Simple Truths

Yesterday afternoon I slipped a piece of paper inside a book entitled, Simple Truths. I want to keep that paper because it is an email from the person who wrote the book, Stephen Bauman. I had emailed him yesterday morning to thank him for what he had to say in his book. Bauman is the Senior Minister of Christ United Methodist Church in New York City. What amazed me was that he emailed me back and, that he did it within a couple of hours of my emailing him. He shares such simple truths from everyday life. He says that they are right before our eyes if we will take time to look and listen for them. I know from personal experience that he is right. Many of my blog posts are made up of simple truths that come to me as I simply stop to take in what's happening right before my eyes. Many of my sermon seeds come from simple things. What a nice note from Stephen Bauman. The simple truth is that I hope to meet him and thank him personally one of these days. Until then, I will try to practice what he has to say in Simple Truths.

A CLOSE SHAVE

While shaving this morning, I looked in the mirror and saw my daughter's puppy, Derby. He was out in the hall looking at me. Listening to the radio as I shaved, I was careful not to cut my face. Just as I was about through, I looked in the mirror to see Derby. Sure enough, Derby was there to be seen. What I saw was Derby with the toilet paper in his little mouth heading south. He was singing, "When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder, I'll Be There." When I reached to get hold of him, Derby darted down the hallway saying, "Catch me if you can." Well, I did! I picked him up and started trying to rewind the toilet paper. That was the end of that! It was a really close shave! After cleaning things up, I looked at Derby and told him that he was so Charmin. He agreed with me as the two of us high tailed it on out of the bathroom before the lady of the household could catch us. Talk about a really close shave!!

DOING DAILY DUTIES

While I was reading a few minutes ago I heard a familiar sound, the "Garbage Guys" going in front of our house. Here I am in my nice, warm home watching the "Garbage Guys" going by in frigid weather. I complained about taking the garbage out at 6:00 this morning and here there they were at 10:00 doing their daily duties. I didn't hear them complaining about it. Isn't it true that we too often take people for granted? People who go about their daily duties with out calling attention to themselves amaze me. They do these acts of kindness knowing that someone needs something that they can do. What we ought to do is do something to thank them. A tip. A smile. A thank you note. It just might make their day worth while.

"AND THEY CALL IT PUPPY LOVE"

I was up at 5:30 this morning because my ribs were hurting. Since I couldn't sleep I thought I might as well get an early start on the day. I took the dogs and the garbage out. Then I sat down to read the newspaper and watch the morning news on tv. By 6:30 I was worn out! I guess it's my body telling me that I can't do things the way I used to do them. I used to move at the speed of a microwave but now it is more like a crock-pot. I'm just glad I can still move. I may be slow, but I'm moving. When I was taking our daughter's puppy, Derby, out I fell down just outside the garage door. It didn't hurt. It just was frustrating. The good thing is that Derby stopped his march to the yard and came over to me and licked my face. It was as if the little feller was saying, "I know you're in pain." Or, maybe he was saying, "You're a pain!" Whatever, it was nice to be noticed. I got up and we took care of matters at hand, came back in the house as if nothing had happened worth telling about. So, why am I telling you? I guess I need some sympathy. Even if it's from a little puppy. That's why they call puppy love, I guess. Works for this old man.

GREAT GAME - GREAT TIME

Being the very nice older brother than I am I invited my youngest brother over to watch the Super Bowl with us last night. It was a great game and we had a great time. There were times though when I wasn't watching the tv. Instead, I was watching my brother watching the game on tv. Every time his team did something right, he would yell and clap. Every time his team made a mistake, he would boo them as if they were the dumbest people in the world. He acted as if he had never heard of them! Then there were the commercials. He laughed so loud that I could hardly hear what was being said. And I had on my hearing-aids! Of course, I have to admit, I did my fair share of watching, yelling, and talking too. The greatest thing was, I ate more pizza than any one else. Watching the great game and the great gathering in the family room got me really, really hungry! And, by the way, our team won! As Tony the tiger would say, “That's GREAT!!!!"

WAIT WATCHING

I love to go to the Mall or to some other store and watch people. What is so amusing is to watch the men watching their watches. One man took a look about every other second. "Been there, done that!" Some will walk around some. Some will watch the people passing by. Some will get up and go to the bathroom and then return to their perch while waiting to really go. Whenever I find myself waiting in a place like that, I pray for the people passing by. I don't know them and I don't know their needs and problems, but God does. While waiting, I try to rest knowing that I will be up and at it before too much longer. Just now while writing this, our daughter's dog came in spread out right at my feet. I think he is waiting for me to get up and go get his mid-day meal. So, so long.

THE DERBY DIET

In a week I will celebrate my 63rd birthday. I would of never thought that at age 63 I would be
trying to train a puppy to go outside to do his business. And I don't mean going to the bank or
buying his dog food. You know what I mean, don't you? At my age, I do well enough to get to
the bathroom without having an accident! I even have to watch where I'm going so I don't knock my wife down in the hallway as I'm trying to get there in time! Again, you know what I mean, don't you? As hard as we try to train Derby to do his do-do thing out doors, he seems to think that he has us on a new weight training exercise - bending over - to pick him up - to pick up or clean up his mess. I've lost 5 pounds just bending over since he arrived a few weeks ago. This Derby Diet sure does work. At this rate I will be 20 or thirty pounds lighter by the time I'm 64!

A NEW DAY

"IN THE BEGINNING...."

Included in a get well card to me were these words from a woman I know, "Spring is coming and bringing a new beginning, Thank God." While looking at that card with that message, I looked out the window and saw snow coming down and on the ground. Her card was a card of promise.
Our son's favorite hymn is Hymn of Promise. It speaks of the end as our beginning. The Bible says, "Behold, I make all things new." This is a new day with new possibilities. What we need to do is to take use this new day as best we can, for as long as we can. Before we know it, it will be gone. So, what are you waiting for, friend?

"YOU'VE GOT MAIL"

"You've Got Mail" is one of my favorite movies. I love to watch it again and again. Yesterday I got mail. I got a get well card from a woman who had heard of my fall and broken ribs. A really nice note was written inside the card. Then there's the card with an old dog with a bandage on his front leg. Inside the card where these words, "Heal!" And a nice note from a couple from our church. Lastly, there was a card from the small country church where I preach from time to time. Last night I got to thinking about these get well cards. Someone had to take time to get a card, stamp it and include a nice note inside it. They didn't have to do it, but they did. They didn't have to think of me at all, but they did. "You've got mail!" means a great deal to me while I get better day by day. The message about healing is what it's all about, isn't it? These cards make me feel better. Much, much better.

The Man In Black

"Hello, I'm, Johnny Coomer......" You wonder why I wear black. Well, I'm so sad...so very, very sad. My twin brother turns 63 this month and that's why I wear black. It's so sad that I have to wear a black suit everywhere I go until I get over these old person blues. I feel so sorry for him getting so old, so quick. They say there's nothing we can do for him but pray, but I'm gonna sing a song about my almost older twin brother. I can't sing to ya, but here are the words.:

Sixty-three, oh my - oh me!
How in the world can it be?
What ever happened to your face?
Wrinkles here and there, I do declare!
You look older than your older twin brother
But you still smile like your Mother!
Sixty-three, how can it be?
That you look older than me?
Goodbye, I'm Johnny Coomer - the man in black out of respect for my twin who will be 63 this
month. Don''t send no flowers or candy, just dress in black, that would be dandy!

"Me & My Shadow"

"Me and my shadow" is an old saying that I remember from way back when I was a child. Then a few years ago we bought a cocker spaniel and named him Rusti. Rusti was with us for a long time. The truth of the matter is, where ever you went, Rusti went. Upstairs - upstairs, downstairs - downstairs. She would follow you from room to room. She was like a shadow. Since we brought Derby home a few weeks ago, he has become the shadow. Where ever you go, Derby goes. This morning I played hide - go -seek with Derby. He found me each and every time. I didn't have to call him or whistle for him, he just always showed up. They say that a dog is man's best friend. I say, this dog is like shadow. I don't mind having him follow me everywhere as long as I can get a nap in from time to time. Now, where us that little feller?

TALKING TO MYSELF

Yesterday afternoon I finished reading The Gospel According To Starbucks by Leonard Sweet. This 210 page book is wonderfully written. I doubt I can ever drink another cup of coffee without thinking of it. Sweet shares where coffee came from and why it is so popular with so many people. The most important thing that he deal with is how coffee and conversation go
together. Coffee connects people together as they talk about almost anything there is to talk
about. Starbucks is a success because it's the relationships that matter most, not the coffee.
It is a "port of entry" into the hearts and minds of one another. This small book asks some big
questions of it's readers as they turn from page to page. I know it has helped me deal with a
couple of issues already that I hadn't given much throught to before. It is as if I've had a deep
conversation with myself over coffee. I know I talk to myself from time to time but this was well worth listening too. I even took notes. Now if I can just put into practice some of the things
I thought about, I'll be a much better man.

Wise Words

One of the things that I like so much about Everyday Greatness are the quotes. Here's a share of some of them:

"This typxwritxr is xxcxllxnt xxcxpt for onx kxy. The 25 othxr lxttxrs work finx; but just onx goof-off lousxs up thex wholx job." - William D. Xllis

"The dictionary is the only place where success comes before work." - Arthur Brisbane

"Nowadays some people expect the door of opportunity to be opened with a remote control."
- M. Charles Wheeler

"The best way to break a habit is to drop it." - Leo Aikman

Wise words to ponder through out the day.

STAY STILL

I am making progress in reading a couple of books today. I needed a day to stay in and stay still
so I could read. One book speaks of the future while the other speaks of the past. As I read I'm
finding humor on many of the pages of one book while I'm finding sadness saturating almost
every page of the other book. Both books speak about how we humans act and react in our daily
lives. Both books make one stop and think. Both books give hope for those who need it. Yet, if
I were to select one book over the other, I would read Leonard Sweet's, The Gospel According to Starbucks because it is so current. After reading the two, I may read the Comics in the news
paper just for the fun of it. I could use a jolt of laughter righ now. Come to think of it, most of the
comics are too serious today too. That's so sad when the world needs good news for a change.

