For What It's Worth

It May Be Time For Another Change

2011-12-15T11:55:00.000-05:00

You might as well expect it and get ready for it. Change, that is. It will happen. We try to make life simple and easy, yet enjoyable and meaningful. Sacrifices are made so that we can have the greater benefits tomorrow, or next week, next month or next year, but, as you might already know, things change. So, in our attempt to accept change, we may decide that we really don't want, nor need the so called benefits that we have been working for. It seems then, that we have wasted our time and energy, and if we can't accept the change and go with the flow, so to speak, we will likely become frustrated with life in general.

I know that we must put forth or best effort, and when things don't seem to work out properly we must try and try again, and possess a determined spirit. But, like it or not, sometimes our efforts are only driving us further away from our goal. Then it's time to accept change and take a new course of action.

I have found that I have been able to adjust to change fairly well. That doesn't mean that I like change, it just means that I can go with the flow, so to speak, and make life enjoyable to some degree of acceptability. For example: When I joined the Air Force, life changed drastically for four years. When I completed my tour of duty and returned to civilian life, my life changed again. When I got married, my life changed to never be the same again. When I lost my wife in an automobile accident, change forced it's way in upon my life. Then I remarried and started a new journey. Children came; life changed. My wife was diagnosed with breast cancer; change. I was diagnosed with Hepatitis-C; change. Over and over again, changes come. We must face it. Change will come.

All of these changes were happening while I was trying to become a minister of the Gospel. I had accepted the call to the ministry while still in High School and had set my sails for that 'beautiful isle of somewhere', or at least I had 'visions of sugar-plums dancing in my head'. Had I not accepted the changes and learned to live with those that I had no power over, I would have most likely been misdirected early in life and probably would have never been ordained to the ministry by any church synod.

Now, I am retired. WOW! What a change. I'm still adjusting to changes. Doesn't it ever stop? Yet, there is one more change that I am anticipating. It is the change from this mortal body to an immortal one, from this corruptible body to an incorruptible one. I shall be changed, and I will go with the flow, so to speak.

1 Corinthians 15:51-58 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-09T22:00:00.000-05:00

We made it through the Thanksgiving season with rather traditional activities; turkey & dressing, family, special gatherings both at church and home. I think it is sad that we get so excited because of the tinsel and holly surrounding the Christmas season, the gift giving and receiving, Santa, and jingle bells, but do comparably so little when it comes to giving thanks for the many blessings we possess.

I know that if it wasn't for the Christmas reason for celebrating this season, we really wouldn't have much, of lasting value, to be thankful for. I do love the Christmas season. The Christmas carols, the Christmas plays, the family get-to-gathers, and yes the overeating, are things that I enjoy. As I get older, I find some of the values of these things seem to change, but it is still a great and enjoyable season.

I'ts important that we understand the reason for the season. Without beating around the bush, I'll tell you that the reason for the season is Jesus, The Christ, The Son of God. We celebrate His birth on December 25th. and that is the reason for the season. Somehow Santa Clause & the reigndeer, elves, trees, lights, trimmings, the snowman, etc., entered into the celebration. To some, that takes away from their idea of a joyous Christmas. To some it seems to add to the celebration. There are some people who do not believe in Santa or Jesus and the whole season is an annoyance to them. I say, every man has the priviledge to choose for himself, but I do hope each and everyone of you will know the joy of the season like I have found it to be with Jesus. I've made my choice: "As for me and my house", we believe that Jesus is the reason for the season.

Just to let you know that I'm still alive!

2011-11-05T23:12:00.009-04:00

Looks like my last post was on March 12, 2011, so I may have lost any followers that I had. Well, that’s what happens if you don’t take care of business. This post has no particular theme or topic. It’s just here to let you know that I’m alive and well, and to try to keep this blog up with some life. What would you like to hear about? I’m sure you can find it somewhere on the internet, so why do we post blogs. We do it to give our opinion. We want to be heard. sometimes I actually have something to tell and when I do, I want you to hear it. If I try to speak in a crowded and noisy room, I’ll not be heard, but if I blog, and you read my blog, I will probably have your attention and what I say will be better heard. Too bad I don’t have some real important stuff to tell you, but that’s just the way it is. Really, do you think all those blogs out there have important stuff? Yeah, I guess some of them do, but many do not. Neither does this on have important stuff, so, here it is anyway. You can do with it what you like. Maybe next time I’ll have something to say.

The Final Destination

2011-03-12T11:03:00.001-05:00

As I get older, it seems that time passes faster and faster. It's been almost three months since I last posted a blog on this web site but it seems like it's been much less time than that. Isn't that the way it is with life? We wake up on Monday morning and go to bed on Friday night and then we start all over again. Sometimes it happens so fast that it seems that time overlaps itself and we go to bed on Monday night and wake up on Monday morning. I guess that's just one of the symptoms of getting older.
I'm finally realizing that the fast train is moving on, with or without me, so I don't have time to worry about the small stuff. Some things that used to seem so important to me no longer have that same appeal that they once had. I think I've learned that all those non-essential, yet enjoyable, things are only there to distract us from the more important, and sometimes undesireable chores. I think of that song that says, "I can see clearly now. The rain is gone. I can see all obstacles in my way." When I was young I didn't realize that those non-essential, yet enjoyable, things were nothing more than obstacles that would keep me from obtaining a more important benefit - a peaceful life. I'm not talking about a momentary life, but an eternal life. Oh, I've had peaceful moments, but they were always interrupted by some non-essential thing that I had placed a lot of value in. Now, the nearer I get to my final destination, the clearer I can see what is ahead of me. I don't see all the "things" around me as clearly as I used to, but my destination is getting nearer and clearer every day.
When I see the younger generation so caught up in the activities of their day, I remember that I used to be a lot like that. I've even wondered how I did it. The time does come when we look forward to, with mounting anticipation, the end of the journey. If I could, I would tell this younger generation to stop worrying about keeping up with their peers, and dare to be different and follow the voice (of God) within. I don't know how much longer this train ride will continue, but I'm beginning to focus in more and more on the final reward. It's looking good people. I'm getting excited.

What will I get Janis for Christmas?

2010-12-16T16:17:00.003-05:00

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!

2010-12-09T15:20:00.000-05:00

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!

2010-11-27T13:48:00.002-05:00

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?

2010-11-02T12:17:00.000-04:00

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

2010-10-15T00:39:00.002-04:00

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!

2010-10-08T15:36:00.000-04:00

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?

2010-10-02T23:13:00.001-04:00

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

2010-09-16T22:46:00.001-04:00

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!

2010-08-27T12:31:00.003-04:00

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?

2010-08-10T17:46:00.000-04:00

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

2010-08-08T15:55:00.001-04:00

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

2010-07-02T20:08:00.000-04:00

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!

2010-06-15T12:01:00.000-04:00

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

2010-06-06T15:30:00.000-04:00

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!

2010-05-29T10:33:00.000-04:00

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

2010-05-21T22:45:00.001-04:00

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

2010-05-18T16:20:00.000-04:00

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

2010-05-17T23:28:00.005-04:00

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

2010-05-13T00:04:00.001-04:00

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!

2010-05-11T17:52:00.002-04:00

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

2010-05-01T00:02:00.003-04:00

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

2010-04-20T23:03:00.001-04:00

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

2010-04-18T17:24:00.004-04:00

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

2010-04-13T12:01:00.010-04:00

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.

The Gift or The Giver?

2009-05-21T00:22:00.005-04:00

Don't you just love to get a gift? I do! Some of us love it so much that we may be thankful only for the gift and not for the giver. As a matter of fact, it doesn't matter who the giver is, so long as we get the gift. Oh, we say that we really appreciate the person who gave us the gift, but you know, if the gift is more important to us than the giver, then we probably do not really appreciate the giver. Now, I do believe that there may be some of us who do appreciate the giver of the gift, but still, it may be hard to determine if we love the gift more than the giver, or vice versa.

You know that God gave us the greatest gift of all, His Son. God has also given us many other gifts: life, health, a house to live in, food to eat, and many other necessities of life. 1 Cor 12:7-10 talks about some spiritual gifts;

7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;

9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;

10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

Romans 12:6-8 talks about spiritual gifts,

6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;

7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;

8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

Look at the gifts He gave the church in Ephesians 4:11-12,

11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

Now, read this: Luke 11:13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? We can't overlook Psalm 68:19, Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.

God is the giver of every good gift that we receive, whether it be spiritual or temporal, but if we are more interested in getting the gift than we are in loving The Giver, then we are missing the mark. May we "seek...first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; (then) all these things shall be added unto (us)". Matt 6:33

The Fountain of Youth!

2009-04-04T13:00:00.002-04:00

I can remember, when I was in school, something about Ponce de Leon searching for the fountain of youth. He never found it. Others have searched and some are still searching for it. Let me tell you, it is not to be found by mankind. Not a fountain that will keep you from aging and help you maintain a young and healthy body. However, there is a well of living water that can be found in you and in me, if we will drink of the water that Jesus, God's Son, gives.

John 4:14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

We would pay a large price to get that kind of water; water that would make us live forever.

I'm afraid that it would cost more than we could afford to pay. Perhaps that is why Jesus says that He will give it to us for free.

Re 21:6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.

Can you imagine living forever in the bodies that we now have? These bodies that we have could not take it. We will need, and will get a new body. One that will not get old and wrinkled, or sick. That new body will not be cursed by evil but will be incorruptable and one day we will have that kind of body. I believe that Jesus is the water of life and I must drink Him in. I'm glad that anyone who wants to drink of Him can do it. It doesn't cost a cent. It's free.

Re 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

Well, What Can I Say!

2009-03-18T01:22:00.001-04:00

Just click on this link and that will suffice!

More About Janis and Teacher of the Year

2009-03-14T12:37:00.003-04:00

If you'd like to read more about Janis, as well as the two other system winners, Click Here. This article appeared on the front page of the real live newspaper, along with pictures - much better pictures than before. (Cleveland Daily Banner, dated Friday, March 13, 2009)

I Am Proud Of My Wife

2009-03-05T18:39:00.008-05:00

For those of you who know my wife, Janis, you know that I am indeed a blessed man. What an excellent lady she is. When we met, she had already begun her career in teaching. She was teaching English at her High School alma mater, Calwell Parish High School, in Columbia, LA. All of our married life, she has been a teacher - an excellent teacher.

Being a minister, I traveled from place to place in my career seldom stopping very long at any one place. I knew she was an excellent teacher and the school system and the principal of the school just didn't realize what a great employee she was. If they had known, they probably would have given her special recognition every where we went. Instead, just about the time she was making her mark, about 2 yrs., I felt the urge to travel on, so we packed up and moved to another city and/or state, there to start all over again in our lives. For me, it was a new church and the preaching ministry and for her, it was a new school and the teaching ministry.

She stayed at one school for 9 years even though I pastored two different churches during that time and we lived in two different cities, or towns. She probably enjoyed those years best of all. She was teaching Special Education at that time and she was recognized as the Special Education Teacher of the Year for LaSalle Parish. I think her supervisor realized what a great teacher she was but that recognition didn't seem to carry the prestige as being recognized as Teacher of the Year would have and does carry.

Now in my retirement years, we have settled in (for now anyway) here at Cleveland, TN and Janis is making her impact again, in the Cleveland City School System. She was recently nominated by her peers as a candidate for Teacher of the Year at her school, Cleveland Middle School, and chosen by the supervising committee to receive that recognition and was then a candidate for the City School System as Middle School Teacher of the Year. She achieved the next step of recognition by the City School officials who selected her as Cleveland City Schools Middle School Teacher of the Year. Now, that means she, as well as the winner for the Bradley County School System will be entered for the regional slot in the state of Tennessee. I guess it could go on, but we are so appreciative for this recognition that we will just bask in the sunshine of it and enjoy it for now. Check the article in the Cleveland Daily Banner dated 03/03/09.

Where would she be and what would she have become if I had stayed in one place for 20 or 30 years? Who knows? It may have been good and it may have been bad. But the fact that she was willing to up-root so many times and restart the whole process, shows me that she held me and my career, the ministry, in high regards. What can I say? Isn't she the greatest? What a blessed man I am. You can see why I am proud of my wife.

My Progress Report

2009-02-24T18:56:00.005-05:00

I told some of you that I would let you know what I found out from the Gastroenterologist concerning my liver (hep-c condition). Is it always true that the doctors do not come right out and tell you what you want to hear? I would rather hear, "It looks bad" than to hear medical jargon that really leaves me still in the dark. Really I'd rather hear, "It looks good."

So, what did the doctor say? First they took my blood, three vials, and did the lab work. My enzymes are elevated and my viral load has go back up to 5,200,000 +/-. I wrote about that already on fb. Then, I had radiology done on my liver. I thought I would hear something solid, one way or the other, but, perhaps to my medical jargon ignorence, what I heard was medical jargon that really ........ like I already said. What I was told was that I looked good, or did she say "ok", or was it "fine"? Not sure, but how can that be if my liver enzymes are elevated and the viral load is over 5 million? I was not told that I had improved or 'deproved'. What? Did I hear somebody say, "Well, why didn't you just ask?" My answer is, "I did." Maybe I just can't remember the exact words. My forgetter is working quite well!

I was told that I had gall-stones. We've known that for maybe two years (I was told that back then but, like I said, my forgetter is working real good). At least it is on the record that I have gall-stones, and I was told that if I wanted to have the surgery to remove the gall bladder, just let them know. I asked about disintegrating the stones and was informed that they didn't, wouldn't or couldn't do that. (My forgetter at work again.) Kidney stones...........yes, but gall stones..........no. After asking what the symptoms were for gall-stones and realizing that I was having none of those symptoms, I decided that I didn't want to punish myself with that operation of removing my gall bladder. Now, you understand that I wouldn't have to remove it myself. The doc would do that. :) Hey, I guess the doc says that I'm ok, but with an active hep-c condition,.........I don't know.

I thank God for every day of strength that He gives me. When I feel 'funny', my energy is totally gone, or I'm having brain fog reactions I will just take it easy and know that tomorrow is going to be better. I will keep trying to eat properly (I'm always stumbling with that), and I'll keep my eyes open for some naturel health remedies to whatever ails me. I'll continue to give my regular doctor some blood samples about every 4 mos. Maybe every 6 mos. I'll go back to the gastroenterologist after a year for another check up, maybe. Who knows? The rapture of the church may take place before that time and I hope to be gone if it happens. Otherwise, I still alive and well. Talk to you later!

There aught-to-be!

2009-02-16T12:50:00.018-05:00

We just celebrated our Senior Adult Ministry at the church and I was just thinking...."there aught to be a distinction between 'young adult' and 'senior adult'. Well, I guess there is. It's called middle-aged. But, that sounds like someone who is torn between the two classes. Their fading youth pulls them away from their inevitable older age....for a while. Then their certain destiny of old age yanks them back from the ranks of the young. Sometimes it literally 'yanks their back' and reminds them that they are no longer young.

I've noticed that these 'middle-aged' people are usually not happy to announce their age. If you've noticed, the youth will proudly say, "I'm 16", or "19", or maybe they are pround to say, "I'm 21", or even "35". Also, it's noticable that the aged are proud to say, "I'm 65", or "75", and with much more pride you may hear someone say as they have a broad smile on their face, "I'm 85", or with a much more frail voice, "I'm 95 years old today!" It's that gap between 35 and 65 that seems to be hard to define. Maybe we could make it more precise and say between 40 and 60. They are not young adults and they are not senior citizens. Oh, they may run with the young and the wild,...for a while, or they may get a senior discount at their favorite resturant, but they are 'middle-aged'.

