We look forward to a fresh start in the new year

Well sir, it looks like we have about wrapped up the old year and look forward to a fresh start in the new year. True enough, there will be some residual that we must deal with, but we are smarter now and we can overcome the remaining obstacles. So, let us close and lock the door on 2022 and embrace the New Year. 

Many of us will resolve to make vast improvements in our daily habits, both good and bad, and though we are all determined to make it “stick” this time, historically, the good habits tend to fade into oblivion and the bad habits persevere!   

I am a Christian and I believe that Jesus died on the cross to forgive my sins as well as the sins of the world. Yes, I think we do need to hear that from time to time because we should all know that we are likely in as tough a situation as will ever come our way. 

There is strife throughout the world and especially right here in the United States. From politics to the social media and from human rights to sexual preference, life in America shows the decay that we the people have allowed to creep into our society. I say creep, because this has happened over a span of time where we have become more and more permissive. And that permissiveness causes us to be more tolerant as we “accept” behaviors that slowly become the norm.  

There is an old saying, “familiarity breeds contempt.” American’s have, over time, fell into that trap. We have become overly tolerant, bordering on apathy of behavior that erodes and brings decay to Christian principles.  I remember Papa Hop saying, “The Good Lord gave you the freedom to think for yourself and He will standby patiently as you allow burden after burden to be added to your load, but He will welcome you with open arms when you turn back to Him and ask for His help, He will forgive you and your entire burdensome load, and He does this with unconditional love!” 

America was founded on Christian principles and America needs to embrace those same principles as we reject the moral decay that has wrapped our nation in its evil web and is slowly consuming our democracy. America! shake off this strangle hold, regain your Christian principles, and reclaim your destiny of freedom! 

 

A Fresh Start

He’d been at the line shack for a while,

As usual, lost count of the days,

Even this brought thoughts to a smile,

How best intentions often betrays.

 

Celebrated Christmas just right,

An’ the birthday of Jesus our Lord,

With the twinkle of stars there that night,

Faith in his fellow man was restored.

 

His Mama had read him that grand Story,

When he was no more than a young child,

And he praised the Lord for that Glory,

For a Savior born meek an’ mild.

 

Oh, he’d tried to lead a Christian life,

But it was shore ‘nuff hard to do,

The world of the “cowboy” is filled with strife,

An’ a lot of temptation too.

 

The new year would bring a fresh start,

If a feller would just let it come,

Hold to all things that were dear to heart,

And in weakness, refuse to succumb.

 

He warn’t sure of the date, but that’s okay,

Shore reckon you could start most anytime,

It’s gonna be uphill most of the way,

Seemed the thing to do…make that climb.

 

Wal, they say yore ‘sposed to eat black eyed peas,

For luck, an’ a bait of cabbage for money,

Reckoned he’d do with beans from Mesquite trees,

 Don’t need the cash, so try a bait of honey.

 

An’ res-o-lutions make you a better lad, 

he should orter come up with some good ones,

Some not too hard to foller would make ‘em glad,

But they need to be the kind that helps you tons!

 

He’d quit nippin’ the jug of early morn,

 But he reckoned that’d not last very long,

Slow up on his cussin’, that’s been a thorn

That’d be ‘bout as easy as warblin’ a song.

 

Vowin’ to say prayers at bedtime could be one,

But he was askin’ for help throughout the day, 

Or do a better job of gettin’ chores done,

… He’d have to do that or lose his pay!

 

He was always good to put things off,

Folks said he would procrastinate,

Often that would give them a chance to scoff,

No matter what, he was always late.

 

Well now, that thought might just fit right in,

An’ he could handle that with no fear,

So, with that thought his face curved in a grin

Res-o-lutions could wait… until, maybe next year! 

 © Ol’ Jim Cathey  

Happy New Year!

Don’t forget your black eye peas and cabbage!

God Bless each of you and God Bless America!

 

 

The Marlin Democrat

251 Live Oak St
Marlin, TX 76661
Phone: (254) 883-2554
Fax:(254) 883-6553