DON'T HAVE A NEW YEARS RESOLUTION?

The close of 2009 is creeping in on us like a Chicago wind chill. Only a few days remain on the 2009 calendar.

A thought occurred to me as I ponder the dreaded New Years Resolution. You know we all must have one so you can try to convince yourself and others that you are really committed to some sort of change for your life/lifestyle.

I thought- why not just resurrect one of my previous resolutions. So many unfulfilled intentions. Blown budgets, diets destroyed, gym equipment rusting away. You have said "adios" to the language tapes and c.d.'s and the new business opportunity in a box never "opened for business". The list of "lapses" could go on but I will save it.

So don't labor over putting together a nifty new resolution- just shake the dust off of one of the previous years and truly stay committed to that endeavor.

Let me leave you with a final thought. We are reminded in scripture to "commit your way unto the Lord; trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass" (Ps. 37:5). So go ahead and Resurrect a fallen Resolution and commit it to the Lord who has the ability to help you succeed in 2010!

"IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE"- FOR SOME

I love to watch the Christmas classic, "It's a Wonderful Life". It is rich with so many themes. No doubt that James Stewart played a great part as George. I have been reading many of the posts from my FB friends and it's so refreshing to read so many enjoying family, life and all the specific favorites. Many speak of tantalizing food, their favorite beverage (many are Starbuck's offerings), shopping excursions, sporting events, scads of photos from babies to classic memories. Some speak of how much they love their work while others can't wait to be off for the weekend.

Overall, it seems like my FB friends enjoy A Wonderful Life. That's a good thing! May we be reminded during this time of year when God the Father GAVE His one and only Son to ALL. Truth be told - not everyone has a Wonderful Life. There is social injustice, hunger, famine, homelessness, addiction and needs of every sort abounding. One need not look far to find an urgent need. Not a guilt trip- just a reminder that if you have the ability to respond with compassion, grace and guidance then do so. Maybe this week you can be the one who helps someone else experience "A Wonderful Life" too.

In the end, the most wonderful life is one that has been surrendered to the Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace (Isa. 9:6).

A Merry & Blessed CHRISTmas to All.

Tis' the Season to Be...

Tis' the Season to Be ... well- you fill in the rest.

To be stressed, to succumb to commercialism, to overeat, to go further into debt, to shop til' ya' drop, to avoid certain relatives, to pretend to like a gift when inside you're saying, "what were they thinking?"

Have we considered to spread joy, love and peace. To give to the unfortunate, oppressed, widows, and hungry. To drop something in a red kettle. To spend quality time with family and friends. To serve a need in your community. To take a few days off of work, get some rest, relaxation and maybe even some recreation.

Sounds good to me! My encouragement to you is to not get lost in all the hype and "stress" over it all.

I truly enjoy the Christmas Season! Yeah, the sights and sounds do still enthrall me. The brilliant lights, decorated trees, the Christmas programs, and yes the shopping at the favorite mall- I enjoy it all. How about the manger scene.

Let's be careful not to lose sight of the baby lying in the manger. The good news is that the real Christmas story is not even about Him lying in a manger but rather about Immanuel-God with us. God chose to reveal Himself to us through the sending of His Son. Clothed in flesh-yet Immanuel-God with us.

So my fill in reads like this, "Tis' the Season to Be filled with the reality that no matter what I may go through, what life may take on- that God is with me. He indeed is Immanuel!

Blessed and Don't Know It? Pt. III

I may be a little early for my "Thanksgiving" post, but that's the whole point isn't it? Each and everyday is a gift from God- it is ours to do with it what we choose. I choose to be thankful this day. Allow me to start with something simple- choices. That's right, I'm thankful to have the ability to choose.

We make so many choices each and every day. Some people may not be so blessed to be in the enviable position of choice. For instance, this morning I chose what time to wake up (within reason), I chose my breakfast, my coffee (really thankful), my television channel and my place of worship. Following that, I chose my place to eat lunch- and the list goes on. I don't want to allow the casual everyday blessings of choice to turn into expectations - you know the spirit of entitlement that is so pervasive in our culture.

You know God is into choices as well. In fact in His word He says to "Choose this day whom you will serve... God chose to give of His one and Only Son because of His love for us.

