Today you will be with me in Paradise ~ Luke 23:43
If anyone is guilty of judging others, it's me. I was the one who ran around pointing out everyone else's flaws while overlooking my own mistakes. Remember Saul? The one who dedicated his life to killing the misfits who did not believe in the god he believed in? I was Saul's alter ego. The biggest problem with my thinking is that the world would be completely empty if I were allowed to judge.
Sometimes, like Saul, we get so far off track, we need God to intervene. Go ahead. Stop looking at everyone else's weaknesses and look in the mirror instead. Do you honestly think you should be allowed to go to Heaven? I know I am not eligible. This is why Jesus tells us nobody gets to Heaven except through Him. Without Jesus, each and every one of us is locked out.
So, if we are not good enough to get to Heaven on our own, how do we get there? The answer is simple...follow Jesus. He only asks a few things of you, be sorry for your mistakes, ask Him to forgive you, and forgive those who have hurt you. Don't forget to love them, that is the ultimate act of forgiveness. Leave the judging to Jesus. If you can do these things, Jesus will make sure you go to Heaven. It was His last act before dying for your sins. The thieve on the cross asked Jesus to remember him. Jesus told him, "before this day is over, you will be with me in paradise."
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Laugh
Laughter is the shortest distance between two people. ~Victor Borge
Today's post is dedicated to my tennis buddies. They make me laugh so hard that I fear I could end up tinkling in my tennis shorts. I had to sacrifice my regular tennis night with them this week due to a three day business trip. I missed my evening of comedy, however, they remained in my heart as I took care of my Zoom duties in Las Vegas.
My time away gave me many opportunities to meditate about the final stages of my book. Many of the customers that I visited were feeling down due to lack of sales. This is the time when having a sense of humor can really brighten up those challenging days.
My wife and kids humor me. They all believe I am going through some sort of mid-life crisis. They give me extra hugs and smiles. What they don't really see is that the world is going through a mid-life crisis. God has chosen me, a zany guy who hid in caves most of my life, to come out and rev things up a little with some V8 power. He "covers" me with some very interesting people to help accomplish His mission.
My prayer for you today is that you find people in your life who can make you laugh. The picture you see above was taken on my drive home from Vegas. I was thinking about my tennis buddies while eating my lunch, a banana and a V8, and decided to have a little fun. I placed the banana peel and the empty can on my dashboard for some company (reminds me of Tom Hank's buddy, Wilson, shown on the right).
I sent the picture to my mixed doubles partner (she's a BANANA-HEAD). She promised me that she would stay quiet about my silliness, lest it hurt book sales and I appreciate that, however, it is better for the blog world to know that this writer is a little "fruity." The world needs odd. It needs laughter. Go ahead, show everyone what you've got. If it's humor, bring it. Make 'em laugh. Time to go, I need some POTASSIUM. Anyone got K? By the way, Wilson slipped away and has not been found. Keep an eye out for him if you happen to be swimming in the ocean, and watch out for floating banana peels, they can wrap themselves around you just like an octopus. For me, they sure do make an excellent sunscreen and life would be boring without them. Have a HAPPY DAY.
Today's post is dedicated to my tennis buddies. They make me laugh so hard that I fear I could end up tinkling in my tennis shorts. I had to sacrifice my regular tennis night with them this week due to a three day business trip. I missed my evening of comedy, however, they remained in my heart as I took care of my Zoom duties in Las Vegas.
My time away gave me many opportunities to meditate about the final stages of my book. Many of the customers that I visited were feeling down due to lack of sales. This is the time when having a sense of humor can really brighten up those challenging days.
My wife and kids humor me. They all believe I am going through some sort of mid-life crisis. They give me extra hugs and smiles. What they don't really see is that the world is going through a mid-life crisis. God has chosen me, a zany guy who hid in caves most of my life, to come out and rev things up a little with some V8 power. He "covers" me with some very interesting people to help accomplish His mission.
My prayer for you today is that you find people in your life who can make you laugh. The picture you see above was taken on my drive home from Vegas. I was thinking about my tennis buddies while eating my lunch, a banana and a V8, and decided to have a little fun. I placed the banana peel and the empty can on my dashboard for some company (reminds me of Tom Hank's buddy, Wilson, shown on the right).I sent the picture to my mixed doubles partner (she's a BANANA-HEAD). She promised me that she would stay quiet about my silliness, lest it hurt book sales and I appreciate that, however, it is better for the blog world to know that this writer is a little "fruity." The world needs odd. It needs laughter. Go ahead, show everyone what you've got. If it's humor, bring it. Make 'em laugh. Time to go, I need some POTASSIUM. Anyone got K? By the way, Wilson slipped away and has not been found. Keep an eye out for him if you happen to be swimming in the ocean, and watch out for floating banana peels, they can wrap themselves around you just like an octopus. For me, they sure do make an excellent sunscreen and life would be boring without them. Have a HAPPY DAY.
Friday, October 29, 2010
The Twin Rose
...So we grew together
Like to a double cherry, seeming parted,
But yet an union in partition,
Two lovely berries moulded on one stem...
~William Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night's Dream
Rare are the glimpses given to us of life beyond the grave from our departed loved ones. Non-believers would call these vignettes coincidences or happen-chance. In my own family, we witnessed one such event that blossomed before our eyes on the day after my father's passing from this world.
In his final days, he stayed at my sister's home just one mile from mine. A steady stream of his siblings came to be with him, including his twin brother, Mike, who he had not seen in years due to his retirement deep into the heart of Mexico. His favorite place to entertain visitors was on my sister's front porch, where a beautiful rose plant could be seen just yards away.
The rose plant produced a splendid red "twin rose" from a single bud. We noticed it while we gathered together to make funeral arrangements. Attempts to preserve this rarity in nature failed, however, we were able to capture photos before the bud disintegrated.
I had never observed a "twin rose" until that moment. It's beauty captivated me. Each petal was rich in a deep red color. It's smell was like a fine perfume. Not only was the timing of it's bloom perfect, it's appearance comforted all who loved my father, including his precious twin who was grieving deeply. Even though this all took place in May, my dad's favorite Christmas song (not only did he share his birthday with his twin, he also shared it with Jesus) magically played on the CD player while my sister was thinking about him. The song played on..."you better watch out, you better not pout". Together with the twin rose, these two parting gifts from our father helped us to deal with his departure.
If there are any family members reading this that still have a photo of the twin rose, please contact me. My pictures were lost due to a hard-drive failure. The special rose photo will be included in "God's Black Sheep Squadron" when it is released next year.
Like to a double cherry, seeming parted,
But yet an union in partition,
Two lovely berries moulded on one stem...
~William Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night's Dream
Rare are the glimpses given to us of life beyond the grave from our departed loved ones. Non-believers would call these vignettes coincidences or happen-chance. In my own family, we witnessed one such event that blossomed before our eyes on the day after my father's passing from this world.
In his final days, he stayed at my sister's home just one mile from mine. A steady stream of his siblings came to be with him, including his twin brother, Mike, who he had not seen in years due to his retirement deep into the heart of Mexico. His favorite place to entertain visitors was on my sister's front porch, where a beautiful rose plant could be seen just yards away.
The rose plant produced a splendid red "twin rose" from a single bud. We noticed it while we gathered together to make funeral arrangements. Attempts to preserve this rarity in nature failed, however, we were able to capture photos before the bud disintegrated.
I had never observed a "twin rose" until that moment. It's beauty captivated me. Each petal was rich in a deep red color. It's smell was like a fine perfume. Not only was the timing of it's bloom perfect, it's appearance comforted all who loved my father, including his precious twin who was grieving deeply. Even though this all took place in May, my dad's favorite Christmas song (not only did he share his birthday with his twin, he also shared it with Jesus) magically played on the CD player while my sister was thinking about him. The song played on..."you better watch out, you better not pout". Together with the twin rose, these two parting gifts from our father helped us to deal with his departure.
If there are any family members reading this that still have a photo of the twin rose, please contact me. My pictures were lost due to a hard-drive failure. The special rose photo will be included in "God's Black Sheep Squadron" when it is released next year.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Resisting Evil
Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts ~ 1 Chronicles 16:9
Arrogance. Pride. Prejudice. Temptation. Power. Jealousy. These are just some of the weapons the Evil One uses to attack us. He studies us, always looking for weaknesses. We all have them. Without the Holy Spirit in our lives to guide us and protect us, we fall into the hands of the enemy. I have been guilty of each one of these sins, and many more. Resisting Evil is not easy, especially when we are being attacked in the areas of our lives where we are most vulnerable.
Arrogance. Pride. Prejudice. Temptation. Power. Jealousy. These are just some of the weapons the Evil One uses to attack us. He studies us, always looking for weaknesses. We all have them. Without the Holy Spirit in our lives to guide us and protect us, we fall into the hands of the enemy. I have been guilty of each one of these sins, and many more. Resisting Evil is not easy, especially when we are being attacked in the areas of our lives where we are most vulnerable.
The more I read the Bible, the better I understand just how much God loves us, how much He wants to protect us. I have made a decision that since the Evil One is going to do everything in His power to stop me from spreading the Good News and He is going to be around me everywhere I go, I am going to make sure He has some wonderful music to listen to, my songs of praise to God, everyone of them sung off-key. Don’t worry, I will not sing in front of you, that would be like listening to someone scratching the chalk board with their fingernails. While doing a little private “karaoke commuting”, I will give the Enemy back some of the torture He has bestowed on this servant, like getting pelted by an overhead smash from my men's tennis doubles partner, the "Red Rocket." Oh yes, I have been given a unique gift of singing like no other and the recipient of my songs will suffer immensely. I have sharps and flats in my songs that cannot be duplicated (thank God). The Enemy just absolutely cannot stand it when we are singing praises to our Creator, especially my off-key renditions.
You can defeat any temptation that the Evil One puts in your life. No matter how many times you have fallen in the past, you can get up and stay up. Pray. Sing. Worship. Fellowship. Forgive. Love. The power is within you. It is far greater than any weapon the Evil One uses to separate you from God. Invite Jesus into your heart and you will RISE with Him.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Invite a Caveman
Are you looking for someone a little bit different from that speaker you had last year at your event? How did your audience feel when they attended your last conference? Did anybody laugh? Cry? Get inspired? How about you? Did you feel like taking a nap in the middle of that slide show presentation? How many times did you look at your watch?
So, here you go again. You are looking for someone to fill that gap in your schedule. What are you going to do? Why not hire a caveman? If you are in the Southern California region, neither of us will need to worry about transportation costs or hotels.
