To glorify God by being a faithful steward of all entrusted to us. To have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A.
That is the mission statement for Chick-fil-A . Always closed on Sunday's; Truett Cathy the owner has always honored God by having all his employees off to enjoy Faith, Family and Friends. He wouldn't ask his employees to do anything he wouldn't do himself, and since he teaches Sunday School on Sundays for the past 50 years, he is determined to never be open Sundays.
He believes one of the reasons his chain is so successful is that since 1946 he has put God first willingly knowing that he is missing out on about a 20% business loss. Truett says "I believe God gives life recommendations not to make life harder but to make it better...This is the formula God has given us to succeed rather than to work seven days a week and miss the blessing."
"We have to ask ourselves what's really important, I've seen people very successful in business be a total flop in relationships with their families and marriages and other important things in life."
We work hard, we sacrifice as we expend energy trying to become financially successful; along the way we are anxious to give our kids material things we never had, while failing to give them what's really important, right? At some point we refocus our efforts on significance; giving our experience, time, talent, and energy toward making a difference, and finally, in leaving a legacy.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
7 minutes of Glory and A Sloppy Wet Kiss
As the sun was coming up over the distant hills behind me, I was listening to my ipod, specificaly some worship songs when I came across these songs. I wanted to see if there were any corresponding videos...hope you have some headphones handy...and maybe some kleenex.
Here it is; enjoy the next 7 minutes...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOY0mjjmx8Y
And then if you have just a couple more minutes; check out this one
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDDImDqR9uA&feature=related
Here it is; enjoy the next 7 minutes...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOY0mjjmx8Y
And then if you have just a couple more minutes; check out this one
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDDImDqR9uA&feature=related
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Pocketful of Acorns
When the kids were little, we went up to the local mountains so they could play in the recent snow. amongst the towering oaks and pines, were little squirrels gathering up as many acorns as they could possibly fit in their little cheeks. I picked up a pocketful of acorns and stuffed them in my jacket pocket. I wanted to plant them on the property when we got home.
Out of a pocketful, only one ever grew; now, 10 years later, it is just now looking like a tree that birds can hang out in. They all got water, soil, and sunshine. Maybe some did start to grow, but got choked with weeds, or eaten by critters, don't really know.
Bing Crosby used to visit the hotel I worked at decades ago. Every time I saw him, I was constantly reminded of his song in "Rudolph" where the abominable snowman would start to "Put one foot in front of the other, and soon you'll be walking out the door."
Isn't our Christian life like that? We're not really expected to run a marathon at age 2, The giant oaks don't grow to be massive over night. Each takes time. The strongest oaks are the ones that have seen fire, and flood, intense wind, times of drought, while for a moment, the times are tough, those roots grow strong.
We all grow at different paces, all experience drought, all have to fight off the storms of life, the weeds that can entangle and choke us of what God intends. I like what Dr Flores says "There aren't good Christians and bad ones, only growing at different paces still with poopy pants...compared to my wife, she's like Mother Teresa...only Hotter!"
Out of a pocketful, only one ever grew; now, 10 years later, it is just now looking like a tree that birds can hang out in. They all got water, soil, and sunshine. Maybe some did start to grow, but got choked with weeds, or eaten by critters, don't really know.
Bing Crosby used to visit the hotel I worked at decades ago. Every time I saw him, I was constantly reminded of his song in "Rudolph" where the abominable snowman would start to "Put one foot in front of the other, and soon you'll be walking out the door."
Isn't our Christian life like that? We're not really expected to run a marathon at age 2, The giant oaks don't grow to be massive over night. Each takes time. The strongest oaks are the ones that have seen fire, and flood, intense wind, times of drought, while for a moment, the times are tough, those roots grow strong.
We all grow at different paces, all experience drought, all have to fight off the storms of life, the weeds that can entangle and choke us of what God intends. I like what Dr Flores says "There aren't good Christians and bad ones, only growing at different paces still with poopy pants...compared to my wife, she's like Mother Teresa...only Hotter!"
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Peace Please
Ever take notice to how easy it is to take God for granted? Way too many things interrupt awareness of Him. We are all about the senses; we live in a world of sight and sound that stimulate and overwhelm the senses. The key then, is to tune in to what's happening around us. He says to seek Him first, meditate on Him, His ways, and His Word.
