Not to be confused with the new Benton BdnB Guesthouse in Japan.

A 9:00 appointment. Up at 5 to begin putting on the layers required to survive the -0 weather. The tundra moved in. Glad I didn’t have an Inauguration Invite. Fearful The Powers would have stuck me with Senator Fetterman. There he was in his cutoffs, Reeboks, and hoodie. He has been sounding like a potential breakfast conversant lately and then he shows up dressed like he had taken clothing pointers from Jeff Bazos girlfriend—who did not bother to layer up.

One of the side attractions of the Inauguration was the various AI renditions of Barron Trump singing a country version of his songs. I expected a rockier sound, but when President Trump is playing lead guitar and Mr. Musk playing drums, a singer just tries to find and stay in the groove. If you didn’t see the video I’m describing you will think I’m making this up or still taking a high dosage of steroids. Doug told me that the person(s) were not real people—that was AI.

Written and performed by AI. (I like the song.) Gives us insight into our battles to come with deception, discernment and benefits.

Speaking of lead guitarists—Jason Aldean’s lead guitarist on stage is a family friend, school mate of my nephews & niece and working associate of our former pastor Tom Smith. He is a real person!

We have been attentive to the Inauguration. Thank you for praying for Mr. Trump and all involved. Newspeople asked if moving inside was in response to terrorist threats. He reassured the move inside was about the cold. The threats were real to some extent, our prayers were not wasted. The days since the Inauguration have been mind-capturing.

Our thanks for your prayers for Carole during these past few weeks. She saw her doctor yesterday to follow up on recent issues. She is doing well. Doctor told her she had lost 4 units of blood. Her body responded rapidly with restoration and healing of the surgery. She shopped at bit and found Walmart had completely renovated the store. She has been locked in the cabin. Carole went to Aldi’s for a specific item—couldn’t find it, ask a clerk—“Sorry, we haven’t stocked that for weeks or months.” Maybe we have been living in Greenland after all?

I mentioned elsewhere how out of touch we have been. I knew I had to break out. I ordered a N.T. version of the Passion Bible which is a paraphrase rather than translation, but some fresh words are used. Stunning how Jesus communicates with me when I don’t get lost in the predictable.

“…since your Father already knows what you need before you ask him, Pray like this: ‘Our Beloved Father, dwelling in the heavenly realms may the glory of your name be the center on which our lives turn” (Matthew 6:8-9).

I don’t remember how long it has been since I thought about His glory in that sense—”be the center on which our lives turn.” I will have to think about that to determine what it means and how to “do it.”

A grande and blessed New Year to you.

©2025 D. Dean Benton