Valentine's Day and a Broken Heart

 Psalm 34:18 (NLT) says, "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed."

It was this past Sunday that I was talking to a single lady who had lost her Dad this past Christmas season and she is not in a relationship.  When I talked with her, she began to tear and I knew it was time to stop talking and give her a hug.  She hugged tightly and then said, "You made my Valentine's Day!  When she saw the pause in my gaze at her, she said that she makes sure her daughter has a great Valentine's Day but she then told me that single people find Valentine's Day is the saddest day for those who are experiencing a broken heart. Just a hug was what she needed.

Then she smiled and noted, "but I know God takes care of the broken hearted and I will rely on that for Valentine's Day."

Broken hearts can be hard to mend. But to God, a broken heart is good. God loves broken hearts for this is the time when people reach out to Him for His love. In return God bestows His love to those suffering from a broken heart.   But where is your compassion for the brokenhearted.

It is easy to see someone who has had surgery or a broken bone because they outwardly show evidence of their wounds.  Yet the broken hearted  people, most of time, will mask their feelings when in the public.  But many others just do not get around people when they are experiencing a broken heart. Particularly on Valentine's Day.

Be sensitive to people around you  to those who  may have broken hearts which can come from divorce, death of a loved one, and loss of dreams or goals, or just being alone.  Is there someone today who just needs a hug? 

Learn to be sensitive to others and have compassion on their needs for communication and to know that the Lord loves them as they look for love.  As today's scripture says, "He rescues those whose spirits are crushed."

Grace vs. Entitlement

It's been a few days since, I posted but that has not stopped my dreams.

Some of our dreams make no sense at all but once in a while you get an "AAHAA" moment as you awake out of sleep.  As my mind wondered during sleep, I recall one dream that stands out and that I shared with one gentlman in our church.

I was working at my office and a high school person came in and said that I had to give them a job.   When I asked them to fill out an application, they said they did not have to because I owed them a job because I owned a business and had work that needed to be completed.  Instead of dismissing the person immediately, I said, "Why do I owe you a job?"  The person said that it was their right to have a good paying job and that I had to give it to them.

I said I will hire you for one day only and see how things worked out.  Within ten minutes of them going on the clock, I took a look and saw them sitting on a stool.  I said,"Why are you not working?"  Their response took me by surprise.  "I clocked in and thought it was time for a break."

As I told the person to clock out immediately, they seemed puzzled and said, "I will get paid for the entire day?" "Why?" I responded. They said, "I am entitled to geting money and I do not have to do anything for it.  That's what the government tells me."  My response was,"What are you going to do when there is no more money avaialble by the government?" 

The person laughed and said, "That will never happen because my parents have ben on welfare and food stamps most of their lives so I can get on that bandwagon.  In fact the Bible teaches about getting something for nothing.  It's called Grace."

As in many dreams, the scene immediately changed and all I saw was a blank light area and heard, "Teach them to fish" .  Then as I sunk back into sleep, I saw a church group of men who initated a summer work program. But this program was different in that they took time to teach work habits and train the basics of getting a job and knowing what is required by an employer.  High school students were lining up to take the training and get a summer job.

The rules were simple, businesses and people in the church would list a job and the men's group would connect them to the student.  One person would agree to go with the student to make sure they understand the needs of the job and the student would know that they would get $10.00- $12.00 an hour if they worked the hour.  If they did not then there were consequences to their playing around or trying to extend the time so they could get more pay by not getting the full hour of pay.

Goals were established but I saw the only goal was to teach that "If you give them a fish (money) they will party for a day.  If  you teach them to fish (work for money) they will live well for a lifetime." 

As I watch this unfold in my dreams, I see how the training ties seving and giving to others by learning to have great work ethics.  These ethics were now seen in a mission trip by students. 

Grace is a spiritual gift to last a lifetime but one of the best gifts people in the church can give to our youth is to teach our young people how to fish.  It will last them no matter what our govenrment does. 

I Can Relate

This last week we had a "substitute" speaker at church. Dale Henry is an outstanding speaker and motivator for corporations like Cisco, IBM, Procter and Gamble, Johnson and Johnson, and the list goes on.

But his message was different as he spoke of Job and about us having JOY even in trials. So Dale spoke of kidney stones and when he asked who has experienced them, my hand went up high. I have had three bouts with kidney stones and they all were about as bad as any pain could be. What starts out as a small pain in the lower back soon becomes a pain that had no end.

