The Road to Success Yields to Merging Traffic!

While driving and thinking, (I know, a dangerous thing since thinking is so hard for me!) I suddenly became aware of all the roads that entered the one I traveled. One right after the other! As other motorists were entering the freeway, those of us traveling along would move over to the far lane in order to allow the merging traffic entry into our direction of travel.

Then it hit me…What a concept! The “Road to Success” is being traveled daily by those who “merged” into its traffic flow! It doesn’t matter where you enter, you can merge at any time. So what if life has thrown you a curve... if you are ready to travel this road now in your life, just merge into the flow. Even if there are obstacles and signs of detour, get off and find another point of entry and “merge” back onto your road to success!

Another thing I noticed was that not everyone traveled at the same speed. The beauty of that is…There Are No Speed Limits on the Road to Success! Just change lanes and DRIVE ON! Slow down when it is necessary and speed up when possible.

All successful people had, at some point in their life, to make a decision to travel the “Road to Success”. Before traveling that road, they had to enter at a place of their choosing. Go ahead, make that choice and enter! Today is the day for you to join the road less traveled…the “Road to Success”!

Blessed,

Dr. Tim

This Sports Car Is On the Move!

It's All About Him!

While having my devotions this morning, I listened to a song that grabbed my attention when it was first released. It reminded me once again that, too often, we get in our own way when worshiping God! It's not the fancy prayers, the amount of music (or the type), nor is it the setting.

It is, however, the emptying of the heart and allowing God to fill it with a desire, a hunger if you will, for Him and Him alone! We do not have to get God in a mood for worship! And, we should not have to get ourselves in a mood to worship either.

God, help me to stay in the attitude of worship continually. Everything I say and do should be a sacrifice of praise to You!

The song I am referring to is The Heart of Worship by Michael W. Smith. Here are the lyrics, but give it a listen and remember, it is all about Jesus!

When the music fades
All is stripped away
And I simply come
Longing just to bring
Something that's of worth
That will bless Your heart
I'll bring You more than a song
For a song in itself
Is not what You have required
You search much deeper within
Through the way things appear
You're looking into my heart

I'm coming back to the heart of worship
And it's all about You,
It's all about You, Jesus
I'm sorry, Lord, for the thing I've made it
When it's all about You,
It's all about You, Jesus

King of endless worth
No one could express
How much You deserve
Though I'm weak and poor
All I have is Yours
Every single breath
I'll bring You more than a song
For a song in itself
Is not what You have required
You search much deeper within
Through the way things appear
You're looking into my heart

I'm coming back to the heart of worship
And it's all about You,
It's all about You, Jesus
I'm sorry, Lord, for the thing I've made it
And it's all about You,
It's all about You, Jesus

I'm coming back to the heart of worship,
And it's all about You,
It's all about You, Jesus
I'm sorry, Lord, for the thing I've made it
When it's all about You,
It's all about You, Jesus

Blessed,
Dr. Tim

Small Hinges Swing Big Doors!

I heard that quote for the first time the other day and it has had a big impact on me. I really like it because it's true. No matter how big the door, a couple of small hinges can easily swing it open. No matter how big a door, no matter how much it weighs or how expensive that it might be – the door cannot and will not serve its purpose without the benefit of the hinges. The door’s function is predicated on these small, innocuous and oftentimes inexpensive pieces of metal which gives a door the stability to achieve its purpose. If you don’t believe me remove the hinges from all your doors and then you will experience just how important small contributions are.

In other words... small changes can have huge effects!

Those small changes lead to big changes and eventually the successes we so desire regardless of whether or not it is in our spiritual lives, personal relationships, or professional lives. It can also be true in the negative! If we allow small negative details to influence our lives, we soon have major problems to overcome.

However, our goal here is to swing those big doors of opportunity in our favor and bring the successes we dream about daily.

Having a big goal can be very motivating, but when you actually start to take action it can seem like you'll never hit it. That discouraging feeling can destroy your dreams of success. That’s when we have to remember those “small hinges”.

Disney started his business from a garage and created one little mouse, next he owned a studio, then Disneyland and now Disney World and even Euro Disney!

Jim Carrey took a job as a janitor at a tire factory at age 15 when his father lost his job. He also worked as a security guard. To relieve his stress, he visited local comedy clubs, which instilled his love of comedy – and prepared him for a blockbuster career.

Rachael Ray started out working at the candy counter at Macy’s in New York City. She later managed the fresh-foods department, which helped pave the way to her sizzling cooking career.

Robin Williams was a street mime before he got into acting.

If you’re in sales, maybe increasing your networking for just an hour per day will give you the leads necessary for production. Read more or listen to motivational cd's daily. John T. Reed boldly claims that after 6 months of studying something for 30 minutes per day people in your region will seek out your expertise, and after 1 year people nationally will seek it out. Whatever your occupation or dream, there are “hinges” upon which your future successes swing!

The point is…we need to be doing the small things in order to achieve the big things!

Blessed,

Dr. Tim

Open Up, I'm Coming Through!

What's New?

Today, many are beginning a journey through this next year with resolutions to change some things in their life. These New Year resolutions are usually made on the spot, out of guilt, and a misguided attempt to start the year off fresh. It is a valuable thing to take the time to reflect on the past year and ponder the coming year with what we want to create in it.

This year, I have decided to not make any New Year resolutions but to make some New Year commitments! Resolutions say "I'll try" and commitments say "I will"! Someone wrote, "Resolve means to "decide" to do something, but commit means to "devote oneself unreservedly to doing". There is no guilt or regrets from the past year, but there are some things that I want to be different.