If you like any of these blog stories or want me to share something from my book, send me an email and let's talk about how we can customize one of these four hundred plus topics to make your audience come to life.
Make your reservations now for 2011. I love to visit churches, hospitals, business conferences, and fundraisers. If your group would like to get some autographed copies of "God's Black Sheep Squadron," we can arrange for a package deal. I look forward to helping you with your next event.
Contact info:
Michael Mulligan
email: socalmulligan808@gmail.com
So, here you go again. You are looking for someone to fill that gap in your schedule. What are you going to do? Why not hire a caveman? If you are in the Southern California region, neither of us will need to worry about transportation costs or hotels.
If you like any of these blog stories or want me to share something from my book, send me an email and let's talk about how we can customize one of these four hundred plus topics to make your audience come to life.
Make your reservations now for 2011. I love to visit churches, hospitals, business conferences, and fundraisers. If your group would like to get some autographed copies of "God's Black Sheep Squadron," we can arrange for a package deal. I look forward to helping you with your next event.
Contact info:
Michael Mulligan
email: socalmulligan808@gmail.com
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
The Journey to a Destination
One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon - instead of enjoying the roses that are blooming outside our windows today. ~Dale Carnegie
Destinations are important, however, you are short-changing yourself if your relentless pursuit of the end-point causes you to lose sense of what is happening along the way. There is a precious life lesson in each moment of your life. It lies in the people around you and the experiences you share with them.
Someone close to me shared that his "destination" is his journey. What good is it to arrive somewhere without joy in your life? To be so focused on the pursuit of your goals that you miss out on the fun of savoring a delicious moment?
If you keep dreaming about tomorrow, you will overlook TODAY. Stay in the moment. It is a gift. Experience it with all five senses. Call a friend and share this day for double the fun...
The great lesson is that the sacred is in the ordinary, that it is to be found in one's daily life, in one's neighbors, friends, and family, in one's backyard ~ Abraham Maslow
Destinations are important, however, you are short-changing yourself if your relentless pursuit of the end-point causes you to lose sense of what is happening along the way. There is a precious life lesson in each moment of your life. It lies in the people around you and the experiences you share with them.
Someone close to me shared that his "destination" is his journey. What good is it to arrive somewhere without joy in your life? To be so focused on the pursuit of your goals that you miss out on the fun of savoring a delicious moment?
If you keep dreaming about tomorrow, you will overlook TODAY. Stay in the moment. It is a gift. Experience it with all five senses. Call a friend and share this day for double the fun...
The great lesson is that the sacred is in the ordinary, that it is to be found in one's daily life, in one's neighbors, friends, and family, in one's backyard ~ Abraham Maslow
Monday, October 25, 2010
Angels in the Outfield Wanted
As of this writing, there are four official angels in the outfield who are praying for the success of my first book, that it will help others find their purpose in this world and renew or strengthen our relationships with our Creator and each other. That means there is room for ninety five more. Will you consider becoming an angel in the outfield? The success of this book depends on YOU.
Each angel becomes a part of the story. There is a special page reserved in the back of the book dedicated to the angels who are helping make this book become a reality. As an angel, your favorite quote will inspire the world the way you have inspired me. Some angels prefer anonymity and that is okay. You may include your name, your initials or be listed as "anonymous". The $25 donation request is to help me get the marketing started. Daily prayers are much needed. Mountains need to be moved. Please join me on the battlefield. Jesus is calling his sheep of every color to follow Him. Until then, I MUST publish all the good that He is doing in my life and in the lives of others around me.
Perhaps you are that special person who wants to help me as I approach the home stretch? God knows I need all the help I can get, and your support means a great deal to me. You can sign up today by sending me an email. Please include your favorite number and your quote. If you are in a position to make a donation to help with promotions, you can send it to:
Zoom Autos
4360 Viewridge Ave, Suite B,
San Diego, CA 92123
Attn: Mike Mulligan
The email address to request your collector's copy is: socalmulligan808@gmail.com
Collector's copies will be available on March 17, 2011. Each collector's edition will be specially numbered and autographed. Don't forget to send me the mailing address in case you cannot make the book release party to be announced soon.
Thanks to all who continue to pray for this book to become a reality. May your lives be abundantly Blessed. Don't forget to sign the guest book at the lower right.
Each angel becomes a part of the story. There is a special page reserved in the back of the book dedicated to the angels who are helping make this book become a reality. As an angel, your favorite quote will inspire the world the way you have inspired me. Some angels prefer anonymity and that is okay. You may include your name, your initials or be listed as "anonymous". The $25 donation request is to help me get the marketing started. Daily prayers are much needed. Mountains need to be moved. Please join me on the battlefield. Jesus is calling his sheep of every color to follow Him. Until then, I MUST publish all the good that He is doing in my life and in the lives of others around me.
Perhaps you are that special person who wants to help me as I approach the home stretch? God knows I need all the help I can get, and your support means a great deal to me. You can sign up today by sending me an email. Please include your favorite number and your quote. If you are in a position to make a donation to help with promotions, you can send it to:
Zoom Autos
4360 Viewridge Ave, Suite B,
San Diego, CA 92123
Attn: Mike Mulligan
The email address to request your collector's copy is: socalmulligan808@gmail.com
Collector's copies will be available on March 17, 2011. Each collector's edition will be specially numbered and autographed. Don't forget to send me the mailing address in case you cannot make the book release party to be announced soon.
Thanks to all who continue to pray for this book to become a reality. May your lives be abundantly Blessed. Don't forget to sign the guest book at the lower right.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Brain Power
Over forty years later, I recall this episode as I attempt to understand the transformation that is taking place inside of my own body and my brain. It is as if someone placed one of the alien contraptions over my head and the mysteries of the universe were downloaded into my brain. There is something going on that is supernatural. I am truly understanding how each part of the Bible is connected. It's not just a bunch of stories, it is God revealing Himself to us.
The truth is that none of us need science fiction to get answers to universal riddles. All we need to do is ask for help. The Holy Spirit will give us exactly what we need to discover who we are, why we were created and what are purpose is. He will connect us with all the right people to help us complete our mission here on earth. He will also help us to understand the Word of God.
Try this prayer today..."Father, show me who I am in your eyes. Show me your plans for my life. Please give me everything I need including the right people at the right time to do what you ask." One more thing. When you pray this prayer, EXPECT big things to happen. You may even feel like you have been given a new brain and a new body. Never underestimate God's power in your life or just how much He loves you...
Saturday, October 23, 2010
The Laying of Hands
For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do ~ Ephesians 2:10
Last night, I ate dinner with my doctor and his family. We were his guests at a benefit banquet for the Ramona Pregnancy Center. We thought we were going to watch a famous actress give a keynote speech. God had different plans. Memories of visiting Grace Community Church returned to me as I entered the building for a second time. The last time I visited many years ago, I played the role of Nathaniel in the "Living Last Supper". My friend, Jim Tate, another actor in the play, walked up to me and gave me a hug before the event started. He was sitting with his wife, Vicky, just a couple of tables away.
The announcer started speaking and we took our seats before I got the opportunity to visit with Vicky. The crowd quieted as the host announced, "ladies and gentlemen, there is a change of plans for this evening. Our featured speaker, Nancy Stafford, will not be with us this evening. Her mother is ill and she was forced to cancel." He added, "don't worry, this is a God thing and He will give us what we need to make this evening work out."
I read the quote on the care clinic brochure, "for we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." This Bible verse is from Ephesians 2:10. Mary James, female vocalist of the year, repeated this verse after dinner as she stepped in to fill Nancy's shoes. This is just another God thing, I thought to myself. Here I am listening to a speaker give a last-minute keynote talk and she is repeating the same verse that Pete Zindler quoted at my last writer's meeting. Okay, God, this evening belongs to you and I am ready for whatever you have planned.
The evening was incredible. Mary spoke from her heart and she touched mine as she shared about her life apart from God. She was rejected by her biological parents and her adopted parents. She was the perfect person to speak about how it feels to not be wanted. When she finished her talk, I walked up to my friend Jim and asked to speak with his wife. I wasn't sure if she would be willing to talk with me since she had changed churches over some issues she was having.
Vicky gave me a big hug and we quickly rekindled our friendship. I brought up the "laying of hands" ceremony and she started chuckling. "I just shared that story last week with my deacon at my church, Doug Failla," she said. God set this up in advance, I thought. 'Vicky', I said, 'Doug is my daughter's tennis coach.' "I know, I saw her name in the paper with her cousin, Amy. That is why I brought up the story with Doug. I wanted Doug to know about our connection to the Holy Spirit."
'Vicky, I have something very important to ask you. I am writing a book and I need your permission to share this experience in one of the key chapters. Will you allow me to publish your name?' Without any hesitation, Vicky said yes. She then described what she felt while laying her hands on me during that life-changing moment. "I put my hands on a whole row of people before I got to you. As soon as I put my hands over you, I immediately felt something. I knew something was happening to you and I started crying uncontrollably. I felt heat coming out of you. What was happening to you?"
'Vicky, you were the second person to lay hands on me. The first time, nothing happened. I sat there quietly, asking the Holy Spirit to come into my heart. I didn't feel anything. A few minutes later, I felt your presence over me, your hands touching my head.' Her face lit up as I described meeting Jesus. 'I saw Jesus, Vicky. He was standing to my right and He was so bright. I never looked directly at Him but I could see his light shining, lighting up the row of people standing directly in front of me. My attention was on the people. They were people in my life that I was having difficulty with, most of them my enemies. My father was in the crowd and there were people I worked with.' I paused for a moment. 'Vicky, I was thanking Jesus for each of these people in my life.'
I told her that when I woke up, the church was nearly empty. I don't know how long I was in this trance. I told her, 'my life changed completely at that moment. There was this sense of peace that I had never experienced in my whole life. I felt as if I was floating on air.' Vicky smiled and hugged me. "Thank you for sharing. It was a Holy Spirit moment for both of us." 'Yes is was, Vicky, and one of the things that happened is that I stopped swearing, COMPLETELY. The Holy Spirit has been inside of me every moment of my life and it all started when you laid your hands on me.'
I talked about how this supernatural experience set up a series of events that have led me to become a writer. Like the last-minute substitute who spoke about her life with Jesus, I will follow Mary's example and share all the good Jesus is doing in my life with anyone willing to listen. I thanked Vicky for giving me permission to use her name and shared the blog address with her so she can get become a follower. She told me she is also working on a book. 'I know the perfect people who can help you get it published,' I said. "Is it Pete Zindler, the guy who put on the play you and Jim were in?" 'Yes, Vicky, and Byron Mettler and some other people from our hometown.' "I know Byron, " she said. I replied with a smile, 'Come join us and share your story. I will see you soon.'
