“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

A “Know It All”

A know-it-all or know-all is a person who obnoxiously purports an expansive comprehension of a topic and/or situation when in reality, his/her comprehension is inaccurate or limited. This display may or may not be directly expressed. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Know-it-all#cite_note-1

Synonyms include: smart aleck, wise guy, smarty-pants, walking encyclopedia, arrogant, audacious, bossy, cavalier, cocky, conceited, domineering, egotistic, high and mighty, on an ego trip, overbearing, pompous, pretentious, proud, puffed up, self-important, smug, snooty, stuck up, superior, uppity. http://www.thesaurus.com/browse/know-it-all

I continue to be perplexed by people who don’t want to do anything, but want to complain about how it’s done of those who do. Others consider themselves “experts” about everything, but know very little.

Cases in Point:

#1 – It is so rapport for others to complain about the President of the United States. They complain about what he is doing; not doing; should be doing; etc. Yet, they do not have the qualifications, credentials, education nor the desire, character or skills to do the role.

#2 – Many people are sports “spectators.” They consistently give advice, criticism and detailed instructions to athletes. However, they do not have the skill nor will to make the sacrifices to even be able to compete.

#3- I am personally experiencing this right now. I am constantly getting “unsolicited advice” about being a writer from those who haven’t written anything or published a book.

#4 – Many people, myself included, give a wealth of medical and nutrition advice that we are not following ourselves.

#5 – Some people, particularly politicians and spiritual persons, hold others to very high standards that they cannot even live up to themselves.

The Bible explains:

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

Ephesians 4:29 (NIV):  29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

James 5:9 (NIV):  9 Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!

Matthew 7:1-2 (NKJV):  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.

1 Thessalonians 5:9-10 (NKJV):  9 For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.

Memorable Quotes:

“Don’t let someone who has done nothing tell you how to do anything.”

“Never base your life decisions on advice from people who don’t have to deal with the results.”

“Don’t waste words on people who deserve your silence. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can say is nothing at all.” – Mandy Hale

“You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him.” - Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe                     

“Stop letting people who do so little for you control so much of your mind, feelings and emotions.” – Will Smith

“Character is how you treat those who can do nothing for you.” – Malcolm S. Forbes

“What other people think about you is none of your business.”

“Complaining about a problem without posing a solution is called whining.” – Theodore Roosevelt

“People who think they know everything are a great annoyance to those of us who do.” - Isaac Asimov

“It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt.” - Mark Twain

It may serve us well to remember this: “Trade your expectation for appreciation and the word changes instantly.” – Tony Robbins

“Life After Death…While You Are Still Living”

Receiving a life-altering health diagnosis is difficult enough. But for it to be a chronic, gradually-debilitating one is devastating, yet enlightening at the same time.

I considered myself a Leader, a Mover ‘n Shaker, an Influencer, a self-proclaimed “Control Freak” & “Health Fanatic” and a Loyal, Trusted Advisor and Friend.

However, almost three years after my diagnosis of Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis and going from limping to a cane and now to a walker and some-time wheel-chair, I am feeling so incredibly insignificant.

I keep experiencing situations in which I “controlled,” influenced or heavily served before my diagnosis …now going along without me. No need for my presence, advice, assistance or input…

It’s as though I am getting to see how life moves on along without me after I’m dead…yet I’m still alive!!!

This may be what people feel after retiring. Seeing their input is no longer needed and the business moving right along…almost as if you never existed.

It is similar to George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart’s character) in the 1946 American Christmas movie  It’s A Wonderful Life…except I feel like I am seeing life AFTER I am gone…instead of… if I had never been born. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/It%27s_a_Wonderful_Life

The devastating part is that it almost appears that human beings can dismiss my 50 years of life as unimportant. Yet, the enlightening part is that, it’s as if God is saying to me, “Now, I need you to accept that I AM IN CONTROL and focus on me…”

Maybe God is trying to reveal to me what my life SHOULD be like, as I slowly move my sole focus to HIM…instead of on MYSELF, everything and everybody else.

The Bible says:

Colossians 3:3 (NKJV): 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

2 Corinthians 4:8 (NKJV):  8 We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;

Philippians 1:21(NKJV):  21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Colossians 1:24 (NKJV):  24 I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church,

Galatians 5:16 (NKJV):  16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.

