Complaining = Whining

A very popular hymn that is often sung at church is I Won’t Complain.  Some of the lyrics are:

“I've had some good days;

I've had some hills to climb.

I've had some weary days ;

And some sleepless nights .

But when I look around ,

And I think things over.

All of my good days

Outweigh my bad days;

I won't complain.”

http://www.lyriczz.com/lyrics/paul-jones/23287-i-won't-complain/

 “Complain” is defined as: to say or write that you are unhappy, sick, uncomfortable, etc., or that you do not like something; to say (something that expresses annoyance or unhappiness).  http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/complain

As Christians, this concept is often misinterpreted. Stating “the struggle is real” is not complaining. It is being honest. Pretending not to hurt when you do is not noble or honored by God. It is HOW YOU DEAL WITH IT that matters.

If you do NOTHING: don’t follow doctor’s recommendations; are not obedient; don’t rely on God; don’t encourage anyone else or “stay stuck in your story,” yet proclaim you trust God, it simply does not reconcile. 

Remember: "The definition of insanity is doing the same things over and over again, yet expecting different results." - Benjamin Franklin

I have often heard others "complain" about their health; their jobs; their spouses and kids; their finances; the President; the government...anything and everything...without taking any responsibility or offering any recommendations.
"Complaining about a problem without posing a solution is called "WHINING.' " - Theodore Roosevelt

How can the world see God in you? How is God glorified in your complaining? HE isn't...

The Bible says:

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

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NKJV):  9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Philippians 2:14 (NKJV): 14 Do all things without complaining and disputing,

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV):  18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:11-12 (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.

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.

Memorable Quotes:

“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude. Don’t complain.” – Maya Angelou

“Happiness comes when we stop complaining about the troubles we have and offer thanks for all the troubles we don't have.”

“When you complain, you make yourself a victim. Leave the situation, change the situation, or accept it. All else is madness.”

“Don’t complain about things you are not willing to change.”

“Don’t complain about growing old, many, many people do not have that privilege.”

“Your life is a result of the choice you make...If you don't like your life, it is time to start making better choices.”

“Talk about your blessings more than you talk about your burdens.”

“Change: If you don't like where you are, move. You are not a tree.”

“Don’t let your struggle become your identity.” – Ralston  Bowles

“We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses.” – Abraham Lincoln

“Don’t be upset by the results you didn’t get with the work you didn’t do."

“Some people feel the rain. Others just get wet.” – Bob Marley

Moving forward, may we all try to allow God to USE us and our pain, grief, challenges and struggles to show His strength and infinite love for us. 
If I do this, then “I Won’t Complain…”

“It’s My Journey…"

Having never had any health issues within 48 years of life is truly a blessing. However, being diagnosed with MS three years ago has taken me down a path that is rocky, unpredictable and VERY NEW to me. I travel it with wonder, empathy, humility and perseverance.

When I say that “my health journey is mine to travel alone,” this does not discount the many family and friends who help and are affected along the way.

I think of Diana Nyad, who successfully swam from Cuba to Florida. Although there were many people who helped with event promotion, set-up, logistics, medical care and encouragement, SHE is the one who had to be in the water, swimming alone. http://www.cnn.com/2013/09/02/world/americas/diana-nyad-cuba-florida-swim/

I also think of a marathon runner, running for a cause like MS.

There are so many people affected directly and indirectly.

Such as…

…those who helped you train.

…those on the side-lines, cheering you on.

…those who are constantly giving you water along the way.

…those who give you clean towels or who wash your soiled ones.

…those who donated toward your efforts.

…the policeman having to work overtime to block the streets and provide

    added security.

…the EMTs having to be available in case of any health emergencies.

…the people offering up prayers on your behalf.

…media personnel covering the event.

Yes…so many people are affected by your journey. We acknowledge them and greatly appreciate them.

But…YOU are the one having to run. YOU are the one that must suffer the aches and pains. Only YOU are running this race. You are the one…the only one…who has to do the work…JUST YOU…

The Bible says:

1 Corinthians 9:24 (NIV): 24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.

Hebrews 12:1(NKJV):  12 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

Philippians 3:13-14(NKJV):  13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

1 Corinthians 9:26 (NIV): 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.

Acts 20:24 (NIV):  24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

Psalm 23:4 (KJV):  4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Memorable Quotes

"Life is 10% of what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it." - John Maxwell

“I am learning to enjoy the journey, even when I don’t understand it.” – Mila Bron

“If you are going through Hell, keep going.” – Winston Churchill

“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass;  it’s about learning to dance in the rain.”

“Sometimes the people around you will not understand your journey. They don’t need to.  It’s not for them.”

“God knows the Journey you need to take before you do.”

Final thought:  “It’s your road and yours alone. Others may walk it with you, but no one can walk it for you.” – Rumi

“Knocked Down" but not "Knocked Out”

Life can be like a boxing match. You go through life, thinking that all is fine and then.....WHAM!......you are hit with the unexpected.

I realize that now. After having NEVER experienced illness before in 48 of my 51 years of life it can be quite devastating. After an unexpected diagnosis of MS, I continue to feel like I am “knocked down.” in the ring. I lay there…dazed, hurt, uncertain.

The referee is counting” 1-2- 3…”

I just lie there. Maybe I should just remain here. Getting up hurts. It requires so much from me…

What if I get knocked down again? The pain…the fear…the uncertainty…

“4 -5!!” the referee counts…

Hey! Snap out of it! You can't give up like this. Maybe God is not finished with me yet?

“6 – 7 – 8…” the referee continues counting.

Get Up!

The referee checks me out. He looks me intently in the eyes and asks me if I am alright to continue.

I nod my head, “Yes.”

