False Advertising

With red hot rage, Buyer addresses cold and matter of fact Beware. Let's listen in on their conversation together. 

Buyer: I want my money back!

Beware: Ain't that too damn bad for you, 'cause we don't do refunds sucker.

Buyer: But this isn't anything like they told me it would be. Hey, who the hell do you think you are, talking to me like that? I want to talk to your manager, NOW.

Beware: They huh? It's always they. They know nothing, and you got scammed. You know the saying, Buyer Beware, right?

Buyer: Ya, but what does that have to do with my situation? This is out and out fraud. I was lied to and tricked. There will be hell to pay once I am through with you and your organization. 

Beware: Hahahahaha, hell to pay! You got that right. Hahahaha, good luck buddy. Final sale, no refunds or paybacks, all interest in your situation evaporated when you agreed to our conditions. 

Buyer: What do you mean, all "interest in your situation"? There has to be recourse; there has to be recompense and some sort of fixing of this problem. I can't live like this. This isn't what I signed up for and put up cash for. You have got to make this right : Someone has to make this right. 

Beware: Ya ya ya, you people always say the same thing once you get here. You think the boss gives a hoot about your complaints? You think he is going to rush down here and hear you out, sympathize and rescue you, like he cares or something? You are nuts, off your rocker, crazy town, an ignoramus, a fool, stupido as the Italians would say. Do you catch my drift, see my point, understand my meaning? Are you picking up what I'm dropping down in simple language? This is it pal. There ain't no way up, or out of here. You managed to sell your way and buy your plan, working the angles every step you took, and you have succeeded, arrived so to speak. Now you want something different? Good luck, and by The Way, there ain't no such thing as luck, loser. 

Panic sets in for Buyer as he tries desperately to ventilate, pulling at the collar of his filthy shirt. His whole body is feverish and with hysteria taking the reins of his being, he searches for relief. Where is that cool river located that he passed on the way here? What happened to the light breeze that tousled his hair and brushed his cheek? The drink, with the ice cubes! It was within reach before the transportation took place. If only! One ice cube, just one on the tongue would feel heavenly. 

Beware: Snap out of it Buyer! What was is no more, and you are where you are. Someone sees you but you made your way without him all your years. What makes you think you have the right to call on him now? after rejecting him over and over again. We got you now, and Nobody has the deed to your soul. My employer is an equal opportunity abuser; he will take anyone that willingly comes his way, and use them for his purposes. 

Buyer's hands are around his throat, his eyes bulging and threatening to explode in utter horror. Buyer is gasping for air but the heat burns and singes with every inhale. Exhaling is excruciating, and Buyer's hot air balloon like lungs feel as though they may collapse permanently when wind is expelled, and yet, he continues the in and the out of painful breathing. Words escape him and thoughts swirl in his mind while playback videos on repeat perform their dastardly deed of forcing recall. 

Beware: Now you are getting the picture. Now you understand. What's a guy to do, huh Buyer? Beware mocks. 

What, dear reader, is a guy or gal to do, once death occurs, and second, third, fourth, and even the hundredth chance at reconciliation with God, is no longer optional? 

And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever (Revelation 20:10).

And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works (Revelation 20:12).

Satan is an equal opportunity murderer. He isn't in charge of hell, he just entices and tempts, making sin seem harmless and even helpful, for those that want to satisfy their fleshly desires. God gives and takes life; God grants entrance to heaven through his Son, Jesus the Christ, and he sends people to hell when they deny Christ as Saviour. 

If a person does not repent in this lifetime, what gives them the impression that their earthly separation from God will not continue into the afterlife in hell? 

Do you, treat people you love badly, and expect a good outcome, a healthy relationship, a sense of mutual appreciation and respect? Wouldn't this mindset and opposing actions of mistreatment, be ludicrous and anti-theoretical, working against trust and intimacy? 

Somehow people have bought the bull, and believe that they can live disobedient lives and be rewarded with a heavenly abode, once their body has had its candle light snuffed out. Nothing could be further from the truth. 

