Trust issues

"(Jesus speaking)'Don't be troubled. You trust God, now trust in me.'"John 14:1 NLT

There is a lot to be said when Jesus says "chill out, I got this." This seems to be a way in which we all need to be there for our friends. Don't worry so much! You can trust me and from that trust you know I am here for you no matter what the situation. No matter what, no matter what! Those are the friends I need!

A church's apology for all of us?

We Were Wrong
"We followed trends when we should have followed Jesus. We told others how to live but did not listen ourselves. We live in the land of plenty, denying ourselves nothing, while ignoring our neighbors who actually have nothing. We sat on the sidelines doing nothing while AIDS ravaged Africa. We were wrong; we're sorry. Please forgive us."

A message from SpringCreek Church in Garland Texas. They actually took out an ad and gave a public apology! Pretty bold for a group of Christians to outwardly promote their hypocrisy, but wow, thank God for it.

"I must begin with some words of disclosure. I am a hypocrite. I can be arrogant and cynical. I am sometimes inconsiderate and insecure. My ego often rages out of control, and I battle foolish pride. I can be lazy and foolhardy with my time. I get angry, petty, and ill tempered. I am sarcastic and cynical.
I am a Christian."
An excerpt from the book When bad Christians are good People.

I am with Max Lucado--God accepts us as we are but he refuses to leave us that way-- Grace and Peace my friend.

Prayer is the least I can do...blah!

Once again you hear a clueless pastor say this ridiculous statement. Prayer is not the least you can do, it is the most you can do. How can not the creator of all existence not take care of any and every request. Heck, I ask for everything! The stuff I do under my own power is the least I can do. How do we get this backwards? Hey, I pray the best for you and yours!!

"The degree of our preparation will equal the extent of our obedience, which will determine the measure of our peace of mind"

Think about that statement.  If you are confident because you are prepared then you are ready to go out and do battle, or just live!  Your preparation for events as well as past experiences will help to give you peace of mind.  It sounds really simple but I have found it to be true over and over again.  So do your best to be prepared.  Like you always hear, "No plan is a plan to fail."

What to do with my life? Hmm... that is tough!

What to do with your life--Don't decide!

1.  Decide what success means to you.

2.  What are your non-negotiable needs?

3.  What are my core values that I will not compromise?

4.  What if anything, do you want to be remembered for?

5.  Trying to find your ONE true purpose is a waste of time.  Life has lots of meaning.  It has a lot of things you are supposed to do, it has a lot of things you aren't supposed to do.  Answer the above questions and then navigate your journey with the least number of mistakes as possible!  Now you know everything so get out there and enjoy...

Ultimate Justice

You know, there are a bazillion problems in the world that are very obvious to us all.  It is hammered at us through the media, trials and heartaches of loved ones, death, and family issues.  I always TRY to take comfort in the notion that eventually good prevails!  Whether your focus is on the criminal justice system or spiritual system, realize that those who have wronged the world will eventually pay some price.  It is the waiting for them to pay that is hard :)

Regardless of the experiences subjects personally dealt with, whether they had personally been the victim of a crime or known someone close who had, those who believed the world is ultimately just retained a 13 percent higher level of life satisfaction. (Lipkus, Dalbert, and Siegler).   I'll take my 13% and roll with the punches!

Out of no where

Many years ago our church started a program called random acts of kindness.  You would go through a drive-thru and pay for your meal and also pay for the car behind you.  You simply asked the cashier to give the car behind you a card that said have a great lunch on us.  It was cool.  It was actually fun.  You never met the people (except the ones that actually visited the church because of the kindness!) but it certainly was rewarding.  Don't you love it when good things, great things, or miracles hit you just out of no where.  I feel like I am getting hit with kindness and love out of no where!   It is awesome... I pray the same for you.