Time for a Coffee Break

I have a bad habit of observing how many times someone says something over and over again. I count the times my Pastor says, "if you will", in his sermons. I even count the number of times I say, "it seems to me", whenever I preach. When I started reading a book by Guideposts, I kept count of the number of time mentions coffee. I am on page 263 and coffee has been mentioned ten times thus far. I still have over a hundred pages to go and I have an idea I will come across the word coffee once or more before finishing my book. The funny thing is, most of the time I have to have two or three cups of coffee while I'm reading. I've had two while working with this blog. Often I will have a pot of coffee on knowing that soon I will be picking up a good book and wanting a couple of cups of good coffee. Like, right now. Be seeing ya!

"GONE MARVELING"

It's happened again. It happens each and every year, wherever we move. Every Fall I find that
the leaves I have raked up have been put right back in my yard again. I don'tknow if I rather rake them up or go down on my kness and pray for a windstorm to take them away. The trouble with windstorms is that they tend to blow leaves from someone else's yard right into mine! I wish all those leaves would just leaf me alone, thank you very mulch!
Dr. Fred Craddock tells of how he used to say, "I'm gone marveling." I think that isn't only good
advice, but something I'm going to do. Rather than rake, I'm going to take. Take off and soak in the stunning colors of the Autumn leaves. While I'm gone, maybe someone will come and take all my falling leaves away. They can have all they want for free! Let the leaves leave because more always show up to replace them. Of that, I can be sure on this Fall day when the leaves keep
on falling fom the sky.

The Write Reverend

This morning I came across an article in a church newsletter written by the Pastor. His title
caught my eye: The Write Reverend. One of the things that requires lots and lots of time is the writing of sermons, newspaper artcicles and letters. I know from past experience as well as the writing I do on a daily basis. Just doing blogs takes time, lots of time. Whenever working with a sermon, I find that it takes a great deal of writing. I write down research notes. I write out my sermon in full and then try to outline it so that I don't have to use my writings at all when I preach the sermon from the pulpit. As I read articles, books, magazines, etc, I'm jotting down a number of things for reference in the future. Just this morning I had to write down a list of things to ask of someone at a breakfast meeting, not to mention the things I wrote down in response to what my list was all about. I can't remember things like I used to do so I have to write notes or else I would never know what I need to remember. At times, I even have to write myself a note to stick in my keys pocket to help me ask or do what I need to get done. You see, I want to be a Right Reverend. Well, enough of these writings from someone who hopes someone reads this blog before night fall.

MY WISH BOOK CAME TODAY

When our mail arrived this morning, I was so excited to see information about new books at one
of my favorite book stores. As I turned through the pages, I drew a cirlce on each page that has some books that I want to read or, even better, buy and read. It also amazed me that I have met so many of the writers who have books mentioned. It reminds me of how many books I've read just in the past year, not to mention, across the years of my life. By the way, Good Books, is the title of this catalogue. There are page numbers circled where I want to refer to whenever I'm ready to take on another book. Come to think of it, it's like looking at a Christmas catalogue with the title, Wish Book. Maybe, just maybe, I will get some of these Good Books for Christmas, if not before. Who knows? Until then, "I'm checking my list, and checking it twice,
just to find out..........."

WALKING NAKED DOWN THE STREET

The other day while watching cars and trucks driving by our house, I would look at the trees in
our yard and down the street. As the falling leaves were falling from the tress to the ground I felt as if I were watching a strip show. One by one , tree after tree, leaf after leaf, was being disrobed. It was a wonder to behold. The trouble was, I knew that as these leaves fell to the ground, I knew I would have to pick up a rake and pick these things up and put them out in the compost or the black baggies and then carry them out for the someone one else to take off.
While I was working at my desk this morning , I saw a man running down the street nearly naked. He was jogging down the street without a shirt and with shorts on his long legs. I felt a shiver go down my spine as he went out of sight. I must admit that I rather look at the trees strip off their leaves than to watch this man run nearly naked on a cold Thursday morning. While I am writing this blog though, I am reminded about telling someone that I have walked naked down the street many times in the past and never got cold or arrested. Naked was my dog! Now, there was a sight to behold on a cold Fall morning!

A TINY BOOK WITH BIG BLESSINGS

The Inner Voice of Love is a small book by Henri Nouwen which was published in 1996. Every
Fall I find myself re-reading it. I've started reading it for the tenth time as a daily devotional. I
know where it is on my book case and can pull it down for a quick read whenever I feel a need
for some inner soul searching. Today is one of those days. I think I could get found by getting lost with it for the rest of the day. He always says something that seems so tailor made for me.
He shares struggles that he has had in his own life. The amazing thing to me is that I have had
so many similiar struggles in my soul. I've been in the "basement of my soul" and I know what
it's like to "rely upon spiritual guides" to get me on my way every now and again. Like, today.
This tiny book is almost of the top of my top ten best books in my study. It's hard to imagine but Nouwen died ten years ago last September. What a blessing his life and books have had upon so many other lives throughout the years. This tiny one reminds me that I should seek to be a blessing to others too. I guess that's why I wrote this tiny Blog. Maybe you are the one who needs it for some reason. As Henri Nouwen says, "Let Jesus transform you."

WANTED: FAULT FINDERS

I read something a few days ago that grabbed my attention and hasn't let go. I don't remember
where I read it, I just remember it today. Someone said that he heard about a fault finder who
went about finding fault in people. He found fault in his parents, his children and even his Pastor. this fault finder then would pray for those people daily. He would offer help to them through words of encouragement. He would try to bring something good out of the bad. Rather then putting them down, he lifted them up.
I want to be the best fault finder because of what I read about this person. I have an idea that fault finders are in great demand. They can't be bought at some store or over the internet. Fault finders are hard to find so if you see one somewhere, be grateful. Better yet, see if you qualify. All it takes is a caring spirit that you can give to others. Anyone, anywhere , anytime can do it. Even you.

A GOOD REVIEW

Yesterday I started reading a new book by John Eldredge, The Way of the Wild Heart. By the
time I got to page seventeen I wasn't sure I wanted to read any more of it. It wasn't because I
felt as if I've read all this stuff already. It wasn't because it wasn't interesting. It was because I
was seeing too much of myself on page after page and I was uncomfortable. Very uncomfortable. It was as if I was looking in a rear view mirror and not wanting to see what I was seeing. So, I put the book down - for awhile - a short while. I felt as if I was being lured to look at yet another page and another page and so forth. So, today I'm picking the book back up to read as much of it as I possibly can before putting it back down.
What I was seeing were things about me as a son and as a father that made me feel like a failure. It hurt. Bad. The Way of the Wild Heart speaks of me and too me. Truth is, it's like having a root cannal! Thus far I'm finding that I want to be numbed from the pain I feel but I know that I have to deal with my pain if I'm going to feel better and do better as a son and as father. So, why do I write these things to you if I don't want you to know me as I know me? It is because if you are a man, you too need to pick up the this book and see if you see yourself as I have seen myself. While it hurts, it also helps heal. No wonder where I will be when I get through reading this 300 page book. This isn't a book review as much as it is a life review. It's also like looking at a map into the future. If you dare, join me on the journey and find out where you have been and where you are going. You will be far better off than you will if you don't see what it has to say to you and about you.

Tuesdays with Hal

A few years ago Tuesdays with Morrie became a best seller. It's about an old man and a young man and life's great lessons. I think I could write a book called, Tuesdays with Hal one of these days. Hal is a friend who goes way back with me. He is the old man by one year so he has lots to teach me. We became buddies when we were both still in school. We meet every Tuesday at Mac Donalds to eat and share stories. We laugh, we cry, we eat. Most of the time I'm the first one there. I wait for Hal to drive up and hope he doesn't drive on through the drive through as if he had forgoten why he was at MacDonald's in the first place. So far, he hasn't. It's not the food but the friendship that draws us together each Tuesday. When we have to miss being together, we can hardly wait until the next Tuesday. It's just the two of us. He would bring his wife and I would bring mine but we both know they need time off from the two of us. They deserve it after putting up with us for all these years. Their motto could even be, "We Do It All for You!" Well, they don't do it all for us, but they are off to a good start. One of these Tuesday's we will let them join us if they will buy.

I'VE BEEN BOOKED!

I found a copy of The Way of the Wild Heart by John Eldredge at the bookstore today. I have
been waiting for it to arrive. I have read all his books and found all of them to worth reading. I'm sure I will get a great deal from this new book. The trouble is, I had to put another book aside to start my reading of this one. My desk looks like a library at times and this is one of those times. For example: The Fourth Frontier, Yearning, and "Leadership" magazine all await my attention, not to mention, The Bible are all on or beside my desk. Every once in awhile I pick one of these up and read a few pages and then put it back down, not because I don't like it but because I don't have time to read it all at once. And, to be honest, other books bid for my full attention at the moment. While some want to watch tv all the time, I want to read most of the time. I used to hate to read books by anyone. Now, I love to read. One of these days I am going to keep my promise and write a book myself. I've been giving it lots of thought: Letters In A Box. Who knows, it just might become a best seller. For now, I've got to go pray and get back to my books.

A DIFFERENT SEAT WITH A DIFFERENT VIEW

I love to take a seat on our front porch swing and look all around.This morning rather than doing what I always do,I did something different, I sat in a different chair, in a different place. I was amazed at what I saw. I had had my back to the beauty behind me as I was seeking to see what was before me. Got that? I sure did get it! I got to see what looked like burning bushes. I got to see tall trees that were changing colors in the Autumn air. I saw these things because I sat somewhere else this morning. What a show. What a blessing. What a great decision I made on a Monday morning as October draws to a close tomorrow. By the way, I understand that Tuesday will be wet and cool. I'm sure glad today I'm able to drink my coffee and read my book with a new view from the back and not from the front as usual. It's a sight to behold! So I invite you to sit somewhere different and see if you see something you've been missing. I bet you do.

