DO BETTER NOW MY CHILD... - Just A Minute Radio for Friday 101231

            Well… we knew, Lord willing, we would eventually get here. The last evening in the year two thousand and ten AD…

 

            Time – in its present form – we perceive as inexorable – inevitable … it ‘marches on.’  So we find ourselves in that 24 hour period of one of the 365 rotations the earth has made in the approximate period it takes for the earth to travel in its inexorable, inevitable circuit around the sun.  So we label this the 365^th day of the journey. And if we’re being persnickety, perhaps we’ll add ¼ of a day to that in our minds, and bring back the correct calendar date in 2012 when we will add in the 29^th day of February to make things kosher – calling it ‘leap year’ – and continue our stumbling, imprecise making circles in the solar system as we believe we have for so long – well at least so long!

 

            In my case, by the reckoning passed along to me by my parents and the birth certificate which I’m glad to release to anyone who *really and truly* wants to certify that I was born in Roanoke, Virginia USA on January 31, 1932 – in case they wish to run me for President in that year… I will not hide the document in a lock box in Kenya.

 

            Actually we mark time by ‘intervals.’ We rather arbitrarily have divided up a minute into sixty seconds, because we can make 60 of those intervals fit into an hour interval – when we have accomplished 24 of those intervals we say that’s another “day”… 364 “days” later we determine we are (almost) back around the circuit to the point where we started and we call that a year… And you can see how all that is accomplished. If you want more details I recommend the National Bureau of Standards which will gladly point you to their time signals being broadcast around the world that subdivide those intervals into smaller segment…aHHHHhhh! somebody stole my pencil! Just to keep me from explaining all this???

 

            Oh well… another day another dollar… only now that the Fed’s printing presses are working overtime… the dollars keep shrinking… or didn’t you notice and… OK, Ok… ok… no more explaining. 

 

            We are at the end of the year. Marley can attest to that – I suppose Scrooge can too… although he gets pulled down off the shelf most Christmases… for at least a sample of the March of Time.

 

            On a far more interesting and VALUABLE subject… I would point you to the last book of the Bible … the book entitled “The Revelation of St. John The Devine”  This manuscript was written by the Apostle John on the Isle of Patmos in the Mediterranean Sea in the year of A.D. 96 or thereabouts. And if you’ve never read it – I recommend it highly.  It is difficult to comprehend it its entirety – no doubt. But just read the three verses of introduction in our English Bible – which we’ve labeled the King James Version because it was written by order of the English King.

 

            “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God Gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel to his servant John: Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all the things that he saw. Blessed is he that readeth and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.”

 

            That went by quickly didn’t it?  And your interest is stirred I suspect, more than just a little.  And do you see the blessings that await the readers and hearers of God’s word – who keep ‘those things that are written therein’ – why?  The time – the END OF TIME is at hand!

 

            Well – those words are simple, and understandable… and we are blessed if we hear and obey them.

 

            May the Lord, in HIS wisdom and power bring these things to your mind this very day.

 

            Cordially, IN HIM

 

            Barbara and Jack Buttram – Have a blessed New Year Celebration with the Lord!

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“JUST A MINUTE”

DO BETTER NOW MY CHILD

          Just a minute: - Kathleen M. Wheeler is a lecturer and author of Cambridge University – whose poem “A New Leaf” is included in a book of “Inspirational and Devotional Verse” collected by Dr. Bob Jones, Jr. and now out of print. It is appropriate at the beginning of another year.                                                                “A New Leaf”

He came to my desk with a quivering lip, the lesson was done.

“Have you a new sheet for me, dear teacher? I’ve spoiled this one.”

I took his sheet, all soiled and blotted,

And gave him a new one all unspotted.

 And into his tired heart I cried, “Do better now, my child.”

I went to the throne with a trembling heart, the day was done.

“Have you a new day for me, dear Master? I’ve spoiled this one.”

He took my day, all soiled and blotted,

And gave me a new one all unspotted.

And into my tired heart he cried,

“Do better now, my child.”

<>I’m Jack Buttram. (END)

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WHATEVER HAPPENED TO 2011? Just A Minute Radio for Dec. 31 2010 -- 101230

            Here we are at the scrag end of two thousand and ten…

           

            Movin’ on to 2011 at midnight tonight.  What does it hold? 

