Say “Thank You”

Thank You is defined as “something that you give or do to show thanks: a polite expression of thanks”  http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thank-you

Thanks is defined as “a good feeling that you have towards someone who has helped you, given something to you, etc.; something done or said to express thanks: used like “thank you” as a polite way of accepting or refusing an offer http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thanks

Synonyms for thanks include: gratitude, recognition, acknowledgement, blessing, gratefulness, praise and thankfulness.  http://www.thesaurus.com/browse/thanks

These two words have such a major impact on others and the world, yet we use them so rarely.

Our inability to express thanks for even the smallest of things reduces the probability that gratitude will be expressed for the big things.

Case in point: If you don’t say thank you for the small things, such as someone holding a door open for you or someone allowing you to merge into traffic; you would not likely to be as grateful to someone for catching you from falling or even saving your child’s life.

We should be as quick to give it as we are to receive it.

We have to express gratitude every day for everything.  Just waking up each morning is a precious gift that we should utter our sincerest thanks to the Lord for.

The Bible says:

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NKJV): in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Chronicles 16:34 (NKJV): Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.

Matthew 11:25 (NKJV): At that time Jesus answered and said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth,

Romans 1:8 (NKJV): First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.

Philippians 1:3 (NKJV): I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,

Colossians 3:17 (NKJV): And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NKJV): in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Quotes to Remember:

“If the only prayer you ever say is ‘Thank You,’ that will have been enough.” – Meckhart Eister

“A Simple Thank You has magic…it warms the heart and creates a moment of connection and peace between two people.”

“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a gift and never giving it.” – William Arthur Ward

“God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one of them to say thank you?”

“When life is sweet, say thank you and celebrate. When life is bitter, say thank you and grow.”

“Give thanks in all circumstances.”

Saying “Thank You” should not be a rare event, but a daily practice.

The Urgent Need for Trust

In light of many emotional yet traumatic events occurring in our nation, it appears to be the result of immense lack of trust.

Trust is defined as “belief that someone or something is reliable, good, honest, effective, etc.”  http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trust

In Stephen M.R. Covey’s book “The Speed of Trust” it explains:

“There is one thing that is common to every individual, relationship, team, family, organization, nation, economy and civilization throughout the world – one thing which, if removed, will destroy the most powerful government, the most successful business, the most thriving economy, the most influential leadership, the greatest friendship, the strongest character, the deepest love. On the other hand, if developed and leveraged, that one thing has the potential to create unparalleled success and prosperity in every dimension of life. That one thing is trust. “

“Trust impacts us 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. I am convinced that in every situation, nothing is fast as the speed of trust.”

 “Whatever our situation, we need to get good at establishing, extending and restoring trust – not as a manipulative technique, but as the most effective way of relating to and working with others, and the most effective way of getting results.”

In regards to the Ferguson MO situation, the protests, emotions and anger appear to correlate with a profound lack of trust for the city & state judicial systems.

Cases in Point include:

• The complete lack of transparency from the local or state entities
• Lack of consistent communication
• Taking three months for grand jury deliberation
• The inconsistent system and processes

Nevertheless, the primary need is our unwavering trust in the Lord. It is imperative for us to understand that God is in charge, He sees and knows everything, and that He is the ultimate judge.

The Bible says:

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.

Psalm 37:5 (NKJV): 5 Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass.

Psalm 118:8 (NKJV): It is better to trust in the Lord Than to put confidence in man.

Nahum 1:7 (NKJV): The Lord is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble; And He knows those who trust in Him.

2 Corinthians 3:4 (NKJV): And we have such trust through Christ toward God.

John 14:1 (CEB): 14 Don’t be troubled. Trust in God. Trust also in me.

Memorable Quotes:

“We must learn to live together as brothers or we will perish together as fools.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.

“The moment there is suspicion about a person’s motives, everything he does becomes tainted.” – Mahatma Gandhi

“Our distrust is very expensive.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Try to be transparent, clear and truthful. Even when it is difficult, and above all, when it is difficult. – Jean-Cyril Spinetta

“It takes a lot of truth to gain trust, but just one lie to lose it all.”

“When people show you who they are, believe them the first time.” – Maya Angelou

 “I am very cautious of those whose actions don’t match their words.”

"Trust takes years to build, seconds to break, and forever to repair.”

Remembering Tim Tebow’s words about trust:

” I don’t know what my future holds, but I know who holds my future.”

“Only When Life Works In Your Favor?…”

Many of us are ONLY thankful to God or express gratitude when things operate in our favor.

