BEAUTIFUL FEET

Isaiah 52:7 "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those who bring the happy news of peace & salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns." The Living Bible

PARENTS

"Once a parent, always a parent. Fathers & mothers alike, we don't stop caring [for our children] just because we're no longer the main providers of shelter, food & comforts of home . . . It's also our joyful pleasure to care for them, even after they no longer seem to need us." D. Bruce Lockerbie, Men's Devotional Bible

LIFE THOUGHTS

"Physician-assisted suicide prizes autonomy. Abortion prioritizes 'my body, my choice.' But Christlike love 'endures all things' & 'does not insist on its own way' (1 Cor. 13:5, 7). Only this love, which speaks truth, shows hope, & shares joy, can unshackle hearts from the demonic deception of using death as a solution (Luke 4:35). The Gospel love of Him who knows all before any are born (Jer. 1:5) changes minds & saves lives." Grace Lutheran Church bulletin

WORKS & FAITH

"All other works, except faith, we are to direct toward our neighbor. For God demands of us no other work that we should do for Him than only faith in Christ. With that He is satisfied, & with that we give honor to Him, as to one who is gracious, merciful, wise, kind, truthful, & the like. After this think of nothing else than to do to your neighbor as Christ has done to you, & let all your works with all your life be directed to your neighbor . . . But you know that to serve God is nothing else than to serve your neighbor & do good to him in love--whether your neighbor is a child, wife, servant, enemy, friend--without making any difference, whoever needs your help in body or soul, & wherever you can help in temporal or spiritual matters." A Year in the Gospels with Martin Luther  I can't help but think that unborn children are included in your "your neighbor is a child." Speaking up for the life of the unborn is certainly seeking after their temporal help.

MARRIAGE

"Christian marriage is based on something far stronger than your name on a seal:  your name inscribed on the heart of Christ. Just as you set your spouse's name upon your heart, the Lord has already fixed you upon His heart. You are not alone. You may fear that your love will wear thin, but take comfort. Christ's love does not fail or wear thin, for it is stronger than death & fiercer than the grave." Matthew Richard, Minute Messages

AN EPIPHANY HYMN

I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light (LSB #411)

I want to walk as a child of the light. I want to follow Jesus. God set the stars to give light to the world. The star of my life is Jesus. In Him there is no darkness at all. The night & the day are both alike. The Lamb is the light of the city of God. Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus.

I want to see the brightness of God. I want to look at Jesus. Clear Sun of Righteousness, shine on my path, & show me the way to the Father. In Him there is no darkness at all. The night & the day are both alike. The Lamb is the light of the city of God. Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus.

I'm looking for the coming of Christ. I want to be with Jesus. When we have run with patience the race, We shall know the joy of Jesus. In Him there is no darkness at all. The night & the day are both alike. The Lamb is the light of the city of God. Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus.

Comment

BEAUTIFUL FEET

Isaiah 52:7 "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those who bring the happy news of peace & salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns." The Living Bible

PARENTS

"Once a parent, always a parent. Fathers & mothers alike, we don't stop caring [for our children] just because we're no longer the main providers of shelter, food & comforts of home . . . It's also our joyful pleasure to care for them, even after they no longer seem to need us." D. Bruce Lockerbie, Men's Devotional Bible

LIFE THOUGHTS

"Physician-assisted suicide prizes autonomy. Abortion prioritizes 'my body, my choice.' But Christlike love 'endures all things' & 'does not insist on its own way' (1 Cor. 13:5, 7). Only this love, which speaks truth, shows hope, & shares joy, can unshackle hearts from the demonic deception of using death as a solution (Luke 4:35). The Gospel love of Him who knows all before any are born (Jer. 1:5) changes minds & saves lives." Grace Lutheran Church bulletin

WORKS & FAITH

"All other works, except faith, we are to direct toward our neighbor. For God demands of us no other work that we should do for Him than only faith in Christ. With that He is satisfied, & with that we give honor to Him, as to one who is gracious, merciful, wise, kind, truthful, & the like. After this think of nothing else than to do to your neighbor as Christ has done to you, & let all your works with all your life be directed to your neighbor . . . But you know that to serve God is nothing else than to serve your neighbor & do good to him in love--whether your neighbor is a child, wife, servant, enemy, friend--without making any difference, whoever needs your help in body or soul, & wherever you can help in temporal or spiritual matters." A Year in the Gospels with Martin Luther  I can't help but think that unborn children are included in your "your neighbor is a child." Speaking up for the life of the unborn is certainly seeking after their temporal help.

MARRIAGE

"Christian marriage is based on something far stronger than your name on a seal:  your name inscribed on the heart of Christ. Just as you set your spouse's name upon your heart, the Lord has already fixed you upon His heart. You are not alone. You may fear that your love will wear thin, but take comfort. Christ's love does not fail or wear thin, for it is stronger than death & fiercer than the grave." Matthew Richard, Minute Messages

AN EPIPHANY HYMN

I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light (LSB #411)

I want to walk as a child of the light. I want to follow Jesus. God set the stars to give light to the world. The star of my life is Jesus. In Him there is no darkness at all. The night & the day are both alike. The Lamb is the light of the city of God. Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus.

I want to see the brightness of God. I want to look at Jesus. Clear Sun of Righteousness, shine on my path, & show me the way to the Father. In Him there is no darkness at all. The night & the day are both alike. The Lamb is the light of the city of God. Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus.

I'm looking for the coming of Christ. I want to be with Jesus. When we have run with patience the race, We shall know the joy of Jesus. In Him there is no darkness at all. The night & the day are both alike. The Lamb is the light of the city of God. Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus.

