New Day - New Year

There are times in our lives when we want a "do-over".  Do-overs are easy if you are playing putt-putt golf and no one is behind you.  Whether you call an erred golf shot a mulligan  of any other phrase you use which gives you a chance to start over.

Do-overs allow you to get it right or get a better score without it counting against you.  There are so many things this year that may have not gone the way you want it but beginning tomorrow, you get a "do-over". 

What is in the past is past and at this hour there is nothing you can do to change it even though you may want to.  Instead look at tomorrow as a "do--over year.

Make it a do-over for your business, your personal life, your family, your marriage, old and new relationships, and particularly your relationship with the Creator of the Universe.  Trust me I look forward to do-overs and improving the life I have left on this world.

One year ago exactly, I began a journey that was inspired by our pastor who wrote the book I mentioned yesterday.  "The Plan of your Life"  encourages you to each day write a journal or other way to portray what is on your mind.  I am a terrible writer so I incorporated one of the ideas of "The Plan" in this blog.  As of today, I have executed 200 blogs this year. 

Not all were encouragements but raw reflections of what I was feeling and my thoughts lifted up to the Lord. 

Try to put your thoughts in writing this nexgt year and make your do-over count.  In looking back since last January, I see my highs and lows and the growth I have expereinced.  Just be consitent and not make it a New year's Resolution that will only last a few days or weeks.

It's a new day and new year.  Think about it and have a:

Blessed New Year!

Planning Your Life for Next Year

Jeremiah 29:10 and 11    This is God's Word on the subject: "As soon as Babylon's seventy years are up and not a day before, I'll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring you back home. I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.

Here we are another year is about gone and looking back I see victories whether small or large.  The plan for my life on January 1st 2011 was one of hope anticipation for our business.  I had made plans of where we were going to take the business and how to get to the end of the movie successful.

But several new buyers later and the frustration of in store tests and poor results because of product not going on the shelf but staying in back rooms or being placed in the wrong spot has made this year more frustrating than ever before. 

We have to rely on others for financing our orders where everyone else makes a lot of money and we struggle.  Lord, it is not fair.  Yet no planning could ever make this change.  So we have been on this road to understand the verse today.

So often we only read verse 11 of Jeremiah when we struggle to understand why good things are not happening.  Yet verse 10 says a lot to help us understand how the Lord in in the middle of our plans for next year.  God had promised that after seventy years he would show up for His people of Israel.  Therefore we need to realize that everything that happens is in God's time. 

If you have had a bad year, just know that God has not abandoned you but His timing is perfect for your life.  Make plans for the next year.  Write them down and get into a plan for your life beyond your work. 

Check out this website and get your copy of this book, "Plan For Your Life".  Dr. Chris Stephens Book
This is one of the first books that not only gives you the written word but also gives you a CD for you to incorporate your personal plan for next year.

Verse 11 of Jeremiah can make your year the best ever.  Just believe, " I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for."

Now get to planning and not just for a New Year's eve celebration.

Handling the Accusers

Psalm 18: 2    “The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.  He is my shield and the horns of my salvation, my stronghold.”

We’re all guilty. We have either started gossip or been involved in passing it along to others.    Remember the game that was played where the leader would whisper a statement into a person’s ear and then have them to repeat it to the person seated next to them?  By the time it was passed around the room, the story had completely changed.

This type of game can be fun until it happens to you. For real.

Thirty-five years ago,  a friend at work was getting into a close relationship with a man whom she only known for about six weeks.  Listening to her talk, I knew she was blind to anything about him because she had not taken the time to get to know him.

As a good rescuer, I took it upon myself to find out about this guy.  I only knew his name and where he grew up, so I asked some people in his hometown about him. They told me how he had been arrested for hitting his past girlfriends and was known for his drinking problem.  I relayed this information to her and saw the pain well up in her face.  She immediately took action and called off the relationship.

Two evenings later the man pulled into my driveway.  He was furious because of what I had said, and told me that I had no right going around town telling everyone the story.  I explained that I had only told my friend and from where I got the information. He then explained that it was his uncle by the same name that had the reputation and that he had chosen not to follow in the same footsteps.

After apologizing for several minutes, I followed him to my friend’s house and explained the whole situation.  They got back together, but I lost a friend and destroyed any trust we may have formed. 

You may have found yourself in a similar situation. Churches take on other churches in wrongful accusations. Growing churches and their staff are easy targets for rumors.  Women and men’s circles start talking innocently about others.  I hear words like, “I am concerned about this person’s lifestyle”.  Or they spread stories that are not true through things such as prayer chains or contact groups.

When you feel attacked, go to the Lord first.  Ask Him for the wisdom to handle the situation in an appropriate manner. No matter whether it is at work, home, school, or church, know that the Lord will give you the answers you seek. 

Follow the Scriptures, and take someone with you to discuss and rectify the issue.  If they are a Christian you may want to pray with them, which can help them deal with their own issues rather than pointing fingers at others.

Don't forget to ask forgiveness for your gossiping?

Another Day's Struggle

Matthew 11: 28-30 "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." (The Message)

OK Lord, it’s time for a talk. It’s five in the morning and my night’s sleep is gone. I’ve been here before and just know that whatever caused this action before was taken away by You.

There is nothing I can tell You this morning that You don’t already know. Here it is another year end and I feel like I missed the excitement of celebrating Your birth. It was another Christmas season that I didn’t experience the joy of my children or grandchildren on Christmas morning.  No video and no phone call.

In my mental struggles this morning, I recall a few years ago a young man who has lent a hand in the cabin construction in Tennessee was riding his motorcycle when a dump truck pulled out of a side road, hit him and killed him. My mind kept wondering if I had been any influence on him because I never really talked to him about his relationship to You.   I’ve felt guilty on more than one occasion that this man had no hope because of me.

