Book of Proverbs – Under The Big Top

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” – A portion of The Declaration of Independence April 1776. – Book of Proverbs – Under The Big Top. Check out my website

I say to you today, my friends, though, even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up, live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.” – A portion of Martin Luther King Jr’s – I Have A Dream Speech – August 1963. Book of Proverbs – Under The Big Top.

How is it that we have strayed so far away from the above proclamation and speech? How is it that great men and women like Abraham Lincoln, Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, Nelson Mandel, Martin Luther King Jr, Mikhail Gorbachev, Rosa Parks, Jimmy Carter, and countless others have rallied to show that we are all one. So, God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. – Genesis 1:27. Book of Proverbs – Under The Big Top. Check out my website

One man had this same vision and stepped up to the plate. Phineas Taylor Barnum (July 5, 1810 – April 7, 1891) was an American showman, politician, and businessman remembered for promoting celebrated hoaxes and for founding the Barnum & Bailey Circus (1871–2017). – http://www.wickipedia.com

PT Barnum was fully aware that all men were created equal and created in the image of God so that is why he employed oddities of all types. It didn’t matter to him that one person was taller than another, broader than another, hairier than another, he employed them all and brought smiles and laughter to people’s faces. I am sure you have heard the phrase “laughter is good for the soul.”

Against the assault of laughter, nothing can stand. — Mark Twain.

Always laugh when you can. It is cheap medicine. — Lord Byron.

Humor is a prelude to faith and laughter is the beginning of prayer. — Reinhold Niebuhr.

If Laughter cannot solve your problems, it will definitely DISSOLVE your problems; so that you can think clearly what to do about them – Dr. Madan Kataria.

Laughter is a form of internal jogging. It moves your internal organs around. It enhances respiration. It is an igniter of great expectations.” — Norman Cousins.

When you laugh, aside from the endorphin rush, there’s also a spiritual opening. You’re not so tight inside yourself. That opening I’ve found to be a real gift, in people being able to absorb spirituality. —Rabbi Sydney Mintz.

He that is of a merry heart has a continual feast. — Proverbs 15:15.

The circus allows people of all types to come together as a family. God gifted us all with different talents and the circus is where you can witness that. There are so many different acts to bring you happiness. Aerial Hoop, Animal Training, Balancing, Clowns, Flying Trapeze, Juggling, Knife throwing, Stilt Walking, etc. etc. etc. Book of Proverbs – Under The Big Top

This is the way that God wants us to be. Working hand in hand with each other. Celebrating each other’s talent. “For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also, is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. And if they were all one member, where were the body? But now are they many members, yet but one body. And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked. That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.” – 1 Corinthians 12:12-27. – Book of Proverbs – Under The Big Top.

If you have not seen the movie “The Greatest Showman” please do. It is an awesome movie and a fantastic depiction of circus performers working together as a family appreciating each other’s talent. – Book of Proverbs – Under The Big Top.

So, let us all strive in our daily lives to be just like the circus performers Under The Big Top. – Book of Proverbs – Under The Big Top.

Book of Proverbs – Proverbs For The Modern Day – Yes

Yes – used as a function word to express assent or agreement.

Do you know what the most powerful word in the English language is? It is the word YES. A lot of people believe that NO is the most powerful word but that would be wrong. The word NO shows closed-mindedness and fear but, the word YES shows true strength and courage. The word YES signals interest and respect. When you say the word YES you look at what is presented to you and simply look at the problem in front of you in a fresh way. The word YES is a positive affirmation. It reflects in your body language and makes you feel valued. Book of Proverbs – Proverbs For The Modern day – Yes.

