Monthly Archives: February 2013

Feb28

365 Moments Of Gratitude – Thankful For Honest Conversation

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In the same thought process of yesterday’s post, I’m grateful for honest conversation. Sometimes it isn’t easy to say what needs saying. It can be very difficult to reach deep inside yourself and pull out the courage it will take to do the right thing. Having a meaningful, honest conversation won’t always be easy, but it should always produce results. The results that come as a result of said conversation might or might not be easy to deal with. However, living in the shadows, in a shell of who you really are – all because you are afraid of what the truth looks like – is no life at all.

Take time today for yourself. Take time today to search deep within. Take time today for some honest conversation. It’s time. It’s refreshing. It’s life-changing.

I’m thankful today (and always) for honest conversation – no matter how much it hurts, or how much it heals. Sometimes the hurt is what turns into the healing.

A little public service announcement — I’m not talking about having honest conversation that hurts someone’s feelings because you’re rude, disrespectful or not speaking in love. I’m talking about the kind of conversation where you share God’s heart, in love. As I said yesterday, sometimes His will isn’t easy, but it is always worth it.

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Feb27

365 Moments Of Gratitude – Thankful For God’s Word Spoken In Love

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Sometimes we all walk through struggles. Sometimes we all need a swift kick in the pants. Sometimes life just happens. But, all times, God can be found in the midst of any situation. Sometimes the situation may seem hopeless, or heartbreaking to a point you don’t understand – God can and will meet you where you are. The thing with God, though, is that His way isn’t always the easy way. His direction isn’t always going to be simple. It will, however, always be worth it. There are things in life we may not want to hear, but that does not negate the necessity that they are said.

I’m thanking God today for people unafraid to speak His word and share His heart, but in love. It is love that makes all the difference in the world.

Feb26

365 Moments Of Gratitude – Thankful To A God Who Cares Enough

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The following is a story I read online. I am not sure who the author is, but it is a very sweet story. It kind of puts things in perspective. Sometimes all we need is to see things from a different perspective. Take a moment to read through these. Let the FACT that the God of all creation loves you so passionately bring you peace and comfort.

I’m grateful to a God who knows how to take care of me – every time, in every situation.

Me: God, can I ask You a question?
God: Sure
Me: Promise You won’t get mad
God: I promise
Me: Why did You let so much stuff happen to me today?
God: What do u mean?
Me: Well, I woke up late
God: Yes
Me: My car took forever to start
God: Okay
Me: at lunch they made my sandwich wrong & I had to wait
God: Huummm
Me: On the way home, my phone went DEAD, just as I picked up a call
God: All right

Me: And on top of it all off, when I got home ~I just want to soak my feet in my new foot massager & relax. BUT it wouldn’t work!!! Nothing went right today! Why did You do that?
God: Let me see, the death angel was at your bed this morning & I had to send one
of My Angels to battle him for your life. I let you sleep through that

Me (humbled): OH

GOD: I didn’t let your car start because there was a drunk driver on your route that would have hit you if you were on the road.

Me: (ashamed)

God: The first person who made your sandwich today was sick & I didn’t want you to catch what they have, I knew you couldn’t afford to miss work.

Me (embarrassed):Okay

God: Your phone went dead bcuz the person that was calling was going to give false witness about what you said on that call, I didn’t even let you talk to them so you would be covered.

Me (softly): I see God

God: Oh and that foot massager, it had a shortage that was going to throw out all of the power in your house tonight. I didn’t think you wanted to be in the dark.

Me: I’m Sorry God

God: Don’t be sorry, just learn to Trust Me…. in All things , the Good & the bad.

Me: I will trust You.

God: And don’t doubt that My plan for your day is Always Better than your plan.

Me: I won’t God. And let me just tell you God, Thank You for Everything today.

God: You’re welcome child. It was just another day being your God and I Love looking after My Children…

Feb25

365 Moments Of Gratitude – Thankful For The Reckless Ones – Part 1

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As I mentioned yesterday, Skyline has just started a new series entitled “The Reckless Ones” and this week was the first installment. This is the message entitled, “Above All Else” — I encourage you to watch this video. Pastor Lance speaks about the character and heart of the early church. He shares about the vital nature and sheer importance of love.

If you are someone, or you know of anyone who has been hurt, who has lost faith in Christianity, or who just needs to be loved simply because they are alive – this is for you. Please take a moment to watch and also share. I’d love to see the heart of the message contained in the video spread like wildfire. If our city / community / state / Nation were to grab hold of this concept, our lives would look very different. Let’s strive to be the change. Love like Jesus loved.

