I MISS MY LUNCH BUDDIES -

-and I really miss the great food in the super restaurants at which we’ve eaten. I haven’t been to lunch in more than a month now, and even though I’ve lost over 9 pounds, I can hardly wait to get back out. My mouth is watering as I think about it. I’ve listed the guys in alphabetical order. [I have a lot of friends named Bob.] These places are from the last couple of years or so.

Al Trott: Casa D’Angelo

Bill Hulick: West Middlesex Diner; Annabelle’s;

Bob Birney: Menches; Farmer Boy; Lembos; Mi Casa; El Tren; Azteca; Ferraro’s; New Era; Firehouse Grill; Danny Boys; Market Street Grill; Landmark; Frontier; New Peking; Blaze Pizza;

Bob Schilling: Grayce Ann’s; Das Dutch Kitchen; Pizza Hut; Papa Joe’s and of course The Creamery.

Bob Stowers: Parkside;

Bob Thewes: El Tren; Firehouse Grill; Danny Boys;

Dan Hughes: Annabelle’s; Ben’s;

David Mabry: Mimi’s;

Don Crites: Wendy’s; Brimfield Family Restaurant; Beef O’Brady’s; La Terraza;

Don McCaughtry: Ben’s; Grinders; New China; Perkins; Brickhouse; BB Rooner’s; Elmton Pizza;

Doug Regrut: Wendy’s; Eat N Park;

Ed Robitz: John’s; Cracker Barrel; Hartville Kitchen; Samantha’s;

Foster White: Wendy’s; Swenson’s; Cracker Barrel; Farmer Boy; Menches; New Peking; Mama Guzzardi’s;

Gary Jones: Don Chavas; Great Wall; Yen Ching; Smokey Bones; Logan’s; Casa; 

Loye Elliott: Chili’s; Winking Lizard; Chick-Fil-A;

Mike Duriga: Wendy’s; Royal Star Diner;

Mike Wise: Menches Brothers; Farmer Boy; El Tren; Market Street Grill; New Peking; Blaze Pizza;

Men’s Bible Study: Don Pancho’s; Papa Gyro’s; Grinders: Pizza Hut;

Ron Mayfield: Mary Yoder’s; Mangia! Mangia! ; Tai-Pan;

Ted Nelson: El Tren; Firehouse Grill; Danny Boys; New Era; Market Street Grill; El Jalapenos; Tony’s; Ralphie’s;

There have been many other restaurants, but the above are my favorites. We are so blessed in this area to have so many excellent choices for lunch. And I’m blessed to have so many great lunch buddies.

I also have a few honorable mention restaurants in other areas. Let’s hope they can remain open after the COVID19 shutdown.

Anywhere                    PF Chang’s

Ashland OH                Jakes

Auburn Hill Mi           O’Brien’s Crabhouse

Bath Oh                       Gasoline Alley

Bellville OH                Der Dutchman

Cuyahoga Falls OH    The Boulevard

Elmore OH                 Village Inn

Erie PA                       Smuggler’s Wharf

Findlay OH                 Dietsch Ice Cream

Florence AL               Ricatoni’s

Goshen IN                  Dandino’s

Grand River OH         Brennen’s Fish House

Greensburg PA           Primanti Brothers

Greenville OH            Fairlawn Steak House

Hanoverton OH          Spread Eagle Tavern

Hebron KY                 Mr. Herbs

Imlay City MI             Lucky’s Steakhouse

Independence OH       Slyman’s Tavern

Kalamazoo MI            Rykses Restaurant

Lapeer MI                   Castaways

Lisbon OH                  Mark’s Landing

Madison OH                Dean’s Family Restaurant

Minerva OH                Hart Mansion; John's

Mt. Vernon OH           Barb’s Country Diner

Niagara Falls NY        Red Coach Inn

Niles OH                     Vernon's Cafe

North Jackson OH       Dino’s

Orville OH                  Jerry’s Cafe

Perry OH                     Perry Family Restaurant

Portland MI                 Duke’s Canoe Club

Port Clinton OH          Jolly Roger

Port Clinton OH          McCarthy’s Pub

Romeo MI                   Old Stone Bar & Grill

Roscoe OH                  Warehouse

Saline MI                     Mac’s Acadian Seafood

Solon OH                     Glenwillow Grille

St. Clair MI                  River Crab

Traverse City MI         Apache Trout Grill

Valparaiso IN               Round The Clock

Warsaw IN                   Oak & Alley

Warsaw IN                   Boathouse

Wixom MI                   Moe’s on Wixom

Youngstown OH          MVR

NOT ABOUT COVID19

It’s a challenge to write about something other than COVID19, but I’ll give it a try. As the Bible often says, “It came to pass.” So, it didn’t come to stay, it came to “pass” – as will this worldwide pestilence, God willing.

