I recommend you don’t live a meaningless life. On the surface, that might sound like a job for Captain Obvious. But, sadly, most people who ever lived, are living now, or ever will live, won’t avoid it. About 8 years ago, I wrote about what makes up a meaningless life. Here’s what I said. And it still applies: “Surely you … The rest of the story…
Category Archives: Faith Hope and Love
There aren’t any specific verses in the Bible that mention when angels sing. But the idea, or the spirit of the concept of Heavenly choirs of angels, certainly seems completely feasible to me. And based on my own desire to sing out when I think of my many blessings, I can only imagine how angels must feel in God’s presence. … The rest of the story…
It was a cold day in February. I was “on the road.” And, believe it or not, bad things were going on in the world. Yeah, I know. With all the world peace we enjoy these days, that’s difficult to even imagine. Thankfully bad things are a thing of the past. I’m so grateful, that over the past 36 years, … The rest of the story…
Paul was a manly man. When you read about him, you won’t find a sentence that describes him that way. But, clearly, he was the polar opposite of a wimp. And, yes, I know that’s a polarizing statement. But I stand by it. Because if anyone was ever the polar opposite of weak, it was Paul. And I guess I … The rest of the story…
It’s the very last word in the book. And it’s actually the last AND first word of authority on all aspects of life. Not just something to shout out when financial goals are met. Or when someone announces a potluck lunch. Or just “an expression of concurrence or assent; an assertion of belief.” And it’s the last word on purpose. … The rest of the story…
I’ve shared my take on it a few times, over the years, and I’m gonna do that again today. Because I just watched a short video clip of Paul McCartney talking about the magic of music. In case you’re young enough to still have a mind of mush, or you’ve been living under a cactus in a deserted desert, Paul … The rest of the story…
Just heard a song on the sound system of this coffee shop. “Tears in Heaven.” And I remembered the sad news that went with it. On March 20th, 1991, Eric Clapton’s 4-year-old son, Conor, died after falling from the 53rd-floor window of a New York City apartment. Eric dealt with the grief of his son’s death by isolating himself for … The rest of the story…
I remember two small wall hangings my Grandmother had above her stove in her kitchen. One said, “No matter where I serve my guests, it seems they like my kitchen best.” And the other one I like even better. It said, “The hurrier I go, the behinder I get.” And I remember her telling me that when it seems like … The rest of the story…
“of salty water or the sea; salty” That’s a dictionary definition of the word briny. If you’ve ever lived close to or by the ocean you’ve probably heard that word. This world is about 70% covered in seawater. So, I’m sure a lot of coastal people are familiar with the term. But, even with that much ocean, this world is … The rest of the story…
The River. It’s a metaphor. And a comparison. And a guide. Or a guard. Or even an obstacle. But the River runs. And you can never catch it. So, walk by it. Sit next to it. Listen to its monologue as it strokes the shores and slips through the landscape. The River runs through life. And it makes it way … The rest of the story…
Here’s some encouragement for the day. But it’s only for people who aren’t fools. People who understand the difference between delusion and reality. And if that direct and simple statement triggers a negative reaction in your head, you might be in the fools camp. But even people with wisdom can use some encouragement for the day. Because this planet is … The rest of the story…
Imagine yourself deep in thought. And your thoughts seem to transport you out of your body and into the air. Then, in the blink of an eye, you realize you’re sitting in a wifi café, in the middle of a conversation with a gray-haired stranger. And the gray-haired stranger asks… “Did you think you would get here in the blink … The rest of the story…
Do you have siblings? If so, did you ever get into arguments with them when you were kids? No, who does that, right? Seriously, if you have a brother or sister (or a bunch of them like Elgielene does), you most likely had at least a disagreement or three. And you might remember answering the “why” question with the most … The rest of the story…
It’s summer time. And no doubt you’ve been in the garden yourself, or you know someone who has. Or you’ve been to someplace to get some of the good stuff that comes out of a garden. Right? And I can tell you, from a LOT of experience, how good it is to go into a garden to feel the dirt … The rest of the story…
Well, you can call me Tony Splendorburk. Because I meet the criteria for that title. And it took me a long time to earn it. So I’m gonna own it. That means this post is gonna contain a lot of me me me talk. But it’s really not about me. Really. First, a little back story. I’ve already lived over … The rest of the story…
I’ve talked about it before. But something popped up, online, this morning, that brought back a good and sad memory. And it’s about sticks. But not just any kind. I’m talkin’ about Pick Up Sticks. A game that used to be popular with kids before technology took the soul out of games. Anyway… Back to the memory. My brother and … The rest of the story…
“We have nothing to fear but fear itself.” That’s a good line. Even though it does come from a former U.S. president who was so wrong on so many things. But back in that time in American history, even FDR understood that fear creates the wrong kind of defensive positions. Fearful defensive positions lead to lights under baskets. Yes, that’s … The rest of the story…
If I talked to carnations, or lilacs, or even lilies of the valley (and I don’t, in spite of what you might’ve heard), I’d probably say something clever like, “You must’ve been scent from above.” And that’s because there’s nothing like a good pun to get a conversation rolling. Yeah, “scent from above” is a pun. Not a typo. And … The rest of the story…
I know you’ve heard this. Because, if you haven’t, where have you been hiding? People say you should judge no book by its cover. And that’s especially when they don’t want you to judge someone for the way they look. Or their “lifestyle choice.” But “judge no book” isn’t about “a look” or “lifestyle choice.” Well, sometimes it is. But, … The rest of the story…
According to one reliable source, a star explodes about every 26 years. No, I’m not talking about Alec Baldwin. These are actual stars. You know, those blinking lights up in the sky. So, evidently, exploding stars are not a rare phenomenon. And exploding stars produce a lot of gas and dust. And, also according to my trustworthy source, that gas … The rest of the story…