What will I get Janis for Christmas?

I don't know what my wife wants me to get her for Christmas!  That's the way it is every year.  I know some things that we need but that would not do as a personal gift from me to her.  Even if it was something that she really needed, that still is not what I'm looking for.  I want to get her something that she wants.  You know!  Something like a toy would be for a child.  She's too practical and conservative to buy something frivolous, just for fun.  Oh well!  I guess I'll have to do what I've done so many times before and think of some unique way to surprise her with cash!  Then she can go to the store and buy what she wants to, which will probably be clothes.  I'm glad that I can do that much anyway, and I know that she will be glad to get the cash.

Speaking of Christmas gifts, let me tell you what I already bought myself for Christmas.  It's a Fender, FM-52E SB, Mandolin.  Yep, a mandolin.  No, I don't know how to play it, but I will learn.  I may not learn to play it like Sierra Hull, but I'll learn to play it.  I found it on craigslist for $100.00.  There's not a scratch on it.  I only had to put two strings on it.  I found others just like it on sale elsewhere for $239.00 (MSRP $339.00).  

Well, I'm happy and Janis is happy for me.  Isn't it great to be blessed and able to enjoy the fun things of life.  I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas.

Visit me at www.janwell.com.

God Is Not Through With Me Yet!

I don't know what God has in store for me.  I am retired, but I hear God saying, "I'm not through with you yet."  I was raised in the parsonage, made a sincere profession of faith while very young, and accepted the call to the ministry while still in High School.  I was active in some form of ministry (counting the years that I prepared for ministry) from High School (graduated in 1961), to my last church (2006), except for about six years.  Let's see.....that's about 45 yrs., minus six, equals about 39 yrs.  Of that, about 33 yrs. was spent in pastoral ministry, four yrs. at Lee University (full time), and maybe 1 1/2 yrs. attempting to preach revivals.  I wanted to be an evangelist, but it became obvious, that my calling was not evangelistic.  My calling was to serve the church as pastor.  I did that, and resigned as pastor of the church in 2006.  I retired in 2007, underwent a medical setback for about two years, was called to serve as associate pastor in 2008 and here I am today.  I am serving as an associate pastor, and have as much to do in that position as I desire, but I'm wondering if that is what God wants me to do for the rest of my active years, or does he have something else in mind.  Yes, that could 'fill the bill' when I say that God says that He isn't through with me yet, but I think it involves more.  I presently have one forceful, driving desire - to play my trumpet.  My interest in music has revived and I have written a few new songs and poems, I have developed a new feeling for the piano, and I have shown improvement in other areas of music.  Could it be that God would have me to be active for him, at my age, using my musical abilities?  I'm not a professional musician by any means, but I do enjoy it, and I do use it in ministry from time to time.  I'm 68 yrs. old.  My mother is 89 and she is still living by herself and taking care of her self.  If that is any indication of my life expectancy, then I may have at least 20, or 21 more yrs. to live.  A lot can be done in 20 yrs.  I still seek to know God's will, and to follow Him.  I want to follow Him closely wherever He leads.  I want the remaining yrs. of my life be more effective in spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ, than any of the previous years of my life. 

Since this blog is a re-post of a blog I posted about 1 1/2 yrs. ago on another website, I have received a few comments on it.  I want to share one of those now.  "I like your spirit of perserverance! Don't overlook the fact that you have a worldwide ministry over the Internet already. I see you on all these sites. You have a gift of encouragement, among many others. With your openness and humility there's no telling what God has ahead. It will be great." -- Dr. Bill 

You know, I have had a growing interest in different aspects of the internet.  Hummmmm!  Maybe there is something there for me.  By the way!  Check out Janwell.com.

What's Right With This World!

In my last blog I said that selfishness was the problem with this world.  I have not changed my mind, but that could be expanded to include the more or less identifiable symptom called greed.  However, I want to change the direction of our thoughts here so that we might see something that is right with this world.

We have just experienced the joy of Thanksgiving.  What a wonderful time of the year.  Now, I don't claim to be a philosopher nor even a teacher, so don't be disappointed if all I'm saying amounts to no more than just revving my engine, but I must yelp about the great time of Thanksgiving that we have just enjoyed at my sister's house here in Cleveland, TN.  We had relatives from Florida, Alabama and Texas and we got to met some new friends from Wears Valley, Tennessee.  The rest of us were from 'close by' Cleveland, TN.  There were about 40 of us.  Some were young and some were old, some were small and some were large, some were of modest means and some were fairing well, some were fit as a fiddle and some were more like Momma's old, antiquated, Stradivarius (copy) Violin, but we all had one common characteristic; we were all happy.  At least everyone seemed happy to me.  We've all experienced sadness and disappointment from time to time, but the good news is that we can got over it.  We didn't have to continue in a sad, despondent, gloomy mood. What fun!  Laughing, singing, reminiscing, and of course eating.

