Two Minutes With The Bible ~ What's Behind Our Moral Decline?

What's Behind Our Moral Decline?

by Pastor Cornelius R. Stam

Berean Bible Society
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One does not have to be a prude to conclude that our country is suffering a serious moral decline. Our rulers and law enforcement agencies seem powerless to cope with it. Campaigns to check it seem vain. J. Edgar Hoover of the FBI warned us again and again that the alarming rate of this downward trend would spell ruin for America if not checked soon. But what most people fail to realize is that behind this moral decline there is a spiritual decline. America has departed from God and His Word.

Paul’s letter to the Romans tells us how the heathen got that way. Rom. 1:21,22 says: “When they knew God they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful, but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise they became fools,” and the verses that follow tell how God finally had to “give them up” to “uncleanness” and “vile affections”–all because “they did not like [wish] to retain God in their knowledge” (Ver. 28).

St. Paul further describes them in Eph. 4:17-19, as walking “in the vanity of their mind, having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; who being past feeling [conscience] have given themselves over to lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.” This, sad to say, is an accurate description of increasing numbers in America today. They are throwing off restraint and going after uncleanness “with greediness.”
But this is not liberty, it is enslavement. It is not a sign of strength, but of weakness. It does not indicate superior intelligence, but grossest ignorance, and is the result of alienation from God.

How much better off are those who have come to know God through Christ! Of these the Apostle says:

“And you, who were once alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath He reconciled, in the body of His flesh, through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreprovable in His sight” (Col. 1:21,22).

---

To the Reader:

Some of our Two Minutes articles were written many years ago by Pastor C. R. Stam for publication in newspapers. When many of these articles were later compiled in book form, Pastor Stam wrote this word of explanation in the Preface:

"It should be borne in mind that the newspaper column, Two Minutes With the Bible, has now been published for many years, so that local, national and international events are discussed as if they occurred only recently. Rather than rewrite or date such articles, we have left them just as they were when first published. This, we felt, would add to the interest, especially since our readers understand that they first appeared as newspaper articles."

We hope that you'll agree that while some of the references in these articles are dated, the spiritual truths taught therein are timeless.

Recipe: Simple Lemon Chicken Piccata

We had this one-dish wonder tonight. Hubby served it with a side dish of fresh, cooked spinach in garlic. Oh my gosh, it was heavenly! And there's no vampires in our home! [ha ha]

Enjoy.

CHICKEN PICCATA
Recipe by Fabio Viviani
Yield: 2 servings
[link]

Ingredients:
2 medium boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 eggs
1 teaspoon salt
1/2-3/4 cup flour
2 tablespoons butter, divided
2 teaspoons plus 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons minced garlic
1/2 cup chicken stock
1/4 cup dry white wine
1 large lemon
2 tablespoons drained capers
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Method:

Cut the chicken breasts in half horizontally: With the blade of the knife horizontal to the work surface and with your free hand pressing down slightly on a chicken breast, slice horizontally through the breast so that you have 2 same-size pieces. Repeat with the remaining breasts, so that you have 4 pieces.

Place the 4 pieces of chicken between 2 pieces of plastic wrap and pound them to about 1/3-inch thickness.

Beat the eggs and salt in a shallow bowl large enough to hold a piece of chicken. Place the flour in another bowl.

Coat the chicken first with the egg and then with the flour, tapping off the excess. Discard any unused egg and flour.

Over medium heat in a nonstick skillet large enough to hold all 4 pieces of chicken in a single layer, melt 1 tablespoon of the butter and add the 2 teaspoons of olive oil.

Add the chicken and saute until it is golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes on each side.

Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and the 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet.

Add the garlic and capers; saute for 15 seconds.

Add the chicken stock, white wine, and the juice of the lemon.

Boil the sauce to reduce it, about 3 minutes.

Return the chicken to the sauce, and simmer over medium-low heat until the sauce thickens a little more, about 10 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a serving plate.

Add the parsley and pepper to the sauce. Bring it to a boil, and remove it from the heat.

Spoon the sauce over the chicken, and serve.

