Change the channel

Here's the deal - I don't watch a lot of "regular" television. With kids that are three and two, we watch a lot of "children/preschool" television. However, I have prior experience in watching a fair amount of television. And, when something came on that I didn't want to watch or hear, things that I felt were inappropriate, I changed the channel.

Today, it seems that people have lost the ability to change the channel, to tune inappropriate material out. There is always going to be something on television that pushes every limit to see if it can move those limits. We can sit there and watch it and support the channel showing it and complain about it OR we can change the channel; that's part of what makes this country so great.

Today's word is a quote from G. Norman Collie, which says, "In free countries, every man is entitled to express his opinions and every other man is entitled not to listen."

The old saying is that "Opinions are like bellybuttons, everyone has one." Trust me, everyone has an opinion, and most people will share it freely and without reservation or hesitation. Part of what makes this country great is that you can express your opinion. What also makes this country great is that when you express your opinion, and I don't agree with it, I can tune you out.

Thankfully, we don't live in a country that makes us listen to propaganda and "national television". If someone is saying something that I don't like, if they are saying something I find offensive or inappropriate, if they are saying something against my beliefs, I don't have to listen - I can change the channel! GOD Bless America!

Be Blessed,
Mickey T

Can't Hide

Two escaped murderers have been accounted for, one died, the other captured. They were serving lengthy sentences and decided to try and make a break for freedom. They had some help; at least one that will no doubt spend some time in the penal system for her aiding and abetting. I wonder if it was worth it.

I wonder if you asked the one captured if he enjoyed any of the three weeks. I wonder if you asked the accomplice that now faces who knows what if it was worth it what she would say. They thought they could escape and live the rest of their lives on the lam. What they found was that they couldn't hide.

Today's word is an old Chinese Proverb that simply says, "If you don't want anyone to find out, DON'T DO IT!"

There have been indiscretions in my life that I wish I could hide but someone will inadvertently bring them to my memory from time to time. Look at the politicians. They go about their lives serving others, trying to do what is right, then, they decide to run for office and someone will find something they did twenty-five years ago that they thought was forever hidden. Well, guess what? It's not.

We will all find ourselves at pivotal moments with choices. We will forever be judged by the choices we make. If you don't want anyone to find out, don't do it. I'm going to try to remember that!

Be Blessed,
Mickey T

Whoso findeth a wife

Look, I am known to reminisce from time to time. I am blessed to have lived the life I have. GOD has certainly favored me with things that I could never put into words and others could never understand. So, today I will reminisce just a little.

Twenty-seven years ago today, Trish and I married. I know, a collective, "Bless her heart." It is amazing to me how quickly those twenty-seven years have passed. There has been a lot of water under the bridge but, we have often just held each other and waded through. It is a true blessing to find the one that GOD intends for you.

Today's word is one I've used before,but, I am reminiscing. Today's word is Proverbs 18:22, KJV, "Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD."

I have said before that Trish is my Thang, my good Thang. I cannot imagine being married to someone you don't find to be your Thang. I knew when I met Trish, I am more sure now. And, GOD has certainly favored me with His Blessing, one of which is Trish.

So, I reminisce today to say, "Happy Anniversary Babe! I Really Do Love You!"

Be Blessed,
Mickey T

The Perfect Law of Freedom

What is freedom? When you hear the word "Freedom," you may think about the right to express yourself verbally, or in action, or in thought. You may think about being free from oppression or dominance. Or, when I think of freedom, I think of not being enslaved or imprisoned. It is this last definition that I would like to talk about.

There are so many people enslaved by so many things these days, which they seem unable to break away from. Whether it be drugs, alcohol, bad relationships, improper behaviors, wrong beliefs, etc., there seems to be an increase in the number of people enslaved and entangled in things that they seem unable to free themselves from. Because, they are unable...

Today's word is James 1:25, NIV, which reads, "But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don't forget what you heard, then GOD will bless you for doing it."

If we are to be truly free from these things that enslave us and entangle us, we must "look carefully into the perfect law that sets (us) free." People seem to be wanting all kinds of freedoms except for the one true freedom that really matters. You may think that you want complete freedom, but complete freedom to do what you want, when you want, where you want isn't freedom - it's being enslaved to sin. To be truly free, you have to be free of sin. And, that only comes from faith in JESUS CHRIST!