As I left the church, I thought, this night was destiny. It had been planned by God even before I was born. He is an awesome God!
"My major goal was to give honor to God, the only One who can take a broken life and give it purpose." ~ Mary James (upon acceptance of the Inspirational Country Music Female Vocalist of the Year Award)
Last night, I ate dinner with my doctor and his family. We were his guests at a benefit banquet for the Ramona Pregnancy Center. We thought we were going to watch a famous actress give a keynote speech. God had different plans. Memories of visiting Grace Community Church returned to me as I entered the building for a second time. The last time I visited many years ago, I played the role of Nathaniel in the "Living Last Supper". My friend, Jim Tate, another actor in the play, walked up to me and gave me a hug before the event started. He was sitting with his wife, Vicky, just a couple of tables away.
The announcer started speaking and we took our seats before I got the opportunity to visit with Vicky. The crowd quieted as the host announced, "ladies and gentlemen, there is a change of plans for this evening. Our featured speaker, Nancy Stafford, will not be with us this evening. Her mother is ill and she was forced to cancel." He added, "don't worry, this is a God thing and He will give us what we need to make this evening work out."
I read the quote on the care clinic brochure, "for we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." This Bible verse is from Ephesians 2:10. Mary James, female vocalist of the year, repeated this verse after dinner as she stepped in to fill Nancy's shoes. This is just another God thing, I thought to myself. Here I am listening to a speaker give a last-minute keynote talk and she is repeating the same verse that Pete Zindler quoted at my last writer's meeting. Okay, God, this evening belongs to you and I am ready for whatever you have planned.
The evening was incredible. Mary spoke from her heart and she touched mine as she shared about her life apart from God. She was rejected by her biological parents and her adopted parents. She was the perfect person to speak about how it feels to not be wanted. When she finished her talk, I walked up to my friend Jim and asked to speak with his wife. I wasn't sure if she would be willing to talk with me since she had changed churches over some issues she was having.
Vicky gave me a big hug and we quickly rekindled our friendship. I brought up the "laying of hands" ceremony and she started chuckling. "I just shared that story last week with my deacon at my church, Doug Failla," she said. God set this up in advance, I thought. 'Vicky', I said, 'Doug is my daughter's tennis coach.' "I know, I saw her name in the paper with her cousin, Amy. That is why I brought up the story with Doug. I wanted Doug to know about our connection to the Holy Spirit."
'Vicky, I have something very important to ask you. I am writing a book and I need your permission to share this experience in one of the key chapters. Will you allow me to publish your name?' Without any hesitation, Vicky said yes. She then described what she felt while laying her hands on me during that life-changing moment. "I put my hands on a whole row of people before I got to you. As soon as I put my hands over you, I immediately felt something. I knew something was happening to you and I started crying uncontrollably. I felt heat coming out of you. What was happening to you?"
'Vicky, you were the second person to lay hands on me. The first time, nothing happened. I sat there quietly, asking the Holy Spirit to come into my heart. I didn't feel anything. A few minutes later, I felt your presence over me, your hands touching my head.' Her face lit up as I described meeting Jesus. 'I saw Jesus, Vicky. He was standing to my right and He was so bright. I never looked directly at Him but I could see his light shining, lighting up the row of people standing directly in front of me. My attention was on the people. They were people in my life that I was having difficulty with, most of them my enemies. My father was in the crowd and there were people I worked with.' I paused for a moment. 'Vicky, I was thanking Jesus for each of these people in my life.'
I told her that when I woke up, the church was nearly empty. I don't know how long I was in this trance. I told her, 'my life changed completely at that moment. There was this sense of peace that I had never experienced in my whole life. I felt as if I was floating on air.' Vicky smiled and hugged me. "Thank you for sharing. It was a Holy Spirit moment for both of us." 'Yes is was, Vicky, and one of the things that happened is that I stopped swearing, COMPLETELY. The Holy Spirit has been inside of me every moment of my life and it all started when you laid your hands on me.'
I talked about how this supernatural experience set up a series of events that have led me to become a writer. Like the last-minute substitute who spoke about her life with Jesus, I will follow Mary's example and share all the good Jesus is doing in my life with anyone willing to listen. I thanked Vicky for giving me permission to use her name and shared the blog address with her so she can get become a follower. She told me she is also working on a book. 'I know the perfect people who can help you get it published,' I said. "Is it Pete Zindler, the guy who put on the play you and Jim were in?" 'Yes, Vicky, and Byron Mettler and some other people from our hometown.' "I know Byron, " she said. I replied with a smile, 'Come join us and share your story. I will see you soon.'
As I left the church, I thought, this night was destiny. It had been planned by God even before I was born. He is an awesome God!
"My major goal was to give honor to God, the only One who can take a broken life and give it purpose." ~ Mary James (upon acceptance of the Inspirational Country Music Female Vocalist of the Year Award)
Friday, October 22, 2010
Rekindling the Fire
In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit. ~ Albert Schweitzer
God's mysteries are unraveling before my eyes. I see the beauty in His plans. I marvel at his creation. Never before in my life have I been connected to so many people of God at the same time. Can it be that my lack of fire within my soul caused me to sit on the sidelines, to disconnect from a life that was meant to be lived with red-hot passion? Why did I not take notice of all the good that is in this world? What caused me to only see darkness for so many years?
The Bible is filled with stories about regular people who were transformed. Sometimes, it was an event that caused this metamorphosis, like a blind man being healed or a lame person receiving new legs. At other times, it was an encounter with a stranger that rekindled a new flame inside someone's soul. God has a way of reaching the very ordinary person and making him or her extraordinary, either directly or through others. The first followers all had one quality in common, burning passion within their souls to share Jesus. I have discovered this flame. I will not stop until I have shared this fire with those who are hungry to fill the void that's inside. This is my destiny. What is yours?
In every part of my life, there are special people, lifting me up in the Spirit. I thank God for them. It is as if there is some kind of magnet inside of me that suddenly switched on, attracting others to join me in this book writing journey. A squadron is being formed. They are people that one may not normally find on a battlefield. Your neighbor. The person bagging your groceries. The guy changing your oil. Your babysitter. Yes, these people of God are all around you. They are there to help you rekindle your fire. Maybe you are the one chosen by God to rekindle the flame of someone in your life.
Once you have been re-ignited, join the squadron. Light up the world around you. We are in a spiritual war and the stakes are high. Let your light shine brightly as you share your faith with the lost and the fallen...
God's mysteries are unraveling before my eyes. I see the beauty in His plans. I marvel at his creation. Never before in my life have I been connected to so many people of God at the same time. Can it be that my lack of fire within my soul caused me to sit on the sidelines, to disconnect from a life that was meant to be lived with red-hot passion? Why did I not take notice of all the good that is in this world? What caused me to only see darkness for so many years?
The Bible is filled with stories about regular people who were transformed. Sometimes, it was an event that caused this metamorphosis, like a blind man being healed or a lame person receiving new legs. At other times, it was an encounter with a stranger that rekindled a new flame inside someone's soul. God has a way of reaching the very ordinary person and making him or her extraordinary, either directly or through others. The first followers all had one quality in common, burning passion within their souls to share Jesus. I have discovered this flame. I will not stop until I have shared this fire with those who are hungry to fill the void that's inside. This is my destiny. What is yours?
In every part of my life, there are special people, lifting me up in the Spirit. I thank God for them. It is as if there is some kind of magnet inside of me that suddenly switched on, attracting others to join me in this book writing journey. A squadron is being formed. They are people that one may not normally find on a battlefield. Your neighbor. The person bagging your groceries. The guy changing your oil. Your babysitter. Yes, these people of God are all around you. They are there to help you rekindle your fire. Maybe you are the one chosen by God to rekindle the flame of someone in your life.
Once you have been re-ignited, join the squadron. Light up the world around you. We are in a spiritual war and the stakes are high. Let your light shine brightly as you share your faith with the lost and the fallen...
Thursday, October 21, 2010
The Other Sheep
I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd ~ John 10:16
Like the five blind men who were asked to describe what an elephant looks like, each of us has some type of spiritual blindness. Depending on the specific part of the elephant each of the blind men is investigating, his own perspective varies dramatically from the other four. Anyone listening to the descriptions of the elephant may wonder how the elephant can "look" so different. Each denomination has their own view of who the Creator is. No individual group sees the whole elephant the way our Creator sees His people. The chosen ones didn't recognize Jesus and He stood right in their midst for three years! Our understanding of our Savior is limited to our own upbringing or ideas from the specific church we belong to. Our brothers who do not attend church also have difficulty seeing Jesus. Some leave the church because they can't see even a small part of the elephant. Perhaps, they cannot understand how they fit in. The elephant is always there, even when we can't see Him or can only see a part of Him.
It is through our connection to the Holy Spirit that we "see" how we are part of God's picture. If you were reading the Old Testament part of the Bible exclusively, you might think that you don't belong in God's picture since you are not Jewish.
Did God change His plans when Jesus was born or change His mind about who His people are? Failure to put all the parts of the Bible together is like being the blind man that is only studying a trunk. Take another look at the quote above. It is in red because the Bible quote is in Jesus' own words. He is the Living Word. When He says He is here for sheep that aren't part of the pen, He is referring to you and me while conversing with the chosen ones. That's right, he is speaking directly to YOU, right now, no matter where you live or what you believe/disbelieve. He is calling YOUR name.
This is GOOD NEWS! For many years, I considered myself unworthy to be a part of the Kingdom of God. I am still unworthy today. There is nothing I can do to make myself worthy. All I have to do to be a part of God's people is to follow the great Shepherd. He knows who I am and who you are. Ponder this. He loves us in spite of what we do or fail to do. We are the "other sheep." In my case, I am a child of a man who always considered himself a black sheep. The world is full of sheep who are lost, fallen or so full of sin that all they see when they look in the mirror is blackness.
It is time for the gate to be opened up. Time for all of us to hear the voice of the One calling us and follow Him. It is time to leave our pen and go to a new home. Not one of us is to be left behind. The door is open. Let's go...
Like the five blind men who were asked to describe what an elephant looks like, each of us has some type of spiritual blindness. Depending on the specific part of the elephant each of the blind men is investigating, his own perspective varies dramatically from the other four. Anyone listening to the descriptions of the elephant may wonder how the elephant can "look" so different. Each denomination has their own view of who the Creator is. No individual group sees the whole elephant the way our Creator sees His people. The chosen ones didn't recognize Jesus and He stood right in their midst for three years! Our understanding of our Savior is limited to our own upbringing or ideas from the specific church we belong to. Our brothers who do not attend church also have difficulty seeing Jesus. Some leave the church because they can't see even a small part of the elephant. Perhaps, they cannot understand how they fit in. The elephant is always there, even when we can't see Him or can only see a part of Him.
