We're just 2 days before Christmas and I am reminded of the reason for the season. I see that phrase in so many places but I have to stop and ask myself am I truly conscious of what Christmas is all about. With shopping for gifts, cooking for the family and trying to wrap up the last minutes things in the office before we close for a couple of days, I really don't think that I have given any serious consideration to the true meaning of Christmas.
Do you recall the scene in the Charlie Brown Christmas Special where Linus is on stage and begins to recite the Christmas story. Everyone is quiet and all of a sudden, it's not about the tree and decorations any longer. It's about the true meaning of Christmas. I hope that we all take the time to quietly remember the Christmas story and why this is Christmas, not just a happy holiday. We have a loving heavenly Father that loves us more than we can ever imagine. May this Christmas be very special for you as you quietly reflect on God's love.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Friday, December 18, 2009
100 Days with Jesus -- Self Control Versus Always Being in Control
Day 52
Sometimes I get really stressed out when I have so much to do and everything is under the demand of a deadline. I get that anxious feeling in my stomach and wake up all during the night remembering things that need attention. It’s not fun and I don’t like it when I get this anxious. I told my friend Martha this morning, that I considered it a talent to always remain calm and in control. Not too many highs and very few lows, just always steady and IN CONTROL. Good grief! Is there a greater arrogance than to think you’re in control of everything?
It has occurred to me that the only control that is expected of me is self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7 says: For God did not give us a spirit of timidity but one of power, love, and self-discipline. Proverbs 29:11 says: A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control. There are many more references in scripture to the benefits of self-control and also that it is a gift from God and that help to improve our self-control is readily available. But I didn’t find a single verse that said I needed to be in control of anything or anyone, other than myself. Now, this is not to be confused with responsibility. That’s another subject. Being responsible is also a strong and important character trait that the Lord loves. But what a relief it is and a burden lifted, to know that I have no need to feel that I have control over everything. Thank you Lord for shouldering for all of us!
Sometimes I get really stressed out when I have so much to do and everything is under the demand of a deadline. I get that anxious feeling in my stomach and wake up all during the night remembering things that need attention. It’s not fun and I don’t like it when I get this anxious. I told my friend Martha this morning, that I considered it a talent to always remain calm and in control. Not too many highs and very few lows, just always steady and IN CONTROL. Good grief! Is there a greater arrogance than to think you’re in control of everything?
It has occurred to me that the only control that is expected of me is self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7 says: For God did not give us a spirit of timidity but one of power, love, and self-discipline. Proverbs 29:11 says: A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control. There are many more references in scripture to the benefits of self-control and also that it is a gift from God and that help to improve our self-control is readily available. But I didn’t find a single verse that said I needed to be in control of anything or anyone, other than myself. Now, this is not to be confused with responsibility. That’s another subject. Being responsible is also a strong and important character trait that the Lord loves. But what a relief it is and a burden lifted, to know that I have no need to feel that I have control over everything. Thank you Lord for shouldering for all of us!
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
100 Days with Jesus: Are you a Shopaholic with Life? -- something to think about
Day 51
Last night Lanny and I watched the cutest movie and one that I definitely identified with to some extent. The movie was ‘Confessions of a Shopaholic’. At one point, Rebecca, the shopaholic, was asked why did she shop and spend so much on things she didn’t need and could not afford. Her response was that when she shops in these beautiful stores with all the fabulous merchandise and she buys things, life just seems so much better. But then the feeling goes away and she has to go back and do it all over again. That was such a profound statement from such a simple minded, fun movie.
Isn’t that how life is? We search through worldly things for happiness and contentment. And, these things make us feel good for a while. Have you ever purchased a new car? I’m a car enthusiast and have been my whole life. Maybe because I grew up with brothers, I don’t know. But I love the smell of a new car and the way it handles when you drive off the car lot. It’s euphoric – temporarily. But like all things, it gets old and before you know it you’re noticing the newest model on the road and trying to justify why you need that one and why the one you’re driving isn’t so great anymore. All new stuff gets old eventually and we can find ourselves still paying for something that we don’t even enjoy any longer. And that’s where this young lady found herself. Head over heels in debt, a closet full of clothes and shoes she didn’t need and very unhappy. The only true happiness and contentment that you can have on this side of eternity is in a relationship with Christ. It’s the only relationship you can have that’s everlasting, that doesn’t waver. It won’t grow old and weary over time. It only grows in richness and depth. And it will fill the voids and give you the balance in life that we all search for that can’t be found in new shoes or an expensive car.
