Cartoonist/Illustrator - Jeff Larson
Minnesota
 DEATH.. by Cartoon.. While there were preexisting conditions, it was THE CARTOON that killed him. - CDC (Center of Deceased Cartoonists) Dr. Foopie Dateline: 11th Century BC CSI Report:
CAUSE OF DEATH: Later testing determined VIC did not die from bump on head and not from his head being severed, but instead it was .. COVID-19. Kidding, kidding, I could not help myself. Truth is .. the VIC was Goliath who met his demise in the form of the shepherd boy David armed with a sling, a few choice stones all endorsed by the very POWER OF GOD.  BUT.. I digress... as this event should be classified as.. DEATH BY CARTOON. Let me share a few more memorable DEATH BY CARTOON Bible moments. Note: From the beginning through this very day, only Enoch, and Elijah have been given a 'hall pass' from God to cheat death. In the case of Elijah, he lived even though he was not wearing his seat belt.  Everyone else gasped their last breath and succumbed their inevitable demise. - Sisera died from a tent stake splitting headache. - Eglon was run through. - Noah's neighbors could not tread water for 40 days and nights. - Jericho Guards fell down go boom. - Abimelech's world was rocked  then on to the New Testament where - Lazarus DEAD!.. then not dead - Jesus died then of course rose from the grave. while the .. - The Thief died on the cross next to Jesus, but then HEAVEN! Truly Amazing Grace finally we read about.. - Death riding on a horse and in need of a tic-tac.  DEATH .. more than a macabre theme for Halloween, or the chilly exit from out time on this Earth. For believers death is the beginning to LIFE eternal. Oh death where is your victory? Oh death where is your sting? I Corinthians 15:55 Since I probably will not leave this Earth riding a chariot of fire, and I know this life is just a drop in the ocean of eternity. I will grieve when loved one's die, but I pray always for perspective that includes eternal life for those who love God. Then death truly has no victory, death has no sting.  May God bless each of you with the peace of eternal life with God. May we gain a glimpse of the big picture with a perspective outside our circumstances and pain we may endure. May the promise of a peace that passes all understanding become real to each those who choose to follow our God. Jeff (still kickin' in the Back Pew) Larson  Cliff notes on Cliffs - Umm, don't jump off .. cliffs? Psalms 118:13, the Psalmist writes.. I was right on the cliff-edge, ready to fall, when God grabbed and held me. Luke 4:29 we read of the unruly mob wanting to kill Jesus by throwing him off a cliff. Dangerous Roads are.. umm dangerous too! Matthew 7:13 shares.. Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. So far, you are thinking.. Thank you Captain Obvious.  OK so far we have.. 1. dangerous roads.. 2. a steep cliffs.. 3. a sea far below our cliff crashing into the rocky coastline .. sounds like the infamous LEMMING 'pilgrimage'. Being a literal lemming is nothing to brag about. They are part of the rodent family and their claim to fame (or infamy) is for their suicidal cliff diving method of population control. A figurative Lemming implies you follow the crowd, a bit oblivious to consequences. To be a lemming on face value is the easy way. Just fit in with everyone else.. and don't make waves.. until you ironically fall to the crashing waves below. Note.. we all have a little lemming in us. In our Lemming society it is easy to follow the crowd. From fashion, fads, political views, sports teams, peer pressure are all factors as we get in line for our cliff run. Even in the church where we are called to be different.. we don't want to be TOO different.  Romans 12:1-2 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. In other words.. Quit acting like a cliff diving lemmings. Too often 'Christians' apologize, go silent, or become embarrassed rather than stand up for Jesus. We fit too nicely in this crass society, waste money like our neighbors, keep up with the Jones's as much as humanly possible leaving little time or money to honestly love God or care for others. AND when we see other lemmings on an eternity path other than Heaven.. we may not join them, but we certainly do not stop them as they head towards the cliff. AND.. wham bam next thing we realize we too are on that path to a secular society cliff riddled with lemming droppings. God is not anywhere near where these lemmings are, and how did we end up so far down the path and close to the cliff's edge? I do pray for something more. I pray to be on the path that leads to Heaven.. I pray the attractions and distractions of this world do NOT drag us along to where we never intended. I pray we remember we are here to honor God with our lives. We are here to please God,, not man. May God bless and lead each of you today. Be still and listen for his leading, read his Word, seek his will and obey God only.
