Ecclesiastes 3:14 "And I know that whatever God does, it shall be forever..."
Kairos - A critical junction or period of time that is foreordained by God.
I am beginning to learn as I have not only recovered from the season of famine and lack in my life, but am enjoying a tremendous time of blessing and overflow, that God has ordained "moments" in time - windows so to say, where He has determined to bless us no matter what. Because God operates outside of time our finite minds find it terribly hard to comprehend the timing of God. Yet, when the God of eternity (who has power and control over time) and the God of omnipotence (power over us) decides it's TIME - hallelujah, IT'S TIME!
Check this, there is a period of light that is contrasted with darkness, but no matter how dark the night is, day is on the way! Because of this, it creates a Thou & I relationship...ha ha - You will make the day and I will rejoice in it...God's got a time when your enemy can't touch you - God's got a time when your enemy can't reign over you, a time when your life clicks in every area. Ephesians shows us that God has already blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. He also cites that He knew us before we were formed in our Mother's womb and that He watches over His word to perform it in our lives. So, He makes promises to us over and over again - AND promises, change our lives.
You ever see the reaction of a woman after a man ask for her hand in marriage? In most instances, the woman wears that ring as of she was already married - why because she has a promise. She doesn't go out, she doesn't talk to other men, she doesn't date - but she isn't even married yet, but she acts like it - because she has a promise. AND promises change our lives. BUT, when that marriage is called off - oh snap, Houston we have a problem! The first thing she usually says, "you've wasted my time - I can't believe I waited for you, I could of..." Why, because a promise changes our lives. But praise be to God - He is not a man that He should lie...
Ok, your head is probably spinning but since I have had time on my hands, I have been pondering "is there a difference between time for you and you for time?" It seems to me that because we were chosen in Him before the foundation of the world and all spiritual blessings were given to us before we even got here. It would indicate to me that everything that is mine, God has already given it to me before I even got here. LOL ... So it's not a matter of me going to get it, it's a matter of IT coming to get me.....Oh Jesus, ok enough already...
Be blessed my beloved friends - think on these things: whatever is lovely, whatever is of good report, whatever is praiseworthy...think on these things.....Expect the Great - Love ya'll....
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Turn the Negative to Positive
Bad days, times of feeling overwhelmed, crisis and tragedy in your life - everyone goes through these times. Yet, learning how to turn the negative to positive can and will bless you in the midst of whatever you may be going through at the time you are going through it. Psalms 34 starts in the very first verse by saying, "I will bless the Lord at ALL times." It doesn't say all times are good, or even all times feel good - no, it says I will bless the Lord at all times. When we allow God's Word to penetrate our hearts and give His Word place in our minds (which means we meditate) on it, that Word will become alive and begin to transform our life by renewing our mind.
I flew off to Washington this past weekend to minister in the incarcerated church, however, it was the first time I have flown since having the total hip replacement. I arrived at the security checkpoint with about 15 minutes before my plane was to depart, so I was feeling anxious and didn't want unnecessary delay at the security checkpoint. So I hurried over to a TSA agent, advised of my hip implant and could they take me aside and screen me, because the machine would go off. He advised, "NO, wait in line like everyone else - the machine has to scan you." So, as I'm watching the line and watching my watch - I'm almost certain, I'm going to miss my flight. Well, I get to the machine and it signals that I must have something by beeping and the lights flashing. I tell the TSA person, it's my hip - I've had a replacement. Do they hear that - NOPE, turn around and go back through. Jesus, you have to comply (I've seen enough TSA video that I don't need no trouble) so back through I go, the machine goes off again. "Do you have anything in your pockets, belt on or..." Nothing but a new hip I explain. "Well you should of told us! Step aside, we will have to do a pat down." Really, I should of told you - FOR WHAT! Not like you listen. Anyways, a full pat down, an explosive scan and a check of my carry-on. Ok, you're all good - enjoy your flight. Enjoy my flight, my flights been gone for 10 minutes now, enjoy what flight?