Two Minutes With The Bible ~ The Wonders Of His Grace

The Wonders Of His Grace

by Pastor Paul M. Sadler

Berean Bible Society
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Scripture Reading:

“For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich.”
– II Corinthians 8:9

Whether the occasion is a holiday, a birthday celebration, or a graduation, it is customary to give a gift. While some gifts are given out of necessity, for the most part, a gift is an expression of our love. We normally bestow these tokens of our affection on those whom we feel deserve the honor. But God’s ways are not our ways. He gave the gift of His beloved Son to His enemies. That’s a true love story! Oh, the wonder of His grace that God sent His only begotten Son, the Son of His love, to save sinners like you and me while we were fleeing from the glory of His presence. Little wonder the Apostle Paul says, “Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift” (II Cor. 9:15).

The word “unspeakable” here has the idea of “indescribable.” The gifts I’ve received through the years were all describable. Some may have been a little harder to describe than others, but describable nonetheless! But the gift of God’s dear Son is indescribable. Who can explain the incarnation, how the eternal Son of God left heaven’s glory and took upon Himself the form of human flesh, yet was not tainted with our sin. Who can explain how Christ was wholly God and wholly human in one person? These wonders can only be received through the eye of faith.

The manger and the Cross stand at the two extremes of our Lord’s life, but they are connected by the tapestry of redemption. Hence, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” A love story that ends with a death is tragic; in contrast, the death of Christ is the greatest demonstration of love this world has ever seen. How much does God love you? He gave His only begotten Son to die on your behalf. You see, Christ wasn’t dying for His sin, He knew no sin; He was dying for your sins and my sins at Calvary. He was made sin for us that we might receive the righteousness of God in Him. Have you trusted Him?

Surely you would never think of paying for a gift; why, the giver would be highly offended — how much more so with God. The payment for your sins has already been furnished by the Giver; simply receive Him as a gift from God. If you have, then why not thank Him today for His unspeakable gift? After all, this is the Gift that includes all others!

Maxie's Tombstone Marker

We live way out in the country. There's very little commerce in our county except for pine tree harvesting, a grocery store or two and a pharmacy. So, Tuesday we drove 50 miles to The Big City of Brunswick to go to my favorite concrete statue store, Concrete Creations. I was looking for that special something that was 'just right' for Maxie's grave. Today, my sweet husband, painted the formerly all gray concrete marker in honor of our little puppy.

 

I know, I know. All this really is helping with the grieving process. And I am getting better. Really I am. I'm not crying as often and amazingly have started looking at different types of puppies on-line. The next dog will not be a miniature schnauzer. I do adore 'mini's' but they are way too much maintenance for an O.F. like me. [ha ha] I need something that doesn't require grooming and probably around 20-25 pounds. But a purchase of another dog is many months away, I'm sure. It's still too soon.

Anyway, didn't he do a splendid job!? Since there are other pet graves under our big oaks now (I can't believe we've been here over 20 years now!) he said he would also refurbish those.

He's such a wonderful man. I treasure him more every year.

Hope y'all are having a good week and looking forward to an equally happy weekend.

~ Ride Safe ~

Sparky

New Obamacare Revelation: Sex And Your Doctor

The fears about Obamacare and unconstitutional intrusions are true. Now we learn that all Doctors will be forced to ask patients irrelevant intrusive questions on our sex lives. That’s right, ALL DOCTORS. Whether it’s a Dermatologist, a Podiatrist, or a General Physician. All of them! Your sex partners, the frequency, etc. They will also be required to ask about the guns in your home and if you use any of them. However, according to Judge Andrew Napolitano (Fox News contributor) when we are asked these wicked questions we are not required to answer. The not so benevolent government will be issuing computers that the doctors have to use and complete. This data will be shared with more dimbulb government employees who are so stupid that they are known for losing our Social Security Numbers.

Much of this situation can be laid to blame at the Organized Crime Union’s feet. My husband’s former Union of CWA (Communications Workers of America) is trying to drop all us retirees! CWA can lay much of the blame at their own door, willing as they were to go to the mat for Obama and his insane health care plan that is going to drive the costs of health care to unsupportable levels. Not to mention the additional taxes that will be levied against "Cadillac" plans bargained by unions that will be passed on to active employees. Just as major cities face bankruptcy over unsustainable health care insurance for retired city workers, large corporations can see the writing on the wall and will do whatever is needed to reduce costs by passing the costs on to their active and retired workers. It's not fair but it's inevitable. All of us have created this mess and the chickens are coming home to roost. All of this was part of Obama's evil plans. He repeatedly said that he preferred a European style "single payer" plan. In other words, everyone is on the government plan. Forget company provided health insurance, a bargaining chip that held unions together and made membership advantageous. His plan is coming to fruit as our health care system crumbles and we will all be forced into what he envisioned at the start. It's all very depressing and I have no idea what we can do about it now that the camel has gotten his nose under the tent.

