no frets

The violin sings a sweet, sweet melody. It has a lively dance as well. Classical instruments have a profound beauty and I think those who master them deserve respect.

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This instrument is brown and black, right? No, we can see purple (and other colors) if we look at it carefully. That is a lesson that echoes incessantly, isn't it? As long as we are willing to remain observant, there will be delightful wonders to be found. From a Dove dark chocolate candy wrapper: "Slow down, take notice, savor the moment."

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Do you know what else I learn from this violin? It has no frets. I like that. And what about you? How many "frets" do you have? Sure, there is good reason to be afraid of certain things, but too many times we fret without cause. I submit to you that when we fret (fear) without a just cause, it is evidence of a lack of faith. This year, ask God to make you strong in your faith, that as you trust in Him, you might not be characterized by frets, to the glory of His Name.

jarred nerves

When you see an old jar, do you ever wonder what's inside? I haven't thought much about such things, and I have never been afraid of the mysteries inside. Until now.

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I took two of the kids to the store last night to buy Mom's Christmas present. They had done some figuring earlier and Daughter put some coins in Son's coat pocket, cause he might be short at the register. Sure enough, after he was rung up, he needed those extra coins... but didn't realize until that moment, which pocket she had stashed his loan. Instead of forking over his money expeditiously, he began a speech lamenting her choice of pocket.

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You still with me? Okay, here goes. He wasn't moving fast enough for me, so I put my own hand in his coat pocket. That was a mistake. I wish I could have seen the expression on my face from the cashier's perspective. I pulled my hand back out of the pocket without the coins. Imagine emptying a package of hot cocoa mix, plus chocolate chips, plus sand into a cloth pocket. What possesses a child to do such a thing?

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Let's say that I am wiser today, with a healthier fear of the unknown.

clowning around

There are two kinds of people in this world...

I know that phrase is overused, but it’s the first thing that came to mind when I saw a recent photo of a pal in clown makeup. I immediately thought, There are two kinds of people in this world. Those who aren’t afraid of clowns… Lemme tell you somethin’. Friends don’t let friends become clowns.

My oldest son likes to drive me crazy by acting like a mime. That almost cured me from thinking that a clown was the worst thing a person could be. When he does that, I pretend to take a pistol out, and screw on a silencer. If DCFS tried to make a case against me, I would have a good defense: “I love my son. I really do, but you have to understand, there are two kinds of people in this world…”