I also don’t want to write about the election or politics or the liberal news media. Biden and Trump will be offering enough press up to November. And FOX vs CNN will keep us informed about such things.

Climate change has been covered by me several times in the past. The fear-mongering claims of the extremists will continue, and my meager attempt to counter the false claims of man-made global warming won’t have much effect on their opinions.

And why would I want to write about our nation’s enemies? China, Iran, Russia, North Korea, and others are constantly thinking of ways to rule us. We pray that God will protect us from their evil schemes to further harm us.

The financial woes brought on by the shutdown are temporary, we hope. As the country gets back to work, incomes and profits and taxes will return. Government overspending will probably continue as well, but who want to read about that?

So instead I’ll return to a couple of areas of my limited knowledge: the Bible, along with the sciences of chemistry and biology, which I studied in college. While staying at home and reading, we should remember to read the Bible along with other books. There is no better source for hope and peace and comfort.

The most difficult college course I took at the University of Akron was Biochemistry. Chemistry is a study of the physical properties of chemicals. Biology is a study of life forms and systems. Biochemistry combines the two and is essential for pharmacology.

This brings me back to the COVID19 virus. Biochemists are working feverishly to come up with a treatment and vaccine, and their success will alleviate our fear of this virus and others. God created the chemistry and biology of life, and thankfully, He will help scientists use their expertise to save many lives.

COPYRIGHT 2020 BY CARL E GUSTAFSON

MAINSPRING OF HUMAN PROGRESS

I was very impressed by this book (published in 1947) regarding the free enterprise success of the United States. In addition to the review below, a point that stood out to me was the author’s recognition of the importance of abundant fossil fuel resources for continued success. In the years since its writing we have indeed increased our available energy supplies, and have also added other sources of energy. Plus I appreciated his mention of the importance of a moral code, personified by the Christian faith.

Book Review: The Mainspring of Human Progress by Henry Grady Weaver

                                      By William H. Peterson                  1997

“There can be no progress except through the more effective use of our individual energies.”

The emblazonment of this quotation on the front cover of the new edition of Henry Grady Weaver’s classic is timely; for the thought gets to the heart of the concept of methodological individualism. This is a counterpoint to the macroeconomic approach that requires national planners in Washington to manage our economy, which ignores the role of creative, risk-taking individuals who are the mainspring of human progress.

Henry Grady Weaver (1889–1949), a General Motors marketing executive who made the cover of Time in 1938, saw the role of the individual as central in American business. That role can be highly constructive, cautioned Weaver, only if two conditions are met—limited government and people who adhered to an ethical code.

He hailed the concept of natural law and extolled the Founders’ political structure because it “unleashed the creative energies of millions of men and women by leaving them free to work out their own affairs—not under the lash of coercive authority, but through voluntary cooperation and moral responsibility.”

That record would not have been possible, Weaver argues, without the basic legal framework of private-property rights and tightly constrained government. Nor would it have been possible without a moral framework of respect for the rights of others. Freedom cannot be separated from personal accountability. The Ten Commandments and the biblical injunctions against covetousness, and to “love thy neighbor as thyself” go far to explain the triumph of laissez-faire capitalism.

As Weaver wrote: “Your natural freedom—your control over your own life-energy—was born in you along with life itself. It is a part of life itself. No one can give it to you, nor can you give it to someone else. Nor can you hold any other person responsible for your acts. Control simply can’t be separated from responsibility; control is responsibility.”

Weaver came out strongly for “unplanned planning” as the secret of American economic success. Free men and women have the opportunity to live their lives, plan their own activity, work with one another, and pursue their own happiness— all without any overriding forced authority of government. Unplanned planning worked.

But Weaver is writing about much more than just the United States. What makes this book so powerful is its historical sweep. Progress occurs whenever you have the ingredients previously mentioned. Freedom has always and everywhere been the mainspring of human progress.

HOW GOD USES PESTILENCE

When God created the earth and all life about 6,000 years ago, it was perfect. There was no disease, no pain, and no death. But when Adam sinned, the world was cursed and pestilence came into being.

So God has used this pestilence in six ways throughout history: 1. as a warning for obedience; 2. for judging disobedience; 3. as a demonstration of His power; 4. as an appeal for repentance; 5. to show protection and comfort; and 6. to prophesy Christ’s return.

To read the rest of this bog:

GO TO THE PAGE: HOW GOD USES PESTILENCE.

CORONA COMFORT

We know that corona can mean crown [from Latin and Old English] and it has become a word of worldwide fear: the corona virus.

But Corona Comfort comes from the One who wears the ultimate CORONA – Christ, the King of kings.