COMPARING CHURCHES

The church we attend averages well over a thousand each Sunday. But yesterday, I preached at a small church in the country. That's two Sunday''s back to back now. Both were beautiful services. Both were worshipfull and meaningfull. The two smaller churches were traditional while the church we attend has five services . Some time we attend the tradtional and at times we attend the contemporary service which is the best attended service. What I observed is that the Lord is lifted up in the small and in the large church both. It isn't really the size that matters, it's the worship of the Lord God. I'm proud of these different size churches who do different things to reach the people as they reach up to God and God reaches down to them. It is always a pleasure to preach at the small and the large church. I have served as a Pastor of both and found both to be used to God's glory. I always look forward to attending any church that offers the people a sense of the Holy. That's what happened for me in a very small church, in a very big way yesterday morning.

THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES

Isn't it amazing how hearing a word can take our minds far, far away? When I was walking through our kitchen today I heard the word Crisco and immediately my mind went way back to when I was a child. We had a snow white Eshimo spitz dog named Crisco. I can see him in my mind even as I write these words. He was a dog that let you know who was boss - Crisco. He would wag his tail and go wherever you would go as long as he could except in our house. Dad wouldn't dare let Crisco come in there! Crisco's bark was worse than his bite. He liked to watch people walking into the church right next door. This dog from years and years ago has a place in my heart on this October afternoon. I can almost hear him barking as I drink from my cup of coffee. What a dog! What memories! Better than Crisco Oil, that's for sure!

HAVE A NICE NAP

I went to the Library this morning to get a couple of things that I needed. While I was there I saw a man slumbed over at his table. He was sleeping and snoring. He was atleast keeping the rules of the Library by being pretty quite. You had to be right by him to hear him. Once I started sneeze to see if it would awaken him but I didn't. I left him in his slumber not knowing why he was sleeping. Maybe he has had a hard day. Maybe it's the cool weather. Maybe it's the book he was holding in his hand. Must of not been good enough to keep his attention very long. I hope when he awakes he is refreshed and restored. I hope he has a really good day after having such a good nap in the Public Library of all places. I have an idea he won't be taking the book with him when he leaves the Library though. I'ts a real sleeper!

IT'S FOR YOU

When the telephone rang late yesterday afternoon I wondered who it was. The voice on the phone was reminding me that I have an appointmentat 10:00 a. m. today where I bought my hearing aid. After I hung up, I started thinking about what had just taken place. Why would I need a call to remind me about an appointment? One of their business cards has the date written on it so I can refer to it, so why call? Because I had forgotten, that why! I'm glad I got a wake up from their office. When it comes to prayer and Bible reading I sometimes think I need someone to give me a call to remind me that I need to read The Bible or pray. It is so easy to push prayer and Bible reading aside, isn't it? That's why God has placed something down inside our souls to help us remember to pray and read The Bible. We dare not ignore those reminders that can pull is into prayer and the word of God. It helps us to be better and do better each and every day. So the next time you feel a need to pray or read The Bible, don't put it off, instead, go down on your knees and turn to the best book ever written. After all, it's all for you.

BYE TO THE PIE

The telephone rang late this afternoon. It was a call from a friend of our daughter telling her she
was bringing a pie over in forty-five minutes. How nice of her to think of baking and bringing a
pie to our house. Being the guardian of my family, I knew that it was my responsibility to taste
th first bite. I wouldn't want them to get ill just in case the pie wasn't really ready. With a great
deal of skill, I took a taste and then a second, and a third. You can't be too sure these days, you
know. Well, I am delighted to report to you that they are safe to eat the rest of the pie now. It's
not only safe, but marvelous!! So marvelous, I may have to reinspect it before turning in for the
night.

BACK BY POPULAR REQUESTS:
If the wonderful, beautiful person who made the marvelous pie happens to read this and ever feels a need to make another pie for our daughter, it would be okay. Hint - hint.

DON'T MISS THE MOMENT

This afternoon as I was working at my desk, suddenly our daughter rushed into the living room and hid a dog bone from one of our two grand-dogs . Of all things it was like hiding Easter eggs on a cold damp day in late October. Sure enough, one of the two dogs darted into the room as if it were Sherlock Homes in search of something. I realized that our daughter had hidden a bone beneath one of the two couches and was waiting to see if Memphis would find it. Sure enough, like a good dog, he had the bone in his mouth before she could sneeze. I thought to myself, isn't this silly! Here' s a grown womand acting like a little child looking for Easter eggs. Then all of the sudden I realized that I too was having a good time as I watched with anticipation. I had become like a little child who was watching one of our children playing. I'm so glad that what I was doing could wait or, I would of missed the moment. A precious moment. I sure do hope there are many more moments to come in our house we call home. Now, where was I before I was interrupted by a bone, two dogs and a darling daughter?

WHAT % OF YOUR LIFE HAVE YOU LIVED?

While I was working with my last blog, I noticed the process of a blog being published. After I
have written this, the publishing of it will begin. As it is happening, I'm told what % of it has
been accomplished. Then when it is through, I 'm informed that "your blog has been published
successfully. (details.....)"
All this got me to thinking about my life, of all things. This Saturday night we are to change our clocks back an hour for Daylight Savings Time. I wonder, what % of my life have I lived? I'm 62 years old, how much longer do I have to live? How much longer do I , if you will, have to publish my life? I have a pastor friend who has a habit of saying, "if you will", in almost every sermon. One Sunday I counted twenty times that he said that without even realizing he had even said it. Well, he 's rubbing off on me because I just caught myself saying, "if you will?, a second ago. Ugh! So, I really do ponder how much longer I have to live and how much longer do I have to say and do good things before my life is over. Will it be lived successfully? As I look in the rear view mirror of my life thus far, what do I see? Is it successfull or a failure? What are the details thus far? I can't go back and do it all over but I can go forward and try to do better, if I will. As I live my life, I want to keep the SON in my eye's. I deeply desire to live my life with purpose and passion like Jesus who told Almighty God, "not My will, but Thine be done". Join me somewhere on the journey, "if you will."

TIME FLU

I was up early today to get my flu shot. I had an 8:30 appointment at the Health Department and yet here I am at 8: 45 writing this blog. When I walked into the building there were lots of
people so I was told to "take a number, take a seat." Just as I was about to be seated I was told to head on down the hall. Before I could have a seat, I was told to go on in. Before I had my shirt sleave rolled up almost, I had been shot! I was in and out in less than five minutes. Time flu!
As I was going out to my car I saw an elderly woman walking with a cane as she approaced the door. Upon seeing her, I made a u-turn, walked over and opended the door and wished her good morning. She smiled and thanked me as I was walking on off. I came back home knowing I have already had a very good morning. Now I just hope that the flu flies on down the road and leaves me alone. By the way, have you had your flu shot? Maybe you should fly go get one before the flu bug bites.

STRANGE SOUNDS

While working at my computer I heard a strange sound and saw a strange sight. One of our two
dogs came dancing through the room being chased by our daughter. What was so strange was
that she had a battery powered toothbrush in her mouth and the motor was making a strange
sound to both me and the dog. I stopped whatI was doing as the two of them made their way on
out of the room. After this intrusion into my quite study, had a strange sensation in my mouth
until I got up and went and brushed my teeth. Only then was I able to get back to work. Since
then, I haven't seen or heard the strange sounds but I know my mouth sure does feel cleaner.
I don't know about the dog and the catcher.

A GOOD FUSS

It's that time of the year when my wife and I have a good fuss every now and then. I like to turn the heat up to get rid of the chill when I get out of bed every morning. Then when she gets up she turns the heat back down and tells me to stop turning it up. I know it cost money for me to turn it up, but it's not all that much. What I really like is when the two of us cuddle up on the couch and eat popcorn while watching tv. A good fuss is when we both know we can get along with the heat up or down. While I know I'm right, I still let her have her way sometimes. After thirty seven years I think things will work out ok. They have thus far. Besides, the best part of a good fuss is a good kiss and hug as we make up with one another.

R O M E O

I came across a great name for some of my older buddies who meet at McDonalds. ROMEO: Retired Old Men Eating Out. "O Romeo, Romeo, where art thou Romeo?" I enjoy eating but I enjoy being with my buddies most of all. We all need friends whom we can be with, don't we? I'm so glad I don't have call "Rent A Friend". As someone has said, "Relationship R Us" is really what's it's all about. I'm not toying around with that either. As soon as I finish with this I'm going to call a friend and see if he can meet me in the morning at McDonalds. Even the coffee is cheaper for us older people. By the way, if you see some older men at some McDonald's, call out, "REMO", and see what happens. I might even buy your meal.