For me the pain was such that I vomited uncontrollably when there was nothing to vomit. So when I got to the emergency room they immediately gave me a shot and within minutes the pain became manageable. The problem was that I was in Atlanta for training at Home Depot and it was 3:30 in the morning. When I said that I wanted to go to have surgery in Knoxville, the physician said, we cannot release you to go home until the medication wears off. I said but won't the pain come back and the doctor said yes because the stone is nine millimeters in diameter and quite sharp. My thought while under drugs was, "9 millimeters is not much" only to find out later that it was over 1/3 inch in diameter.

I headed up I-75 to get me home. I made it about 20 miles and had to pull over.  After vomiting and resting for the pain to go down, I’d drive another 20 miles and experience the cycle all over again.  It took me five hours to get home which normally takes 2 ½ hours.  We went straight to the hospital and the surgery was welcome relief. 

Where is the joy in kidney stones?  I could find no joy in any of the three expereinces except for understanding when someone tells of having a kidney stone.  Job had lost everything and was in constant pain from his sores. Yet his best words are simply, “Human life is a struggle, isn’t it?”  Job 7:1 (The Message)

Of all the frustration and hurt and loss, it boils down to the idea that Life is a Struggle! 

In whatever happens to you that you consider miserable, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds . . . ”. (James 1:2)   Understand that the creator of the Universe is in love with you and he can give you a testimony from those pains and trials.  Read the last of Job (Job 42) and see the joy that was seen from just trusting the Lord in trails.

 What God did then, He’ll do today.  Just believe and have JOY!  My joy was knowing that the Lord allowed me to drive home without the stone cutting me up inside.  See there is something to be happen about in any situation.

Trouble Making a New Year's Resolution?

If you have not made your New Year's resolutions and having trouble with that.  Check out Johnathan Edwards 70 resolutions in which he kept all year long.  It's a long read but makes any resolutions I think of pale in comparison.  The only thing in these resolutions was that they were written in 1723.  Anything you can glean from his thoughts?  I know I can! 

Being sensible that I am unable to do anything without God’s help, I do humbly entreat him by his grace to enable me to keep these Resolutions, so far as they are agreeable to his will, for Christ’s sake.
Remember to read over these Resolutions once a week.

Overall Life Mission

1. Resolved, that I will do whatsoever I think to be most to God’s glory, and my own good, profit and pleasure, in the whole of my duration, without any consideration of the time, whether now, or never so many myriad’s of ages hence. Resolved to do whatever I think to be my duty and most for the good and advantage of mankind in general. Resolved to do this, whatever difficulties I meet with, how many and how great soever.
2. Resolved, to be continually endeavoring to find out some new invention and contrivance to promote the aforementioned things.
3. Resolved, if ever I shall fall and grow dull, so as to neglect to keep any part of these Resolutions, to repent of all I can remember, when I come to myself again.
4. Resolved, never to do any manner of thing, whether in soul or body, less or more, but what tends to the glory of God; nor be, nor suffer it, if I can avoid it.
6. Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live.
22. Resolved, to endeavor to obtain for myself as much happiness, in the other world, as I possibly can, with all the power; might, vigor, and vehemence, yea violence, I am capable of, or can bring myself to exert, in any way that can be thought of.
62. Resolved, never to do anything but duty; and then according to Eph. 6:6-8, do it willingly and cheerfully as unto the Lord, and not to man; “knowing that whatever good thing any man doth, the same shall he receive of the Lord.”

Good Works

11. Resolved, when I think of any theorem in divinity to be solved, immediately to do what I can towards solving it, if circumstances don’t hinder.
13. Resolved, to be endeavoring to find out fit objects of charity and liberality.
69. Resolved, always to do that, which I shall wish I had done when I see others do it. .

