I Need a Mulligan

      All of us have experienced times that, we wished we could have a mulligan.  For the non-golfer, it is an opportunity to hit another ball without a penalty.  One asked me last week while trying to play golf, “Why is the second shot always better than the first?”  I like that question better than, “Why didn’t you do that the first time?”  The first question says that I learned from the past and knew how to make the second shot better; the second question keeps one entrenched and focused on the past failures. We know experience is a great teacher; however, experience can be just a memory or a teaching aid for improvements in our life. 

      The New Year is traditionally a good time to assess the past and determine the things that we would like to change.  Beginning again is more than just making a New Year’s resolution.  Resolutions are so easily broken and one starts to feel guilty and disappointed.  We need to look deep into our inner being and see what really matters most to us and determine what we need to do to build a plan from there.  As all of us know, we cannot re-do the past; however, we can create something greater by using the past as a foundation for improvement.  Oliver Wendell Holmes stated, “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”   

      Each of us has opportunities for improvement in 2011. One way to keep us focused is to make a list of course corrections that need to made, make a plan for daily improvements and commit to the plan.  Take the ultimate goal, break it into small segments, and start on road to improvement a step at a time.  It is good to have someone that is responsible to help keep us in check and one to which we are accountable.  Walt Disney said, “All our dreams can come true – if we have the courage to pursue them.”   It is amazing what one is capable of accomplishing when the focus is on the goal and the priorities of one’s life remain unalterable.  Look at this day as the first day of the rest of your life.

       Do not just make a resolution; make a plan and follow it one-step at a time.  Do not be discouraged it you do not see instantaneous results.  Results will come, as you stay focused on the ultimate goal.   Do you need a “mulligan?”  Here is your opportunity; take it!

      Notice what the Apostle Paul wrote: Philippians 3:17-18 “Stick with me, friends.  Keep track of those you see running this same course, headed for the same goal.  There are many out there taking other paths, choosing other goals, and trying to get you to go along with them.  I’ve warned you of them many times; sadly, I’m having to do it again.  All they want is easy street.  They hate Christ’s Cross.  But easy street is a dead-end street.”  The Message Bible

Happy New Year

Merry Christmas

      A story told of a mother who was ironing while her little son was drawing pictures.  The mother asked, "What are you drawing?”  He said, "I'm drawing a picture of God.”  She said, "How can you do that?  Nobody knows what God looks like.”  He said, "They will when I get through!"  Mary and Joseph got the first glimpse of God lying in the manger.  According to the Scriptures, and to use a phrase my parents often used, “He was a spitting image of his father.” 

      However, those around Him would say, “That does not look like God; He is not wrapped in splendor that one would expect of God.  Many would not accept the benefit of the Gift because of the circumstances of His humble beginnings.  It is easy to overlook the greatest things in life and the things that have lasting importance while looking for the spectacular.

      Today, many are trying to change the meaning of Christmas.  Christmas is commercialized; however, the commercialization does not prevent us from holding steadfast to the real reason for the season.  Many in our society continually try to remove Christ from Christmas; and this is something we need to guard against.  Try typing “Christmas” without Christ and all one will get is “mas” with a little red wiggly line under it.  In over two thousands years of adding words to the English language one can only find “mas” used as an acronym.  An acronym for “mas” leaving Christ off is just “Mass, Annual, Socializing.”  It is not a word; therefore, without Christ in Christmas there is nothing left.  Here is part of a Poem, “Saving Christmas” by Paul Boris found in the Daily Sun Newspaper, December 19, 2010.

It’s such a wonderful, magical day…Please don’t let it go away.

We know what Christmas is all about, so let us all stand up and shout.

“A MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL” not “Greeting, have a good day”.

Does our white washed society really wish Christmas away?

Christmas is a reverent season.  Never forget it’s rightful reason

Celebrate His coming.  Follow his teaching.  Remain together, and all keep reaching.

Illustration:  A little boy saying his prayers after a long day of shopping with his mother said, “Dear God, forgive us our Christmases as we forgive those who Christmas against us.”

Luke 2:9-11 “Then the angel said to them,” Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.  For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”  NKJV

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Greatest Gift of Christmas

      Christmas began with the greatest Gift one could ever imagine. This Gift was so significant that it literally changed the world that day.  Hope replaced doom; joy replaced sadness; peace replaced fear, and all because of the Gift of Jesus given to the world.  Many have tried to eloquently define the greatness and value of this Gift.  James Hefley stated, “I am within the mark when I say that all the armies that ever marched, and all the navies that ever were built, and all the parliaments that ever sat, and all the kings that ever reigned, put together, have not affected the life of man upon this earth as powerfully as has that One Solitary Life.”

