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Cartoonist/Illustrator - Jeff Larson
Minnesota
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3/31/2021

1 Comment

My Nice Try

 
To sum up 2021 (IMO) our tumultuous society seems to disagree (often passionately) on most everything from politics, gender identity, LGBTQ, race issues, diets, and sports. At the core of much of this turmoil is a spiritual angst of global proportions.
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BUT even if IF if we could agree there is a spiritual component, society does not agree on what we mean by spiritual. Islam, Christianity, New Age, or seek deeper meaning as a Buddhist, or a Hindu? 

AND even as Christians I need to ask what 'faith flavor' are you? Could  be Catholic, Southern Baptist, Lutheran, Pentecostal, Prosperity Gospel believer, the ever popular 'non-denominational', OR maybe your faith is motivated by a Progressive / SJW focus.

AND let's not forget that fella who likes to handle snakes.  Yikes!

And while my daily blog and/or cartoons excerpts are excluded by most (or alll) seminary curriculums I do know what I believe.  

  Hmm, where to start..
  • I believe in the sovereignty of God, which is to say the supreme power and authority of God. (Read Ge 1:1, Is 55:8-9,  Is 40:26, etc, etc) 
  • I believe in the perfect love, grace, and justice of our God. We owe all things to our creator. (Read Jo 3:16, 1 Jo 1:9)  
  • I believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God who was born into this world, then lived, died, and rose again for our sins (read Gospels) completing God's plan for salvation as prophesied 700 years before by the Prophet Isaiah (Read Is 53).
  • I believe we owe God our worship and obedience, but can choose to go another way.  It's called FREE WILL, so suit yourself.
  • I believe GOD CHOSE US ALL, but has blessed us with the above mentioned FREE WILL to accept or reject Him.
  • I believe all the wild-haired rebellious FREE WILL moments in the history of mankind plus all other calamities & natural disasters combined are not even a ripple in the Ocean of God's Sovereign plan! 
    (Read Is 40:26)
    I believe in Heaven and Hell.. and wide is the road that leads to destruction, and narrow is the gate that leads to God.  psst, hint.. choose the narrow gate!
    ​(Read Mt 7:13-14)
  • Finally, I believe, man's sincere pursuits/theologies are pleasing to God.. BUT are merely 'cute' attempts (nice tries) of FINITE MAN attempting to understand/describe our INFINITE GOD.
    (Read Is 55:8-9)

​Hmmm.. yes I think that sums up what I believe. I started writing today's blog with the title 'NICE TRY' which is an apt description of my beliefs. 

​This 'Nice Try' regarding my faith is based on scripture and teaching I respect.  But.. again 
God's ways and thoughts are higher than my collective nice tries, (Is 55:8-9), and in my most lucid moments I see dimly what God will one day make clear (1 Cor 13:12).
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So this is what I believe which is important to ME.  What do you believe? What is God teaching you about truth?  Does what I believe and/or what you believe fall in line with God's Truth? 

and.. I believe it is important for everyone to pursue their own serious 'NICE TRY' understanding and appreciation of God.  This is not an issue anyone should put on the back burner of life.

We owe God at the very least to make a NICE TRY... and for eternity's sake we owe ourselves.

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May God bless each of you today with peace, and the Holy Spirit's leading us to truth and answers for all of life's questions, and to a place where we feel God's love and peace like never before. 

We should not expect to get it all right, but there still is no greater pursuit for mankind than to know Him.

My heart says of you, “Seek His face!”
    Your face, Lord, I will seek.
Psalms 27:8


​Jeff (Trying to be Nice) Larson

1 Comment

3/29/2021

1 Comment

IMOs 2021

 
​Like the old saying goes.. Opinions are like noses.. everybody's got one.  And I've got plenty of my own! 

Opinions, not noses, that would be weird.

​
 This truth has never been more truer-er-ist than in 2021. So let me share with you a few 'facts' for life.. IN MY OPINION aka IMOs

​IMO1: The Green Bay Packers are the greatest football team EVER. They have 13 world championships, and 4 Super Bowl titles.

