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SUNDAY MORNING COMING DOWN: The Signs of Hope in Nature

8/30/2020

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And the misty morn will transition into a most beautiful Sunday for me and for you.
Early each morning I have the most glorious opportunity to witness the unfolding of God' nature. It is truly a blessing to be able to live in a place where I can see up close and personal how so many of His creatures react to the start of the day and how they add so much beauty and meaning to life itself. And it is a relatively new feature to me, having become a country boy only in the last twenty years of my life, but it has enriched me, made me appreciate so many things I never experienced before while also blessing me with a ll the evidence it gives of the existence of God and what He offers us.

It all starts before dawn as I trudge sleepily along, coffee in hand, to the barn where I get feeding prepared, make sure all things are in order before letting the horses in.  As I rattle the cat food container and fill the multiple dishes for the barn cats, they scamper in, stop for me to pet them, and hungrily go to work on their breakfast. I praise them for doing an excellent job since there are no signs of rodents anywhere.  Then I turn my attention to doling out grain in buckets for the horses, delivering it to their stalls while I also check to be sure they have plenty of fresh water. Then I walk to the pasture gate and let the horses in and they scamper to their stalls and begin munching and crunching, enjoying their favored meal. The sound is soothing in the otherwise quiet setting, but that is about to change, for here come the two Great Pyrenees, our silent sentries and guardians of the farm and all of us, human and four-legged ones, who reside in harmony here. They greet me enthusiastically and I now have a moment to enjoy an early morning with my God who is at my side. So, with a few minutes to spare, I walk to the easternmost fence line and watch the brightening sky over the wooded forest ahead and I thank God for giving me moments like these.

I begin turning out the horses, one by one, as the sky lightens as the turkeys and the deer mysteriously arrive in the fields from their secret hiding places. And the picture of the horses, with the deer and turkeys beyond them show how they an teach us about how we, too, must learn to live in harmony with our fellow man. I then put out some scratch for the free ranging chickens as they also show for the first time and the living scene of nature that I never grow tired of witnessing, is once more in full display. The cool air now begins to heat and I know it marks another hot late summer day, but it has blessed me like few other things may. An on this Sunday Morning Coming Down it tells me that despite the apprehension and concern that so many of us feel on this day, with God foremost in our lives, the promise and hope for all of us is always present.  I hope each of you, no matter what your lifestyle might be or wherever you find yourself this day, will make time to find a special place in nature's setting to praise God this day. He'll love you even more and you will feel so much better in so many ways. That is just what a open heart can do. Enjoy this Sunday Morning Coming Down and the rest of you day because God loves you and wants only good things for you.  Just give Him the chance and you'll see it unfold as you enjoy this and every day. God bless.

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FOR THE FUTURE: Fresh Faces Mark the Dawning of an Even Better America

8/29/2020

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Another young rising star: David Cameron
.Yesterday as I thought about the Republican National Convention which ended Thursday night, I went back and watched many of the videos posted for it. In particular, I reviewed all of the speeches made by new faces, many of them being Black Americans, and I fully understood why I was so struck by what had folded. What I had witnessed was not the old staid Washington Establishment Republican Party, but a new party, one welcoming of new and fresh voices, one which was reaching out to audiences that had never been approached before and it made me feel very proud. Think of it, rather, as the new Republican Party,  a party that is more oriented on the people, that fully supports the concepts of individual initiative, replacing political correctness with truth, plain simple truth and a reliance of faith the build a revised system of capitalism founded on truth and not just the privileged few.

The new faces seen at the four day gathering also included a number of older Black Americans like Burgess Owens, Jack Brewer, Herschel Walker, and Clarence Henderson, all men of great character who see that Donald Trump offers the answers to so many issues blacks face today, which good jobs and how they will give them the opportunity to get ahead in life instead of relying on welfare and handouts, things that sink any idea of self-worth. Former NFL standout Owens, a convert to Republicanism, is even running for office in Utah for a winnable seat in Congress. Brewer, a former standout NFL safety and now the leader of an organization trying to rehabilitate ex-cons to a productive life through faith in Christ, and still officially a Democrat, enthusiastically supports the President for his work to make life better for his community. Then there is the Georgia football legend who has known Trump for thirty-seven years and says he is the most supportive President for helping blacks help themselves, and Henderson, a social activist from the earliest days of the civil rights movement, is a Republican and knows that it is the Republican Party that has worked so hard to pass needed legislation regarding discriminatory issues. also touts the great support that Trump has given to the cause. Then there are the new arrivals supporting the President's candidacy like Georgia State Representative Vernon Jones, another Democrat who has seen first hand the damage that the Democratic Party has wrought on his people.