Time Management

5. Resolved, never to lose one moment of time; but improve it the most profitable way I possibly can.
7. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if it were the last hour of my life.
17. Resolved, that I will live so as I shall wish I had done when I come to die.
18. Resolved, to live so at all times, as I think is best in my devout frames, and when I have clearest notions of things of the gospel, and another world.
19. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if I expected it would not be above an hour, before I should hear the last trump.
37. Resolved, to inquire every night, as I am going to bed, wherein I have been negligent, what sin I have committed, and wherein I have denied myself: also at the end of every week, month and year.
40. Resolved, to inquire every night, before I go to bed, whether I have acted in the best way I possibly could, with respect to eating and drinking. .
41. Resolved, to ask myself at the end of every day, week, month and year, wherein I could possibly in any respect have done better.
50.Resolved, I will act so as I think I shall judge would have been best, and most prudent, when I come into the future world. .
51.Resolved, that I will act so, in every respect, as I think I shall wish I had done, if I should at last be damned. .
52. I frequently hear persons in old age say how they would live, if they were to live their lives over again: Resolved, that I will live just so as I can think I shall wish I had done, supposing I live to old age. .
55. Resolved, to endeavor to my utmost to act as I can think I should do, if I had already seen the happiness of heaven, and hell torments. .
61. Resolved, that I will not give way to that listlessness which I find unbends and relaxes my mind from being fully and fixedly set on religion, whatever excuse I may have for it-that what my listlessness inclines me to do, is best to be done, etc.

Relationships

14. Resolved, never to do anything out of revenge.
15. Resolved, never to suffer the least motions of anger to irrational beings.
16. Resolved, never to speak evil of anyone, so that it shall tend to his dishonor, more or less, upon no account except for some real good.
31. Resolved, never to say anything at all against anybody, but when it is perfectly agreeable to the highest degree of Christian honor, and of love to mankind, agreeable to the lowest humility, and sense of my own faults and failings, and agreeable to the golden rule; often, when I have said anything against anyone, to bring it to, and try it strictly by the test of this Resolution.
33. Resolved, always to do what I can towards making, maintaining, establishing and preserving peace, when it can be without over-balancing detriment in other respects.
34. Resolved, in narration’s never to speak anything but the pure and simple verity.
36. Resolved, never to speak evil of any, except I have some particular good call for it.
46. Resolved, never to allow the least measure of any fretting uneasiness at my father or mother. Resolved to suffer no effects of it, so much as in the least alteration of speech, or motion of my eve: and to be especially careful of it, with respect to any of our family.
58. Resolved, not only to refrain from an air of dislike, fretfulness, and anger in conversation, but to exhibit an air of love, cheerfulness and benignity.
59. Resolved, when I am most conscious of provocations to ill nature and anger, that I will strive most to feel and act good-naturedly; yea, at such times, to manifest good nature, though I think that in other respects it would be disadvantageous, and so as would be imprudent at other times.
66. Resolved, that I will endeavor always to keep a benign aspect, and air of acting and speaking in all places, and in all companies, except it should so happen that duty requires otherwise.
70. Let there be something of benevolence, in all that I speak.

Suffering

9. Resolved, to think much on all occasions of my own dying, and of the common circumstances which attend death.
10. Resolved, when I feel pain, to think of the pains of martyrdom, and of hell.
67. Resolved, after afflictions, to inquire, what I am the better for them, what good I have got by them, and what I might have got by them.
57. Resolved, when I fear misfortunes and adversities, to examine whether ~ have done my duty, and resolve to do it; and let it be just as providence orders it, I will as far as I can, be concerned about nothing but my duty and my sin.

Character

8. Resolved, to act, in all respects, both speaking and doing, as if nobody had been so vile as I, and as if I had committed the same sins, or had the same infirmities or failings as others; and that I will let the knowledge of their failings promote nothing but shame in myself, and prove only an occasion of my confessing my own sins and misery to God.
12. Resolved, if I take delight in it as a gratification of pride, or vanity, or on any such account, immediately to throw it by.
21. Resolved, never to do anything, which if I should see in another, I should count a just occasion to despise him for, or to think any way the more meanly of him.
32. Resolved, to be strictly and firmly faithful to my trust, that that in Prov. 20:6, “A faithful man who can find?” may not be partly fulfilled in me.
47. Resolved, to endeavor to my utmost to deny whatever is not most agreeable to a good, and universally sweet and benevolent, quiet, peaceable, contented, easy, compassionate, generous, humble, meek, modest, submissive, obliging, diligent and industrious, charitable, even, patient, moderate, forgiving, sincere temper; and to do at all times what such a temper would lead me to. Examine strictly every week, whether I have done so.
54. Whenever I hear anything spoken in conversation of any person, if I think it would be praiseworthy in me, Resolved to endeavor to imitate it.
63. On the supposition, that there never was to be but one individual in the world, at any one time, who was properly a complete Christian, in all respects of a right stamp, having Christianity always shining in its true luster, and appearing excellent and lovely, from whatever part and under whatever character viewed: Resolved, to act just as I would do, if I strove with all my might to be that one, who should live in my time.
27. Resolved, never willfully to omit anything, except the omission be for the glory of God; and frequently to examine my omissions.
39. Resolved, never to do anything that I so much question the lawfulness of, as that I intend, at the same time, to consider and examine afterwards, whether it be lawful or no; except I as much question the lawfulness of the omission.
20. Resolved, to maintain the strictest temperance in eating and drinking.

