How to Make the World a Better Place!

The Duke of Wellington, the British military leader who defeated Napoleon at Waterloo, was not an easy man to serve under. He was brilliant, demanding, and not one to shower his subordinates with compliments. Yet even Wellington realized that his methods left something to be desired. In his old age a young lady asked him what, if anything, he would do differently if he had his life to live over again.  Wellington thought for a moment, then replied.
"I'd give more praise," he said.  

There are some things you have to do on purpose! We are not naturally equipped to praise people.  Our lives are busy, running in a fast pace, with rarely a moment to ourselves. 

I can remember....yes, I can...when life was slower.  A day seemed longer and years didn't fly by.  We had one phone in the house.  One car outside.  Communication was via snail mail.  It was rare to place a long-distant phone call and we hurried so as not to run up the bill.   Saturday morning was for raking leaves, doing the laundry, and getting ready for church the next day, then in the afternoon we went to town to do our shopping. The dime store was a favorite place to go on Saturday afternoon when I was a kid.  Life was slower and we had time for each other.  Not so, today. 

Lives are running on empty today because we don't have time for each other.  We have more people contacts than we can keep up with, yet less closeness ... we know a lot of people, yet lack a good friend.  We are humans in need of encouragement and praise from each other.  And we all need it.

Remember what Wellington said?  He said, "I'd give more praise" -  In other words, he would slow down and take time to notice those around him and give encouragement to the men under his authority.

Giving something of ourselves and reaching out are the real keys to success and happiness.   Einstein wrote, ‘Only a life lived for others is worth living.’ This idea can sometimes be called adding value.

You could be the one to impart purpose, courage, and value in a person simply because you spoke positive words at the right time.  I ran across a few points - a few ways we can put value in a life:

1.  Show genuine interest in a person.  Look at them!  Ask questions.  Talk to them...about them!!  Let them express their opinions without feeling you need to judge what is said. 

2.  Validate who they are and what they are doing by paying attention to what is important to them.  Let's face it, we all crave attention!  We want to matter!  We want SOMEONE to care!

3.  Tell them "You did really well" -  "You are awesome" - "You can do this"... Brag on them!  You will feel good when you do!  It might make the difference in whether they give up or gain momentum. 

4.  Send a card, email, or text.  Tell them how much you appreciate their friendship.  Tell them you are praying for them.  Simply let them know they are in your thoughts!

Take time - slow down - on purpose - focus - pay attention to someone around you!!  Find your project or priority for the day.  Put value in a person...intentionally.  On purpose!

If you do this now, you won't have to look back in your old age and WISH you had given more praise, because you did! 

You just made the world a better place for all of us.  And I think Jesus is pleased!
....

LIGHT UP YOUR LIFE...

AS a boy Robert Louis Stevenson was intrigued by the
work of the old lamplighter who went about with a ladder
and a torch, setting the street lights ablaze for the night.
One evening in Edinburgh, Scotland, as young Robert stood watching with childish fascination, his parents heard him exclaim, "Look, look!  There is a man out there punching holes in the darkness" ...

Putting my glasses on means it's time to work, search, type, read, or create a blog.  Speaking of ... here I go .... the illustration about Robert Louis Stevenson reminds me of this verse of scripture: NLT John 8:12,

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, "I am the light of the world.  If you follow me, you won't have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life."

In other words,  Jesus punches holes in the darkness of our life.  We don't have to walk in darkness...void of spiritual life or void of light for living. 

I love the fact that Jesus is not only my Savior, but He came to dispel the darkness in my life.  I don't have to live in darkness, I need not walk around, groping for a reason to live, or grasping for hope and feeling as though there is none.  I can walk securely with my head held high, as a child of the most High, knowing Jesus Christ punches holes in any darkness the enemy attempts to bring into my life.

If you will notice we can't turn on darkness.  Darkness is the absence of light.  It is not possible to turn on darkness in the daytime.  But, I can turn on light in the darkness.  Jesus Christ brings light.

Darkness can be defined in a life by the following characteristics:  Depression, Doubt, Discouragement, Low self-esteem, Negative thoughts and attitudes, among many others.  Whatever hinders you from enjoying life and progressing in your dreams, can be attributed to darkness.  Whether it's caused by other people controlling your emotions by their behavior, or simply assuming life can't be better than it is...it is still darkness and Jesus came to Light Up Your Life.  Life can be better!