But what really puts the topping on the entire event was the new blood, young and rising leaders in the Republican Party like Madison Cawthorn of North Carolina, a likely winner to a Congressional seat this fall and an exciting crop of young black Americans, conservative in the best tradition and determined to work hard to break the hold on so many cities by the Democrats, cities that were once great and now are just a dying shell, all having been long controlled by the Democrats. The first example is Kim Klacik, an attractive and energetic young black Republican from Baltimore who is running for Congress on a platform of ending over fifty years of iron fisted Democrat control of the city and returning it to the people. She has passion and love of her city and it is shining through. Then there is Daniel Cameron, the handsome and well spoken black Kentuckian who any of us would be proud to have as our neighbor. He is fighting the good fight against their new progressive Democrat Governor, representing the people and their yearning for freedom. And then there is a man already proving himself to be a champion of what is right and good in Washington as the outspoken junior Senator from South Carolina. Senator Scott pointed out how only in America could al family advance from cotton to the corporation in the life span of that family. All of these people represent the best of America and they show the Democrats that their stale old push for socialism, a philosophy that has failed everywhere it has been forced on people, will fail here, too.

Mark my word, America will scorn the hate, the violence and the abusive and rude behavior in a massive way come November 3rd and Donald Trump will be given four more years to terminate the swamp, bring truth back to replace politically correct groupthink and make America great again. And you and I and our great President will be grateful that these wonderful old and new faces have spoken up so strongly  and rallied to the cause. I know that I am thankful, how about you?


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RNC NIGHT 3: An Inspiring Young Man is Introduced to America

8/27/2020

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A profile in courage: Republican Congressional candidate Madison Cawthorn
Watching last night's day 3 of the Republican National Convention, I am struck with the young talent within the Republican Party that is getting involved in politics and willing to run for high office. Over the last few nights we have seen some wonderful examples of enthusiasm, dedication, faith in God, belief in the individual, and patriotic support for making sure that this nation will ever be free. It's a fresh alternative to today's Democratic Party,  a party which shows every day that it no longer represents the heart and soul that is America.  Among those talents are Kimberly Klacik, the attractive black woman who displays such fervor for changing the way of life in her hometown of Baltimore, a once grand city which has become a crime ridden city where opportunity and hope for a new future have been lost under over fifty years of Democratic control. Kim Klacik bravely wants to change that. And then there is young Daniel Cameron, another thirty-something black American who as Kentucky Attorney General has his hands full trying to counter the radical ideas of his state's new progressive Governor. And now we can add Madison Cawthorn, a handsome and well spoken patriotic American of Caucasian extraction who in on the ballot to replace Mark Meadows as Congressman for residents of the North Carolina eleventh Congressional district. Cawthorn offers another wrinkle in courage and hard work which should be a shining example for today's millennials.

Madison Cawthorn has just turned twenty-five and if he is elected to Congress, a likely outcome based upon the make-up of North Carolina eleven, he will be the youngest member of the people's house. A young man with such great hopes and dreams just a few years ago, Madison faced a tragic event which nearly destroyed his life. With an appointment to Annapolis awaiting him, he was involved in an almost deadly car accident, leaving him with spinal damage which took from him his ability to walk. He was dejected and initially feeling lost, yet as  a young man of faith he soon decided to turn his life over to God. He was still smart, had a great personality and positive attitude and decided to find his place while encouraging others to never fall victim to those thing we can no longer control. So four short years later, when Congressman Mark Meadows, now President Trump's Chief of Staff, made his decision not to run for reelection, Cawthorn decided to give it  a shot. As a traditional Conservative, with views popular in the district of his birth, he faced a rough road to the Republican nomination. Not even Meadows gave him his support and the President had no idea who he was. But with hard work, he initiated a terrific ground game and the energy to meet and greet voters throughout the district and they were moved by it and loved him. And now, after pulling the upset, he is on the ballot in November and is the odds on favorite since the eleventh district is decidedly conservative with its rural residents scattered about  in the scenic North Carolina mountains.