 

            Today’s Just A Minute program gives a quick look at those who might likely be candidates in 2011 – but whatever happened to 2011? Is that just a ‘spacer’ year stuck in there to keep the calendars from bumping into each other?

 

            Well… right now most speculation and trepidation seems to be centered around what’s going to happen when the rubber meets the road of trying to cut back spending to the levels of 2008.  I think that’s a pretty shaky goal myself. Looking back at the mess in progress at that time gives one little confidence about the days ahead.  Two thousand eight seems to have been the steepest part of the financial slide… I think… but we’re not dead certain that we’ve stopped sliding.

 

            Today’s news said $5 a gallon gasoline is on the horizon… I can realistically remember the gas lines at the pumps back several decades ago…we parked at the pumps just to be able to get *any* gasoline at all.  I don’t even like to *think* about it.

 

            But, as usual, we found a way out – and I chide myself whenever I allow my thoughts to slide over into that kind of bind. I know the answer to concern about those kinds of problems is prayer… and we DO have those kinds of problems in the world today.  Haiti comes to mind. That is one poor country – at the bottom of the well… and despite the best efforts I’ve been able to observe personally in Christian missions and relief work of all sorts… that country is simply living desolation. I commend all who make efforts to lift the fallen nation from the ditch.

 

            At the same time – in my heart I know in places like that and in Afghanistan, Venezuela, China and other third world countries who are in societies dominated by corruption and what I consider to be immoral governments – if calling them governments is not too rich a profile – I confess to be almost completely at a loss to come upon a solution to the problems they face. As a Christian the only practical thing to do is to pray.  We give to a certain number of relief efforts as we can – but ours are just a small drop in a leaky bucket.

 

            One has to look only at the degradation in place in countries like India, China and other third world economies to realize the solution is beyond any human answer – the solution *must* come from the supernatural… When God determines the time is up – and the world must come to its conclusion…  then that will be the day when we see through it all – and know that HE is on the throne and will roll back the curtains of night.

 

            That’s about as hopeful as I can get from the observations I can make. All I can do is repeat:  I *know* that my REDEEMER Liveth… and look forward to HIS soon return.

 

            Cordially, IN HIM

 

            Jack

 

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“JUST A MINUTE”

WHATEVER HAPPENED TO 2011?

          Just a minute: - Look, I *try* to get a line on a comment for today and all the news sources have got roundups on the 2012 election.  Already? Yep.

Former Virginia Governor and Senator George Allen is counting his chances to re-claim the senate prize he lost to Jim Webb. Will he make a run at it? He says yes – the Virginia electorate says: “If you win your party’s primary.”

In New Hampshire John Sununu says he’ll not be seeking to fill Judd Gregg’s senate seat -- New Hampshire’s former Attorney General Kelly Ayotte, is being asked wouldn’t she like to run?

Next -- turning to previews of coming attractions: John Thune of South Dakota is considering the run he *plans* to make for the presidency in 2012. He’s just been re-seated in the office he won in 2006 from Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle.  Others in the presidential starting blocks, include former governors Romney, Huckabee, Palin, and think about this one – Linda Lingle, twice elected as Republican Governor of Hawaii? 

Whatever happened to the year two thousand and eleven?

<>I’m Jack Buttram. (END)

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2nd Addendum to 101227

“JUST A MINUTE”

BACK TO THE MONKEY BUSINESS    

Just a Minute: I hoped after the strains of *Peace on Earth Good Will to Men* –penetrated the walls of Ice Queen Lisa Murkowski’s igloo, there would be a signal she wants to learn how to get along with her supposedly ‘fellow’ Republicans, or at least Alaskans. But, she’s casting herself in another mold.

Thumbing through the mess of reports arriving from snowbound DC – I find messages that indicate the fiery daughter of her senatorial father Frank, is out to wreak vengeance on all who stand in her way of holding on to her Alaskan seat and leadership position.

How does that couplet go? --  “(Expletive deleted) hath no fury, like a ‘woman scorned! " That’s the theme running through vocalizations of ladies from Maine and other Northeastern states like New York.