Life is really all about choices. Make them wise, make them count and know that some count for eternity.

Gotta' go, gonna' run some errands for Thanksgiving- no doubt stores will have a lot of choices. I hope to avoid the dreaded paper or plastic choice at the grocery store.

Blessed and Don't Know It? Pt. II

Excuse me-- the complaint department starts in the back. Way back. Get back-Satan. The whole idea of complaining is annoying. Yet I have found myself many times in the complaint line- a steady stream of other complainers lined up with me. What I want to focus on in todays blog is the process of cultivating a thankful heart. Put another way, a heart FULL of thanks. How appropriate to mention as we are now only days away from recognizing "Thanksgiving" as an official holiday.

So how do we cultivate a thankful heart- and carry it beyond turkey, shopping, family and football?

First, focus on what you have and NOT what you don't have. We live in a culture that specializes in creating need- consumer-based me'ism. Reminds me of the seagulls in "Finding Nemo"- Mine, mine, mine, mine!! A heart full of contentment does not focus on what you don't have.

Second, recognize who is the giver- seek the giver not the gift. God is the source of all our blessings, provisions and stuff. Remember He gave you a sound mind and/or a good back to earn the income to get the stuff to begin with. Acknowledge and thank the Lord regularly.

Third, when it comes to a thankful heart and being blessed- pay it forward. Let it be contagious. Practice acts of kindness. It is better to give than to receive. Make it your ambition to be a blessing to others around you daily!

I am going to try to make it through the day without complaining. How bout' you. After all- we are blessed and may not know it. Boycott the complaint line and make it a great day!

Excuse Me- Did Anybody See Where The Last 10 Months Went?

It's a dead giveaway that the year is almost over when Wal-Mart clears out massive sections of store space- skips over Thanksgiving and jumps right into the Santa Claus clad consumerism of Christmas "stuff" for sale.

This year has not only passed by so quickly but also had dealt some real challenging changes and even been a year of significant transition. So, that's what I want to talk about- transition- change.

My Pastor says, "You can change without growth but you can't grow without change". I think I agree with that saying. Most change and transition though resisted by many is actually a good thing. So I want my perspective to be good- godly and thankful. No doubt the last ten months have flown by like a Lamborghini on the autobahn and we will barely blink and the calendar will read 2010.

Maybe you can relate to the change and transition I'm talking about. Upon further investigation the word transition is likened unto these other words; passage, transformation, conversion, shift, progress, development. Rest assured that God wants to be included in your transition. Whether it's a job, career, relationship, health or even church life one thing remains constant and that is the abiding love and guidance of our Heavenly Father.

Thank you Lord for your goodness, patience and provision during these seasons of our lives.

May He prove to be your rock, refuge and strong tower by which we stand.

See you in the aisle of the local Wal-Mart.

Blessed and Don't Know It?

Do you ever feel like telling the whining, complaining, unappreciative people to make a line just outside of the gates of hell? Sometimes that's where I think people who possess such attitudes belong. I can't sit here and say that I'm totally complaint-free.

We all fall prey to a spirit of ingratitude from time to time but come on people- We Are Blessed.

I mean to live in America. To be able to read, write, reason- buy, sell, vote, worship, dream- the list goes on. You know, land of the free and home of the brave. Let me repeat myself, We Are Blessed. I feel like shouting it from the rooftops and letting it pour over the ingrates- WE ARE BLESSED!

To hear some people complain about such things as food, coffee, cell phone function, internet speed, flight delays and social fairness in general is a crock.

The apostle Paul said it well, "In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you".

God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say "thank you?" ~William A. Ward

One final note; The English word "blessedness" is derived from the root word for "blood" and suggests something set aside through sacrifice and in the Bible through Christ's sacrificial death for sins. Every aspect of the Christian life is embraced by blessedness with no credit assumed by the person experiencing it. It is purely God's grace.

Let's start a revolution of an "attitude of gratitude"!

Halftime-

So I'm on a walk this a.m. in a wonderful mid-morning rain and I start thinking about life and particularly my age and the "season" that I'm in. The theme of "halftime" flies across my mind. Let me try it out on you.