It is through our connection to the Holy Spirit that we "see" how we are part of God's picture. If you were reading the Old Testament part of the Bible exclusively, you might think that you don't belong in God's picture since you are not Jewish.
Did God change His plans when Jesus was born or change His mind about who His people are? Failure to put all the parts of the Bible together is like being the blind man that is only studying a trunk. Take another look at the quote above. It is in red because the Bible quote is in Jesus' own words. He is the Living Word. When He says He is here for sheep that aren't part of the pen, He is referring to you and me while conversing with the chosen ones. That's right, he is speaking directly to YOU, right now, no matter where you live or what you believe/disbelieve. He is calling YOUR name.
This is GOOD NEWS! For many years, I considered myself unworthy to be a part of the Kingdom of God. I am still unworthy today. There is nothing I can do to make myself worthy. All I have to do to be a part of God's people is to follow the great Shepherd. He knows who I am and who you are. Ponder this. He loves us in spite of what we do or fail to do. We are the "other sheep." In my case, I am a child of a man who always considered himself a black sheep. The world is full of sheep who are lost, fallen or so full of sin that all they see when they look in the mirror is blackness.
It is time for the gate to be opened up. Time for all of us to hear the voice of the One calling us and follow Him. It is time to leave our pen and go to a new home. Not one of us is to be left behind. The door is open. Let's go...
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Seek and You Shall Find
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you ~ Matthew 7:7
Our dad was visiting at my sister's house located about a mile from my home. We heard a knock at the front door. My sister got up to answer it. "Hello, Anne, I am here to meet your father," our pastor said to my sister. She escorted him in. When I shook hands with our pastor, I thought, hmmm, a Murphy and a Mulligan, both named Patrick. Had these two known each other in school, they probably would have been troublemakers together. Our pastor sat down next to our dad and shared some encouraging words including a few Bible verses. Our father seemed to pay close attention to every word spoken. When our pastor departed, he forgot to take his Bible with him.
While handing over the Bible to be returned, dad said, "make sure you get this back to him right away, this is a very important book. It contains the keys to the gates of Heaven inside." He smiled at me as he let go of it for the last time. There wasn't much left of dad's cancer-ridden body, however, his mind was still working at light speed. He was preparing to use the keys to unlock the doorway to Heaven. At the time of our pastor's visit, we did not know just how soon he would be using them, that is all of us except for our father. He was already set to unlock the gate. The checklist needed to be completed first. Just one last visitor to go and she was already on her way. Dad saved his most important meeting for last. All of us prayed that she would get here in time before dad used his keys.
My friend, Jesus, promises that if you seek Him, you will find Him. He is searching for you right now at this moment. Want to have a new friend in your life? He is knocking at the door to your soul. Pull your Bible off the shelf and discover Him. His words will bring you new and abundant life just as they did for my father in his last days. He will give you the keys to Heaven, all you have to do is ask. The only way to get through the door is through Him. Go ahead, ask Him for the keys...
Our dad was visiting at my sister's house located about a mile from my home. We heard a knock at the front door. My sister got up to answer it. "Hello, Anne, I am here to meet your father," our pastor said to my sister. She escorted him in. When I shook hands with our pastor, I thought, hmmm, a Murphy and a Mulligan, both named Patrick. Had these two known each other in school, they probably would have been troublemakers together. Our pastor sat down next to our dad and shared some encouraging words including a few Bible verses. Our father seemed to pay close attention to every word spoken. When our pastor departed, he forgot to take his Bible with him.
While handing over the Bible to be returned, dad said, "make sure you get this back to him right away, this is a very important book. It contains the keys to the gates of Heaven inside." He smiled at me as he let go of it for the last time. There wasn't much left of dad's cancer-ridden body, however, his mind was still working at light speed. He was preparing to use the keys to unlock the doorway to Heaven. At the time of our pastor's visit, we did not know just how soon he would be using them, that is all of us except for our father. He was already set to unlock the gate. The checklist needed to be completed first. Just one last visitor to go and she was already on her way. Dad saved his most important meeting for last. All of us prayed that she would get here in time before dad used his keys.
My friend, Jesus, promises that if you seek Him, you will find Him. He is searching for you right now at this moment. Want to have a new friend in your life? He is knocking at the door to your soul. Pull your Bible off the shelf and discover Him. His words will bring you new and abundant life just as they did for my father in his last days. He will give you the keys to Heaven, all you have to do is ask. The only way to get through the door is through Him. Go ahead, ask Him for the keys...
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Synergy
I can do everything through him who gives me strength ~ Philippians 4:13
Synergy is when 2 + 2 = 5, when the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. You can take advantage of synergy in your own life if you understand which combination of ingredients produce a whole that is worth more than the individual parts.
For example, eating certain foods by themselves won't do much for you, however, when you mix together the six grains listed in Ezekiel 4:9, you get a complete protein that closely resembles the protein found in milk and eggs (hint: my wife recommends toasting and adding a little bit of honey to avoid that cardboard taste she detected at her first sampling). This is food synergy.
Take a good hard look at the individual parts of you. These individual parts make up the core of who you are. You are unique. The question for today is..."are you the best you than you can be?" Work on your physical fitness. Challenge your brain with exercises designed to improve it's performance. Eat healthy foods. Surround yourself with positive people. Exercise daily. Pray regularly. When each part of you is in optimum shape, the total you will shine brightly in this world. You can be a great example of the definition of synergy, just make sure there are no missing or under-developed ingredients in you.
Synergy is when 2 + 2 = 5, when the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. You can take advantage of synergy in your own life if you understand which combination of ingredients produce a whole that is worth more than the individual parts.
For example, eating certain foods by themselves won't do much for you, however, when you mix together the six grains listed in Ezekiel 4:9, you get a complete protein that closely resembles the protein found in milk and eggs (hint: my wife recommends toasting and adding a little bit of honey to avoid that cardboard taste she detected at her first sampling). This is food synergy.
Take a good hard look at the individual parts of you. These individual parts make up the core of who you are. You are unique. The question for today is..."are you the best you than you can be?" Work on your physical fitness. Challenge your brain with exercises designed to improve it's performance. Eat healthy foods. Surround yourself with positive people. Exercise daily. Pray regularly. When each part of you is in optimum shape, the total you will shine brightly in this world. You can be a great example of the definition of synergy, just make sure there are no missing or under-developed ingredients in you.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Awaken Your Senses
"I don't know what a pear tastes like to you?" ~ the angel Seth from "City of Angels"
The angel Seth, played by Nicolas Cage in "City of Angels", falls for Dr. Maggie Rice (Meg Ryan). The only way for him to experience the sense of taste is to give up life as an immortal angel.
Seth relies on Dr. Rice's descriptions to "feel" the sense of taste that many of us take for granted. Experiencing Jesus is the same. The Gospel writers, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, all describe Him using the same rich words crafted by Hemingway in his novels. If desiring to experience the taste of a pear got Seth to give up "angel-hood", imagine how much better it is to experience Jesus with all five senses? It is a unique experience to each of us who seeks Him. Once you invite Him into your heart, your senses will come alive fully, allowing you to become part of a new world filled with passion, something even a Hemingway would find challenging to describe in words.
Experience Him with your own senses and then share your experience with others. Don't forget to also watch "City of Angels" with my favorite actress. Even angels can't resist someone as flavorful as Meg Ryan...
She bites into a pear:
Seth relies on Dr. Rice's descriptions to "feel" the sense of taste that many of us take for granted. Experiencing Jesus is the same. The Gospel writers, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, all describe Him using the same rich words crafted by Hemingway in his novels. If desiring to experience the taste of a pear got Seth to give up "angel-hood", imagine how much better it is to experience Jesus with all five senses? It is a unique experience to each of us who seeks Him. Once you invite Him into your heart, your senses will come alive fully, allowing you to become part of a new world filled with passion, something even a Hemingway would find challenging to describe in words.
Experience Him with your own senses and then share your experience with others. Don't forget to also watch "City of Angels" with my favorite actress. Even angels can't resist someone as flavorful as Meg Ryan...
She bites into a pear:
“What's it taste like? Describe it. Like Hemingway.” “Well, it tastes like... ...a pear.” “You don't know what a pear tastes like?” “I don't know what a pear tastes like to you.” Sweet... ...juicy. Soft on your tongue. Grainy... ...like sugary sand that dissolves in your mouth.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
The Wildfire That Changed Me
"Wake up the kids", my wife shouted, "and check on the neighbors". The winds were howling and fireballs were hurling in our direction. We got out quickly without even closing all the windows. The fire started near my favorite hiking location, "the Devil's Punchbowl" and spread ferociously. I snuck back into my community with my brother-in-law the next morning. Thick black smoke hid my home from view. I could see the steel beams of my next-door-neighbors home, one of the first to vanish during the night. I was certain that my home, a two story cedar frame, situated at the top of the canyon, was gone.
We headed back to our church. There weren't too many people there, many had evacuated. My prayers were of thanks. "Thank you, God, for protecting my family. My home is gone but we are alive. Please bless our firefighters and protect them. Please hear the prayers of those crying out to you and comfort them."
When I exited the church, I checked my voice mail. "Mike, it's your neighbor Debbie. Todd used his badge to get back on our street. Peggie's home is destroyed. Yours is okay." It was not until I returned home that I learned of God's protection. The fire was on all four sides of my home, yet it was untouched. According to Todd, the railroad ties all around my home kept re-igniting. Todd strung together our garden hoses and kept putting out the spot fires. Many homes were lost after the initial firestorm due to spot fires that sprung up hours or even days later. The firefighters had to pull out to concentrate on the front lines which extended all the way to the coast.
An inner peace permeated every cell in my body as I looked at my home. At that moment, I knew that God had some kind of special plan for me, that I was allowed to stay here in my hometown to be a part of His plan. I promised God that whatever He wanted of me, I would do it. There will be much more about this in "God's Black Sheep Squadron." Even though bad things happen, I learned that good can come out of it. This single event changed the course of my life forever. We can learn from difficult situations. Our experiences can make us better. In the end, it is always good that wins. This is God's promise to His people. Invite Him into your heart and you will receive eternal life.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
The Principle of Proactivity
Proactivity...the ability to create your life story … to base your life on your decisions, not your conditions ~ Steven Covey
Today's blog message is a follow-up to an earlier post about choosing to be happy. According to Steven Covey, who wrote the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, we can write our own scripts for the lives we desire. It is a choice to base our lives on values rather than moods. For example, when we value happiness, we can make decisions about our actions and behaviors that increase our chances of becoming happy regardless of how we feel.
