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SUNDAY MORNING COMING DOWN: THE MOST IMPORTANT RESOLUTION

12/30/2018

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Nope, It's not on the list
Here we are looking toward another new year already. As we get older, it seems like the years just go by faster, yet with every passing year, change is not necessarily the way we expected. From my perspective, if you asked me back in the 1960s what 2019 would be like, I would have said the Jetsons.  Well, we're not there yet, but we have come a long way with computers and I-phones, driverless cars and drones, for example.  Yet with each orf these things, we find that they have many faults and unintended consequences we never considered.  They have also in so many ways caused us to maintain our humanity as a social animal by our very nature. So many things related to common sense and the laws or nature have been thrown away as we continue to think we can socially engineer anything without the basic nature of life being obliterated.

As we enter 2019, perhaps we who believe by faith can do something to change  that by using the old process of making a New Year's resolution that has the answer.  After all, resolutions require us to look at ourselves critically as we try to improve ourselves. Now I know many of you might say New Year's resolutions? Are you kidding me, we don't make those anymore.  Today we do what we want and however we want.  And that, friends, is a large part of the problem.

Look at the list above. For those who still make resolutions, there are some good points included but they all could be approached in a much different way and with the support mechanism to really carry them out.  How?  By  making our first resolution so big and potentially powerful that the other things we need to do will fall in place. Make living for the Lord first and foremost is the way to do it. In all that we do, ask Him for advice and guidance and He will help. Only He has the answers and truly wants us to give Him our lives to mold and develop. Only He, the Creator, has the ability to spark that Spirit in us..

Now, if we don't believe in God, then the problem is solved, or at least for those who don't believe they think it is and they can just muddle on along and watch the successive failures build. They might have power and money and think they own the world, but the day will come when this life ends and they will find they have nothing.  They can't take it with them.

But for believers, when we believe in the Lord and put Him first, all else will fall in place. Oh, it may not be the way we imagined in our weak mortal earthly view, but it will be a change toward making us closer to the image He has for us on the road to eternity. Each day that goes by will be a step in the right direction which will lead us to an eternity with Him when this life is over. Will it be more wonderful and marvelous than anything we can imagine. Well, let's just say I'm putting all my chips on the table on it. 

So, when we go to make our resolutions this year, and by all means it is a great thing to focus on being better in all things, put the Lord first and let Him lead the way. Just make those goals all subordinate to that master goal. If we do, at the end of the year we will
find ourselves, shall we say, divinely surprised and pleased.

Dear Lord,  We thank you for guiding us through the past year safely and ask that you guide us and direct us in the new year to do a better job of putting you first. With you, we can be anything.  Without you, we are nothing. Help us to understand that in all that we do. We ask in the name of Jesus Christ our Savior and our Mediator with you, Amen.



                                                              
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A Modern "Doctor Dolittle" Story: Get in the Hat, Cat, Not in the Street

12/26/2018

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I am reminded on the day after Christmas that many children received pets as special gifts.  The majority of the animals were dogs, but for some they were cats and for even another, yet smaller group, a pony or horse. Add in the case of a dog, that cut little Great Dane puppy doesn't look the same when he fills up the living room and weighs one hundred and fifty pounds.  So, whatever the choice, someone has to be responsible for the animal and all the chores which must be done daily and when the novelty wears off, lack of responsibility soon turns to delinquency in animal care. This leads to neglect and the desire to rid the family of the animal, thus creating a problem for all of us. 

Meanwhile, the public spends a fortune on pedigreed dogs for gifts while shelters are overloaded with unwanted dogs, many of which are very gentle, yet afraid and just want a place to live where they can provide the love they have within as gratitude for their new master or mistress.  By the way, this isn't an indictment of dog breeders and pet shops, just a statement of support for animals in distress who can provide so much joy if given the love they need.


My wife, Charyl,  probably loves animals as much as anyone there is in the world.  I lovingly call her a modern day "Doctor Dolittle" as I have watched her over the years turn a lost and disheartened rescue animal into a loving member of the family. They have included dogs, cats, a Shetland pony, a goat and even two lively tropical parrots.  The aminals treat her like the human stepmother that she is for them and I just do whatever chores associated with them that she asks.  It is a joy, however, to watch them go from afraid, to uncertain, and then to loving and adoring her.  That's the backdrop against which her latest addition to the family arrived,  the cute little cat in the picture.

Charlie Bear is a small Siamese cat she surprised me with when she came home from work one day about three months ago.  He was given that name because with his coloring, when he sits and looks at us, he resembles a little bear.  Her workplace in a large complex in the heart of the city has a large number of feral cats and where there are feral cats there are always kittens. A facility custodial man, a huge fellow with a heart just as large, found little Charlie, no more than six weeks old, about to get run over in the street.  Since he had learned while working that "Doctor Dolittle" loved animals, he brought the poor scared kitten to her, not knowing where else to take him.  She, of course, immediately fell in love with him and you can guess where he ended up.

From a very frightened and shy kitten, he has over the months with us turned into a precocious, cute and yes, very loving family member.  He has put on weight, has been medically given a clean bill of health and was neutered and given his shots. Since he will always be on the small side, he will be a house cat and he knows he has the run of the place already.  But there's something else.