The word YES stretches you, challenges, energizes, creates safety and trust, and fuels creativity. The word NO polarizes prompts defensiveness, and shuts down innovation, collaboration, and connection. When you say the word NO fear, anger or resignation set in, all of which kill creativity, increase distrust, and discourage engagement. Book of Proverbs – Proverbs For The Modern Day – Yes. Check out my website

There are many people in the bible that knew the power of the word YES. God used everyday people who said yes to him in the Bible. Noah said yes when God asked him to build an ark. Abraham said yes when God asked him to sacrifice his only son. However, God spared his life. Moses said yes when God told him to ask Pharaoh to let the Israelites go. Mary said yes when the angel asked her to carry Jesus, the only Son of God. The disciples said yes when Jesus asked them to leave everything behind and follow Him. Paul, who once persecuted Christians as Saul, said yes when God asked him to deliver the Good News of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles. These people were not extraordinary people with great fortitude and toughness. They were normal people who tolerated, wrestled, and wept but still said yes to God and His will. The biggest one of all is Jesus who said YES to being crucified on the cross. What was his reward? He now sits on the throne on the right side of the Father. – Book of Proverbs – Proverbs For The Modern Day – Yes.

Some of the most powerful and well know people knew the power of the word YES:

Never allow a person to tell you no who doesn’t have the power to say yes. – Eleanor Roosevelt

Everything in the world began with a yes. One molecule said yes to another molecule and life was born. – Clarice Lispector

I used to think you had to be special for God to use you, but now I know you simply need to say yes. – Bob Goff

It doesn’t matter what a million people tell you what you can’t do, or if ten million tell you no. If you get one yes from God that’s all you need. – Tyler Perry

Never say no to adventures. Always say yes, otherwise you’ll lead a very dull life. – Ian Fleming

Timidity makes a person modest. It makes him or her say, “I’m not worthy of being written up in the record of deeds in heaven or on earth.” Timidity keeps people from their good. They are afraid to say, “Yes I deserve it.” – Maya Angelou

Everywhere I go I find that people…. both leaders and individuals…. are asking one basic question, “Is there any hope for the future?” My answer is the same, “Yes, through Jesus Christ.” – Billy Graham

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, yes even unto the end of the world. Amen. – Jesus Christ – Matthew 28:20

We have so many various aspects of our daily lives, spouse, parent, business owner, employee, church member etc. We will need to learn and train ourselves to say YES, I love you. YES, I am here for you. YES, you have my attention. Yes, I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. – Book of Proverbs – Proverbs For The Modern Day – Yes.

“Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. – 1929-1968. – Book of Proverbs – Proverbs For The Modern Day – Yes. Check out my website

Book of Proverbs – Proverbs For The Modern Day – Good Friday

Good Friday marked the dramatic culmination of God’s plan to save his people from their sins. Book of Proverbs – Proverbs For The Modern Day – Good Friday

Good Friday is a significant day in the year for Christians. It honors the most important weekend in the history of the world. Good Friday is celebrated two days before Easter.

Good Friday we remember the day Jesus accepted his fate of the cross and sacrificed himself for all of us. Jesus died for our sins, was buried and then raised from the dead on the third day.

Jesus was crucified by the Romans on a hill outside Jerusalem. The Good in Good Friday comes from old English when Good meant Holy. The crucifix, or cross, which represents the way Jesus died, is an important symbol seen on Good Friday. Some crosses bear a figure of Christ. Other symbols of Good Friday include black cloth used to cover the cross, paintings, and statues in churches and some homes to signify mourning. Check out my website

Good Friday is an observance that involves people fasting and praying. Some people don’t eat bread or meat only fish. Some people bake hot cross buns, a traditional Good Friday sweet. Church services are normally held between the hours of 12 noon and 3 pm in remembrance of the hours when Jesus hung on the cross. The crucifixion was the culmination of several events in Holy Week, including the triumphal return of Jesus to Jerusalem on Palm Sunday; the washing of the disciples’ feet by Jesus; and the Last Supper on Maundy Thursday.

There are several excellent Good Friday bible verses that should be read to commemorate the day:

For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. – Romans 5:6-10. – Book of Proverbs – Proverbs For The Modern Day – Good Friday.

Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. – 1 Peter 2:24. – Book of Proverbs – Proverbs For The Modern Day – Good Friday.

He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely, he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and with his stripes, we are healed. – Book of Proverbs – Proverbs For The Modern Day – Good Friday.