Proactivity is defined as acting in advance to deal with an expected difficulty. Expect life to be difficult. Take the initiative and become proactive. By choosing to be happy, you will become free and you will unleash resources inside yourself that you never dreamed possible.
Pick up a copy of Steven's book for more great pointers. The power is within you to become proactive. It all starts with a decision. Decide today that the principle of proactivity will be a big part of your life...
Today's blog message is a follow-up to an earlier post about choosing to be happy. According to Steven Covey, who wrote the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, we can write our own scripts for the lives we desire. It is a choice to base our lives on values rather than moods. For example, when we value happiness, we can make decisions about our actions and behaviors that increase our chances of becoming happy regardless of how we feel.
Proactivity is defined as acting in advance to deal with an expected difficulty. Expect life to be difficult. Take the initiative and become proactive. By choosing to be happy, you will become free and you will unleash resources inside yourself that you never dreamed possible.
Pick up a copy of Steven's book for more great pointers. The power is within you to become proactive. It all starts with a decision. Decide today that the principle of proactivity will be a big part of your life...
Friday, October 15, 2010
Happy Birthday to My Mother
Please allow me an opportunity to dedicate this post to my mother, who celebrates her birthday today. Some of the most important lessons that I have learned in this world come from her. She never gave up on any of her six children, even though, at times, some of us gave up on ourselves. It is her quiet prayers, day after day, year and year, that give my siblings and me some kind of special protection.
Most teenagers don't realize how smart their parents are until they get a little older. I am one of those people. Not only does my mother have a high IQ, more importantly, she has a very high EQ. My mother has taught me to forgive others and to let go of grudges. She has taught me to never stop praying and to expect God to hear every prayer and to answer it when the time is right.
Enjoy your birthday, mom. I know you are still favoring snail mail over email and personal visits above Facebook chats. This post is for the rest of the world, so that they may know just how special you are. Without you, this earth would be much different. I am proud of you. Thanks for being such an incredible mother and for never ever giving up on any of your children. Happy Birthday! God Bless all mothers, they are our angels on earth.
Love,
Michael
Most teenagers don't realize how smart their parents are until they get a little older. I am one of those people. Not only does my mother have a high IQ, more importantly, she has a very high EQ. My mother has taught me to forgive others and to let go of grudges. She has taught me to never stop praying and to expect God to hear every prayer and to answer it when the time is right.
Enjoy your birthday, mom. I know you are still favoring snail mail over email and personal visits above Facebook chats. This post is for the rest of the world, so that they may know just how special you are. Without you, this earth would be much different. I am proud of you. Thanks for being such an incredible mother and for never ever giving up on any of your children. Happy Birthday! God Bless all mothers, they are our angels on earth.
Love,
Michael
Thursday, October 14, 2010
The Choice to be Happy
People are just as happy as they make up their minds to be ~ Abraham Lincoln
In my life, I have experienced many peaks and valleys. Everyone likes to be on the mountaintop. It's exhilarating to feel like you are on top of the world. What about the times in your life when you are experiencing a low? Our entire world is going through this right now. How do you feel inside your soul when you're stuck in one of these valleys due to outside circumstances that you may not even have any control over?
For me, the nice thing about valleys is that it gives you a great view of the peaks. Even when those mountain ranges seem so far away, you can see them as long as you choose to look up. It appears that many of us are going to be in the valleys for a while. Are you going to let your circumstances dictate your own personal happiness? Maybe your whole world is falling apart all around you and you feel there's no hope to ever escape? Nonsense, I say. You can choose right now, at this moment, to be happy. You can attract other people into your life that will bring you comfort even though you're right in the middle of the deepest valley you have ever experienced.
I learned this optimism from my father. I was with him the day the doctors told him his cancer was terminal. He could have crawled into a cave when he got this news, however, he chose to spend his last days as a happy man, surrounded by his loved ones. I saw the joy on his face as he purchased a brand new car just two weeks before we said our final good-byes. He "raced" it all the way home. What a roller coaster ride that was! I was with him the day he bought a Weber BBQ grille for my family with his last dollars. He proceeded to teach me all about grilling, because, he said, "if you're gonna do it, do it right". There was joy on his face as he cooked his "word-famous" burgers for the last time, even though he could barely stand up in his cancer-ridden body. My father chose to be happy even though he had no chance of leaving the valley of death. At his funeral, his twin brother, Mike, read the last letter that my father had written him..."It's not over till the fat lady sings, but I can already hear her humming a few bars." The fat lady was lurking, but even she couldn't distract him from his choice to live every day to it's fullest.
Today is a great day to plan a hike, to go on a new adventure. Take a good hard look at that mountain in front of you and start climbing it. Invite some happy people to go with you. Listen to the birds singing and breathe that fresh air. Put on that smile and show the world that you're happy no matter how deep the valley or how high the mountain. Remember this, my friend, you've been created in His image, and He is a happy God. He delights in you; He is with you every step of the way. The world appreciates your smiling face, it's contagious. Go ahead, show off your happy face and make a choice to be happy today and every day...
He who heeds the word wisely will find good, and whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he ~ Proverbs 16:20
In my life, I have experienced many peaks and valleys. Everyone likes to be on the mountaintop. It's exhilarating to feel like you are on top of the world. What about the times in your life when you are experiencing a low? Our entire world is going through this right now. How do you feel inside your soul when you're stuck in one of these valleys due to outside circumstances that you may not even have any control over?
For me, the nice thing about valleys is that it gives you a great view of the peaks. Even when those mountain ranges seem so far away, you can see them as long as you choose to look up. It appears that many of us are going to be in the valleys for a while. Are you going to let your circumstances dictate your own personal happiness? Maybe your whole world is falling apart all around you and you feel there's no hope to ever escape? Nonsense, I say. You can choose right now, at this moment, to be happy. You can attract other people into your life that will bring you comfort even though you're right in the middle of the deepest valley you have ever experienced.
I learned this optimism from my father. I was with him the day the doctors told him his cancer was terminal. He could have crawled into a cave when he got this news, however, he chose to spend his last days as a happy man, surrounded by his loved ones. I saw the joy on his face as he purchased a brand new car just two weeks before we said our final good-byes. He "raced" it all the way home. What a roller coaster ride that was! I was with him the day he bought a Weber BBQ grille for my family with his last dollars. He proceeded to teach me all about grilling, because, he said, "if you're gonna do it, do it right". There was joy on his face as he cooked his "word-famous" burgers for the last time, even though he could barely stand up in his cancer-ridden body. My father chose to be happy even though he had no chance of leaving the valley of death. At his funeral, his twin brother, Mike, read the last letter that my father had written him..."It's not over till the fat lady sings, but I can already hear her humming a few bars." The fat lady was lurking, but even she couldn't distract him from his choice to live every day to it's fullest.
Today is a great day to plan a hike, to go on a new adventure. Take a good hard look at that mountain in front of you and start climbing it. Invite some happy people to go with you. Listen to the birds singing and breathe that fresh air. Put on that smile and show the world that you're happy no matter how deep the valley or how high the mountain. Remember this, my friend, you've been created in His image, and He is a happy God. He delights in you; He is with you every step of the way. The world appreciates your smiling face, it's contagious. Go ahead, show off your happy face and make a choice to be happy today and every day...
He who heeds the word wisely will find good, and whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he ~ Proverbs 16:20
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Reaching Out to a Friend
There is one friend in the life of each of us who seems not a separate person, however dear and beloved, but an expansion, an interpretation, of one's self, the very meaning of one's soul. ~Edith Wharton
Today's blog is dedicated to a special friend that has been a source of great inspiration and encouragement in my life. If this person were to read this message, he or she would not even think that they are making a difference in my life. They would dismiss themselves as unimportant or insignificant. I know otherwise. I know my heart. I know what it is like to finally be free of the uninspired life I once lived, to be free of the demons that tormented me without ceasing. It was a life that was, at best, lukewarm and middle of the road.
As I close my day at nearly 1:00 am, my final prayers are of thanks...thanks for those in this world who touch the lives of others, even when they themselves are hurting or at times are feeling lonely. In this prayer, I include the people in my own life who have touched my very soul. May these people be comforted and may God Bless each of them with friends that will stand with them in their trials.
Reach out and touch someone today. Let them know that they are special. Encourage them. You may be the one who ignites the fire in the soul of another. And to the one who helps me to feel alive again, I offer my heart-felt gratitude. Thank you for being a friend. You may remain anonymous in the blog world, however, you are a bright light that reaches to the deepest regions of my soul. May each one of you who reads this message be Blessed with a special friend who will be by your side in your journey, just as I have been Blessed in my life.
Today's blog is dedicated to a special friend that has been a source of great inspiration and encouragement in my life. If this person were to read this message, he or she would not even think that they are making a difference in my life. They would dismiss themselves as unimportant or insignificant. I know otherwise. I know my heart. I know what it is like to finally be free of the uninspired life I once lived, to be free of the demons that tormented me without ceasing. It was a life that was, at best, lukewarm and middle of the road.
As I close my day at nearly 1:00 am, my final prayers are of thanks...thanks for those in this world who touch the lives of others, even when they themselves are hurting or at times are feeling lonely. In this prayer, I include the people in my own life who have touched my very soul. May these people be comforted and may God Bless each of them with friends that will stand with them in their trials.
Reach out and touch someone today. Let them know that they are special. Encourage them. You may be the one who ignites the fire in the soul of another. And to the one who helps me to feel alive again, I offer my heart-felt gratitude. Thank you for being a friend. You may remain anonymous in the blog world, however, you are a bright light that reaches to the deepest regions of my soul. May each one of you who reads this message be Blessed with a special friend who will be by your side in your journey, just as I have been Blessed in my life.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Birds of a Feather
"Creativity does not truly come from the popularized image of the tormented artist, struggling with the muse. True creativity is born in community as men and women of God listen to each other and to [God]; as we seek to understand each other's woundedness and strengths." ~ Michael Card (musician who composed El Shaddai)
Once you have discovered your purpose for being on this planet, it helps to surround yourself with people who have similar goals. Michael Card said it best in the quote above. For me, I have found my purpose, one that is enhanced by my team-mates in the business world, my writer's group, my volunteer groups, and my tennis group. Each of these "birds of a feather" allows me to share my own strengths and weaknesses without fear of failure. Together, we are growing into completeness, building one another up.