Pulling my gloves to my face…I boldly, strategically, confidently move toward my opponent…

…With the confidence of David vs. Goliath…

Blocking...Moving…Ducking…Dodging…

I get hit on the head…in the rib cage…wind knocked out of me...

I’m knocked against the ropes…blow after blow I withstand…


I try to channel Muhammad Ali's "rope-a-dope" technique...

I push him off…I'm out of breath...blood dripping from my forehead...

Still I fight on...

We will go all 15 Rounds…

The JUDGE will render the final decision…that judge is GOD…

The Bible says:

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

Philippians 4:13 (NKJV):  13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

2 Timothy 4:7-8 (NKJV):  7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.

Memorable Quotes

“The phrase ‘Do Not Fear’ is used in the Bible 365 times. That’s a daily reminder from God to live every day fearless.”

“Don’t tell God how big your problems are. Tell your problems how big GOD is.”

“I have resolved to give God everything I have and leave the results to HIM.” – movie Facing the Giants

Life circumstances can often “knock us down” on the boxing ring of life. You will not be judged by how long you lie there but if you get back up. Keep getting up….

F.O.M.O.

Fear Of Missing Out or FOMO is "a pervasive apprehension that others might be having rewarding experiences from which one is absent". This social angst is characterized by "a desire to stay continually connected with what others are doing". While others defined FOMO as a fear of regret, which may lead to a compulsive concern that one might miss an opportunity for social interaction, a novel experience, profitable investment or other satisfying event.

With the development of technology, people's social and communicative experiences have been expanded from face-to-face to online. On one hand, modern technologies (i.e., mobile phones, smartphones) and social networking services (i.e., Facebook, Twitter) provide a unique opportunity for people to be socially engaged with a reduced "cost of admission". FOMO could result from a variety of social activities in which one is absent, such as a conversation, a TV show, a wedding, a party, or a delicious restaurant in town. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fear_of_missing_out

I suffered from this many years ago, primarily in my professional life. I was somewhat addicted to CNN because I wanted to stay current on the news. I rarely slept past sunrise, because I didn’t want the world going on without me.

My current situation, managing health issues, has forced me to “be still.” I now understand that I don’t have to go to everything, be involved in everything or see everything unfold…and that life is OK.

GOD does not need me to monitor the universe. He just needs me to be obedient.

All I can do is think about how much of life we are actually missing out on by FOMO. 

The irony is that, while we want to do what others are doing, most want to do what you are doing.

The Bible explains:

Matthew 7:13-14 (NKJV):  13 “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 Because[a] narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.

Romans 12:2 (NKJV):  2 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.

1 Peter 4:18-19 (NIV):  18 And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,    what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” 19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

Matthew 7:21(NKJV):  21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.

Memorable Quotes:

"There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind." -- C.S. Lewis

“Focus on what you are doing instead of what you are not.”

“You can do anything, but not everything.”

“For everything you have missed you have gained something better.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

“How much I missed because I was afraid of missing it.” – Paul Coehlo  

“We're so caught up in trying to do everything experience all the essential things not miss out on anything important…we can’t read all the good books, watch all the good films, go to all the best cities in the world, try all the best restaurants, meet all the great people. Life is better when we don’t try to do everything. Learn to enjoy the slice of life you experience. And life turns out to be wonderful.” -  Leo Babatua

We should have a FOMO on Heaven. If we spend so much time worrying about what the world says and not on what God says, then we are going to miss eternity.

“Clean Up On Aisle 9…”

This can often be heard over the intercom system of a retail business. It is often the store managers alerting the employees that there is some mishap that needs to be addressed. It typically is the result of someone dropping or mishandling an item, thus causing it to break or spill.

We often have the same attitude toward God. We want to do what we want to do…live how we want to live…but when it doesn’t go as we planned…we call on God, expecting Him to clean it up.

In the online encyclopedia of biblical Christianity, Theopedia it explains:

Probably the most common definition of free will is the "ability to make choices without any prior prejudice, inclination, or disposition," and specifically that these "free will" choices are not ultimately predestined by God. According to the Bible, however, the choices of man are not only ultimately determined by God, but morally determined by one's nature. Man is indeed a free moral agent and freely makes choices, but in his natural state he necessarily acts in accordance with his fallen nature. Man willingly makes choices that flow from the heart, and sin is also always attributed to the desires of the heart (James 1:13-15). When a person turns to Christ, he does so not because of his own "free will", but because God has supernaturally enabled and moved him to do so through regeneration. God never coerces man's will, rather God gives the ability to believe through the work of the Holy Spirit. Man is most free in heaven, where he is morally unable to sin. True freedom isn't freedom to sin, but freedom from sin. http://www.theopedia.com/Free_will

Although many appear to maintain a “I-can-do-what-I-want-to-do” mentality, without faithfulness and obedience to God, the consequences can prove to be harsh, even fatal.

The Bible says:

Genesis 2:16-17 (NKJV):  16 And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; 17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”

1 Corinthians 10:13 (NKJV):  13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

2 Timothy 2:26 (NKJV):  26 and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.

Revelation 3:20 (NKJV):  20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.

John 7:17 (NKJV):  17 If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority.

James 4:7 (NKJV):  7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

Memorable Quotes:

“You are free to choose, but you are not free from the consequences of your choice!”

“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” – Viktor Frankl

“When you choose to follow Christ, you choose to be changed.” -  Ezra Taft Benson

“Wrong is wrong even if everyone is doing it. Right is right even if no one is doing it.”

“By choosing our path, we choose our destiny.” – Monson

“Evil comes from abuse of free will.” - C. S. Lewis

Be careful of abusing your “free will.” Use it to choose God. That choice will have positive, eternal results. 

“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.