So, as we lead into this holy week remember the true meaning of Good Friday and all Jesus sacrificed for us. Book of Proverbs – Proverbs For The Modern Day – Good Friday. Check out my website

Book of Proverbs – Proverbs For the Modern Day – Baseball – Religion

“It breaks your heart. It is designed to break your heart. The game begins in the spring when everything else begins again, and it blossoms in the summer, filling the afternoons and evenings, and then as soon as the chill rains come, it stops and leaves you to face the fall alone. You count on it, rely on it to buffer the passage of time, to keep the memory of sunshine and high skies alive, and then just when all the days are all twilight when you need it the most, it stops.” – A. Bartlett Giamatti The Green Fields of the Mind. Book of Proverbs – Proverbs For The Modern Day – Baseball – Religion.

“People ask me what I do in winter when there’s no baseball. I’ll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring.” — Rogers Hornsby. Book of Proverbs – Proverbs For The Modern Day – Baseball – Religion.

THE BOYS OF SUMMER ARE BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! – Book of Proverbs – Proverbs For The Modern Day – Baseball – Religion.

Baseball is a tremendous sport. For starters, baseball has the most amazing and loyal fans. Look at the Chicago Cubs fans that waited 108 years for their team to win the World Series. Then there is Opening Day. It is the most phenomenal thing. There is a sold-out crowd who is cheering, smiling, and filled with such expectation for the new season. Then there are also the team mascots. Team mascots work hard to keep the fans engaged when there are breaks in the game such as pitching changes. Professional mascots make about $25,000.00 per year but the best in the field can command a six-figure salary. Book of Proverbs – Proverbs For The Modern Day – Baseball – Religion. Check out my website

You never know what to expect with baseball. The game can change dramatically from inning to inning. You could have a pitcher’s duel, or an offensive onslaught where you can’t keep up with all the runners rounding the bases, or a nail-biting possibility of a no-hitter. If the pitcher gets it that puts him in the Baseball Hall of Fame. – Book of Proverbs – Proverbs For The Modern Day – Baseball -Religion.

The glove pop, the whiff of the bat, the home run. There are so many aspects to the game of baseball but there are other things that run-in three’s in baseball such as 3 strikes and 3 outs. The Trinity is also composed of three: The Father, The Son, The Holy Spirit. There are 108 beads in a Catholic Rosary and there are 108 stitches in a baseball. Book of Proverbs – Proverbs For The Modern Day – Baseball – Religion.

This year Opening Day is July 24, 2020, because of Covid-19. Normally Baseball starts in late March or April close to Easter. Baseball has a lot to instruct us about Easter. In both Baseball and Easter, there is always a taunting crowd. We are all aware of this from Good Friday. We are also keenly aware of this in our own lives. At Easter, as with Baseball, we don’t go the course alone. We are always encircled by our team. And the Lord, he is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed. – Deuteronomy 31:8. A Baseball team has 9 players on the field. Jesus, who is omnipotent is always with us, so he is on the field as well.

Baseball has its highs and lows just like our daily walk with God. In baseball, a guy can have a multiple-hit game like hitting for the cycle which is a momentous day! In our daily walk with God, we could receive a clean bill of health from our doctor after running major tests when the original diagnosis was bad. In baseball, you can strike out 3 or more consecutive times for the day and at the end of the game have a batting average below 200 which they say is batting below the Mendoza line. Mario Mendoza is a Mexican former MLB player who had a lifetime batting average of 215. He is a member of the Mexican League Hall of Fame. In your daily walk with God the promotion you were expecting to receive you didn’t get. In both situations, tomorrow is another day and you get to start again fresh and new with endless possibilities because God is with you.

“The similarities between Baseball and Religion abound. The ballpark as cathedral; saints and sinners; the curses and blessings. But then what I’m arguing is beyond that surface level, there’s a fundamental similarity between baseball and religion which goes to the capacity of baseball to cause human beings, in a context they don’t think of as religious, to break the plane of ordinary existence into the plane of extraordinary existence.” – John Sexton Former New York University President from his book Baseball as a Road to God: Seeing Beyond the Game. – Book of Proverbs – Proverbs For The Modern Day – Baseball – Religion.

Book of Proverbs – Proverbs For The Modern Day – Do Unto Others

Therefore, all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. – Matthew 7:12.

