I Could Have Missed This Gift

 
 

I could have missed the opportunity that has been the most meaningful experience in my 63 years.  "I'm no nurse, I could never take care of another's personal day to day necessities".
I meant it when I said it, but when faced with the reality of how much they need you, it became no choice at all.  It was what I needed to do.

Philippians 2:4
Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.




I will never, ever find anything that filled me so completely as that time of caring for my parents. If my older sister had been living, she would have been the one to minister, and I would have missed out.  She left us way too soon, but she gave me a gift I can never repay.

We should never allow the cares of the world to overshadow the things that are most important—serving God through serving people, especially the people in our own families. The Bible says, "Honor your father and mother"—which is the first commandment with a promise—"that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth" (Ephesians 6:2-3).

Taking care of an aged parent is simply repaying the love they gave us in our time of need with love in their time of need. The only motivation for this kind of repayment is love, nothing else will make it worthwhile. My children witnessed the joy I felt, and the compassion I gave to my parents and it made an impression on them. It is what you do, and if you can't do it with love, don't do it,  be an example for future generations.

 

Proverbs 22:6            
Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it.

 

Even to your old age and gray hairs

I am He, I am He who will sustain you. 

I have made you and I will carry you; 

I will sustain you and I will rescue you.

Isaiah 46:4

Happiness Is....

Defining happiness can seem as elusive as achieving it
Let me start with an official definition. According to Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary, here is the definition of happiness:

• a state of well-being and contentment
• a pleasurable or satisfying experience

Happiness is a mental or emotional state of well being characterized by positive or pleasant emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy
Happiness is something everyone wants to have
Happiness is happenings
Happiness is not a station you arrive at, but a manner of traveling.  byMargaret Lee Runbeck
Happiness is something that you are and it comes from the way you think. byWayne Dyer
All in all, I would say that happiness is a decision. Your happiness is your decision to make.

Here's a thought

Happiness depends on happenings, but joy depends on Jesus

I can say that I never knew what joy was like until I gave up pursuing happiness

 

"Happiness Is The Lord"
By Ira Stanphill

Happiness is to know the Savior
Living a life within His favor,
Having a change in my behavior
Happinesss is the Lord

Happiness is a new creation
Jesus in me in close relation
Having a part in His salvation
Happiness is the Lord
Real joy is mine
No matter if teardrops start,
I've found the secret --
It's Jesus in my heart!

Happiness is to be forgiven
Living the life that worth the living
Taking a trip that leads to heaven
Happiness is the Lord, Happiness is the Lord
Happiness is the Lord!

Get Beyond Yourself

Helping others brings good feelings to the giver and the receiver of the good deeds, like giving the best gift ever to yourself.  Giving service to those that can use your talent will also help you feel less stress, which in turn creates a feeling of gratitude for all that you have in your life.

We must trust the Lord and let Him guide our lives. The Lord will bless us with the needed strength, guidance, patience, charity, and love to serve His children.  May we find simple, yet profound ways to daily serve God as we serve each other.

John 13:12-14        
When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet.

Luke 6: 38
Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”

Mark 10:45
For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

from the pen of Emily Dickinson

If I can stop one heart from breaking,
I shall not live in vain.
If I can ease one life the aching,
Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain.

 

 from Helen Keller:  

Happiness cannot come from without. It must come from within. It is not what we see and touch or that which others do for us which makes us happy; it is that which we think and feel and do, first for the other fellow and then for ourselves.



Epiphany

Epiphany means “manifestation.” It also means “appearance” and in modern usage often denotes a “revelation” or a new way of thinking.
..........a moment of sudden intuitive understanding; flash of insight
Epiphany means “a showing forth” — in this case a showing forth of Jesus to the Gentiles

Epiphany is not only a day itself, but to the church***a season*** because it ends when Lent begins, starting January 6th. It is the climax of the Advent/Christmas season. The term epiphany means "to show" or "to make known" or even "to reveal." In Western churches, it remembers the coming of the wise men bringing gifts to visit the Christ child, who by so doing "reveal" Jesus to the world as Lord and King.

The Wisemen gave of themselves, their time, to search for the Christ Child. The Magi were looking for a “Sign” they were looking for God. Their journey began with their Hope and Faith that they would find the Christ Child. They gave to God their best. The Magi gave the gifts of their time; for it was a long journey (approximately 600 miles). Then the Wisemen bowed down to worship Him. The Wisemen gave themselves to Christ; then they gave (Toddler) Jesus their Gifts of Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh. These “Gifts” were practical gifts to help support the Holy Family on their Escape to Egypt and later their return to Nazareth.