Jeff (just say NO to Lemmings) Larson Deep thought of the Day.. If it looks like a lemming, runs like a lemming, and smells like a lemming.. it's probably a .. LEMMING. final note: With regards to this year 2020.. most of us will agree this year should take a flying leap off a cliff! Don't think it works that way, but I can still wish. 9/17/2020 Clint Eastwood and.. God? In the beginning .. God said.. “Go ahead, make my day!” 6 times he said this.. and the world was created one day at a time (including the underrated task of distinguishing between NIGHT and DAY.). Then on the 7th day there shall be football? Ok, man created football and snuck it in on the first day of the week. Come to think about it now we now have FOOTBALL pretty much EVERY day of the week.  In creating the world I don’t think God did the Clint Eastwood squinty eye thingy, nor was GO AHEAD MAKE MY DAY originally a Clint Eastwood aka Dirty Harry line. Bottom line is no one was shot when the world was created, and that it.. WAS GOOD.  Besides the creation of the world in six days, there are other parallels between Clint Eastwood and God. - David the ‘dirty hairy’ shepherd boy.. challenged Goliath in a manner that was undeniably Clint Eastwood-ish. He may not have been armed with a .44 Magnum handgun the most powerful handgun in the world, BUT he did have a sling, a few stones, and most importantly had the one true God on his side. So Goliath, do you feel lucky? Well, do ya punk?  - In Heaven Guardian Angel Joe has taken on a real 'Dirty Harry persona' ever since Heaven has been getting Cable TV. see pic on right --> - We find SHEEP boldly take on a Clint Eastwood-like unflinching boldness in the face of any lion like enemy. This is GREAT news for us sheep. - Even Coffee Drinkers take the joyful message of Psalms 118:24 “this is the DAY the Lord has made (so GO AHEAD MAKE MY DAY), and let us rejoice and be glad in it!.. (but first… coffee) rings of Clint Eastwood.  Coincidence? I think not! Here in the Back Pew we are not blind to the parallels in words and actions of Mr. Clint Eastwood, and.. Almighty God! So.. Is Clint a prophet? Are the words of Mr. Eastwood a divine providence for this fallen world offering hope and strength?. Is the Clint Eastwood’s movie the UNFORGIVEN a prophetic warning to the demise of unrepentant evil men? Ok, odds are Mr. Eastwood is just a famous actor/director and not the return of Elijah. But if Clint leaves this Earth someday in a Flaming Gran Torino I will then readdress this topic.  We can still learn a lesson today if we simply.. raise our hands to Heaven and pray believing God’s blessings and to be used as His servant in ways that are beyond my dreams.. by paraphrase AGAIN the words of Mr. Eastwood “Go ahead (God).. make my day!” Anything less is settling for less than what God intends.
