A denominator common to all forms of lust is illusion.
What you strongly and longingly lust for is not based upon fact. It is basically focused on the illusion contained within your mind.
The grass which appeared so green and rich when it was on the other side of the fence proves to be full of briars, thorns, and weeds when you have given-in to that urge and climbed the fence to get to it. You have allowed the illusion to win the battle raging within your inner self.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Jazz + Bluegrass = Awesome!
I've begun arranging the guitar/midi version of 'Taught by God'. This one is proving quite different... combining traditional jazz with finger-picking bluegrass! Surprisingly, the combination works exceedingly well together. I can't say I've actually heard jazz and bluegrass combined together, but I'm sure someone has done it already... you know what Solomon tells us.
Sea of Despair - Showers of Grace - Spring
Sea of Despair - Showers of Grace - Spring
This lovely composition was given by God's Spirit one early morning when I was immersed in prayer, meditation, Bible study, and an overall quiet time with the Lord.
This lovely composition was given by God's Spirit one early morning when I was immersed in prayer, meditation, Bible study, and an overall quiet time with the Lord.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
No Way In
Don't ever let your intelligence become a detriment where you become what my grandfather referred to as "an educated fool".
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Cathedral
Several great adjectives worth looking up, analyzing, meditating on, and taking to heart...
"For the devious are an abomination to the Lord;
But He is intimate with the upright."
(Proverbs 3:32)
Friday, October 12, 2012
Search Me
Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
(Psalm 139:23,24)
The Psalmist confidently asks God to 'search and know my heart'. He was not confident that God would find nothing wrong, but that He definitely would! Our hope in The Lord is not that we're so good and pure that God will not be able to find anything screwed-up about our self, but that even though we are filled with impurities, God will make those known to us and help us mend and move ahead. By His might we will continue to grow and become the person He desires us to be. Only by being led by the Lord can we hope to walk "along the path of everlasting life."
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
(Psalm 139:23,24)
The Psalmist confidently asks God to 'search and know my heart'. He was not confident that God would find nothing wrong, but that He definitely would! Our hope in The Lord is not that we're so good and pure that God will not be able to find anything screwed-up about our self, but that even though we are filled with impurities, God will make those known to us and help us mend and move ahead. By His might we will continue to grow and become the person He desires us to be. Only by being led by the Lord can we hope to walk "along the path of everlasting life."
Thursday, October 11, 2012
October Horror
October has become the month when many cable networks air non-stop horror films. If you like the older horror films which didn't show the gore and mayhem (leaving much to your imagination), TCM is a good channel to watch. It's interesting that many of those older horror classics have been remade, but this time around are filled with the bloody, gory details... I guess everyone has their limits to what they can stomach and what they can't. If you like to see the mutilation and dismemberment, there are quite a few other networks which have those films for your viewing enjoyment.
And if you're in the mood to watch television which is much more frightening than any of the horror films, there's plenty of political ads, debates, and campaigning to turn any stomach!
And if you're in the mood to watch television which is much more frightening than any of the horror films, there's plenty of political ads, debates, and campaigning to turn any stomach!
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Return of the Prodigal - Spring
Return of the Prodigal - Spring
I completed the Spring midi/guitar arrangement on Carol's birthday! I'm really pleased with the way this version turned-out!
_______________________________
Original composition first recorded in 2006. This 2012 instrumental Spring arrangement recorded with guitars and 'Digital Data Orchestra' accompaniment.
____________________________________________________________________________
'Return of the Prodigal' displays the three stages of a person's spiritual life. The first part is the natural part of any person's life that we all share in common... our life after our first birth when we are by nature separated from God.
The next part is our broken stage when we finally realize the forgiveness God offers; our authentically repentant response; and our humble need to follow what He offers.
The final part is when we have turned away from our separated state and no longer live for self. Now we have accepted God's gift and are living for Him!
I completed the Spring midi/guitar arrangement on Carol's birthday! I'm really pleased with the way this version turned-out!
_______________________________
Original composition first recorded in 2006. This 2012 instrumental Spring arrangement recorded with guitars and 'Digital Data Orchestra' accompaniment.