Does anyone still believe that Obama or his satan inspired Obamacare is a “good thing”??? Gosh, I hope not. Because if everyone is not outraged by this new revelation, they’re not human nor are they still above ground nor do they deserve to be.

"May his days be few; may another take his place of leadership." Psalm 109:8 NIV

~ Ride Safe ~

Sparky

Two Minutes With The Bible ~ Freedom's Light

Freedom's Light

by Pastor Paul M. Sadler

Berean Bible Society
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“In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (I Thessalonians 5:18).

Some time ago I read the fascinating autobiography of Governor William Bradford, who courageously led the Pilgrims to the New World in 1620.  The Governor documents how their quest for “religious freedom” brought them face to face with many perils.  He describes how, en route to what we now know as Cape Cod, they nearly went to a watery grave when the supporting beam of the Mayflower’s mainmast snapped.  By the providence of God, one of the families on board had brought a jack, which was used to reinforce the beam.
But this was only the beginning of sorrows.  The arrival of the Pilgrims on the shores of liberty was also filled with many hazards, as nearly one-half of their number perished the first year due to disease.  Nevertheless, their faith in our Lord remained unmoveable.  Throughout it all, they found much for which to be thankful that “first” Thanksgiving.  And so do we, for our “freedom of worship” was originally conceived in their sacrifice.

Today, however, this freedom is being threatened on every hand, both here and abroad. Perhaps the greatest threat is Islam! Christians around the world are being persecuted for sharing Christ with those who are living in darkness.  Islam, of course, is a religion of hate, which is clearly seen in the riots and recent murders of innocent Americans in Muslim countries.  The hallmark of Christianity, on the other hand, is love.

As we gather with family and friends this Thanksgiving, may we be mindful of the great price that was paid to secure our liberty.

May we be mindful that Christ also died for Muslims; only He can deliver them from the brutality of their religion and set them free from a life of oppression.
May we be mindful of our troops overseas who are the guardians of our nation, preserving our freedom to worship here in America without fear of persecution.  Many of these defenders of our values will be sitting in a bunker this Thanksgiving in some faraway country.  There was a popular saying at the time of our country’s founding which is as true now as it was then: “Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.”

May we all give thanks for the salvation that we enjoy in Christ, even the forgiveness of our dreadful sins that would have condemned us.  “O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good: for His mercy endureth forever” (Psa. 107:1).  AMEN!

Funny Friday ~ Earl Of Taint

 

Courtesy of EarlofTaint

He's kind of like The Music Man,

only it's tomahawk missiles,

not trombones.

~ Ride Safe ~

Sparky

Basil Chicken Linguine Recipe

 Basil Chicken Linguine
By my husband

INGREDIENTS

2 chicken breasts, chunked
1 large onion, chopped
½ cup Virgin Olive Oil
1 teaspoon garlic or 1 garlic glove minced
2 tablespoons spinach Brushetta
1 teaspoon Basil
½ cup white wine
2 Roma Tomatoes, chopped
Grated Parmesan Cheese
Linguine noodles
Salt to taste


DIRECTIONS:

Put olive oil in pan. Add garlic and onion. Cook on medium heat until onion is tenderized. Add chunked chicken breasts, basil and salt. Stir cook until chicken is no longer pink. Add brushetta, tomatoes, cheese and wine. Continue simmering about 20-25 minutes until moisture is cooked off.

Separately cook Linguine per instructions, drain with cool water.

Pour cooked ingredients over Linguine noodles and serve.

Serves 4 to 6 people.

Patriots Day ~ 9-11 Tribute

September 11, 2001 Attacks

~ Ride Safe ~

Sparky

Bluer Than Blue

I just can't seem to shake it ... the overwhelming saddness I have felt since Maxie died.

It's been nearly a week.

I thought I would "feel better" by now. I think I've tried everything: cleaning the house, putting away or throwing out her things, talking to Sweetie about it, going for long walks, getting enough sleep, a B-12 shot, prayer, reading God's Word. We even had our good friends over (in whom's company I always enjoy) and watched our favorite funny movie "Young Frankenstein".