The rest of you are entitled your OPINIONS and I want you to know if you disagree, I do respect your right to be WRONG!

​
IMO2: The Bible says an evil generation looks for a sign.  

​This has never been more true than today where 'society' is conflicted over which bathroom to use. Girl? Boy? or gender to be determined?
​
​
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​

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IMO3:  Shortcuts seldom work.  Back before GPS my wife and our 3 kids were in Colorado using a 'paper map' and took a shortcut to Royal Gorge that was not fit for mountain goats and certainly not our family minivan.

​After backtracking to civilization we arrived to our destination about 2 hours later than if we had not took our 'short cut'.

Even something as simple as taking an alternate route or switching to the lane that is moving faster is certain to backfire. 'SO STAY IN YOUR LANE, BRO'.

IMO4: Never reduce your Christian Faith to a list of  DOs and TO DON'Ts.  Ha!.. you didn't think I would ever get serious, did you?

This being said, the 10 Commandments is not an arbitrary list sent down by upper management (aka God), that should be mumbled at by us disgruntled minions looking to go on strike.

Note to disgruntled minions everywhere.. your minion-union will not win.

These 10 Commandments stand on their own.. and are the simple ground rules for a functioning society. Arguing against them only makes you the fool.

Ignoring these commandments only leads to anarchy. This has never been more true than today. AND... Rules without the love of God (1 Cor 13) we end up with just religion with the sounds of a clanging cymbal. BUT... rules honored in loving service and reverence to our creator would fix this broken world.

IMO5: It matters what you believe.  Sincerely WRONG is still WRONG!
  • ie1. If you believe 1+1 equals anything but 2, you are WRONG. Sincerity is not extra credit here.
  • ie2. If you aspire to summit the highest mountain in the world but never leave Nebraska.. well the 29,029′ of Mt. Everest in Nepal will not come to you.  Again, sincerely WRONG is still WRONG.. and..
  • ie3. While I respect the rights of others to follow their own spiritual path... it matters eternally what you believe. There is only one God and he is the God of our Bibles.  Sincere beliefs and being a good guy or gal will not get you to Heaven unless .. you put your faith in Jesus Christ.

    Jesus says to him, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father, if not by Me. .John 14:6

IMO6: The Gospel Story is the good news for a lost world.  Jesus is the son of God who lived died and rose again for our sins.  He completes the salvation story for mankind. 

​WE MUST share this good news of hope for our broken world. Jesus IS NOT about religion, or arbitrary rules to follow. 
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​While I do have plenty of other opinions on topics ranging from politics to food (including my dislike for peas)... I think I better stop for today.

May God bless and use you all in ways that are beyond your dreams and with opinions grounded in God's unchanging Word.

Jeff (all out of opinions) Larson

1 Comment

3/26/2021

0 Comments

10 Commandments & 5 Suggestions

 
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Of course we all know the Ten Commandments Moses brought down from the mountain.  

These Commandments if obeyed would solve most if not ALL of societies Ills.

Paraphrased loosely 1. worship only God, 2. no idols, 3. don't take God's name in vain, 4. honor the Lord's day, 5.respect mom & dad,  and.. 6-10. don't kill, commit adultery, steal, curse, tell lies, or covet.

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These 10 Commandments are simple but profound directions from God to honor our creator and play well with others.  Why would anyone disagree the 10 Commandments?.. unless of course you are the ACLU.

Now while I would never command anyone except my dog (though he does not always listen) I have opinions on everything and so I would like to add a few suggestions. 

These suggestions are not delivered on stone tablets, but instead on this one digital blog via the web.. cuz stone tablets would cost too much in shipping charges.  

But I digress..