            OK – maybe my sensitive ears are just too sensitive – But Miz Murkowski gets pretty rock-solid support from other North Eastern elected ladies… Maine, Michigan and I possibly other venues from which we have yet to hear.  

<> I’m Jack Buttram. (END)

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AT EARL 'N' LESTER'S, THEY WRAP UP THE YEAR -- For Just A Minute Radio - Wednesday Dec. 28

            Well we’s gittin’ down to the bitter dregs…

 

            At least that’s the way *some* of the folks at Earl & Lester’s Bait Shop and Sushi Bar located near Playfair on the Caroliner line.  Way out in this western part of the ‘wilds’ of CarolinER – some folks feel too embarrassed to pronounce it like the ‘natives’ do.  It’s just one of those crazy things… sort of like certain residents of London speak with a “Big Ben”  brogue – Big Ben, is sometimes called “BEN BOW” – I don’t know why…. Some of the folks who live within the area served by the sound of the chimes have a distinctive pattern to their speech – rather easily identified by the folks who live there.

 

            The most familiar to Americans perhaps is what’s called …??  Well now I’ve forgotten the term (ed. Cockney) – anyway British soldiers in WWII used to be called “Limey” – I don’t know why to that either?  Very bright artificial lights used to be names ‘limelights’ – “Being in the Limelight” – meant you were in the spotlight… it was aimed at you on the stage.  Somebody will come along and inform us. That’s my ‘swiss cheese’ memory at work again… holes in it.

 

            But today’s exchange at Earl ‘n’ Lester’s just shows we’re all human and after intense days of getting ready for Christmas and the holidays – sometimes the shine wears off … or at least wears thin… and we take refuge in our emotional tent.  And most of our friends… at least not our ‘best’ friends won’t … be troubled – but others might not understand. Well – that’s the way things work out… or don’t work out as the case may be.

 

            What I find keeps me on keel… or ‘straight up’ as some sailors might term it, is to turn to the word of God… which has been hidden away – profitably in your heart and mind. Here’s the one that came to me this morning:

 

            “Thou hast dealt well with thy servant O, Lord according unto thy word.” Ps. 119:65 

 

            Now that’s a simple little passage you say – and not difficult to understand or accept…. But as you go to look it up… I suspect the Lord will bring something else to your mind – and the Holy Spirit will guide your thoughts into HIS path… if you’ll take the time and read – and listen.

 

            Just this morning I was speaking to my adopted granddaughter – she and her sister are visiting along with their foster parents – and things are being learned and forgotten and rough edges smoothed… all in the space of a short holiday.  It’s very instructive.  I imagine Miz Pearly and Mr. Billy-bob will come to the same kind of accommodation and understanding before the week is out. That’s the way it is with families and friends – things are accomplished that one might think would never happen. Like the movie “Miracle on 34^th St.” – or “It’s a Wonderful Life.” – You just never know when you’re going to bump into education.

 

            At a time of multiple blessings – like these holidays that often get hectic and we can’t quite get settled on all the things we want to do and appreciate – we simply turn to the Lord and say, and mean, thank you Lord!  For HE LIVES – He lives within our hearts!

 

            May the Lord bless you and yours this year and next.

 

            Cordially, IN HIM

 

            Barbara and Jack

Delayed audio link:

 

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BIG QUESTION HANGING IN THE AIR -- OBAMA CARE! -- For Just A Minute Radio Tuesday 101228

            Howdy everybody….Well things have slowed down around our house to an after Christmas walk…

 

            I’m mainly thankful about NOT having to do a lot of snow shoveling. Probably the people more thankful than I are those Michiganders and Wisconsonites who know what winter’s all about… and don’t even mention those who used to live in Buffalo…

 

            I was thinking about it as I enjoyed the sunshine and blue sky – and I began to think maybe they know how to really get a ‘charge’ out of a sunshine day and especially when one doesn’t have to man the shovels.  For a while a few years back I did some consulting work in Sun City ARIZONA.  A few folks out there (maybe more than a few) participated in a style of lawn-keeping called – “Desert”….I had never seen that up close before… but it can be quite attractive. It can also get boring pretty quick.