And if I am questioned by Clint Eastwood's other words.. "Do I feel lucky? Well, do you PUNK?" My answer is "lucky?.. no I am BLESSED." Jeff (Back Pew Punk) Larson 9/15/2020 Off to PICK a FIGHT 2020 "I am off to pick a fight." is one of my favorite lines from one of my favorite movies.. ‘BraveHeart’.. not to be confused with Brave-Bird. BraveHeart is the story of William Wallace of Scotland fighting for the FRREEEDOMM against the oppressive rule of England. At one dramatic scene from the movie BraveHeart the Scots who were greatly outnumbered by the English are about to do battle. The well armed, well trained English did not take this rag-tag Scottish army seriously. But then after declaring.. “I am off to PICK A FIGHT.” .. in rides William Wallace (Mel Gibson) on his horse to mess with the peace negotiations between the Scots and England. I won’t get into the details, but Wallace taunts and mocks the English until.. yes THERE WAS A FIGHT… and the Scots win! The significant message of this movie is a call to do what is right no matter the cost, even the cost of maybe their lives.  Of course as modern day Christians we are not called to look for a fight, but we should NEVER be afraid to FIGHT for God's Truth. We answer to God, not to man. Some may cry out.. No, no, not the Crusades again…I go to church, I am a good person.. Please no Crusades 2020 unless they are like the Billy Graham Crusades. Billy Graham is good and I don't remember him with a bloody nose. Others will say.."Jesus was about love." That's the Jesus we like.. the one about love. we don't associate with Christians who speak out against abortion, Planned Parenthood, gay marriage, or the LGBTQ like claims that there are more genders than Baskin Robbins has flavors of ice cream (31).  Then the media beats their drum of secular outrage with stories about the dangerous bigoted 'religious right'. They guilt many for wanting to build a wall, owning a gun, or for even being white. Why should I feel guilty that my parents were white? Then every election year like lemmings we are pressured to run full speed off either a republican or democrat/socialist cliff following our political allegiances before considering God's Truth.  We are afraid of the fight (or ill prepared for a fight).. afraid to stand for our FAITH. if we are political, pro-Israel, or against Sharia Law lest we be labeled a Islamophobe. Please I am not one of THOSE Christians. I am a good person, who never makes waves.. I am like Jesus who is about love.. remember? All this pressure to conform and fear of a fight with our society railing against traditional Christian values melts many into doing their best Piglet 'the pacifist' of Winnie the Pooh fame.. as we fret and worry stammering “Oh d-dear, oh d-dear!!." But let's slow down and consider a couple examples from our Bibles.  David, leveled the giant Goliath, and cut off his head for daring to mock God. There was no peace negotiations with the enemy of God, and there was victory for David standing up against this Pagan. and the best example.. Jesus the Son of God...
 To summarize the example of Jesus, and how this should set with his church. If the world hates you, know that it has hated Jesus before it hated you. If you are of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but Jesus chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. John 15:18-19 Romans 12:1-2 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Most likely we are not called to a literal bloody nose like fight, or to be the church version of ANTIFA.. but never EVER back down from living and teaching God's truth.
Important 2020 Note: This is NOT an endorsement of the so-called peaceful protests of 2020. All this misguided SJW angst turned rage mob is not of God. So put down that brick... AND instead be ready and willing to Pick a Fight for and/or Serve THOSE IN NEED, and the LOST? What good is our faith if it is only about our own well being? Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. James 1:27 May God bless each of us today as we pursue and defend God’s truth. May God smile at, and bless our sincere efforts to serve Him and others, and lovingly correct us when we fall… and may God bless us and use us in ways that are BEYOND OUR DREAMS. Jeff (bruise like a peach) Larson note: With us all in the fight for God's Truth, let's calm down the internal fights in the church. We should stand for God's word to be honored in the church and while there are differences in the body.. The cry of "heretic" is overused by those we differ with.  I have a continued concern for the American Church that is caught between THE ROCK and a HARD WORLD. This WORLD mocks Christians as
In response, THE CHURCH claims our ROCK is Jesus... and sing 'A Mighty Fortress is our God', but our knees shake as we become hyper-introspective based more on the world's judging lens instead of God's loving truth.  We apologize and/or hide our views when God's unchanging truths do not fit nicely with our secular society. We go mostly silent as not to stir the anti-Christian hornet's nest world view. We don't like people to call us names.. who would. So we become like a deer caught in society's pious headlights and honking horns. This HARD WORLD demonstrates a compromised view of a life equally cynical of Christians and mocking of our God. "The Church is more afraid of offending the world than offending God". - A W Tozer So the choice is ours. Serve God or appease man. Stand up for God's Truth or attend a Sunday Social club we call church and live our muted lives as Christians in name only. Only one life 'twill soon be past. Only what's done for Christ will last. - Charles Studd Truth is GOD'S TRUTH is not lost... not in the Church, not in the world. God cares deeply both for his church and for a world that does not know him. This is our opportunity to make a difference not just attending church but being the church. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Col 3:17  Oh we will stumble but get back up again where Jesus is our Rock while living in this Hard World. Don't be caught in between THE ROCK and this HARD WORLD. Instead stand on THE ROCK. Psalms 18:2 I pray as always His church (we the people) turn daily to God, seek Him first,.. love HIm with our lives, serve Him in all that we do, and love and care others like Jesus did. May God find us faithful, bless us, and use us in ways that are beyond our dreams and for His Glory only.  Blessings