DON'T FORGET DOXOLOGY

After her surgery last Friday afternoon my daughter's Doctor came to her room to dismiss her from the hopsital. He told her he had to hear a song before she could leave. She looked around the room at the seven family and friends who were with her and said, "Doxology." All of the sudden the sound of music filled the room and hospital halls as we sang: "Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise him, all creatures here below; praise him above, ye heavenly host; praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen." The Doctor who sang along with us smiled and signed her release and then stepped on out of her room as if he were dancing with the stars. The rest of us just sat or stood there with thanks in our hearts that Jennifer was doing so well.
Dr. Fred Craddock says that too often we leave Doxolgy locked up in the car while we are with
someone in the hospital. Or, we leave Doxology out in the car while we eat. Worse yet, we leave
Doxology out all together as if Doxology didn't even exist. What do you say? Where did you leave Doxology? You better go get Doxology since you never know just when and where you might need him. If you don't believe me, ask the Doctor you see dancing with the stars
somewhere in a hospital in Nashville. He can tell you all about having a song in your heart even
in the hospital. I dare you to start singing the Doxology right where you are. You will praise
God and get a spiritual pick up that will make you feel so much better all day long.

HERE, DOGGIE, DOGGIE

One of our two dogs was determined to run off this morning. Infact, I think he had an escape plan in place already. He was just waiting for the right moment to take off. When he saw that
I wasn't watching he took off like a jack rabbit. Maybe he was chasing one, come to think of it!
What amazes me is that here at home he gets food, a nice place to sleep and a family to love
him. His side-kick has been looking out the window wondering where in the world he could be.
She sniffs and searches all around the rooms in the house, gives out a bark or howl that surely
he can hear. The whole neighborhood can! But Memphis ignores her and us. Maybe Memphis has moved to Memphis is search of the king. I sure hope Memphis can dig something up to eat
because he will get hungry soon, not to go into details about the weather which isn't worth writing home about.
Well, I best be looking for the dog that's gone because the dog that's here isn't none to happy.
Come to think of it, neither am I. so, if you see a back Huskie named Memphis heading to Memphis, give him a ride or bring him back home. We will leave the porch light on.
ps: Don't take this too serious. I know where he is. I also know that he thinks he is the king!!
BREAKING NEWS: The king who left the building is back in the building. He is resting in his bed and wondering why no one patted him on the back becasue he's back. I know: he was very
wet with rain drops dripping off his fur. He came from the fur country, you know.

FRIENDS FROM ALL OVER

I am amazed when I stop to consider how many friends my daughter has. She is having surgery Friday morning in Nashville and I doubt there's enough room to hold everyone who says they will be there. They are coming from California, Kentucky, and even Nashville. To top that, there will be family members, church members, and who knows who else. I hope the surgeon shows up! I'm sure he will. If he doesn't, we will just all go out and eat until he does. Except for you know who.

I am also amazed at all the cell calls, phone calls, and emails she gets day and night. Then there is the mail that comes by the postman and by Fed Ex, not to mention the notes, cards and letters handed to her from family. I used to write her a birthday letter every year but the ink was all gone from my computer last Sunday. So, I hope she reads this blog to see that her dear Dad has done it again. You see, this is my way of letting her know that her father loves her so very much too. Happy Birthday, Jennifer. And, Happy Hospital hours. I hope you find this to be a great success.

I DARE YOU

Isn't it amazing how busy everyone seems to be these days? Just about everyone I see seems to
be busy. We all have "places to go, people to see, and things to do." It doesn't matter how old or how young you are, you've always gotta be going places and doing things. There's not enough time to get it all done. Whenever one project is finished, another props up bidding for attention, now!
Isn't it amazing how we allow others and other things to take control of our lives? Why can't we
learn to say "no" to others and other things and say "yes" to ourselves? If we don't control the
control, someone else or something else will. Just you wait and see. I dare you. We hate to wait, don't we? We've always have to be up and going. But, where will you be when you get there? Will you still have no time to be still? I still dare you to simply be still for a few moments and soak in what's around you and withinin you. Hear it. See it. Breath it. Think about it. I dare you. Well, enough of this being busy with another blog. It can wait.

WATCH WHAT YOU SAY

I looked at my lip when I got up this morning to see if the swelling had gone down from my fall
yesterday morning. It seemed to be bigger than yesterday. It still hurts when I eat and even
when I talk. I just hope the swelling is gone by Sunday since I'm to preach for a friend. I've
never spoken in tongues but Sunday it may sound like it. Isn't it interesting that often we say
things that we wish we had never said. If only we could take those words back or be able to say,
"That's not what I said." Words can hurt. Words can cut and leave pain. Words can be down right mean. I know, I've said some and I've had some said to me. Hey, maybe my big sore mouth is trying to tell me something, watch what you say and how you say it. Now that I've said that, what do you have to say for yourself? Speak up, I can't hear you.

SAY WHAT YOU MEAN AND MEAN WHAT YOU SAY

In a couple of blogs back I said something about my wife not taking the garbage out. One of my
family members just informed me that she doesn't take it out because I get up and do it before she gets up. Well, I may beat my wife up in terms of getting out of bed, but I don't beat her up! I may beat my wife to the table to eat, but I don't beat her up! I may beat my wife to reading through a book, but I don't beat her up! I may even beat my wife to the bathroom every morning, but I don't beat her up! But, if my dear, wonderful wife wants to beat me up and take out the garbage, she can beat me up each and every time!! I really do mean it.

GREAT DAY IN THE MORNING!

Today would of been a good day to stay and bed and sleep, sleep, sleep. It is raining and even if
it is warm outside, today was made for sleeping. I just said that to see if you are awake out there in where- ever- you- are -land. While we all need more sleep than most of us get, most of us need to get on with our lives. Life won't wait. Life goes on. Already today the 300,000,000 baby was born somewhere in America. That baby didn't sleep the morning away, and neither did the babies dear Mother. That tiny baby said, "Are you ready for a baby?"! It will be interesting as to how much attention that child and his/her parents will get now. I'm sure they will be ready to turn in tonight. But until then it's party time! Sleeping Beauty is here and it's a great day in the Morning!

OUCH!

I fell this morning when I was coming into our garage after taking the garbage out to the side of the street. I hurt my left leg and my lip, but most of all, it hurt my feelings. I thought I had more sense than to let my feet slide out from beneath me. I knew that when the floor gets wet, one has to watch his or her steps. I guess my mind was focused on, "why can't my dear wife take out the garbage?" Or, my mind was thinking about how much rain had fallen during the night. Anyway, I fell down hard and wondered who would even hear my call for , "Help, I've fallen and I can't get up!" ? Sad to say, even our two huskies heard me but they didn't go get help. They just kept watching Radar the Weather Dog telling about the rain, not in Spain on the plain, but the rain inside my garage where I was down but not out. After a few seconds of wondering what to do, I was able to lift myself up and walk into the house. I hoped my teeth were still in place and that my leg would be ok. I'm glad to report that I'm alive and well even if my pride is hurt.
The trouble is, I can't find a big enough band-aid to put on my bruised pride. I just hope no one stares at me wondering how I hurt it. Maybe someone will be a good samaritan and give my pride some pity. I sure could use it. Ouch!

STOP IT!

I give myself a shot in the leg every Thursday to help with my M. S.. I have been doing this for a number of years. Today I realized how much I take this for granted. I simply give the shot and get on with my life without giving it much thought. Today I'm giving a great deal of thought to it. If it were not for the Avonex, I might not be walking at all. If it were not for the medicines I take every week, I might not be able to do much of anything. The cost of all these weeklshots and pills is very expensive, but it is well worth the cost since I'm doing as well as I am.

Don't we all takes things for granted? It is so easy just to go through the motions without giving much, if any, thought to what's really go on. It seems to me that we all eat fast food because we
gobble it down and run on our ways. We keep cool or warm without much thought to how we heat or air-condition our homes. We just stay cool or warm depending upon what the case might be. And so it goes. We go on without thinking about it except to complain how much these things cost, and then, we grumble, don't we? I invite you to simply stop for a moment and think about all we have that helps us get on with our lives and the give thanks.

ONE OF THESE DAYS

My Father's oldest sister died during the night last night. She would of been 99 in November. I
remember going to her house when I was just a child. We kids would ride their horses, play hide and go seek, and try to get Uncle Ray tickled under his arms. My Aunt was a resident in the same Retirement Home as my Father and his other sister. We will miss her wit, humor and sweet smile. Just yesterday, I assisted in a funeral for a 80 year old man whose wife had died a couple of months ago. His death came as a shock to all of us. Bob had several things planned that he wanted to get done before dying. Bob will be missed by all of us who knew him through the years.
These deaths remind me that we never know just when or how death will comes to us. Their
deaths remind me that I need to get my house in order. While my Father is 94 and still living,
who knows who might be next to die. I've already lost a brother and sister through death. It
would be a wise thing to "get right with God", as they used to say. Someone said a few years ago,
"I don't mind death, I just don't want to be there when it happens." Well, one of these days, in
some way, it's going to happen, to me, to you. Until then, live life daily with thanksgiving and
gusto. And, most of all, "get right with God."

PLEASE BE SEATED

I used to pull the chair out from beneath someone about to sit down on it. It hurt! I know, I've had the deed done to me! After removing all the seats from our dinning room chairs to put new covers on them, I started putting them back on the chairs this morning. After I had just gotten through replacing the screws in a couple of chairs, my wife thought she would help me out. We worked with a couple of chairs and then she got tired and started to have a seat. It wasn't a good idea. There was not seat on the chair yet. She went right through the bottom of the chair with her bottom. What a sight to see. She was a good sport though, she laughed along with me. I told her that what she did would end up as a blog. I hope she will sit down soon to read this blog because I think it will make her feel better. As for me, I've got to get up and get going before she wants somthing else done around here.