As Archbishop Dolan of New York said on Fox News, “There are two promising phrases given over and over again in the Bible– repeated both in the Old Testament and also in the New Testament by Jesus and the apostles.” These are:  “’Don’t be afraid’ and ‘don’t worry’.”

To paraphrase one of these promises:  Even if there is no food on the grocery shelves, or no fruit or vegetables at the farmer’s market; even though there is no toilet paper or hand cleaner left; though businesses are closed and nobody can work; when so many are sick and some are dying, “I will still exult in the LORD, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength!” Habakkuk 3:17-19

Another great promise is found in Philippians 4:6-7,”Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

God’s peace and strength are available to all who will ask for it.

Personally I’m at high risk and my wife is at very high risk for infection from COVID19. We have been self-isolating for several weeks now, and continue to pray for everyone in our family to be protected from this pestilence. But only God knows what the future brings, with or without COVID19. But one thing is certain, should I succumb to any virus or disease, I have my own CORONA COMFORT.

It’s found in Revelation 2:10,^”Be faithful until death, and I will give you the CORONA of life.”

COPYRIGHT 2020 BY CARL E GUSTAFSON

HAPPY HOLIDAYS - MERRY CHRISTMAS - HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

These three greetings have one thing in common: you are wishing someone else happiness and joy. They’re very unselfish words that can uplift another’s moment with joyfulness. And it will make you, the greeter, happier as well.

Cheerful greetings are used mostly around the holidays, but are appropriate at any time. Saying anything from “Have a nice day,” to “Nice to see you,” may encourage another person and will lighten your load too; especially if it’s said with a smile.

But a friendly word around Christmas is most important. Many folks are less than merry around this time of year. Memories from past holidays about family problems, loved ones lost, financial pressures, health issues – all detract from the joy of the season.

And joy is what Christmas is all about: the joy of giving and receiving; the joy of remembering the good times, the joy of counting our blessings, the joy of being alive, and the joy of God’s gift of joy for each of us.

The Bible, through which God has revealed Himself to us, informs us that God is full of joyfulness. The word “joy” and its synonyms are found in over 400 verses in both the Old and New Testaments. God wants me to be joyful and He wants you to be joyful – at Christmas and all year long.

When Jesus was born the angel greeted the shepherds with words of joy, “I bring you good tidings of great joy.” Why? It was because the Savior had arrived on earth as a baby, and He would grow up to fulfill His mission of salvation for all who believe. It is His birth that brought “Joy to the World.”

It was then Christ’s life and teachings that implemented the opportunity for joy to all of us. Jesus said in John 15:11, “These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” His words bring joy, as do His death and resurrection.

When the disciples saw Jesus just before His ascension back into Heaven, Luke 24:52 says, “And after worshiping Him they returned to Jerusalem with great joy!”

When we’re missing joy in our lives, which may happen more than we’d like, we can ask God for the joy He promises to give us.

COPYRIGHT 2019 BY CARL E GUSTAFSON

MILLSTONE APPLICATIONS

Millstones have been used for several millennia for grinding grain to make bread. The stones for the hand grinding just weighed a few pounds, but as grist mills became common the stones could weight over half a ton. Millstones are still in use today for grinding grain, coffee, and other items. They are made of hard rock like granite or made of synthetic materials. Although most today are made in factories, some are still formed by hand – an obvious time-consuming procedure.

Millstones have also been used as weapons, with records of some being dropped from fortress walls on invading armies. When you’re being attacked, any weapon will do. They were also used as collateral for loans, but this practice was discouraged in the laws of Moses. Today, however, most antique stones are used as garden decorations.

One of the more illustrious applications for the millstone is a form of Divine punishment.  In the Gospels, Jesus said that it would be better for a person to have a millstone hung around his neck and be cast into the sea, rather than to cause a child to stumble.

Children are especially vulnerable to adult abuses, both physical and emotional, and most of us would agree that such awful treatment of a child deserves the worst punishment.

Sadly, there are those today who are causing children to stumble spiritually. Some examples are those who make movies and TV shows that are harmful to kids; teachers who do not teach God’s truths; or the Secretary General of the UN who is scaring youth with his idiotic projection of climate apocalypse; and those forcing gender changes on the young.

Only God knows the future of our climate, not the United Nations nor any politician. God has promised that the seasons will remain as long as the Earth exists. Although Mr. Guterres is Portuguese and possibly a Catholic, he obviously doesn’t believe God’s promises.

But do you? Regardless of your age, don’t let the climate fear mongers cause you unnecessary emotional stress. And please reassure the children in your life that God is taking care of the Earth as He promised He would.

Sadly, these extreme climate warnings are causing what Psychologists are calling “ecoanxiety.” Some have said it results in kids having suicidal urges, and can you blame them? They’ve heard the warnings: “10 years to go; 12 years before the end.” What a terrifying prospect to the younger generation.

