I saw a sign yesterday that said, "Early bird special. Car wash $10 from 8:00am - 10:00am." Guess what! I took my truck to the early bird special!!! Now my truck is clean! Beautiful, shiny, Crimson! (ROLL TIDE!)
Those who were there to clean the vehicles were friendly and very cooperative. Just like our lives...there is always someone there to offer the help we need. I realized after seeing the sign, that I could get some help. There were several people working together on my truck to clean it. And it only took a few minutes!
If we would just allow others who have the skills and desire to help us, we could get ourselves cleaned up in just a short while. So, don't waste any more time! Find those who are willing to help, and let them.
By the way, not only did they do a great job, I made some new friends as well!
"Early bird special - I'm willing to help"!
Friday, March 4, 2011
Thursday, March 3, 2011
MY TRUCK IS DIRTY!
It is a beautiful day today! I am looking around and admiring the new blooms that some of the plants have already started to develop. Then I see it! My truck. So dirty! No clinging mud or anything like that, just road film and dust from all the dirt roads I have been driving down lately.
My truck is a beautiful "Crimson" color (can you say "ROLL TIDE!"?) when it is clean. But, today it is starting to take on a tan appearance. So dusty in fact, that when you touch it, you leave your mark!
"Wash it!" you say. Well, I want to. It just seems as though every time I tell myself that I need to, something distracts me and takes my attention elsewhere. It has been two or three weeks now since the last wash. The longer I go, the dirtier it gets. The dirtier it gets, the more noticeable it is! The more noticeable it is, the more I am reminded to wash it. I just can't seem to find the time to get it washed!
I think our lives are the same way. We travel down this road called life and get a little dirty. Sometimes it is a full blown mud hole we go through and sometimes just a dusty old dirt road that puts a little "dusting" on us. Either way, we get dirty!
Because of distractions, we put off the washing of our lives. We get dirtier and dirtier. Finally, that dirty life becomes noticeable to us as well as those who have noticed it much earlier!
Isn't it sad that I can find the time to do everything else except wash my truck? An average T.V. show lasts an hour. Surely I could clean my truck in an hour! We could begin with at least an hour a day devoted to "cleaning up" those things in our lives that make us dirty. Bible reading in order to understand the principles of God's Word. Prayer to personally connect with the One who can keep us clean.
I'm sure that those who see my truck would enjoy it more if it were clean! It is so with my life as well. Those with whom I come in contact would enjoy me more if I were "clean". A pleasant personality, non-complaining, happy, caring, and even fun guy!
I am going to enjoy my life! And, in doing so, I will get a little dirty. But, I need to wash my life frequently in order to be presented as "clean"!
Honey, where is the bucket?
My truck is a beautiful "Crimson" color (can you say "ROLL TIDE!"?) when it is clean. But, today it is starting to take on a tan appearance. So dusty in fact, that when you touch it, you leave your mark!
"Wash it!" you say. Well, I want to. It just seems as though every time I tell myself that I need to, something distracts me and takes my attention elsewhere. It has been two or three weeks now since the last wash. The longer I go, the dirtier it gets. The dirtier it gets, the more noticeable it is! The more noticeable it is, the more I am reminded to wash it. I just can't seem to find the time to get it washed!
I think our lives are the same way. We travel down this road called life and get a little dirty. Sometimes it is a full blown mud hole we go through and sometimes just a dusty old dirt road that puts a little "dusting" on us. Either way, we get dirty!
Because of distractions, we put off the washing of our lives. We get dirtier and dirtier. Finally, that dirty life becomes noticeable to us as well as those who have noticed it much earlier!
Isn't it sad that I can find the time to do everything else except wash my truck? An average T.V. show lasts an hour. Surely I could clean my truck in an hour! We could begin with at least an hour a day devoted to "cleaning up" those things in our lives that make us dirty. Bible reading in order to understand the principles of God's Word. Prayer to personally connect with the One who can keep us clean.
I'm sure that those who see my truck would enjoy it more if it were clean! It is so with my life as well. Those with whom I come in contact would enjoy me more if I were "clean". A pleasant personality, non-complaining, happy, caring, and even fun guy!
I am going to enjoy my life! And, in doing so, I will get a little dirty. But, I need to wash my life frequently in order to be presented as "clean"!
Honey, where is the bucket?
Thursday, February 24, 2011
POWERful LIFE!
If there is one thing I want to do in this life, it is to leave a good legacy for my wife and our children and grandchildren. With so much ahead of them, they need a good example to follow. The only way that I can be that example is to live a POWERful life before them.
I need to demonstrate Perseverance by continuing to go forward even in tough times. Things will not always go my way, but I cannot quit! Even when things are moving forward more slowly than I expected, I need to continue to move forward.
My Objectivity will demonstrate that things need to be kept in proper focus. With all of the distractions around us, it is easy to be tossed about and pulled in many directions. I can't allow small things to be blown out of proportion, or important things minimized to the point of obscurity.