I was frustrated and upset, I called my friend who would be picking me up in WA to advise I missed my flight and would call back with new details. I text my wife, advised her I had missed my flight and would fill her in as well. Well, the gate attendant wasn't too much more courteous than the TSA. No compassion whatsoever and placed me on a flight in 3 hours. I would ask a question and be shut down, even to the point of, "you could end up paying for another ticket you know?" No, I didn't know - but it's cool, I'll shut up and eat this one. Now I got 3 hours to sit around the airport, I can leave and come back, my wife can come have some b-fast with me - all these things swirling through my angered and frustrated mind. However, I decide to simply sit and read my Bible and go over the messages for WA. Use my time wisely I said, as I thought over and over how the TSA and gate agent had treated me.
So, while reading my notes, I come to page 2 which says, "don't take the negative, negatively - learn how to take the negative - positive..." I felt like Wiley Coyote in the Road Runner when one of those heavy ACME anvils would fall on his head. Here I was going to teach others how to take the negative positively and I was taking the negative - negative. I had to laugh at myself, out loud too. People glanced at me as I shook my head and laughed, repenting and saying sorry Lord, please forgive. My phone rang, Pastor brother was on the phone, "man see if you can catch that Seattle flight, leaves in 40 minutes." Ok, I agreed - thinking just another disappointment. God is so good, He even works beyond our own level of simplemindedness. Off to the agent I go, trying to smile and look so pitiful. I'm on the .... to Portland but could I get the ..... to Seattle? Let me check, ok are you sure you want Seattle instead? Yes....punched a few buttons, I heard the printer zipping and she said, "thank you, here's your new boarding pass." How can you not do anything but laugh at yourself. I stood at that counter and laughed at myself, simply shaking my head. A $300 upgrade at no charge, only a God like ours can do miracles like this.
Turn the negative positive. Bless the Lord at all times, keep rejoicing as difficult as it may be. Keep being thankful, grateful and appreciative to the Lord. He has it all under His control, He's already worked it all out, He's already made a way and created a path in the wilderness. Water from dry ground. Enjoy your day - enjoy your life. Lift your hands and simply tell the Lord, thank you. I'm turning every negative - positive. Expect the Great my friends, Be blessed.
I flew off to Washington this past weekend to minister in the incarcerated church, however, it was the first time I have flown since having the total hip replacement. I arrived at the security checkpoint with about 15 minutes before my plane was to depart, so I was feeling anxious and didn't want unnecessary delay at the security checkpoint. So I hurried over to a TSA agent, advised of my hip implant and could they take me aside and screen me, because the machine would go off. He advised, "NO, wait in line like everyone else - the machine has to scan you." So, as I'm watching the line and watching my watch - I'm almost certain, I'm going to miss my flight. Well, I get to the machine and it signals that I must have something by beeping and the lights flashing. I tell the TSA person, it's my hip - I've had a replacement. Do they hear that - NOPE, turn around and go back through. Jesus, you have to comply (I've seen enough TSA video that I don't need no trouble) so back through I go, the machine goes off again. "Do you have anything in your pockets, belt on or..." Nothing but a new hip I explain. "Well you should of told us! Step aside, we will have to do a pat down." Really, I should of told you - FOR WHAT! Not like you listen. Anyways, a full pat down, an explosive scan and a check of my carry-on. Ok, you're all good - enjoy your flight. Enjoy my flight, my flights been gone for 10 minutes now, enjoy what flight?
I was frustrated and upset, I called my friend who would be picking me up in WA to advise I missed my flight and would call back with new details. I text my wife, advised her I had missed my flight and would fill her in as well. Well, the gate attendant wasn't too much more courteous than the TSA. No compassion whatsoever and placed me on a flight in 3 hours. I would ask a question and be shut down, even to the point of, "you could end up paying for another ticket you know?" No, I didn't know - but it's cool, I'll shut up and eat this one. Now I got 3 hours to sit around the airport, I can leave and come back, my wife can come have some b-fast with me - all these things swirling through my angered and frustrated mind. However, I decide to simply sit and read my Bible and go over the messages for WA. Use my time wisely I said, as I thought over and over how the TSA and gate agent had treated me.
