"Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen."

These promises are so wonderful!  He is ABLE to keep us from stumbling!  He is ABLE to make us stand BLAMELESS in His presence.  I say this often, but I want to say it again:  There is no sin bigger than His ability to forgive it!!

Jesus pad the ultimate price that "bought" our forgiveness - both of sins past and sins present.  Our job?  To ask Him to forgive!  He promises that He is ABLE and WILL indeed forgive - no matter how big the sin.  Then seek to obey and live according to His instructions - in righteousness.  

How can that be anything but good news?  

Someone had mentioned this guy in the photo on Facebook recently.  Just found this picture and had to chuckle!  It was taken in 1962 apparently.  Not even sure when they took him down or where he went!  Maybe someone knows the answer???

At any rate, good ole' Potosi just keeps coming up with things that make history!  

Come on down to the annual Moses Austin Heritage Festival the weekend of June 20th.  Plenty to learn and plenty to keep you entertained!  

The new book, "Potosi, That's Where I'm From" will be there, offered at a discount price, as will framed photography of the pictures in the book.  I'll be at the library on Friday, June 19th and downtown at a venue near the courthouse on Saturday, June 20th.

Hope to see some familiar faces that weekend! 

Some of you will recognize some of these roustabouts!  Oh what fun!  Yet another testament of a fully rounded Potosi!  There are lots of these kind of photos, old and new in my new book, "Potosi, That's Where I Grew Up!"  It is available on Amazon now.  

There are two versions of a fully color copy...one is coffee table size and one is standard shelf size.  These are selling through Amazon for 52.00.  A bit steep in my opinion, though worth the memories and dozens of photos included.  You can get them at a very good discount!  (keep reading!)

I will be in Potosi on June 19 and 20 to do a book signing/sell at the library on Friday, and a framed photo and book sale on Saturday at the Moses Austin Heritage Festival (new art venue opening for the occasion just a couple doors down from the old Lawson building near courthouse square.)  The color books when I am there will be 32.00 - a 20.00 savings!  

There are also two versions of the black and white edition, which are only 15.00 through Amazon and I will have them for 10.00.

Hope to see you then and share some compiled favorite Potosi memories!

This Is My Father's World  

(Text:  Maltbie D. Babcock, Music:  Franklin L. Sheppard)

This is my Father's world, and to my listening ears

All nature sings, and round me rings the music of the spheres.

This is my Father's world; I rest me in the thought

Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas - His hand the wonders wrought.

This is my Father's world, the birds their carols raise,

The morning light, the lily white, declare their maker's praise.

This is my Father's world; He shines in all that's fair;

In the rustling grass I hear Him pass, He speaks to me everywhere.

This is my Father's world, O let me ne'er forget

That though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the Ruler yet.

This is my Father's world; The battle is not done;

Jesus who died shall be satisfied, and earth and heaven be one.

"How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!  How vast is the sum of them!  If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand."  Psalm 139:17, 18

When we think about things that make life warm and wonderful, we sometimes wonder if God really cares about the details of day to day living.  We often ask, "Does it really matter to God whether I get a good parking spot or an unexpected check in the mail that just happens to cover my debts?"

I happen to believe that pretty much every aspect of our lives are of interest to God.  As a parent ponders each activity and action of his/her child, why would we think our heavenly Father would not desire to be a part of those details that make us happy or sad - even for a moment?

It is interesting that he had Adam naming each one of the living creatures that He so artistically sculpted!  He seemed to care enough to create a garden full of beauty and blessing for them.  Oh to take a peek at that glorious place where the first man & woman walked and talked with God!  

In a spiritual way we can enter that "restful" Eden when we acknowledge and spend time walking and talking with Him.  The Bible tells us that in His presence there is a fullness of joy.  I am not quite sure I can grasp the word "fullness", but I have indeed experienced moments with Him when I felt that HE was truly all I needed!  Those tastes of a Provider's favor and gentle kindness, in spite of my inadequacies are hard to describe in words!  But, in times of fellowship and intimacy with God, there is definitely an overwhelming awareness of His love and favor.  

When I look at His creation, knowing He had us in mind when He spoke it into reality, I am mesmerized by its detailed beauty.  The color, the charm, the delight - all convince me of His concern for our comfort and joy!  Does He allow all the other "stuff" - hardship, sickness, difficulty, pain - death?  Well, those are hard questions indeed.  But I have to say yes.  

It seems to me that it is all a part of a grand redemption plan - joy & sorrow, heartache and happiness.  Fortunately, this earth is only temporary.  When we get to the other side of the journey of the life we know, we will have more answers.  For now, I will simply trust that He IS, do all I can to get to know Him through prayer and the written Word He provided for us - and obey.  I will also, most definitely seek to acknowledge and appreciate the pleasures He provided for us while we are here...babies and all!

Sometimes the little bursts of brightness in a dark world are what contagiously launch change and eternal joy!  Love God.  Let Him fill you with light and life.  Then just go have a sunrise around someone who needs a good dose!

"The conclusion, when all has been heard, is fear God and keep his commandments, because this applies to every person."  Ecclesiastes 12:13

Wellll....it looks like Potosi was a pretty special place to be - even in this photo of days gone by!  We know there was some business going on and plenty of activity!  Hey, they even had a supply of bacon from the looks of things!  :)  More thanks to those of you who have ordered and even begun reading my new book, "Potosi, That's Where I'm From".  Apologies to my English conscious friends for the preposition in the title!  :)  I couldn't resist a good ole' down home phrase.  (smiling - because I know some who will obsess over this.  Please don't let it mess with your head!  :)

Looking forward to the Moses Austin Heritage Festival coming up June 19 & 20th in Potosi.  Hope to see ya there!  I'll have books and framed photos from the book for you!