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Something To Think About  "Our eyes are placed in front because it's more important to look ahead than to look back."

While it's important to reflect on our past experiences and not forget our roots. I think sometimes we spend too much time looking back at our past, that we forget to look ahead, reflect, and prepare for what is about to come.   We can't meditate on failures, regrets, and losses for too long.  Think about them, extract the life lesson to be learned, and move on.  Think about how bright the future could be, if we just let go and moved forward.  Remember, time is not stopping for you or me.  We need to use the life lessons from the past to make the necessary adjustments to our present, and continue the journey to our future.  While moving forward is sometimes easier said than done, it is definitely possible.  We just have to take it one step at a time.    God's word says that He has a future and plan for us.  So what are we waiting for.  Let's move forward, with God's future!


Verse of the Day: "[Be Holy] Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.” 1 Peter 1:13 NIV

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A new day, a new year doesn't mean things of the past don't follow you.  It's almost a full week into the new year, and I'm already saying " God I thought we were through with that.  We're not done yet?"  Whether it's over worrying about a silly mistake at work or dealing with family issues and concerns, I feel like God has many challenges planned for this year.  What bothers me the most is not the trials and challenges (these are necessities of life) but my reaction to the challenges.  Though I claim my faith grew tremendously in 2011, will it be evident to both God and me when I'm going through?  I don't want to respond to challenges and trials the same old way.  I don't want to ignore them and place myself in a protective bubble.  I don't want to distance myself from my family because I'm afraid of being overwhelmed and useless.  My prayer and desire is that I'll face each trial and challenge with the boldness and courage He's given me.  Also that as M.B. Clark says, " When I'm on the mountain or even in my valley; Whatever comes my way I'll lift my hands and just praise."  I want to move beyond just singing 'Blessed Be Your Name' to actually living a life that reflects that choice. 



Bible Verse for Today:  


"In him we live and move and have our being," (Acts 17:28 NIV)

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http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2011/09/27/why-young-christians-arent-waiting-anymore/

I choose to wait even if no one else is.  I choose to wait because it's my God-given conviction.  I choose to wait because life is not about being normal.  I choose to wait because I'm worth it.  I choose to wait because it is possible to say No to temptation. I choose to wait no matter the cost.  Simple put, I choose to wait!!

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Something to Think About:

Change is a process.  Change is a difficult process under most conditions.  It requires tough-minded intuitive sensing, feeling, and impassioned and bold leadership.  ---Unknown 

Typically there are two main problems with change.  Either a) it doesn't come as fast as I want it to or b) it comes when I'm not ready for it. The bottom line though, change is a constant.   For example, Google, Facebook, and Apple probably have an update of some kind every 3-6 months.  Sometimes they'll announce it so you're prepared. Other times you'll log-in, see the change along with a note to tell you "Things have changed!"  (Personally, I tend to find this annoying because I don't see the purpose of changing the layout or format.  Especially, if it doesn't make anything easier)

While I'm not always the biggest fan of change, I've learned to welcome it because change tends to bring out the better me, I never knew.  With change often comes progress.  Life requires us to grow and stretch.  That can't happen without change.  

I often hold a leadership role so I've learned that change is key to strengthening my leadership skills.    In the midst, of change is when I learn how to quickly adapt, make tough decision, step back and let others take the lead, and how to handle drawbacks and discomforts.  Additionally, I've learned that not all change results in growth.  If I don't embrace the change, then it'll just flow right by.  Though it may be tough and unpleasant, I have to see change as an opportunity and a means of moving forward.  Change is constant, because nothing is perfect.  And as a Christian, I should ask God regularly to open my eyes to see how I can invoke change and make life better.  Whether it's changing the world or my attitude and perspectives; a good situation or a bad situation I must accept that change will happen (with or without my approval) .  

Verse of the Day from Biblegateway.com

“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”Micah 6:8 NIV

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" Let's Step Up.  Let's Do It."  --President Barack Obama

I spent approximately 2 hours in the gym today.  Not by choice, though.  Joan and I had to share my car.  She dropped me off the gym ran some errands, then came back to pick me up.  My normal workput time is 1 hr at max 1hr 15.  At first I was a little flustered because I wasn't sure how long I could really last in the gym,  let alone what I was going to do during that time.   I was also thrown off by the size of the gym.  This was my first time at this particular gym and it was bigger than any I'd ever been too. 


Once I found my way to the locker room, put my stuff in a locker, took a deep breath, and just got started.  I started off with my cardio warm-up, then headed to weights.  As I perused other people working out, I got some ideas of different activities that I could do.  I loved my gym time.  I ended up completing a full body workout 

My time at the gym helped me remember that sometimes you just have to step up and do something.  You may not have all the knowledge and skills you want or need.  But what you do have is an opportunity.  so take it.

Bible Verse of the Day

"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." Galatians 5:1

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"Tomorrow, is the first blank page of a 365 page book. Write a good one" ---Braid Paisley 

I read the above quote on someone's Facebook status and thought " Hmmm, I wonder who would read my book?".  Then I realized that no one can read a book that hasn't been written. So I got the thinking, why not seize the opportunity to share my personal experiences, memorable moments, and life lessons.

Now this may never turn into a publishable book.  The end of January may come around, I'll start thinking this was a stupid idea because my life is not as interesting I thought. Or  but it'll definitely be one of several ways that I begin to share an document the events that are shaping my life, personality, likes, and dislikes.   
My goal is to daily write whatever is on my heart.  The entries will be long and short.  Some may be interesting others may not.  They'll hopefully cover topics related to God, Religion, Love, Humor, Growing up, Loss, Inspirations, Work, etc. 

So Let's Get Started

Today is Sunday, January 1.   The main word on my mind is Gratefulness! I am grateful that God uses me despite my flaws.  I have a tendency to get moody, mean, rude, and downright nasty.  God still chooses to use me to mobilize others to worship and glorify Him.  I'm developing the habit to truly 'Thank God' when people praise me for my good deeds.  Because the truth is, I couldn't or wouldn't do it if it wasn't for him.  Any I praise I gain should go straight to God.

For example, The ACF Legacy Day was a success not because of anything I did, but because of everything God did.  He allowed all the pieces of a program, put together at the last minute, to come together for a wonderful program.  I am so thankful!!  The day wasn't perfect but it was definitely great.   Both parents, children, adults, youth, and young adults enjoyed the fellowship.  I know God will make it even greater next time around.

God is always reminding me to not sweat the small stuff and remember that I only need to do what He's told me do.  Obey Him, then step back and let Him show His awesomeness.



Bible Gateway Scripture for Today:

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 NIV