I heard about another relationship coming to an end today!  Two people who had a friendship that grew into a relationship that eventually grew into a marriage, which produced a family that is now being broken a part, divvied up and passed on to the highest bidder.  This makes me sad, because I know and love the people involved and I know that they are good, decent and caring people who just got knocked off the tracks, probably without even realizing that it was happening!

One of the saddest experiences that I have had and that I have had to observe is the demise of relationships!  Almost every relationship at some time or another had hope, promise and meaning.  If you think back over your life, you will remember relationships that at one time were vibrant, meaningful and fulfilling.  Some of those relationships that you think of and remember are still sharing blessing in your life today, but some of those relationships are only memories and not always the fondest ones.

Why is it that something that can be so right one day, can be so wrong the next?  It happens in marriages and friendships, between men and women and in all classes, races and creeds.  I don’t think I have ever went into, started or pursued a relationship with the intention or hope of it ending badly, but I have had more than my fair share that did not work out!

In some situations, we just grow a part!  We grow a part because somewhere along the way, we fail to take time with and for each other!  To make sure that you do not grow a part in the relationships that you are now a part of, make sure that you make your relationships a priority!

Write them down!  Start on the inside of your circle and work your way out!  Begin with your Creator.  We often leave God out of the equation because we tend to take for granted that relationship.  You will find that taking for granted a relationship is one of the major opponents of its demise!

Are you married?  This is or should be your closest and most intimate of relationships and if it is not, then you know that the two of you have work to do!

We Are Family!  Now think about your family, kids, parents, brothers, sisters and anyone else that you are close to or want to be close to.  Just thinking about this list will reveal in your heart and mind, some of the work that you need to do.

It All Counts!  Next think about your friends, co-workers and neighbors!  Write them down even if the relationship is small, weak and seemingly insignificant.

Anyone Else?  Is there anyone else that you can think of that should be added to your relationship list?

PRIORITIZE!  Now that you have your list, take a moment to prioritize in order of importance!  The way that we asked the above questions should help with that!  As you look at and think through the priority order, you will most likely notice, if you are honest with yourself that you have some in the wrong place and there are some adjustments that only you can make.  Putting relationships in the right order and then making them a priority is a major step in growing relationships that produce wins for everybody.

Think About It!  Now with your revised list, take a few moments to think about why these relationships are important to you.  Think about how your life is better because of these relationship, especially when they are working the way they are supposed to.

Take Action!  With pen in hand, take a few moments to think about and write down some action that you can take this week to make each of these relationships better, stronger and more fulfilling for all that are involved.

It’s Gotta Start With Somebody!  You know now what you need to do, so go for it – you will be glad you did!

I’ve been thinking a lot about dreams lately!  Not the dreams you have at night that you try to remember the details of the next morning.  I’m talking about the dreams that your Creator puts in your heart.  The dreams that take you out of your comfort zone and into a new and amazing place of challenge and fulfillment.

At this age and stage of my life, I find that I can look back and see where God has brought me from and that provides an amazing clarity for where He is planning on taking me.  I also find that I can look forward and the future is not near as far off as it used to be, so I know that it is reachable and that provides me tremendous motivation!

I know that dreams are real and I know that I don’t have as much time to fulfill my dreams as I used to!  I bet you have a dream!  I know and believe with all of my heart that  your Creator has put something inside of you and maybe you have forgotten it, or given up on it, but don’t!  Look for and find that dream that God gave you.  Dust it off and get excited about accomplishing this thing that is going to make your life amazing.

I have found that one of the most powerful tools that we have to keep our dreams alive is sharing them with others.  Look for, discover, figure out your dream and take the time to share it!  You will be glad you did!

I am very blessed that I get to do what I do every week.  I work hard and give everything I’ve got and then some to the ministry that God has called me to lead!  There are times that it gets to be more than I can handle and there are times that a part of me wants to give up, but giving up and giving in has never really been an option for me, because I know in my heart of hearts that God has called me and as hard as it may get in the ministry, it would get even harder being out of it, because I would be out of the perfect will of my Creator and Sustainer!

We have had a great and amazing day at Northwood!

-Breakfast was top-notch, we had a really good crowd and I think everyone enjoyed the Bacon, Biscuits, Sausage Gravy and Fired Eggs.  We ran out of just about everything!  Thanks so much for all of you that help to cook, clean and make it possible.  The fellowship that is being shared between all ages is a blessing to our God!

-Worship was sweet!  The music was right on topic for what God is teaching us.  And Jerri “Sweet Thang” Keller did an excellent job bringing glory to our God as she shared how CANCER helped her to trade in a good life for an amazing life!  God taught us some simple principles that will help us to claim the amazing life that He has for each of us, if we will just get out of the boat and put them into practice.

-Vacation Bible School has always been a very special ministry event for Northwood.  We have many people who work very hard each and every year to provide an exciting environment for our kids to play, learn and grow in!  We have volunteers that will work all day and then come in at night to give it everything they’ve got to share the love, grace and promise of the Gospel.  I am so thankful for the people who make Northwood such a special family.  I pray that we will continue to grow in the UNITY that Jesus prayed that we would share!

We have a very busy week in front of us!  I’m praying for you and I appreciate your prayers for me!  Hope you get out of the boat and experience a “WALK ON WATER!” miracle moment this week!  G3!