Without forethought to what happens around us, unexpected events tend to throw us off course right? I bet He loves nothing more than to hear from us through anything and everything that competes for our attention. This allows Him to share in new found joys, and sad sorrows allowing Him to work through us while sharing the peace only He can give.
Without forethought to what happens around us, unexpected events tend to throw us off course right? I bet He loves nothing more than to hear from us through anything and everything that competes for our attention. This allows Him to share in new found joys, and sad sorrows allowing Him to work through us while sharing the peace only He can give.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Life as a Fantasy
I almost drafted "T.O" in Fantasy Football last year. After 12 rounds, he was still there. Surely some team would take a flyer and pick him up after having a pretty good year. Nope. No takers. When reading reasons why from Football GM's, many of the responses were of the same ilk...."He's ego-centric, not a team player." "He's a cancer to the locker room." "While he may make some great plays, not worth the risk for team damage control."
David Robinson, former NBA star said this "NBA Championship teams have this in common: They play on the same team with one goal in mind. Each player contributes his own gifts and efforts so that the greater goal- winning- can be reached. But players who seek there own glory tend to drive the team away from success. The goal is not for our own glory. In fact, trying to make life all about us pushes happiness out of reach"
It's the me first, or me-centric thinking that can take a toll on our families, businesses and marriages. For some, life's troubles, trials and tribulations, can be magnified when the belief becomes rampant that life is all about them.
In Marriage we're on the same team. Expectations can run high, so can emotions when expectations aren't met. A house divided against itself cannot stand; so together, work towards the goal with the end in mind.
David Robinson, former NBA star said this "NBA Championship teams have this in common: They play on the same team with one goal in mind. Each player contributes his own gifts and efforts so that the greater goal- winning- can be reached. But players who seek there own glory tend to drive the team away from success. The goal is not for our own glory. In fact, trying to make life all about us pushes happiness out of reach"
It's the me first, or me-centric thinking that can take a toll on our families, businesses and marriages. For some, life's troubles, trials and tribulations, can be magnified when the belief becomes rampant that life is all about them.
In Marriage we're on the same team. Expectations can run high, so can emotions when expectations aren't met. A house divided against itself cannot stand; so together, work towards the goal with the end in mind.
Friday, April 13, 2012
Perspective
Eleanor Roosevelt once said "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."
Whenever you get in a rut, or you feel like things aren't going your way, or you just feel like complaining, sometimes all we need is a little perspective...
She also said "Life has got to be lived-that's all there is to it!"
Check out this vid'
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DxlJWJ_WfA&feature=youtu.be
Whenever you get in a rut, or you feel like things aren't going your way, or you just feel like complaining, sometimes all we need is a little perspective...
She also said "Life has got to be lived-that's all there is to it!"
Check out this vid'
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DxlJWJ_WfA&feature=youtu.be
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Promises, Promises
Excitement...expectation...exasperation...discouragement...disappointmeny...despair...
That's the progression when we wait for something we fervently want or expect, only to wind up with something else--It's that something else that is the curve ball. It's times like these when worry, doubt, anxiety, and the ilk can overtake us emotionally and create a sense of self doubt and worth.
Francis Chan once said "Worry implies that we don't quite trust that God is big enough, powerful enough, or loving enough to take care of what's happening in our lives." Later he goes on to say "Stress suggests that the things we are involved with are important enough to merit our impatience, our lack of grace toward others, and out tight grip of control. Basically communicating that it's OK to sin by not trusting God because the stuff I'm going through is somehow exceptional."
Another one of those Aha moments right. I am guilty as charged. The reality is we serve a God who is all powerful, all knowing, and everywhere all at the same time. (Psalms 139) He's a sun and a shield-our light in this dark world and protector. (Ps 84:11) And that at any time He can do exceedingly abundantly more that we can ask or think! (Eph 3:20.) We can rest in the promise of his peace in lieu of anxiety (Phil 4:6-8)
Oswald Chambers, another favorite read of mine says "Take no thought of your life...what you eat or drink...Don't take the forethought on yourself. It is not only wrong to worry, but it is infidelity. Worrying means we don't think God can look after the practical details of our lives." (Matt 6:25-30)
We know that we can be confident and put our faith and trust in God, because He can change any situation no matter how dark or difficult!