MAID sells Rest In Peace, but it is biblically clear, that spirits fall to pieces when death steals life, and a soul is staring into the abyss of eternity, rejected once and for all time, by the Maker of mankind. There is no heaven for Christ deniers, but you don't have to take my word for it; read scripture and find out for yourself. 

NOTE: The picture I painted above is no where near frightening in comparison to what is written in the Good Book regarding hell, and what happens to the impenitent. God is pure love and wants none to be lost. He sent his Son as the promised Messiah, but what God cannot and will not do, is force you to love and obey him. 

Love isn't love when it is imposed against the will. 

Sick of Solicitors

Do desperate times call for desperate measures?

I have something stuck in my craw today and I mean to cough it up and out, or at least, tap a keyboard and rid myself of the annoyance.

Phone and email solicitors dear reader: How do you feel about these unwelcome intruders and interlopers? Remember the olden days, when you could go out for a jaunt in the great outdoors, and you didn't have a clue who called you, until you pressed play on your answering machine? Do you recall playing back messages from friends or family that wanted you to call them back once you were in? Call me back, was the happy message most of the time.

I liked those times, now that I have a moment to consider missing them. I told a friend just this morning that I hate my phone, I mean hate my phone! This statement of fact will bring me to some new rules, but I will return to this point a little further on down this page. 

I have a website, I have social media accounts, I have google my business. You probably have these intangibles too, among other virtual items onto which, you leave a little something of yourself as evidence that you exist, and have a personality, and opinions too. Better than these unreality realities, there are people roaming about that we get to interact with on a regular basis when we decide to leave our homes and go out there like people in the wild, braving humanity in all their world walking ways. I like people, but I am starting to strongly dislike solicitors. 

When I am out in the world, I can make eye contact, smile at a stranger, or exchange a pleasantry about the weather. When I am on my phone or laptop, I feel like the deluge of dull exchanges begin, as soon as I open an email from someone I have never met, telling me that my website isn't visible, and if found by would be clients, lacks what it takes for me to snag interest and book my calendar solid. I get so many of these solicitors wanting me to hire them to improve my professional life, that I just plain old know they are lying about my find-ability, and I also know, that they are desperate for work, and their assignment is to play on insecurities to get cash out of pockets from their prey. 

Is this how they make a living? Seriously? 

I admit, to the person that called me just under an hour ago, I said, Blah, Blah, Blah, before hanging up. Perhaps I could have been more "professional" and "kind" to her, but ya know, she called me, not to talk about what I could do for her, but what she could do for me, for some money. The thick skin these people must have grown to be able to dial again, and again, after constant rebuffs, must be inches deep, and keep them safe from emotional insecurity. 

Is this, I ask you again, a way to make a living? Seriously?

I promised I would return to my new rules regarding use of my phone, but I must tell you that they are not really new rules, they are rules I have established and adhered to for some time, I just haven't typed them onto a blog page thus far, but today is the day, dear reader!

1. When I am at home, and not working with a client, my phone sits solo in my bedroom. I mind my own business and that thing can grow moss for all I care.

2. I block emails and phone numbers frequently, immediately following exchanges with solicitors.

3. If someone wants to see me or talk with me, and the feeling is mutual, I plan a time and place to meet, whether in person or via a phone visit. I do not spend endless time on messenger. There are very few people I will spend time with via text messaging (I can count the number of people I do this with on one hand). 

4. I do not answer all the messages I get, or tap the arrow to play videos people send. I decided that if I am going to watch youtube or check out something on instagram, I determine what interests me before my search. I have experienced regret after seeing and hearing some videos sent by people I do not know, other than being acquainted with them via social media - is that really knowing someone, I ask you?  I resist most videos, even those sent by close friends. It's like this: If I want to do something, I get to choose, but if someone else wants me to do something, ummm, HELLO, I still get to choose! Yup, you get to choose too!

5. Here is the big one, dear reader, are you ready? I don't feel obligated... I used to feel like I must respond or give an opinion or extend the curtesy of reply, but this is not the case for most things that come through the devices that are supposedly aids and improvements to my life. Most stuff is junk and trash ready before opening; some of it is blue box recycling material that one puts out near the curb for pick-up.

