When my businesses started folding one by one, my stress an anxiety level morphed into a time of striving. What I mean by that is I would look at any and every opportunity to make a buck. Everything was hard. Many times I was driving hundreds of miles away to do whatever it was for however long the job took.
When something unusual happens in our daily life experience, that's an indicator that it is a time to tune in our spiritual antennae. God is often at work.
"So I gave you a land on which you did not toil and cities you did not build; and you live in them and eat from vineyards and olive groves that you did not plant" (Josh 24:13).
I'll be the first to tell you that a month ago, I didn't have a clue about the advertising business, yet here I am blessed with a book of business, I did not build.
The people of Israel conquered the Promised Land as a result of obedience, not sweat, toil, or natural talent. God desires to give us fruit from our calling when we fulfill the unique purpose for which He made us. We will not have to manipulate the outcome.
As I learn again, to abide completely in His presence and purpose for my life, I realize His nature is to do exceedingly, and abundantly beyond what I can think or imagine.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Be Transformed
...So let mercy come, and wash away, what I've done...linkin park
...Don't be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind...Romans 1:1,2
...Love the Lord your God with all your Heart, Mind, Soul, and Strength...Mark 12:30
I remember as a child in Minnesota, gathering up caterpillars on milkweed plants that would morph into the majestic Monarch Butterfly. It's a complete change from an ugly green worm to a gold and black beauty. And then just to see them struggle to escape the cocoon, I was compelled to help. Little did I know at the time that my idea of being helpful, only proved to be harmful.
Sometimes the transformation can be painful; constantly being reminded of who we were requires us to renew our minds daily. Many times thoughts determine actions, and why it's so important our thoughts line up with God's...All the time. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHsYOtQIlT4
...Don't be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind...Romans 1:1,2
...Love the Lord your God with all your Heart, Mind, Soul, and Strength...Mark 12:30
I remember as a child in Minnesota, gathering up caterpillars on milkweed plants that would morph into the majestic Monarch Butterfly. It's a complete change from an ugly green worm to a gold and black beauty. And then just to see them struggle to escape the cocoon, I was compelled to help. Little did I know at the time that my idea of being helpful, only proved to be harmful.
Sometimes the transformation can be painful; constantly being reminded of who we were requires us to renew our minds daily. Many times thoughts determine actions, and why it's so important our thoughts line up with God's...All the time. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHsYOtQIlT4
Seeking Balance
So I'm writing this from Starbucks this morning. I just happen to be sitting at one of those tables where one of the four legs are well, off a bit. Every time I shift my weight, the table wiggles; the coffee spills, luckily, not all over my suit.
Like a table or chair, four areas in each of our lives tend to be centered around the Physical, Social, Emotional and Spiritual activities--Walkers, Talkers, Criers, and Liars.
We all seek balance in our lives, and more likely than not, we all lean to one personality over another. I know guys who go overboard at the gym; I know some who are the life of the party, and those who who rather read Phychology Today...all day. And yes, even Spiritually, I know some who spiritualize everything....the devil made me do it!
Fact is none of us are the same, different combinations of life types make the world go round with difference. Cookie-cutter doesn't cut it.
Romans 12:6 (New International Version)
6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.
Yes, I'm different than you and your different than your boss, spouse, sibling, or friend. We can't all be a hand or a foot. The Bible says ALL of us make up the church.
Darn...Just spilled on my shoe!
Like a table or chair, four areas in each of our lives tend to be centered around the Physical, Social, Emotional and Spiritual activities--Walkers, Talkers, Criers, and Liars.
We all seek balance in our lives, and more likely than not, we all lean to one personality over another. I know guys who go overboard at the gym; I know some who are the life of the party, and those who who rather read Phychology Today...all day. And yes, even Spiritually, I know some who spiritualize everything....the devil made me do it!
Fact is none of us are the same, different combinations of life types make the world go round with difference. Cookie-cutter doesn't cut it.
Romans 12:6 (New International Version)
6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.
Yes, I'm different than you and your different than your boss, spouse, sibling, or friend. We can't all be a hand or a foot. The Bible says ALL of us make up the church.
Darn...Just spilled on my shoe!
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
I'm Sorry
Perception is often each person's reality whether that reality is true or not. Your perception of a situation is going to dictate your response more than the actual reality of it.
"Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom" (James 3:13-14).
Had an issue yesterday where I unintentionally called on a customer who uses another sales rep from the company....I got called in and reprimanded by my manager, and offered up an apology along with a" it won't happen again."
We all see things through our own set of glasses at times. Men view things differently than women. Bosses see things differently than employees. One ethnic group will see a situation totally different than another. Our life experiences, our past treatment of circumstances and our personalities all contribute to how we view situations in daily life.
Whenever conflict arises from viewing things differently there is really only one way to resolve the difference. Usually the other person is offended by the tone of the other more than the position that is taken. If the other person is offended, we can only offer a few words: "I'm sorry.
"Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom" (James 3:13-14).
Had an issue yesterday where I unintentionally called on a customer who uses another sales rep from the company....I got called in and reprimanded by my manager, and offered up an apology along with a" it won't happen again."
We all see things through our own set of glasses at times. Men view things differently than women. Bosses see things differently than employees. One ethnic group will see a situation totally different than another. Our life experiences, our past treatment of circumstances and our personalities all contribute to how we view situations in daily life.
Whenever conflict arises from viewing things differently there is really only one way to resolve the difference. Usually the other person is offended by the tone of the other more than the position that is taken. If the other person is offended, we can only offer a few words: "I'm sorry.
Come Along Side
Hebrews 12:12-13 (New Living Translation)
12 So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. 13 Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.
Isn't this verse what it's really all about in a nutshell while here on earth. Coming along side someone in need or having you and I go through things in our lives we don't fully enjoy at the present time, in order to help others going through something we are or have gone through already.
One of my strengths or gifts is that of hospitality and generosity. Of course, of the ladder, I'm still hoping and praying to be back in that type of position to be able to fully employ that aspect once again.
12 So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. 13 Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.
Isn't this verse what it's really all about in a nutshell while here on earth. Coming along side someone in need or having you and I go through things in our lives we don't fully enjoy at the present time, in order to help others going through something we are or have gone through already.
One of my strengths or gifts is that of hospitality and generosity. Of course, of the ladder, I'm still hoping and praying to be back in that type of position to be able to fully employ that aspect once again.
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