Do you ever have days where you are convinced God is trying to tell you something? It is usually when you hear the same message several times in a day, via several different means. I experienced that today, where I heard the message of the above title in several ways. First, there is a great song by Matt Maher called "Hold Us Together". The catchiest part of the song is the part where he sings, "this is the first day of the rest of your life". I am also on several e-mail lists, and this was the message for two that I received today.
I believe this message is an excellent one. It's a fact. Today is the first day of the rest of our lives. For me it is very comforting and inspiring to know that whatever mistakes I've made before today are history. Whatever sins I've commited are forgiven as long as I ask for forgiveness. Whatever I failed to do in the past does not have to affect me today.
I've said this before, but I am so thankful that God divided time into days. Each day is a clean slate, and another chance to positively affect the present and future. We may not have reached our goals yet, but today we can be one step closer. You may feel that you haven't been the best person you can be, but today is an opportunity to change that.
Let us take advantage of the opportunity that each day gives us. I believe that is what God is telling me today. I also believe He is telling me to focus on each day and to do all I can to be my best for myself and those around me. It's true for me, and I challenge anyone else to do the same. After all, this is the first day of the rest of our lives.
Have an excellent day : )
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Is It About Potential?
I received an excellent and thoughtful e-mail from author Robert Anthony (one of my favorite authors). The message discussed the difference between potential and capacity. I found it very interesting and helpful, so I thought I should share.
He says the two ideas are contrasting. He defines potential as something occurring in the future, and someone becoming something other than they are now. Capacity, he says, is based on the present moment, and doing something we can do today.
Which do you think is more effective? If you've read a number of my thoughts (many of which I've learned from Dr. Anthony) blogs on this site, you will guess capacity is more effective. Why? Because we have much more control of what we can do now in the present, than what we can "potentially" do. Dr. Anthony shares, for example, that we have the potential to accomplish many things and help many people. However, we only have the capacity to do what we can do in this present moment. It is that capacity that we need to focus on. If we do, we ultimately reach our potential.
For me, this is very comforting. Instead of trying to do everything at once, why not just focus on doing all we can now. In the end, if our efforts are sincere, potential is no longer a future tense word.
Have an excellent day : )
He says the two ideas are contrasting. He defines potential as something occurring in the future, and someone becoming something other than they are now. Capacity, he says, is based on the present moment, and doing something we can do today.
Which do you think is more effective? If you've read a number of my thoughts (many of which I've learned from Dr. Anthony) blogs on this site, you will guess capacity is more effective. Why? Because we have much more control of what we can do now in the present, than what we can "potentially" do. Dr. Anthony shares, for example, that we have the potential to accomplish many things and help many people. However, we only have the capacity to do what we can do in this present moment. It is that capacity that we need to focus on. If we do, we ultimately reach our potential.
For me, this is very comforting. Instead of trying to do everything at once, why not just focus on doing all we can now. In the end, if our efforts are sincere, potential is no longer a future tense word.
Have an excellent day : )
Monday, October 18, 2010
Like A One Year Old
Do you ever notice how you can read some books over and over again and still pick up something new each time? It happened to me this week. One of the first positive thinking books I read was Jeffrey Gitomer's "Little Gold Book of Yes Attitude". It is an excellent book that has really helped me change my attitude, increase my confidence, and hopefully helped me positively impact others.
I began re-reading this book, as I often do with excellent books like it. I noticed a part I don't recall reading before. He mentions (p.178) how we treat a one year old. A child that age is learning and doing some exciting things, like walking and talking. Parents take major strides to encourage their kids to take those steps without help, and to say those words the right way. We are full of encouragement. When they do it, we congratulate and praise them for their accomplishment, celebrating each step of the way.
The author's point is that we need to use encouragement regularly in our lives, not only with one years olds, but with everyone. Let us continue to celebrate our kids' achievements, even as they get older and more responsible for their success. Let us encourage our spouses, our friends, and even those we don't know. Let us praise them and appreciate them regularly.
The author adds that we actually feel more fulfilled when we encourage others. I believe it. So as long as we are all benefitting, why not take the extra time to encourage those around you and appreciate the things they do. You will make their day, and I believe it will come back at you quickly. I encourage you to try it.
Have an excellent day : )
I began re-reading this book, as I often do with excellent books like it. I noticed a part I don't recall reading before. He mentions (p.178) how we treat a one year old. A child that age is learning and doing some exciting things, like walking and talking. Parents take major strides to encourage their kids to take those steps without help, and to say those words the right way. We are full of encouragement. When they do it, we congratulate and praise them for their accomplishment, celebrating each step of the way.
The author's point is that we need to use encouragement regularly in our lives, not only with one years olds, but with everyone. Let us continue to celebrate our kids' achievements, even as they get older and more responsible for their success. Let us encourage our spouses, our friends, and even those we don't know. Let us praise them and appreciate them regularly.
