Sweet Tribute

Monday, August 11, 2025

David Gates wrote this song at the age of 23 when his father died. I always thought it was about a sweetheart. But it's about his dad. If you are familiar with Bread from the 70s, you'll remember this haunting melody.

Everything I Own

You sheltered me from harm
Kept me warm, kept me warm
You gave my life to me
Set me free, set me free
The finest years I ever knew
Were all the years I had with you

And I would give anything I own
I'd give up my life, my heart, my home
I would give everything I own
Just to have you back again

You taught me how to love
What it's of, what it's of
You never said too much but still you showed the way
And I knew from watching you
Nobody else could ever know
The part of me that can't let go

Is there someone you know
You're loving them so
But taking them all for granted?
You may lose them one day
Someone takes them away
And they don't hear the words you long to say

I would give anything I own
I'd give up my life, my heart, my home
I would give everything I own
Just to have you back again
Just to touch you once again

Source:LyricFind
Songwriter: David Gates
Everything I Own lyrics Royalty Network, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Broken

Tuesday, August 5, 2025

Today as I was out and about, I noticed something. In the span of just a moment in one parking lot, I saw 6-7 cars that had body damage of some kind — a broken fender, pieces hanging down like they might fall off any minute, rusted places, duct tape covering an entire window, etc. Yet their drivers went on as if nothing was wrong. Instantly it occurred to me that “people are broken.”

I can only imagine that it was God who directed my mind to take such a leap. So I started thinking about it some more. 

I browsed through social media and saw several instances where people were grieving the loss of friends and loved ones. Their lives have been shattered.  

I spoke to someone who is hurting from a personal relationship, wondering what to do next and feeling broken. 

I communicated with Johnson tonight. Ever since his U.S. visa was denied, he has really struggled. Life in Haiti is miserable, scary and hopeless. In many ways, he is broken. 

Last Friday I told some young ladies a story about myself. One day when I was in the third grade, I did something to a boy at school that was really mean. It was premeditated and spiteful. And I got caught. I had let down my friends, my teacher and my parents. A few days later God showed me that I had disappointed Him, as well. I was broken. 

So what is a person to do when the feeling of brokenness overwhelms them?

(1) In the case of the individual who is overwhelmed by their own personal transgressions, the answer is to talk to the Lord about it. If we confess our sins to Him and are truly sorry for what we did, He will wipe our guilt away and make us whole again. He will go so far as to adopt us into His family, not because we deserve it but because He wants to. 

(2) In the case of the people who are grieving over their loved ones, the answer is to talk to the Lord about it. He walks along with us through the valley of the shadow of death. He provides spiritual nutrition, peace and comfort. His love will bring us out of the gloom and into the light. 

(3) In the case of people trying to do the right thing but being pushed down and pushed away, the answer is to talk to the Lord about it. He is the one who gives us purpose and meaning in life. He is the one who can bring healing for the deepest pain. 

We live in a lost and broken world full of sin and strife. Not until we reach heaven will that ever be truly rectified. But through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, He provides the strength, wisdom, power and patience to carry on. He heals our earthly brokenness in preparation for complete heavenly wholeness.

Don’t give up doing the right thing. 

Don’t forget your dreams. 

Don’t take your eyes off of the Lord. 

He is there for you. 

if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭7‬:‭14‬ ‭NIV‬‬

LORD, sometimes we feel so terribly alone. Thank you that we are not. Thank you for being ready to heal our brokenness. Thank you for loving us. 

Holiday World in Santa Claus, Indiana

Monday, August 4, 2025

Since school is starting back soon, we decided to take the family to Holiday World today. Unfortunately, only one set of the kids could go. But those that went had a great time. 

Have you ever been to Holiday World? It’s a pretty cool amusement and water park nestled in the middle of nowhere amidst corn and soybean fields. Tickets are usually around $75 but we got in today for $53 each. They offer free fountain drinks and sunscreen all day. We didn’t eat much while we were there but what we did have wasn’t exorbitantly priced.

The amusement park is divided into different holiday themes. Everything is decorated based on the theme and the foods and songs fit right in. There are sections for Fourth of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. I think there are five or six HUGE roller coasters, a hellivator-like launch thing, a carousel, a rocking pirate ship and countless swings and tea cups and things that go in circles! Bluh!

The water park, Splashin’ Safari, has some of the best water rides ever. They have two wave pools, a lazy river, a section for smaller children, a huge water play structure and nine or ten awesome 2-4 person inner tube water slides. And did I mention free sunscreen all day?

If you’ve never been to Holiday World, you should consider making a day of it sometime. It’s a bit of a drive but we got ice cream twice so it was worth it. 

The Word of God

Sunday, August 3, 2025

We went to Anchor Baptist Church today because our son, Patrick, was preaching. He ended with some Scripture from Hebrews that started me to think. 

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭4‬:‭12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

I have always thought about this verse as it applies to the word of God being the Scripture. And, indeed, I think it does. 

But could the “word” be talking about the “Word” — Jesus?

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
‭‭John‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Jesus is, indeed, alive and active. 

He comes to live in His children, penetrating into the nooks and crannies of our very innermost hearts. 

He judges our thoughts and attitudes.

If this passage isn’t talking about Jesus, then it’s talking about the Sword of the Holy Spirit. So either way it’s pretty cool. And I’m glad that God is still working in my life and in the world as a whole. 

LORD, thank you that you didn’t just wind us up like a toy and leave us to aimlessly unwind. Thank you for living in us and for convicting us of transgressions that need to be addressed. Thank you for your mercy and your grace.

Free admission

TUESDAY, August 19, 2025

is Senior Day

at The Kentucky State Fair. 

Anyone 55 and up can get into the fair 

at no charge!