If you follow football like many red-blooded American men (and ladies) you know that every game of football, whether it's pop warner, high school, college or the pro's have this in common- they all observe a Halftime. Why? What purpose does it serve? I should also mention that other sports have half times as well- soccer, rugby, basketball. Halftime serves several purposes with the primary one not being giving Joe in section 32 the opportunity to get 3 foot longs and the beverage of his choice (can you guess?). True enough, it gives fans a chance to stretch, eat and get a little relief if you know what I mean.

The more critical thing to know here is that halftime serves a few key things.

1) it allows players to rest

2) it allows players to refresh

3) it allows teams to reset -

after expending energy the body must rest-even if it is for a short period

taking in good hydrating liquids or even small amounts of food is essential

coaches can make adjustments after review and implement change in the second half.

So there you have it. I'm sure that more reasons could be added but these three lay a good foundation.

Life is like that as well. Some of you reading this blog are experiencing your own "halftime".

You have played in a hard fought half- you may simply need some rest.

You need to experience the refreshing that the Lord Jesus says that He gives.

Listen to the voices of the coaches, mentors and of course the Holy Spirit in your life. Make the course corrections, the adjustments needed.

See if your second half doesn't turn out to be a great performance. Yes, there will still be opposition, penalties, injuries and the like- but stay in the game! He likes to pull for the underdog anyway.

Football and Faith

If you talk to most anybody who knows something about the game of football and ask them what are some of the most important in the game of football you will probably get a few key answers. Obviously the goal as with any sport to beat the opponent. To win! Beyond that you might hear things such as a great coach, experienced players, dominant offensive line, devastating defense and many more.

Most anyone will also add in to the mix that you have to "move the chains". An understood term meaning that teams must generate first downs- keep moving down the field and ultimately score.

The game of life to me is no different. Just keep movin' the chains and ultimately you will get to your destination. In any given game of football there are setbacks. Fumbles, interceptions, penalties, injuries and of course star egos. Despite all these setbacks and mistakes teams still find a way to "move the chains" and make first downs. Maybe you're feelin' like you aren't movin' the chains in your life. Your not advancing, making goals and succeeding. First let me say, stay in the game! Get a game plan, a strategy and you WILL move the chains.

I love it when an underdog wins and surprises the experts and critics. In fact, it happens just about every weekend in the college and pro ranks. Maybe someone has you believin' that you're the underdog. God is on your side. He loves you and died for the underdog. Stay in the game, He will help you to "move the chains".

I gotta' go- I think I just missed a first down. Later.

Are You Ready for Some Football?

Ready, down, set, hut-hut-hut!

Football season is in full swing and I am lovin' it. I must admit that I really love the college game, but here I sit (and write) watching Sunday Night Football (Dallas vs. NYG). The college game is filled with so many different elements from the student fans, the alumni, the awesome bands, the all-out hustle and play of young men who most of them will not make the professional ranks. The rivalries are great too. The upsets and the Polls- love em' or hate em'. Then there are the bowl games. More football to love!

So whether you are a pro fan, a college fan or in most cases both- football season is here for a while. That reminds of the word season. How long exactly is a season? It depends on the success of a given team. Some teams season is over after the final regular season game. Other teams go on to the playoffs and other postseason (bowl) games.

You know God works in seasons. His Word says, seedtime then harvest (Gen. 8:22). A lot of us may be going through a difficult season. Our team may not be performing too well or we have had some bad breaks (injuries, trades, off-field distractions etc.). Know this though that God has a plan for your life and your season will have an end and then you pick up again. Stay in the game, trust in the Master Coach of your life. God has called you and I to be a winner.

Pardon me while I get back to the game. Enjoy the Season!

A 9.11.01 Tribute

As I reflect over the last few days and observed the various memorials and tributes to those affected by 9-11 I wanted to personally pay homage to our civil service personnel who day in and day out make a difference in our communities.

I read another post the other day and it asked, "do you remember where you were when the attacks on the twin towers, the Pentagon and United Airlines flight 93 occurred?" Yes, I do remember and one of the very first thoughts that raced across my mind was an urgent sense to get to my loved ones. My wife (who was at work) and my kids all of whom were in school at the time.