Spiritual Life

Assurance

25. Resolved, to examine carefully, and constantly, what that one thing in me is, which causes me in the least to doubt of the love of God; and to direct all my forces against it.
26. Resolved, to cast away such things, as I find do abate my assurance.
48. Resolved, constantly, with the utmost niceness and diligence, and the strictest scrutiny, to be looking into the state of my soul, that I may know whether I have truly an interest in Christ or no; that when I come to die, I may not have any negligence respecting this to repent of.
49. Resolved, that this never shall be, if I can help it.

The Scriptures

28. Resolved, to study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive myself to grow in the knowledge of the same.

Prayer

29. Resolved, never to count that a prayer, nor to let that pass as a prayer, nor that as a petition of a prayer, which is so made, that I cannot hope that God will answer it; nor that as a confession, which I cannot hope God will accept.
64. Resolved, when I find those “groanings which cannot be uttered” (Rom. 8:26), of which the Apostle speaks, and those “breakings of soul for the longing it hath,” of which the Psalmist speaks, Psalm 119:20, that I will promote them to the utmost of my power, and that I will not be wear’, of earnestly endeavoring to vent my desires, nor of the repetitions of such earnestness.

The Lord’s Day

38. Resolved, never to speak anything that is ridiculous, sportive, or matter of laughter on the Lord’s day.

Vivification of Righteousness

30. Resolved, to strive to my utmost every week to be brought higher in religion, and to a higher exercise of grace, than I was the week before.
42. Resolved, frequently to renew the dedication of myself to God, which was made at my baptism; which I solemnly renewed
43. Resolved, never henceforward, till I die, to act as if I were any way my own, but entirely and altogether God’s.
44- Resolved, that no other end but religion, shall have any influence at all on any of my actions; and that no action shall be, in the least circumstance, any otherwise than the religious end will carry it.
45. Resolved, never to allow any pleasure or grief, joy or sorrow, nor any affection at all, nor any degree of affection, nor any circumstance relating to it, but what helps religion.

Mortification of Sin and Self Examination

23. Resolved, frequently to take some deliberate action, which seems most unlikely to be done, for the glory of God, and trace it back to the original intention, designs and ends of it; and if I find it not to be for God’s glory, to repute it as a breach of the 4th Resolution.
24. Resolved, whenever I do any conspicuously evil action, to trace it back, till I come to the original cause; and then both carefully endeavor to do so no more, and to fight and pray with all my might against the original of it.
35. Resolved, whenever I so much question whether I have done my duty, as that my quiet and calm is thereby disturbed, to set it down, and also how the question was resolved.
60. Resolved, whenever my feelings begin to appear in the least out of order, when I am conscious of the least uneasiness within, or the least irregularity without, I will then subject myself to the strictest examination.
68. Resolved, to confess frankly to myself all that which I find in myself, either infirmity or sin; and, if it be what concerns religion, also to confess the whole case to God, and implore needed help.
56. Resolved, never to give over, nor in the least to slacken my fight with my corruptions, however unsuccessful I may be.

Communion with God

53. Resolved, to improve every opportunity, when I am in the best and happiest frame of mind, to cast and venture my soul on the Lord Jesus Christ, to trust and confide in him, and consecrate myself wholly to him; that from this I may have assurance of my safety, knowing that I confide in my Redeemer.
65. Resolved, very much to exercise myself in this all my life long, viz. with the greatest openness I am capable of, to declare my ways to God, and lay open my soul to him: all my sins, temptations, difficulties, sorrows, fears, hopes, desires, and every thing, and every circumstance.

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.