 

            Several times I saw make-believe snowmen… with either a shovel or a rusted out snowblower… one jolly old fellow held a sign that read; ‘HO, HO, HO – NO SNOW!  Another had an old reel-type push lawn mower he had give a gilt coat of glittery paint – it had no sign it just sat in a yard full of cacti and beautiful red rocks…  No mowing there!

 

            You can wander down many pathways when you start to knit things together… Shakespeare’s Hamlet does so in his famous to be or not to be soliloquy – contemplating what lies beyond the grave he considers that ‘undiscover'd country from whose bourn No traveller returns, puzzles the will, And makes us rather bear those ills we have --Than fly to others that we know not of?’  

           

            Of course we have no way of knowing what course of belief the imagined character “Hamlet” believed or accepted in his heart – and there’s little fruit to be grasped in such cases since there’s no way to ‘interview’ Hamlet dead or alive.  But nice sunshiny day like we had yesterday is pleasant to contemplate and enjoy.

 

            One of the great enjoyments of being a Christian is to have something certain to cling to and stand on… solid rock. I’m a fully convinced, practicing Christian – saved by the Grace of God and gladly pointing anyone who is interested to the Lord Jesus Christ – not to ‘earn’ eternal life, for no one can do that – but the Bible is the surest way to spiritual life and growth.

 

            Well – enough ramblin’ for today. Look for you tomorrow over at Playfair.

 

            Cordially, IN HIM

        Jack

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“JUST A MINUTE”

BIG QUESTION HANGING IN THE AIR – WHAT HAPPENS TO “OBAMA-CARE?”

          Just a minute: - The big question hanging over the reorganized Congress in the coming two years is “What happens to Obama care?”  That, and what happens when the continuing resolution which keeps government funded runs out sometime in March? 

Latest data in the Wall St. Journal and other outlets -- includes a Federal Judge’s ruling saying requiring an individual to buy health insurance is unconstitutional --  Increases the percentage of Americans who believe ObamaCare will be set aside.

The Rasmussen Reports latest national survey finds 52% of likely voters think it's somewhat likely the law will be junked compared with 33% who think that’s unlikely.  It’s the first time a majority has gone negative on the proposal.

You have to go back to July 2009, before the details were known, to find a majority of Americans supporting the health-care bill. Since more information about the bill gradually became known a consistent majority or plurality oppose it in every major poll. Rasmussen says the negative number now stands at 55% in its survey, with only  40% in favor.

Looks like rough sailing.

<>I’m Jack Buttram. (END)

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BACK TO THE MONKEY BUSINESS - Just A Minute Radio for Monday 101227

            Hard to believe but here we are at the last week of December 2010…

 

            The world seems to spin by faster and faster.  This year particularly while we have what’s known as the ‘lame duck’ session. If I were advising the ‘lame ducks’ of the world I think I’d get them started on something more profitable than taking pot shots at one another across their bows… and trying to figure out just what the winning play would be for 111231 – just think how quickly we got from 1009 to today 101227… it’s like a turbo charged 60 mph wind that threatens to take away *everything.*

 

            For me, somehow, Pat Robertson’s switch from opposing marijuana to however he wants to describe it… I think it’s an atrocity to take a position of supporting the drug.  I don’t have the time or expertise to propose a ‘one size fits all’ remedy for the ailment.  Surely we have enough brains in this great nation to come up with something better.

           

            OK – What?  I hear voices coming across the water…?

 

            I only have a glimmer of what’s possible – and like the ‘one size fits all’ solution I know it’s not an answer to *everyone’s* questions – but I know this:  One of our children was caught up in this malady quite a while ago now.  We didn’t disown  that child, or boot it out of the house.  We set to work, and spent some resources – they were not all money nor did they all cost money – but the application of resources to the problem, thankfully, was successful.  And that child has responded and we all worked through the problem to where we have a useful and productive member of society – and in particular a Christian contributing to the well being and spiritual success of others.

 

            Does that mean that every child must find its own way out of the slough of despair taking the same steps?  No – but there certain basic ones. And I don’t presume to be able to present them here… but I know this… love, and attention including loving discipline does make a great deal of difference. I’m really not an expert – nor a legal or correctional scholar – but there are those in our midst whose experience and dedication to this kind of “falling off the table” so to speak, can make a difference.  Just deciding to ‘call off the war’ won’t do it – and I’m not firing strictly at Pat or his associates.

