Drinking From My Saucer

See that cup of coffee down below?  Some of the coffee has spilled out of the cup and rests in the saucer, so I promptly drank it out of the saucer.  I didn't spill by accident, though.  I did it on purpose to get in the habit of drinking from my saucer.  Why?

Here's why.  This morning at church, the first song we sang from the hymnal was, "Count your Blessings, Name them One by One."  It's an old one.  Oftentimes, we'll stop after the chorus between each verse and allow people to stand and testify regarding something for which they are really thankful to God.  Keep in mind these are widows and widowers, people who have lost spouses and/or children yet they are thankful to God for the many blessings in their lives.  Praise God from Whom all blessings flow.

It's perspective, right?  How do you look at it?  Is the glass half empty or is the glass half full.  Or maybe, there's another option.  Perhaps, despite hardships and trials, you realize that your cup isn't half empty or half full.  You come to realize that your cup is running over, filling your saucer, thanks to God.  That's how I aim to look at things.  It reminds me of a song that says just that.  You can click on the video below to listen and read the lyrics below the video.  

I've never made a fortune
It's probably too late now
Oh but I don't worry about that much
'Cause I'm happy anyhow
As I go along life's journey
I'm reaping better than I sow
I'm drinking from my saucer
'Cause my cup has overflowed

Ain't got a lot of riches
Sometimes the going's rough
But I've got a friend in Jesus
And that makes me rich enough
I thank God for His blessings on me
And the mercy that He's bestowed
I'm drinking from my saucer
'Cause my cup has overflowed

O, sure I've been thru some storms
And yes I'm sure there were times when my
well my faith musta got a little thin
But you know what it seemed like
One day all at once those dark clouds broke
And that old sun she started shinin' again
So Lord, help me not to grumble & complain
About the tough rows I have hoed
I'm drinking from my saucer
'Cause my cup has overflowed

And if I should go on living
If the way gets steep and rough
I won't ask for other blessings
'Cause I'm already blessed enough
May I never be too busy
To help another bear his load
And I'll keep drinkin from my saucer, Lord
'Cause my cup has overflowed
Yes I'll keep drinking from my saucer, Lord
'Cause my cup has overflowed
My cup has overflowed

Simple Saturday in the South

On Saturday in Late November 2020, we woke up to a beautiful day.  We took care of a couple of items on our project list that we've been wanting to knock off the list.  Although the weather was beautiful, it was still a little warm with the temperature being 77 degrees.  That doesn't exactly seem like fall, but oh well.

Right after lunch we decided to get in the pickup truck and drive out to the farm.  It's a 30 minute drive to the farm.  We live in the country on our little homestead, but Oberlin, Louisiana is even further in the country.  On the way, we stopped off in a small town called Elton.  Elton boasts a good little specialty meat market called "Mr. T's."  We got some smoked boudin and boudin balls and some root beer and continued on our journey.

Upon arriving at the farm, we filled the water trough for the cows and walked across the pasture to the gully and watched a bunch of striped-head turtles swim in the muddy water.  The irrigation well droned on in the background, pumping water to fill the crawfish ponds.  It was quiet.  We walked through the old pecan orchard that my great-grandfather planted.  One of the old pecan trees succumbed to Hurricane Laura.

It lay tragically on its side, uprooted by the strong south winds of the hurricane's fury.  I have on my list of things to buy is a good chainsaw.  Once I make that purchase, we'll cut the tree up and split the wood for firewood.  It'll keep us stocked up for years.  Sad, though.  These trees stood tall and strong for years and years.

There is another old tree, however, that remains standing - the old live oak tree.  It is literally hundreds of years old.  I reckon this tree could probably tell some stories about the changes it's seen and storms it has weathered.  Its strong limbs stretch out, coming close to the ground and then reach back upward again.  Some of the limbs have bark that is smooth like grass.  The cows like to rub their backs on the limbs, polishing the bark in the process to a glossy shine.

Benjamin had climbed high up into the tree like I used to do when I was his age and much younger.

The live oak has a hole on one side and has been like this for as long as I can remember.  It doesn't appear to have weakened the tree.  At one time, I remember, a momma red fox had a den at the base of this tree and raised some little ones.

The cows came running to meet us - all 16 momma cows and 15 calves.  They're pretty tame.  They were expecting some feed, but we didn't bring any with us.  Mom and Dad drove up in Dad's pickup truck.  We let the tailgates down and sat down and visited for a long time, waving as people drove by slowly on the country road in front of the old home place.  It seemed everyone had the same idea.  It was a nice afternoon to relax and not do anything in particular.

As the afternoon faded into late afternoon, the sun cast long shadows across the landscape, taking in the beauty of God's creation made me thankful a full five days prior to Thanksgiving.

I'm thankful for a simple country life - thankful for a place to enjoy the afternoon without Covid, without politics, without stress, without phones ringing - just peace, quiet, and simplicity.  My kinda place.

