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In The Clouds

Have you ever seen lenticular clouds?  I show you some.

Many Christians hold to a very true hope that God’s Son, Jesus Christ will return.  The scriptures say that we will all meet him in the clouds.

I was thinking about that a couple of months ago on a flight from Charlotte to Phoenix.  Gazing out the window, somewhere over the Mid West, I saw some awesome, majestic clouds.  I have flown many times over the years, but have never seen gigantic clouds like these.  It lasted for almost ten minutes.  They were not, however, lenticular clouds.

Seeing those clouds I couldn’t help but think about what it will be like when Christ does return and we all meet him in the clouds.  I wondered if the clouds on the day he does return will look like what I was seeing. Clouds always remind me that one day…

Even More Spectacular

Yesterday I received an email with pictures of some spectacular clouds in the state of Washington from several weeks ago. These were multiple lenticular cloud formations at Mount Rainier, near sunset, on Wednesday, September 21. I thought you might enjoy seeing some pictures.

If you want some scientific explanation about lenticular clouds and how they are formed, check out this link at wiki.

So the next time you look up and see clouds in the sky, whether they are lenticular, cumulus, or whatever it was that I saw on the plane, remind yourself that someday you will meet him in the clouds.

Mike Verdicchio
2011

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You Might Also Enjoy:
He Promised
The Great Giver

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I Guess It’s Just Me

Boo!

Okay, I guess it’s just me.  I don’t care for Halloween.  I know, lots of people have lots of fun, but, sorry, I am not interested.

What about the kids?  They have so much fun wearing costumes and getting lots of candy, don’t they?  Yes, they certainly do!

I told you, it’s just me.  People can do whatever they like to do; I’m not criticizing anyone.  As a youngster, Halloween seemed to me like the “funnest” day of the year.  I was really into it.

Then when I got older, it was just a fun day for the kids.  But in recent years, it has become a really big day for adults too; more about that in a minute.

So why do I sound like such a party pooper?  Talk about raining on the parade!

Last Year

Perhaps, for me it was finding out about the origins of Halloween.  Few know about it, and almost no one dares to talk about it because they would be labeled a party pooper too.  Last year I did a post on the Origins of Halloween.  You’re welcome to read if it you dare.

October 31 is also the anniversary of the Reformation, led by Martin Luther.  I posted some good history on that last year as well in a post called, October 31.

Some Interesting Stats

National Retailer Federation, and many others, have given their predictions for Halloween spending this year.  Spending for the Halloween holiday is second only to Christmas spending!

According to NRF’s 2011 Halloween Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey conducted by BIGresearch, seven in 10 Americans (68.6%) plan to celebrate Halloween, up from 63.8 percent last year and the most in NRF’s nine-year survey history. Those celebrating are expected to spend slightly more too; the average person will shell out $72.31 on decorations, costumes and candy, up from $66.28 last year. Total Halloween spending is expected to reach $6.86 billion.

Excuse me; 72 bucks a person?  Is there a boom going on in our economy that I am not aware of?  The article talks about specific increased spending this year over last year.

The survey found this year’s celebrations will be far from tempered as more people plan to dress in costume (43.9% vs. 40.1% in 2010), throw or attend a party (34.3% vs. 33.3% last year) and visit a haunted house (22.9% vs. 20.8% in 2010.) Additionally, half (49.5%) will decorate their home/yard and 14.7 percent will dress their pets in costume. Other traditional celebratory activities include handing out candy (73.5%), carving a pumpkin (47.8%) and taking children trick-or-treating (32.9%).

I know someone personally who is on a very tight budget yet planning to buy costumes for her children.  I asked her about the costumes she bought last year.  The answer was, “They need new ones this year.”  I replied, “Why not make the costumes”  “I’ll think about that idea,” was her reply.

When I was growing up my parents never bought a costume; we always made something.  And that was a lot of fun being inventive and resourceful; using what was already around the house.

How Much Does That Costume Cost?

As I said before, this holiday is not just for the kids, not by a long shot.  The article went on to talk about the cost of costumes for both children and adults.