____________________________________________________________________________
'Return of the Prodigal' displays the three stages of a person's spiritual life. The first part is the natural part of any person's life that we all share in common... our life after our first birth when we are by nature separated from God.
The next part is our broken stage when we finally realize the forgiveness God offers; our authentically repentant response; and our humble need to follow what He offers.
The final part is when we have turned away from our separated state and no longer live for self. Now we have accepted God's gift and are living for Him!
Art Abilities 101
You say you can't draw a straight line?
Sure you can!
That's what rulers are used for.
Sure you can!
That's what rulers are used for.
Monday, October 8, 2012
Politics
A politician is a person who occasionally gets cheered when they tell a lie and jeered when they tell the truth.
The Last Days are Our Present Days... How much Longer will They Endure?
In Paul's second letter to Timothy he writes, "that in the last days there will be very difficult times." Then he accurately elaborates and describes the times and people we know and are accustomed to. Our entertainment, politics, philosophies, mind-sets, accepted behavior, teachings, news articles, and principles are mentioned by Paul as difficult, unGodly, wicked, and worth avoiding. This is what we know and accept every day.
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
No Cost
Many of the best things in life are free. But hey, try telling that to a consumer society that believes if it doesn't have a price attached to it, it ain't worth much.
Monday, October 1, 2012
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Attitude
I understand confidence.
I understand arrogance.
(They're not the same thing.)
What I don't understand is arrogant confidence.
The two become muddled into one and it's difficult to tell where one ends and the other begins.
The arrogance tends to overshadow the confidence and by doing so, all respect is also left behind.
(Some things should never be blended together.)
When combined together, what you're left with is an unbecoming attitude.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Monday, September 24, 2012
the Seasons - Spring
New cover art created for the SPRING Heavenly Guitars arrangement.
The music can be heard on Last.fm at:
bit.ly/NKyVht
The videos can be viewed on YouTube at: youtu.be/EVxjrXFHuq4
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Thanksgiving
Enter his gates with thanksgiving;
go into his courts with praise.
Give thanks to him and praise his Holy name.
(Psalm 100:4)
Many people believe that if there is a heaven, they're gonna be admitted there. Unless you share the same attitude as the Psalmist, heaven's not really the right place for you.
go into his courts with praise.
Give thanks to him and praise his Holy name.
(Psalm 100:4)
Many people believe that if there is a heaven, they're gonna be admitted there. Unless you share the same attitude as the Psalmist, heaven's not really the right place for you.
Monday, September 17, 2012
Every Time and Place
Shown is the 'Every Time and Place' rendering which coincides with the 'Heavenly Guitars' Spring video.
Music of 'Miracle on the Damascus Road' can be heard on Last.fm at:
http://bit.ly/SUZlPw
Joy on Every Face
Music of 'Miracle on the Damascus Road' can be heard on Last.fm at:
http://bit.ly/SUZlPw
Shown is the 'Joy on Every Face' rendering which coincides with the 'Heavenly Guitars' Spring video.
I Really Like Your Jesus, uh... No You Don't!
"I like your Jesus, I just don't like his followers." (paraphrase)
This statement was coined in the last century by a man known for peace and revolution, but who also had a very jilted and poorly thought-out theology. Since then, it has been repeated and proclaimed by many other people who also tend to suffer from a weak doctrinal view of God and His spiritual kingdom.
If you are one who also believes in the "I like your Jesus" sentiment, I am restating a couple variations of it so the full absurdity of it can be felt…
"I really like Martin Luther King, I just don't like the dark people who follow him."
"I really like the Democratic party, I just don't like people who call themselves Democrats."
"I really like television, I just don't like the shows which they air."
etc,
etc.
In all four cases… Jesus, Dr. King, a political party, and a mass-media entertainment network, we cannot say we like the center but not the outlying branches. What we actually feel is that we don't like the results of the center focus/leader/source/ideal and if we really knew more about who or what is being followed, we really wouldn't like them/it as well.
So, when I hear someone proclaim the "I like your Jesus, but…", I think to myself, "No. You really don't like him either." And if it's someone I know, I might add, "… and your life and actions really show you don't like him as well."
