Mar2

365 Moments Of Gratitude – Thankful For Packaging Tape

Posted on by
Standard

Yes, today I am thankful for packaging tape. If you are anything like me, you may have plenty of this around the house — except when it’s actually needed. I’m not kidding. I think tape grows legs and runs away and hides.

I know today is a silly post, but I just located the much sought after packaging tape, and I’m pretty grateful. (Guess the person on the other end of my online transaction will also be happy to get their package!)

Seriously guys, take a moment today to just think of one thing (even as trivial as packaging tape) to be thankful for.

Mar1

Spotlight On 33 Miles – Let It Be Glory: Here

Posted on by
Standard

I’d like to talk a little bit about this song, “Here” by 33 Miles. Before I go any further, I’d like to share a little bit about my life recently, so as to set up the background, and why this song means what it does to me.

Life hasn’t been all that fun lately. There have been many reasons to make me question so much of life. I do often wonder why certain things happen, but I have not stopped KNOWING that God is ultimately in control. No matter what comes up, and no matter where I am in life, He is always there. Though I have struggles, He provides peace and comfort in the midst of any storm I face.

So, with this all in mind, I’d like to share a song that has such a powerful meaning to me.

This song speaks of coming to God, right exactly where you are — no matter the situation. Even during the times you feel completely just empty, know that He is right there. This song speaks of the character of God. If you cry out to God, He will respond. Hope, though elusive at times, is very real. The beauty of this song is the reminder that Jesus is constant. He is right there with you, no matter what.

When you open yourself up to Him, He will show Himself faithful 100% of the time. All you need to do is cry out to Him, and ask Him to be your everything. The act of surrendering to Him, in and of itself, will bring hope and let you see how He is there with and for you…every step of the way.

This song is powerful. It’s message will speak to the heart of any who will seek after Him. This song is on 33 Miles album, Let it Be Glory. When it is released for sale, I strongly urge you to get your hands on a copy of the entire album. This song is just one of several that will bless you, and speak hope directly into your heart.

To 33 Miles – thank you again for following the heart of God and sharing His hope and love in such a real way through this album, and especially this song.

Mar1

365 Moments Of Gratitude – Thankful For Words

Posted on by
Standard

Words. They make the world go ’round. I’d like to encourage you on something that has been impressed on my heart. Your words are important. They have huge amounts of power. Your words have the power to build up, or the power to tear down.

Always strive to allow your words to be authored by God, and His breath to breathe life into dead situations. Sometimes you may be inclined to think that words are just words. And, they are – to a degree. What may mean absolutely nothing to you, may be the difference of life in death to another person. That’s just the thing. You ALWAYS need to be mindful of what you are saying.

Before reacting, choose your words carefully. Allow yourself time to think about how you would feel, should the conversation be reversed. Always put yourself in someone else’s shoes. If you were down, or for whatever reason, hurting – think of the kinds of words you would like to hear. Never hesitate to spread those words. Those are words filled with life, and filled with love.

In contrast, if you don’t ponder how your words will impact someone, imagine the damage that can be done when you speak words in anger, or out of hatred and/or hurt. Take time to think about your reaction.

The way you react may make an immense difference — but not just in the life of the person you are speaking to — it often will make a bigger impact on yourself.

I encourage you to always strive to speak with love behind your words. Allow God’s heart, and His love to spread like wildfire.

I’m grateful today to be able to choose words that build up, and bring life instead of tearing down and bringing the exact opposite.

Feb28

365 Moments Of Gratitude – Thankful For Honest Conversation

Posted on by
Standard

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.

Feb27

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

Posted on by
Standard

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

Posted on by
Standard

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

Posted on by
Standard

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

Posted on by
Standard

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

Posted on by
Standard

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

Posted on by
Standard

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.