Another Thanksgiving

Another Thanksgiving coming around.Not as many faces around the table now.It is fitting that at least once a year but preferably daily we stop and give thanks.In our corner of the world we are blessed beyond measure.Somerimes we wonder why things happen as they do.I think most of the time it is much easier to avoid "pondering "on things.Even after all these years I still ask God why my Dad couldn't live.I sure hope he can see all our kids and grandkids.There once was a time when I was angry with God.Then one day I realized that it was all a gift.Whether you have one day with someone or a thousand years - it is all a gift directly from the One who made it so.
We make our plans and then God intervenes.After all these years I should not be so amazed at how God works.I painted every room in my office - it took me months -I'm a very slow painter.I with the help of my wonderful son -n-law put a beautiful new floor down.I bought more equipment. I hung pictures and all of my diplomas.On the very day I was to open I was prompted to stop by a colleagues   office to ask if I could send patients over for xray. He suggested I work with him and in an instant all my plans changed.They changed to a plan only God could have conceived.
We wonder sometimes if we are making the right decisions. I am reminded of a verse from the book of Samuel.  Whether you turn to the right or the left you will hear a voice behind you saying this is the way walk in it.No matter what our choices if God is in it we will a,ways be fine.

Change

 Richard will marry in a few hours and in a few days Jolene will turn 60.Time has a way of flying by.One generation giving way to the next.It is natural to question how will they make it? Are they ready for this? Of course they will be just fine.

We could ask the same questions of ourselves especially as we enter into our 7th decade.A few more years of work and perhaps some unknown physical and mental Challenge awaits us.

You see in life nothing is guaranteed .If you walk by faith then Gods guiding hand will be your site.

Electronic Intimacy

The voice on the other end of the phone was crying.The villain had struck again.In the age of technology and under the guise of free speech it is everywhere and accessable to everyone.It is estimated that 75-80% of men view pornography.One of reasons is that in our busy, hustle ,bustle ,world people are lonely and we have little time or energy for intimacy.
There is no such thing as electronic intimacy.It distorts reality and requires no energy or commitment.It also gives you nothing back in return.It robs us of the chance of having real intimacy.
It is time for each of  individually and collectively to rise up against pornography and those that produce it.

We have seen an erosion of values in the last 50 years. We use to begin everyday with the Lord's Prayer and the pledge of allegiance .There were 3 channels on TV No computers, no cell phones, and usually one phone .People ate together and usually only went into the bedroom to sleep.Someone always knew where the kids were and what they were doing  .I knew everyone on my street now we barely know our next door neighbors.

There is an unmistakeable allure in instant access to information.I just hope we are smart enough and wise enough to navigate though it all.

Trash or Treasure

They were cleaning out their basement and a push mower was taking up space.I had passingly told my daughter about Romano breaking my old push mower , so they gave their old space occupying mower to me. I was like a kid at Christmas. This mower has twice the horse power, a bagger,and all 4 wheels stay at the same level - guess there will be no more weird designs in our yard now. Sometimes    
we get use to accepting less than the best for ourselves. My old mower worked but nothing like the new one. The place I am at now is called getting by.Sometimes we have to spend some time here either by choice or circumstance .
My youngest son and his wife gave me a pair of new work out shoes -granted they were a size too big but after some new inter soles it was like walking on air.Maybe when we get older we like to use things other are throwing out or maybe I am just cheap.My Mom tells me her grand daddy Taylor Long use to climb over the fence so he wouldn't wear out the gate so I can't help it it is genetic.
Guess I need to check with my other kids, no telling what they are throwing out as we speak.