So, while reading my notes, I come to page 2 which says, "don't take the negative, negatively - learn how to take the negative - positive..." I felt like Wiley Coyote in the Road Runner when one of those heavy ACME anvils would fall on his head. Here I was going to teach others how to take the negative positively and I was taking the negative - negative. I had to laugh at myself, out loud too. People glanced at me as I shook my head and laughed, repenting and saying sorry Lord, please forgive. My phone rang, Pastor brother was on the phone, "man see if you can catch that Seattle flight, leaves in 40 minutes." Ok, I agreed - thinking just another disappointment. God is so good, He even works beyond our own level of simplemindedness. Off to the agent I go, trying to smile and look so pitiful. I'm on the .... to Portland but could I get the ..... to Seattle? Let me check, ok are you sure you want Seattle instead? Yes....punched a few buttons, I heard the printer zipping and she said, "thank you, here's your new boarding pass." How can you not do anything but laugh at yourself. I stood at that counter and laughed at myself, simply shaking my head. A $300 upgrade at no charge, only a God like ours can do miracles like this.
Turn the negative positive. Bless the Lord at all times, keep rejoicing as difficult as it may be. Keep being thankful, grateful and appreciative to the Lord. He has it all under His control, He's already worked it all out, He's already made a way and created a path in the wilderness. Water from dry ground. Enjoy your day - enjoy your life. Lift your hands and simply tell the Lord, thank you. I'm turning every negative - positive. Expect the Great my friends, Be blessed.
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
A Hammer to the Head!
My entire world came to a screeching halt early Saturday morning when I rose early before anyone else in the house was up - only to be greeted by Mr. Vertigo, who was so gracious to bring with him a spinning room, dizziness and naseau. If you have never had Vertigo or know anyone who has - trust me, it isn't a joke. It's a devastating and debilitating ailment that leaves you unable to walk without assistance. NOW, the question becomes how do you handle and deal with unexpected interruptions to your plans? If you don't have a back-up plan, a Plan B or haven't taken the time to fill a family member or team member in, you may wanna "jot that down."
I mean I had a list of things to accomplish, the wife was running a 5K the same morning at 9, my older son had to be at Amtrak at 8:30 and the younger 2 had to be picked up at 9. ALL the plans were thrown into a quandry - all by the onset of Vertigo and my inability to function at a productive level at all. I woke my wife, we spoke about what was going on with me and we discussed the options for the day. Obviously she would cancel her race - no 5K for her today, right - WRONG!
We kicked teamwork into action and we would press thru the "hammer to the head" and get many of the weekend goals accomplished. We were determined and committed to not allow this onset of vertigo to defeat our plans. And I want to encourage you today, that if you have plans to accomplish - bring others up to speed. Spouse, friend, co-worker, etc. but bring someone you can trust and depend on into your huddle and prep them for the "just in case" scenarios we encounter in this life.
Take a look, here are a few things you can do:
1. Partner with your spouse, significant other or close friend.
2. Make your plan clear, explain it and make sure you are on the same page with your partner(s). Keep them ready to step up and step in when needed.
3. Share responsibilities - delegate and determine.
4. Check in frequently and make adjustments if needed.
5. Keep your focus in the midst of disruptions and distractions
These (5) simple steps can save you from your plans and dreams going down the drain. They sound simple, but I wonder how many of us actually have an earthquake preparedness plan? Raise your hand! Exactly my point - we don't plan to fail, but failing to plan will result in failure every time.
Hey keep me in your prayers, swept off to the UC on Sunday morning by my wonderfully caring wife because there was no improvement in my condition. Diagnosed with benign vertigo - it's frustrating but still getting it done. Pressing our way using teamwork to make the dream work. Be blessed and have a great day. Expect the Great....
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Gather Your Team
One of the funniest commercials on TV, to me anyways, is the one where the little kid is in the park playing with his football by himself when a bigger kid takes the ball. The little kid says, "hey give it back." But the bigger kid refuses and says come back when you have a team. The kid gets in his mom van, gets the first 2 teammates as they lift weights in their garage, he then goes off to where he gets another teammate as this kid is wrestling a bear, he finalizes his team with his last member carrying a grown man from a burning building. They arrive at the park and the big kid says, "touch or ..." and before he can finish his sentence, the little kids team says, "TACKLE!"