 

            It’s just when you, as a Christian, come up against a seemingly insoluble problem, our role is not to throw up our hands in despair and surrender.  If we’re in a war with Satan – then let’s proceed properly.  Realistically asses our problems and with love and kindness and fortitude let us proceed toward the victory gate with the LORD in command.

TODAY IN BETHLEHEM HEAR I -- For Just a Minute Radio Friday Dec. 24 - 101224

            Welcome to one of the last Fridays of the year…

 

            ‘Tis true – for children (and the grown-ups who are still children and cherish childhood memories) Christmas Eve has always been to me one of the most exciting days – particularly HOLIDAYS – existent.

 

            I’m sure part of it goes back to the ephemera of Santa… I don’t know quite when the realization finally dawned on me… and things fell into place… particularly and mostly I wondered about the realities of Santa being able to travel from the North Pole to all those houses and the difficulties of sliding down chimneys (especially since we only had a coal-fired, hot air, single grate furnace – if he could get down the chimney – wouldn’t he be singed … an how to get the furnace door unlatched from the inside …) finally it all became clear… just not all at one time.

 

            My brother Jimmy and I had two maiden lady aunts… one older than our Mother and the other younger. They had both followed my Mom and Dad’s migration from South Carolina to Virginia in the ‘30’s when times were really hard down here.  My Dad had abandoned teaching (South Carolina had run out of money to pay teachers and so issued its own ‘scrip’ to keep them working and able to pay the rent and buy groceries I guess.)  So he had become a civil-servant and a part of the U.S. Railway Postal system… His first assignment was Greenville to Columbia – which required them to live in Columbia for a stretch.

 

            My mother always said that summer of 1931 was the hottest she could recall.  She was carrying me…

 

            Well… I’m not going through the childhood memories… but candy cooked in the kitchen – cooled on the back porch, stuffed stockings… freshly cut cedar trees… traveling down from Blacksburg on Christmas Eve where the Sisters lived… and ducking down to hide from Santa’s vigilance so he wouldn’t forget to bring us presents even though we were up after dark… Well.. it’s all still there in the memory closets… Today’s Christmas Eve still doesn’t mount up to the peak of excitement I remember about those days. 

 

            Of course the real reason for the Season… I learned then – and it’s even more precious now… is Christ’s coming to earth *for the purpose of becoming the LAMB OF GOD – the sacrificial lamb to cleanse us from our sinful nature.*  That’s still the most important part of Christmas for which I’m thankful.

 

            The memories were great… but the realities are even greater.  I hope you can share the truths of the Bible at your house – and pray that you do.

 

            God keep you all in Good Cheer and Happiness through this season of rejoicing that the LORD has come!  Praise Be To HIM!

 

            Cordially – and with all good wishes… from our house to yours. 

 

        MERRY CHRISTMAS from the Buttrams to all our Internet Friends!

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“JUST A MINUTE”

TODAY IN BETHLEHEM HEAR I

Just a Minute: Today I’m reading a poem dating to the 7^th century< The poet is a Christian though reared in a high ranking Muslim family. Educated by a Sicilian slave – who had been set free by his father and who subsequently became his adopted brother, The poet is St. John of Damascus – (Trans. by W.C. Dix)

Today in Bethlehem hear I

Sweet angel voices singing,

All glory be to God on high,

Who peace to earth is bringing.

The Virgin Mary holdeth more

Than highest heaven most holy:

Light shines on what was dark before,

And lifteth up the lowly.

 

God wills that peace should be on earth,

And holy exaltation:

Sweet babe, I greet Thy spotless birth,

And wondrous incarnation.

 

Today in Bethlehem hear I

Even the lowly singing;

Angel words that pierce the sky

All earth with joy is ringing.

<> Have a very Blessed Christmas --  I’m Jack Buttram. (END)

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LONDON NEWSIES REVIVE GLOBAL WARMING - Just A Minute Radio for Thursday 101223

            What a lovely time to be alive and expectant of the Birthday of the King.

 

            That is what we are celebrating at this time of year – although most Bible scholars I’ve read and studied with don’t really think Jesus was born on the 25^th of December… As a matter of historical accuracy it’s pretty difficult to get a really close line on exactly which day something happened two millennia ago. There have been many changes of calendars and the way we keep track of days.