Matthew 6:19-20: Lay not up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust does corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust does corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.
Last night Lanny and I watched the cutest movie and one that I definitely identified with to some extent. The movie was ‘Confessions of a Shopaholic’. At one point, Rebecca, the shopaholic, was asked why did she shop and spend so much on things she didn’t need and could not afford. Her response was that when she shops in these beautiful stores with all the fabulous merchandise and she buys things, life just seems so much better. But then the feeling goes away and she has to go back and do it all over again. That was such a profound statement from such a simple minded, fun movie.
Isn’t that how life is? We search through worldly things for happiness and contentment. And, these things make us feel good for a while. Have you ever purchased a new car? I’m a car enthusiast and have been my whole life. Maybe because I grew up with brothers, I don’t know. But I love the smell of a new car and the way it handles when you drive off the car lot. It’s euphoric – temporarily. But like all things, it gets old and before you know it you’re noticing the newest model on the road and trying to justify why you need that one and why the one you’re driving isn’t so great anymore. All new stuff gets old eventually and we can find ourselves still paying for something that we don’t even enjoy any longer. And that’s where this young lady found herself. Head over heels in debt, a closet full of clothes and shoes she didn’t need and very unhappy. The only true happiness and contentment that you can have on this side of eternity is in a relationship with Christ. It’s the only relationship you can have that’s everlasting, that doesn’t waver. It won’t grow old and weary over time. It only grows in richness and depth. And it will fill the voids and give you the balance in life that we all search for that can’t be found in new shoes or an expensive car.
Matthew 6:19-20: Lay not up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust does corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust does corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.
Monday, December 14, 2009
100 Days with Jesus -- Do You Know the Difference Between Happiness and Joy?
Day 50
Do you know the difference between happiness and joy? That was the subject of our lesson in Sunday school yesterday and it got me to thinking. Aren’t they both similar emotions? Different words for the same feelings? But I discovered there is certainly a difference.
Happiness comes and goes. It’s an emotional state based on things that are happening in our life. It’s fleeting and is based on how we feel about ourselves or how we think others feel about us. So what’s joy? Joy is the deep rooted knowledge that no matter what happens in life, we will be OK. It’s more than a passing emotion or a feeling. It’s stable and constant but more important is what it’s not. It’s not based on us. It’s based on our walk with God. There’s nothing we can do to be happy all the time but we can have a steady state of joy, even when the worst things in life happen – if that joy is based on the knowledge that we do not walk through life alone but rather with a God that’s greater than us. There’s a world of comfort in that knowledge. I know it to be true from my life’s experience. I’m definitely not happy all the time. But when I have had to face the worst that life has to throw at me so far, I have been grateful that I could still find joy in life, even though it was hard some days. During this holiday season, I hope that you will find joy that will take you past Christmas and beyond.
Do you know the difference between happiness and joy? That was the subject of our lesson in Sunday school yesterday and it got me to thinking. Aren’t they both similar emotions? Different words for the same feelings? But I discovered there is certainly a difference.
Happiness comes and goes. It’s an emotional state based on things that are happening in our life. It’s fleeting and is based on how we feel about ourselves or how we think others feel about us. So what’s joy? Joy is the deep rooted knowledge that no matter what happens in life, we will be OK. It’s more than a passing emotion or a feeling. It’s stable and constant but more important is what it’s not. It’s not based on us. It’s based on our walk with God. There’s nothing we can do to be happy all the time but we can have a steady state of joy, even when the worst things in life happen – if that joy is based on the knowledge that we do not walk through life alone but rather with a God that’s greater than us. There’s a world of comfort in that knowledge. I know it to be true from my life’s experience. I’m definitely not happy all the time. But when I have had to face the worst that life has to throw at me so far, I have been grateful that I could still find joy in life, even though it was hard some days. During this holiday season, I hope that you will find joy that will take you past Christmas and beyond.