This year, Americans will spend $1 billion on children’s costumes, up from $840 million last year, and $1.21 billion on adult costumes, up from $990 million last year. Additionally, pet owners will shell out $310 million on pint size devils, pumpkins and witch costumes.

Okay, so we’ve got the kids in costumes, the adults in costumes, and the pets in costumes. What’s missing?  Oh, yeah, the candy, the decorations and the cards!

When it comes to decorations, more people this year than in the survey’s history will buy life-size skeletons, extra large inflatable pumpkins and fake cob webs, spending an average of $19.79. Spending on Halloween décor is second only to spending on Christmas decorations. Festive celebrants will also buy candy ($21.05) and greeting cards ($4.96.)

Consumers aren’t completely blowing caution to the wind this year, however. According to the survey, nearly one-third (32.1%) say the state of the U.S. economy will impact their Halloween plans. To compensate, most say they will try to spend less overall (87.1%). Others will make a costume instead of purchasing one (18.9%), use last year’s costume (16.6%) and buy less candy (40.2%.)

Trick Or Treat!

So, from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, some 2,000 years ago, to our modern day, with Muffy dressed up like a witch, another Halloween holiday is upon us.

Enjoy the day; and whatever you do, have fun and be safe; but don’t expect me in disguise knocking on your door hoping to get some candy.   But again, that’s just me.

Mike Verdicchio
2011

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You Might Also Enjoy:
October 31
Origins Of Halloween

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What’s Your Name?

It’s Another Podcast

In the Bible, Moses asked God, “What is your name?”  Why did Moses ask for a name in the first place?  God said, “I am that I am.”

In this short podcast [8:08] find out the meaning behind God’s answer to Moses, and find out why Moses needed a name.

Enjoy the podcast!

[If you cannot see the player below, just click the title above]

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You Might Also Enjoy:
How Do You Address Him?
Is He Willing?
How To Build Trust In God

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It’s My Way Or The Highway

I was thinking about something Jesus said.  “By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one to another.”  Yet, it seems far too prevalent in Christianity today that the opposite is practiced.

Many people identify themselves as a disciple or follower of the Lord Jesus Christ.  They readily acknowledge that they are a Christian.  But, sadly, Christianity is so divided on many doctrinal beliefs.

Even more tragically, doctrinal differences have caused some to treat their fellow Christians with contempt, disdain or judgment instead of love.  It is done in the name of a worthy cause: taking a stand for God.  But it begs the question, can we take a stand for God and still have love one for another?

Doesn’t the Bible clearly show that we Christians all have the same Father? That makes all of us Christians brothers and sisters, doesn’t it?  Then why do some of my Christian brothers and sisters treat so called, “unbelievers” with more love and respect than they do to their fellow Christians? Where is the love?

Take A Hike, Brother

Many who “take a stand for God,” have a simple formula:  it is my way or the highway.  In other words, believe and do what I think is right, or leave and find someone else to fellowship with.  I’m sure glad that wasn’t the attitude Aquila and Priscilla had toward Apollos, in Acts 18, aren’t you?

In the Christian community, indeed differences of opinions about what the Bible teaches arise. But unless God is schizophrenic, there cannot be two opinions regarding truth.  So when two people disagree on a point of scripture, they both cannot be right; the possibility even exists that they both are wrong.

This is why it is so important to study the scriptures honestly without preconceived ideas.  Far too many people go to the scriptures looking for verses to prove their point.  Then, likewise, someone else, with a different opinion, also searches the holy writ to find their ammunition verses.  After an intense verse fight, they both walk away, confident that they took a stand for God.

I Am Right!

Being a student of the Bible for over 35 years, as you might imagine, I have a set of beliefs, based on what I believe the Bible teaches.  However, I am not afraid to consider that something I believe and hold dear may not be right.  I am willing to re-examine the scriptures on that topic.

However, let me be very blunt.  If you are indeed looking for truth in the Bible concerning a topic, then you must be honest in your quest.  That means the first step in your search is to look at every verse of scripture related to the topic at hand. What is sad is that most people will not take the time or the effort in even this first step to examine the scriptures.