  The Wise Men or Magi who brought gifts to the child Jesus were the first Gentiles to acknowledge

Jesus as "King" and so were the first to "show" or "reveal" Jesus to a wider world as the incarnate Christ.

The day is now observed as a time of focusing on the mission of the church in reaching others by "showing" Jesus as the Savior of all people. It is also a time of focusing on Christian community and fellowship, especially in healing the divisions of prejudice and bigotry that we all too often create between God’s children.

Dear Lord

Will you fill us full of your love leaving no room for intolerance. You have forgiven us much, will you help us with your strength to forgive others even more? Will you help us through your abiding Presence among us, together or alone, to live our lives in a manner worthy of the Name we bear?
May we, through your guidance and our faithful obedience, find new avenues in ways that we have not imagined of holding the Light of your love so that it may be a Light of revelation for all people.

Amen

Follow My Example

Regardless of whether you consider yourself a leader, your daily actions and words are observed by others who may choose to follow your example, whether you know it or not.

Demonstrating our faith is not merely something we do. Rather, it is a result of who we are.

We are a Beacon for All Believers
what a statement!. I heard it in a song on the album "Be Thou An Example"   It is filled with inspiring music that reminds our great youth of the powerful light their example is to the world around them, and encourages them to use that light to bless others. Being an example is not just reserved for us "old folks".

For example, most Christians would not even think about uttering foul language in a church setting, but how about in a company strategy session. or out gardening and not liking mosquitos sharing your space? Cursing is assuredly one of those "little things" that can inadvertently cast us as a non-Christian to a non-Christian, and you might be surprised how many people are rating you based upon your relationship with Christ.

 “A disciple is not greater than his teacher, but everyone when fully trained will be like his teacher” (Luke 6:40).  In this context, the Lord was showing that one’s true spirituality, or godliness (or lack thereof) is revealed in our actions and that such actions will of necessity influence others either for good or for evil. Students, sons, daughters, friends, co-workers, tend to emulate their leaders, parents, guardians, teachers, or heroes. The tendency is for us to shy away from this responsibility and reality, but in order to be truly mature and a leader, one must accept this as a reality of leadership.

Learn from me,

If not by my precepts,

then by my Example

 The power of our example and the way we live our lives can either negatively or positively influences others. Leaders and Christians as a whole are to be models for others to imitate, in motivation and inspiration for others. What a responsibility! You mean people are supposed to follow me? That’s right. That’s the way it works whether we like it or not. A key question is, “Are we aiming at the right target?”

“Remember your leaders, who spoke God’s message to you; reflect on the outcome of their lives and imitate their faith.” Hebrews 13:7

Philippians 3:17 Be imitators of me, brothers and sisters, and watch carefully those who are living this way, just as you have us as an example

Failure to be a solid example ruins or at least gravely hinders one’s credibility in the words they speak.  Be Thou an Example! 

Read Your Bible

So many Bibles.....By 1992, the estimated number printed rose to nearly six billion and by 2007 to 7.5 billion. This means there is roughly one copy of God's word for each person on earth! Clearly, the Bible is the best selling book of all time! These figures do not include the COUNTLESS digital versions of the Scriptures being accessed today by computers, smart phones, iPads, etc. etc. 




We have been blessed with the gift of technology to use...or not use. 

Ecclesiasters 3:1
 

1To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

A lad of seven years took the Bible one day from the library table in his home and asked, "Is this God's Book, Mother?" "Certainly It is," was her reply. "Well," continued the lad, "don't you think we might as well send It back to God? We don't use It here, do we?"

The Bible is the Book of the heart. It shows us how we may possess and enjoy real life. A worthwhile life, and satisfaction in life, are found by reading and receiving the Word of Life into our hearts. "The Words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life" (John 6:63). Woodrow Wilson said, "I am sorry for the men who do not read the Bible every day. I wonder why they deprive themselves of the strength and of the pleasure." On another occasion he wrote, "The Bible is the Word of Life. I beg that you will read It and find this out for yourself-read, not only little snatches here and there, but long passages that will really be the road to the heart of It." And he continued, "When you have read the Bible, you will know that It is the Word of God because you will have found It the key to your own heart, your own happiness and your own duty."
the above words are an excerpt from an article by Why Read the Bible by Franklin G. Huling.