Well, last night Madison Cawthorne had his moment on the stage with the RNC shindig and he nailed it. He spoke of his strong grounding in faith, his love and devotion to his nation, his belief in liberty over tyranny, the importance of the individual and making wise decisions using free will properly, and his understand of and support for Donald Trump. Keep an eye on this young man who unabashedly stands for the conservative way of life. I think he has a very promising future and will be a great asset to the House Republican membership. I am glad the Republicans identified him as a likely rising star and maybe, just maybe, this opportunity for his life was part of God's master plan. After all, God, indeed, works in mysterious ways and it wouldn't surprise me at all. Get to know him, he offers great promise in the House.



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AMERICA'S FIRST LADY: Grace, Class and Beautiful Clear Thoughts

8/26/2020

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America's beautiful First Lady: Melania Trump
Last night at the Republican National Convention, the nation got a great opportunity to see and listen to our beautiful First Lady, Melania Trump. She was there to give the keynote speech of the night, a speech to tell the nation how glad she was to have come from Eastern Europe and attain citizenship in the land she now is proud to call home.  She covered all angles, from the violence, the COVID, the concerns for race and so much more as she gave her two cents worth of advice on what might be done. She also wanted to  give her view of why her husband, President Donald J. Trump, should be re-elected to a second term as President and why that was so important for the future of America.  And she succeeded perfectly on all points she made.

Melania showed class, grace, compassion and love of our country and her people as she offered words of hope and a request for peace and coming together in our nation. These were positive words, powerful words, offering a refreshing contrast to the gloom and doom the prior week by the Democrats. It was impressive how the blend of her perfect words with her native accent came together. Now so many times when a speaker of foreign birth speaks, it is hard to understand. But Melania's speech was so clear, so pertinent and so honest that the blend actually added to is value, for here was a woman who came from Slovenia in search of a new and better life and it was clear how thankful she is and how that makes her such a great addition to America. When it was done, and I lay there ready for sleep, I thought how blessed we are that this strong and determined woman stands at the side of our President. For I know she provides him great and loving advice, and I know she respects what he is trying to do and that he relies on her counsel as most good husbands do. We Americans are in great hands with this wonderful couple at the helm of our troubled ship of state and we will prevail.

But then, when I awoke this morning and went to read the reviews of the speech, I was troubled to find the reaction of vile liberalism to the wonderful words of this special First Lady. Social media was full of filth, all kinds of pictures and comments about her as a young woman. These vile people who are so much worse than anything Melania could have been or has done, and I was disgusted. So, here's what I say in response. Melania Trump is a smart and beautiful woman and, of course, she certainly has made mistakes in her life. All humans have, for we are mortal sinners all of us as we suffer within the bounds of the human condition. What is important is not who she was, whether these disgusting claims are true or false. God doesn't care what we did wrong in our past, He wants to know what we have in our heart today. And I can tell you from watching her last night that she is filled with love, respect and goodness, for her husband, for her country and her people, She has grown and matured into a unique and very special First Lady who represent this nation with honor, grace and dignity. And she does so for she is completely secure in herself and we should be all so proud of her and what she represents. God bless President and Mrs. Trump, God bless the United States of America and God bless all of us, too. Let's keep hope alive and the bell of freedom ringing.

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Do You Feel the Thundering Return of the American Spirit?