Our Creator was with His chosen team throughout the ages. He taught them how to eat properly so that they could survive in times of famine and plagues. His people were persecuted because others believed they were the source of tribulations since they seemed immune.
When the Messiah came, He came for all of us. There is no longer just one team favored by God, but many. Regardless of the team you are on, or who you think God is or isn't, He is constant and I will praise Him till I die. May you be surrounded by birds of a feather, people who know God and praise Him and may you come to know just how much He loves you...
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty ~ Psalm 91:1
Once you have discovered your purpose for being on this planet, it helps to surround yourself with people who have similar goals. Michael Card said it best in the quote above. For me, I have found my purpose, one that is enhanced by my team-mates in the business world, my writer's group, my volunteer groups, and my tennis group. Each of these "birds of a feather" allows me to share my own strengths and weaknesses without fear of failure. Together, we are growing into completeness, building one another up.
Our Creator was with His chosen team throughout the ages. He taught them how to eat properly so that they could survive in times of famine and plagues. His people were persecuted because others believed they were the source of tribulations since they seemed immune.
When the Messiah came, He came for all of us. There is no longer just one team favored by God, but many. Regardless of the team you are on, or who you think God is or isn't, He is constant and I will praise Him till I die. May you be surrounded by birds of a feather, people who know God and praise Him and may you come to know just how much He loves you...
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty ~ Psalm 91:1
Monday, October 11, 2010
The Truth About Halos
We've all seen them, those bright lights that shine on Holy people. One day I was in church with my family and a man walked in with his wife and children. It was the first time I had seen him since the front page story appeared about some mistakes he had made. When it came time for the sign of peace, something inside of me prompted me to go over to the man and give him a hug. The "halos" were all busy shaking hands with each other...maybe they didn't notice that the man and his family were being ignored. When I hugged the man, he did not want to let go.
This man is living in his own cave now, apart from his family. The family moved away from my church. They wanted to find a new place where they could live, maybe a place that they could fit into. I was disappointed in the "halos" that day, not because I am better than anyone else, but because I know what it is like to feel as if you are on the outside, to feel as if you are unworthy to have a halo.
The man's wife keeps in touch with me. Her husband is sharing his gifts with others that are forced to live in the cave with him. The truth is that he has a halo, not because of who he is but because of who Jesus is and because Jesus now lives in the man's heart. The people in my church were too blinded by their own halos to see the light in this man. He had to be incarcerated before others could see it. Apparently, most people in prison do not have halos. They live in darkness, most of them being tricked into believing there is no room for halos in prison. This man's halo is for real. It comes directly from God. It declares to others that the light comes from God and that this man is God's son. He will be invited to live with Jesus forever because he knows that Jesus died for his sins.
The lesson I learned about halos comes from knowing this man. There is no halo on earth bright enough to earn admittance into Heaven. Lucifer had a halo too. It was the brightest light in Heaven. He and His buddies thought they were so bright that they did not need God. Once they were separated from God, their light disappeared. The greatest of sinners receive halos when they repent. Jesus gives his light to all who ask for it. The next time someone tells me they see a halo above my head, I will be quick to tell them that it comes from the Son and I will make sure they discover that they can have one too, no matter what they have done in the past. Jesus forgives. The halos He passes out are real. Ask for yours today and don't forget to share it with others, especially the ones that the other halos overlooked because they were blinded by their own brightness.
This man is living in his own cave now, apart from his family. The family moved away from my church. They wanted to find a new place where they could live, maybe a place that they could fit into. I was disappointed in the "halos" that day, not because I am better than anyone else, but because I know what it is like to feel as if you are on the outside, to feel as if you are unworthy to have a halo.
The man's wife keeps in touch with me. Her husband is sharing his gifts with others that are forced to live in the cave with him. The truth is that he has a halo, not because of who he is but because of who Jesus is and because Jesus now lives in the man's heart. The people in my church were too blinded by their own halos to see the light in this man. He had to be incarcerated before others could see it. Apparently, most people in prison do not have halos. They live in darkness, most of them being tricked into believing there is no room for halos in prison. This man's halo is for real. It comes directly from God. It declares to others that the light comes from God and that this man is God's son. He will be invited to live with Jesus forever because he knows that Jesus died for his sins.
The lesson I learned about halos comes from knowing this man. There is no halo on earth bright enough to earn admittance into Heaven. Lucifer had a halo too. It was the brightest light in Heaven. He and His buddies thought they were so bright that they did not need God. Once they were separated from God, their light disappeared. The greatest of sinners receive halos when they repent. Jesus gives his light to all who ask for it. The next time someone tells me they see a halo above my head, I will be quick to tell them that it comes from the Son and I will make sure they discover that they can have one too, no matter what they have done in the past. Jesus forgives. The halos He passes out are real. Ask for yours today and don't forget to share it with others, especially the ones that the other halos overlooked because they were blinded by their own brightness.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
10/10/10
It's a triple ten day, even more rare than a visit from Haley's comet. How are you going to use this day? Will today be filled with anxiety about what is ahead in your life? About the tomorrows that are not here yet? Will you savor the sunrise and the sunset?
I plan to use this day to thank my Creator for giving it to me. Yes, it is filled with hurdles, the kind of challenges that most fear. I will concentrate on the one hurdle that is in front of me. I don't need to worry about how many there are after jumping over the first one. Instead, I will put my energy to work on the one closest to me.
Life is a series of hurdles. Appreciate them. Without them, life would be bland. You were born to be swift...to soar. You have opportunity in front of you. When you look back at the end of this day, may you remember a day filled with all tens. Enjoy...
I plan to use this day to thank my Creator for giving it to me. Yes, it is filled with hurdles, the kind of challenges that most fear. I will concentrate on the one hurdle that is in front of me. I don't need to worry about how many there are after jumping over the first one. Instead, I will put my energy to work on the one closest to me.
Life is a series of hurdles. Appreciate them. Without them, life would be bland. You were born to be swift...to soar. You have opportunity in front of you. When you look back at the end of this day, may you remember a day filled with all tens. Enjoy...
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Congressional Room 219
Moses is one of the greatest leaders of all time, not because of who he was, but because of who God is. Moses had a direct relationship with our Father and he listened to Him. While engaging an enemy in battle, Moses would hold up his arms to the Heavens and his followers would advance. As soon as he got tired and his arms drooped, his men would be overrun. A couple of his followers observed this and helped Moses to keep his arms extended.
We have a similar situation right now in Congress. There is a room known as congressional room 219, a place where our political leaders of all parties come together to pray to God. It is just like lifting their arms to the Heavens. Our Creator hears their voice and He responds with abundant Blessings.
Regardless of political party, it is important for each of us to pray for our country and for the leaders who are in charge of our future. God wants to play an active role in our lives. He will not force Himself on us. This is what freedom is all about. If we want to keep our freedom, we must join our prayer warriors in congress and pray for God to be with us. The forces of evil in our country are very strong, but God is stronger. Click here to learn more about room 219. God Bless America and all nations who seek Him.
We have a similar situation right now in Congress. There is a room known as congressional room 219, a place where our political leaders of all parties come together to pray to God. It is just like lifting their arms to the Heavens. Our Creator hears their voice and He responds with abundant Blessings.
Regardless of political party, it is important for each of us to pray for our country and for the leaders who are in charge of our future. God wants to play an active role in our lives. He will not force Himself on us. This is what freedom is all about. If we want to keep our freedom, we must join our prayer warriors in congress and pray for God to be with us. The forces of evil in our country are very strong, but God is stronger. Click here to learn more about room 219. God Bless America and all nations who seek Him.
Friday, October 8, 2010
4,000 Love Letters
I found the one whom my soul loves ~ Song of Solomon 3:4
This month represents the six year anniversary of love letter writing for my wife and me. I first learned about writing love letters when we attended a weekend marriage encounter. On the third day, I got really sick and thought about dropping out. I'm not sure if it was a flu bug or if all that emotional stuff made me ill. Either way, I was so sick I was vomiting. My wife stood by me and helped me overcome my sickness in order to complete the retreat.
The deepest topic we confronted during our special weekend had to do with death. If you were given enough time to write one letter describing your love for your spouse before leaving this world, how would you describe your feelings? How would your spouse feel if you didn't leave such a letter behind? Why wait until you are on your deathbed to share your feelings? We were asked to write about all the feelings we have so that we each can know how much we are loved while we are still alive. This does not come naturally for men and it was gut-wrenching for me, even to the point of becoming physically sick. I made it through the retreat and went home a changed man, promising myself that from this day forward, I will always take every opportunity to express my love for her in her very own love language.
My sister and her husband, retreat graduates themselves, arranged to get other couples together for monthly pot-lucks. She challenged all of us to keep writing daily love letters. Six years later, I have managed to write a love letter a day. I also receive daily love letters from my wife. Combined, we have written over four thousand love letters to each other. In a way, it is like a daily journal, diary and love message, all rolled into about one page each. At the top, we have a question. It starts with "How do I feel about blank,blank, blank?" Like the colors of the rainbow, we all have a wide variety of feelings. Should you attempt to write love letters, remember not to judge your feelings. They are not right or wrong, just emotions. Sharing your feelings is what will make your relationship stronger.
If I could pass along just one lesson to my children or to you, this would be the lesson...don't hide your feelings from your loved one. Express them. Write love letters. Learn about the language of love. It's the most beautiful language known to man or woman. Write love letters every day and be vivid with your words. Paint pictures showing what's in your heart. Use big brush strokes and fill the canvas so your spirit comes alive like a masterpiece. Your relationship will reach new heights as you share your feelings. You only need a couple of spiral notebooks and a commitment to do this every day, every time, without fail, no exception. Give it a try. Your love is waiting for you to show your true colors, a work of art, uniquely created, one that can never be replaced. Your pen is your paintbrush and your love is waiting to say "Wow".
This month represents the six year anniversary of love letter writing for my wife and me. I first learned about writing love letters when we attended a weekend marriage encounter. On the third day, I got really sick and thought about dropping out. I'm not sure if it was a flu bug or if all that emotional stuff made me ill. Either way, I was so sick I was vomiting. My wife stood by me and helped me overcome my sickness in order to complete the retreat.