COMFORT FOOD

One of my favorite treats is a package of Oreo Cookies. Give me Oreo Cookies and some coffee and leave me alone. I'm in Heaven! I love Oreo Cookies because they taste so good. I, like so
many others, like to lick the inside of them, one by one. I love Oreo Cookies as a comfort food.
And I sure could use lots and lots of comfort with these two broken ribs. I have a hiding place
where I stash them from everyone so that they are mine, mine, mine! But being the really nice
Father that I am, I often put the Oreo Cookies right where everyone can get as many of them as they want. It doesn't take long before, "now you see them, now you don't!" As I write this Blog
they are fastly fading from the front of me. The trouble is, my front isn't fading, it's enlarging it's territory. But isn't that biblical? Jabez wanted to enlarge his territory. So, I'm just enlarging my
territory on this Thursday morning as I eat one Oreo cookie after another. They are yum, yum good! And they are just what the Doctor ordered to help me heal faster. It just might take a long, long time because Oreo Cookies must be eaten until I'm healed. Oh what comfort that is .
Excuse me, I've got to freshen up my coffee and get back to my reading while MY OREO COOKIES are fresh. I just hate stale stuff, don't you!

A Hard Read

Today I am going to start re-reading a book I read several years ago. I had lost my copy awhile back so I bought a new copy a few months ago. I am just now picking it up to read, why have I waited so long? It's because I know much of what Man's Search for Meaning is all about. Viktor Frankl wrote about the horror in Nazi death camps. It isn't a book you would want to read over a meal and it is not a book you would want read quickly. It is a book that grabs you and won't let go. I guess that's why I've waited. There are so many other good books to read and that's what I've been doing. But now is the time to pick the book up once again and let it remind me of man's worse treatment of mankind. I know I find myself searching for meaning as I read page after page of this small book with a big message. I will look up to God as I look at each and every page as I read this book once again after many, many years when I was in seminary just outside of Chicago.

"Will You Marry Me?"

I was shocked last week when a woman asked if I would marry her. Why would a lovely young woman want me to marry her? For one thing, I'm already a married man. Why would she want an older man who limps when he walks to marry her? These are tough questions that demand only one answer, will I marry her or not? Well, after thinking things over, I told her that I would marry her. I asked her when she wants to get married. She told me that September would be fine. That's when I asked her the hardest question of all, "why me?" She then informed me that my daughter is one of her good friends. She then informed me that of all the other men she wanted to marry her, I was the one she wants to marry her. Being the very nice man that I am I told her, "It's a date!" So, in September I am going to marry Katie to Chris in Nashville. It will be my first marriage as a pastor in Nashville. I am still stunned that Katie wants me to marry her though. It will be an honor to perform their service.

THE RIGHT STUFF!

One of things that caught my attention turning through, Everyday Greatness by Stephen R. Covey were some simple statements by others. Not wanting to read an entire chapter, I turn to some them. Let me share two that I think say a great deal in only a few words.

"Be sure you put your foot in the right place, and then stand firm." Abraham Lincoln

"The time is always right to do the right thing." Martin Luther King, Jr.

Both of these remind me how important it is to take a right stand and then stick at it no matter what. While it may not always be easy, it is indeed the right thing to do, isn't it?

Whose Driving?

Whose Driving?
"Hey, buddy," said the taxicab passenger, tapping the driver on the shoulder. The driver screamed and lost control of the cab, nearly hitting a bus, jumping the curb and stopping just inches from a hug plate glass window. For a few moments, everything was silent. Then the driver said, "Man, you scared the living daylights out of me!" "I'm sorry," said the passenger/ "I didn't realize a tap on the shoulder would frighten you so much." "It's not your fault," the driver replied. "Today is my first day driving a cab. "I've been driving a hearse for the last 25 years."

This story is from, Everday Greatness by Stephen R. Covey.

SCRUBS

Isn't it amazing how much better one feels followng a shower or a bath? I had felt bad most of the morning until I took a shower. Now I feel much, much better. Those two broken ribs still
hurt but they are clean. All because I feel better following the shower doesn't mean I'll get in
a round of golf or something silly like that!
Eugene Peterson's, Psalms, shares these wonderful words in the 51st Chapter of how God's grace "Scrubs away my guilt, soak out my sins in your laundry." The Lord's Laundry is open
24/7 for washing away our spoiled sins. The Lord's love is the Lava soap that washes away all
our guilty sins. All we have to do is use it whenever we confess of sins. Then we are to forsake
those filty sins forever, like the Lord does. They are forgiven and forgotten. We can come clean
into the presence of our great God Almighty. Know wonder I feel better now that I stop to think
about it.

THE THREE WISE MEN

While I was wide awake early this morning, I realized that I know three of the men running to be the next Governor of Kentucky. I've known Steve Beshear since I was ten years old. Steve
lived across the street from our house in Dawson Springs. I've known Jody Richardson for a few
years. Being from Bowling Green, most everyone knows Jody. I met Steve Henry when I was
serving as Senior Pastor at First United Methodist Church in Campbellsville, Ky. I'm glad to say
that any one of the three would make a good Governor. While I say I know them, they may all
three deny knowing me though. Can you blame them? I still have time to decide which one will
get my vote, if any. That will keep the three wise men on their tip toes awaiting my vote.

"I Didn't Sleep At All Last Night"

"I Didn't Sleep At All Last Night" could of been my theme song from last night. I slept very, very little. The funny thing is that I had taken a sleeping pill to help me sleep. I was reading the Sun-day paper at 5:00 a. m. and had watched the news on tv. Making matters worse, it wasn't worth watching in the first place. I tried counting sheep, dogs and the ticks of the clock, that didn't help either. I have taken three or four short snoozes so far and now I'm about to watch two football games with high hopes of having my two teams win. When I fell a couple of years ago and broke two ribs on my lefft side, I told my Pastor following the Christmas Eve service, " That was the most painful sermon I've ever heard!" About an hour later I was at the Hospital having x-rays to confirm they were indeed broken. Since I didn't want to go through another painful sermon today, and since I was sleepy, I stayed home. I will still bug him about preaching though. If I find myself having trouble sleeping tonight, I'll turn on a tape of one of my own sermons and see if that helps. "Preaching Pills to Snooze Through." Maybe I could sell some?
Would you believe, they are free for the taking. Sleep on it and call me back in the morning.

"THE THIRD DAY"

Last Sunday a Pastor friend preached on the text from John's Gospel where it says, "On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee...." Then he alludes to it as getting "a glimpse of Easter." I love those two text being tied together. They say so muchto me. There is also an old saying that when you are hurt in an accident, it's the third day that hurts the worst. Can have an "Amen!" to that children? I join in the chorus of peopel who have "been there, done that." It happened a couple of years ago when I fell and broke two ribs on my left side. The third day was by far the worse day. Tonight as I type these words, brother's and sister's, I can testify to the fact that it's still true. Today is third day since I fell and broke two ribs on my right side. I have hurt off and on all day, mostly on! It's hard to sleep. It's hard to sit and watch tv. and, it's hard to even cough. That's the main pain!! Well, tomorrow is the fourth day and I look forward to less pain than today. I really do look forward to watching football all afternoon long without sharp stabs in my side. But until this pain in the side is history, I shall endure thanks to pain pills and knowing that "on the third day, Jesus overcame the greatest pain of all, death!

A GREAT DEAL

I'm John Coomer, and I am a coffee-holic. Every time I start reading from Leonard Sweet's, The Gospel According To Starbucks, I have to have a cup of coffee to drink with it. To be honest,
I have to have more than a cup, it's more like two or three cups. And, it's not even Starbucks in your cup. As Sweet says in his book, it's the experience of it all. So, all this got me to thinking.
What if every time I read The Bible, I were to have an experience from it that soothes my soul?
Or, what if I were to experience something that troubles my soul rather than soothes it? The
truth of the matter is that I need both the soothing and the stirring up. They go together so my
soul can be aware of what God's will is for my life. As the saying goes, "sometimes the truth hurts." "No pain, no gain." The Word is written to inspire us but it also instructs us, isn't it?
I am finding myself fascinated with the words of Sweet as I read more and more of this new book. I also am finding myself more and more fascinated as I read the words of Spirit, the Holy
Spirit. What I need to do next is to take these words and think about them a great deal because
they have a great deal to say to and about me. You too, by the way.

I'M A TWO TIMER

As I was walking through one of our bedrooms late yesterday afternoon I fell and broke two ribs on my right side. A couple of years ago I slipped on ice and broke two on my left side. It hurt both times and it still hurts tonight! The Bible says that God took one of Adam's ribs out but he let him sleep through it. I had to sleep on the lazy boy last night and may again tonight. I went to my Doctor and he told me I was blessed that I didn't do more damage than I did. Amen to that! It hurts to get up, it hurts to sneeze and, it hurts to move to the left or to the right. When I hit the bed, it hurt so much that I couldn't even breath. I was by myself in the room so I banged on the wall with a coke can until my wife was able to get to me. She has been such a blessing to me.She slept on the couch in the family room so that if I needed her, she would be right there. She has been at my side through it all. Isn't that why God took a rib from Adam? He knew Adam would need someone by his side. She has been ribbing me ever since but that is okay with me. Our two children have been right by my side as well, asking about how I'm doing and giving me sufficent sympathy. I just hope two times is enough. I like lots of attention, but not this way!

"WHAT'S IN YOUR WALLET?"

When I put my hand in my coat pocket today I felt a piece of paper. I wondered what it was as I pulled it out to take a look at it. It was a note I had written to myself reminding me to do two things. One word said, "Dad." I can gladly say that I called Dad yesterday and talked for quite awhile. The second word said, "Suit." I needed to pick up my suit at the Cleaners. Well, I'm glad to say that these two things have been done. It's the putting the two words together that is much more demanding, "Suit Dad." That's a big job. He always asks when we will be over to see him. Or, he wants something done for him, the sooner, the better too! When I put the two words together, I laughed. I laughed because I will never accomplish suiting Dad. Although I will keep trying, I know that it is the impossible dream. I also know that my own two children don't always suit their Dad either. But that's okay. I love them anyway. I hope my Dad can ditto what I just said when it comes to loving someone who has to write himself a note to do something or else he might forget to remember. I need a nap after all this stuff I've written about myself. So, "Good night and good luck." By the way, what's in your wallet?