This statement was coined in the last century by a man known for peace and revolution, but who also had a very jilted and poorly thought-out theology. Since then, it has been repeated and proclaimed by many other people who also tend to suffer from a weak doctrinal view of God and His spiritual kingdom.
If you are one who also believes in the "I like your Jesus" sentiment, I am restating a couple variations of it so the full absurdity of it can be felt…
"I really like Martin Luther King, I just don't like the dark people who follow him."
"I really like the Democratic party, I just don't like people who call themselves Democrats."
"I really like television, I just don't like the shows which they air."
etc,
etc.
In all four cases… Jesus, Dr. King, a political party, and a mass-media entertainment network, we cannot say we like the center but not the outlying branches. What we actually feel is that we don't like the results of the center focus/leader/source/ideal and if we really knew more about who or what is being followed, we really wouldn't like them/it as well.
So, when I hear someone proclaim the "I like your Jesus, but…", I think to myself, "No. You really don't like him either." And if it's someone I know, I might add, "… and your life and actions really show you don't like him as well."
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Overlooking Rio
"Overlooking Rio" rendered for 'Down Through the Ages'.
Heavenly Guitars arrangement can be heard on Last.fm at:
bit.ly/NKyVht
Friday, September 14, 2012
Greed
One of the unfortunate reasons insurance costs so much is because some folks view their insurance as a means to turn their accident into an opportunity (get rid of the old and make money off of it).
Currently the Door is Open
"So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. (Luke 11:9)
The music which goes with the art can be heard at Last.fm at:
bit.ly/NKyVht
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Motivate Me
Why do I cringe at motivational speeches?
Why do I disdain a well-executed motivational presentation?
Perhaps it's what lies behind whats actually being said and presented. Perhaps it's the semblance of mind-control lying underneath.
One of the greatest motivational speakers of the past hundred years was Adolf Hitler. He was superb at stirring the inner being… right to the heart and core of his listeners.
The average politician tries his/her best to use motivational tactics too. Most aren't as successful as Hitler was, but that doesn't mean they don't make the effort.
I really do dislike motivational speeches.
Why do I disdain a well-executed motivational presentation?
Perhaps it's what lies behind whats actually being said and presented. Perhaps it's the semblance of mind-control lying underneath.
One of the greatest motivational speakers of the past hundred years was Adolf Hitler. He was superb at stirring the inner being… right to the heart and core of his listeners.
The average politician tries his/her best to use motivational tactics too. Most aren't as successful as Hitler was, but that doesn't mean they don't make the effort.
I really do dislike motivational speeches.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
I just completed the 'Heavenly Guitars' Spring arrangement of 'MOtD, which can be heard on Last.fm at:
http://bit.ly/NmDhtG
The original composition was released in 2008 and various versions of it can also be heard on my Last.fm page.
(artwork shown from the 'Down Through the Ages' video which will soon be released on YouTube)
Friday, September 7, 2012
What's Your Vice?
"Vices spread much faster than virtue."
We commonly ignore and forget this principle until it catches up to us and it's damage has been done.
We commonly ignore and forget this principle until it catches up to us and it's damage has been done.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Dirty Twitter
Twitter promotes very biased and slanted politics! In your Twitter account settings, be sure you go to your 'email notifications' and uncheck boxes in 'Updates from Twitter' so you won't receive them anymore.
During this nasty campaign season, Twitter is showing their true dirty colors! It's bad enough we have to put-up with the politicians deceiving us, now we have to put-up with Twitter shoving their views down our throats!!
During this nasty campaign season, Twitter is showing their true dirty colors! It's bad enough we have to put-up with the politicians deceiving us, now we have to put-up with Twitter shoving their views down our throats!!
I previously mentioned that art is being created to go along with the 'Heavenly Guitars' Spring arrangement of 'Down Through the Ages'. Shown is the rendering which coincides with the "lions roar" lyrics.
Though the video is not yet completed, the music is, and can be heard on Last.fm at:
http://bit.ly/NKyVht
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Allowance
Make sure most things in your life are for the good and benefit of all.