The deepest topic we confronted during our special weekend had to do with death. If you were given enough time to write one letter describing your love for your spouse before leaving this world, how would you describe your feelings? How would your spouse feel if you didn't leave such a letter behind? Why wait until you are on your deathbed to share your feelings? We were asked to write about all the feelings we have so that we each can know how much we are loved while we are still alive. This does not come naturally for men and it was gut-wrenching for me, even to the point of becoming physically sick. I made it through the retreat and went home a changed man, promising myself that from this day forward, I will always take every opportunity to express my love for her in her very own love language.
My sister and her husband, retreat graduates themselves, arranged to get other couples together for monthly pot-lucks. She challenged all of us to keep writing daily love letters. Six years later, I have managed to write a love letter a day. I also receive daily love letters from my wife. Combined, we have written over four thousand love letters to each other. In a way, it is like a daily journal, diary and love message, all rolled into about one page each. At the top, we have a question. It starts with "How do I feel about blank,blank, blank?" Like the colors of the rainbow, we all have a wide variety of feelings. Should you attempt to write love letters, remember not to judge your feelings. They are not right or wrong, just emotions. Sharing your feelings is what will make your relationship stronger.
If I could pass along just one lesson to my children or to you, this would be the lesson...don't hide your feelings from your loved one. Express them. Write love letters. Learn about the language of love. It's the most beautiful language known to man or woman. Write love letters every day and be vivid with your words. Paint pictures showing what's in your heart. Use big brush strokes and fill the canvas so your spirit comes alive like a masterpiece. Your relationship will reach new heights as you share your feelings. You only need a couple of spiral notebooks and a commitment to do this every day, every time, without fail, no exception. Give it a try. Your love is waiting for you to show your true colors, a work of art, uniquely created, one that can never be replaced. Your pen is your paintbrush and your love is waiting to say "Wow".
Thursday, October 7, 2010
The Maker's Diet
Then God said, "I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food." ~ Genesis 1:29
At the beginning of the year, I shared with you how my wife and I made vision boards with specific goals and pictures for this year. What I kept private is that part way through the year, I got peeved about being off course. I took my board down so I would not have to face being off-target every single day. My wife reviews hers every morning. Her theme is hope. I enjoy looking at hers every day. Her vision board is loaded with uplifting pictures and makes me feel good.
Recently, the captain of my tennis team shared three books with me that impacted her life greatly. I started reading, "The Maker's Diet", by Jordan Rubin, a gentleman who almost died from some form of Crohn's disease. Near death, he turned to foods that are listed in the Bible. He overcame his disease and now dedicates his life to helping others understand what foods are needed to be our best.
I have made radical changes in my food habits based on this book. When my body fat measurement hit the 20% mark, I remembered listing it as one of the goals I made at the beginning of the year. I pulled out my crumpled up vision board and reviewed the health category. I was shocked. My body fat and weight measurements were EXACTLY what I had written on the board. This is how our subconscious works. Even though I did not see my goals every day, my brain was working on them.
If you are seeking a healthier life, make sure you read this book. It is especially for people who are living in places that are supposedly "advanced". This book will change your perceptions of the foods you eat. Even my own doctor sees the health benefits espoused in this book and refuses to eat that lobster in his freezer even though it is one of his favorite foods. Too bad I reminded him that lobsters are the ocean's scavengers, created to remove pollution from our seas.
Thanks, Stacey, for sharing your secrets to a healthy life. They really do work as long as you make them a way of life and not just some fad diet. Most of the health problems we see in our country come from eating the wrong foods while not eating the right ones. You deserve to look good and feel great. Why not start today?
At the beginning of the year, I shared with you how my wife and I made vision boards with specific goals and pictures for this year. What I kept private is that part way through the year, I got peeved about being off course. I took my board down so I would not have to face being off-target every single day. My wife reviews hers every morning. Her theme is hope. I enjoy looking at hers every day. Her vision board is loaded with uplifting pictures and makes me feel good.
Recently, the captain of my tennis team shared three books with me that impacted her life greatly. I started reading, "The Maker's Diet", by Jordan Rubin, a gentleman who almost died from some form of Crohn's disease. Near death, he turned to foods that are listed in the Bible. He overcame his disease and now dedicates his life to helping others understand what foods are needed to be our best.
I have made radical changes in my food habits based on this book. When my body fat measurement hit the 20% mark, I remembered listing it as one of the goals I made at the beginning of the year. I pulled out my crumpled up vision board and reviewed the health category. I was shocked. My body fat and weight measurements were EXACTLY what I had written on the board. This is how our subconscious works. Even though I did not see my goals every day, my brain was working on them.
If you are seeking a healthier life, make sure you read this book. It is especially for people who are living in places that are supposedly "advanced". This book will change your perceptions of the foods you eat. Even my own doctor sees the health benefits espoused in this book and refuses to eat that lobster in his freezer even though it is one of his favorite foods. Too bad I reminded him that lobsters are the ocean's scavengers, created to remove pollution from our seas.
Thanks, Stacey, for sharing your secrets to a healthy life. They really do work as long as you make them a way of life and not just some fad diet. Most of the health problems we see in our country come from eating the wrong foods while not eating the right ones. You deserve to look good and feel great. Why not start today?
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Who Are You?
Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God ~ John 1:12
If a stranger asked, "who are you?"...how would you answer? What if you were asked to take blank paper and write about yourself for one hour? Would you write about your job or the things you do? Perhaps your hopes and dreams? Would you just stare at the blank paper until the hour is up? How would you feel about sharing what you put on the paper? Do these questions intimidate you? Maybe it would be easier to just close your eyes and meditate on these questions for a while...that is, if you are seeking answers. Go ahead. Try it out. Just close your eyes and ask yourself, "who am I?" Come back when you are done and let's compare notes...
Okay, I know some of you out there are super busy and maybe you decided you didn't have time for these questions so you just skipped. I challenge you to set aside some time to at least meditate on these questions in silence. If you are feeling extra bold, write your thoughts down so you can review them periodically.
People have asked me, "why do you spend so much time writing?" The answer is simple...I know who I am. I know why I have been created and what my purpose is. I am here for just one reason...to help you know who you are. The Creator has been shaping me for fifty years so that one day I would discover the meaning of my life and finally leave the cave I cowered in. I will not waste another minute pursuing false dreams or hopes. Instead, I will follow Him and do His will. He wants you to know who you are. These daily stories are for you, to help you get to know Him, to get you to come out of your cave, leave your island of despair, or just wake up and say, "I am a child of God and He loves me even if I don't love myself. He wants to be the center of my life. I know who I am."
If a stranger asked, "who are you?"...how would you answer? What if you were asked to take blank paper and write about yourself for one hour? Would you write about your job or the things you do? Perhaps your hopes and dreams? Would you just stare at the blank paper until the hour is up? How would you feel about sharing what you put on the paper? Do these questions intimidate you? Maybe it would be easier to just close your eyes and meditate on these questions for a while...that is, if you are seeking answers. Go ahead. Try it out. Just close your eyes and ask yourself, "who am I?" Come back when you are done and let's compare notes...
Okay, I know some of you out there are super busy and maybe you decided you didn't have time for these questions so you just skipped. I challenge you to set aside some time to at least meditate on these questions in silence. If you are feeling extra bold, write your thoughts down so you can review them periodically.
People have asked me, "why do you spend so much time writing?" The answer is simple...I know who I am. I know why I have been created and what my purpose is. I am here for just one reason...to help you know who you are. The Creator has been shaping me for fifty years so that one day I would discover the meaning of my life and finally leave the cave I cowered in. I will not waste another minute pursuing false dreams or hopes. Instead, I will follow Him and do His will. He wants you to know who you are. These daily stories are for you, to help you get to know Him, to get you to come out of your cave, leave your island of despair, or just wake up and say, "I am a child of God and He loves me even if I don't love myself. He wants to be the center of my life. I know who I am."
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Flying Lessons
38For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord ~ Romans 8:38-39
The first time I actually got to sit in the co-pilot's seat in a small plane was during high school when my dad's brother invited me to hop into his Cessna for a jaunt around Phoenix. He carefully explained the instruments in front of me and let me take the wheel once we were up in the air. The flight was one of my favorite memories from my past. He taught me how each instrument panel worked and explained navigation using vectors.
Last evening, once again, I felt like some kind of pilot. This time, the control panel was a bit overwhelming, bells and whistles everywhere, like those jetliners that can fit hundreds of passengers. While listening to my writer's critique group review my first submissions, I felt like a fish out of water. "You need to add a transition in this spot. You are bouncing back from first to third person over here," one reviewer commented. When it was my turn to critique, I admitted that I was fumbling. How does someone who is just learning to write edit the work of people who have been doing this all their lives? It is like a school boy looking for flaws in one of Leonardo DaVinci's paintings. The group kept encouraging me, sharing how they felt the first time they attempted to edit. Editing is actually more important than writing, something I will need to practice regularly.
If this book is to be released by March 17th next year, I must learn to fly this jetliner. It has a full staff of workers who will teach me how to fly, that is, write, edit and publish. Once in the air, they will teach me how to navigate so that I can reach my destination without any flight delays. They will fly with me, helping me to man the controls until I am able to one day fly solo. There will be constant communication with traffic control to avoid any mishaps.
I came home from my writer's meeting feeling like I hit a home run on my first plate appearance as a writer. Each one of these people will play a vital role in getting this book published. I stayed up late, going over the notes of each editor and rewriting two blog entries, "Facing an Ugly Past", and "Out of the Cave". One day, I will be comfortable behind the wheel of this giant plane. For now, I am content to get to know the people on my team that will guide me on this book-writing journey and rely on them so that I can learn to soar with the eagles.
Thank you, Pete, Adelaide, Byron, Gail and Bob, for giving me the feedback I need to develop my writing. With your help, I will earn my wings and join the ranks of published writers. Each day, my prayers are to stay on course and to land the plane safely on March 17th, 2011. With the Holy Spirit as my co-pilot, and with your help, I believe this plane will land safely and on time. Each of you has my heart-felt thanks for your assistance. See you in two weeks for another flying lesson...
The first time I actually got to sit in the co-pilot's seat in a small plane was during high school when my dad's brother invited me to hop into his Cessna for a jaunt around Phoenix. He carefully explained the instruments in front of me and let me take the wheel once we were up in the air. The flight was one of my favorite memories from my past. He taught me how each instrument panel worked and explained navigation using vectors.
Last evening, once again, I felt like some kind of pilot. This time, the control panel was a bit overwhelming, bells and whistles everywhere, like those jetliners that can fit hundreds of passengers. While listening to my writer's critique group review my first submissions, I felt like a fish out of water. "You need to add a transition in this spot. You are bouncing back from first to third person over here," one reviewer commented. When it was my turn to critique, I admitted that I was fumbling. How does someone who is just learning to write edit the work of people who have been doing this all their lives? It is like a school boy looking for flaws in one of Leonardo DaVinci's paintings. The group kept encouraging me, sharing how they felt the first time they attempted to edit. Editing is actually more important than writing, something I will need to practice regularly.