Friday, December 11, 2009
100 Days with Jesus -- You Can Never Use All of God Unlimited Resources
Day 49
Last night I was reading a book by Dan Kennedy on secrets to being successful. It’s a book that’s strictly based on business concepts, not biblical, but it’s still a good read and very interesting. He used an analogy in the book that I thought was awesome. He was using it to emphasize the unlimited supply of money and resources for someone that opens their mind. But I immediately saw the implications in God’s unlimited resources and abilities.
Here’s how he explained it. Imagine that 3 people go to the beach in order to scoop up water from the sea. One goes with a spoon, the other with a large bucket and yet another with an empty tanker truck. They all take all the sea water that their equipment will hold and they could have taken as much as they wanted. One walks away with only a spoonful while another has a truckful. Was the ocean depleted in any way by what any of them took away from it? Of course not! It was so small compared to the ocean’s supply, that the ocean was completely unaffected. The supply was only limited by the mind of those that chose to take from it. And it’s the same with God. Sometimes I fail to take everything to the Lord in prayer. I think I can handle it myself or it’s too insignificant to pray about. But I wondered how often I have limited God’s resources or His abilities by not going to Him for help. Just like in the story of the ocean, do I go with a spoon or with a truck to draw from God all that He has to offer? And no matter how much I take from His guidance and wisdom, there’s plenty more left and plenty more for others to use. I can’t use up all that God has to give. It’s about time I lay down the spoon and start backing up the truck!
Last night I was reading a book by Dan Kennedy on secrets to being successful. It’s a book that’s strictly based on business concepts, not biblical, but it’s still a good read and very interesting. He used an analogy in the book that I thought was awesome. He was using it to emphasize the unlimited supply of money and resources for someone that opens their mind. But I immediately saw the implications in God’s unlimited resources and abilities.
Here’s how he explained it. Imagine that 3 people go to the beach in order to scoop up water from the sea. One goes with a spoon, the other with a large bucket and yet another with an empty tanker truck. They all take all the sea water that their equipment will hold and they could have taken as much as they wanted. One walks away with only a spoonful while another has a truckful. Was the ocean depleted in any way by what any of them took away from it? Of course not! It was so small compared to the ocean’s supply, that the ocean was completely unaffected. The supply was only limited by the mind of those that chose to take from it. And it’s the same with God. Sometimes I fail to take everything to the Lord in prayer. I think I can handle it myself or it’s too insignificant to pray about. But I wondered how often I have limited God’s resources or His abilities by not going to Him for help. Just like in the story of the ocean, do I go with a spoon or with a truck to draw from God all that He has to offer? And no matter how much I take from His guidance and wisdom, there’s plenty more left and plenty more for others to use. I can’t use up all that God has to give. It’s about time I lay down the spoon and start backing up the truck!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
100 Days with Jesus -- Wisdom in Our Lives Is Readily Available
Day 48
Most mornings I start out my day asking for wisdom from the Lord to deal with whatever comes my way. I should start every morning this way! Yesterday I was thinking about the value of time and this morning I’m considering the great value in Godly wisdom. After all it takes wisdom to manage the precious gift of time. They go hand in hand.
In Proverbs 8:4 we’re told that wisdom calls out to us. That’s interesting because I never thought of that before. I always thought of wisdom as something that was to be searched for and sought after, that was a scarce commodity, like time. I considered it to be something that was difficult to attain but greatly needed to find contentment in life and that only came with age and time. As I think about it now, I guess that was kind of silly. We have a loving Heavenly Father that desires for us to be all that He created us to be. So, why would he make something so desperately needed, so difficult to attain? He didn’t! Proverbs 8:4-6, which is wisdom speaking to us, says “To you, O men, I call out; I raise my voice to all mankind. You who are simple, gain prudence; you who are foolish, gain understanding. Listen, for I have worthy things to say; I open my lips to speak what is right.” Wisdom in our daily lives is readily available. It’s actually calling out to us to pay attention and to provide us with all the understanding that we need.
I go back to how I started out this morning by asking for wisdom. Yes, I should do this every single day. The Lord has delivered all the wisdom that I need. I just have to reach out and take it!
Most mornings I start out my day asking for wisdom from the Lord to deal with whatever comes my way. I should start every morning this way! Yesterday I was thinking about the value of time and this morning I’m considering the great value in Godly wisdom. After all it takes wisdom to manage the precious gift of time. They go hand in hand.