 Endless opportunities to read the Word of God.  New versions and translations, downloaded, uploaded, on your phone, the IPad or lap top computer.  God's Word always available with the tap of a screen or our word spoken directly into the device brings God's Word to us wherever we are.  Truly amazing.

Currently the  YouVersion app is available in 113 translations and 41 languages and can be downloaded for free. If you are paying for a SmartPhone the Bible is free, and we all love Free!

This is the time to embrace change. So many people have been touched with the "Bible on demand" in this modern technology.  People will have smart phones with them all the time and that gives them access, whenever they want.   Don't jump to conclusions when you see SmartPhones coming to church and assume texting is the reason. Pastors are saying, "Open your Bibles or Smart Phones..." with tremendous results. It's efficient and accurate and can be read in any version presented by the speaker

Here's a new game to play on your SmartPhone or IPad,  (probably not during the church service)

I just love it! and I'm 63 soon to be 64.  I carry my Bible with me all the time, right on my SmartPhone!

Bible Trivia   

Decision

One often has to make tough decisions in life. Many of us face times when an important decision has to be made, but the right path isn't clear.


Proverbs 19:21
Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.

Psalm 37:23
 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delights in his way.

James 1:5 ESV          

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him

Isaiah 30:21                    
And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.


Thankfully, the weight of the big decisions doesn't rest on our shoulders alone. God should be our constant companion, to provide wisdom as we seek Him in prayer. Often, a particular Scripture verse that we read or that comes to mind will guide us to the right course of action.
In addition, God instructs us to seek wise counsel from other people.

"For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers" Proverbs 11:14
"Walk with the wise and become wise" Proverbs 13:20

When the weight of big decisions come, we don't have to face it alone. We call upon God, and we can turn to our brothers and sisters in Christ to sharpen and advise us

Falling Makes Us Stronger

The definition of perseverance is “continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition”. 

Romans 5:3-4 NIV
Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope

"Just keep quitting till you quit", was a bit of advice I received in 1999, when I took my last puff off a cigarette....perseverance pays off in all we do. 


God hears your heart...when you don't have the words...God hears your heart...he will help you...persevere..

James 1:12 NIV Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him

a Quiet Place

Amen!

There is a QUIET PLACE
Far from the rapid pace,
Where God can soothe my troubled mind.
Sheltered by tree and flow’r,
There in my quiet hour,
With Him, my cares are left behind.
Whether a garden small
Or on a mountain tall
New strength and courage there I find;
Then from this quiet place,
I go prepared to face
A new day with love for all mankind
-Ralph Carmichael

Back on Track

Back on Track is a monumental goal for the New Year.  I  have participated in numerous unsuccessful team efforts for various improvement opportunities.  One of the main reasons these teams struggled could be attributed to a goal that was too large. 

Back on Track can encompass so many aspects of your life.   When I look forward into the new year ahead, I see so many things in my life that need updating.  The list becomes longer and longer and eventually seems too much and my focus changes from excitement to defeat before I've even begun. My team experience tells me, create a list, prioritize, stick to the scope of the project and you will succeed. What are you willing to commit to? 
Setting a goal that ends quickly with great accomplishment can give you the incentive to push forward and pursue new goals with more challenge.

If you Google "back on track" the main topics to appear will be fitness, running and health.  And all of those are on my list for the new year, well perhaps not running but some other form of movement needs to be pursued to put my health back on track.  The impulse is to make lists of necessary equipment, food and other preparations to get started and I do.  I find those lists here and there and everywhere, and occasionally add to them so I can, "get started" soon.

 It is now the 2nd week of  New Year 2014 and this blog is a week or more past due, and that statement is sugar coating an extreme lapse in my commitment to "Words of Encouragement" for my brother's web page. I have lost site of what is so vital and that is my daily cup of inspiration. I can't buy it, because I already have it. It works wonders for me and when I move away from the foundation that helps me achieve my day, the struggle begins. Each day I put off my morning "spinach" the problems I have get heavier and harder to bear. 



Back on track spiritually will help me prioritize my lists through His eyes.  When I put God back into my morning he will help me get things done.  A long time ago I learned I don't have to do it alone.  I love my coffee but it satisfies so much more when I share it with Him who is my first priority.

John 15:5  I am the vine, you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit. a part from Me, he can do nothing.