I have a suggestion. Let's say that after the teen years, a person is a young adult through 29, a sophomore adult from 30 to 45, a junior adult from 45-60, and a senior adult from 60 to whatever. For greater clarification, the Senior adults are silver senior adults from 60 to 75, gold senior adults from 75 to 90 and beyond 90 the senior adult is a platnium senior adult. I think those who are struggling with their middle-age will have an easier transition to their senior adult position if we adopt these standards. If anyone has problems beyond the scope of this designation, well, they just need more professional help than I can offer. Sorry!

While searching the internet, I found this which may help clarifiy senior adult status: You might be a Senior Adult if:

Everything hurts, and what doesn't hurt doesn't work. The gleam in your eye is from the sun hitting your bifocals.
Your little black book contains names that only end in M.D.
Your children begin to look middle age.
You finally reach the top of the ladder and find it's leaning against the wrong wall.
Your mind makes contracts that your body can't keep.
You look forward to a dull evening.
Your favorite part of the newspaper is "Today In History."
You turn out the lights for economic reasons rather than romantic ones.
You sit in the rocking chair and can't get it going.
You knees buckle but your belt won't.
You're 17 around the neck, 42 around the waist, and 96 around the golf course.
Your back goes out more often than you do.
You get excited and your pacemaker makes the garage door open.
The little old grey haired lady you helped across the street was your wife.
You sink your teeth into a steak and they stay there.
You have too much room in the house and not enough in the medicine cabinet.
You know all the answers but nobody asks you any questions

I may be having a little trouble adjusting to my status, but you see, I'm an exception. I am 66 years young but I don't look it. If you don't believe me, just ask my wife. Neither do I feel like I should be 66, and you know, 'you're only as old as you feel," so I don't mind being a little exceptional. No, I'm OK. It's just all those other aged people out there that are having a time adjusting that I am concerned about. (Is anybody laughing! Watch it!)

"Firsts"

2009-01-24T11:28:00.004-05:00

Here are some 'firsts' that have already happened this year that I will remember for a long time:

Gabriel (Gabe) is the first, and of course the only, biological grandchild that my wife, Janis, has. She has two step-children, my own biological children, but Gabe is her first. She raised her step-children and loved them as though they were her own and she did not fall short in that task by any means, as far as I can see.

Barack Obama is the first black president that the United States has ever had. I knew it could happen and figured that it would happen some day. I really thought a woman would be elected before a black man was, but, I guess you see I was wrong about that. I may be wrong about a woman being president some day. Time will tell.

Election day, January 20th., was the first time for me ever to report for Jury Duty. I reported to the federal court house in Chattanooga as instructed but was not selected to serve. Sure, in the past, I have been notified of jury duty, but I was always excused and didn't even have to report because I was the pastor of a church. However, being an associate pastor did not make any difference to the judge in this case.

There probably were some other 'firsts' that could have been mentioned but those are some that I won't forget. Most likely, there will be some others that will happen in my life. As a matter of fact, every day is a 'first'. I have never experienced this day before and tomorrow will be a day that I have never experienced before. I plan to do some things that will be to me, a 'first'. How I respond to these 'firsts' is very important because it will make a difference in my life. It will happen and I will respond. Then I will have to live with myself.

Since "Today is the first day of the rest of my life", I pray Lord, help me to respond properly to everything that happens in my life, and may my response be one that will bring honor to your name.

Pictures of Gabe

2009-01-09T22:29:00.005-05:00

I thought about posting these pictures on Facebook, and I still may, but momma wants to see them and she can see them on this blogspot. I know she could see them on Facebook, but she says that she doesn't have a facebook account. I thought she did. As a matter of fact, I believe she does but, apparently, no one has shown her how to navigate in facebook. Do you think we should? I don't know. It really seems like a lot of 'stuff' to contend with, even for me. Anyway, here are some pictures of my new grandson, Joshua Gabriel Baldridge.

Getting ready for the New Year

2009-01-05T22:31:00.004-05:00

Everyone is settling down now after the holidays. School is starting back, all the goodies have been eaten, the exchanges have been made, and we are beginning to settle into the old routine. That is always so nice, isn't it? Yes! Yes it is, but I won't be settled until we do our belated Christmas in Louisiana, until we welcome Gabriel (my second grandson) into the world, and until we return to Meca.......ah....I mean Cleveland. lol

We are leaving tomorrow (if Janis doesn't change her mind, and you know a woman has that prerogative) and we will visit her relatives and one of my daughters (Tammy) in North Louisiana and then travel on to South Louisiana to visit my other daughter (Jennifer - the one who is having my grandson). As we travel, I will have a new toy to play with. My Christmas present. A TomTom. I imagine the excitement of it will be over by the time I return to Tennessee, so I will then be able to settle in and settle down.

I did make a new years resolution. If I keep it, I can forget about settling down. I've decided that I will start on those house remodeling projects that Janis is so anxious for me to do. Notice that I said, "I will start". I didn't say, "I will finish". Why, if I did all of those 'honey-do' jobs, I'd first run out of money and then I'd just get tired and quit. So, I am going to start on them and we'll see how far along I'll get with them. Hopefully, I can post some 'before' and 'after' pictures, but if I were you, I wouldn't hold my breath all the way from 'before' to 'after'. That's right. I'm going to take my time, so it will take me a little while - maybe a lot-a-while, but that's my new years resolution. Just in case you wanted to know!

Christmas Eve and All Is Well

2008-12-24T16:22:00.003-05:00

"Christmas Eve, and all is well!" I can almost hear him saying those lines now. My dad had a part in the Christmas play and those were his words as he played the part of a watchman, or security guard. I don't remember the name of the play nor very much about the play, but those words have seated themselves in my memory. Oh, it was years ago when I was just a child, maybe a teenager. I have recalled those words most every Christmas since then. Now, today, December 24, 2008, I can say "Christmas eve and all is well!"

This Christmas is very different from most every Christmas that I can remember. It's alway been a busy, busy time with hustling and bustling everywhere. Christmas messages, Christmas plays and Christmas contatas for the church; presents, and parties for family and friends; and traveling, visiting and on and on and on. It seems that we have always been so busy at Christmas time that we almost hated to see it come, but this Christmas is different. There is still Christmas messages and contatas but it has not been a frustration for me because I no longer hold the position of pastor, thus much less responsibility and anxiety over those things. There is still presents and parties, but in my present role, I am more like a participant rather than a frustrated leader. But this year, the usual traveling and visiting of relatives in Louisiana will be a little later than usual, making it possible for Janis and I to be home alone at Christmas time. Yes, we've been home at Christmas time before but it was always with one or more of our Children. This Christmas, I have a son in Colorado Springs, two daughters in Louisiana and one son visiting in Ohio. What a difference. You know, it's almost eerie. It's so quite. Janis is sleeping on the couch right now and not a creature is stirring, not even a mouse.

Tomorrow, I think we are going to find a resturant, if there are any open, and have a romantic meal together and tonight I think we are going to rent a movie and watch it together. That's something we seldom get to do. I told Janis that we are about to experience something that we have never experienced before and possibly will never experience again - a Christmas at home alone. It almost sounds like a tear jerking experience doesn't it? Well, put your hankies away because I think this is the way I want it. Maybe never again, but this year let it be. I feel like I may stumble upon some kind of hidden wisdom or something. It may turn out be a very dull and boring experience, but remember, I've alway got "Facebook". :) Nevertheless, I can say with my dad from years gone by, "Christmas eve and all is well!"

How I Waste My Time

2008-12-23T18:59:00.003-05:00

You wanna know how I wast my time at the computer? Here it is! Well, not all my time is wasted this way. I have several other ways in which I waste my time, but this is one of them. I thought you might want to waste a little time with me! :)

People are Just People

2008-12-12T22:18:00.004-05:00

Have you ever noticed how getting acquainted with someone can give you an entirely different picture of that person? I just had that to happen to me. Janis and I went to the North Cleveland Church of God Encourager's Sunday School Class Christmas Banquet tonight and it turned out that we were sitting at the table with two ladies about our age, whom we had met while we were attending the class. I thought they were fine people but figured they were just too far above me socially for there ever to be a real friendly, comfortable conversation with them. They are both widows, so I want to emphasize that Janis and I both were there at the same table with them. We had our introductory (getting reacquainted) greetings, shared two or three 'blond' jokes (one of the ladies was blond......maybe) and just talked and enjoyed our meals.

Both ladies had husbands who were successful ministers in the Church of God - one I knew from years gone by and the other I knew of and had met. This just falsely assured me that they had no interest in getting to know such a non-achiever as I and unfortunately, through no fault of her own, my wife. I must say that we all had a pleasant, yes, interesting, time of sharing. I will never see those ladies as being so socially sophisticated that they can't be friends, again.

Over time I have discovered that people are so much alike. Even those who seem so different. When you get to know someone, I think you will begin to see in some way, how they have traits and characteristics, likes and dislikes, goals and yes, faults, much like yourself. I'm glad to be reminded every now and then that I am not a total odd-ball. It makes me believe more strongly that we were all created by the same God and He has given us our uniqueness, and we should not be ashamed of what God has done.

Testing the World Book Link

2008-12-01T21:58:00.005-05:00

I am just testing to see if this link will work. If it does, I will leave it posted. If not you won't even know that I tried. So, if you see this, click on the link and purchase your real hard copy (guaranteed, no virus) of World Book.

Depression Has Many Triggers

2008-11-26T22:57:00.006-05:00

I think it's about time for another blog. Don't you? Well, here goes anyway. I'm going to elaborate on some news I just received. My youngest daughter, Jennifer, who didn't get to come to Tennessee for our Thanksgiving/Christmas celebration, even though she had already bought a plane ticket, had to cancel her plans to come because her doctor told her that she could not come since her baby, the one inside of her womb right now, was too far along for her to safely do so. She is so sad because her little Daisy, a white, mixed breed part snouzer and part terrier, just got down so sick with arthritis and other complications that the doctor had to put her to sleep, like permanantly, about 8:00pm tonight. She held Daisy, who she has had for more than ten years, in her arms while the doctor administered the drug.

Jennifer has another little four-footer, about four years old of just about the same mixture, only it is, as it's name, Brownie, indicates, brown. Furthermore, she will soon, about January 6th., have another little bundle of joy to occupy her time. So, she should not be too unhappy, but you know, we are human and humans are made like that. We get sad and we cry. First, we get attached to something or someone and that attachment can be very tight, then we fall in love with that something or someone. We will love the thing or person to various degrees based on so many different factors and it's kinda like 'it' or 'they' become a part of us. When we lose a part of ourselves, we feel the pain, whether it be light or heavy. When several light pain producing elements combine together into one ball of sadness, it can be very depressing. For some it is unbearable. Others snap right out of it and go on. We must have something to lock in to and rely on in order to remain stable. Otherwise, we would be like blind men walking a tight rope - no one knowing for certain if our next step will be successful or disasterous.

- A note to my daughter Jennifer - You have someone to hold on to and to rely on and you know who that is. You will get through this shortly. We are sad with you, but let this be something that will help you to be strong in spite of disappointments. We are looking forward to seeing you when the baby, Gabe, arrives.

- An additional note to anyone who may be interested - Why wouldn't my wife let me put the following sentence in this blog? I had to rewrite it as you read it, but I so wanted to make a very long complicated sentence, and she just was not pleased with it. Are all English teachers that way or is it just my wife, Janis? Here's the way I would have done it. "My youngest daughter, Jennifer, who didn't get to come to Tennessee for our Thanksgiving/Christmas celebration, eventhough she had already bought plane tickets, but had to cancel because her doctor told her that she could not come since her baby, the one inside of her womb right now, was too far along for her to safely do so, is so sad because her little Daisy, a white, mixed breed part snouzer and part terrier, which she has had for more than ten years, just got down so sick with autheritus and other complication that the doctor had to put her to sleep, like permanantly, about 8:00pm tonight." :)

Depression

2008-11-12T09:08:00.008-05:00

Some of you didn't know that I have just gone through a short time (about 3 weeks) of depression, and that's allright. Even I didn't know how to classify it other than just "sad & half mad" - maybe "down in the dumps" but none of those descriptions can rightly identify the feeling. I am even now aware of the factors that got me down and if I meditated on them I'm afraid I'd get right back in the dumps and carry with me some anger. I did my own psychoanalyzing and decided that the feelings I had were not just sadness and anger at myself for my stupid doings, but were signs of depression. This brief experience gives me the idea that it could take over ones mind and cause him or her to do things that he or she would not ordinarily do. I guess I didn't go into deep depression where that would probably happen because I was able to keep my mind (for what it's worth). I was listening to the radio yesterday and found myself listening to a program where issues concerning depression were being discussed. This really made me aware of the seriousness of the matter. I had never given a lot of thought to it, but recognizing some of the symptoms and then taking a test on line that proved to be helpful, I have decided to post this blog. I may still be struggling with a few issues in the corners of my mind, but I'm gonna be alright. The point I want to make is this: Do not take anyones depressed mood lightly. Be there to lend support if needed and to encourage when appropriate. Do not be pushy or overbearing but watch for the opportunity to give helpful input. Look! I'm not a psycholigist nor a counselor, so 'what do I know', but 'for what it's worth' there it is!

Do You Think It's True?

2008-11-05T08:21:00.005-05:00

Just Wondering! Does anyone remember that Premier Nikita Kruschev made the bold statement “We will bury you without firing a shot"?

VOTE!

2008-11-04T09:41:00.003-05:00

I did vote early, but I will be watching the election today with as much fervency and devotion as many watch the world series. This election will perhaps have more effect on my life than any before. No matter who wins, I expect to wake up in the morning and continue to breath and eat as usual. Later on however, I'm not so sure. I truely hope that I will continue to have the freedom that God has blessed us with for so many years: Freedom to worship God as my heart dictates to me; Freedom to preach the Holy Bible as I believe it; Freedom to work (if, as a retired person I decide to do so) to play and to live in peace. My prayer is that my candidate will win but it is important that I end my prayer with these words, "Not my will but thine be done."

You may ask, "Could it be God's will for an evil (meaning 'bad') ruler to reign?" (Please note that I am not calling either candidate evil, but we seem to think that one is good and one is bad.) Well, just read the Bible. Sometimes God puts those in power that we think are bad. Have you read the prophets? Do you believe them? Have you read the book of Revelation? Do you not see that some evil times are prophesied to come? I know that some people do not even believe the Bible, but I do. Therefore, I pray for what I desire and concede to the will of God for my life. So far, it has worked. I believe it will continue to work - even in troubled times!!

Let me tell you something else. No matter what! One day I am going to die, either via sickness, accident or old age. Does that mean that God will fail me when that happens. No, no, no! Not on your life! That will be for my good. How? Then, you see, I will be in the first stage of transformation, and I will be changed into the likeness of Christ. Won't that be amazing? I will then no longer be the blunder failure that I sometimes feel like I am, but I will then be perfect. I hope you are planning on being a part of that redeemed body of Christ. Until then, may God's will be done, and my we, His people, give Him praise.