I think that little Charlie Bear, like so many of the wonderful animals we have given a home to over the years, had a Guardian Angel who led him here. It's like anywhere that Charyl lives has a neon sign in the sky overhead directing them to us.  All I know is that once they arrive, they are the luckiest animals on earth.  And for the two of us?  Well, they provide love, fun and laughter and yes, a little bit of work, but the good far outweighs the bad.  So, here's to Charlie Bear, one little cat who happened to be at the right place at the right time and I think he's well aware of it and very thankful. "Doctor Dolittle" once again saved the day.

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George Washington's Merry Christmas: A Turning Point

12/25/2018

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Washington prays for the victory he desparately needed at Christmastime, 1776
It's that time of the year again when Christmas has arrived. we all look forward to this day with family and friends, good food and seasonal cheer and, at the centerpost, the birth of Jesus Christ who, of course, is the the Real Reason for the Season.   It is important, however, that we remember those who carry and carried out difficult tasks on our behalf, both present and past.  None are more seriously impacted than our military men and women in harm's way around the world, missing their loved ones and counting on God's grace to keep them safe.   And General George Washington in late December of 1776 was no exception.

Things weren't going well for the Continental Army. Annual enlistments were about to run out, the Congress was threatening to cut funding and Washington's troops were in Eastern Pennsylvania in the cold, many with no winter clothes or shoes.  Washington knew that the Army would not survive much longer without a big victory.  They needed something to boost morale and garner the support they needed for supplies and equipment and to gain reenlistment by the troops. Nothing improves morale like victory, decent food and needed supplies.

The Army had been run out of New York decisively and came to Pennsylvania since Philadelphia was the seat of power and thus far remained secure.  But even Philadelphia and its surroundings couldn't last forever and all who had joined the Revolution would be dealt with violently by the British should Washington fail.  He decided to take a big risk as his last stroke, for if it succeeded it would breathe new life into the cause.  Failure would be the same fate he and his men would face if they did nothing, likely death and perhaps by torture.

On Christmas Eve, the troops were gathered and put on display, preparatory to movement.  Then they spent most of Christmas Day moving out toward the Delaware River where, when other supporting forces joined them at  a pre-determined location and time, they would cross the Delaware by boat to New Jersey.  Their target would be the contingent of Hessian troops quartered in Trenton. Supported by one large group of British soldiers as well, the Trenton troops were well trained, well fed, well equipped and battle ready.

Contrast the two sides on the eve of the battle. The Hessians, under Colonel Rahl, were warm, well clothed and enjoying a Christmas night party, unaware of the fate awaiting them in the morning.  Washington's men, exhausted from their march and with chattering teeth and many with bloody feet, were now getting ready on the banks of the river to cross.  Washington himself was amazed at how well his men were standing up and he knew he needed to make sure their courage was awarded with a victory.

There were two very bad signs for Washington in these final hours on Christmas night. First, a significant number of his forces never made the rendezvous, meaning they would cross without them. And then, during the early stages of crossing, between eleven and midnight, a heavy storm with snow and sleet came down on them, rowing through the water which was running fast and was loaded with large chunks of ice.  The normally docile river was swollen to a width of nearly three football fields and over seven feet deep, meaning that any man overboard would die before he could be retrieved.

But Colonel Rahl's men had a disadvantage as well. Their haughty leader thought so lightly of Washington's forces that he disobeyed orders to fortify his lines and  disregarded a message delivered by a spy telling him the Continental Army was on the move.  Had he taken the Americans more seriously, his men could have been ready and Washington's Army of twenty four hundred could have been decimated by Rahl's smaller but highly trained and disciplined force of only fourteen hundred. Another factor, his lack of sufficient cannon power (he only had six of the lightest caliber cannon) would be no match for Washington's eighteen heavier cannon if only they could be properly deployed.  If they had been challenged early on, they would have never been properly placed to accomplish the outcome.

Safely making it to the Jersey shore, the Colonials maintained strict noise and light discipline and made the trek to the edge of Trenton in utter darkness.  Washington put his men in position, one group on the north end of town and and another on the south and waited for dawn on this day after Christmas to attack. A third force would seal off the town from escape.  His cannon were now in position to cover the entire center of town where he knew the Hessians would accumulate.  And, at precisely the right moment, the assault commenced through the outer edges of town.

As the Hessians came awake, hurriedly put on their boots and grabbing their muskets, they did just as Washington expected and were met with a hail of cannon right on the mark. The British dragoons attached to the foreign mercenaries just vacated the area, unwilling to fight and die with the Hessians.  Colonel Rahl was mortally wounded and in less than an hour, the battle was done.

Casualties were surprisingly light with the Americans losing four to injury with two men frozen to death.  For the Hessians, twenty were killed, one hundred wounded and one thousand captured. 

A striking feature of the Continental Army action is found in the names of men who participated.  They include the future President Washington, of course, as well as Alexander Hamilton, Aaron Burr, future presidents James Monroe and James Madison, as well as future Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court, John Marshall.  Even though they would squabble over the specifics of the future new nation's organization, Burr and Hamilton would actually duel, they were patriots all in this valiant escapade.