As I continue my study and research of the book of Nehemiah and Ezra, it just further confirms that we need each other to succeed. Nehemiah says, "the work is great and extensive..." And I'm telling you it is. Just look at the NBA play-offs if you watch basketball. OKC loses Russell Westbrook, leaving Kevin Durant all alone to win every game...no way, the work is great and extensive. Too much for one man to handle. And what we have to accomplish, the task that lay before us - it's too great and extensive - ALONE!
Just a few keys in building your team:
1. You need strength, those with the ability to endure the storms you will face. In the funny commercial, the first 2 kids are weight lifters. I mean 2 kids lifting hundreds of pounds on a bench press and the other doing dumbell curls - strong kids. The first 2 display enormous strength.
2. You need courage, in the book of Joshua, God says "only be thee strong and very courageous..." It's funny, the 3rd kid he picks up is wrestling a bear! He is on the ground with the bear in a leg scissor hold. Strength & courage.
3. You need compassion, in Ephesians 4 the bible says, "be kind to one another, tender hearted..." here we go again, the next kid, he's carrying a grown man from a burning building.
Now these aren't all the keys in building a successful team and I'm having fun with the commercial comparisons, but I find it very interesting the writer of the commercial uses the kids as described.
A team is essential in our success. God Himself said in the beginning, "Let US make man in our image and likeness..." God had the greatest team ever, then Jesus compiles another great team. The Apostle Paul assembles an evangelistic team...all through scripture we see the importance of team work. Perhaps not family by blood, but find those with like precious faith, similar passions, drive and urgency and go to work.
Take the time to assemble a team, it's not a competition, but we can compliment one another's talents and gifts. It's not about headliners or drum majors, it's about accomplishing the task we are called to do. We can't win going solo, no way, no how - we need each other. Remember this so we can support and encourage each other in the calls & commissions of our life. Stay focused, stay encouraged, stay positive and remember, "Team work always makes the Dream work!"
As I continue my study and research of the book of Nehemiah and Ezra, it just further confirms that we need each other to succeed. Nehemiah says, "the work is great and extensive..." And I'm telling you it is. Just look at the NBA play-offs if you watch basketball. OKC loses Russell Westbrook, leaving Kevin Durant all alone to win every game...no way, the work is great and extensive. Too much for one man to handle. And what we have to accomplish, the task that lay before us - it's too great and extensive - ALONE!
Just a few keys in building your team:
1. You need strength, those with the ability to endure the storms you will face. In the funny commercial, the first 2 kids are weight lifters. I mean 2 kids lifting hundreds of pounds on a bench press and the other doing dumbell curls - strong kids. The first 2 display enormous strength.
2. You need courage, in the book of Joshua, God says "only be thee strong and very courageous..." It's funny, the 3rd kid he picks up is wrestling a bear! He is on the ground with the bear in a leg scissor hold. Strength & courage.
3. You need compassion, in Ephesians 4 the bible says, "be kind to one another, tender hearted..." here we go again, the next kid, he's carrying a grown man from a burning building.
Now these aren't all the keys in building a successful team and I'm having fun with the commercial comparisons, but I find it very interesting the writer of the commercial uses the kids as described.
A team is essential in our success. God Himself said in the beginning, "Let US make man in our image and likeness..." God had the greatest team ever, then Jesus compiles another great team. The Apostle Paul assembles an evangelistic team...all through scripture we see the importance of team work. Perhaps not family by blood, but find those with like precious faith, similar passions, drive and urgency and go to work.
Take the time to assemble a team, it's not a competition, but we can compliment one another's talents and gifts. It's not about headliners or drum majors, it's about accomplishing the task we are called to do. We can't win going solo, no way, no how - we need each other. Remember this so we can support and encourage each other in the calls & commissions of our life. Stay focused, stay encouraged, stay positive and remember, "Team work always makes the Dream work!"
Monday, April 29, 2013
The Voice of Truth
Amazing and hilarious - I woke up sometime around 3 AM laughing hysterically, I mean it was myself laughing that woke me up. I looked over at my wife as she slept, nope, she didn't hear it - only me! I shook my head, chuckled and drifted back to sleep. I don't know if this has ever happened to you before, but I couldn't recall having this happen to me. So I was both amazed and amused.