Can you relate to what I am sharing? 

Is it time for you to prioritize and perhaps, protect your peace by not even opening the door to people that were never invited in, in the first place? 

What do you get from being overly accessible? 

Can you live without interruption of the nonsensical variety?

Thanks for staying with me. I feel like the thing stuck in my craw has been dislodged and cleared from my throat after sharing here on the written page. I sure do hope you take the time to make your own social media and electronic devices rules. Peace comes from tranquility, and we can have none of that, when intruders and interlopers have set their sights on us as marks and we engage with them, or when we allow anyone and everyone to influence us with what interests them.  

You have the freedom to choose the what, the when, the where, and the how, of all your interactions. Isn't this grand, dear one?

Aren't You Lucky

Lucky was born on the luckiest day of the year. Lucky wore horseshoes and while walking, those shoes somehow always managed to hang hook side down, so as not to let the good stuff rush out. 

Everyone knew Lucky, a popular fellow fondly mentioned whenever Serendipity happened by. The two were almost inseparable, and there wasn't a soul that didn't appreciate this happy partnership. Lucky was known to bring about Winning, and was given credit when circumstances went just the right way. There was a drawback that many mentioned when Lucky wasn't in sight: Lucky had an evil twin called Bad Luck, and Bad Luck was blamed often, when things started turning out badly. 

With Lucky, a person could always hope, and perpetually wonder, when it might be, that Lucky would turn his gaze in their direction and speak things like, It's your turn, you lucky guy! Of course, Bad Luck lurked in the shadows, secretly following Lucky everywhere he went; these two were oddly inseparable, and there wasn't a soul that didn't appreciate how unfortunate the nature of this pairing was for their luckiness, or unluckiness, as it were. 

Today though, Today always has something to say about newness, chances, a fresh start. Early Today is perennially excited about possibilities, and Early Today says things like, Today will be different! Today I will be Lucky, and Bad Luck be banished, I will win Today! As Today turns into Tired Nighttime, a different voice says, You loser. When will you ever learn that Bad Luck is your constant companion and Lucky lives with someone else. Lucky is over there, and over there, and I saw Lucky and Serendipity with your neighbours, you know, those people that have it all, while you, Loser, have nothing but the stamp of Pathetic marking your forehead, and everyone can see it. Pathetic Loser. 

Elusive Lucky strikes every so often and then shies away, showing up with a dazzling flash of white teeth, and disappearing just as quickly; playing tricks on the mind, he is gone in the blink of an eye. To hold on to Elusive Lucky would be quite the feat, but how, how to keep him from slipping away is the grand prize winning question... 

Well aren't you Lucky?

Where? Did someone ask this question of Lucky? Did someone see where Lucky went? Can anyone do me a solid and send me the address, so I can pay Lucky a much needed visit? Lucky, Lucky, where are you Lucky? How about this: at least describe what Lucky looks like, so I can start putting a name to the face. 

By Chance, did you happen to see Lucky, when the universe was forming itself, and when creatures that eventually looked like you and me, you know, human types, creeped and crawled their way out of some kind of soupy broth that just Happened to by Chance, be stewing and brewing up critters?

I just know that if I find Lucky, all the others characters will be available for questioning. I really want to know how they all work so well together to get so many astounding things done. I simply must get to the bottom of that swamp to understand and be able to explain how extraordinarily Lucky we all are for our existence, ya know? 

As Bad Luck would have it, I can't seem to locate Lucky. Serendipity continues to be slippery, and Chance manages to elude every time I dive for it and try to take hold. Seems like these monkeys have all been greased up good, and there isn't a champion that can catch these slick buggers. 

Nehemiah 9:6

Thou, even thou, art LORD alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preserveth them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee.

Genesis 1:1 

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

As luck would have it, there is no such thing: there is, God, and in the beginning, there always was. Go figure that one out, dear reader. 

Confessional

Have you ever wondered, Why the confessional box? 

