Ale for the Soul

Wow, are we really staring down another year already?!  Seems like the older I get, the faster the sands of time move through the hour-glass.  In addition, older age has brought a greater appreciation to the status quo of routine.  Especially now that I hold down two jobs, I eat, sleep, and work, with little personal time for the few pleasures I enjoy out of life.  Of course I don't intend to sound so glum...life isn't as gloom-and-doom as I make it sound like.  During the course of 2017, I was able to visit family on several occasions, including a surprise visit by family as they travelled to Fort Worth on a weekend in August.  Another blessing is the securing of a second form of employment.  In the year and few months the cigar shop has been closed, I simply could not financially sustain myself on the one income working for TNG.  Severely under-employed, I kept an eye open for a second job.  After a few false hopes, I finally found a job as the baker for Einstein Bros. Bagels

"To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified."—Isaiah 61:3. When soldiers are on the march, or advancing to the battle, military men think it wise to let the trumpet sound, that the warriors may be stimulated by the thrilling music. Many a weary soldier has tramped on with new vigor when the band has struck up a lively march, or a soul-moving tune. In the midst of our present Christian service, my brethren, when I trust all of you have resolved to come to the help of the Lord—to the help of the Lord against the mighty—we would bid the silver trumpets of gospel promise sound aloud, that the hosts of God as they march on in battle array may feel their pulses quickened and their souls cheered. May times of revival be also seasons of refreshing. In times of great t

On December 27, 1973, yours truly entered the world...kicking and screaming, I'm sure.  Forty-four years later, I'm still not certain what I got myself in to.  Nonetheless, here I am!  One thing that I can count on, is the hands of time stop for no one.  Both when I clocked in and out for work this morning, a message flashed across the screen for all to see.  It read, "Happy birthday, Phillip".  I was super-excited about the recognition from whomever took the time to download such a message, but I didn't really want it emblazoned across the computer screen like it was.  The older I get, the more I seek a quiet affair regarding my birthday.  At any rate, I was appreciative of the warm thoughts and kind gesture.  Then I received an email from the Perk, a coffee shop located inside Christ Chapel Bible Church.  (The Perk is owned by the church, and all profits are used for missions.)  The email wished me a Happy Birthday and offered a cup of java gratis, which I am cu

Merry Christ-mas!  Yes, I hyphenated the word on purpose because I don't ever want to forget the story behind the holiday.  I am compelled to do so as I recognize how commercialization has hijacked the true Christmas story.  In addition, political correctness, along with followers of other faiths who seethe with hatred for those who don't reciprocate their beliefs, have turned Christianity, with its accompanying tenets, in to thought crimes.  Freedom of expression and to practice "religion" have been squelched out of fear of offending someone else.  (How sad!)  Christmas isn't about Santa and his elves or reindeer, how many presents I receive under the tree, or a three-day weekend off from work.  Not only during December, but also throughout the entire year, I must remember how God the Son came to Earth as a baby in order to reclaim and redeem his creation.  Romans 8:20-23 reminds us: "For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because

Friends are a blessing, especially close ones who have stuck by me through good times and bad.  Today I had one of my two best friends travel to Dallas for a time of fellowship.  After I clocked out from working at the bagel shop, I got cleaned up in order to meet him at the hotel where he was staying in Dallas.  Our time together was short but ever so sweet.  We ate at a boutique restaurant called the Meddlesome Moth .  Places like this fall under the category of Gastropub, or, as it was explained to me, an eatery that offers comfort food.  The term gastropub was a new term for yours truly, but I always enjoy entertaining new experiences.  Afterward, we shopped at Fry's electronics and then headed back to the hotel.  Of course we talked about old times, our present state of affairs, and of the future.  My friend turns fifty on Monday, while I turn forty-four on Wednesday.  Yes, we are all getting older and more mellow, but the future is bright for us.  He was simply spending the n

Living in a bubble of my own, I have lost track of a lot of stuff.  Apparently, today is the first day of winter, and it came upon me rather unexpectedly.  In addition, Christmas is only five days away, and I still have a few gifts to get for family members.  Guess I better put myself in gear and take care of what needs to be done.  Next February marks eight years I have been living in Fort Worth.  Located in North Texas, the area is more prone to ice and snow than the more temperate climates of Houston and Victoria, where I lived for most of my life.  Even after these few years of residence in the area, I'm still not accustomed to those times of harsh precipitation.  Thankfully, the previous two winters have been very mild in regard to those two concerns.  People more experienced in that type of weather, along with owning a 4x4 vehicle, have an advantage.  For me, simply the threat of snow and ice causes stress and agitation.  One of my jobs requires weekly traveling.  Maybe this

Sometimes I wish I had a pair of blinders To cut down my point of view Maybe then I could concentrate On just living my life for You I'm just a temple of flesh and blood Who daily must decide Whether to bow to the temple wall Or to the spirit locked inside Tonight I've got my heart By the throat I'm gonna stay here Till my whole body knows I commit my heart to the heavens I stand to praise Your name I commit my heart to the heavens I am here to praise your name I say this simply with no regrets I was born to testify There's no shame in being Your servant It's the highest call in life Still I need to remind myself That I'm happiest on my knees When I am thanking You for who You are And all that You've done for me Before these words burn a hole On my tongue I'm gonna praise You For all You've done I commit my heart to the heavens I stand to praise Your name I commit my heart to the heavens I am here to praise your name I commit I commit