A CHANGE OF PLANS

I had planned to have lunch today with one of my friends. I was really looking forward to our weekly Tuesday time together. Last night my wife informed that she had a job for me today. I must admit that I was frustrated because I already had my agenda for today in place. I had places to go, people to see and things to do. After my wife told me she wanted to put new seat covering on our dinning room chairs, I got up extra early and removed the chair bottoms from each chair, removed the old seat covers and had them all ready for her to work with while I was gone for a couple of hours. It was the perfect plan. I was so proud of myself for being ready to go out at lunch time. Well, my perfect plan just fell through because my friend just called to inform that he would not be able to meet today or next week either due to something that has come up. Now that I've written this, I think I will go get something out of the kitchen for lunch. I sure hope nothing changes my plans. I'm hungry after all my hard work. Besides, I've got to put all this stuff back together before night fall so we will have something to sit on this evening. I'll still be hungry, I'm sure!

ADVICE FROM A DAUGHTER

Today while I was working with something, my daughter kindly corrected me about a mistake I had made. She didn't scold me nor did she make fun of me. She simply helped me correct my mistake. She even went so far as to show me how to do something better than the way I had been doing it. I learned two things from my daughter today. I learned how to correct my mistake and, I learned how to help someone in a gentle way. What I need to do now is go and help others as she has helped me. I hope this helps you, help others.

LOOKING AHEAD & SHAPING UP

When we bought our house a few years ago, we had to tear out some big bushes near the front and side of the house. It took a pretty long time to get the job done. We wondered what it would look like when we were finished. My wife had an eye for the future. She started seeing what it would look like if we were to plant new smaller bushes and a tree or two in place of what we had when we bought the house. After we were through with tree and bush planting, things began to really take shape. I wonder what you and I might look like if we were to do as my wife did. She studied things in her mind and then she went to work to accomplished what she wanted. It worked. I need to drop a few pounds. I need to eat less if I want to drop the few pounds. I know that when I look in the fridge "I can't have that, if I want to look like that." I have to leave something off if I want the weight to drop off. Maybe we should visualize the future and then see if what we hope to look like can come true. I have an idea of what I need and want to look like so that I can live longer. You see, I see the future way out there in front of me and I want to get there in the best health I possibly can.

A GLIMPSE AT GRANDPA'S PLACE

My Grandpa (my Father's Father) owned several acres of farm land until he died. It was a real treat to be there. When I was young, there was no electricity, no indoor plumbing and no real good way to get to their place without going down the road very slowly due to sharp curves and high hills. We used a lantern at night for light, a pot-belly stove for heat and slept on feather beds. We played horse shoes, waded in a creek not far from their house and played with his dog , Brownie. But the best thing was to go off to Tater cave. It was a special treat because it was so spooky. A large tree stood above the entrance of the cave where people used to store their potatoes and other things that needed to be cool. We had to slowly decend into the cave or else we would find ourselves falling down into it. At night we would gather around Grandpa and just talk. When the time came to call it a day , Grandpa would get up out of his old rocker and get down on his knees to pray. Everyone of us got up off our chairs or the couch and got down on our knees and prayed with him. We don't go back there now that he has gone. But I still go back to Grandpa's often in my mind because there's something about that place that has left a lasting impressions with me as I grow older. That's why I get up out of my chair and go down on my knees from time to time and pray just as I did long, long ago with Grandpa way back in the woods in a place called Wonderful.

HOW WELL DO YOU DO?

My Grandfather lived on a small farm that had a small house with a small outhouse out behind the house. The only running water in their house was what someone would run out and get and bring back in. The well was where we Grandchildren loved to play. It was fun to drop a cup as down into the well as we could and then pull it back up with the robe and get a drink from it. It was fun to pretend as we played. We would pretend we were digging for water. We would pull up the water and then pour it out acting like we were putting out a fire. Those were the good old days until there was a drought. Then we couldn't pretend any longer. The truth is, we couldn't pull water up out of the well because there wasn't any water to pull up.

Today we take things like that for granted. We go to the sink and turn on the water and out it pours. We drink it, bathe with it, cook with it and so forth. I think that whenever we turn on the water, we should think of those people in many places of our world who don't even have water to drink, let alone bathe in. We have so very, very much, don't we? Have we given God thanks and helped those who have so much less than we have? How well do we do? Not well enough, I'm sure. Not well enough.

A GROUCHY OLD MAN SPEAK OUT

The toilet backed up, the two dogs spilled their drinking water in the family room, I forgot to take something with me that I needed when I left the house this morning and, I spilled my drinking water at the resturant. These are just some of the things that went wrong today. These things put me in a bad mood. I was a grouchy old man until I saw the man in the mirror and had a talk with him. I told that ugly guy that he was acting ugly and that he should stop it right now! I told him to look for the good and not the bad. I told him that he should be still and chill. Well, it worked. The man in the mirror was last seen watching base ball on tv and eating popcorn. He even shared some of it with the two dogs that had made him mad earlier morning. Isn't it amazing how we react when things happen to us that are just part of day to day life? Why get all out of sorts when it's best to to just sort things out and get on with our lives. That's why I'm writing this blog this afternoon, it has helped me be in a better mood.

TAKING TURNS

A pastor friend of mine and I have breakfast together from time to time at a resturant. When we met the last time, Paul spilled his water glass on himself and the floor. I laughed at his mistake when it happened. Well, this morning it was my turn. Without any thought of doing such a thing, my right elbow hit my water glass thus spilling water on myself and the floor. This time though it was me who was in trouble. Terresa, the owner of the restuarant was walking by and said a word of "good morning" to us and then she saw the spilled water and ice. When she bent over to clean it up, I told her I had done it. She had a good laugh out of it and then she said, "it happens all the time." Had I had another glass of water near by I think I would of spilled it too just for the fun ot it. I should of told Paul that it would be his turn next time. But knowing Paul he would of just turned and walked away laughing as he got in his car to leave. We all need someone we can enjoy being with as we jouney through life. And, one of the best things about this morning was that Paul paid for my breakfast!

MY PRAYER BOOK

I am on page 235 of the Philip Yancey book, Prayer: Does It Make a Difference?, which I started reading on September 13th. Once again, I find myself feeling as if I am Holy Ground while I read his writing. Yancey yanks my chains. He makes me think. He makes me laugh. He makes me mad. But most of all, he draws me nearer and nearer to the Throne of God. As always, I have a lot of marks throughout the book to remind me to turn to those pages for spiritual jump-starts and to have some sermon seeds to work with in the future. As I read this new book, I find myself wondering why I don't deal with some of the things he deals with. I hope by the time I reach page 334, I will be able to say that this book has given me a deeper desire to be a person who prays much, much more and helps answers the prayers of others much , much more. Now it's left to me to pray and do more and not just read another book about prayer. I have an idea that maybe then I can make a difference in the lives of others just as Yancey's book has made a difference in mine.

A GRAND SLAM HOME RUN

A few minutes ago I came home after a busy day and started watching baseball. All of the sudden I wanted a Babe Ruth candy bar and a couple of cups of coffee. So I went into our kitchen and opened a drawer where we keep candy and pop corn. I could hardly believe my eye's when I saw, not one, but two, Babe Ruth candy bars. I sat down and enjoyed one of my afternoon delights. It was a grand slam home run as far as I'm concerned. I didn't have to run to get anything. I just walked in and got it. What I need to do now is make a run in our home and hug my wife for making me so very, very happy. Yum -Yum!!

I wonder where she keeps the t-bone steaks? Hey, Janice! ...................................

WAVE

One of my favorite things to do is to sit on the front porch swing and watch the traffic passing by. I pretty well know the habits people have as they drive by. Even if I don't know these people by their names, I pretty well know who will drive by at a fast speed and who drives slowler. I know who will stop at the stop sign and who will run it. I know who will be talking away on their cell phone and those who won't. I know who will be alone and who will have others with them. Some will honk at me and some simply ignore me.

I've been thinking about doing what an elderly man who lived by a busy road used to do, day day. He would wave at everbody who passed by. Made no difference to him , who it was or where they were going, He just did it. And now that I think about it, it made a difference on me because I can still see him in my mind as he waved as my car passed by day by day on my way to or from College almost forty years ago. I better finish this blog and get back to the porch swing so I can wave as the parade of people pass by. I wouldn't want to miss someone who needs a wave on their way to where ever it is they are going. It just might make a difference in their lives today. So, I wave goodbye as I go to wave hello to those who pass by our house.

NOT BAD FOR A MAN MY AGE

Today is Senior Citizen Day where we shop for food. Since I am over sixty, I have a Senior Citizen's card that allows me 10% off of what we buy. When I go with my wife, I love to watch the way these folk rush up and down each asile or slowly push their carts down the asiles. There ought to be a warning sign in each asile so the younger crowd can be aware of senior citizens in their midst. The best thing to do, is not to do your shopping on Senior Citizen Day. I have thought about going real early on one of these special days, like 12: 05 a.m., just to see how things might go. But I'm in bed sleeping. I can wait. On day's like today, I know that when my wife drives in the drive way and honks the horn of our car, I better be ready to go unload the trunk and the back seat of all she has bought at a good discount. And, I better do it with a big smile and a warm welcome. After all, I let her use my card and do the shopping without me today. At least I can help carry things in. Slowly. Very slowly, unless I know there is ice cream in one of those many, many plastic bags, then I can get out to the car pretty fast for a man my age. After all, a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do! Right?
Wrong!! I was wrong. My wife didn't get ice cream after all. But that's ok. She got a bunch of
other goodies. Goody - goody for her! Now, where was I? Oh yea, back to the game.

IT'S A WRAP

Cereal. Newspaper. Medicine. Have you noticed how almost everything you get these days is wrapped up in something for protection? Your sandwich is wrapped up at a restaurant. Your package in the mail is wrapped up. Just think of the time it takes to unwrap all these things. Just think of the amount of wrap to be thrown way? Just think of how much all this wrap cost.

