MAKING THE MOST OF PARENTHOOD (Part III)

MAKING THE MOST OF PARENTHOOD (Part III)

Sometimes it’s wise to gain the insight of professionals to enhance our parenting skills.  The American Psychological Association recommends seven practical strategies to maximize opportunity for success in the raising of our children. I’ll share the remaining three (and my own) today:

Prevent misbehavior.

Dr. John Lutzker, director of the Center for Healthy Development at Georgia State University, advises against the use of time-outs.  Instead, he teaches parents to plan and structure activities to prevent unacceptable behavior.  Specifically, parents should (1) plan ahead to prevent problems from arising, (2) teach children how to cope effectively with demanding situations, (3) find ways to help children

stay engaged and active when they might otherwise become bored or disruptive.  According to Dr. Lutzker, “We've found in our work over the past 20 years that if you do a good job teaching parents planned activities training, there’s no need for time-outs.”

Take care of yourself first.

Parents receive some of the best parenting advice every time they take off on an airplane, i.e. “If the cabin loses pressure and you must put on an oxygen mask, put one on yourself first before you help your child.”  All too often in American households, all of the oxygen is going to the children.  Yet the research makes it clear that children are negatively affected by parental stress.  By taking care of yourself, you avoid injecting your own emotional issues into the lives of your children.  Overprotective parenting sometimes results from unresolved trauma from the childhood of parents.  We must deal with this to navigate it, or we may unintentionally inject it into our children.

Make time.

All too often the one-on-one time parents offer their children is the time that's left over after all other obligations have been met.  This means that we often treat relationships—which are like orchids—like cactuses.  Then, when the orchid wilts or has problems, we tend to think that there's something wrong with the orchid.  To avoid this outcome, parents should spend at least one hour a week of one-on-one quality time with each child, doing nothing but paying attention to and expressing positive thoughts and feelings toward him or her.

MY PERSONAL INSIGHT: SEEK BIBLICAL WISDOM AND SPIRITUAL DIRECTION.

The Holy Writ contains practical solutions for every one of life’s challenge.  And we should be conscientious about petitioning for divine direction.  Wise and loving parents make a strong commitment to pray (consistently and faithfully) for the welfare and health of their children.

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!

MAKING THE MOST OF PARENTHOOD (Part II)

MAKING THE MOST OF PARENTHOOD (Part II)

Sometimes it’s wise to gain the insight of professionals, especially when it comes to developing parenting skills.  The American Psychological Association recommends seven practical strategies to maximize opportunity for success in the raising of our children. I’ll share four of them today.  You may (or may not) agree with all of them.  So…‘eat the fish, and throw away the bones.’

Embrace praise.

The rationale here is that when we give more attention to undesirable behavior, we increase undesirable behavior.   Dr. Alan Kazdin, a Yale University psychology professor and director of the Yale Parenting Center and Child Conduct Clinic, concludes that “when it comes to nagging, reprimand and other forms of punishment, the more you do it, the more likely you are not going to get the behavior you want.  For example, a better way to get children to clean their room or do their homework is to model the behavior yourself, encourage it and praise it when you see it.”

Look the other way.

Research suggests that parents should learn to ignore minor and annoying misbehaviors that aren’t dangerous, such as a child whining about a sibling not sharing or a toddler throwing food on the floor.  Often, these are consciously or subconsciously intended to manipulate our emotions.  One way of minimizing them is to purposefully ignore them.

Learn about child development.

Parents are more effective when they read up on child development to understand the behaviors that are common for each developmental stage.  Often, when a child displays a behavior that a parent doesn’t like, such as making a mess while eating, it’s because the child is simply learning a new skill.  Parents who know what a child is capable of understanding, feeling and doing at different ages and stages of development can be more realistic about what behaviors to expect, leading to less frustration and aggression for everyone.

Do time-out right.

Three decades of research on time-outs show that they work best when they are brief and immediate.  Dr. Kazdin writes, “A way to get ‘time-out’ to work depends on ‘time-in'—that is, what the parents are modeling and affirming when the child is not being punished.”  Research also suggests that parents need to remain calm when administering time-outs—which is often a difficult feat in the heat of the misbehavior—and they should praise compliance once the child completes it. 

My intention for highlighting these psychological admonitions is to offer parents a foundational framework to think through practical, specific and creative strategies that work best in their family and with their children.  Of course, we engaged grandparents are also included in the mix.  Stay tuned…more to come tomorrow!

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!

MAKING THE MOST OF PARENTHOOD (Part I)

MAKING THE MOST OF PARENTHOOD (Part I)

An article from “U.S. News and World Report” highlights the awesome challenges of parenthood.  For the next three days, I’ll reprise portions of that article along with other expert perspectives on parenthood.  In the process, I’ll also share some of my own views.