Today I think of the confessions, shameful stories told ~ we all have shame filled stories, don't we dear reader? ~ that I have heard over the years, and how not long after the listening, the confessor, ran away following the telling. Why?

1. Why confess?

2. Why show and tell, and run away?

What does the guilty party hope for, when they divulge, is what I am asking:

1. Absolution?

2. Understanding?

3. Relief from the burden of carrying their guilt solo?

4. Hope for forgiveness, from someone that cannot offer them this relief?

The show and tell of our sins ought to be a painful experience. It ought to be a tissue soaking display of regret and remorse, with tears and snot and puffy eyed self-recrimination: this is repentance at its very best! The guilty party is letting the confidante know, that they understand, that they have wounded others with their actions, that they have injured, marred, and scarred fellow human beings, sometimes irreparably impairing, their ability to trust in relationships. 

The confidante is there as a witness, not as a judge, and yet, there may be a dawning in their eyes, a facial expression change, when they hear the deep dark secrets divulged by the confessor, whose conscience has been long laden, with guilt. Reactions are natural and normal, and so are transitions in understanding: what I mean is, you and I can love a person deeply, and when they feel our devotion, it may incline them to share what weighs heavily on their heart, and when they do, there is a time period during which adjustments must be made, as each person reconciles with the newly expressed information. 

The fear, and this is what we all must combat when we consider sharing intimately with another, is that we will be despised, after the telling. The risk is real, and yet, it is in the confessing of our sins, firstly before God, and then to one another, that we open the door to healing, and also, the possibility of asking for forgiveness from the one we have wounded. 

No show, no tell, makes for a miserable inner thought life. 

Confession is a possible sign, a request, a need to have someone else observe regret; regret, coupled with remorse, leads to wonderful soul soothing repentance. We have to feel the pain of others, otherwise known as empathy, before we can come close to the altar, fall down on our knees, and plead for a reprieve from the horror of having hurt or betrayed, people we said we loved, or strangers we simply did not consider when we behaved selfishly. 

Repentance is a gift of grace. Repentance is the substance from which salvation springs. Repentance has us draw close to God to ask tentatively, Can you ever forgive me for what I have done? Christ is the ultimate confidante, and can be counted on to redeem the penitent. 

I see why the confessionals, the upright boxes used in Catholic churches, with a priest listening through a screen opening while a sinner confesses, seeking absolution. This is a saving face situation for both parties, a cowards way of getting the yuck out, without having to see an accuser, someone who may narrow their gaze and without words, speak, You did what?

Dear reader, You did what? What have you done!?

This question was asked of Cain:

What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground (Genesis 4:10). 

Cain didn't show forth any signs of regret for killing his brother Abel. Cain was concerned for his own safety following this deadly event. I see this sometimes, dear reader, people being so self-absorbed that they think not, of their murderous ways. We are all capable, of murder, with our thoughts, if not evidentially apparent with our hands. 

So I ask you, What have you done? What egregious sins have you committed that you must confess to the LORD, before asking for absolution?

You will feel relieved in telling all to God. He is aware of your activities, and that feeling you have, that someone is always watching you, is valid; you cannot hide from God Almighty, God Omnipresent. It is you that must live with yourself, and wouldn't repenting, coming clean, and sinning no more, feel absolutely fantastical?

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be 

healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much (James 5:16).

Consider this: Confessions are good for the soul, and trusting another person with your faults and sins is a vulnerable situation, for both parties. While you may be relieving yourself of a burden, know that the listener, is picking up some of what you are finally laying down. If you truly are sorry for what you have done, and want to sin no more, check in with the person you have shared with, to see how they are doing... the last thing they need, is for you to dispose of all your accumulated sin sorrow, and run away. Relationships require work to be maintained, and each party must conscientiously contribute to the strengthening of a bond, especially after intimate sharing. 

Christians know sin, that is why we need a Saviour. Prayer is our weapon of choice, to combat the evil we encounter, and to ensure healing happens. 

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much (James 5:16).