Halloween Concert

2008-10-30T23:50:00.001-04:00

After joining the Greater Cleveland Community Band and attending about four practice sessions, I played with the band as it presented a Halloween Concert in the Conn Center auditorium on the campus of Lee University, tonight. That's right. Tonight. As a matter of fact, I just returned from the concert about two hours ago. This was my first performance in over 35 years. I enjoyed doing it and have a good feeling about it. I was really rusty but I believe I will improve each week if I continue to practice most every day. I invited my youngest son, Jonathan, to join the band and on my second practice with the band, he and I both attended. He also played in the concert. I guess my age is crying out for some sentimental rememberences of my high school days when I enjoyed the band so much. Anyway, I think it has been good for me to join the band and I plan to continue.

Set Your Watches Back!

2008-10-28T20:28:00.003-04:00

Hey everyone! Don't forget to set your clocks back one hour this Saturday night! That's right. It's that time again. If you remember, it was in October but that has been changed to the first Sunday in November at 2:00am. Now, there is really not many excuses for being late to church this Sunday, since you will get an extra hour of sleep if you want it. Here's an idea: Don't set your clock back and get up to the same time as it now is and that will cause you to be on time for church. When you get there on time and maybe before some of the others, the pastor will be all smiles to see you, and you can give him your biggest smile and walk right on into the church with your shoulders held high, just like you knew all the time what you were doing.

Personally, I would rather leave the time alone. Throw the daylight-saving idea out the window. It doesn't matter how early or late we get up and go to bed, nor does it matter how early or late we arrive or leave our work place. There will still be a predetermined amount of daylight and darkness. There will still be 24 hours in a day. Oh, I've heard the argument for it, but there are also some good arguments against it as well. I think the idea was thought up by some federal employee who had too much free time on his hand, and to make himself appear busy (so as not to loose his job because of idelness) he thought up this 'ingenious' idea. Well, it gives us older and hopefully wiser persons something to blog about. Besides, If everybody did everything my way, what would I have to do?

Get prepared for the winter! It's comming! Burrrrrrr!!

How'd The Surgery Go?

2008-10-12T23:41:00.004-04:00

Just to let you know that Janis' "surgery" went well. Notice, I put "surgery" in "" because it wasn't regular surgery, but it was a procedure. It was done in the doctor's office. The procedure is called 'electrolysis'. I guess it is a lazer type surgery where the eylashes are zapped so that, hopefully, they will not grow again. The procedure has about an 80% success rate, and if it happens to be in the 20% failure rate then she will be a candidate for the more pervasive surgery. Your prayers will be appreciated. One thing Janis and I both have noticed, She has slept very good the last two nights. I think one night she didn't even wake up during the night. That is unusual. She has been restless and unable to relax her leg and/or hip muscles at night when she lays down, resulting in very little sleep. Once or twice she slept only about 2 hours. Now how that can be related to her eyes, I don't know, but it makes me wonder. This will be the third night. We'll see how it goes.

One more thing I want to add to this blog. Saturday, we went to Merciers Apple Orcherd in GA. We have been going each year for about three or more years now, with friends from church, Nathan & Tammy McConnell. It's just a fun thing to do and we get a supply of good apples, plus some other apple products - apple sauce, apple butter, apple cider, apple fritters, apple pie, you name it. Now, Janis and I didn't get all of that but it was available. By the way - apples are good for you, you know. Have you heard the saying, "An apple a day will keep the doctor away"? Well, I guess Janis and I won't need the doctor for a while. I usually eat at least one apple a day, sometimes more. Now it looks like I may have to eat two or three or they may spoil before we eat them. I guess we could cook some apple pies etc., but Janis works and doesn't have a lot of time to experiment, so I guess that means I could do it. You think maybe I could? If I give it a try and it turns out well, I'll let you know, but if I don't try it, or if I do try it but it flops, I probably won't even mention it again.

Apple Poems

Apples

Helen H. Moore

Apples, apples, what a treat,
Sweet and tart and good to eat.
Apples green and apples red,
Hang from branches overhead,
And when they ripen,
Down they drop,
So we can taste our apple crop!

Apples in Autumn

It's hard to eat apples,
Without my front teeth,
But apples in autumn
Are really a treat.
The apples are squooshy
Down under my feet,
But those from the tree
Are still crunchy and sweet!

Just Doing What I Do

2008-10-09T23:29:00.004-04:00

Since my last blog, I have taken my wife to Dr. Abrams, an ophthalmologist in Chattanooga, in preperation of a proceedure that he will be doing tomorrow, Oct. 10. She has a condition called Trichiasis: Ingrowing Eyelashes. Hopefully, she will be able to see clearly, without discomfort and therefore be a happier wife, making me a happier husband.

I participated in the Walk-For-Life event at Cleveland High School. It was really a breeze. Walking! Not running nor jogging. Just walking. I completed the course and could have done it again, but I guess that was a good starter, being less than 2 miles. Who knows? You may read a blog one day about me doing a marathon!! Not likely, but you never know.

For 3 nights and 2 days, I stayed at Laural Crest in Pigeon Forge, TN to attend an Assembly of God ministers retreat which was held at the Park Vista Hotel in Gatlinburge. I'm not a credentialed minister with the Assemblies of God, but being on the staff at Grace Assembly, I had the priviledge of attending. Actually I am a retired ordained minister with the Church of God, serving on the staff at an Assemblies of God church.

I attended a Peacemakers (Senior Adults) Fellowship Meal at the North Cleveland Church of God.

I took my mother to a hearing specialist at the Chattanooga Healthy Hearing office in Ooltewah, to be tested and fitted for hearing aids. The test proved what most of us already knew, that mom needed hearing aids. She was fitted and one weak later her hearing aids were ready. I took her back to the specialist to get the aids and she is now wearing them. She has worn them now for about a week and she is happy. They are working great. It's amazing how those devices have changed in the past few years. They are now like little computer chips in the ear. She doesn't have to adjust them. She only has to change the batteries. From time to time she may have to have them adjusted by the specialist but I assure you, it doesn't require a screwdriver nor pliers. The aids are simply attached to a computer and a few key strokes are made for the adjustment and all is well.

Last Sunday night, I went to a party!! Don't turn me out of the church now, for you see, it wasn't a sinful party. No, it was a good 'sanctified' party. Grace Assembly had church at one of the members house and of course we had a great time of fellowship and food.

Monday was prayer meeting time in the NCCOG Prayer Center.

Wednesday night was church.

Now, here we are today. oooooops! I mean here we are tomorrow. I started yesterday and I'm finishing today. Or was it, I started today and I'm finishing it tomorrow?? I don't know but it's after midnight and I've gotta close out and see about going to bed.

What Have I Done?

2008-09-22T21:12:00.009-04:00

Maybe it's a sign of old age. Have you ever done something and then wonder, "What have I gotten myself into?" Sometimes it turns out to be OK and then sometimes, well, you just keep asking yourself, "What have I done?" I have done two things that I hope doesn't embarrass me.

1) I have committed to participate in a walk-a-thon for New Hope Pregnancy Care Center. That's right. I will report to the Cleveland High School Saturday morning to walk in the Walk for Life event. I'm needing sponsors, so if you would sponsor me just let me know how much you will sponsor me for. $5, $10, $15, $20, more or less. If I had only 10 sponsors @ $20 each, I would have my goal of $200.00. Some can do it and some can't, but most people can do something. How 'bout it? If you can, I'd appreciate it, but let me know fast because it's this Saturday. I'mm taking sponsors all the way up to the event. Really, if you decide after the event, I can still get the money to the Care Center.

2) I have just returned from the Cleveland High School band room where the Greater Cleveland Community Band meets every Monday night at 7:00pm. You see, I have decided to join the band. Well, when I was in High School, I was in the band. When I was in basic training for the Air Force, I was in the drum and bugle corps. In my younger years, I played the trumpet in church from time to time. Now the problem is that it has been about 36 years since I did anything with the trumpet except for a couple of times when I thought I would fire it up and get back to playing, but I found that my lips, which had been cut and scarred in an auto accident about 36 years ago, were not trumpet friendly. So, basically, 36 years of inactivity. A little over a month ago, I took out my old Conn Constellation, cleaned it up, oiled it and tried again. I decided that I would practice a little most every day and now I have been thinking that I may be ready for the community band. I did go tonight, but WOE Nellie! WOW! Am I far behind! I'm glad you don't have to be an expert to be in the band. Otherwise, I would have been very embarrassed. I'm going to go back each Monday night and get it right. Of course I'll be doing a lot of practice at home. (I hope my neighbors don't call the police)

OK! What do you think about that? And look! I've posted another blog. This time, less than a week from my last one. Man! I'm telling ya! I'm just getting better and better. Oh, and if I get good enough on my trumpet, I just might post a youtube movie of it. Well, maybe not. Mmmmmmmm, Probably not. Naw. Let's just forget the youtube thing, but I'll try to get another blog posted again soon.

My Monthly Blog!

2008-09-16T22:11:00.008-04:00

That's what it looks like it has become. A monthly blog. So let me see. What will it be this time? Uhhhhhh...... Oh! How 'bout this. The other day, as a matter of fact it was Friday, I took my mom and two of her friends over to Fields of the Wood, a christian theme park operated by the Church of God of Prophecy. As best I can remember, it's only about a 90 minute drive from Cleveland (TN, for those who think OH). We drove up to the alter on the top of one of the mountains and up to the top of the other mountain where the cross of flags is (when the flags are in place). That mountain also tops the huge Ten Commandments that is laid out on the mountain. We also walked inside of the replica of The Garden Tomb. We did a little bit of shopping in the gift shop.

After that, we stopped by the historic site of the first general assembly of the Church of God, saw the site of the Shearer Schoolhouse where Milton McNabb, Joe Tipton, William Hamby, and William Martin...preached the noteworthy 1896 Shearer Schoolhouse Revival, and saw some other COG historical site which I have forgotten the name of. I wanted to show them Barney Creek, (for those of you who know the significance of it) but I was not sure just where it was, so I didn't attempt to find it. Plus, I had my mother and two other elderly ladies with me and they were not excited about this old man getting lost and wasting a lot of their time for nothing. Anyway, I think they all enjoyed it.

Upon returning to Cleveland (TN), we went on out to the Farmhouse Resturant. What good food! What good portions! It's just good home cooking. If you have never been there, you don't know what you are missing. You should try it. It's located out on Harrison Pike, east of the interstate. When and if you go, tell them that I sent you. You'll be treated special. That's right. No, not because you tell them I sent you but because they will want to keep you comming back. They won't even know who I am, but if enough people will tell them that Lowell sent them, I just might have the good fortune to get a discount or something. LOL

OK. There you have it; a new blog. Now, let me bid you farewell. I have written a decent blog. I have told you an event in my life. And I have finished this day. So, there is awaiting me a bed of softness with a pillow of foam, which I shall enjoy because I have legally purchased it with my wife's money, and Walmart will gladly bestow this kind of pillow, and even a better one, to all those who will be willing to pay for them after waiting in line for ever how long it takes.

Farewell.

Where does time go?

2008-08-25T22:33:00.002-04:00

Now that's a pretty good question! Where does time go? Does it go to the disposal? How about the storage closet? Maybe it just goes off leisurely meandering down a path that seemingly leads to nowhere! I really don't know where time goes but I do know that it goes somewhere fast. It's already been a month since my last post. It doesn't seem like it though. Seems like just a week or so ago. Really, it seems like just the other day I resigned pastoring and started on this senseless road of retirement, but it was over two and a half years ago when that happened. Why, I remember celebrating my 40th. birthday not long ago (really 25 yrs. ago). I expect that somebody will call me 'old' any day now. Old? Who, me? Did I hear that cashier at the resturant right. The other day when I was making an order, did she say 'senior'? Look, I've had it. I quit. I'm not playing the game anymore. If you want to be old, just go ahead and be old, but just leave me out. I'm going up to the mountain tomorrow (Signal Mtn.) and I may just stay. No, wait. Maybe Fred will let me go to his cabin up on the other mountain (not sure of the name of it) and I wouldn't have to worry about people up there. Wouldn't have to worry about paying a light bill or a water will either. Just me and a few snakes, turkeys, rabbits, and squirrels I'm sure, and maybe a bear. Yieks!! A bear! You never know about these Tennessee mountains. Can anybody help me if I call you? Oh! Wait! There's no phone service up there either. What if I fall down and can't get up? I mean, you know, a man like me might need some help. I don't get around like I used to. And I may not hear the growl of the bear. OOOOOOh! What if I don't even see it. It has to be close before my eyes will focus clearly, you know. I can't run very fast nor very long anymore either. Something has happened to me in the past few years. Ummmmmm! Maybe, I'm not quite ready to quit the game. I think I will stay in the race, but don't try to tell me how to do it. I've been around a lot longer than some young whiper-snappers have and I'll just take care of myself, unless I need somebody. OK, let me get off that subject and move on to the blog I intended to post here today. Oh, my! It's getting late. Past my bedtime. I gotta go for now. Maybe later. Yes! I'll try again later. Soon! Bye for now.

A Primer For Ministry

2008-07-23T16:07:00.003-04:00

Everyone who is considering ministry should read the following. It is the meat of the book of 2 Timothy as I see it. It would also be helpful for seasoned ministers as well. Now and then it becomes necessary, because of the distractions of bright lights and dream castles, for me to get my focus back. This has helped me do that. This is not my 'version' of the text; it is my response to it.

I AM CALLED TO PREACH! (2 TIMOTHY)
-- Lowell Brannen

Chapter 1

4) Paul had some unfulfilled desires and Timothy had some tears.
7) There have been times when I was fearful.
8) There has been times when I was ashamed to tell that I was a
minister of the Gospel. You see, sometimes the Gospel has
afflictions, which I try to shun. But because of the power of God, I
will partake of it.
9) I was not called because of my desires or abilities, nor because of
what I was doing, but I was graciously called for His own purpose.
11) I have been appointed by God to be a preacher, an apostle and a
teacher. It's not just by luck or by chance.
12) Because of this, I will have to suffer some things, but I am not
going to be ashamed.
15) Some folks might turn away from me.
16) Afflictions may even include such things as chains.

Chapter 2

1) But I will be strong.
3) I will put up with hardness and I will be courageous, as a good
soldier.
4) As a soldier of Jesus Christ, when in battle, I will not be involved
in the affairs of this life, but I will devote myself wholly to the
battle so that I may please the Lord Jesus Christ.
9) Because of the Gospel, I suffer trouble like one who does evil.
10) Yet, I will put up with all things, for it is more important that I
preach the Gospel to the ones who will hear it, so that they may
obtain salvation.
11) My will and my desires are as though I were dead, so that I may
live with Him.
12) So, I may suffer with Him; I will also reign with Him. I will never
deny Him.
19) The Lord knows that I am His.
20) Some men are like vessels of gold or silver, and some men are like
vessels of wood or earth; Some unto honor and some unto dishonor.
21) Whether I am a vessel of gold, silver, wood or earth, I will
cleanse and purge myself from ungodliness, and therefore I will be a
vessel unto honor, made ready for the Masters use, for some good
purpose.
24) I will not strive and argue with men, but I will be gentle, patient
and ready to teach them.
25) I will teach repentance and salvation even to those who do not want
to hear it.

