Ale for the Soul

"I'll do that..." or "That will happen when Hell freezes over!"  Have you ever heard someone say it, or have been guilty of that statement yourself?  Well, guess what?  Today is the day when you must fulfill your end of the bargain, because, yep, you guessed it, today is National Hell Freezing Over Day.  I couldn't believe it when I read it, but this is a legitimate holiday, however much you may or may not find it on a credible calendar.  The aforementioned comment may be a lot of fun to say or spoken in jest, but Hell is a very real place.  Both the spiritual world and the physical world are not separate entities.  They are connected in very real ways as the spiritual world encompasses the physical realm, and influences what happens on earth to a great degree.  Whether or not you believe a God exists, I promise you He does.  Of course I pray and hope a person doesn't wait till death to realize there is a God and a place called Hell.  By...

The very first month of 2016 was good.  Most of the time I rate a month, or anything for that matter, by simply weighing the positives against the negatives to see which one prevails.  Usually this works as I try not complicate life by reading too much in to a situation.  In other words, my motto is to keep it simple.  However, I must say this month was a draw in the ratio of positives versus negatives.  So what made this month a good one?  The answer is seeing hurdles come my way and having the mindset to deal with them instead of throwing my hands up in resignation.  There were several key issues to come across my path which would normally cause me to take the path of least resistance in how I dealt with the perceived "crises".  First was acquiring and learning the technology aspect of the new job I gained.  Next was in dealing with an unexpected financial disbursement from the University of Texas in Arlington, when I'm not even a student. ...

In the year that King Uzziah  died,  I saw the Lord,  high and exalted,  seated on a throne;  and the train of his robe  filled the temple.     Above him were seraphim,  each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet,  and with two they were flying.     And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy , holy is the  Lord  Almighty;      the whole earth  is full of his glory.” At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke.   “Woe  to me!” I cried. “I am ruined!  For I am a man of unclean lips,  and I live among a people of unclean lips,  and my eyes have seen  the King,  the  Lord  Almighty.”   Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal  in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar.     With it he to...

In the month I have been working at the new job, I have noticed a weight loss of exactly eleven pounds.  Of course I was excited about the discovery.  With the addition of the new form of employment, plus other blessings which have fallen in to place, I have noticed more energy and that I am less lethargic.  Maybe this is more emotional and mental as I feel like I am currently walking in the will of God, meaning I have more purpose and reason to wake up each and every day.  Earlier this afternoon I met with one of the pastors at church.  We talked about having hope, and finding a resulting peace.  Without hope, one has nothing to lose and nothing for which to live.  Having no hope makes for a miserable existence, and causes a withering of the soul and spirit of a person.  Hope in Jesus Christ is the only true hope.  Toward the end of 2015, when nothing seemed to be going my way, I was driven to begin reading the Bible and praying again. ...

That's life (that's life), that's what all the people say You're ridin' high in April, shot down in May But I know I'm gonna change that tune When I'm back on top, back on top in June I said that's life (that's life), and as funny as it may seem Some people get their kicks stompin' on a dream But I don't let it, let it get me down 'cause this fine old world, it keeps spinnin' around I've been a puppet, a pauper, a pirate, a poet, a pawn and a king I've been up and down and over and out and I know one thing Each time I find myself flat on my face I pick myself up and get back in the race That's life (that's life), I tell you I can't deny it I thought of quitting, baby, but my heart just ain't gonna buy it And if I didn't think it was worth one single try I'd jump right on a big bird and then I'd fly I've been a puppet, a pauper, a pirate, a poet, a pawn and a king I've been up and down and ov...

I am about a week late in celebrating this Texas' holiday, but the history behind it is still worth noting.  From the beginning, allow me to clear the air by stating this holiday is not about slavery or the black and white issue.  It is simply a celebration of the military veterans who served in the Confederate army during the Civil War.  Even if someone looks down upon the South and its perceived issues of what it stood for, hopefully one can still honor the valor and conviction of belief the citizens and soldiers held.  They stood by their convictions enough to take up arms against a perceived aggressor.  Initially the holiday was designated in honor of Robert E. Lee's birthday, but in 1931 the State of Texas renamed it Confederate Heroes Day and made it an official holiday.  The holiday typically falls on the day after the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.  I strongly urge my readership to research the holiday on the internet or through the written wo...