Washington got his much needed victory, the battle would go on for nearly five more years and Americans would eventually gain their freedom.  And I know way down deep in my heart that the prayer, depicted in the picture shown above, played a role in the outcome. For God works in mysterious ways, but he does answer prayers if they are said in earnestness and there is no doubt that Washington was serious.  Things don't always turn out the way we want exactly when we want them to, but with patience they were answered for the Colonials.

So, when you're enjoying Christmas and all that it represents, remember the hardships and bravery shown by these men who played an important role in the creation of America. We would likely not have the freedom and opportunity that we have today had they not acted resolutely way back then in 1776.  MERRY CHRISTMAS!

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A "GOLIATH" Comes to Santa's Rescue on Christmas Eve

12/24/2018

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Santa's delivery ingenuity is sometimes amazing
AUTHOR’S NOTE:  A few years ago, we lost our beloved Great Dane, Goliath, to a tragic accident.  He was, of course, a very big dog, sometimes made a mess and would take over the house if he could have, but inside he was a big marshmallow and he loved us dearly. He was a rescue who was mistreated by a previous owner and we quickly came to understand him and love him back and enjoy his antics, including learning to be gentle with our other pets.  I decided to use him as a principal character in a fun, fictional fantasy about Santa meeting his obligation to the children of the swamps and bayous. Here's the latest rendition of the story.  And, Goliath, wherever you are on the other side of the rainbow bridge, we will never forget you.  Merry Christmas, everyone.

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Christtmas Eve finally arrived and Santa was in a tizzy.  Weather was good over most of the nation with the exception of the Sunshine State.  It was a real mess down there in Florida.  Santa’s regional weather elf informed him that Florida was under heavy fog with almost no visibility. It was thick enough to cut with a knife and it would be impossible for the reindeer to navigate parts of the state not having street lights.  Therein was a huge problem because Rudolph's nose would be worthless. 

Now many think that Florida is all beaches and big cities but, in reality, much of her inland area, the spine of a long peninsula, is open country with farms and woodlands, swamps and bogs, and the rolling hills of horse country. The swamp and bog areas teem with gators, black bear, poisonous snakes, a few of the dwindling Florida panther and other wild animals.  Most of the swamp country is dark, very dark, and without a full moon or man made lighting to guide Santa how could he safely navigate the remote areas?  For you see, a hearty group of people live in these seemingly inhospitable areas and they have large families, including many boys and girls anxious for the arrival of Santa.


Venturing into an area like this without an expert guide is very dangerous.  And since Santa knew that he couldn’t fly with his reindeer into the swamp, he needed someone with appropriate transportation and knowledge of the area to expertly lead the way.  Being a smart and special fellow with fast recall of names and talents, he instantly came up with the answer to his dilemma.  He would call his old friend, Farmer McNab, who had lived on the edge of the swamp for many years.  If anyone knew what to do, it was Farmer McNab.

Santa placed a call that was quickly answered.  The connection was weak, however, because Farmer McNab only had a cell phone and the fog caused phone problems in these hard-to-reach areas with limited communication towers.  He must talk quickly before the signal was lost.

“Farmer McNab”, said Santa.  “I’m in a real jam.  As you know it’s Christmas Eve and I’m preparing for my all night journey.  The weather elf says I can’t fly into rural Florida because of the fog; it’s too dangerous.”

Continuing, he asked for help, “I know you don’t want to disappoint your grandchildren, so I thought you might have a solution.  What do you think?”

Farmer McNab scratched his chin thoughtfully and replied, “Well, Santa, I certainly don’t want any children to miss out on Santa this year so if you can make it as far as Gainesville, I can help you from there.  You remember Little Jimmy? Well, he’s now a grownup with children of his own and he can help.  He’ll meet you in Gainesville with his Jeep and a special friend and they’ll make sure you complete your rounds.”


Santa was curious and replied, “What kind of special friend?”

Farmer McNab laughed saying, “Well, Santa, that’s your surprise.  Just trust me. Call me by cell when you’re nearing town and I’ll direct you to a safe landing place.  Okay, Santa?”

“Of course, Farmer McNab,’ he replied.  “I know I can count on you.”

That settled it.  Santa would fly by reindeer to Gainesville, land as directed, and meet the farmer’s son and special friend who would guide him delivering the presents to the little boys and girls in the wilder, more natural parts of Florida.  He looked forward to a different kind of adventure.

About twenty minutes from landing, Farmer McNab gave directions to a nice barn on the north side of the city, owned by his good friend Robert.  The reindeer would be tended well and bedded down to rest until Santa finished his rounds. Then he could be off for the rest of his deliveries around the rest of the world.

Jimmy was waiting for Santa with his four wheel drive Jeep and his special friend.  As Santa hopped off the sleigh, said goodbye to Rudolph and the others and grabbed his large sack of presents, he was nearly knocked down by a large animal who just wanted a hug and a slurp.

Briefly stunned, Santa looked shocked and asked, “What in the world is it?  Is it a wolf?  Is it a bear?  Is it a pony?”

Jimmy just looked at Santa and laughed and said, “Say hello to my special friend, Santa.  His name is Goliath and he is a one hundred and sixty pound Great Dane. By the way, Santa, you need to wipe off the drool.”