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
That's the progression when we wait for something we fervently want or expect, only to wind up with something else--It's that something else that is the curve ball. It's times like these when worry, doubt, anxiety, and the ilk can overtake us emotionally and create a sense of self doubt and worth.
Francis Chan once said "Worry implies that we don't quite trust that God is big enough, powerful enough, or loving enough to take care of what's happening in our lives." Later he goes on to say "Stress suggests that the things we are involved with are important enough to merit our impatience, our lack of grace toward others, and out tight grip of control. Basically communicating that it's OK to sin by not trusting God because the stuff I'm going through is somehow exceptional."
Another one of those Aha moments right. I am guilty as charged. The reality is we serve a God who is all powerful, all knowing, and everywhere all at the same time. (Psalms 139) He's a sun and a shield-our light in this dark world and protector. (Ps 84:11) And that at any time He can do exceedingly abundantly more that we can ask or think! (Eph 3:20.) We can rest in the promise of his peace in lieu of anxiety (Phil 4:6-8)
Oswald Chambers, another favorite read of mine says "Take no thought of your life...what you eat or drink...Don't take the forethought on yourself. It is not only wrong to worry, but it is infidelity. Worrying means we don't think God can look after the practical details of our lives." (Matt 6:25-30)
We know that we can be confident and put our faith and trust in God, because He can change any situation no matter how dark or difficult!
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Wait til Your Father gets Home
I had lunch with my mom the other day, something I try to do once a week. The topic of being a strict parent came up; "Dave, was I a strict mother?" I had to think for a moment before responding with the only experience I could remember of her being really upset with me.
I had just learned how to ride a bike, I was only allowed to ride within eyesight of the house; if I couldn't see the house, I was out of compliance. So I decided to ride three blocks away to my elementary school. On my way back I was met with my mom driving in her car looking for me. "Wait til your father gets home."
Dad gets home; mom and dad have a little pow-wow, then my dad tells me to go to my room. He gets the "wooden spoon" that's when we as kids knew to add an extra pair of undies or two, because the board of education was about to be employed. Then he says the classic line-"This is going to hurt me more than it's going to hurt you."
He hands me the spoon, and tells me he is going to take the punishment for me. I started crying, I knew I was supposed to get the whipping, not him. He insists, I tear more with each swat.
Last weekend was Easter, my dads decision to take my punishment was just a glimpse of what Jesus did for us, for me, for you.
I had just learned how to ride a bike, I was only allowed to ride within eyesight of the house; if I couldn't see the house, I was out of compliance. So I decided to ride three blocks away to my elementary school. On my way back I was met with my mom driving in her car looking for me. "Wait til your father gets home."
Dad gets home; mom and dad have a little pow-wow, then my dad tells me to go to my room. He gets the "wooden spoon" that's when we as kids knew to add an extra pair of undies or two, because the board of education was about to be employed. Then he says the classic line-"This is going to hurt me more than it's going to hurt you."
He hands me the spoon, and tells me he is going to take the punishment for me. I started crying, I knew I was supposed to get the whipping, not him. He insists, I tear more with each swat.
Last weekend was Easter, my dads decision to take my punishment was just a glimpse of what Jesus did for us, for me, for you.
Friday, April 6, 2012
3 Nails 3 Days 1 Way 2 God
It's not about the book, but about the God the book reveals. The Bible
It's not about the box, but about the God the box reveals. The Ark of the Covenant
It's not about the denomination, but about the God the denomination reveals. Legalism
It's not about the religion, but about the God the religion reveals. Love vs Law.
Look, the biggest difference between a religion and a relationship is that religion is all about what you can do or can't do to reach God. Accepting the fact that Jesus was the ultimate sacrifice and accepting the grace through faith that the "work" was done, effectively takes us out of the equation of earning our way to heaven.
As we think about Easter and this song...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ToqOHfxaW_k&feature=relmfu
It's not about the box, but about the God the box reveals. The Ark of the Covenant
It's not about the denomination, but about the God the denomination reveals. Legalism
It's not about the religion, but about the God the religion reveals. Love vs Law.
