“The Least of These…”

Once, I was attempting to get the attention of a high-profile person. I noticed how they were distracted and whisked away by the more mobile, active and visible masses.

I looked on in vain and sadness as they moved farther from me. I managed to stand and move a few steps in that direction, even trying unsuccessfully to wave them down. Sadly, I returned to my wheel chair and allowed myself to be wheeled away…

This gave me pause for self-reflection:

How many times did I / do I do this to others?

If we are ALL trying to succeed as a team, we are only as strong as the weakest link.

Now that I am managing debilitating health issues (MS), it has forced me to “be still.” I now see others that I never noticed before…attempting to be quiet, inconspicuous, non-attention-drawing, unnoticed…fading into the background. People now like me.

For someone who thought she was “of value and influential” to "overlooked and insignificant" is a devastating adjustment.

The true “angels” on this earth are those who DO notice and respond to people like me.

The Bible says:

Matthew 25:40 (NKJV):  40 And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’

Luke 15:4-7 (NKJV):  The Parable of the Lost Sheep:  4 “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ 7 I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.

Matthew 18:1-4 (NKJV) - Who Is the Greatest?:  18 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, 3 and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Luke 5:16 (NIV):  16 But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.

Galatians 6:2 (NKJV):  2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Ephesians 4:32 (NKJV):  32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

Memorable Quotes:

The Essence of Compassion:  "Resolve to be tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant with the weak and wrong…because sometime in your life you will have been all of these."

“Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” -Mark Twain

“No act of kindness, no matter how small is ever wasted.” – Aesop, the Lion and the Mouse

“We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone.” – Ronald Reagan

“One kind word can change someone's entire day.”

“To the world you may be but one, but to one you might be the world…”

Take the time to notice the unnoticeable. You may be the one that changes the trajectory of another’s life.

“Swish…Nothing but Net”

I am reminded of the “follow through” while watching the NBA Finals. The very best team scorers have the amazing ability to have deliberate, focused basketball shooting technique.

I remember being taught this technique when playing High School basketball. When you attempt a jump shot, you keep your hands angled and your eyes on the basket until it goes through the net.

Most athletes do this. It is evident in golf, baseball, football, as well as other sports.

How often do we “follow through” in our daily lives? How often do we “do what we said we will do?”  We often say things like:

• I will come by to see you.
• We’ll have to do lunch.
• I’ll clean the garage.
• I need to check on her.
• I need to continue that exercise program – that diet.
• I need to read to my kids every day.
• I will check on you in the hospital.

However, very few see it to completion. We fall guilty to committing to things that we rarely see through to completion.

In the article “5 Steps to Follow-Through on Everything,” the author Gwen Moran shares tips from Motivation expert Steve Levinson, author of Following Through: A Revolutionary New Model for Finishing Whatever You Start that can help you with your follow-through:

1. BE HONEST ABOUT WHAT YOU WANT.

Successful follow-through requires some up-front prep, including understanding what the true goal is. Get to the heart of what it is you really want and embrace it.

2. UNDERSTAND THE SACRIFICE.

Every act takes away time or effort that could be committed to something else, Levinson says. Are you ready to make the trade-off?

3. PREPARE FOR SUCCESS.

"Just do it" doesn’t cut it, Levinson says. Invest a little time and maybe some money into your future success.

4. GIVE YOURSELF DEADLINES.

Break down the steps and assign a deadline to each. It’s the quickest way to tell at a glance if you’re on track with your follow-through or not.

5. INCENTIVIZE YOURSELF.

As you’re in the process of following through, use incentives and motivators to give you the kind of motivation you need when you need it.

"The problem with follow through originates from the fact that the promises we make are not serious in the first place," he says. http://www.fastcompany.com/3025075/work-smart/5-steps-to-help-you-follow-through-on-everything?partner=rss&utm_source=pulsenews&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=Feed:+fastcompany/headlines+(Fast+Company)

Thank Goodness God “follows through“ with us.

The Bible says:

2 Peter 3:8-9 (NKJV):  8 But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

Deuteronomy 7:9 (NKJV):  9 “Therefore know that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments;

Powerful Quotes

“If you say you will, be sure you do.”

“We’ve got to follow through on our ideals or we betray something at the heart of who we are.” — Bono

“Words are meaningless without intent and follow through.”

“In golf as in life it is the follow through that makes the difference.”  - Dr. Seuss

“Finish what you started.”

“People with good intentions make promises, but people with good character keep them.”

“You have to have confidence in your ability and then be tough enough to follow through.” - Rosalyn Carter

We should focus on our “follow through” with God because He WILL follow through on His promises to us.

Reflections of Mother’s Day

 “Mother’s Day” is a celebration honoring mothers and motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in society. The celebration of Mother’s Day began in the United States in the early 20^th Century.”

It is observed in the United States and many countries and occurs the 2^nd Sunday of May.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mother's_Day

Traditionally, this holiday is celebrated by presenting mothers with cards, flowers, jewelry and various gifts.

It is considered one of the most church-attended Sundays of the year…often used in the acronym C.M.E. Visitor (Christmas-Mother’s Day-Easter.) 