Once Santa wiped the slobber away and was over his surprise, he laughed so hard that his tummy shook and shook.  And Goliath licked him and wagged his big tail.  He took to Santa in an instant.

“He loves red, Santa,” said Jimmy, “and he really likes you.  And that means that he will do whatever necessary to make you happy.”

Out of curiosity, Jimmy had his own question to ask of Santa.  This whole thing just seemed impossible.

“Santa, how in the world do you get all of your stops made in one night?  I mean, really, it will take us all night just to cover the swamp country.”

Santa winked and said, “Well, Jimmy, I’ve got one little trick that I have been given, but it’s only available one night a year and tonight is the night.  Since it’s Christmas Eve, I can make time stand still.”

Seeing Jimmy’s questioning look he said, “Just wait, you’ll see when our rounds are done.”

Then Santa threw his sack of toys in the back of the Jeep, hopped in the front passenger seat, and off they went.


“Where’s Goliath?” he asked.

Jimmy chuckled as he responded, “Look behind you, Santa.”

There sat Goliath right beside the sack of presents, looking through his big, sad and bloodshot eyes as if he would guard them with his life.  And he would, if necessary.

As they quickly left the city lights, they turned onto a bumpy dirt road that meandered into heavy woods and swamps.  In the thick fog it was eerie, with Spanish moss dangling from the large oaks and cypress like spider webs.  Santa was glad to be with someone who knew where to go.  It never looked like this from the sky on a clear night.

“Okay, Santa,” said Jimmy.  “As I find a house deep in these woods, you need to get out the right presents.  I’ll give you a name, and then you give Goliath the present.  He’ll do the rest. First stop is the Callahan family.”

They pulled up to a pathway leading through the woods.  Killing the engine, they could hear frogs, owls and insects chirping.  The fog drifted by in a cool mist and no other sounds were made.  Santa handed the present to Goliath, and he gently held it in his mouth as he headed off into the dark.

Santa worried, “Are you sure he’s okay?”

“Not a problem for Goliath”, chortled Jimmy.  “One time a big black bear approached him and getting closer, took one look and headed the other way. Even alligators don’t mess with him.  Did you know he can take down a three hundred pound wild boar all by himself?  He’ll be back in a moment.”

Sure enough, Goliath returned a short time later, panting heavily with his tail wagging as he jumped into the back seat, dirty paws and all.  When he shook both Santa and Jimmy got a soaking from swamp water mixed with mud.


The trio covered the first part of their trek easily but then Jimmy stopped suddenly.  Santa couldn’t figure out why.  He would quickly find out.

“Okay, Santa,” explained Jimmy.  “It’s time to change our set of wheels.  The Jeep won’t go any farther.  The paths aren’t wide enough.  Follow me.”

They walked through thick brush and brambles which suddenly opened into a small meadow.  In the middle was a storage shed.  It looked like a tiny haunted house in the dense fog.

When Jimmy opened the door, Santa was surprised to see an almost new, bright and shiny red four-wheeler.  It was perfect.

“I thought you’d like the red one for this occasion,” Jimmy laughed.  “And you even have a new version of Rudolph.  Goliath can find anything with his nose.”

Santa looked puzzled and asked, “What do you mean?”

“Well, Goliath won’t be riding,” Jimmy explained.  “He’ll be running in front of us leading the way, checking the path as we go.  If we get stuck in a bog or thick swamp, he will pull us out.  I told you he is my special friend.  There’s no better friend anywhere.”

Santa just couldn’t believe how much darker, wetter and spookier the deep swamp was compared to where they had been before.  They could barely see their hands in front of their face in the blackness and eerie bird calls and even the occasional alligator “bark” warned of possible danger at every turn.  The fog covered and gnarled trees resembled monsters waiting to grab anyone coming too close.

He asked Jimmy, “Are you sure people live out here?”

“Oh, yes” was Jimmy’s reply.  “People have lived out here for over one hundred and fifty years.  These folks are tough, deeply religious, know how to live off the land, and they love Christmas.  They just don’t like living around big crowds and they live off the land. They hunt, fish, make lures and rigs and guide tourists and sportsmen for their living.”


As they rounded a bend on the trail, suddenly the vehicle was stuck.  They were mired in deep mud and the four-wheeler was going nowhere.

Jimmy yelled, “Goliath”, and out of nowhere the trusted Great Dane appeared.  He was muddy and wet but happy.  This was the kind of place he loved.

Jimmy hitched him to the four-wheeler and Goliath pulled with the strength of an ox.  He easily towed the muddy vehicle to dry land again.  Jimmy quickly unhitched him and they were once again on their way.  And as before, Goliath could be heard panting but couldn’t be seen.

Suddenly off to the left they heard a horrible cry of a frightened animal.  Then just as suddenly, the roar of a bear bellowed.  Goliath instantaneously was off through the brush. 

While Jimmy and Santa saw nothing, they heard the brush and palmettos moving violently and the sound of animals fighting.  Jimmy recognized the sounds of Goliath.  He knew he was facing off with the bear as they circled one another like two prize fighters itching to find an opening.  The roaring reached a maddening pitch as each animal made an attempt to gain the upper hand.  There were howls of pain and then complete silence returned.