The article suggests that parenthood is possibly the most daunting and stressful challenge any couple will navigate.  Carolyn and Philip Cowan, psychologists from the University of California, found that 92 percent of new parents report increased conflict and diminished satisfaction in their marital relationship.  Pennsylvania State University psychologist, Jay Belsky, completed a 7-year study of 250 sets of new parents and only 19 percent reported that their marriages improved after the birth of a child.  Although couples typically look forward to the birth of a baby as a time of increasing closeness, Belsky’s study reveals that nearly all new parents tend to grow more polarized and self-centered in response to the overwhelming demands of this newfound stress and fatigue.

Parenthood presents opportunities for disagreement and conflict.  But successful marriages are safe havens where trust is built and sustained as couples learn to minimize stress during times of conflict.  Indeed, uncontrollable tempers are a relationship death knell, both to successful marriages and effective parenthood.  Communication is key.  In fact, it is mission critical to maintaining an open disposition and positive mindset in others, no matter if they are parents or children.  Stay tuned…more to come tomorrow!

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!

MAXIMIZING YOUR LIFE EXPERIENCES

MAXIMIZING YOUR LIFE EXPERIENCES

Experience is what happens to you.  Wisdom is what you do with what happens to you.  Continual growth and development is mission critical to a fulfilling and abundant life. (John 10:10)

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!

GOD'S GIFT OF GRACE

GOD’S GIFT OF GRACE

God’s Grace is unmerited or undeserved favor offered freely to humankind.  The following true story powerfully illustrates the blessing and benefit of grace.  During the Spanish-American War, Clara Barton, the founder of the American Red Cross, was overseeing aid to Cuba. One day Colonel Theodore Roosevelt (who would later become President Teddy Roosevelt) came to Clara Barton intending to buy food for his sick and wounded soldiers, the historically famous Rough Riders.  When she refused to sell him food, Roosevelt became quite distressed and perplexed.  His men desperately needed help and he was quite willing to pay for it out of his own funds.  When he asked someone why he could not buy those desperately needed supplies, he was told, “Colonel Roosevelt, just ASK for it!” 

A smile broke out on Roosevelt’s face.  For now he understood that the provisions were not for sale.  All he had to do was simply ASK, and they would be given freely and fully.  The Word of God similarly admonishes us: “You do not have because you do not ask.” (James 4:2)  God's grace is always sufficient and God’s grace is always offered without our payment or work.  We must simply ask for it.

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!

WE'RE BETTER TOGETHER

WE’RE BETTER TOGETHER

In the 17^th century, the English poet, John Donne, penned these wise words: “No man is an island.”  It’s an important truth that all should regard and remember.  Indeed, we were created by our God to live in community – in close and constant fellowship with one another.  Therefore, any person who boasts “I don’t need anybody” is profoundly foolish and possibly friendless.

G. Osborn Gregory shares an insightful metaphor regarding our interdependence and need for one another.  Please read and prayerfully ponder.

Who flies the kite?  “I” said the boy.  “It is my joy.  I fly the kite.”

Who flies the kite?  “I” said the wind.  “It is my whim.  I fly the kite.”

Who flies the kite?  “I” said the string.  “I hold it.  I fly the kite.”

Who flies the kite?  “I” said the tail.  “I make it sail.  I fly the kite.”

Who flies the kite?  All are wrong and all are right.  Because all fly the kite.

My friend, you actually do need others.  And others definitely need you.

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!

ARE AMERICANS PRACTICAL ATHEISTS?

ARE AMERICANS PRACTICAL ATHEISTS?

The National and International Religion Report cited a poll conducted by the Times Mirror Company which states that more than four out of every five Americans agreed that “we all will be called before God on Judgment Day to answer for our sins.”  However, the results of this poll seem completely out of synch with the attitudes and behaviors that dominate our society.

While the majority of us purport to hold faith in Jesus Christ, cultural conditions do not seem to reflect the same.  Perhaps, unlike atheists who patently deny the existence of God, we are becoming a nation of what I call “practical atheists,” people who state they believe in God, but live as if there is no God.

My friend, current global conditions constitute very clear and sure signs that we are living in the End-Time.  I am convinced that the return of Christ is much sooner than is generally thought.  This does not mean that we should panic or live in fear, but surely we must now become much more serious about establishing a covenant relationship with Him and pursuing it diligently – with heart, mind and spirit.  Are you in?

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!

LET'S HEAR IT FOR DEDICATED TEACHERS!