 

            In general however it’s thought that the Lord Jesus’ birthday was actually about the times lambs were brought into this world which would be the early part of Spring there in the Middle East… And later historians and would-be revisionists put their spin on it… plus changing from the Georgian to whatever else calendar and the variations the Romans put on counting days affected by the egomania of the more eccentric rulers who wanted to make themselves popular.

 

            Finally calendar makers threw up their collective hands declaring it was the winter solstice that was being celebrated by pagans who set the time in midwinter when the sun starts northward again… and they thought that short day and long night was a good time to have a party and so it went encrusted through the ages.  Personally, I’ve decided it’s the *thought* that matters and I do want to celebrate the Lord Jesus’ birth – when HE was willing to give up Heaven’s mid-day for earth’s midnight as so many preachers have put it.  It was and is a great ‘come down’ for the creator of the universe to humble Himself willingly – become a man – to be able to be our Saviour.

 

            You may find it difficult – but from all I’ve read and studied – and examined carefully -- (not that I’m claiming scholarship or authority of my brain) --convinces me I have a reasonably good hold on the message the Bible conveys, connected through the power of the Trinity – specifically the Holy Spirit – who says “Lo I am with you Always!”  -- and the Psalmist corroborates that with his music and verse Ps 139:9 “If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea – even there shall thy hand lead me and thy right hand shall hold me.”

 

            It’s impossible to go wrong with such assurance and guidance as the Lord provides at HIS good pleasure.  I’m willing to entrust my life to Him… and especially at this time of year it’s wonderful to know despite all the sin and strife – misunderstandings and illness and horrible crimes between individuals – that HE IS IN CHARGE.  I have no doubts about it – and hope you will (If you have not already) come to the place where you place your faith and trust in the Lord Jesus – who lives and abides forever!

 

Well… I’m not expert in these matters – and it’s far easier for me to believe what the Bible says and trust in HIM… than anything else I’ve ever read or seen or witnessed. 

 

Jesus IS the reason for the season.

 

Cordially, IN HIM

 

Jack (and Barbara) Buttram

Wishing a Blessed Christmas to you All.

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“JUST A MINUTE”

LONDON NEWSIES REVIVE GLOBAL WARMING

Just a Minute: -- Ten years ago in London, they perceived a revival of Global Warming evidence. – at least according to newspapers of the left.   

“The Independent” , a left-leaning newspaper published in March of 2000 (quoting) “Britain's winter ends tomorrow with further indications of a striking environmental change: snow is starting to disappear from our lives. Sledges, snowmen, snowballs …  are all a rapidly diminishing part of Britain's culture,… scientists [now see] climate change—[as] not only fewer white Christmases, but fewer white Januaries and Februaries.” (unquote)

But ten years later at the *beginning* of winter in 2010, London is under a record snowfall forcing officials at Heathrow -- one of the world’s busiest airdromes to purchase a couple dozen more snow plows needed to for sufficient, timely snow removal.

So much for ‘Global Warming’ evidence.

Now “The Guardian”  -- another leftish newspaper – says this is really what  Global Warming looks like now.

Hmmm --- possibly the editor should Honolulu in December.  Last time we were there we saw Santa wearing fur-trimmed shorts.

 <> I’m Jack Buttram.

 (END)

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WHAT DO THE BAIT SHOP AND SUSHI BAR [PEOPLE] SEE AHEAD? - Just a Minute Radio for Wednesday 101222

            Once more we stand at the peak of the week –

 

            And we’re about to enter the *last* week of 2010 – transitioning to 2011 – which will be a week from Saturday.  Yes the days “grow short when you reach September…” the trees,, except for certain species like evergreens of course – but even the beeches hate to let go – so the brown trees hang in there through the winter…while we attend to our fires, and our parties – and they sing opera during the winter months. [Never figured that one out… especially since it’s hard on tenors and sopranos who are reputedly the ‘stars’ – unless of course they aren’t.]