Speaking Ze Gibberush

The time was early and the place was ancient. There were native tongues and foreign ones too, and some people could speak many tongues; it was a gift, to speak to imports in the language they understood, in order to share the Good News. Imagine going to Russia, and telling Russians, Jesus is the Saviour, without ever having to be taught their syntax, pronunciation, or official terminology! What about Icelandic? Have you ever heard a citizen of Iceland speak? Try to replicate that, genius. Sometimes, when I am feeling clever, I will try out my south African accent, but I fall short of sounding anything like the people that were born and raised in south Africa. In all my trips to Italy, I preferred to communicate non-verbally when possible, knowing that I sounded like a simpleton, when I attempted to parlay Italiano vero: "It is better to be silent and thought the fool, than to speak, and remove all doubt."

In Corinth, many a Christian was given the gift of speaking in tongues, meaning they were able to communicate with visitors that did not speak Greek, or when travelling abroad, they were enabled to share the gospel with words understandable to the listener. This is a uniquely wonderful gift, meant to establish a firm foundation of faith, because dear reader:

Romans 10:17

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Periodically, I speak Guacamolian, you know, avocado, red onion, cilantro, zest of lime, jalapeño, salt, cumin, sometimes tomato. When I speak Guacaomlian, people lick their lips, and start thinking along the lines of salsa and corn chips: that is when I know we speak the same language!

Here is what the apostle Paul taught the cocky Corinthians about speaking in tongues: 

Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine:? And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air. There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without significance. Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me. Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. Wherefore let him that epeaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret. For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful (1 Corinthians 14:5-14).

Oooga booga, ooooooga booga! 

One of the reasons I did not attempt to speak Italian while in Italy, was my fear of sounding like an idiot. My proficiency in the English language, even if I decide to fabricate, may give me an air of intelligence to a listener. When attempting to speak another language in a land filled with speakers of that language, most of us will shy away from deep and meaningful conversation; the self-conscious among us may decide to simply learn the basics, as in, Where is the bathroom? and, May I have sugar for my cappuccino? The majority of travellers, most certainly do not feel comfortable speaking on subjects that require the use of ten or twenty five cent words, like existentialism. The Corinthians, on the other hand, were bright and shiny new Christians, and God gave them the ability to speak Kingdom and Christ language, to teach, to preach, to edify, for the saving of souls, and the glorification of God, without them having to use a translator, a dictionary, or be taught in a classroom. The gift was bestowed, and how marvellous a gift this would be, wouldn't you agree?

Now this brings us to what I do believe happened long ago... and far away. There are charlatans that weave their way in and amongst Christian circles, and there always will be. The apostle Paul pointed out that it is useless, and unfruitful, if you and I speak our foreign tongue to a stranger, while they look at us, head half cocked, listening without comprehending the meaning of a single word. How foolish is it, dear one, to talk and talk, without making sense? What sort of gibberish is this, a listener may ask, that sounds like mumbo jumbo, oooga booga, but does nothing for my mind, heart, or soul? 

The speaking in tongues gift has been distorted, and turned into a mockery of the official biblical meaning of the ability. Words have significance, and are meant to convey messages; gibberish is not a language, and neither is speaking in tongues if the one making the sounds, hasn't a clue what they are saying, and if anyone nearby, is also clueless when listening. 

I think a smartie pants sneaky person, came up with the brilliant idea, to pretend to speak a heavenly foreign language, that supposedly only God and angels could understand, to bamboozle people hearing them into believing, that they had a special gift bestowed from the Almighty, making them a favourite of heaven. Reading scripture simplifies the matter: speaking in tongues isn't senseless muttering, it is the ability to speak languages foreign to you and I, to speak the gospel, for the salvation of souls. 

God is not weird or silly. God condescends to us, we do not rise to him. God speaks clearly from his word, and it behooves each Christian to study scripture daily to ensure they understand what God is teaching us, so that we can be stewards of his word, and forward the learning to budding Christians. 