The mind is so powerful, so amazing - both the concious and the subconcious mind. The mind processes over 32 billion thoughts per second (thats billion with a B) subconciously, things we will never even act upon because the concious mind filters them out (thank God). A computer crafted by God with the ability to perform tasks unimaginable to most of us.
Yet, it is that same mind that speaks thoughts of life and thoughts of death into our days, weeks, months and years. Proverbs 23:7 says, "as a man thinks...so is he.." It is the thought pattern that controls most of our lives, the things we do and the things we don't do. The things we enjoy and the things we cannot stand. It's a thought, formulated in the recesses of our mind that gives us anxiety, fear and doubt. However, it is that same mind that produces thoughts of faith, courage and boldness. Those thoughts have "voices." I mean faith and fear, what seperates them? Faith believes the best will happen without seeing it, Fear believes the worst will happen without seeing it. What seperates them is THE VOICE.
Many of us have experienced, "who said that?" moments. When the voice is so loud inside your head that you think someone standing next to you spoke directly into your ear. But there is no one there. Just you and your thoughts, and thoughts have voices. Those voices speak so loud depending on our experiences, what we have been meditating on, what worries us and what motivates us. The voice of doubt, distrust and fear often times is louder than the voice of faith and trust and confidence. For many of us, that voice speaks loudest and that's the voice we follow. I can't do this! Who am I to try this? I mean this can't work. I'm not smart enough to pull this off. I don't have the talent for that. I'm too fat, too skinny, too black, too white, too tall or too short. I mean be for real, who do I think I am. I'm a trainwreck waiting to happen. I can't say that - I can't do that. That kind of stuff is for those type of people and I'm not one of those people. You get what I mean - many of us know those voices well.
But today, I have made up my mind to listen to "The Voice of Truth." Casting Crowns sings a tremendous song with this title...here are the opening lyrics,
"Oh what I would do to have
The kind of faith it takes to climb out of this boat I'm in
Onto the crashing waves
To step out of my comfort zone
To the realm of the unknown where Jesus is
And He's holding out his hand
But the waves are calling out my name and they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed
The waves they keep on telling me
Time and time again. 'Boy, you'll never win!'
"You'll never win"
But the voice of truth tells me a different story, and the voice of truth says do not be afraid, the voice of truth says this is for my glory... and out of all the voices that call out my name I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of Truth.
My friends, "faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God" begin to speak faith to yourself. Begin to speak faith to your situations and circumstances that have paralyzed you with fear & anxiety. Speak faith and you will begin to notice those other voices shrinking, getting quieter and the Voice of Truth getting louder and louder. Oh certainly, the voices of doubt and fear will try and shout here and there, but the more you speak faith to yourself the louder that voice gets and drowns out those other voices. Speak out loud, read your bible out loud, read your positive affirmations out loud. It may seem strange at first, but it will become part of your faith walk soon enough. Shoot, I have found myself speaking to my wallet, my pockets and my checkbook....ha ha ha. No joke - I will declare I will never be broke again - never. I speak that daily and I speak it out loud. I speak the Word of the Lord over my kids, my wife, my home, my endeavors and my life and I speak them LOUD. In the 70's we would yell - "Im Black and I'm Proud and I'll say it our LOUD." Because we had an identity crisis going on. So we began to speak it...and we began to take pride in ourselves and not be ashamed, walking around with our heads down and feeling less than a person. It's the same thing - quench that voice of anxiety, fear and doubt. Speak faith, try it today....Louder, come on, louder.....no, no LOUDER.....there you go. I will choose to listen AND believe the Voice of Truth.
Expect the Great my friends, you know I love ya. Share this blog with your family or with a friend. Forward it to them. And leave me a comment, let me know your thoughts.
The mind is so powerful, so amazing - both the concious and the subconcious mind. The mind processes over 32 billion thoughts per second (thats billion with a B) subconciously, things we will never even act upon because the concious mind filters them out (thank God). A computer crafted by God with the ability to perform tasks unimaginable to most of us.