In the Biblical book of John chapter five versus one through eighteen, Jesus speaks to a man who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years.  After a short conversation, Jesus simply says to the man, "Get up!  Pick up your mat and walk."  Wow!  I am reminded of this parable time and again in dealing with my own back issues.  Some time ago, I went to see the doctor and was diagnosed with muscle strain and spasms.  About the only prescription for relief she could provide was for muscle relaxers and physical therapy.  Initially, the medication worked wonders, and then it began to wane in effect.  Now, for some reason, my back feels great, and I haven't been taking the medicine.  I do wonder what happened to cause my back to feel this good; in fact, it hasn't felt this great in a very long time.  Of course there is some residual discomfort, but I am experiencing extreme relief from what had been ailing me for well over a year or longer.  Maybe I shouldn't wonder as I

On Wednesday evening, I experienced the strangest occurrence: I was banned from the Kroger's on University Drive.  The alleged reason was I made someone, presumably another employee, feel uncomfortable.  (The manager didn't have any details to provide, or at least he feigned ignorance.)  For the life of me, I could not think of a time when I spoke or behaved contextually inappropriately.  I know and get along with most of the staff; in fact, a lot of us heckle one another relentlessly.  Again, I was in utter shock by the accusation.  In speaking with a family member, the reminder was given that people often don't know how to take me with my strong command of the English language and sudden frankness.  The advice was sound but doesn't solve the dilemma at-hand.  Immediately following the incident, I reported what happened to the supervisor.  She was as shocked as I was.  Who knows what will come of this, but, in the meantime, I am no longer allowed in this particular Kro

**Article submitted to the periodical Writer's Digest.** “We’re on a mission from God!” explains Jake and Elwood Blues to the Mother Superior.  This is exactly what comes to mind when I consider the innate gifting of pen God has bestowed upon me.   The parable of the talents in the Gospel of Matthew continually stares me in the face, as well.   At the other extreme, I also feel a Jonah-esque attitude run destructively through my temperament at what I feel so untrained and under-educated for.   Yet, I must become willingly obedient to the higher way of life.   Joy and peace will soon follow, if I don’t seek bitter and resentful refuge under the withering vine as Jonah did.   Thankfully the writer’s life is played out in generous pasture. Defeat usually stares at me in the form of a blank Microsoft Word document.  Attempting to thwart intimidation and an attitude of surrender, giving up before I ever get started, I repeat to myself some sage advice: “The best way to overcome

The Christmas season is in full swing, and I just finished writing and mailing all the Christmas cards I plan to send out.  Considering the price of postage, a good portion of these were comprised of electronic cards (e-cards).  Does this make me a cheapskate?  I don't think so since I tailor-made each one for the intended individual.  The time and effort invested in each card guarded against a blanket mail-out, thereby maintaining the integrity of the season's joy and blessing.  Each year, I also participate in sending out Christmas cards to inmates in the federal and state prisons as sponsored by Texas Voices for Reason and Justice.  I'm sure the act of remembering these "forgotten" people is not lost on the recipient.  Society can act harshly on those who commit a transgression against the laws and perceived norms instituted by the community, often "locking them up and throwing away the key".  We must remember, these offenders continue to remain a par

I call, You hear me I've lost it all And it's more then I can bear I feel so empty You're strong, I'm weary I'm holding on But I feel like giving in But still You're with me (Pre-chorus and Chorus) And even though I'm walking Through the valley of the shadow I will hold tight to the hand of Him Whose love will comfort me And when all hope is gone And I've been wounded in the battle He is all the strength that I will ever need He will carry me I know I'm broken But You alone Can mend this heart of mine You're always with me And even though I'm walking Through the valley of the shadow I will hold tight to the hand of Him Whose love will comfort me And when all hope is gone And I've been wounded in the battle He is all the strength that I will ever need He will carry me He will carry me [Bridge:] And even though I feel so lonely Like I have never been before You never said it would be easy But You said

Wow, is it December already?  Where has the year gone to?  Overall, 2017 has been good to me.  I am very blessed with health, family, two jobs, and so much more.  Yes, I can look at all I don't have and still want, but I am content with my current station in life.  One of the Biblical lessons that still haunts me is the Parable of the Talents.  What have I done with what God has given me?  The jury is still out on that one, but I earnestly believe opportunities to perform God's Will are still out there.  Am I looking for and capitalize on them when they avail themselves?  Honestly, I must answer I don't know.  Life has definitely not turned out the way I wanted or planned, whatever lofty ideal I had in mind.  However, God can take my perceived failures and turn them to His Glory and for His Kingdom.  The only thing I can do is make God number one, a priority, in my life and hope for the best.  I must still make goals and cast a vision for this life each and every day.  Dece