My commitments this year are to study scripture more, pray more, become more involved in ministry, and of course....lose weight! Yours may be different, but you will never accomplish them without a commitment!

Here's to you and your blessed New Year. Give God the glory He deserves, serve Him, and regardless of what others say....Jesus is Lord!

Blessed,
Dr. Tim

One thing that will I will not change is my love for the "Crimson Tide"! ROLL TIDE ROLL!

IN SPITE OF THE STORMS!

As the year comes to an end, I am reflecting on some things that I have read on a popular social media site this year that is a little disheartening. Some cannot help but to put their personal lives on the internet for all the world to see. Trouble is, they put the "Woe is me!" way too often.

Realizing that we all have bad days, I would like to share some things that might just help us through those times. Especially those who claim to be Christians.

In Matthew 14:22-33, Jesus rescued the disciples from the greatest storm they had ever faced in their lives. Reflecting on the storms that Christians face today and how God rescues His people in their own storms, I am reminded that:

• Jesus knew the disciples were going out into the greatest storm of their lives yet He sent them out into it anyway.
  
• Jesus left them to struggle in the storm for 8 or 9 hours and chose to leave them fighting the wind and waves.
  
• Jesus was praying on the mountainside alone with His Father, yet He knew exactly where His disciples were and for how long He was going to stretch their faith.

As Christians today, Jesus Christ sees your problems and the issues you are facing, even though it may feel as though He has abandoned you. Like He saw the disciples in the storm on the sea (Mark 6:47-48), this Proverb describes God as He watches over us.

“The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.” (Proverbs 15:3)

In the storms of life that we face, Jesus keeps His eyes fixed upon us just like He never took His eyes off the disciples in their storm while they were out for hours and hours under pressure.

We may feel that Jesus has left us in the middle of our storms and has abandoned us. But He wants to test our faith. He wants to strengthen us, to see His character and love impressed into our lives before He takes us out of the storm.

“Jesus does not save His children from the storm, He saves them in the storm.” (Spurgeon)

Remember these words of Christ when things seem unbearable in our daily storms:

“Take heart; it is I. ​Do not be afraid.” (Matt. 14:27)

Since it is raining on my parade, I think I'll dance in the rain!

Blessed,

Dr. Tim

Welcome Home!

I know it has been so long since I have posted. But, an urging inside me has once again caused me to put pen to paper (or should I say fingers to keyboard?).

Christmas is only a few days away and so much is happening! Our troops are coming home from years of deployments! Thank you guys (women included) for a job well done and your willingness to sacrifice so much.

As we await Christmas here at the Driggers household, the grand kids are all gathering for what will surely be a "festive" event. For three of them, a special gift will be opened a couple of days before they wake up to gifts left under the tree! Daddy is coming home! He will be sneaked into the house and placed inside a huge box that is wrapped and has a big bow! As the children unwrap the box and remove the bow, my son-in-law will jump out of the box and surprise his three adorable gifts of joy! It is sure to be an emotional event.

For the rest of us, the thrill of anticipation and the joy of participation in this event has been a sense of fulfillment. Knowing that our part will lead to a memory that can never be taken away. Isn't that what we are supposed to do on this holiday?

God gave us a gift that was wrapped in "swaddling" clothes and placed in a "manger" for the world to see. A gift from Heaven to be enjoyed by the whole of humanity. Today, we can take part in sharing this gift in order to see hearts filled with joy and memories that will last a lifetime. Someone somewhere needs the excitement of encouraging words, the filling of a hot meal, the comfort of a family gathering that only YOU can give.

This Christmas, give someone a wonderful memory!

Merry Christmas,
Dr. Tim

WHY?

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. ~From a headstone in Ireland

Yesterday, a young Christian lost his life in a motorcycle accident in a small, yet tight knitted, community. Cody was an admired and loved young man and has directly touched many of our lives. Church members, family, and friends are in shock and saddened by the sudden departure of Cody from this life. Some are grieving the death of this loved one.

It is natural to question why God allows disasters and tragedies. After all, He is the Creator of all things and can stop things from happening at any time. Proverbs 30: 4 states He “…has gathered the wind in His fists…has wrapped the waters in His garment.” So why is suffering allowed?

I do not pretend to assume the mind of God in these things. I claim what Scripture tells me and know to be true. Tragic events cause us to acknowledge this is our temporary home and turn our hearts toward eternity. Loved ones can be gone in the blink of an eye and those with whom we spoke yesterday can be in eternity tomorrow. We are forced to think of what has eternal value and reevaluate what is important.

Suffering brings compassion (2 Corinthians 1:3-7). When we have experienced tragedy we are better able to comfort others when they go through the same trials. We can minister and share the Good News with those looking for answers and rescue through difficulties. Often this results in people coming to know Christ through salvation.

Losing a loved one just may be the hardest thing about the lives we live. When you lose someone, you feel as though there is an empty spot in your life. Sometimes it gets filled and sometimes you learn to just remember them whenever you feel the hole.

We humans form an emotional bond with one other, it may be on purpose or solely by chance, but the bond is inevitable and this results in taking certain people in our lives for granted. We assure ourselves that whatever is said and done, each of them is going to be there forever. The empty space left behind can be filled with wonderful memories!

Knowing our loved one was a believer and had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, helps us to know that we will see them again. So, as we remember them, remember those great memories and they will forever be alive in our hearts.

We will miss you, Cody! But... we will see you again!