 

            The Winter has certainly made itself felt in the Northwest, Upper Midwest, and I guess the Northeast figures in for a tough winter start too. BUT a grand section of the country is Going to have a WHITE CHRISTMAS –so all those pictures we carry around in our heads during the carol season soon reaching its end will actually come true in the Artist Thomas Kincade tradition of snow, and stream, smoke and glitter.  I do remember a snow scene on a piece of my Mother’s Christmas decoration.  Actually brought tears to my eight year old eyes.  I wonder why we remember things like that.  I guess it’s linked in some way to  Irving Berlin’s White Christmas – I don’t know just how I went down this path.  Just getting close to Christmas I guess.

 

            The folks over in Playfair at the Bait Shop and Sushi Bar have slowed down.  Not a whole lot of fishin’ going on… and so as the hunters and baseball players call it – it’s ‘Hot Stove League’ time. Everyone who is an enthusiast of wetting the lines… or getting out to the ball park for nine innings…  for the most part hang around the ‘hot stoves’ and swap stories.  [Stories is used in a semi-generic tone… as in they may not be ‘exactly true’ stories – more like the stories of the dog who ate the homework.]

 

            I hope you are not being panicked by the holidays.  This is a time for families and good fellowship – and particularly of course for taking the time to thank the Lord for HIS blessing and care for us.  I’m aware there are folks out there who don’t share my faith and belief in God… and certainly you are entitled to your beliefs as I am to mine. I just would like for you to know that there are several on your side of the line – so to speak – for whom I pray. I pray for enlightenment and God’s will. I don’t pray from a ‘superior’ or ‘judgmental’ post – at least I certainly try to avoid anything like that.  All I know how to say is I wish and (no other way to say it) pray  for God’s will in your life. I am sure my prayer – in God’s way -- will be answered.  I hope that does not anger you.  I am simply trying to express what I see as the same love the Lord Jesus had when he – at the Father’s instruction – gave up his throne and kingly position to become a human and die in my place – suffering the punishment, taking the blows I should have taken…  Well… that’s about as far as I think you would have me go right now.

 

            Meantime – for those who will enjoy family fellowship and blessing – Our family sends yours the warmest good wishes and blessing of the season.

 

            Cordially, IN HIM

 

            Barbara and Jack Buttram

 

 “JUST A MINUTE”

WHAT DO THE BAIT SHOP AND SUSHI BAR SEE AHEAD?

 

JACK: JUST A MINUTE: – We’re almost at the end of the year Billy-bob.

BB: Time to wrap hit up an…

MizP: An clean out th’ cobwebs -- this place needs a- straitnin…

Jack: How about a lightin’ round like they do on the news shows…

Homer: At’s a good idear,…

BB: Ah’ll start off wif Mitch McConnell a- tellin’ th House Demi-crats if they’s a-sweatin’

            Now – wait’ll nex year!

Jack: That’s fair game Billy-bob – since you’ve shot your bullet -- let’s hear from Homer…

Homer: OK … Ah wuz inclined to say the same as Mr. Beelie… but  on this  first full

             day of winter… how ‘bout some tips on keepin’ warm.

MizP: Well … Ah’m listnin’

Homer: Two thangs ah was thankin’ ‘bout… first’un is ta wear a hat er a cap…

BB: At’s rite Homer -- lotsa heat goes out th scalp…

MizP: Specially if’n th’ insulation is spare up there!...

Homer: Rite there Miz P – an wear layers of clothin’ so you kin adjust.

Jack: Very good, Homer.

MizP: You kin make you home feel warmer if’n you block the drafts and keep the kitchen cozy.

Jack:  All good ideas – I’d add to that, warm socks that help you feel warm. Miz Pearl?

MizP: I’s jist  gonna praise Miz Palin fer keepin’ her cool. Tha-ut smarty Miz BeHar done 

            laughed her fer readin’ chilluns books… That’s the best thay is.

Jack: Books like by C.S. Lewis?

MizP: Rite… er Mr. Tolkeen… ‘bout th’ hobbits an thangs.

Jack: Excellent Miz Pearlie… 

BB: So your suggestin.. Mr. J?

Jack:  I’d just leave you with this Scripture in 1^st John 3:2 …” for we know that when He

            shall appear we shall be like Him for we shall see Him as He is. “

MizP: Fowah awl of us --.   Have a blessed Christmas everyone!

<>I’m Jack Buttram. (End)     

 

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