One of my favorite books is "Thinking For A Change" by Dr. John Maxwell. Why, because it made me think! I never realized how hard it was to really think about something. I mean focused thinking.
We all have those quick moments when we give someone or something a passing thought. But, do we really focus our thinking for any length of time?
It is said that unsuccessful people focus their thinking on how to survive. Those who are average will focus on how to maintain. But those who are what most people call successful, will focus their thinking on progress. It stands to reason that if we change our thinking, and give some time to it, we can move from surviving to being successful. We could also go the other way, from successful to just surviving.
"I'll think about it!" This is the answer we get most after asking someone a question they were unprepared to be asked. Wouldn't it be wonderful if they actually did "think" about whatever it was?
What has occupied your thoughts lately? Have you focused on your thoughts so that you could get the answers that go beyond everyday comprehension? Simple answers require simple thought. But the answers that will move us forward will require us to think about it for a while.
Today is full of decisions. Which ones will you make? Are you going to survive, maintain, or progress? Think about it!
Monday, June 14, 2010
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
What's Your Number?
"So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." Psalm 90:12 (NKJV)
"One, two, three, three, three, three..." Words you don't want to hear while taking a Physical Training test for record! As long as you do the push-ups or sit-ups correctly, the number is given in a consecutively growing order. But, if the "form" is wrong, and you don't go low enough or high enough, the grader continues to repeat the same number so that you know those don't count.
Too bad that life isn't that way! We can't get this day back in order to correct the mistakes. Be that as it may, we can correct the "form" and continue with our life.
In that PT test, only the correct repetitions of exercise are marked on the score card and turned in for grading. We still did those "incorrect" push-ups or sit-ups! Our muscles still hurt! But only the correct ones count
As we live our life, we will have some days that are not good. We will make mistakes. Sometimes over and over again! They are not erased! We waste the day worrying about tomorrow or spend sleepless nights thinking about our mistakes today. Our minds are so occupied by these events that we can't enjoy the day we have. There are no dry runs or practice laps! This race of life that we are in is the real deal!
Moses wrote this Psalm of prayer to the Lord. He was reminding us that our days are numbered and we need to make the best of them. If we do make mistakes, sin, or whatever you want to call it, let's learn from those times and gain "wisdom" from them. Let's use what we have learned to teach others and keep them from the perils we have faced.
I'm reminded of just how short our life is when I pick up a paper and see the obituary column, or when I'm asked to conduct a funeral. We never know when we will run our last lap! Make a new friend today. Help someone who needs it without expecting something in return. Call someone and encourage them.
How has this day been numbered for you? Did it count? Gain any wisdom? I think I'll make a new friend today...."Hi, my name is Tim."
"One, two, three, three, three, three..." Words you don't want to hear while taking a Physical Training test for record! As long as you do the push-ups or sit-ups correctly, the number is given in a consecutively growing order. But, if the "form" is wrong, and you don't go low enough or high enough, the grader continues to repeat the same number so that you know those don't count.
Too bad that life isn't that way! We can't get this day back in order to correct the mistakes. Be that as it may, we can correct the "form" and continue with our life.
In that PT test, only the correct repetitions of exercise are marked on the score card and turned in for grading. We still did those "incorrect" push-ups or sit-ups! Our muscles still hurt! But only the correct ones count
As we live our life, we will have some days that are not good. We will make mistakes. Sometimes over and over again! They are not erased! We waste the day worrying about tomorrow or spend sleepless nights thinking about our mistakes today. Our minds are so occupied by these events that we can't enjoy the day we have. There are no dry runs or practice laps! This race of life that we are in is the real deal!
Moses wrote this Psalm of prayer to the Lord. He was reminding us that our days are numbered and we need to make the best of them. If we do make mistakes, sin, or whatever you want to call it, let's learn from those times and gain "wisdom" from them. Let's use what we have learned to teach others and keep them from the perils we have faced.
I'm reminded of just how short our life is when I pick up a paper and see the obituary column, or when I'm asked to conduct a funeral. We never know when we will run our last lap! Make a new friend today. Help someone who needs it without expecting something in return. Call someone and encourage them.
How has this day been numbered for you? Did it count? Gain any wisdom? I think I'll make a new friend today...."Hi, my name is Tim."
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Use Your Words!
"For me, words are a form of action, capable of influencing change." Ingrid Bengis
Over the Christmas holidays, my wife and I were blessed to have a couple of our children and grandchildren celebrate with us. As hectic as it was at times, we wouldn't trade these moments for all the wealth in the world!
One evening my granddaughter, Haleigh, wanted something from the kitchen counter. Instead of asking for this item, she proceeded to make grunting noises and point. Mind you, Haleigh is three years old and has a very developed vocabulary. Her grunting and pointing was a result of being around her younger cousins who could not clearly communicate their wants. They had not yet developed their words to form sentences. Most of them only knew words such as Mommy, Daddy, NANA, and of course, PAPA!