8/24/2020

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Norman Rockwell's American Spirit: Is it rising again?
The United States of America is today at a major turning point in history. The decisions voters make in just a few short months will largely determine which course the nation takes. Will she opt to be, as she was created to be, a nation under God where people are given the chance to do what they wish based upon their individual decisions, and where hard work and commitment to free speech and liberty are heralded?  Or will she become one where the individual is subordinated to the group and groupthink, or political correctness, instead of truth and honor? Now there are those who say America's time is over and it's time to bring on a New World Order, where unelected bureaucrats will determine the destiny of each of and we will be subordinated to mere pawns in third world-type society. I say nonsense.

America was born to be different from such concepts as the New World Order where the chosen few made the decision for their King and the only thing the people were entitled to was the privilege of paying for it with the seat of their brow. It's not much different today with the designs of the United Nations and the European Union, two gargantuan organizations that are all about gaining control and placing it under the New World Order. And the United States, the richest nation on earth, is their prime target.  America will be called upon to provide her wealth, resources and talents to enrich this body while the American land mass will be called upon to open her borders and riches for the sake of others coming from corrupted places. This doesn't pass the smell test of truth, it merely provides the stench of tyranny which always eventually flow from socialist experiments in dominance through centralization using proven losing strategies that can never work. Take the incentive away from the worker and he no longer works well and the society will end in hardship and squalor.  We've seen this close by in nations like Cuba and Venezuela and no right thinking citizen could possible want this if they learn the truth. And that's were good citizens like you and me come in. We need to be willing to always stand for the truth

On November 3rd we have the chance to put a big dagger into the heart of the encroaching tyranny that can set them back for years. With today's Democratic Party having been co-opted by a leftist fringe element of its former self and with a candidate who, frankly, seems not to even realize where he is on many occasions, the threat is indeed. If you are  longtime Democrat but love and cherish your country, this is no longer your party. And while the Republicans have a small cadre who will support the Democrats solely based upon their hatred for Donald Trump, it is good to know that the overwhelming membership is enthsiastic for the President. Now you can love or hate Trump's personage but, realize that his personage should not be what governs your vote. Your vote should be based upon the position on the issues that the President. Conservatives know that he has enacted the most conservative agenda of a President in our lifetime. He has stood for secure borders and only legal, not illegal immigration, he stand for law and order, he has defended the right of Christians to profess their faith openly just as much as others he is trying to break the stranglehold of teachers unions which do nothing to improve the education process for students first and only then the interests of teachers. He has even gained favor with God in my humble opinion by moving the American embassy from Tes Aviv to Jerusalem and in so doing has soldified the standing of Israel's capital as the City of God. He has done those things because it is what got him elected four years ago.  I find his actions fully in accordance with

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SUNDAY MORNING COMING DOWN: Just as I Am

8/22/2020

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Simple, yet powerful words that can save your life.
For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves.  Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever.      -  Thessalonians 4:16-17 (NLT)
Those of us who are rich in the Spirit are familiar with the title of the hymn in the heading above. Just as I Am gained much recognition with its use by the Billy Graham Crusade. When the great evangelist held one of his services throughout the world, it concluded with the singing of that hymn. More importantly, Dr. Graham would call to the audience to come forward if they were trouble and needed peace, for only God through His Son could provide the peace that we all need. The Crusade had counselors and advisors to attend to the attendees needs and it was a poignant moment for anyone in the audience who chose to come forward, called by the beautiful words. And it represented the overriding value of coming to Jesus, however you are to let Jesus help you attain the promise of the scripture above, if only we believe.