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​BEHOLD... The Five Suggestions - 
  1. Thou shalt NOT think out loud.  husbands beware!
  2. Thou shalt NOT chug 2 Red Bull energy drinks then post on TWITTER
  3. Thou shalt NOT hide God's word in your HEAD it's meant to move to your HEART
  4. Thou shalt NOT drink  except strong coffee
  5. Thou shalt NOT blame God for living in Minnesota that would be your own fault.​

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There you have it.. Five Suggestions that while they pale in comparison to the Ten Commandments you must admit.. but hey I'm Jeff not Moses so it's the best I can do.

May God bless your day with God's Truth, and obedience of His loving commandments.. and while you may not listen to my 5 suggestions.. at least you guys listen to your wife when she says you are not going out in public looking like that.

Jeff (out of suggestions) Larson

0 Comments

3/23/2021

1 Comment

IMAGINing.. again

 
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In 1971 John Lennon wrote the song "Imagine" encouraging us to imagine a world at peace without borders, religion, nationality, or attachment to material possessions.  

This song 'Imagine' is a great message for our world that choosing anarchy over order, insults over compliments, greed over generosity, crass over clever, profane over profound, hatred over love, war over peace, and violence over peace. 

I love this, but would happy just to imagine a world without rush hour traffic and road construction.

John Lennon 
Imagine shares a 'nice' broad brush imagination of a 'world living as one' , BUT I must add the Gospel message (not religion) is the ONLY answer/salvation for this tumultuous world.

DROP THE MIC!

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Next let's fast forward 30 years from John Lennon's 1971 song Imagine to 2001 when Bart Millard of the Christian Music band MercyMe released the song "I can only Imagine". This MercyMe song ponders some day Heaven and to be standing before our Heavenly Father.

But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him” 1 Cor 2:9 

Now with this all in mind, let me share the side by side lyrics of 'Imagine' and 'I Can Only Imagine'. I will call this..  'The Dueling Imaginations'


"Imagine" - John Lennon
Imagine there's no heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today... Aha-ah...

Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion, too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace... You...

You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one

Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world... You...

You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will live as one
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"I Can Only Imagine" - MercyMe
I can only imagine what it will be like
When I walk, by your side
I can only imagine what my eyes will see
When you face is before me
I can only imagine
I can only imagine

Surrounded by You glory
What will my heart feel
Will I dance for you Jesus
Or in awe of You be still
Will I stand in your presence
Or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah
Will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine
I can only imagine

​I can only imagine when that day comes
When I find myself standing in the Son
I can only imagine when all I would do is forever
Forever worship You
I can only imagine
I can only imagine
Surrounded by Your glory
What will my heart feel
Will I dance for You, Jesus
Or in awe of you be still
Will I stand in your presence
Or to my knees will I fall
Will I
…
​

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For those of you who kept reading this blog until the end, I pray you enjoyed and blessed by doing a little Imagining where peace on Earth and the promise of Heaven is found in Christ alone.

Jeff (Imagining cartoons) Larson

1 Comment

3/20/2021

1 Comment

Your will v My will

 
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Our Father who is in Heaven, GREAT is your name.. Your kingdom come, YOUR WILL be done ON EARTH as it is in Heaven.

As many of you know this is the start of the Lord's Prayer (Mt 6:9-13), and is what is not a part of this prayer to gloss over.

Your Will on Earth? So how is that working out?
  • I turn on the evening news (SHOW) I doubt I hear mention of God or His will. 
  • In Washington DC there is a lot of MY WILL BE DONE attitudes legislated in their 'swampy' ways, while intentionally disregarding God's ways.
  • So I check out Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, etc) where censorship of Christians and traditional family values are anything but God's will.
  • And even in our Churches I find progressive 'self-enlightened' 'Christians' focused on social justice, & CRT doctrines rather than God's word.  This  also is so NOT God's will.



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​With all the tension among believers I am looking for an MMA pay-per view event featuring Catholics v Protestants to determine once and for all.. who really is saved?  It can't be the both.. can it?  I mean, one of the two must be on the fast track to HELL. 