Of course, I need the Wisdom to make the right decisions the right way. How do I do that? By seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit and learning the principles of the Word of God! Ever faced with tough decisions, myself and those who look to me for guidance, need to know what is right and how to do the right thing.
Because life is full of trials and challenges, Energy is required to face every task and every situation. That means action! No wasted time. Taking care of myself mentally and physically is necessary. I simply cannot sit back and let LIFE pass me by.
Knowing that there are others counting on me to be an example, I have a Reason to live and serve. Serving others is the most fulfilling thing we can do in our lives! Helping my family and others reach their goals and accomplish things in their life brings me so much joy and confirms my reason for living!
My example of a POWERful life is Jesus Christ. If I can mirror His example, then there is no doubt that my legacy will inspire my family and others to also live a POWERful life!
Be strong...Get POWERful!
I need to demonstrate Perseverance by continuing to go forward even in tough times. Things will not always go my way, but I cannot quit! Even when things are moving forward more slowly than I expected, I need to continue to move forward.
My Objectivity will demonstrate that things need to be kept in proper focus. With all of the distractions around us, it is easy to be tossed about and pulled in many directions. I can't allow small things to be blown out of proportion, or important things minimized to the point of obscurity.
Of course, I need the Wisdom to make the right decisions the right way. How do I do that? By seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit and learning the principles of the Word of God! Ever faced with tough decisions, myself and those who look to me for guidance, need to know what is right and how to do the right thing.
Because life is full of trials and challenges, Energy is required to face every task and every situation. That means action! No wasted time. Taking care of myself mentally and physically is necessary. I simply cannot sit back and let LIFE pass me by.
Knowing that there are others counting on me to be an example, I have a Reason to live and serve. Serving others is the most fulfilling thing we can do in our lives! Helping my family and others reach their goals and accomplish things in their life brings me so much joy and confirms my reason for living!
My example of a POWERful life is Jesus Christ. If I can mirror His example, then there is no doubt that my legacy will inspire my family and others to also live a POWERful life!
Be strong...Get POWERful!
Thursday, February 10, 2011
THREE RINGS AND A RINGMASTER!
I took my grandson to the circus a few days ago. A fun time was had by all!
While I was watching the circus, I was reminded of how our lives are similar to the circus. So many things going on at the same time, that we have a hard time focusing on just one of them. Watching this one, watching that one, and of course, watching the other one! All at once!
Trying to keep up with it all is so tiring. Not to mention, that when you try to focus on just one of the acts, the others do something so fantastic that you miss it! All the while, a Ring Master is talking and trying to guide your attention to a specific spot!
As I counsel so many people, I find that their lives are spinning out of control because they can't focus on what needs to be done. Their emotions are being tossed to and fro because they are pulled in so many directions. Just as they are getting settled on at least one of the issues, a "Ring Master" starts talking and directing their attention to another area, causing them to miss the spectacular!
I decided to just find the ring of activities that grabbed my attention first! I would watch that ring for the whole performance with only a quick casual glance to the other rings! This allowed me to not only enjoy the show, but it gave me the opportunity to allow others to share with me what they saw. None of us watched the same ring of activities!
Remember, our lives need to be focused on our abilities and our passions. We can reduce the stresses in our life by not worrying about all that is going on around us. When that obnoxious "Ring Master" begins to speak, and tries to direct your attention away from your focus, just remember that there will always be something going on... all the time... somewhere! Just keep watching your ring of activity!
"Ladies and Gentlemen! Welcome to the Greatest Show On Earth!" That show is LIFE!
While I was watching the circus, I was reminded of how our lives are similar to the circus. So many things going on at the same time, that we have a hard time focusing on just one of them. Watching this one, watching that one, and of course, watching the other one! All at once!
Trying to keep up with it all is so tiring. Not to mention, that when you try to focus on just one of the acts, the others do something so fantastic that you miss it! All the while, a Ring Master is talking and trying to guide your attention to a specific spot!
As I counsel so many people, I find that their lives are spinning out of control because they can't focus on what needs to be done. Their emotions are being tossed to and fro because they are pulled in so many directions. Just as they are getting settled on at least one of the issues, a "Ring Master" starts talking and directing their attention to another area, causing them to miss the spectacular!
I decided to just find the ring of activities that grabbed my attention first! I would watch that ring for the whole performance with only a quick casual glance to the other rings! This allowed me to not only enjoy the show, but it gave me the opportunity to allow others to share with me what they saw. None of us watched the same ring of activities!
Remember, our lives need to be focused on our abilities and our passions. We can reduce the stresses in our life by not worrying about all that is going on around us. When that obnoxious "Ring Master" begins to speak, and tries to direct your attention away from your focus, just remember that there will always be something going on... all the time... somewhere! Just keep watching your ring of activity!
"Ladies and Gentlemen! Welcome to the Greatest Show On Earth!" That show is LIFE!
Monday, June 14, 2010
"I Thought So!"
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!
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!
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..."
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