If you are struggling with life and feel as though it will never be better, no matter what you do. . . then this blog is for you.  Remember:  Jesus punches holes in the darkness. 

That is exciting news!     That is your hope!

With his life in disarray, Steven Lavaggi sat on his bedroom’s wooden floor, and began searching his Bible for answers. His wife had just left him to marry a writer for The Rolling Stone Magazine. Ten days later, Steven discovered his son was stricken with Juvenile Diabetes. Then he lost his graphic art business. 
Unemployed, abandoned, and worrying about his son, Lavaggi turned to God’s Word.

As Steven read, he skipped over the black letters, only wanting to read the words of Jesus. The Risen Christ emerged from the pages. Lavaggi gave his life to Jesus. 

As a new Christian, he clung to Psalm 91:11: "For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways."

Out of his brokenness, came a passion to create a message of hope. He discovered his passion was to minister through fine art. He moved to California, to influence the people who influence the world--Hollywood. He is doing just that.
 

Follow Jesus and you won't walk in darkness. 

 

He will light up your life!

 .....

PUT AS MUCH LIFE IN THE DAY AS YOU CAN!

Life is a song - sing it.
Life is a game - play it.
Life is a challenge - meet it.
Life is a dream - realize it.
Life is a sacrifice - offer it.
Life is love - enjoy it.

 

God is generous with humanity.  He gives us choices.  It is exciting to realize that I have the choice TODAY to put as much LIFE in the DAY as I can!  Erma Bombeck said it well:

"When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, 'I used everything you gave me'."

Have you considered the amount of unused 'everything' left over at the end of the day?  How much LIFE have we wasted at the end of each day?  Remember the phrase:  If it is to be it is up to me. 

It is up to me to PUT AS MUCH LIFE IN THE DAY AS I CAN! 

1.  Give yourself permission to love life.

2.  Give yourself permission to laugh more.

3.  Give  yourself permission to create happy moments.

4.  Give yourself permission to love, even when you don't feel like loving.

5.  Give yourself permission to enjoy simple pleasures.

6.  Give yourself permission to do at least ONE thing that makes you happy today.

7.  Give God permission to manifest the love He has for you.

Our lifespan is brief.  Jesus said that He came to give us life and more abundantly.

John 10:10
The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

I love the more abundantly part!  

The Message Bible says it like this:  I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.

The Amplified Bible:  I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).  TO THE FULL, TILL IT OVERFLOWS. 

Ah,  to have a day that is full of life and overflowing with all that Jesus brings!  It's true.  God wants you to have a great day.  You are a container and with the right focus and right choices, you can have abundant life overflowing from your container.  That means it will flow out to those around you!  

Circumstances do not determine your day....choose to overflow with life!  Make a choice to rejoice!  It's your day.  It's simple.  We make it far too complicated. 

Choose to trust when worry enters your mind.  Choose laughter over sadness.  Choose to believe instead of living in unbelief. 

Go ahead!  Live.  Put all you can into it!  Discover the difference! 

......

 

Put the Glass Down!

A psychologist walked around a room while teaching stress management to an audience. As she raised a glass of water, everyone expected they'd be asked the "half empty or half full" question. Instead, with a smile on her face, she inquired: "How heavy is this glass of water?"

Answers called out ranged from 8 oz. to 20 oz.

She replied, "The absolute weight doesn't matter. It depends on how long I hold it. If I hold it for a minute, it's not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my arm. If I hold it for a day, my arm will feel numb and paralyzed.

 

In each case, the weight of the glass doesn't change, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes."

 

She continued:

"The stresses and worries in life are like that glass of water. Think about them for a while and nothing happens. Think about them a bit longer and they begin to hurt. And if you think about them all day long, you will feel paralyzed – incapable of doing anything."

 

It’s important to remember to let go of your stresses. As early … as you can, put all your burdens down. Don't carry them through the evening and into the night. Remember to put the glass down!

 

This reminds me of the old hymn:  Leave it there.
 

When your enemies assail and your heart begins to fail,

Don’t forget that God in Heaven answers prayer;

He will make a way for you and will lead you safely through—

Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.

Leave it there, leave it there,

Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there;

If you trust and never doubt, He will surely bring you out—

Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.

 

In other words, put the glass down!  You don't have to carry that burden day and night.
  