HUSBANDS

"Most important for every husband is to accept the authority the Lord gives him when he becomes the spiritual head of his home." Leonard LeSourd, Men's Devotional Bible

TRUST THE LORD

Isaiah 50:10-11  "Who among you fears the Lord & obeys His Servant? If such men walk in darkness, without one ray of light, let them trust the Lord, let them rely upon their God. But see here, you who live in your own light, & warm yourselves from your own fires & not from God's; you will live among sorrows." The Living Bible

FAITH & GOOD WORKS

"As we have said on the other Gospels--that we should take from them the two doctrines of faith & love, or accepting & bestowing good works--so we should also here praise faith & exercise love. Faith receives the good works of Christ; love bestows good works on our neighbor . . . Who are those who offend you? All who teach you to do work instead of to believe; those who make Christ into a lawmaker & a judge & won't let Him be a helper & a comforter; who frighten you into acting with works before God & toward God in order to atone for your sins & to merit grace . . . No works are valuable before God except Christ's own work." A Year in the Gospels with Martin Luther

SPEAKING THE TRUTH

"But when sin is involved, being nice & not saying anything that would offend is contributing to that sin, even joining in. As a God guy you need to be fearless in speaking God's Word. That means speaking the truth even when people don't want to hear it . . . This isn't a free pass to go around criticizing everyone but a call to be honest when honesty is requested . . . But when you have an opening or even an invitation, don't pass it up. Speak God's Word & risk the agitation & even anger of others so that you might serve God rather than yourself." Michael DiMarco, Devotions for the God Guy

GOVERNMENT & THE CHURCH

"The church was never meant to do the work of the government, nor the government meant to do the work of the family or the church. However, when parents, pastors, & presidents each focus on their God-given roles, these separate spheres function together to sustain our communities with mercy, love, order, justice, morals, & forgiveness." Matthew Richard, Minute Messages

WHAT WE'RE WATCHING

Finally! We've started watching Heartland, Season 14, which we couldn't access for a long time. However, in order to watch it free, we have to finish watching this season by the end of next week. Want to know what's happening? Sorry. No spoiler alerts. Update:  As of today, we only have 2 episodes to go.

WHAT I'M READING

I've been reading "Powers & Thrones:  A New History of the Middle Ages," by Dan Jones. It is fascinating! Sometimes I think I should have majored in history instead of English.

TRENDING

"Minnie Mouse trades in her iconic dress for a pantsuit." Fox News Online, 1/27 Was this move inspired by Hillary Clinton? Inquiring minds want to know.

"The Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery will honor Fauci, six others in upcoming gala." FNO  Fauci . . . Wait! What?

"Dinklage tries to cancel 'Snow White,' but comes up short." Babylon Bee  Get it? Short?

HERE'S TO YOUR HEALTH

"AI can predict heart attack--from an eye scan." Drudge Report, 1/27

THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE FLORIDA

"Arctic chill set for Miami." Drudge, 1/27

. . . KANSAS

"Kansas hit with near record blast of snow." Drudge, 1/27

. . . CALIFORNIA

"EXODUS:  San Franciscans moving to Montana." Drudge, 1/29

. . . JERUSALEM

"Jerusalem blanketed in white after rare storm." Drudge, 1/27

Yeah, I know. There's a difference between meteorology & climatology, but still.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

"McDonald's combines Big Mac, McChicken, Filet-O Fish--into single sandwich." Drudge, 1/27

Worst Foods for Your Health *

* Fox News Online, 1/29

1. Bacon

2. Turkey bacon

3. Fried food

4. Potato chips

5. Added sugar

7. Hydrogenated oils

8. Refined carbs

9. Breakfast sausages

10. Process meat

ON THE BORDER

"Biden puts new White House cat in charge of border crisis." Babylon Bee

POLITICAL POTPOURRI

Babylon Bee's List of Possible Scotus Nominees

* Queen Latifa

* Rachel Dolezal:  A woman who is black

* Whoopi Goldberg

* Greta Thunberg

* Hunter Biden

"Biden to nominate progressive woman of color Elizabeth Warren to Supreme Court." Babylon Bee

MN ROAD TRIP POST MORTEM

What a great week we had with the kids & grandkids, even with the sub-arctic temperatures. When we packed the car on SUN morning, & by "we" I mean "Lois," the temperature was -4. By the time we reached Norfolk later in the afternoon, it had warmed up to 30--the warmest we had been all week. Here's my ratings for the Leckband Hacienda in Eagan, MN.

> Accommodations:  5 stars

> Meals, snacks, & beverages:  4.5 [We didn't have many options for dessert.]

> Amenities:  4 [We had to furnish our own soap, shampoo, & conditioner.]

> Entertainment:  5

> Internet connection:  5

I think we'll take advantage of their hospitality again in the future.

HEADACHE UPDATE

My cluster headaches have ended, at least for the time being. I started getting optimistic last week. I had no headache on WED, a mild headache on THU, & I haven't had a headache since.

SNAFU

I've written before about the 365-day devotion book I wrote in 2020. I sent off my manuscript & supporting materials to Westbow Press 2 weeks ago, loading them onto a zip drive. I got an email from my liaison last week, informing me that they couldn't download the material, so I either have to send another zip drive or try sending these materials electronically. It's been such a long time since I started this process that I guess I can be patient a little longer.

REFLECTIONS

I turned 69 on Jan. 7, & I've had time to do some reflecting since then. What are some advantages of being 69?

* I no longer have to ask for a senior discount. I'm given one without questions.

* When I purchase liquor & ask if I need to show an ID, I am laughed at.

* My grandkids guess that I am 109.

* My list of prescriptions & OTC medications just gets longer & longer. 

* When I go to my doctors with a complaint, I continue to get told, "This is typical for someone your age."

* I remember the inflation numbers in the 70s, along with the long lines as gas stations.

* I remember when we only got 4 network channels on our black & white TV.

* I remember when most businesses were closed on Sundays.

TRUE SIGNS YOU'RE GETTING OLD *

* Compliments of msn.com, 1/14

> You get mail from AARP.

> You use out-dated phrases (saying a dance move is "hip.").

> You ask for help with electronics.

> You've found yourself yelling, "Slow down!"

> You attend fewer concerts.

> You let your thoughts out . . . loudly.

> You sit (a lot) more.

> You take (much) longer to get up.

> You actually know what probiotics are.

DEPT. OF SHAMELESS JOKE-STEALING *

* Compliments of Reader's Digest, Oct. 2021

Client:  I put these documents in the fax machine but they didn't come back out.

Me:  That's the paper shredder.

Client:  Oh! Can you set it in reverse? Those papers are important.

During our geography class, I asked my 6th graders if anyone could spell. Mississippi. One student asked, "Do you want the river or the state?"

