Lookin out our patio doors to the north, we can see the little grove of maple trees growin straight and tall. Today while lookin through the nearby pines surroundin our house, we could see all those beautiful maple leaves floatin towards the ground. Birds were busily flutterin around and singin to their hearts content. Moseyin on down to the draw where the trees are growin, settin down on a stack of concrete blocks, its nice and content there. Quietness is everywhere now as the birds were "spooked" when I walked down there and flew off to a neighborin farm where they'll partake of a little of his corn crop. The sun is shinin brightly and the temps are unseasonably high today with the old thermometer rubbin rite close to the 80 degree mark. Doesn't bother me too much though, I just set and rest contemplatin the comin mowin season, garden season and of course music jams--outside under the trees where they're supposed to be! Of course we have a winter to go thru with first--lots of snow, ice and real cold weather are in store for us, I'm afraid. Heatin costs will quadruple this winter but that's ok too, I rekon. Nothin we can do about the price of heatin energy anyhow. Even if one burns wood totally, it will still cost more for electricity, gasoline and, in fact, for everything else. I'll not worry--I'M Blessed!

-- ILLINOIS hillbilly (hillbilly@hillbilly.net), October 24, 2000

Answers

Continuing the post above----! I AM Blessed! Just how many people do you know that are livin where they want, purty much "how" the want, on land that we're supposed to caretake for Him? Not very many, I'll bet! Tomorrow will be another day that I'll get to marvel at the works of His MIGHTY Hands! It seems, though, that a part of me has died as the sun sets each day. I leave another day of my life in the corners of my memory and face a new day, a new beginning----each day. If I really messed up today I'll get another chance tomorrow to live as He wants me to live.

Thanksgiving is approaching quickly and many will celebrate it with a big turk or ham. As you set down to the fine meal it would be good if you thought of others that may not have anything good to eat. In fact, why not go to the grocery store about a week before hand-order several turkeys with all the trimmins--talk to your local pastor or priest and offer to donate dinners to the needy. If you don't want others to know who gave it--tell those in charge not to divulge it. I never did want to know who got what I bought either. That way old mr. pride didn't have a chance to interfere. Enjoy the beautiful sunsets, sunrises and of course, the leaves! "Well done my good and faithful servant. Thou hast been faithful over a few things, I'll make thee ruler over many things. Enter thou, into the joy of thy Lord"! Sure will be something to hear at death--won't it??? Matt. 24:44

-- illinois hillbilly (illinois hillbilly @hllbilly.net), October 24, 2000.