We may find ourselves entangled in various sins from time to time. We may try to find a way to get free from those things that bog us down and defeat us. But, the only way to be truly free is to look carefully into the perfect law that sets us free and do what it says. It is then that GOD will bless us and set us free.

Be Blessed,
Mickey T

Love, faithfulness, and Paw Patrol

Blake and I were discussing Paw Patrol this morning. If you aren't familiar with the cartoon, as am I sure you wouldn't be unless you have very young children, it is about ten-year-old Rider that has a crew of puppies that fix problems around Adventure Bay. The kids love it.

So, Blake asked me who I liked on Paw Patrol. I told him that I liked Rider, and Rubble, and Chase, and Rocky, and Marshall, and Zuma, and Skye, and Farmer Al, and Farmer Umi, and Captain Turbot, and Mayor Goodway, and I even like Mayor Humdinger. Blake said, "NO! You can only like one!" Now, I knew what he meant, "Which one do you like the most," but, I also wanted to make a point. I said, "Blake, I love everybody. GOD intends for us to love everyone."

Today's word is Proverbs 3 3a - 4, NIV, which reads, "Let love and faithfulness never leave you...Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of GOD and man."

Love and faithfulness. The first will find us with friends and acquaintances and favor that we could only imagine. I have definitely been blessed with great friends that I love and I know love me. Of course, we love GOD first, and when we do, we find it easier to love everyone else.

When we practice faithfulness, we prove that we are worthy of love; that people can trust that what we claim to be is what we really are. When we practice them together, we find that we really are favored and others speak well of us (mostly).

So, let's practice love and faithfulness and obtain favor and a good name with GOD and man. By the way, I do have a favorite on Paw Patrol but I'll never tell.

Be Blessed,
Mickey T

Politicing

Well, it's that time again. The time where it seems some people will spend any amount of money to get a position that pays $400,000 per year. Yes, I know, $400,000 is a lot of money. But, theses folks will spend MILLIONS, and I mean MILLIONS to get that position. I am, of course, talking about those vying for the office of President of the United States.

Sometimes, it is hard for me to determine who is telling the truth and who isn't. It's almost like statistics; statistics can be interpreted in many different ways, in any way you choose to fit your stand. So, we have all these folks politicing to become the next president but we can't hardly believe anything any of them say. All you can do is do your research and try to find the most truthful individual.

Today's word is proverbs 12:17, ESV, which reads, "Whoever speaks the truth gives hones evidence, but a false witness utters deceit."

As we progress along this campaign, we will begin to see everyone telling you how bad everyone else is but never tell us how good they are. We'll see everyone point out everyone else's shortcomings and deny their own. What I want to see is someone be honest and tell me the truth. Tell me that you are flawed and have made mistakes and that those mistakes have taught you how to be a better leader and how. Yeah, that would be good.

Be prepared for every wild tale you could ever imaging. Listen and discern. Pay attention and research. Find someone who is speaking the truth. If they speak the truth, if they live the truth, that is who I will support. And, that may be the truth...

Be Blessed,
Mickey T

Wise children

I know some really smart young people. I mean, they are intelligent. They make good grades, they do well on aptitude test, they are just generally smart. These young people excel at academia, they can work complex problems, and can calculate like nobody's business - INTELLIGENT.

I wonder, though, how wise some of these same young people are. These same super intelligent young people are likely to go out and do things that are somewhat unwise. Why? Because being smart and being wise are two different things. I know some really smart people that aren't very wise. I also know some really wise people that by some standards wouldn't be considered very smart. How does a young person become wiser?

Today's word is Proverbs 13:1, NIV, which reads, "A wise son heed's his father's instruction, but a mocker does not respond to rebukes."

No one likes to be rebuked. We don't like to be reprimanded or corrected. Yet, receiving rightful reprimand will make us wiser. And, while we started out talking about young people, this holds just as true for adults. While we may not have our parents rebuking us, our Father in Heaven still corrects us when we err. How do we receive it?

I want to be wiser. I want to be what my Father wants and desires me to be. I don't like being rebuked AT ALL. But, I want to listen to my Father, correct my failures, and become a wise child. Don't you?

Be Blessed,
Mickey T

Our Mediator

Sorry I missed a few posts lately. From time to time, I get so busy that I can't seem to find the few minutes it would take to put my thoughts down. As a matter of fact, I have been busier than a rat watching nine mouse holes lately. Anyway...

Have you ever had a dispute with someone? How did you settle it? Did it end up in court? Hopefully not. Did you ask someone to listen to both sides and settle it for you? Sometimes, it is necessary to get an outside opinion when we are in disagreement with someone else. The person we seek this from is our mediator.

