Archive for December, 2009

Press On, Stay Focused, Take a Risk

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

Photo by Rudy Matthiesen
Photo by Rudy Matthiesen
Significant things are not accomplished by getting distracted.  Sometimes the road twists and turns and the path is not quite so clear.  But without a vision or hope, people perish.  And many great works have changed the world when someone was willing press on, to look fear straight in the eye and take a risk.

The key is to not do too many things at one time.  To move to a life of significance, we must focus on one thing at a time.  Big dreams, daring adventures, exciting lives are available to us as we seek a higher purpose.

Multi tasking is over rated. I don’t believe we multi task well.  There are a few involuntary actions like breathing we do while doing other things.  Some tasks require different skills, so we can walk and talk at the same time.  In reality it is a matter of quickly changing focus.  Do it a bunch of times and you don’t even remember what the most important task was. 

The problem I find in myself is, if I am not quite sure the next step on my significant task, then I distract myself so I don’t have to continue to step forward.  I look through a cookbook, or call someone. “Hi there, no, nothing new.  Just checking in to see how you are doing?” And the big important thing vaporizes at that point.

We want our lives to count for something.  We know we are capable of being a positive change for good.  We could leave this world a better place.  The clock is ticking.  We are aware of it most at the close of a year.  How can we make the coming year count?  What significant action could be part of our higher awareness, our higher calling?

I pray for guidance to contribute that thing that is my own special gift.  I pray you find yours. Let us then press on toward the goal, stay focused and enjoy lives of great significance, not by adding things to our list; but by focusing on what is important.

Philippians 3:14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Take a risk.  Make 2010 an amazing year because you are part of this great adventure called life.

Posted in Rejoice, purpose | 4 Comments »

Weary With Sorrow

Monday, December 28th, 2009
Photo by Chrissy Oldham

Photo by Chrissy Oldham

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.  Psalm 119:28
 
 
 
Heavenly Father, winter can be a cold a dark time of year in many places in the world. Help us to find time to nurture our spirits and live in joy and light. I pray for those everywhere who suffer from depression, sadness, grief.  Lift their spirits.  I pray for those who need to know the joy of the LORD is their strength.  Strengthen each of us according to your word. The light of the world has come.  Guide us, and let us each shine the light. Thank you God.  Amen

Posted in grief, purpose, rest | No Comments »

Relationships

Monday, December 21st, 2009
Photo by Chrissy Oldham

Photo by Chrissy Oldham

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Heavenly Father, As we gather together this year to celebrate the holidays, we ask your blessings on the relationships we have with others.  Help us let go of the stress and hold onto the joy of being with our friends and our families. 

We may not all think alike, or believe the same things.  We may hold different values.  We may have old resentments and anger in relationships.  Help us let go of our anger.  Help us find love and acceptance for those we will spend time with.  Let us find common ground.  Let us bring out the best in each other during this holy and sacred time. 

Let there be peace and glad tidings across the entire world.  Thank your for hearing this prayer.  Thank your for sending your son.  Amen

Posted in Gratitude, Holidays, Prayer | 3 Comments »

The Meaning Remains the Same

Wednesday, December 16th, 2009
from freedigitalphotos.com

from freedigitalphotos.com

It is the traditions and time spent together that make the holidays special.  As our lives transition and change, so do some of the Christmas activities. 

We try to make Christmas magical for children.  Those Christmas expectations stay with us for a long time.  Some of the memories of childhood stay with us forever. 

I remember driving 500 or 600 miles to my grandparents house.  My brother and I were small (I was 7 and he was 2). We were cuddled up in a blanket in the back of an early 1950’s model car driving through the heartland of America after my dad got off work on Christmas eve.  (more…)

Posted in Holidays | 4 Comments »

Reconcile

Saturday, December 12th, 2009

I have been thinking about Advent and Christmas and how it is such a powerful symbol for us in terms of reconciliation.  God sent his only son, as a tiny baby to reconcile us to him.  He sent a baby to save the world.  My friend Michael David Severson was writing about this the other day and I told him how honored I would be to post his thoughts as a guest on this site.   Enjoy.  Thank you Michael for joining us today.  What a blessing to have you here!!!

By Michael David S. Severson

 Reconciliation – A much-needed work of healing for today

Jesus declared that it was impossible for offenses not to come. Jesus experienced this in the course of His ministry, and most painfully in the final hours of His life. His ultimate example of how we should respond to offenses can be found among the final words He spoke as His battered, bleeding and abused body hung nailed to a cruel cross:

“Father, forgive them, they do not know what they are doing!” (more…)

Posted in Holidays, grace | 4 Comments »

Courage

Monday, December 7th, 2009
Photo by Chrissy Oldham

Photo by Chrissy Oldham

Psalm 27:14 Wait for the LORD, be strong and let your heart take courage.

Heavenly Father.  Give us courage to live this day to the fullest.  Let us not seek safety over our divine appointments.  Those who have gone before us and moved mountains or changed the world were willing to take a risk.  Let us embrace the adventure. Teach us to walk in your ways, and to wait for you, O LORD.  Let us be strong in spirit and take courage.

Posted in Prayer | 6 Comments »