August 31, 2010

“Every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea. Micah 7:18-19 (NIV)

Ire: “intense and usually openly displayed anger” Merriam-Webster Dictionary

I chose tonights subject because of the quote. Sometimes you run across a quote or saying that really speaks to you and today this quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson spoke to me. Maybe it's because today I have been susceptible to my not so pleasant side of the brain. I read it and it immediately helped me put my life into perspective and realize that being angry or upset right now is so dumb because I really don't have anything to be upset about, yesterday I couldn't imagine ever being angry again and tomorrow I'm sure I'll be as happy as ever, so why would I be moody now when nothing right now is different from yesterday and I'm sure tomorrow will bring as much good fortune as yesterday did. I am so glad we have a loving God and savior that unlike myself has never shown His ire without just cause and delights to show us mercy and compassion. Now lets just hope that I can be follow the example God gives us and improve my temperament to more resemble that of our creator.

August 30, 2010

“Purpose is stronger than object.” Jim Rohn

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 (Christ)

Purpose: “a subject under discussion or an action in course of execution” Merriam-Webster Dictionary

What is your purpose in life? Only you can answer that question. I have come to the conclusion that my purpose in life is to be a service to other people. I have no idea from day to day how I'm going to be a service, but that is my goal. By the way I fall short of my goal all the time. But, I try to remember, God has called us all for a purpose and we are representatives of Him, so whatever my purpose I hope that it always glorifies God.

August 29, 2010

“When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.” Franklin D. Roosevelt

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalms 23:4

Resolved: “to reach a firm decision about” Merriam-Webster Dictionary

Sometimes in life it's important to be stubborn, to be resolved, to tie that knot and hang on. Life presents challenges and obstacles everyday, all of our goals will be impeded by doubt, distractions, and deceits, but determination can trump all road blocks. Through steadfast faith and a stubborn hope we can accomplish all of our potential, and who can determine what our potential is. We are creations of God and what better maker could one ask for. How powerful is that phrase? We are creations of God.

August 28, 2010

“Mirth is God's medicine. Everybody ought to bathe in it.” Henry Ward Beecher

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song. Psalm 28:7

Mirth: “gladness or gaiety as shown by or accompanied with laughter” Merriam-Webster Dictionary

August 27, 2010

“You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help enough other people get what they want.” Zig Ziglar

He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses. Proverbs 28:27

Philanthropy: “goodwill to fellowmen; active effort to promote human welfare” Merriam-Webster Dictionary

I don't know about you but I want a lot of things. I think human nature is just kinda that way, not that wanting things is wrong or selfish. After all King Solomon asked God for riches and wisdom and he not only received riches and wisdom, God promised them to him. I think however, one of the requirements of lasting riches is wisdom. To have riches we need the wisdom to give back. Solomon did not sit on his wealth and and do nothing, he built a fantastic temple to God for the Jewish people and he gave us the book of Proverbs, which brings joy to many everyday. Even wealthy men today know they must give to receive, many of the richest men are also the most philanthropic. Bill Gates for example was once the richest man in the World, now he's the worlds greatest philanthropist, running the worlds largest charity and giving more money away than any other person. Still he's not poor, and even though he has said he wants to give away all of his money before he dies, I truly doubt he'll be able to because so many want to invest in him. Everyone wants to give to a giver because they know it's money well spent.

August 26, 2010

“Mentors are not a luxury; they are a necessity.” Irvin “Magic” Johnson

When wisdom enters your heart, and knowledge is pleasant to your soul, discretion will preserve you; understanding will keep you, Proverbs 2:10-11

Sagacious: “keen in sense of perception” Merriam-Webster Dictionary

I'm a stubborn person, I like to learn for myself, do things myself, and generally am resistant to accepting help. While sometimes self reliance is a good thing, sometimes it is also a roadblock to success. Even Jesus needed his cousin John the Baptist to baptize him before he started his ministry. My point is, everyone needs help with something, and trying to gain wisdom by yourself is like trying to reinvent the proverbial wheel. There is so much wisdom to be had by gaining mentors. What could take a stubborn person a lifetime to learn could be communicated by a mentor in a manner of hours.