This week a man who was prominent in our community died from a sudden heart attack and I felt somewhat numb to think of anything but, “I’m sorry”.

I know, Lord, that we have periods in our lives when things happen that make us wonder and doubt, and this is one of those moments for me. I just feel tired.  Harkey was a strong man who has done a lot in his life but again I just feel numb.

Throughout my life, Your words found in Matthew have pulled me through and renewed my relationship with You. It seems that when I take my eyes off You, I become discouraged as I focus on my failures. When I look at verse 29, I realize that I need to get back into the rhythm of Your grace.

Lord as we talk this morning; please give me a fresh outlook on today. Help me to depend on You for my joy and faith, so I come to You during the rested times and not just when I am tired.

Inspiring Another Year

Good Morning Lord.  It’s time for a devotional to prepare for another new year and after many years of writing blogs and devotionals, I need an idea to inspire, motivate, and move people to a closer relationship with you.

Lord, in the past year there were moments that were really great and other times there were moments in which life really stunk.  There are periods in life that I get exhausted in offering hope and encouragement for another year.   I take my eyes off You and look around at the events that may control me.  

There are so many people hurting right now from natural disasters, war, sickness, death in the family, or in the loss of a relationship.  What can I say to make people feel good about themselves?  How can I encourage others when I need encouragement?

I have heard that change is good, Lord, but no one said that going though these changes was the good part.  Physically leaving the comfort areas that were developed are sad and scarry, but Lord you are already opening new doors even when I cannot see them.  So what’s my problem?

Maybe I need to look beyond what is directly in front of me and realize that through my relationship with you, that you will protect and guide me. 

As I look back on my life, I can see that it has been better when I allow you to be the driver.  If I had had my way, I would still be working in a factory in Cincinnati.  But with job changes, start-up of a new business, the sale of that business, the loss of finances from my partner not paying me, political life, moves to a new Christian work position, divorce, move to Florida, break up of other relationships, death of my parents, and the startup of another new business, I can see your hand in using each event.  Some events were started by me and others, yet I can see you handiwork.  Nevertheless, I can see where you were in charge during each change or you took the change and did something good with my blunders.  Everything continues to work for the good so I just need to go into this year trusting you more to lead me, instead of me leading my self.

In my youth, Dad used an example of me training one of our steers to be lead.  At first, “Billie” (the steer) resisted, but through persistent tugs, he soon figured that it was better to follow me than resist and then receive correction from a board hitting him on the head.  Soon were walking all over the farm with Billie just paces behind.  One day in the heat, I sat down under the tree and thought that Billie could just lead himself, since he was so well trained.

 As I closed my eyes to rest,  Billie moved away and within moments, he was in the garden eating on some green vegetable that would give him a stomach ache.  Grabbing the rope, I tugged hard to correct the situation.  When my Dad got home from work, he saw the evidence and was furious.  Later he related the incident to how we walk with God.  When we walk with God, he leads us to goodness and safety.  When we go off on our own and don’t rely on a relationship with God, our lives get messed up and only then do we yell for help from the Lord to fix the situation.

As you enter into the new year take one last moment and look back on last year and your entire life.  See where you were close to the Lord and how He handled the tough times and where you were so concerned with yourself that God was left under a tree.  I encourage everyone to spend more that five minutes a day with the Lord.  Talk to Him in your heart before any move this year and then you can look back to see how this will become a year of peace, happiness, and joy.  It’s in the relationship.

Oh yeah,  Thanks Lord for today’s reminder of your guidance, love and protection.

Star Light Star Bright!

It has been six years since I lived in a a big city area but being in Orlando today, I looked up to see the stars at 4:30 this morning.  As the clouds passed slowly by I saw a few dozen stars and thought back to being at home in the mountains. 

It was just last week as I got out of the car to go into the house about 9:30 in the evening, I looked up to the sky to see the heavens exploding with stars, satellites, and planets.  You can clearly see the constellations and the entire belt of the Milky Way.

Have all the stars just settled over the mountains of East Tennessee?  Now I know that is not true, but the light contamination found in the large cities drowns out the view of the stars.  

Then I thought, "That's how a lot of people think about God."  They say, "I can not see him so he does not exist.  I can not touch Him so everything has just came out science and random actions."

These people are viewing the world around them through the light contaminated glasses.   So sad!

People live their lives never going out in the country away from the light distractions to really see what the Lord is doing and understanding the magnificence of His creation.  When you see this with your naked eye you have to say, "Thank You Lord for caring and loving me amidst all the vastness of your creation."

Look up tonight and say "Thanks!"

It's Not About Me Christmas

Luke 2:11 "This very day in David's town your Savior was born—Christ the Lord!"

As I start this special morning of Christmas, I sit here quietly staring at the lighted Christmas tree with mixed emotions. The emotions I am supposed to have are those of joy and peace and good will to all.

But before any of the presents are opened, I realize that there are some traditions that just cannot be repeated. As my mind flashes back to my childhood days, I recall getting up and running to the Christmas tree to see the Lincoln Log set under the tree with a log house already built.

Soon my mind flees to the Christmas mornings of my children when they would awaken to the whine a new puppy or some other special gifts. If they chose to sleep in too long on Christmas morning, I would go to the kitchen and begin to bake cinnamon rolls. Naturally, I had to make a lot of noise to wake them from their slumber. It is those joys of Christmas mornings that are now just memories.

As tears flow down my face, I think of the people to whom I can never again wish Merry Christmas because they have gone on to be with the Lord. If I keep this going, I know I will be depressed for the entire day. I truly can understand how depression around this time of the year can take place, especially if a person does not have a relationship with the Savior.

Even though all these events are in the past, the Lord gently reminds me that Christmas is not about me. I refocus on the Savior who gave up Heaven to communicate directly to me. He loved me so much that he gave everything for me.

