It’s contagious!  So many things are contagious in life.  In this instance, I’m referring to attitude and disposition.  I read a quote last night which has really stuck with me.  “You become the average of the five people you hang out with most.” ~Jim Rohn

As I took time to ponder this, I found much truth in the thought.  It’s true.  As you walk through life, make a mental note of your attitude.  It, many times, mirrors those you do life with.  In a personal context, if you have friends who are always angry, who hate just about everything about life, and who are pessimistic by nature, the more you hang around them, the more bitter, and ultimately like them you will become.

In the business arena, it’s true too.  If you surround yourself with broke people who can’t or have no desire to hold down a job, or who constantly complain about their job or business, I bet you will soon find yourself in a similar situation or with a very similar train of thought.  You’ll never make enough money, or be truly happy.  However, if you surround yourself with self-starters, people who are not afraid to go out on a limb or step out in faith, you’ll find yourself a new picture of success.

Either way – positive or negative is contagious.

It’s said that you should surround yourself with people you want to end up most like.  If you want a successful business, surround yourself with successful entrepreneurs, or those happy in their jobs.  If you’re content with the status quo, or with the mentality of never really having enough – let your relationships be with people with little to no drive, and with an overall poor attitude towards or about the world.  Conversely, when you surround yourself with positive people, your outlook on life will inevitably be much more positive.

Today is a special day for me, and for many other people in my church.  Today starts this semester of what we call Connection Groups.  This is basically a setting where people get together in small groups, outside church, to grow spiritually together, and walk through life together.  Something I say often is that people need people.  I firmly believe that God created us as community people.  We are meant to walk through life with people, never alone.  The focus of our Connection Groups is to reach up to God, reach out to others, and reach out to the community.  It’s about so much more than just getting together to study.  It’s about walking through and doing life together.  It has to do with getting to know people, as well as being a friend and showing love and support.  Beyond that though, it’s allowing them to be the same with and for you – allowing other people in, to be a part of your life.

I am really looking forward to this evening’s meeting.  I can’t wait to connect with these people, and just see what our study is all about.  It’s called anticipation!

I intentionally left this open, and did not complete this post until after the meeting this evening.  I had to step away from the computer, and have now returned home from our connection group.  I’d like to share a real life example of the importance of Connection Groups.  Throughout the course of today, my day became fairly irritating.  Several things played a part in this scenario.  I was almost unable to attend the group, and this frustrated me.  As the meeting time neared, I found myself fairly unhappy, but knew I needed to be there anyway.

I walked in, and started with some small talk with people I don’t really know all that well yet.  What was interesting was how the night played out.  Just being in the room, connecting with these people did something amazing in me.  We shared a few silly laughs, did introductions and briefly got to know everyone, and then read through the introduction of the book and study material we are reading from.  As I sat there, I felt an absolute peace in the place.  I felt at peace, and left in much better spirits than when I arrived.

After getting back home, several people (online mostly) asked me how I was doing.  My response was “absolutely positively fantastic” and I meant it.  Each and every one asked why.  Without regards to who I was talking with (a member of our church, family or friend) I explained why.  I talked about the importance of connecting with people and how it can turn a day around – just being around other people.  Sometimes it’s as simple as that – just not keeping everything to yourself, listening to others, and for me – stepping outside of my comfort zone.

If you attend a church, find out if they have small groups?  I urge you to find and get involved in one.  If you find there isn’t such a thing at the church you go to – ask around.  Talk with the leadership.  Maybe you can be instrumental in starting one.  I know it’s a bold statement, but I firmly believe that connecting with other people is paramount.  As human beings, we need it.  When you attend church on Sunday morning, you can have surface, skin deep relationships.  We, simply as people, need more than that.  I strongly urge you to get involved in something similar.  NEVER walk through life alone.  You aren’t alone, and you shouldn’t feel that way.

Reach out to others, but also allow them to reach back to you.

I have seen this poem before, and it has always made an impact.  I was thinking about it today, and wanted to share.  He died for you, and He died for me — and the amazing part is that He’d do it all again.  He loves us that much.

The Rugged Cross

Manly was His virtue.
Steady was His gaze.
“Who is this that even
stormy wind and sea obey?”

Heavy was His burden.
Rugged was His way.
It hurts to know my sins increased
the price He had to pay.

In full, indeed, He paid it;
so now I can be free,
to live the life He carefully
selected just for me.

I know it won’t be easy.
I’ll feel the push and shove.
He, too, felt it, so I’d feel
the power of His love.