Get the Picture?

My wife went to the drug store late yesterday afternoon to pick up some photographs that we had taken some time back. It was a hoot when we looked at them. But there was one that I'll treasure for a long, long time. It shows me standing by one of my favorite writers, Ken Gire. It amazes me that when I mention Gire's name, most people have never heard of him. Gire has written several books over the past years. He did four called, Intense Moments with the Savior, a look at the Lord's life. And my favorite, The North Face of God. I met and heard Ken Gire at The Cove in Ashville, North Carolina last year. Two of his books have his name written inside the cover. One says, "For John, Wishing you all God's best for the road ahead. Warmly, Ken Gire." The other says, "For John, I hope you enjoy this book and that with each chapter you fall a little more in love with the Savor. Warmly in Him, Ken Gire" He has helped me to do just that. That's why I admire him and his writing so very much. Gire has given me glimpses of God to my soul that help me along the road ahead. That's why I recommend his writings to anyone who wants some spiritual sparkplugs to ignite their souls too.

Coffee and Cartoons

They say that confession is good for the soul. So, here goes. Early this morning when changing channels on TV, I started watching cartoons. I laughed while watching and found it be better than watching all the bad news on the other stations. I may make this a morning habit being that it has put me in a better mood for the day. Along with my morning ritual of reading cartoons in the newspaper, coffee and cartoons on TV just might make me a funny fellow. Who knows! I still like to watch that small mouse and big putty cat best of all. Bugs Bunny is a lot like watching all the bad news on those other stations. Now that I've got that off my chest, I better get going. I've got too much to do than to watch TV all morning. I've gotta go back to bed. I got up at 5:55 and it's nap time. Maybe I can dream about being a cartoon character since some say I'm a real character. What bothers me is that I can't understand why anyone would even think such a thing!

DERBY DAY

I am amazed of how much attention our daughter's dog needs and gets. Derby was a Christmas gift from her parents. The thing is, I didn't realize how demanding Derby can be. He has to be fed, taken out and brought back in to do his unmentionable business, picked up after when he doesn't do what he should do where he should do it, if you know what I mean, played with and, be spoiled. It's hard work but somebody's got to do it, right? What also amazes me is how fast Derby has grown in the time he has been with us. This little puppy will be a big dog before we know it. As cute as he is as a puppy, he has to grow though. How can something so small become so big, so fast? You know what? I used to ask that about our two children when they were just little pups, not all that long ago. Derby day is every day for us. And we sure do enjoy it. What Derby enjoys is when Jennifer opens the garage door when she gets home from a day's work. As he wags his tail waiting for her to walk through the back door, it sure makes for a happy ending to Derby's day!

HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE YOUR SAME NAME?

When I looked at a blog by Katie this morning, she said something about how many people in America have her same name. That sent me to search out how many people have my same name. There are 81 with the same name. There are 4,923,984 named John and, there are 4919 Coomers in America. I know one other John Coomer, my Father. I know too many other Coomers though. Just kidding. Isn't it interesting that John is the 2nd most popular name in America? So, what is the most popular name in America? That's for me to know and for you to find out! I had no idea that I would take the time to look my name up after reading Katie's Blog. As the song says, "It only takes a spark to get a fire going." By the way, there is only one person in America named John Carroll Coomer. I bet he is a great guy!! Cute too.

FYI: When I told my wife there is only one John Carroll Coomer, she said, "That's one too many." Ouch!!

FYI: I looked up the name of a friend.
First the bad news; There is no such name. Good news: He doesn't have to pay taxes!!

IS SPEEDY DELIVERY IS AT YOUR DOOR?

When our door bell rang a few minutes ago, I got up and went to the door. Before I could open it, through the window I saw the UPS driver driving on off. I looked down and saw a big box.
I knew what it was before picking it up. It was my medicine that I had ordered by phone a few
days ago. I took it in the kitchen and opened the box, put the medicine away and went back to what I had been doing. Then the thought came to me, "what else do I need delivered to my door today?" To be honest, I could use a package of patience. Mine is sorta running low. I could use a
container of courtesy. At times I fail to show kindness as I know I should. And then, I could use a big box of buttons. Often times I need to button my mouth before I say something I shouldn't say. I can't order these things but I can pray that the Good Lord might give them to me today though. You know what? I think he just rang the doorbell of my soul and handed them to me. Now all I have to do is put them to good use. What do you need delivered to your soul today? All you have to do is put in your order by prayer and who knows, Speedy Delivery just might show up sooner than you think! Hey! Don't knock it!

"Who Let the Dog's Out?"

It was raining hard this morning when both Huskies made a run for it. They were out the door and far down the street before I could even sneeze. They don't seem to mind that it is raining.
They don't seem to mind that it's turning cooler by the minute. They don't seem to mind that
it will be dark before much longer. Worse of all, they don't seem to mind that we feed them, water them, shelter them, love them and, yes, miss them when they are acting like this. Three
of us have gone out to call them home. I have tried food to get them in. All they do is stare at
me as if to say, "You sure are dumb standing out here in all this rain! I'm gonna tell on you! Where is your Momma?" It has happened before. It will happen again. They get out. Despite it all, we still love them. Isn't that the way God is with us too? Think about it.

CONVERSATIONS OVER COFFEE

One of my favorite things to do is to meet with a friend over coffee and chat. Fact is, I do this as
often as I can because I enjoy the conversation and the coffee. In The Gospel According To
Starbucks, Leonard Sweet asks this question, "If you could get together with just one person from history for coffee and conversation (other than Jesus) whom would it be? Why that person?" Give this question some thought this week and see just whom it might be. Don't rush into answering it, let your thoughts brew awhile first. Go ahead and have a conversation with Christ over coffee. Share with the Savor. Listen to the Lord. The Bible, a good book, a good friend, good coffee and food, all these can be hearing aids to hear from the Lord.
Coffee in your cup and Christ in your heart, sounds like a good plan to me.

A CALL TO ACTION

"In the beginning."
Today is a day of rememberance and a call to action. Dr. Martin luther King, Jr. Day isn't to be a
day off from work and that's that. It is a day to remind us that we all have privledges and re-
sponsibilties as citizens of this Country. Too often, too many of us take things for granted, don't
we? Maybe we are too spoiled. Maybe we forget to remember that there is a price paid for the
freedom we have. Even as you read this Blog, there are men and women far, far away fighting for freedom. It's a high price tag yet, there they are doing what they can. What are we doing to
preserve freedom?
Luke 4: 16 ff, are Jesus' words about freedom. He tells what He has come to do. He says, "The
Spirit of the Lord is upon me.......He has sent Me to let the oppressed go free..." What has the
Spirit of the Lord told you to do to help people be free from something or, from someone? Who
has helped set you free from something or someone? How did they do it? What are we doing to set others free from some sort of oppression? Maybe, just maybe, you and I need to be bolder
in our actions than we are. With God's help, we can put into practice actions that set people
free. Why wait? Do it now. That's what Jesus did. He was sent. Are you? If so, are you going?

SOME SWEET STUFF

I have been waiting like a little boy at a candy store for something I've been wanting ever since I heard it was soon to be available. Well, this morning while I was visting two of my best friends, Barnes & Noble, I saw it on the shelve. I didn't think it would even be available until next Tuesday. What am I talking about any anyway? The Gospel According to Starbucks by Leonard Sweet. I've read every book he has written and this is the 13th book of his that I have in my study. Sweet's style of writing is special. It's even better to hear him in person, which I did a few years ago. When I emailed him to thank him for sharing spiritual thoughts, and an email came to me that very night thanking me for thanking him.
I am about to have some coffee, sorry to say, not Starbucks, a sweet roll, no pun intended, and
begin reading this latest 210 pages book. I know that my soul with be nourished and challenged as I dig deep into it's pages. I will report back to you after I've read it. No doubt, it will be well
worth hearing about. Better yet, go out and buy you're own copy and see for yourself. It's
really Sweet stuff!

Quizmaster

When I'm watching tv at times I lean over an pick up a small electronic game by twin brother gave me for Christmas. It's called Quizmaster11. It ask me questions from several selections: Sport, Geography, General Knowlegde, Science, Arts and History. Some are easy and some are hard, very hard. I have found this tiny hand held game lures me to test my knowlegde, or the lack thereof. What amazes me thus far is that I know more than I thought I would. I have a hard time accepting the fact that I miss some easy questions yet get the tough stuff without a great deal of difficulity. I think I'm going to watch more of the History Channel and less of the shows that waste my time and my knowledge. The Quizmaster is a great game. I challenge you to go get one and see if you are as smart as you think you are. I double dog dare you to see who is the master!

A PUPPY- BAG FOR A PUPPY

When I met a friend for breakfast I showed him some pictures of my our daughter's dog. He is a
puppy named Derby. After we were through eating, I had some gravy still on my plate. Getting
up to leave, the waitress asked if I wanted a puppy bag for my Grandpuppy. I told her that he
would be at that stage far too fast as it is, why help him? Derby's diet is very restrictive so he won't eat too much and won't eat the wrong thing. All this got me to thinking that maybe my diet isn't restrictive enough. Maybe I should cut back and not eat as much as I often do. The fact is, I didn't eat as much as I usually do when I eat at that resturant. Maybe the little feller is rubbing off on me for the good.

UP AND AT IT!!!

I got out of bed at 5:00 this morning to takes two of our dogs out. I planned to go back to bed but didn't. As I was walking back into the kitchen I noticed that our son had a couple of
work shirts that needed to be ironed. So, I did that for him. Then I noticed that he had some
things still needing to be dried in the close dryer. So, I did that for him. Knowning I had to be
somewhere at 8:00, I shaved and showered. Being the nice husband that I am, I always put out
a small bowl for my wife, along with a cup and spoon. Well, this morning I placed the largest
bowl I could find out for her. She might not mention it to me or, she might hit me with it! I call
all this the Fun Bowl.
Have a great day. I'm going out and get the morning paper and see if my name is in the obits. If
it's not, I'll get ready to meet my friend for breakfast. If my name is there, I'll just close my eyes and go back to bed.