During your quiet time this morning, thank the Lord for giving you this day to celebrate his coming to earth for a relationship with us. Thank Him for family, friends, and loved ones with whom we come in contact with each day. Give your children a hug and tell them you love them, no matter what their ages.

Call those who cannot be near you this Christmas. Since the Lord demonstrated His love for you, take the time to create new memories that reflect the Lord’s presence, even if it is banging on the pans to get the kids up to celebrate this day. When cleaning up all the paper and ribbon, pause for a moment to smile and remember that this was not about you, but about the Lord and the ones near you.

In that joy, you will find peace and love to carry you into the New Year.

Merry Christmas!

Look for The Star

It Doesn't Feel Like Christmas

I heard someone say this morning on the television. "It can't be Christmas, its too warm".  They were sitting in New York City and noted that it is only Christmas if it is snowing.  In fact they were flying out to Denver this afternoon so they could experience snow and make it feel like Christmas.     Humm... so we can have no celebration unless it is cold and snowing?   If that is true many people today might as well take all the presents back, call off the evening celebrations and just sleep in tomorrow.  Being right now in Orlando and it's going to be 80 degrees today, I think people in the TV studio should get a life.  

Even if you do not hang onto the true reason for Christmas,  you know it is Christmas!  The lights, the decorations, family gatherings and Christmas Eve services are signs that a special day is coming tomorrow.

So today as you get those last minute gifts or prepare for family and friends, finish plans to a party, get out your nice Christmas outfit for church servcies tonight or even go see Micky Mouse Santa, realize that this day of Christmas is real and has nothing to do with the weather!

Most important just take a minute and know that the Creator of the Universe was so passionately in love with you that He sent His son to bond a relationship that will last throughout eternity. 

Sad for our Future Generation

This morning I was asked to help unload some items that needed to be unloaded from a business next door to our business.  There were two young (less than 25 years old) men who were there to help but when I arrived, they were just standing around looking at the items on the truck.

I said, "Does everything need to be unloaded?" and one of them said, "Yes".  There was no pallet near the truck, so I asked one of them to grab one.  He just looked at me like I was from outer space.  I was going to grab the pallet but waited until he brought it and then just looked at it and did not lay it down.

Finally I had had enough as I needed to get back to my work.  I went back to my office and the two pallets of material took them three hours to unload.  Last week me an another elderly gentleman unloaded two pallets in less than ten minutes.

When I walked out into their facility five hours later, the material was still in the back room.  The shelves were empty.  These men we just sitting behind the counter.  Since it was not my business, I walked away.
It was during a conversation with an older person last week and he told me his wife worked at a large distribution facility in the next town.  She said that about 80% of the new employees who are under 25 do not last more than four hours on the job.  Either they walked out because it was too much work or we released by the foreman.

The attitude of "Pay Me because I am entitled", seems to be the main focus of so many young people today.  They would rather live on welfare and food stamps than to find work and make a good living.  Now this is not all young people but the more I see it I am no longer mad but sad.

When something major happens and the government can no longer hand out free money, how will these people survive? 

When I look at the book of Proverbs there is so much to say about work.  Proverbs 21:25
Lazy people finally die of hunger because they won't get up and go to work.  There are so many warnings in the Bible about people who expect everything without  lifting a finger.

How will our next generation survive continues to worry me.  I suggest that you find a young person and try to teach them good work habits and the rewards that come from a good day's work.  I know I hated it when my dad pushed me to hard farm labor, but the lessons he taught will remain for the rest of my life. Many of those lessons have now been passed on to my children.   Thanks Dad you taking the time to care.

The next generation may depend on you.

Killing Volunteers

When you read the title today you may think if has something to do with the University of Tennessee and a sports activity.  Being a Tennessee Volunteer that is the farthest thing from my mind.

What is on my mind is how leaders in volunteer organizations sometimes kill the spirit to serve through their words and actions.  Churches and organizations like the Salvation Army call for volunteers to serve in some capacity.   The Prime leader who encourages people to get involved is normally never the one to lead the volunteers on a day to day or event to event activity.  Instead they assign another leader for that task.

Way too many times, the assigned leader treats the volunteers like employees.  They are talked down to and given assignments that not any leader would attempt.  Then they openly criticize the person or persons before other volunteers individuals and when the number of volunteers diminish, they can not understand why they no longer get volunteers.  One verbal "You did terrible" will kill five "great jobs done".  Sometimes it just has to be overheard by the volunteer or if you are a volunteer who hears a leader talking about another volunteer, you may wonder, "What do they say about me when I am not around?"

Usually they assign blame in every direction except back at their leaders and techniques.

The main leader of an organization needs to make sure their leaders are well trained and sensitive to the feelings of the volunteers.  Understand that volunteers are NOT paid staff.  In reality, I have always hoped leaders never treat their employees the way some volunteers are treated.  We are not in the 50's where it was thought that yelling or talking down to employees made them stronger.

Volunteers are exactly that, volunteers who give time, effort, sacrifice, and money to an organization out of the goodness of their heart to serve and use their talents.  Never a doormat to build up another leader.

Therefore I encourage each leader to look at his or her organization and get the subordinate leaders trained in how to lead volunteers.  You may lose a few leaders in the process of training, but your volunteer core will thrive.  People naturally serve where they feel desired and needed. 

Just a thought for today!

Working Thorugh Christmas Depression

Experts say that Christmas time is the most likely time of the year to experience depression. They claim that the suicide rate is higher during December and early January than any other month and we need to understand that Christmas depression should be taken quite seriously. 

Depression at Christmas time can be triggered by a multitude of things, such as losses, failures, and loneliness. These elements are exacerbated this time of year. People who have had death in the family or have experienced divorce or the loss of a child are more prone to depression, especially during any holiday season.

