Love Tested …..By A Shopping Cart???

There is nothing more thrilling than grocery shopping day, a truth that carries a heavy, sarcastic undertone. Unless, of course, grocery shopping is genuinely your thing, in which case, God bless you. The weekly routine is a well-practiced rhythm, an almost robotic journey up and down the aisles. That is, until the store decides to relocate a single, crucial item without warning. And—without a corresponding map or a free supply of rations for the hunt. You might think common sense would prevail, but then again, why wouldn’t the larger bottles of sriracha be in the international aisle while the smaller ones remain with the hot sauce? At that moment, as you are still contemplating this existential grocery-store mystery, with only 3 out of the 20 items on your list acquired and nearing 45 minutes into your shopping, a cart rolls over the back of your heel…………Twice.

1 Cor 13: 4-7 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Don’t Be The Fast Food Wrapper Left In A Shiny Car

There are many car enthusiasts out there who have a great appreciation for automobiles. Fast cars, classics, super cars and muscle cars. There is something so awesome about the sleek lines of a super-car or the throaty sound of a classic muscle car. Their owners understand the importance of up-keep, tuning and routine maintenance. There is a sense of pride that is immediately evident by a fresh coat of wax on the exterior and well manicured interior. You never find fast food wrappers on the floor or for that matter dust on the dash. Both would ruin the car’s luster and lower the standard. There are even automobile shows where they use undercarriage mirrors placed on the ground so that you can see if the standard extends beyond the readily visible areas and into those areas that may otherwise go unnoticed.

Work hard to set this same pattern for your life where ALL things are held to the highest standard of Christ-like character in both public and in private. Be less like a fast food wrapper and more like a Shiny Car.

Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].

Was I Created With Purpose?

More than just a spectacle of engineering, this framework of iron beams and lateral steel supports stands steadfast against the backdrop of vibrant fall foliage. The structure’s captivating appearance is built to maintain uncompromising integrity, distributing the weight of its load and withstanding external forces. It is a stunning display of functional design, where robust construction, sustainability, and aesthetic appeal work in harmony— and this is a structure built by man. Think for a moment about how God created you. You were uniquely and skillfully designed with purpose which includes your mind, abilities, skills, talents and characteristics.

Psalm 139:13 My frame was not hidden from you, when I was made in secret, and skillfully formed………

Psalm 139: 14 You are fearfully and wonderfully made.

Be Less of a Jerk & More Like Jerky!

Its origins trace back much further than the 1800s with the descendants of the Inca Empire in South America, who pioneered “ch’arki” as early as the 1500s. Centuries later, this ancient innovation has given rise to a booming market, with the U.S. alone valued at $5.31 billion in 2024.

The success of this seemingly simple savory snack offers some powerful insights. Profitable brands master a few core principles: they use quality ingredients, maintain unwavering consistency, and craft a final product that is both tasteful and appealing.

By applying this model to our lives, we can inspire a similar kind of positive transformation to this generation. 1) Our “ingredients” should be the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. 2) We must be consistent and unwavering in our faith in God, just as a proven recipe remains true over time. 3) Our actions should be tasteful, demonstrating the appealing and transformative character of Christ in all that we do.

Be more like jerky and less of a jerk!

The Allegheny And Life. “By Failing to Prepare, You Are Preparing to Fail” —Benjamin Franklin

Kayaking in the Allegheny River is one of the most beautiful pastimes that I have learned to appreciate over the years. At low levels it can be breathtaking to slowly paddle these waters past the small islands, inlets and steep pine-covered embankments formed by the mountains and carved by the river. It is a majestic sight that is accented only by the powerful splendor of bald eagles, stoic herons and the trickling sound of water rolling over a shallow rock-bed. But when this river goes well-beyond normal levels it can be treacherous and riddled with overhanging limbs, stringers and floating debris while just below the surface underwater hazards, jagged rocks and hidden water patterns. In these situations skilled kayakers understand the importance of keeping the nose of the craft facing down stream at all times because getting side-ways would only elevate the danger with serious potential for calamity.

There are things in life that we can learn from these rough waters. We all experience times in life where the evidence of danger is clear (like limbs and logs) and in this case you need to immediately change your course. But we also face hidden dangers (like rocks, under-toe and dead-heads) that are not as easily spotted but can overturn, snag and pull you under. Stay alert by putting your trust in the Lord, so that you can navigate each potential danger with strength, skill and accuracy until reaching safety at the shoreline. Any other approach would leave you unprepared and complacent, thinking that you alone can take on the challenges of this world by lifting your paddle and letting the river simply carry you to and fro in any direction.

Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5-6

Why Carry Things That We Shouldn’t?