Debbie

I'm at the age where you start losing people.Relatives , classmates , and friends.I got the news about Debbie's passing a few days ago.Our kids grew up together and her husband Larry was a good friend.Larry passed a dozen years ago.About a year ago we stopped by to see her.We talked of old times and laughed and promised we would visit again soon. We get busy and seem to always be in a hurry.  So every time we passed her house we would always stop by next time.There will not be a next time now.
She called me on my 60th birthday and we laughed,always laughed. I will be a pallbearer for her Saturday as I was for Larry.For all they did for me it is the last time I will get to do something for them. I can't say Larry without putting Debbie with him ,even though they got divorced.Love goes beyond that and she will be with him forever as she will be buried beside him. A jester that says far more than words ever could.
I saw something the other day that spoke to my heart "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle".
Debbie thanks for everything.I am better for having known you ,and tell Larry hello.

A good name is better than great riches

I first met him about 20 years ago. We had done some releaf work in Cleveland for about a year and while he was at Berry College he asked me to come by so we could talk. "Sell your practice and come and work for us.The kids all like y'all . This took me back a few thousand years ago when Jesus asked  the same thing to a few fishermen. It was an amazing journey we had in those 13 years..What a unique character Truett was. With all the money in the world  he chose to spend not only his money but his time as well with the foster children.Beachhouse vacations in New Symrna Beach, Christmas parties , college paid for,money matched at graduation for their first car,and beautiful homes to live in.Providing for the first time security and love and always pointing them toward The Lord.
Truett had a speech impediment growing up yet God would transform this into someone who would give over 200 speeches every year.He would grow a Christian business that would do the unheard of by closing on Sundays.
I had many conversations with Truett over the years.He always gave God the credit and he wanted to be a good steward of the resources God had intrusted him with.His walk and his talk were the same
I can see the angels in heaven smiling as Truett throws those cows saying "Eat more Chicken".

Walking

My wife and I started walking in July. Our goal was to do 3 miles per day and extra miles on the weekend to reach 100 miles per month.We have kept pace so far.There are days when we can't walk together and we have found we don't enjoy that nearly as much as we do walking together.Some mornings we get up at 430-5 and walk , it is much cooler then.
For years I would never just walk after all I was a runner.Then Father Time starts tapping on the door and walking starts to look like an excellent option. I finally convinced Jolene to walk in the rain with me and fortunately the lightening stayed away. It is so important to keep moving and to keep doing things together.

There is a peace found in the early hours of morning . There is also a sense of accomplishment knowing that so few of us ever get up at this time much less go out walking . This goes to show you that if we set our minds on something we can do it. And yes it is better to wear out rather than rust out 

Star

I first saw her when she was 9 or 10.We had been in foster care a few years and I decided that girls were like ten times harder than boys.Her brother was there that day as well..She was always happy,and in an instant she found her way into our hearts.For a few years she got to see normal and then this very nice couple wanted to adopt her. They had two boys and she would be their only girl.Seemed like a perfect situation. When people adopt it usually works if they aren't trying to meet a need of theirs but they are doing it for the child.It was Sunday before she would start the 8th grade.The voice on the other end said that she couldn't take it another day and would we take her back.For the next 3 1/2 years there would be basketball games,trips to Florida ,and summer camp.She would learn to drive and work at Super Saver.She would leave us on Jolene's birthday and return to her adoptive parents.5 months later they would kick her out and she would be on her own.A few months after that she would meet the man she would marry on this day 8 years later. We were there at Jacks River.It was a celebration of the love between 2 people.It was special to see the little girl finally find what she had been looking for for so long-a family of her own.

E.R

Julian and Cooper spent the night with me Sunday.We had a great time just hanging out.We were already making plans to play put put  the next time they came.On Monday I get a call there has been an accident and Julian had been injured, also Damien was having chest pains.So Jessica drops the other kids off with Jolene and off to the E.R. we go.It is rare to have two members of one's family in the E.R. At the same time. It also serves as a reminder just how fragile life can be.
Julian had a stress fracture and a cut that took 9 stitches.Damien didn't have a heart attack but the doctors don't know what happened.
Life is good and then out of the blue something like this happens. Of course it would be nice to pretend we could watch and hold them so close that nothing bad would ever occur - but that is not real life.When hard times find us we face them together , pray hard , maybe shed a

few tears , and love each other through it.
Julian cried some but was very brave through the whole ordeal .Jessica was going back and forth between patients.It was a special time for me .In the hard places I want to be there while I can.We are fortunate to live close by,but it is a special thing to love someone so much that when they hurt you do as well.

