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Consider This For Your New Year…

January 1, 2012 in Determination, Life, Perspective, True Stories with 0 Comments

At first glance, I didn’t think it was weird to see someone in the gym on crutches because the gym is a perfect place for those who are attempting to rehabilitate from an accident or injury; however, my second glance revealed that this was not a normal injury.  The man only had one leg.  I’ve seen some unique things at the gym over the past year, but this situation really made me think.  Was it an accident?  Was it a war-related injury?  Was it caused by sickness or disease?  I know it is not polite to stare, but I did.  I was curious.  What can a guy with only one leg do in a gym?  I watched as he moved from one weight machine to another, developing the other muscles in his body.  It was pretty amazing.

This guy possessed something all of us need to practice this coming year.  Instead of focusing on what I don’t have or what has been taken away, I will use what God has given me.  In a world that is always in pursuit of what they don’t have, maybe it is time to finally forget what cannot be changed and determine to do my best with I have.  You may be entering this year with less faith and more scars…fewer accomplishments and more regrets.  You have two choices: live another year mourning what is missing or live this year developing those things which are certain.

Who is To Blame For This?

August 30, 2011 in Perspective, True Stories with 0 Comments

During my senior year of high school I noticed that I was having some problems seeing so my parents scheduled an appointment with the eye doctor.  It was a miserable test because he made me read off of a chart (that I couldn’t read) and then conducted a test where I was to keep my eye open while a machine blew a powerful burst of air into my eye.  The first puff of air was not too bad because I didn’t know what to expect, but keeping my eye open a second time was dreadful.  After completing the testing, the doctor informed me that I needed to wear glasses and so from that day forward I have always worn glasses or contacts.  Since I am near-sighted, wearing some sort of corrective lens is imperative, especially when I drive…ESPECIALLY when I drive.  Hold that thought.

A couple weeks ago our electricity went out very early in the morning so I had to get ready to go to the gym in the dark; actually, I used a flashlight app on my phone to provide some light in the bathroom, but it was still difficult to see.  I felt like I was back in the days of Little House on the Prairie, although I was disappointed not to see Laura Ingalls.  When I finished getting ready, I headed out to my car and began driving down the street.  It was very difficult to see and I even remember saying to myself, “Man, it is dark out here!”  Yes, I talk to myself.  In a matter of seconds, I thought of three potential things that made it difficult to see.  First, I figured the power outage had caused the streets to become dark, which made it difficult to see.  Second, I also thought my difficulty in seeing may have been due to what appeared to be a thick fog settling on our neighborhood.  Third, I believed the headlights to my car were not turned on.  I soon discovered that none of these “outside factors” was causing my inability to see.  The problem was me.  In the morning rush, I forgot to put my contacts into my eyes.

Isn’t it amazing how often we blame “outside factors” for our adversity when we may be the one to blame?  Since the beginning of human history, individuals are accustomed to blaming something or someone else instead of examining their own heart to see if the blame lies within.  Rather than blaming your marriage, your church, your upbringing, your financial circumstances, or your bad luck, you may need to take an honest look into your own heart to see if you are really the one to blame.

How Do I Look?

March 28, 2011 in Judging, Perspective, True Stories with 0 Comments

I’d hate to have that job.  As I zoomed by on the highway, I saw a truck that was attempting to tow a relatively brand new RV.  The tow  truck was much smaller than the RV so I was amazed that this was possible.  I would just hate to be the guy responsible for towing that huge vehicle!  A couple miles down the road I passed an old, beat up RV speeding down the other side of the highway.  The outside was decorated with an ugly shade of brown and probably had a western mural painted on the backside but it was running, unlike the brand new one I’d seen earlier.  What was the difference?  I can’t say for sure, but sometimes I wonder if we place too much emphasis on what is seen rather than what is not seen.  Although the new RV looked clean on the outside, it is quite possible that the hidden parts had not been well maintained.  The opposite would be true for the RV from the 1970′s.  Even though the outside was a little dated, I’m confident that the hidden parts had been well managed.

All of us spend an inordinate amount of time maintaining what is seen, but how much time is dedicated to what cannot be seen?  The appearance of the body has become more important than the maintenance of the heart.

Checking Insanity Off the List

November 30, 2010 in Attitude, Determination, Perspective, Thoughts with 1 Comment

Necessary tasks are not always enjoyable.  Changing a diaper, doing homework, exercising, taking out the trash, paying bills, shoveling snow, and [you fill in the blank] are not things I would stand in line to do.  These tasks are boring, somewhat unfulfilling, and often frustrating.  I’m sure you can relate; in fact, the unfinished tasks on your to-do list are probably still unchecked because they are not enjoyable.  Since all of us are regularly faced with undesirable duties, how can we accomplish them without losing our sanity?  Here are a couple things I have learned about making necessary tasks more enjoyable.