CRIMINAL MINDS

"COPS:  Man killed emotional support ferrets." Drudge Report

TRENDING

"DISNEY consulting 'dwarfism community' on new 'SNOW WHITE.'" Drudge

"LEAST CORRUPT NATIONS:  Denmark, New Zealand, Finland." Drudge

"Inside lab keeping frozen heads of 200 to be brought back to life." Drudge

"New NFL overtime rule decides winner by refs playing 'Eenie, meenie, miny moe.'" Babylon Bee

COVID

"NEW version of omicron doesn't appear to be more dangerous." Drudge

THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE HAWAII

"For the first time in history, the tallest mountain on Earth has been ascended. Though Mt. Everest is the highest mountain on earth at 29,032 feet above sea level, Maunakea Volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii actually holds the title of tallest mountain on Earth at 33,500 ft. More than half (19,698) of Maunakea lies underwater, while 13,802 ft. is above sea level." Drudge

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

"STUDY:  Eating more guacamole, spinach dip helps prevent cancer." Drudge

LECKBAND SNOW CHALLENGE

Given the ominous forecast, I determined to mix things up a little today & do a snow challenge instead of a temp challenge, thinking some of our Leckband locations would get slammed. Well, it doesn't look like it anymore, but since I went to all the trouble of researching snow predictions, here goes. Ratings based on wunderground.com at 6:40a.

#1, TIE, Eagan, MN & Ventura, IA, 3-5"

#2, Lincoln, NE, 1-3"

#3, Beatrice, NE, 1"

#4, Norfolk, NE, -1"

HEADACHE UPDATE

For those of you fascinated by the personal details of my life, I thought I'd give you an update re:  my cluster headaches. They started last month, & they are continuing. Fortunately, I'm only getting one a day, & if I take sumatriptan soon enough, they don't last long. I've been on a prednisone regimen, which has been somewhat helpful in the past, but all it seems to be doing for me these days is raise my blood sugar. According to the Mayo Clinic website, here is some useful information for those who are inclined to know more.

During a cluster headache

* Headaches usually occur every day, sometimes several times a day. Check.

* A single attack can last from 15 min. to 3 hours. More toward 15-30 min for me.

"The attacks often occur at the same time each day. Almost all of mine are coming late morning.

* Most attacks occur at night, usually 1-2 hrs after you go to bed. Thankfully, no.

Causes

"The exact cause of cluster headaches is unknown, but cluster headache patterns suggest that abnormalities in the body's biological clock (hypothalamus) play a role. Unlike migraine & tension headaches, cluster headache generally isn't associated with trigegrs, such as foods, hormonal changes or stress."

CRIMINAL MINDS

"South Dakota teacher arrested after his mom accidentally serves pot brownies to senior citizens." Fox News Online, 1/13

"250-year-old walnut tree chopped down in Ohio. Brother & sister hit with felony charges." Drudge 1/14

CELEBRITIES

"Celebs now drinking each other's blood." Drudge 1/14

"Betty White-Out? Michigan names snowplow after legendary actress." Fox News Online 1/14

WORLD OF MEDICINE *

* Compliments of Reader's Digest, Oct. 2021

"Spending chunks of your day on the Internet can be helpful or detrimental for your mental health, depending upon what you do there. A 2020 Canadian review linked social media use to mental distress among teens, in part because it can bring on a feeling that others look or live better than you do. On the other hand, in a 2021 British study, seniors who went online at least once a day during the pandemic lockdown tended to feel less depressed compared to those who accessed the Internet only once a week or less. The benefits include communicating with family & friends, finding inspiration for fun offline activities, & enjoying a quick, feel-good distraction on a rough day. (Cat video, anyone?)

POLITICAL POTPOURRI

"Report:  Inflation now higher than Biden's approval rating." Babylon Bee

COVID

"Stores refusing to sell chicken noodle soup after rumor COVID patients are using it to feel better." Babylon Bee

Scientists discover gene that increases risk of dying from Covid." Drudge 1/14

"Drones spray holy water at Hindu festival as huge crowds defy Covid rules." Drudge 1/14

ROAD TRIP PREVIEW

An alarming weather forecast has resulted in our decision to delay our trip to MN by one day. [We plan to visit Nathan, Laura, Calvin, & Claire in Eagan.] We've been following the forecasts on wunderground pretty closely for the last week. Worthington, MN, is on our route to the Twin Cities, & their forecast is for almost 8" of snow on FRI, the day we originally planned to leave. The forecast for Eagan is for almost 3" of snow, also on FRI. So, we are disappointed that our road trip will be delayed, but I reluctantly conclude that it's a good decision to delay.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

"Girl Scout cookie season:  How much will a box of cookies cast you? . . . Each Girl Scout council sets its own price for the 12 cookie varieties the youth organization sells. But, customers can expect to pay anywhere from $4 to $7 for a single cookie box, a spokesperson for Girls Scouts of the USA told FOX business." Fox News Online

CRIMINAL MINDS

"FL police charge 2 women for throwing glitter on man during argument." FNO

HERE'S TO YOUR HEALTH

"Pig-heart transplant jolts doctors confronting lack of organ donors." Drudge Report

"STUDY:  Tablespoon olive oil daily lowers risk of cancer, heart disease, dementia." Drudge Report

THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE . . . PORTLAND

"Aliens report no intelligent life on Earth after landing in Portland." Babylon Bee

THE MEDIA

Upcoming fabricated media narratives for 2022 (Babylon Bee)

> Most greenhouse gasses are produced by people complaining about high gas prices.

> Rand Paul only criticizes Fauci because he can't date him.

> Climate change is inflicting the equivalent of twelve Jan. 6ths on our democracy every day.

> Inflation actually reverses climate change.

> Gov. DeSantis is the cause of all hurricanes.

> The skyrocketing crime rate is the fault of the unvaccinated.

> Afghanistan has become a beautiful, egalitarian utopia.

