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Appreciation!

Don't Hate - Appreciate!

Someone said:  ”You can’t see clearly until you appreciate fully.”  I hate to admit it, but for a small part of my life, I got distracted by people’s flaws and was unable to see and appreciate their potential.  If we focus on people’s flaws and miss their potential, then eventually the relationship/friendship will break down.

I am not perfect.  In fact, the older I get, the more I realize how just how many mistakes I have made and am still making.  Hopefully, I am at least beginning to learn from some of them.  None of us are flawless, but all of us have accomplishments and potential.  Many times our accomplishments and potential go unnoticed, because most of the people in our world are looking for what is wrong, instead of what is right.

When I was growing up, I used to hear the older folks talking a lot about appreciation.  I think appreciation may be one of the great lost art forms of our time.  To appreciate means that we make an intentional effort to look past and beyond the flaws, mistakes and mess-ups and instead focus in on a person’s value.  Every person in this life has value and contribution that makes life better.

Appreciation isn’t so much about saying “thank you”, as it is actually taking the time to recognize and understand the other person’s value and contribution that they can make.

I need to get better at appreciation.  In fact, I want to pull out this old art form from the past and put it into practice, but I can’t do it by myself.  I need your help.  If enough of us get it and practice it, then it will become a part of our nature.

Here are a few things that I am trying to do to practice appreciation for others:

1.) Accept people as they are!  I don’t have to agree with everything and I don’t have to like everything about a person to find something of value to appreciate in them.  Sure I want to see people grow, improve and live up to their potential, but I am learning that before I can help anyone do anything, I first have to accept. appreciate and love them.

2.) Be willing to learn new things!  I am a human being, but I don’t know all there is about human beings and what it means to live and succeed as one.  Since I have room in my life to grow, then I need to be open to differences of opinion, realizing that while, I don’t have to agree, that I also don’t have to let it tear apart what could be a meaningful relationship of relationships.  Sometimes we burn our bridges with no idea of who else could walk across them.

3.) Consider The Quickies:  There are a few things that I need to do and keep doing to really appreciate others.  I need to PAY ATTENTION.  I am sometime so focused on myself that I miss everything else around me – must continually work on this one!  I need to ASK MEANINGFUL QUESTIONS.  Questions help me to get below the surface, so that I can know more.  The more I know about you, the more opportunity, I have to find something to appreciate.  I need to REALLY CARE.  I care.  I have always cared, but I am learning that I can care more deeply and more real.  I am also discovering that I want to.

Appreciation is a choice.  We want others to make the choice to appreciate us, but maybe we need to make the choice first, and then take whatever might come our way.  Just a little something we all need to think about.  Here’s a question for you:  Who do you or who can you appreciate today?  Take the time to appreciate them and you will be glad you did!

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A New Lesson In Friendships!

A few months ago, I started a series of messages on Friendship!  We focused on friendship with God and friendship with others!  I love and appreciate all of my friends, but realize that I have not and I do not always show this in the way that I should.  It’s not that I don’t care or that I am not interested.  It’s just that, if I am your friend, then I am your friend and nothing is going to change that on my part.  (This is how I think in my head and heart and feel that if you know me, then you should know this about me!)  What I am learning is that while I may have an expectation that my friends accept and believe that, some of my friends need continuing reassurance.  (They may know it, but not believe it or understand it!)

When I first began to realize this need that some of my friends had, my first thought was that they are not much of a friend if they don’t know me and believe me as I am.  (I have other friends that get it and it’s not a problem for them!)  And then I slowly began to realize that everybody has their on perception.  I should be able to expect that they would work to give me the benefit of the doubt, but if they don’t or won’t, then I still have the responsibility and obligation as a friend to try to help my friend see, know and experience the real me.  Some would say:  ”They are not really your friend, if they have that attitude!”  But the issue is not their being my friend.  The issue is my being their friend.  I am not responsible for their actions or reactions!  I am responsible for my own.  And even when people who say they are friends are not friendly, I have a responsibility and obligation to continue to be friendly, because that’s what friends do!  (Many times all of us think we are being or doing, but we are fooling ourselves and that is why someone in the friendship has to be willing to go the extra mile or the friendship will die!)

God is our friend and we don’t always treat God the way that He should be treated, but He patiently gives us time, space, knowledge and wisdom to figure it out!  He does this because He is our friend and wants us to be a friend back!  So, before you write somebody off, make sure that you are doing your part as a friend.  It’s a blessing for you, them and everybody.  And the best part is that it brings glory to God when we get this right!  And it is really cool, when you get to travel that extra mile together!

Thank you for being my friend and for reading this blog!  I hope it challenges, encourages and blesses you!

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10 Questions!

Life Is Amazing! Many years ago, when I was a teenager, I read a book by Leo Buscagalia called “Living, Loving & Learning!”  I then had the opportunity via PBS to hear him lecture on a number of different occasions.  A few weeks ago, I came across a hardback copy of “Loving Each Other!” and it took me back to those magical days, when I made some great strides in my spiritual journey.