Why don't we go to as much trouble to wrap up our children for protection? Go to as much trouble to wrap up our minds for protection? Go to as much trouble to wrap up our souls for protection? Maybe we don't do these things because it takes too much time and cost too much. While we will protect our possessions, we fail to wrap up the things that are of most value, ourselves. Let me wrap this up by saying one more thing. Duck tape and wrappings of plastic or paper aren't anything as good as to be wrapped up in the arms of family, friends, faith. It's a wrap!

"HOW MAY I HELP YOU?"

When you go to the counter of a place like McDonald's, someone will ask, "How may I help you?" You give your order and go off to eat it either in or out of the restaurant. Today while I was waiting for a friend to join me for lunch at McDonald’s, I sat near one of the doors. People were going in and out at such a rapid pace that I could hardly help but notice something I had never noticed before. Often someone would approach the door with something in both arms. Almost every time, someone either coming in or going out, would hold the door open for that person. There was even a "thank you" expressed most of the time. There was a smile most of the time on both faces too.

What if all of us were as nice all of the time? Maybe the real "Happy Meal" isn't in a box, but in the spirit of helping some stranger simply go through a door. Maybe the real "Happy Meal" is a smile which someone needs from a stranger. As we were leaving after lunch, my friend opened the door for me. I didn't ask him to do it, he just did it and smiled as we said, "goodbye, see you next Tuesday," and went our way. While he didn't buy my lunch, he did give me a" Happy Meal" to go by being someone who took the time to help someone at McDonald's, me. What a guy!

PEACE TO ALL WHO ENTER HERE

When we got home from a meeting last night, I sat down at the computer to work. When I looked at the wallpaper on the monitor I saw that our daughter has replaced the old one we had with a brand new one. She has taken a picture of the front door knocker and put it up as our wallpaper. It has six words of welcome: "Peace to all who enter here". These welcome words await anyone who turns on our computer. With all the turmoil in the world, we all need these words of welcome, don't we? We all need peace down deep in our souls. We all need peace in our homes. We all need peace in the world. Speaking for myself, these words have given me peace already. I just hope I can convey peace to people whom I know and whom I don't know. We all can use a big dose of peace. This "screen saver" can help save us from things in our lives we really don't need or want if we allow it to really be taken to heart. Don't knock it. It works.

UP AND AT IT!

I began taking a new medication last night that causes one to be drowsy. Was I ever drowsy! Most mornings I am up by 5:30. Not this morning. I didn't get out of bed until 7:00. Our son was already up and gone to work. The garbage guys were already doing their jobs. It's 9:30 and I feel I've wasted time by being in bed so late. Even though I don't have a job to get too, I still want to get going bright and early each and every morning. Now that I stop and think about it, I'm so glad I have something to get out of bed for each and every morning. Sad to say, some people feel that they don't have anything worth getting out of bed for at all. They tend to stay right where they are, as they are. They are not driven to do anything worth while. They are asleep almost all the time. They escape the excitement of another new day by being drowsy and doing little or nothing at all. I feel so sorry for folk like these. "Life is short even at it's longest", Henri Nouwen says. So, get up you sleepy heads and live life.

TREE TALK

While I was reading on our front porch this morning, I kept hearing the sound of the birds in the trees. They were chirping away so much that I couldn't concentrate on what I was reading. After awhile, I took my hearing aids out of my ears in an attempt to get back to the book I was trying to read. All of the sudden I realized that that is how I treat God at times. Fact is that's how I treat people at times. If I don't want to hear what they have to say, I just turn off my inner hearing aid as if they aren't speaking to me. Well, I got to wondering if others do the same thing to me. I'm sure they do. More than anything else, I need to stay tuned to the voice of God and those people nearest to me. They just might have something to say that I really do need to hear.

This afternoon when I went back to the porch swing and sat back down to read again, I didn't turn off my hearing aids. I kept them on and listened to the birds in the trees as they chirped away. While I didn't understand a thing they had to say, I still got their Monday message for me. The sound of silence can be wonderful, but so can the chirping of the birds who chat away as I try to read. Maybe you need to listen to the birds. They might have a message for you too.

SIXTY-FIVE ALIVE

I have one older brother who is still living. He is two years older than my twin and myself. In just a couple of days he will turn sixty-five. I would kid him about it but I know that my twin isn't far behind. Poor fellow! Sixty-five used to be considered as being old. Not now. That's the good news about becoming sixty-five. I remember our Father asking me years ago, "John, when did I grow old?" I told him that he wasn't old yet. Now that my older brother is turning sixty five, I wonder if he has asked that question of anyone. I doubt that he has because he is still acting young. As he goes on before my twin and myself, he gives us a glimpse of how hard or how easy becoming older might be. I guess I better turn up my hearing aids so I can hear him if he starts to tell me all about life at his age. By the way, before I forget it, Happy Birthday, Kenneth! And, many, many more.

HAVE YOU MISSED ME?

Someone asked me a few days ago why I am not listed in the informational booklet that gives the names, address, phone number, email address and other vital information of the clergy in our State. I didn't know that I was a missing person. I like it because if no one knows where I am, I don't have to pay taxes. I don't have to pay my bills. I don't have to do anything anyone wants me to do. If I'm a nobody, nobody knows where I am. I hope they don't read this blog and realize I'm alive and well and living in.........................gotta ya! I'm not telling a soul. I just hope my mail keeps coming with my checks that allow me to keep on keeping on. To tell the truth, I really rather like not being invisible. I like people too much. That's why I share so much through my blog from time to time. So, thanks for blogging me. It makes me feel needed.

I KEPT MY WORD

We were able to go see my Father today as I said I would. I took him copies of all my blogs for him to read at his leisure. He flipped through them and asked that I read one or two to him. What amazed Dad was that I cover so many topics. I told him how much I enjoy spending my time doing this very thing. Dad informed me that I have to come back again next month, like one day next week. Who knows, I might just take him up on it if he will buy my lunch! We had lots of laughs, tons of talking and lots of just listening. It was a delighful day with Dad.

"I'M GOOD TO GO"

It is amazing how often I hear someone say, "I'm good to go". Where are they going? What are they going to do? Will they be good? Will they do good? Or, will they be up to no good?

The Good Samaritian in the Scriptures is called the Good Samaritian because he did something ood. He didn't say, "I'm good to go" and then fail to do good. He was really ready to offer a elping hand when someone was down and out. He was good on his good intentions. What about ou? Are you good at doing what you intend to do or, do you just put up a false front? The next time you say, "I'm good to go", say what you mean and mean what you say. As for me, I'm good to go. Won't you join me somewhere on the journey?

A WAKE UP CALL

I plan to go see my Father on Friday. Dad resides
in a nursing home not far from where he was born
almost 95 years years ago. The answering machine
had a message on it one day last week from Dad. He
said that he was lonely. My step-mother goes to see
him every day as well as calls him daily. My three
brothers go see Dad pretty often but Dad is still
lonely. I asked myself why is Dad lonely and then I
realized that Dad has always been a people person.
Televison and radio simply won't work for this man
who loves to be with people. He knows everyone in
the Nursing Home by name, including the staff, not
to mention Butch, the dog who a dog in residence.
Over my forty years as a Pastor, I always visited
the Rest Homes to see people there who needed
to know someone cares. I'm ashamed that my
Father had to call and leave a message that he is
lonely and I should drive 90 miles and spend
some time with him. I must put aside all the
things I need to do and go see Dad Friday because
I know that is what Dad would do. So, Dad, get
out the Checkers, I'm on my way.
By the way, who do you need to pay a visit with?

ARE YE ABLE?

When I got ready to go down some steps a few minutes
ago I couldn't find my cane. It's my best looking cane,
my Sunday go to meeting cane, named Able. Able helps
me walk due to the fact that I have M. S.. I have another
cane, Protecter, that I use most of the time here at home,
It's like me, all bent out of shape and tired.
I have retraced my steps with my Protector looking for my
new cane but thus far haven't been able to find Able anywhere.
As I walk from place to place looking for the lost, I find myself
wondering how I could do something like this. Maybe Able
isn't able to walk with me today. Maybe Able is resting or
playing hide n' go seek with me. When I see one of my other
canes I ask, "Are ye Able?" "Nope, Dope!" I hate to say it but,
maybe Able has run away! Until I find Able, I will walk with
Protector by my side. We're friends from way back, you know.


NEWS FLASH ! ! !
"I once was lost, but now I'm found..." Able was in the bedroom
of our son. Anyone or anything could get lost in there! Jimmy
Hoffa might be under his bed for all I know. I'm afraid to look.
Able asked how I was holding up. What a nice thing to say. Anyway,
Able will be able to let me lean on him again. He really
doesn't seem to mind. I gave Able a warm welcome and told
him to stick by my side as we walked off together again.

WHAT'S THE POINT?

While I was waiting for someone in the Doctor's office yesterday,
I read several pages from Philip Yancey's book, Prayer, Does It
Make Any Difference? My custom is to underscore things that
I want to refer to again with a pencil. So, after awhile, the pencil
led broke. I asked a woman in the office if I could get my pencil
sharpened. She said, "I'm not sure we have a pencil sharpener
because we don't use it very much." A couple of minutes later
though she handed me my pencil with a sharp point.
All this got me to thinking, isn't that the way we are with prayer
life, "we don't use it very much." Maybe in times of crisis, like
calling "911" for help. Maybe in a pew on a Sunday morning.
Maybe our prayers don't make any difference because our
prayers don't mean much to us. We say them on the run and run
on our way leaving them behind in the dust to be forgotten as if we
hadn't even prayed at all. Like my pencil, our prayers become dull.
What's the point? Maybe the Great Physican would prescribe a good
dose of prayer so we can get well.