SHOUT

Isaiah 49:13  "Sing for joy, O heavens; shout, O earth. Break forth with song, O mountains, for the Lord has comforted His people, & will have compassion upon them in their sorrow." The Living Bible

GIVING

"God has made us to be givers. It isn't something we have to do in order to please Him so much as it's something we need to do to keep ourselves working properly. We are healthy & whole when we are both giving & receiving . . . As it happens, giving is to your benefit. It doesn't make you a saint or martyr to give. In giving you are simply reflecting G9d's image--He who gave everything." Daniel Taylor, Men's Devotional Bible

FOCUS

"Get your focus off the world & onto God. What people think or say has no bearing on eternity. Don't give them more power over you than they deserve, but choose to make your investment in the eternal & let the King work out the temporary for Himself." Michael DiMarco, Devotions for the God Guy

DEATH

"First, the only thing with the ability to comfort in the face of death is the Gospel, not futile trust placed in the person having been 'good.' A vague concept of reincarnation or a yearning for a mysterious ghostly afterlife will not bring comfort either. Such lies always mislead & disappoint. Only the mercy of God poured out at Calvary cleanses us, clothes us in our Lord's righteousness & ushers us into the joy of eternal life.

"Second, in the immediate shock of grief, the precious words of the Gospel may not penetrate the shroud of pain & confusion of suffering. The Gospel promises--true & divine though they be--will often sound insufficient to those deep in the pit. If, that is, they heard at all. In these moments, our compassionate presence may prove more of a blessing than our stumbling words." Rev. Robert Stroud, The Lutheran Witness, Nov. 2021

A PRAYER FOR PEACE

"Heavenly Father, God of peace & harmony, You would have Your children on earth live together in peace & quietness. Frustrate the plans of all evil men who would stir up violence & strife, spoil the weapons of those who delight in war & bloodshed, & according to Your will, end all wars in the world. Lead us to confess the truth of Your Word that from the lusts of our own hearts come wars & fighting among us. Help me by Your Word & Spirit to crucify my sinful flesh & to root out the evil that would lead to strife & discord, so that to the best of my ability, I may be at peace with my neighbor. Mercifully hear my prayer & grant us peace in our days. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen. Lutheran Book of Prayer

A HYMN FOR EPIPHANY

O Morning Star, How Fair & Bright, LSB #395, Sts. 4, 6

Almighty Father, in Your Son, You loved us when not yet begun Was this old earth's foundation! Your Son has ransomed us in love To live in Him here & above:  This is Your great salvation. Alleluia! Christ the living, To us giving Life forever, Keeps us Yours & fails us never!

What joy to know, when life is past, The Lord we love is first & last, The end & the beginning! He will one day, oh, glorious grace, Transport us to that happy place Beyond all tears & sinning! Amen! Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! Crown of gladness! We are yearning For the day of Your returning!

TRENDING

"Mom takes out billboard in Times Square:  'Date my daughter.'" Fox News Online 

THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE . . . FLORIDA

"DeSantis campaign selling 'Escape to Florida' t-shirts as some top Democrats flock to Sunshine State." FNO

. . . AFGHANISTAN

"Taliban orders beheading of store mannequins as Afghan women fume over Biden 'betrayal.'" FNO

POLITICAL POTPOURRI

"American more liberal--But voting more Republican?" Drudge Report

"Report:  Of the 4.2 million Americans who quit their jobs in December, 74% worked for Kamala Harris." Babylon Bee

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

"Spike in autoimmune diseases blamed on fast food." Drudge Report

COVID

"Progressive Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has developed a symptomatic case of Covid after vacationing in Miami, Fla. The “squad” member is quarantining and recovering from the virus at home, according to a statement from her office. Last week, the congresswoman was photographed partying maskless at crowded bars in the city." Caroline Downey, National Review Online 1/10

"Study finds Supreme Court has now shared more COVID misinformation than your crazy Facebook aunt." Babylon Bee

"The decision whether kids get vaccinated or not properly belongs to parents. Yes, other vaccinations are a condition of attending school, but Covid vaccinations aren’t going to eliminate Covid the way, say, Jonas Salk’s miraculous innovation eliminated polio. With the advent of Omicron, it’s not even clear that childhood vaccinations will do much to dent the spread. On top of this, Covid is relatively mild in children, whereas polio was a dread childhood disease. If the case for adults getting vaccinated is extraordinarily strong, it is much less so for minors, especially for healthy younger kids who tend to be at the least risk." NRO

"What a difference a year makes. After beginning 2021 promising to end the pandemic, Joe Biden closed out his disastrous first year in office by waving the white flag of surrender on COVID. Throughout the campaign Biden repeatedly vowed that he would “shut down the virus” like it was turning off a light switch. Now Biden’s message to Americans has essentially been reduced to “this isn’t my job – you all figure it out.”

"It’s little wonder Biden has changed his tune so dramatically and so quickly. Despite inheriting multiple vaccines and therapeutics thanks to President Trump’s groundbreaking Operation Warp Speed, COVID is now spiraling out of control. Case numbers have risen to record highs with an average of more than half a million Americans testing positive every single day." Tommy Hicks, Townhall

BIRTHDAY POST MORTEM

First of all, thank you for the overwhelming birthday greetings I received for my birthday celebration on FRI 1/7. I tried to respond to each & every one. If I missed yours, I am genuinely sorry. 

We went to Cracker Barrel in Lincoln on FRI night. The original plan was to go to King Kong Gyros, but our grand-daughter Brianna, prevailed on us to eat at Crack Barrel, which we did. [She's a waitress there, & her service was superlative.] After we got back to the Worley's, we enjoyed cheese cake. All in all, a nice birthday.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

"If you don't have time to spend alone with God each day, then you are too busy. Period. Nothing is so important that it has to be done at the expense o spending time waiting to hear from God." Michael DiMarco, Devotions for the God Guy

CRIMINAL MINDS

"Police officers in PA were surprised THU night when they found a live deer inside the trunk of a driver's car during a DUI stop The driver told officers . . . she had hit the deer with her car & she & her passenger placed it in the trunk, thinking it was dead." Fox News Online, 1/8

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

"N. Korea claims Kim Jong Il invented the burrito." Fox, 1/8

"Air France traveler from New Hampshire opens luggage, finds Christmas gifts replaced with dog food." Fox, 1/8

"Growing global potato shortage affecting french fries from Japan to Kenya." Drudge Report, 1/8