It can be especially difficult to cope with a Christmas  depression because everyone else seems so joyous, and so reaching out feels more awkward.  We don't want to bring down those around us, we don't want to feel "different" or alienate ourselves, and we don't want to draw attention to ourselves either.  We tend to disassociate ourselves from our own feelings and ask ourselves self defeating questions.  We wonder what's wrong with ourselves and why we can barely drag ourselves out of bed and become functional human beings.  On top of our feeling sad and dysfunctional, we feel out of place everywhere  and somehow cannot validate our feelings.

Not all holiday depression has anything to do with loss or failure or death, or even anything obvious. Sometimes people tend to just get depressed around the holidays. Yet those without an obvious “reason” feel that they really shouldn't be depressed and are least likely to reach out for help. It’s as though people who have experienced trauma in their life have more of a “right” to experience holiday depression than those who appear to have everything that could need or want.  If you are a Christ Follower you become so critical of yourself and think, “I’m happy to celebrate the birth of Jesus, so why do I feel this way?”

The onset of Christmas depression can sneak up on you in numerous forms. You may simply start to feel more tired than normal or start sleeping through the alarm. You may procrastinate on holiday shopping, even when those events that require your participation are only a few days away. You may start to feel randomly irritable, or snap at people without provocation. You may start to feel disconnected with the world and withdraw from those around you, even children. These are all signs that you are experiencing at least some form of holiday depression, and warning signs that you may need help in dealing with whatever is making you feel this way.

If you are alone at Christmas time and you realize that you are coming down with holiday depression, reach out to someone by phone, whether it is a friend, a relative, or a professional, just call someone. This is so important. There is nothing to be ashamed of and there are plenty of people willing and able to assist you. A bad moment (even a really long one that last several weeks) does not have to ruin a future. Unfortunately people who find themselves depressed and do nothing about it are prone to staying depressed, maybe for the entire winter.  Living in depression can interfere with job performance, friendships, romantic relationships, parenting ability, self care, and even the ability to take care of the dog or cat. It can lead to losses of very important things if the depression becomes serious enough.

I know about this as I have experienced it in the past, so I encourage you to know the signs and do something about them by reaching out.  If you see someone else depressed this season, you should reach out to them.  Just let them know you care and offer suggestions for things to do to keep them away from depression.  Your friends need you and it’s not for money or just a passing, “Merry Christmas”.  

Even if you know first hand that you are loved by the Creator, do not feel ashamed that you are having these feelings.  They are real !  So I encourage you to go help at  homeless shelter or food kitchen.  You will not feel alone when you see the appreciation on the faces of many who do not they have any hope. It is a great way to get through depressing times this Christmas!



Particularly this Christmas Season demonstrate your caring!

Grandchildren Personalities

Have you ever noticed how different your children are?  One may have an outgoing personality while the others are quiet and to themselves.  One thing I remember saying to my daughter when see was young, who was always mischievous and active from the time her eyes opened until she fell asleep at night,  "The Lord has a great sense of humor and will give you a child that is exactly like you."  In watching all six grandchildren this weekend, I see their personalities coming out strong.

To share a tidbit of their  personalities -
One like to be in control - both of herself and others and knows what she wants and pushes hard to get it.
Another is quiet and likes doing things without all the commotion.  Reading is as much fun as playing in the yard
Still another one is so sweet and quiet but takes everything to heart and ponders them within her.  She loves interaction but when it gets too much, she is OK to be to herself.
The third from the youngest is a bundle of energy and can't get enough of having a good time.  This is the one I told my daughter that God would bless her with.
Then the youngest can get away with about anything because he knows how to smile and bat his eyes in a way that not only melts your heart but allows him to get away with almost anything.

I won't take the time to describe each personality in depth but one of my son's daughter's has a very strong will and demonstrates it often.  This loving child who loves to hold hands, kiss you, talk to anyone and finds no strangers, can turn in a heartbeat to a strong willed, "No way" attitude.  Her eyes tell the story as she tilts her head down and gives you a look to let you know she is in rebellion mode.  Then for the first time this year she points her finger at you and shakes it just so you know she does not approve of what or how you are dealing with her.  So watching this personality grow will be challenging and fun at the same time.

In spending time with each one, I marvel at the what God has created with similar environments but very different outlooks and actions that demonstrate who they are.  

We need to appreciate the differences  people have and try not to change them but help them realize the person that the Lord created.  Our goal should be to channel the strengths  and encourage the weaknesses so that each child can be the best person as an adult as they are when young.

Today, are you encouraging the weaknesses of people or are you making them "come in line" with your thinking.  I look at it that this world would be insane if everyone was like me.  Still, as an older adult, I want to be encouraged to do better and not told what I HAVE to do. 

Encouragement is what grandparents are suppose to do but then again, parents should sometimes step back to make sure that the child is not living out their wish lists but taking the best in each child and helping them to take giant leaps into the future.

Just a thought out loud.

When Sleep Evades You

When do you have your creative juices flowing?  Here it is, a little after 4:30 a.m. and I could not sleep any longer.  I could get ready and go to work, but its Saturday and being in a hotel room and not being able to go back to sleep made me begin to dream.

Some of my best ideas pop into my head at this hour and some of my quiet times with the Lord are at the same time.

I could lay in the bed and toss and turn but then everyone would be awake and that is not fair.  I come to the computer to check out the morning mail, find the news, and have some quiet time.

So I ask you, what do you do when sleep evades you?   Are you a morning person who is wide awake when your eyes open or someone who can sleep until noon and has to have two cups of coffee before your can think about anything?    Sometimes, I wish I could sleep longer and envy those who sleep long hours but that is not how the Lord wired me.