A mediator is a go-between. Someone who works on behalf of someone else to try and accomplish a reasonable end. Some might refer to a mediator as a peacemaker. The mediator is there to help both parties come to an agreement, a reasonable agreement.

Today's word is 1 Timothy 2:5, NIV, which reads, "For there is ONE GOD and ONE MEDIATOR between GOD and mankind, the man CHRIST JESUS."

JESUS is our Intercessor. He is the go-between for GOD and mankind. Now, He's not trying to get both parties to come to an agreement - GOD has already decided. JESUS is there to get mankind to agree that we are sinners and we need a Savior, a ransom, to cover our sin debt and become part of GOD'S family. JESUS is the only way for us to get to GOD.

Also, JESUS is there to listen to our prayers. His desire is for all of mankind to be saved, and He wants us all praying to that effect. Aren't you glad we have the go-between to cover our sin debt and be forgiven and become part of GOD'S eternal family? Thank You, JESUS, for being my Mediator.

Be Blessed,
Mickey T

Victory

Have you ever worked really hard for something? Ever been disappointed by not accomplishing it? Did you give in to defeat and refuse to try again? Did you get back on your feet and decide that you may have lost the fight but victory was still the goal?

We will all have those times in our lives when the harder we work to accomplish something, the further from reach it seems to be. Whether it is a new hobby, a new savings goal, a new health and body regimen, it is hard to accomplish some things. However, the harder the battle, the greater the victory.

Today's word is a quote from General George S. Patton, which says, "Accept challenges. So that you may feel the exhilaration of victory."

We often step back after a failure and think, "It's no use. I will never accomplish that anyway. What was I thinking?" It's easy to give up. I know because I have. Yet, if we will refuse to lose, if we will refuse to let defeat define us, if we will accept the defeat as a new challenge, we will find the sweet taste of victory.

Don't be afraid to challenge yourself. Don't be afraid to accept the challenge. Don't be afraid of defeat. It is only when we accept the challenge that we can ever feel the exhilaration of victory! Be victorious!

Be Blessed,
Mickey T

Takers and Givers

We have two labs, a brother and sister. One is yellow, one is black. One is male, the other female. One is steady and more obedient, the other loses focus rather easily. They are both very loyal and gentle and good with the kids. Yet, the yellow, male that loses focus is more giving. He always allows his sister to choose which bowl she will eat from, and he takes the other. She will snatch the dog biscuit from you hand; he patiently sits there and waits for you to place it in front of his mouth. They are a lot like people we all know.

There are some people that will take advantage of you and everyone else if given the opportunity. If you offered to pay their light bill because they were in a bind this month, they would allow you the privilege of paying their light bill every month. If you worked hard and scrimped and saved for a new cellphone, there are those in this world that would think nothing of taking it from you. Nothing.

Today's word is a quote from Danny Thomas that says, "There are two kinds of people in the world: givers and takers. The takers may eat better, but the givers sleep better."

In the example of out two labs, one is the taker, the other the giver. They both sleep well, though, because they are dogs. When it comes to people, there will always be takers. There will always be those that want to take what you have because they don't want to earn their own. There will always be those that take advantage of your goodness and generosity because they feel they are entitled to it. Don't let that jade you.

You have to use some discernment. Not everyone that comes up to you and gives you a sob story about needing ten dollars to get enough fuel to get home is honest. Yet, if you feel GOD directing you to give them some assistance, don't let your skepticism (I am the ultimate skeptic) deny you GOD'S blessing. Just remember that the the takers may eat better but the givers sleep better. Here's to good sleep.

Be Blessed,
Mickey T

Circumstances and Decisions

We all have circumstances crop up from time to time that are completely and totally unexpected and unnerving. It never seems to fail that when one thing tears up at the house, it seems to take several other things down with it. Let's take for example that you are late for an appointment. Every traffic light that you come to will change to red, every slow driver in town will get in front of you and turn at the next driveway, every possible hindrance will arise.

I watched a football game with an acquaintance once. His team lost on a last second field goal, and he lost it. He went into another room, came out with a rifle and shot his television. Yeah, I know! Then, he commenced to throwing the television, the stereo, the clock/radio, the walkman, every electronic device in the house out in the yard. Every electronic device, I hear, I left after the television shooting.

Today's word is a quote from Stephen Covey, which says, "I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decisions."

