and shine on, shine on because I've got places
to go, people to see and things to do before night time.

POSITIVE CHANGES

This morning I escaped doing house work with/for my wife and went to my
hide-out, Barnes & Noble, where everybody knows your name, to read &
drink coffee. I even behaved by not having a muffin. I had a cookie instead.
I'm kidding. I didn't eat anything there at all. I enjoyed a quite morning of
kicking back and resting up.
Yesterday, I learned that a small country church I once pastored burned
down. I have many memories of serving Stone's View UMC for a year in
1968, 43 years ago. I served five churches at one time while attending
Kentucky Wesleyan College in Owensboro. Stone's View was one of the
five. My prayer is that God sustain them in their loss.
My twin brother is still in the hospital following a fall and a stroke. He is
showing slow improvement with a long, long way to go. My heart hurts
for Harold whenever I think of him. May God bless his family as they
cope with his condition.
There are things that I must attend too before the day is gone so, I'm
gone.

ON THE GO

Since my wife didn't sleep well last night, she didn't go to church this
morning. I went and slept well through the sermon. Not reaaly, it
was a great service. I could use a nap now though but have to go
to a funeral home instead.
My daughter and I attened worship & then had a date at Steak &
Shake. We had a good time being together without anyone else.
(sorry mom) Afterward I went to Barnes & Noble to read and drink
coffee by myself. I'm home now watching ket about a 111 year old
woman who is a member of First UMC, Campbellsville where I
once was pastor. Lera Williams always kidded me about having
a birthday a few days before mine and dared me to catch up with
her. I declined. Still do.
Well, I have to go out again with my wife this time. It's a date
I'm glad to keep. (should make up for what I said earlier.)

SAT-DAY

I had wanted to go to Barnes & Noble this morning but ended up getting
a hair cut instead. I had to wait for three boy's to get their hair cuts so
I just chilled in my chair and listened to conversations. It was a hoot.
All three were texting while they were waiting at one time or another.
Mom sat there with them ignoring them for the most part. I asked one
13 year old boy if he was going to get a shave too, he just looked at me
as if I were spaced out or something.
This afternoon was spent watching UK-SC basketeball and taking a
short snooze. I have to visit a funeral home Sunday afternoon for a
young man who died of a heart attack. His Grandfather was a dear
friend of mine. He died a couple of years back. It is so sad to see such
a young life gone so quickly and unexpectantly.
This next week is going to be busy for us with trips to Nashville and
possibilty Louisville as well as Somerset. I'm glad I can go as much
and as well as I do. I took it easy today knowing I can't afford to
over-do.
I'm tired tonight and heading to bed to read before going to sleep.

MEET TO EAT

I'm driving for the first time in a long time to have breakfast with
a couple of buddies. I just hope they will buy my breakfast because
I had a birthday or because they will be so glad to see me. I'm
real hungry this morning if they are buying.
I'm in a hungry-hurry so I have to rush off before they call and
say they can't make it. Food, here I come!!

THE JOURNEY ISN'T FAIR

There is a chapter in the book Hither & Yon by Becca Stevens that speaks to my
soul this morning. The chapter simply says that the journey isn't fair. We've all
said or thought that at one time or another, for one reason or another. Right
now my twin brother and his family are struggling with his stroke and fall a few
day's ago. Why this? Why Harold? Why both things? Why one step forward and
two steps back? And I ask, why not me instead of Harold?
I may be wrong, but I think if Harold could say something about all of this he
would say he is in the hands of the Almighty and the helping hands of family
and friends and that will be strengthened by this struggle and so should we.
Harold has come a long, long way on his journey to recover again and again.
He hasn't given up yet. So, why now? And us? What about us and our journey?
Why the journey isn't fair, it's the journey we're each on. Walk forward in faith
and keep going, climbing, searching, praying until our journey is over. For now,
keep looking forward and live in love for life because most of the journey is well
worth it all.
As you journey, keep the SON in your eye's even when the sun isn't shinning.
That's what I want to do and what my twin brother would want you to do.