Jeff side note: See below a good barometer for life. “Rules for Self Discovery: 1. What we want most; 2. What we think about most; 3. How we use our money; 4. What we do with our leisure time; 5. The company we enjoy; 6. Who and what we admire; 7. What we laugh at.” ― A. W. Tozer 9/12/2020 Who needs an ARK? In remembering September 2019 we officially bumped our rain total to the second-wettest year on record in Minneapolis Mn, with 29.64” of rain, behind 1892 with 31.75”. Ok, not ARK building weather, but still the 2nd wettest year on record. Of course back in Noah's day they didn't think they needed an Ark either. There wasn't even a Marina in town, but God grew tired of the true wickedness of man and decided to wipe out all mankind by a flood except for Noah and his family who would sail safely on an Ark. Genesis 6:5-6 The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the Lord regretted that he had made man on the earth, and it grieve.  So we all know the story, the people mocked him Noah's Ark project, until that day that rang out in infamy where the floods covered the Earth killing all living creatures except Noah, his family, and a literal boat load of animals. This is one of those stories learned in Sunday School where God saved Noah and all the animals of every kind. Cute story for kids, but a powerful story for the rest of us. While some Christians feud over the flood being local versus universal, or where the Ark is now.. the greater message is to a wicked world that was not SAVED on-board this giant Ark sized petting zoo. Death versus Life was the choice of mankind back in Noah's day, and death versus life is our choice today.  No we don't have to RSVP any Ark invitations from God, but.. same as in Noah's day either we are with (obedient to) God or against Him. Today, either I have accepted Jesus into your heart or have not. The choice is mine, the choice is yours. And just like in Noah's day, IT MATTERS ETERNALLY what we believe. God will not be mocked. If we do not choose God's salvation plan we will be as lost as Noah's neighbors when the great flood consumed them. Not such a cute story now. It's a nice story if you are on the boat, but if not.. then a snorkel and flippers will not save you. But it is a beautiful story, because just like the Ark in Noah's day, God has provided salvation. This salvation is found in the name of Jesus. God does not desire for any of us to perish, but we all have free will so the choice is ours. CHOOSE WISELY, and your eternity is secured in Heaven. CHOOSE POORLY and please understand you are not safe.  Note: Flood Insurance would not have saved you in Noah's Day, nor will Fire Insurance save you today.
May God bless each of you with the realization of salvation through Jesus Christ. It is a beautiful gift from our loving God. For those of you outside of His plan, know John 3:16, believe John 3:16, and then.. WELCOME ABOARD. John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. Blessings Jeff (Soggy bottom boy in Minnesota) Larson  Ever console yourself regarding your behavior, words, judgments, and/or circumstances that makes you look bad by qualifying a these moments by saying something like .. “Well at least I am not like ‘so-in-so’. Or the infamous backwards apology that goes like… “I’m sorry BUT” and the but is followed by a litany of excuses that makes your apology anything but apologetic. "I'm sorry BUT your face got in the way of my fist?" and just like that.. man grades his life on a curve. So today I am going to console those of us with bad budgets, bad marriages, bad kids (actually they are not bad kids, only 'good' kids making bad choices), bad job, bad health, bad attitudes, or bad hair with.. men, women, and circumstances from the Bible and our world today.. that are intended to make us feel better. Are you ready? Well let’s get started. The Old Testament - Yes my wife and I argue sometimes, but at least I never gave her away - Nor had reason to tell my wife I was saved by a prostitute - I have worked some bad jobs, but never as bad as guard duty on the Walls of Jericho. - Yes I get migraines, but at least I never had a LITERAL splitting headache - No I have not always liked my neighbors, but at least it never became.. violent. - I will confess now and then I have occasional adult acne (argh) but at least it never went rogue! - OK on occasion I skip my daily shower, but at least I never smelled like FISH BARF
The New Testament - Not everyone agrees with my strong opinions, but at least no one wants me dead (that I know of) - My Credit Rating may not be perfect, but at least my finances are not public knowledge. - I have not always listened to God, but at least He has not used a Blinding Light to get my attention. - I confess I have fallen in sleep in church, but at least I have never fallen out of a church pew (yet) - Not everyone likes my cartoons but at least (so far) I am not the target of murderous 'anti-humor' zealots - I have had a number of minor health issues over the years but at least I never been bit by a snake - I confess to a few speeding tickets in my life, but at least I have not done jail time
TODAY - I am no Einstein, but at least I know the difference between figurative and literal. - I am not a perfect husband, but at least I no longer THINK OUT LOUD... often. And finally..- I may not be perfect, but at least I am not ONE OF THEM! .. sorry.. it is the cheese that made me do it.