1 Peter 5:7  (Amplified)
Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.

God says,  Live carefree before Me.  Put the glass down.  Leave your burdens with Me. I will watch over you,  No plague shall come near you.  Evil can't approach you when you walk with Me.  I will guard your steps.  I'll get you out of trouble.  I will bless you with a long life.  Live carefree in My presence.  Let's make life a celebration.  A party.   You've had enough sad times. Now,  Let's have some good times.  

Put the Glass Down.  Let's walk together.
.....

 

 



Promise me you'll always remember...

Christopher Robin to Pooh:

Christopher Robin:  Pooh Bear, what if there came a tomorrow when we were apart.

Pooh Bear:  As long as we’re apart together we shall certainly be fine. 

CR:  If we weren’t together, if I were somewhere else...

PB:  But you really couldn’t be – and I would be quite lost without you.  Who would I call on those days when I'm just not strong enough...or ...brave enough?    

CR: Well,  actually...

PB:  And, who would I ask for advice when I didn’t know which way to turn?

CR: Pooh, we...

PB:  We?  We simply wouldn’t be...

CR:  Oh, Pooh.  If ever there’s a tomorrow when we’re not together, there’s something you must always remember...

PB:  And what might that be, Christopher Robin?

CR:  You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But even if we’re apart, I’ll always be with you.  Always.

====

I printed this quote " You're braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think" in large font and taped it to my refrigerator.  I had just brought my husband home from rehab and as a caregiver, this time I was overwhelmed!  Overwhelmed and scared. 

I don't know where I found the quote, but it fell in my sight at just the time I needed it.  I was grasping for encouragement and strength - from any source! 

Who knew such depth existed in this clip of dialogue between Pooh Bear and Christopher Robin? 

I was braver than I believed, stronger than I seemed, and smarter than I thought... and we made it through that trial.

That's how Jesus Christ works in us.  He is our strength.  In His silence I found Him faithful.   I could do that which I didn't know I could do.  .  .  because it was His strength working through me. 

You may be in a challenging season and in need of strength!  Jesus Christ will not fail you.  Lean on Him. . . and . . .

Promise me you'll always remember. . .

You're braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think!

. . .

You Can't Walk Alone...

I can't live without you

I can't walk this road alone

In my heart I need you

Holy One, come take my hand

 

 

God always comes through.  It's true.  He will never leave you or forsake you.  He is everywhere at once. 



While you are being 'ordinary' ... He is still being God. 

Yesterday I was preparing to travel again - returning to my home town after hearing of my uncle's sudden passing.  It's a celebration for him...he was ready to see his Lord.  But....for the family, it's a difficult time.   Let  me share with you a few points showing that God simply took one of his children home.

1. After a normal day at work he went to the gym
2. At home he sat in his recliner waiting to watch The Walton's.
3. At an appointed moment - he left that recliner and walked through the gate of heaven.
4. His mother made this same journey - on this same date - a few years earlier.

Actually, I didn't start the blog with intentions of writing about his passing, but it is obviously another instance of God not forsaking us and it's important to note those special times.  I meant to write about the above chorus. 

I was being ordinary, as I mentioned,  and I'll admit, my spirit was a little heavy.  "I decided" to listen to music.  I grabbed my Nook, logged in to Pandora....not a clue as to which song would play and it happened!  God showed that He is still being God.

The words captured my attention.  I stopped.  Listened.  Ran for my notebook to jot the words down so I could remember them.  These few words ministered to my spirit.

I can't live without you...
    I can't walk this road alone...
        In my heart I need you....
            Holy One, come take my hand...

Thank You, Lord for sending a simple but powerful message when I needed it.

Oh, I need to explain the "I decided" part.  It wasn't my decision....the thought came from the Holy Spirit.  That's how He works.   While I was being ordinary....He was still being God.

Watch for Him.  He shows up when you least expect it. 

He can do that.  He's God.
---------------------------------
P.S,  I'm not familiar with the song "Without You" and I am not acquainted with The Parachute Band, but I know God used them to lift my spirit yesterday.  As I said, God is still being God.
.....

CHRISTIANS CALLED TO EXPAND PRAYERS

Are CHRISTIANS being called upon to expand their prayers?

Could the Lord be exposing dire needs from around the world and...while sounding a clarion call for believers to expand their prayer effort?

Is it possible the media is one method used to inform Christians as to who and what to pray for at home and around the world?

Is it time for believers to broaden their prayer life to include other nations?