WEDNESDAY WORDS

I went to Kroger today with my wife to do some shopping. I had shaved right
before leaving, but when she met me at the car I had grown a beard. It was a
slow go. But I give her credit for getting the job done, When we arrived home,
I unloaded the car and the stocked the shelves while she rested. She must of
hid the M&M's though. Not to worry, Detective Preach will seek & find the lost
so I can save them from getting lost forever and ever. Amen.
I took a nice nap, read some outback on the deck and visited with a friend before
coming back inside. All in all, it's been a good day. I want to go to Barnes & Noble
next & read a real book before they all turn into Nooks or some of the other
electronic devices. Maybe I can there before the week is over if I'm a good boy.
Well, I'll give it a try.
My thoughts and prayers are for Harold moment by moment that he survies
a stroke and fall. I can't get him out of my mind since I love him like a brother.
I love all my brothers but don't tell them I said it.

Peace and prayers.

AS I SEE IT

I've been doing light yard work (picking up sticks, etc) today as a
way of relaxing after my trip to Louisville yesterday. I've been
tired today and have even slipped in some sleep along the way.
Wednesday will be another busy day for us and I am trying to
milk this for all I can get.
I'm encouraged after seeing Harold (twin) yesterday. He was
in a good mood for the most part even though he was tired and
wondering what was going on. Time and prayers can bring him
better days if he keeps on improving.
Seeing my twin as he is reminds his twin that I need to take
better care of myself in every way. I need to drop some pounds
and I need to spend more time with my wife. I know I am going
to give it more attention if I can.
I plan to watch UK play basketball before much longer and I
hope to have a restfull night. That's it as I see it.

I SAW A MIRACLE TODAY

I was astonished at the difference my twin showed today when I visited
him in the hospital. He smiled & laughed (though muted). He watched
my every move and that of my younger brother who was with me.
Harold has a long way to go, but if he does as he is now, he will be able
to defeat defeat once again.
His family is also astonishing in the way they are dealing with this very
difficult situration. Their faith and willingness to walk the 2nd mile is
so impressive to me.
I praise God that today I saw a miracle with my very own eyes as
I looked into eyes of my twin brother who is showing us to never,
never, give up.

TWINS

Two of my three brother's sent me the very same Birthday card this
week. My brother in Louisville sent his to me first. My brother here
in Bowling Green sent the second card. The moment I saw the second
card I realized that they matched. They are twin cards to a twin. It
in pretty amazing that they did such a thing. It is also pretty amazing
that they both forgot to put money in with their cards. Maybe next
year they will remember, but I think it would be pretty amazing.

BIRTHDAY BASH

Yesterday was a very good day as I celebrated my 67th Birthday. My wonderfull
wife and I went to Cracker Barrel for brunch before stopping at Barnes & Noble
for a couple of hours. Then last night she prepared a great meal and german
chocolate cake. My youngest brother joined the celebration where I reminded
him he has a Birthday the 19th. He changed the subject. Smart little cookie.
I need to rest today after such a busy day yesterday. Maybe my age is catching
up on me, right brother Ken?
My foot still hurts some after getting the cast off a few day's ago. I have to
walk with caution so that I won't re-injure it again. It feels so good having
the cast off after six weeks! I drove yesterday for the first time in awhile and
my wife told me I need to take it easy. I heard her and did better. Thank you,
Ms. Dasiy.
I was ready fo bed last night after such a great day. I didn't sleep very well
though. Must be old age creeping up, right brother Ken?

CAST ASIDE

I got the cast off my foot today and feel free after six weeks with it on. I must be
carefull not to re-hurt it. Dr. Fee told me to take it easy. I see him again in about
a month. It started snowing while we were in his office. I measured 3 inches in
our drive about 7:00 tonight. It's pretty but I'm ready for the warmer weather
they say is coming.
I am amazed at how many people have one problem or another. Some are small
& some are large. Some are self-inflicted and some are otherwise. It reminds me
to thank the Lord for how blessed I am. I don't have anything to complain about,
even after breaking my foot. "Count your many blessings, name them one by
one..." I can't count that high.
What will be next in my life? Getting back to regular things (church, Barnes &
noble, etc), I want to see my twin again asp. I want to have a date with my wife
to thank her for all she has done during the last six weeks. I want to celebrate
my birthday Friday as my twin gets another year older.
Thanks for your thoughts & prayers for me. I will pray for you.