In Proverbs 8:4 we’re told that wisdom calls out to us. That’s interesting because I never thought of that before. I always thought of wisdom as something that was to be searched for and sought after, that was a scarce commodity, like time. I considered it to be something that was difficult to attain but greatly needed to find contentment in life and that only came with age and time. As I think about it now, I guess that was kind of silly. We have a loving Heavenly Father that desires for us to be all that He created us to be. So, why would he make something so desperately needed, so difficult to attain? He didn’t! Proverbs 8:4-6, which is wisdom speaking to us, says “To you, O men, I call out; I raise my voice to all mankind. You who are simple, gain prudence; you who are foolish, gain understanding. Listen, for I have worthy things to say; I open my lips to speak what is right.” Wisdom in our daily lives is readily available. It’s actually calling out to us to pay attention and to provide us with all the understanding that we need.
I go back to how I started out this morning by asking for wisdom. Yes, I should do this every single day. The Lord has delivered all the wisdom that I need. I just have to reach out and take it!
Monday, December 7, 2009
100 Days with Jesus -- Management of the Precious Gift of Time
Day 47
Last Friday, I was in class all day to get my 8 hours of class room continuing education. I know every year that I must do this and yet I still wait until the last minute to take care of it. It just always seems to come at a time when I’m busy and the good classes are offered in the later part of the year anyway. Yes, I procrastinate. This year the class was partially about good time management, one of my many weaknesses. It’s something that I struggle with and never seem to master.
Time management is important, whether it pertains to business or personal life. I always hear people make comments about not having enough time or trying to ‘buy’ a little more time or as Mamaw would say, “Time’s a wasting!” We know we can’t buy time. If we could, imagine how expensive it would be. The demand is far greater than the supply. So all we can do is manage it better. But first I think we have to realize what a precious gift it is. Each day when we wake up and our feet hit the floor, we’re off and running. We each have the same number of minutes in the day. But isn’t it amazing how much more some people can do with it than others? For me, I think that if I give more thought to the value of each day and how that day can never, ever be replaced, I will honor it more and protect each minute more carefully from things that are useless and unproductive. Our Heavenly Father is a God of order and discipline. It’s evident from the very first chapter of scripture. God created the heavens and earth in an orderly and timely fashion. He values our life and our time. How much more so should I?
Last Friday, I was in class all day to get my 8 hours of class room continuing education. I know every year that I must do this and yet I still wait until the last minute to take care of it. It just always seems to come at a time when I’m busy and the good classes are offered in the later part of the year anyway. Yes, I procrastinate. This year the class was partially about good time management, one of my many weaknesses. It’s something that I struggle with and never seem to master.
Time management is important, whether it pertains to business or personal life. I always hear people make comments about not having enough time or trying to ‘buy’ a little more time or as Mamaw would say, “Time’s a wasting!” We know we can’t buy time. If we could, imagine how expensive it would be. The demand is far greater than the supply. So all we can do is manage it better. But first I think we have to realize what a precious gift it is. Each day when we wake up and our feet hit the floor, we’re off and running. We each have the same number of minutes in the day. But isn’t it amazing how much more some people can do with it than others? For me, I think that if I give more thought to the value of each day and how that day can never, ever be replaced, I will honor it more and protect each minute more carefully from things that are useless and unproductive. Our Heavenly Father is a God of order and discipline. It’s evident from the very first chapter of scripture. God created the heavens and earth in an orderly and timely fashion. He values our life and our time. How much more so should I?
Thursday, December 3, 2009
100 Days with Jesus -- The Sounds of Christmas
Day 46
On the first Wednesday night of each month, our ladies group meets. We have a brief devotion and discuss different ministry projects that we have on our schedule. It’s always a good time of fellowship and we manage to get a lot accomplished. Last night, our devotional was on the subject of Christmas sounds. I hadn’t really thought about it before but there are so many sounds of Christmas that are special to me and bring back memories of my childhood.
One of the things I remember most is this pretty gold, glittery bell that my mom always hung over the bar in the kitchen. The ringer was actually a pull string and when you pulled it, it played Jingle Bells. I recall that we would all pull the string every time we walked by it. I know my mom would get tired of hearing it over and over but yet she would hang it there at Thanksgiving each year, knowing that she would hear it relentlessly until after Christmas. She still has that bell and when I’m at her house, I still can’t resist pulling the string to make it play music. There are many other sounds of Christmas that I love including Christmas carols and all the laughter around the house when we get together.