I suspect that God is sizing the millstones now for those guilty of causing these children to stumble.

COPYRIGHT 2019 BY CARL E GUSTAFSON

ENERGY AND LIFE

Energy is displayed in the work and heat it produces. Sources of energy range from sunlight to wind power to combustion to gravity to chemicals to water and others. But to me the most amazing source of energy is life – from the largest animal to the smallest microscopic viruses all living things are full of energy.

Our Great, Loving Creator shared some of His omnipotence with all living creatures – giving them the energy they need for living. Thus they can move and breathe and eat and do everything necessary to sustain their lives and their kind. And for humans, He also gave us the “breath of life” – the eternal dimension than only mankind has.

We can’t know how animals feel, but we feel more or less energetic based on several factors, such as our diet, our sleep, our enthusiasm, our activity level, and our age. The older we get the less energy we seem to have. But at any age, others can uplift us and increase our level of energy.

For example, when a friend calls and says, “Let’s go golfing or biking or swimming or to the ball game,” we suddenly feel a surge of energy even though we may have been ready to take a nap. On the flip side, when our spouse says, “You need to do this or that,” we feel more tired than we did a moment ago. Go figure!

Sadly, there are some in the world who need most of their time and energy just to stay alive; just to find food or shelter for themselves and their family. Survival and love are energy boosters. People find the energy to do what is necessary.

And when we feel completely void of energy, we can remember what God has told us in Isaiah, “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings as eagles. They shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”

 In short, we are energized by God!

COPYRIGHT 2019 BY CARL E GUSTAFSON

ENERGY IS ESSENTIAL

In physics, energy is the quantitative property that, when applied to an object, results in work or heat being transferred to that object. It’s a nice scientific definition, but it doesn’t explain much about energy, per se. For example, what is the original source of energy? How can energy be everywhere and in everything? In short, what is energy?

Another scientific explanation of energy is found “the conservation of energy,” which says that energy can neither be created nor destroyed; it can only be transformed or transferred from one form to another.

And then there’s Einstein’s famous energy formula; e=mc ² – which led to the enormous amount of energy being released in the atomic bomb.

But these scientific notes about energy are primary mathematical explanations of how energy is measured. Whether in Joules, Ergs, or Planck’s unit, energy is only measured by the work or heat that it generates. Thus watts and horsepower are extensions of the actions that energy can force.

We know that the four forces that display energy are the Strong Nuclear Force, the Weak Nuclear Force, the Electro-Magnetic Force, and the Gravitational Force. From atoms to solar systems these forces are always at work using the energy that is available. But there is also biological energy, which includes human energy that is displayed as part of, but separate from, these four forces.

The philosophizing could go on and on, but the point of this discussion is the true source of all energy as well as the Grand Unified Theory solution. These truths are found in God’s Word, the Bible. It starts in the beginning, when God created the Heavens and the Earth by the power of His Word. God is the original source and provider of all energy in the Universe.

And we learn in Colossians that in Christ “all things hold together.” This explains how nuclear forces, magnetism, and gravity are all from God. It is He who has gifted us with energy and the natural forces that hold us in place. And He has given us the human energy that we need to know Him and to serve Him and to serve others as well.

COPYRIGHT 2019 BY CARL E GUSTAFSON

NEVER IN HISTORY

Never in history has so much knowledge about God and His truth been available to so many people. Except perhaps when Adam walked with God in the Garden, or when Christ Himself was teaching on earth. Books, videos, computers, phones – all are readily and easily available to more individuals than ever before.

Bookstores still sell books, and many of them are about our great Creator! Videos from Christian sources are replete with messages that help us understand the Savior better. Computers allow us to access everything from books and videos to live sermons and lessons from the Bible by some of the best preachers and teachers that have ever preached or taught.

And our cell phones – what a marvelous tool for learning and studying the Gospel and sharing it with others via texting or other messaging apps. There seems to be no limit to what Christians can do for the Kingdom! It’s a great time to be alive.

This is especially important since schools at all levels and the mainstream media are ignoring God’s power which is available to those who need it. [Who doesn’t need God’s help every day?] There is a vast empty void that we can help fill by sharing with those who read our messages.

I was speaking with a friend who said he was reading R. C. Sproul’s book on the Holy Spirit, where Jonathon Edwards’ great sermon, “Sinners in the hands of an angry God” was quoted. To show the change in our culture, when I was in High School our literature text contained this sermon and we were assigned to read and study it. I don’t know if it’s still in the books, but I’d be surprised if it were.

So take advantage of modern technology, as well as printed, and become a serious student of God’s Word and ways; and then use the same technology to share His way to eternal life with others.

COPYRIGHT 2019 BY CARL E GUSTAFSON