Far too many either find a doctrine they like and can live with, or, they hold to that which they have been taught for years.  They have their 3 or 4 verses on each topic in case they need to defend their position and take a stand for God.  And, if you disagree, well, it’s either my way or the highway.

Jesus said, “I am the way.”  So, regardless of our doctrines and opinions, if we are followers and disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, why don’t we manifest more love one to anther?  And, at the same time, ask ourselves honestly, “Why do I believe what I believe?”

Mike Verdicchio
2011

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You Might Also Enjoy:
John 3:16 Compilation
Love Heals

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Where Does Your Help Come From?

From the Category, “The Eastern Eye”

[The Bible is an “Eastern” book. It was written many years ago in the “East” which today we refer to as “The Middle East.”  As such, there are many customs and idioms that are not familiar to the “Western” mind.

In understanding the Scriptures it is important for us to understand the culture, but it doesn’t mean that we should necessarily follow that culture. Rather, it is in the understanding of the Eastern culture that we gain light and understanding about many things in the Bible.]

There are a couple of verses in Psalm 121 that might seem confusing or even misleading.  But once again, a little understanding of the culture of the Bible helps us to understand.

When the Psalmist states, “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help,” both the punctuation and lack of cultural understanding can be misleading.  He is not at all saying that his help comes from the “hills.”

What Did They See?

In Bible times, and indeed in some places even today, temples are found on high hills or mountain tops.  From down below, it is very easy to see these buildings.  Back then, and even today, those who gazed upon them would do so with reverence and respect, associating them with their god.

There are other references in the Scriptures where they are called “high places.”  If you are a fan of the Bible then you know these “high places” were not erected to or for the One True God, but rather to false gods.

I Need Help!

When people had situations going on where they needed help, they would either go and worship at those temples, or look up toward the hills or mountains where they could see the temple.

Those who either did not know the One True God or rejected Him would look to these pagan temples and to the gods they represented for their help in time of need.  Sadly, even God’s chosen people in the Old Testament on many occasions shifted their trust from the One True God and instead sought help from false gods. God called it evil, and it is no surprise that it never worked for them

More Accurate Translation

Verse 1 of Psalm 121 would be more accurately translated as, “Shall I lift up mine eyes unto the hills?  From whence cometh my help?”  In other words, in times of trouble am I going to look to pagan gods and pagan temples for my help?  Absolutely not!

The next verse answers both questions from verse 1 plainly: “My help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth.”  It is important to note that the “Lord” mentioned in verse 2 is not just any god, but rather it is the Creator of heaven and earth.  My help comes from the One True God, the Creator of heaven and earth.

Our Help

In times of trouble, where should we seek help?  Who can we put our absolute confidence and trust in?  Who has promised to help and supply?  We can and we should seek help from the One True God, the Father of the Lord Jesus Christ.

II Kings 17:9, 11, 27
And the children of Israel did secretly those things that were not right against the LORD their God, and they built them high places in all their cities, from the tower of the watchmen to the fenced city.

And there they burnt incense in all the high places, as did the heathen whom the LORD carried away before them; and wrought wicked things to provoke the LORD to anger:

Howbeit every nation made gods of their own, and put them in the houses of the high places which the Samaritans had made, every nation in their cities wherein they dwelt.

Psalm 121: 1 and 2
I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.
[Shall I lift up mine eyes unto the hills?  From whence cometh my help?]

My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.

Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Mike Verdicchio
2011

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Resources
 There are a number of books that you can read to get insight on customs, manners, idioms and meanings from the Eastern culture in which the Bible was written.  The best I know of were written by Bishop K. C. Pillai.  I have had the pleasure of listening to many recorded teaching by him.