Santa was concerned. He asked Jimmy, “Do you think Goliath is okay?  Is there anything we can do?”

Jimmy just smirked and said, “I’m sure Goliath is fine.  Just wait a few moments and he’ll return.”

True to Jimmy’s word, Goliath returned in a few minutes, no worse for the wear except for some matted blood on his neck.  But there was something else.  Goliath was softly carrying in his mouth a small but terrified dog.  She was a cute little terrier and Goliath saved her life.


Checking him over with a night light, Jimmy found that the blood was not Goliath’s.  It was from his opponent.  Goliath’s imposing carriage and strength had won the night and Jimmy was proud of him.

Jimmy lovingly hugged and petted Goliath and his new friend and divided a large milk bone biscuit saying, “Good boy, Goliath, you are the best.  I don’t know where this little dog came from but you saved her. We’ll take her home to Little Jimmy as a special Christmas surprise.”

Goliath just looked at him with big sad eyes, gave him a sloppy slurp across the face, and continued to wag his tail as if he was saying he was King of the Swamp.  By golly, on this night he was.

They made over one hundred and twenty stops that night in the deep swamp.  Santa never saw a house, a light or a person but Goliath faithfully delivered the correct package to each one in record time.  And as he came back from the last house, Jimmy gave him a special treat.  It was a large piece of steak, which Goliath wolfed down in seconds.

Returning the trusted four-wheeler to the storage shed, they jumped in the Jeep for the trip home.  It had been a wild but interesting night.

As they reached Gainesville, Jimmy was worried about how much time they had taken.  He was expecting to see signs of the early morning sky at any time but they never came.  It was still just as dark as when they started.


Arriving back at the farm where the reindeer were resting, Santa couldn’t believe how things looked in the light.  They were covered with mud and were quite a sight.  Goliath was head to toe slime and muck and the Jeep looked like it was returning from a mug bog.

Jimmy’s friend Robert approached with hot coffee and fresh, homemade sweet rolls.  And for Goliath, he brought a bowl of what he called “swamp stew”.  Santa was afraid to ask what was in it, but Goliath gobbled it down in seconds.

Santa sat on a picnic bench for a moment to enjoy his coffee and sweet rolls.  Jimmy looked astonished.  How could Santa sit and relax when he still had the entire world to cover?

Santa read Jimmy’s mind and said, “Remember when I told you about my special gift of stopping time?  Take a look at your watch.”

As Jimmy peered at his watch dial he was shocked.  They left on their journey at 8:30 that night and it was now 8:35.  Time had indeed stood still.

Now Santa jumped up and asked if there was a place to freshen up a little.  He didn’t want to continue on his way covered with mud. Robert directed him to a bathroom and offered towels and anything else he needed. 

And then another surprise happened. Within fifteen seconds, Santa reemerged.  He was clean and spotless.  He had entered the rest room empty handed but returned clean and bright with no evidence of his filthy clothes or appearance.

“Oh, don’t worry,” Santa said with a grin.  “That’s another special secret that I have for Christmas.  It means I don’t have to worry about getting dirty.  I do this every time I go down a sooty chimney.  Fascinating isn’t it?”

The two men looked at Santa with amazement.  Even Goliath looked puzzled.  What a night it had been for all.

As Santa hitched his reindeer team and readied them for travel, he winked at Jimmy and Robert and said “So now you know I am the real deal.  No one will believe your story except for your dad, Jimmy, and Robert here.  So it’s best if you keep it to yourselves.  But now you know the truth about old Santa and the Christmas spirit.  Keep it in your heart always.”

And he remembered Goliath as well saying, “I will always remember your wonderful job, Big One. I might call on you again if I need you.”

Goliath barked a hearty response in delight.

With a big “ho, ho, ho” and a “giddy up, go”, Santa and his reindeer, led by Rudolph’s guiding red nose, were off and quickly disappeared into the dark sky.  The last thing Jimmy and Robert heard was a loud “Merry Christmas” and then he was gone.

Suddenly to the east the sky started to lighten.  Jimmy looked at his watch and it read 6:30 a.m.  Time had caught up.

Jimmy and his dad’s friend Robert were absolutely astounded.  Had this really happened or was it a dream?  And while they didn’t really know, they suddenly felt tired, as if they had been up all night. 

Getting ready to head for home with Goliath, Jimmy went to the rest room to wash up.  And there he found it.  A note written in longhand on special Santa Claus stationery was sitting by the sink.  Beside it was a large bone with a tag for Goliath.  What’s more, there was no sign of dirty clothing or a mess from the quick clean up.  All doubts vanished.  Santa was real and he had been here.

Getting home at sunrise, Jimmy felt more alive than ever.  His dad was waiting for him and said, “Jimmy, I know what you’ve been through.  Just keep it to yourself.  I had the same thing happen to me when you were little. Believe me, no one will believe you.  But the important thing is that you know and you believe. Never forget.”

As father and son sat down to breakfast with the rest of the McNab family, the Christmas spirit was truly alive and had never been stronger.  Both men were lucky to have experienced it in a very special way, and they would keep it in their hearts forever.