Intersections! I grew up in Church and had been taught the Scriptures from a very early age.  I knew the teachings of Jesus and they had challenged and changed my life.  When I heard Leo Buscaglia, his teaching helped me to take what I had been taught and exercise it in the daily living of my life.  He helped me to put feet to my faith!

The Amazing Gift Of Love! This amazing love that has been given to me as a gift is something that I get to share and in its sharing, love becomes so much more powerful and meaningful!  Below are a few questions that Dr. Buscaglia challenges us to think about.  These are not his exact questions, but my adaptation of some of the encouragement and challenge that I have received from his teaching and writing. I would encourage you to ask yourself these questions every day as you embark on this journey called life!   I hope you enjoy and learn to love and be loved!

1.) Did I share happiness or did I steal happiness with my actions and reactions?

2.) How did I express love and show kindness?

3.) Am I looking for what is right or for what is wrong in others?

4.) Do I laugh and help others to laugh?  (Is joy a by-product of my life?)

5.) What have I done today to build and make stronger my relationships?

6.) Have I worried over the trivial or celebrated the triumphant?

7.) Have I accepted forgiveness and given forgiveness?

8.) Have I learned something new and have I taught something new to others?

9.) Do I know and believe that life (mine and yours) matters?

10.) Will I let this make me better or bitter?

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A Trade Worth Making!

Trade Your Plans For God's Plans!

“I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord.  Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”  Jeremiah 29:11  God has an amazing dream for your life!  If you really want to accomplish and achieve the great things that God created you for, then take some time to think about and look for His dream and plans!

Looking for God’s dreams and plans, may mean that you have to lay down your dreams and plans, but it is a trade worth making.  Remember:  You cannot head in two directions at once, so look for the direction that God has for you, knowing that He will prosper and not harm you, that He will give you a hope and a future!  God Bless And Press On!

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You Are Really Special!

It Only Takes A Spark!

You are special, don’t allow anyone to tell you any different!  God created you as you and that makes you very special.  God not only created you, but He also gifted you!  God has given each of His special creations – special gifts!  You have a special gift from God!

The Scriptures teach us to “Kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you.”  2 Timothy 1:6  What does this tell me?  It tells me that I have a gift in me that God has given to me and I need to “kindle afresh” (fan into flame, stir up, readjust the embers) that gift, so that I can do the thing that God has given me to do and be the special creation that God has created me to be!

You have a gift in you that God has given you!  Adjust the embers, stir up, fan into flame and kindle afresh this amazing gift and do what God created you to do.  As you do, you will accomplish great things and discover the joy of being one of God’s special creations!

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Too Busy???

Do You Have The Time?

Busy, Busy, Busy! That is the way that most of us live our lives.  We are almost always in motion either “going to” or “coming from!”  To really get the most out of life, we must take some time to step out of the hurried activity and get to know what really matters.  What really matters is a WHO!

Psalms 46:10 says”  “Be still (cease striving) and know that I am God…”  Eight little words packed with a powerful message!

BE STILL! Slow down and come to a complete stop!  Don’t move a muscle!  We need to learn to still our physical bodies, our minds and our spirits, so that we can see, hear and experience God.  God is everywhere!  God is all around us!  The reason that we miss Him is not because He is not here, but because in our busyness, we fail to see, hear and experience Him.  God tells us to cease our striving and in the still and quiet of a moment we can know and experience Him!

Know That I Am God! It is very possible in all of our busy activity to some how, without even realizing it, convince ourselves that we are God.  We know that we are not, but often times, we live our lives as if we think that we are.  What is really going to happen in this world if you take ten minutes out of your day to say no to everything else and yes to the Master?  Do you really think that this world will come screeching to a halt without your activity in it for ten minutes?

Step Out And Away! If you want to know God – really know Him, then you must step out of the busyness and away from the distractions!  Make sure that you take some time today to get out of the fray and into His presence!  You will be glad that you did!

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A Great Example!

Early Morning Light!

Good Day! We had a great day yesterday at Northwood.  The band did an incredible job and even though the enemy was attacking – we did not let Him win!  Thanks to all of you that help us each week to help people get into the presence of our Creator!

The Challenge! Yesterday – we challenged everyone to begin their day for the next 21 Days with God!  I want to thank each of you for making the committment to practice a small discipline that will produce big results in your life.  I am so excited about the challenge and change that can take place in our lives during the next 21 days!

QT Training! Yesterday we gave every one a QT Training Guide that can walk you through a daily time with God.  It only takes about 7 – 10 minutes and allows you the begin your day with your Creator.  If you did not get a copy – drop by the office and we will be glad to give you one.  Also we are putting the daily info on the Northwood Group Page on Facebook!