After several minutes of being ignored, her grunting and pointing turned into whining and arm waving! My daughter Jenna, Haleigh's mother, finally spoke to her and said, "Haleigh, use your words." At that moment, Haleigh spoke and said, "Mommy, I would like to have some juice please."
That conversation caused me to think about how often we fail to communicate our desires and wishes to those with whom we have daily interactions, and to ourselves also. We simply adapt to our surroundings and begin to make noises and acting a certain way thinking everyone understands what we want.
My granddaughter's grunting and pointing got her absolutely nothing but confused looks and refusal to help. However, when she spoke clearly, she was rewarded by receiving the very thing she most desired at the time. And someone else offered the help she needed Her words were powerful! Even at the age of three, she put others into motion in order for her to achieve her goal.
I, for one, think I'll just use my words to communicate my desires.
"Honey, since you're up..."
One evening my granddaughter, Haleigh, wanted something from the kitchen counter. Instead of asking for this item, she proceeded to make grunting noises and point. Mind you, Haleigh is three years old and has a very developed vocabulary. Her grunting and pointing was a result of being around her younger cousins who could not clearly communicate their wants. They had not yet developed their words to form sentences. Most of them only knew words such as Mommy, Daddy, NANA, and of course, PAPA!
After several minutes of being ignored, her grunting and pointing turned into whining and arm waving! My daughter Jenna, Haleigh's mother, finally spoke to her and said, "Haleigh, use your words." At that moment, Haleigh spoke and said, "Mommy, I would like to have some juice please."
That conversation caused me to think about how often we fail to communicate our desires and wishes to those with whom we have daily interactions, and to ourselves also. We simply adapt to our surroundings and begin to make noises and acting a certain way thinking everyone understands what we want.
My granddaughter's grunting and pointing got her absolutely nothing but confused looks and refusal to help. However, when she spoke clearly, she was rewarded by receiving the very thing she most desired at the time. And someone else offered the help she needed Her words were powerful! Even at the age of three, she put others into motion in order for her to achieve her goal.
I, for one, think I'll just use my words to communicate my desires.
"Honey, since you're up..."
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Rough Ride!
Today we were on the boat enjoying the lake. The sun was shining and boaters were everywhere. All of a sudden the sky started to darken, the wind began to get stronger, and the rain was coming across the lake like a curtain being drawn at the end of a Broadway play!
On the other side of the lake, several miles away, the sun was shining. I began to think,"If we go towards the sunshine, we can get out of the way of this storm." But, this storm was moving too fast and widening as it got closer. Whoooosh! Hard rain, huge waves, the boat was tossed to and fro, and worst of all, no visibility!
I slowed the boat and kept trying to move in the direction of the sun. The more we moved, the worse the storm became. Here we were in the middle of a large lake and struggling to find safety in the center of a thunder storm! My family was all huddled together and hanging on! Waiting for me to do something to get them out of this mess!
At this point, I was frustrated. There was literally nothing I could do. I slowed the boat even more and kept a watchful eye towards land. "Lord, we can't take much more of this," I prayed. "Will you ease this storm so that we can get back home?"
Several minutes went by. Then, the rain began to cease and the sun began to shine! "Home! I can see it!" Immediately, I pointed the boat towards home and continued until we were all safe. The trip back was eye opening. Several sailboats had capsized! We stopped to help those along our way to our safe haven.
As we docked the boat, I was reminded of a passage of scripture that I had read. It had just become a reality! That passage was Psalm 107:23-30. NKJV
"23Those who go down to the sea in ships, Who do business on great waters, 24They see the works of the Lord, And His wonders in the deep. 25For He commands and raises the stormy wind, Which lifts up the waves of the sea. 26They mount up to the heavens, They go down again to the depths; Their soul melts because of trouble. 27They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, And are at their wits' end. 28Then they cry out to the Lord in their trouble, And He brings them out of their distresses. 29He calms the storm, So that its waves are still. 30Then they are glad because they are quiet; So He guides them to their desired haven."
The storms in our life come upon us sometimes without warning. Sometimes, however, we see them coming but struggle to get out of their way. Either way, they still come! But what do we do when these situations overtake us? Most of the time we fight them or try to out smart them. Only to find ourselves frustrated with no answers or peaceful end in sight.
All the while, the One who can calm the storms in our life is standing by to still the waves and bring us peace and comfort. He is waiting for us to cry out to Him so that He can bring us out of our distresses.
As we walked up the dock toward the house, I watched everyone as they hurried to get inside and "freshen up." We all bore the marks of the storm...soaked, weary, and even somewhat disappointed. But we were safe!
Our life storms will sometimes leave us scarred and battered, and even at times capsize us. Nevertheless, as we place our trust in the Lord, we will arrive at our safe haven!