So here I sit typing and getting the dreams that have haunted me during the night to the forefront.  They go down on a list until I take the time to develop them more fully.  Do you have ideas that come to mind?  At any hour?    Never let them fade into forever but instead start a list of those ideas and check them out from time to time.

You never know if the next big idea is in your dreams.

What Did Mary Feel?

As we approach Christmas, we tend to think of the presents, family, rushing around for the right holiday gift, and most importantly, the birth of our Lord. Reading the first three chapters of the Gospel of Luke, we should take a moment and think about what Mary may have felt during this whole experience, the birth of Jesus.

Mary, being a very young lady, was engaged to be married to Joseph.   I’m sure it was with great anticipation that this virgin girl looked forward to her wedding, and her life with Joseph. Joyful! Then she was visited by an angel from the Lord who told her she was pregnant. How could that be? Mary was still a virgin. Confusion!   You talk about mixed emotions.

When Joseph found out that Mary was pregnant he had decided not to marry her until an angel spoke to him and explained what was happening. I’m sure Mary also had many mixed emotions. Would she do what God wanted and risk losing Joseph, or find a way to make the problem go away? Fearful! When the time for her to give birth was near, Mary and Joseph had to travel to Bethlehem to pay their taxes.

Riding a donkey when she was nine months pregnant could not have been a pleasant experience. Traveling all that way only to find that there was no hotel room available would be discouraging to any woman in her situation...then to give birth in a stable with the smell of animals, hay and manure!

Ladies,  stop and think how you would feel if you had to experience the same thing Mary did above?

She must have felt many emotions. Exhaustion! Anger! Pain! Relief! But once she looked into her baby’s eyes, I’m sure Mary felt Peace! Joy! Love! What a journey! Christ did not come at a convenient time for anyone, but He did come at just the right time.

The shepherds knew it was the right time. The wise men knew it was the right time. Mary and Joseph knew it was the right time. Most importantly, God knew it was the right time.

This Christmas think about how, what seemed like the wrong time for Mary and Joseph, was the right time for you and me.

Ponder how you would feel in this situation and then look at the GREAT results of an eternal relationship with the Creator!

Political Attack

I was going to hold off talking about this until next year during the heat of the political races, but my thoughts just could not wait.

Being in politics for four years, I can understand the pressure that is placed upon a person either running for an office or in that office.  But in 1974 the media and special interest groups were not so vicious as they are today.  I began being Mayor in a small town near Cincinnati, Ohio the same time Jerry Springer was  stepping downs as Mayor of Cincinnati. 

Each quarter we would have a regional Mayor's meeting to discuss ways we could help each community.  It was one my first meeting that was so memorable.  Jerry had been caught writing a check for a prostitute and what other Mayors ask Jerry was, "How could you be so stupid?"

 I'm sure if that had happened today, the media would have had a field day and Jerry may not be the TV personality we know of today.

Look at any politican.  They are human and make mistakes, but that does not matter because if the media can not find something, they make it up knowing that it is a lie but figure the damage will be done before the public finds out the truth.  Then stand on the First Amendment to protect their lies.

So here's what I believe.  If Jesus ran for a public office and as we know, had never done anything wrong, then the media would make something up to discredit him.  Yet in my reading of the New Testament I find that our religious and political wolves  are one in the same between over two thousand years ago and now. 

He was found guilty for no guilt.  They did not have the US constitution to say, "Innocent until proven guilty".  It was the voice of the  few that controled the results. 

In the voice of public opinion today our politicans are "GUILTY until proven innocent.

So the question for today is why does anyone want to run for the highest office in the land?  Maybe its to bring about change, or for their ego, or for helping the country get back on its feet.  My running for political office was to bring respect to the office of Mayor in our community and develop methods of progress for the people.  I got in, made the changes and set up the organization, then left.  So many of our leaders today have lost the desire to serve in place of the desire to be rich and famous.

Just knowing that if Jesus could never be accepted by the few and was killed because of the media in His day.  What makes you thing we can find a person to help us get back on our feet?

In conclusion today, find a person who has demonstrated success by incorporating ideas and get out and support him/her in spite of what the media says.   Let the Constitution live within you.

What Do You Need for Christmas?

Philippians 4:19 “God will give you all you have need of from the wealth of his glory in Christ Jesus.”

As we approach Christmas, it is great to hear the old carols and songs of the season. The other day, one song came to mind when I studied this verse: “All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth.” It sounds like such a silly song, but I caught myself singing along.

Another day, Lynnette asked what I needed for Christmas.  “Where’s the paper to write my list?” I said. There are so many new things on the market! Yet the paper was blank for a long time as I considered what I “needed” for Christmas.

Over the years, the Lord has blessed me with so much, yet I began listing “stuff” that I thought I needed to keep up with today’s demands. But once I reflected on the partially completed list, I crumpled up the paper and threw it away. None of it was a need, merely “wants.”

Experience has shown me that if the Lord had given me everything I ever wanted, I would have made terrible mistakes and forgotten who was really responsible for the increase in my life. These experiences extended from relationship issues to financial decisions that failed.

When we look forward to this Christmas, we can all take a look at our needs versus our wants, and realize that it is because of the love that the Lord has for each one of us that our needs will be filled.

The bonus is that He also gives us many of our wants. If we concentrate less on what needs the Lord will give us then we can spend time on giving others their wants.

Things like friendship, time with friends and family, peace in our lives, joy in our children, and letting others see Christ through us.

Now thats a list I can fill up quickly.  How about you?

Time for a Good Bath?