Chapter 3

1-5) I am aware of the perilous times that are even now upon us. There
are men who are selfish, blasphemous, unthankful, unnatural, liars,
pleasure seekers and God-haters. I will turn away from them.
7) They are continually learning, but they never learn the truth.
8) They resist the truth. Their minds are corrupt, perverted and
immoral as to the faith.
11) My persecutions and afflictions are known, but I will endure them,
until the Lord delivers me out of them.
12) Yes, a Godly life in Christ Jesus will result in persecution.

Chapter 4

2) Even so, I will preach the Gospel because I am called to preach. I
stand ready at all times.
5) I will put up with afflictions. I will overcome the obstacles. I
will do a good job.
7) I am fighting a good fight and I will complete my task.
8) I have a crown of righteousness waiting for me.
10) Though some may forsake me;
14) Though some may treat me wrong;
16) Though none may stand with me;
20) Though I may fail in some areas of ministry,
22) Yet I know, Jesus is with me and His grace upholds me.

Speaking of Books

2008-07-11T23:30:00.005-04:00

What follows is my reply to a blog on my sisters blogspot:
Did you know that I have a love for books. I do. Like you said, I love to touch them, feel them, even smell them, but one awful fact is, I don't love very much to read them. Ain't that a shame! Sometimes I get envolved in a good book and read it. Most of the time I just read the part that I think I need or the portion that I enjoy and then the book gets shelved. If I had read all the books that I have, I would be a smart man.

Since I don't need books like I used to, and since I can just about always find what I need on the WEB, I don't buy as many books now. However, I still can't pass up a bargin in a book. And if it's a Bible, open the cash register. I'm coming to the counter with the bargin in my hand. I just love the feel of a good Bible.

Let me add here that I think books are very important. They make you look educated if you have enough of them, especially big ones. They will cover a lot of stuff you hid behind them on the book shelf. Stack several big wide ones together and it will serve an emergency seat. They are useful as a temporary leg for the sofa if the leg is missing. Take one with you when you go to the doctor's office. People will think you are very studious. With a little work, you can cut out a hole in the pages of a thick book and make a secret chamber when it is closed. Some books provide hours of fun if you like to trace pictures, but the fun will not last if the book is not yours and you get caught. If you don't like the book you can use the pages to make paper mache.

By the way, I have some books that I'd be glad to give away to someone who needed them, but who needs old books published in the '60s, except maybe antique collectors. The last book I bought cost me, let's see.... was it 25 cents or was it a dollar? I bought it at either the Cleveland Public Library in the FOLA room or it was at Lee's Used Books here in Cleveland. I really like it. It is a hardback NIV, entitled Seasons of Reflection. That's Seasons of Reflection. It is 365 daily readings with special helps on prayer. You know. One of them thru-the-Bible-in-a-year reading programs. This one I need.

Happy 4th of July

2008-06-23T23:15:00.002-04:00

Check this out ya'll!

HaveFun!

Campmeeting Days

2008-06-19T16:42:00.003-04:00

It's campmeeting time in Cleveland! Tennessee, that is. Yes, and I am enjoying the preaching, the praying, the singing, and the shouting. Campmeeting is not like it used to be. There is a reason for that. I need not say anything more about it. If You're under 30, I doubt you have ever seen campmeeting like some of us old-timers have seen it, but I thank God that He is still blessing and touching lives in these modern times. Thank God for campmeeting.

Long ago when but a boy, at old campmeeting time,
How my heart would fill with joy to hear the old bells chime,
Calling all the saint of God into the house of prayer,
Oh, such singing, praying, preaching, for the Lord was there.

I like the old time preaching, praying, singing, shouthing,
I like the old time reading of God's Word.
I like to hear those old time Hallelujahs, Glory,
I like the old time worship of the Lord.

Need I say more? No, I do not, but I will. I will also say that I like the new time worship of the Lord. That's right. I might like the new time worship better because the old time worship is gone and it is in the past. All I can do with it is remember it. I need something now. I want to worship now. I want to be involved in the praise now. So, when I lift my hands now and sense (lest I say 'feel') the presense of the Almighty, I like it better than just remembering the old times.

I'm calling all senior citizens in the church to a challenge. Let's just get right in there with this 'now' worship and see what happens. Oh, I know. We don't know the songs............Yet. But we will learn them. The now worship may be off our beat, but we'll get used to it. As long as we are worshiping God, let's worship NOW. We have a testimony that can only be experienced by the passing of time. We need to share this testimony with those who have not been there yet, who will listen, and who haven't lived long enough to experience what we have. One day they will, and if our testimony is fresh in there minds, it may be the help and encouragement they will need to make it through some hard times. Oh, they will face difficulties of some kind sooner or later and we know how it feels. They need our testimony, but it won't be effective if all they can think of when they see us, is an old bitter cistern or an old, ragged, worn-out bucket with holes in it. Let's rejoice about the Great and Mighty God whom we serve, even if we may not be happy about the style of praise and worship used today.

I still like the old 'Red Back Hymnal' and good old Souther Gospel, but if I'm gonna worship in church today, I'd better learn the new songs and learn to praise in the new fashioned way. I don't think it's the ways and means that matter but it's the motive and end product that counts.

I'm Back In The Saddle Again!

2008-06-13T10:51:00.011-04:00

I was out of the saddle and down on the ground. The ropes were wrapped around me. I had lost control. I still held the ropes and pulled hard on them, but I knew that something was not happening like I thought it should. I was pulled from side to side, wondering if I’d ever be able to lift myself from the dust and stand with pride to face the crowd. Thanks to those who knew how to help me, I suddenly realized that the rustle and tumble of life was slowing, and I was coming to my senses again. Though I wanted to lie on the ground and nurse my wounds and bruises, I was driven to shake myself, rise to my feet, face the peering mob about me and lift my hands as a symbol of victory even if I felt like disaster had fallen my lot.

Now I miss the old rough ride that I had for so long, and sometimes feel that I am doing it again; but I am not in the same saddle and I can tell that my ride is not the same. Adjusting to the new style is quite a task, considering all the changes that have taken place since I last rode a normal steed, but there is hope for a safer journey, now that we have the assurance that the spurs are not under the saddle anymore. I can only drive as I have known to drive, even though my skill has improved by my last treacherous upset, so I will continue to head in the homeward direction. The sun is falling low in the East and I know that I will soon be arriving at my destination. For now, I can say that I am just happy to be Back In The Saddle Again.

Here's What I'm Doing Now

2008-06-05T21:47:00.003-04:00

This is just an update - an overdue update. I am doing so much better these days. Just getting off the medication is an improvement. My regular doctor is keeping a watch on my liver function and my enzyme levels, and thus far all is looking good. Now that I have regained most of my strength and ability, I have accepted an invitation by the pastor of Grace Assembly to work with him at that church. It is the last church that I pastored and I count it an honor to be accepted by the present pastor and members, as an associate. I think I will be able to serve the pastor, the church and God in this capacity with a sense of accopmlishment for ministry. I do not have the desire to pastor any church these days but I do have a desire to do whatever God wants me to do. Right now, I feel like it is to serve in this position.

I am still a member of the North Cleveland Church of God and I still have an active ordained bishop certificate. I keep in touch with the NCCOG and attend some of its functions when possible and I continue to observe my financial obligations to that church. I really wish it were possible for the Church of God and the Assembly of God, and all of the pentecostal fellowships, to be united into one fellowship. That would make us, the pentecostal community, a louder voice in the world and we would be a stronger body, physically and financially, and could therefore do more for God. At least it seems that way. I believe that God is doing His work in this world and He continues to surprise me how and by whom He does it. God is an awesome God. Won't it be wonderful there?!

One of the good things that has come out of all this medical bout that I have been engaged in is a greater appreciation for the more contemporary music of this day. I really do love the music by Casting Crowns, especially the song entitled "I Will Praise You In This Storm". There are other groups that I really enjoy who would not have been accepted by my criteria at a time in my past. Really, I have been expanded, broadened, enlightened, or whatever you want to call it, by my experience. I still love the old conservative songs and good old souther gospel too. What I think I am trying to say is, "I am a better man today than I was yesterday." Let me conclude with this old number:
"We'll work 'till Jesus comes,
We'll work 'till Jesus comes,
We'll work 'till Jesus comes,
And then be gathered home."

We're back from Louisiana

2008-05-31T20:48:00.014-04:00

We just returned from Louisiana yesterday, so I have spent most of my computer time today catching up on my emails and other spaces. We had a good trip. As it has been so many times before, I believe that God was with us for a safe trip, both going and coming.

Our purpose for the trip was to check on Janis' mother and to spend some time there with her. She is 86 years old and she is beginning to show that she is getting feeble. She did seem to be a little more spry and lively the last day we were there but I suspect that it was just for a while. It's a sobering thought to know that we are all getting older every day and that we too shall soon be 86 yrs. old. Soon?? Yes, soon. You see, 21 years (that's how many years I will have before I turn 86) does not seem nearly as long as it used to seem, and what makes it worse is that 21 years of being over 65 will not be as agressively active as the 21 years before. Well, anyway, we were confronted with the thoughts of loosing Janis' mother in the near future - Not only Janis' mother but my mother as well. My mother just recently turned 87. We do have to face the facts. None of us are going to live forever in this present state of existence.

Speaking of my mother, let me tell you a little about her. About two months ago, she preached a revival for Ed Dickerson at the Hudson Chapel Church of God. She preached Friday night, Saturday night and Sunday morning. I was there with her and I preached Sunday night. About a month ago, she was ready to go, and did go to Crosville with the Peacemakers for a day filled with fellowship, shopping, good food and a play at the Cumberland County Play House. As of right now, this very minuet, she is in Florida. She went with Bonita, my sister, and her husband, Michael, to Orlando, FL to go to Disney World. Can you believe it? An 87 year old woman at Disney World? She started out with a bang. The first night there, she slipped down the steps in the camper and broke her arm. At least that's what she told us. Do you suppose that she could have been sliding down the waterslide or maybe riding one of those wild rides designed for active teenagers and maybe fell off and broke her arm? haha! Well, I guess we will take her word for it and assume that it wasn't like that. :) The last I heard, she is doing better with her arm in a temporary plastic cast. She will see the doctor her in Cleveland when she gets back so they can put her arm in a permanent cast. Thank the Lord that she didn't hurt herself more than that, and thank the Lord that she is able to take care of herself as much as she does. But you know, we just do not know who will be the next to leave this world. It could be my mother, or it could be Janis' mother. It could be me!! Or it could be you!!! We would do well to be ready to answer the call of the Master, whenever that may be.

Let me sign off for now and post a few pictures taken in and around Janis' mother's house.

Janis' Mother, Edna Stamper. (86 years old)

Janis' Mother and Daddy - some years ago.

My youngest daughter Jennifer and her husband Bill. And Brownie and Daisy.

Well, who do you think? Me and the First Lady! (Picture taken at her nephew's house)

Janis and her three sisters and three brothers (two now deceased) were raised in this house.

Glen's garden. Glen is Janis's brother.

The land is rented out to another farmer.

What in the world could that be?? A tire??

I believe this Grand Toreno has seen it's best days.

Blog update on MagicJack

2008-05-19T13:37:00.006-04:00

Well, I have my MagicJack. It does work. I called a few numbers just to verify that it did. I wanted someone to call me back to insure that I could receive calls as well as make calls, but out of three people that I called, three of them were not home or did not answer, or possibly did not get a ring on their phone, but, I did leave a message on their answering machines. After a while, my Mom called me back on the MagicJack number and it worked fine. When I called my MagicJack number from my cell phone, it worked, but when I called from my house phone, it did not work. Hmmmmmmmmm! I called again, only this time I dialed the area code first. Guess what! It still didn't work. Double hmmmmmmmmm! I called my MagicJack again and this time I entered '1-423-plus the number'. Ahaaa! It worked. Now, when Mom called me, she only dialed the number without the 1 or the 423 and it worked for her. So I conclude that It may work with just the number or it may work only if the area code and/or the 1 in front of that is dialed. If you want to give it a try, the number is 591-0224. Try just the number first and if it doesn't work try adding the 423 and if it still does not work, try adding the 1.

Will it cost you anything? If you're in the 423 area, No, of course not, but if you're out of the 423 area, I'm not sure. I don't think it would cost you anything, anywhere in the US or Canada but if it does, you're on your own. If I would take the time right now to go and read the stuff on it again, I might remember it long enough to get back to this blog and let you know, but I am too lazy to do that so, again, you might just want to check it out your self - you're on your own.

Was it a simple "plug-it-into-your-computer-and-then-plug-a-phone-into-the-MagicJack-and-you're-done-operation"? NO! Not for me. If you have windows vista, you will have to download the update, which is not really hard to do. You 'may' be smarter than me and you 'might' be able to understand the instructions better than I did, so it may not take you as long as it did me. Overall, It took me about twenty to thirty minuets to satisfy myself that it was all done and working. If you are a slow reader and you read the agreement and all that stuff, add more time.

What do I think about it? If you're into the internet phone, go for it. The cost is the best value I've seen yet and the quality of service is excellent. Plus, you can put the device in your pocket and take it with you and then use it anywhere, where there is a high speed internet connection that you can use. Of course, you'll have to have a phone.

Here's a picture of the MagicJack in my computer and the phone on my desk. (Please don't ridicule my messy computer desk)

;( I know what every piece of junk is and what it stands for! 8)

Who's afraid of the big bad wolf?

2008-05-13T08:09:00.003-04:00

Do you remember that song we used to sing when we were just little rascals? It went like this: Who's afraid of the big bad wolf, the big bad wolf, the big bad wolf. Who's afraid of the big bad wolf, ..........ummmmm...............er, ah, .................well, I don't remember how it ended. Maybe it was something like, Tra la la la laaaa. The big bad wolf! What is the big bad wolf. Maybe it is something different for each one of us, but us church kids we may have thought of it as the devil. Now-days, we think of it maybe as the IRS or maybe the wonderful years of retirement with it's totally deficient social security income. Or maybe it's all those special on-line offers that promise so much but have proven to be nothing more than a scam artist's trap whereby he steals our identity and/or floods us with never ending spamming. It all seems to be devilish, doesn't it?
Well, I may have fallen into the hands of the big bad wolf this AM, but if I have, it will only cost me 39.95 plus 6.95 shipping and handling...........hopefully. Have you heard of the magicjack? It's a little plugin thing that plugs into the usb port of your computer, into which you plug in any phone and then start calling and talking to anyone anywhere for free, for one year. Then you are charged 29.95 each year thereafter for free local and long distance calling, plus some other phone benefits. I have heard of something like this from somewhere. It's not 'vonage' nor 'skype'. Hey! Why don't you just check it out for yourself. Go to http://www.magicjack.com/ and read all about it. Or, you can just wait a couple of weeks and ask me if there is anything to it. I should have my magicjack within 10 day and then I'll give it a try. If I don't get it, or if it doesn't work, or if there are a lot of 'buts' (notice - there is only one 't' in the word 'buts') that makes it undesireable, I'll be glad to let you know. Now, let me just add in right here, that I am not working for magicjack, nor am I being paid for this blog. I just wanted to add a blog to my blogspot since it's been more than a week since my last blog. I hope you have a good day and don't get taken by some scam. Leave that to us brave souls who are not afraid of the big bad wolf.

Now here's a few pictures from my yard, hopefully to cheer you up!