ARE THESE YOUR FINGER PRINTS?

Today while I was reading Phillip Yancey's book, Prayer: Does It Make Any Difference?
I found myself putting it down and going to yet another book he wrote, The Bible Jesus Read. Before I knew it, I was picking up Yancey's. Reaching for the Invisible God. In the Reaching
for the Invisible God book, he refers to a book by Gordon MacDonald and something he says
in Forging a Real World Faith. So, I go and get it off of my bookcase in my study. Then I realized I had not even picked up The Bible today and read even one verse from it.
All this got me to thinking of how we will look all around for information and inspiration and yet neglect the very book that will help us most of all. Shame on us for getting all of our spiritual highs from the books of others and leave The Bible all alone as if it is rustic and unworthy of our time. This has reminded me to get into the best book of all, for all of us, The Bible. Are your fingerprints to be found on yours? Each and every page should give evidence that you read God's Word. John Wesley said of The Bible, "O bring me the book. at any price, give me the book, reffering to The Bible. Can you say that? Maybe we need to put down other books and things and pick up the book that can pick us up. Maybe we should even stop posting our blogs
if we're to keep the SON in our eye's.

LIFE IS DEAR

Life is tought at times. I read about a man who was struggling
to survive some tough times. He had clung to life as long as he
could and as best as he could. When he was asked how he kept
on keeping on he said, "I clung on for dear life because even at
its worst life is dear."
One Sunday a little boy sat in church beside a man who was
dying of cancer. When the passing of the peace was taking place,
the little boy turned to the man and simply said, "Hang in there,
Harry!" What wonderful words of peace. I think that little boy
already knew that life is dear. Do you?

SERMON STUFFERS

At Christmas, we work with coming up with ideas
for stocking stuffers. It is a great way of giving gifts.
As a Pastor, I have placed the same two letters in
the margins of most of the books I've read through
the years. Those two letters are S S. They stand
for Sermon Stuff. In other words, whenever I see
something in a book that gives me an idea for a ser-
mon or a sermon illustration, I put a S S in the
margin and circle the number of that page for quick
reference.
All this got me to thinking about where else in life
might I write S S? I love to watch people and, I
even eavesdrop at times to see if there is some
S S there just waiting for me to take and make
something out of it. I love to watch a movie or
listen to a song and see if there is something that
I might make into a sermon or sermon illustration.
Today, why don't you see if you can come up with
some Sermon Stuffers. It might make your day
into a day to remember. It works for me. Don't
you think this blog is great to use as a sermon
illustration? S. S.

THIS IS A TEST, ONLY A TEST

My daughter tells me I get my words too spaced out for this to work out well. Well, this is a test, only a test, to see if an old man can learn from his young daughter. Why don't we see if this works. How about this? This is a test, only a test.
How does this look, Jennifer?

CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?

I had my ears cleaned at the Doctor's office today. It was amazing what a big difference it made. I can hear you now. I wear a hearing aid in each ear but I needed my ears cleaned so I might hear even better than before. Isn't it amazing how something so small can clog the channel of one's ear? There are times when we don't hear because we don't want too. There are times when we pretend that we don't hear. Then, there are times when we must admit that there isn't really much worth hearing anyway. There is so much profainty, gossip and the like!As far as I am concerned, some people need their mouths cleaned out more than I needed my ears cleaned out. Let's all try to watch what we say as well as what we hear. Can you hear me now?

IT'S ALL ABOUT ME

My wife has left me. Again. She does it all the time. She leaves me home alone while she shops till she drops. Then she comes home with the trunk of our car filled full of goodies for someone to carry in. Me. Trip after trip has to be made from the car to the door and on into the house. Then someone has to put all these things away. Me. I wonder how in the world this woman can get so much into the trunk of our car. I wonder why she has to have so much. Then all of the sudden I see something she bought for me and all of the sudden I'm glad she is home and I'm no longer alone. She has bought me a new shirt, a new tie, food, mints and many, many other things. While I was home alone, my dear wife was shopping for me. Oh me, I better be nicer and tell her more often how much I adore her and that I'm so glad she is at home in my heart. You see, my wife is always thinking of others. She is always thinking of what they need or what they want. I'll tell you what I want. I want my wife home so I can hug her (after I've looked in the shopping bags), I want my wife home so can tell her I love her, even if she will look me in the face and says, "It's all about me, isn't it?" Yep!

The Dash

While my wife and I were at The Cove last week, we met and heard Kirk and Deby Dearman from Franklin, TN. Towards the closing of their time with us, Kirk sang The Dash. The Dash refers to that time between our birth and our death and how we spend that time. Do we use the dash well or waste it? And, since we don't know how long the dash might happen to be, we best be using the dash well. My father is 94 years old. I'm 62 years old. Dad doesn't know how much longer he will live on earth, nor do I, neither do you. So, let's take advantage of the dash as long as we can and as best we can. Don't put things off that you want to do. Today would be a good day to get going. That's what I'm doing right now. I'm going to see two of my best buddies, Barnes & Noble. As for you, you might look up The Dash at a store or on the internet. It will be well worth your time. Remember the words of Henri Nouwen, "Life at it's longest is short." Go!

LONGINGS

Some words I heard at The Cove a few days ago were spoken by a grandson of Billy and Ruth Graham. We were told that his Grandparents are doing quite well considering how old they are. We were told that often they just sit together holding hands and looking at each other without speaking a word. They just sit and hold hands. They don't have to speak aloud to be know what's going on down deep within their hearts.
The final words from this Grandson said something that will stay with me for a long, long time. He told us that they long to see Jesus and just wonder how long it will be before that happens. These words got me to thinking down deep within my own heart.
Do I long to see Jesus? Do I wonder how long it will be before that takes place? What
I really need to do it simply be still, be quite and listen. I think Jesus already knows what I feel and need without having to speak. That's what is so great about
having a long lasting relationship with the Son of of God. If you don't believe me, go ask Billy and Ruth Graham.

OVER LOOKING THE OVERLOOK

While my wife and I were walking in the woods in North Carolinia yesterday sight seeing we wanted to stop and take in the scenry and the silence. I saw a couple of rocking chairs at an overlook where one could look out and see nature putting on quite a show. But as we drew nearer to the two chairs I overheard a voice from one of the two chairs. Sure enough, a man was on his cell phone talking away as if he had nothing else in the world to do. He wasn't even looking out over the overlook, he was just taking up one of the chairs that we would of liked to of used. After several minutes of waiting, we went on our way and enjoyed other scenry. I felt sorry for the two of us but I felt sorrier for someone who didn't see the sights right there before him. What an oversight at the overlook.

ATTENTION, BLOG READERS

My wife and I were just wondering if anyone ever reads my blogs. Maybe you do but don't want to admit to it. I understand that. But, I really want and need to know
if anyone ever reads my blogs. If you have read this blog, would you please let me
know before I go out and let the air out of someone's tires. You see, i really don't want to have to get up and go do it. Thanks for your time and thoughtfulness.
Signed,

A. Desperate Writer

A TRUCK LOAD OF SLOW DOWN DAYS

This has been a week of slowing down. This has been a week of reading and relaxing.
A week of slowing down doesn't come very often. That's why we all should
take all the slow down days we can get. I could use a truck load of slow down days every now and again. Can't you?
Friday, my wife and I are heading to the Smokey Mountains. While we're there I want to look, listen, loaf, laugh and the leave refreshed and renewed. Doing these five things takes a lot of effort because I tend to not look, fail to listen, laugh at
the wrong time or the wrong things, and leave as fast as a speeding car can go.
As Fall finally arrives in a few weeks, I hope we all will take time to see the sights that surround us, hear the sounds that are all about, laugh lots and leave the leafs alone atleast for awhile. Maybe we should just jump up and down in them like a child. Won't you join me in the journey called life. It's full of fun when we stop and think about it.

WHAT A JOKE!

A number of years ago I met a young man who was on the staff of the church I was going to serve as Pastor in just a few weeks. Little did I known then that Gary and I would develope such a warm friendship. I am a number of years older than Gary yet, the two of us bonded very quickly. Over the next five years, the two of us worked well together. The two of us started playing practical jokes on one another. The two of us would try to outdo one another if we could. I hate to say it: Gary won!!
Gary has asked me to participate in his wedding in a few weeks. I have already developed a long list of ways to make their wedding one they will never forget. Knowing that Gary might read this, I will keep my thoughts top secret. All I can say is that Gary and Jennifer will want what I plan to do in their wedding photograph's. All I can say for now is, "Cheese!"

KEEP THE PORCH LIGHT ON

Yesterday there was a great deal of confusion at our house. I had thought we would be leaving today (Thursday) to travel to Asheville, North Carolinia. I said so in my blog yesterday. Then I caught my mistake and had a good laugh but, the last laugh wasn't on me. My wife thought it
was Thursday that we were going. Not! We're still here in our old Kentucky home. Both of us
are getting ready to leave early in the morning (Friday) . But first, I, being the good man that I am, am taking my wife out for breakfast. I just hope we can find the place without getting lost.
If you don't hear from us for awhile, keep the porch light on. We just might show up at your house. By the way, where am I?

ps: I'm sorry that this post isn't looking real good. It's early and I'm still sleepy. Besides, it's my blog!!

