Christmas Goals To Help Avoid Crisis.

This Christmas and others past and future many of us have difficult time enjoying the Holiday Season because of the problems, going on in and around our lives. Our situations could include, loss of a loved one, loss of a job or income. We could be dealing with health issues, financial issues, problems in our relationships. Whatever your issues may be, the Christmas Season is the absolute best time to demonstrate your love for the Lord, and your complete faith and trust that HE will see you through any crisis. Keep Christ in your Christmas. Know Christ, No Crisis!

This past week, a young man I mentor came to me concerned about having money to buy Christmas presents. He wanted to take out a student loan of $1,000.00 to buy presents. I immediately led him to Proverbs 22:7, "The borrower is slave to the lender." It also made me think of just how much Christians and people in general are under attack during the holidays. This young man had no means to pay back the loan, but with commercials, relationship pressures and the constant worldly reminders to buy and spend, he is "sweating" buying gifts that he cannot afford. I suggested he write out a list of all the people he really "needed" to get gifts for, and to find out ways he can demonstrate his love for them without going into debt. It was challenging, and I'm not sure if I won or lost the argument, but I do know this, too many of us lose our financial focus during the holidays, only to create a "crisis" in the New Year. Give the gift of being there, with a hug, a smile, and handmade token that will last forever. Those gifts we made as kids to our parents are the most precious gifts of all. Our house is lined with those type of gifts from our kids. Ornaments for the tree, odd colored frames and potholders, or drink coasters. Those things last forever. I hope our kids never get too old or to take the time to "make" something special. I encourage you to be creative, make something special yourself, and present it to those you love with Joy,(and not the pressure that department stores put on you).Think about this, is your goal to spread love and joy or go into debt?

The Christmas Season can present another type of crisis for Christians. At family gatherings all across our country, (and the world), families will get together having unresloved relationship issues that potentially can ruin the Holiday Season for all. We all have that one or two relatives that get under our skin, (it may be you getting under their skin). Families can fight over the silliest things, what game to watch, who sits where at meal time, what time is dinner time, familiy recipies, "why do we always have to go over to their house" etc, etc,etc. It can really be silly and ruin the fun for all. I encourage you to go into this Christmas Season with a game plan to deal with family gatherings (and those issues that divide you, if there are any). One, we all have infirmities, and weak areas. First thing we need to recognize is that Christ came into the world THIS SEASON. We need to rely on HIS example of love, patience and kindness to see us through. In James 5:12, "In acceptance, lieth peace." Accept the faults of others and you will cure yourself. We are to honor all men. (1st Peter). It is a gift to have family. We all face the challenges, up and downs of family life, I wouldnt trade mine for anything in the world. I miss those gatherings, and look forward to them each year. As Christans, its our time to communicate the love of Christ to the family members we struggle to deal with.

Game plan step one, pray to GOD and ask HIM to guard your tongue. This way you can, and will communicate with HIS spirit and not your own. In 1st Samuel 1:1-18, Hannah responded to Eli in a peaceful, graceful tone, and this was after Eli accussed her of basically being a drunk. Hannah wasnt drunk and didnt retaliate with words, but simple explained that she was troubled by her feeling her prayers were not being heard. Her kind response, changed Eli. Had she responded harshly, who knows what. Resist the temptation to respond harshly. Respond the right way, this is maybe the best way to break the ice, and improve relationships.

Game plan step two. What are your goals? Is your goal to win the family argument or to show the love of Jesus Christ? Funny how we always fight with those we love, and try to reason with people we dont really know. his Christmas, forget about being right, be effective in buildng the relationship.

Step three, is the goal to work to solve unresolved issues and differences, or simply keep on fighting? Is the goal to have a peaceful, happy holiday, relaxed and enjoyed or what? Pray for the correct goals. You already know what they are.

Step four, pray to GOD that the things that you do dont offend anyone. And ask for forgiveness if they do by chance. Make it your goal to go into the family gathering with the idea, that you are not going to offend.

Step five, pray for the safe travel for your loved ones. Pray for and with them on the matters that keep you apart. Hold hands and prayer, work to develop the relationship, with you taking the first step. Ask, "how can we make this a better exprience for everyone."

Spread love at Christmas. It does not have to cost alot of money, and it does not have to cost you in your relationships. The season is HIS season, not yours. So what if you risk being vunerable to others. You may find a a special work done in you as you try to make this a special Christmas for others. Have goals for all you do, especially at Christmas time. Show HIS love in everyway you can. You may just have the best Christmas ever.

Love and peace to all.

Don't worry, be happy!

Don't worry, be happy for God has not given us the spirit of fear and worry.

I listened to a very good lesson on the radio yesterday morning as I was driving into work. The message was out of Psalms 37, versus 1-8. The title I cant remember, but the lesson was, "Christians Have Stress Too." The word was meant to encourage us not to worry, for worry chokes out the word of God. I needed that word yesterday, it came at a time when I'm dealing a few issues that had me up consumed with how to handle them.