TRENDING

"Cows given VR headsets to reduce anxiety, increase milk." Drudge, 1/8

MAN'S BEST FRIEND

"Americans adopted millions of dogs during pandemic. Now what do we do with them?" Drudge Report, 1/8

SIGNS YOU SHOULD FIND A NEW CHURCH *

* Compliments of the Babylon Bee

1. The full-service cafe discontinues your favorite seasonal drink. 

2. The church fails to immediately respond to your weekly helpful comment card feedback.

3. Someone expresses concern that you missed the last 18 services.

4. The men's retreat features fewer than 20 full automatic rifles.

5. The pastor faithfully preaches the Bible on a weekly basis.

BUSYNESS

"If you don't have time to spend alone with God each day, then you are too busy. Period. Nothing is so important that it has to be doe at the expense of spending time waiting to hear from God." Michael DiMarco, Devotions for the God Guy

C.S. LEWIS

"If God were proud He would hardly have us on such terms; but He is not proud, He stoops to conquer, He will have us even though we have shown that we prefer everything else to Him, & come to Him because there is 'nothing better' now to be had." C.S. Lewis, Men's Devotional Bible

THE CREATOR

Isaiah 45:9-12 . "Woe to the man who fights with his Creator. Does the pot argue with its maker? Does the clay dispute with him who forms it, saying, 'Stop, you're doing it wrong!" or the pot exclaim, 'How clumsy can you be?' Woe to the baby just being born who squalls to his father & mother, 'Why have you produced me? Can't you do anything right at all?' Jehovah, the Holy One of Israel, Israel's Creator, says:  'What right have you to question what I do? Who are you to command Me concerning the work of My hands? I have made the earth & created man on it. With My hands I have strengthened out the heavens & commanded all the past myriads of stars.'" The Living Bible

HUSBANDS & WIVES

"But dear husbands & wives, never forget that you do not belong to sin; you belong to Jesus. Christ Jesus gave everything up for you to make you His own. And because you belong to Jesus & have stepped into the estate of marriage, you also belong to each other. Husbands, you belong to your wives, not the old Adam. You have been called into sacrifice, not slothful apathy." Matthew Richard, Minute Messages

WORSHIP

"Worship is about your inadequacies, not yur strength & performance. Worship is about you having empty hands to receive God's gifts, not tightfisted hands to prove something to God. Worship is about receiving God's best, not giving God your best. Worship is about the fact that God is ready, able, & delighted to forgive you of all your sins." Ditto

A PARADOX

"The Church is a paradox. She is the Bride of Christ, 'spotless,' 'holy,' washed,' (Eph. 5:25-27), the 'pillar & foundation of truth' (1 Tim. 3:15), the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:1ff). And yet she only appears in this world hidden under the guise of poor sinners, flawed leaders, tensions, divisions, & even false teaching. This is at once both disturbing & comforting. It is disturbing because we find ourselves in such 'spotted' congregations, denominations & Christendom. It is comforting because--despite its outward appearance, despite the fact that there have been times in the history of the church when the pure teaching of the Gospel all but disappeared from the public confession of the Church & its practice--nevertheless, the 'gates of hell shall not prevail against it.' (Matt. 16:18) The Church endures because Christ endures, & He will never let His Gospel go un-believed, until the end of time. That's worth rejoicing over, especially in the times in which we live. And there is also comfort in knowing that because the Church exists well beyond the genuine Lutheran Church, we will also find truth spoken by others. And when we do, we are free to heartily & gladly acknowledge it as such." Rev. Matt. Harrison, President, LCMS

A HYMN FOR EPIPHANY

I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light, LSB #411, Sts. 1, 3

I want to walk as a child of the light. I want to follow Jesus. God set the stars to give light to the world. The star of my life is Jesus. In Him there is no darkness at all. The night & the day are both alike The Lamb is the light of the city of God. Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus.

I'm looking for the coming of Christ I want to be with Jesus. When we have run with patience the race, We shall know the joy of Jesus. In Him there is no darkness at all. The night & the day are both alike. The Lamb is the light of the city of God. Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

And here's a verse that popped up in my daily quiet time. "Listen to Me, all Israel who are left; I have created you & cared for you since you were born. I will be your God through all your lifetime, yes, even when your hair is white with age. I made you & I will care for you. I will carry you along & be your Savior." (Is. 46:3-4, The Living Bible)

SOME BIRTHDAY REFLECTIONS

So today is my 69th birthday. Big whoop. Honestly, I'm not sure I ever thought too much about turning 69--almost 70! When I was growing up, people who turned 70 were old, old people. Ancient people. Heck, people who turned 50 were ancient. And now here I am on the cusp of ancient-hood.

> I was born on WED 1/7/53. There have been 25,202 days from the day I was born until today.

> If I've been sleeping 8 hrs daily since birth, I've slept a total of 8,401 days or 23 years. (That's 33% of my life.)

> There's been 853 full moons since I've been born. 

> My first 1 billion seconds happened sometime on SEP 15, 1984.

< Celebrities that share my birthday:  Vincent Gardenia, Charles Addams, C.W. Anderson.

> What happened on Jan. 7? Fire destroyed Jamestown, VA (1608). William Dickson received a patent for motion picture film (1894). A hot air ballon crashed in New Zealand, killing all 11 people on board.

> What was I in my past life? I was born somewhere around the territory of Borneo approximately on 575. My profession was librarian, priest, keeper of tribal relics.

> On Jan. 7, 1953, President Harry S. Truman announced that the U.S. had developed a hydrogen bomb.

NOTE:  I gleaned all of these fascinating facts via online research.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

"McDonald's runs out of hash browns." Drudge Report

TRENDING

"SURVEY:  Avg man rates himself 5.9 out of 10 when comes to attractiveness." Drudge Report

REMOTE LEARNING IS BETTER FOR CHILDREN *

* Compliments of the Babylon Bee

> It prepares them for life as adult drones staring at screens for hours.

> It will definitely not lead to a mental health crisis & surging suicides like it did last time.

> Face-to-face interaction sometimes leads to free thinking.

> Slight reduction in wedgies.

> It's easier for the teacher to hide a Bloody Mary in her can of Diet Coke.