Choices

Life is funny sometimes.A few hours after lunch my choices are go run or eat a bowl of chocolate ripple. It truly is a series of small choices that makes us who we are. Sometimes I get so wrapped up in doing that I forget to be still.This morning around 545 I was on the porch with my coffee and God.I felt a whisper of a breeze on my face and the fragrance of rain.Most importantly I was visiting with God.Thanking Him for all the things that He has so graciously brought into my life.
I am working in a friends office next week.He wanted a picture of me and a few lines about what I had done so his patients could get to know me.Of course there were no pictures of me without my family so I sent him one with everyone in it.I am at the stage where I am more proud of what my children have done than anything I am doing.Fathers Day always reminds me of how blessed I am.Indeed life is about choices and those choices will make your life.So I have decided to go run and then eat a bowl of ice cream....who says you can't have it all !

38th

I don't know exactly when it happened  but within the last few years two became one and fulfilled His grand design. We have been through it all . It seems like only yesterday when it all began. Time has a way of slipping by quickly.Raising a family with Jolene as my partner was the best gift I could have ever received. We have more time for each other now.Early mornings on the porch with a cup of coffee,walks on the beach,or benging on Netflixs .The pace is slower and indeed life is good.
Of course there will be challenges ahead, but we will simply hold on and stick together. Sometimes it just doesn't get any better than that

It's So Simple

The Bible mentions men who were made to wait on God to move in their lives.There was Moses wondering around in the desert for 40 years before finding the promised land.Joseph in prison for 10 years before running Egypt .Noah building an arc for years and everyone thinking he was crazy,except when it started to rain.So it is nothing knew for people to be tasked with waiting on God.Of course it is easy to tell someone to be patient .
There is only so much sand in the hourglass of life.We have to find a way to be happy and yes content with our place in life,no matter what comes our way.This is the time in my life when I am waiting and asking God what is next. Some days I feel like a racehorse being confined to the barn . A lot of possibilities are rolling around in my head.A friend wants me to be in the pet cremation business. One wants me to start a vending business with him. Another may want me to take over his chiropractic practice.Another has a BBQ restaurant and wants me to help him expand.The question that has gone unanswered is what is it that God wants me involved in.
I awaken at 3am so our conversation begins.I decide to talk less and listens more.Don't be so worried about doing but be more about being with Me in thought ,spirit,and yes actions.In everything overlay it with love.Trust in me with all your heart and soul and lean not on your own understanding.In all things acknowledge me and I will direct your path.
We will never figure everything out. Not only that but there is no need to.His words are so clear......come to Me all of you who are weary and heavy ladened (burdened) and I will give you rest.

Valentine's 2014

It's not flowers nor gifts nor diamond rings

But a heartful of love I bring

It's not youth and good looks that make this day

But years together that light the way

Matters of the heart we can't explain

But if given the choice I'd do it again!

Snow Flakes

I woke up this morning and I was 10 again. Snow makes us feel young.The excitement and anticipation of how much will we get is contagious.Jolene ,Brenda,and I went sledding about 730.And yes we were the only ones out at that time.Before that,Jolene who rises with the milkman,was up at 5. At 6 she wakes me and says a man is in our drive-way.Of course it was Brenda and we all had a big laugh.Every now and then we need something to shake us out of our routine and remind us that it is okay to be 10 again even if it is only for a few minutes.Sleds and snowmen make for magical moments.It snowed 8 inches last night -that has only happened a few times in my life.We have a fascination with rare and beautiful things.I could almost see God smiling as the flakes came down.