Feb24

365 Moments Of Gratitude – Thankful To Know So Many Reckless Ones

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That’s right. Reckless. Are you a reckless one? In this context, you should aim to be! Skyline Church started a new series entitled, “The Reckless Ones” and I must say I’m very excited to be at a place full of so many reckless ones. It was the early church that took this concept and ran with it. They were reckless in the way that they loved. They cared enough about people – all people – to reach out to them – right where they were…without regard to their own personal safety at times. They let love lead the way. Their actions centered around this concept that love was and is the most important thing.

May I learn to be more like the reckless ones of the early church. In the process of attempting to be more like Jesus, and love like He loved – I’m grateful to be surrounded by so many reckless ones in and around Skyline Church.

Feb23

365 Moments Of Gratitude – Thankful For Scouting

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I’m thankful that my boys have been a part of Cub Scouts. Today, however, I was a part of a proud moment. My oldest earned his Arrow of Light, and made the crossover to Boy Scouts. Scouting has given them both something to belong to, and a way to reach out in tangible ways and make a difference in this community. I will post pictures and videos at a different time, but just wanted to share my gratitude to all those who are involving in helping instill positive moral values in our children. To see them growing up to be thoughtful, respectful young men – this is priceless.

Feb23

Did You Know – McDonald’s Offers A Military Discount

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I do not advocate eating all meals at McDonald’s, and I am aware that there are healthier options out there. As such, I wanted to pass something along. If you are military, related to it, or otherwise have a military ID card – a little known fact (that, come to find out, employees aren’t allowed to mention) is that McDonald’s offers a military discount…at least around here. I’m not sure if this is nationwide policy, but it would be good to find out. When directly asked about their policy, I learned that they won’t even OFFER it to a service member in uniform unless they ask. I personally find that sad.

Like I said, there are healthier options out there, but if you find yourself at McDonald’s and you have a military id, please don’t hesitate to ask. You’ve earned it.

Please share and pass this along.

Also, I’d love it if you’d sound off with your experiences. No matter your area, please let me know if your area offers a military discount. I’m curious. You can post here in comments or send me a message via my “contact me” page. Thanks! (I will edit/update this post with results as they come in.

Feb22

Finding Something You Like

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I want to encourage you to find something you like. What sort of thing(s) put a smile on your face? Do you enjoy drawing? Writing? Singing? Music? Baking? Etc…etc…

What I have come to realize is that we often times allow life to just happen. Life is busy, and will rush on by in the blink of an eye. It is of paramount importance to take “me” time sometimes – even if it isn’t for a huge block of time. Put yourself as a priority. Make time for you.

It may be something simple. For me, I have found creativity is a big outlet for me. I enjoy writing. I enjoy singing, and playing music. I enjoy drawing, and also painting. As I make time for any of these things, sometimes just a few moments, I feel at peace.

During the hustle and bustle of a very busy life, take time for you. Take time to sit back, relax, and do something you like.

Feb22

365 Moments Of Gratitude – Thankful For Snow Plows

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Today as I set out to run a few errands and get to the store, I was leery. I absolutely love winter weather, especially the beautiful white stuff (snow) that blankets the ground. I do NOT, however, enjoy driving when the road conditions are less than optimal.

Several times last night, we heard the snow plows out and about. It made me very happy to see the product of their efforts. As I drove to the store, I did not slip and slide. Instead, I was able to drive on clean streets.

As simple as it seems, yes – today, I am grateful for snow plows – and especially their drivers that tirelessly make our streets safe. If you are or know of a snow plow driver – know you have my gratitude!

Feb21

365 Moments Of Gratitude – Thankful For Resolve

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I am thankful today for ongoing and continued resolve.

There is nothing in this life that is worthy of your giving up.  I do not mean a bad habit, or anything of that nature. (Those, I firmly believe you also have the strength to deal with as well though.) Instead, I’m referring to those things that may have you shaking your head – wondering if life is worth it, or will ever change. I mean, you. Don’t ever even consider giving up on yourself.  You are worth fighting for.

The ongoing resolve screams “keep going” even in the face of uncertain circumstances.

My friends, if you find yourself with any of these thoughts or similar struggles today, I encourage you to reach out.  Though you may at times feel lonely, I want to assure you – you are not alone. You do not have to walk through life alone. If you’d like to talk about it, please let me know. You can post below in comments or send me a message via my “contact me” page.