He wrote three books, and they are hard to find, and are usually over priced.  But, if you want to you can check this link to see what Amazon has to offer. Light Through an Eastern Window

Another great resource that I have used for years is a book called, “Manners and Customs of the Bible,” by James Freeman. Mine was printed in 1972 and I know they have newer additions. For the newest edition, just click the link and it will take you to Amazon. The New Manners and Customs of the Bible (Pure Gold Classics)

More Eastern Eye Articles

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He Promised

There are any number of “big” unpleasant events that “could” happen.  After watching a show recently on TV, I was inspired to write this article.  It’s all about an event that I “know” is going to happen.

He Promised

I saw part of a TV show on the Discovery channel recently, called “Curiosity.”  It was narrated by Samuel L. Jackson.  It was about possible cataclysmic events that would end the world as we know it.  The Mayan calendar was mentioned several times; that has received a lot of attention in the last couple of years because it stops in December of 2012.

One of the top five scenarios was a meteor destroying the earth.  There is of course evidence of large meteors hitting earth. One such occurred close to where I live called, Meteor Crater. It is between Flagstaff & Winslow, Arizona.  Scientists estimate that a meteor crashed there 50,000 years ago.


We have all seen or heard about disasters that have happened in our lifetime.  Earthquakes, hurricanes, volcanoes, are nothing new.  Perhaps the worst event in recent years was the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and resulting tsunami.  That event killed over 230,000 people in fourteen countries.


This TV show gave the odds for the possible disasters happening in our lifetime.  Even though there is the possibility, I do not choose to prescribe to doomsday.  While I do plan for emergencies (power outages, food shortages, etc) I am not expecting nor planning for any major, earth changing events except one.

The Long Wait

For hundreds of years mankind waited for the promise of a savior who would redeem all of mankind from the consequences of Adam’s sin.  God even promised that the redeemer would be of the bloodline of King David.  Over two thousand years ago His promise came to pass; Jesus was born in Bethlehem.

Jesus Christ completed the work that His Father gave him to do.  “He went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil, for God was with him,” the scriptures say.

Some forty days after his death and resurrection, in a most remarkable event, the apostles watched Jesus literally ascend off the earth into the clouds and out of sight.  However, right after that, two angels delivered a message to those still gazing up into the sky.

The angels told the men that that, “This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as you have seen him go into heaven.”  Angels as you know are messengers from God.  Thus, it was a promise from God that His Son will return.

Of course other verses in the New Testament foretell of Christ’s return.  And, although we don’t know when he is coming back, we know that he is absolutely coming back, because God promised.  In fact, the scriptures declare that those who are born again will meet him in the clouds!

Who’s Talking About This Event?

Now that’s an event coming to this earth worth talking about!  Will this event happen right before an Ark storm that they think, maybe perhaps there is a one in ten chance in the next hundred years?  I don’t know.  I do know is that there is no percentage needed; Christ is coming back!

No offense to the Discovery channel, or any other channel for that matter.  But, any time I have ever seen shows about earth shattering cataclysmic events, no one has ever mentioned the Return of Christ.  And yet, it is absolutely going to happen, because God promised.  He promised to send the savior and He did just that. He promised to send Christ back, and He will do that as well.

We are not hopeless people waiting for the earth to explode.  We are people who have the greatest hope there is: the hope of Christ returning for us and eternal life.  Without that hope we would all be, as the scriptures say, most miserable.

We are not helpless people either.  God has given us His spirit, and He has given us His exceeding great and precious promises recorded in the Bible.  We can operate His power, believe His words and then choose to live and enjoy this life now, even while we wait for the “main event!”

Cataclysmic earth ending events are scary to say the least.  But God’s future plans for us are quite the opposite: joyful, hope-inspiring and fruitful beyond measure. How do we know? He promised.

Mike Verdicchio
2011

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You Might Also Enjoy:
The Great Giver
True Comfort In Times Of Sorrow

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Buying And Giving

It’s Another Podcast

On Saturday, I heard someone on the radio talking about buying a new car, and they were asking the hosts of the show some questions.  It made me think about our present economy.

In this short podcast (4:40) I have some comments both about buying and giving.  What’s your take on this?

Enjoy the podcast!