Yet, it is that same mind that speaks thoughts of life and thoughts of death into our days, weeks, months and years. Proverbs 23:7 says, "as a man thinks...so is he.." It is the thought pattern that controls most of our lives, the things we do and the things we don't do. The things we enjoy and the things we cannot stand. It's a thought, formulated in the recesses of our mind that gives us anxiety, fear and doubt. However, it is that same mind that produces thoughts of faith, courage and boldness. Those thoughts have "voices." I mean faith and fear, what seperates them? Faith believes the best will happen without seeing it, Fear believes the worst will happen without seeing it. What seperates them is THE VOICE.
Many of us have experienced, "who said that?" moments. When the voice is so loud inside your head that you think someone standing next to you spoke directly into your ear. But there is no one there. Just you and your thoughts, and thoughts have voices. Those voices speak so loud depending on our experiences, what we have been meditating on, what worries us and what motivates us. The voice of doubt, distrust and fear often times is louder than the voice of faith and trust and confidence. For many of us, that voice speaks loudest and that's the voice we follow. I can't do this! Who am I to try this? I mean this can't work. I'm not smart enough to pull this off. I don't have the talent for that. I'm too fat, too skinny, too black, too white, too tall or too short. I mean be for real, who do I think I am. I'm a trainwreck waiting to happen. I can't say that - I can't do that. That kind of stuff is for those type of people and I'm not one of those people. You get what I mean - many of us know those voices well.
But today, I have made up my mind to listen to "The Voice of Truth." Casting Crowns sings a tremendous song with this title...here are the opening lyrics,
"Oh what I would do to have
The kind of faith it takes to climb out of this boat I'm in
Onto the crashing waves
To step out of my comfort zone
To the realm of the unknown where Jesus is
And He's holding out his hand
But the waves are calling out my name and they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed
The waves they keep on telling me
Time and time again. 'Boy, you'll never win!'
"You'll never win"
But the voice of truth tells me a different story, and the voice of truth says do not be afraid, the voice of truth says this is for my glory... and out of all the voices that call out my name I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of Truth.
My friends, "faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God" begin to speak faith to yourself. Begin to speak faith to your situations and circumstances that have paralyzed you with fear & anxiety. Speak faith and you will begin to notice those other voices shrinking, getting quieter and the Voice of Truth getting louder and louder. Oh certainly, the voices of doubt and fear will try and shout here and there, but the more you speak faith to yourself the louder that voice gets and drowns out those other voices. Speak out loud, read your bible out loud, read your positive affirmations out loud. It may seem strange at first, but it will become part of your faith walk soon enough. Shoot, I have found myself speaking to my wallet, my pockets and my checkbook....ha ha ha. No joke - I will declare I will never be broke again - never. I speak that daily and I speak it out loud. I speak the Word of the Lord over my kids, my wife, my home, my endeavors and my life and I speak them LOUD. In the 70's we would yell - "Im Black and I'm Proud and I'll say it our LOUD." Because we had an identity crisis going on. So we began to speak it...and we began to take pride in ourselves and not be ashamed, walking around with our heads down and feeling less than a person. It's the same thing - quench that voice of anxiety, fear and doubt. Speak faith, try it today....Louder, come on, louder.....no, no LOUDER.....there you go. I will choose to listen AND believe the Voice of Truth.
Expect the Great my friends, you know I love ya. Share this blog with your family or with a friend. Forward it to them. And leave me a comment, let me know your thoughts.
Friday, April 26, 2013
It's Winning Time
1 Corinthians 15:57 "But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory thru Jesus Christ our Lord."
I am so thankful that God just keeps on pouring out on us, day after day, week after week and month after month. Because the other day, I was so frustrated and I so wanted to trash this project and I wanted to move onto to something else that I could "WIN" at. Ha, ha, ha - then in His usual tremendously fascinating way, God thru His divine Spirit, whispers in my ear - "you are winning." This passage of scripture comes alive. Because I was like but God I haven't gotten it done, but God, it just isn't working out right, but God...and on and on. Then God says, MY SON, as long as I am for you, the entire world against you - YOU STILL WIN! What God requires of us my friends is a great and valiant effort. To keep persevering, to keep fighting and to stick to it.