We are grateful when:

• We get that promotion and salary increase…
• Life is going great…
• We are healed from a surgery or sickness…
• On a sunny, beautiful day…
• We have money to spend…
• Our families are healthy…

 But do you thank Him when:

• You are stricken with an unexpected, devastating health diagnosis?
• Your company lays you off?
• “It rains, it pours?”
• Your children seem to have lost their way?
• Your best friend betrays and abandons you?
• Your “money is funny?”
• Things are just not going your way?

The Bible explains:

Philippians 4:11-13 (NIV): 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (NIV): 7 … Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Romans 8:28 (NKJV): 28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Matthew 23:12 (NKJV): 12 And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.

Psalm 37:4 (NKJV): 4 Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.

Proverbs 19:21 (NIV): 21 Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.

Luke 22:42 (NIV): [Jesus’ Prayer] 42 “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”

Memorable Quotes:

“The greatest test of faith is when you don’t get what you want, but still you are able to say THANK YOU LORD.”

“You can’t always get what you want, but if you try sometimes you just might find that you get what you need.” – Rolling Stones – You Can’t Always Get What You Want

“Every test in our life makes us bitter or better. Every problem comes to make us or break us. The choice is our whether we want to be a victim or Victor.”

 “Sometimes the bad things that happen in our lives put us directly on the path to the best things that will ever happen to us.”

 “Every experience, no matter how bad it seems, holds within it a blessing of some kind. The goal is to find it.” – Buddha

 “When I'm worried and cannot sleep, I count my blessings instead of sheep.” - Bing Crosby

“Every day may not be good, but there is something good in every day.”

Waking up every morning is a true indicator that all is working in your favor. The key is to be thankful for all things every day…

What Do You Give?

We are living in such an “About Me” society that giving of ourselves has become such a rare event instead of normal act.

Often, it is assumed that “giving” has to be some grandiose gesture for the world to see. Actually, it is a smile, a silent prayer or the simplest of gestures that can be profound and have enormous ripple effects throughout the universe.  Don't you ever wonder: “How do others feel about themselves after being in your presence or having read your writings, books or Social Media posts?”

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” - Maya Angelou

We have great power to give to others that we underutilize. Social Media has afforded us all the opportunity to extend kindness to others – whether by a “Happy Birthday” or a “Congratulations” comment, or even clicking “like” on a post. We can also send cards, email, texts, make phone calls, leave voicemail messages or even silently pray for each other and wish each other well.

As I grow in wisdom, I find that I wake up each morning first “Thanking God” for waking me up, and then asking myself “Who can I bless or be a blessing to today?”  I am realizing that the more I give, the more I receive.

 The Bible shares:

Acts 20:35 (NKJV):  I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

Luke 6:30 (NKJV): Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back.

Deuteronomy 16:17 (NKJV):  Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord your God which He has given you.

Powerful Quotes:

Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: ”What are you doing for others?” – Martin Luther King, Jr.

“No one has ever become poor from giving.” – Maya Angelou

“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give,” – Winston Churchill

“Only by giving are you able to receive more than you already have.”

“Nothing that you have not given away will ever be really yours.” – C.S. Lewis

 “You have not lived until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.” – John Bunyan

“Life is an echo. What you send out comes back. What you reap, you sow. What you give, you get. What you see in others, exist in you.” – Zig Ziglar

“You don’t need a reason to help someone.”

“If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one.” -  Mother Teresa

“Never believe that a few caring people can’t change the world.  For, indeed, that’s all who ever have.” - Margaret Mead

“People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care.” - Theodore Roosevelt

The lesson for us should be to focus on what we can "give" instead of what we can "get."

“Competence” Builds “Confidence”

Competence is defined as “the ability to do something well.” http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/competence

Confidence is “a feeling or belief that you can do something well or succeed at something.” http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/confidence

We are living in a current culture of avoiding failure at all costs. Unfortunately, we have ingrained this so passionately with our children that parents are often referred to as “helicopter parents.”

An article titled, “What Is Helicopter Parenting?” by Kate Bayless explores this issue. Helicopter parenting refers to "a style of parents who are over focused on their children," says Carolyn Daitch, Ph.D. "They typically take too much responsibility for their children's experiences and, specifically, their successes or failures."  Many helicopter parents start off with good intentions. "The problem is that, once parenting becomes governed by fear and decisions based on what might happen, it is hard to keep in mind all the things kids learn when we are not right next to them or guiding each step," Dr. Gilboa explains. "Failure and challenges teach kids new skills, and, most important, teach kids that they can handle failure and challenges." http://www.parents.com/parenting/better-parenting/what-is-helicopter-parenting/

I recall this phrase used by my minster in a sermon one Sunday. He explained that the more we practice at something, the more competence we build. The more competence we build, the more confidence we grow in our ability to do it well.

This is also applicable in our “spiritual journey.” The more competent we become in studying God’ Word and obeying Him, the more confident we become in trusting Him and having faith in His promises.