 So while life's trials and circumstances real, at least I never have to face them alone. This is not a Christian cliche' , but is our rock solid hope we have with Jesus.
Psalms 23 1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. May God bless each of you this day. May you be inspired by at least you never are alone in this life. If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31 Jeff (at least I don't attend a snake handler church) Larson 9/9/2020 Pick me.. pick me! 2020 I Remember back as a kid in gym class and did not want to be that last kid chosen for a team? Well I don't like to brag (as I puff out my 63 year old chest past my gut that puffs out on it's own but I was not that kid. I was a decent athlete even if the game was dodge-ball I was always a solid pick. Of course if there was a robotics team back then I may have been been that last pick, then placed on the 'my brain hurts' injury reserved list. We can all breath a sigh of relief God does not operate that way. He seems to like the odd ducks, misfits, and unlikely picks to be on his team, even LEAD his team. Hmm.. I might even be chosen on God's robotics team. So here is a partial list of those God chose for his team. "if you build it they will come". These are the paraphrased words of God from the book of Genesis as 600 year old Noah is chosen to craft an Ark with his 100 year old sons. And.. not just any Ark, a 'Desert Ark'. As a spry 75 year old, Abraham was instructed by God.. "pack up the Winnebago (figuratively speaking) and hit the road." So much for the Golden Years. "I will make you a mighty nation." added the Lord. A mighty nation?.. Abe and the Mrs. were past the age of having their own kids, so unless God is talking about some 'Mighty Nation' game for his smartphone then he did not know how this was going to happen. Moses, prince of Egypt exiled for MURDER is working in a land far far away as an overqualified tender of sheep when God speaks to him from a burning bush. "Moses .. you and I are going to free the children of Israel. Ok, mostly I will free them, but I will keep you busy." I don't know about you, but I would not have chosen a guy on the run for murder who smells like sheep to lead the captive/slave people of Israel. Speaking of sheep, God chose a shepherd boy named David to 1. slay a giant named Goliath, and 2. become the first great KING of Israel!
 Then off to the NEW TESTAMENT.. where Jesus did not choose men right out of seminary' as his disciples. Their resumes referenced such talents as 'fishing' and 'collecting taxes but nary a youth pastor, or worship leader credential to be found. Not even experience as the side usher at the Temple. So without checking their LinkedIn profiles, Jesus simply said.. "Follow me." And remember Jesus words to the thief on the cross.. "This very day you will be with me in paradise." shortly before he died. noting the obvious: Being a thief is NOT who we 'good Christians' would choose. At the very least we might require a probationary period and yet Jesus did just that. He chose the thief, he chose a sinner.. for his team. That is how big God's Grace is.  Next, God chooses the very first 'Missionary' to share the Gospel to the world! "With the first pick, in the first round of the first ever Gospel Missionary Draft, I choose Saul of Tarsus" These are the paraphrased words of Jesus on as Saul travels the Road to Damascus. His actual words were "Saul why do you persecute me?" which included a blinding light. WHAT? This same Saul was Pharisee of Pharisees, and recently spotted checking coats at the stoning of Stephen? Yep, that Saul. .. Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest Acts 9:1 Serious Red Flag .. choosing a guy breathing threats and murder against the disciples is RISKY. But that's just me.  Now fast forward a couple thousand years and some change to year 2020.. I have not experienced a literal burning bush while walking my dog, or blinding light on my way to the Grocery store, but I still believe I am chosen and capable. Not that it makes sense based on my relative and limited qualifications of cartooning (aka coloring between the lines), but in fact we are all chosen. Chosen not only for eternity in Heaven, but also to serve in big and small ways now.  So do not keep God in a box, or a lid on what is possible with regards to the blessings and opportunities to serve.