A REAL STINKER

I get the cast off Wednesday morning after wearing it for six weeks. My dear
wife told me that it really smells, especially at night in bed. I'm so sorry to
be such a stinker to anyone around me. I promise to take a bath before next
Sunday. I can hardly stand the smell myself.
I will be able to drive when he cast is off. I can go to Barnes and Noble again
because I've missed being there drinking coffee and reading. I can go out
with a couple of friends for breakfast again. I can go get the mail/newspaper
again. Hey! Why am I so happy? Someone else has done all these things for
me for six weeks and I want them to stop. Not! Ouch!! I just broke my left
foot! Call 911 and tell them to go get me some coffee, please.

EARLY MORNING WAKE-UP CALLS

My son called home early Sunday morning to see how we're doing during
this tragic time. My twin and I will turn 67 years old next Friday and I'm
wondering if he will be here. Right now he is on a hospital bed in ICU in
critical condition.
Eveytime I think of Harold and his being in such sad shape, it's like taking
a can opener to my heart. So many memories flow forth. So much pain
flows forth. It hurts so much I can hardly take it. But there are two
things that happened just this morning that give me in-peace.
When I turned to Facebook, I saw where our daughter had posted a
song of hope, "Through It All." The 23rd Psalm speaks of walking
through the valley and knowing God is with us. I needed those words
of hope and healing.
The phone rang early today and it was our son wanting to see how we
are doing. When he was about to hang up he said, "I love you Dad."
That's all this old man needed! I told him how much I love him too.
My own daughter and son wrapped their arms around this heart of
mine that's hurting and gave me what I needed, themselves.
This will be a tough week for our family as we deal with life and death
issues. With God's help, we will make it. Harold will make it too.

FAMILY

Today was a family day for the Coomer family. I'm amazed at the gathering
of our family to be with my twin in ICU following a fall. Harold didn't show
any signs of knowing we were even there. It was so sad to see him and to
see how his family is suffering this tragic thing that has happened.
While we were sad, we were still able to show happiness in being together.
We dodn't get together as much as we used to do. Today reminded us of
just how very much we need more family gatherings. I'm so proud of how
our family bonds in the worst of times.
We are back in Bowling Green worn out but knowing we were where we
needed to be today. I'm sure we will be back in Louisville soon as family
because that is what we want to do.

"NOW I LAY ME DOWN TO SLEEP..."

"Now I lay me down to sleep....." Words we've all prayed at one time or another,
for one reason or another. While it's a child's prayer, we're all children of God, so
I pray those words often as I'm about to go to sleep.
Tonight, I will pray those words along with so many others as I think about my
twin brother who is sleeping following a serious fall. Our hope is that he will
awaken soon from his slumber, if not here and now, he will be in the arms of
Father God. It seems as if every thought I think is about Harold and his dear
family. While we're not with them physically, we are spiritually.
Tonight I will pray as I lay my head on my pillow. I will pray for so many
things and for so many people, even you.

CURLING UP

I goofted when I got my cast wet in the shower yesterday. I used a hair dryer to dry
it off and my toes curled up. I get out of this thing next week and I hope I can get back
to being normal. Sorry about that. I will try the new normal.
This has been hard for my family. They have had to drive me places and put up with
my lack of patience when I've wanted things right now. They ignore me from time to
time but for the most part, they are good to me. I have an idea that I'll have to make
up for it when I can caste the cast aside. We shall see soon enough, I'm sure.
I wish to thank everyone for their prayers and thoughts.
Speaking of curling up, I think I'llgo curl up on he couch and finish reading a good
book.