A BOOK REVIEW

In a few Blog's back, I mentioned that I was starting to read, Three Weeks with My Brother, by Nicholas Sparks and Micah Sparks. Well, last night I finished reading this 356 page book. To my
surprise, I found the book to be a quick read. Also to my surprise, I found myself thinking about
my own brothers quite often. These two brothers take a trip that last three weeks that bonds
them together like super glue. Along the way, one of the brothers shares stories of their child-
hood and adulthood. There is humor and there is a great deal of hurt. I think this is a book that
has helped me come closer to my own three brothers ( my oldest brother and sister died a few years ago) when I stop and think about what this book has to say. So, one of my resolutions for
the new year is to spend more time with them if they will let me. After all, the three of them are
getting older as the hours pass, especially my twin. This has been a not only a good book to review but a good review of my brothers.

A FRIENDLY REMINDER

Friday morning I'll be having breakfast with a friend of mine. I haven't seen Paul since last year. I doubt he has changed much since that time, nor have I. We're both still silly somebodies who
have lots of laughs and even get down to some serious stuff from time to time. I think that's why the two us like to be together. We're good for one another. He helps me and I hope, I help him. He sure needs it! As I have said so many times, friends are very important, so very, very important. Why is it that some people seem not to have many friends, or even worse, no friends at all? As the saying goes, "You have to be a friend to have a friend." What amazes me so much is that some people can't understand why some people's friends are who they are. They don't seem to have much in common, yet, they have become the best of friends. Daily, I thank the Lord for my friends. Even though I kid alot about having to rent them, I don't. I simply seek to be friendly with everyone I can, everywhere I go. Somehow, it works. For that, I'm grateful to the best Friend of all, Jesus Christ.

JUST THINKING TO MYSELF

My wife and I were in Nashville today to see someone and go shopping. While my wife was in a
shop, I stayed in the car to read. While waiting, I kept watching people going into and coming out of some small shops. Most were by themselves while a few were with other people. Most of the shoppers were women of course. No one stayed in any one shop too long except for my wife. She must of had a lot to do. The best thing about the day was being with her and go out for lunch. I had to have my youngest brother come over to our house to watch our daughter's do, Derby. He said they got along just fine. All in all, it has been a good day. In fact, it's been a long day since I was up by 5:30. While I need a nap, I think I will try to stay awake until I go to bed in a few more hours. Someone has to watch the thee dogs playing in the Family room to make sure they behave. Besides, it's fun going to the dogs! I might even roll over and beg if they treat me right. Well, you can forget that because I'm all bark! But that's okay. I know they love me just the way I am. Who wouldn't love someone like me? Hey! That wasn't very nice!

GOOD NEWS

One of my favorite books is Psalms by Eugene Peterson. Peterson translates the Psalms into contemporary language that makes these old Psalms sound so new. The 11th Psalm is a good example. The New Revised Standard Version starts out with these words: "In the Lord I take refuge; how can you say to me, "Flee like a bird to the mountains..." Peterson puts it this way: "I've already run for dear life straight into the arms of God. So why would I run away now....." I can almost see a Great God with His arms spread far apart welcoming me into His sheltering wings. Isn't that what Jesus seems to say in the Parable of the Prodigal Son? The Message by Peterson puts it that way: "When he was still a long way off, his father saw him. His heart pounding, he ran out, embraced him, and kissed him..." It's as if I've gone form black and white to color, Hi-Definition all of the sudden. Today's translations speak to today's people in a new and powerful way about a Powerful and Wonderful God who bids us run straight into His great big, open arms. Isn't that Good News!!

Prayer: Almighty God, thank You for Your Word that speaks not only about us but to us in such a way that we're transformed by it. The written Word of the Lord is all about the Lord of the Word. Speak Lord, your servant is listening. Amen.

WORDS OF WISDOM FROM A WISE MAN

When I went to the Barber shop this morning I had no idea how wonderful it would be. A former president of Western Kentucky University, Dr. Dero Downing, was having his hair cut. Since I met him several years ago, we engaged in conversation while we were there. One of the barbers asked the two of us a moral question that was very tough to answer. Being the wise man that I am, I let the much wiser man speak first. In fact, I didn't say anything at all after hearing him. He simply said, "Tell him that his past is past, and now all he has is the present and the future, and get on with his life!" Wow! What wisdom. I agree 100% with this much older and much wiser man. And, it reminded me why he is considered to be one of the very best presidents WKU has ever had. He listened and then he spoke. And when Dero Downing speaks, everyone listens. I hope I run into him again soon so I can glean much more from this him. When I walked out the door I realized I not only look better, I'm much wiser. I just hope it shows.

A Funny Friend

When I turned on the printer to print out something Tuesday night, one of our dogs was passing by the printer. All of the sudden she jumped and ran out of the room as if her tail were on fire! It was so funny that I laughed long and loud. I think I may try it again some time soon and see if she still jumps. I wish I had it taped for America Home Videos so I could make some money to pay for all the dog food our three dogs eat each and every day. Now there's the real shocker! They say that dogs are man's best friends. Well, I think they are right. They may cost a lot but they are well worth it. They are friends forever. I don't know about you, but I for one can use all the friends I can get. Even if I have to rent them. (Just kidding, friend.)

THE NO SNOW SHOW, SNOW

When I went to get the afternoon newspaper it was snowing. But as fast as it came, it went. I couldn't get back in the house fast enough to tell my wife to look out the window and see the snow. It was as if, "Now you see it, now you don't!" I think she thought I wasn't telling the truth. But I always tell the truth even if I have to lie to do it! I hope that isn't it! Surely snow will show again before too much longer. I love to watch it snow. I love to play in the snow. I love to see the snow go. So, "Let it snow, let it snow..." I have a snow shovel and I can handle it. I just let the snow sit there and soon it melts away. No need to remove it because it takes of it's self. It may take awhile, but sooner or latter, the snow will go. And that's what I'm bout to do, go away and come some other day. Now that's a cool idea! Or, is it a lot of hot air? Don't answer that, please!!!!!!!!!

A GREAT GUIDE

"In the Beginning."
Monday I began reading, The Diary of a Country Priest. I've heard about and read about this tiny book for years, I just never read it, until now. While I may not agree with all he has to say, I think I'll be spiritually enriched by it. I have served small churches and large churches in my forty-two years of being a Pastor. I have an idea I will see similarities as I turn through the pages. What amazes me is how the troubles of today that show up in churches are the same troubles that where there years and years ago. But best of all, the blessings of today are the blessings of years and years ago. The important thing is that Jesus never changes, While all else and all others change, Christ is always faithful to His Church. I just wish that could be said of me and you.

Prayer: Lord of the past, present and future, help me to keep my eye's upon the One is the Pioneer and Perfector of our faith. When I wander off on some wrong road, bring me back and guide me in the right direction as I seek to serve and love You. As the One who never changes, change me when and where I need it. I pray this in Your Holy Name. Amen.

PREPARING TO PREACH

A year ago I preached several Sunday's at a small country church in another county. I am amazed that I will be preaching there again this year. I don't know what has happened and why it happened but I do know they need someone to show some compassion and concern for them.
I had planned to hear a dear friend preach Sunday here in Bowling Green but that will have to be put "on hold" for now. He and his wife have bought a house here in Bowling Green and soon will be moving in so I know we will see lots of one another.

It is a pleasure to preach and I even love preparing to do it. I think I already know what I want and feel I need to say Sunday. It is a new sermon that I started working with just this morning. I am anxious to hear it if I may say so myself. And, I just did. Prayer prepares the Preacher and the people as the two listen to the Word of the Lord. May both be ready when God speaks to our hearts with gifts of Grace and words of inspiration and instruction.

WHAT GOOD ARE GOOD INTENTIONS?

Last week I took three days off to be in my hometown, Lexington, Kentucky. It was as if I were on a neat retreat. I did very little. I read and relaxed. I even shopped till I dropped! On my way home I stopped to see my dad who will be 95 in April. All in all, it was a wonderful Christmas gift from my wife.

When I walked in the door I was in for a shock. Although only gone for three days, the puppy we gave our daughter for Christmas met me at the door looking taller and like he had put on weight. It was hard to believe that Derby had changed so quickly. Then I made a mistake by looking at the man in the mirror and realized how he had changed over the Christmas season. He had put on weight and looked like he had shrunk in his height. What a sight to behold!

Isn't it amazing how we change and how things change? Is it for the good or for the bad? Maybe we all need to reflect upon how we can do and be better in 2007. I know I sure intend to drop a few pounds and see if I can even stand up straighter. But what good are good intentions if we're not good at keeping them? Maybe we can help one another by something we say or something we do. A word of encouragement can do us all good. I have a good idea; let's change for the good this year. What do you say?

GOD KNOWS YOUR NAME

While we were taking Communion in church, I sat and watched person after person pass by as they were returning to their seats. Since I served as a Pastor at Broadway several years ago, I knew some of these people, but very few of them. As the hundreds of people passed by, the thought came to my mind, I may not know their names, but God does. He knows their names, ages, SS numbers, addresses, phone numbers, children, pets, etc. He even knows their sins. And, He knows your’s, too. Yet, with all He knows about you, God still loves each and every one of us. That is great to know as we journey on into yet another new year. Communion reminds us all that Jesus lived and died for all of us and all of our sins. What we need to know and remember is to call upon the Name of God's Son and confess our sins and He forgives and forgets every one of them, everyone! Worship was wonderful because we worship a Wonderful God.

GOD AND GERALD

"In the beginning...."
While watching the services for former President Gerald Ford Wednesday, I was impressed with what was said about him. I was impressed with the music, the Scriptures, the sermon, and the way God was given a great deal of attention. Often times, God is shoved to the top shelve and left alone until He is needed again some other time, for some other reasons. Not so, today. God seemed to show up in many ways, many times. That's what the Ford family wanted as thanks was given for Gerald Ford's long life and service. Indeed may it be said, "Well done, thy good and faithful servant." My prayer is that you and I seek to serve the Lord and others so that God be glorified as He shows up through what we say and what we do.