I'm Tired, But That's Good

2008-05-02T17:35:00.002-04:00

It's time to blog. Yeah, it's past time to say something. You know, I am tired. Don't feel sorry for me though. I'm not tired like I used to be when I was on that hep-c medication. No, I'm tired like a man is supposed to be after he has done some work. Yeah, I mowed my yard again today. Last time I mowed the front one day and the back the next day. Well, today I mowed the front and back. It took me about 1 and 1/2 hours, non-stop. I then rested for an hour or maybe two and by that time, Janis was home and was inspired for 'us' to do some more yard work. :( We worked out in the yard for about an hour. Then I decided I needed to get some bicycling in so I rode to Mimosa Dr., then turned around and rode past my house down to Haywood Dr., then back to my house. I know that wasn't very far but just about half of it was up hill. Anyway, I'm tired.

I had just, yesterday, told my wife and my mother that I was beginning to feel what it was like to be back at work. It really feels good to be able to do something again. You don't suppose that the medication knocked the laziness out of me do you?? Nah! I think I've still got a good share of that, but at least I'm on the road again. I'm not hauling much in my truck but I'm driving! lol

For those of you who may not know, I guess I'd better tell you something. I am an associate pastor at Grace Assembly now. That's the church I was pastoring when I 'retired'. Yeah, that may seem a little strange, but the pastor said that he would like for me to work with him and so I am. I'm still officially a member at NCCOG (North Cleveland Church of God), will still pay 'my' tithes there, and I'm still an ordained bishop in the COG but I will be attending Grace Assembly mostly and focusing my sights on the Senior Adult Ministries. How about that!? Only in Cleveland! Well, look at it like this: That's my job, and I have to work on Sundays and Wednesday evenings, as well as other times. What?? How much do I get paid?? Let's just say, that I will have a great reward when I get to heaven wheather I get material compensations or not, but that's why a retired minister would consider re-entering the active ministry anyway, isn't it? Once a man, or woman, is called to the ministry in any fashion, that call will attach itself to the called one and stay right there until the day they die. Once bent in that direction, the limb will never be the same again.

Well, that's enough for today. I've got to get a warm shower, get some clean clothes on and start thinking about the message that I was asked today to preach Sunday night. I will be speaking at the Michigan Ave. COG.....just in case you want to come! :)

Another Blogger!

2008-04-22T21:03:00.002-04:00

I have recently added my son, Stephen, to my blogroll. You can scroll down my page and find his name on the right side of the page or you can just type in his address: http://stephenbrannen.blogspot.com/ and go there. If you like good commentary, you will like his blog. I know he would love to hear from you.

What Causes War?

2008-04-17T22:58:00.003-04:00

Thought I'd post a quick blog. The quickest way I know to do that is to copy and past my latest poem. It's about "War" because that's the subject that was given on the Mississippi Writer's Guild Poetry contest. No, I'm not entering it into the contest, but I thought I'd share it with you. Here it is:

What Causes War?

The land of peace and plenty is the place I long to see.
A land in all it’s beauty is the place I want to be.
A land where hate and senseless war will never cross the mind.
A land like heaven far away that we all hope to find.

If we would stop the wars we fight at home and overseas?
Perhaps we’d have the freedom to live just the way we please?
Ah…just a dream that I have had, but it shall never be,
As long as here on earth men rule with pride and vanity?

Never having all we want, and wanting so much more,
We never really understand that it will lead to war.
This demon that we seem to have that calls us past our need,
Is nothing more than selfishness. It’s nothing more than greed.

I have enough, but give me more. I want more than I need,
And I will get what e’er I want if I must make you bleed.
This driving force is deep within my selfish sinful heart.
That’s why I find it easy, and enjoy my foolish part.

I boast of my possessions and my selfish disregard,
Because I learned the hard way that I have the winning card.
So, if we must engage in war to satisfy my mind,
I’m confident that I will win and take the spoils I find.

Oh, foolish man! Have you not read the book that does declare,
The truth we all should live by if we’re happy any where?
It’s not the stuff that we receive that gives us that great peace,
But it’s contentment with the things we have within our reach.

---Lowell A. Brannen

Ready...Set...Survey

2008-04-15T09:02:00.003-04:00

If I look in your glove box, what will I find?
Car book, registration and insurance papers, cell phone charger, and maybe some mint or gum wrapers.
What jewelry are you wearing?
My wedding band
What is something your friends make fun of you for?
Acting silly or dumb. Sometimes I am dumb, but my friends think that I am just acting silly.
When was the last time you saw the second person on your list?
What list?
What is in your pocket right now?
A handkerchief. By the time I am ready to leave the house, I will have my pocket knife, some change, my keys and my wallet. In my shirt will be a pen, my date book and my reading glasses. All set and ready to go!
Where was your default picture taken?
In my front yard.
Who do you know that is in jail?
No one right now. Thank you Lord!
What was for breakfast this morning?
Oatmeal, rasin toast and fruit.
Something irritating about your living situation?
All the little odds and ends, in and around the house,that need fixing up.
Where are you right now?
In my home office, here in Cleveland, TN.
What was the most interesting thing that happened today?
I noticed that we collected only one can of garbage this past week. It's just 7:30am so, give me some time and I sure hope something more interesting happens.
When was the last time you got blood taken and why?
Maybe two months ago so the doctor could keep a check on my blood, making sure that it reads ok.
What were you doing at midnight Friday night?
I can't remember that far back! Probably checking my email.
Do you have a best friend of the opposite sex?
Yes! My wife.
Where were you three hours ago?
In bed sleeping.
What's for dinner tonight?
Not sure, but there will be one of those delicious blueberry slush drinks that my wife makes.
What makes you cringe?
Filth. I mean anything that is beyond dirty. You know, like nasty!
What was the highlight of your week?
My wife said that she believed her birthday this past Saturday was the best ever.
Taken any medicine lately and for what?
Thanks be to God, I am off all medicine.
Would you rather have straws for legs or slinkies for arms?
Maybe straws for legs because I could hide them with pants.
Of your friends, whose car do you want?
I don't want anyone else's car but I wouldn't mind having one like 'Grancee' has. Only 'Janis-62' and 'Grancee' know who I am talking about.
What is the last issue you thought about?
I thought about entering one of my poems in the Winning Writers poetry contest.
Do you fake bake?
I don't even know what that is.
What was the first thing you thought when you woke up?
"Okay, It's time to get up."
Something you dream about most of the time?
Most of the times when I dream, they are different.
When was the last time you hysterically cried?
Don't know if I have ever 'hysterically' cried. But I did a lot of crying while on medication for hep-c.
Was anyone with you?
Sometimes.
What was the last thing you got in the mail?
Snail-mail Spam, i.e. junk!
Tomorrow...?
Don't know. Every day is a new day.
I don't know about tomorrow. I just live from day to day.
I don't borrow from it's sunshine, for it's skies may turn to gray.
I don't worry o're the future, for I know what Jesus said.
And today I'll walk beside Him, for He knows what is ahead
Many things about tomorrow, I don't seem to understand
But I know who holds tomorrow, and I know who holds my hand.
Who/What do you sleep with every night?
My wife and my c-pap.
Have you met anyone new in the past 24 hours?
No.
What are you doing after this?
Probably will put a power point message together that will be used to make church announcements.
What will you be doing at 8pm tomorrow?
I plan on being in church at that time.
What are you saving your money up for right now?
Regular saving - Well I just used some of it to pay my taxes.
My secret stash - A laptop computer, or a ham radio, or a mandolin, or maybe all of the above. If my wife finds out about my secret stash, it's all over!! :(

Me, Religiously!

2008-03-01T16:07:00.003-05:00

Can I still keep my Church of God Ordination? Even if it looks like I am more Methodist? And only 50% Pentecostal?????!!!!! Why don't you take the test and see what it says about you?

What's your theological worldview?
created with QuizFarm.com

You scored as Evangelical Holiness/Wesleyan

You are an evangelical in the Wesleyan tradition. You believe that God's grace enables you to choose to believe in him, even though you yourself are totally depraved. The gift of the Holy Spirit gives you assurance of your salvation, and he also enables you to live the life of obedience to which God has called us. You are influenced heavly by John Wesley and the Methodists.

Evangelical Holiness/Wesleyan

93%

Fundamentalist

71%

Emergent/Postmodern

64%

Neo orthodox

57%

Reformed Evangelical

50%

Charismatic/Pentecostal

50%

Classical Liberal

50%

Modern Liberal

32%

Roman Catholic

11%

Not Me, But You!

2008-02-27T19:33:00.003-05:00

I don't know what to title this poem. I thought about, Not Me But You, Making the Transition, Passing the Wand, Passing the Crown, and I have even thought about, Passing the Buck! I would be delighted if you would let me have your suggestions. Whatever the title, here it is:

Why can’t I ever be the one
To win the races I have run
And get the crown of victory,
Instead of all those who beat me.

I worked so hard to pass the test
And tied to be my very best,
But after all was said and done,
It was somebody else who won.

I tried so hard to get ahead,
To be accepted and be led
To higher grounds and lofty heights,
To touch the stars and see the lights.

Oft-times I never stopped to see
The many people there by me
Who cheered me on, along the way,
Who cheered me on, most every day.

But I was rushed and hand no time
To shake their hand and be so kind,
‘Cause I could only see my goal.
It took my all to play my role.

About the time I thought I’d win,
I’d stumble because of my sin.
I’d try then to regain control,
But I had lost my heart and soul.

‘Twas not just once nor twice nor thrice,
Continuously I’d see my vice
Arise and distract my intent,
And then my anger I would vent.

My friends would gather all around
And pick me up from off the ground.
They’d dust me off. I’d hear them say,
Keep running friend. Be on your way.

Well, I have since resigned the race
Now that I can not keep the pace.
Besides, it’s hard to pay these dues.
So I’ve hung up my running shoes.

I’m now content to stand aside
And cheer you on and watch your stride.
So, if you ever need some friends,
I’ve found the time to make amends.

Run on my friend and don’t slow down.
I want to help you win your crown.
I’ll find great joy down deep within
If I can see, I’ve helped you win.

The crown awaits, it’s there for you.
Go for it now. You’re crown persue.
Do not look to your left nor right,
It’s there for you. It is in sight.

--Lowell A. Brannen

Sleep Apnea

2008-02-25T23:17:00.003-05:00

Here's an article I found on Careplace that I thought might interest some of you. It's a 'Sleep Disorders Blog' From About.com. According to this article, my arteries must be very clean. I've been using the CPAP for about a year now. It really does make a difference.

Treat Sleep Apnea for Clean Arteries
Monday February 25, 2008
Treating sleep apnea for four months has the same effect on the plaque and stiffness of your arteries as taking a cholesterol drug for a year does. Using a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure device) doctors were able to reduce heart attack and stroke risk in 24 men with sleep apnea. After four months, their arteries were much cleaner, according to the study. Yet another reason to take treating sleep disorders seriously.More on Sleep Apnea

Check it out!

2008-02-20T22:10:00.002-05:00

Check out Stephen's new cd album and if you'd like you can buy it. For those who may not know, Stephen is my oldest son, living in CO. Am I proud of my son? Yes I am!

Friendship

2008-02-13T21:10:00.003-05:00

Well! It was such fun hearing and reading the comments on my last poem, I think I'll do it again. Obviously, the title came after the completion of the poem. Here it is:

Friendship

Since you liked my poem so much, I thought I’d write another.
One that I thought all would view, plus sister and my brother.
This poem doesn’t have the tone, that grips you at the heart,
But if you want to read it still, be sure it’s not ‘in part’.

This message may be silly, and it may be serious.
I do not know which way I’ll go. It’s so mysterious.
What ever comes is what you’ll get, ‘cause that is what I’ll write.
It may be something meaningful. It may be oh, so trite.

Let me start by saying this, “You now are my good friend.
I do not want to say a thing that brings it to an end.
A friend is very good to have, when / if you need someone,
But even better is a friend, to help you get life done.

We sing together and we pray, and worship our Dear Lord.
We do it in the church you know? It really isn’t hard.
What we really ought to do is worship on the street,
For God deserves our highest praise wherever we may meet.

Someone may be in great need, and if they watch us pray,
It may entice them to the Lord, by just the words we say.
We’re not ashamed to make it known; the blessings of our God
He really wants to bless all men who walk upon this sod.

If they approach us with their need, will we turn them away,
Or will we give them our friendship if only for a day?
Jesus gave us His friendship for all eternity.
He wants us just to share His love, and do it just for free.

Hey, now I see where this has gone. I really didn’t know,
That it would be about friendship; and kindnesses we sow.
So let this be a message clear, for everyone to see;
If we want to make our mark, then friendship is the key.

– Lowell A. Brannen

Charismatic Morality

2008-02-05T12:27:00.000-05:00

In reference to a blog by The Dawg Howse entitled "The Fuzzy-Wuzzy World of Charismatic Morality", I mad a reply that I thought I should use as a blog of my own. If you want to read the article, go to http://thedawghowse.blogspot.com/ and read his blog. The following is my reply to his blog:

I think the "fuzzy wuzzy world of charismatic morality" is getting "fuzzaier" all the time. I have watched several of these tv evangelists with admiration and a few with a grain of salt. I looked on, helplessly, as PTL crumbled. I watched the 'Swaggert confession - I Have Sinned' and was disappointed, the Bynum 'royal wedding' and was amazed, the White 'announcement' and was puzzled, and several other dramas that left me with unanswered questions. I've seen sights, inappropriate for saints to behold in our own churches, and heard 'sermons' that, in my opion, should not have been preached. I see the COG loosing it's holiness distinctive. I know that holiness begins in the heart but if it is given a chance it will show up on the body. Lest I stray from the point, let me say that we must be serious in our desire to please God and we must get serious in our practice of holiness. I know I am convicted already when I say that, but by God's grace I will do better. I still believe that it is God's desire for one man to be married to one woman, or vice-versa, and that they should be bound by their pledge, 'until death do us part'. However, there might be a few cases where..........................Oh Lord!.............Help us!

Here's my latest poem

2008-01-31T23:30:00.000-05:00

For lack of a better title, let's call it:

The Sighs of a Sluggard

The day has come, the day has gone,
And here I sit. I’m all alone.
The day was short, and not so kind,
I could not satisfy my mind.

Were you out there? I should have known.
You did not speak. Then you were gone.
But then I thought, Why should you care,
About my plight, or my despair.

I had the day just like you did,
And all day long, My face I hid.
I could have called, or visited,
But here is what I did instead:

I sat me down upon my chair,
And focused only on the air.
I only thought of me myself,
And all my dreams upon the shelf.

I viewed them over in my mind,
And knew that they were left behind.
What a wise man I’d have been,
If I had only let you in.

Time and time and time again,
I know you tried to be my friend,
But I refused to let it be,
Because of my concern for me.

Why, oh why did I do wrong,
By doing nothing for so long?
Now, it’s gone. My days are spent.
And for this sin, I now repent.

— Lowell A. Brannen

I'm up but not running!