What does this world have to do with that?  Well, this world is the creation of God.  It is a display of His splendor and majesty.  He has created such a beautiful world that even the beauty of it has healing qualities.  There are marvelous healing qualities in the trees and the fruit of the land.  The clean air we breath is a gift from The Creator.  If we only use the "stuff" of this world properly, we would find that everything we need is provided for us by such a caring God, then perhaps, we would know more how to enjoy the good things that this world provides for us because of His care.  We have morning, day time, and night.  We have summer, fall, winter, and spring.  What wonderful mountains and valleys, oceans and springs of fresh, bubbling water.  This world operates according to the laws of nature that God has designed.  And, I could rev my engine more but I believe I'll just let it idle for a while.  There is something right about this world, and I thank God for it.

I do hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.  If you want someone to say a prayer for you, just click on 'Prayer Request' and let me know.  I'll be glad to pray for you.

What's Wrong With This World?

Do you ever feel like this is a crazy world?  What's wrong with it?  Here's a simple and short answer:  It's full of people!  That's right - People!  People are what's wrong with this world.  So, the question should be, "What's wrong with people?"  Do you ever feel like, if people would only listen to what you had to say, this world would be a better place?  Well, I'm going to be truthful with you......I have felt like that a time or two!  But, you know, I've found out that all people are not always going to listen to what I have to say, and even if they did, they would not all do as I say.  You're not surprised by that are you?  Well, the same thing holds true for you too. 

Everybody has their own idea or opinion.  How can we come together on common grounds, so that we can get along with one another and live and let live?  I know that it's a good possibility that somebody is already saying, "I don't believe that 'live and let live' is the right approach to life.  Instead we should require of everybody their own responsibilities and if necessary, punish them if they do not pay up."  Okay.  I don't expect everybody to agree with what I'm saying right here, right now, but, I'm going to tell you what I think is wrong with people anyway.  Are you ready?  Here it is: It's selfishness!  Greed, envy, jealousy, pride and all the other selfish adjectives can pretty well describe what's wrong with the people of this world, and since the people of this world is what's wrong with this world, then the answer to the first question is selfishness. 

I really didn't intend for this blog to sound like I'm preaching at anyone but if it does, so be it.  I might as well invite you to read these scriptures that are taken from the Holy Bible, the Contemporary English Version:

Jude 1:16-19  ...People grumble and complain and live by their own selfish desires. They brag about themselves and flatter others to get what they want.  My dear friends, remember the warning you were given by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ.  They told you that near the end of time, selfish and godless people would start making fun of God.  And now these people are already making you turn against each other. They think only about this life.....

2 Peter 3:3  ...First you must realize that in the last days some people won't think about anything except their own selfish desires.....

James 3:16  Whenever people are jealous or selfish, they cause trouble and do all sorts of cruel things.

Galatians 5:19-21  People's desires make them give in to immoral ways, filthy thoughts, and shameful deeds.  They worship idols, practice witchcraft, hate others, and are hard to get along with. People become jealous, angry, and selfish. They not only argue and cause trouble, but they are envious. They get drunk, carry on at wild parties, and do other evil things as well. I told you before, and I am telling you again: No one who does these things will share in the blessings of God's kingdom.

1Corinthians 13:3-8  What if I gave away all that I owned and let myself be burned alive? I would gain nothing, unless I loved others.  Love is kind and patient, never jealous, boastful, proud, or rude. Love isn't selfish or quick tempered. It doesn't keep a record of wrongs that others do.  Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil.  Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting.  Love never fails!

Mama Said There'd Be Days Like This

Did you ever have one of those days when everything hit you at once, or when everything just came together so perfectly?  We tend to quickly blame somebody or something, or maybe even God when it's things we don't like, but do we express thankfulness when it's things we do like?  I've had a mixture of those kind of things lately.  Mama Said  there'd be days like this! (Ya gotta click on "Mama Said")  My first tendency was to be upset about a leaky roof, a faulty air conditioning system, a major drain clog, and a leaky jeep radiator, just to name the recent, prominent things, but here is the fact at this very moment:  I am living comfortably in my home with my beautiful wife, I've got clothes to wear and food to eat, the vehicle that sits out in my carport is dependable and ready for tomorrow, and God loves me!


The few brief and small rains we have had in the past months have not been heavy enough to assure me that the leaky roof is no longer a problem, and I have reason to believe that the roof still leaks.  Nevertheless, I know that the story of my leaky roof is not over yet.  It is still being written.  But for now I am dry.  Although my air conditioner is doing a very nice job now, I still owe a little more payment for the work that was done.  The plumber who repaired my drain line turned out to be someone that was a pleasure to meet and I would not have met him if it had not been for the drain problem.  The leaky radiator in my jeep has highlighted the excellent graciousness of one of my brother-in-laws and nephews.  What a blessing to be in such a great family.  This all begs to mention the Bible verse that says, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)


Mama and Daddy both said a lot of things that I disregarded when I was young.  I wish I could recall every one of those bits of wisdom.  Well, Fred, Wil, Bonita and Donice, (my siblings) we still have our mama today, and I'd say that she still has a few bits of wisdom to share with us.  Some of it we heard yesterday and we will hear it again tomorrow, but for now, I think I'll listen to what Mama said.  