Prayer: Thanks for those who go about their daily lives serving You and others. Thanks for all that they do and say. May we serve You, Almighty God, not for our own glory, but for Your's. Now and always. Amen.

"HOLD ON"

I like what The University of Louisville coach told his football players preceeding the upcoming season. He told them, "Hold the rope." In other words, they all have to pull each other up. If someone is hurt, the others have to carry on. Tonight, this team plays in the Orange Bowl against Wake Forest. They have helped each other keep on keeping on. And look what it's gotten them!
I wonder who you and I know who needs us to hold them up? They may not ask for help. They
may not think they need help. But you and I can offer help with our words and/or our actions.
Isn't that what the Good Samaritian did? We need to go and do likewise, don't we? What's holding us back from holding others up? Maybe we need to offer ourselves as we carry on with this thing called life.

"HIS NAME WAS JOHN"

"In the beginning..."
As I begin a new year, I reflect upon forty-one years of being in the ministry. A Scripture that has a special place in my heart comes from John 1: 6 and following. "There was a man sent from God, whose name was John....." Ever since I was called into the ministry, I've sought to serve
my Savour faithfully. As St Paul says in Acts, "And now I commend you to God....". That is what I've wanted to do throughout the years since being sent. I've been sent several places to serve
several people, in several ways. From the beginning, I have looked to the Lord to lead me and
give me strength. He has been faithful in all ways, at all times. Now that 2007 has begun, may
I continue in some way to be faithful the One who has sent me in His name. "His Name was
John" was a popular song a few years ago. Yes, my name is John, but there is a Name I love
to hear.....Jesus.....and I want everyone, everywhere to hear His Name above all names.

Jesus, Your name is precious because we are precious to You. Thanks for loving us as we are
but not letting us stay that way. Change us for Your glory. Amen.

Puppy Love

"And they call it puppy love.." are some of the words from a song sung by Paul Anka many years ago. "Puppy Love" is what we're experiencing at our house since Christmas. Our daughter was given a puppy that she has named Derby. Derby is a cocker spaniel who has won our hearts as a cute and cuddly little fellow. We love to hold him. We love to play with him. We love to watch him. We even love taking him outside to go to the bathroom. Since we gave her Derby, we have to dog sit while our Daughter works. We don't mind doing it since we're the ones who "let the dog in." And in he is, in our hearts, that is. Our son's two dogs are getting use to having Derby following them all around the house. They try to ignore him when he is chewing on their paws, but after awhile, they jump up on the couch so they can sleep. At times we call Derby, Derby Pie. And, most the time when we call Derby, Derby trots on over to where we are. The woman who sold us Derby should have had a sign saying: "WARNING: DERBY IS CONTAGIOUS!" All of us have a real bad case of Puppy Love! I doubt we ever get over it.

AND THE BEAT GOES ON....

A strange thing happened when I woke up early this morning. While I still in bed, I felt my pulse beat. I was amazed at how it just keeps on keeping on. It didn't stop and rest during the night as had done. It didn't ask me for New Year's Day off. It simply keeps on keeping on. That's what I want to do as I begin yet another new year. I want to keep on keeping on at living as long as I can. I want to keep on keeping on at loving and being loved as long as I can. I want to keep on keeping on at thinking. My twin gave me a game that ask mental questions of me. I'm amazed at how many answers have been correct thus far as I play the game. Lastly, but most importantly, I want to love the Lord who has saved my soul. These are not new year resolutions, they are things that I must do if I am to live a full and faithful life as the beat goes on, and on, and on, and....

"In the Beginning...."

"In the beginning..." That's what this is all about as I attempt to do a daily devotion during 2007.
Sure, I've started such things in the past, but I always get side-tracked. In other words, I don't
do too well with it. I start only to soon stop in my tracks! Good intentions are not good enough.
I've had good intentions of dropping some weight, but it's still there. I've had good intentions of
watching less tv, but the tv is on. The lure of the things still attract and trap me. Maybe that's
why I write this prayer on New Year's Eve:
Jesus, there is a song we sing about You. It's entitled, "Turn Your Eye's Upon Jesus." I admit
that it is easier to sing than to turn and keep my eye's upon You. Forgive me, Lord. Distractions
do me in. I start and then I stop. I'm asking You to keep Your eye's upon me because I desire to
do Your will and I know I'll fail if I try to do it all alone. Lead me in paths of righteousness so I'll
do the right things from the beginning of another new year on into eternity. Amen.
I will share some of my thoughts and prayers with you who read my Blog in hopes that it will help you in your new year. May your new year make a new you, in Christ Jesus.

BOLD HEADLINES

The headlines of this morning's newspaper were printed in bold print: "HANGMAN EXECUTES SADDAM." I couldn't miss those tragic word if I had tried. And then, there's all the news on television about the hanging Saddam. For some reason, I started thinking about the things I've said and done that deserve death. It's not hard for me to think of all the sins I've committed that" stamp these word in bold print: "GUILTY!" I deserve death due to my sins that separate me from our Holy God. I should be punished. But, I'm, spared because Someone else took my place, my punishment upon an old rugged cross 2,000 years ago. His name is Jesus. The headline should be printed in bold print: "JESUS SAVES!" We should go tell everyone, everywhere about Jesus. That's the Good News that overcomes the bad news. And we sure could use some Good News, couldn't we? Well, it doesn't get any better than this!

A Year with Jesus

One of the best books in my study is, A Year with Jesus, by Eugen Peterson. Peterson is the
author of The Message. A Year with Jesus is made up of daily readings and mediatations from
Matthew and John. I go to this book daily to help me take my required daily doses of spiritual
instructions and inspiration. These tend to "jump - start" my soul and also provide additional
"Sermon Starters". "Sermon Starters" are a source of sermon seeds that I turn to from time to time to work with new sermons that I might feel led to preach sometime, somewhere.
As I was approaching the section from John's Gospel, I felt that I need to do something different
in 2007. I should start a collections of daily thoughts for my own good. It will be like journaling.
It will be made up of thoughts and prayers that speak to and from my soul. Wish me well as I
work with this. I might even share some of my thoughts through this Blog from time to time.
Most of all, I simply wish to spend more time with Jesus. After all, isn't that what it's all about?

Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year

While at the Doctor's office this morning, someone said, "I'm sure glad Christmas is over!" I started to say, "Since when?" But, I didn't. The Christmas celebration continues until Epiphany, January 6th. That's when the Christmas decorations can be put away. Until then, let''s sing Christmas carols and continue to celebrate. We need something special in our lives to offer each of us hope and help. That's what Jesus does for us, isn't it? He has brought us hope and help as no one else could ever do. The good news is that it's daily in our ordinary lives, in ordinary places. That's what makes Him so extraordinary. So, I wish you a Merry Christms and a Happy New Year!

BROTHERS

Last night I started reading, Three Weeks with My Brother by Nicholas Sparks and Micah Sparks. It seems like it is going to be a good book to read each evening before turning over and going to sleep. When he is telling about his family, I reflected upon my brothers and sister and the things we did when we we young. I got to thinking, could I spend three weeks with any one of my brothers? My oldest brother and sister died a few years ago so that means I have an older brother, a twin and a younger brother. All three are wonderful brothers but I doubt I could stand three weeks with any of them. Maybe three hours if I work at it. I doubt that three of them would want to try three weeks with me. Even I have trouble with me. Me, myself and I are a handfull! Maybe I could write a book about all the troubles we've seen and gotten into. It might becme a movie. Now if I could come up with the title for it. What about The Preacher Kids? I hope I get the lead role in it because I've been told I look like a star, a falling star!

"IT'S GREAT!!!"

My wife and I were in Nashville at a book store a few days ago. While she shopped, I looked for a book to buy. I scanned several and than came across, Everday Greatness, by Stephen Covey. I found myself taking time to read some of the stories in it. About the time I was ready to buy the book, she said she was ready to go. I put the book on the shelve and we went on our way. I made a mental note to get a copy of the book when I got back to Bowling Green. When I went to my favorite book store, they didn't have it. I almost told them to order me a copy, but I didn't. The next day I was at a Mall and saw the same book, but I didn't buy it since I was in a rush. When I got home I told her about the book and that I would buy one after Christmas. When we were opening Christmas presents, I discovered that my wife I bought the book for me. The trouble is, there was a note attached to the book saying that I can't read it at home. She not only gave me the book to read but a two night "get lost" to Lexington after the first of the year. Since I was born in Lexington, I love to go there. I love to go to the Joseph Beth Bookstore most of all and just brouse. Then I go to the motel and camp out with coffee, good food and good books. It's a neat retreat. My next job is to get my supplies ready to go. Everday Greatness, some snacks and a good coffee cup. As Tony the tiger would say, "My everyday wife is GREAT!!!!!"

DE-CLUTTERING FOR 2007

I was watching a tv program about de-cluttering for 2007. They spoke about all the things that take up space in our lives that we really don't need any longer. The author said to give things away rather than try to sell them at a yard sell. I wonder what are the things in my soul that I need to de-clutter? I can list several things that I don't need to take into the new year. And, these are things no one needs. So, they go to the dump. I have a sack full of bad memories and bad thoughts that need to be tossed. Then there's the grudge smudge that has to go! The best thing about ridding myself of these terrible things is that it makes me feel and act better. One of the hardest things to give up and leave behind is my own personal complaint department. Not where people come and complain about me or to me, but where I need to stop all my complaining. Who made me God? Who am I to say such things? It's gotta go, folks. I already feel better by just thinking about things that clutter my soul. I just have to be careful what I replace all these things with next year. I don't want to go from bad to worse. I do declare, de-cluttering is coming clean and having a clean page as 2007 rolls around Monday. I invite you to join me as de-cluttering of our souls gets rid of what's not good for our souls. It's soul important.