Our circumstances do not define us; they change from moment to moment, from one situation to another. It is our decisions during these circumstances that define us and make us. In our example of things tearing up and taking other things down with it, when this happens, we can either try to repair and replace that which has failed and be grateful for its usefulness. Or, we sulk and decide we are angry and let one bad thing lead to another; like a leaky roof leading to ceiling staining, leading to rot and decay. The leaking roof is a circumstance; not fixing it and preventing further damage is a decision.

Same with the guy shooting up the television. His team lost. The television had nothing to do with it, nor did the stereo, the clock/radio, etc. His circumstance was that his team lost on a last second field goal. His decision was to be STUPID. Don't blame decisions on circumstances. You are not a product of your circumstances. You are a product of the decisions you make in those circumstances. I pray I make good decisions.

Be Blessed,
Mickey T

Happy Memories

We are just a couple of weeks from another Father's Day, and it'll be my second since Pops went to be with the LORD. I think about Pops A LOT; I miss him everyday. There are times when just the smallest, simplest thing brings back a fond memory. He was a great Dad; he was Pops.

Now, Pops never had a whole lot, never made a lot of money, but he knew what life was and how to live it. Yes, there were arguments and disagreements and worries and concerns but there was also lots of laughter and joy and hugs and love. Pops won't be remembered for the grand house he built; he'll be remembered for the great home he made.

Today's word is Proverbs 10:7, NLT, which reads, "We have happy memories of the godly, but the name of a wicked person rots away."

One of the things I remember most about Pops that I have always tried to adhere to is, "A man is only as good as his word." If you say you're going to do it, do it. If you commit to something, see it through. If you make a promise, keep it. In today's society, this does not seem to be a common practice anymore. Pops knew the value of a good name; people remember what you do - good and bad.

I certainly have happy memories of Pops. No, he wasn't perfect - far from it. But, he taught me more about making memories than about making money. He taught me more about being about it and not just talking about it. People remember good people. I pray that I can continue that legacy.

Be Blessed,
Mickey T

How do they know?

Look, I want to preface the next sentence by saying that I am all for education; the more you know, the more you know. But, some of the smartest, wisest people I have ever met didn't have a formal education. Yet, I could ask them some life question, some financial solution, some complex dilemma, and they would always have sage advice.

I have truly been blessed in my life to have the resources of wise people. They directed towards a better end, a more popular solution, a wiser decision. I didn't, and don't, always follow the advice of these wise people but it doesn't lessen the fact that they are truly wise. How?

Today's word is the beginning of Ecclesiastes 2:26, KJV, which reads, "For GOD giveth to a man that is good in His sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy..."

The reason these folks are so wise is because GOD gives them wisdom and knowledge and joy. All these people, these super intelligent people are GOD'S people, and He rewards them with wisdom and knowledge.

It makes me think of the disciples. As they were preaching, someone made comment that these men of Galilee were unlearned and ignorant men. How could they know so much? Then, they remembered that they had been with JESUS! Want to be wiser? Stick with JESUS! Want to have knowledge? Stick with JESUS! Want true joy? Stick with JESUS! That's how they know!

Be Blessed,
Mickey T

What's it worth to you?

I am trying to get myself in better shape, which shouldn't be overly difficult considering the shape I'm in. However, to get yourself in better shape requires putting forth some effort. There are days, like yesterday, that I just don't feel it, I just don't want to do it. Those days, more often than not, are the cardio days. People who claim to love cardio should probably be evaluated for delusional tendencies.

Anyway, I wasn't really feeling it yesterday, yet, I managed to force myself to do cardio. Now, two and a half minutes into my trek on the treadmill, I thought to myself, "I cannot do this." Then, I bolstered myself by saying, "Just do two minutes Mike!" So, I did two minutes, then, two more, then, two more, and managed to do a fairly good cardio workout. Sometimes, you have to make yourself do what has to be done in order to meet a goal.

Today's word is a quote from Andrew Jackson, which says, "You must pay the price if you wish to secure the blessing."

It seems that so many people want things but don't want to put forth the effort or make the necessary sacrifices to see these things through. While I didn't want to do cardio yesterday, I managed to force myself through it, and, when I finished, I was pretty proud that I had done it. I was willing to push through it for that feeling of accomplishment.

Do you have a dream, a goal, a challenge that you want to accomplish? It won't be easy. But, you've done difficult things before. DO IT! You may have to toil through it. You may have to force yourself to do it. You may have to really work to accomplish it. But, the blessing of completing it will be worth it!