Today, the title “Mother or Mom” takes on many roles. A few of these include:

“Soccer” Mom - The Mom who has a mini-van and takes her kids and neighbors’ kids to sporting events

“BFF” Mom - The Mom who is her daughters “best friend forever”

“Business Professional” Mom - The Mom who balances motherhood and a career

 “Mother-in-Chief” - Title that First Lady Michelle Obama gave her role as a mother in the White House

“Tiger” Mom - Term given to mothers who use strict discipline on their kids to be successful in school and life 

“Helicopter” Mom - The Mom who feels the need to handle everything for their kids, not allowing ample room for critical thinking  and decision-making

A Mother’s Day poll taken in 2004 named Claire Huxtable, matriarch of “The Cosby Show” the Best TV Mom. The role was played by actress, Phylicia Rashad, Claire Huxtable.  She was the witty, tough, no-nonsense mother of five who was also an attorney. Her TV husband, Cliff Huxtable, was played by Bill Cosby. The Cosby Show was a weekly staple in millions of homes for 8 years, until the NBC sitcom ended in 1992.  http://www.today.com/id/4892882/ns/today-entertainment/t/claire-huxtable-named-best-tv-mom/

The term “mother” is used in the Bible 299 times, (King James Version) even as early as the beginning, “And Adam called his wife’s name Eve; because she was the mother of all living.” (Genesis 3:20); and even in Ephesians 6:2, “Honor thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise.” 

As for me, I want a Biblical, Spiritual Mom…a Praying Mom… A Mom Who loves GOD and then loves herself.  http://www.biblegateway.com/quicksearch/?quicksearch=mother&qs_version=KJV

I am very blessed to have the Mother that I do. My mother, Nellie Ruth McGowan gave birth to a son; two years later, to fraternal twins (girl & boy); and five years later, to IDENTICAL TRIPLET girls! (I am #3) She has made many sacrifices for my siblings and me, all the while remaining married to my loving father for 58 years! (in June)

Here is a humble reflection of my mother and all mothers.

Reflections of My Mother

The love of a Mother

The smile on her face;

The kindness of her spirit;

The warmth of her embrace.

The firmness in her voice

The stern reprimand;

Her non-negotiable discipline

The respect her presence will demand

She’s the glue that bonds us together.

The one who is full of wisdom and care;

Her laughter is infectious;

Her insight and intuition are rare.

She’s the one who keeps us organized

She’s the taxi-cab and the cook;

The comforter and the encourager

Her value we often overlook.

She’s the confidante’ and the negotiator

The priceless voice-of-reason;

She’s my Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall;

She is consistent, no matter the season.

She’s not my Best Girl Friend

Not my Sister or my Brother;

She’s the one you can never replace

She’s my one and only Mother.

By Janette McGowen 

If you are blessed to still have a Mother or have fond memories of one, use this day to express to them how much they mean to you, either in actions or in a silent prayer.

“Reign” It In…

We are living in a new age of “self-expression” and outer actions lacking inner thought. It can be compared to the life of a horse.

We often think of horses when we watch the coveted Kentucky Derby. When the race begins, they run at full speed. However, after crossing the finish line, they have to be slowed down.

When riding a horse, one must pull back on the reigns (leather straps fastened on to a horse’s bridle and used to control the horse) to get it to calm down, slow down or stop. https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=reign+it+in+meaning

Many act like an upset horse…raring back, snorting, showing teeth, trying to shake off the rider, running off….actions which resolve nothing.

You may find yourself to be overwhelmed by actions that include:

JUMPING to conclusions

RUNNING our mouths

STRETCHING the truth

BENDING the rules

BREAKING our necks to be liked or to please others

STEPPING on others’ toes

STOMPING on others’ feelings

KICKING someone when they are down

SITTING on the sidelines

BEATING yourself up with negative “self-talk”

THROWING unfair “punches” at others and yourself

SWEATING the small stuff

FALLING short of reaching your goals
SWIMMING in debt and despair

PUSHING aside signals our bodies give us

As a horse needs “reigning in,” so do our emotions. We can redirect our energy and efforts toward more effective actions such as:

REACHING for the stars and our dreams

STEPPING out on faith

SQUASHING out lies and gossip

STANDING on the promises of GOD

WORKING OUT your own soul salvation

TONING your words, emotions and attitude

LEANING on the “everlasting arms”

RUNNING “with endurance the race that is set before us”

LIFTING your spirits and mood

SHAKING OFF criticism and negativity

CHANGING your attitude

BUILDING “your hopes on things eternal”

BOOSTING your energy toward serving others

SHARPENING your saw (by reading and constantly learning)

EXERCISING discipline

INHALING clean air

EXHALING stress, worry and fear

MEDITATING on the Word of God (The Bible)

The Bible says:

James 1:19 (NIV):  19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,

Philippians 2:12 (NKJV):  12 “…work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;”

Hebrews 12:1(NKJV):  “…let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

Memorable Quotes:

“You can lead a human to knowledge, but you can’t make him think.”

“Don’t do something permanently stupid because you are temporarily angry, stressed, scared or tired.”

“Your worst battle is between what you know and what you feel.”

“No matter the situation, never let your emotions overpower your intelligence.”

We often should react like a horse by:  Calming Down, Breathing, “Drinking Water,” Accepting a Rub-Down, Listening to Soothing Words or Eating a Sugar Cube… J