I had the good fortune in the mid-1980's to attend one of his revivals back home in Virginia. My mother was a devoted follower of the Crusade, routinely donated to the cause, and asked me if I would take her to the event which was coming to town. She was slowing down by that time in life and needed someone to escort her to see and listen to a man who she trusted completely. She had been a long time devotee and had much in demand VIP tickets and I told her I would gladly go, that I loved Dr. Graham as well and would enjoy his message and the date was set. On the day in question, we arrived early, presented her tickets to an usher, and he led us to the VIP seats, placing us in the seventh row. Later, when Billy came out with the choir and entire entourage, when he tested the sound system just before starting, I looked up and was amazed at what I saw. He had eyes filled with compassion but ones that could look like you were the only person in the audience. He smiled and then opened the service. The message was grand, the music was beautiful, and the combination of his powerful words with glorious music brought a tear to my eye. I thought of my favorite aunt, Sylvia, who taught me Sunday school in the summers and drilled the message into me well. And I also thought of how much more superb the revival was to see this world renowned preacher close up and personal. He showed passion, love, concern, joy, anguish and even fear, but those emotions were used to present a powerful message which touched me directly. So, when he called for those who were troubled to come forward as the singing of the hymn began, I asked Mom if she minded me going forward and would she like to go to. She said no, she would just sit and wait for me and then said she was happy I had been so touched.   I went forward with tears in my eyes and prayed. I prayed that I would be a better man and that God would shine His grace on Mom, who was showing signs of her age. I was given some materials and a farewell prayer and then returned to my chair, took her arm and we departed. I stopped at her home and we had a cup of coffee, then kissed her good night and headed to my home and family. And the experience and the tender feeling and joy that I felt that night will always linger and I've always been glad that I was there.

So, what more is the message I want to impart, and what does it tell me about life, faith and the importance of God? Well, it's this. In a large coliseum of some ten thousand all were gathered to hear the word of God. There were doctors, lawyers, judges, businessmen, shipyard workers, men, women, young and old, some dressed for success and some maybe even out of work. But God doesn't care for he loves us all regardless of our status or wealth. And we were all gathered together for the same purpose. To learn more, to enrich ourselves and experience one wonderful thing, It was all about increasing our faith in God and directing ourselves toward Jesus, His son. It was invigorating and enriching and we all were unified at that very moment. God can do that for all of us, because we don't have to be powerful or famous. He wants me Just as I Am, and he wants you, too. And all you have to do is open your heart and you will want Him too. God bless you all and may the Spirit rise up and consume you on this Sunday Morning Coming Down.

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The Special Blessings of a Good Mother

8/22/2020

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A loving mother is a wonderful thing; she develops and creates new wonderful people.
As I look back at my life, the good and bad and successes as well as failures, one thing stands out clearly. It is that a good mother is probably the greatest advantage a child could have in growing up and I was fortunate enough to have a very good mother.  A good mother expends unlimited energy on behalf of her offspring.  She is always standing by and is ready to provide aid and comfort to her children come hell or high water and even though they go through the "I want independence" teenage years, most grow up to fully appreciate the foundation she provided.  Oh, fathers are important to, but mothers have the capacity to carry on life and love of their children even if they have to go it alone.  It must just come from the natural nurturing that comes with the process of that child growing insider her and for that time physically a part of her that makes it so.

But what about that mother who has to go it alone in the upbringing of the children?  What allows her to go without sleep, to work to provide financial support, juggle and balance books to find a way to keep things going, yet also be there in person for her children when needed? Quite simply, it's all about love and sacrifice. It's leaving no stone left unturned in order  to keep her family safe and secure, showing braveness in her duties even though she has great worry and concern and so often sacrificing her own happiness for their sake.  It's truly awe inspiring to watch and when God is in the equation in  her unselfish gift of giving, it is second only in the human element to the gift given us by Jesus Christ when he died on the cross to save us from our sinful selves.

I have great admiration for the work of a mother, and even more so for  a widowed mother or one who has been through divorce, and that comes from my own personal experience. My mother experienced the pain of losing her husband, my dad, while facing the task of getting three children ready to face the world on their own.  I know it was tough for her and as I grew older we would talk about it candidly, and she told me that her life meant nothing if we three children weren't ready to go out on our own.  It meant she had to instill her standards for living, her faith and her hopes and dreams in us, all by herself. It was not an easy task, although it's not easy for a married mother either. But having to face the uncertainties and the trials and tribulations of this world in order to do what she must do all by herself makes her effort oh, so special when she succeeds. There are so many evil forces out there which try to tempt her to to not live up to her requirement, yet the good mother always puts her precious children first, sacrificing her on desires and needs for them and God looks down on her and smiles.