LET’S HEAR IT FOR DEDICATED TEACHERS!

There are a myriad of professional venues in which the art of teaching is front and center.  From the pulpit preacher to the classroom teacher, from the corporate trainer to the life coach, etcetera, etcetera.  In every case, those who teach with dedication and skill serve to imbue a uniquely contagious brand of intellectual insight and goal-oriented discipline. 

Therefore, I doff my hat to those extraordinary people who seriously answer Heaven’s summons to share their heart and head with others.  I especially applaud career school teachers, like my own sister, Doris Patricia Bass Wade, who generously, rigorously, often thanklessly, share time, talent and treasure with thousands of students, many of whose lives are literally transformed or saved.

In my own life experience, it seems appropriate to cite two noteworthy academic teachers.  At Monessen High School, Judy Paglia inspired and strengthened my lifelong love for writing.  At Yale University, Toby Symington voluntarily spent hours developing and refining my skill set.  Just like my sister, Doris, these two were motivational and exceptional pedagogues.  In the words of William A. Ward, "The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.”

My friend, whatever knowledge that God has endowed in your life, be sure to share it generously and consistently with others.  I positively guarantee that over time you will receive far more than you were privileged to give.

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!

THE PRICELESS GIFT OF LOVE

THE PRICELESS GIFT OF LOVE

More valuable than any human possession, love endures and prevails in every circumstance because love is divine in origin.  God is love.  So never underestimate its phenomenal power and priceless worth.

Some time ago, a man punished his 3-year-old daughter for wasting an entire roll of gold wrapping paper.  Money was tight and he became infuriated when the child tried to decorate a box to place under the Christmas tree.  Nevertheless, the little girl brought the gift to her father the next morning and shouted, “This is for you, Daddy!”

That father was utterly embarrassed by his earlier overreaction, but his anger only grew when he discovered that the box was empty.  He yelled, “Don’t you know, when you give someone a present, there’s supposed to be something inside?”  The little girl looked up at him with tears in her eyes and cried, “Oh Daddy, it’s not empty at all.  I blew kisses into the box.  They’re all for you, Daddy.”

The father was completely crushed.  His strong arms held his daughter as he begged for her forgiveness.  A few months later, a tragic accident took the life of the child.  And her father kept the gold box at his bedside for years.  Whenever he felt discouraged he would take out an imaginary kiss and remember the love of the child who had put it there.  Indeed, love is the most precious gift in the entire world.  Cherish and nurture it.

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!

ARE WE WOUNDED HEALERS?

ARE WE WOUNDED HEALERS?

In Christ, we have a high priest, one who is profoundly “touched with the feeling of our infirmities.” (Hebrews 4:15)  Indeed He is very God and very man.  As God, He transcends mere mortal flesh.  But as man, He fully connects and covenants with fallen humanity.  The following story depicts His matchless grace and miraculous love.

A shop owner placed a sign above his door that said: “Puppies For Sale.”  Signs like that always have a way of attracting young children, and to no surprise, a boy saw the sign and approached the owner.  “How much are you going to sell the puppies for?” he asked.

The store owner replied, “Anywhere from $30 to $50.”  The little boy pulled out some change from his pocket. “I have $2.37,” he said. “Can I please look at them?”  The shop owner smiled and whistled.  Out of the kennel came Lady, who ran down the aisle of his shop followed by five tiny balls of fur.

One puppy lagged considerably behind.  Immediately the little boy singled out that one and asked, “What’s wrong with that puppy?”  The shop owner explained that the veterinarian had examined the puppy and had discovered it didn’t have a hip socket.  It would always limp.  It would always be lame.

The little boy became excited. “That is the puppy that I want.”  The shop owner said, “No, you don’t want to buy that little dog.  If you really want him, I’ll just give him to you.”  The little boy got quite upset. He looked straight into the store owner’s eyes, pointing his finger, and said, “I don’t want you to give him to me.  That little dog is worth every bit as much as all the other dogs and I’ll pay full price. In fact, I’ll give you $2.37 now, and 50 cents a month until I have him paid for.”

The shop owner countered, “You really don’t want to buy that dog.  He is never going to be able to run and jump and play with you like the other puppies.”  To his surprise, the little boy reached down and rolled up his pant leg to reveal a badly crippled left leg supported by a big metal brace.  He looked up at the shop owner and softly replied, “Well, I don’t run so well myself, and that little puppy will need someone who understands.”  Wow!

Jesus Christ is the ultimate Wounded Healer. (Isaiah 53:5)  He looks beyond our faults and sees our needs  And with His sacrificial wounds, He heals us from the power and penalty of sin.  We, too, become ‘wounded healers’ in our sphere of influence to share our story of redemption, frail and fallen as we are, to touch and transform others.