It wasn't so long ago that we ourselves were stupid and stubborn, dupes of sin, ordered every which way by our glands, going around with a chip on our shoulder, hated and hating back. But when God, our kind and loving Savior God, stepped in, he saved us from all that. It was all his doing; we had nothing to do with it. He gave us a good bath, and we came out of it new people, washed inside and out by the Holy Spirit. Our Savior Jesus poured out new life so generously. God's gift has restored our relationship with him and given us back our lives. And there's more life to come—an eternity of life! You can count on this.   Titus 3:3-8

I read this recently at the recommendation of Rick Warren in the Message version and WOW did it make more sense that from previous readings.  Often today those people who are called Christ Followers have forgotten what it was like before a relationship the Lord.

Great Christian people seem to have little tolerance for the type of people noted above and we see it in the way they act.  On Sundays they dress up and go to church and give praises,worship, and prayers but if you see them at lunch afterwards they will have a comment about a person or family sitting in the restaurant that brings them back to "Stupid" as noted in verse 3.

We form opinions about those around us when we have never walked a moment in their shoes.    Many people talk the talk of a Christ Follower but in observing their daily life their old nature comes flying to the forefront.  Everything noted in verse three and four come flying to the surface.

Take a moment and reflect on your status today as a Christ Follower.  Do not stare at other people's mistakes but stop and think, "Do I need a bath?"  

If it is not a bath you need then maybe consider getting our a washcloth and realize that you are a new person who was stupid and stubborn, dupes of sin, ordered every which way by your glands, going around with a chip on our shoulder, hated and hating back.

Or is it time for a bath?

A Troublesome Past

Can it be that our leaders know that he really is the Messiah?  But how could it be?  For we know where this man comes from.  When the Messiah comes, he will simply appear; no one will know where he comes from.  John 7:26-27

Others said, “He is the Messiah.”  Still others said, “But he can’t be!  Will the Messiah come from Galilee?”  John 7:41

The scriptures are clear: Jesus was perfect. So, obviously the critics couldn’t point to any of his actions as being evil (although they tried on several occasions).  So they did the next best thing, they called attention to the only imperfect thing associated with him.  His hometown, Galilee. 

Located well to the north of Jerusalem, the spiritual home of Israel, Galilee was an easy target for the mean-spirited religious leaders.  The simple truth was that not much good did come out of Galilee. It was a rural area with the lower region (near Nazareth) known for its fishing villages along the Sea of Galilee.  The residents of this area were generally uneducated and not nearly as refined as the Pharisees and Sadducees of Jerusalem.  So they questioned his credibility because of his birthplace, not his life.

They said the same thing about Darrell. 

Darrell was born in the bluegrass hills of Kentucky and was raised in the church. He confessed Christ as his Savior when he was young, and then forgot about Him as reflected in his lifestyle.  Thousands of dollars lost to gambling, a 60-day stint in jail, and a steady diet of drinking, drugs, and loose women were the trophies of a wasted life.  Darrell heard it from everyone: “What good can come from him?”

Until one day when he gave the carpenter from a small town in Galilee a chance and got a relationship that was not a religion.  The transformation was real. The impact on friends and family was significant. Nobody now remembers much about his past and it haunts him no more.

Do you have a past that you are not proud of?  Do you come from a place that has been condemned by others?  Has your credibility been attacked by mean-spirited religious people?  If so, then just remember who, and Who’s you are.  Remember that you are a new creation.  Remember that He has erased your past. 

And, remember that it’s not where you came from but where you are going that really matters.

StoryTellers give some GREAT Lessons

 Luke 8: 4-8 While the crowd was gathering and people were coming to Jesus from town to town, he told them a parable: "A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds of the air ate it up. Some fell on rock, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and provided a crop a hundred times more than what was sown."

Clyde was a man in his late 50's who grew up in the hills of eastern Tennessee. During the week, we worked side by side at the local Coca-Cola bottling plant. But on Saturdays, he would travel to the little town of Jonesbourgh Tennessee for his second job.

He was an official "storyteller". Clyde could tell a simple country story with the greatest of ease and with great detail. When he talked about his grandmother's clear pie (pecan pie without the pecans), you could almost smell the brown sugar cooking. And when he would call like a crow or squawk like the hawk swooping down to grab it's prey, we would all look around expecting to see it happen. He was that good!

Each of Clyde's stories ended with a lesson on how to live with honor and integrity. Looking back on his stories, I now understand the importance of the stories, or parables, that Jesus told the people of His day.

Most everyone can relate to a well-told story. So, when He taught via parables, like the one above, everyone could relate because they had seen seeds planted. It was easy to understand the "moral" of the story as most had seen the perils and victories of planting seeds.

Sometimes we can become so "religious" that we miss the relationship Jesus wants with each one of us. We focus so much on the small things that we miss the excitement and love that is packed in a daily walk with Christ. His story is simple and one with a happy ending.

Everyone has a story to tell others; starting with the story of your relationship with the Lord.

To whom have you told your story, lately?

Never miss an opportunity to tell your story. . .the good, the bad, the ugly, and how you came though those times with a new understanding of life and relationships.

A Little Christmas Advice

Before Halloween costumes have been placed in storage, retailers and manufacturers start pumping the airwaves with propaganda about the perfect toy, the perfect diamond ring to prove your love and the perfect food for the perfect, wonderful family celebration. Even before Thanksgiving our minds race with too many decisions: What to get for the person who has everything (probably almost everyone on your list), where to get the money for those perfect gifts. What to wear, or how to lose that extra pounds so you can get into last year's clothes!

Talk about STRESS! Someone has defined "anxiety" as the inability to cope with stress. Is anxiety the context in which we are living out a "holiday" that represents peace and stability to the Christian world? If so, take a deep breath and consider incorporating some of these ideas into your every day life, one day at a time.

Don't Miss Christmas!  We need to make sure that we set some time aside for each other. You may want to start with events such as Christmas eve services or activities where the entire family can be together. Share the Workload Be realistic about how much you can do in one day and plan for delays and unexpected interruptions (traffic jams, a sick child, a flat tire, a cashier who doesn't know what he is doing, long lines).

