I usually drink my black coffee with a bit of Stevia sweetener in it, but I can handle black straight up as well. If you are are a coffee person, how do you like your coffee prepared?
Don Rickles and Bill Hicks (courtesy of Pinterest)
Don Rickles (1926-2017)
The old days were the old days. And they were great days. But now is now.
Bill Hicks (1961-1994)
Life is only a dream and we are the imagination of ourselves.
Don Rickles was a master of his comedic craft, but he was also known for his kindness and caring attitude. He and fellow comedian and actor, Bob Newhart, were best friends.
Bill Hicks’ comedy frequently used satire with topics from philosophy, politics, and religion. His life was sadly shortened by pancreatic cancer.
Man’s mind is not a container to be filled but rather a fire to be kindled.
From Colossians 3:23-24: “Whatever task you must do, work as if your soul depends on it, as for the Lord and not for humans, since you know that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward; you serve the Lord Christ.”
Dorothea Brande (1893-1948) was an American writer and editor. From the 1920s and 1930s, her most sustaining works deal with beginning any writing enterprise.
Dry, parched farmland stretches for endless miles. Tender wheat sprouts are beginning to wither under early June’s hottest sun. Will rain arrive in time to save this year’s crop?
At the intersection of two country roads sits a small, wood-framed church. The location is called Fertile Prairie, which seems appropriate with the scattered farms up and down either road.
Today the church gathers farmers and their families. They have been assembling daily to join as one voice in prayer. Their petitions focus on God’s faithfulness. According to His plans, in time He will release nature’s rain-filled drink for their wilting fields.
While prayers continue to be lifted from the inside of the church, dark clouds are filling the outside sky. Will they finally bring the Lord’s blessed rain?
At first, a few drops find the parched ground. More follow in unison until a steady, grace-filled rain is watering the fields.
Outside the church stands six-year old Tommy. He has been waiting outside and smiling at the darkening clouds. His young heart feels joy as the rain begins to nourish the land.
Inside the church, the assembly hears the falling rain. They gather at the door to look out. Smiles, filled with hope, share praises to the Lord.
They realize that Tommy is standing under an umbrella. He is the only person who brought an umbrella. This young boy has never wavered in his own faithfulness.
Tommy’s mother asks him, “What on earth caused you to bring an umbrella today?”
Tommy confidently replies, “Last night during my prayers, God reminded me to bring an umbrella. Never doubting, I made sure that I brought one today.”
Do not lose your enthusiasm. In its Greek etymology, the word enthusiasm means, “God in us.”
Do something that will last and be beautiful.
Ken Burns (born 1953) is an American filmmaker who specializes in documentaries about American history and culture. Many of his works have been presented in PBS.
Don’t just aspire to make a living, aspire to make a difference.
Denzel Washington (born 1954) is an American actor and filmmaker. He has received numerous awards for his acting performances, including two Academy Awards.
Why does God lead us through desert places? That He might humble us, that He might test us, and that the true condition of our hearts might be revealed. There’s nothing like the desert to help you discover the real you.
From Ephesians 4:21-24: “For surely you have heard about Him and were taught in Him, as truth is in Jesus, to put away your former way of life, your old self, corrupt and deluded by its lusts, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to clothe yourselves with the new self, created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.”
Do no harm and leave the world a better place than you found it.
Serenity comes from knowing what you can and can’t change.
Patricia Cornwell (born 1956) is an American novelist. Many of her stories revolve around solving fictional crimes through the eyes of medical examiner Kay Scarpetta.