God’s Word! Today we began with a simple and powerful verse found in Mark 1:35!  It says:  “In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there.”

Let’s break it down: First we see that it was in the early morning, before the busyness of the day began.  Jesus escaped, got away to a private place to spend time with the Creator.  Beginning our day with the Creator allows our fist steps of the day to be steps in the right direction!

Next we see that Jesus left the house and went to a secluded place!  We need to get away from all of the distractions of life.  We all need a little time in every day to escape the distractions, so that we can get focused on what really matters.  Walk away from the distractions, they will be there when you get back, but won’t be near as destructive if you have invested valuable time with the Master!

Why did Jesus get up early and go to a private place?  So that he could pray!  So that he could spend time with his Creator!  What did he do during this time?  He talked – shared what was on his heart and mind with God.  And He listened – opened his life to receive what was on the heart and mind of God.

God loves you and has an amazing plan for your life.  We get in on that plan by spending some of our precious time with Him at the very beginning of our day.  Jesus did it and I figure if it was important to him, then it should be important to us!  God Bless, Press On And Keep It Real!

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Don’t Be Afraid!

It's Just Me!

I Like To Think Of Myself As An Ordinary Guy! I like meat and taters, sweet tea, fast motors, a pony tail on a good-looking girl, riding with the windows down, a cool evening after a hot day,  a good joke and laughing with my friends!  I think if you were to meet me and not know anything about me, that you would probably like and enjoy my company.

I Am Not The Judge! I am very careful in the living of my life, to try to not judge a book by its cover, because I have met a lot of people and have quiet a few friends that look like one thing, but in reality are another.  I have noticed lately that when people find out that I am a pastor – the walls go up.  It’s like they are afraid that I am going to whip out a 1611 King James Version Bible and start whopping them upside the head.  That’s not me and that’s not how I roll!

Don’t Be Afraid Of Me Because I Am A Pastor! I am really just a normal guy that believes in the power of a spiritual connection that makes all the difference in my life and has the potential to make the difference in the lives of others! It’s not about rules and regulations, it’s about relationship! It’s about relationship with the One who created and sustains me.  I am not wierd, I am not out to steal your children, I am not here to beat you up, I believe the world does enough of that!

Just Here To Help! I am here to grow and help others to grow in a spiritual connection that really matters and really makes a difference!  If you will take a chance and get to know me, I think you’ll be glad you did!  If you will take a chance to get to know me, I think you will discover that sometimes preacher/pastors get a bad rap!  I hope to see you on the road and I hope that when I do, we will have a chance to be friends.  You really have nothing to be afraid of!

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Chase Or Be Chased!

Chase Or Be Chased!

You have a choice to make!  Are you going to chase or be chased?  Everyday, you get to make the decision – will you chase the devil away or will you allow him to chase you away from the blessings and growth that God has for you?

It really is simple!  You are chasing him or he is chasing you and you get to decide which it is going to be.  James 4:7 says: “Submit yourselves, then, to God.  Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

If we will submit to God and resist the devil, then he will have to flee – run away from us.   When you get up in the morning, you have a choice to make:  Are you going to be the one chasing the devil or will you be the one running away from the devil?” The choice is yours!  You make the decision for you!

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A Few More Photos!

Hope you enjoy this weeks installment of photos and that you find some blessing that you can share with others!

Life!

The harsh cold of winter has passed and life begins to spring forth.  It is an amazing time of the year and it is an amazing time in our lives.  Winter is a reality and so is spring, so enjoy the life that God has given you and do your best to make everyday count!

Power!

Lights are on, the television is playing and the refrigerator is chilling the sweet tea.  Something that we cannot see is causing all of these things to run and do what they were created to do.  That “something” is power!  Come to think of it, there is something that flows into and through each one of us, enabling us to do what we’ve been created to do.  That “something” is power!  Thank God for His power flowing into and through your life and enabling you to be the something special that you are for Him and His Kingdom!

Chrome!

I have some friends that call this their favorite color!  This is a picture of my 08 Heritage Softail.  I have told people that I was crazy to buy it, but probably would have went crazier if I had not.  Words on paper cannot express the therapy I receive when I straddle this baby and grab some highway.  God blesses all of us with different gifts.  Allowing me to enjoy His creation in the seat of a motorcycle, with the wind in my face and my troubles behind me is a gift that keeps on giving!

Time!

We seem to never have enough, yet we have all been given the same amount.  One of the biggest challenges of life is not wasting what you have been given.  I have always hoped that as I preach, teach and write that it might encourage, challenge and motivate others to get the most out of their time here on this earth!

Tracks!

I grew up on a set of these!  One of my favorite places that I ever lived was in a trailer right next to the tracks in a little town called Williamston.  Tracks are a lot like people – wherever you encounter them, they are coming from some place and going to  somewhere.  Life is a journey – and we are all on it together so let’s enjoy it – together!