“Junk Mail" Folder

We are all used to receiving emails in the INBOX.

It also has a “Junk Mail” folder.  This contains messages from those who you do not have in your Address Book or unsolicited emails.

Unfortunately, God tries daily to connect with us. Oftentimes, His messages land in our junk mail folders, because we have not communicated with Him enough to recognize Him nor have we added Him to our Address Books.

Also, when we do check our junk mail folder, we do not open His messages nor tag them as “safe” and move them to our Inbox. We delete them.

And then we pray or ask God to hear us and reply to us….especially when things are not going as we want them to, during illnesses or accidents.

The Bible gives many ways that we can make sure we are not ignoring God:    

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV): 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

Isaiah 55:6 (NKJV): 6 Seek the Lord while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near.

Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV): 6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

1 Chronicles 16:11(NKJV): 11 Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face evermore!

Powerful Quotes:

“If you don’t have time to pray and read scriptures, you are busier than God ever intended for you to be.”

"If Satan can't make you bad, he'll make you busy." ~ Adrian Rogers

“We may ignore, but we can nowhere evade, the presence of God. The world is crowded with Him. He walks everywhere incognito.” - C. S. Lewis

“People don’t want to hear the truth because they don’t want their illusions destroyed.” – Friedrich Nietzsche

“God will always make a way where there is no way.”

“People see God every day; they just don’t recognize Him.”

“Many people want to serve God, but only in an advisory capacity.”
We have to learn to make God a priority instead of an option.

(If you enjoy my reflections, you can also read more from Lessons from a Bird at www. Amazon.com)

A Deeper Look at  “Swapping Ignorance”

As I mediated on my previous post “Swapping Ignorance,” I began to reflect on other aspects of my life that I have done this:

• Why would someone take advice from me about marriage and parenting? (I am single – never married, with no children)
• Why have I listened to others about money when I am more financially stable than they are?
• Why would I entertain Career Advancement advice from someone who is in the same role that I am?
• Why take advice about how to start a business or how to write a book from someone who has never done it?
• Why take Health Advice from someone who is unhealthier than me?
• Why take relationship advice from someone who has been very unsuccessful in maintaining a good relationship?
• Even sports-wise…Why would athletes take advice or entertain criticism from people sitting in the stands…who do not have what it takes to even compete?
• Even politically…Why would I entertain advice about what the President of the United States should or should not be doing from people who are not qualified or credible enough to even be President?
• Even spiritually…Why would I believe someone is a “Christian” who spews hate, curses, drinks obsessively, is sexually inappropriate and a rude person? Just because they attend worship on Sunday?  Obedience to God is a 24/7 practice…not just on Sundays or when you think no one is watching.

Boy…have I been guilty!  My problem is that I seem to give excellent advice…and when people take it, they seem to do incredibly well. I just need to learn to take my own advice…(Ouch! – truth hurts)

The Bible tells us:

2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV):  Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Matthew 7:1-4 (NKJV): Do Not Judge 7 “Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. 3 And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye?

Proverbs 12:15  (NKJV): The way of a fool is right in his own eyes; But he that is wise hearkeneth unto counsel.

Proverbs 19:20 (NKJV):  Hear counsel, and receive instruction, That thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.

Proverbs 1:2-5 (ASV): 2 To know wisdom and instruction; To discern the words of understanding; 3 To receive instruction in wise dealing, In righteousness and justice and equity; 4 To give prudence to the simple, To the young man knowledge and discretion: 5 That the wise man may hear, and increase in learning; And that the man of understanding may attain unto sound counsels:

Memorable Quotes:

“True Humility is staying teachable, no matter how much you already know.”

“Surround Yourself With People You Want To Be Like.”  — T.D. Jakes

“Research Your View:” Please don't make me try to have a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent. I research everything I possibly can because facts win arguments. - George Street III

“It’s what we think we know that keeps us from learning.” – Claude Bernard

We could all benefit by “staying in our own lanes,” not advising or “swapping ignorance” about things we don’t know or clearly understand, and seeking wise counsel from God…

“Swapping Ignorance”

My minister shared this insight in his Sunday morning message:

“I have been married 52 years. Why would I get marriage advice from someone married 52 days? I’ve done 52 days 365 times. Getting advice from someone doing the same thing as you is just two people swapping ignorance.”