Or will there be a Pro(testant)-Wrestling match with a high flying Beth Moore coming off the top rope attempting to way-lay John MacCarther. 


But while I DO LIKE BUNNY TRAILS.. let us now return to the LORD'S PRAYER. God your will be done on Earth.. starting with .. Jeff.

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Through my life
(I am 63 now) I have prayed "Lord show me your will for my life." many times. At times regarding big decisions and that is a good always to seek the Lord and His will, but I have come to realize this prayer "what is your will for my life?" can become me-centric.

Prayers focusing on the right job, house, finding Mrs. Right/Larson, or even a car purchase wanting God's can become my own little Prosperity Gospel prayer rather than  'thy will' pointing to God's kingdom (souls saved, and a society honoring Him)..


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Looking back I wish I could have heard an audible voice from Heaven telling me if I was close. :)

God could be heard from the Heavens with the words.. "Warmer, warmer.. hmmm.. colder, colder.. now you are FREEZING.  And so I guess living in Minnesota and being COLDER is about what I deserve.

ANYWAYS..

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Truth is (insert light bulb moment for me here) The prayer "Lord what is your will for my life?" should be more specifically.. "Lord how can I serve you today, show me what I can do for your kingdom." "How can I be that part in the Lord's Prayer helping God's Will be Done?

What would that look like if God's will was being done by those of us in the church?  What if we were faithful in the moments that make up our days?  What if we truly worshipped God in words and deeds with our eyes first on God then on the needs  of others?  What would that look like.


Even my little Back Pew Ministry. I am blessed to be used by God in a way that He uniquely wired me. but even in my world of cartoons I can take my eyes off of humbly being used by God in this small way to praying for God to bless The Back Pew into being.. The FarSide, or Calvin & Hobbes of Christian cartoons, complete with a modest (OR.. substantial) income.  "SHOW ME THE MONEY!"

In recent years I have become more intentional in pursuit of God. While I am and always will be a work in progress and not resulted in an exorcism of my old self, it has become both a convicting and inspiring journey where today my prayer is .. "Lord what is your will for my life going forward? How can I serve you? Lord help me NOT to bury my talents in the sand, but instead do my part so YOUR will is done on Earth as it is in Heaven. AMEN."
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I write this hoping it does not take any of you 63 years to figure out God's will for you is to serve Him. But if it does, 63 is not too late. Love God, Serve God where your will is God's will.

May God bless you all in this journey of discovering who you are intended to be in God's Plan and for HIS Kingdom on Earth.

Amen

Jeff (slow learner) Larson -->

1 Comment

3/13/2021

1 Comment

Welcome to Never Never (rarely ever) Land

 
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Never Never Hardly Everland (NNHELand) is a magical land where WE are all ok, and THEY are not.  

In NNHELand we live by our  three Statements of Denial.
1. At least I never ... (insert excuse here)
2. I am not as bad as... (so-in-so)
3. I’m sorry BUT...  (insert here rationale making your apology unapologetic)

In NNHELand we can even reference our Bibles for a feel better about myself fix.


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For example.. 
- Well at least I never tried to 'give away' my wife like Abraham.
- Well at least I never was 'saved by a prostitute'.
- At least I get along with my neighbors better than Samson did.
- Well, I know I married better than Ahab..  and married less than Solomon. 



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More 'I aint so bad after all' pick me ups can be found by attending church, and rubbing elbows with real life folk. The saints and the aints who again are.. ' abviously not as good as you'.  

- I never have drooled into a dish at a church potluck. (I have seen this happen)
- I know the difference between figurative and literal unlike some.  
- I do NOT think out loud..  most of the time


We all know Neverland is fictional and there is no Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, or Captain Hook, and also it is better to realize NNHELand is a land of make believe as in reality we are all sinners saved by Grace.  