Words, do recall, have significance:

Romans 10:17

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Racist Translator

Snow Glitters

Snow glitters and glows, tiny specks reflect light. The gleam is a happy surprise for the eyes. I see out my front window, how the sun brightens the snow on the garage roof. How very delightful. 

I saw a brown and black caterpillar yesterday, crawling ever so slowly on the Springbank Park path. Where O where, was he going? I picked a stick and placed it before him, and waited for him to climb aboard. He did, and once I knew he had a good grip, I air-lifted him to the grass. What was he doing out and about? It was 1 degree, the last day of February, and he was strolling through the park with the rest of us! 

The caterpillar doesn't have a calendar, and I see as I type that I haven't a clue about caterpillars, or their cycle of life; how pray tell, are they sustained in the harshest of winters, the coldest of days, and even the days when you and I can leave our winter coats and boots in the closet, and wear lighter gear for a brisk walk, when the weather is kind and welcoming. The caterpillars fur coat, is clearly warm enough to have him brave the chill, but what he could not see as a threat to his existence, were all the feet and wheels that could trample or roll over him, squishing life from his hairy frame. 

How many times have you and I been air-lifted out of harms way? How many times have we seen the glory of God displayed in his creation, and passed them by without noticing their God glow; the spectacular on display, to brighten the flames in our own hearts? 

A bunny made me cheerful the other day. He was nibbling on something just below the snow on the front lawn. Have you ever wondered where bunnies and squirrels go for shelter, when the skies open, sending sleet and hail to pummel the earth? How do they keep warm, and what food can they find? Surely, I can internet search the answers to these questions, but dear reader, some of us cower in our homes when lightning threatens to strike, and in the meanwhile, furries haven't a choice about where to lay up, until storms pass. We are "smarter than" animals, and yet, God has gifted them with life that endures, come what may, while living out of doors! 

I guess it is all marvellous. 

God is marvellous! 

When you go walking today, look for caterpillars on the path of life... they are vulnerable to heavy feet, and could benefit from a little air-lifting to safety! 

When searching for an image of this adorable thick and furry crawler, I found this wonder inspiring information: 

Fat, furry, and rumoured to be able to predict the weather: that’s the woolly bear caterpillar in a nutshell.

Rust-and-black banded woolly bears are the larvae of Isabella tiger moths. They’re born completely black. Their orange-brown middle sections appear as they get older and grow longer (up to 5 cm)

So how do these caterpillars foresee the future? Allegedly, a caterpillar with a wide rust-coloured midsection and narrow black bands at either end of its body forecasts a mild winter; a caterpillar with the opposite colouration predicts a long, harsh winter. In reality, the thickness of the caterpillar’s rust or black bands has to do with its age and growth rate. Each time a woolly bear moults, the rust-coloured portion of its body gets longer.

Woolly bears are most noticeable in fall, around the time that we’re hit with the first frosts. Look for them inching across roads and driveways, on their way to find a spot to overwinter in the leaf litter or under rocks and rotting logs. Look, but don’t touch—unless you’re willing to risk a rash. Woolly bears may appear fluffy, but their coats have tiny barbs at the tips that can break off and irritate your skin.

Rapacious

I accuse this morning, one member of the body, as rapacious. This one member has far too much say, and indeed, usually has the very last say, in all that starts and sometimes ends, a domino effect of disaster. I speak of the mouth as rapacious. Aggressively greedy and grasping, I tell you the mouth must not have the first and last say, and today we address this culprit.

Think with me about your habits. If you take a moment to look down at the area below and above your belly button, you may instantly spot evidence there, of your mouth having had far too much say in how your midsection presents itself. Conversely, your flat and fit looking upper and lower abdomen, may be reflective of what happens upstairs, in your brain department. My point, is this: the mouth must not be the one that makes all of the decisions for the rest of the body; the mouth must not be permitted to pleasure itself, at the expense of insulting and injuring all the members that make up the rest of the system, that ought to run like a well oiled flesh and blood creation, of the most high God. 