Let your tolerances be positive and your intolerance be even more positive. We all can benefit by those things you allow, as well as those things you won't allow.
Let your tolerances be positive and your intolerance be even more positive. We all can benefit by those things you allow, as well as those things you won't allow.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Comment on 'All Roads' Jargon...
Fallacy: "I love the peaceful, loving, and kind Jesus, not the Jesus who Christians portray."
This is a fallacy because the many, many people who think that way really have no love for Jesus at all. They purposely pick an attractive non-confrontational Christ. They only hear the sweet, loving things he occasionally said. They ignore the bulk of his teaching which minces no words about who he actually is; what God expects from us; the terrible predicament we are born into; and the one and only way out of our nasty predicament.
Christ's ministry began upon the all-important message of 'Repent', and it is that very message which the average person intentionally ignores and downplays. It is only those handful of folks who take that message serious and do exactly what we are told to do... not because we are forced to do it, but because our heart shifts and we recognize the truth and have a new desire to do what God wants us to do. (No, most people have no honest desire to please God. It's not a part of our makeup.) It is only after we make that all-important, life-or-death, honest change-of-heart, and make Jesus our highest Lord and King, that we will follow Him wherever He might lead... here, there, east, west, north, south, good times, bad times, tribulation, turmoil, persecution, and finally.... to His eternal Kingdom which requires a second birth in order to enter.
Yep, Jesus never once minced words about how difficult it is to "go to where I am going". In order to get there we must choose a tiny narrow path; go through a small narrow door; quit joining in to the majority rule; and die to our egotistical, selfish self in order to get there.
Jesus might have come as a humble servant, but He can only be a part of us when He truly is King of Kings within our heart!
This is a fallacy because the many, many people who think that way really have no love for Jesus at all. They purposely pick an attractive non-confrontational Christ. They only hear the sweet, loving things he occasionally said. They ignore the bulk of his teaching which minces no words about who he actually is; what God expects from us; the terrible predicament we are born into; and the one and only way out of our nasty predicament.
Christ's ministry began upon the all-important message of 'Repent', and it is that very message which the average person intentionally ignores and downplays. It is only those handful of folks who take that message serious and do exactly what we are told to do... not because we are forced to do it, but because our heart shifts and we recognize the truth and have a new desire to do what God wants us to do. (No, most people have no honest desire to please God. It's not a part of our makeup.) It is only after we make that all-important, life-or-death, honest change-of-heart, and make Jesus our highest Lord and King, that we will follow Him wherever He might lead... here, there, east, west, north, south, good times, bad times, tribulation, turmoil, persecution, and finally.... to His eternal Kingdom which requires a second birth in order to enter.
Yep, Jesus never once minced words about how difficult it is to "go to where I am going". In order to get there we must choose a tiny narrow path; go through a small narrow door; quit joining in to the majority rule; and die to our egotistical, selfish self in order to get there.
Jesus might have come as a humble servant, but He can only be a part of us when He truly is King of Kings within our heart!
REVIEW BY NIFER:
The nine years put into this album has sure been worth the time. What a beautiful and inspirational way to teach about Jesus. Every song is so captivating that I didn't mind the length of the album at all. Thank you so much for your wonderful product of your faith and the God given talents, which are abundant.
All good Blessings to you and your continued work in His Ministry.
All good Blessings to you and your continued work in His Ministry.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Music Appreciation
It's always great to hear from listeners of my music. This one came from someone who heard it played on Last.fm...
"All I can say is "wow". I am really enjoying your music. Absolutely beautiful. Thank you."
Justin
"All I can say is "wow". I am really enjoying your music. Absolutely beautiful. Thank you."
Justin
Monday, August 27, 2012
Coins make Noise
The loud, boisterous pastor was known to exclaim as the offering plate was passed around, "I don't like the sound of coins hitting the plate. Paper money doesn't make that kind of noise, and that's what I like to hear... the sound of paper!" His congregation was not known for their large incomes or excess wealth. Coins might have been the best that some could muster.