Life is so busy and we often bypass the joy of Christmas as we try to get through the hustle and bustle of the event.  Many have tried to take real meaning of Christmas and turn it into “just another day.”  Therefore, we each need to ask, “What does Christmas mean to me?”  It is a time for giving and receiving; however, it is a great time to just pause, remember and be thankful for the more important things in life.  It was because of God’s great love for us that He gave His most precious Gift.  Sometimes, the most precious gift we give will not have a price tag attached but wrapped with time and love.  One person when asked by her husband, “What would you like for Christmas?”  Her reply was, “I’d like you to sit down and watch ‘Phantom of the Opera’ with me.”  One child’s request was, “I would like lots and lots of attention.”  We need to pause and value what values most in life!

Christmas is a time to remember the reason behind the birthday celebration.  It is a time to remember the gift of love, joy, peace, comfort, compassion, and other attributes that accompanied the greatest Gift and offer the same to others.  These gifts are most important and more lasting than any gift with a monetary value. A little girl was late coming home and her mother wanted an answer why she was late.  The little girl replied, “I stopped to help Janie, whose bicycle was broken in a fall.”  "But you don't know anything about fixing bicycles," her mother responded.  "I know that," the girl said. "I just stopped to help her cry."   

 “Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measure to you." --Luke 6:38

Dear God, open the eyes of my heart to see the needs of others and show me someone I can help this Christmas. Make me an extension of your love. In Jesus name, I pray. 

Shaped for Significance

Years ago, while teaching an apprenticeship class on clay modeling, we gave the students a sketch and some clay with the assignment to make a three-dimension model.  The sketch was correct and the clay was perfect in texture for shaping.  Some took the time to make it as perfect as possible while others made a model with some resemblance to the sketch, but rudely created. 

Our life is somewhat like the piece of clay.  There was nothing crude or rudely created in our existence; we are one of a kind and ready for shaping to begin.  Unfortunately, we did not come with a set of instructions for a making a perfect model.  Each of us has the personal responsibility to shape our life for significance.  Therefore, choosing deliberately and enthusiastically the influences and core values are important for the ultimate masterpiece.  A great friend once stated, “Creating excellence takes time and the time it takes is worth the excellence obtained.” 

Many try to shape their life through pleasure, riches, position, or fame and, there are moments of significance in these but do not guarantee lasting results.  To have lasting significance one must have a peace of mind, self-respect, enduring, loving relationships and a satisfaction by seeking to become all that one is capable of becoming.  In seeking for a real significance, one needs to consider adding contentment, gratitude, pride and most importantly, the attributes that only come from God to the list.  The search does not preclude ambition to gain material possessions or high positions; however, one must remember that success and significance do not necessarily run parallel to each other.

One has stated, “Feeling successful can generate satisfying emotions of self-worth, but feeling significant or that one's life really matters is much more important.” 

As we search for significance, we must not overlook the value of the simple things in life.  The capacity to care for others often gives life its deepest significance.  At this time of the year, reach out and touch someone and you will begin to realize how significant you are.  Part of a song Mahalia Jackson made very popular years ago states this so beautifully, “If I can help somebody, as I pass along, then my living shall not be in vain.” 

The road of significance is a journey, not a destination.  Therefore, on the road we are traveling, we need to cherish the moment!

Eph 2:10, “For we are God's masterpiece.  He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”  NLT

Life-Changing Days

Standing at the Memorial of the USS Arizona, watching the oily residue coming to the surface, tears filled our eyes.  We could not help but think of the many young men and women who lost their lives that day, those whose lives were scared forever and the pain of the families that also suffered. 

President F.D. Roosevelt stated to the world, “This is a day which will live in infamy.”  So today, we pause to remember the tremendous losses of life (over 2,400) and the other casualties of that day.  December 7, 1941 changed the direction of the world; the following day, President Roosevelt declared war on Japan. 

Many other days in the history of America live in our memory as though they were just yesterday.  We will never forget days like September 11, 2001 and how our lives changed that day.  After nearly ten years, we are still suffering the effects of those events and often pray, “Lord, please do not let us forget the price paid for our continual pursuit of freedom.” We thank God for our resilience to not only return to life but also the determination to use the events to move us to a higher level of excellence. 

Most likely, there are days in each of our lives that changed us forever.  We deal with these “Life Changing Days” differently and either use them to change us for the better or hold us captive.  As we remember, it is good analyze our reactions to these events that have taken place in our life.  Have we allowed them to hold us captive or are we using them as stepping-stones for greater things in our life?  It is never too late to start moving to a higher level and it is “always too soon to quit!”