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!" Isaiah 6:8 Just like Isaiah, be listening for God's leading in big and small ways, and when God calls on you.. reply "Here am I. pick me! pick me!" May God bless and use you in ways that are BEYOND YOUR DREAMS and all that God intends. Jeff (Chosen.. go figure) Larson 9/8/2020 Back to School? .. sorta This is that time of year where I pull out all my cartoons to 'honor' the students, teachers, and parents uniting as one to make sure those little darlin's get a good education. Of course in 2020 in America education is a muddle due to the response to Covid-19. Like most of you I have my opinions on 'To mask or not to mask'.. as that is the question. But no matter any of our opinions the school year 2020-2021 will be like no other. No matter if you homeschool, zoomschool, or do school in the classroom.. EDUCATION 20-21 must go on. But for today, let's return to a day gone by (fall of 2019) where masks were for thieves, and social distancing was reserved for avoiding that Uncle at your family reunion who has BO. A day when Education was freely shared, and teachers ruled the land. Kinda like the Jurassic period ruled by the T-Rex.  School Days, School Days.. Dear old Golden Rule days ' Reading and 'riting and 'rithmetic Taught to the tune of the hick'ry stick' hick’ry stick? So NOT politically correct! but.. I like it! It is kind of odd to think this was a song to describe 'classroom management', but to me it is not nearly as strange as hickory sticks being replaced with blaming the teacher first and sending them to a workshops on what they did wrong. GO FIGURE.  The School Year begins traditionally the day after Labor day in America. Parents, students, and teachers like the migration of geese transition from vacations, picnics, and the beach to a world of chalk dust, text books, surprise quizzes, and report cards. Actually chalk dust is becoming a part of old school urban legend. Before Covid we feared breathing in chalk dust. lol. Chalk boards are replaced with white boards, smart boards, and technology. The current techno-tools of choice include I-Pads, chromebooks, and smart phones. These are the tools (aka distractions) of today's student. They say.. You are only as smart as your smartphone? A good smartphone is today's student's Swiss Army Knife even replacing the amazing Texas Instruments Scientific Calculator from back in my day. note: In our weapons sensitive schools can you can have even a figurative Swiss Army Knife? The timeless excuse "My dog ate my homework" has been upgraded with.. "my wi-fi was down", "access denied to my cloud", or "a computer virus ate my homework". AND NOTE.. the time honored nuisance of passing notes between students has been replaced with texting, and/or latest (snapchat, instagram, tictok) social media craze . So the above is what I would call the 'lay of the land'. Students k-12 and beyond meet teachers found in public, private, and home school environments. No matter if there is Covid-19 or not the education process continues. Ready.. Set.. LEARN!  TEACHERS.. God bless all of you gifted educators in the public and private school systems. And God bless you homeschoolers as you all are so important. While teaching the 3 Rs, never forget to teach the Christian world view. Always remember prayer for our students, the families, our nation, and all centered first around the worship of the God of our Bibles. Truth be told education can be as much of a ministry as an occupation. SO I PRAY for all you dedicated educators that Jesus be first and foremost in your lives. May your faith and God's truth guide your words and deeds. Kindness, compassion, and loving discipline are the marks of a Godly educator. AND I PRAY for all you students for challenges that are ahead in 20-21. MY PRAYER OF CONCERN is for our public schools and a direction away from our nation's Christian heritage. Public Schools in their determined quest to remain NEUTRAL in matters of faith have become NEUTERED in respect to civics, Christian values, and our Christian heritage. While there is no question we are all to respect this nation's many faiths it is a MISTAKE to become so SECULARIZED.  PATRIOTISM And while we are at it, I pledge allegiance to the flag and the United States of America. And to the Republic for which it stands, one nation UNDER GOD..This pledge needs to be in schools. Patriotism, civics, and honoring our country (flaws and all) needs to be an integral part of education. AND Christians should not be alarmed the pledge puts God and Country on the same plane. The pledge clearly states one nation UNDER GOD. you know 'under' as in 'not above'. OBTW, please don't kneel during the Star Spangled Banner. Save your kneeling for your prayer time.  IN SUMMARY .. Happy/blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord Psalms 33:12,.. and so it goes without saying happy/blessed is the SCHOOL whose God is the Lord and teaches a Christian World View. When our nation and/or schools compromise Psalms 33:12 this erodes what God intends for good for His people.