Have we focused our prayers for too long on our small group?

Does God desire for us, as believers, to direct more energy in prayer towards the survival and salvation of people and children in every nation?

Am I wearing blinders, so that I only see what is directly in front of me?

As I view concerns and events from around the world I am convinced that we as believers have been focused on a small world.  Often, as church members, we live and function within our four walls.  We have placed great emphasis on the color of carpet, or whether sister or brother so-and-so shook our hand, or complaints of the music being too loud or not loud enough, or whether the message was good or not so good...and the list goes on...and on...and o - n ...

IS IT TIME TO TAKE A GOOD LOOK AT OUR WORLD....and view people and their situation as God sees them?   Yes, it is.  

Indeed,  Yes, it is time.

FOR EXAMPLE:

IN MOROCCO:  an average of 24 children are abandoned every day.  80% of their orphans grow up to be delinquents... 10% commit suicide...10% become productive members of society.  MUSLIM control won't allow adoption to a non-muslim.  The government of Spain has established a "control mechanism" that will enable Moroccan religious authorities to monitor the adopted children until they reach the age of 18 to ensure they have NOT Converted to Christianity.  PRAY FOR CHILDREN EVERYWHERE!

CHRISTIANS are in danger in every Muslim nation.  MOCKERY of Christianity is obvious in our own nation.   PRAY FOR OUR NATION TO RETURN TO GOD.

ISRAEL lives tense with the threat of bombs on a daily basis. PRAY FOR THE PEACE OF JERUSALEM.

PASTOR SAEED ABEDINI is currently serving an eight-year prison sentence in Iran's notorious Evin Prison.   PRAY FOR HIS RELEASE.

JIHAD is at work in every nation.  PRAY FOR MUSLIM SALVATIONS.

PRAY FOR REVIVAL and a manifestation of God to occur around the world.

People of other nations are dependent on our prayers.  God has commissioned us to GO AND PRAY. 

The power of prayer has yet to be fully realized by most of us.  WHAT could change,  WHO might be affected, WHERE can our prayers reach... once we determine to focus on that need, that nation, and that person?

IF PRAYERS CONTINUE then PRAYER RESULTS CONTINUE.  Your prayers can be felt around the world.  There's no limit to the power of God and His ability to answer an earnest prayer.  God does not TIRE of answering prayers!

I believe it is time to be in the know - and it is time to expand our prayers to include other countries.  Lives depend on it. 

What an honor bestowed upon us by a Loving and Caring God.  Oh, that Jesus Christ be exalted around the world.

...

Do You Have a Mountain to Climb?

When I saw this photo posted on Facebook, the first thing I noticed was that this man didn't let his injury stop him from living.  Retired Marine Sgt. Keith Zeier lost his leg and suffered a severe brain injury in Iraq in 2006.

Yet, here he is, in New Hampshire, climbing Mt. Washington's MOST DIFFICULT route to raise funds and awareness for families of Special Operation forces killed and wounded in action.

Wounds and injuries did not control him.  He chose to climb a mountain.

1. He didn't stop living.
2. His wounds didn't master him.
3. He did not isolate himself because of injuries.
4. He picked out an even bigger mountain to climb.
5. He chose to have an "I can do this" attitude.

I was encouraged by this soldier.  You and I have mountains to climb.  I certainly have mine.  It may not be Mt. Washington and I may not have chosen this particular mountain...nevertheless, it is still a mountain in my life.

The brave efforts of this young warrior offers valuable lessons.

1. I do not have to quit.
2. I do not have to remain in a wounded state.
3. I can get up and push on.
4. I can tackle a mountain that seems unconquerable.
5. I can follow my dream to do something profitable and fulfilling in life.

It is not always easy, but it can be done!  The soldier's mountain reminded me of an Elvis tune:

But this time, Lord you gave me a mountain
A mountain you know I may never climb
It isn't just a hill any longer
You gave me a mountain this time

Shake off self-pity.  Get out there and ON PURPOSE  find a mountain to climb.  If you feel as though God has turned your hill into a mountain, take heart.  If he put a mountain in your path, He intends for you to BE SUCCESSFUL and climb it.  Don't give up.  He can and will turn your mountain into a plain.

Isaiah 45:2 "I will go before  you and will level the mountains..."

Proverbs 3:6  "In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." (make your path smooth and straight)

You are alive and you have a God-Given purpose.  No one else can fulfill your destiny and accomplish your God-Given vision on this earth.