And for all of you children of all ages reading this, remember that the reason for this wonderful season, the celebration of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, also requires us to have faith.  Take the birth of this baby boy who grew to be our King for Eternity on faith and believe it with all your heart.  You will then find it is indeed the key to all that is real.

I wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas and wishes for the Star of Christmas to shine over you always. Ho, ho, ho. And here's GOLIATH!

 

©James Dick, 2013, All rights reserved


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We'll always miss you, Goliath
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A DIFFERENT CHRISTMAS TWIST: 'Twas the Night Before Jesus!

12/23/2018

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The birth of Christ and what lt leads to is Eternity for all who believe.
The poem you are about to read, written from a baseline of the much loved poem, 'Twas the Night Before Christmas," was written by an anonymous author. I don't think I could have said it better. It was read in my church this Sunday as part of our Christmas service.  Being a beautiful and small, old country church, we share our minister with another like church and we alternate a Christmas Eve service between the two sister churches.  So, this service was the "Big Kahuna" for this season and it was beautiful and the content of the poem touched me so directly that I asked him for a copy and he gave me one.  I thought it was perfect for Christmas, as a reminder of what is really important.  You see, while we enjoy the lights, the presents, the parties and laughter of the children as a fun part of Christmas, we must never fail to remember what Christmas really is about. The real meaning is eternal. The rest, when all is said and done, is just a mere blip on the radar screen of life.  Believe in Him by faith and put Him first in everything and really live. That is the real message of Christmas. This is the message of the revised poem which follows.
 
‘Twas the night before Jesus came and all through the house not a creature was praying, not one in the house. Their Bibles were lain on the shelf without care in hopes that Jesus would not come there.

The children were dressing to crawl into bed, not once ever kneeling or bowing a head; and Mom in her rocker with baby on her lap, was watching the Late Show while I took a nap.

When out of the East there arose such a clatter, I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter.  Away to the window I flew like a flash, tore open the shutters and threw up the sash!

When what to my wondering eyes should appear but angels proclaiming that Jesus was here. With a light like the sun sending forth a bright ray, I knew in a moment this must be THE DAY.

The light of His face made me cover my head, it was Jesus returning just like He had said.  And though I possessed worldly wisdom and wealth, I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself.

In the Book of Life which He held in His hand, was written the name of every saved man.  He spoke not a word as He searched for my name, when He said “It’s not in here” my head hung in shame.

The people whose names had been written with love, He gathered to take to His Father above. With those who were ready He rose without sound, while all the rest were left standing around.

I fell to my knees, but it was too late; I had waited too long and thus sealed my own fate. I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight; Oh, if only I had been ready tonight.

In the words of this poem the meaning is clear; the coming of Jesus is now drawing near. There’s only one life and when comes the last call; we’ll find that the Bible was true after all.



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And behold, a white horse. And He who sat on Him was called Faithful and True.
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Sunday Morning Coming Down: The Days Just Before the First Christmas

12/22/2018

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A weary Mary and Joseph trudge on through the darkness to the LIght.
Imagine being either Mary or Joseph on this day those many years ago. The appointed hour was drawing near and they were making the long a arduous trek to Bethlehem with Mary great with child. Think of what they were going to at the request of the Almighty, understanding but not the full ramifications of what their future would bring.  After all, despite Mary's advanced pregnancy and the stress that can cause in even good times, Mary and Joseph had to travel by donkey along rough roads in any possible type of weather to go the town of Joseph's birth for census taking and tax collection.

Perhaps they were in the last stage of preparing for the arduous journey or maybe they were already on their way.  Regardless, it was a tough time and we all know that it didn't get any easier right up to, and including, the birth.  What an amazing manner that the Lord used to bring his only Son to earth as God and Man to offer the gift of salvation.

Or what about the Wise Men or the Shepherds?  How about the townspeople seeing them on the road to Bethlehem?  Were they aware of the miracle coming and what it would mean to the world?

As we continue our focus on Christmas at this time in God's plan for us and the world, let us think about just how difficult it was for this couple and all the others involved, knowingly or not, in this story for the ages.  Remember, Joseph and Mary could have turned down the mission assigned to them by God, yet they didn't, and because of that the Greatest Story Ever Told begins with them.  This will result in the fulfillment of the prophecies of the Great Profits and bring to earth in human form the Savior who would change the world. When his time on earth was done, He would leave it with the gift of forgiveness of sin for all of us, weak mortals that we are. Some will choose to accept it by believing in Him through faith while others will reject him by freely choosing not to believe.  But God's love and grace are attainable, regardless of their past by those who say yes to His offer.  And the beauty of the human side of the story is one that should be reassuring to all who want a divine future. What an appropriate message to receive from the life experience of Joseph and Mary just days before the special celebration reaches its glorious climax. Glory, glory Hallilujah!

Let's talk about this tonight and get ready for the great event, commemoration and the future to come on North Florida Writer Live. The show starts at 9:30 pm and then will be available on demand. Hope to see you then.   Here's the link:

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On the "Road to Christmas," Do You Hear What I Hear?

12/21/2018

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May I play my drum for you? And Mary nodded.