We love to go to the state fair and now that we are in “that age group” Senior Day is when we make the trip. It costs $10 to park but our older-than-dirt ID gets us in without paying an admission fee. 

The Fair Hours on Tuesday, August 19th:

• Outside Gates: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Inside Buildings: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Barns: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Thrill Ville: 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. 

So what are our favorite things to do at the fair on Senior Day? 

Well, we love to see the animals on display — cows, goats, sheep, pigs, etc.

We usually take a peak at the horses. 

The border collie shows are great. 

We love the little ducklings that slide into the water!

A ribeye sandwich is a must. And ice cream.

We always look at quilts and cakes and honey.

Then we end the night at a concert, of course!

This year’s “Happy Together Tour” on Tuesday night includes:

• The Turtles
• Jay and the Americans
• Little Anthony
• Gary Pucket and the Union Gap
• The Vogues
• The Cowsills

The gate to the concert venue opens at 6:30 and the show starts at 8:00. It is general admission seating so be prepared to scout out a place to land. 

South Wing A  open 9:00am-9:00pm Looking for all things agriculture? Head to South Wing A and visit 4-H's Cloverville, FFA exhibits, AgLand, and Discovery Farm!

South Wing B  open 9:00am-9:00pm

South Wing B is a one-stop-shop to see all things that make Kentucky, Kentucky! Visit Rescue Ridge and Safety Town, Kentucky Remembers: Vietnam War, Pride of the Counties, Main Street Kentucky, and Health Horizons.

South Wing C  open 9:00am-9:00pm

Shop 'til you drop in South Wing C! Hundreds of vendors are waiting for you from souvenirs and trinkets to local products and customizable crafts. Don't forget to fill up your belly at the South Wing C food court while you're there!

North Wing  open 9:00am-9:00pm

There's no shortage of fun in North Wing. Visit the lobby to see what demonstrations and crafts are happening or mill about and checkout competitive entries like homemade beer and wine and canned items. Don't forget to stop in the North Wing Shops, too, for dozens of equine-related vendors.

World's Championship Horse Show

in Freedom Hall

Watch as classes 1-10 compete on the green shavings. Kentucky State Fair admission and a World's Championship Horse Show ticket are required to attend.

West Hall  open 9:00am-9:00pm

Have you ever seen a gourd bigger than your entire body? Yep! You can find that along with so many other incredible agriculture-related competitive entries in West Hall. Browse around the beautiful cornicopias, sunflower seed art, golden honey, and so much more to see what took home the coveted blue ribbon!

East Hall  open 9:00am-9:00pm

East Hall has no shortage of beautiful competitive entries. You'll find our "General Entries" throughout the hall. Browse through Antiques, Hobbies, Textiles, Photography, Culinary, and so much more!

West Wing  open 9:00am-9:00pm

Dairy Cattle and Dairy Goats will be on-site. Please note West Wing and Pavilion will be closed for Changeover Day on Monday, August 18. West Hall will be open for the Junior Goat Show at 4 p.m. on August 18. To see other animals on Changeover Day, visit the Mules & Jacks Tent in Lot M or their show in Broadbent Arena. Additionally, animals can be found in South Wing A in Discovery Farm.

Pavilion Barns  open 7:00am-9:00pm

Poultry, Pigeons, and Rabbits will be viewable. Please note West Wing and Pavilion will be closed for Changeover Day on Monday, August 18. West Hall will be open for the Junior Goat Show at 4 p.m. on August 18. To see other animals on Changeover Day, visit the Mules & Jacks Tent in Lot M or their show in Broadbent Arena. Additionally, animals can be found in South Wing A in Discovery Farm.

   

Rooted in Love

Friday, August 1, 2025

Rooted In Love

A Night of Agape

First Baptist Church of Somerset has a dinner for middle school and high school girls that is pretty cool. 

The girls get dressed up a bit and come to the fellowship hall. A young man, also nicely dressed, escorts each girl to her assigned table and later serves as a waiter when the food comes out. 

Chloe was tonight’s guest speaker. She talked to the girls about being well-grounded in their faith and about agape love. 

so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭3‬:‭17‬-‭19‬ ‭NIV‬‬

I served on a panel of six women and we answered questions that the girls had written down for us. Some were a little silly and some were very serious. We addressed questions regarding foreign languages, peer pressure, anxiety, sin, personal relationships with Jesus, healthy relationships with boys, etc

There was laughter. There were a few tears. The panel’s answers were playful, honest, sincere, and Christ-centered. 

LORD, thank you for allowing me to be a part of this incredible night. I pray that all of these young ladies will draw closer to you as a result of it. 

He Loves Us

Thursday, July 31, 2025

When our daughter was in high school she and I read a popular book that was later made into a movie. It basically followed two teenagers as they sought to locate a poet that they particularly admired. His words had touched them deeply and they would do anything to get the chance to discuss them with him. 

As you can imagine, the poet turned out to be a bit of a jerk who couldn’t have cared less about these two pilgrims and their personal search for life’s meaning. They were, as you can imagine, crushed. 

Well, let me tell you something. Our Creator is nothing like this poet. From the very beginning after he made Adam and Eve, he would walk through the garden with them  (Genesis 3:8). He wanted a relationship with them. 

“The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.”
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭31‬:‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Through the centuries, he has loved us and has wanted our love in return. 

“This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”
‭‭1 John‬ ‭4‬:‭10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

It is of utmost importance for us to realize that our lives cannot be whole without a personal relationship with our Creator. We will never be at peace without him. And he will never be satisfied without us. 

Admit the you are a sinner. 

Believe that Jesus died on the cross for you. 

Commit your life to him. 

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.
‭‭Revelation‬ ‭3‬:‭20‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Jesus wants to live in you. Give him full access to every nook and cranny of your life.