And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. – Luke 6:31. Book of Proverbs – Proverbs For The Modern Day – Do Unto Others

The most familiar version is: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Book of Proverbs – Proverbs For The Modern Day – Do Unto Others

The Golden Rule is the name given to a principle Jesus taught in his sermon on the mount. This is a very simple concept but one that has fallen by the wayside. Society predominately has taken on an attitude of “it’s all about me.” This is not the way God wants us to live. The only time you see and hear about people coming together on a magnanimous scale is when there is a tragedy like what Las Vegas and Orlando Fl encountered. There are also the hurricanes that struck Texas and Florida. Most recently the school shooting in Parkland Fl which has now caused many people to cry out and speak up and ultimately a culmination of marches has taken place, the biggest one in Washington DC regarding gun control laws. Book of Proverbs – Proverbs For The Modern Day – Do Unto Others. Check out my website

See what you think would be an appropriate do unto other’s responses to these situations but be true to yourself. Book of Proverbs – Proverbs For The Modern Day- Do Unto Others

1- You’re in the ladies’ room and you are air-drying your hands and look over your shoulder and see a woman walk away from the sink and forget her cell phone.

A – you say to yourself it’s not mine so why should I care and ignore it.

R – you run over and grab it and try to track her down and return it.

2- You are waiting to use the ATM machine and the person ahead of you finishes and forgets their card in the machine.

E – you take it out of the machine and run out to the parking lot to return it.

B – you take it out of the machine and leave it on the side and process your transaction thinking nobody can use it because they don’t know the pin number plus a banker will find it eventually.

3- It’s your weekly shopping day and you’re in the supermarket with a full shopping cart and the person behind you only has 3 items.

C – you make them wait their turn thinking to yourself I was here first.

S – you turn to them and say, “you can go ahead of me because my process will take a while.”

4- You are driving to work and there is a big accident on the road that has you late for work. Two lanes of traffic are closed, and everyone must merge into one. The car beside you is trying to come into the lane ahead of you.

P – you signal to them and let them know they can go ahead of you. You’re already late so what does it matter.

D – You think to yourself they have some nerve. They didn’t even put on their signal, I’m not letting them in front of me.

5- You’re a huge baseball fan and you are at your first game of the season. You have your glove and you are ready to catch a foul ball if it comes your way. A foul ball starts careening in your area. You reach up and it lands in your glove. You’re pumping your fist and the crowd is cheering. You look down and see a little boy with his glove who was trying to catch the same foul ball.

T – you walk right past him and ignore him and keep reveling with the crowd.

E – you turn to the little boy and put the ball in his glove and pat him on the shoulder and smile.

6- One of your passions is roller coaster rides. You have been waiting for hours to get on this ride. It is the height of the season and your feet are tired and aching. You hear a mother say to her 3 kids behind you, “if you don’t get on this time we are leaving.” The kids start sighing and saying, “mom please.” There is only one coaster cart left to load before the ride starts. It is 3 persons per cart.

F – you jump on the ride and say to yourself oh well too bad the kids will have to decide on which 2 will join me in the coaster cart for the ride.

C – you turn to the kids and their mother and say you can go ahead. I will wait for the next coaster cart ride.

7- You’re at the airport and you are checked in and the agents at the counter make an announcement stating who would be kind enough to travel tomorrow instead because we have a man who is on standby in dire need to get on this plane because his pregnant wife is having contractions and the flight is only 1 hour and 2 minutes. The airlines will set you up in a hotel for the night and fly you out first thing in the morning. You are a single person with no commitments, once you arrive home you had no plans and you have completed your business trip.

T – you walk up to the counter and hand the agent your ticket and state you’ll be willing to stay over, you just need to retrieve your luggage bag from the plane.

G – you think to yourself oh well too bad buddy you shouldn’t be traveling so close to when your wife is due to give birth and jump on the plane.

If you are a person who follows and believes in the golden rule your answers should have been:

1= R, 2= E, 3= S, 4= P, 5= E, 6= C, 7= T

You will also see that these letters spell out the word RESPECT. Book of Proverbs – Proverbs For The Modern Day – Do Unto Others

Respect – a feeling or understanding that someone or something is important, serious, and should be treated in an appropriate way.

So, let us all think about how we would like to be treated and freely transfer that to all of mankind. Book of Proverbs – Proverbs For The Modern Day – Do Unto Others. Check out my website