With only a few days left until Christmas, the sounds of the season fill the air. What, you say?  You don't hear them?  Well, then, just open your heart and let them in, for the Sounds of Christmas are both the sounds you hear as you go about the day but also the sounds that play in your head from your memories of Christmas throughout your lifetime.

They are the sounds of children laughing, happy and joyful in the splendor of this time.  They are the sounds of the cattle lowing and the lamb softly bleating for the baby nearby.  They are the sounds of the church bells ringing in the news that Jesus Christ is born.

They are also the sounds of the choir singing and the musicians playing the wonderful carols of Christmas, as well as the sounds of reindeer walking on the roof high above after landing from flight with their sleigh, carrying the "HO HO" Santa from his house in the cold North to yours wherever that might be. They are also the sounds of the baby crying as he strengthens his lungs preparing for his life ahead. And yes, don't forget the sounds of the little drummer boy beating out the rhythm of joy as he plays his best for the newborn babe. This last sound, of course, comes from a song and not the Christmas story, but it's a beautiful little tale to add to the splendor of love which Christ came to give to our hearts.
Once you've experienced the sounds of Christmas and the ways that your imagination can enhance them, they are powerful, mystical and wonderful.  And they stay with you for a lifetime and grow as your experience grows.  The Sounds of Christmas leave a permanent and positive mark on your life and they serve to add to your experience of joy and love that the season brings.  So be silent, open your heart, your mind and your ears to the Sounds of Christmas, for we are now in the midst of truly the most wonderful time of the year.  Cherish those sounds and the joy they represent and you can keep them with you to use anytime you want for, after all, who says we can only celebrate Christmas in December?  Keep Christmas alive in your heart always.

God bless you and have a wonderful Christmas with all the sounds and the joy, peace and happiness they bring.

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Christmas in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

12/20/2018

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Rothenburg in December
As Christmas approaches,  I often think back to the four Christmas seasons that I spent in Germany.  I was blessed to be stationed in Bavaria, the large southern state of the country which in its own way parallels the differences between North and South. It's less industrial and more agricultural, has a slower and friendlier style of life and in the case of Germany has what I think are the most beautiful areas, the German Alps and the Franconian Plain.

Most of my tour of duty was in Franconia, a region with large and beautiful farming valleys and beautiful old cities, mostly smaller ones retaining their fortress like walls. You can actually stroll along walkways at the top of the walls and look out over the beautiful valleys, imaging an Army of knights and soldiers heading toward the city to pursue another of their many wars.  And the best part of all is it was only about a thirty minute drive from my base,  a drive that followed ridges and dips between Nuremberg and Rothenburg on the Tauber River.

Being a native Virginian and if I had to compare it to an American locale I guess I would say Williamsburg.  There is a big difference, however, since Williamsburg required almost total reconstruction while the existing structures in Rothenburg are the originals from medieval times, with updated utilities, of course, and amenities to the existing buildings. In winter you have to be careful since the streets are cobblestone but the shops with the traditional toys and other merchandise are decked out in ways resembling what it must have been like there at Christmastime so long ago.

The ladies did a lot of shopping there, I bought and shipped a lot of Hummels for my mom from there  and yes, we imbibed in wonderful wines and beers there as well, be it by a warm cozy fire or at an open air cafe on a warm summer day. Come to think of it, a little schnaps on a cold snowy night wasn't bad either.  So, here's a big pre-Christmas cheer for Rothenburg, an authentic and original from the Old Country in Deutschland. Another of my wonderful memories on the "Road to Christmas."

                        Frohe Weihnachten und ein gutes Neues Jahr!


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And Rothenburg in springtime
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Remembering the "Countdown to Christmas" as a Child

12/18/2018

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Looks like the poor boy got dragged by his sisters to the girl's display.
Do you remember the joy and excitement of those final days before Christmas finally arrived. Back home in Newport News, we always prayed for snow even though it was extremely rare, but if it was cold and cloudy, we swore we could smell snow in the air. It was also at this time when we trimmed the tree, went on a final shopping spree and school let out.

We usually picked out our tree early, wanting to get a good one before they became scarce and Dad would take it out back by the garage if it was cold and place it in a bucket of sugar water, propped up against the garage to keep it fresh. Then, at about this time on the calendar we would bring it inside and decorate, then that evening sit in the almost darkened living room listening to Christmas carols and enjoying the colors and the shapes of the shadows from the branches on the walls. We would also walk the neighborhood and marvel how the Christmas tree lights sparkled through the windows for all the neighbors to see.

Every year, Dad would take us downtown to our favorite stores and just walk around with us and watch our eyes as he listened to what we said was best.  Now he already knew what we wanted from Santa, but he was just double checking us and listening for anything else that would be a smaller gift in the stockings. We three children had our personalized stocking, one red, one green and one blue and they would be hung from the mantle over the fireplace, below the fresh outdoor greens with red berries arranged above surrounding Mom's prized Hummel manger scene.

Finally school was out and we boys would keep ourselves occupied by playing football and basketball to wile the time away when not doing chores.  It was a good thing we had plenty of boys in the neighborhood for play because we would have been pinging off the walls in anticipation otherwise and Mom and Dad would have been driven crazy.

