Uplift for 1 November 2002
by Randal Matheny

This time back to the U.S., we hear the latest catchword, "extreme." Modern society is on a chase for thrills. Each time, it demands more intense levels of emotion.

But God works through the mind. The thoughts lead the feeling.

With extreme thrills, the world jumps off the edge, to death. In Christ, the saints rejoice forevermore in life eternal.

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Travel, travel! We're racking up the miles on the rental van. Over to Alabama, down to the Mississippi Delta, up into Tennessee. Great visits, wonderful time with friends and new acquaintances. Sunday, we're off to Memphis, then back to Arkansas next week.

Oh, for my own little bed!

Uplift for 21 October 2002
by Randal Matheny

No challenge, no goal, no desire but rest --
No place to go though fully dressed.

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Northeast Mississippi is still green this late in the year, but a few trees have sensed it's time to turn colors. This past weekend we trekked across Arkansas (after a great week in Texas) and dipped our toe in the corner of Tennessee before zipping across the northern end of the Magnolia State on U.S. Highway 72.

Aside from occasional forays, we'll park here for two weeks. Perhaps you'll hear more from me these days.

We made it in to the USofA today, after 21 hrs of travel, clockwork flights, and uneventful trip. Came through Dallas after changing our airline and flight the day before. Delta really disappointed me, so we came by American. Flew around Lili, I guess.

Dad and I went to a funeral visitation tonight of a 40-year-old man who'd been fighting cancer for a couple of years. Was really a fighter, but didn't win this one. But he won the Big One.

Feeling pretty good, but after tonight's Mexican chicken, banana pudding, and some other cake-marshmellow-chocolate-nut mixture, I can tell this trip is not going to be good for me weight scales. Aach!

by Randal Matheny

Minnesota governor Jesse Ventura accepted an award from Kids Voting Minnesota, a youth education group, and stated, "Did you know that in the United States, only 50 percent of adults vote? That's pathetic."

The governor himself is a regular non-voter. One week earlier, he failed to vote in his own party's Sept. 10 primary.

Do as I say, but not as I do?

But it's not only politicians, so we should be careful not to criticize them so heavily. Perhaps they merely reflect the population at large.

If it weren't such a problem, Jesus would not warned his followers about those who teach right but live wrong.

He said, "Therefore, do everything they tell you. Obey them. But don't act as they do, because they say one thing and do another" (Matthew 23.3, SEB).

So say right and do right. That's the path to true contentment and happiness.

Jesus, again. "The people who hear the message of God and keep it are the ones who are truly happy!" (Luke 11.28).
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News story about Gov. Ventura:
http://www.startribune.com/stories/587/3339871.html

I'll keep this good-looking little girl, but I'm not so sure about the dog. Even if he does wear a necktie.