For a complete (exhaustive, or is it exhausting?) cartoon look at all things school from a Back Pew perspective, click here-> SCHOOL Jeff (semi-educated/bus drivin') Larson note: 20-21 will be year two of my job as a bus driver.The role of School Bus Driver has provided me a treasure trove of new cartoon ideas. Elementary kids especially are just too darn cute.  Labor Day to me marks the last day of summer as it falls nicely on the first Monday in September. MY LABOR.. over the years has included such occupations as grounds keeper on a golf course, Logger, convenience store attendant, computer programmer, sports official, and school bus driver. Now in my 63rd year of wandering this Earth I am semi-retired while driving the above mentioned school bus. .. oh, and I draw a cartoon or two or three. another kind of labor day ----->  So with Labor Day here I am reflecting on these sobering social & economic times where the response to Covid-19 has complicating the employment and budgets of many. With this and more muddling my life I am choosing to AGAIN claim the great scripture.. Trust in the Lord with all my heart, in all my ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 TRUST is a little 5 letter word (infinitely better than any 4-letter profane word) and the above scripture should be spoken out loud in my opinion. I can reflect on the words all I want, but I then need to come to the conclusion to Trust God. In my opinion it would not be trust if it was easy.  Just like walking on water for Peter made no logical sense, neither do the answers to the many of the troubles we face. Walking on water is of course a miracle and not a parlor trick or slight of hand.. er.. slight of foot.. BUT maybe the answers to my prayers are your prayers are no less a miracle even if they appear to be more subtle. For example when a person prays for a tragic family situation that seems hopeless and rolling out of control BUT prayer intercedes and life no longer is hopeless but is back on track.. that may be GOD'S SUBTLE MIRACLE. When you have no way of paying your mortgage and the deadline is here, and you work so hard, and you prayer so hard, then TRUST God.. and somehow the funds are available.. it may be a subtle miracle of God. On the sobering side of prayer we do find man has free will and sometimes must accept that God's will and his providence is bigger than any circumstance. Bad things do happen to good people. This is a fallen world with much sadness and tragedy. We do hurt, we are fragile, there is sickness, and we all will die.. BUT this does NOT discount the the loving miracles of God. I believe it was Albert Einstein who said "Coincidences are miracles where God wished to remain annonymous."  Of course right after Labor Day we return to rush hour traffic, work, or school, but as I reflect on Labor Day.. I hope and pray for a day to regroup and recoop our energies for another season of trusting and serving our Lord. Let's take the lid off of what is possible when we trust God.
I pray today for God's care to be on display in big and small ways. Where we are truly BBYD = Blessed Beyond our Dreams. May God find us obedient on this Labor day and those other 364 days too. Jeff (not breaking a sweat today) Larson |
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Back Pew - Draw Close to God
116 pages of cartoons of 'Clean Humor & God's Truth' CRITICS ARE SAYING..
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©2019 Jeff Larson - All Rights Reserved
9/21/2020
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