2008-01-25T11:53:00.000-05:00

Yes, I'm up. For those of you who may not know, I had surgery Wednesday for a femoral hernia on my right side. I went into the hospital about 10:45 am and left about 7:00 pm. Rushed in and rushed out like cattle. The unit in which they were holding me, before and after surgery, closed at 7:00 pm, and they wanted me out of there before that time. It may have been 6:50 pm, but it was close. Such a rush that they forgot to give me my discharge papers. Now, I know that I wasn't that bad of a patient. I was just thinking.....my pre-op instructions were such as 'no food or liquids after midnight on Tuesday', 'no jewlery or valuables' 'no lotions or body creams' etc., but I could wear deoderant. I was wondering if that ment 'PLEASE wear deoderant'. :) Then again, I did wear deoderant. Must have been the wrong kind!! ha!
Oh well! Anyway, the doctor said the hernia was not as bad as he thought it would be but of course it still needed repair. Plus he strengthened the intestinal wall on the other side and also did a liver biopsy. I was home Wednesday night, up yesterday, Thursday, and feeling even better today, Friday. I'm not supposed to lift any thing over 10 lbs. for two weeks. Yeah, right! I'll probably do it by accident if not on purpose. As you can see, I'm back to my 'hard work' of blogging and computing, but I won't stay on here as long as I have been guilty of in the past. I just thought it would be a good idea to blog while I ate my dinner, or to some that would be 'lunch', so now you are up to date on my situation. Doesn't that make you feel better? Of course it does.

Ending the Old and Starting the New

2008-01-17T22:50:00.000-05:00

The last day of 2007 and the first day of 2008, a Monday and a Tuesday, were days that I will remember for some time. I awoke on that Monday with pain in my hip joint. It was in the joint and not in the hip. The pain was more in the front of my body, right down in the groin area. I wasn't sure if it was the joint or the muscle. If I walked it seemd to get some better and I thought maybe it would be alright by night time, but instead it got worse. By night time, the pain was so discomforting that I was unable to go to sleep. After calling the hotline for the 24hr. nurse about midnight, and taking a hot bath and shower I was able to finally get some rest and sleep. The next day, I could not even lift my leg up off the floor without pain. I managed to hobble around and lift my leg with my hands when needed and thereby made it through the day. Now this second night I was truly getting better, and the next day I felt so much better that I probably would not have done anything about it if it had not been for my wife and my mother. So, I went to the doctor on the 2nd. - what would have been the third day of pain - and he scheduled me to get an ultrasound the next day. I did, and it was decided that I have a hernia. If that seems weird for the kind of pain I had, let me tell you what kind of hernia it's supposed to be. A femeral hernia. For those of you who would know, that is kinda weird because a femeral hernia is most often found in women, not men. I am a man!!

Well, the nurse made an appointment for me to see a surgical specialist and I went to see him today. We have scheduled the surgery for Wednesday. That would be the 23rd. Tomorrow, I will go to the hospital and register for the surgery. It will take about two hours, so I'm told, to go through all the tests that will be performed and get registered. Then of course, Wednesday will be surgery. It will be a one day thing. In and out on the same day. By using the proceedure that the doctor will use, I should be able to get back to my hard work of retirement :) in about two weeks.

I will try to post another blog as soon as I can after surgery. Your prayers will be appreciated. I still believe that God Has Everything Under Control and I'm looking forward to getting back to some kind of 'normal' life.

I always look forward to hearing from anyone who reads my blog.

How Well Do You Know Me?

2008-01-10T22:48:00.000-05:00

Create your own Friend Quiz here">

What's wrong?

2008-01-03T20:34:00.000-05:00

OK!! What's wrong? Nobody but my oldest brother has made any comments on my last blog. Is it because it's too cold outside? Or is it because Barack Obama is hoping to be president of the US? Or perhaps it's because the subject "Church Teachings" is just tooooo hot to touch!!?! Ooooh, just kidding!! I know, we just got out of the Christmas holidays and then the New Year celebrations, trips, and so much going on. But I can't wait any longer. I've got to post another blog or somebody may think I've died and gone to heaven. Now, that's what's wrong with my posting frequency. All those things I just said. In other words, I have no excuse. Well, maybe just a little bit of an excuse. I mean, if it were a matter of life and death, I would have found a way to post another blog, and another and another. But I'm making up for my slackness right now. See? Here's a blog.

Hey! You won't believe what I'm listening to right now. I have another window open on the Internet and I am listening to Casting Crowns. You younger folks will know who I am talking about but for the sake of some of my peers, Casting Crowns is the name of a modern day Christian singing group. Actually, I really do like their music. Maybe it's connected with the idea that when we get old enough we don't worry about what others think about us as much as we used to. Somebody may think that I have gone off the deep end but who cares. It's time for me to enjoy retirement. Right? By the way, peers. Just listen to the words if you can't take the music. They really are saying something. I don't think their music is bad either.

Let me get a little more serious now. I finally got around to seeing my doctor yesterday. You see, Sunday I was fine, but Sunday night I was bothered with a feeling like a cramp in my leg, actually in my hip joint right in front of my body, like right in the groin area, and I had a tough time trying to sleep. When I awoke Monday morning, I couldn't hardly walk. I was limping. But I stretched, laid flat on my back on the hard floor for about 10 mins., walked and worked with my leg as best I could during the day. It got a little better but then at night time it got worse. Now, it is new years eve and I am in pain. Since I have a 24 hr. hot line to a nurse, I think she is in Atlanta, I called her just about midnight. I know she probably thought somebody was high as a kite calling to celebrate new years, but after she asked me all the questions that would verify that I was not 'loopie' and I answered them correctly, I explained to her my problem. To make it short, she suggested that I take a hot bath. Well, I could do that and I did. That did make me feel some better, but the next day was New Years Day! Now, the tradition is that us men get together and go somewhere just to cook breakfast, talk, sing, have dinner or whatever else we feel like doing. Now understand that we usually go to some camp or some place in the mountains etc.

I'm about to get side tracked here. Let me get back. So, my leg got worse that day and I drug it around like a log attached to my body. (Almost!) Just ask Fred, Curtis, Rick, Eddie, Mike, Jason, or one of the several others that was there. Man! I couldn't even lift my leg off the floor at one point and most of the day not over an inch without pain.

Let me make this short. OK? I got better before going to bed and slept fairly well. Saw Dr. Sims Wednesday. He scheduled me back today so I could get a
?sonogram? or whatever you call it. (I'm in a hurry - haven't got time to check my spelling) Dr. Sims thought maybe it was a ?femoral? hernia. (Again, I'm in a hurry) Can you believe that. I won't know the results of the exam until maybe Monday or Tuesday. Anyway, I feel great at this present time. I can lift my leg, walk without limping, and kick the devil in the teeth. Ha! Gotta go now. I'm in a hurry. I don't know why, but I am.

Now that you know what is wrong with me (or if you are still uncertain, I can come in for counseling most anytime) let me know what is wrong or right about you!!

Church Teachings!

2007-12-19T11:58:00.000-05:00

I hope no one has given up on me. I'm still alive and well. I've just been doing stuff. Now, I don't have much excuse for just sitting in front of the computer so much of the time, since I've been off the medication that I was on for about two months. My wife expects more of me now, as does others. I have also began to get involved in some other activities that require my time. I don't want to forsake my blog posts, but I have been thinking about getting one of those free web sites just to check it out, and if I like it I may try to do something with it. We'll see. I'll keep you posted.

Recently, after viewing Lee University's In Circle web site, and corresponding with some of the alumni, I thought it might be OK to blog the post that follows. This is a small portion of my 'writings' that I have on file in my computer. It may be out dated today, but it gets to the point, I think. Tell me what you think. Here it is:

"What about the church teachings? Can we really change them? What about unwritten “practices”, or should I say “teachings”, of the church. I'm talking about those personal convictions that were preached and forced upon congregations, and those church rules that were not intended by God to be His rules. If it was a sin for one man is it not a sin for all? Let me answer that like this: 'What ever is a sin against God, in the sight of God, is a sin for one and all.' But some of the things that were called sin, are not identified as sin in the scriptures.
"More should be said about that, but I am intending to get to another point; mainly this: It seems that the founders of our church, the Church of God, were able to live by the standards of the church, and there are many today who also seem to have very little difficulty accepting those standards and live by them. I truly believe most of those dear saints of God lived holy lives. There are some dear saints of God today who are also living holy lives. But there have been many changes. Changes, no doubt, that would make the early church fathers (of the Church of God) very displeased if they could see those changes.
"There is a move, I think, toward a less severe church in the area of discipline. The church today no longer sees some of the "personal convictions" of the past as sin. They no longer feel that some of the church teachings of the past, for which many were excommunicated, are sinful. The idea of a Christian committing sin was unthinkable, but today it is not impossible to hear Church of God ministers, even Church of God officials, preach that we need to confess our sins and return to God. The church used to think more in terms of being perfect, but now you may often hear from the Church of God pulpit, that we have not yet attained unto perfection. The church used to speak in terms of entire, instantaneous sanctification, but it is not unrealistic to expect to hear the minister talk of a continual and gradual sanctification.
"In my own studies and observations, I have learned that Christians do sometimes sin. Should I say "most" Christians? That is certainly the case with me. I know I am not perfect. The "Baptist idea" that we are sinners saved by grace, is not as far off track as I used to think it was.

. . . . .

"How did those early church founders live such holy lives? How did my Grandmother do it? And how did my parents do it? Why has my struggle in living holy (if keeping the church teachings is living holy) been such a chore for me? Notice, I didn't say I was not keeping the church teachings; I simply admitted that is was not always easy - especially in the area of entire sanctification.

"Here are five things to consider:
"1. The founders of the Church of God did not conform to the church teachings -- they formed the church teachings. They did not make rules that were in disagreement with their practices.
"2. Some, had a temperament and personality that fit snugly into their mold and they did not have to make any effort to keep the standard.
"3. Some, had a temperament and personality that, even though it was difficult to meet the standard, they were actually able to force themselves to do those things required of them, in order to be a good Church of God member.
"4. Some of the early church members (and leaders), actually, did not live by the church teachings. When it was discovered that they were not living by the teachings they were excommunicated.
"5. Some, claimed to live by the church rule, and it was never found out that in reality they were unable to 'keep the standard'."

It seems almost cruel to stop this blog on that note, but it's a long blog and I may add something later. I hope you still love me!!??

Have a Very Merry Christmas and don't forget who the celebration is all about. Jesus Christ Our Lord!

I'm Happy Again!

2007-12-11T07:19:00.000-05:00

Not that I was sad! It's just that I didn't have my connection to the world. I didn't have my soap box. I didn't have my tools for work and play. My computer!! But now, I am happy again. My computer was down for about two weeks. I tried to fix it. Thought it was the switch, spent about $17.00 for a new switch and replaced it, discovered that I am not as smart as I was hoping to be and then let a real repairman fix it for me. It was the power supply. I suspected that! Yeah, right! Any way, I had to use my wife's sloooooooooow computer to make my last two posts, but now I am flying again. :)

I got my computer back from the repairman Saturday. I picked it up Saturday morning, went to Chattanooga to the Red Lobster to celebrate my son's 25th. birthday, and got home in time to set the computer back up and do a few checks and then prepare a financial report for our Sunday School class (my wife is the class treasurer) which was due on Sunday morning. Close but we made it! Sunday, with all that goes on (you know, like eating, talking to company, taking an afternoon nap, etc.) I just didn't get around to blogging. Then Monday! Now that's another story. Not very interesting, but it is a story. A do-nothing morning, a take-Momma-to-the-doctor afternoon and a leaf-raking evening. At this hour, 7:30am, Tuesday, December 11, 2007, Janis is off to school and I am back!!!!

I've got this feeling that this blog is going to be short, as it shoud be, and I'll not say much more than what I've already said but I will post another blog soon. I think it's about time I put some pictures of somebody or something on this blog. Don't you? Well, maybe I'll get around to that today or tomorrow, if all goes well.

This is just to let you know that I have my computer repaired, I am back on line and I am happy.

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-07T10:03:00.000-05:00

To all my friends, to all I've ever met, to those I've never met but read this message, and if I have any enemies, to you also:

I Will Post Again!

2007-11-26T22:13:00.000-05:00

Right now I am between a rock and a hard place when it comes to computing. My computer is presently down, and I am waiting on a part from Dell. Perhaps by the end of the week I will have my computer back on line. I am presently using my wife's computer. That should do, but I don't like the left-handed way she has the layout of her monitor and mouse and I don't like the way I have to open a drawer and slide out the keyboard in order to type. Also, her computer is sooooooooo sloooooooowww (I've got to get here a better computer). I know that is all trivial stuff, but I guess I just like my own computer. Besides, there is a vast amount of information on my computer that I can't get to because it is off line.

I am feeling very well physically. I believe that I am almost up to normal in strength and energy. However, if I've been operating on less than normal for years, while thinking I was normal, then I may have a little further to go, but I'm getting there. When I refer to normal strength, I'm not talking about a muscle bound athelete. I know I've got a lot to do on my muscles. I'm still at 185 lbs. Loosing 65 lbs. should make anyone feel better, don't you think.

I'll try to get back and post something when I get my computer back in operation.

That Was Close!

2007-11-19T22:48:00.000-05:00

Whew! That's what I call close. My birth certificate from Florida arrived today. My liscense expires tomorrow. I went to the driver's liscense office this afternoon, expecting to spend about 2 hours of waiting, but wouldn't you know I didn't have to wait at all. How about that? Well, actually I didn't even go inside. You see.....they are closed on Mondays. Hey, they are off for the holidays Thursday and Friday also, so that means they will only work two days this week. It's not like 'there-is-no-business-therefore-it's-more-profitable-to-close'. If you've ever been to this office in Cleveland, you know what I mean. It's always been rather busy when I've been there. About three times. Now that's our state tax dollars at work. Oh, well. If I was working there, I'd be very excited about working only two days too. I don't want to point a finger at the local employees, but it's just a little example of how sluggish, 'big government' envolvement slows things down. Man! I believe me and you could tell Nashville how to run things, couldn't we? I know I could. That's why you can look at me and see all the success that follows me. Right?! hahaha! I am just kidding. I plan to be there first thing in the morning with my birth certificate in my hand. And, if I have too, I just might try the office in McMinn county. I just hope my eyes don't give me any problems!!

My Last Visit To The Specialist!

2007-11-16T12:53:00.000-05:00

Well, well, well! What will I blog about now? Since I have been taken off my medication and the therapy has stopped, I should be feeling better. I am feeling better. Ain't that something? Off the medicine and feeling better! So "my progress" is just going to be gooder-n-gooder. I guess I'll have to blog more about "church, my family, sermon thoughts, theology, other and new things". (see my blog labels)

Let me just say this concerning the doctor visits to Dr. Buchner: It was kinda sad to say good-bye to those nurses. After seeing them so many times, I begin to think of them as my friends. So, why didn't I think of the doctor as my friend? Simple! Believe it or not, I never did even meet the doctor. I wouldn't know him if I bumped into him. I think he only comes to the Cleveland office once a week. Now, he could be comming more than that, but I still never met him and I don't know him. He sure has a good staff though, and I was well pleased with the care I received from them.

On this last visit, Monday, Nov. 12th., for the first time, I didn't loose any weight. As a matter of fact I gained 2 lbs. My blood counts were almost normal. I was almost out of the anemic stage, falling short of it only by a .2 (point two) reading of one of the four or five or more readings that they do. I knew I was getting better. In summary: It was hepatitis-c, geno-type 1b, I completed 28 weeks of the 48 week therapy session, beginning viral load of 7.2 million, mid-term load of 164,000, ending load of 1.02 million, I would not clear the virus, my primary care physician would receive a report of all that was done and he can do the same lab work if he desires. That's the doctor's report but there is another report to consider (See my blog dated Thursday, Oct. 18th., entitled "Whose Report Will You Receive?")