> Fewer Chicago kids will get shot on their way to school.

JAN. 6

"9/11 Memorial to be replaced by 'more important' Jan. 6 Memorial." Babylon Bee

"It's been a year since Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock won both U.S. Senate seats from Georgia, giving Democrats slight control of the body. A day later, the U.S. Capitol was invaded by people protesting the certification of the presidential election for now-President Joe Biden. It seems like a decade has passed rather than a year, but then again, we are living in COVID time warp where the passage of time seems both fast and slow at the same time.

"While many Republicans might believe that the election was stolen, the truth is that Republicans could have and should have won both the presidency and the two U.S. Senate seats in Georgia. If our candidates had run overwhelmingly positive campaigns that had given people reasons to get out and vote for them, we could have won by overwhelmingly large margins that would have negated any potential irregularities. Instead, we railed against our opponents, tried to scare people into voting for us and ended up losing by a small margin.

"We focused too much on our opponents and too little on the voters, whose votes we need to win. Unfortunately, I am not sure that we have learned this lesson." Jackie Gingrich Cushman, Townhall 1/6

"Again, I do not believe there was a concerted, planned attempt to overthrow the government, let a terrorist insurrection. As noted by Tucker Carlson on September 23, 2021, after reviewing some of the video footage of the January 6 event: “So it turns out, the vast majority of people inside the Capitol on January 6 were peaceful. They were not insurrectionists. They shouldn’t have been there, they weren’t trying to overthrow the government, that’s a total crock.”

"And there has been no evidence that, in the weeks leading up to January 6, let alone in the months that followed, insurrectionists were working together in significant numbers to overthrow the government.

"But that doesn’t minimize the infamy of that day, nor does it minimize the degree of damage that was done to the evangelical and conservative reputation. So, what took place one year ago was not an insurrection. But it was a day of shame and infamy. Let’s learn our lessons well." Michael Brown, Townhall 1/6

SOME THOUGHTS ABOUT EPIPHANY

Today we celebrate Epiphany--a commemoration of the visit of the wise men to Bethlehem, where the true King of the Jews was revealed to them. The message of Epiphany resonates with me. Last year a received my DNA profile from ancestry.com, & it pretty much confirmed what I already knew. I am 100% Gentile. Sometime in the very distant path my ancestors scrambled around in the dark forests of Northern Europe. They were barbarians, & they worshiped nature & a host of demons. They practiced blood rituals & human sacrifice. Not a pretty heritage.

Yet at some time & some place a courageous Christian monk or priest or evangelist shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ with my Gentile ancestors. They were called out of the darkness into the light of salvation. "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned." (Is. 9:2)

Today is actually the last of the 12 Days of Christmas. Lois finished packing up & storing the rest of our Christmas decorations today, which is always a little sad. I rejoice that my Savior called us out of the darkness. I give thanks that the manger is empty. Our Lord died for us. He rose for us. He sits at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to take us to be with Him forever in heaven. This is most certainly true!

MY CHOSEN ONES

Isaiah 48:13-14a  "Listen to Me, My people, My chosen ones! I alone am God. I am the First; I am the Last. It was My hand that laid the foundations of the earth; the palm of my right hand spread out the heavens above; I spoke & they came into being. Come, all of you, & listen." The Living Bible

SUCCESS & COURAGE

"But I have learned over the years that I will never be a success in my marriage, with my kids or with my friends, without courage." Bill Hybels, Men's Devotional Bible

PRAYERS FOR EPIPHANY

From My Prayer Book

"O gracious God & Lord, who by a star led the Magi to see the manifestation of your love for all people in the Christ Child, I thank You for this revelation that the whole world should share in the salvation which You have prepared in Jesus Christ, Your only-begotten Son.

"Enable me by Your Spirit to find peace & joy in the faith that I, too, have been redeemed by Jesus Christ from sin, from death, & from the power of the devil. Let me never forget that I am now Christ's own & that it is my duty to live under Him in His kingdom & serve Him in righteousness all the days of my life.

"Graciously reveal Yourself to all people who even now do not know Jesus Christ & salvation in Him. Gather Your elect from all the nations of the world that Your house may be full, & Yours shall be the kingdom & the power & glory forever & ever. Amen."

From Lutheran Book of Prayer

"O almighty & everlasting God, who manifested Your Son, Jesus Christ, to the wise men of the East as the light to lighten the Gentiles, You have made Your only begotten Son to be both the glory of Your people Israel & the light to lighten the Gentiles. You have prepared Your salvation for all people. You have established Your Church on earth as the keeper & dispenser of the means of grace, that Your kingdom might come to all men & that Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. I boldly ask that I be so endued with Your Holy Spirit that my joy in the Anointed One increase, that I may give glory to you, & that by all I say & do I may freely confess Your mercies among unbelievers. Let Your Church shine as holy Zion, that the Gentiles may come to her light & nations to the brightness of her rising, & that they with us & the whole host of heaven may praise You & Your most holy name, & live forever in Your presence in light & glory everlasting, through Your dear Son, our Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen."

AN EPIPHANY HYMN

From God the Father, Virgin-Born, LSB #401, Sts. 1, 4, 6

From God the Father, virgin-born To us the only Son came down; By death the font to consecrate, The faithful to regenerate.

Abide with us, O Lord, we pray; The gloom of darkness chase away; Your work of healing, Lord, begin, And take away the stain of sin.

To you, O Lord, all glory be For this Your blest epiphany; To God, whom all His hosts adore, And Holy Spirit evermore.

ANOTHER LECKBAND TEMP CHALLENGE

Here it is only JAN 5, & I'm already publishing another Leckband Temp Challenge. Ratings based on wunderground.com at 7:40a.

#1, Norfolk, NE, 1/-14, wind chill advisory

#2, Venture, IA, 4/4, wc advisory

#3, Lincoln, NE, 6/6, wc advisory

$4, Beatrice, NE, 8/8, wc advisory

#5, BALMIEST LECKBANDS, Eagan, MN, 14/14, winter weather advisory

BONUS TEMP CHALLENGE

I don't know that I want to make this a habit, but on a whim I decided to publish a Hill Temp Challenge this morning. Ratings also based on wundergound.com at 7:40a.