[If you cannot see the player below, just click the title above]

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Is Your Foot On The Hose?
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Don’t Stop Giving
Your Protection Is Your Connection

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Get Up and Get Dressed!

Real problems and real issues need real solutions.  But, you cannot arrive at those real solutions by focusing on the problems.

Get Up and Get Dressed!

When we get up in the morning, it’s pretty rare to spend the whole day wearing what we went to sleep in.  We clean ourselves up, and then we get dressed.  We put our clothes on.

Some occupations require a suit and tie.  Others require a special uniform. People put on a variety of types of clothing before they head out for the day.

Regardless of what clothing you put on your body for the new day, what thoughts do you put on in your mind for the new day?  Putting on your clothing can serve as an excellent reminder to put some healthy and productive thoughts into your head.

Time To Get Up

Many studies show that the thoughts you think about during the first half hour you are awake influence your life for the entire day.  Few people realize this. Yet, it is true.

How many people as they wake up think, “Oh no, I have to get up and go to work!”  That thought is a habit that they have developed.  And so, they are setting their course and the tone for the day with negatives about their job.  They also usually display that kind of attitude all day at work.

But, on the other hand, what happens when you wake up on the morning of the start of a long planned vacation?  Would you ever think, “Oh no, I have to go on this vacation!”  Well of course not!

What Are You Thinking About?

A really big key to being successful in life is what you think when you first wake up.  Since you have free will to think whatever thoughts you want to think, the first thoughts in the morning are like a set of directions you give to your own mind.  You give your mind the course to follow.

You can choose to think thoughts that inspire success or failure; victory or defeat; confidence or fear; happiness or sadness.  But, many people allow their thoughts to be determined by their circumstances and situations.  In other words, if things in their life are going lousy, then they think lousy thoughts.  They fail to recognize that they still have a choice as to what kind of thoughts they can think.

Some might argue that it is foolishness, or even mind games, to think positive, happy thoughts when their life is not going well.  What they do not understand is that their mind will follow the directions that they give it, regardless of the present circumstances in their life.

Guard your heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

The Bible certainly gives valuable instruction about thinking the right thoughts.  But, I am not aware of any scriptures that talk about thinking positive, encouraging or uplifting thoughts only when things are going well.  Quite the opposite exists; the instructions indicate to not think and dwell on negatives and defeat.

Does this mean we are to simply ignore all our problems and pretend that they don’t exist, and to live in a fantasy world in our minds?  Of course it does not.  Real problems and real issues need real solutions.  However, we will not arrive at those real solutions by focusing on the problems.  At best, we will just temporarily cover them up.

Regardless of where you have been in life’s journey, or where you are in that journey today, it is both possible and available for you to really enjoy happiness and success in every category of your life.  The only limits you have are the limitations that you accept.  You either accept them, or erase them by the thoughts you decide to think.

Start forming new habits of thinking as you get dressed every morning.  As you put clothes on your body, remind yourself, at that moment, to put on good, healthy and productive thoughts.  Tell yourself who you are and what you can do. “I am a child of God!”  “I am more than a conqueror!”  “I can do all things!”  “God will help me!”  “I am going to have a great day today!”

You really are in control of your own life.  You have free will to think whatever thoughts you want to think.  Just remember that the thoughts you consistently think will form your belief system, your core beliefs.  And, our own core beliefs determine our own circumstances.

Mike Verdicchio
2011

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How To Face Another Day
I Woke Up This Morning
Who Is Stopping You?

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Don’t Give Up!

It’s Another Video!

There is no denying we are living in difficult times.  But, that doesn’t mean you have to give up on your dreams and goals, does it?

Here’s a short video [1:10] from the archives of Enriching Your Life.com.

Enjoy the video.

[If you cannot see the player below, just click the title above]

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Never Give Up
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Dream Stealers

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What Do You See?

We all have a mental picture of ourselves that we have have painted… Following this article is a poem that might be familiar to you.

What Do You See?

I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase, “What you see is what you get.”  Perhaps you use it once in awhile. It has been used for a long time, in a variety of ways including song lyrics.