"The only way of finding the limits of the possible is by going beyond them into the impossible."  And, Remember, We serve a Mighty God who does the IMPOSSIBLE!

In the realm where God rules there is no such thing as impossible - Enter that possible realm and He will meet you there.
...

5 FB QUESTIONS, real answers

Today I posted the Prompts in Facebook Status Field:

1. How are you feeling, Jane?
2. Share how you're doing, Jane.
3. What have you been up to, Jane?
4. How has your day been, Jane?
5. What's happening, Jane?

I'm sure the purpose for these questions is to
get you to sharing on Facebook.  BUT:
I use control and I don't answer  those questions.

After reading the post, I decided to elaborate on the questions...one by one.   So, here goes.

1.  How are you feeling, Jane?

Are they referring to emotions or my physical body?  Much of it depends on which hour of the day you ask the question!  It also depends on who said what - or the struggle I'm facing - or what frustrates me at the time...it depends on a lot of things, as to how I am feeling!

Actually, I'm better off if I don't go by feelings!  Life would be much enhanced if I lived by "what thus saith the Lord" rather than "what thus saith Jane" -  But, thanks for asking, anyway.  Next question?

2.  Share how you're doing, Jane?

How am I doing?  I'm doing great!  Even though our nation and the entire world is falling apart and going to the dogs, I'm just fine! 

3.  What have you been up to, Jane?

You don't really want to know.  It would be a boring story.  Life is not a Hollywood movie, it is reality.  But, thanks for asking, anyway.  Next question?

4.  How has your day been, Jane?

Sometimes different than the day before.  But, thanks for asking, anyway.  Next question?

5.  What's happening, Jane?

I'm writing my second blog for the day.  Want to know what my first blog was about?  Read it.  But, thanks for asking, anyway.  No more questions?  Shucks.

Now, this was written all in fun.  I'm an average person with an average life.  But, the difference is that I know and serve a risen King who will one day rapture me and other believers, out of here.  Then, ask me the same five questions and I will tell you:

1.  I'm feeling mighty fine.  I'm in a place where there is no sorrow or pain.  It doesn't even get dark here.  Jesus is the Light.  There is no sickness here, either.
2.  I'm doing greater than I could ever have imagined.  Everything is Heavenly!
3.  I've been praising Jesus Christ ever since I arrived.  I'm watching the saints fall at His feet as they lay their crowns before Him.  There's just so much to do - for all eternity.
4.  My day has been out of this world.  I've hugged my family - friends - and the saints from all ages.  I met Moses, Abraham, Paul, Peter, and a host of others that I only read about in the Bible.  Oh, my goodness, let me tell you about my visit with Mark, Matthew, Luke and John....Wow.  Their stories are incredible.
5.  You ask "What's Happening?" - Well, here it is!  I'm at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.  You wouldn't believe this feast!  What a celebration!!  The eternal agenda is jam packed with activities.  I'm soaking in the beauty of the  jasper walls, streets of pure gold, and gates of pearl.  Oh yes, I almost forgot to tell you about the rive of water of life, clear as crystal, and it comes out of the throne of God and the Lamb.

Most of all, I'm trying to take in the fact that I am in the presence of Jesus for all eternity!  The One who died for me on the cross.  The One who shed His blood for my sins!  Wow. 

I have a future here.   A future that will never end.

Thanks for asking.  Next question?

Revelation 22:17
And the Spirit and the bride say, Come, And let him that heareth say, Come.  And let him that is athirst come.  And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

20-  Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

21- The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.  Amen.

Happy New Year~ 2013

“I hope that in this year to come, you make mistakes.

Because if you are making mistakes, then you are making new things, trying

new things, learning, living, pushing yourself, changing yourself, changing your

world. You're doing things you've never done before, and more importantly,

you're Doing Something.

 So that's my wish for you, and all of us, and my wish for myself.

Make New Mistakes. Make glorious, amazing mistakes. Make mistakes

nobody's ever made before.

Don't freeze, don't stop, don't worry that it isn't good enough, or it isn't

perfect, whatever it is: art, or love, or work or family or life.

Whatever it is you're scared of doing, Do it.

Make your mistakes, next year and forever.” 
 
―     Neil Gaiman, author 

Above all else, determine to have a happy life...
Make it a happy year from
January 1 through December 31...
one day a time.

,,,