I heard a tremendous story that nails this point for me: The five-year-old soccer goalie of Team One was an outstanding athlete, but he was no match for three or four on Team Two who were also very good and they began to score on him. The goalie gave it everything he had, recklessly throwing his body in front of incoming balls, trying valiantly to stop them. After the third goal was scored against him, he could see it was no use; he couldn't stop them. He didn't quit, but he became quietly desperate. Futility was written all over him. After the fourth goal, the little boy needed help so badly, and there was no help to be had. He retrieved the ball from the net and handed it to the referee - and then he fell to his knees and cried the tears of the helpless and brokenhearted. His father ran onto the field and said, "Scotty, I'm so proud of you. You were great out there. I want everybody to know that you are my son." "Daddy," the boy sobbed, "I couldn't stop them. I tried, Daddy, I tried and tried, and they scored on me." "Scotty, it doesn't matter how many times they scored on you. You're my son, and I'm proud of you. I want you to go back out there and finish the game. I know you want to quit, but you can't. And, son, you're going to get scored on again, but it doesn't matter. Go on, now." The little guy ran back on to the field and they scored two more times. But it was okay.
I don't know about you - but I get scored on every day, but I keep trying and trying. But I am so glad it's not up to me but rather to God - for it is God that gives the VICTORY. It was Jesus on that Cross that washed away every sin (or every score against me). And because of that VICTORY, I have victory in every area of my life. Be encouraged my friends - you may get scored on, but we can't lose.
I am so thankful that God just keeps on pouring out on us, day after day, week after week and month after month. Because the other day, I was so frustrated and I so wanted to trash this project and I wanted to move onto to something else that I could "WIN" at. Ha, ha, ha - then in His usual tremendously fascinating way, God thru His divine Spirit, whispers in my ear - "you are winning." This passage of scripture comes alive. Because I was like but God I haven't gotten it done, but God, it just isn't working out right, but God...and on and on. Then God says, MY SON, as long as I am for you, the entire world against you - YOU STILL WIN! What God requires of us my friends is a great and valiant effort. To keep persevering, to keep fighting and to stick to it.
I heard a tremendous story that nails this point for me: The five-year-old soccer goalie of Team One was an outstanding athlete, but he was no match for three or four on Team Two who were also very good and they began to score on him. The goalie gave it everything he had, recklessly throwing his body in front of incoming balls, trying valiantly to stop them. After the third goal was scored against him, he could see it was no use; he couldn't stop them. He didn't quit, but he became quietly desperate. Futility was written all over him. After the fourth goal, the little boy needed help so badly, and there was no help to be had. He retrieved the ball from the net and handed it to the referee - and then he fell to his knees and cried the tears of the helpless and brokenhearted. His father ran onto the field and said, "Scotty, I'm so proud of you. You were great out there. I want everybody to know that you are my son." "Daddy," the boy sobbed, "I couldn't stop them. I tried, Daddy, I tried and tried, and they scored on me." "Scotty, it doesn't matter how many times they scored on you. You're my son, and I'm proud of you. I want you to go back out there and finish the game. I know you want to quit, but you can't. And, son, you're going to get scored on again, but it doesn't matter. Go on, now." The little guy ran back on to the field and they scored two more times. But it was okay.
I don't know about you - but I get scored on every day, but I keep trying and trying. But I am so glad it's not up to me but rather to God - for it is God that gives the VICTORY. It was Jesus on that Cross that washed away every sin (or every score against me). And because of that VICTORY, I have victory in every area of my life. Be encouraged my friends - you may get scored on, but we can't lose.
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Overcoming Frustration
You ever feel like just throwing your hands up in the air, stomping off and just saying what the &^%*% blankety blank blank? Huh, you ever feel that way, cause certain days I do and today happens to be one of those days. So what do you do when the feeling of frustration overwhelms you? Go eat ice cream? Top shelf drink? Beer or wine? A smoke - cigar, cigarettes, weed? Or worse? How do you handle it?
Well, I have learned thru tremendous experiences how to handle frustration. I mean look, what gives a person great experience? I don't know about you, but I have gained great experience and insight by making bad decisions. Yup, I have been a person who has learned thru the school of hard knocks and is now trying to pass on that bit of experience thru the lumps I have suffered. Because in times past, I would of ate a gallon of ice cream, stuffed myself with take-out, or even worse...So now, I take the positive approach and stay focused on the prize and keep my thoughts moving forward not backwards. I look for the positive, trust me, there are enough negatives and negative people around all day, every day.