Life presents us with many opportunities to carry burdens that we were never designed to carry; a generation appearing as empty shells, masking the struggles that lie hidden inside. Yet, outward appearances as seen through the lens of social media posts, Hollywood or professional athletes can be deceiving, unlike those of this silly Schnoodle (Schnauzer & Poodle) who offers us some levity. Her mangy beard, filled with leaves from the yard, does nothing to dampen her confidence as she stands, just as she is, unphased, unwavering, without-a-worry, expectantly at the door……

Guard your heart from those things that attempt to weigh you down, while casting your cares confidently on Christ who will hold you up. 1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully].

What’s A STUDSHAKER???

In February 1852, two brothers began making horse-drawn wagons and buggies in South Bend, Indiana. They eventually transitioned to building automobiles, including electric and gas-powered vehicles. Nearly 160 years later my family attended an auto show in Western New York State where we experienced one of those vehicles for the very first time. Its shiny red paint, clean lines, and chrome trim, reflecting the sun and highlighting its recently waxed exterior, caught the attention of many onlookers. While exploring the car’s meticulous craftsmanship, its make, year, and model remained unknown to one particular admirer who stated confidently and loudly, “What’s a “Studshaker!”

The Studebaker or on that particular day the “Studshaker” gave us some good laughs and now memories at the expense of that “Car Enthusiast.” There was also a great lesson derived from this amusing display that underscored the importance of focus, reminding us to stay attentive to details and resist distractions that might blind us to our purpose where impulsive decisions and statements can lead to unpleasant outcomes that are not always laughable.

James 1:19 Understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Let everyone be quick to hear [be a careful, thoughtful listener], slow to speak [a speaker of carefully chosen words and], slow to anger [patient, reflective, forgiving]

Your Future is a Product of Your Influences. Choose Wisely!

Oftentimes corporations will implement professional development, corporate events or team-building activities to get employees out of their element and into scenarios that promote reflection and growth as it pertains to the company mission, vision and values. There is an activity where a group leader stands on the top of a picnic table surrounded by employees. The leader challenges each member one-by-one to attempt to pull him off the table while he tries to pull them onto the table. If he pulled them onto the table they would have to stay up until he pulled everyone on or until he was pulled off. If he was pulled off of the table the person who pulled him off moved to the top and all others returned to the bottom, where they continued the activity until everyone had a chance at the top. The goal was to pull everyone up and not be pulled down. In the end the lesson was and still is very simple. It is easier to be pulled down by individuals than it is to pull them up. It’s even harder to pull up an entire group….and for the record exhausting both physically and emotionally. Remember the importance of surrounding yourself with positive influences that pull you up.

Are You A Fruit Fly Or A Bloodhound

The fruit fly is a pesky little fly that is apt to be seen in mid-summer to early fall. They are enticed by the sweet smells of ripening or rotten fruits and vegetables that permeate the air. Their desire for sweet things can also be an advantage…..for the home-owner that is. You see, remediating the problem can be as simple as setting the right bait. Take an 8oz plastic water bottle and cut it in half. Flip the top half over and slide it down into the bottom half creating a funnel, leaving a little space at the bottom for fluid. Pour a few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar through the funnel and into the bottom along with a drop or two of dish detergent and you halve yourself a failsafe trap. The fruit flies smell the sweet smell of the vinegar and enter the narrow hole of the funnel down toward the apple cider vinegar where they get trapped and cannot find their way out. Even worse, they attempt to drink a little of the sweet vinegar and get stuck to the solution because the detergent strengthens the surface tension of the liquid. Problem solved! The bloodhound is known as a large scent hound. Most people are familiar with their howl-like bark and droopy ears. Unlike the fruit fly, they are a very gifted species and are known to be excellent hunting dogs and renowned for their ability to find what was lost. They sense things from afar and skillfully navigate the territory without getting ensnared or misguided regardless of the terrain. They stay focused and on task and are not deceived by impulsive and misguided decisions driven by their senses. Remember that things will be placed in front of you that look right and seem good but in actuality can take you off course and lead you down the wrong path. Seek Godly Truth and move forward in an informed manner because there are many things that are enticing to this generation but only lead to dangerous and misguided pathways.

Math, Driving and a Washing Machine…When 1+1=3

Reflecting on our early education, we may recall a time when a simple equation like 1+1=3 seemed plausible, only to be corrected by experience and a deepening understanding. This development, often born from our failures, is a small illustration of lifelong learning. As adults, the challenges we face become more complex, and easy answers are replaced by greater tests of our abilities, and on many occasions a desire to give up. Let’s face it, that’s life! Similarly, a passion for cars does not instantly create a skilled driver, nor does carrying tools make one a qualified washing machine repairman. Genuine growth and lasting accomplishment are forged through the acquisition of knowledge and its deliberate application. This process inherently involves risk and the possibility of failure, but our response to setbacks is what ultimately determines our level of success. When we forge ahead in the face of a challenge we develop grit and with each achievement, confidence and character are built, empowering us to pursue even greater ambitions. The quality of our character—our integrity and moral compass—is a critical component of this journey. Just as 1+1 equals 2, the combination of Godly character and applied knowledge leads to true success and fulfillment.