Be Blessed,
Mickey T

We must endure

There are times when it seems that we have more than our share of unfortunate things happening in our lives. Or, I know it feels that way to me at times. There's always going to be those instances when something breaks down, something needs repairing, something needs replacing. Always.

There are also those times when it seems impossible to do anything that pleases anybody. If you stop at the traffic light, someone wanted you to speed through it. If you speed through the traffic light, the police officer stops you. If you fix steak for supper, someone wanted spaghetti. If you get the project done and to your boss on time, you should have had it done yesterday. If you stand up for JESUS CHRIST, you are a bigot and hate monger. Yeah, sometimes, it is hard to please anybody.

Today's word is Acts 14:22, NASB, which reads, "strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying, 'Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of GOD."

Bad things are going to happen to everyone. It doesn't matter if you are "good" or "bad"; bad things come to everyone. Why? Because we live in a world where bad things happen. Since Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden sinned and allowed sin into the world, we have and will continue to have bad things happen to everyone. However, if you are a believer, there is something to look forward to.

If you are a Christian, you have to focus, not on the bad things, but on the end results. The last part of the verse tells us that we are going to go through tribulations BUT, in the end, those tribulations are leading us to our eternal abode. When bad things happen, and they do often, I want to try not to focus on the present (I'm going to do my best to handle the situation), but, I want to focus on the fact that one day these trials will lead me home.

Be Blessed,
Mickey T

It often goes unnoticed

I came across a little cartoon the other day that showed a "boss" standing behind one of his subordinates at a computer terminal. The "boss" is telling his hardworking, dedicated employee, "Rest assured that your recent accomplishments at work have gone largely unnoticed."

Do you ever feel that way? Do you ever feel as if what you do is never appreciated? Ever feel as if you did a thousand things, the only thing that would be noticed is the one thing you didn't do? Yeah, I think we all have. You are a parent, an employee, a dedicated member of some group, a friend, a sibling, if you are alive, you have felt unappreciated - because you have been.

Today's word is a quote I came across that says, "Appreciation is as important to relationships as respect or trust."

If you ever start feeling unappreciated, it affects everything else in the relationship, whether that relationship is personal or professional. I like to tell Trish when it feels as if I am being unappreciated in some civic endeavor, "I like being useful; I don't like being used." Some people will try to take all they can and then some from you. They can drain and exhaust you. We have to find a way to do what needs to be done, what has to be done, without allowing the unappreciation to influence us. So, how do we do that? Good question...

We have to remember why we do things in the first place. If the only reason we work is to get pats on the back and a paycheck, we may find one but not the other. If you only look at the demands of relationships, you will never see the benefit of the relationship. So, what am I trying to say? We must overcome unappreciation by appreciating what we do have. We have been given much! Appreciate it! While others may not notice our hard work, remember that GOD sees us diligently doing what He has called us to do. And, He ALWAYS appreciates us doing His will - it never goes unnoticed!

Be Blessed,
Mickey T

There's still only ONE way

I recently saw a video telling me that I have been tying my shoes wrong all my life. I tried tying it the "new" way and I can tell you that it takes me twice as long as I normally take. Some things aren't what they are made out to be. I am not saying that there isn't more than one way to tie shoes. What I am saying is that this guys way isn't better than mine.

Now, I certainly believe that there are some things that there is only one way. For example, in a lot of towns, especially downtown areas, there are tons of one way streets. Now, can you go the wrong way on a one way street? Yes, but there are penalties if you are caught, accidents if you aren't lucky, and misdirection is the least of your concerns.

Today's word is one that I have used before but it has been brought back to mind lately. It is John 14:6, KJV, which reads, "JESUS saith unto him, 'I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me."

We covered this recently, and I don't want to beleaguer the point, but we need to make sure that everyone knows. There may be a lot of roads that will get you to Georgia, but if you are trying to get to One Main Street in Newnan, Georgia, you have to get on MAIN STREET. You might take any of hundreds of roads to get to Newnan, Georgia. But, you will NEVER get to One Main Street, Newnan, Georgia without getting on MAIN STREET.

Don't let folks fool you and tell you that ALL roads lead to Heaven. As we said before, all roads will lead you to the Throne, where we will all be judged, but, ONLY ONE will get you into HEAVEN - JESUS CHRIST!

Be Blessed,
Mickey T