Timothy J. Pruitt's Blog, page 157

iPainting Morgan Freeman

When I was a child, I saw Morgan Freeman on a children’s show called The Electric Company. Over the years I’ve loved watching him in movies, but to me, he’s still part of my childhood. Isn’t it amazing the impact one idea can have on a child?

As a Dad it also reminds me, they will always remember moments we may forget. I never want to lose the significance that my words and actions will have on Nicholas. I pray each day they can be positive moments. He is too precious to waste any of the influence God has blessed me with in his life.

iPainting Groucho At 85

A portrait of Groucho Marx at 85. He was an interesting character, and a determined individual. He had worked hard, saved his money, and amassed a fortune, until the stock market crash of 29. He had to then go back to work, and rebuild. He succeeded, making us all laugh along the way.

God, Alfred, And Uncle Ben

Alfred Pennyworth, Jonathan Kent, Ben Parker, to name a few. What do these names have in common to me? Besides being comic book characters, they remind me of God’s strategic hand in our lives. You see, I never realized it as a child, but the majority of my heroes, were tied in some way to adoption.

A passage of Scripture I had always applied to my own life, as a young man, He sitteth the solitary in families, had deeper meaning than I knew. From my childhood, God was preparing me, not only to be a Dad, but Nicholas’ Dad. I don’t pretend to have been sensitive enough, or smart enough to have realized it, because I didn’t. However I look back, with joy and fascination, at how God orchestrated our story.

I’ve written before how Ashley had similar instances with her childhood stories she loved. It amazes me because we had no idea when we were little that all of these things would be pointers to our future. Most of my days, I have little to no idea what is ahead, but God does.

This used to scare me, now as a Father it brings me comfort. It not only means that, if we will listen, is God working for our needs to supply our child’s, but that God is already active in our son’s future. I do not yet know what he will be, or what talents and skills will fascinate him long term, yet I know this. When Nicholas arrives where the ink is added to the outline, He will see The Artist’s design.

All art is about design as well as beauty. How things connect with each other, for the best possible outcome. We humans have erasers, turpentine, and spare canvases, God doesn’t need all of that. He gets it right the first time, and even when we don’t, He adds to us to make it complete.

You see I didn’t know longing was learning. I didn’t know a Butler and a Batcave were glimpses from my Heavenly Father. Who could imagine Peter Parker’s Adopted Dad’s phrase, “With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility” wasn’t a word balloon, but a message to a little boy in Richlands Virginia?

I see it now, and am in awe. I’m sure there are a lot more dots from back then I haven’t connected yet, and that’s okay. He will tell me when, and if I need to know. For now there’s a little boy on my arm asleep, who likes guitars and cars, wonder where God will take us next?

iPainting Never Forget

These fascinating creatures are said to never forget, may we never forget God’s Blessings in our lives.

Welcoming Liberty

It was on this day in 1885 that she arrived in New York harbor, unassembled and in crates, on the steamship Isere. There were two hundred thousand people on hand to welcome her. Though she would not be dedicated until October of 1886, she had arrived. It’s easy to forget that the lady who welcomed thousands, was once welcomed herself.

May I ask a question of you today? Who are you welcoming in your daily life? Are you taking the time to be kind to those around you? It may be that, one day, someone in your life will be in the position to welcome others. While none of them may stand in the harbor like the example above, you could inspire the next Disney, Henson, or Jobs.

There is a sad story about Steve Jobs I would like to share. As a proud adopted dad, I’m happy to say he was adopted by a loving couple who cared for him deeply. However, he learned that is biological father had given him away. After his success, he found out that his biological dad owned a restaurant, and went to look at him. Apparently he ordered something, and sat at a table. After a while, he left, never speaking to the person who had not welcomed his arrival in to the world.

All of us have the potential to be welcoming, or rejecting. If we are welcoming, we pour into others some of the heart, kindness, and love that was poured into us. We enable them to pour into others. If we are cold, distant, or uncaring, we may affect not just a day, but there very future.

I challenge you today to go out of your way to better someone else’s day, even in a small way. Who you are warm and welcoming to today, may impact thousands tomorrow. Like those who welcomed Lady Liberty on that June day in 1885, you may become a part of history through your kindness.

Sketch Western Faces

All cultures, and all subcultures hold fascinating faces, because God created us all. Today’s focus are faces of the west.

Sketch Eastern Bluebird

The Eastern Bluebird, they tell us, is a different species than the Bluebird. While not originally native to Tennessee, over time it has become one of it’s homes.

What fascinated me the other day, when I saw it, was not only it’s color, but it’s small size. The one I saw was no bigger than a Finch. Only God could make something so small, and yet so beautiful.

Isn’t God’s Creation amazing? His skill and handiwork are evident in every corner, both small and great. We just have to open our eyes.

iPainting Excavator

Flag Day 2021 – Thank You Bernard J Cigrand

Today is Flag Day in the United States. It’s easy to forget, like so many other things, that Old Glory has a birthday. On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress adopted what became the American flag. Thirteen stripes of red and white, and stars of white on a blue field, representing a new constellation.

In addition to the patriots who chose the symbol of our republic, we can add a Dentist to their roster. Over one hundred years after the flag’s adoption, Bernard J Cigrand championed the idea of a day to honor the adoption of the flag. Most historians classify him, and his efforts, as being the father of Flag Day.

After thirty years of his advocacy, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed June 14 as Flag Day in 1916. Congress made it a law in August of 1949. The Chicago Tribune gave him almost complete credit for the establishment of the day.

This reinforces, not only our patriotic spirit, it showcases that one person can make a difference, through passion and perseverance. A century after men pledged their own blood, reputations, and commitment to the dream of a new nation, Mr Cigrand honored it. This was so important to the educator and dentist, that he spent three decades making it happen.

Like the men who established it, he saw more than material. He saw more than a symbol, he saw the sacrifice of the men and women who fought to uphold its virtues. He remembered the promise of a better tomorrow, where a man from a small town, could inspire a nation to act.

In the makeup of our nation, there are so many like Bernard Cigrand. They may not spring to mind as some names do, but there heart still jumps at the beauty of the red, white, and blue. Happy Flag Day America!

Sketch Nicholas Relaxing