Nope. I'm still a dope.

I still see her in my mnd's eye. I can still feel her near me and I start crying all over again. I can't concentrate or feel happy about anything. I'm scared to death to ride. Case in point: I almost had a bad accident when I lost a dear friend to ovarian cancer in January 2007. We went for a ride on our respective metal steeds soon after Maggie went to Heaven and I almost ran mine off the road! Thank goodness the new rumble strips on the roadsides shook me out of the stupor and I put the bike back on the road without any further incident. Dang! One mustn't be distracted when riding. It's not like being on four wheels where mistakes are a little more forgiving.

This is so unlike me! I'm almost always so cheerful. I seem to be stuck in a perpetual Pity Party. [sigh] I gotta shake this thing.

Oh, well, maybe tomorrow will be better.

~ Ride Safe ~

Sparky

Two Minutes With The Bible ~ Everlasting Life

Everlasting Life

by Pastor Cornelius R. Stam

Berean Bible Society
Printer Friendly Version

Romans 8:2, when correctly read, is a most blessed passage of Scripture. To get the sense we should place a dash between the words “Spirit” and “of.” Thus it would read: “For the law of the Spirit — of life in Christ Jesus, hath made me free from the law of sin and death.”

When a sinner places his trust in Christ as Savior he is justified before the bar of God, because Christ’s death and righteousness are imputed to him. This is a judicial matter

But at the same moment something else happens: the Spirit regenerates and gives new life (Tit. 3:5). This is a law, an inexorable, unchangeable law. The sinner who sincerely places his trust in Christ as Savior is given life by the Holy Spirit. It is always so; it is never otherwise.

I John 5:12 says: “He that hath the Son hath life….” John 3:36 says that “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life” and Col. 3:3 declares that the believer’s life is “hid with Christ in God.”

Thus the Apostle could say: “The law of the Spirit, [that of] life in Christ, hath made me free from the law of sin and death.” Adam forfeited his life by sin, but the believer’s new life can never be forfeited, for this life is nothing less than the life of Christ, in whom the sinner has already died and paid for his sins — and in whom he now stands perfect and complete before God.

It is a law, a fixed unchangeable law, that sin brings forth death (Rom. 5:12; 6:23; et al). This is called “the law of sin and death,” but the believer has already died for sin in Christ and has been given new life by the Spirit. Thus “the law of the Spirit,” that of “life in Christ,” has made the simplest believer “free from the law of sin and death.”

Thank God for “the law of the Spirit,” everlasting life through the Lord Jesus Christ, who died for our sins.

---

To the Reader:
Some of our Two Minutes articles were written many years ago by Pastor C. R. Stam for publication in newspapers. When many of these articles were later compiled in book form, Pastor Stam wrote this word of explanation in the Preface:

"It should be borne in mind that the newspaper column, Two Minutes With the Bible, has now been published for many years, so that local, national and international events are discussed as if they occurred only recently. Rather than rewrite or date such articles, we have left them just as they were when first published. This, we felt, would add to the interest, especially since our readers understand that they first appeared as newspaper articles."

We hope that you'll agree that while some of the references in these articles are dated, the spiritual truths taught therein are timeless.

Film Review: The Butler (More Hollywood Leftist Lies)

And yet another Hollyweird Leftist film I'll be sure to miss. I hope it's not "against the rules" to post this article intact. I can't find the link for it on-line.  Michael Reagan is one of my favorite political authors. I think his piece says it all, especially since he was there.

~ Sparky

                                                             = = =


The Butler
By Michael Reagan · August 22, 2013

There you go again, Hollywood.

You've taken a great story about a real person and real events and twisted it into a bunch of lies.

You took the true story of Eugene Allen, the White House butler who served  eight presidents from 1952 to 1986, and turned it into a clichéd "message movie."

"Lee Daniels' The Butler'" stars Forest Whitaker as Cecil Gaines, a fictional character supposedly based on Eugene Allen's real life.

But let's compare the two White House butlers.

Guess which one grew up in segregated Virginia, got a job at the White House  and rose to become maître d hote, the highest position in White House service?

Guess which one had a happy, quiet life and was married to the same woman for 65 years? And who had one son who served honorably in Vietnam and never made a peep of protest through the pre- and post-civil rights era?