In the day and age of advanced technologies, especially typing documents on computer programs, penmanship is a lost art form.  What in the world did we do before the marvelous inventions of the printing press and computer programs?  Well, the answer is simple...we hand wrote everything.  I wonder if Gutenberg full realized how revolutionary his invention was?  In a matter of a few hundred years, technology has exploded.  In fact, the very act of creating the printing press with move-able type was in itself revolutionary.  No longer do we as humans have to rely on the tedious act of jotting down every thing by hand.  I can only speak for myself when I express how thankful I am for his invention and the subsequent improvements made over the centuries.  As a result, my very hand cramps whenever I must write for any extended length of time.  Yes, I am spoiled to the luxuries of the advanced typewriter of sorts.  However, at times I am amazed...

Every day ought to be a celebration, especially a celebration of life.  There have been quite a few instances in my life I underwent some very dark times, but God always walked with me.  Not only did I get through those trials and struggles, but I came out a better person much richer in personal experience and wisdom.  I like to call these times the refiner's fire.  Diamonds are formed under intense pressure.  Gold and silver have to be mined, and then purified through intense heat to draw off the impurities.  The process of making all these precious gems are not pretty, but they are necessary to bring forth value and substance.  The end result gives cause to celebrate the bounty of blessings God bestows.  God is seeking His glory and worship through shaping and molding us in to the image of His Son Jesus.  Whether you are in a trial or an oasis of blessing right now, give praise for the process you are currently undergoing.  Life is cyc...

I like this holiday!  As an avid camper, one of the many activities I like to perform is hiking.  But I don't have to limit myself to walking and enjoying the outdoors only while I'm camping.  In the City of Fort Worth, there are many city parks dotting the landscape and hiking trails snaking their way through the area.  There are so many, I am without excuse for not taking advantage of the beauty which surrounds me.  I firmly believe the earth (creation) gives testimony to the living God, proof there is a creator.  The odds all this came about through evolution are even worse than that of winning the lottery.  I have a better chance of winning the lottery, than the probability some mystical primordial ooze began evolving in to what I see today.  Take the time for a walk in the outdoors, and rejoice in what God has made.  Give Him praise and worship for life and all the blessings He has given you. Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the L...

“I am  the true vine,  and my Father is the gardener.    He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit,  while every branch that does bear fruit  he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.    You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.    Remain in me, as I also remain in you.  No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.   “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit;  apart from me you can do nothing.   If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me  and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory,  that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.   “As...

Last year a married couple in my Toastmasters Club discovered they were expecting.  Yes, this means pregnant!  As the husband was sharing the news, he stated, "I'm about to become a father."  This statement didn't soak in at first, but I then began to think about it.  "I'm ABOUT to become a father."  Hmm!  For those of us who profess a relationship with Jesus Christ and believe in the Bible, life begins upon conception in the womb and not at birth.  For the sake of argument, I'll say the question of when life begins started with the landmark Supreme Court decision of Roe v. Wade in 1973.  Does life begin at birth?  Wait, I thought it began after the first two weeks of conception?  The Bible is explicitly clear about the issue.  Psalms 139:13-14 state, "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.  I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full ...

This is a fun holiday to celebrate!  I say this at almost five o'clock in the morning while enjoying a cup of French Vanilla coffee.  Yes, I am very much a morning person, and one who enjoys his java.  In fact, I can usually enjoy a good cup of coffee right up till about the mid-afternoon.  In 1996 I took on my very first management position with Gloria Jeans Gourmet Coffees in the Galleria Mall located in Houston, Texas.  This was quite an education as I didn't realize how much there was to learn about the coffee industry.  First I learned the difference between Arabica and robusto beans.  Then I became fascinated with the different type of grinder settings, and which was used for the various types of coffee machines on the market.  Next was how the coffee beans were flavored.  I could go on and on.  By no means am I an expert or sophisticated connoisseur, but I am also no idiot when it comes to my knowledge of coffee beans and the art ...

You saw me crying in the chapel The tears I shed were tears of joy I know the meaning of contentment I am happy with the Lord Just a plain and simple chapel Where all good people go to pray I prayed the Lord that I'll grow stronger As I live from day to day I searched and I searched but I couldn't find No way on earth to find peace of mind Now, I'm happy in the chapel Where people are of one accord Yes, we gather in the chapel Just to sing and praise the Lord You'll search and you'll search but you'll never find No way on earth to find peace of mind Take your troubles to the chapel Get down on your knees and pray Then your burdens will be lighter And you'll surely find a way

From first-hand experience, providing customer service in any way, shape, and form is not easy.  Over the years my tolerance for inappropriate behavior from the customer has diminished to almost nil.  The old adage "The customer is always right!" has turned in to a license for people to demand stuff not deserved, to verbally abuse and berate the person trying to help, and a whole litany of other demeaning behaviors.  I have been around the block long enough in retail and customer service to expect and demand reciprocal behavior from the customer.  Whether or not I like the person I'm dealing with, I am civil and respectful and expect the same in return.  Recently, in working at the smoke shop, I kicked out and banned a customer from the store for his atrociously rude behavior.  Personally I found it revolting people actually behave this way in public, ignorant of what the problem is.  Much of this is due to the "Me Generation".  People seem incapa...

