I’m no stranger to pain. This week I’m facing yet another surgery that will fix a broken part of my body. I’ll not bore you with details of the past but I’m telling you this to make you aware that our ‘light affliction’ as Paul calls it in II Corin. 4:17, is for a moment. When I have surgery I know that in just a matter of time things will get better. I’ll be out of pain, my bones, muscles and incision will heal and life will go on. This isn’t so true of everyone.
All over the world the pain of God’s creation groans without relief. I see it daily in the newspapers and on TV. The whole world is suffering! It hurts me so when I see little ones without food or injured in a war. Not to mention those living on the streets without homes or enough clothes. Then there is the persecution of our Christian youth. Just this week I heard the news of a 15 year old girl being murdered for her faith. Dear God, my heart breaks when I hear this!
It’s so easy for us to sit in our comfortable homes, with adequate food and heat, and say, “Oh, that’s so sad but what can I do? I’m just one person!” My dear friend there is so much to do that even one little action on your part will help. I know, I know, I sound like a commercial. But I want you to know that your little action, whatever it is, is helping! Whether you give to a local charity so a child will get a gift for Christmas, buy gifts and take them to a needy family, or actually serve in a foreign country where help is needed. Any action on your part will help!
Just as my pain can be healed so can the pain and suffering of our world with the Good News of Jesus Christ! This whole season is about giving, not just to one another, but to the world in it’s need. Compassion shown to just one person can make a difference. So, pick yourself up off that sorry couch, get into your car and go DO at least one thing to be Jesus to someone today!
Monday, December 20, 2010
Friday, December 10, 2010
There's that scent...
There are times when I’m wandering through stores filled with Christmas decorations and smiling people that I smell his fragrance. Some man will pass by me wearing that wonderful cologne that always sent my heart flying when it wafted through our house. Funny how something strange like a scent can instantly bring back a memory.
When I was a child I remember my Grandmother always smelling like lilacs. I love that smell to this day! Of course, her purple-tinted hair added a little to the visual that helped keep the memory intact. I remember smelling the donuts she used to make in her kitchen, too. YUM! I love cake donuts with nothing on them!
Lots of us have memories of loved ones at Christmastime that we cherish and hold on to like precious diamonds. It’s always during the holidays that you miss loved ones the most because you want to share the joy of the season with them, buy presents with them, give presents to them. But if they knew Jesus as Savior and King, they have received the best present of all, being in His presence for Christmas. Can you imagine what that must be like? Do they celebrate it or is every day such a celebration?
Memories are great and I’m glad I have them to remind me of my life that is past. Staying in the past is not good though. Looking forward to what God has planned for the New Year is exciting. Every single day we have on earth should be considered a blessing, an adventure, a joy! Who knows what each day will bring? I think that is what keeps me going—the surprise of what will happen next. I love it! I love the Lord for allowing me to experience it, too.
So this Christmas, fondly remember the past and all the joy it has brought, but meet the future with excitement and expectation. Where will God take you in 2011? What does HE have planned for you and your family? Greet it with open arms and embrace His grace on your life. And remember, leave a good scent as a memory!
When I was a child I remember my Grandmother always smelling like lilacs. I love that smell to this day! Of course, her purple-tinted hair added a little to the visual that helped keep the memory intact. I remember smelling the donuts she used to make in her kitchen, too. YUM! I love cake donuts with nothing on them!
Lots of us have memories of loved ones at Christmastime that we cherish and hold on to like precious diamonds. It’s always during the holidays that you miss loved ones the most because you want to share the joy of the season with them, buy presents with them, give presents to them. But if they knew Jesus as Savior and King, they have received the best present of all, being in His presence for Christmas. Can you imagine what that must be like? Do they celebrate it or is every day such a celebration?
Memories are great and I’m glad I have them to remind me of my life that is past. Staying in the past is not good though. Looking forward to what God has planned for the New Year is exciting. Every single day we have on earth should be considered a blessing, an adventure, a joy! Who knows what each day will bring? I think that is what keeps me going—the surprise of what will happen next. I love it! I love the Lord for allowing me to experience it, too.
So this Christmas, fondly remember the past and all the joy it has brought, but meet the future with excitement and expectation. Where will God take you in 2011? What does HE have planned for you and your family? Greet it with open arms and embrace His grace on your life. And remember, leave a good scent as a memory!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Transparency
I recently commented on a CEO's post about leadership. I think it's something that might fit into ANY person's life, not just leaders. Maybe you can glean something from it, too. I pray so.
All of the things you mentioned in your post are about transparency. Leaders need to be transparent. When your employees see you succeed and fail they also see how you react to these events in your life. If they see you succeed and become proud, what do they learn about your character? If they see you succeed and give credit to where credit is due (God, employees, other helpers) then they call you a great leader!
Failing can work the same way. When we fail as leaders we need to admit when it was our fault and not place the blame on everyone else. A great leader takes the proverbial bull by the horns and does what’s right, not what’s best for themselves. Employees see that and realize you have integrity and character that they want to imitate. By sharing your failures and your successes with those you lead you bring transparency into the picture. They should be able to see God right through you.
So, been transparent lately? Try it. It doesn't hurt and it may help whatever situation you're in right now. Leaning on God in the ups and downs of life is what should be seen in your life. So lean and then look. Can people see God in you?
All of the things you mentioned in your post are about transparency. Leaders need to be transparent. When your employees see you succeed and fail they also see how you react to these events in your life. If they see you succeed and become proud, what do they learn about your character? If they see you succeed and give credit to where credit is due (God, employees, other helpers) then they call you a great leader!
Failing can work the same way. When we fail as leaders we need to admit when it was our fault and not place the blame on everyone else. A great leader takes the proverbial bull by the horns and does what’s right, not what’s best for themselves. Employees see that and realize you have integrity and character that they want to imitate. By sharing your failures and your successes with those you lead you bring transparency into the picture. They should be able to see God right through you.
So, been transparent lately? Try it. It doesn't hurt and it may help whatever situation you're in right now. Leaning on God in the ups and downs of life is what should be seen in your life. So lean and then look. Can people see God in you?
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