Just Another Day in Paradise

Emotions are high.  The news is discouraging.  One hit after another.  There seems to be no peace, no joy.  Even in times like this, you can choose to be happy.  You can choose to be grateful.  Regardless your station in life, if you sit back and choose to enjoy life that God has given you, you will be amazed at the enjoyment you get from simple things.  Dark thunderclouds (literal and figurative) can be rumbling all around you, but you can choose to walk in sunshine and blue skies.

Here's one thing that we've really found enjoyment out of lately.  With the weather warming up, we've gotten into a habit lately of cooking outdoors Sunday after church.  We bought a fire pit with a grill on top that swivels out of the way.  In an on-going chore with all the trees in the yard, we constantly pick up live oak and pecan twigs, branches, and limbs.  We gather it and use it as fuel for our outdoor cooking.

My Wife - Chillin' & Grillin'

The wood fire smells great as we sit back on the swing and visit, happy that we aren't heating up the house cooking indoors.  The birds chirp, the breeze blows through the trees, and the fragrance of sauteed mushrooms in a cast iron skillet and shish-ka-bobs waft through the air.  We talk about happy things and enjoy each others' company.  Despite everything going on, we can be grateful for God's blessings in our lives. 

We cherish the time and look forward for the food to be done.  We feast and then enjoy coffee and dessert.  The stresses of life dissipates as the embers cool.  The boys join us after church for our meal and family time.  We laugh hearty laughs and enjoy each other's company.

As I think about the small things that bring satisfaction in the midst of a tumultuous world, I'm reminded that no one's life is perfect.  I'm reminded that it is good to pause, reflect and enjoy the life God's given you.  Finally, I'm reminded that it is good to laugh - deep belly laughs.  Days like this are healthy for the soul and we commit to have more of them together.

Phil Vassar writes and sings some great songs and one in particular, "Just Another Day in Paradise" underscores the importance of enjoying, laughing, and giving thanks to God in the good times and bad.  It's one of those songs that are fun to sing along to and it's hard to be in a bad mood after listening to it.

I've posted the video below that you can listen to if you click the red arrow.  I also put the words to the song below.  I hope you enjoy it and it brings a smile to your face like I do when I hear it.

Just Another Day in Paradise - Phil Vassar

The kids screaming, phone ringing
Dog barking at the mailman bringing
That stack of bills - overdue
Good morning baby, how are you?
Got a half hour, quick shower
Take a drink of milk but the milk's gone sour
My funny face makes you laugh
Twist the top on and I put it back
There goes the washing machine
Baby, don't kick it.
I promise I'll fix it
Long about a million other things

Well, it's ok. It's so nice
It's just another day in paradise
Well, there's no place that
I'd rather be
Well, it's two hearts
And one dream
I wouldn't trade it for anything
And I ask the lord every night
For just another day in paradise

Friday, you're late
Guess we'll never make our dinner date
At the restaurant you start to cry
Baby, we'll just improvise
Well, plan B looks like
Dominoes' pizza in the candle light
Then we'll tippy toe to our room
Make a little love that's overdue
But somebody had a bad dream
Mama and daddy
Can me and my teddy
Come in to sleep in between?

Yeah it's ok. It's so nice.
It's just another day in paradise.
Well, there's no place that
I'd rather be
Well, it's two hearts
And one dream
I wouldn't trade it for anything
And I ask the lord every night
For just another day in paradise

It's A Great Day to be Alive

Image Credit

Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: Philippians 4:11

Today was NOT a beautiful day.  I awoke to overcast, grey skies with a strong north wind and temperatures in the mid 40's and drizzling rain.  I put on another pot of coffee when I got to the office and waited for a break in the rain before I went outside to take inventory of the various products we have on hand.  Dreary days have a way of affecting your mood and outlook.

There's a country music song from about 20 years ago, written by Darrell Scott and sung by Travis Tritt, that speaks to me about NOT letting dreary weather or circumstances affect your state of mind. It's about being optimistic despite undergoing hard times and finding things to be thankful for even when the sun's not shining.  The chorus actually says, "I know the sun's still shinin' when I close my eyes..."  To me, that says that everything's going to be alright.  Being content in simple things, like cooking rice, growing out your beard, or making soup is an attribute that is almost forgotten in today's world in which we constantly compare ourselves to "the Joneses" and manufacture offenses and grievances.

I've posted the video below.  You can click the arrow to watch.  I've also posted the lyrics below.   I hope it makes your day a little bit brighter!

I got rice cooking in the microwave
I got a three day beard I don't plan to shave
It's a goofy thing but I just gotta say, hey,
I'm doing alright

Yeah I think I'll make me some home-made soup
I'm feeling pretty good and that's the truth
It's neither drink nor drug induced, no,
I'm just doing alright

And it's a great day to be alive
I know the sun's still shining
When I close my eyes
There's some hard times in the neighborhood
But why can't every day be just this good

It's been fifteen years since I left home
I said good luck to every seed I'd sown
Gave it my best and then I left it alone
I hope they're doing alright

Now I look in the mirror and what do I see
A lone wolf there staring back at me
Long in the tooth but harmless as can be
Lord I guess he's doin' alright

And it's a great day to be alive
I know the sun's still shining
When I close my eyes
There's some hard times in the neighborhood
But why can't every day be just this good

