It May Be Time For Another Change

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!

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.

The Final Destination

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.

Am I Getting Old?

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

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

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

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

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

An Incident At Walmart

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


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

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

Do It Now!

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


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


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


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


Have a great day and be blessed!

There aught-to-be!

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"

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.