August 25, 2010

“The big secret in life is that there is no big secret. Whatever your goal, you can get there if you're willing to work.” Oprah Winfrey

So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob's hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man. Then the man said, "Let me go, for it is daybreak." But Jacob replied, "I will not let you go unless you bless me." The man asked him, "What is your name?" "Jacob," he answered. Then the man said, "Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men and have overcome." Genesis 32:24-28

resolute: “marked by firm determination” Merriam-Webster Dictionary

I continually struggle with laziness. That's why I do this journal. It keeps me focused on something other than entertainment, on something more, bigger than myself. You ever notice that continual entertainment is really depressing. I didn't feel like it at first, but I forced myself to get out in my shop this afternoon and get some work done. And you know what? I'm so much happier now, than if I had watched TV all evening. It's my firm belief that everything worth while is worth work. Just as Oprah struggled to build her television empire Jacob struggled with God for a blessing. So many people have gained so much in life by being resolute. They are determined to accomplish what they have set out to do. Lord please instill in me a resoluteness to accomplish all that you have set out for me to do.

August 24, 2010

"If man can take moldy bread and make penicillin out of it, consider what a loving God can make out of you."  Mohamed Ali

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?  Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?  Matthew 6:26-27

Power:  "a source or means of supplying energy"  Merriam-Webster Dictionary

So many people are obsessed with their own power. Indeed many men and women accumulate power of their own.  But human power is fleeting  I posit that all of our power is not a power derived from ourselves but from God.  God is the battery that supplies us the energy to create influence here on earth.  How successful could we be if we strove to base all our worldly influence on good not selfishness?  To God be the glory on all heaven and earth. 

A Will to Help

The difference between perseverance and obstinacy is that one often comes from a strong will, and the other from a strong won't. H.W. Beecher

A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately he was cured of his leprosy. Matthew 8:2-3

Will: “a disposition to act according to principles or ends” Merriam-Webster Dictionary

Imagine a World where everyone was willing (like Christ) to reach out a helping hand to their fellow citizens; there would scarcely be a needy person. I'm reminded of the Good Samaritan. The man in need was passed by people who were better able to serve him than the Good Samaritan but they did not have a strong will to do so. We should all persevere in using our abilities as good samaritans, so that when asked for help, we will have a strong will to offer our abilities, instead of being obstacles to good will. Our efforts in helping ourselves are much more efficiently spent helping others. Who is remembered more, the pharisee, or the Good Samaritan?

August 22, 2010

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” Winston Churchill

As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly. Philippians 1:13-14

Intrepid: “characterized by resolute fearlessness, fortitude, and endurance” Merriam-Webster

In life we are sure to have many successes and failures. If we have the wisdom to see that our successes are lessons to grow, our failures are opportunities to learn, and most of all, God is with us, we will be able to face the difficulties of life with true courage. Paul did not look at his confinement in jails as failures but as opportunities to gain courage in God. By following the example of Paul and having faith that God is with us we can live life as intrepid leaders, parents, students, or whatever it is that we are.

August 21, 2010

If everything’s under control, you’re going too slow. ~Mario Andretti

"Listen to this, Job; stop and consider God's wonders. Do you know how God controls the clouds and makes his lightning flash? Do you know how the clouds hang poised, those wonders of him who is perfect in knowledge? Job 37:14-16

Control: "power or authority to guide or manage" Merriam-Webster

If you're anything like me you're scared of losing control. But so much success is found, not when you're in control but when you lose it. Remember God is in control and not us, and I am so thankful for that because I spend so little time in control.

August 20, 2010

“Nothing can resist a human will, that will stake it's existence on its purpose.” Benjamin Disraeli

“I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” Psalm 16:8

Determination: “the act of deciding definitely and firmly; also : the result of such an act of decision” Merriam-Webster

We've all heard the phrase, “where there's a will there's a way.” But I don't think most of us really live by that motto, I know I don't. It's hard to have and maintain strong determination in a World where so many of our dreams and desires are shot down seemingly before they even take flight. The thing we should remember, is that dreams are only shot down by the dreamer. Henry Ford had a dream to build affordable cars even though others thought he was crazy. But he didn't give up on his dream saying, “if I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses.” But he gave them cars, and his dream changed the World. Lord, please don't let us give up on our dreams, you know that we all have something in us, something that you have given us, that can change the World.

