Archive for February, 2009
February 26, 2009
· Filed under relationships · Tagged Bible, Christian, decision, folly, foolish, haste, integrity, Jesus, relationships, thorough, wisdom
After a “thorough” investigation, the following was concluded…………….
Sometimes, if we don’t take the time to check things out thoroughly, we can regret it. We might jump into something and find out later that what we participated in, and the people we were involved with, lacked integrity.
What looked good on the outside maybe wasn’t “good” after all. Finding out what the motives were, and the character of the individuals involved could have provided the information that was needed to have made a better decision………….perhaps avoiding whatever it was altogether.
Unfortunately, when we hastily enter into something we shouldn’t, we can get hurt by it later. In the Bible, we are told that “being impulsive exalts folly”.
Before stepping out, take the time to be more “thorough” ………….
……….. be “forewarned” instead of “foolish” !
February 23, 2009
· Filed under relationships · Tagged character, choice, Christian, communication, conclusions, Jesus, love, meaning, offended, personality, relationships, truth
What is the “meaning” of this? Whatever do you mean?
We’ve all used or heard these common phrases. Communicating to others exactly what we really mean can sometimes be difficult. “We” know what we mean, but the other person may perceive the words we choose in a different way.
Sometimes people can be offended by whatever it was we have said. There are also times we do not understand what was said to us, and then we must “choose” if we want to be offended or not………..
Over the years, I have learned to be less sensitive to other people’s remarks. Many times, I have realized that they had no intentions of offending me. It was up to me to clarify what they really meant, and not jump to conclusions.
By paying more attention to the character and personality of the individual speaking to me, I can get a better grasp on what they are really trying to say……………and if it is safe enough to ask for clarification!
When I communicate to others, it helps to be “well-meaning” in the first place. Jesus tells us to love others as we love ourselves. He also reminds us that our “yes be yes” and our “no be no”………..
so be sure to “say what you mean” and “mean what you say” !
February 19, 2009
· Filed under thoughts · Tagged Christian, Creator, God, Jesus, Lord, plan, purpose, Savior, talent, truth
I often hear people say it is hard to be “themselves”.
In our society, it has become increasingly difficult to be yourself. Many times we find ourselves trying to be like someone else, or look like someone else.
Troubled childhood experiences can add to our distorted view of ourselves. People may have labeled us as “stupid”, or “ugly”. Sometimes we carry these false labels around our entire lives.
When we receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior, our Creator God gives us the discernment we need to realize the truth. We find out that “He” created us for a plan and a purpose. He gave us specific talents designed for His plan for our lives. He takes pleasure in watching us use these special talents.
Then we can truly be…………….ourselves !
February 16, 2009
· Filed under thoughts · Tagged atmosphere, Bible, Christian, entertainment, inspiration, life, medicine, moods, music, truth, worship
Music is “medicine”.
Our moods can be greatly influenced by different types of music. “Heavy metal” can actually create a feeling of heaviness. Wild “rock and roll” can create a wild and tense atmosphere. On the flip side, soothing symphonic instrumentals can soothe the soul. The comedian Steve Martin once used a happy banjo tune to create a funny light mood even while the lyrics stated that “your house just burned down” !
All in all, we are responsible for our choices of music. Many times, altering our choice could help to create a better atmosphere, not only for us, but for others around us.
In the Bible, there are many accounts of how music was used for worship, celebrations, and even for soothing mental disorder. Throughout the ages, and still today in our time, music “plays” an important role in our lives. We can be inspired by it………but also brought down by it.
Use it wisely – and “play on” !
February 14, 2009
· Filed under thoughts · Tagged Christian, God, life, love, truth
This day will end, but our love doesn’t !
God Bless You All !
February 13, 2009
· Filed under thoughts · Tagged Christian, forever, Jesus, life, love, unconditional
I will love you “forever”.
So often these words are spoken. They are easy to say, especially when we are feeling good. But what happens on a “bad hair day” ?