Together Again!

Today is a day to be remembered by the Brannen family - by the Louis A. Brannen family, that is.  On this day, after more than 50 years, all of the original Louis A. Brannen family that are still living, have addresses in the same city.  That city happens to be Cleveland, TN. 

About 55 years ago we all lived in the same three bedroom, shotgun house that was the parsonage for the church that daddy pastored in New Orleans, LA.  Daddy was a minister and pastored churches.  We moved a lot.   I used to look at moving to another place as an adventure, full of excitement and expectation with apprehension.  One or two years in any one location was not uncommon, but Dad stayed in New Orleans for four years.  Now, about the time we left New Orleans, my oldest brother, Fred, joined the U S Coast Guard after finishing high school in Cleveland, TN at Lee Academy.  I can't remember if he joined the Guard While we were still in N.O. or if it was after we left there in 1956 when we moved to Ooltewah, TN.  Ooltewah is only about 15 miles from Cleveland.  Fred was was the first one of our clan to leave the "fold". 

The next of the Brannen's who flew away from the "coop" was my next to the oldest sibling, Wil, who also completed his high school education at Lee Academy and joined the U S Coast Guard shortly thereafter.  I'm not positive about the exact times these events took place but I do remember that we moved from Ooltewah, TN, after being there only one year, to Smithville, TN where I started high school at DeKalb County High School in 1957.  I do remember for certain, that I had my own bedroom in that house.

That left two of us kids under the watchful eye of Mom and Dad - Me and my sister, Bonita.  We stayed in Smithville for only one year and then we moved back to Louisiana to the city of Monroe.  Monroe is the city I have often referred to as my home town.  While living there, I graduated from Ouachita Parish High School, I began my ministry with the Church of God, I began my college career at Lee University in Cleveland, TN, I joined the U S Air Force, I met my first wife, Vera Gail Welch, and I met my second wife, and we are still married after 37 years.  A lot of reasons to call Monroe my home, and Bonita has probably just as many and even more reasons to call Monroe her home, but she too now lives in Cleveland, TN. 

The three of us boys were at one time separated from each other as far as Corpus Christi, TX, is from Nairobi, Kenya, Africa, is from Lake Charles, La, is from Corpus Christi, TX, and Bonita was in West Monroe, LA.  At some point during that span of time, Mom and Dad were in Tennessee.  I heard my Mom say that we were all in different states, except that Fred was in Africa.  To say the least, we have been scattered.

While I was still in high school, there was another sibling added to the family, Donice.  She lived with Mom and Dad mostly in Louisiana and then attended, Lee College in Cleveland, TN, where she became engulfed with Tennessee culture and made Tennessee here home.  She now lives in Cleveland, TN.  As a matter of fact, so does Fred, Bonita and myself.  Oh, don't forget my Mom.  She moved here too, after Dad passed away over eleven years ago while they were living in Athens, TN.  That put us all here in Cleveland except for Wil.

Today, Wil is moving to Cleveland, TN.  He is here with some of his belongings and the moving van is to be here tomorrow.  It's been about 50 years but it is amazing how things turn around.  Time goes on and things change.  I don't know how long it will remain this way, but while it is this way, I plan to enjoy it.  Who knows?  It might be that the Brannen Brothers will become something of value, or it might be the Brannen Family that becomes renown.  There is already a Branham Family of note here in Cleveland but if you noticed, the spelling is different.  BRANNEN and BRANHAM!  The Branham Family Singers are really good.  What will the Brannen Family or Brannen Brothers be?  Who knows.  Anyway, we are all here together.  Look out Cleveland, TN!

Am I Getting Old?

Yesterday, Friday, proved to be a day that demands my consideration of the aging of my, and my wife's, mind and body!  We thought we would go to Captain D's for a break from the routine of our daily evenings and, for Janis, a break from the kitchen.  We ordered our meal, selected our table and waited a few minuets for our ticket number to be called.  Everything was going as it should, except for the fact that I had ordered two sides that was not the best combination, but it would do.  I wouldn't change it.  I hate to do things like that.  Still all was well.  We were enjoying the evening together.

Somehow, Janis made a move that resulted in her cup of water spilling right into her lap.  Oh my goodness!!  Water all over her lap, the booth seat, and the floor.  I helped her clean it up enough so that she could still eat, while sitting in the wet seat.  We continued with our meal and were ready to leave.  I thought she would be embarrassed with the front of her jeans being all wet, but the dark blue color of the jeans was a blessing because it really didn't show up too obviously.  So, with the tray of our dishes in my hands, we proceeded to leave.  As I turned around to leave the table, from somewhere, out of nowhere, appeared this half wall divider, right behind our booth and the tray in my hands found it.  Suddenly the cups with water and maybe a few of the other items like napkins etc., found their way over the wall onto the next table.  Oh no!!  Not again.  This time I was the one to be embarrassed.  I quickly got some paper towels and began cleaning up the mess while apologizing to the occupants in the booth.  Oh, thank goodness for large tables.  It did not splash on them and they were quite understanding.