The author adds that we actually feel more fulfilled when we encourage others. I believe it. So as long as we are all benefitting, why not take the extra time to encourage those around you and appreciate the things they do. You will make their day, and I believe it will come back at you quickly. I encourage you to try it.
Have an excellent day : )
Sunday, October 17, 2010
If You Can?
One of my favorite stories in the Bible (Mark 9 20-24) is one about a man whose son is demon-possessed, and has been since he was very young. He finds out Jesus is in town and goes to him for help. He says..."if you can do anything, take pity and help us". I love the response from Jesus...If you can? As if to say, are you kidding me?
As much as I enjoy this verse, it is also one that hits me in a negative way. I think of how many times I've prayed in the same way. Well God maybe you can. If you are able, please help. I have prayed like this far too often, wondering why I don't see the results I sometimes crave.
After Jesus questions the man, he makes a key statement. "Everything is possible for him who believes". Notice the first word. God is not a "sometimes" God. He is faithful at all times. Notice the last word. Believe. If we believe in the faithfulness of God and that "he can", then everything is possible. It's as simple as that.
One other way I can relate to the man in this story is that he acknowledged his faith was not up to par. He says, "I do believe: help me overcome my belief!" In many instances I am the same. I believe, yet I have difficulty believing. I believe my faith is strong, However, there are times when I still doubt. What do we do if we need faith for miracles in our lives, but we don't display or don't "feel" that faith? I believe this story shows that we can ask for that faith. This man admitted to Jesus himself that he still lacked perfect faith. However, he asked for help with this and his request of his son's healing was granted. We can do the same. When we do, I believe God will make things happen that will automatically increase our faith.
I challenge anyone to remember this the next time you ask "if He can". Take away the "if" and know that he can. And when we believe it, HE WILL!!
Have an excellent day : )
As much as I enjoy this verse, it is also one that hits me in a negative way. I think of how many times I've prayed in the same way. Well God maybe you can. If you are able, please help. I have prayed like this far too often, wondering why I don't see the results I sometimes crave.
After Jesus questions the man, he makes a key statement. "Everything is possible for him who believes". Notice the first word. God is not a "sometimes" God. He is faithful at all times. Notice the last word. Believe. If we believe in the faithfulness of God and that "he can", then everything is possible. It's as simple as that.
One other way I can relate to the man in this story is that he acknowledged his faith was not up to par. He says, "I do believe: help me overcome my belief!" In many instances I am the same. I believe, yet I have difficulty believing. I believe my faith is strong, However, there are times when I still doubt. What do we do if we need faith for miracles in our lives, but we don't display or don't "feel" that faith? I believe this story shows that we can ask for that faith. This man admitted to Jesus himself that he still lacked perfect faith. However, he asked for help with this and his request of his son's healing was granted. We can do the same. When we do, I believe God will make things happen that will automatically increase our faith.
I challenge anyone to remember this the next time you ask "if He can". Take away the "if" and know that he can. And when we believe it, HE WILL!!
Have an excellent day : )
Monday, October 11, 2010
Persistence Pays Off
October is easily my favorite time of year for sports. My favorite sport, baseball is in the midst of its playoffs and World Series. Hockey, another favorite, is beginning. College and pro football are in full swing, as are the European soccer leagues. It's heaven for this sports fan.
Besides the quantity of action, I am noticing a great deal of high quality as well. Many of the games are well-played, and fun to watch. The part that stands out to me the most is the number of comebacks I am seeing. Already in this year's baseball playoffs we have seen teams come back from 4-0 leads. Football teams are also coming back from large leads. This is the reason I enjoy college basketball so much, because even a 20 point lead is rarely safe.
I believe we can use this as a lesson in our lives, especially for those days that we feel like we are losing badly. We may feel like nothing is going right, and it becomes rather frustrating. How did these teams come back and win after starting so badly?
1. They maintained a positive attitude. The scoreboard said one thing, but they still believed in themselves and always felt like they still had a chance to win.
2. They took it one step at a time. In baseball it is impossible to hit a 5 run homerun. In order to get even they had to take small, productive steps. The same is true for us. Instead of putting extra pressure on ourselves by trying to make things right all at once, we are better off taking small steps, a few minutes at time.
3. Be a team player. Great teams are just that. Each individual plays their part, and provides and receives assistance as well. We can do the same. First, play your part. Then, do your part to help others around you. It's amazing how great you begin to feel when you help others. It's a lot better than enjoying your own self-pity. Also, be open to receiving assistance from others. People are willing to help. It's up to us to accept it.