Pain

This was an unusual weekend for my wife and I.Saturday while doing Yoga she hurt her back and on Sunday while unloading the dishwasher I hurt mine.I truly believe that every chiropractor should experience this from time to time.Helps us relate to those that pass our way and see if we practice what we preach.There were some funny moments as we watched each other hobble to the bathroom or try and perform even the simplest of tasks.It even hurts to laugh sometimes.While physical pain is easy to see it is the mental and or emotional pain that is so much harder to deal with.We both have been blessed with great health as have most people in our family.
There is definitely either a shortage of psychiatrists or too many people needing one.Either way one way or another we will have to figure out our mental health crisis.
Let 's start with some simple things.Walking.Praying.Giving thanks.Eating better.Writing that  note.Making that call.Telling someone you love them.Appreciation.
What was that Mary Poppins use to say,"A spoon full of sugar makes the medicine go down".Lord,ain't that the truth

59

I first saw her in September of 1969.Who would have thought back then that almost 45 years later we would be celebrating her 59 th birthday together. I wanted to take her out to eat and shop but she decided we should stay home and watch a movie and eat leftovers.She gets up everyday and makes the 45 minute drive to Chattanooga everyday to keep us afloat these days.Neither of us would have thought she would have to do this.
For her birthday she did want to do one thing-go hiking at Piney River. Damien took us to this beautiful site with Jessica and all her children and Brenda.God gave us the perfect day and off we went.
There are days that are so perfect that it seems God gave us a gift and set aside this day of 55 degree weather when the next day would be 22.We started off hiking and it was amazing roaring springs with frozen water falls.Blue skies and gentle breezes.The grand kids rotated to each of us.Oh to have their energy again! Julian started out with me.We talked about different things and then those magic words came forth,"Papa, I love you and I just want you to know that we pray for you and your job everyday". Honestly ,I was walking on air the rest of the way. It was Jolene's day but I received one of my most prized gifts that day. One of the many things I love about the Grandkids is their sweetness    One of the best things we could do for each other is to send up prayers each day.Thank you Julian for reminding me of that.Thank you Jessica and Damien for your overwhelming generosity.Thank You Lord for Jolene and how we all see You when we look at her.

Going Home

The first day of 2014.Jolene and I ate supper with Mom.Meatloaf,home made mashed potatoes,English peas ,corn bread ,and peach pie-the best meat loaf I 've ever had.She went to spend the night at 406 Robinhood rd and I stayed with Mom in Grandmother's house. I don't go home enough.Mom usually talks and I listen.I got up early and got the paper and looked at the six houses we own and gave thanks to my Dad who built them.What I would give to have a cup of coffee with him today. We read the paper and talked about her blood pressure.I bought her a new bp cuff at Cosco and brought her manual one home with me.I said goodbye and went to Joe and Loraine's .I put a handle on the back door for Joe and nailed down a step.We stopped by to see Karen and Peter before going to the nursing home to see Jimmy.We walked through the halls and saw a lady bent over in her wheel chair ,vacant stares,a lady smiling and waving,and then Jimmy-his room dark and silent.His brain seems sharp his body just doesn't work so well.The result of a lifetime of bad hands-crazy mother,never knew his fatherland guess what when he had kids he was a lousy father as well.He smoked like a smoke stack,drank like a fish,cussed like a sailor,and always was so negative.Any wonder he had a stroke at 51?Visit a nursing home and if you aren't asking God some questions well your a better person than me.Honestly after 5 minutes I'm ready to run out the door.Fortunately Jolene carries the conversation and we stay 15 or 20 minutes. Jolene's Dad has dementia.We both decided after that visit we would do whatever we could to keep Joe out of a nursing home!Loraine fixed some collards,pinto beans and Mexican cornbread,and a sweet potato pie.I had a gutter to replace so I went to my old office in Calhoun.After finishing that I went inside and thought about how it would be to be there again.It needs painting and some flooring but that would be fun.So this year started well.Shared some time with family whose time is drawing near.Worked  at my office again, and we were reminded about how important family is -especially in the hard places of life.It still sounds strange to me to say the year 2000 and now 2014.Each day is a gift .Let's enjoy the ride