In Psalms 37:1-8, we receive instruction to not be agitated, to not fret people or evil doers. We receive instruction to not be agitated or fret about those who prosper by evil plans, and we receive instruction to refrain from being agitated or fretting because to do so is to bring about harm to ourselves. Worrying hurts us, internally, emotionally etc.

In this passage in Psalms 37 we receive the Word that we should, "Trust in the Lord", "Delight in the Lord", "Commit our ways to the Lord", "Rest or be silent before the Lord" and to allow His work to be done in us. I can't remember needing a Word so appropriate for the things on my plate.

Many people worry during the Christmas season, I want to encourage you not to worry, but to trust in the Lord, he can handle and will handle what you are going through. As the song, "I will trust in the Lord" says, stay on the battlefield for the Lord. Stay on bended knee in prayer, He knows your needs. "In prayer and supplication, let your requests be known to God. The peace of God which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus". (Philippians 4:6-7)

Many believe worry is a sin. The belief is that we are not trusting God. I want to trust God in all ways, in the good times and the bad. I need forgiveness when I worry, I dont want to be "double-minded", believing in God, and worrying about things at the same time. A good friend of mind said it best to me years ago, "If you are going to pray, don't worry. If you are going to worry. don't pray." There are many things we need to be "concerned" about, but when it comes to being stirred up by worry, trust in the Lord, ask Him to increase your faith, then allow Him to work in your heart and your mind so that you may become happy and worry free.

Love and peace to all.

Whatever happened to I'll call you tomorrow?

Whatever happened to, "I'll call you tomorrow?" I just got off the phone with a dear friend and mentor and he is feeling like many of us feel. With smartphones as the norm, we are constantly on the phone, texting or emailing. My friend made the comment, "I need to be careful, I never shut it down. I take calls at home at 900PM, answer emails until midnight, then start the process all over again." Does this sound like you?

Whatever happened to I'll call you tomorrow? Unless its an emergency most of us create more empty work for ourselves, create more stress and strain, all because we rarely shut it down. People I talk to and work with tell me all the time about the lack of time they have with family and friends etc. You see kids and they text at the dinner table because their parents are emailing and texting when the family goes out to eat. This behavior, I believe is unhealthy and not what God intended for us. The bible teaches us that patience in a virtue, yet we have little patience for the friend who wont call back in five minutes, or the co-worker who hasnt responded to our text or email right away. One of our children called frantically when we did not respond to their text when my wife and I went out for dinner one evening. We were not far from home and if their was a true emergency, our neighbors knew how to reach us.

We need to know how to "shut it down". One way I shut it down is to leave my phone in my study when I get home and try to spend time with my wife and kids uninterrupted by the phone. The way I look at it, if I can see my wife and kids in front of me, that phone ringing in my study isn't that big of an emergency. The ones I love the most and care about are right there in front of me. Another good friend of mine, as he walks into his home, turns his phone off completely when he comes home. His job is high pressure and high stress, yet he still finds time for the things that are most important. Maybe that's your answer too? Leave work alone when you get home. The extra pay maynot be worth the extra mental health strain it puts on your life.

Instead of creating more work, (one answered email leads to another conversation), simply reply in the morning and make it a habit. The more you respond, the more you'll have to respond to. The more you leave that smartphone, or computer alone, the more time you'll haveto spend with those you really want to be with. Quality time with those you love is a by product of quantity time. You cannot have quality time in 15 minutes, it may take two hours with your son or daughter or wife to get that 15 minutes of quality time. So shut it down, and I mean really shut it down. Make sure your thoughts are with your family and friends and not on work. One of the biggest roadblocks to enjoying yourself is thinking about work while you're at home, (some think about home, while at work).

Jesus needed rest, are we to think that we don't?, we do. Take time to recharge and renew. You may just enjoy your family, your job and your life a little more. Shut it down, it can wait until tomorrow.

Stop the harshness

We are all faced with difficult situations, in our homes, in our work enviroments and with people in general. It can be difficult at times to say the right things in those circumstances. I quickly want to share with you a quick way to overcome those times.

1. Work to solve, dont be critical, especially verbally.
2. Stand for what you believe in, without arguing against the other point of view.
3. Work to build up the situation, do not be condescending.

We have three options in most situations. We can one, stay in and work to improve it. Two, we can stay in the situation and complain. Or three, we can walk away from the situation altogether.

If the enviroment is family or work, we really only have two options. Walking away isnt one of them. Complaining is fruitless.

Pray for wisdom and guidance. Work to solve the problem and keep the relationship. Remember too not sweat the small stuff and IT'S ALL SMALL STUFF. Maybe what we are going through is what we need to become the person that we are supposed to be. Count it all a joy when trials and tough times come your way. It may be just what you need to reach the top.

Love and peace to all.

Kids need better examples.

I am convinced that we don't have a kid problem in this nation, we have a parent problem. Kids need better examples! Kids need behavior modeled for them. What kids see, they attempted to do.

Some things kids need to hear and see that never go out of style. One,
"saying please and thank you." Opening doors for others. Asking, "may I help you." Doing something for someone who will NEVER be able to repay you. How about accepting personal responsibilty? When parents make excuses, childern will make excuses. How about seeing a project through to completion, without quitting when it becomes too hard? When parents quit.....?