Should there be any important developments concerning my fight with the hepatitis-c virus, I'll probably post something about it on this blogspot.

Here's something new for you to feel sorry for me about. I have to renew my driver's liscense by Nov. 20th. This is the 16th. However, I can't do it yet. I'm waiting for the office of vital statistics in Florida to send me a certified copy of my birth certificate so I can prove to the liscense bureau that I am who I said I was five years ago when they issued me a Tennessee State driver's liscense. Mercy, mercy, mercy! I have my valid Tennessee driver's liscense, with my picture on it, and all the other important info, but that want do. The requirement is that since this is my first renewal, I must have my birth certificate. I ask you now. Does that mean that they are admitting to the possibility that they may have liscensed me illigally? Sounds like it to me. Well, the best way for me to respond to all that is just like I am doing now. I've put a rush order in for my birth certificate and I'm waiting. When it comes, I'll just go down to the liscense bureau office and take my number and go through the mill for my renewal. I'll not grumble nor complain. Err...ah, is that what I am doing now? Complaining? I'll get over it.

How To Burn Off Calories

2007-11-10T18:14:00.001-05:00

OK, I know it's time I should have blogged already! I'm really trying to wait until my Nov. 12th. appointment is over, (I have a doctor's appointment - my last one to Dr. Buchner) but I just can't, so here's something to consider if you want to loose weight

If you rake leaves for 50 minutes you will burn approximately 210 calories.

If you lift weights for 1 hour and 30 minutes, you will burn approximately 257 calories.

If you houseclean for 2 hours and 35 minutes you will burn approximately 525 calories.

If you work in the garden for 35 minutes, you will burn approximately 165 calories.

If you walk leisurely for 1 hour and 10 minutes, you will burn approximately 400 calories.

If you ride a bike for 1 hour and 25 minutes, you will burn approximately 500 calories.

If you walk approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, you will burn 305 calories

If you vacuum for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes you will burn 310 calories.

If you play golf (while walking and carrying your clubs) for 1 hour, you will burn 350 calories.

If you walk the dog for 1 hour and 20 minutes, you will burn 400 calories.

If you do water aerobics for 1 hour and 15 minutes, you will burn 360 calories.

If you play tennis for 55 minutes, you will burn 380 calories.

If you wash the car for 1 hour and 15 minutes, you will burn 220 calories.

If you do aerobic dance for 1 hour and 5 minutes, you will burn 430 calories.

By the way, I now weigh 185 lbs. Just 10 more to go, then I may go to the Pizza Hut. No, no, now! I'm not going to start going to the Pizza Hut, I'm just planning on going once. Just once. Well, maybe after I wait a long time, I may go again. I can't afford to put that weight back on. I've already gotten rid of my larger clothes. I'll just have to be disciplined. Yeah, right! Help me ya'll.

I Was Wrong!

2007-10-29T19:25:00.001-04:00

I hope the way I am handling the dissappointing news from the doctor will help to encourage someone. I know that I am not in pain and some of you may be. I really wish I could tell you how to get rid of the pain without taking the medicine. I can tell you that I believe in God and I believe that He can take your pain away. Will He? If you've never asked Him, you may never know, but even if you continue in pain, I believe that God will give you some kind of strong endurance to survive. Expect and believe that better days are comming. I am not always right about everything that I think I know, but sometimes, the alternative to faith does not work. What then can we do??????

(For about a year and a half now, I have preached only about once per month, so if what follows seems to be a little "preachy" maybe you will bear with me and allow me to say these things.)

I was wrong when 10 years ago the blood collecting agency in Lake Charles, LA tried to tell me that I had hepatitis-c. I decided that there was nothing wrong with me. I was wrong.
I was wrong when Dr. Sims, here in Cleveland, sent me to Dr. Buchner to see if the hepatitis-c was active. I told the nurse that she would see, when the results were in, that it was inactive and I was alright. I was wrong.
I was wrong when after 28 weeks of treatment for hepatitis-c, the virus had not cleared. I just believed, and said, that the virus was gone. I was wrong.
Now, I am saying that God has touched my body and I am going to be alright. Even if I should die with hepatitis-c, I am not going to die because of hepatitis-c.
No doubt, somebody will say, “You are wrong again.”
My reply to that comes from The Bible.
1 Corinthians 10:30 (TLB) If I can thank God for the food and enjoy it, why let someone spoil everything just because he thinks I am wrong?
As Job says in Job 19:4 (TLB) And if indeed I was wrong , you have yet to prove it.

Now I ask you? What do you think I should do? Lay down and give up, or roll over and play dead? That may be an alternative, but it's not for me.

Listen to Jeremiah 8:4-5 (TLB) … When a person falls, he jumps up again; when he is on the wrong road and discovers his mistake, he goes back to the fork where he made the wrong turn….
Proverbs 29:25 (KJV) The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.
Proverbs 3:5 (KJV) Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
Psalms 118:8 (KJV) It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.

Let me remind you (Hebrews, Chapter 11) of Abel, who offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice - Enoch who was translated that he should not see death - Noah, who being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house - Abraham, who when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went - and Sara who received strength to conceive seed.

And what happened to them? Hebrews 11:13 (KJV) These all died in faith , not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

Conclusion: Job 13:15 (KJV ) Though (God) slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.

Here's something fun to do!!

2007-10-26T23:21:00.000-04:00

You Are a Dreaming Soul

Your vivid emotions and imagination takes you away from this world
So much so that you tend to live in your head most of the time
You have great dreams and ambitions that could be the envy of all...
But for you, following through with your dreams is a bit difficult

You are charming, endearing, and people tend to love you.
Forgiving and tolerant, you see the world through rose colored glasses.
Underneath it all, you have a ton of passion that you hide from others.
Always hopeful, you tend to expect positive outcomes in your life.

Souls you are most compatible with: Newborn Soul, Prophet Soul, and Traveler Soul

What Kind of Soul Are You?

Whose report will you receive?

2007-10-18T16:51:00.000-04:00

I wrote this late last night (Wednesday night) but did not post it, so here it is!

I have anxiously anticipated this day when I could give you this 24 week report. Well actually, it has been more like 27 weeks. I really expected to tell you that the virus was totally cleared and I only had 20 more weeks of treatment to go. That is not the report that I have to give, however. Really, I have two reports to share with you.

The first report is what I received from the doctor’s office today (Wednesday). There is both good news and bad news here. First, the bad news. The virus has not cleared. The report says that my viral load increased from 164,000 to 1,020,000. That’s an increase of 856,000. So, the doctor feels that the treatment is not working and there is no point in continuing with it. That brings the ‘good news’, of a sort. I do not have to continue the treatments. That means when the medication works its way out of my body I should have no more side effects and get back to ‘normal’. My hair should stop falling out, I should have less dramatic emotional reactions, and hopefully, less extreme fatigue.

If that report is not good enough, then here’s the second report. Actually, I got this one earlier but I’ll call it the second one. The past week or so I have been feeling better and Sunday was a great day. Sunday night we were standing in the church singing. I can’t remember all the songs that we sung, but I definitely remember one of them. We were singing, “Can’t Nobody Do Me Like Jesus”. Do you know it? Well here it is on youtube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qe65um19-bw No, that’s not our church choir but it is the song we were singing. Anyway, I was feeling pretty good while we were singing and when we got to the verse that says, “He healed my body and He told me to run on,” I just felt so strong that it was for me. I looked over at Janis and I told her, while trying to keep from crying, “He healed my body and He told me to run on.” She agreed. I just knew that there was something going on. You know what I mean? After about another verse, I felt so impressed that I should tell my Mother what I felt, that I sat down and bent over to her and said, “I’ve gotta tell you what I feel like God has said. He healed my body and He told me to run on.” I had just as much difficulty, or more, trying to keep from crying that time as when I told Janis. Now, I believe that God was trying to minister to me. He knew what the doctors report was going to be today (Wednesday), based on the blood work taken last Thursday, but God’s report came to me on Sunday, based on faith in His Word.

I’m here to tell you that God has touched my body. I am off the medication as of today and I want you to help me to believe that I am healed. How can you help me? Don’t speak any doubt to me. Say only words of encouragement, and rejoice with me. Ironically, I can say that I may die “with” hepatitis-c but I do not believe that I will die “because” of hepatitis-c. Do you follow me? I was told when I received the doctors report that the nurse said something like what I just said, and I may have revised it a little but that’s the essence.

Whose report will you receive? Whose report will I receive? I shall receive the report of the Lord. I thank God for every ounce of health in my body and for every breath of air that I breathe. If the rapture doesn’t happen first, I plan on being around for 15 or 20 more years. To God be the Glory!

I'm Lonesome Today!

2007-10-11T14:28:00.000-04:00

I’m lonesome today! Wednesday morning, my wife Janis and my mom left for Louisiana, leaving me here in the house all alone. Whoopeee! Right? When the cat’s away, the mice will play!

Isn’t that the way I have heard it was supposed to be? I thought so, but it’s not working. I don’t know why, but the house seems to be a lot emptier now than when I’m here alone but knowing that Janis will be home about 3:30 or 4:00pm and knowing that my mother may call me at any time. Yesterday, I spent a lot of time on the computer, went to my brother-in law’s house and pestered Mike a little while, and then there was church at 7:00pm. I made it through the day ok.

Today is different. I had a doctor’s appointment this morning at 10:00am (I’ll speak to that in another blog) and after the doctor visit, I took my prescriptions to the drug store and then went to the library. Why not? There’s nothing else pressing to be done. I picked up a couple of DVDs dealing with cabinets, counter tops, and floors. I may learn something from these and they will take up a little of my time while it seems to be passing rather slowly. I decided that this would be a good time for me to go to the thrift store that our church, North Cleveland Church of God, has just recently opened, and see what it looks like. Besides I had a bag full of pants that are too small for me, thanks to my weight loss, and I wanted to give them to the thrift store. I looked around for several minuets and found that it was really a nice store with nice ‘stuff’. Of course, all the ‘stuff’ was used, but it was good. I may have to go back and get some clothes for myself that will fit me in my smaller size.

I left the thrift store and drove out to Grace Assembly, where I used to pastor, and drove around the church. It looked like no one was there so I left and went back by North Cleveland Towers where my mother lives. I know. She’s in Louisiana, but William and Wilbur also live in the Towers. They usually go to some restaurant to eat so I thought I might be able to catch them before they left and invite myself to join them, but they were not there. It was about 11:45am and I was right there at the church so I parked in the church lot and thought I’d just go in and check to see if a pledge I had made about a year and a half ago was paid. It was, so now I guess I’m cleared to pledge to missions and maybe to the “The Miracle Is In The House” campaign that our pastor is launching.

I came back home and heated up some good home-made soup that my wife had left for me and drank a slim-fast shake with it. No, wait! It wasn’t a slim-fast shake. It was an equate shake of some kind. Kinda like a slim-fast.

I guessed then, that I could work on the daily crossword puzzle and I tried, but I didn’t get too many answers, so after cleaning the dishes, I came to this computer and here I am. It’s just 2:00 pm, ya’ll! What am I going to do?

Maybe after I post this blog, I’ll take a nap. That sounds like a good idea. As a matter of fact, I think I’ll stop this

‘jibber-jabber’ and do just that.

Oh! Don’t worry about me. I’ll be going to the Peacemaker’s fellowship meal tonight. It’s catered and cost free. I’ll post again in a few (or more) days. See ya later!

A God of Love

2007-10-04T20:00:00.001-04:00

I am still reading the book Carpe Diem by Ed Madden, copyright 1993, by Jones and Bartlett Publishers, Inc. I know! I'm a slow reader. Maybe that's the reason why I didn't go on to some higher level of education. I can see myself reading a book with many short chapters (like this one) instead of one with few chapters but long ones. I need a stopping place ever so often, where I can put the book down and pick it up tomorrow without loosing the value of the content. My 'hats off' to those of you who can consume a book in one evening. I envy you.

As I said in my blog on September 23rd., I would share some of the book with you as I travel through it, so here is something I'd like to share. Actually, I thought about posting this on Careplace, an internet site where people with health problems meet and support one another, but I thought it might be helpful if I could get some insight from some of you. Ed Madden was not a protestant, evangelical pentecostal, as far a I know, so I am really surprised to hear him talk as well about the love of God as he does. I would love to hear from you, and those of you who have some theological knowledge of the subject, your comment would be most appreciated.

"I went to Catholic grade school and high school and learned to fear God. I came to know a God who was always watching me, who knew my innermost thoughts even before I did and who would have no hesitation about punishing me for the least transgression of his innumerable laws, or even more importantly, the rules of the church."

Ed Madden goes on to tell us how he saw God some years later. He said, "I learned of a God who loved, and like any lover, was always ready to forgive. I studied a Jesus, the Messiah, the Christ, who taught mercy, compassion, and above all, love....

"Those of us with terminal illnesses know that in a longer or shorter period we will be face to face with our God. I am not afraid. Jesus taught us to call God "Father." .... Who loves more than a parent loves a child? Should I believe that my love for my daughter, which I consider boundless, is greater than God's love for me? If so, I would be a better parent than God.

"No, my acceptance by God will depend not so much on how good or bad I've been here, but on how much he loves me. He loves me not because I am so loveable but because he is so loving. My sinfulness cannot discourage me when I read Jesus saying that it was for us sinners that he came. Some of the most tender moments in all the Gospels are the stories of his dealings with sinners. Never once did he condemn common sinners. Indeed he reserved his scorn for those who considered themselves righteous and law-abiding."

And in conclusion he said, "Our God is a God of love, of forgiveness, of mercy. Our God...is the God of the Scriptures; this is the God that Jesus described to us. This is the God I've come to know these many latter years. This is the God who will welcome all us prodigal children back home soon."

Am I missing some important theological error here? What do you think?

Go to this link if you would like to read more of his book. There, you can also order the book if you would like to buy it. I think it costs anywhere from $19.95 to about $26.00 - plus tax, shipping and handling you know.

More Weight Loss!

2007-09-28T14:02:00.000-04:00

I'm still loosing weight. The last few days I have weighed in at 189 lbs. I think it's great that I am losing weight but Janis and momma are getting worried. Back in late January or early February when I started on a diet, and weighed about 250 lbs, I told Janis I would look older and people would say, "Oh, you're loosing too much weight," or "I think you've lost enough." Well, it's happening, and Janis is joining them. Now, we didn't know at that time that I would soon be on medication that would help with my diet (that's the way I look at it). I lost about 20 lbs. before medication and I've lost about 40 since beginning the medical treatment - a total of 60 lbs. since January.
I'm glad I'm loosing the weight but the medication has taken away that drive that's always demanding more food. I guess some would say that I have lost my appetite. I've gone from a size 44 waist to a size 38. Now, think about it. My closet was full of size 42s and a few 44s. I especially liked those pants with the additional few inches supplied by the stretchy waist band. Now, having a smaller waist, I go to the closet and pull out just about any pair of pants and they are too large. That means I've got to buy some new clothes. Well I did that and bought some 40s. Ah yes! That felt much better, but when the 40s began to be too large I decided to try 38s. Ah yes again! So now I have a few 38s and a few 40s and a lot of 42s. Who knows? Before my 23 more weeks of treatment is over, I may have to buy some 36s.
I can hear momma and Janis right now. "Oh no you're not. We're not going to let you lose any more weight. You are going to eat."
My reply is, "We'll see."
I am still overweight, so whats the big deal. Let me lose about 15 more lbs. and then I'll start eating some of those delicious, dripping with juice, Wendy's hamburgers, and frosties, and maybe even a few french fries. Oh, yeah! I know I could gain it all back when I'm off the medicine. Now, there's a scary thought. But by the help and grace of God, I'm not going to gain it back. You know when people gain back the weight they've lost, they always gain more. My prayer: "Oh Lord! Please help me to never gain too much weight again. Amen!"