I wear a Rugged Cross to show
His love is tried and true.
He’s won the fight and earned the right
to tell me what to do.

Now when I’m tried and tempted
I’ll remember, He is boss;
and lovingly remember
He, too, wore a Rugged Cross.

Today at church I listened to the heart of God poured out in a bold and life-giving way.  The series “Soul Detox” continues with “The Bitter Soul” – based on author Craig Groschel’s book “Soul Detox.”

The message today was simple but profound in a very real way.  Pastor Lance spoke about all the (likely justified) reasons people may have a bitter soul.  Beyond that, he talked freely about the drawbacks to allowing the seed of bitterness to be planted and take root.

The roots of bitterness may be shallow at first, but I assure you they will not remain that way long.  So many reasons can be attributed to why you might become bitter.  Perhaps your boss at work passed you over for promotion. Maybe you were abused in one way or another by a spouse or significant other.  Perhaps you were wronged or offended addy church.  Maybe you are a part of a sad statistic that shows so many people that have (either personally or as an experience of someone close to you) experienced the trauma of sexual assault / rape.  No matter what the cause, and no matter how justified, there is bitterness – the roots of which are growing both strong and deep.

The issue and problem with bitterness is that it doesn’t just include the individuals who are directly involved.  It has the potential and power to affect not only current, but also future relationships.  A woman who has been abused by a man potentially will lose trust for all men, deciding that they are all worthless.  The person wronged at a church may never trust any church or pastor again. The list of examples of how bitterness can ruin relationships and lives is never-ending.

There is hope. Hope actually comes in the form of forgiveness.  Most people (and I am also guilty as charged) hesitate because of how much they were hurt.

Let’s take the example of the person who was sexually assaulted.  I use this example because of how real of an issue this is, how strong the emotions surrounding an event such as this, as well as how justified a person is for being hurt and remaining angry.  Even with this in mind, and realizing how hard it will be, it is vital, paramount even that forgiveness is given.  Most people would quickly remark on how the perpetrator simply doesn’t deserve forgiveness.

I would challenge this thought with the same gentle reminder that our pastor shared with us.  Jesus died on the cross, and all our sins were forgiven.  There goes that “forgiveness” word again.  There isn’t a person alive that is actually worthy of forgiveness.  You aren’t, I’m not…no one is worthy of being forgiven, but forgiveness was freely given.

The entire point is that no, that person who hurt you doesn’t deserve your forgiveness but not forgiving them actual does more harm and damage to you than the perpetrator.  If you continue to hold onto bitterness, you will continue to build walls that you believe are in place to protect you.  Instead, they will serve as your own personal prison, keeping you locked up, unable to escape the pain of it all.

The key to your freedom is forgiveness.  On your own, forgiveness is really an impossibility.  However, with God’s help, you can do it.  The not so well known fact about forgiveness is that it is like setting a prisoner free – but that the prisoner is actually you!

As I sat in the service today, this message took on a very real meaning to me.  I was really convicted as I realized that I was in this exact boat.  There was a situation years, if not over a decade ago that I have let the roots of bitterness grow strong, without actually realizing it.  I felt totally justified in my anger and resentment.  I realized I have never truly forgiven this person.  With tears flowing, I asked for God’s help in making forgiveness a reality.  In prayer, I both prayed and forgave the individual, but also asked God to forgive me.  Wow! What freedom came with that decision.  As cliche as it may sound, it felt literally as a weight had been lifted.

As you think on this topic, just remember how crazy you are loved, and how (no matter what you’ve done – or how many times you’ve done it) you are forgiven.  Take that forgiveness and allow it to bring you peace and freedom like you might have never known.

As I finished writing this blog post, the song “Forgiveness” by Matthew West came on the radio.  Talk about timing, and a confirmation of exactly this message.  I went and looked up this song on YouTube, and wanted to share that with you.  Here is “Forgiveness” by Matthew West.  It is an acoustic version of this song, put on YouTube by Sparrow Records.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2M66bnID_DY

Today, I want to share a scripture that I’ve read before, but that really spoke to me today.  It just further instills in me that God knows us from the inside out.  He is faithful beyond what our minds can comprehend.  There is nowhere we can run and hide, and no where we can escape Him.  The complexity that is the human body – He made us.  He took all those parts and knit us together in our mother’s womb.  In His eyes, we are perfect – just how we are!  He knows the moments in time that will come before us, and what will happen during the course of our lives.  There is not a part of us He does not know.  He loves us with such a crazy love that He thinks about us all the time – all day long.  We should always strive to remember this as we walk through our daily lives.  The God who created the Heavens and the Earth loves us with an incredible love.  He knows us inside out, and loves us still the same.  This floors me – time and time again.