The pastor's attitude was the direct opposite of Jesus on the day he defended the impoverished widow who was only able to place two measly mites into the temple treasury. Jesus is not impressed by the amount of money that we might give, but by the heart by which it is given. He knows our hearts. He is aware whether we're giving the most we are able to under our circumstances and He also knows whether we're only robbing from God by Scrooginizing against Him.
Yes, I can personally give more than the widow did simply because I am able to, but in no way am I going to be commended for what I do give in the same way that she was. Also, I don't know much about that pastor, but his attitude toward the offering instantly throws-up a red flag in front of my eyes which makes me question the rest of his teachings.
The pastor's attitude was the direct opposite of Jesus on the day he defended the impoverished widow who was only able to place two measly mites into the temple treasury. Jesus is not impressed by the amount of money that we might give, but by the heart by which it is given. He knows our hearts. He is aware whether we're giving the most we are able to under our circumstances and He also knows whether we're only robbing from God by Scrooginizing against Him.
Yes, I can personally give more than the widow did simply because I am able to, but in no way am I going to be commended for what I do give in the same way that she was. Also, I don't know much about that pastor, but his attitude toward the offering instantly throws-up a red flag in front of my eyes which makes me question the rest of his teachings.
a Dozen Mistakes
Dozen is a word that is occasionally pluralized when it really shouldn't be.
Example:
"A dozen people were involved" means that twelve people were involved.
"Dozens of people were involved" means at least twenty-four people were involved, perhaps more... perhaps many, many more!
"More than a dozen people were involved" means somewhere between twelve and twenty four people were involved. The number could be thirteen, or it could be twenty-three, but normally this statement refers to numbers closer to a dozen.
It is that last statement that the news occasionally screws-up. They might report that "Dozens of people were involved" when actually it should have been reported as "More than a dozen people were involved. They do the same thing with the numerical terms hundred and thousand. The news is extremely guilty of this 'play on numerical words' when trying to make an event appear to be more important than it is... or less important. This is one of the obvious areas we can look at to see if the news-media is being slanted on an issue.
Example:
"A dozen people were involved" means that twelve people were involved.
"Dozens of people were involved" means at least twenty-four people were involved, perhaps more... perhaps many, many more!
"More than a dozen people were involved" means somewhere between twelve and twenty four people were involved. The number could be thirteen, or it could be twenty-three, but normally this statement refers to numbers closer to a dozen.
It is that last statement that the news occasionally screws-up. They might report that "Dozens of people were involved" when actually it should have been reported as "More than a dozen people were involved. They do the same thing with the numerical terms hundred and thousand. The news is extremely guilty of this 'play on numerical words' when trying to make an event appear to be more important than it is... or less important. This is one of the obvious areas we can look at to see if the news-media is being slanted on an issue.
Politically Incorrect
Though I am normally quite politically incorrect in my reactions and thinking, I can see that in certain areas, political correctness is the way to go and should be upheld in those specific situations. Just because someone or something is wrong part of the time does not mean they are consistently wrong all of the time.
Pray over all decisions and situations. If nothing less, it will at least start you out on the right track.
Pray over all decisions and situations. If nothing less, it will at least start you out on the right track.
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Me at Wal-Mart
Wal-Mart #1: Two of the lanes marked "Speedy Checkout" have two of the world's slowest cashiers. Perhaps speedy doesn't mean what I think it does.
Wal-Mart #2: I could spend all afternoon just sitting here staring at people. Confession... staring with amusement and amazement!
Wal-Mart #3: The way I'm dressed, I wouldn't be surprised if someone is staring at me with amusement! I also wouldn't be surprised if I end-up on the infamous 'People of Wal-Mart' website.
Wal-Mart #2: I could spend all afternoon just sitting here staring at people. Confession... staring with amusement and amazement!
Wal-Mart #3: The way I'm dressed, I wouldn't be surprised if someone is staring at me with amusement! I also wouldn't be surprised if I end-up on the infamous 'People of Wal-Mart' website.
Return of the Prodigal (Winter)
Perhaps one of my more powerful compositions now has a completed video. This one has more original art than the previous videos and took a little longer to complete. Whether you agree with the strong gospel message or not, I hope you can enjoy and appreciate 'Return of the Prodigal'.
