Monthly Archives: October 2025

The Night My Brother Blew Me Up

Posted on October 27, 2025 by Douglas Blaine

Some brothers grow up inseparable. Jeff and I grew up four years and ten months apart — close enough to fight, far enough to misunderstand each other. Out in the country, we invented our own brand of entertainment, including “bazooka wars” fought with bottle rockets. But nothing tops the night he actually blew me up. It was the kind of prank that could’ve ended a relationship — and somehow ended up defining it instead. Continue reading →

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Quick Thought – Monday, October 27, 2025 – Lessons From Mom: Starting the Day Right

Posted on October 27, 2025 by Douglas Blaine

This is the first of 25 special reflections based on lessons I learned from my mother. These will run from my birthday on October 27 until her birthday on November 20. Read Lamentations 3:22-23 The steadfast love of the Lord never … Continue reading →

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Sunday Pour: The Second Glass

Posted on October 26, 2025 by Douglas Blaine

The first sip only wakes the palate — it’s the second that truly teaches. Faith works the same way. Sometimes it takes another taste, another season, another prayer before we finally understand what God’s been trying to show us all along. Continue reading →

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The Exercise That Doesn’t Feel Like Exercise

Posted on October 26, 2025 by Douglas Blaine

I’ve never loved exercise for its own sake. I like it best when I don’t notice I’m doing it — when I’m refereeing football, chasing a play down the sideline, or just living life in motion. The trick, I think, is finding ways to move that feel like joy instead of obligation… even if my favorite “workout” still involves bourbon curls. Continue reading →

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Quick Thought – Sunday, October 26, 2025: Shared Experience

Posted on October 26, 2025 by Douglas Blaine

Read 1 Peter 2:1-12 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9 Reflect Author Alex Haley, … Continue reading →

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If I Went to the Moon, They Should Pay Me

Posted on October 25, 2025 by Douglas Blaine

If I ever go to the moon, I’m not buying the ticket—they can pay me. Someone has to write about it, after all. Continue reading →

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Quick Thought – Saturday, October 25, 2025: Encourage One Another

Posted on October 25, 2025 by Douglas Blaine

Read Hebrews 3:7-19 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. Hebrews 3:13 (NIV) Reflect We live in a world where insults are so much … Continue reading →

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The Long Road of Alternatives

Posted on October 24, 2025 by Douglas Blaine

Sometimes, the path that feels like an “alternative” ends up becoming the main road. Mine just took a lot of turns to get here. Continue reading →

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Quick Thought – Friday, October 24, 2025: Fools Rush In

Posted on October 24, 2025 by Douglas Blaine

Read Proverbs 1:1-7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;     fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7 Reflect What did you do for fun last weekend? A trip out of town? A walk on the beach? See a good … Continue reading →

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The Bourbon Cheapskate, Vol. 12: Bottled Bargains—Member’s Mark Bottled-in-Bond Takes on Its Kin

Posted on October 23, 2025 by Douglas Blaine

Back on September 25, I reviewed Member’s Mark Small Batch, a Sam’s Club exclusive that impressed me with its flavor-to-price ratio at just $18.95. Now the warehouse giant has added a Member’s Mark Bottled-in-Bond expression — also priced at $18.95 … Continue reading →

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