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Truth be told the stories of flawed men and women of the Bible, in history, and today used by God who served God despite circumstances, limitations, and/or failings is inspirational. 
Abraham the Liar - Becomes The father of a Nation
Moses the Murderer - Delivered Israel from Slavery
David the Shepherd Boy - Defeats the Giant, and becomes King
Noah the Boat Builder - saved mankind from the great flood
Peter and his sinking Faith - Was the Rock Jesus built his church on
Paul the persecutor of the Church - Becomes the first great missionary


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No need to hide out in NNHELand as we are all sinners saved by God's Grace.  Instead be faithful in the big and little ways in your life so God can bless and use you in ways that are beyond your dreams.

Blessings

Jeff (Never Never Hardly Ever Sleeping in Church) Larson

1 Comment

3/9/2021

1 Comment

Good Enough

 
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Am I really good?  Am I good enough for Heaven? 

Hmmm.. well honestly I would say I am a pretty good guy.  I did not keep a good tally of my bad behaviors versus good choices on my pocket abacus , but I still attest I am 'pretty good and not so bad'.

But no matter how good or bad I am, getting into Heaven is always about God's Grace and not about my relative goodness.  His grace is sufficient. 2 Corinthians 12:9

So in my case, being pretty good never felt so.. good.

The Bible is loaded with stories of God's Grace and hope for both those of us in the pretty good guys club, and also those falling way short of.. pretty good. Our God's love and His patience is great, and there is unlimited grace for all who would receive it.
  • The Psalms is a great book of the Bible filled with poetic words of worship sharing God's love and protection for ALL those who choose to follow him.  ie The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want.. Psalms 23
  • Then in Luke 23:39-43  the story of the thief of the cross who repents while dying on a cross, and Jesus comforts him with the words "today you will be with me in paradise."  note: the thief was not such a pretty good guy.
  • In Matthew 20 Jesus shares the story of the owner of the vineyard pays the workers who arrived at the end of the work day the same as those who worked all day.  God's Grace is never prorated.  It is full and complete not dependent on your stage or station in life. God's Grace is far reaching, and complete for ALL who will receive it.
  • and then.. in Luke 15 the Father welcomes home his prodigal son with open arms after a time sharing room & board with literal pigs.  When the son returned his Father was not interested in the broken path his son had chosen, but instead rejoiced that his son was finally home.
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So rest easy there is no entrance exam to get into Heaven. You will not need to know the names of at least 10 of the 12 disciples, or know the names of the 
sons of Nahor in Genesis 22. 
hint: Their names rhyme with fuzz. 

At the Pearly Gates you will not be greeted by a Gate Keeper suspecting you of smuggling in contraband (ie devils food cake?).


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​The only question asked in 'Pearly Gate Redneck speak' will be  
"if yer kin.. yer in." 


note: This email is not a battle cry for mediocrity, or to strive to only be 'good enough', but only to clarify our goodness is tentative when compared to our perfect creator. 

Our best is simply not good enough
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God Romans 3:23
our righteousness are as 
filthy rags Isaiah 64:6
but..
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

​This was great news for any 
thief on a cross, cartoonist (me) sitting on his office chair, and for station you are in life. AND.. There is no better day than today to get right with God.  

Blessings, 

Jeff (not nearly Good Enough) Larson

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3/8/2021

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Figures of Faith-Speech

 
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The teachings especially in the New Testament are full of figures of speech that if taken literally would be reason for a great deal of angst in our lives.  Here are just a few.
  • You must be BORN AGAIN? 
    Is that a new Jason Bourne movie?
  • Are you washed in the BLOOD?   
    Ummm, no. I mean, what?
  • If your eye causes you to sin.. PLUCK IT OUT?   
    How about I just wear a patch one our a day instead.
  • Turn the other CHEEK? 
    Is this only for those who wear thongs?
  • Put on the FULL ARMOR OF GOD?
    Is my COVID-19 mask good enough?  Asking for a friend.