Sometimes it's lonely, sometimes it's only me
And the shadows that fill this room
Sometimes I'm falling, desperately calling
Howling at the moon, ah-ooh, ah-ooh

Well, I might go get me a new tattoo
Or take my old Harley for three day cruise
Might even grow me a fu man chu

And it's a great day to be alive
I know the sun's still shining
When I close my eyes
There's some hard times in the neighborhood
But why can't every day be just this good

And it's a great day to be alive
I know the sun's still shining
When I close my eyes
There's some hard times in the neighborhood
But why can't every day be just this good, ah-ooh, oh yeah

A Thankful Heart

I'm sure many of you are familiar with this photo:

Grace by Enstrom Image Credit

This hung from the wall of my grandmother (Bumby) and grandfather's (Poppy) home for years.  It now hangs in the home of my Mom and Dad.  It is a very simple picture that is so interesting.  It is funny how something so ordinary and simple can invoke complicated thoughts and emotions.  I can remember looking at it from the eyes of a small boy to today.

Just looking at it, the word Gratitude comes to mind.  Here is a very ordinary man bowed in prayer.  It is sort of dark and dreary in the room - a room devoid of any decoration or frills.  The gentleman is not threadbare, but he's not elaborately dressed either.  He seems to be clean and humble.

There are very few items in the photo - a simple loaf of bread, for one.  It immediately makes me think of "Give us this day, our Daily Bread..." from the Lord's Prayer. There is a knife to cut the bread with.  Then there is a bowl with a spoon in it. Whatever it is, it looks very plain, maybe broth or a simple soup.  Finally, there is a big book.  I'm going to assume it is a Bible.  And then there are glasses that convey that the man's eyesight is not what it once was.  He is a humble man of humble means.

Then there's what you don't see.  The man is alone.  Or is he?  I think his God is with him.  I would imagine that he doesn't merely read the Bible, he studies it, deliberately. He mines out the Truth.  He depends upon the wisdom found therein like the very air he breathes.  I would think that in studying, he has come to know His Creator and is thankful for what he has.  The man's demeanor signifies to me that his happiness, his joy, his faith, is not dependent upon health and wealth.  His love for God is not conditional upon material things. He has come to a deep understanding of what true treasure is from those beloved words of Jesus:

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:19-21

I used to listen to Paul Harvey at lunchtime when I was farming.  I always liked his "Rest of the Story" commentaries.  Here is the story behind the picture or painting of Grace from This Website:

THE STORY OF "GRACE" A much-loved world famous picture
		Back in the year of 1918, a bearded, saintly, old man, with foot-scrapers to sell, called on Eric Enstrom at his photography studio in the tiny mining town of Bovey, Minnesota.From this chance encounter a world famous photographic study was created. Today Enstrom's picture "GRACE", showing the elderly peddler with head bowed in a mealtime prayer of thanksgiving, is known and loved throughout the world. "There was something about the old gentleman's face that immediately impressed me. I saw that he had a kind face... there weren't any harsh lines in it," Enstrom said in recalling the 1918 visit of Charles Wilden to his studio. It happened that Enstrom, at that time, was preparing a portfolio of pictures to take with him to a convention of the Minnesota Photographer's Association. "I wanted to take a picture that would show people that even though they had to do without many things because of the war they still had much to be thankful for," Enstom said. On a small table, Enstrom placed a family book, some spectacles, a bowl of gruel, a loaf of bread, and a knife on the table. Then he had Wilden pose in an manner of prayer... praying with folded hands to his brow before partaking of a meager meal. To bow his head in prayer seemed to be characteristic of the elderly visitor, Enstrom recalled, for he struck the pose very easily and naturally. As soon as the negative was developed, Enstrom was sure he had something special... a picture that seemed to say, "This man doesn't have much of earthly goods, but he has more than most people because he has a thankful heart." That Enstrom's camera had captured "something special" is an appraisal widely shared. Today many "GRACE" pictures hang in homes, restaurants and in churches across America. Prints have also been shipped to mission stations and other places around the world. The early "GRACE" pictures were printed either in black and white, or in sepia (brown tone). Later, Enstrom's daughter, Mrs. Rhoda Nyberg, of Coleraine, Minnesota, began hand-painting them in oils, and interest in the picture mounted. Enstrom remembers that his best customers for the picture in the early 1920's were people traveling through Bovey, Minnesota who saw the picture in his studio window. As soon as one framed print was sold, he'd make another to take its place. After nearly a half-century as a professional photographer, a career dating back to 1900 in Minneapolis and to 1907 at Bovey, Minnesota, Enstrom listed "GRACE" as the best of the thousands of pictures he has taken.

Mr. Enstrom did indeed capture "something special" with that photograph and it is a good reminder to me to work on having an attitude of gratitude and thankfulness. I'm reminded of the third verse to the old hymn, " Count Your Blessings," by Johnson Oatman, Jr.:

When you look at others with their lands and gold, 

Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold,

Count your many blessings money cannot buy, 

Your reward in Heaven, nor your home on high.

Count your blessings name them one by one,

Count your blessings, see what God hath done,

Count your blessings, name them one by one,

Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.

Amen!