My Food Friends

People ask me how I lost weight and kept it off. My first answer is, it's a miracle. Only God could intervene in my addiction to food.

A part of the Lord's workings in my life has been to send me some great food friends. First, He sent me salsa. Bland food could not fill the bill. I needed food that would fight back, yet not be full of calories.

Decaf unsweetened tea is a Godsend. Literally. I've tried water, but it never caught on for me. Tea worked.

Kosher dill pickles are also my friends. I love the crunch and strong burst of flavor they provide. Also, no calories doesn't hurt.

Lemons have been my buddies since I was a kid. I used to buy them at Henson's Grocery Store in Cape for a nickel. I have always enjoyed the way they contort my whole face.

When God thought of a tomato, He had a wonderful thought. When tomatoes are in season, I try to eat one with every meal. I cover them in pepper.

I'm suddenly hungry.

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Superman Taught Me To Read

When I started school, and first learned how to read, the thing that helped my reading skill the most was Superman comic books.

We could buy them real cheap at Womack's Drug Store. Mr. Womack was a collector of comic book front covers. Thus we were able to buy the mutilated copies cheap. It didn't matter to me. I devoured every issue. Reading was my ticket to adventure.

Why am I mentioning this? Because yesterday my five year old grandson told me he had watched a show about Superman's birth and escape from Krypton.

The story so impressed Ian that he switched his allegiance from Spiderman to Superman as his favorite super hero. He and I have argued this point often. I'm glad he has finally come around. My cosmos in congruent again. The planets are aligned. All's well with the world.

Let's all celebrate by reading a comic book. It's educational.

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Reading

Have you ever fed the fish at a park and watched their feeding frenzy? I'm in the midst of an intellectual frenzy, reading like a wild man.

I had an interesting observation about the last three books I read. One was a paperback. The second was on a Kindle. The third was on an iPad.

I enjoyed all three. Times have changed, and the mode of delivery is different, but the sheer pleasure of reading a book remains unchanged, thankfully. Happy reading!!

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Celebrate the 4th?

I feel a hesitation among some believers about our churches having worship services that are patriotic. Folks say they don't want to wrap the Bible in the Constitution, hide the Christian flag under the USA flag, or have the National Anthem drown out Amazing Grace.

I realize patriotism can be overdone, but I wonder if we have equated it with being happy with all our government is doing? In other words, are people reluctant to show patriotism when they disagree with decisions being made by the Supreme Court, with laws passed by Congress, or with who occupies the White House?

Be careful, fellow American Christians. No matter how upset we are with the political status quo, as long as we have liberty, we need to celebrate. For 43 years I have preached without government interference. I am grateful for this land of the free. Believers, I'm celebrating the Fourth. I urge you to join me. God bless America.

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Lilly Ruth is 3

Three years ago today, an angel was sent from Heaven into our lives. After 3 wonderful grandsons, we received a precious granddaughter.

Lilly Ruth has lived up to all the billing about what a granddaughter should be. She has for sure had this grandpa wrapped around her finger from the first day.

Today's birthday party was perfect. My two favorite moments involved her parents. It was delightful to see Rebekah seated on the floor helping Lilly Ruth open her gifts. It was as if for a few moments they were the only two on the planet, reveling in each other's attention and affection.

The other arresting scene involved Nathan. Ruth gave Lilly Ruth a Snow White dress. She immediately put it on. Her dad then started playing the theme from the Snow White movie. As Lilly Ruth began to sing and sway, Nathan took her hands and danced with her.

I thought I would burst into tears. It was precious. Maybe at her wedding, instead of Nathan walking her down the aisle, he will waltz her down the aisle to the Snow White theme.

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Velma

Mrs. Huey, Ruth's mom, would have been 88 today. I still miss her. Every time I called, and asked, "Would you like to go. . .?" she interrupted me with a yes before I could finish my sentence.

The Holman Bible I use in my daily devotions was hers. Her name written by her own hand is on the inside cover.

When Ruth or I go to a restaurant, if we are asked what name should be called, we say "Velma". There are many John's and Ruth's in the world, but few Velma's. Using her name assures us we are the ones being called.

This custom works well when Ruth is with me, but certainly raises eyebrows when I'm alone and do it. I simply smile and explain it's in memory of my mother-in-law.

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