Well, that makes me wonder if we are getting older or what.  I've noticed a few other minor fumbles that I've made lately, but wait a minuet!  Hasn't that always been the way it was?  As far back as I can remember, I have made mistakes.  When I was younger I made mistakes, but it seems that people were not quite as understanding.  And, yes, most of the time I probably could have avoided them.  Now, when I make a mistake, my age seems to get me off the hook.  That's good.  I should have some benefit for living this long.  I expect the benefits to increase as my age advances.  Hopefully, one day Janis and I can do whatever we want to, right or wrong, and no one will be upset about it.  Do you think that day will ever come?  Hahahaha!  LOL

I am glad that God is a merciful God.  If God was not merciful, I would be totally lost, without hope, but God is merciful.  Not only does He forgive me of my mistakes, and my out-right wrong doings, but He also blesses me with many, many good things.  One day I will be changed into the image of Christ.  Then I will make no more mistakes.  (1 John 3:2  Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.)

Well, enough of that.  Just go to my website and buy something or visit my church page and see if there is anything there that might help you appreciate God a little more.

Virtual Piano

I installed this link on my website some time ago but I had never really checked it out.  I had played the keys and thought, "How neat!" but there was so much that I had missed out on because I didn't know it was available, until I finally stopped and really checked it out.  If you like music, you should check it out.  Just go to http://www.janwell.com/miscellaneous.htm and then scroll down to "Play The Keyboard" and there it is - Buttonbeats.com's virtual keyboard.  Really check it out.  Click on the various buttons and you may be surprised.  I sure was.  Like I said, "It's really neat."

While you are on my website, check out The Store, and the L & J Specialties Link, The CafePress Shop, The Church Page, and more.  Then, if you will, sign my Guestbook and let me know that you were there.

Too Much Internet!

Wait a minute!  Hold on here!  Stoooooooppp!  Yeah, that's the way I feel sometimes when it comes to this internet business.  I mean, sometimes it just seems like it is alive and furious - a beast trying to wrap it's fangs around me to suck the wind of life out of me.  Whew!  That's when I just have to set back and "let it be" for a while.  There was a time when I had so many applications going - you know, like My Space, Twitter, My Church, Yuwie, Zen Zuu, Sogocity, My Lot, Classmates, Cozi and more - that I just couldn't keep up with them all and would find myself spending all my time just checking applications and not really enjoying them.

Today, I am aware of the fact that I am trying out toooo many websites.  I mean web hosts for my own website.  There are several sites that will host your websit and will give you a free website for starters.  Some are free for only a short period of time and then you must begin paying either monthly or yearly charges, and some are with limited capability but remains free until you upgrade to a more professional mode of their hosting.  I've tried several to some extent.  I'll not mention all those sites and my experience with them here, but I'll say that the host of my website at http://www.janwell.com is freewebs.com.  The most dissapointing thing that I have found out about it is that I can only post five items in my store until I upgrade.  Of course an upgrade costs money.  I did upgrade enough to have my own domain name but I really need to post more items for sale in my store.  There is another host that will allow me to post many more items for sale (for free) but it has other disadvantages. Soooooooooo!

I must make up my mind.  Which host will I sink more money into?  Right now, I'm not sure.  Just check out my website that I am working with right now at http://www.janwell.com and see what you think.  Now, remember, I'm not a computer geek, nor a webtech.  That means my websites may appear somewhat undesirable or unprofessional but give me time.  In the mean-time check out my website and let me know what you think.  Go to my guestbook and tell me what I need to do to improve it.

One final word:  Don't let the internet beast make a slave out of you!!

College at 67?

Oh, dear me!!!!!  I just wrote this blog and messed around and canceled it by mistake.  Boy, that really makes me feel bad.  I will try to reproduce the bulk of it.  I'm sure every word will not be the same as before, but you should get the idea.  So, here goes!

I just talked to the Business & Technology Department of Cleveland State Community College about a course that I want to audit.  I was very pleased with the conversation and the information gained.  My plan is to audit the course entitled Personal & Small Business Taxes, but it is not offered until the spring semester so I will have plenty of time to get all my ducks in a row!  If you know what I mean!!  I read somewhere in the online catalog that the tuition is free for seniors over 60 years old.  Yes, I am over 60.  As a matter of fact, I am 67, so you can see that I need all the time I can get to be prepared for the course.  Not that I am slow or anything like that!  It's just that I like to take it easy and make sure everything is in order.  :o)

Those of you who know that my alma mater is Lee University and wonder why I did not choose to audit one of the courses there for only $50.00 per course, well, it's because I need this course and Lee University doesn't offer that class.  An for those of you who wonder why a 67 year old man would go to college and take a course, well, not only do I need it but I think these young kids today need some of us old heads around to show them how it's supposed to be done.  Right?? (Only to be answered by those who are 60 years old or older).