Imagine what the shepherds heard on that special night when Christ was born. Luke 2:13, 14 says ‘And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.’ Can you imagine what a beautiful sound that was and how glorious it will be to hear the angels singing and praising the Lord when we get to heaven? I plan to enjoy every minute of this Christmas season but know that there will be an endless Christmas when this journey is over!
On the first Wednesday night of each month, our ladies group meets. We have a brief devotion and discuss different ministry projects that we have on our schedule. It’s always a good time of fellowship and we manage to get a lot accomplished. Last night, our devotional was on the subject of Christmas sounds. I hadn’t really thought about it before but there are so many sounds of Christmas that are special to me and bring back memories of my childhood.
One of the things I remember most is this pretty gold, glittery bell that my mom always hung over the bar in the kitchen. The ringer was actually a pull string and when you pulled it, it played Jingle Bells. I recall that we would all pull the string every time we walked by it. I know my mom would get tired of hearing it over and over but yet she would hang it there at Thanksgiving each year, knowing that she would hear it relentlessly until after Christmas. She still has that bell and when I’m at her house, I still can’t resist pulling the string to make it play music. There are many other sounds of Christmas that I love including Christmas carols and all the laughter around the house when we get together.
Imagine what the shepherds heard on that special night when Christ was born. Luke 2:13, 14 says ‘And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.’ Can you imagine what a beautiful sound that was and how glorious it will be to hear the angels singing and praising the Lord when we get to heaven? I plan to enjoy every minute of this Christmas season but know that there will be an endless Christmas when this journey is over!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
100 Days with Jesus -- The Master of Instruction
Day 45
In the 20+ years that I’ve been in businesses, many times I have had the privilege of teaching new comers the ropes. I take this responsibility very seriously and consider it an honor to be able to share what I’ve learned from others and to share what I’ve learned from my own experiences, both good and bad.
It always amazes me to see the difference between someone that’s eager to learn, absorbing as much information as they possibly can, just like a sponge, and those that either resist change or refuse to give up control long enough to be taught. The eager learners always progress so much faster and their success level always far surpasses that of someone that challenges instruction. And it has nothing to do with natural talent or ability. It’s a mind set and heart issue. When the mind and heart are in alignment, it’s really difficult to fail.
But then I think of my own walk with the Lord. He’s the Master of Instruction and has prepared the most marvelous training manual in the history of mankind. Yet sometimes my mind and heart are not eager to learn or to accept the authority of the Father. I’m reluctant to give up control and I don’t always want to know how He says I should do things. I’ll just do it my own way, thank you just the same. Good grief! How foolish is that? There are numerous references to learning and wisdom in scripture. Proverbs 1:5 says ‘A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels’. I have someone that loves me and wants to guide me through life, helping me avoid making huge mistakes or wasting my time with the wrong priorities. God is patient with me, always continuing to teach and instruct. I desire to be a better student myself and to have more patience during those times that I am the teacher.
In the 20+ years that I’ve been in businesses, many times I have had the privilege of teaching new comers the ropes. I take this responsibility very seriously and consider it an honor to be able to share what I’ve learned from others and to share what I’ve learned from my own experiences, both good and bad.
It always amazes me to see the difference between someone that’s eager to learn, absorbing as much information as they possibly can, just like a sponge, and those that either resist change or refuse to give up control long enough to be taught. The eager learners always progress so much faster and their success level always far surpasses that of someone that challenges instruction. And it has nothing to do with natural talent or ability. It’s a mind set and heart issue. When the mind and heart are in alignment, it’s really difficult to fail.
But then I think of my own walk with the Lord. He’s the Master of Instruction and has prepared the most marvelous training manual in the history of mankind. Yet sometimes my mind and heart are not eager to learn or to accept the authority of the Father. I’m reluctant to give up control and I don’t always want to know how He says I should do things. I’ll just do it my own way, thank you just the same. Good grief! How foolish is that? There are numerous references to learning and wisdom in scripture. Proverbs 1:5 says ‘A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels’. I have someone that loves me and wants to guide me through life, helping me avoid making huge mistakes or wasting my time with the wrong priorities. God is patient with me, always continuing to teach and instruct. I desire to be a better student myself and to have more patience during those times that I am the teacher.
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