So, what about when you look into the mirror?  What do you see?  Just who is that person?  Have you ever just stopped for a few minutes and stared into the mirror? I’m not talking about fixing your hair or adjusting your clothing.  I’m talking about staring right into the mirror.

Who do you see?  What do you think of that person starring right back at you?  Do you like what you see?  Is the person you see headed for success or failure in life?

Is that person just getting by day after day?  What has that person accomplished that impresses you?  Do you admire that person?

Who Do You Admire?

Now I am sure that there are a number of people that you admire, but have you ever considered just why you admire them?  What specific quality do you find appealing enough to admire them?  There must be reasons why you hold them in such high esteem. So, just what is it about them?

Do you know all the faults, weaknesses and shortcomings of the people that you admire?  Is that what you admire about them?  Absolutely not.

Okay, so now back to the mirror.  Do you admire the person you see in the mirror?  If not, why not?  Is it because they have not achieved a level that would warrant your admiration?  Or, is it that you know their failings and shortcomings all too well?  Is that what you see when you look into the mirror, only failures and shortcomings?

If that’s true, then stay at the mirror for just a bit longer.  Do you have any compliments for the person in the mirror? You must have a least one, don’t you?  After all, you’ve known that person for a really long time. Surely, there must something you can bring to mind about them that is positive and complimentary.

How about another compliment?  And another?  The person in the mirror needs and deserves your praise.  So, why not give them a compliment?  Say it!

Talk To Myself?

Yes, say it:  “I’m proud of you for doing that.”  I’m really impressed at the way you handled that situation.”  “You know, you really are good at that.”    Why do we think that it is just fine and normal to beat ourselves up for our failures and shortcomings, but somehow think that it is egotistical to recognize and acknowledge our successes?  I think we’ve got it all backwards!

Often, when people look into the mirror they only see failures, shortcomings, and weaknesses.  That’s what they see because that’s the picture of themselves that they carry around day after day.

The picture that we carry of ourselves is the one that we have painted with our own self-talk.  The things that we think and say about ourselves are the paint that we have chosen to put on the canvas.  And, what you see is what you get.

The picture that you carry of yourself will manifest and be evident in your life.  “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he!”  Our consistent thoughts about ourselves and the emotions they evoke will eventually move into our belief system. Our lives today are a product of our own belief system.

And Now, The Good News!

The good news is that if we want to, we can change our belief system, and thus change our lives.

A great starting point, or, a simple method to help in that process, is to compliment the person looking back at you whenever you look into the mirror.  Remind them of past successes, not past failures.  Remind them of good things, not bad.

Remind them of what God has done for them because of what Christ accomplished.  Remind them of who they really are – God’s righteous child.  Remind them that with God’s help there is no stopping them, for He has promised to give us the desires of our hearts.

This simple method, along with guarding the things that you think and say about yourself, will help you greatly in changing your belief system so that you can truly be the person you desire to be.

What you see is what you get!

Michael Verdicchio
2011

Over the years, the following poem has been misquoted and even wrongly titled as, “The Man in the Glass.”  Here is the original, written in 1934, by Dale Wimbrow.  And, no, there is no typo in the last word of the first line; it is indeed the word, “pelf.”

The Guy in the Glass
by Dale Wimbrow, (c) 1934

When you get what you want in your struggle for pelf,
And the world makes you King for a day,
Then go to the mirror and look at yourself,
And see what that guy has to say.

For it isn’t your Father, or Mother, or Wife,
Who judgement upon you must pass.
The feller whose verdict counts most in your life
Is the guy staring back from the glass.

He’s the feller to please, never mind all the rest,
For he’s with you clear up to the end,
And you’ve passed your most dangerous, difficult test
If the guy in the glass is your friend.

You may be like Jack Horner and “chisel” a plum,
And think you’re a wonderful guy,
But the man in the glass says you’re only a bum
If you can’t look him straight in the eye.

You can fool the whole world down the pathway of years,
And get pats on the back as you pass,
But your final reward will be heartaches and tears
If you’ve cheated the guy in the glass.

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