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So which is it? Great Smokey Mountains or Gatlinburg, Tennessee? My wife Grace and I have “Vacation Buddy’s”. We met them on a cruise earlier this year and this is our second time getting together with them on a mini-getaway. We just get a long real well and laugh a lot together. Previously this year, we met them in Kentucky to explore the Red River Gorge area. This time we met in Tennessee.…

What keeps us in everlasting ignorance?  “There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments, and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance—that principle is contempt prior to investigation.”  Herbert Spencer  Shame tops the list. However, before we get into that, let’s investigate 5 other BIG contributors: The Illusion of knowledge…

Do you know the difference between accountability and persecution?  Some people confuse and reverse accountability with persecution. And that’s weird. Today, with a story I created with the help of AI, we are going to get at the TRUTH of it!  First, let’s get some definitions GOing! Accountability – Taking responsibility for your actions. Persecution – Systematic mistreatment because of what…

This week as we close out with a FUN FRIDAY! message, I want to encourage you. Growth by setting down your ego has been my example this week. One of the BIG BIG factors that drives our ego is not always flat out pride. Shame keeps us in the ego cycle. Self protection from the shame feeds the ego to stay the course. What can we do to change the narrative? Wear your story so that others may tread…

Are you content or are you just coping with bad dynamics? This week we have been talking about Growth. I have been using the ego as a prime example of why people get stuck in self destructive toxic behaviors. I have a lot of comments about what it takes to move away from this type of behavior and move towards healthy growth. So, come and play along. Are you confused about being content? What…

What if God took away our pain? Isn’t that what we all want? I had this profound thought last night about pain.  Pain is the motivator. When we have pain, we move. When we have pain, it causes us to take action. There are those who will tolerate the pain. There are those that have no clue they are in pain. When the pain reaches a level of discomfort no longer tolerated, we move.  There is…

Nope, I never watched Stranger Things. As a matter of fact, this weekend was the first time I ever saw a commercial for that TV series. It must have been because someone mentioned that series. It’s kind of like when you get a new car (or new to you). All of the sudden, you see that type of car everywhere. Regardless, trust me when I tell you, I have witnessed Stranger Things. Of course I have a…

Where is your heart this Thanksgiving? Here in the States, we will observe my favorite holiday tomorrow. American Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is a time to gather family together and enjoy each other’s company and fellowship. It is a time to reset your heart through relaxation and gratitude. It is a time to take extra care and give thanks to God for what He has given to you. Not the stuff-ing. THE…

It was quite difficult for me to hit publish this morning for my FUN FRIDAYS! post. Just as I was about to hit publish, I received a text from our contractor. Two days ago he and his wife brought a baby girl into this world. This morning he texted me and told me they lost her yesterday morning. Talk about RIP YOUR HEART OUT. Prayers for Mark and his Jesus loving family at this time of grief and…

This week I was with my Mom. Each month, my job takes me to my home state of Pennsylvania. As it works out quite well, I usually just stay at my Moms while I am there. This time my Mom had a decent list of things she wanted me to help her with. In addition, there was a larger issue going on with her “wired telecommunications” service provider charging over twice what those services should…

What does Binding and Loosing mean in the Bible, and how do we apply it? One of my friends visited my house a few weeks ago. He brought us lunch and we hung out on my front porch and chatted. As I shared the challenges me and our family have been facing and situations with abhorrent people, he provided a Spiritual Warfare Solution. He said, when you face situations that you need immediate help…

The Measure of Mercy Elias Moreno stood alone in the quiet courtroom, his hands trembling as he waited for the judge to return. He wasn’t a hardened criminal—just a man who had made bad choices. He had attempted to take what was not his. It was wrong, and he knew it. But knowing didn’t erase the fear of what would come next. Across the room, Attorney Grace Callen watched him with a mixture of…

Do you want to read this SEXPLANATION? I got one for you. Hold on a second though. Before I give it to you, I need to tell you the backstory. A couple weeks ago a reader submitted a story. In his story that you can read here: Tell It Tuesday – A Brief Stumble and a Tumble that I re-organized a bit, is an explanation of God’s Design for Sex, What Sex IS, and What Sex Is NOT. My friend and I…

Ok – You got me. This is actually the WHATABURGER sign. WHATABURGER has been on the build. It’s a Texas based franchise that’s been around since 1950. I hadn’t been in WHATABURGER since I was 14. I have now been in two different WHATABURGER’s in two different states in the last week. There are now two stores in my direct area, with another two within 45 minutes of where I live. Another one just…

If It’s Way time, How is the Way? In this Way the Word of the Lord flourished and prevailed. Acts 19:20 CSB On Monday, we recognized It’s Way time. We identified the root of the Way as an early label for Christianity. We identified the root of its origin of time in the book of Acts. We identified the root of the Way as Jesus. How Exactly is the Way? There are a TRINITY OF WAYS. (Bold…

Have you ever gotten to be part of someone’s Jesus Story?  In the 12 step rooms, when we sponsor and work with others, we get to be part of each other’s recovery stories. I can tell you first hand, that when you get to be part of someone’s recovery journey and watch them grow and mature, that feeling of gratitude is so awesome in knowing that you got to be part of their story.  Yesterday, I got…

There is no Way anyone can argue. Jesus and the word hate, do not belong in the same sentence. The two are polar opposites. Jesus is the Way. The Way is a term known for early Christians. Jesus fortified the Way on Straight Street. Jesus came in opposition to the god of stones. Jesus is our Bulwark. Jesus came to wipe out sin. Jesus came to LOVE. JESUS IS LOVE. Excelsior! Onward and Upward! A…