Carpe Diem

2007-09-23T17:13:00.000-04:00

I’ve just picked up a book entitled Carpe Diem – Making the Most of Every Day with a Serious Illness by Ed Madden, published and copyrighted by Jones and Bartlett Publishers, Inc. in 1993. Ed Madden was a newspaper columnist for ‘The Reporter’, ‘The Dorchester Reporter’ I think. I’ve only read the Preface, the Acknowledgements and the first of His 53 entries, each about one and a half pages long, but it has inspired me to share a portion of it with you as I read. Here are some highlights of his first entry entitled “The Journey Begins”.

“I have just entered upon a new adventure, the most exciting, challenging, spirited experience of all my 53 years. I’ve discovered I have cancer.
“Of course, had I been given the choice…the ailment would most definitely not have won out. But, as in so many of the other wonderful things that have happened to me – my birth, choice of parents and siblings, my rearing in Boston, my schooling, my magnificent body and looks, the choice was not mine.
“I can hate it, fume against it, pout and sulk, but that hurts only me. Or I can put it in its place and go on about my business, and that’s what I intend to do.
“But just as Ireland engaged Italy in the recent quarter-finals of the World Soccer cup, knowing the outcome in advance, I will enter my game with gusto and play with all my heart. I’ll use the best resources that medical science has to offer me, but I have something even better – my own will and desire and spirit….
“Of course, I will be the winner too. It will be through the agency of this cancer that I will pass over the River Jordan to the Elysian Fields, where the peace and happiness never end.
“I decided to go public with my illness…to assist others to whom the revelation of their cancers or other terminal illnesses has been devastating. It always helps to know that we have companions on a journey.
“Horatius Flaccus, the Roman poet whom we know familiarly as Horace, said it well: Carpe diem.”

Now, if you are reading this, you apparently have access to the www, so do a google search on Carpe diem and see what the wikipedia definition is. For those of you who cannot do that right now, lest you forget, I’ll do it for you. “Carpe diem is a phrase from a Latin poem by Horace (Odes 1.11). It is popularly translated as seize the day, although a more literal translation of "carpe" would be "pluck" (pluck the day), as in the picking or plucking of fruit.”

Seize the day!

Some More Good Songs

2007-09-20T21:28:00.000-04:00

My Health Progress and My Honey-Do Progress

2007-09-19T17:28:00.000-04:00

It's been ten days since I have posted a blog! Shame on me! But I have been moving right along. Some 'up' days and some 'down' days. I have just finished week number 24 of my 48 week journey. At my next doctor visit, I will give a little more blood for the test that will determine the viral load. If you remember, I started with a 7.2 million reading and after about 13 weeks it was down to 164,000. That's good, Yeah! I'm expecting to hear them tell me that the load is undetectable when I get the results from my next encounter with the blood needle. Hmmmmmmmmm! I will still have the remainder of the 48 week journey to complete, so I may still have some days that are not real good but what I've experienced thus far, I can cope with for 24 more weeks, if I just don't get sick and tired of being sick and tired.

Just so you'll know that I am not an invalid, here are some pictures of what I have been doing. Those of you who remember the way it was will perhaps appreciate it more than others. Oh, and also, this is not really just so you can see that I'm doing good in my body, but it is also for the purpose of bragging I suppose. :o - lol

I've added a new blogger!

2007-09-09T01:15:00.000-04:00

Jennifer Baldridge is my youngest daughter. She lives and works in Sulphur, LA. She loves cajun food, as does her husband Bill, and I guess that's why she cleans teeth for a living. Her blog address is: http://toothsleuth.blogspot.com/.

Hurt

2007-09-08T00:42:00.000-04:00

Have you heard this one. It just let's you know how life is passing by, and everything that means so much to us now will soon be dirt.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmVAWKfJ4Go

Just Ramblin!

2007-09-04T22:33:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow night, Wednesday, will be the beginning of week #23 for me of my medical therapy. That means only 25 more weeks to go. I'm almost half way through this ordeal. I've not been doing any work since Friday, so I have been doing pretty good. I plan to start back to my 'honey do' chores tomorrow. That may wear me out, but I can't just sit here and do nothing. Now, I'll admit that I sit at the computer a lot but as much as I enjoy it, I still get tired of it sometimes. I could go shopping all day at Wal-mart but that would definitely wear me out, plus, you gotta consider the money factor. :( I could visit people all day long, if they were at home, but even that becomes a chore. I think the best thing for me to do is just keep on doing little improvements here on my house, which will probably wear me out. I'll just work slow and rest often and take all the sympathy and attention that my wife offers. Now, I wouldn't take candy from a baby! Would I? ............ Nah!

I have been blessed today with the visit of my brother Fred, and his wife Frances, and my cousin from Florida, Junius, and his wife. They really love God and are wonderful people. We've never had the privilege of getting close to or relatives, so when we have the opportunity we do like to ensure ourselves that we have them. You know, that is the cost of choosing to get close to God. As we tried to get close to Him, He called and said, "Go Preach the Gospel"! So, in order to stay close to Him, we have to go where He says to go and be what He says to be. With my Dad and Mom that was also true. As a result, while I was very young, the Louis Brannen family left Florida to follow God's leading. It was always a highlight to go to Grandma's house for Christmas and occasionally in the summer also. Believe it or not, I did not know that there are so many Brannen's in this world, until I began to discover it on the WWW. I am not alone. The Brannen family is not alone. There are more of us out there. Ain't that something?!

I guess it was about time - Time to sell my boat that I have never moved out of my yard. I've had it about two years and it has not been out of my back yard, so I decided to sell it. I can use the money for something really important you know, like getting a new computer. :) It wasn't a new boat, nor was it a big boat, but I thought surely I would use it and go fishing now and then but I never did. My neighbour is all the time asking me if I am ready to go fishing and I am all the time never ready. I think that is a shame. Fishing is Biblical you know. Oh! and by the way, so is carpentry. I guess if I can't go fishing, I'll just enjoy doing my little bit of carpentry work.

Singing The Blues!

2007-08-30T23:07:00.000-04:00

Some of you will remember that old song "You Got Me Singing The Blues!" Here are some of the lyrics: Well, I never felt more like singin' the blues 'cause I never thought that I'd ever loseYour love dear, why'd you do me this way? Well, I never felt more like cryin' all night'cause everythin's wrong, and nothin' ain't right Without you, you got me singin' the blues. The moon and stars no longer shine The dream is gone I thought was mine There's nothin' left for me to do But cry-y-y-y over you (cry over you) Well, I never felt more like runnin' away But why should I go 'cause I couldn't stay Without you, you got me singin' the blues. (-Artist: Guy Mitchell-the # 4 song of the 1955-1959 rock era-was # 1 for 10 weeks in 1956-Words and Music by Melvin Endsley-competing version by Marty Robbins hit # 17) That was along about the time when I was really enjoying that kind of music and I still remember it.

Right now, I want to sing that song to my medication. It's got me feeling kinda blue, but I don't feel much like singing. It had me nearly in tears earlier this afternoon. I tried to keep a straight face for Janis though. If she would have asked me how I felt at that time, I'd probably have broken out in a little crying session. I think it was yesterday, I picked her up from school and tried to tell her how I had felt that day and I couldn't. So far these "crying the blues" spells have not happened in a public place. Thank goodness. I mean a man ain't supposed to cry! Right! Well, that's what some think, but I believe it's good for the soul. Now, it has happened a few times in church but that's OK. People just think, "Oh, bless his heart! He's really getting a touch from God." You know something!? Even though the tears may be helped by the medication, I believe it still does a work on the inner man. I am learning something through all this and I hope I don't forget how to cry when I'm off medication.

Tuesday and Wednesday I felt 'rung out' most of the day. Wednesday night of course, I gave myself another shot. Today, Thursday, I have been pretty much worthless. Here's hoping that tomorrow I will feel more energetic. However, I do think I'll take it easy and not try to do any work on my house since I've reached a stopping place for now. It's crazy! For me to want to have another project that I can do on this house, is plain crazy. Something is happening to me. I feel lost if I don't have something to do. It's usually always been (in the last 10 years anyway) that I didn't want to do anything. All my time was taken by sermon preparation and church life. Man, what a change since I have resigned pastoring.

As I sit here and type this blog, thoughts keep coming to my mind about something that I need to add. I'll try to add, or clarify something and then something else pops into my mind. The little man inside my head says, "You need to tell them this, you need to tell them that, if you don't they won't understand what you're trying to say." Well, little man, just be quiet. I've got to bring this blog to a close and go to bed.

Don't fret for me. Just comment something like "I'm thinking of you," or "Just want to say Hi," or you could even wright something more if you want to. I understand that there are no.........Well! Little man, quit talking to me. I'm outta here.

Check Out These Two New Bloggers

2007-08-24T23:57:00.000-04:00

I have just added two new bloggers. Look down the right side of my page and find "Other Bloggers". The new additions to my blogspot are T. J. Oakley http://tjoakley4.blogspot.com and Ruthie Crockett http://fayvrit1.blogspot.com.

I'm Still Here!

2007-08-24T18:08:00.000-04:00

I can't believe that it has been eleven days since my last post. How does time get away so quickly? I was too worried about my sister, 'travelin on', not posting anything for so long that I didn't realize that I myself am guilty of the same thing. Well, she 'recovered' and I guess I can stop worrying about her and pay attention to my own blog.

As usual, I am tired most of the time, and Thursdays are not my best days. Sometimes I think I am getting adjusted to the medication and can do better, but sometimes I am not so sure. Wednesday night Janis gave me a shot in my left arm. I can handle those that are in my thighs and stomach but those in my arm,.....well, I'm glad Janis can do it. That was shot number 21, leaving 27 to go. At number 24 (that is week 24) it will be time for another viral count or viral load reading. I believe that right now the viral load is undetectable. I'll let you know what I find out. Now, it may be four or five weeks actually before they take the lab work for that reading, but when I find out what it is, I'll let you know.

Right now, I am tired from doing that 'honey do' job in the kitchen. If you remember what my kitchen looked like, you need to see it now. Well, give me a few more days or so to finish up, then come and see it. For an amateur, it's not bad. Of course that opinion is from the very amateur who did the work. ha! Hey! But my wife likes it, and if she's happy..... I removed the entire oven unit. You know. The oven-in-the-wall thing that stood right in the middle of the kitchen. I pulled out the stove top and replaced it with a slide in stove (man those things are expensive), raised the vent-a-hood about six inches and built a counter behind the stove in the dinning room. Have I got you confused yet? Just come on over and see it when you can and if I'm not completely finished, it may be that you can tell me how to do it. You see - I told you I am an amateur at this kind of thing so I may need some advise. By the way. It's not my daddy's fault that I am not a better carpenter. Ya know what I mean?

Momma still has it in her ya'll. She just got back from Whynot, MS where she preached a revival for Ray Fulcher at the Water Valley Pentecostal Holiness Church. They had a good revival. She preached twice on Sunday and then through Wednesday. She said she preached kinda like the way she did when she was young and preached hard every night. My cousin-in-law, Ed Dickerson, is trying to get her to come and preach a revival for him at the Hudson Chapel Church of God just out of Union, MS. I think there are plans, tentively in the making, for the time when spring break comes. Ed's wife stella teaches and my wife Janis teaches. Ed & Stella want me and Janis to come with Momma at that time and be with them in the revival. That may happen, but I want you to know that when an 86 year old woman can still lay it on the line then surely a 64 year old man can do it. I'm not finished. I'm not washed up. I'm on a God given leave of absence and do expect to return to a useful state of being when God is finished with my healing.

I'll try to post again soon. Sooner next time than this time. Hopefully! May the Good Lord bleeeeessss and keep you, 'til we meeeeeet aaaaaahhhhgiiiiinnnn!

Off The Top Of My Head! (Not talking about hair)

2007-08-13T20:38:00.000-04:00

Sorry I haven't blogged lately. I've either been too busy or too fatigued to take the time to write something meaningful. But then, if you look at my other blogs, some of them may not have been very meaningful. So I guess that means I can just sit here without a predetermined thought in mind and just blog.

Let me tell you what's been going on. I've been trying to re-do (that's a word related to honey-do) my kitchen when I feel 'up to it' and that just makes me feel 'down and out' if I work very much. I've learned to just work until I'm tired, then rest. Then I go back at it and work a little more and then rest again. Also, I've learned that I do not have to do it all today, so I don't get in a hurry. As a matter of fact, sometimes I drag along so slow you could probably watch the dead lice fall off of me if there were any there. ha ha! Some weeks I have four or five pretty good days and some weeks its like a long drawn out sentence.

You know! I've always thought of myself as a perfectionist. If I did something, I wanted it done right. Not only right, but complete. And by the way, 'right' and 'perfect' are to be understood as "right as I see it" and "exactly my way". Sounds a little like pride and arrogance doesn't it? Well, that's what it is. It's perfect if I think it's perfect. It's right if I think it's right. So, as I was saying, I always wanted to do things my way and if they didn't go just right, I would quickly loose interest in it's completion. Unfortunately, that resulted in many unfinished projects. I said all that, to say this - I'm learning to do a little here and a little there, and a little here and a little there, and to keep on doing a little here and a little there and the next thing you know, I'll be near completion. Even if I have to stop and tear out some of my work and start over anew, If I just don't get overwhelmed with the thought of "hurry up and do it and do it right", the job will get done. So it turns out that I think I am doing more of this honey-do stuff, now while I am sick from this medication, than I did when I was supposed to be well. I do see a regrettable truth hidden here: Janis is going to put it together after a while, and realize how lazy I have been these past several years, and she will probably decide, after I'm finished with my treatments, that it's time for me to go back to real work. OOooooooooohhhh! Well, I can't ride this ship forever. Perhaps by that time, I will then feel like going back to work.

Oh! Here's something! I'm thinking about going back to school at Lee University. Yeah! Really! The University is offering a special program to seniors, over 60. Here's what I understand: I will have to pay a registration fee of $50.00 and by my books for the course. That's it financially. It covers the tuition for two classes (6hrs.) per semester. Let me say it this way: It will cost me $50.00 per semester to take 6 hrs. of college credit, and I must buy my books (those can be high). Now, is that not good? Or what? It also allows me to get a student I.D., attend classes and participate in the school functions just like any student. I can audit the class or take it for credit (same price). If you didn't read it in the Cleveland Daily Banner or the Bradley News paper, you may think I'm kidding, but just log on to http://www.leeuniversity.edu/ and check it out. It's called the Encore program. When I first read it, I got excited, and planned to go right away and see about signing up, then in a few days I was reminded how this treatment can take away ones excitement and cause them to possibly abort any new projects. Now, you know I don't want to do that. I think I may try to audit one course and see how it works out. After completion of my treatments, I should surely be able to "milk this cow dry".

Enough said today! I hope you all are doing great. Check back soon!