View From The Front Porch- Stan Hitchcock-September 18, 2012

Well, the rain has passed on to the Eastern edge of Tennessee now, after breaking our little dry spell and bringing in some really cool air behind it. Middle Tennessee is going to have a high temp of 69 degrees today and sitting out on the front porch having my coffee there is a chill, damp feel of Fall in the air. Buck The Collie is collapsed at my feet, having been on security duty all night with numerous deer encounters that required strenuous barking and short bursts of speed to demonstrate his serious intentions of keeping a deer-free lawn surrounding the old farm house. The horses are enjoying the new feeling of cool, after an extremely hot summer, Denise is deep into her Bible study, as she is every morning at this time, and me....well, I'm just proud to see another sunrise, and contemplate all the blessings in one man's life. I have turned off the depressing tv news channel, put aside the irritating newspaper, shut down the strident

talk radio, and for a moment, at least, find some peace and the positive force of nature at it's best. The beautiful green lawn, stretching down to the sycamore trees by the creek, the creek running full after all the rain, the birds in morning symphony, singing songs just for me, a hummingbird, getting packed for the big trip South, hovers close by, eying my red coffee cup, maybe sensing the honey in the mix, as I slowly put my mind and body into sync with my inner spirit that gives me strength to slip into my Wranglers and soft denim shirt, short walking boots and baseball cap that says, "BlueHighways TV"....and step out of the old farm house to meet whatever crisis, challenge, blessing or opportunity might come my way on this new day. But, that is later, after I have another cup of strong coffee, with some of Cliff Timmons bee honey from the Ozarks hive, and just sit awhile and enjoy the morning...Thank you Lord for the gift of Faith, the Scriptures to follow and Your love that conquers all.   -Stan