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The Five Whispers – 5 Ways To Help Others
Did you know that the word whisper comes from an old German word for whistle? Maybe it’s just me but I don’t generally think of them in the same arena. Whispers are quiet, whistles are loud. One is about discretion, the other is about attention. In life we have the same option, to act quietly or loudly. There is a lot of noise in this world, and it can be distracting. Many of us have been blessed with a quiet, yet consistent voice of support in our lives. They aren’t loud, but they make an impact, you and I can do the same for others. I would like to share…
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Uncle Sam
He was a veteran of the American Revolution, a pioneer, and a meat packer. A local brick maker, Office Assesor, and Path Master or Road Commissioner. When the War Of 1812 occurred, the soldiers needed meat, and Uncle Sam Wilson supplied it. The 87th Congress would later recognize him as the progenitor of Uncle Sam. An artist named J.M. Flagg would create the famous poster we all know so well. It’s only fitting that Uncle Sam and a flag would be so closely associated. As a symbol he represents to me the ideals, virtues, and strength of our country. It’s a reminder that in a nation where a meat packer…
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The Interesting Thing About Today
The wonderful truth about this date in history isn’t the famous events that may have happened, or the famous name that was born though I like to look up those little facts. The interesting thing about today isn’t about them, or what I may or may not have planned. The interesting thing about today is that we have been blessed to experience it. As a Christian I would almost guarantee all of our minds in reading that first paragraph went to a very special passage. This is the day that The Lord hath made, I will rejoice and be exceedingly glad. Glad because He blessed us all, not only with…
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Art Unboxed Bennett, Churchill, And Pennsylvania Ave
I could not end this look at those who have influenced my artistic journey without mentioning these artists. They have inspired me to want to paint, in some cases just by painting. While excellent painters, at first it was less about how well they could paint than it was that they did. If these men and women who found success in other areas could achieve something in their art, to me it meant that I could. Of all of them, I believe the one who inspired me the most is a man who I’ve long admired as a singer, Tony Bennett. Born Antonio Benedetto, he was in school to become…
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iPainting The Cow Jumped Over The Moon
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Sketch The Hermitage And Tennessee’s State Anniversary
A quick sketch of The Hermitage to celebrate Tennessee’s anniversary as a state. On this date in 1796 Tennessee became the 16th state in the United States.
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Still True
Isaiah 53:9 (ESV)9 And they made His grave with the wicked and with a rich man in His death, although He had done no violence, and there was no deceit in His mouth. Isaiah 53:10 (ESV)10 Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush Him;He has put him to grief; when His soul makes an offering for guilt, He shall see His offspring; He shall prolong His days; the will of the LORD shall prosper in His hand. As Christ’s body lay in the grave, the Disciples must have been battling with confusion, grief, and fear. Yet, while they did not understand, God knew something, it was still…
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Beside Myself Twice – A Story About Making Decisions
Often we wrestle not with our choices, but ourselves. The following is a story about that, dreams, and God’s Will. A young actor named Irwin sat on the side of his bed. He had wrestled all week with what to do. If he chose wrong, it could cost him everything. If he chose right, he could still lose it all. He had barely slept all week, and didn’t expect it to be any better tonight. He would have been surprised how easily he drifted off, had he been awake to realize it. He was gone before he knew it. His mind drifted from dream to dream, with a hazy connection…
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The Office Of Friendship
I stood this week reading of two old soldiers, who having been separated by conflict, reconciled their friendship. The Colonel and Big Chief, as they we’re each nicknamed, had both once occupied the White House. It was the office that caused a rift in their friendship. Taft reached out when his friend had surgery, and Theodore Roosevelt reached back. Like Adam’s and Jefferson they corresponded again, and shared moments together. The two came to realize, as my Pastor has always said, the relationship is more important than the argument. If you study the Presidency, you will find more than one story of reunited friends for example Truman and Eisenhower. There…
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An Example And A Dream
Before the famous words “I have a dream” we’re spoken, Dr King’s Father dreamed. I was privileged to read his Father’s biography many years ago. I was blessed to read of a man who began with very little, and didn’t only succeed, he helped others to do so. As a son then I could understand the inspiration of a great father. As a dad now I am reminded of the important responsibility of being an inspiration. We do what is right because it is pleasing to God, and because it is right. We also should be mindful that what we do is a roadmap for our children. Whether it’s an…