Hopefully there are not many "losing" days. However, when the day is not going as we would like, I have found it best to follow the steps noted above. When we do, we can usually be proud of our comeback victory. As with the sports teams, your "fans" and those around you will be impressed and impacted. So, upon saying that....
Have an excellent day : )
Besides the quantity of action, I am noticing a great deal of high quality as well. Many of the games are well-played, and fun to watch. The part that stands out to me the most is the number of comebacks I am seeing. Already in this year's baseball playoffs we have seen teams come back from 4-0 leads. Football teams are also coming back from large leads. This is the reason I enjoy college basketball so much, because even a 20 point lead is rarely safe.
I believe we can use this as a lesson in our lives, especially for those days that we feel like we are losing badly. We may feel like nothing is going right, and it becomes rather frustrating. How did these teams come back and win after starting so badly?
1. They maintained a positive attitude. The scoreboard said one thing, but they still believed in themselves and always felt like they still had a chance to win.
2. They took it one step at a time. In baseball it is impossible to hit a 5 run homerun. In order to get even they had to take small, productive steps. The same is true for us. Instead of putting extra pressure on ourselves by trying to make things right all at once, we are better off taking small steps, a few minutes at time.
3. Be a team player. Great teams are just that. Each individual plays their part, and provides and receives assistance as well. We can do the same. First, play your part. Then, do your part to help others around you. It's amazing how great you begin to feel when you help others. It's a lot better than enjoying your own self-pity. Also, be open to receiving assistance from others. People are willing to help. It's up to us to accept it.
Hopefully there are not many "losing" days. However, when the day is not going as we would like, I have found it best to follow the steps noted above. When we do, we can usually be proud of our comeback victory. As with the sports teams, your "fans" and those around you will be impressed and impacted. So, upon saying that....
Have an excellent day : )
Saturday, October 9, 2010
A 3 Step Formula to Success
How can we check off tasks on our to-do lists and accomplish the goals we have set for ourselves when there is so little time to accomplish anything? I believe I have found a great formula. Before I explain, I will say that it is nothing new:
1. Pray - This step alone is almost a guarantee of success. When we pray and submit to the will of God, things will always go right. However, there are two other necessary steps.
2. Think about it - Once we have prayed and submitted, it is very beneficial to keep the accomplishment of the goal fixed in our minds. See it happening and believe that the goal will be accomplished. Also, take some time to determine what needs to be done.
3. Act - Do whatever you need to do to accomplish the goal. If you've done steps one and two properly, you should have an idea of what it is you're supposed to do. If it's still not clear, then keep praying about it until it is.
This is a great formula for getting results in life. I cannot take credit for this, so to avoid plagiarism, I need to note my source. That source....NIV Bible, idea from God Himself. In Matthew 7:7 it says, ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. In my opinion, this is the success formula right here. Asking represents praying, seeking is thinking/considering, and knocking is the action.
Does the formula really work? Verse 8 says, everyone who asks receives (notice how it says EVERYONE); he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks the door will be opened. First of all, if God says something, I count it as true. Second, this tells me that prayers are answered, we are rewarded for faith, and the door of opportunity is opened when we take action and "knock". Things may not always work out as we plan. However, I believe that our prayers are always answered, and if we follow this formula we will be happy with any results God gives us. We need to believe that whatever we receive is for our best.
If you haven't already, I recommend anyone trying this formula for success. Don't be too surprised by what is accomplished. Please share your results.
Have an excellent day : )
1. Pray - This step alone is almost a guarantee of success. When we pray and submit to the will of God, things will always go right. However, there are two other necessary steps.
2. Think about it - Once we have prayed and submitted, it is very beneficial to keep the accomplishment of the goal fixed in our minds. See it happening and believe that the goal will be accomplished. Also, take some time to determine what needs to be done.
3. Act - Do whatever you need to do to accomplish the goal. If you've done steps one and two properly, you should have an idea of what it is you're supposed to do. If it's still not clear, then keep praying about it until it is.
This is a great formula for getting results in life. I cannot take credit for this, so to avoid plagiarism, I need to note my source. That source....NIV Bible, idea from God Himself. In Matthew 7:7 it says, ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. In my opinion, this is the success formula right here. Asking represents praying, seeking is thinking/considering, and knocking is the action.
Does the formula really work? Verse 8 says, everyone who asks receives (notice how it says EVERYONE); he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks the door will be opened. First of all, if God says something, I count it as true. Second, this tells me that prayers are answered, we are rewarded for faith, and the door of opportunity is opened when we take action and "knock". Things may not always work out as we plan. However, I believe that our prayers are always answered, and if we follow this formula we will be happy with any results God gives us. We need to believe that whatever we receive is for our best.
If you haven't already, I recommend anyone trying this formula for success. Don't be too surprised by what is accomplished. Please share your results.
Have an excellent day : )
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