What is the business that I am interested in?  It's L & J Specialties, my online gift shop.  It's not only an online store but it is also a catalog, mail order, drop-ship, flea market, home party, and other kind of business if I choose to go in that direction.  If you are reading this, you must be online and I'm sure there are many, many, other folks online at this very moment.  If you guys will just go to my website and make a purchase, I'd surely appreciate it.  You will be saving 10% off the catalog price if you do.  As a matter of fact, if you will send me a written request and mention code #101 and include a certified check or money order, you can deduct 25% off the catalog price for any one item.  This will also work for personal checks but it may take up to five (5) extra business days to process.  To get this deal you must send in a written request (do not use pay-pal for this deal), identify the item by name and number, mention the code, and include your payment.  But hurry!  This offer expires in 90 days!!  I'm laughing out loud, because this is such fun.  Really, now is a good time to start thinking about some of those Christmas gifts that you want to purchase.  Send your request and payment to:  L & J Specialties, 4000 Sycamore Dr. NW, Cleveland, TN 37312.

When you visit my website you may think I need a course in web design, and I would agree, but I am learning and with the help of Yola I can make the website better.  But for now, WYSIWYG.  If you are interested in building your own website for free, try Yola.  You can update it at anytime, but the basic site is free.

It's Sunday Afternoon

It's Sunday afternoon, we've finished our noon meal, we've been to church this AM, and all is well.  This morning William Clayton & The Redeemed were with us in our church.  These men can really get you to clapping your hands and patting your foot.  They also carry a sincere message about Jesus Christ.

We had to rush out the door and get home so we could have the noon meal prepared for everyone by 1:00PM.  Everyone included My son Jonathan, his wife Kristin, and my nephew Marcus.  I know that is not a house full of people but it was everyone that showed up.  I always hate to have to leave church so early - just as soon as the "Amen" is said.  The church is a fellowship, but if we never stay around and fellowship with the other fellows our 'ship' will become a little 'canoe'.  Maybe tonight, we can catch up on lost fellowship.


A very significant thing happened today.  I received my first check, from someone who wasn't a relative, for their purchase of one of the products from my catalog.  My catalog shows all the products that I have available through mail order via L & J Specialties.  If you don't have a catalog, just go to my online gift shop.  You can order from the website by emailing me and sending a check via USPS or you can order online by using the checkout procedures available on the web site via Pay Pal.  Anyway, if you want to be my second non-relative customer, just ask me in an email, "Am I your second non-relative customer?", and if you are, I will let you take 50% off the catalog price of the next item you purchase from me.  The 'next item' is not the same thing as the 'next order' - just one item for 50% off.  And yes, any item.  You must take advantage of this offer before the month of August is over.  If you happen to be the third, fourth or fifth customer, I will let you take 1/3rd. off the catalog price of the 'next item' your purchase from me by following the same procedures as the second non-relative customer as already mentioned.  I hope that's not too confusing!  If you do not have a catalog, send me your name and address and I'll be glad to send you one.

Now, I think it's time for me to take a nap before I get ready to go to church tonight.  I don't want to go to sleep on the preacher.  That would embarrass me.  When I was pastor, I remember that it made me feel like I was not preaching good enough to keep peoples attention.  I don't want the preacher to think that I am not interested in what he has to say, so the best medicine for that is a good nap before church.  So here goes!!!!!  ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!!!!!!!

Because I Must

I am going to post this blog shortly.  First I must write it.  I'm going to write it because I must.  You see, if I do not write it and post it, it just won't get done, so I must do it.  It is a good thing to post a blog regularly if I want you to follow my blog, because I understand that it is frustrating if you come to check out my new blog and there is the same old one staring you in the face, over and over again.  I've run into that myself with some whom I had hoped to follow.  So, here's my blog today (as if I posted one every day, hahaha).

Not only should I post a blog regularly, but the blog should be something of interest to you.  Now, there's a problem.  That's right!  The problem is that I don't know what interests you.  That being true, then I must rely on the style and manner in which I post it, i.e. the use of words, the choice of phrases, humor or shock, etc.  Now, I'm not the most motivated sometimes and then I just do as I'm doing right now.  I'm typing and knowing not what I'm about to say.  Oh, I'll check it out before I post it and maybe it will pass my test and then be posted.  "Hurray" if I do, and "oh well" if I don't.  Then I would try again later.

Continuing with the assumption that I will post this blog, let me say, "Don't do like I do.  Do as I say."  Somebody's gotta do it right.  It might as well be you.

Let me also say that I hope you will check out my website.  I have a new domain.  It is, http://www.janwell.com.  Why Janwell?  Well, just go to my website and I'll tell you.  Go to my store and my other website, http://www.landjspecialties.com, and have fun shopping.

There's more than one way to skin a cat!

