Two Baskets of Figs

As I continue to journey through this life I become more and more convinced of certain truths. My wife is generally right, my parents were really prophets-in-training, and when God said, "My ways are not your ways," He meant it.

God didn't hide this truth or not expect us to embrace this reality. In Proverbs 14:12, He reminds us, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death." In other words, if I'm relying upon my experience, judgement, and intellect to properly evaluate my circumstances, especially those life-altering moments in my life, chances are I'm going to be wrong. It's not that God doesn't expect us to use our brains to make good decisions, but He never expected us to evaluate our life through the prism of our finite minds.

Okay, if you're like me you're going to need an example. One example coming up . . .

Oh No!!!

[Disclaimer: Since I moved to Arkansas in 1996 I have failed to keep my childhood promise, (though I must gently point out that if there were a Krystal restaurant within 100 miles of my residence this probably wouldn't have happened). to forever sustain this restaurant chain, to the best of my ability, and to help it maintain its profitability until the day of my death. I am sorry for failing in this particular endeavor . . . ]

News Alert: Krystal, a popular fast food chain in the southeastern United States, has filed for bankruptcy.

The Board and The Keys

Black and White keys and pieces, full of hope, teaming with possibilities . . . you pull up your chair or bench, extend your fingers, reach into the recess of your mind . . .  and begin!

Have you ever given much thought to the similarities between playing a piano and the game of chess? Both have black and white pieces / keys, awaiting the commands of their masters. Both endeavors involve creativity, and both have the task of containing opposing forces that must be controlled for success to be earned.

The feeling of approaching a piano keyboard, the keys casting a shadow from an impartial light, awaiting you and no other, is a magical moment. You close your eyes, place your fingers on the keys and search for inspiration. Where will this journey take you? Will you run into old friends, past melodies dancing along the edge of your memory or discover new friends? 

Do you see the possibilities? 

Trying to focus your mind as you search for inspiration, fighting off the howls of insecurity, yet sadly recognizing that creativity usually fails to deliver when beckoned . . . 

New Year's Resolutions

Like so many others, part of the ritual of my New Year holiday usually involves making resolutions. I embraced this challenge in my early 20's but have shifted away from emphasizing goals as I have grown older and have shifted toward a focus on improving my character. 

The three "R's" a former boss once taught me, were the keys to living a better life, Reevaluation, Restructuring, Reinvention. And there is no one better than Jesus to reveal our true hearts, unveil the illusions of who we think we are, and emphasize how we should treat others through reading His Word.

I thought I would share what I have been pondering on for the New Year for the last few years, I hope these will be of value to you in setting your own New Year resolutions. Here we go!