This is one of my favorite, and most quoted skits. It really does describe competition and the quest to win. Best lines, “Of all the losers, you were the best,” and “If I would have had a pimple, I would have won.” Psychology Today actually has published some thoughts about why bronze medalists are more satisfied than the silver medalist. “The silver medalist compares him or herself to the gold medal winner. But, the bronze medal winner compares him or herself... Read more
She tosses her hair back and laughs at the silly joke. I can’t hear what’s said, but I notice she turns her face to the ground when she thinks no one is looking and grimaces, biting her lip. There’s pain, but she’s trying not to show. It’s Happy Hour. The sun is shining. The libations are flowing. The appetizers are passed around the table. Is this what happy looks like? He bought a new car. It can hit 80 in... Read more
(A repost and Easter Day Favorite) Johnny Hart, who was the master cartoonist behind the “B.C.” cartoon strip as well as the “Wizard of Id,” died of a stroke five years ago on, ironically, on Easter Day. He had a wry sense of humor that made millions laugh since 1958. “B.C.” was considered the most widely read comic strip on the planet. Johnny’s conversion to Christianity is an interesting story and came about because of someone who springs from someone... Read more
The prayers were agonizing—so intense that red sweat stained his white robe on this blackest of nights. The sorrow was excruciating—deep, painful, and overwhelming. Jesus said he felt like dying. A pall hung over the olive garden, and he pleaded with his friends, “Stay here. Keep watch with me.” But Peter, James, and John missed out on the eternal significance of the moment. After all, their bellies were full from the Passover meal. And it was dark and late. Sleep... Read more
I remember praying hard for a job I wanted.I engaged friends and extended family in the petition.As a family, we bowed our heads and pleaded in earnest.My heart was pure.My motives were honest.And someone else got the job. Six months later, the position was eliminated. Thank goodness He didn’t give me what I wanted.But that hasn’t stopped me. I’ve asked for increased recognition, for earthly rewards, for selfish, petty things. I ask and ask and ask. In retrospect, there are... Read more
“It’s not how you start your life, it’s how you finish.” Confronted with these words, I chronicle the timeline of my life. Like a stock chart, a roller coaster, or a heart machine, there is little consistency. I’m up. I’m down. And there’s really little in between. When my days are done, how will I have lived? One day, Will be I viewed as a good husband, a partner to the end?Will I have loved with integrity, honesty and faithfulness?Will I... Read more
I read the words in the newspaper, disbelieving. He was gone, leaving a wife and a couple of sons at home. He left undone too many things that should have been. They said it was his heart. But I wonder if it was his soul that went first. Flashback. We were young men in the faith, ready to change the world. We knocked on doors, talked to people on street corners, picked up hitchhikers and were always ready to give... Read more
We all love to hear words of praise. I don’t care how humble you are, there is still a welling of pride that comes when others recognize the works of your hands.We like praise. We love praise. We crave praise. It started as children when even the worse drawing with a blunt crayon was hung on the refrigerator. Proudly beaming for days, we sulked when it finally had to come down. Something inside of us wants our efforts to be... Read more
As soon as the words came out of my mouth, I knew they were wrong. Something inside of me wanted to tell the truth, but like a split-second decision that changes your destiny, the river flowed out of the wrong channel. Trying to catch the words, they were gone, smoke spreading on a cold morning. Now out in the open, I had to deal with the after affect. So, I justified the words, first to myself, then to God. Neither... Read more
(Photo credit: itspaulkelly) What makes something beautiful? The human eye is drawn to objects perfectly proportioned. Think of the spiral of a sea shell or the Egyptian pyramids. Certain faces on people seem to have the perfect dimensions. Some designs seem so perfect. And why are some faces so perfect? Interestingly, beauty can actually be mathematically equated to 1:1.6. This ratio is calculated by using a series of numbers called the Fibonacci sequence, or the Golden Ratio. It’s sequence looks like this: 1,2,3,5,... Read more
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