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Neil Armstrong
When I heard that Neil Armstrong passed away today it finally donned on me that this person did something which no other person in the history of the entire world had done before. He actually stepped foot onto the surface of the moon! Yep, he was the very first!
I've heard about the first moon landing my entire life but the uniqueness of it didn't hit home until just now when learning of his death. I guess I was so young when it happened, I must have trivialized the whole event in my mind.
Mr. Armstrong's tombstone will have one statement which no other person can make claim to. It will read, "He was the first person to walk on the moon." Simply incredible!
I've heard about the first moon landing my entire life but the uniqueness of it didn't hit home until just now when learning of his death. I guess I was so young when it happened, I must have trivialized the whole event in my mind.
Mr. Armstrong's tombstone will have one statement which no other person can make claim to. It will read, "He was the first person to walk on the moon." Simply incredible!
Friday, August 24, 2012
All it Takes is One
For a marriage to last a long time, all it takes is one person who is able to put-up with a lot.
Two people with high endurance is a guarantee of many years together (bar death). If neither of them are able to put-up with much, that marriage is pretty much doomed.
Of course the other guarantee of a long-lasting marriage is when two perfect people are unified, but since that doesn't exist in real life, we have to rely on at least one of the people with a long suffering disposition!
Two people with high endurance is a guarantee of many years together (bar death). If neither of them are able to put-up with much, that marriage is pretty much doomed.
Of course the other guarantee of a long-lasting marriage is when two perfect people are unified, but since that doesn't exist in real life, we have to rely on at least one of the people with a long suffering disposition!
Jerk
Everyone's an a-hole at one time or another... whether intentional or not intended. But, when you are one, do people just shrug it off as being typical-you, or are they shocked and surprised that such behavior came out of you?
Perhaps some rare occasion requires lousy behavior, but the majority of the time being a jerk is not a goal any of us should strive for. Being the best we can be means getting over a bad case of jerkitus as soon as possible and moving directly in the opposite direction.
Perhaps some rare occasion requires lousy behavior, but the majority of the time being a jerk is not a goal any of us should strive for. Being the best we can be means getting over a bad case of jerkitus as soon as possible and moving directly in the opposite direction.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Heaven Heart
I'm more and more convinced that most of the folks who try to create an opulent 'heaven on earth' are for the most part the same folks who probably never will experience the 'heaven not on this earth'.
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
-Matthew 6:21/Luke 12:34
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
-Matthew 6:21/Luke 12:34
Disney Robbers
In 1981 a person earning minimum wage had to work 3-1/3 hours to purchase an admission ticket to either of the Disney parks. In 2012 a person earning minimum wage has to work 12-1/2 hours!!! If minimum wage were aligned with the incredible inflationary prices which Disney charges to get into their parks, it would currently be $27.70 per hour!
(No, the argument that the parks are better now doesn't hold up... Disney has been arrogantly greedy with their park price hikes which are not based on wages earned or on inflation.)
It now cost over $14 a day to park your car there. I haven't located the exact amount of quarters it cost back in 1981 to do the same.
Final thought: If we could get Disney to negotiate for us, many of us would be glad to work for the Disney equivalent minimum wage, LOL.
(No, the argument that the parks are better now doesn't hold up... Disney has been arrogantly greedy with their park price hikes which are not based on wages earned or on inflation.)
It now cost over $14 a day to park your car there. I haven't located the exact amount of quarters it cost back in 1981 to do the same.
Final thought: If we could get Disney to negotiate for us, many of us would be glad to work for the Disney equivalent minimum wage, LOL.
You are Offensive
Sometimes the truth is quite offensive. Therefore, never refrain from offending someone if it: (1) has been asked for, (2) is with the right loving motive, (3) never done with anger or malice, (4) and is honestly for the greater good (the other person's benefit).
Otherwise, irresponsible offensive behavior is best left for those who don't know any better. (Politicians excluded.)
Otherwise, irresponsible offensive behavior is best left for those who don't know any better. (Politicians excluded.)
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
That's Your Interpretation
Some things can be interpreted different ways. Other things can never be interpreted in various ways. Those are the things which you must absolutely be 100% sure you are interpreting correctly. Wars have been fought for less.