Have you ever heard that saying, "There's more than one way to skin a cat!"? Well, it comes to mind today because I find myself in the Caldwell Parish Library sitting at the computer trying to check my email, and other sites that I visit often, but find that facebook, My Space, Twitter, and I guess others are blocked from access here on these computers. So, I have managed to get to my blogger account and have decided to post a blog and perhaps some of you will receive it and even still some of you might read it. Hopefully I have 'skent tha kat'. :)


As I have already said, I am at the Caldwell Parish Library. That is in Columbia, LA. We will be here in Columbia (actually in Hebert, about five or six miles out of Columbia) a few more days and then plan to return to Cleveland on Saturday. When I was in Sulphur, LA, I was on my daughter's internet connection and all was well. I may be able to get connected somewhere soon and catch up on f/b. If not, this will have to do. I think we can survive until then.  Meanwhile, go to my store and make a big purchase!

Ya'll take care now and we'll be seeing ya.

An Incident At Walmart

The other night my wife and I were leaving Walmart, and as we approached our car, a lady pulled her car up close to us and asked if she could talk to us for a minute.  Of course we did not ignore her and brush her off, so we listened.  She said that her husband had beaten her and brusied her leg.  Right here I began to think, "Here comes one of those sad stories and we will be asked for money."  I was about to ask, "Did you call the police?", but she said that she was from Nashville and her car was needing some gas.  "Can you help me get some gas?" she asked.  "Yes mam.  Just follow me over there to the gas pumps and I'll get you some gas," I said.  She drove off and I got into my car and backed out and drove to the pumps, but alas, she was no where to be found.  I waited a few minuets thinking she may have had some trouble, being from Nashville and not acauainted with our Walmart, getting to the pumps.  I waited and I looked but she was not there nor anywhere around.  Undoubtedly, she got into her vehicile and drove off, out of my sight, seeing that I was not going to give her any money.  I would have probably filled her tank with gas, if indeed it was in need of gas, but I am only left to believe that she was only wanting money. 


I've ran into a lot of people in my life and career, that only wanted some money for unacceptable purposes but came up with some "woe-is-me" story in an attempt to pull on my heart strings.  I like to think of myself as a man who is generous with what I have but I'm afraid that over time I have gotten a little bit hard.  That's a shame too, because there are truly people in the world around us who really are in need, but the antics of some has closed the door of hospitality to many.  I will still try to be generous when I can but I will still be cautious and yes, suspicious.

http://www.landjspecialties.com,  http://www.freewebs.com/labrannen

Do It Now!

Thursday was a good day to mow the yard.  I didn't!  I decided to put it off 'til the next day.  I wanted to do some work, website work, on My Store.  You can find my store at http://www.landjspecialties.com.


Well, the forecast looked like rain may be on the way for the week-end.  The yard wasn't really that bad so I waited another day.  Friday morning looked like a good time to mow.  The yard was still dry and the sky was lightly overcast.  About 10:00 a.m. I started mowing.  My wife, Janis, helped.  We completed the yard and felt good about having it done. 


About 2:00 p.m. it began to really look like the possibility of rain.  Janis went to the store and I stayed home to practice my trumpet.  While practicing, it began to rain.  The lightening and thunder claps were very noticable.  The wind took it's turn to disturbe a good practice session.  The electrical interruptions added to my discomfort.  When rain drops began to drip from the ceiling, I had to get up from practice and get out a couple of pans the catch the drippings, and a towel to dry off the excess.  Later in the day, I picked up limbs, small ones, that fell from the trees and observed the situation.  No real damage that I could see. 


After the storm, while all seemed peaceful, suddenly, the lights went out.  Total silence!  That lasted about 45 min. to 1 hr.  How quite it is when there is No noise.  None in the house, none outside the house, and none in my head.  You know!  Like ringing ears!!  I think you should go ahead and mow your yard now, if you can, and then relax while you visit My Store and save 10% on every item.


Have a great day and be blessed!

My Desk

My desk is covered with a variety of things.  There is, of course, my computer with an external hard drive and a monitor.  The computer is actually my laptop.  The monitor is attached to it.  The drawer that pulls out for the keyboard does house the keyboard and a mouse.  Also on the desk is a telephone, a stapler, two pair of reading glasses, a cd containing who knows what, a writing tablet, a TV remote control, ear phones that plug into the computer if I don't want to disturb anyone, a container filled with pens and more reading glasses, a couple of folded paper towels that I use if my nose runs or if I sneeze, a business card that I got from the Business Tax Department at the Bradley County Court House, and, well that's enough, isn't it?  But, there is one more very important thing.  It's my World of Products catalog that contains so many specialty items.

I wish everybody had one of my catalogs.  If you want one, let me know and believe it or not, I'll send you one.  No Charge!  If everybody had one and if everybody would order just one item from it, man, I'd be rich 'cause there's a lot of people in this world.  So, let me be a little more realistic - If everyone who reads this blog would tell your friends about it and get my catalog for yourself and for them and order two or three items from it, I'd have enough money to take my wife out to dinner more than once.  Now, I am Laughing Out Loud!  But I'm serious about sending you a catalog if you want one.  You can also visit my store, L & J Specialties, online at http://www.landjspecialties.com.  It only has about 125 items on display right now but soon will have more.  Still, the whole catalog will not be on line through this website.  Go ahead and get acquainted with my store and email me or contact me some way or another and let me send you a catalog.