Now guess which butler grew up on a Georgia farm, watched the boss rape his mother and then, when his father protested the rape, watched the boss put a bullet through his father's head?

Guess which butler feels the pain of America's racial injustices so deeply that he quits his White House job and joins his son in a protest movement?

And guess which butler has a wife (Oprah Winfrey) who becomes an alcoholic and has a cheap affair with the guy next door? (I'm surprised it wasn't the vice president.)

After comparing Hollywood's absurd version of Eugene Allen's life story with the truth, you wonder why the producers didn't just call it "The Butler from Another Planet."

Screenwriter Danny Strong says he was trying to present a "backstage kind of view of the White House" that portrayed presidents and first ladies as they really were in everyday life.

Well, I was backstage at the White House -- a few hundred times. I met and knew the real butler, Mr. Allen, and I knew a little about my father.

Portraying Ronald Reagan as a racist because he was in favor of lifting economic sanctions on South Africa for its policy of apartheid.

If you knew my father, you'd know he was the last person on Earth you would call a racist.

If Strong had gotten his "facts" from the Reagan biographies, he'd have learned that when my father was playing football at Eureka College one of his best friends was a black teammate.

Strong also would have learned that my father invited black players home for dinner and once, when two players were not allowed to stay in the local hotel, he invited them to stay overnight at his house.

Screenwriter Strong also might have found out that when my father was governor of California he appointed more blacks to positions of power than any of predecessors -- combined.

It's appalling to me that someone is trying to imply my father was a racist. He and Nancy and the rest of the Reagan family treated Mr. Allen with the utmost respect.

It was Nancy Reagan who invited the butler to dinner — not to work but as guest. And it was my father who promoted Mr. Allen to maître d'hote.

The real story of the White House butler doesn't imply racism at all. It's simply Hollywood liberals wanting to believe something about my father that was never there.

My father's position on lifting the South African sanctions in the '80s had nothing to do with the narrow issue of race. It had to do with the geopolitics of the Cold War.

But facts don't matter to Hollywood's creative propagandists. Truth is too complicated and not dramatic enough for scriptwriters, who think in minute terms, not the big picture, when it comes to a conservative.

Despite what Hollywood's liberal hacks believe, my father didn't see people in colors. He saw them as individual Americans. If the liberals in Hollywood -- and Washington -- ever start looking at people the way he did, the country will be a lot better off.

Copyright ©2013 Michael Reagan

In Loving Memory Of A Very Good Dog

Maxie

07 June 2005

In better days

I hope this doesn't seem like I'm trying to solicit more sympathy, this is not what this post all about. Those of you who have already been so kind as to e-mail me separately offering condolences and sympathy, feel free to pass this one by, if so desired. And Thank You again for all the kind words and prayers. But I'm of the mind it would be nice to share with all here why I'm so silent for awhile. Maybe it's a little therapy for me too. [grin]

My little dog Maxie of almost 15 years passed away Wednesday, September 4th. During her last days it was exceedingly rough on all of us. Due to aging, she had suffered from severe cataracts, was almost completely deaf. She'd lost her cute little squeaky bark and the Cushings Disease caused her limbs to be almost completely atrophied. It was pitiful to watch. During the last few hours of life she was going into renal failure. I had to do something. Quick! So, our kindly country Vet opened his office late in the evening for us. Hubby and I held her while he administered the drugs. She dozed off very peacefully while I stroked her head and spoke sweetly into her good ear. I told the Vet, I was sorry he had to be the one to do this (sometimes we tend to forget, doctors have feelings too). Thanked him. Then we drove her earthly remains home to rest next to our other little fur babies under the majestic oaks next to the cemetery next door. She is buried with her favorite bed and squeaky ball.

That little dog was very near and dear to my heart. I used to always proclaim "I won't go anywhere Maxie can't go!" and I meant that. Yesterday was beyond hard. I kept feeling her all around me. So, to ease the pain of separation, I set to cleaning the house. I stored or threw away items that remind of Maxie. It was amazingly therapeutic. I think things are better today. I'm only tearing up a little. [smile] Hubby misses her terribly too. I know it will take some time to heal. Truthfully, dealing with an aging pet was hard to begin with. I had to make special concessions for her, which I didn't mind, but that stress is gone now.