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But thankfully these are much more than figures of speech for those who place their hope in God. These are words holding important life changing/saving truths.
  • To be BORN AGAIN.. while confusing to poor Nicodemus is our hope.  To be born again is not an actual physical rebirth, but it indicates a spiritual rebirth through our faith in Jesus Christ alone. John 3
  • Washed in the BLOOD  refers to being washed by virtue of the blood of Jesus.  His dying on the cross and His resurrection is the cleansing of our sins. 1 John 1:7
  • EYE PLUCKING Better to pluck out your eye, and/or cut off your hand than continue in sin.  It could be talking literal, but the point is do not continue in sins that separate us from God.  God will not be mocked. Matthew 18:9
  • CHEEK turning is a tough one.  The humility and peace that is a part of turning the other cheek when treated poorly is the true heart of a Christian rather than the easy route of the easy familiar fight. Matthew 5:39
  • ARMOR WEARING in the age of COVID-19.  You may have concerns if a mask or double masking is protecting you from COVID-19.  This can be debated, but certainly you are no match for this world or the Prince of this World (Satan) if you are not wearing the full armor of God.  We all need the Sword is His Spirit, the Shield of Faith, Belt of Truth, Breastplate of Righteousness, Gospel of Peace footwear, and Helmet of Salvation.  Any well dressed Christian should be caught in nothing less. Ephesians 6:14-17
    ​

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Finally let me leave you with a phrase I don't think can be found in our Bibles. This phrase is maybe not a figure of speech, but words that also have a double meaning when they are wielded together.

When  the dreaded 'Fine, Whatever' combination is muttered by a wife.. well it is anything but FINE, and WHATEVER is the last thing you should consider.


May God bless your day with clarity, with purpose, a strong understanding of God's word, and nary a FINE, WHATEVER mentioned to you husbands.

​Jeff

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3/5/2021

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The Biblical Postman's Creed

 
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Neither rain, nor wind, nor gloom of.. 
  • DC Politics,
  • gender confusion with pronouns gone awry, 
  • Mr Potato Head free to choose his gender, 
  • Dr. Suess writings declared racist,
  • lingering COVID-19
  • misguided SJWarriors embrace CRT nonesense, and
  • an LGBTQ movement making a $1,000,000,000 offer to purchase the remainder of the alphabet..
​will keep me from my appointed service to the one true God.  

Be still, and know that I am God. Psalms 46:10 SAY NO MORE, SAY NO MORE

note: the LGBTQ item above is the only one I made up.

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​Simply put, any ills our ill society can throw at us... with God's Help .. will not make me flinch.  

.. as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15

​Blessings,  Mister Jeff Larson

note cartoons below from a simpler day reminding me when a Potato could be Mister Potato, when one mask was one mask too many, and when I knew the secret to being content.

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0 Comments

3/3/2021

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COFFEE.. a vitamin?

 
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​This title/claim is not part of a new FDA report but actually are the words offered to me by a pastor in response to a caffeine headache. This man of God told me his wife has a sign in the kitchen that reads, “Coffee is not a drug; it’s a vitamin!” .  

So woe unto you that would argue with God's chosen one! A man of the cloth (with a little coffee stain down the front)! A shepherd to the flock, and possible coffee addict!


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Besides the 'irrefutable' health benefit noted above I would like to share my rationale for the 'use' of coffee.
  1. Coffee before church reduces peaceful prayer moments during sermons by 33% and note snoring is NOT a prayer language.
  2. A 45 second nap and a less than subtle snort at the annual business meeting will be noted, and will show up on your next performance review 
  3. Eating DONUTS is just not the same without this mysterious dark brew.

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So in honor of these practical and one Godly endorsement I would like to thank God for COFFEE. The approved VITAMIN/ ENERGY ELIXER for a sleepy America! 
   
May God bless each of your lives.  May your coffee cups overflow (figure of speech), and your breakfast banquet table include a nice variety scones, bear claws, donuts, apple fritters, cheese danishes, and bismarks.

Amen and Amen!

​Jeff (caffinated in the Back Pew) Larson

note: Tomorrow I will share my 'deep' theory that donuts are simply a post modern version of manna. 

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