Matthew 16:25-26 (NKJV):  25 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. 26 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

Memorable Quotes:

“Life is the continuous adjustment of internal relations to external relations.” - Herbert Spencer

“Remain flexible and teachable so that you can make necessary adjustments in life.” - Mz Liz”

“Don't cry over the past, it's gone. Don't stress about the future, it hasn't arrived. Live in the present and make it beautiful.”

“Someday, everything will make perfect sense. So for now, laugh at the confusion, smile through the tears, and keep reminding yourself that everything happens for a reason.”

 “You will have bad times, but they will always wake you up to the stuff you weren’t paying attention to.” - Robin Williams

 “Maybe you have to let go of who you were to become who you will be.” – Carrie Bradshaw

 “When you come out of the storm, you won't be the same person that walked in. That's what the storm is all about.” - Haruki Murakami

"New beginnings are often disguised as painful endings."

“Sometimes painful things can teach us lessons that we didn’t think we needed to know.”

Remember Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all thine might, lean not on your own understanding. Acknowledge Him in all thy ways and he will direct your path.”

“Why Can’t Life Just Stay the Same?"

There is so much to learn about complacency, that it required a deeper review. (see earlier blog past “You Just Haven’t Made It Official Yet” )

Complacency is “a feeling of being satisfied with how things are and not wanting to try to make them better.” http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/complacency

The moment you think you already have it all “knowed up,” is the moment in which you stop growing. I talk to people often about how quickly life is changing.

Cases in Point:

#1 - In 2009, Federal Law required all national commercial TV stations to discontinue transmitting the analog way (TVs with “rabbit ear” antennas) and to begin using the digital format. Thus, analog would no longer be supported. Although they gave consumers a year to comply, the complacent were left with TVs that no longer worked.

http://www.cnet.com/news/good-bye-rabbit-ears-not-so-fast/ https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm09/bm0901/bm090111.htm

#2 - Prior to 2005, Facebook was unheard of. Currently, with 1.3 billion+ users around the world, it has revolutionized the way that people interact and voice opinions. It has the power to influence American politics as well as world events. Remaining complacent about it simply reflects one’s denial to participate in a rapidly, changing world.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Facebook

#3 – Telephones have evolved from its inception in the early 1890’s. Many of the Baby Boomer generation remember rotary and touch-tone, landline telephones. Although landline telephones still exist with primarily cordless telephone technology, they are quickly becoming extinct by the use of mobile telephones, called Smartphones. Remaining complacent to the use of these will render one unable to adequately communicate or interact with the rest of the world.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_telephone

#4 – We often hear Conservatives and others proclaim: “Reclaim America” or “We want America back!” or “Let’s take back our country.” Guess what? The American landscape has changed. Hispanics are now the largest minority. USA is more diverse. The “Average American Voter” is no longer the white male. Emerging are more women, minorities and people of non-traditional family structures than ever before in our country’s history. Demanding the nation to remain the same as the past is reflecting a complacent perspective and will not serve the USA, as we head to the later part of 21^st century. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Race_and_ethnicity_in_the_United_States

The Bible says:

1 Corinthians 10:12 (NKJV): 12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.

Revelation 16:15 (NIV):  15 “Look, I come like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake…”

Matthew 12:30 (NKJV):  30 He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad.

Powerful Quotes:

“The most dangerous phrase in the language is: ‘We’ve always done it this way.’ “

“Even if you are on the right track, you will get run over if you just sit there.” – Will Rogers

“You are not stuck where you are unless you decide to be.” – Wayne Dyer

“Be not afraid of growing slowly; Be afraid only of standing still.” - Chinese Proverb

“May your hunger for change be greater than your complacency to stay the same.”

 “I will not allow yesterday’s success to lull me into today’s complacency, for this is the greatest foundation for failure.” – Og Mandingo

 “When was the last time you did something for the first time?”

“If you are not willing to learn, no one can help you. If you are determined to learn, no one can stop you.”

"The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it but that it is too low and we reach it." –Michelangelo

“I do not think much of a man that is not wiser today than he was yesterday.” – Abraham Lincoln

Final reflection: “You become complacent the minute you think you're not.”