The Bible says:

Colossians 3:23 (NKJV): And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,

1 Corinthians 15:58 (NKJV): Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

Romans 8:28 (NKJV): And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

2 Timothy 4:7 (NKJV): I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

James 1:2-4 (NIV):  2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Philippians 4:13 (NIV): I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

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.

Powerful Quotes:

“I can accept failure. Everyone fails at something.  But I can’t accept not trying.” – Michael Jordan

“No one likes to be frustrated or fail, but every child needs to confront frustration and failure – to learn to step back, to reassess, and to try again and again – to develop grit.” – Thomas Hoerr and Walter McKenzie

‘I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I have lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to make the game-winning shot, and I missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” – Michael Jordan, NBA Basketball icon

“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.”  - Benjamin Franklin

“It is wise to keep in mind that neither success or failure is permanent.” – Roger Babson

 “Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.” – Henry Ford

"Continuous effort - not strength or intelligence - is the key to unlocking our potential." - Winston Churchill

“All things are difficult before they are easy.” – Thomas Fuller

We should all strive to increase our “competence” so that it will increase our “confidence” in our professional, emotional and spiritual lives.

“STOP, DROP and ROLL”

Stop, drop and roll is a simple fire safety technique taught to children, emergency services personnel and industrial workers as a component of health and safety training. Primarily, it is a method to extinguish a fire on a person's clothes or hair without, or in addition to, the use of conventional firefighting equipment.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stop,_drop_and_roll

It consists of three components:

Stop – The fire victim must stop still, ceasing any movement which may fan the flames or hamper those attempting to put the fire out.

Drop – The fire victim must drop to the ground, lying down if possible, covering their face with their hands to avoid facial injury.

Roll – The fire victim must roll on the ground in an effort to extinguish the fire by depriving it of oxygen.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stop,_drop_and_roll

Professionally, we could apply this strategy:

Stop – putting off your dreams…do it today…tomorrow is not promised

Drop – all doubts and fears

Roll – with obstacles, setbacks, good times and challenging times

We can also remember to use this same procedure daily on our “walk of faith.”

A “spiritual” technique could be:

Stop – being disobedient

Drop – on our knees in prayer

Roll – away from sin

The Bible discusses the relevance of fire:

Psalm 66:12 (NKJV):  You have caused men to ride over our heads; We went through fire and through water; But You brought us out to rich fulfillment.

Jeremiah 23:29 (NKJV):  “Is not My word like a fire?” says the Lord, “And like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?

Jude 1:23 (NIV): save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.

Hebrews 12:29 (NIV): for our “God is a consuming fire.”

2 Thessalonians 1:8(NKJV):  in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Memorable Quotes:

“Our souls should be on fire, yet no one seems awake.” -  Susan B. Anthony

“Set your life on fire. Seek those who fan your flames.” – Rumi

“A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.”

“Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.” – St.  Catherine of Siena

“What matters most is how well you walk through the fire.” – Charles Bukoski

“When you are ablaze in the Holy Spirit, people will be drawn to you. They will watch you burn in fascination, drawn to the flame.” -  Susan Rohrer

“The most powerful force on earth is the human soul on fire.”

 “Everything you need to be great is already inside you. Stop waiting for someone or something to light your fire. You have the match.”  ~ Darren Hardy

 “When tempted to fight fire with fire, remember that the Fire Department uses water.”

If we can “stop, drop and roll” from external fire and embrace the internal fire that burns within us, we can move toward our destiny and better draw others to God.

F.R.O.G.

I had seen this before, but never truly internalized its meaning.

F.R.O.G. is an acronym for “Fully Relying On God.”

Since I suffer from “control issues,” this never really resonated with me.

Recently, I mustered up the courage to reach out for some assistance with my health challenges. I was assured that they could help me and would provide a plan for me by the next day. I was filled with “hope” and possibilities. One day passed…Two days…still no contact. Finally, by week’s end, I sent a message inquiring. The response was that “we would need to hold off, help was unavailable to me at this time.” I simply thanked them for their consideration.

My first impulse was to be livid! Why lead me to believe you could help me…wait five days…and have me reach back out to you…just to reply that you can’t?  Interesting…a sense of calm overcame me. The “inner voice” seemed to whisper, “Trust Me…not man.” Wow! That is exactly what I was doing. I had wasted a valuable week trusting that “man” could help me, when I should have been fully relying on God.

The Bible states:

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.

Jeremiah 17:5 (NKJV): 5 Thus says the Lord: “Cursed is the man who trusts in man And makes flesh his strength, Whose heart departs from the Lord.

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

Philippians 4:19 (NKJV):  And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Matthew 8:26 (NKJV):  But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?”

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.”

Psalm 37:5 (NKJV): 5 Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass.