I BOUGHT ANOTHER BOOK

I bought another book today. When I got home, I looked at all the books on the shelves in my study and saw that I had several of the writers books already. That's why I bought this new book. I love the way this writer reads. He challenges me to be something more than I ever imagined myself being. While I'm away for the next three days, I hope to read all if not most of this new book because I need a good dose of what he has to say. By the way, the book is entitled, Prayer: Does It Make Any Difference, by Phillip Yancey. I'll let you know if this new book makes any difference.

ENROLL NOW - DON'T WAIT

Today as I was I passing by a church in our neighborhood I saw their sign which read: "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning." Right beneath those words were these words, "Enroll now!" Then beneath those words were these words, "Child Care Center". Since I don't need to enroll in child care, I think I will go ahead and enroll for the joy that comes in the morning. I think it would help me considerably. Best of all, it's free! All I have to do is enroll and waite till morning. Won't you join me? I'll be waiting for you.

GET YOUR DAY'S STRAIGHT!

Have you ever been so excited about going somewhere that you couldn't think of anything else? Well, I'm the president of the "Let's Go!" Club. I was elected just this morning when I started packing my bags, gathering my things and looking at Map Quest for directions to travel to The Cove this Thursday. That's why I'm elected! We don't go until Friday morning! You see, I jumped the gun. I got my days all mixed up. I have list of places to go, things to do and, people to see before launching off to The Cove FRIDAY! I'm a day ahead of myself. All this mixed up stuff has got me to thinking though. Am I as anxious to get into the Word of God, to spend time in prayer or, to visit someone, as I am to get going to The Cove? Maybe that's why we're going in the first place. We simply need to put life on pause for a few days and nights and have our souls saturated with God's spirit. Personally, I want to get a good drenching! I can't wait! The sooner, the better!

A NEAT NOTE

This morning I found a note on our computer desk. The message simply said: "Change Your Home, Change Your Life." Well, I think that is backwards. Wouldn't it be better to change your LIFE then change your HOUSE? You see, it's an inside job, not an outside job. If we can get things in our hearts changed first, the changes in the house will follow. Are you following me?

I'm sure that the note is simply a reminder to my wife or my daughter to buy or read a copy of the November InStyle magazine. That's something I can't change in our house. I hope it helps them get our house looking even better. In the meantime, I'll go on about reading the book I'm reading by John Maxwell, The Difference Maker. It's a neat nook.

WHAT ELSE DO I NEED?

Next week my wife and I will travel to Asheville, North Carolina to The Cove (Billy Graham Center) for a few days and nights of September spiritual refreshing. We will hear Ken Gire share Scripture after Scripture of what Jesus said and did during His days upon the dusty streets and roads where He lived for thirty years. Gire has written four fabulous books featuring such Scriptures. Each one deals with different aspects of the Lord's life. Next week my wife and I will be blessed by being at The Cove where the food is fabulous, the teaching terrific and, the accommodations, magnificent. But, best of all, my wife and I will be blessed simply by being together. While we look forward to making new friends, eating the food, hearing an outstanding writer share his thoughts with us, simply being with one another will be more than enough. We will be refreshed and renewed as we hold hands and hand it to Almighty God that He does all things well. After all, God gave my wife to me 37 years ago to be my wife, my companion, my best friend. What else do I need?

A COUNTER PROPOSAL

Kitchen counter space can be a problem if the husband and the wife both have different ideas as to where things go on it. Let me explain. My wife wants the microwave, the toaster, the coffee-maker and a number of other small items different than what they have been for a couple of years. I, the husband, think (know) that they should be right where they have been. Why change things when things work well in the first place? I am an early riser. So, before 6:00 this morning I did a little experimenting. I moved things around. I tried every combination I could think of and deal with. After all my hard work, I put everything right back where they had been all this time. I knew before I began that I would end up putting things back in the same place. I just hope that when my wife walks into the kitchen she will give me a huge hug rather than put me in my place. She is really good at that. But just in case she reads these words of wisdom, let me add: Honey, I how can I help you in the kitchen today?

LIKE SON, LIKE FATHER

We all have heard the expression, "Like father, like son." Well, this past Tuesday I was more like my son than my son being like me. If someone does something good for our son he says, "Preciate it." It is an abbreviation "thank you".

When my mother died several years ago, a minister friend showed up at our door within a few minutes after our family had heard the news. Sam hugged me, listened to me and then offered a prayer for us. This brief visit left a long lasting memory for me.

I saw Sam at a funeral this week and had the opportunity to walk up to him and tell him I had been thinking of what he did when my Mom died. I thanked him again after all these years. He smiled and thanked me for telling him that. Then as I was walked away from Sam, I turned around towards him and saw him drying his eyes with his handkerchief. In that moment I realized that the two of us experienced appreciation. It became another moment to keep in the scrapbook of my soul. That moment awakened within me the fact my son Stephen is rubbing off on his old man. And, that's something I truly "preciate!"

HEAVENLY LAUGHTER

Something funny happened on the way to the graveyard Tuesday. I was driving my wife and another couple to the grave yard following the funeral of a dear friend of ours. Just as we about to drive onto the grounds, Bob saw a sign, "Crematory" and said, "They sell cream here, huh?" Well, we laughed hard and long as we went on around to the place where our friend Herb was soon to be buried. I got to I wondering if Herb heard Bob's words from Heaven and had a long
laugh right along with us.

A DECLARATION OF CELEBRATION

Tuesday a couple of things happened to me at a funeral that will stay with me for a long, long time. As the casket of a seventy-seven year old pastor was being taken down the aisle and to the door of the church, I thought of how many times Herb had walked that aisle across the years as he sought to serve the Lord and the people he pastored. And then as we were walking down the steps of the church suddenly chimes started playing. The chimes in the core of the city had to be heard for blocks and blocks.What a wonderful testimony of celebration for all those who heard them. It was a declaration of celebration of a life lived long and well. Herb had heard those chimes over the past years and now those very same chimes rang out in his honor as hundreds of people remembered a man who gave us something to really worth celebrating, a life well lived.

SEPTEMBER MOURN

A number of years ago Neil Diamond sang a song, September Morn, which became very popular. As we approach the anniversary of anguish again on September 11th, we remember where we were, what we were doing, who we were with. That September morn became September mourn in an instant. It changed our lives and our land that we call America. Jesus was "acquainted with grief" the Bible tells us. St. Matthew's Gospel says, "Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted." Psalms 30: 11 says, "You have turned my mourning into dancing." Now, what do you say? I hope this week you won't be weak, but strong as you "turn your eye's upon Jesus", and as you do, "Keep the SON in your eyes" and be filled with His marvelous grace. When under attack remain under God's grace.

THESE SHOES ARE MADE FOR WALKING

This morning I felt an urge to drop what I was doing and visit a dying friend in a nearby hospital. I shared some things with Herb to help him as best Icould. I mentioned knowing his mother when I was a teenager in their town. I mentioned him being a district supertindent several years ago in the area I recently served as a pastor. I reminded him of how they have pictures of former pastor's in the parlor of First Church. Dr. Ellsworth Kalas preached a sermon a number of years ago about the feet of the messengers of God and that rather than having pictures of pastors, we should have the shoes of pastors instead. In my very first sermon at First Church, I mentioned that I was following in the footsteps of outstanding pastors. Well, Herb has big feet and I know I can never begin to accomplish all that he has to the glory of God. Soon Herb will walk on streets of Gold because he told people all about Jesus and His love. I hope I can do half as much.

GARBAGE IN - GARBAGE OUT

While I watched it raining today I took in some of the scenery and the silence of the afternoon from our front porch swing. I noticed the tall trees, the drooping flowers soaking wet with rain drops and a garbage can beside the street. All of the sudden the lovely landscape lost it's beauty and I lost my sense of serenity. It was all spoiled by a big black garbage can. Why did it have to be there? Why wasn't it put away so I could enjoy the scenery? When I stopped to think about this interruption to my peaceful porch moment, I realized that the landscapes of our lives are all spoiled with something. At times it is by something someone has said or done or, by something we've said or done. We can't protect ourselves from such sights by ignoring them, by pretending that they aren't there. What we have to do is to accept them as they are and get on with our lives. As we do, maybe we should seek to add as much beauty all around as we possibly can so that others can have a beautiful day.

GRACE IN PLACE

I just saw a truck with the word "GRACE" on it going down the street in front of our house. Maybe someone down the street need a truck full of GRACE. Maybe someone is searching for it and can't find it. Maybe someone hopes it gets to their house before it's too late. I hope that truck full of GRACE gets to the right place. Hold on, I've got to answer the door bell...I wonder who it might be? Isn't this wonderful, it's someone delivering a package for me all wrapped up in love. Well, I can't believe my eye's, it's GRACE!!! "Grace, grace, God's grace…” God's grace is in just the place. Delivered for free for me. I hope you hear a knock on the door of your heart soon and receive God's grace, full and free.

HE WENT ABOUT DOING GOOD

I read in the morning newspaper that a dear friend of mine has died at the young age of 90. I met Mr. Kramer when I was a teenager. He was a member of the church my father pastored when I began attending college. Whenever he saw me he always asked how I was doing. He really was interested in knowing. He wasn't just being a polite person. He was an interested person. Little did I know that a number of years later I would become his pastor at the very same church my father served. Again and again he would ask me how I was doing. He would stand still and listen to every word I had to say as if I were the only person in the world. At that moment, I was. I've thought of Mr. Kramer many times through the years. I hope he knew how much interest I had in him because, he will always hold a place in my heart for being like Jesus "who went about doing good." Mr. Kramer left a good impression upon me. I just hope I can go and do likewise.