A DIFFERENT ROAD & A DIFFERENT ME

As our family was leaving Columbia Tuesday after celebrating Christmas with the Coomer clan, I realized that the Scripture was being fulfilled. Matthew 2: 12 reads, "....they left for their own
country by another road." Throughout all the years we've gone to Columbia we always had to go to the far side of the tiny town to get home. About the time we were coming to Columbia, my brother informed me that there was a new entrance to town that shaved off several miles. Was he right! I didn't give it much thought until we were leaving to come back to Bowling Green. We were riding on a brand new road. We were doing something we had never done before. We had often wondered why the State didn't build and entrance-exit on the side of town. We were riding on a road that had only been in our dreams. We were returning home, but not as we always had done. It was something new on something new. It saved time, traffic and mileage. It felt so good! I have an idea that's how the Wise Men felt as they headed home after seeing the Savior born in Bethlehem. The road was different, but more that that, much more than that, they were different. Someone new made them something new. I have an idea their family and friends saw something different about them too. I hope my family and friends can tell that something new has happened to me, again. That something is Someone. His name is Jesus.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Merry Christmas. All of our family is home for Christmas. Some are still sleeping while some are wondering when we can open Christmas presents. After all are up, we will eat our traditional brunch and share stories at the table. Tomorrow we will all go to be with the Coomer clan in Columbia. It is always such a delight. They say some snow may fall tonight. So, even if it is the day after, it would be nice to have snow. Again, Merry Christmas. May the Christ of Christmas live in your life and give you blessing upon blessing.

WHAT'S ON MY MIND

While almost everyone, from everywhere are out shopping, I'm "home alone." I like being here at home, alone. The dogs are sleeping and I'm finishing a book I began reading a few weeks ago.
This is my Christmas present to myself. I've taken the book just about everywhere I've been
with "high hopes and great expectations" of completing it. It hasn't happened. It won't happen until I make it happen. This season of solitude has been like tearing open a Christmas present, very, very slowly. The door bell rangand I had to get up and answer it. Someone was out selling something I don't need. So, back to the book. All of us experience interruptions of one kind or another for one reason or another. It's how we handle them that matter. Some things can't be put on a shelve and taken down some other time to finish. They demand action. It's called priorities. Today, my priority is to finish reading a very good book so I can get onto another one. Maybe someone will give me money for a new book or better yet, the very book I want to get to next by Stephen Covey. If they don't, I'll go get it myself. Have a Merry Christmas!

A GIFT OF GRACE

Donald Trump has given the gift of grace to Tara Conner for Christmas. Now it will be up to her
to take that gife and use it well. Some people exchange their Christmas gifts because they don't
like them or they don't fit. Well, if the gift fits, take it! This gift of a second chance is something
she should treasure for years to come. It's up to Miss USA not not mess up. Again. We all need such a gift from time to time, don't we? I know I do! That's really what Christmas is all about.
It's all about a God of grace giving each of us someone who can fully forgive us. His name is Jesus. Don't take God's grace for granted. It is wrapped in love as God wraps His arms around all of us and whispers in our hearts, "I love you." "Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound.." It comes from Someone richer than Donald Trump too! Isn't that something to really celebrate this Christmas?

"IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS"

Our Living room and Dinning room are really starting to look nice for Christmas now that I've cleaned off my desk. It had stacks of books and papers all over it plus, my own dust collection.
I'm proud of my collection of dust. Since I'm not charge of air-traffic control, the dust lands all
around the room and stays there until one of us cleans it up. Well, today it was my turn. Now
it will be my job to keep two dogs from wandering into the room. Not to mention the dust that
sneaks in somehow from time to time. Almost every day brings something new for the season.
Today I found that the angels had landed on the roll top desk and decoarte it nicely. The three
manger scenes all add to the reason for the season. The Christmas tree in the Dinning room has
white lights with white decorations scattered from top to bottom. I can hardly wait to see what
will show up next. Even though it's warm outside, there is a sled leaning up against the front
door entrance as if to say, "let it snow, let it snow.." "It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas"
at the Coomer's. And that's just fine with me.

SPEAKING OF SPEAKING

Last night I picked up a book I bought back several years ago. It was like a reunion. It was as if
I had found a long lost friend. It's a book of sermons by a Pastor who died of a heart attack in 1993. The text for one sermon is from Hebrews 11: 4, "....he died, but through his faith he still speaks." Wow! What words! He has blessed me so many times through the years when working
on my own sermons. Something he had said or had written would come to mind and I would be
blessed by it. It was indeed as if he were still speaking.
All this has gotten me to thinking of those who have lived their lives and gone on to Glory. They
are family members and friends, some whom I knew very well and others whom I didn't know all that well, yet, they said or did something that's left a lasting influence upon my own life. It's
also gotten me to thinking, will people remember me or anything I said or did after I'm gone?
I hope so. Maybe I still have time to do something about it. That's why I'm writing this Blog. It
is to remind us all that someone, somewhere, some time, some how has been blessed by our lives. So, let's add to those memory making things that matter the most. That's what that book
did for me last night. I'm so glad I picked it up because it sure did pick me up!

FULL HOUSE

In my last Blog, I said something about all my daughter's stuff that was taking up room in the gargage. When she arrived home, she was quick to remind me that much of what is there is not
her's but her brother's. She's right. He has always taken up a large part of the parking area. He has tools, lawn equipment and a mulitude of other items. I'm just delighted that we have room for all these tings, and more. Just don't tell them I said that!
Isn't it amazing that our houses are full of things already and yet we will go get more things as
if we don't already have enough. Then we will have yard sales to try to get rid of things that we
no lobger need or, didn't need in the first place. I can't say much because of all the books that
take up lots of space in our place. We all are guilty to having too much, aren't we? Maybe we
should slow down on the getting and get to work using what we already have. It saves money,
space and patience. I know from experience. Do you?

BORING BETTLES

For the first time in many months, I can get my car in the garage. After our daughter moved home, we had to store her stuff in the garage and couldn't get a car in out of the rain or snow. There is still a small problem though, the garage door opener doesn't want to work. Sometime today I have to go get a new battery and hope that will take care of that. How can something so small, be so big! These are those tiny "boring bettles" that bug us. Things like: a dripping faucet, a gravy spot on a new tie, etc.. These nagging things drive us nuts! Small boring bettles brought down huge chestnut trees years ago and at times they still seem to try to bring us down. Timber! How do you and I handle the stresses that strangle us? We wait with patience and give it our best. I must admit that it is much easier to preach than to practice. Just ask my wife. But most of the time, most of the tiny problems can be dealt with just like the large ones, get over it and get on with it. What was a problem isn't anymore and the gargage door will not win, I will. Because just like it, life is up and down. So, I don't intend to stay down, I'm going to get up. Won't you join me?

A SWEET DAY AT OUR PLACE

Things were very tempting around our house Saturday. We've been baking cookies, cakes and pies to help pay for our Channcel Choir's trip to New York to perform at Carnegie Hall next June.I washed dishes, scrapped bowls and taste tested the goodies for free. I didn't have to be paid for doing my jobs. It was a sweet job. Somebody had to do it, why not me! I'm an expert taste tester for sure. Saturday morning I made a mistake and went to the Mall. Everyone from everywhere were there. The trouble is, I didn't see even one person I know. I did see someone getting a ticket for parking in a Handicap parking spot. I'm sure that's something that someone didn't want to get for Christmas, but he musta been bad, not good this year. I didn't even go see my two best buddies, Barnes and Noble. Most likely I didn't miss much. I came on home instead and got involved with my family as we did our small part in being helping hands. One of us, I won't say whom, looked like an elf but he has such elf esteem that he didn't really do all that much. Last time I saw him, he was taking a nap. Poor elf. But I'm sure he will elf himself to the goodies. I know I will.

WHERE YOU BEEN - WHERE YOU GOING?

When I went into the Dinning room to open the shades this morning, I saw the three Wise Men. They were behind some stalks of a plant as if they were hiding from me. One had fallen over so I put him in his place. Then I got to thinking: Where have these three Wise men been since last December? Why are they in the planter rather than on display? Maybe they are on their way to celebrate Christmas. They, like us, still have a ways to go. There are many stops ahead and there are many things to do. I'm sure thay they will in the right place at the right time. I just hope I am. And you.
One of my former churches had plastic people and animals on display just outside the building. I noticed that a couple of the sheep had gone astray. I wondered where they were. Had the sheep been stolen? Then I saw the two sheep had been blown across the street to the Baptist Church during the night. I asked the Pastor if he was stealing my sheep. He laughed and said he would have to dunk them and was afraid all they would do would be to float. I told those two lost sheep to stop straying and stay put. we would take good care of them. They did. Now if I can just get the rest of the Methodist to stop straying, everyone and everything will be right where they
belong. Are you?

"I WANT TO HOLD YOUR HAND"

While we were in the Waiting Room at the Hospital today, I saw an elderly couple come into the room. They were holding hands as they found a seat to sit down. He helped her take off her coat and hat and then took care of checking in. He took time to listen to what she had to say and explained things to her. When their name was called, he took her by her hand and led to the desk. Soon afterwards, they were taken away. I don't think my wife saw what had happened, but I took hold of her hand and told her I loved her. You see, that elderly couple rubbed off on me while my wife was waiting to undergo treatment. Fact is, it really wasn't her needing to hold my hand , as much as my needing to hold hers. Hey! I just had a great idea, someone should write a song about wanting to hold hands. I think it would climb to the top of the charts. What do you think?

DOG - GONE - DOG!

"Memphis has left the building." Memphis is a dog. A dog - gone - dog! No matter to Memphis if it was very cold, he wanted freedom from the home where he gets food, shelter, love, etc. So
we let Memphis be missing most of the afternoon. After all, all he wanted was his freedom. He
knew that we knew he would be back. Even if he would play games with us to get him home to
stay. He would tease us as if to say, "I'll be back when I get good and ready." Well, it was they taste and smell of tomato sauce that lured him home to stay. Memphis is back in the building!
We will watch him when he goes out on his lease to be sure he doesn't escape again. We don't know if Memphis missed us while he was gone, but we sure did miss Memphis. The dog-gone-dog is wagging his tail as I write this Blog because he is planning his next taste of freedom. I sure hope I can catch him before he's out on the town again. I feel like a dog-gone- fool whenever that happens. And, it puts me in the dog house. Again.