  Philippians 3:12-14 “I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made.  But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me.  Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus.  I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back.”  Message Bible

Silent Heroes

             

       A story was recently told of a Navy pilot that had flown seventy-five successful missions over Iraq and Afghanistan and was truly a great hero.  On the seventy-sixth mission, ground mortar fire hit his plane and it went down in flames.  The pilot was able to eject from the plane, open his chute, and rescued immediately.

      The people in his hometown had a special day to honor him for his heroic service.  While waiting in a restaurant for the special events, a man came to his table and asked, “Are you the pilot to be honored today?”  He said, “Yes I am.”  “Did your parachute work okay when you ejected from the plane?”  “Of course it did.  If it hadn’t, I would not be here today.”  The man then said, “I’m the one that packed your parachute.”

      Who are the ones in your life that are the “Silent Heroes” and responsible for your success?  It is so easy for us to reach a place in our life that we forget who it was that made a difference and where we would might be without them.  Roger Staubach, “At a car dealership, the person who sells the car is the hero, and also gets the commission.  But if the mechanics don’t service the car well, the customer won’t return.”  It is great to look back and remember all the people that influenced us and if possible, take time to express appreciation in some small way. 

     Isaac Newton, “If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants.”  People need people!  As wise as we may be, we are really the product of those silent heroes that have helped us along.  We are not successful through independence, but through many people in our lives that really were not concerned about who ultimately would get the credit.  When we have success, two things often happen.  The first is that we begin to take success for granted and the second is that we forget how we got here.  Therefore, I ask, “Who packed your parachute?”

1 Cor 3:10 “According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise master builder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon.  But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.”  KJV

Thanksgiving

      What is the meaning of Thanksgiving?  Ask this question and one will hear a variety of answers.  You may hear, a long weekend, the beginning of the Christmas shopping season, tremendous sales, or just “turkey day.”  It is so easy for us to concentrate on the “what” that we forget the “why.”  This is a special day designated to express gratitude and appreciation, especially to God, family and friends for all the blessings that we so often take for granted.  “You simply will not be the same person two months from now after consciously giving thanks each day for the abundance that exists in your life. And you will have set in motion an ancient spiritual law: the more you have and are grateful for, the more will be given you.” Sarah Ban Breathnach

            A good way to express our thanks is to take the word “Thanksgiving,” and divide it into two words, thanks and giving.  Saying thanks seems so simple yet so often overlooked because of our expectations or that we deserved it.  Whether in the workplace, our home, our interactions with friends or other relatives, the two most important words that one can say is, “Thank you.”  Truly show appreciation for others and we will find that the atmosphere in which we live will become more pleasant and loving.

      The second part of this word is giving.  There are so many people in need because of the economic conditions in the world and surely, we have something that we can give to show them we care.  We will find that, Acts 20:35, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." NIV  

"In ordinary life we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give, and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich." - Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Give Lavishly!  Live Abundantly! 

The more you give, the more you get—

The more you laugh, the less you fret—

The more you do unselfishly,

The more you live abundantly…

The more of everything you share,

The more you will always have to spare—

The more you love, the more you will find

That life is good and friends are kind…

For only what we give away,

Enriches us from day to day.

                                                                                                                                Author Unknown

      This is the first day of the rest of your life.  Start today giving thanks and continue every day thereafter and you will be amazed what happens in your life.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Too Soon to Quit!

      Goals are so important for keeping our hopes and dreams alive.  Some of these goals may be to improve our standard of living; some may be for the enjoyment for living.  Unfortunately, our goals meet with tremendous challenges and it becomes so easy to say, “I quit.”  

      When one is going through difficult times, often the first impulse is to quit.  We have heard so often, “If it feels good, do it.”  All of us know how it feels when our difficulties in life have pinned us up against a wall and no place to go; it does not feel good!  Let’s face it; not everything that feels good is good or right.  Therefore, we must not allow our feelings to control our destiny.  Feelings will let us down and will keep us from trying; faith and hope will keep us reaching for the goals and we will reap the rewards for the effort. 

      Whatever you are trying to achieve, remember that it may be difficult but it is not impossible.  It may seem that darkness and gloom are surrounding us, but the sun always comes up in the morning.  Thomas Edison stated, “Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.”  The next step you take may be your breakthrough.

      Let us take the list of options available in the difficult situations we are facing and cross out the “quit” option and press on to victory.  David Zucker stated, “Quit now, you’ll never make it.  If you disregard this advice, you’ll be halfway there.”  It is always too soon to quit!  We can alter our course of action without losing sight of our ultimate goal.  The key to achieving our goals is to change our thought process from, “I think I can,” to “I know I can.”