Sea Salt vs Table Salt

You may want to read this article if you are worried about Table Salt.

http://www.qualityhealth.com/featured-article-segment?fa=107394&rf=45817&mc=MjUzNDMzOTQ.&ct=36917

This one from the Mayo Clinic

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sea-salt/an01142

Liberty Bronze Stallion

Janis has suffered with a condition known as "Trichiasis" for four or five years now.  She has had eyelashes pulled out, burnt at the root, and frozen.  All of these procedures have given temporary relief but none have given total healing.  Well, yes, we have also prayed about this condition.  She went to the doctor in Chattanooga today to schedule a surgery to cut out the eyelashes, but she has decided to try having them burnt one more time.  If this doesn't work, then surgery is to follow in July.  

Let me explain what I mean when I say 'burnt' and 'frozen'.  'Burnt' means 'electrolysis' and 'frozen' means 'argon laser treatment'.  I know that still doesn't explain it so click on this link "Trichiasis" for a better understanding.

What shall I do for her?  Oh, I will continue to pray for her and scratch her back, but maybe I should go to My Store and buy her something.  I have a good variety of products in my big catalog and a small variety in My Store online.  I could buy her the Liberty Bronze Stallion.

That should do it, don't you agree?

Clocks

What would we do without clocks? Well, for one thing, we'd be late for our very important dates. We have at least a dozen, if not two dozen, clocks in our house. Some are small and some are large. Some are very decorative and some are rather plane. Some operate by electricity and some operate by battery power. The one thing in common is the time. They all tell time the same way. The hour hand tells the hour and the minute hand tells the minute, and if they have a second hand they all tell the second. I'll admit that they may not all be in step with one another to the second or even to the minute but if they do their job and tell the time, they will all tell the same time. I guess the phrase, "It all worked like clock work" comes from the consistency and accuracy of clocks that work correctly.

Since I have so many clocks in my house, why am I sometimes late for an appointment? Perhaps I need to buy another clock. If I were to buy another clock, I would purchase it from My Store on this website or from My Store on my other website. By the way, if you want to do the same, you are more than welcome to do so. If your interested, I would say check out both websites.

Do it now so you won't be late for another appointment.

I'm Not Lazy - Just Tired!

I don't know where I heard it the first time, but I've heard it many times since. Maybe, the most I've heard it is from my own lips. "I'm not lazy. I'm just tired." I used to think I was lazy because I had no reason to be tired, but still I didn't want to do anything and what I did was like pulling a locomotive along behind me. Well, at one point in my life, the doctors discovered a medical condition that attributes to extreme fatigue. That doesn't sound as bad as lazy, and besides if there is a medical condition connected to it, it seems to be more excusable.

You know, I'm not so sure that any ailment causes me to be so fatigued. Oh, I know that there are conditions that cause extreme fatigue, but I'm just not so sure that, that is the case for me. Besides, I have something else to blame my "fatigue" on now. So, if I'm pressured about my frequent sluggishness, I can choose to say that I have been diagnosed with a condition that causes me to be extremely fatigued, or I can blame it on something that may be more acceptable - I'm an old man now, at least by the standards of most young whipper-snappers.

As it is, you just never know. If I feel like doing something, I may do it and if I don't feel like it, I may not. Just don't ask me why?

Internet Confusion

The more I try to understand the internet, the more I realize I don't know very much about it. But, I keep trying. Sometimes I think I'm doing pretty good and then sometimes I don't. I'm trying to build a decent website. Now, I've started with a free website because I need to get the feel of it and decide if I think I can do it, before I put out the bucks. I've played with some sort of free website for several years now - off and on, but now I'm trying to get serious about it. I want to build a site that you will visit and buy something from - a site where I can make some money. After about seven or eight years of trial and error, computer crashes, viruses, loses and some wins, I am still confused. I hope I know more than I did back then but the technology has advanced much faster than my knowledge has grown. That means I'm more confused, even though I may be a little smarter. It looks like I'll have to upgrade to a more professional site if I want to do anything productive. I'll let you know if I do. Meanwhile, anybody got a job for me to do. I need to make a little money. LOL :o) Here's one that I am working on. It's still under construction. Here's another one.

My Brothers and My Sisters

If I say, "My brothers and my sisters," it may sound like I'm getting ready to preach you a message or tell you something spiritual, but this time it's not a sermon. I want to talk about my real biological brothers and sisters as opposed to spiritual brothers and sisters.

My oldest brother is Fred. He is the oldest of my siblings and should be the wisest, but I'll not get myself into a family feud about that. He has done extensive travel to Africa and held positions that scare me. I think he is quite wise.

The next oldest sibling is Wilmon (Wil). Wil lives in Texas and thinks like a salesman. He has been a very successful salesman and building manager and knows how to manage most things I guess, except us Brannen siblings. Soon he will be living here in Tennessee near the rest of us and perhaps he can then manage us a lot better.

