Monday, February 28, 2005

Monday Morning Encouragement - February 28, 2005

How rested are you this morning? I would guess like me, many of you find that getting adequate rest is hard work in itself. I tend to lean towards the workaholic side of the spectrum. Last night I went to bed with the wheels churning over how to better promote a website…sounds relaxing doesn’t it?

Let’s be honest many of us have forgotten what the weekend was originally intended to be.

Exodus 23:12 (NLT)
"Work for six days, and rest on the seventh. This will give your ox and your donkey a chance to rest. It will also allow the people of your household, including your slaves and visitors, to be refreshed.

Admit it most of us use our weekends to do MORE work. The only difference is that instead of the office we do our work in the yard, under the hood of the car or with a hammer and saw.

Our bodies were not made to go non-stop 24/7/365. A body that lacks in rest will begin to show other signs of its fatigue through illness, irritability and reduced performance. This week I encourage you to build in some down time into your week. You have my permission…take a few hours at some point this week and do nothing. Allow yourself time to be refreshed to just stop and soak in life.
Until next Monday may God’s richest blessings be yours this week.

Monday, February 21, 2005

Monday Morning Encouragement - February 21, 2005

My middle son Collin is in the first grade this year. Every day when I walk him home from the bus, I generally ask him this question: “So what did you learn in school today?” Lately he has been learning new mathematical processes and advancing his reading abilities. Learning is exciting for him and his eyes light up as he discusses a new skill or achievement.

That brings me to a similar question for you: :”What are you learning in the school of life these days?” Learning is meant to be a lifelong process, but many of us left our desire to learn in the closet with our cap and gown the day we graduated. One of the greatest assets a person can have is a teachable spirit. Every day God provides opportunities to teach you and develop you as a person. Think about those around you…who are you learning from? What are you learning?

Proverbs 9:9 (NLT)
Teach the wise, and they will be wiser. Teach the righteous, and they will learn more.

Teaching doesn’t just occur in the classrooms of learning institutions. When we allow ourselves to be teachable it is amazing what we can learn from those God has placed around us. In the last year I have learned new mechanical skills, taken up new hobbies and pushed the limits of my own abilities….just by allowing myself to be a student of others. Each of these lessons has opened new doors in relationships, personal achievement and even job performance.

As you go through this week look for opportunities to expand your horizons. Make it a point to learn at least one new thing each day. Then like Collin, you can beam with excitement over learning something new.

Until next Monday, may God’s richest blessings be yours this week.

Monday, February 14, 2005

Monday Morning Encouragement - February 14th

Today is Valentine’s Day and for many it will be a day of cards, candy, flowers and romance. The theme of the day is love, but what exactly is love. Love can take on many meanings, depending on how it is expressed.

Did you know that there are actually three words in the Greek language that translate into our English word “love?” Each of these words conveys a different meaning, level of affection and level of commitment.

The Greek word “phileo” is where we get the word “Philadelphia” from. This word describes a brotherly love. This would be the kind of love two friends have for each other.

The Greek word “eros” is where we get the word “erotic” from. This word describes a sexual love. This tends to be the definition of love that we are bombarded with in our culture.

The final Greek word is “agape” and it describes sacrificial love. In the Greek texts of the Bible the word agape is used to describe God’s love for us.

True love is all about sacrifice. Love doesn’t look inwardly, but instead places greater value on the life of another. Look at what the Bible has to say about love:

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NLT)

[4] Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud [5] or rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged. [6] It is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. [7] Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

John 15:12-13 (NLT)
I command you to love each other in the same way that I love you. [13] And here is how to measure it—the greatest love is shown when people lay down their lives for their friends.

Today is a day in which tokens of our love are given, but I encourage you to think of every day as Valentine’s Day. Every day is an opportunity to put the needs of someone else before your own needs and desires. Every day is a day to show kindness, patience, mercy and grace.

Consider today some ways that you can lay down your life for the benefit of someone else. Here are some ideas:
Let someone else have that parking space
Carry someone’s groceries
Have a friend over for dinner
Visit someone in nursing home
Visit someone in the hospital

Until next Monday, may God’s richest blessings be yours this week.

Friday, February 11, 2005

The ups and downs of raising a teenager

I just got my final cell phone bill from my former cell phone provider. I'm looking at the bill and I see over $6 in charges for AOL instant messenger in one day. I quit using that cell phone in mid December and gave it to my son until he got his new cell phone for Christmas. When I asked Christopher about the charges, he said he had let one of his buddies play with the phone....of course I came unglued. Now bear in mind I just shelled out an extra $50, because Christopher used up his 400 minute allotment in 10 days by playing the video games on his phone.
Now...my parents assure me that I used to do alot of dumb stuff when I was his age too...althought I have no memory of it...but it sure does seem like he can't do something goofy without it costing money these days. I sure am glad he is wanting to get a job, because he's going to need it just to keep up with the expenses of his poor decisions.
In spite of it all, I am enjoying being his dad more now than I ever did. Christopher if you're reading this...I love you!!!

Monday Morning Encouragement from Feb. 7

Last night, like many of you, I watched the New England Patriots win their 3rd Super Bowl in 4 years. One of the main factors in the Patriots success on the football field has been their deep rooted team philosophy. In recent weeks I have heard many sports analysts talk about the high value of teamwork that is esteemed by the coaching staff and players in the Patriots organization.

The concept of teamwork isn’t just critical on the football field, but is also vital to life. Too many of us are trying to make it through life with a Lone Ranger mindset, and yet we forget that even the Lone Ranger had Tonto by his side. Consider these reflections from the Bible:

Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NLT)
A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.

God never intended for you to go it alone. He has placed key people in your life who can help to strength you as you run the race of life. Unfortunately many times we ignore or altogether reject the help that God has placed around us. When trials come we get beaten up heavily, because there is no one at our back and no one by our side. When we get weary there is no one going shoulder to shoulder with us to help carry us through.

Today think about the people that God has placed around you. Who are your team mates? Identify those who can mentor you and look for opportunities to mentor others. In this game of life God has surrounded you with people who can help you to finish well. Go Team!!!

I finally got around to doing this!!!

I've been intrigued by the idea of blogging for quite sometime. I've published two books of which I've sold only one copy and given away about 300. So since I'm way too charitable to be a best "selling" author, I figure why not use the net to spread deep thoughts, humor and some good cheer.

I will be adding my Monday Morning Encouragment each week that I send out to the folks from my church.

I look forward to your feedback.