WAITING TO HEAR YOUR NAME

While we were in the waiting room of our Hospital today, we were waiting for one thing to take place, hearing my wife's name being called out. Why? So she could get out of one room and into another room where she would be put under for examination. "Janice" had a nice ring to it when her name was called out. We knew part of the waiting was over and another kind of waiting was about to take place. Sure enough, it was my turn to waite while she was put under for the test. I sat in the waiting room where I read and watched my watch. After awhile I heard my last name called out and was told to go be with her. Most everything went well. That's when I called out yet another name, Jesus. I thanked him she was going to be okay. Was He waiting for me to call His name? To thank Him? I think He knew we would call out His name because we do it daily again and again. But today, it was something special, for someone special, Janice.

McFriendship

When I arrived at McDonald's for lunch with a friend today, I couldn't find a parking place and I couldn't find Hal. I looked in the parking lot, the eating area, and the restroom. Hal was no where to be found. Like any good guy, I went ahead and ordered my food. Just as I was seated, he showed up. After he got his food and joined me, we had another great time together. This was the 13th time we've done this since he moved to town. There is seldom silence between the two of us because we have so much to say. Today I was reminded that I need to let him talk and I just need to listen. I always learn more when I just keep quite. Today, I learned a wide range of things as Hal shared things with me. It was worth more and better than the food. I sure got my money's worth at McDonald's today where they do it all for you. Most of all, they provide a place for friends to get together. That's all these two men need and it's not even on their menu. They could call it, McFriendship.

I'M A MEMBER OF THE I HATE TO WAIT CLUB

We have been waiting for a number of weeks for some workers to install insulation in our attic. We've called and asked when they were coming. We've called and been told they would be here on a certain day and they didn't show. Well, today they showed up at our door without calling to see if we where even home. That's fine with me because they are finally here and up in the attic doing their job. Advent is all about waiting. We're reminded that there are still some weeks before we celebrate Christmas. We hate to wait. We hate to wait in line at the grocery store, a red light, or to open the Christmas presents. But there are times when we must wait. It isn't optional, it's required. The thing to do is to spend the time wisely because before you know it whatever it is that we're waiting on is here. And then we wonder how it got here so quickly. We have high hopes and great expectations that we will feel a difference after the attic has new insulation installed. As cold as it is forecast to be tonight, it will be well worth the wait. Thanks to two men doing their jobs, we can get on with decorating the house now. Now is the time we have, let's rejoice and use it well.

"Look Dear, Deer!"

Tuesday morning I looked out our front window and saw two deer under a tree in our yard. It
was a sight to behold. I called my wife and said, "Look, Dear, Deer!" There they were. They
stood still and silent as if they hadn't heard or seen anything. I started sneaking up on them so
I could take a picture. They still stood still and silent as if they wanted to be seen. That's when
I realized that they would leave me alone if I were to leave them alone. These two deer didn't
hear or see me because they are made of wood. My wife had put them there and hadn't told me.
Boy, did I hope no one saw me acting so stupid. It would be the talk of the town. I can hear it
now, " Hey! Did you hear about the guy down on the corner? He thought two wooden deer were
real. What a crazy guy!" Well, tonight I'm going to dress the deer so they won't get cold. I'll
put a ribbow around their necks. Maybe a bow since we live on the corner of Bow and Grider
Pond Road. They sure are something to see, just standing there under a tree watching people
drive by. Bye.

Hands Up!

I've been invited to speak to some volunteers who work at a local Hospital. I think I'll share
some thoughts along the line of doing you very best as a volunteer. Why do these people give
so much of their time and talents when they could do something else? Do they do it to get attention? Would I be willing to do what they do? Most of the people who do volunteer work
are seldom seen if they do their work well. That is to say, it's not about themselves, it's all about others. Attention and applause isn't their goal, it's attenting to the needs of others. They
don't want to be in the spotlight, they want to spot a need and handle it as best they can. You
know, I think I just decided what to talk about next Tuesday: "Is There A Volunteer In the House?" I'm sure I will see a sea of helping hands popping up all over the room.

"AND THAT'S THE TRUTH!"

Yesterday I bought a new book entitled, Simple Truths. I plan to start reading it today. Before I do, I have to tell a simple truth. My daughter is at it again. When I went to my Blog early this morning, I found that she had added my picture to my last Blog. I hadn't asked her to add it and I didn't like the picture in the first place, so, I deleted it. The simple truth is, I didn't even like the Blog. I hope I have a good time reading, Simple Truths now that the truth has been told. It looks like the kind of book I will really enjoy reading. The simple truth to the book is that it was on sale. Had it not been, I doubt I would of bought it. I didn't need another book to go with my stack of books. But who can turn down a sale? Not me. I had gone to the book store to buy a book by a dear friend, J. Ellsworth Kalas. It is entitled, What I Learned When I Was Ten. His book will be my bed time sleeping pill. I read every night before turning off the light. It puts my mind in a better mood for sleep. I even find that something from the books show up in my dreams. This one deals with the span of a couple of years. When I read a couple of pages last night, I found myself going back to the time when I was ten. I can hardly wait to pick it up again tonight because this book is really going to be good. And, "That's the truth!"

GOOD FRIENDS AND GOOD FOOD GO TOGETHER

My wife and I had Dinner with a couple of dear friends last night. While the food was great, being together with these two was even better. We shared stories, kidded with one another, and laughed a great deal of the time. Had it not been getting late in the day, I think we would still be there talking and listening to one another.
What an honor it was that these two very busy people took time to be with my wife and myself.
They didn't have to do it but they did. I think it says something about friendship. As I've said so
many time before, we all need friends with whom we can chill. That's what we did while dinning
on a wet Thursday night. And it was good. Very good.

LOOKING BACK INTO THE FUTURE

I need to take a trip today. I have a mission that I must do again this year. My mission is to go
get 2007 calendars from a funeral home here in town. I place these in a number of places in our
house so that we have one when we need it. What bothers my family is a day like today. I just
tore off today's date at the computer desk so I won't have to do it December 1st, tomorrow. It's
just a bad habit I have. Why break a bad habit when it's for the good of us all?
I have my little black books stashed away in a corner that I can turn to if need be. I'm speaking
of the little calendar books that we Pastor's get each Fall for the next new year. It is interesting
to take time to turn through the pages of each one and see where I was and what I was doing each year. It's like a road map to the past. As I write these words, I wonder about the future. I
have already posted a few dates as reminders. One is the 95th birthday of my father April 2nd.
When I told him that the date was already in place, he said he didn't know if he would be here for it or not. Nor do I. We can plan to be somewhere, some day in the future but today is the
only day we have right now and we're not real sure just what may happen today. So, I best be
doing something else that I have planned before my plans get changed. Remember, one of the
things I plan to do is pick up 2007 calendars at of all places, a funeral home. That's all I plan
to do there, I assure you. No need to rush things.

MY MISTAKE MAKES ME LAUGH AT MYSELF

I heard lots of laughing coming from the study Wednesday night. It had to be a funny joke, I
thought. Well, the joke was on me. My wife was laughing so much she couldn't even talk, which
is in itself a miracle. I had emailed someone a couple of days ago but hadn't done a spell-check on
what I had written. What was so funny was what the email said instead of what I meant to say.
Even the one to whom the email had been posted had not emailed back, called me back or, even
laughed at me. Yet! Maybe Thursday night when we meet to eat. Isn't it amazing how leaving one little letter out of a word can really make a mistake stand out. I admit that the wrong word
was worth a laugh, and I'm glad it made my wife laugh since she hasn't had much to laught at here of late. They say that laughter is good medicine. Take a double dose of laughter, Dear, and
call me in the morning.

"Fill My Cup, Lord.."

I awoke around 5:00 a. m. Tuesday morning. I tossed and turned and then got out of bed to start my day. I put on a pot of coffee and sat down with the Scrptures. After reading a couple of chapters, I began getting a whiff of fresh coffee coming from the kitchen. I had to have my morning coffee to jump-start the rest of the day. One of the books I'm reading as a daily guide is, A Year With Jesus, by Eugene Peterson. I dig up nuggets of gold in what he has to say daily as I read from it. Today's text is about not judging others. Peterson offers a suggestion to pray for people instead of pronouncing judgement on people. The thought came to me, do I have good judgement? I must confess that too often I don't. I judge people as if I'm the Judge. Well, I'm not and neither are you! Let the Lord judge, not us. It's easier to see the faults of others than to see our own, isn't it? It's also easier to condem others sins than confess our own. Ouch! That ouch didn't come from the strong coffee in the cup but from the strong Word of the Lord, and it's not even 6:00 a. am. yet. I need another cup of fresh coffee as I continue my day, but more than that, I need another fresh word from God. What about you? Can I pour you another word of the Lord? "Fill my cup, Lord..."

THE RIGHT KEY IS: DELETE

As I work with this Blog I look down at the keyboard and see a six letter word that has a great
deal of power. The word is "delete". If I hit that key, I can delete these very words as if I didn't
even write them at all. There are times when I make mistakes and decide not to use a Blog. So
I hit the "delete" key and zap, it is gone in an instant, as if I had never written anything at all. In the last few days we've heard about or seen where someone said something they wish they had
not said or did something they wish they had not done in the first place. But, too late. Much too late! So the they want to be pardoned. they want their slate wiped clean. Friends, only God
can grant that wish. It's called grace. Grace is an even greater five letter word. And, it's even
greater to experience it after failing, sinning, etc. When we pray and ask for forgiveness, it's
like hitting the delete key. Our sins are forgiven and forgotten as if we never said or did what
we said or did. But there is a warning with these words that is key: don't go out and say or do
the same things again. God's grace is available to us all, but it doesn't allow us to play games with grace. It's not a game. It's grace, amazing grace! It's always the right key to hit!