So, I been working on a project for 2 weeks now. A project I normally would of completed in 1 week, cashed my check and took the fam to dinner or a night out. NOPE, not this project...I feel like Charlie Brown at times...UGH. So today, I get in early - tighten a few loose ends and BAM, I'm done RIGHT - WRONG! Ha ha ha, nope what can go wrong often times does go wrong. So I'm so annoyed, upset and frustrated. Old man has passed away, remember the new man.
Number 1 - I stopped what I was doing and gathered myself.
Number 2 - I prayed and thanked the Lord for the opportunity to even do this project.
Number 3 - That put me in a frame of mind to giggle to myself, laugh out loud. dang, this is jacked.
Number 4 - I worked in reverse, going back over what I had done, looking for my error.
Number 5 - After not finding anything wrong, I put my tools up, ladders away and said I will battle this beast tomorrow. I'm not going to allow this thing to beat me down and take the winds outta my sails.
Number 6 - I made a plan to take a day or even 2 off and then return with fresh eyes and mind to undertake this thing and get er done.
Number 7 - I drove the scenic route home. No music, no phone - just meditating on the goodness of God and enjoying the winding levy roads. My mind clear and that project put off for another day.
And even though I'm the type of person who likes to finish what they start, I'm learning that subtle changes make all the difference. Because years ago, I would of stayed on this thing until I broke a tool, injured myself or someone else or tore up a 100' of cable or wire. Been there done that! So, I'm learning - not saying I have arrived, I am learning to deal with frustrations in a positive and progressive manner. One that will leave me with better results and a "slimmer waist line" ha ha
What about you, what do you do to deal with the frustrations of home, the kids, the job, the folks, the church, your money, or no money ? Leave me a comment, I look forward to your insight. Expect the Great - Be Blessed my friends.
Well, I have learned thru tremendous experiences how to handle frustration. I mean look, what gives a person great experience? I don't know about you, but I have gained great experience and insight by making bad decisions. Yup, I have been a person who has learned thru the school of hard knocks and is now trying to pass on that bit of experience thru the lumps I have suffered. Because in times past, I would of ate a gallon of ice cream, stuffed myself with take-out, or even worse...So now, I take the positive approach and stay focused on the prize and keep my thoughts moving forward not backwards. I look for the positive, trust me, there are enough negatives and negative people around all day, every day.
So, I been working on a project for 2 weeks now. A project I normally would of completed in 1 week, cashed my check and took the fam to dinner or a night out. NOPE, not this project...I feel like Charlie Brown at times...UGH. So today, I get in early - tighten a few loose ends and BAM, I'm done RIGHT - WRONG! Ha ha ha, nope what can go wrong often times does go wrong. So I'm so annoyed, upset and frustrated. Old man has passed away, remember the new man.
Number 1 - I stopped what I was doing and gathered myself.
Number 2 - I prayed and thanked the Lord for the opportunity to even do this project.
Number 3 - That put me in a frame of mind to giggle to myself, laugh out loud. dang, this is jacked.
Number 4 - I worked in reverse, going back over what I had done, looking for my error.
Number 5 - After not finding anything wrong, I put my tools up, ladders away and said I will battle this beast tomorrow. I'm not going to allow this thing to beat me down and take the winds outta my sails.
Number 6 - I made a plan to take a day or even 2 off and then return with fresh eyes and mind to undertake this thing and get er done.
Number 7 - I drove the scenic route home. No music, no phone - just meditating on the goodness of God and enjoying the winding levy roads. My mind clear and that project put off for another day.
And even though I'm the type of person who likes to finish what they start, I'm learning that subtle changes make all the difference. Because years ago, I would of stayed on this thing until I broke a tool, injured myself or someone else or tore up a 100' of cable or wire. Been there done that! So, I'm learning - not saying I have arrived, I am learning to deal with frustrations in a positive and progressive manner. One that will leave me with better results and a "slimmer waist line" ha ha
What about you, what do you do to deal with the frustrations of home, the kids, the job, the folks, the church, your money, or no money ? Leave me a comment, I look forward to your insight. Expect the Great - Be Blessed my friends.
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