For Tuesday, October 7th, 2025

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE 

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7TH, 2025

The moments of our lives may be bright with possibility, dark with fear or sadness, or even plain everyday gray, but God's glory never fades.  May God's glory shine into the exciting lights, upsetting darks, and boring grays of your every day.

Slightly adapted from one of my morning devotionals

In Texas

Sunrise:    7;29 am

   Sunset:  7:10  

pm

Life is a special occasion!

Hallmark

Today is World Cotton Day which celebrates a natural fiber that supports communities, sustainable fashion, and countless livelihoods.

It’s a day to appreciate the farmers, artisans and everyone who makes cotton possible.  

The world Trade Organization established this holiday in 2019 together with other major cotton producing nations like Burkina, Benin, Chad, Mali, and Fasco.

The initiative sought to raise global awareness of cotton’s vital role in reducing poverty and promoting economic growth.  Often called white gold, cotton is a key resource that supports livelihoods of millions of developing countries. 

The history of cotton is rich and deeply interconnected with human civilization and global economics.  The story began with early domestication in both the Old and New Worlds where independent cultivation and processing of the fiber took place.  The first places it was grown were India, Egypt, and Peru, with additional evidence found in Mexico dating around 5500 BCE. In Africa, cotton was domesticated around 5000BCE, in the Kingdom of Kush.  By 3000BCE cotton was well established in the Indus Valley civilization of India.  Greek and Roman historians recorded its use and Alexander the Great’s troops preferred cotton clothing over wool.

The Arabic Trade is how cotton got introduced in Europe with key centers like Venice and Antwerp emerging as major trade hubs.

India’s cotton thrived during the early Modern period, and it had heavy influence in European fashion,  However British colonial policies and technigical advancements eventually shifted the global cotton industry.  The British Empire became a leading producer and exporter, driving global demand and impacting economics worldwide.

The American cotton industry surged with innovations like the cotton gin, but also faced challenges, including reliance on slavery and boil weevil infestations .  In Spain, cotton production  peaked in the 19th century but declined due to economic turmoil.

Today major cotton producers include India, China, the U.S. and Brazil. 

Celebrate today and wear something made of cotton. 

If you cannot see the bright side polish the dull side 

THOUGHT  FOR TODAY

‘

The past that Southerners are forever talking about is not a dead past — it is  a chapter from the legend that our kinsfolk have told us, it is a living past, living for a reason. The past is part of the present, it is a comfort, a guide, a lesson.

Ben Robertson

Texans grow cotton, I saw huge fields of it when we went to beach this past summer. It’s a sight to see fields of white.  We didn’t have them in Ohio.  

The highest ranking cotton producing states in 2020 were Texas, Georgia, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, California and North Carolina. Texas produces more cotton than any other state.

Most of my clothing is cotton.  It’s very breathable and comfortable in the Texan heat.  Gone are the days of synthetic clothing for me.  They don’t breathe and are hot and uncomfortable.

This evening we are going to go out to dinner to celebrate our Southern Belle’s birthday which was actually yesterday.  It should be a fun evening with family !

I couldn’t find any pictures of cotton here so what I’m sharing is pictures of cotton clothing I wear.

I hope you all have a TERRIFIC Tuesday !

COUNTING MY GIFTS

Cotton is nature gift to humanity, bringing comfort, style, and sustainability to our lives.

Counting at least 3 things every day that I'm thankful for.  There is truly is always something to be thankful for.

13,701. for cotton, my preferred fabric 

13,702. for an industry producing jobs 

 13,703.  for our Texan sunshine!

Enter into His courts with thanksgiving — and in His presence is fullness of Joy!

PRAYER FOR OUR TROOPS

Please pray for God's protection of

our troops and HIS wisdom for their

commanders.

 

Almighty and eternal God,

Protect our military

as they discharge their duties

with the shield of your strength,

may the power of your love

enable them to return home in safety

that with all who love them

they may ever praise you for your loving care.

AND bless our Police Officers, Firefighters and EMT’s.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen

GOD BLESS YOU!!

ADVICE FOR TODAY

Choose cotton over all other synthetic fabrics to help the environment and all farmers. 

a smile,a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

Love,

ma