As I made my way from a Ministers meeting in St. Petersburg, FL to check on my wife at her job (about 20 minutes away) I listened intently to the news on the radio. While in my car I realized that countless lives had been lost. The number was unknown but sure to grow. Men and women, children-so many innocent lives senselessly snuffed out.

Then there were the firefighters, EMT's, police, guardsmen, and virtually any other civil servant you can imagine. On the scene, ready to lay their lives on the line for fellow man and country.

It is true- We Will Not Forget!

Thank you to ALL who have served in some capacity to preserve, defend and protect our nation.

May God bless and keep you!

check out this site to learn more

http://www.remember911.150m.com/

http://msn.foxsports.com

http://msn.foxsports.com

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He has an App. for that!

Come on, you've gotta' admit they are pretty clever. You know- Steve Jobs and the people at Apple. Love em' or leave em' the Apple products are sleek, stylish and sales for the iPhone number above 20 million. Pretty impressive! The familiar line you hear each time the iPhone is pitched on the tube is based on "applications" the phone offers. The announcer says, "we've got an app for that". The "apps", short for applications have been downloaded over 1 BILLION times. So what's the big deal? Apps range from GPS systems to silly sounds, games, books, sports, restaurants, you name it. The implication is that there is virtually nothing that one can't obtain from the app. store. Possibilities seem endless.

I got to thinkin' (love the grammar) that God is kinda' like the Apple Co. He is the CSO (Chief Spiritual Officer) overseeing the Kingdom of God. You can "connect" with Him anytime, (i-phone or not) and He offers Apps that actually serve a purpose. You can visit the store and download things that you won't find on the Apple App. store. Stuff like love, peace, joy, kindness, mercy, grace, forgiveness, power, wisdom, compassion, healing, reconciliation and salvation. You name it- He has an app for you and your life. The Bible says, "ask and it shall be given, seek and you shall find, knock and it will be opened unto you."

Don't get me wrong; personally I think the iPhone is an amazing device, even revolutionary. However; it can't compare with the eternal things that a loving God is awaiting for you to "app" (apply) to your life. He has an app that's out of this world! See ya' on the download.

Mulligans with the Master

I don’t know about you but I love the game of golf. I can understand why some folks could care less about it and find it as boring as watching paint dry. On the other hand there are literally millions of people who not only play golf but follow the various tournaments with great interest. After all, Tiger Woods is likely the singular most popular athlete right now in all of sports. Golf is a fickle and very difficult game to master.

That reminds me of life. One does not have to be around too long to realize at times it can be fickle (can change frequently) and certainly very difficult. There is an unregistered rule in golf but often implemented especially by the average golfer and it’s known as a mulligan. A mulligan is simply defined as an extra stroke taken by a golfer after a bad shot and not counted on the scorecard.

I see a parallel here of God’s grace, God giving us what we don’t deserve and then never counted against us in the scoreboard of life. It really is a “mulligan from the master”. Some golfers refer to the mulligan as a ‘do over’. Have you ever felt like that in life? That you needed a do over. That’s what God does for us. He offers us His grace, forgiveness and unconditional love.

I will probably never have the amazing golf skills of a Tiger Woods who would not even consider “using” a mulligan in a golf game. But in life ALL of us need to take the mulligans that the master offers. The Bible says, we have all sinned and come short of the glory of God. We need a Savior, one who can straighten out the crooked shots in life. Got a bad slice, hooking the ball lately. Let God straighten out your drive. Whether it’s irons, short game, the driver today, let the Master help you with your game and occasionally take the Mulligan that He offers.

LIFE IS BUT A VAPOR

The Bible compares life to a vapor- one paraphrase refers to it as a wisp of fog. There is nothing so convincing, so startling which brings this truth to light than when a young person dies. You know, "before his time" as people say. The notion that young people are invincible. "That would never happen to me" mentality is surely a lie.

A person's life and the breadth of time he or she is allotted seems to be a mystery- held only for Almighty God to know. Does He determine it or because He is Omniscient know it? This blog will not unearth the theological positions for such a vast matter.