Probably the biggest family fun moment, one that ranks right up there with Darren McGavin's "FRAGILE" leg lamp in "The Christmas Story." was Dad decorating our large outdoor evergreen. It was living, large and bulky yet he was determined to decorate it the way he wanted. Mom always held him off as long as she could because she told him it was tacky, but by the twenty-first there was no holding him back. He got out his big ladder and his big box of the old gaudy colored lights that required extensive untangling and a few choice words and he put them on the tree. Then he followed with even larger, gaudy hanging decorations before adding the final touch: a truck load of tinsel. Have you ever tried to remove tinsel from a large, scratchy evergreen? You can't and he would hear about the rest of the winter and into the spring until finally it was gone.  Well, as darkness came he plugged it in. It usually took a couple of bulb changes and adjustments but then it came on. We kids and Dad would go outside and marvel at it, although when looking through the window at the indoor tree, I think I understood what Mom meant, but I never said a word. And despite her urging for him to take it down on the twenty-sixth, he refused until New Year's Day. She never walked outside and looked at it when it was shining brightlky.

Finally, on Christmas Eve, Dad took the family to the midnight candlelight church service downtown at First Presbyterian. The mood was happy, the kids were fidgety but we made it through and I'm sure, when he was done, that Dr. Buckles was glad. But her never showed anything but smiling love and we all loved him.. And then, when we returned home, we admired the two trees from outside and all of the lights aglow on the block, We were rushed off to bed, but I couldn't sleep, listening to the commotion of Santa Claus unboxing and putting together presents by the fire place. Even though the fire was extinguished before we went to church, I knew the chimney was still hot and wondered how Santa handled that. Mom just said he was magical and nothing could stop him.

But then there was one other thing. If I heard Santa talking downstairs and asked from upstairs if it was time to come down yet, Mom would say "No, go back to sleep for Santa is still working?" I always wondered about Santa's accent, for I don't believe he came from Old Virginny.  But then I remembered that he talked like with Santa at Miller and Rhoads in Richmond and my doubts were quelled.

We lost Dad the Christmas after I turned nine, but dear old Mom, bless her heart, always kept it joyful. And as I graduated to my high school years the focus naturally changed. But those days before Christmas as a little boy, when everything and everyone was happy and cheerful and full ofn energy and excitement, were some of the best days in my life and I will always remember them fondly.


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SUNDAY MORNING COMING DOWN: The Message of St. Nicholas

12/16/2018

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St. Nicholas with the children.
For this weekend's Sunday Morning Coming Down blog I am pleased to welcome a guest blogger.  Father David Bridges is an Episcopal Priest in Oklahoma and he has prepared a beautiful and concise sermon about the origination of Santa Clause, spelled by the Dutch with the ending e, and when they came to America they brought and introduced the tradition.  But the origination of Santa was based on St. Nicholas, a devout Christian man of the cloth some seventeen hundred years ago.  He dearly loved children, in fact, he is their patron saint.  I hope you will enjoy the words of Father David which follow.
 
The person we have come to know as Santa Clause was, in fact, Nicholas, Bishop of Myra (c.342). Very little is known about his life, except that he was tortured and imprisoned by the Emperor Diocletian during a time of intense persecution against Christians. Nicholas may have been in attendance at the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea in 325 (where the Nicene Creed originated).

St. Nicholas is the patron saint of seafarers and sailors, and most notably, of children. As a bearer of gifts to children, his name was brought to America by Dutch colonists in New York, from whom he is popularly known as Santa Clause.

As Christians, we are often heard reminding people that “Jesus is the reason for the season”, and that is true. It is also worth remembering that Nicholas of Myra, St. Nick, was a real person that suffered real persecution for his Christian faith. The idea of giving gifts on Christmas is linked to the giving of gifts to the baby Jesus by wise men.

As we give and receive gifts this Christmas, it is important to remember what has been given to us by the birth of Jesus. That event marks the time when heaven came down to earth. The pre-incarnate Word of God, literally and fully God, became flesh and lived as one of us (John 1:14). This was not a mistake or an after-thought, but the fulfillment of prophecy, and part of the divine plan to save all humankind from sin and everlasting death.

Jesus spent about 33 years on the earth, and only about 3-1/2 of those years were spent in ministry. In that short time, Jesus left us with a wealth of teaching. Through His teaching and example, we have the formula for successful and happy lives now, and an eternity with Him in heaven after our life ends. It is amazing how the simplest instructions can have such a lasting effect on our lives.

I have heard it said that we learned most of what we need to be successful in life when we were in Kindergarten: Eat all your vegetables, brush your teeth every day, take a nap every day, treat others as you want to be treated, don’t be rude, be kind and respectful, etc. I also like the advice from the movie, Bambi: “If you can’t say nothin’ nice, don’t say nothin’ at all.” It is not the material gifts we give this Christmas that matter as much as how we behave.

The best gifts we can give to one another, our community, and our world are kindness, caring, love, support, and unity. These gifts have no cost and pay great dividends. If we want to see our world improve, the change begins with us. The time is now. Merry Christmas

Blessings and Peace to you All,
Fr. David


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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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