Just remember, you are precious and you are beautiful in the eyes of the only one who truly matters in the greater scheme of things.  Rest, knowing how much you are madly loved!

Here is Psalm 139:

This week has been a good week for me. I have been consistantly reminded of God’s grace, love and encouragement from a variety of sources. I, myself, have been attempting to be more of a living, walking testimony of who He is, and His love for others. I have had it on my heart that we are not guaranteed tomorrow. For so many people, the choice to accept Jesus, and follow after the heart of God is something taken for granted. Something that they assume can be put off until tomorrow. Because of God’s grace, it often can. But, for far too many, their tomorrow never comes.

For that reason, among many others, I have felt a passion unlike ever before. I know now is the time to be real.  God is truly a God of love. He has loving hands that are not to short that He cannot reach and hold me / you.

Along these lines, I was paid a compliment today that melted my heart and made me smile. I recently became friends with a person which I knew quickly that God had initiated contact. It was said that a friendship can be born in an instant, but can grow and flourish over the course of time, and into eternity. This is a very real person – with many similar struggles and very real pain. Through the writing I read, I was encouraged on so many levels. It just instilled that God is all powerful, all loving, and full of grace.

Anyway, what this person told me is something that made me smile. It was this: “Matthew 5:14 -You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Thanks for being the city through which His Light passes!!” That may not seem huge to you. And, in reality, it’s not. It just goes to show that the things we say and do really can and do have an impact on other people. What it says to me is that as the days pass, I am allowing God more access to shine through me. As stated before, I want to be someone He can work through – in whatever method He sees fit.

This morning I was driving to one of my childrens appointments and began to think.  I was pondering the day and also what to come here and write about.  Just as soon as I had the thought, exactly what to write about was just before my eyes…the beauty of His creation.

As I drove, I got a glimpse of His magnificent love for us, as displayed by the artwork beautifully painted on this canvas in the world all around us. The trees are just beginning to change colors.  Fall is in the air. The colors are so bright, vivid – simply breathtaking!

So many people (myself included at times) wonder if God is real while also wondering where He is.  They can’t see or feel Him near. 

I would challenge this with a separate thought.  Take the time and see Him all around you.  Take a moment to reflect on the clouds in the sky, the green grass, and at this time of year – the beautifully changing leaves. 

I cannot personally understand how anyone could take in this exquisite beauty and question His existence.  While you may not always see or feel Him in your every situation, remember He is ever present…and you are forever loved!

I’m not honestly sure who I am writing this post for, or to.  However, I feel strongly prompted to let someone reading this know that you are going to be okay.   I have no idea what you are going through, but I want you to believe in yourself.  Do not even consider giving up.  You’re worth so much more.

If you are struggling to see the virtual light at the end of the tunnel, know that you aren’t alone.  What you might look at and see as an insurmountable object really is temporary.  Even though you might feel overwhelmed right now, I want to urge you to take things day by day.  If that seems like a struggle, take things hour by hour – or even minute by minute if need be.  What I just want to stress is that what you are going through is going to pass.

Your story is important, and I do not believe it is complete – it’s still being written!  This life you may be struggling in the middle of is a fight worth continuing to fight.  You are worth it – your story matters!

There is one scripture in the Bible that has come to mean the world to me, and I hope it brings you peace and comfort as well.  “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “Plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” ~ Jeremiah 29:11

If you find yourself struggling, and seemingly unable to see life beyond the present, please know I’d be happy to stand with you in prayer and friendship.  If you’d like to talk, please feel free to leave a comment below, or privately through my “contact me” page.

Smile and know that you ARE loved.

I have a short little message on my heart. I have realized the true and present need to live life with expectation. And, by that, I am not talking about things that are just easy for you. If you live every day just expecting to be alive, well – God willing – you will succeed in that. However, the thing we need to remember is that we, as human beings, need to be stretched. Learn to go out of your comfort zone, and it is there that you will find the greatest rewards.

See, if you expect things that are easy, or already within your grasp, this will not stretch you. We need to be passionate, and start expecting things that are outside of our current grasp, but that are promises that God, and perhaps God alone can help us with. He has promised us that He will never leave or forsake us. Take that message to heart, and know that you are not alone. Expect great things, and they will come. Expect nothing, and it will come.