Ask your family members what they like about Christmas - what are "non-negotiable" traditions. You might be surprised to learn that what you think absolutely must be done, no one else really cares about! Make lists of every job - even the smallest - and prioritize tasks.

As Christmas grows closer remember the reasons for the season and be willing to cross off your list some of the unfinished tasks. Enlist your children. Tell them ahead of time what your expectations are and assign specific responsibilities appropriate for their age. Even little ones can fold napkins or help in some way! Let Go of Unrealistic Expectations.  Too often we allow the media to define the perfect Christmas. Such a perfect season is depicted as incomplete without softly falling snow, piles of packages, food beyond our ability to consume, and a table surrounded by happy, happy people. Jesus is absent from this picture of warmth and "love". Unrealistic expectations lead to major disappointments.

Change the things you can, accept the things you can't. Expect people to act as they always do! The presence of Jesus in our hearts equips us to reflect His love and compassion when others disappoint us. Spend extra time with Him when you know you will be around people who are difficult.

Ask Him to help you be a reflection of His peace. Intentionally Extend God's Compassion Ask God who He wants you to touch with His love. Perhaps this is the year to invite neighbors to a Christmas celebration.

We need to make the effort to reflect the peace of Jesus to a hostile world.

Take Time to Play It's not the pile of gifts that will create the satisfaction in a child - it's the relationship. Take a walk and breathe in the creation of God. Are you alone? Refuse to feel sorry for yourself.

Ask God to bring to mind someone else who is alone and invite them to join you for a meal. Perhaps the best way to experience joy is to give joy away. Ask God to show you a way to share His love with someone who needs a special touch from Him. Joy and ministry to others are linked.

Joy comes when we know we are serving our Savior by serving others. Take Time Out to Pray When Jesus got busy, He slowed down. He deliberately withdrew for a while (Mark 1:37-39).

Early on Christmas morning turn the lights on the tree and just spend some time in quiet prayer of peace and love. You may find this could be the best Christmas ever.

Just Fell Out of Love

Some time ago, I was talking to a college friend of mine.  He was married  right our of college and has been married for 39 years.  Our conversation centered around  him saying that he just has fallen out of love with his wife.

I am no one to give speeches about divorce and how we should stick it out no matter what so I just listened to what he had to say.  He noted that right out of college he loved the time they spent together in taking walks, holding hands, cuddling for no reason at all and the list went on.  Then came full time job responsibilities and then kids and what had held them so close together for the first years foudn out that events and responsibilities began ever so slowly pulling them apart.

So the focus turned away from each other and onto the kids, jobs and the church.  He spent time with the boys and new hobies and she spent time with the girls and shopping.    His wife became short tempered and began critizing him over the dumbest things. To that end, he began pouring himself in things away from the home.  Yet that did not work because when he did get home problems continued to grow and the peace of home faded away.

Bob just retired and found out that he was in the hosue with a stranger so he turned more to the grandkids but the air is still tense when the grandkids have gone home.  Now he says that he does not want to spend the rest of his life making his wife miserable and himself miserable. 

My only response was, "Have you tried dating her again?"  He reply was, "We go out all the time".  I replied, "No, I remember seeing you on campus, holding hands, laughing, and taking time with no worrys except for the next exam."   Then I asked the "S" question.  "How's your sex life?"  "Non-existent  because it is just too much of an effort."  Then he asked me the big question.  "What should I do?"

My response was to fall back in love with your wife.  Focus on the first few months of your married life.  His comment was, "Have sex twice a day?"  I replied, "Why not?  You don't have a job anymore so be creative.  Set an alarm clock, fix her favorite snack, set the mood, give a massage, or anything that brings back the memories of the your first years." 

Are you falling out of love with your spouse?  You'll find out it is easier to try and make it work that to go through the pains of divorce. It is easier to recreate the times when you WERE in love than to encounter the unknown of a divorce.  But it does take two.  Bob's wife wanted to be back in love with him but just forgot about the fun in a relationship.  The best part is that Bob and his wife agree to be creative and set the mood for building the relationship and not just for sex.  Cuddling and holding hands was at one time high on thier list and so it is now coming back after years of responsibilities.

Never give up on another person, but take a step yourself to be fun like you did in your youth.  This may just start as cuddling, hand holding, kissing, laughing or doing things without critism.  The point is to start and not just be content to have fallen out of love.

A Blessing and A Curse

Many people who know me know that the Lord has blessed me with thinking outside the box.  Part of the blessing is that ideas and things come to my mind long before others imagine the an idea or a new way of doing something.  Often I thank God for this blessing.

One such event took place over a year and one half ago.  I was on the Board of Directors of a major corporation and brought a suggestion for action on program before someone else came up with the idea.  I was given the head nod and a table action by the then President.   A new president took over nine months later and I mentioned the idea as I was leaving the Board.  Before she could bring it up before the new Board for action, she copied me on an email and guess what?  An individual had the very same idea and acted upon that idea to create an application that did exactly what I mentioned to the corporation.    I was happy for the person who created the application and will make a lot of money but sad that so many cannot see potential and act on that potential.

Some strangers, family and friends try to "change me" rather than accept who I am so I become someone they want me to be.  I need to act and do things which do not make them uncomfortable.

A wise friend many years ago said that if 34% of my ideas are accepted then I will be successful.  I want 100%  because it has been revealed to me in depth the development of an idea but he reminded me that a professional baseball player who hits a 340 average during his life is in the hall of fame.  So don’t worry about those who cannot understand, it’s just that they have not received the Lord’s gift of perceiving and understanding a vision.