As parents, guardians, etc, we should strive for enthusiasm, persistence, optimism, moderation each day,and our lives should be organized. Children must also see how we avoid the traps of carelessness, laziness and indifference. The story of the Good Samaritan, who helps a stranger while others, in high places passes him by is a great example for our kids to see. He cared because it was the right thing to do.

Our kids need to witness forgivness, we have to model it or else, kids will never know the power of letting go of hurts and wrongs. Most of all our childern need to see that we, as parents believe in more than just money, status and things. That we believe that it is all possible because of a God who loves us.

Kids need better examples. Please be one today!

When there is passion, there is little need for motivation!

Speaking with a good friend recently about parents who are having trouble understanding how to or what to do to motivate their kids. The answer can be difficult, but one thing is for sure. If your kids has a passion for something, reading, sports, music etc, they will be motivated to excel in that area. The key is to find that area, and that is not always easy. My suggestion is to keep exposing your children, (and begin early) to as many positive and challenging things as possible, yet don't push to hard, but rather gentle encourage them to be open minded and to explore as much as possible. Be excited when they are excited about something, be understanding when there are setbacks and disappointment.

We all have a purpose, we all have talents and gifts. We please God when we find, use and share our talents. Ask yourself and your child, "what am I good at without trying very hard?" This maybe your first step towards discovering your passion and purpose. Birds sing, and some fly because that's what they where made to do. I can't imagine a bird saying, "I'm tired of flying, I think I'll walk." Why, because that's not his purpose.

Are your kids good with their hands? Good at speaking? Have a passion for computers, writing, math etc? What brings them the most joy? Assist your children with finding their passion, and you'll rarely have to motivate them. Love and peace to all.

Fear not, love is much stronger.

Fear not, love is the greatest and strongest force on the earth. Love is so strong that ONE MAN, gave his son, because HE loved us so much!

We do not have the spirit of fear, but the spirit of love. Love empowers, fear paralyzes. Love is strong, fear is weak. Love conquers, fear hinders. Love connects, fear disconnects. Love is kind, fear is mean spirited. Love lives forever, fear kills. Fear not, whatever you need to overcome, you can overcome it. What are you afraid of? Leave all fears behind, you can reach your goals, and have a peace about you that will last forever, when you move past fear and into love.

Love gives, fear robs and steals. Love is joyous. The enemy uses fear to hold you back from living the type of life you really want to live and should be living. Don't let the enemy steal your joy. Talk in love, walk in love, stay in love.

Love and peace to all.

Never too late to learn

It's never too late to learn. I want to encourage you to develop a love for learning. Make a lifetime commitment to grow and develop. Expand your mind, improve your body, and go deep inside your soul. Many of us get too caught up in our past, our families, and our personal failings. In the movie the Lion King, (one of my favorite to watch as our kids were growing up), young Simba is trying to run from his past. He soon learns that he must learn from his past, and not run from it. We too are like that young lion, trying to run from, instead of growing from our past. "All things work to the good, for those who love Him. (Romans 8:28). Many of us have youthful transgressions, painful memories of the past that keep us from moving forward.

You can move ahead of what's behind you, more importantly, you must. Quite frankly, it's usually our failures that make us stronger, not our successes. Work daily to take steps forward. Leave your past behind, and march ahead towards all that is good in your life. Keep learning, its never too late.

Our wants must match our purpose!

"When we want to be something other than the thing God wants us to be, we must be wanting what, in fact, will not make us happy." CS Lewis.

Do you want that which does not match what your purpose is? I know I do and I have, I also know that each time that's happened I get sick about it to my core. Our wants must match our purpose, if not there will be little or no self fulfillment. We can only lead "full" lives when we find our true purpose and take steps every moment, everyday to meet that purpose.

Do the things you want take you closer to or further away from your goals, dreams and purpose? Do they bring you true joy and fulfulment? Most importantly are your wants pleasing to God who delights in us living out our true purpose to glorify Him and His kingdom!

Stay true to that which leads you to please God, and not man. This world has a way of getting us to chase that which does not provide lasting joy or peace. We rationalize the things we say and do to the point that the truth is tough to distinguish. Make sure that what you say, do and want gets you the outcome for your life and the life God wants for you. Love and peace!

Press On

Press on! Obstacles are what you see when you take your mind (and focus) off your goals. The world is full of distractions, you must be organized in your approach to tackling, and avoiding obstacles as you march on towards the greatness that God has designed for your life. Philippians 3:12-14, "Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected, but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.......but the one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize..."

Press on! The difference between and obstacle and an opportunity is our attitude towards it. One thing we must do is forget the past and move forward. "Every opportunity has difficulty, and every difficulty has opportunity" (J.Sidlo Baxter). You must face your opportunities for success with a strong, "fear not" attitude.

To paraphrase Hebrews 12:1, "since we are surrounded by great challenges, we must set them aside and the things that hold us back and weigh us down, and run the race with endurance that is set before us." Press on, run your race, you will succeed. "...for in due season you shall reap, if you stay strong of heart." Galatians 6:9

Love and peace always.