This was profound wisdom for me.

I somewhat did this as I was publishing my book.  I continuously reviewed the format, style and publishing channels of people who I knew that had just published their first books. I bought their books, reviewed their writing styles and considered their book lengths. My mentor gently advised: “Why don’t you review what other New York Times Best-Selling Authors have done? Aren’t the others you are trying to use as models just beginning the process you attempting?”

I recall doing this often, especially as a college student.  I reflect back now and wonder why I would entertain advice from other students who were in the same boat that I’m in? What wisdom or foresight could they possibly give me? What could I possibly give to them? We would ask each other about purchasing textbooks, dealing with instructors, or managing dorm life. It didn’t dawn on us to ask Upperclassmen, Advisors or Tutors. We were, in fact, just “swapping ignorance” or our lack of knowledge and “best guesses” with each other.

The Bible tells us about wisdom:

Proverbs 1:2 (NKJV): To know wisdom and instruction, To perceive the words of understanding,

Proverbs 2:2 (NKJV):  So that you incline your ear to wisdom, And apply your heart to understanding;

Proverbs 4:7 (NKJV):  Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.

Proverbs 10:13 (NKJV): Wisdom is found on the lips of him who has understanding, 

Isaiah 33:6 (NKJV): Wisdom and knowledge will be the stability of your times,…

Ephesians 5:15 (ASV): Look therefore carefully how ye walk, not as unwise, but as wise;

James 3:17 (NKJV):  But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.

2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV):  For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

Memorable Quotes:

"Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity." - Martin Luther King Jr.

“Most people are drowning in their delusional ignorance without knowing that their suffering was created by themselves.”

“Everything in life is easier when you don't concern yourself with what everybody else is doing.”

“The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance, it is the illusion of knowledge.” –  Stephen Hawking

 “Real knowledge is to know the extent of one’s ignorance.” – Buddha

"If you only read the books that everybody else is reading, you can only think what everyone else is thinking." - Haruki Murakami

“You should never, never doubt something that no one is sure of.” – Roald Dahl, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Decide today to avoid “swapping ignorance” and seek wisdom from God…

“Living Our Lives in Contradiction”

“Most of us are NOT who we really are…

We are not even who others think we are…

We are who we THINK others think we are…”

Contradiction is defined as: the act of saying something that is opposite or very different in meaning to something else; a difference or disagreement between two things which means that both cannot be true http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contradiction

I am amazed how people “say they are a Christian” one minute, yet their words and actions don’t demonstrate this.

This is especially becoming evident during Political Election time.

You can’t say you love GOD, yet hate the President.  Especially since the Lord says:

Romans 13:1-2 (NIV): Submission to Governing Authorities - “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.”

God didn’t ask us to agree with them or to even like them…He said to submit to them and respect their authority. Even if you disagree with the issues, this should be done respectfully…not attacking the person.

We can’t say we LOVE God, yet be disobedient to His commandments at the same time. These do not reconcile.

I have seen people talk rudely to other people and about them, yet in another breath, say they love God. These two positions don’t match.

There are people who SAY they are have no racial bias, yet they only have values, beliefs and perspectives that favor only people that look like them.

You can’t call yourself a “Christian,” yet only have “wordly” friends. When you are with them, no one can tell the difference.

Romans 12:2 (NKJV): And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

The Bible gives us instructions that can be difficult to adhere to, especially since the world and Satan tell us otherwise. That is why we have to Trust God and Be Obedient.

Memorable Quotes:

“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born, and the day you find out why.” – Mark Twain

“Two things prevent us from happiness; living in the past and observing others.

“Two things define you. Your patience when you have nothing, and your attitude when you have everything.” –unknown

“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” – Albert Einstein

“Two of the hardest tests in life: 1) the patience to wait for the right moment, and 2) the courage to accept whatever you encounter.” - Paulo Coelho

“Sweetie, if you're going to be two-faced, at least make one of them pretty.” – Marilyn Monroe

“There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.” - Edith Wharton

“You can’t be who you are going to be and who you used to be at the same time.” – Steve Harvey

“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I - I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” – Robert Frost

We all strive to achieve what Gandhi describes: “Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.”