Then another event recently did not make me angry but quite hurt and sad.  I was having a conversation with a person and had previously told him about a marketing idea that is outside the box.  But this conversation with this senior staff person was one of appreciation for some work that the individual had done.   Within a minute, another staff member came up to this man and said, “I need you over here.”  As they walked away, I heard the staff person saying, “I had to get you away from him.”  I was quite hurt but did not show it and thought maybe I did not hear correctly.  As I looked over my shoulder from across the room, this senior staff person I had been talking to was making coffee.  I keep thinking, I was just imagining things but this is not the first time I have been dismissed for thinking outside the box.  Makes me believe that maybe this my reputation?

I’m tired of hurting being in tears, and in being hurt. 

The Lord continues to give me ideas beyond day to day activities, but these recent events have me withholding the sharing of anything anymore.  Instead I have begun a private listing of what God places in my heart and mind.  Once the Lord has called me home, then someone else will know what God had placed on my mind and I hope that something can be used.  My focus then will be on a wonderful Heaven and not what people here might have missed.

Even though you may not undersatnd a person, please do not just avoid them but try to see what they are really trying to say and not dismiss them and try and make them to what YOU want them to be.  

I encourage you to appreciate your blessings that God gives you but realize that a gift or blessing can be misconceived by others and it becomes a curse.   Persevere and try to focus on what the Lord is doing and not what people may be saying.  Trust me that the Lord will comfort.   Psalms 23:4

Bringing Back Rough Memories

Everyone is talking about the situation at Penn State and the events that took place years ago.   As they discuss the mindset of the coach during that time it has quickly brought back some rough memories of my daughter's experiences.

Her uncle was an elder in the church, high up in the Masonic Lodge, police officer and respected in the community.  But it was a program on TV that gave my daughter the courage to say something and come forward.  During the seven plus years of sexual abuse beginning at age 4 he would tell her that it was their secret and that if she told no one would believe her.  When confronted by the Sheriff's office he immediately denied everything and said it was her imagination.

For me too many "small" things that I felt were not right years before came to the surface and so we pursued legal action.  You don't want to believe it because it was family but I never doubted my daughter's tears and fears.

Then one week later, I got a phone call from him to simply say, "I'm sorry for what I did, but you see I was abused as a child and did not think I was doing anything wrong." At that moment, I did not pray or ask God for his or my forgiveness but just wanted to kill him right then.  He stole my daughter's innocence and damaged her spirit.

My daughter testified before the grand jury and to our surprise over 33 girls and women  over the past 35 years came forward to say they had experienced his approaches.  Each one told my daughter thank you because they had held in in during their lives as well and now could move on.

It took years before I could forgive him and one thing that has stuck with me for years is that my daughter said, "Unless I forgive him, he will have control over my life the rest of my life".  I am so proud of my daughter but events that were brought to life this past week can make me recall the rough memories.

Pray for the victims of abuse so they may grow to forgive their abusers so they will not have control over their life.  Trust me it is easier said than done, but necessary.  Is there someone you need to forgive?

What has This World Become?

As a Dreamer you are drawn to events and thoughts that many "normal" people may not think about.  For me I stumbled across a 4:00 a.m. morning radio show on the way to the airport where the host was talking to a book writer that we are involved in a Cosmic Chess Match (The name of his book).  Quoting the Old Testament he talked of the fallen angels and the need for God to Destroy the entire world. 

Not really believing everything that was being said, I looked up details on fallen angels and their interaction on the earth.  Click on the link and see how the scripture fits so well.  Fallen Angels having sex with women  

Once I read this I recalled what this man was saying on the radio.  Quoting the New Testament, "The coming of the Son of Man will be like what happened in the time of Noah.³⁸ In the days before the flood people ate and drank, men and women married, up to the very day Noah went into the boat;³⁹ yet they did not realize what was happening until the flood came and swept them all away. That is how it will be when the Son of Man comes.  Matthew 24:37-39

He noted that  when the UFO aliens show themselves to the entire world, the end is near.  In the Chess Match between God and Satan, the fallen angels will show themselves like they did in Genesis 6 and be so smooth in their approach to "Save the Earth"so that most people will follow them because of their abilities and power.  This may happen in our lifetime or the lifetime of your children.

Reading Matthew 24 can develop a pattern between Genesis 6 and End Times. 

The focus from this Dreamer is that you just go forward with your eyes wide open.  It may be a Dream thinking or it may not.  Just read further and be prepared. 

Dunamis - From which we get Dynamite

I found this article recently and it explains a lot.   See if this makes any sense to you.

In 1864, a nitroglycerine factory in Stockholm belonging to Dr. Alfred Nobel exploded, killing his younger brother Emil.  In an attempt to make his factories safer, Dr. Nobel stumbled upon an invention that would allow nitroglycerine to be used for explosive purposes in a controlled environment.  While searching for a word to his new discovery, he came upon a Greek word called dunamis from which translates to our English word of dynamite.

In Romans 1:16 the Bible uses the term "dunamis" to refer to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  This the phrase "The gospel is God's power (dunamis) unto salvation".

Humm. . . The gospel of Jesus demonstrates God's dynamite for salvation.  Image that kind of power.   Yet most people today either try to water down the dynamite, put it out of their minds, deny it ever existed, try to dictate it to others from yelling sermons or making it a cure all for any ills.  But they miss the real power (dunamis).

When you think about what the writer in Romans was saying this dynamite was being seen in the world at that time.  Jesus's journey set off an explosion that is still going on today.  As much as people want to water down the message, when you take it into your heart, an explosion of love, compassion, and desire comes into you.  You do not find this explosion in Religion but in that one on one relationship with the Creator.

Do you have a case of dynamite within you?  Has it exploded yet.  Take out a stick by reading or listening to some on line messages.  You will feel the dynamite exploding in your heart.  click here:  BRB

Love Ya!