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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?

Top 5 Ways to Finish the Year

November 23, 2010 in Holidays, Life, Thoughts with 1 Comment

I absolutely love this time of the year.  Although the next five weeks are extremely busy, I love every minute of it – the energy, the buzz, the spontaneity, the crowds, and the spirit of the season.  We have already decorated for Christmas, watched Elf, and have spent some time listening to Christmas music on Pandora.  The only thing missing is some snow, but I think it is on the way.  I realize that everyone may not share my sentiment for the holiday season, mostly because of potential stress brought about by this time of year, so I wanted to challenge you with the Top 5 Ways to Finish the Year.

Focus on relationships rather than responsibilities. I understand that you cannot drop all of your responsibilities, but you can prioritize tasks which emphasize important relationships in your life.  Instead of grocery shopping by yourself for all the Thanksgiving food, call a friend and go shopping together.

Do something spontaneous. A little spontaneity can create lasting memories.  Wake the kids up after they have gone to bed and drive around looking at Christmas lights.  Give an unexpected gift (I can send you my address if you need it).  Do something random for someone you don’t know.

Enjoy the moment. If you are like me, your mind runs 90mph and sometimes I am “there, but not there.”   Do what it takes to set aside work, stressful circumstances, and personal differences in order to be fully present in the moment.  You cannot relive the day so you should make the most of it.

Attempt to restore a broken relationship. Christmas is a time when we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, who brings reconciliation with God to those who receive Him by faith.  If we celebrate forgiveness and restoration during this time of year, why not follow the example of Jesus?

Commit to some changes. The new year is quickly approaching and it is imperative to evaluate what we need to change for the year ahead.  A new start can be the beginning of something great.

Anyone want to join me in committing to one or all of these?  Do you have any to add?

When You Feel Like a Failure…

November 22, 2010 in Failure, God, Relationship with God, Thoughts with 3 Comments

Each day I’m reminded about far I am from actually living up to God’s standards and some days I honestly feel like a failure.  It seems as if I overcome one obstacle just in time for my next weakness to be exposed.  I have confidence that God is working in my life and changing me, but I’m always aware that I have a long way to go.  I’ve become accustomed to feeling a little behind and I believe a lot of Christians feel the same way.  During these times of guilt and frustration, we must remember that God does not love us based on performance.  Performance based love is human.  God’s love is supernatural.  He loves us even though we are not deserving.

Whether you measure up or not, God loves you.

“For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.  But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:6,8

“But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!)” – Ephesians 2:4, NLT

A Holiday Wish

November 16, 2010 in Random Thinking, Thoughts with 1 Comment

This past weekend we decorated for Christmas.  I know Thanksgiving is not here yet, but we have always been early decorators.  Don’t judge us.  Each year we decorate the tree together while the movie, Elf, is playing in the background.  Don’t get me started with funny quotes from that movie – “Code word is ‘Santa’s got a brand new bag.’”  ”You sit on a throne of lies!”  As we were placing the ornaments on the tree, the personalized and handmade ones always get me reminiscing and thinking about how quickly time passes.

1997 – our first Christmas (Leah and I)
2000- Ty’s first Christmas
2002 – Lexi’s first Christmas
2003 – Ty’s first handmade ornament from preschool
2005 – Lexi’s first handmade ornament from preschool
2006 – my family purchases me my first Duke Blue Devil ornament

I cannot believe it is already 2010.  Where did time go?

As we enter into this holiday season, let’s make the most of the time we have with family and friends.  Don’t allow petty differences and personal conflict to interfere with enjoying this very special time of the year!

Light Up The Sky

November 11, 2010 in Music, Thoughts with 0 Comments

I mentioned before that I have really enjoyed the newest Afters release, Light Up The Sky.  Yesterday, I came across the video that they released with the title song off of that CD.  The video told a great story so I thought I would share it with you.  I have also included the lyrics.

When I’m feeling all alone
With so far to go
The signs are no where on this road
Guiding me home
When the night is closing in
Is falling on my skin
Oh God will You come close?