The daily challenge is to align our lives by God’s will, and not our own.

“Lose To Win”

Fantasia Monique Barrino (born June 30, 1984), commonly known simply by the Fantasia, is an American R&B singer and actress. She rose to fame as the winner of the third season of the reality television series American Idol in 2004. On April 18, 2013, Barrino returned to American Idol singing "Lose to Win."  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fantasia_Barrino

Some of the lyrics are:

[Chorus:]

“Have you ever needed someone so bad

But he ain’t willing to make it last?

Sometimes you gotta lose to win again.

If it makes you cry, cry, cry

And all you do is fight

Can’t get no sleep at night

Sometimes you gotta lose to win again.”

http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/fantasiabarrino/losetowin.html

Although the song is directed to failed relationships, it actually has relevance to navigating life.

Cases in Point:

I recall in my first career as an Account Executive, my manager put me on probation primarily because I could not seem to make my outside sales partner do his job. I was panicked! I didn’t want to lose this job! In order to win again, I took my destiny into my own hands. Not only did this strategy prove successful for me, I became one of the Top Ten Executives and made the President’s Club for 5 years consecutively. I had to lose before I could win again…

After being betrayed by someone I considered a dear friend for over 9 years throughout my naive' 20’s, I lost all trust in friends. Thankfully, the Lord sent me two wise confidantes’ and mentors who have been my dearest, closest friends for the past 21 years. Losing helped me appreciate what I won…

Although I lost from two failed engagements, I won because I found myself.

I thought I had lost by my diagnosis of MS; however, it has helped me win by having a deeper relationship with the Lord, more empathy for others and even becoming a published author. I had to lose control of my health to learn to give control to God so that I could be on the path of winning…my soul.

The Bible gives us many examples of this:

Matthew 27 & 28 depict how Jesus LOST his life by being crucified, yet WON when he rose to sit at The Father’s right hand side in heaven.

Luke 16:19-25 (NKJV): The Rich Man and Lazarus – It appears that the rich man was winning and the beggar Lazarus was losing. Yet, after death the beggar won…life eternally with the Lord. Unfortunately, the rich man lost…he ultimately lost his soul.

The Book of Job describes the Life of God’s servant Job. He lost everything. However, his faithfulness to God, earned him victory. Job 42:12 (NKJV): 12 Now the Lord blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning;

The Book of Exodus describes the life of Moses. His rearing by Pharaoh’s daughter afforded him a life of wealth and privilege. However, when he learned of his birth, he ended up losing everything. Yet, he was appointed by God to face Pharaoh and gain the release of the people of Egypt, which he did.

Memorable Quotes:

“We shall not cease from exploration; And the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started; And know the place for the first time.” ― T.S. Eliot, Four Quartets

“Not until we are lost do we begin to find ourselves.”

“I never lose…either I win or I learn.”

“A winner is just a loser…who tried one more time.”

“What separates winners from losers is how a person reacts to each new twist of faith.” – Donald Trump

“Winning provides happiness. Losing provides wisdom.” – Neil Patel

“Failure defeats losers’ Failure inspires winners.“ - Robert T. Kiyosaki

“Losers are people who are afraid of losing.” - Robert Kiyosaki

“If you are not big enough to lose, you are not big enough to win.” - Walter Reuthers

“Losers see obstacles where winners see opportunities!”

It would be wise for us to see losses as stepping stones toward winning... 

“Let It Go…”

Throughout my lifetime, I have heard and read advice from influential speakers to “Let it Go.” Although I tried rigorously to adhere to this advice, I struggled with it. I have "control" and "trust' issues and needed to know who to "let go to."

"Let It Go" is a song from Disney's 2013 animated feature film Frozen, whose music and lyrics were composed by husband-and-wife songwriting team Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez. The song was performed in its original show-tune version in the film by American actress and singer Idina Menzel in her vocal role as Queen Elsa. 