#1, Lois' brother John, Fayetteville, NC, 38

#2, Lois' brother David, Wichita Falls, TX, 39

#3, Lois' sister Wanda, Kingsburg, CA, 47

#4, Lois' sister Anita, Ft. Walton Beach, FL, 49

#5, BALMIEST HILL, Lois' sister Kathy, St. Petersburg, FL, 64

MAN'S BEST FRIEND

Our dog Sammy has decided that he doesn't want to sleep in his kennel at night, so after Lois locks him up, he starts woofing until we let him out. He spends the night in our bedroom, which isn't too much of a hindrance unless I step on him when I get up to use the bathroom. He's undergoing a surgical procedure this morning to drain a hematoma in his ear. He has to be sedated, which is risky for a dog his age, bur apparently it's still a better option than a lobotomy.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

"Girl Scouts' new brownie cookie to debut January 2022. Girl Scout cookie fans who have been waiting for the youth group's latest cookie addition can rest easy because it's going to become available next week. Adventurefuls, the organization's new salted caramel brownie cookie will become available starting TUE JAN 11 . . . Virginia Girl Scouts are using a drone delivery service to dispatch cookies." Fox News Online

"KFC to launch plant-based fried chicken." Drudge Report

THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE . . . TEXAS

"Fish fall from sky in Texas. A rare phenomenon that occurred in Texarkana, a city on the northeast border of TX & Arkansas, has it's residents saying, 'What the--fish?' Multiple Texarkana residents reported finding small fish that had fallen from the sky during a storm." Omaha World Herald, 1/4

"Texas annexes Oklahoma, turns entire state into one giant Buccee's." Babylon Bee

LIKE . . . HAWAII

"Crater Horror:  Man, 75, dies after plunging 100' into Hawaii's Kilauea volcano & body is found 8 hrs after he was reported missing." Drudge Report, 1/4

LIKE . . . CHICAGO

"It’s springtime for scolds. With the help of the Covid-19 pandemic, politicians and pundits have enjoyed an unprecedented bounty of opportunities to police the personal behavior of private citizens.

"And it’s not just masks. The Illinois Policy Institute is out with a new study finding that Chicago mayor Lori Lightfoot’s reduced threshold for the issuance of automatic speeding tickets by street cameras landed the city’s residents one speeding ticket every eleven seconds . . . 

"The Chicago father driving his kids to soccer practice is under constant surveillance, sure to be fined for the most minor of traffic infractions. On the other hand, 55 percent of murders committed in Chicago went unsolved in 2020. That’s a theme in the contemporary American city: More public energy is devoted to ensuring that kindergarteners wear masks than that violent crime is punished." Daniel Tenreiro, National Review Online, 1/4

TRENDING

"Amid pandemic, rise in gambling addiction emerges." Drudge Report, 1/4

"'I can take care of the kids on my own,' says Dad while feeding kids handfuls of shredded cheese for lunch." Babylon Bee

AOC

"'You're just mad you can't date me!' shouts AOC to confused drive-thru worker at Arby's." Babylon Bee

MENTAL HEALTH

"STUDY:  Worrying about COVID leads to mental decline." Drudge Report, 1/2 

"Stress may be heart's worst enemy." Drudge, 1/3

"STUDY:  Ketamine reduces depression, suicidal thoughts within hours." Drudge

RESOLUTIONS 2022

* Lose at least 12 lbs.

* Cross 2 things off our bucket list.

* Have fruits & vegetables at least 4X/week.

* Walk at least 4X/week.

* Publish my 365-devotion book.

* Write & publish another 365-devotion book.

TOP PREDICTIONS FOR 2022 *

* Compliments of the Babylon Bee

Jan. 1:  USPS will deliver your Christmas package.

Jan. 2:  2nd insurrection attempt cancelled.

Jan. 20:  Pfizer unveils booster shots 4, 5, 6, 7, & 8.

Jan. 21:  Men break every record ever held by women.

Feb. 2:  Jan. 6th committee finally catches your Grandma.

Mar. 25:  Meat is outlawed, replaced by delicious bugs instead.

Apr. 19:  Man dressed as woman hailed as 1st woman to not complain about cold.

June 6:  AOC tweets something dumb.

Aug. 15:  The only child to be named "Brandon" for the entire year is born.

Sept. 5:  Jen Psaki becomes Ben Psaki.

Nov. 17:  Republicans bravely squander control of Congress.

Dec. 25:  Christmas will occur on this day.

Dec. 31:  Jesus returns.

COVID NEWS

"Covid patient given Viagra wakes up from 45-day coma." Drudge Report

"Cloth masks may not provide enough protection as omicron surges, report says." Fox News Online

"Pandemic baby boom causes diaper & baby item shortages." Fox News Online

DEPT. OF SHAMELESS JOKE-STEALING *

* Compliments of Reader's Digest, Oct. 2021

"I think that being an astronaut on the way to the moon would be the worst time to find out you're a werewolf."

"My parents raised me as an only child, which really annoyed my younger brother."

LISTEN

Isaiah 44:1-2  "Listen to me, O my servant Israel, O My chosen ones:  The Lord who made you, who will help you, says, 'O servant of mine, don't be afraid. For I will give you abundant water for your thirst & for your parched fields. And I will pour out My Spirit & My blessings on your children." The Living Bible

FAITH & OBEDIENCE

"And I pray as well for the ability to translate the message of God's eternal love into words that will pierce the benumbed minds of busy men & move their hearts to faith & obedience." Leslie Brandt, Men's Devotional Bible 

THE SUBSTANCE & FOCUS

"This, Gospel substance, & not legal structure or administrative power, is the focus of Lutheran doctrine & practice regarding the church & its unity & its extension. By the our teaching of the Gospel & right administration of the Sacraments, we find--despite the invisibility of the faith of the heart & what we see as transitory & fragmented pieces of the church--that one, holy & forever-enduring church that we confess. And it is for & in the doing of these things alone that the church, as a whole & in all its pats, exists with Christ's promise & power." Rev. John Sias, The Lutheran Witness, June/July 2021

PRAYERS FOR THE NEW YEAR

Lutheran Prayer Book:  

"It is on account of Your mercy alone, O Lord, that I am not consumed, because Your compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. Abide with me, O God throughout the coming year. Be my guide in all my perplexities, my strength in my weakness, my ever-ready help in all my troubles. Forgive me all my sins. O Sabaoth Lord, look down from heaven & in grace behold & visit Your holy Church, which You have chosen for Your own. Preserve for us Your saving Word & Sacraments, that Your vine may send out its boughs from sea to sea & its branches to the uttermost parts of the earth. Look graciously upon our nation & all the nations of the world, & bless them with peace. Grant to all that are in authority wisdom & courage to rule in such a way that we may lead a quiet & peaceful life in all godliness & honesty. To You, almighty Creator & gracious God, I commit this nation, my church, my family my loved ones, & myself. Abide with me. With Your grace & mercy preserve me whole--soul & body--blameless to the coming of my Lord Jesus Christ. Amen."