What we do know is that people are born into this world every day and people depart this planet each day. The manner in which we make our exit is important. Loss is huge, measured by different people by different degrees. Everyday lives are snuffed out due to drug and alcohol overdoses. It seems senseless. This past week we were personally touched by the loss of one such person. May God rest his soul and give others peace and comfort during this time of mourning.

Death is something none of us can escape. So I guess I'm not talking about death as I am life- the fullness of life. Live your life today as it was your last- in that it is full, meaningful, devoted to others. The Bible is clear when it says, "It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgement" (Heb. 9:27). Make preparations today to meet Him- for tomorrow never comes! He's waiting with arms wide open.

Money- How Much is Enough?

I have been thinking of wealth lately. Not in the sense of dollars and cents. Not even big dollars- like gobs of Ben Franklin faced greenery. You see the average person probably thinks of money when you speak of wealth or riches. The perspective and outlook on wealth and riches takes on many tones.

So what is wealth and who defines it. It's different according to different people and differing cultures as well. One of the best definitions I ever heard on wealth was this: Wealth is having enough and the capacity to enjoy it. Though I heard that definition years ago it still rings true today. I have observed that in our culture we often focus on what we don't yet have and strive to obtain that rather than cultivate a grateful heart over that which our beneficent God has already given us. James says, "Every gift is from above and comes from the Father" (James 1:17).

We might look at a gorgeous, opulent home and think how much we don't have while a child living in a thatched roof hutch is loved, fed and with her family. She would never know what she does not possess on Rodeo Dr. or in the Hamptons. She has enough and is able to enjoy it!

As I walk through life I want to cultivate an attitude of gratitude and be thankful. Full of thanks. No doubt we are still the wealthiest (measured by average household income) people on the entire planet. I want to learn to praise God for what I do have and not focus on what I don't have.

One of the wisest persons to live was Solomon who is ascribed to be the writer of the Book of Proverbs. This is what he said regarding riches, "and don't make me either rich or poor' just give me enough food for each day" (Prov. 30.8).

Let me challenge you today to learn contentment and to become satisfied in Him. Then make it your ambition to serve others, enlarging wealth in their hearts- not just pocketbooks.

Addiction; Demon or Disease?

I have the privilege of serving on a local coalition to bring about awareness and promote understanding and healing regarding drug and alcohol abuse as well as other life-controlling problems. It is a faith-based setting and the ultimate goal is to help people and glorify God.

A noble thing I believe. I was deeply moved today by a mother who lost her 19 year old son to a prescription drug overdose. As I listened to her story with warm tears rolling down her cheeks I thought to myself, how could this happen? Could we have prevented this? If we only could have got him into our Teen Challenge program. Questions. Deep probing life- questions that don't always have neat, clean answers categorized into do's and don'ts columns.

The continual onslaught and plague of drugs, alcohol, and other devastating behaviors has often been referred to as a war. The war on drugs. Whether it is in a sacred or secular setting most experts agree- drug and alcohol addiction is a scourge upon our society. There are estimates that there are well over 20 million drug abusing adults in the United States. This may represent a conservative number.

I have been involved in an organization whose primary purpose is to minister to those caught in this horrible bondage. We don't claim to be experts nor are we ignorant to the causal effects. The title of this blog is "Addiction; Demon or Disease? I will not attempt to defend the demonic position nor debunk the disease based philosophy. What I do want to make clear is that in either case- Demon or the Diseased Jesus Christ is the cure, the answer and the path to wholeness from ANY bondage, disease or addiction. The scripture is clear that Jesus Christ went about doing good and healing people from all types of diseases (Lk. 4:40). Scripture also states that Jesus cast out demons (Mk. 1:34).

So the clear path (or more accurately stated- person) to the malady of drug and alcohol addiction is Jesus Christ. There are undoubtedly a host of other "life-controlling" problems including texting, gaming, gambling, pornography, etc. One definition of an addiction or a life-controlling problem is anything that masters you. The answer once again is personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He heals the diseased, He delivers those oppressed by demons.

If you or someone you know is currently struggling with a life-controlling problem, hold out hope. Pray for them and direct them with tough love to have the courage to make choices that will enable them to find help and healing through Jesus Christ.

to learn more visit; www.teenchallenge.cc

LIFE TRANSFORMATION

The byline for the organization that I work for is, "Where Life Transformation Happens". Now that's a pretty bold statement to state that lives are being transformed and it happens at our Teen Challenge Centers/campuses. However; after today I am convinced that God still changes lives and that men, women, and adolescents are finding help and hope through Jesus Christ. Teen Challenge is indeed a vessel that He has so graciously chosen to use for over 50 years.