If this book is to be released by March 17th next year, I must learn to fly this jetliner. It has a full staff of workers who will teach me how to fly, that is, write, edit and publish. Once in the air, they will teach me how to navigate so that I can reach my destination without any flight delays. They will fly with me, helping me to man the controls until I am able to one day fly solo. There will be constant communication with traffic control to avoid any mishaps.
I came home from my writer's meeting feeling like I hit a home run on my first plate appearance as a writer. Each one of these people will play a vital role in getting this book published. I stayed up late, going over the notes of each editor and rewriting two blog entries, "Facing an Ugly Past", and "Out of the Cave". One day, I will be comfortable behind the wheel of this giant plane. For now, I am content to get to know the people on my team that will guide me on this book-writing journey and rely on them so that I can learn to soar with the eagles.
Thank you, Pete, Adelaide, Byron, Gail and Bob, for giving me the feedback I need to develop my writing. With your help, I will earn my wings and join the ranks of published writers. Each day, my prayers are to stay on course and to land the plane safely on March 17th, 2011. With the Holy Spirit as my co-pilot, and with your help, I believe this plane will land safely and on time. Each of you has my heart-felt thanks for your assistance. See you in two weeks for another flying lesson...
Monday, October 4, 2010
Mountaintop Experiences
"Well, I don't know what will happen now. We've got some difficult days ahead. But it doesn't matter with me now. Because I've been to the mountaintop. And I don't mind. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will. And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over. And I've seen the promised land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land. And I'm happy, tonight. I'm not worried about anything. I'm not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord." ~ Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (the day before he was assassinated).
Now that my mother has retired, she has become quite the world traveler. As I write this, she is visiting Israel and Egypt. She will be visiting Mt. Sinai, the place where Moses received the ten Commandments. It reminds me of the first time I saw the movie, "the Ten Commandments", with Charlton Heston playing Moses. I loved the scene where he came down from the mountain with that gray hair and that "look".
Yesterday, I visited a mountaintop near Julian with my wife and our youngest son. The hike was just over four miles. There was a storm nearby and we could hear thunder as we made our ascent. At various points along the way, my wife would tell me she did not want to go any further. I told her that this climb was just like our lives together, always a storm brewing and a journey filled with twists and turns. "We need to complete this", I told her. "Just like we need to complete our journey here, together."
What if Moses had stopped short of his hike up Mt. Sinai? How would his people have found a way out of the desert? There is a promised land waiting for you. Before you can enter, you must do what is asked of you on this planet. Take it one step at a time.
It was exhilarating to reach the mountaintop yesterday. There are still many more mountains to climb. Maybe one day I will get an opportunity to meet you and we can climb one together. May your journey be filled with many blessings as you put one foot in front of the other...
Now that my mother has retired, she has become quite the world traveler. As I write this, she is visiting Israel and Egypt. She will be visiting Mt. Sinai, the place where Moses received the ten Commandments. It reminds me of the first time I saw the movie, "the Ten Commandments", with Charlton Heston playing Moses. I loved the scene where he came down from the mountain with that gray hair and that "look".
What if Moses had stopped short of his hike up Mt. Sinai? How would his people have found a way out of the desert? There is a promised land waiting for you. Before you can enter, you must do what is asked of you on this planet. Take it one step at a time.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Labor Pains
She was pregnant and was crying out in birth pains and the agony of giving birth ~ Revelation 12:2
This second trimester of preparation for my first book is filled with labor pains. Last night, I dropped off some copies of my work to be critiqued for the first time. Critique groups are a two-way street, you analyze their work and they do the same for your writing.
As I walked out of the meeting, Byron offered me some really good advice. I gave him some background on the characters that are in God's Black Sheep Squadron. "There needs to be some kind of common thread that is present throughout the book", he said. While pondering this, I realized that the common thread is the Holy Spirit. He was there in the first chapter and again in the final chapter. The chapters that still need to be written are all spirit-filled. "Once you determine the common thread, your book will be easier to lay out", he said. "Have you considered fictionalizing it to make it flow better?" I answered, "no, and even though it may make writing the book easier for me, I need to stick to the facts so that others may be inspired by events that actually happened or that will happen just as Jesus promises."
Am I headed for one of those difficult labors, like the one my wife endured for our first-born son? My belief is that every book is meant to be born. The writer must go through a step-by-step process. Since this book is part of God's plan for me, I will continue to rely on the people he is placing in my life while learning all the modern tools available to writers of this generation.
Are you going through some labor pains right now? One of my tennis buddies told me, "pain is weakness leaving the body." I must push through the discomfort while stitching each chapter together, relying on the Holy Spirit to be my "Thread". Endurance, my friends...it's all about endurance. Stay on your course. Every baby must be born no matter what the pain or the struggle...
This second trimester of preparation for my first book is filled with labor pains. Last night, I dropped off some copies of my work to be critiqued for the first time. Critique groups are a two-way street, you analyze their work and they do the same for your writing.
As I walked out of the meeting, Byron offered me some really good advice. I gave him some background on the characters that are in God's Black Sheep Squadron. "There needs to be some kind of common thread that is present throughout the book", he said. While pondering this, I realized that the common thread is the Holy Spirit. He was there in the first chapter and again in the final chapter. The chapters that still need to be written are all spirit-filled. "Once you determine the common thread, your book will be easier to lay out", he said. "Have you considered fictionalizing it to make it flow better?" I answered, "no, and even though it may make writing the book easier for me, I need to stick to the facts so that others may be inspired by events that actually happened or that will happen just as Jesus promises."
Am I headed for one of those difficult labors, like the one my wife endured for our first-born son? My belief is that every book is meant to be born. The writer must go through a step-by-step process. Since this book is part of God's plan for me, I will continue to rely on the people he is placing in my life while learning all the modern tools available to writers of this generation.
Are you going through some labor pains right now? One of my tennis buddies told me, "pain is weakness leaving the body." I must push through the discomfort while stitching each chapter together, relying on the Holy Spirit to be my "Thread". Endurance, my friends...it's all about endurance. Stay on your course. Every baby must be born no matter what the pain or the struggle...
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Wisdom from Oldest Man in the World...Walter Breuning
As I was driving to work the other day, I heard this speech on K-Love radio, written by a man on his 113th birthday. According to the world record books, Walter Breuning is the oldest living man on our planet. He has all kinds of advice to share with the world, including this amazing colloquy which has been transcribed for your benefit...
Life begins each morning whether we have succeeded or failed or just muddled along. Life is a school to learn, not to unlearn.
Life is the creation by God and if you would know God, be not a solver of riddles. Look about you and you shall see Him playing with your children. Look into the air and you shall see him walking in the clouds, out-stretching his arms in the lightning and descending in rain. You shall see him smiling in flowers, then rising and waving his hands in trees.
Life is a great teacher of truth. What is truth to one is not truth to another. What is true in one country may be false in another.
Life is short but the influences of what we do or say is immortal. There needs to be much more of the spirit of fellowship among us and more forgiveness. The power of gentleness is little seen in the world.
Remember that life’s length is not measured by its hours and days, but by that which we have done therein. A useless life is short if it lasts a century.
There are greater and better things in us all if we would find them out. There will always be in this world — wrongs. No wrong is really successful.
The day will come when light and truth and the just and the good shall be victorious and wrong as evil will be no more forever.
Life itself teaches us to best prepare for that future which we hope for and for that journey to that land un-known, not made by hands.
Everything just is beautiful; everything beautiful ought to be just.
The mystery of the world remains unknown. Our maker alone is the key which unlocks all the mysteries of the universe.
The world is neither a prison nor a palace of ease, but rather for instruction and discipline.
This world has been good to all of us.
Life begins each morning whether we have succeeded or failed or just muddled along. Life is a school to learn, not to unlearn.
Life is the creation by God and if you would know God, be not a solver of riddles. Look about you and you shall see Him playing with your children. Look into the air and you shall see him walking in the clouds, out-stretching his arms in the lightning and descending in rain. You shall see him smiling in flowers, then rising and waving his hands in trees.
Life is a great teacher of truth. What is truth to one is not truth to another. What is true in one country may be false in another.
Life is short but the influences of what we do or say is immortal. There needs to be much more of the spirit of fellowship among us and more forgiveness. The power of gentleness is little seen in the world.
Remember that life’s length is not measured by its hours and days, but by that which we have done therein. A useless life is short if it lasts a century.
There are greater and better things in us all if we would find them out. There will always be in this world — wrongs. No wrong is really successful.
The day will come when light and truth and the just and the good shall be victorious and wrong as evil will be no more forever.
Life itself teaches us to best prepare for that future which we hope for and for that journey to that land un-known, not made by hands.
Everything just is beautiful; everything beautiful ought to be just.
The mystery of the world remains unknown. Our maker alone is the key which unlocks all the mysteries of the universe.
The world is neither a prison nor a palace of ease, but rather for instruction and discipline.
This world has been good to all of us.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Promote Till the Cows Come Home
Return to thy house, and tell how great things God hath done to thee. And he went through the whole city, publishing how great things Jesus had done to him ~ Luke 8:39
God has a plan for you. It requires your full participation. He will keep sending people your way while planting ideas in your head to get you to understand His plan. Once you accept your role in this world, give it all you've got.
"Publishing" requires countless hours of effort and hard work. Those who make it to the best seller list are personally involved in the promotions aspect. Search engines like Google, and blog sites, like the ones I use to spread the word for this blog make my job easier, however, if I am going to reach the "whole city" as the naked cave man did over 2,000 years ago (...without the help of the internet), I must promote till the cows come home. There are no shortcuts to this...do what is hard and necessary to maximize your gifts and do it consistently. Your perseverance will pay off, just do it...
God has a plan for you. It requires your full participation. He will keep sending people your way while planting ideas in your head to get you to understand His plan. Once you accept your role in this world, give it all you've got.
"Publishing" requires countless hours of effort and hard work. Those who make it to the best seller list are personally involved in the promotions aspect. Search engines like Google, and blog sites, like the ones I use to spread the word for this blog make my job easier, however, if I am going to reach the "whole city" as the naked cave man did over 2,000 years ago (...without the help of the internet), I must promote till the cows come home. There are no shortcuts to this...do what is hard and necessary to maximize your gifts and do it consistently. Your perseverance will pay off, just do it...
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