Finally, be strong in the Lord  and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God,  so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood,  but against the rulers, against the authorities,  against the powers  of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God,  so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand  your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith,  with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation  and the sword of the Spirit,  which is the word of God. (Ephesians 6:...

Well, it's a brand new day and already this world's closing in The telephone rings and here I go again And I need You here to bring some rest to my heart I whisper Your name and Lord right there You are When I'm with You this world stops turning One look in Your eyes and my heart stops hurting I love the way that You know just what to do with me When I'm with You We've all had those days when nothing would work out right Those up and down days, returning to sleep last night And we need You here to bring some rest to our heart We whisper Your name and Lord right here You are When I'm with You this world stops turning One look in Your eyes and my heart stops hurting I love the way that You know just what to do with me When I'm with You One day the sun and the moon will stop shining And every star is gonna fall from heaven But on that day I won't be afraid I know You'll be there beside me When I'm with You this world stops turning One look i...

** Speech given at Toastmasters**                  Beginning in junior high school, an action was incorporated in to my daily routine which I have stuck with, somewhat consistently, for years to come including the present-day.  What is it you may ask?  Journaling.  Recently I discovered several spiral notebooks with handwritten journal entries from the mid-1990s.  I have been fascinated to read of these old memories long forgotten.  Definitely this has been a trip down memory lane as I have typed up all the old journal entries in to my computer.  I challenge each of you to begin journaling as there are many health benefits woven in to the art.                 First, what is journaling?  This word can contain many meanings to many people and can become tailored to the individual keeping the journal.  Entries in to your “diary”...

This holiday is a relief to see.  National Work Harder Day!  Throughout my working career, I have observed how the work ethic has disintegrated.  People working just hard enough to not get fired or griped at by their boss.  This is if people work at all.  There is such a sense of entitlement among the populace, I wonder who actually works to pay for all the 'benefits' people receive for doing nothing.  For those who do work, I often hear the phrase, "That's good enough!"  Why shoot for bare minimum?  Doing so is a reflection of the worker involved.  Also, what happened to taking pride in one's job or striving for excellence?  Part of this is the responsibility of the company making the product.  They desire to sell by volume; in other words, quantity not quality.  This is probably why foreign markets are kicking our butt in imports/exports, and the reason why the country's manufacturing base has been gutted and/or has disappear...

For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened,  and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.  (Genesis 3:5) The people kept crying out, "The voice of a god and not of a man!" And immediately an angel of the Lord struck him because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and died.   (Acts 12:23-24) Do not be deceived:  God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh,  from the  flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.  (Galations 6:7-8) This is one of a few obscure holidays which gives cause for concern.  History is filled with people who thought they were God or tried to become God, and the results were always fatal both physically and spiritually.  Eve didn't die physically immediately upon eating the apple, but she died spiritually.  Herod was immediately struck dow...

Whew, this has been a tough week with getting acclimated to the new job.  Learning such a varied position within a company is a lot to absorb and learn, plus establishing a new routine to accommodate the new employment.  First is the job schedule itself, and then I had to move around a few weekly appointments such as the work schedule at the smoke shop.  Stress made itself very readily available as is natural.  I can get so frustrated and flustered when new experiences come my way.  As I get older, I'm not as prone to remain flexible when the unexpected comes my way.  There are a few issues I still need to resolve, such as getting a new phone capable of work apps and overall internet access.  Thankfully God has given me a staunch ally in my mother to support me and to provide a fresh perspective as I get so focused on the problem and not the solution.  She always provides the encouragement to step back, take a deep breath, and look at the dilemma ...

O Lord my God, When I in awesome wonder, Consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made; I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder, Thy power throughout the universe displayed. Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee, How great Thou art, How great Thou art. Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee, How great Thou art, How great Thou art! When through the woods, and forest glades I wander, And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees. When I look down, from lofty mountain grandeur And see the brook, and feel the gentle breeze. Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee, How great Thou art, How great Thou art. Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee, How great Thou art, How great Thou art! And when I think, that God, His Son not sparing; Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in; That on the Cross, my burden gladly bearing, He bled and died to take away my sin. Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee, How great Thou art, How great Thou art. Then sings my soul, My Saviour Go...