Our love is put to the test on the days we “don’t” feel good. In the Bible, we are told about perfect love………it bears all things, endures all things, “never” fails…..it is “unconditional”. This can be a tall order when the frustrations of life are also on the “bill”.
Unconditional love just doesn’t happen by itself. We have to look past the imperfections of others (and ourselves). Jesus modeled for us what unconditional love really is – to lay down one’s life for another, regardless of who we are, or what we’ve done.
Jesus did that for me, and for the world. His love is real……..
……………and forever.
February 11, 2009
· Filed under relationships · Tagged attention, Christian, eternity, Father, focus, grandson, Jesus, Lord, love, Savior, Son, special, time, waffles
Our three year old grandson loves to help make waffles. Sometimes we’ll have them for dinner. Using the waffle maker intrigues him, especially the little green light that comes on when the waffle is done.
Spending time together is what makes this so special. He gets a chance to be the focus of our attention, and that makes “him” feel special.
Being the focus of attention from someone we love is not just for three year olds. Frankly, we all want love and attention no matter what our age. Feeling special puts a whole new spin on our daily existence. Everybody wants to feel loved.
Our Heavenly Father considers each one of us to be very special. He loves us so much, He sent His Son, Jesus, to die for us ……..so that if we receive Him as our Lord and Savior, we could spend all of eternity with Him. He wants to be with us…… forever.
Knowing that I am so deeply loved, makes me feel special…….every day !
February 9, 2009
· Filed under relationships · Tagged agenda, free, God, honesty, Jesus Christ, life, love, manipulation, relationship, truth
Have you ever felt manipulated?
Our society is filled with manipulation tactics. Business advertisements claim “free” products or services to get our attention. Friendly people approach us with hidden agendas. Sometimes we are used for what we know, or what service we can render, without being compensated.
Finding out we were manipulated carries with it a sense of dishonesty. Somehow, we weren’t shown or told the truth. It can be an unpleasant experience.
In life, truthful relationships without manipulation are sometimes hard to find. Thankfully, we have a God who “openly” tells us about, and ”freely” offers to us an everlasting relationship with Jesus Christ. It is “never” based on manipulation, hidden agendas………it is solely based on love……..
…………and it really “is” free !
February 6, 2009
· Filed under relationships · Tagged balloons, choice, coffee, desert, fun, happiness, heart, Jesus Christ, joy, Lord, mind, Savior, strength
Balloons are fun !
On many mornings I have the pleasure of watching the giant hot air balloons float past our house. They come in many bright and festive colors. My favorite is the giant green saguaro cactus with the colors of the southwest desert as the backdrop. As I drink my coffee and watch them go by, I’m thankful that these people take the time and make the effort to bring something happy into our lives.
“Being” happy is another story. We still have to choose whether to be happy or unhappy. It comes down to a state of the mind and heart. Outside circumstances are helpful, but after a period of time, they lose their influence.
Our inner joy has to become the source of happiness. The source of inner joy has to be able to withstand all circumstances. This source comes from a deep relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Through Him, we find the strength and reason for joy in our lives.
Then we can “really” have fun !
February 4, 2009
· Filed under relationships · Tagged compete, complete, different, employee, friendship, marriage, men, power, role, unisex, women
Part of being a woman is letting men be men!
In our society, men’s and women’s roles are becoming “unisex”. I have heard complaints coming from both sexes. Confusion and frustration have caused men and women to either battle with one another, or just give up and look the other way.
Power struggles plague marriages, friendships, and employee relationships. Who should boss who, or do what? Do we really want to share the same responsibilities, perform the same tasks?
No ! Men and women are truly wired differently. They are emotionally and physically set apart. Going against the “nature” of who we are sets us up for aggravation and unhappiness.
The research is out there to help us realize and accept our differences. By understanding each other, we can enjoy and appreciate how we can compliment one another.
We can “complete” instead of “compete”………….
