Ale for the Soul

Surprisingly, I do know quite a few people who bicycle to their place of employment on a daily basis.  A few others approach the commute with a combination of bicycling and public transportation.  However one chooses to arrive at their job, I applaud their efforts on saving the environment and gaining some great exercise.  When I worked in downtown Fort Worth, I didn't take full advantage of the opportunity to bicycle to work as I should have.  (It's called sheer laziness on my part!)  Now that I am a route merchandiser with stores spread out as far away as Cleburne, riding my bicycle is not an option and very impractical.  However, I do try to get in a bicycle ride every few evenings during the week.  Bicycling saves on gas and wear on the vehicle, cuts down on toxic emissions in the atmosphere, and provides great exercise for a person of any age.  I highly recommend trying to bicycle to work at least once.  You might surprise yourself in ho...

Introduction: Berlin, second sunday after epiphany, January 15, 1933 In January 1933, shortly before Hitler came to power, Bonhoeffer preached this sermon at a vespers service on the evening of the second Sunday after Epiphany. It was a time of great tension in Berlin, and of widespread fear. The Hindenburg government was tottering, indeed was about to go under, and with it Germany’s fragile first republic, created at Weimar after World War I. There was fear of Communism—the “Red Tide from the East”—and other extremist movements, and danger from open fighting in the streets. In the midst of this storm, Bonhoeffer was no more certain of the future than anyone else, but he was sure that followers of Christ should know where to turn. “God stands above all . . . his Word unstayed,” Bonhoeffer assured the congregation, quoting a verse from “The Golden Sun,” a beloved hymn by Paul Gerhardt. The Sermon: Overcoming Fear Matthew 8:23–27:  And when he got into the boat, his disciples...

Thank you very much. everybody. And congratulations to the class of 2017. That's some achievement. This is your day and you've earned every minute of it. And I'm thrilled to be back at Liberty University, I've been here, this is now my third time, and we love setting records, right. We always set records. We have to set records, we have no choice. It's been a little over a year since I've spoken on your beautiful campus and so much has changed. Right here, the class of 2017 dressed in cap and gown, graduating to a totally brilliant future. And here I am standing before you as President of the United States, so I'm guessing — there are some people here today who thought that either one of those things, either one, would really require major help from God. Do we agree? And we got it. But here we are celebrating together on this very joyous occasion, and there is no place in the world I'd rather be to give my first commencement address as President t...

After four and a half days off, it is back to the reality of life.  Today is the first of three days of work.  Yes, I only work about three days a week, but they are packed with assignments as I am constantly on the move.  Today I will have some help on my first store training someone on how to scan Kroger's stores.  It's really a one man job, but the supervisor desires to have a back-up scanner in the event anything happens to me.  (Needing time off, moving on to another job, etc.)  Getting away out of town for those few days was such a blessing.  Maybe it's my attitude and perception, but leaving Fort Worth any chance I get does wonders for my psyche.  My soul seems to come alive by engaging life and the world around me.  I try to do that here, but for some reason it isn't the same.  Too bad I can't travel more extensively, i.e.: having the money to do so.  I guess if yours truly was independently wealthy, the course my life would...

Fulfill Your Vow to God 5  Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong. 2  Do not be quick with your mouth,      do not be hasty in your heart      to utter anything before God. God is in heaven      and you are on earth,      so let your words be few. 3  A dream  comes when there are many cares,      and many words mark the speech of a fool. 4  When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it.  He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow.   5  It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it.   6  Do not let your mouth lead you into sin. And do not protest to the temple messenger, “My vow was a mistake.” Why should God be angry at what you say and destroy the work of your hands?   7  Much dre...

Last Friday I was able to complete all my work by Noon so I could promptly leave for out-of-town shortly thereafter.  Once on the road, it didn't take very long for me to reach my destination of Yoakum, Texas.  The travel time was roughly five hours.  For some people, this amount of time driving may seem like an eternity, but I am accustomed to staying seated behind the steering wheel for up too eighteen to twenty hours.  At least this was the case in my younger days.  Thankfully I had three whole days to fellowship with family.  (Unfortunately, my brother was not able to come to visit, but the rest of the family and I had a good time over the weekend.)  Of course I wanted to visit Mom for Mother's Day, as the gift of my presence was about the only thing I could afford to give her.  In turn, she partnered with me on the adventures I wanted to undertake while I was in the area.  We visited the Mission and Presidio in Goliad, along with De...

This morning Mom and I set out once again for another historical road trip.  This time, we ended up in downtown Victoria, De Leon Plaza in particular.  Visiting this lush green area led to other points of interest within the economic center of town.  Having been here before many years ago, I remember the gazebo but not the other memorials.  There was a Confederate monument, as well as one established in honor of the pioneers who settled the county and city.  Strolling across the street to the county courthouse, we found many more historical markers and signs.  What I was really pleased to find was Fossati's Delicatessen.  It is my understanding this is the oldest delicatessen in Texas.  Remembering to days and years gone by, I reminisce about eating here with friends and family.  As far as I know, Fort Worth doesn't have anything close to this awesome place.  Well, I suppose Carshon's Deli would be a very distant second, but that's...