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!

SEEING WHAT CANNOT BE SEEN

SEEING WHAT CANNOT BE SEEN

Unfortunately, human beings do not always live up to our expectations.  This fact reminds me of the story of a blind girl who felt very little self-worth simply because she could not see.  Actually, her loving boyfriend was the only person she allowed to be emotionally close because he was always there for her.  She was confident that if she could only see, they would definitely marry.

One day, an anonymous donor provided a pair of eyes, and after extensive surgery she was able to see everything, including her boyfriend.  Her boyfriend then asked, “Now that you can see the world, will you marry me?”  However, the girl was completely shocked to discover that her boyfriend was also blind, and she absolutely refused to marry him.  

Her dejected boyfriend walked away sorrowfully, soaked in tears.  A few days later he wrote an incredible letter to her simply saying this: “My dearest one, just take care of my eyes.”  Wow! 

Sometimes when peoples’ circumstances change, so do their perceptions.  The question is begged: ‘Who was truly blind, the sighted man who selflessly surrendered his vision, or the once blind young lady who could not 'see' the character and worth of her suitor with fully functioning eyesight?’   

Somehow this story reminds me of faith which is never about seeing.  Indeed, our faith calls us to a higher plain of existence.  In a word, it means making the decision to close our eyes so we can really see.  Many of the most visionary people are those who have made the deliberate decision to look away from the temporal and focus fully on the eternal.  True faith sees what cannot be seen.

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!

STRUGGLES PRODUCE GROWTH

STRUGGLES PRODUCE GROWTH

It seems that our generation of parents and grandparents has the tendency to make everything far too accessible and much too easy for our offspring.  Unintentionally, we are producing a generation of entitled and dependent children and young adults.  Please prayerfully consider the following story to glean wisdom on this matter.

A man discovered the cocoon of a developing butterfly.  A small opening appeared and he sat and watched the butterfly for a long time as it struggled to force its body through that tiny hole. Progress seemed to stop and it appeared that it was stuck.  So the man decided to help the butterfly.  He took a pair of scissors and snipped off the remaining bit of cocoon.  The butterfly then emerged easily, although it had a swollen body and small, shriveled wings.

That man didn’t think anything of it and sat there waiting for its wings to enlarge and adequately support the butterfly.  But that never happened.  The butterfly spent the rest of its life unable to fly, crawling around on the ground with tiny wings and a swollen body.

Despite the kind heart of that man, he didn’t understand the purpose of that restrictive cocoon.  The challenging struggle to emerge from such a small opening is God’s way of forcing fluid from the body of the butterfly into its wings to prepare it for flight once it frees itself from the cocoon.

Likewise, life’s struggles develop our strengths.  Without struggle, people never grow to become strong and skillful beings.  Therefore, it is mission critical that  we allow our youth to tackle certain challenges on our own, and not to become solely dependent on assistance from us.  Let’s allow them to have the life experiences that look like challenges, but are actually runways for future flight.

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!

WHAT GOES AROUND...

WHAT GOES AROUND…

An old saying goes something like this: ‘What goes around…comes around.’  Consider this related story.  There was a farmer who sold a pound of butter to a baker.  One day the baker decided to weigh the butter to see if he was getting the right amount, which he wasn’t.  Angry about this, he took the farmer to court.

“Your Honor, long before the baker started buying butter from me, I have been buying a pound loaf of bread from him.  Every day when the baker brings the bread, I put it on the scale and give him the same weight in butter.  If anyone is to be blamed, it is the baker.”

The implied principle is quite simple.  In life, you get what you give, so never try and cheat others.  Indeed, the Golden Rule applies here and in all points of our relationships. (Luke 6:31)

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!

BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU SPEAK AND HEAR

BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU SPEAK AND HEAR

As a group of frogs traveled through the woods, two of them fell into a deep pit.  When the other frogs crowded around the pit and saw how deep it was, they advised the two frogs that sadly there was no hope for them.

However, the two frogs decided to ignore what the others were saying and proceeded to try and jump out of the pit.  Despite their efforts, the group of frogs at the top of the pit still insisted that they should just give up since they would never make it out.

Eventually, one of the frogs took heed to what the others were saying and gave up, falling to his death.  The other frog continued to jump as hard as he could.  Again, the crowd of frogs yelled at him to put an end to his pain and just die.  He seemed to jump even harder and finally made it out.  When he got out, the other frogs said, “Did you not hear us?”  The frog explained to them that he was deaf.  You see, he thought they were encouraging him the entire time. 