Another Turtle on a Fence Post
A turtle on a fence pole is much like an eagle in a dense hole.
Both of them are not in their natural environment, and
both of them are in a location they would rather not be in.
Both of them are not in their natural environment, and
both of them are in a location they would rather not be in.
Jesus Light
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."
— Matthew 5:16
No, our good works won't get us into heaven (unlike several religions believe) but our good works are still important. They glorify God and point the way to Him... if we're not getting all the glory for our self (in that case neither is God glorified, nor do we receive any type of eternal reward). Since Jesus is THE light of the world, when we let our light shine, we are showing the true Jesus to the world in a beneficial and authentic way!
— Matthew 5:16
No, our good works won't get us into heaven (unlike several religions believe) but our good works are still important. They glorify God and point the way to Him... if we're not getting all the glory for our self (in that case neither is God glorified, nor do we receive any type of eternal reward). Since Jesus is THE light of the world, when we let our light shine, we are showing the true Jesus to the world in a beneficial and authentic way!
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Expensive Entertainment
1963... Minor amusement parks were around $2.50 for adults and $1.25 for kids (I have the admission tickets). Parking was free. Drinks in the park were 10¢. The same parks now are around $30 for kids. $40 for adults. $5 to $10 parking. $3 to $5 for drinks. Multiply 4x for a family of four. When it comes to amusement, our dollar doesn't go near as far now as it did then (I paid 15¢ for movies throughout early sixties, 10¢ for popcorn).
Bottom line... entertainment is far more sophisticated now but you work many more hours to be entertained. Inflation runs amuck.
PS... And it took only one income to support that family of four and pay for that day at the amusement park. Now it takes two incomes, or one income using a credit card which is money they haven't earned.
Bottom line... entertainment is far more sophisticated now but you work many more hours to be entertained. Inflation runs amuck.
PS... And it took only one income to support that family of four and pay for that day at the amusement park. Now it takes two incomes, or one income using a credit card which is money they haven't earned.
Speelchek
One alarming thing which becomes apparent when reading forums and online comments is just how much 'flawed thinking' takes place in general. I'm not sure it knows no bounds between the highly-educated or the lesser-educated, it seems to come from all corners.
(No, I'm not referring to grammar. I am not referring to anything which spell-check could correct. I'm talking about those things which spell-check has no clue about.)
(No, I'm not referring to grammar. I am not referring to anything which spell-check could correct. I'm talking about those things which spell-check has no clue about.)
Monday, August 20, 2012
Awards
Much of the time when someone is nominated for an award of achievement, their nomination is more a statement about the person or committee that does the nominating than it is about the recipient.
Awards are given for perceived excellence. Sadly, most excellence goes unnoticed and it is only that wee bit of perceived excellence that just happens to be noticed by the right person that ends up receiving recognition.
Awards are given for perceived excellence. Sadly, most excellence goes unnoticed and it is only that wee bit of perceived excellence that just happens to be noticed by the right person that ends up receiving recognition.
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Expertation
When 'the experts' say something contrary with what you know is right, it makes you question who these experts are and why aren't they able to do a better job in their field. Unfortunately, the experts are the ones who get widely quoted, publicized, and acknowledged with having the final word on a given subject.
Yeah, sure.
Yeah, sure.
Saturday, August 18, 2012
New Art
Fifty five iPad paintings and probably another twenty to go!
I've been working for over a month on the artwork to accompany the 'Return of the Prodigal' music video. This one's taking longer than the others for two reasons... the length of the song is longer than many of the others, and the art has far more people in it. People normally take longer than objects or nature to paint.
I have also changed the app which is being used for the video edits. Perhaps I'm editing slower than normal. Maybe in a couple of weeks it will be ready to post.
I've been working for over a month on the artwork to accompany the 'Return of the Prodigal' music video. This one's taking longer than the others for two reasons... the length of the song is longer than many of the others, and the art has far more people in it. People normally take longer than objects or nature to paint.
I have also changed the app which is being used for the video edits. Perhaps I'm editing slower than normal. Maybe in a couple of weeks it will be ready to post.
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