Today I had the privilege of visiting a Teen Challenge center, preaching their Graduation service and Family Day. It was encouraging to see men and women from all walks of life, all kinds of backgrounds, come together and worship the Lord Jesus and acknowledge unashamedly His sovereign work in their lives. Families coming together to celebrate the change they can see in a son, daughter, niece or nephew. Yes, I still believe that Teen Challenge, though flawed by human oversight (like any other organization) is a place where the Lord Jesus is welcome, shows up in the demonstration and power of His spirit and changes LIVES!

A Day for Dads

Happy Fathers Day!

Yah, that's what we have been saying, texting, gift exchanging and card appreciating throughout this day. I don't have the privilege of calling my dad and wishing him a Happy Fathers Day as he passed away many years ago. If your dad is alive- don't pass the moment by. Call, write, text or better yet- show up in technicolor (that's in person for those who don't get the humor). The point is while there is breath in his lungs and ability in you- acknowledge love, appreciation and for those who may be harboring "stuff" (justified or not) set it aside, take the high road and honor your dad.

I can think of no other example of the ultimate honoring of a father than that of Jesus Christ. He honored His Father until the point of death (see Phil. 2:1-11). You see we set aside one day on the calendar to honor fathers- not a bad thing. Probably a good thing. We do it for moms too. They are really awesome aren't they? But the Father who desires and deserves our best love, attention, devotion is the one of Heavenly origin. Our Father who art in Heaven!

“Freedom is never free”

It’s believed that the author of this oft-quoted line is unknown however; the words are deeply etched in my mind. After a heart-stirring visit to our nations capital I want to reflect on some findings. The whole Romano clan was able to take the journey to Washington D. C. My mind was stirred with a deeper appreciation for the history of our nation and those who have sacrificed supremely to allow us to do even such simple things as blog our own thoughts, feelings and opinions.

One of the exhibits at the Smithsonian American Art Museum was a tribute to the American flag. The popular words of our nations anthem by Francis Scott Key remind us that we truly are still “the land of the free and the home of the brave”!

It was almost surreal as we walked through streets, museum halls and corridors where our founding fathers and countless others who followed are chronicled in such beauty, grandeur and vastness. Whether it was marble, granite, and brick or steel the entire landscape appears to be etched in one theme, “Let us Remember”, we will remember, we invite you to join others and remember.

One of the moving moments for me was listening to the husky park ranger named Allan at the Vietnam Veterans Wall. Allan was a masterful communicator who had the ability to hold the attention of the outdoor audience despite the many distractions. My mind was engaged and my heart stirred as he held at least 35 or 40 listeners in rapture loudly sharing the history of the large piece of black etched granite wall. Allan’s deep tenor voice resonated with knowledge, conviction and passion about the “unpopular war” citing facts and figures that ranged from the 21 year old young lady who’s submitted design (part of a national contest) was selected by a committee to the most unique gift he could ever recall left at the wall; a Harley Davidson motorcycle.

The point of all of this is that I must confess I have lacked a deep level of appreciation for my personal freedom as well of that of my fellow man. My wife rightly commented that many American’s probably never get the opportunity to visit Washington D.C. This trip allowed my family and I to get a good taste for so much our nations history. For this I am thankful. Our rich past positions us for a blessed presence if we are careful to hold fast to that which helped us establish it originally. Yes, it’s true, the freedom to enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness is really not free at all.

The price of our spiritual freedom was not free either. It cost the Father the price of His precious son, Jesus Christ who freely shed His blood for all of mankind whom He loves (Eph. 2:13). He invites you today to experience the fulfillment of scripture which says, “He whom the Son sets free is free indeed” (Jn. 8:36).

May we hold fast to the convictions of remaining one nation under God and realize that true freedom is found in knowing Him!

Say What?

You have probably heard this phrase thrown around nonchalantly in social settings here and there. I want to use it in another context and that is what is your communication style?