By the way, the weather will be nice next week. I think I'll go for a boat ride!
On the other side of the lake, several miles away, the sun was shining. I began to think,"If we go towards the sunshine, we can get out of the way of this storm." But, this storm was moving too fast and widening as it got closer. Whoooosh! Hard rain, huge waves, the boat was tossed to and fro, and worst of all, no visibility!
I slowed the boat and kept trying to move in the direction of the sun. The more we moved, the worse the storm became. Here we were in the middle of a large lake and struggling to find safety in the center of a thunder storm! My family was all huddled together and hanging on! Waiting for me to do something to get them out of this mess!
At this point, I was frustrated. There was literally nothing I could do. I slowed the boat even more and kept a watchful eye towards land. "Lord, we can't take much more of this," I prayed. "Will you ease this storm so that we can get back home?"
Several minutes went by. Then, the rain began to cease and the sun began to shine! "Home! I can see it!" Immediately, I pointed the boat towards home and continued until we were all safe. The trip back was eye opening. Several sailboats had capsized! We stopped to help those along our way to our safe haven.
As we docked the boat, I was reminded of a passage of scripture that I had read. It had just become a reality! That passage was Psalm 107:23-30. NKJV
"23Those who go down to the sea in ships, Who do business on great waters, 24They see the works of the Lord, And His wonders in the deep. 25For He commands and raises the stormy wind, Which lifts up the waves of the sea. 26They mount up to the heavens, They go down again to the depths; Their soul melts because of trouble. 27They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, And are at their wits' end. 28Then they cry out to the Lord in their trouble, And He brings them out of their distresses. 29He calms the storm, So that its waves are still. 30Then they are glad because they are quiet; So He guides them to their desired haven."
The storms in our life come upon us sometimes without warning. Sometimes, however, we see them coming but struggle to get out of their way. Either way, they still come! But what do we do when these situations overtake us? Most of the time we fight them or try to out smart them. Only to find ourselves frustrated with no answers or peaceful end in sight.
All the while, the One who can calm the storms in our life is standing by to still the waves and bring us peace and comfort. He is waiting for us to cry out to Him so that He can bring us out of our distresses.
As we walked up the dock toward the house, I watched everyone as they hurried to get inside and "freshen up." We all bore the marks of the storm...soaked, weary, and even somewhat disappointed. But we were safe!
Our life storms will sometimes leave us scarred and battered, and even at times capsize us. Nevertheless, as we place our trust in the Lord, we will arrive at our safe haven!
By the way, the weather will be nice next week. I think I'll go for a boat ride!
Thursday, June 3, 2010
What is it worth?
A gentleman made a comment the other day about how much a man paid for one of the boats at our marina. The friend there with him commented that the boat was not worth that price. As I stood there listening to that conversation, I was reminded of something my dad taught me as a boy.
Dad and I were discussing the price tag on an item he wanted to buy. I told him that I didn't think it was worth that price. That is when he taught me a great lesson. He said that, "The value of something is determined by the person willing to purchase the item." I was confused so he said, "Nothing is worth anything unless someone is willing to pay the price."
Every time we celebrate Memorial Day, I am reminded of that lesson again. The price of freedom was not too much for those brave souls to pay. As a matter of fact, they paid the ultimate price. It cost them their life! And they were willing to pay it.
What amazes me is the fact that they purchased this freedom for me as well. These heroes paid for my freedom with their life! I will not take this freedom for granted.
So, just remember, you are free to worship as you please because of the price paid! You are free to be educated where you choose because of the price paid! You are even free to criticize, complain, protest, or reject the ones fighting for that freedom!
My question to you is this..."What is your freedom worth? What are you willing to pay?"
I guess that boat was worth what the owner paid for it. You see...he really wanted that boat and he was willing to pay the asking price. And our freedom is worth the asking price...and that price is life.
Dad and I were discussing the price tag on an item he wanted to buy. I told him that I didn't think it was worth that price. That is when he taught me a great lesson. He said that, "The value of something is determined by the person willing to purchase the item." I was confused so he said, "Nothing is worth anything unless someone is willing to pay the price."
Every time we celebrate Memorial Day, I am reminded of that lesson again. The price of freedom was not too much for those brave souls to pay. As a matter of fact, they paid the ultimate price. It cost them their life! And they were willing to pay it.
What amazes me is the fact that they purchased this freedom for me as well. These heroes paid for my freedom with their life! I will not take this freedom for granted.
So, just remember, you are free to worship as you please because of the price paid! You are free to be educated where you choose because of the price paid! You are even free to criticize, complain, protest, or reject the ones fighting for that freedom!
My question to you is this..."What is your freedom worth? What are you willing to pay?"
I guess that boat was worth what the owner paid for it. You see...he really wanted that boat and he was willing to pay the asking price. And our freedom is worth the asking price...and that price is life.
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