August 19, 2010

"It's hard to beat a person who never gives up" Babe Ruth

Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers. 1 Timothy 4:15-16

Persevere: "to persist in a state, enterprise, or undertaking in spite of counterinfluences, opposition, or discouragement" Merriam-Webster

August 18, 2010

"I will speak I'll of no man, and speak all the good I know of everybody." Benjamin Franklin

A kindhearted woman gains respect, but ruthless men gain only wealth. A kind man benefits himself, but a cruel man brings trouble on himself. The wicked man earns deceptive wages, but he who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward. Proverbs 11:16-18

Essence: "the individual, real, or ultimate nature of a thing especially as opposed to its existence" Merriam-Webster

Everyone can improve upon there character. Imagine if everyone, instead of being satisfied with themselves tried to develop an essence of kindness and caring.

August 17, 2010

"People don't care what you know until they know that you care." Damon Dunn

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7

Care: "to feel interest or concern" Merriam-Webster

August 16, 2010

“Happiness is where we find it, but rarely where we seek it.” J. Petit

"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!' Matthew 25:23

Faithful: “firm in adherence to promises or in observance of duty” Merriam-Webster

If we're faithful in serving others happiness will find us. If we're faithful in serving ourselves happiness will always elude us.

Anticipate the Bang

“There is no terror in the bang, only in the anticipation of it.” Alfred Hitchcock

Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Matthew 6:27

Anticipate: “to give advance thought, discussion, or treatment to” Merriam-Webster

Many times I've found myself worrying about an event coming up. “What will I do if, or how will I do this?” My goal in the future is to replace worrying with anticipation; it takes the negative out of an upcoming event. For example I could worry about a test coming up, which will lead to sleepless nights, cramming, and an overall negative attitude about what's going to happen. Or instead of worrying, I could anticipate a test coming up, which has a much better chance of leading to an orderly process of learning, an effective way of studying, and an overall positive attitude towards the test. The test will then become a way for me to prove I know the material instead of a way for the instructor to prove that I've been a poor student.  Let's try to be more anticipatory in the future.

August 14, 2010

“A cup that is already full cannot have more added to it. In order to receive the further good, we must give of that which we have.” M. Becker

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

Consign: “to put (something) into the possession or safekeeping of another” Merriam-Webster

I'm so happy that we have a loving God that says he will fulfill our every need. However I'm afraid I often am selfish with His love. Somehow, sometimes I find myself believing that God must love his followers more than others. I couldn't be more wrong. God's love is meant for every being that has, is, or ever will live in this universe, and what's more, he wants me to help him spread it. From now on I want to do my best to realize in every moment that although my cup may runneth over with God's love, others may not feel it like I do. It is my job, not to consign Gods love for someone else to myself, but to direct his love to all those around me. I think were all better off if we spread His love around. How many more followers of God can we recruit simply by sharing his love?

August 13, 2010

“There are defeats more triumphant than victories.” Michel de Montaigne (French Philosopher)

The LORD will march out like a mighty man, like a warrior he will stir up his zeal; with a shout he will raise the battle cry and will triumph over his enemies. Isaiah 42:13

Triumph: the joy or exultation of victory or success Merriam-Webster

I'm sorry, I don't have a lot to say right now, just that Christ tells us, “blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” So I simply ask the Lord help me be more humble, take defeats with successes and know that he is God and his goodness will triumph in the end. I don't have to carry God's burden.

August 12, 2010

“Becoming suddenly aware of the miracle of being alive can turn what we call ordinary life into a miracle.” Dan Wakefield

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song. Psalm 28:7

Delectation: “delight, enjoyment” Merriam-Webster

Nothing makes my everyday life seem better than being away from it. I know we're all on different paths and some peoples everyday lives are better than others, but I think all people have something they can be thankful for but take for granted, be it a home, a loved one, or a peaceful place to sit and think. It's so easy to forget about the things that bring joy to our lives. Recently I had to go on a two week work trip, it wasn't hard or miserable, but still I missed so many of the things I've built my life around, my wife, my dogs, a simple home made meal. Believe me I was eating well, but to me a home made meal at home with my family is better than what any restaurant or Michelin Star earning chef can prepare. But nothing and no one can take away one source, the original source of delectation, God. He will always be there for us, always provide us with inner peace, we only need to seek him. I've heard countless stories of people finding joy at the lowest points in there lives simply by crying out to God, just Google the story of the song “It is Well with My Soul”. I'm so thankful we have a loving creator and all powerful friend in God.