I take you to Egypt, and Pharaoh, incensed when asked by Moses, to let God's people go. Not wanting to give up power, Pharaoh demanded that the enslaved Israelites make more bricks, without the provision of necessary straw: in other words, work harder, make more, and come up with your own materials. The mouth can be like Pharaoh, a cruel dictator that shouts to the rest of the crew, Stop your moaning and groaning. Deal with the suffering, and get the job done, you ingrates. I am in charge here.  

Food is treated like a plaything, a form of entertainment, a way to reward, and then distract from and dodge, the responsibility of being accountable for the havoc it wreaks in the body. Drink is treated similarly, and I ask you, What makes the mouth the most important member? Why does it have free rein, as though it is sovereignly speaking for the entire creature, that often times suffers for the mouths indulgences? Who gave the mouth the right to speak for all the members, disregarding their input, dismissing their complaints, and degrading them by throwing them on mute, in favour of instant and short lived gratification, that must be repeated often, because do recall, that the mouth is rapacious. 

Think with me of all the big bass (the fish) loud mouths that speak for entire countries. When I consider some of the governmental leaders that talk on behalf of Canadians, I draw back and recoil. They do not speak as my representatives to the world; they do not think or behave in ways that would have me be proud of them as agents that I can relate to. I didn't vote for them, I don't want to know them or hear what ushers from their mouths, and yet, they have taken the helm, and they steer the ship toward jagged rocks, that surely will tear the bottom out of the boat they presume to captain. 

The mouth is either a primitive partner that hasn't been trained in the ways of the Lord, or a profoundly brilliant professor of all that is good and true, speaking Holy Love for the sake of itself and its members. The mouth when fed mind or food nonsense, is like a petulant demanding child, never truly satiated, always wanting more, and forever dissatisfied, with greedy green eyes that look for their next fix. 

There was a garden, and a snake, and a naked lady that had many a tree to sample. The words from the serpents mouth, matched the curiosity and craving in the ladies soul, and with a quick and dirty verbal exchange of twisted words and meaning, an agreement was struck. The mouth corrupted, and the mouth has continued to rule with impunity, at the expense of all its members, ever since. 

The Word became flesh, and dear reader, what we say and eat, becomes flesh too, sometimes too much flesh, because the body asks for one thing, and the mouth says, I want it all, whenever and however I want. Shut up stomach, shut up eyes, ears, nose, temples, fingers knees and toes. I don't care how this hurts, I will have my demands met, and to hell with you bellyachers. 

There comes a point in time when it no longer suffices to complain about an issue that prevails in our thinking, and takes up space in our physical world. There comes a point in time when what we say we want, matters more than what the mouth says it wants. The mouth must not be permitted to take liberties at the expense of all the other members of the body; whether it be individual you and me, or whether it be global leaders that shoot out words like darts aimed at heads and hearts, there must be accountability for outcomes, and that requires a significant investment of time in thinking, and thinking some more, to stop mindless activities that maim mercilessly.  

Your mouth must not be the boss of you. You have a working brain, that processes information rapidly, and can assess, what is good for you, and what is hazardous: reason must rule the day, so that your night time is restful and restorative. What we eat affects how we think. What we think affects what ushers out of our mouths, and shows up on our bodies. If your body is burdened, then might I suggest to you, that it is time for you to have a sit down honest conversation with yourself or a trusted confidante, and address what hasn't been spoken of that needs to be aired? 

Solutions:

1. Read scripture

2. Pray

3. Journal

4. Go for a walk

5. Lift weights, dance, do pilates, get physical

6. Eat food you have prepared

7. Resolve to refrain from the consumption of fake fast "food"

8. Drink water all the live long day

9. Weigh yourself daily, and journal your calories

10. Eat most of your calories early in the day, and be done with food by 5 p.m

Know you will not starve to death as you take the reins from your mouth and placed them where they belong, in your more than capable thinking centre, known as the thought generator, your mind. You owe it to yourself to do things that work for you to keep you bright and shiny like a brassy penny! 

It makes cents (a little play on words here), dear reader, to take very good care of yourself, and I sure hope that today is the first day of the rest of a most healthy and wholesome life for you, and all your members.