"SMILE, YOU'RE ON COOMER CAMERA"

I wish I were as smart as my daughter. She knows how to place pictures with her blogs. I don't.
Sunday night she snuck a picture of me on her blog. It shows me wearing an old pair of my Father's pants. Like the pants, I look old and out of date. I may be old but I'm not out of date and I'm not giving up on this thing she has gone and done to me. Some will get lots of laughs from my daughter's doings, but I get grief. Grief that she didn't get in the picture with her dear Daddy. Then, and only then, would the picture be of real value. One of these days when she least expects it, she will show up on blogs because I've got some shots of her that show her acting a great deal like her dear, dear Daddy. They are old and they are new. They are very valuable and well worth seeing. Until then, be on the watch because, "Smile, you're on Coomer Camera!"

Still Giving Thanks

We went to worship this morning and then I went over to rake leaves to the side of the street for one of my brothers. After doing all that, I even came home and helped my wife plant tulips out in the front yard. Then I raked some of our own leaves to the side of the street. I'm a little on the sore side tonight after all these things, but it's been a great to be with family, friends and the faithful people of our church. Thanksgiving is still going on down deep in my heart. I'll be thankful if I can can get out of bed early Monday morning. If I don't, I'll sleep in and give thanks in my Monday morning dreams. Maybe I can come up with something to do that takes less of
my muscles. They sure are sore!

BLACK FRIDAY

I should of gone shopping Friday. Instead of joining the thousands who went shopping on Black Friday, I stayed home. Wrong idea! I ended up working in our garage. I took things up to the attic, I brought things down from the attic. I moved things from the back to the front and from the front to the back. I lifted things up that were heavy and things that were not so heavy. Now I wish I could say that I have great garage, but I can't. I can't get my car into the garage due to the things our daughter has there after moving here a few months ago. I can't get my car into the gargae due to the thousands of things that our son has all over the place. And, I can't get my car in the garage in the garage due to the things my wife and I have in it. All I can safely say is
I'm sure glad we have a garage because I don't know where else all these things would go! That is truly a black Friday for me. On secon dthought, just think of all the money we saved by not going to the Mall. Am I smart of what!

TOM TURKEY'S THANKSGIVING

When I was walking into the kitchen early Thanksgiving morning, I knew there had to be a turkey in the house. Tom Turkey always shows up. So I looked in the fridge to see if he was hiding in there. Nope. I looked in the pantry. Nope. Then I looked in the oven and there was Tom. Was he ever hot under his collar! I wonder if he knew that when he hid in the oven it would get in him in hot water! I do know that, Tom Turkey has good taste and he is stuffed, just like I'm going to be by the end of the day. Tom will get to go to Grandad's today though, so he wouldn't have to stay home alone. He can even be a real cut up! He will also be in our prayers as we give thanks for all the great food on the table. If he is smart, next year Tom get a pardon from the President and get to go where he can live a longer life. Until then, Happy Thanksgiving from Tom Turkey and my family where the I've been told, I'm the real Turkey! I don't know why they say that. It is really not very nice, but I will pardon them for saying such a thing if I get to go first at the table.
ps: Tom Turkey did show up at my Dad's for Thanksgiving. Just as I thought, everyone ate him up! He was so good! He did his Turkey trick again this year too, almost everyone took a nap. I think there was some kind of drug in the dressing. It is good to be back home after such a great day. I hope you can say the same.

"Are You Ready for Some Football ? !"

Sunday afternoon I watched four football games instead of reading. Sunday afternoon is a great
time to read for me. I relax and read a few pages of a book and then take a nice nap. I wasn't in
the mood to do the same old thing I usually do, I needed a change of pace. I needed to be in full
control. So, I kept the remote tight in my hand and watched football! Our tv allows me to watch two games at the same time, one with sound and one without sound. With a flip of a finger, I can change channels in a moment's time, which I did more than once. I didn't take a nap since I was
so into the games that I didn't attempt to move out of my comfort zone. I was cozy until my team lost to Dallas and had their first loss this season. After that I could care less about football! How could they go and ruin my day like that? Who do they think they are! Just see if I watch next week? I think I'll read a good book or two and take a long nap instead. That will show them whose the real Man!

"AND THE WINNER IS.............."

Saturday night I was playing "1 vrs 100" on my computer. Even though I have played it a hundred times, it wasn't until one of the games that I saw what I was attempting to accompish.
My goal in the games is to eliminate people. All of the sudden I felt sad. For some reason I
remembered a quote by the main character in a book I've read, Sabbath By Miscellany: 300
Religious Tales by Charles A. Goodwin. He speaks of a Captain of a boat who said it a severe
storm, "...I should be careful because I have souls on board, I think of myself as responsible.."
This tiny quote had a big impact upon me. It got me to thinking how in society the goal of so
many people is to get rid of people who somehow stand in the way of getting what we want. We
should be on guard not to hurt people but help people, people who make up our families, friends, and even those whom we do not know at all. The game teaches us that if we can eliminate people, we have a better chance of getting what we want. Life is not a game where we set out to rid ourselves of others but to enrich the lives of others. That way, we all are winners.

Me, Myself and I

When Hal called and told me he couldn't meet me at MacDonalds today, I thought that I would stay home and read. But I needed to take a tie to the Cleaners so I dropped it off and then I ate at MacDonalds with Me, Myself and I. What a trio of trouble that was. Me had to go to the rest room twice before leaving. Myself wanted another Big Mac and, I didn't want a thing to do with the other two. I tried to make sure Me and Myself were at their best behaviour. After we ate, Me, Myself and I left. But before we got in the car, Me said he wanted to drive. Myself fussed. So, I drove. I drove to see our two best buddies, Barnes & Noble. They had lots of company. They were looking at books, magazines and newspapers and didn't see Me, Myself & I slip on out and head on home. The three of us need a nap now. After all, all of us are tired and need our rest. Till next time, we'll be seeing you.

"COMING!"

I remember how my Father would call us children home for supper each evening when we were younger. Dad would step just outside our house and call us home. He didn't call our names. He would whistle. It was his whistle. No one else in the neighborhood had the same sounding whistle. No one. Nor did anyone else, anywhere. Wherever we were and whatever we were doing, we knew that when we heard it to head home. We would cry out, Coming!" and head home as fast as our feet or the bikes could get us there.
I find myself doing as Dad did every once in awhile. If I know that they are near enough to hear
me whistle at all, I whistle my own whistle and they know Dad's calling them to come home. It
works most of the time. They show up pretty soon after hearing the sound of my whistle. It's not their names being heard that brings them in, but the simple sound of a familair whistle.
When my Father God calls me home, I doubt I hear Him whistle from Heaven's door to come on home. I think He will call me by my name and I will simply stop whatever I'm doing and head home, knowing that there's a feast awaiting me there. If I can, I'll say, "Coming!" and head home right away. So I simply ask you, do you know the voice of God whenever and wherever you are? And, how will you respond? I hope you head home because there's no greater call than the call of God to head home into the heart of the One who makes it all possible, His very one Son who knew His Father's voice when He was here long, long ago.

THE LAST LAUGH

While I was blowing the leaves to the back of the back yard this afternoon, I thought I heard the leaves laughing at me. It was as if they were laughing at me all my hard work. It was as if the
leaves were laughing at me for thinking I would finally finish this Fall tradtion. When I put the blower away I thought they were laughing at me again, but I may be mistaken. It might of been
the leaves last gasp for life because they haven't been looking too good for the past few days. Their color isn't good, they look dirty, dingy and as if they are dying. Too bad that they have to go "to the dump, to the dump, to the dump , dump, dump" to lay in state for the remaider of Fall, all of Winter and some of of Spring where they will work to enrich the soil and bring forth new life. It could well be that they are laughing because they know they do have the last laugh after all. These leaves really have put on a good show, as well as provide shade for the Summer months. So, to the laughing leaves, I give a standing ovation. You see, I've got to go to the bathroom or someone will be laughing at me. And, I'm too proud for such a sight! I'm not going to Fall for that! Nope! Not me!

GIVE A "LIFE LIFT" TO SOMEONE TODAY

I have been looking forward to today for some time. My wife and I are having lunch with five of
our friends where we will share stories, have lots of laughs and enjoy fantastic food. Every time
the seven of get together like this, it is a time to affirm one another. It's so sad that there's not
enough of that going around these days. What goes around is putting people down, gossip about people and things like that. The just ended political races illustrate what I'm saying. They put others down to lift themselves up. "If the other person looks bad, it makes me look good" was their motto. What we need to do is lift others up with words and acts of kindness, not knock them down and then go off leaving them in the dust. The Good Samartian gives us a good example of how we should live life. He went out of his way to help someone. It took time on his part but it gave the one he helped a LIFE LIFT. Why don't you give someone a LIFE LIFT and see if it makes them have a happier day? I promise you this, you will have a happier day as you go on your way.

AM I HEARING VOICES?

I'm home alone today. My wife and daughter are in Nashville and my son is at work. Both dogs are outside. It is seldom that I'm home alone. Most of the time, someone else is here. While we aren't always in the same room, still, we are together here at home. Most of the time, there
are two dogs sleeping beside one of us or following one of us like a shadow. Not so today. I'm all
alone. I miss the talk and I miss the talkers. I've had the tv on and off as well as the radio in my
study. I have been outside a time or two, but found myself coming back in and finding things I
need to do. My 94 year old Father phoned late yesterday afternoon. He didn't really have much
to say. He was lonely and wanted to hear the voice of a family member. Others nod at him, wave at him, and, even stop and speak but then rush on down the hall leaving him all alone. I'm
home alone today and it gives me an idea of what it means to want to hear from someone, even if it is from an automated phone machine wanting your vote. But that's over and done with now and no one will call you back and thank you for your vote. When I finish doing this, I think I'll
call my Dad. I just want to hear his voice again today.

"I VOTED"

It's raining and it's cool where we live. It 's a great day to stay in where it's warm and dry. But I
didn't. Instead, I got out in the cool rain and drove a few blocks to VOTE. Voting is something I
wanted to do today even if it were snowing. I had to wait in a long line before casting my vote but time went by fast. It would of been ok had I had to of waited longer because that would of
meant longer lines. More people casting their votes. I sure hope lots more people show up before 6:00 tonight to let it be known that they care about who is elected to hold offices. It really is an
important thing to do. I'm glad to have a small sticker stuck on my jacket saying, "I VOTED!" I
hope you have such a sticker stuck on you!