Memorable Quotes:

“We have very little faith in the Lord, very little trust. If we trusted the Lord as much as we trust a friend when we ask him to do something for us, neither we as individuals nor our whole country would suffer so much.” ― Thaddeus of Vitovnica,

“...You say to God, “I have never seen you provide for me.” God says to you, “You have never trusted Me.” ― Corallie Buchanan,

“There were so many things going on inside me and on the outside—many beyond my control. However, one thing I could control was to pray and commit myself every day to trust God so guide He could me.”—Yilda B. Rivera, Courage Under Fire”

“God didn’t bring you this far to abandon you.”

“I don’t know what my future holds, but I know who hold my future.” – Tim Tebow

Lesson: Stop getting disappointed when “man” fails you: Fully Rely On God.

“Putting the Cart Before the Horse…”

I remember hearing this phrase in my youth and on through my adult life. It actually sounded somewhat comical to me…like something from some Western movie. I never truly internalized its meaning or real-life relevance.

“Cart before the horse” is an idiom expression or proverb used to suggest a conventional or culturally expected order or relationship. A cart is a vehicle which is ordinarily pulled by a horse; and to put the cart before the horse is an analogy for doing things in the wrong order. The figure of speech means doing things the wrong way round or with the wrong emphasis. The idiom is about confusing cause and effect. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cart_before_the_horse

This is something I found myself guilty of doing.

Cases In Point:

I wanted to be a New York Times Best-Selling Author…yet I hadn’t written a book.

I would purchase work-out outfits to go to the gym…and had not joined one.

I would purchase office supplies to start my own business…without having actually decided on a business name.

I bought books and supplies for my MBA program…before I actually enrolled.

I have had friends who have quit jobs…before having a new one secured.

Other examples would be:

Spending lottery winnings.. when you have not purchased a ticket.

Wanting a new car to drive…when you don’t have a driver’s license.

Wanting to be healed…without following the doctor’s orders.

Expecting a plentiful harvest…when you haven’t planted a seed.

Sometimes we do this spiritually. We believe, “If God blesses me, then I will obey Him.” Actually, it is “If I obey God, then I can expect His blessings.”

The Bible guides us:

James 2:26  (NKJV): For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

1 Corinthians 14:40 (NKJV):  Let all things be done decently and in order.

Genesis 1:1-31(NKJV):  In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Psalm 127:1-5 (NKJV):  Unless the Lord builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the Lord guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain.

John 14:6 (NKJV): Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

James 4:3 (NIV): When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.

Memorable Quotes:

“Don’t complain about results you are not getting from work you are not doing.”

“A goal without a plan is just a wish.”

“It first takes a dream to have one come true.”

“Before you act, listen; Before you react, think; Before you spend, earn; Before you criticize, wait; Before you pray, forgive; Before you quit, try.” – Ernest Hemingway

“Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.” – John F. Kennedy

Lesson to Learn: There is no way around “doing the work.” Putting the “cart before the horse” just leaves us with a frustrated, unproductive horse…

“Forget the Past?…”

We are often given the advice to “forget the past.”  I don’t entirely agree with this advice. If you forget the mistakes you made and didn’t learn from them, you may just repeat them.

I think you should reflect on the past. Sometimes, you don’t appreciate how far you have come until you reflect on where you came from.

Just don’t DWELL there.

The Bible directs us about this:

Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 (NKJV):  To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven: 2 A time to be born, And a time to die;

Ecclesiastes 3:15 (NKJV):  That which is has already been, And what is to be has already been; And God requires an account of what is past.

Isaiah 43:18-19 (NKJV):  “Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. 19 Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth;…”

Philippians 3:13-14 (NCV): 13 Brothers and sisters, I know that I have not yet reached that goal, but there is one thing I always do. Forgetting the past and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I keep trying to reach the goal and get the prize for which God called me through Christ to the life above.

Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV): Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Memorable Quotes:

 “Learn from the past. Plan for the future. Live in the present.”

“Take Pride in how far you have come and Have faith in how far you can go.”

“Past is to be remembered as memories; Future is to be sought like dreams. Present is to be lived.”

“Be grateful for the memories of the past, they bring you good recollections and inspiration to make better memoirs in the future.” – Mar Razalan

“Remember the past; plan for the future; but live for today, because yesterday is gone and tomorrow may never come.”

“The past is where you learned the lesson; the future is where you apply the lesson.”

“The past is like using the rear-view mirror in a car; it’s good to glance back to see how far you’ve come, but if you stare too long, you’ll miss what’s right in front of you.”

“Accept your past without regrets, handle your present with confidence and face your future without fear.” 

We should use the past to reflect and accept the lessons learned, allow it help appreciate the present and be the catalyst for the future.