"Pat's Adventures" I do not know about where y'all are, but it is hot and humid in where we are on vacation. We rode her around some old stomping grounds. When Daddy and Mama were farming, I think they moved around more than anyone I know.  Mama said, "That when they moved, the chickens always just sat on the door steps with their legs crossed waiting, because about the time they got comfortable, they moved again." They did some share cropping, and also bought their own land and farmed. Today we saw where a farmer was growing rice.  Yesterday, Joe and I went to town that way, and there was NO water. Today they had flooded the rice fields. It is amazing how they grow rice. I will tell you this, NO ONE, I MEAN NO ONE, could pay me to walk through those rice fields.  I can guarantee you that. cause I know that there are some big snakes in those fields. 

We stopped at a little country store, that looked like it was about to fall down. I ain't joking.  And if you don't believe me, Joe said, "this can't be an operating store."  But it is the stop for all the farmers and anyone else in the area. In the mornings you can go there for coffee, and a full breakfast. No price on menu, just donations.  Well I know why that it true, I do not think a health inspector ever comes by.  Dust was on everything in the store.  Home made jellies, vegetables, and pickles in jars that I think looked liked they had been there since 1842.  You can also get an R.C. Cola.  I have not seen one of those in years. 

The locals gather back in the afternoons for coffee, a cold R.C., or Dr. Pepper with a Honey Bun on the side.  And do not forget when you buy that Dr. Pepper, you better get you a bag of salted peanuts to put in the bottle to eat as you drink.  Also, you better not miss one day, or the owner will be upset with you. Visitors get their names and locations added to the owner's notebook.  She looks for the same people every day.  Yes, to just sit around and eat and chat.  Then you can top your day off with a large scoop of Blue Bonnet Ice Cream for 50 cents.

That's not all you get the scoop on for 50 cents.  Boy, do they like to wag their tongues in there.  While relaxing in a rocking chair or recliner, licking the two or more scoops on that ice cream cone, you're hearing the scoop on what Dick, Jane, Sally and Spot has done, and has not done. What the church down the road is doing and the one up the road, and what that preacher was doing, and what he needs to preach on.  And you know he preached on that message Sunday, because Deacon So-and-so was caught doing something, and he needs to resign, and Sister Wag-a-tongue needs to get her life straight, before she talks about anyone, and on and on.

So, as I sat there eating one scoop of chocolate topped off with a scoop of strawberry, I laughed and thought to myself, well, who gave you the authority to judge. Then I thought, my gracious I am judging the lady that was gossiping, we better eat this ice cream and get out of here.  So I stood up and said, "I think we better be moving on down the road.  So everyone stands up and gives each other a hug and says, "Come Back Soon." Then you wonder if you are going to be the next person they talk about when you get in your car and leave.

There is an old saying that goes like this, " If your best friend will talk to you about someone else, then they will talk about you.  Because you are their best friend and they are probably someone else's best friend."  Remember to wrap your tongue around your heart, before you open your mouth. Then you will stay out of trouble. --Pastor Pat Aman 

Anyway, here it is tonight's devotion.

(Proverbs 6: 16-19) says, " These six things the Lord hates, Yes, but the seventh is an abomination to Him. A proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, and a false witness who speaks lies and one who sows discord among brethren ."

"Pat's Opinion":  When we read these verses we can see that there are six things the Lord hates.  They are:  when we act proud, lie, hurt the innocent, premeditate evil, run to take part in wrong actions, and spread gossip.  He then says of all these things that the seventh is an abomination to Him, and that is when one instigates problems between people. In our churches today that seems to be the most common problem.

I believe that a lot of times it is caused by jealousy.  If we would read this scripture and really think about it, I am sure it would stop so much discord among church members and the world as a whole. Do you understand that He is saying that to sow discord is an abomination. Webster defines abomination as intense aversion or loathing. He also describes loathing as a strong dislike mingled with disgust. Hey!  Do you get this yet?  God gets disgusted with us.  Even though He hates the first six, the seventh is the worst.  Yet, why are there so many churches who are losing members because they cannot keep their mouths shut?  We should be a shining light in our communities and lead the way for peace among brethren.

So the next time you start to jabbering about someone else, you need to think about the life you may be destroying.

Joyfully, In The Master's Service
 Blessings, Prayers and Love,
 Pastor Pat

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