If possible, always do the most unenjoyable tasks FIRST.  Since they will eventually need to be done, you are better off getting them out of the way first.  This will hopefully remove dreadful feelings as you perform other assignments.

Think positive.  I know this may seem a little touchy-feely, but I really mean this.  Complaining and whining only make matters worse.  Remember Paul’s words in Philippians 2:14, “Do everything without complaining and arguing….”

Ask for help.  Sometimes you need outside help to maintain a right attitude and proper focus.  Personally, I think pausing for a brief moment of prayer helps my attitude.  You may also want to enlist someone to hold you accountable for performing certain tasks with a right heart attitude.

What do you do to make unenjoyable tasks more enjoyable?

Living Life at a Snail’s Pace

November 1, 2010 in Contentment, Determination, Leadership, Life, Perspective, Prayer, Thoughts, Wisdom with 2 Comments

What do you do when progress is slow?  The relationship isn’t moving fast enough.  The business is lacking customers.  Your church isn’t growing as fast as the one down the street.  The frustrating habit hasn’t been broken.  An unmet desire seems unreachable.  Your prayer is yet to be answered.  Your day job has taken time away from your passion.  When these situations occur, you need to ask yourself five honest questions.

  • Is it worth it? If the final result is important, stick with it…no matter what.  Although your strategy may need to change from time to time, you should chase after goals that will pay off in the end.
  • Do I need help? No one likes to ask for help, but all of us need it at certain points of our life.  There are plenty of people who can relate to your circumstance, so why not learn from them?
  • Should I take a break? A day off or change in schedule can often break up the monotony and provide your mind a much needed rest.  If taking a day off or getting away doesn’t fit into your schedule, set aside some time for prayer or meditation.  Alone time with God has a unique way to refocus priorities.
  • Is there a better way? If you have determined that your goal is worth it, does your approach need to be adjusted?  You may have become immune to the strategy.
  • Am I being impatient? Anything worth attaining is worth the wait.  Reaching a goal often requires hard work, endurance, and patience.  Overnight success is the exception, not the rule.

Progressing at a slow rate is not always a negative thing.  Use the time as an opportunity to ask yourself some honest questions.

Monday Morning Hangover

October 18, 2010 in Attitude, Determination, Failure, Faith, Life, Perspective, Relationship with God, The Church, Thoughts, Transformation with 0 Comments

You left church yesterday with the best of intentions, right?  Your Pastor talked about something relevant to your life and you decided to make a change in response to the truth of God’s Word. You really meant it.  This week was going to be different…but then you woke up this morning…Monday morning.  You already feel horrible because you aren’t sure that you can make a change in your life.  Doubt starts creep in and you begin to question if you really meant it.  Before you know it, you have given up and rationalized away those feelings of yesterday.  That morning after feeling is normal for all of us, including me.  So, how do we fight off these feelings and submit to God’s work in our heart?

Feelings must be overtaken by fact.  You may not feel as if you can make the necessary change to walk in obedience to Christ, but the fact is that God “…is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us….” (Ephesians 3:20).  God’s ability to change you far outweighs your feelings of doubt.  If God began a work in your heart yesterday, He is capable of bringing it to pass today.

Yesterday, God laid the foundation.  Today, construction begins.

A Natural Disaster Close to Home

September 29, 2010 in Attitude, Funny Stories, Perspective, True Stories with 0 Comments

Yesterday morning at about 5:00am, a huge crash of thunder shook our house and jolted me from sleep.  I thought we were in the midst of some natural disaster!  In a matter of seconds, our freaked out German Shepherd, Marley, started barking and then our bedroom door flew open and there stood both of our kids.  ”I can’t sleep,” said Tyler.  What he really meant was, “I’m scared!”  Since I had only gotten about 4 hours of sleep, I wasn’t very thrilled with all the commotion.  I told the kids to go get their stuff and sleep on the floor in our room.  They scurried down the hallway and then reappeared with pillows and blankets in hand.  The dog kept whining and barking.  Leah got up to use the bathroom and get the dog settled.  The kids were restless on the floor.  My alarm was waiting to sound at any moment.  I was slightly annoyed.  I prepared myself for a bad day ahead.

It’s amazing how we can allow an insignificant circumstance threaten the quality of our day.  Rather than overlooking the trivial, we are overcome with despair.  Although combating this attitude can be difficult, learning to ignore meaningless interruptions is vital for quality of life.  When you feel the weight of inconsequential obstacles, lighten the load by being consumed with things that really matter.