Gal 6:9 “So don't get tired of doing what is good.  Don't get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time.”  NLT

Veterans Day

      November 11, 2010, we will take time to honor our Veterans and families who served or is currently serving in the Armed Services for our freedom.  Freedom is a privilege that we as Americans have enjoyed for many years.  We also realize that the price was extremely high to obtain and continue to protect it.  Many paid the ultimate sacrifice or carried the battle scars and did it proudly. 

      Our great country is a symbol of freedom around the world and an inspiration for other nations.  The protection of our freedom is worth the sacrifice it takes to guarantee it for future generations.  John F. Kennedy once stated, "As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”  

      So on Veterans Day we salute those in uniform, remember those who paid the ultimate price, and pray for the safety of those still in combat.  This is a time to reflect on all who have put their lives on the line so we can enjoy this great freedom.  So let us also remember all the families who sacrificed much for our freedom.  Find a veteran and say thanks; do something special to show your appreciation for his/her service.

      We as Americans can still hold our head high, throw our shoulders, stand at attention, and reflect on what it means to be a citizen of this great country.  Neil Enloe wrote some beautiful words; (entire song lyrics of The Statue of Liberty are on his web site).  “I'm so proud to be called an American, To be named with the brave and the free; I will honor our flag and our trust in God, And the Statue of Liberty.”

Gal 5:1 “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.  Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”  NIV

May God bless our Veterans and this great country!

Opportunity

      Everywhere we look, we see opportunities.  Some are for good and unfortunately, some are for bad.  For every problem, opportunity is waiting with a solution.  For every frustration, opportunity is waiting with encouragement.  For every fear, opportunity is waiting with a basket of courage.  For every doubt about the future, opportunity is waiting with an abundance of hope.  Frederick Phillips stated, “It is often hard to distinguish between the hard knocks in life and those of opportunity.” 

      Over the years in business, when one would reach a difficult situation and come to my office and say, “We have a real problem.  What are we going to do?”  The usual answer they would hear was, “No, we have an opportunity.”  On one occasion, one of the employees came to the office very excited.  He asked, “What do you call an opportunity when it really is an opportunity?”  The spontaneous answer to the question, after a few seconds was, “probably a surprise!”  One may compare opportunity to courage; it most often shows up during a crisis.

      Each of us would see greater things in our life if we would start to be more observant of the opportunities waiting for us.  Oftentimes a given opportunity only knocks once so we need to live life anticipating.  Many are overlooked while searching for that four-leaf clover or “luck.”  Years ago a song stated, “I overlooked an orchid while searching for a rose.”  The opportunity may be just as simple as a “good morning,” to the stranger at the grocery store or a friendly smile starting with each member of the family in the morning.  It is good to keep a journal for each of the opportunities you find for the good, and you will be amazed at what God will bring your way.  Every day is an opportunity; today is the first day of the rest of my life.  Gal 6:10, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”  NIV

Bumps in the Road

      “We are now in Michigan!” the child stated.  “How did you know?  You weren’t paying attention to the road signs.”  His mother replied.  “It is the bumps in the road that you can feel as soon as you cross the line,” the child stated.

      We are traveling on the road of life.  We have many parts of our trip very enjoyable and smooth sailing.  We also, encounter bumps in the road occasionally that send strong messages about the road we are traveling or make us aware of the direction we are heading.  These bumps start out the majority of the time as very small cracks in the road.  Time, frequency of travel and environment continue to increase the size of the bump and eventually will turn into a “pot hole in the road.” 

      Similar to the knowledge of “We are now in Michigan!” we know when we cross the line on the road of life.  The difference in the road of life is that we have choices are available to us to turn around and change directions.  That is the beauty of how God has made us.  There are always two roads before us and we can choose the right one.  One is paved and leads to the things God had prepared for us.  It has obstacles along the way but we know that help is available along this road.  The other road leads to destruction and uncertainty.  Just as Moses told the people then, it is still true today, Deut 31:8 “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."  NIV

He Still Answers!

Have you ever been in a situation where you've prayed and prayed and felt like God was not listening or cared?  I’m sure all of us have been there at one time or another.  Perhaps Daniel began to feel that way after calling on God for three full weeks with no answer or even any signs of God hearing.  He went through all the rituals of fasting and yet he did not get the answer.  Finally after three full weeks he received the answer, (Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words.”) 

We can be sure that when we pray and believe that all things are possible and that God will hear and answer our prayers.  The answer will come at the appropriate time.  While we are waiting for the answer, He gives us grace to stand strong and firm on God’s Word. Remember--it's always too soon to quit praying, believing, anticipating and knowing that God will be faithful to His words.  He says, "I will hear from Heaven."