Think about that from God's perspective. God is the father of all of us, but in the case of the good mother,  she successfully fulfills the preeminent requirement of what she was placed on earth to fulfill. From conception onward, she had the task of carrying the creation to term, feeling and connecting with the new life which will be born helpless and needs extensive nurturing and care.  She became the principal nurturer and over time helps the child develop so that he or she will also have the tools and the moral compass to carry out what is expected by God in their life as well.  So, God bless all good mothers, with a special praise to those who succeeded at their task all alone.  They are special, they are all beautiful in their own way and for what they do they will ultimately receive God's final reward: Salvation. And if you have one of those special mothers still here on earth, stay close to her and love her. And if she's gone, talk with her in your prayers every day. I feel certain that God will connect you to her and her spirit will be felt by you and comfort you even today. God bless you all and God bless good mothers, everywhere.

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Boost the Spirit With a Random Act of Kindness

8/21/2020

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Being kind always gives a positive boost.
We Americans are a very busy lot. We often spend our lives running from one crisis to another, yet when all is said and done such events really aren't crises at all.  They are just part of daily living.  And we get tugged hither and yon, sometimes not knowing which way to go, yet for many we still have a yearning sometimes to just do something because it is a the good and kind thing to do.  We can donate money to good causes or we can become active in such organizations, but maybe our budget for necessities is all we have and we don't have the time to attend meetings and events due to a demanding work schedule which must be met.  And even if we have some limited time, if we spread ourselves too thin, the result is often something not really accomplishing what we set out to do.  So what can we do?

Well, there's really a very simple solution. Commit to performing random acts of kindness, the little things we don't think about but which can be performed without real preparation. If we are observant, we can see or hear about them everywhere they go and the random acts we perform in response to them are things anyone can do. Perhaps you see someone struggling in the rain with a disability. You can offer to accompany them with your umbrella as they seek shelter in a nearby store. Or you might help them across the street or pick up things they have unknowingly dropped. It really doesn't matter what the specific are, it's the kindness you offer in a sometimes cold world that counts and it does have a lasting effect.

As for me, I have realized the perfect action I can take doesn't even require me to leave my home. It can be done from right here in my study and I easily identify folks who need help and can reach them with the push of a button. I used this for the first time the other day and had a conversation with a wonderful older lady who needs a kind word every now and then. Now I won't identify her but I will explain. She is one of my many followers of my personal page and my author page and I have grown to know her over these sites and recognize a kind word is in order. So, I pushed the messenger button on the Facebook site and, voila, was in contact with her just like a phone call. I think it was good for her and for me as well as we talked about earlier times, important events in our lives and with our families, and we laughed together and had a good time. She is stuck at home due to COVID and her conditions, and she longs for human companionship and just a word fro someone showing they cared enough to call. It was one of the best acts of kindness I could imagine and it has also enriched me and my spirit, so I plan to make it one of my calling in life.

So, the point I want to close with is this. Each of us has abilities and talents that need to be used not just selfishly but for the good of others. It's a cold world out there and anytime we can lighten the spirits of someone else who needs the lift, we should try to do it. It is a win-win situation. It fills a need that the person who needs the human contact while it opens and enriches our own hearts. Try it and do it, and it will also make a change in the way we look at the world. It's a change in attitude and outlook because instead of being aloof and cold, we become kinder. The world needs kindness more than ever today. Be part of the solution and not the problem and watch your spirit soar. God bless you and have a wonderful day.

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The Richness of Adding Voice to Word in Communicating with Others

8/20/2020

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Anybody remember those days?
As we go through life, things are constantly changing.  We move away from our roots, see new places and make new friends and these things are natural in the course of our existence which is surrounded by change. But the day comes for many of us when we remember our past and, if you are like me, that includes remembering those friends who we left behind and wondering what became of them. We ponder, then more often than not, go about our ways and that is that.  Yet today, we have so many tools to rekindle our friendships and enjoy time with those we left behind.  And with so many tools available in technology, it is easy to do so if we wish.  More often that not it is about words, words written and posted for friends to see and it is worthwhile and enjoyable. Yet seeing just the cold words, while a great way to be in touch, leaves out so much of the human experience that going a little farther make it so much better.