My Prayer Book

"At the dawn of this new year, precious Savior & divine Lord, I desire to begin today in Your name. Therefore I ask You to take full possession of my life, hold me by the hand & lead me from day to day, protecting me from all dangers of body & soul. Shield me from the temptations of sin & remove every doubtful thought from my mind. Let not the worries & fears of the future rob me of that peace of mind which is mine through your sacrifice on Calvary. Order my footsteps in the paths of righteousness, & keep me in Your grace.

"Abide with your children wherever they are, & help them through their trials & troubles. Forgive us, one & all, our many sins of the past through Your cleansing & precious blood.Grant me & all that love You the strength to live victoriously every day.

"Give to Your church, eternal Savior, continued growth & prosper the work of our hands as we seek to win souls for You. Bring this saving Gospel to many more. Preserve peace among the nations that Your message of reconciliation may not be hindered in its progress as missionaries go from place to place. Let me live in peace with all people, avoiding discord, strife, & hatred. Give me an unwavering faith & another year of grace to me & to many, for Your name's sake. Amen."

CHRISTMAS HYMNS

Infant Holy, Infant Lowly (LSB #393, St. 2)

Flocks were sleeping, Shepherds keeping Vigil till the morning new Saw the glory, Heard the story, Tidings of a Gospel true. Thus rejoicing, Free from sorrow, Praises voicing, Greet the morrow:  Christ the child was born for you! Christ the child was born for you!

Now Sing We, Now Rejoice (LSB #386, Sts. 1 & 4)

Now sing we, now rejoice, Now raise to heav'n our voice; He from whom joy streameth Poor in a manger lies; Not so brightly beameth The sun in yonder skies. Thou my Savior art! Thou my Savior art!

Oh, where shall joy be found? Where but on heav'nly ground? Where the angels singing With all His saints unite, Sweetest praises bringing In heav'nly joy & light. Oh, that we were there! Oh, that we were there!

2021 RESOLUTIONS REVIEW

I'm sure you've all been tracking my progress throughout the year, breathlessly awaiting my final results. Here goes . . . 

* At least 8 road trips:  We smashed our all-time record. Road trips were made to MN [multiple times], TX, including San Antonio, FL, including Everglades NP, CA twice, including Bass Lake & Yosemite, Sequoia, & Kings Canyon NPs, plus Mission Springs [Lois] & Lake Tahoe [me], Concordia, MO [my 50-yr high school class reunion, Black Hills with the grandkids, IA to visit my brother, niece, & their families, Family Reunion in Omaha, another trip to FL [Lois], Sedona [Lois' sibling reunion], including visits to multiple state & NPs, Sioux Falls [Paul]. Final grade = A+

* Give up french fries:  A few slip-ups, but just a few. Final grade = B

* Get a DNA report from ancestry.com:  I am 52% Germanic Europe, 35% England & NW Europe, 8% Sweden, 3% Norway, 2% other regions. [Does "other" include Neanderthal?] Final grade = A [not A+, because I procrastinated]

* Do my PT exercises at least 3X/week:  Final grade = D

* Avoid useless FB arguments:  A few slip-ups. Final grade = B

* Add to our NP & bucket lists: A resounding success, with visits to Everglades, Grand Canyon, Zion, Canyonlands, Bryce Canyon, & Capitol Reef. Final grade = A+

* Lose at least 10 lbs:  A debacle. I gained back all the weight I lost in 2021, plus some. Final grade = F

Final avg = C+ 

LECKBAND TEMP CHALLENGE

I understand that my temp challenges hold little fascination for anyone outside the immediate Leckband family, but they amuse me. Also, re:  the accusation that I only do a Temp Challenge when it seems likely that Norfolk will win? Guilty as charged. Results based on wundergroud.com @ 9:11a. NOTE:  It's not everyday that all Leckband locations can boast of some type of weather advisory. Here goes . . . 

#5, Balmiest Leckbands, Lincoln, NE:  4/feels like 4; predicted high temp of 5; winter storm warning

#4, Beatrice, NE:  3/3; 5; winter storm warning

#3, Ventura, IA:  -5/-5; -1; wind chill advisory

#2, Eagan, MN:  -8/-8; -2; wind chill advisory

#1, Norfolk NE:  -3/-21; 6; wind chill advisory [We're #1! We're #1!]

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

"Experts warn of cannibalism among space colonists if food systems fail." Fox News Online

DEPT. OF SHAMELESS JOKE-STEALING

"After test-driving an electric Hummer pickup truck in Michigan ... President Biden said, 'This sucker's something else!' OK, but don't give him one. The last thing anyone needs is a 78-yr-old man driving a car you can't hear coming." Late Night with Seth Meyers, Norfolk Daily News latelaughs, 12//31

"Before heading out to the office, I asked my 8-yr-old daughter, 'So, do I look OK?' She looked me up & down before giving me the thumbs up & saying, 'Not as bad as you did yesterday!'" Reader's Digest, Sept 2021

"Don't call us, we'll call you. These hiring managers took to reddit.com to share the oddest job candidates they've interviewed. 'And what do you think you could bring to this role?' 'Hire me & find out.' We stopped the interview then & there.'" Ditto

"During my son's confirmation, the archbishop asked him if he wanted to go to heaven. My son replied, 'Not yet.'" Ditto