The song presents the ostracized Queen Elsa, who abandons her kingdom when her magical ability to create and control ice and snow is discovered by the public. Up in the mountains, away from confused and suspicious onlookers, Elsa realizes that she no longer needs to hide her abilities, and so declares herself free from the restrictions she has had to endure since childhood. She rejoices in being able to use her power without fear or limit, to let her past go, and manipulate snow and icicles to create a living snowman and a magnificent ice castle for herself.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Let_It_Go_(Disney_song)

The song even won a 2014 Academy Award.  A few of the lyrics are:

”Let It Go”

Let it go, let it go

Can't hold it back anymore

Let it go, let it go

Turn away and slam the door

I don't care

what they're going to say

Let the storm rage on.

The cold never bothered me anyway

It's funny how some distance

Makes everything seem small

And the fears that once controlled me

Can't get to me at all

It's time to see what I can do

To test the limits and break through

No right, no wrong, no rules for me,

I'm free!

I'm never going back, the past is in the past.

http://www.metrolyrics.com/let-it-go-lyrics-idina-menzel.html

The Bible explains that we are to "let go" of the ways of this world and "trust God. But, "How?" I ask. It says:

Romans 12:2 (NIV): Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Matthew 11:28-30 (NKJV): “28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV): “5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct[a] your paths.”

1 Peter 5:7 (NKJV): “Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”

Matthew 8:26 (NKJV): But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.

Matthew 6:25-34 (NKJV):  “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?

Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV): 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

 Powerful Quotes include:

“Let Go and Let God.”

“One of the hardest things to do in life is letting go of what you thought was real.”

“Don’t let something that is long gone continue to control you. It’s time to let go.”

“When the past calls, let it go to voice-mail. It has nothing new to say.”

“Let go or be dragged.” – Zen Proverb

“There are people who walk away from you…let them walk.  I don’t want you to try to talk another person into staying with you, loving you, calling you, caring about you, coming to see you, staying attached to you. Your destiny is never attached to anyone who left. And it doesn’t mean that they are a bad person, it just means that their part in your story is over. And you’ve got to know when people’s part in your story is over…” – T.D. Jakes

“Give it to God and go to sleep.”

‘Life becomes easier when you learn to accept an apology you never got.”

“When you finally let go, something better will come along.”

“To pray is to let go and let God take over.”

“Accept what is. Let go of what was. Have faith in what will be.”

“God grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change; the Courage to change the things that I can; and the Wisdom to know the difference.” – The Serenity Prayer

We must learn to "let go" of what was so we can be ready for what is yet to be…

“Attention Span of a Gnat”

I couldn’t help giggling to myself at this response I received from a dear friend regarding his justification for not practicing Yoga or Meditation techniques to reduce stress and improve his health.

He said, “I tried them, but they didn’t work for me. You know I have the attention span of a gnat.”

My reply: “Sir…that’s why you need them.” J

This response made me think of our society. We seem to jump on the latest craze, trend or saying, and run with it…for the moment. The old phrase “15-minutes of fame” really rings true.

One can upload a video on YouTube and within minutes, it can go “viral.” Many instant celebrities have been discovered there including Justin Bieber and Psy of the famous “Gangman Style” video, with over 1 billion views.

There is the power of Social Media…Facebook, Twitter, Instagram…that can literally change the trajectory of your life with one post.

We are appalled by the unrest in Ferguson, MO…and within moments, we are saddened by the deaths of Robin Williams and Joan Rivers…moments later, we are concerned about the Ebola outbreak…moments later… we are captivated by our favorite TV shows’ season premieres.

Oftentimes, we have the “attention of a gnat” when it comes to God. Oh, we pray and call on him when things are going bad, such as an illness, accident, tragedy or hardship. However, when he answers our prayers favorable and life seems to be going well for us, we forget He even exists. Many of us fail to even thank Him for waking us up every morning, failing to understand that He didn't have to.

For example:
"I don't have time to read the Bible."
"I can't go to worship - I'm on vacation."