The only way we can accomplish that is by putting voice to those words we exchange and that means we have to get out of our rut of hiding behind the computer screen and making a call. It's really simple, and today we don't even need a phone if we are dealing with friends on social media. We can do it right online.  Being an old school type of guy, I never really thought much of it, but yesterday I decided to make the plunge, so I contacted someone by message who I correspond with and we set up a time for a call. My friend was a pretty girl in my class in high school and she and her husband are good Christian folk, and last night the call which I thought might last twenty or thirty minutes went almost an hour and I half. We talked of the old days and caught up on the things that have happened in our lives. We shared thoughts on our faith, shared our joys and concerns about the state of our world, we told jokes that we remembered and we laughed, oh how we laughed, and it was truly a joy. When we signed off we made arrangements to continue our conversation again about once a month and when I hung up I thought to myself, why haven't I been doing this all along?

The words we offer on paper, when turned into an active conversation and the addition of speech, adds an amazing extra that gives emotion, energy and joy to life that a letter can never by itself contain. And I offer this to those of you who miss the closeness of conversation with friends far away as an suggestion to try it. It is never too late to start and experience a great way to be with those who you remember and appreciate and it is so easy, what are you waiting for? It worked wonders for me and it will for you, too. Just thought I'd share a simple little tidbit that can make life a little better. In today's crazy world, we need all the help we can get. Give it a try sometime. I think you will find it fun and enjoyable as I did, too. Go for it.



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Does Donald Trump Have a Clear Connection with Our Lord?

8/18/2020

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Judge not, for you, too, can be judged.
Yesterday I found the above picture on my Facebook timeline. It was sent by devout Christian Facebook friend back home in Virginia and it struck my fancy.  But like always happens at a time like this, the picture then began showing up from many others and I know each of you have seen it as well.  And I also noted in some of the postings strong objection, people saying there was no way Donald Trump could have a connection to Jesus or, worse, vile statements about our leader.  So, I decided to write about that on this morning's blog with both an opinion and a reminder, a reminder that it is not for us to judge a man's faith and belief. In the case of Donald Trump and Jesus, the matter is between Trump and Jesus alone. No other person on earth knows but the Lord and President Trump the full truth concerning his commitment to the Lord. We might think we know, but we don't.

Now Donald Trump can be a very brash man and he certainly has his share of faults which have been publicized as well.  Donald is a sinner. But then again, so are all of us, for the weakness of man and the subjection to sin will never end until Satan is banished from earth. Man gets tempted, man gives in and it can consume him to the point of making what he desires a god in itself.  But, then again, all of us falter for many things that in the eternal sense are not worth it. And to falter is to sin, so when that happens, and it happens to all of us, we have committed sins.  A sinner can't condemn a sinner for that is hypocrisy, itself a sin. So, be very careful about evaluating others when you are guilty of the same.  God asks us to do his bidding and accomplish what he wants of us. So, if you want to condemn the President for his sins, you had better condemn yourself as well.  Donald Trump is just doing what you yourself have done.

When we look at the last four years and what the President has accomplished or is still working hard to accomplish, nothing stands out better than his efforts to maintain the right to have and express our faith. And Donald Trump doesn't try and tell you what to believe but, instead, tells you that you are free to believe. Yet, during his tenure, the right of Christians has always been under siege. He has stood strong against that, stronger than any man in politics than I have seen in my lifetime. To me, it tells me a lot about him and I think he has mellowed in some ways and has grown closer to God. Now that doesn't make him perfect, so what?  He is focused on keeping this land as one nation under God while making sure our freedom of speech and religion prevails. If you have problems with that, then so be it. And believe what you want about Donald Trump which is your right. But remember, when you judge, you are opening yourself to others evaluating you and there is none of us who can stand up to that with a perfect record.  Maybe you would be best keeping it to yourself.   And that, my friends, is the message I want to pass on about that most interesting picture and what it says to me.  God bless America and may God go with our President and guide him every step of the way.

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    Hi, I'm James, a writer who studies nature,  animals and all things created by God. I also write from time to time about what I think God expects of us.  I would love to hear your thoughts on these subjects. I hope you enjoy my comments.

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