I'm next in line as we descend the ranks of Brannen seniority. I needn't say anything about me. You can discover more about me on this website and other blogs that I have posted.

Not by our design, but as we come to the lower ranks of Brannen seniority, there are two girls. Not my fault girls. Must be God's design. Anyway, my sister, Bonita, was the youngest in the family until I was in high school and my two older brothers were out of the house on their own. I tried to teach her how to do a lot of things and it always seemed that I could get my way if I played the cards right. She really did accomplish a lot in her career. Among other things, she worked at a bank and for State Farm. Recently, she retired from State Farm and is now enjoying entertaining her family and her siblings. Oh, and she enjoys company from her friends as well. Now, let me tell you about the youngest child in the Louis Brannen family. Donice! That girl is as crazy as I am. We have a lot in common and have had a lot of laughs together. She and I wrote a song once. It was something about a dog I think, or maybe it was about a man or a women. I guess I should know but it never made the charts so it is sung so seldom, no one can remember it. I guess it is only fitting that she should be the one to reach the highest level of education and become the 'counselor'. One of these days I'm gonna let her psychoanalyze me and see if it will help.

Now I haven't put my sisters down by the content of this blog. Oh, no. Actually I think I've said more about them than the rest of us. Also, you must remember that if God designed it that way, then He had a reason. Besides, God said, "The first shall be last and the last shall be first". With that said, let me add, I have a great family. Two great brothers and two great sisters, of whom I am proud. I only hope I can do enough to return the feeling to them about me.

Visit my web-site: http://www.freewebs.com/labrannen

I Love The Country

We just returned from the country where we were looking at a house for sale, located in a boat dock community. We were looking for a house for my brother Wil, who is planning to mover here soon. Anyway, as I was looking at the houses and all that beautiful land along the way, I began to get a real desire to move to the country. Actually, every time I get out in the country, I get a strong desire to sell my house and buy one out where I can be a little more country. There are so many advantages to living out of the city limits and having plenty of space around you. Then again, there are advantages to living in the city. One of the things I would miss most if I moved to the country is 'Wal-mart'. Really, let 'Wal-mart' stand for all the stores and then you must agree that there is that advantage in the city. In the country, you have to make plans for a longer stay at home before the next drive into town. In the city you can just wait 'till the last minute and then get what you want. If you forget something, no problem, just run around the corner and get it. But in the country, you must wait until you go back into the city - or the nearest store, which may be miles away.

Well, I'm back home now, and I am sitting at my computer and I feel OK. I guess I'll keep the house I've got and think about visiting some country folk now and again. In the mean time, I will just keep looking at and longing for a house in the country.

Visit my website at http://www.freewebs.com/labrannen

L & J Specialties

It's about time!

I was just looking at the last blog I posted and surprised that it was a year ago. Man, time sure does fly. As a recent blog that I posted asks, "Where does time go?" I do not have the answer to that question but I have decided that it's about time to do something about a web site that I have had for a couple of years. Let me tell you what I am doing.

I have been looking and searching for some way to earn money without committing myself to someone elses time-schedule for 40 hrs. per week and without having to work on Sundays. In other words, I've been looking for a job where I can go in when I get ready and leave when I get ready. A job where I can work the days I want to and take off the days I want to. And vacations!? Whenever I want to and for ever how long I want to! Not a bad request, huh? If your sides are splitting with laughter right now, I understand. :) I know that sounds like a lazy man's request, so, OK, I'm just a little on the lazy side. But let me get back to my blog.

I have started my own company, business, enterprise, or whatever you want to call it, and I am in the selling business. I've always hated that business but I knew that was where the money was. I call my business "Janwell Enterprise". Actually I created that name for my non-existent business at least 25 years ago. Now, it is the name that will cover any number of ventures I will make in the selling field. Most of the ventures that I will be making will be "on line". As of the 5th. of March, I am the founder, owner, and president of L & J Specialties. I will basically be supplying "specialties", from ceramic 'what-nots' to the table on which to display it; from pocket knives to swords; from a cowboy hat to a wild western water fountain; from a mug for Mom to a mezzaluna chopping set for her kitchen. The list goes on! I will be selling some of these products on line, but I will be distributing catalogs and using other means to get the product in the hands of the consumers.

Now, with that in mind, let's get back to the web site. When I saw that I really had a legitimate product to sell and a legal and respectable course of action to per sue, I knew I needed a web site. Well, what do you know, I already had one! www.freewebs.com/labrannen. Yes, it's free, but that's what I need to get started; to feel my way out onto the world wide web with this business. I imagine I will need a bigger, more professional web site later. When I am making some moolah I will be able to afford something of that nature. Freewebs.com supplies that and the upgrade should be easy and really not very expensive when you are considering the price charged by many hosts. There are other sources available as well, so when that time comes, my plan is to go!

For now, just visit my site and enjoy. I only have five items posted on the website but if you will ask me for a catalog, I'll be glad to mail one to you. Tell me what you think and give me all the help you dare. At least sign my guestbook.