Sage Advise

Sage Advise

If you need to excise a tumor,

The best blade is clever humor.

The patient has so much fun,

He never feels the tumor undone.

Hoarding Gold

Hoarding Gold

Some people I am told,

Out of fear hoard much gold.

I think it is a sham,

They should be hoarding Spam.

__________

Legal Disclaimer: Spam is a registered Trademark of Hormel Foods Corporation which has no clue said Trademark was used in this alleged poem though I don't see how they could possibly object. The EPA has not been notified of the environmental impact of this alleged poem even though the stream of consciousness has been ruled a navigable waterway and thus is under their jurisdiction. An risk assessment has not been filed with the DHS even though Spam is considered unclean by 2 of 3 of the world's largest monotheistic religions an could inspire armed attacks on US Embassies. This alleged poem is not an endorsement of Hillary Clinton even though the FBI did find Spam on her personal email servers. Before making any investment it is always wise to consult with your financial advisor. Jesus did warn against hoarding earthly treasure but Spam could hardly be classified as a treasure?

Time is Relative

Time is relative

Einstein is credited,

For making time relative.

Never more true than at 2a.m.,

Listening to a snoring next of kin.

Innocent Pastime

Innocent Pastime

Making words rhyme,

Is an innocent pastime,

Except for rusty buckets,

Or the good folk of Nantucket.

On a dirt road in Uganda

On a dirt road in Uganda

In Uganda was a troop of wild baboons,

My comrades thought them buffoons.

So they strayed quite far from the car,

Proving the baboons were not the buffoons.

Legal Disclaimer:

(No baboons or missionaries were harmed in this incident though some missionaries learned a new respect for all things wild. Fortunately another car stopped ahead of us and their hasty retreat provided an object lesson for my comrades whose retreat was more leisurely.)

The Hero Syndrome

The Hero Syndrome

(Warning: Biblical stuff, short reflection on 2Peter)

People nominated by history to the hero status are quickly larger than life. Talk to any hero who is still alive and they are likely to tell you they are an ordinary person who found themselves in an extraordinary situation.

Now consider the case of Peter a man who let Jesus preach in his boat and then begged him to disembark. A man who briefly walked on water before sinking. A man who cut off a man's ear with a sword and was likely aiming for his neck. A man who boasted he would never deny Jesus and then denied Jesus three times.

Peter was also the first to make The Good Confession. His sermon shortly after Jesus death was central to the birth of Christianity. Jesus said he was given the keys to the kingdom. Jesus gave him the nickname "rock i.e. Peter".

In his second letter Peter writes, "Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ."

Now answer me honestly, do you consider your faith equal standing to Peter's faith? You say, "No way. Peter is an Apostle. Peter is a Saint." I agree. This is precisely why we should believe him.

This assertion of equal standing is not merely salutary flourish but indeed central to the introduction of this short letter. "His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence" 2Pet1.3

And so friends, let's appreciate the great gift of Faith. Don't think of your faith as inferior. It is not.

If you read a few verses further Peter gives advice on how to nurture your faith. For me personally these are the most inspiring verses of the letter.

"5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge,

6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness,

7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love." 2Pet1.5-7

Should I Be

Should I Be?

Should I be?

I know there is evil in me.

You would only see the good,

If I did the things I should.

But if you could read my mind,

You'd be shocked by thoughts of the evil kind.

If I were to do them all,

You would see no good at all.

Should I be?

Or should God bring an end to me?

Since all have sinned since the fall,

God would have to kill us all.