6/2/2019
Morning, Hey! Just a couple of days after I started this blog page, a lady who is just about always tuned in to the Monday night online bible class, called to tell me her husband had gotten saved the previous Tuesday (which would have been Aug.21, 2018.) He had been ill for some time and had finally placed his eternal life in hands of the One who was able to save him. A couple of days ago, the lady called to tell me he had passed away. His body was just worn out from all the illnesses he’d been suffering. But, what a joy to know his salvation was secure in Christ. She is rejoicing for the peace he now knows. May the Lord strengthen Leslie’s resolve to move on in this life, knowing full well she will see him again, as is the Lord’s plan.
Happy June, everyone! It is a terrific month of the year. I’m sitting here listening to several birds sing and making a “joyful noise unto the Lord,” this morning. Of course, in the chorus of early morning birds singing there will be one mockingbird. It’s the best time to hear the mockingbird because the other birds cause him to throw out his entire repertoire of mockery—and some think the Creator didn’t have a sense of humor! Any moment now, the bass drummer of birds will kick in, we hear him just about every day. He’s a big ol’ woodpecker on an old hollow tree limb and he sounds like he has a mic and an amp, he’s so loud. Lovely natural setting. Birds have this innate morning instinct to announce daylight, don’t they?
Anyway, there was a SIMH as usual, but the birds drove it away. They were more interesting.
What interests you first thing in the morning? Do you, as Dolly sang, “Get outta bed, stumble to the kitchen…” and go on with life’s requirements? or do you take time to first pray, then study the bible or devotional material? do you watch morning news (how depressing is that?) Or do you examine the land around where you live to quickly see if everything is normal, like no dead animals on or near your place? If you live with trees close by, do you watch the squirrels scutter around? (Squirrels are not as noisy as birds, but they are very entertaining.)
I remember way too many mornings before I turned 50, I would get out of bed at the very last minute, not have time for anything except barely getting ready for the day—missing all this “good morning to the world” stuff. Wasted too much time staying up late and therefore, not wanting to get up early. When nature taking its course caused me to begin to awaken early, I learned to embrace it! As you can tell, I love the mornings!
Going to Chattanooga this morning. We have great fellowship with the folks at Grace bible church, and when they are willing to sit through me teaching one of the hours, their virtue of patience shows through beautifully. Hope I don’t bore them too much today.
Well, if you didn’t get started on this new month yesterday, start today. Do yourself and those around you a big favor and plan the whole month. This is a rare June to have 5 Sundays, make a plan for today, and then 4 more full weeks to pack in a lot of living before it gets too sweltering hot and before Summer doldrums set it. C’mon! live like you like it!
Thanks for reading, the Elder.
the Elder's Blog 