"I'm just too tired to make it to worship on Sunday morning - the game went into over-time or the concert didn't end until late on Saturday night."
"I am working on my paper for my Bachelors/Masters/Doctorate degree."
"I can't make it to Bible Study. I have to meet my friends for Happy Hour."

He makes us a "priority" and we tend to make Him an "option." 

Thankfully, God gives us individually his “undivided attention” all of the time. He has from the time he created us until eternity.

The Bible explains:

Jeremiah 1:5 (NIV): “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

Jeremiah 29:11(NIV):  For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

2 Corinthians 4:18 (NIV):  So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Isaiah 40:31(NKJV): 31 But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength;

Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV): 10 Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’

Ecclesiastes 1:9 (NKJV): That which has been is what will be, That which is done is what will be done, And there is nothing new under the sun.

Hebrews 2:1(NIV):  We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.

1 Corinthians 14:33(NKJV): For God is not the author of confusion but of peace,

Memorable Quotes:

“Perhaps the most important thing we ever give each other is our attention.” – Rachel Naomi Remen

“We want big directional signs from God. God just wants us to pay attention.” -  Lysa TerKeurst

“Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity.” - Simone Weil

 “Blessings are often subtle, observable only to the humble and attentive.” – David A. Bednar

“Pay more attention to your Creator than your critics!!”

“God is never late. We are just impatient.”

 “God can bring peace to your past; purpose to your present and hope to your future.”

We should all strive to extend our attention span…toward GOD rather than the distractions of this world.  Will We?

“To Thine Own Self Be True…”

I have heard this quote from Shakespeare since High School English Class. It never really resonated with me.  I must admit that I really didn’t know what this Shakespeare phrase meant.

This reminds me of the movie Runaway Bride, a 1999 American romantic comedy film starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere. Maggie (Julia Roberts) jilted three men at the altar. Her fourth fiance’, Ike (Richard Gere), a NY reporter decides to get to the root of this. During his research for the story, Ike realizes that Maggie is adjusting her interests to mimic those of her fiancés in order to please them. This is signified most prominently by her choice of eggs, which changes with each fiancé. After jilting him as well, he returns to New York. She shows up unexpectedly at his apartment. Maggie then explains that she had been running because every other guy she was engaged to was only engaged to the idea she had created for them rather than the real her, but with Ike she ran because, even though he truly understood her, she didn't understand herself. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Runaway_Bride_(film)

I basically did the same thing during my two failed engagements. I was focused on being who I thought they wanted me to be instead of staying true to who God created me to be. I also spent most of my life striving to please everyone else, instead of being true to ME. I thought by doing this, it would be pleasing to God...it isn't...

It really comes down to KNOWING ME.

If you don’t decide or define your own life or what is best for YOU…others will define & decide it for you…

The Bible says:

2 Samuel 22:26 (NIV): “To the faithful you show yourself faithful, to the blameless you show yourself blameless,”

2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV):  Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

James 4:10 (NIV): Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

Ephesians 4:22-24 (NIV): 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Psalm 139:14 (NIV):  I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

Psalm 139:16 (NIV):  Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

Memorable Quotes:

“Be faithful to that which exists within yourself.” – Andre Gide

“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you into someone else is an accomplishment.” – unknown

“Once you’ve accepted your flaws, no one can use them against you.” – unknown

“Whatever you are, be a good one.” – Abraham Lincoln

“Never waste your time trying to explain yourself to people who are committed to misunderstanding you.” – unknown

“Be Yourself. Everyone else is already taken.” – Oscar Wilde

“When I accept myself, I am freed from the burden of needing you to accept me.” -  Dr. Steve Maraboli

“You will never influence the world by trying to be like it.” – unknown

“BE GOOD TO YOU”

Be yourself, truthfully.

Accept yourself, gratefully.

Value yourself, joyfully.

Forgive yourself, completely.

Treat yourself, generously.

Balance yourself, harmoniously.

Bless yourself, abundantly.

Trust yourself, confidently.

Love yourself, wholeheartedly.

Empower yourself, immediately.

Give yourself, enthusiastically.

Express yourself, radiantly. – unknown

The key is to align yourself with who God created you to be… and be that.