The D Word

September 27, 2010 in Attitude, Determination, Disappointment, Failure, Family, Funny Stories, Perspective, True Stories with 1 Comment

My son is currently into “customizing” his toys.  Nerf guns, Star Wars Lego characters, and whatever else he can find are in danger of disassembly, a paint job, or being connected together with duct tape.  Although my wife is a little hesitant about him altering his new toys, I’m willing to let him explore his strengths and creativity.  This afternoon he was telling me about his latest project, which required the use of white out on a Lego character.  Of course I cautioned him about the dangers of sniffing white out, even though I think I did it once when I was in the fifth grade.  I also like the smell of Play-Doh and have even been tempted to taste it.  I digress.

After Bible Study concluded tonight, Ty retreated to the basement to “customize” his Lego character.  Thirty minutes passed and he returned to the living room where the rest of us were watching some TV.  First, I checked his eyes to make sure that the white out fumes had not caused disorientation and then I asked him how his Lego customization had turned out.  He said, “It didn’t turn out the way I thought it would.”  I could tell he was disappointed.

There is nothing more frustrating than putting effort into something, only to discover that it didn’t turn out the way you thought it would.  A marriage that ends in divorce…disappointing.  A failed business…disappointing.   A struggling author…disappointing.  An undiscovered musician…disappointing.  A young, passionate church struggling to reach their community…disappointing.  A single mom or dad struggling to make ends meet…disappointing.  An important goal that has not been reached…disappointing.  Financial stability is taking longer than expected… disappointing.

I’m sure I don’t have all the answers to combating disappointment (I still struggle with it), but I do know that there comes a time when you must pick up the pieces and begin again.  Today is that day.  Although you cannot change what has already been, you can change what will be.

“I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry.  He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire.  He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along’” (Psalm 40:1-2)

MapQuesting God

September 22, 2010 in Communication with God, Disappointment, Faith, Fear, God, Life, Perspective, Relationship with God, Thoughts, Tragedy, Trials with 2 Comments

Why does God feel distant?  Why is God remaining silent?  Why does it feel like God has abandoned me?  These are questions I have asked plenty of times since becoming a follower of Jesus.   Typically these questions begin surfacing when an unforeseeable circumstance arises and the outcome cannot be governed by me.  I may pray for divine intervention, but when rescue does not arrive quickly I doubt God’s nearness.  I may search the Scriptures for peace, but when the answer is not clear I am overcome with confusion and bitterness.  I may seek wise counsel for clarity, but when the explanations are unsatisfactory I am filled with uncertainty.

I’ve been contemplating this dilemma lately.  Is there a way that these questions can be reconciled?  I believe there is a clear answer.  My feelings do not determine truth. In other words, the way I feel is not an accurate reflection of reality.  David, under inspiration of the Holy Spirit, wrote these words in Psalm 37:25, “Once I was young, and now I am old.  Yet I have never seen the godly abandoned….”  According to Scripture, God NEVER forsakes or abandons the righteous.  Although I may feel alone in my circumstance, the truth is that God will NEVER leave me.

God’s proximity is not measured by my perspective, but by His promise.

Are Christians Suspicious?

November 16, 2009 in Character, Christians, Judging, Perspective, Random Thinking, The Church, True Stories with 0 Comments

Do I really look that suspicious? Really? Somebody thinks I do. It all started the other day when I had to stop by Wal-Mart to pick up a few basic things. I wasn’t inside too long before I was checking out and then heading out the automatic doors into the parking lot; however, as I exited the store, an armored truck guard must have also exited at the same time as me through the doors right next to me. We were now walking kind of parallel to each other. I finally noticed him because he was eyeing me. At first I did not realize who he was, but as soon as I saw him carrying a bag (probably full of money) and sporting a gun, I assumed he was not your friendly Wal-Mart greeter. I think what threw him off was the fact that I reached into my back pocket to retrieve my phone, but he must have assumed from my lighting fast moves that I was packing heat! His step quickened and the heavy truck door was thrown open and he disappeared into the great unknown…keeping his eye on me until the very last moment. The only thing that could have possibly made me look suspicious is the fact that I have a beard and was wearing a TOMS Shoes hat because all thieves have beards and wear hats!

I really hate it when people look at me suspiciously, especially when I know I haven’t done anything wrong. If I have done something wrong, that’s a different story. In my opinion, Christians are often on the suspicious list.

In your opinion, what makes Christians look suspect?

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