I am preparing to teach at an upcoming conference on the subject of Communication Style.

So what does this mean? Do I really have a style? (of course you do) How do I determine it? Why is it important? Many models have been developed and used over the years to determine how one communicates. You communicate with others every day on many levels. You may not always take time to analyze how your natural communication style affects others, however; learning about personality type preferences can help you understand some important differences in communication styles.

A simple one I will offer is the Expresser, Driver, Relator, Analytical. These styles will at some point intersect with learning styles and personality types. Sounds like a lot of stuff to figure out but in the long run it greatly enhances our ability to understand ourselves- then others hopefully resulting in positive, healthy relationships.

So go figure out your style and connect with others and glorify Him!

To learn more go to:http://www.cedanet.com/meta/communication_styles.htm

Rest Well My Child

I am currently reading, "The Rest of God; Restoring Your Soul by Restoring your Sabbath" by Mark Buchanan. It is a beautifully crafted work that speaks of the Sabbath not only as an Old Testament mandate but an attitude of the heart and mind.

Buchanan advocates that we have been divinely designed for rest. We work, we labor, we toil, we boast about our busyness. We have the tendency to measure success by the volume of activities we are engaged in. STOP cries Buchanan. REST! Honor God, be at peace, renew your batteries-so you can run longer and more effectively when you get back on the treadmill. As one person rightly said, "if you don't pull away you will pull apart." How true.

So how do we rest, when are we to rest, what else can we experience on the Sabbath other than rest. All good questions. Rest is ordained and commanded by God says Buchanan. Rest is non-negotiable in the economy of God. Rest, reflection, recreation are all a part of Sabbath observance.

May you and I cultivate an attitude of Sabbath and have the courage to observe the Sabbath.

See you on the cold side of the pillow!

Yard Sale!! ...

Today we had the dubious distinction of hosting a large yard sale. As many of you will be able to relate to the sometimes dreaded event, we had sorting, pricing, cleaning, set-up, signage etc. to accomplish before the sale. Things went very well, with yard sale fanatics working their craft like finely accomplished dealing diplomats starting as early as 7:15 a.m.

With coffee in one hand and price tags and marker in the other I began to assist the busy shoppers. What I began to realize is two things: people are always looking for a deal and many know what they want. Though we had most all of our "stuff" marked way down, people still want a "deal" and will bargain without shame.

I thought to myself that the Lord offers the ultimate "deal" and there is no haggling and no sorting through a maze of items. No wondering if "it works", has a match, will fit in my car.

The item is salvation- a gift of His grace, rich yet free. It's an amazing find! No haggling, no bait and switch, no strings attached. Always available, has an eternal warranty!

I like yard sales but the gift of Jesus Christ is priceless.

Pardon me while I return to pricing some last minute items!

Changing Lanes

Life takes it quirky twists and turns. Family, marriage, health, relatives, work, the economy, and yes, even the weather. So many things can change so rapidly. The truth is we are always in some sort of state of change. Some change we can manage and other changes seem to manage us. The one thing that I have learned (and am learning) is to trust God and seek Him through whatever the change elements or conditions are. To seek Him and the greatest good as well as asking Him how I might better serve others through the change that I am experiencing.

I am also learning that God is not as interested in my success and/or failure and probably does not define them as wins or losses as much as He does staying on the journey of knowing Him and serving Him. I plan to remain on this journey for a long time.

3 Life Questions

If you have drawn breath on this planet for any length of time you have like myself had what I call "Life Questions".  Questions such as, Who am I?, Why am I here,  What happens after death, etc.

I would like to pose three "Life Questions" that may apply to many "Life Situations".  Check em' out and I look forward to reading the replies.

1) What's most important?

2) What's least important?

3) What's not important at all? 

my journey

Greetings,

Well I'm officially on my way to blogging which is something I have wanted to do for some time.  I enjoy reading and writing and I once heard an english teacher say that one sure way to become a better writer is to write- of all things.  So as I embark on this literary journey I hope to learn, grow, engage and honor Him.  

As is reflected in my blog title; Emerging Thoughts 4 Him, I hope to integrate my thoughts, faith and experiences in the Lord as well as just normal everyday life101.