August 11, 2010

“Keep your words positive because your words become your behaviors.” Gandhi

You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound. I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:7-8

Tranquil: “free from agitation of mind or spirit” Merriam-Webster

I wish I were more patient, I wish I were filled with boundless inner peace. But alas, just about the time I think I'm doing pretty well, that nothing could possibly upset me, something comes along and I once again fail, I once again lose my tranquility and become angry. I'm reminded of one of my favorite songs “Heart of Worship”by Matt Redman, when we come back to what it's all about we'll discover, it's all about Him, all about Jesus. Without Him we're mere mortals incapable of controlling our thoughts or emotions. With Him we're given the opportunity to live immortally as perfect beings. And that brings the smile right back to my face. Thank you God for the patience, strength, and peace you give me when I make it all about you.

August 10, 2010

“Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.” Robert Louis Stevenson (Author of “Treasure Island”)

The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:8-10

Disseminate: “to spread abroad as though sowing seed” Merriam-Webster

I think most people do things all the time without receiving immediate credit. I mean, that's life isn't it? We all know we're not going to be praised for every good thing we disseminate and most people don't let it bother them too much. But what about this, what if we tried to constantly notice what others do for us and let them know we appreciate them? How much could we improve our environment if our actions were to become the harvest of the good deeds others sow?

August 09, 2010

“Dream it, believe it, and work hard at it.” Bob Burnquist (professional skateboarder)

Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed from that moment. Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, "Why couldn't we drive it out?" He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." Matthew 17:18-21 (NIV)

Faith: “something that is believed especially with strong conviction” Merriam-Webster

Everyone wants something, everyone believes something, and everyone has something, but alas none of those things are, or were free, save one thing, Gods love and salvation. Faith is the key that gives us access to everything we could desire, and just as we use a key to open the door to our home, we only need to take our faith and act upon it.

August 08, 2010

“You can't live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you.” John Wooden

“This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:12-13

Service: “contribution to the welfare of others” Merriam-Webster

I can't count how many times I've passed a car on the shoulder of the road, some poor work commuter suffered a flat and now their already hectic day has been compounded by some sharp piece of garbage in the road. I've always had an inkling to stop and give a hand, but either it's been too late and I can't get over, I'm afraid I might just compound the problem, or I'm just too lazy. The point is, whenever I think of starting a day by helping someone I always imagine that being a great day. I think humans have an innate desire to help others, but somewhere along the way that desire has been quashed by ungratefulness, fear, or selfishness. But when we do manage to do something we can see really helps someone else, I can't imagine a person who wouldn't be joyous. And in the end, isn't that selfish too. How different would this World be if people fulfilled their selfish desire to be happy by helping others instead of hurting others. Thank God for giving people a desire to serve, I know it's blessed me many times.

The Risky Shot

“You miss every shot you don't take.” Wayne Gretzky

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” Matthew 6:25-27

Attempt: “to make an effort to do, accomplish, solve, or effect” Merriam-Webster

So many times in my life I have failed to even attempt to accomplish a goal, fearing failure.  I only wish that in those times when I feared failure I would have remembered that God was on my side.  You see, it's not that we don't have to worry about falling (we all will) it's that we can trust God can catch us before we hit bottom if we only ask Him.  Because of the help God grants we have the ability to get up, dust ourselves off and take the shots that used to scare us.  So let's do our best to put our faith in the abilities of our Maker and look forward to future successes with Him. 

August 06, 2010

“Courage is rightly considered the foremost of virtues for upon it all others depend.” Winston Churchill

"Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” Deuteronomy 31:6 (KJV)

Courage: “mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty” Merriam-Webster

August 05, 2010

“Identifying success with happiness is like moving the goal posts back 10 yards every time your football team has a first down.” Dennis Prager

A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment? To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. Ecclesiastes 2:24-26 (NIV)

Accomplishment: “a successful result brought about by hard work” Merriam-Webster

August 04, 2010

“The best or nothing.” Gottlieb Daimler (from the motto of Daimler Benz)

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31

Best: “most productive of good” Merriam-Webster

August 03, 2010

“Success is 10 percent inspiration and 90 percent perspiration.” Thomas Alva Edison

“Consider now, for the LORD has chosen you to build a temple as a sanctuary. Be strong and do the work.” 1 Chronicles 28:10 (NIV)

Sanctuary: “a consecrated place” Merriam-Webster

August 02, 2010

Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can. John Wesley

keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies. Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry; Psalm 34:13-15 (NIV)

Good: “that can be relied on” Merriam-Webster

August 01, 2010

"Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, 
and working together is success." 
Henry Ford

It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. Lamentations 3:22-2 (KJV)

Begin: “to do or succeed in the least degree” Merriam-Webster