GREAT PREACHER'S I'VE HEARD IN PERSON

I've been blessed to hear outstanding preachers throughout the years of my life. My father saw to it that I started at an early age. I heard Billy Graham and W. E. Sangster when I was a child. Since I was a child, I've heard George Buttrick, Norman Vincent Peale, Charles Allen, Fred Craddock, Will Willimon, Leonard Sweet, John Maxwell, J. Ellsworth Kalas, James W. Moore and John Killinger.

The other day I was looking at some of their books that I have and realized that I have the autographs of Chalres Allen, Fred Craddock, Will Willimon, Leonard Sweet (even an email from Sweet), J.Ellsworth Kalas, James W. Moore and John Killinger.

Many years ago I heard Dr. W. W. Slider say at a Pastor's School that anyone who preaches Jesus is a great preacher. Well, I know Jesus is the greatest subject of any sermon preached. My hope is that I always life high the Name I love to hear, Jesus. It's not about me, nor is it about all the great preacher's anyone has heard. It's all about Jesus. That's what is so outstanding to this preacher.

THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX

I have a small plastic box that looks like a crate. It has all sorts of stickers on it that indicate things to do and not do.
DO NOT DROP!
HOLD FOR PICK-UP
FRAGILE
KEEP DRY HANDLE WITH CARE
If you look at this plastic crate, you will see an eye looking out at you. Then if you touch the crate, you will hear a loud knock from within it and a voice calling out, “EXCUSE ME, EXCUSE ME, EXCUSE ME! CAN YOU LET ME OUT OF HERE?"
This tiny crate created a lot of questions for me: What do I need to get of? Who or what put me in this situation in the first place? How can I get out of this situation? Who can help me? Do you feel like a captive in a crate? Why? What are you doing to get out? Whenever I see this tiny crate up on the shelf in my study, I study it to see if I'm like that little fellow in big trouble. If I feel I'm free, I'm grateful. If I see I'm held captive by something or someone, I cry out to the Lord, "Excuse me, excuse me, excuse me, can you let me out of here?" Most of the time it works well. At times, I find myself blushing because I put myself in that box! What a silly thing to do! I'm so glad God gets the key to the lock and lets me out and sets me free when I whisper a prayer or even shout out a prayer for help.

FRIENDS AND FOOD GO TOGETHER

One of the things that thrills my soul is to have a meal with friends from time to time. Just in the past few days I have had the opportunity to be with a couple of dear friends from the town where we live. Hal and I met over forty years ago. I've conducted a couple of revivals for him and have always enjoyed his friendship. Paul and I met three years ago but bonded as friends right off. He was with me through some very difficult days as he advised me on what to do to survive spiritually and physically.
When I met with Hal one day and Paul another, I offered thanks for the food and for friends such as these two. Two songs come to my mind as I think of friendship: "Blest Be the Tie that Binds" and "What a Friend We Have in Jesus".

I thank God for giving me many friends through the years.

HOLD THAT THOUGHT

The other afternoon I was reading a chapter from Frederick Buechner's book, Secrets in the Dark, when I felt the urge to read about someone he says had a great impact upon his life, Dr. George A. Buttrick. I got up from the porch swing and pulled a book off the shelf in my study that contained a bio on Dr. Buttrick. Before long I was reading some sermons that were published by this great Preacher from many years ago. Then I remembered that I too, like Frederick Buechner, was touched by this Preacher from the past. I had forgotten that my wife and I not only heard him at a retreat in Bardstown, KY a number of years ago, but, we were privileged to sit at a table with Dr. & Mrs. Buttrick and carry on a conversation. I asked Dr. Buttrick what he thought of Dr. Norman Vincent Peale and he quick as a flash said, "I find Peale appalling and Paul appealing!" What an afternoon. What an appealing man!

It's amazing to me that one thought sent me in search for one book about a man who had a great impact upon my life, Jesus Christ. He is the most appealing person in all the wide, wide world. That thought has a hold of me now that I think about it.

SOMETHING I'VE NOTICED

-Since our daughter has moved home with us I'm finding that we are doing a couple of things more than we use to do. One thing is that we eat at the table much more. Most of the time we would eat in front of the TV in our favorite chairs with out tray tables in our laps. Now we eat at the dining room table. We carry on conversations and we share stories. Another thing is that we laugh a lot more. I find myself laughing when I hear our daughter laughing in her bed room while watching her TV. She will be watching some show and get to laughing so loud & so much that I find myself laughing at and with her. It's a hoot!

One last thing I've noticed is that I love being a proud parent of two precious children who call our house "home".

HIT & RUN

One of the things that I like to do most is to watch people. Just the other day I was watching people from my car in the Kroger parking lot. I saw a woman pushing her shopping cart with her head down. She wasn't watching what she was doing or even where she was going. Before she could look up she had hit a man who was walking towards the door. She didn't even apologize. She simply walked on off as if it hadn't happened! He was a gentleman and didn't pursue the hit & run.
I wonder what I would have said or done.
What about you?

THESE SHOES ARE MADE FOR WALKING...

It was a hard thing to do but I had to do it yesterday. As I stood by the garbage can and dropped my blue tennis shoes in, many memories came to mind. Those are the tennis shoes I walked many a mile in when my wife and I were in Gatlinburg, TN a few years ago. Those are the tennis shoes I walked many a mile in when we were at Asheville, NC at The Cove a few of years ago. Those are the tennis shoes I walked in here at home as I walked several blocks with one of our two grand-dogs (they belong to our son). Those are the tennis shoes that I've taken the garbage out with many, many times. Now, to the dump, to the dump, to the dump they go...gone, but not forgotten.

So what? Where do your shoes take you?

May the soles help your soul walk with God these Summer days.

Our Old Kentucky Home

Jennifer has added a new spirit of excitement to our house since moving in a few days ago. As the song says, “Our house is a mighty fine house with children living under our roof and two dogs as well & mom & pop…” It’s just great in our Old Kentucky Home.

TOP TEN THINGS TO DO AT A YARD SALE

Our neighborhood is having a big yard sale this Saturday. Hundreds of people will seek to find something worth taking home. Not me. I'm trying to get rid of it! My cup runneth over already with things we've had year after year after year. To top that, one of my brothers is bringing stuff over to my yard to sale! What am I to do?
Here are my thoughts on the matter. What do you think?

My Top Ten Things To Do At a Yard Sale:

10. Buy NEW old stuff & add to the stuff we already have.
9. Put a "For Sale" sign on my brother's car. "What do I hear? Who will give me $___?" SOLD!
8. Have my son's two dogs bark so loud everyone leaves. Want to buy two dogs? "Here Memphis! Here Keyara!”
7. Give away free garbage bags full of things I have that you've always wanted. Yes, I said free, friend.
6. Play some of my sermons while people purchase things. Someone may get under conviction & buy all kinds of stuff.
5. Just stand in the yard and watch people. They can be very entertaining. It's free too!
4. Watch cartoons all morning. I get the lazy-boy!
3. Sell tapes of my sermons. Two for the price of one. What a bargain, brothers and sisters.
2. Hide in the basement. Wait, we don't have one.
1. Go see my best buddies, Barnes & Noble. They have great coffee! And, I can bring home some really good books.

John, you're fired!

I was asked to preach for several Sundays at a small church until they receive a new pastor. I have all the sermons ready in my brief case and ready to preach. They include the sermon, the text, the songs to sing and one or two other things. Lots of thought. Lots of work. Lots of prayers.

Well, today my District Supertindent called and in essence told me what Donald Trump would tell me, "John, you're fired!" Not really. I'm just not needed. The church has a new pastor who starts Sunday. So I will simply put my sermons away and hope to preach them somewhere else some other time.

I'm delighted that the small church has a new pastor and that they don't have to wait. I'm also glad that I can sit with my family at church Sunday and listen to my Pastor share the Good News of the Gospel. Life goes on. I'm a survivor.

OPIE AT THE OCEAN

Late one afternoon as we watched three boys playing by the seaside. All of the sudden one of the boys hit a sea gull as it was flying off. Sad to say, it didn't fly long. It went down to its death. The boys were afraid. What would their parents have to say about this tragic thing? What would their parents do?

All this afternoon drama reminded me of an episode on Andy Griffith where Opie killed a small bird with a sling shot. He wondered what his father would say and what he would do. Opie learned a lesson from what he did. I hope those three boys learned their lesson too. I know I learned my lesson. You can get the Gulf Shore blues real quick. How did they handle things? How do I handle things? How do you handle things?

ABOUT THAT BOOK

One of the books I bought and read while I was on the 7th story balcony was Having a Mary
Heart in a Martha World by Joanna Weaver. As I read the book I realized I was reading about myself. I, like Martha, stay too busy when I need to simply stop and rest and be restored. I have an idea I'm in good company with others who have the habit of not pushing the "pause" button on their souls. Hold up your hand if I'm writing about you. Yes, I see that hand are there others?

GULF SHORES GREAT!

My wife and I are just back from spending a week on the Gulf Shores because some friends allowed us to stay at a condo for free. The Gulf Shores are great and so are Steve and Susan!

I made a mistake and wrote Gulf Shoes when I started this post. Then I realized I was right about being wrong. You don't have to wear shoes on the sandy beaches. Fact is, I only wore shoes to go out to eat and when my wife had me go shopping with her. What a waste of time when I could of been walking on the beach or back on the 7th story balcony reading a good book.
Now that's what I call great!!!