Look, the biggest difference between a religion and a relationship is that religion is all about what you can do or can't do to reach God. Accepting the fact that Jesus was the ultimate sacrifice and accepting the grace through faith that the "work" was done, effectively takes us out of the equation of earning our way to heaven.
As we think about Easter and this song...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ToqOHfxaW_k&feature=relmfu
Monday, April 2, 2012
Dudes
We all know that whatever we focus our attention on, you generally act on. What you act on daily becomes a habit. I've read where once you do something for 21 straight days, that becomes a habit. Your habits become a signpost for others to see and respond and ultimately point to your destiny. Knowing these tidbits of info and emplying them means that by changing your focus, you can change your life.
Paul writes to the Phillipians in chapter 4:8 "Dudes, whatever is pure, right, admirable and perfect. Anything excellent and above reproach; think on these things, lock it down and be legit."
Wow! Not bad instruction for a letter 2000 years old. I think it's a great habit to emulate.
Paul writes to the Phillipians in chapter 4:8 "Dudes, whatever is pure, right, admirable and perfect. Anything excellent and above reproach; think on these things, lock it down and be legit."
Wow! Not bad instruction for a letter 2000 years old. I think it's a great habit to emulate.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Let's Cruise
Sometimes we get so busy with the performance part of our lives; going to work, running a household, being a husband or wife, parent, and friend, that we forget the most important role we are to play. The role of being God’s chosen child here on this earth. Throughout the day, think of any benefits you may have to being a chosen one? Like Ps 8:5 “crowned us w/ glory and honor.” Favor and honor can be interchanged; James 4 says we have not because we don’t ask and when we do it’s with wrong motives. Many of us today need to ask Him for favor, honor and glory!
I was involved with Campus Crusade for Christ at SDSU in 1980; I remember vividly hearing the story about a guy who has never been on a cruise before saves up for this trip. He brings along a backpack full of cheese, bread and snacks; things he thinks will last him through the cruise to his destination. A few days into it, the bread is getting moldy, the cheese is hard, he’s running low on water…
There are so many benefits to remembering that one simple fact. I am God’s own special child and he loves me unconditionally. He loves me whether I am lovable, grumpy, angry, worried, or depressed. He is always there waiting to have a relationship with me. What an amazing God that has adopted me into his family, if I will only choose to call him Father and live the life He chooses. Like the guy in the story above, while he got to go on the cruise, he failed to enjoy the benefits that come with; all the food (some pretty darn good), beverages, activities. A steward noticed him one day and asked him why he was eating crusty bread? “Didn’t you read the ‘guide’, your cruise come with all the choices of food and drink you want, it’s all part of the package!”
I am in awe of how God loves each one of us distinctly regardless of our circumstances. While our circumstances change from time to time, His love, grace and mercy always abound. Matthew 5:1-12 is a reflection of how deeply God loves each and every one of us, forever and always.
Have you thought about how special you are to God? Remember your uniqueness in God’s eyes and share the love of God with those that maybe aren’t so lovable, but are loved by God.
I was involved with Campus Crusade for Christ at SDSU in 1980; I remember vividly hearing the story about a guy who has never been on a cruise before saves up for this trip. He brings along a backpack full of cheese, bread and snacks; things he thinks will last him through the cruise to his destination. A few days into it, the bread is getting moldy, the cheese is hard, he’s running low on water…
There are so many benefits to remembering that one simple fact. I am God’s own special child and he loves me unconditionally. He loves me whether I am lovable, grumpy, angry, worried, or depressed. He is always there waiting to have a relationship with me. What an amazing God that has adopted me into his family, if I will only choose to call him Father and live the life He chooses. Like the guy in the story above, while he got to go on the cruise, he failed to enjoy the benefits that come with; all the food (some pretty darn good), beverages, activities. A steward noticed him one day and asked him why he was eating crusty bread? “Didn’t you read the ‘guide’, your cruise come with all the choices of food and drink you want, it’s all part of the package!”
I am in awe of how God loves each one of us distinctly regardless of our circumstances. While our circumstances change from time to time, His love, grace and mercy always abound. Matthew 5:1-12 is a reflection of how deeply God loves each and every one of us, forever and always.
Have you thought about how special you are to God? Remember your uniqueness in God’s eyes and share the love of God with those that maybe aren’t so lovable, but are loved by God.
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