(Chorus)
Light light light up the sky
You light up the sky to show me You are with me
I I I can’t deny
No I can’t deny that You are right here with me
You’ve opened my eyes
So I can see You all around me
Light light light up the sky
You light up the sky to show me
That You are with me

When stars are hiding in the clouds
I don’t feel them shining
When I can’t see You beyond my doubt
The silver lining
When I’ve almost reached the end
Like a flood You’re rushing in
Your love is rushing in

(Chorus)

So I run straight into Your arms
You’re the bright and morning sun
To show Your love there’s nothing You won’t do

(Chorus)

That You are with me
That You are with me

Circumstance 101

November 8, 2010 in Thoughts, Trials, Worry with 1 Comment

There are some things I can control and some things I cannot.  If you are like me, you tend to ignore the controllable circumstances in favor of worrying about uncontrollable circumstances.  It just seems easier.  Worry takes less effort than work.  Developing hypothetical outcomes for the unreachable seems easier than developing solutions for the attainable.  I’m not sure why all of us consistently fall into this exhausting pattern, but I am certain that we must do our best to overcome this inclination.  Here are a few honest questions to help you focus on what can be changed and release the things which cannot.

  • Can the circumstance be changed? Although this may sound like an obvious starting point, most individuals could benefit from wrestling with this question.  You need to come face to face with your answer.  Yes, it can be changed.  No, it cannot be changed.  A positive answer requires a plan of action.  A negative answer requires a release.
  • Should I give the circumstance more time? Some circumstances resolve themselves overnight while others require you to go the distance.  A quick solution may seem desirable, but  quick fixes may allow the circumstance to resurface.  Time can potentially bring clarity and maturity.
  • Have I invited God to take over my circumstance? God must become an active participant in your circumstance.  He may be using your experience to remind you that without Him, you can do nothing.  Why not pray for His personal involvement right now?

Asking these three questions may make the difference in your circumstance.

My Election Predictions

November 2, 2010 in Current Events, Random Thinking, Thoughts with 4 Comments

My prediction for tonight’s election outcome: people will be angry.  No matter what happens in American politics, someone always ends up losing and their supporters will spend the next couple years griping about the outcome.  This same storyline seems to repeat itself following every election in recent years.  In my opinion, politics tends to bring out the very worst in people and often results in immature words being exchanged.  Don’t believe me?  Just switch on any of the major news networks right now.  Someone is probably yelling.  Listen…there is nothing wrong with being passionate about a candidate (or party), but if he or she loses, shake hands with the winner and return to the locker room.  No one likes a sore loser.

On the other hand, no one likes an arrogant winner.  If the candidate whom you voted for wins, by all means, celebrate; but there is no need to be obnoxious.

May all of us practice tact and decency regardless of the election results.  There is no need to turn Washington into a middle school for adults.  There was enough drama in middle school the first time around.

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.

Sleep With Me

October 25, 2010 in Character, Determination, Sin, Temptation, Thoughts, Weakness with 0 Comments

Can you imagine going to work everyday where the boss’s wife begged you to sleep with her?  As awkward as that may sound,  the pages of Scripture reveal a young man named Joseph who faced this exact predicament (Genesis 39).  Each day he clocked into work, his master’s wife attempted to seduce him by saying, “Sleep with me” (39:7).  In my mind, this woman was probably very attractive especially considering that she was married to a powerful man in Egypt.  Men of power most likely married the most attractive women while leaving the ugly ones for the lower class citizens.  Although Joseph had numerous opportunities to sleep with this woman, he modeled excellent character by responding, “Look, my master trusts me with everything in his entire household. No one here has more authority than I do.  He has held back nothing from me except you, because you are his wife.  How could I do such a wicked thing?  It would be a great sin against God” (37:8-9).

Joseph’s response to this seductive woman is worthy of emulation in our own lives.  If you are encountering a barrage of temptation, learn how to walk away.  Although temptation seems irresistible, God promises an escape for those who desire to be obedient to Him.  Pay close attention to Paul’s words to the church at Corinth: “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Temptation promises satisfaction which, in reality, is only found through obedience.

Worth Repeating

October 21, 2010 in Music, Thoughts with 1 Comment

I’ve been listening to the new release from The Afters called Light Up the Sky.  In the song entitled “Start Over,” there are a couple words worth repeating.  Maybe you need to read this today.

“You only fail if you never try.  You never live trying not to die.”

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