Anyway, for those of you don't already know, I made a memorial for her at one of my favorite websites: FindAGrave. If you're a member, please do leave a "flower" or comment here. I do appreciate everyone's kindness beyond measure. I plan to buy her a little doggie tombstone as soon as I find one that's appropriate. Nothing is too good for that little dog.

God bless you all.

Happy Rosh Hashanah

 

Memories

Berean Bible Society

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Some golden daybreak the trump is going to sound and the dead in Christ shall rise first and we who are alive and remain shall be caught up to meet the Lord in the air. Then: “We must all appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men…” (II Cor. 5:10,11).

When I stand at the Judgment Seat of Christ
And He shows me His plan for me;
The plan of my life as it might have been
Had He had His way, and I see

How I blocked Him here and checked Him there
And I would not yield my will,
Shall I see grief in my Savior’s eyes;
Grief though He loves me still?

Oh, He’d have me rich, and I stand there poor,
Stripped of all but His grace,
While my memory runs like a hunted thing
Down the paths I can’t retrace.

Then my desolate heart will well-nigh break
With tears that I cannot shed.
I’ll cover my face with my empty hands
And bow my uncrowned head.

No! Lord of the years that are left to me
I yield them to Thy hand.
Take me, make me, mold me
To the pattern Thou hast planned.

—Author Unknown

May God give us the strength to redeem the time wisely. Only one life; ’twill soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ will last.

"And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." Acts 16:31

"For He says: 'In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you.^' Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." 2 Corinthians 6:2

"He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus." Revelation 22:20

Happy Rosh Hashanah

 

Hubby's Home!

... and he is one cool dude too.

This photo was snapped by his little sister on her cell phone.

Turned out really good, didn't it?!

Makes me question why we have all this fancy photo equipment. *lol*

~Ride Safe~

Sparky

Time Enough

While Hubby is off visiting family in Florida this weekend, I thought I would spend time reading. I love to read: novels, magazines, newspapers, anything in print. When I was growing up, it was one of my escapes from the horrors of living at home. The habit stayed with me. My husband is blessed with being able to read with noise and distractions. He said they don't bother him, lucky guy. I wish I had that gift. I have to have absolute peace and quiet. So, I thought, I would spend most of the weekend enjoying my second favorite hobby. Right now I'm engrossed in another publication about the Tudor family (late 1400's-early 1500's England) titled "Henry: Virtuous Prince" by David Starkey. Henry the VIII was a fascinating character. He went from idyllic Prince, King and husband to a tyrant. History is a wonderful thing. I've learned lots of the human psychology of what it takes to be a world leader. To have the adulation of millions and to hold control over so many lives must be intoxicating. "Absolute power corrupts absolutely," is a very true statement. A person can lose their very soul over it. "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" [Mark 8:36] God is so much wiser than the 'wisest' of mankind.

But back to my present-day human condition. I was going to entertain myself with reading this weekend. Ahh, peace and quiet. I would turn off the distractions then start a chapter. Part way in, current events begin to invade my thoughts. "I really need to take care of ... it'll only take a minute ... " And off I go. Work. Bathe this, wash that, tidy this ... blah, blah, blah.

Finally, I've given up. Now I'm watching old Alfred Hitchcock films and blogging. [ha ha]

And for those of you in The Know, Maxie (miniature schnauzer) is still holding on.

Maxie has always been my little girl. I call her "puppy" but next month she will be 15 years old. She was aging gracefully but then suddenly, about a year ago, she was having strange symptoms. So I took her to the Vet and she was diagnosed with Cushings Disease. Now she's not aging well at all thanks to the Cushings compounded by age related cataracts, deafness, and frequent infections. Poor kid has experienced a lot of painful epileptic type episodes that's why I keep her close. She'll still try to cuddle with me but I can tell it's too painful (skin becomes very sensitive). Maxie is the reason I haven't been able to travel for the past several months because boarding her is simply out of the question. It would be down-right cruel to do so. That's OK, I don't mind staying behind. I'll just bear it until she is no longer with us. I'm gonna miss that little dog when she's gone.

Anyway, that's my holiday weekend. I'm still having a good time. At least I've gotten a lot of work done!

But, truth be told, I'd rather be riding or enjoying the cook-out down in Florida. [smile]

Hope y'all have had a nice weekend too. Now back to the movie ...

~Ride Safe~

Sparky