People’s words can have a big effect on other lives. Think about what you say before it comes out of your mouth.  And by the way, be careful about what you choose to hear.  It might be the difference between life and death.

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!

WHAT'S A BARGAIN?

WHAT’S A BARGAIN?

I have learned in life that every item which apparently costs less is not necessarily a bargain.  During his mayoral tenure, New York’s David Dinkins was urged by Manhattan officials to buy some property that was thought to be an extraordinary opportunity for the city.  Dinkins’ response was classic and legendary: “If they’re selling elephants two-for-a-quarter, that’s a great bargain.  But only if you have a quarter--and only if you need elephants.”  Hmmm…

Appearances are sometimes deceiving; so also are first impressions.  So don’t buy everything that people are enthusiastically selling, either literally or figuratively.  One sage axiom (a Latin phrase) should accompany all of life’s transactions in every setting: ‘Caveat emptor’ means ‘Let the buyer beware.’  Wisdom and timing are mission critical ingredients for stability and success.

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!

HOW DO WE SPEND OUR TIME?

HOW DO WE SPEND OUR TIME?

An efficiency expert estimated how we typically spend a lifespan of 70 years:

 

Sleeping              23 years               (32.9%)

Work                     16 years               (22.8%)

Television           8 years                 (11.4%)

Eating                   6 years                 (8.6%)

Travel                   6 years                 (8.6%)

Leisure                 4.5 years              (6.5%)

Illness                   4 years                 (5.7%)

Dressing              2 years                 (2.8%)

Religion               0.5 years              (0.7%)

Total                      70 years               (100%)

One of my favorite Old Testament scriptures immediately comes to mind.  “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12)

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!

ANGRY WORDS CAUSE LONG-TERM PAIN

ANGRY WORDS CAUSE LONG-TERM PAIN

There once was a young boy with a very bad temper. The boy’s father wanted to teach him a lesson, so he gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper he must hammer a nail into their wooden fence.  On the first day of this lesson, the little boy had driven 37 nails into the fence.  He was really mad!  Over the course of the next few weeks, the little boy began to control his anger, so the number of nails that were hammered into the fence dramatically decreased.

It wasn’t long before the little boy discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to drive those nails into the fence.  Then, the day finally came when the little boy didn’t lose his temper even once, and he became so proud of himself, he couldn’t wait to tell his father.

Pleased, his father suggested that he now pull out one nail for each day that he could hold his temper.  Several weeks went by and the day finally came when the young boy was able to tell his father that all the nails were gone.  Very gently, the father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence.

“You have done very well, my son,” he smiled, “but look at the holes in the fence.  The fence will never be the same.”  The little boy listened carefully as his father continued to speak.  “When you say things in anger, they leave permanent scars just like these.  And no matter how many times you say you’re sorry, the wounds will still be there.”

 When angry, think twice or thrice before you speak.  Engage brain before opening mouth.

 Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!

SHARING IS PROFITABLE

SHARING IS PROFITABLE

There is an innate human tendency to feel that we somehow lose by giving.  In l988, TIME Magazine provided valuable insight on selfishness and its corollary, sharing.  Regarding the introduction of the videocassette recorder, the article said, “The company (Sony) had made a crucial mistake.  While at first Sony kept its technology mostly to itself, JVC, the Japanese inventor of the VHS format, shared its secret with numerous other firms.  As a result, the market was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of VHS machines being produced.”

The article goes on to report that Sony’s relatively selfish approach drastically undercut their market share. In fact, during the first year, Sony lost 40 percent of the market, and by 1987 controlled only 10 percent.  The author concluded that “even in a cut-throat business, sharing has its rewards.”

This constitutes a secular affirmation of the spiritual law of sowing and reaping.  Consider the following counterintuitive truth:  ‘What I kept, I had.  What I spent, I lost.  But what I gave I have.’  For according to God’s Word, “Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom.  For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” (Luke 6:38, NKJV)  And lest any misunderstand and misinterpret, this scripture isn’t just talking about money.

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!

CALLED TO BE FAITHFUL

CALLED TO BE FAITHFUL

Senator Mark Hatfield recalled touring Calcutta, India with Mother Teresa.  There he visited the “House of Dying,” where sick children were cared for in their last days.  He was also taken to see the dispensary, where hundreds of the poor lined up to receive medical care.  Watching Mother Teresa minister so compassionately to these people, Hatfield was overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of the suffering that she and her co-workers faced every day.  “How can you succeed here?  And how can you bear the load of this without being crushed by it?” he asked.  Mother Teresa replied softly and humbly: “My dear Senator, we are not called to be successful, we are called to be faithful.”

According to I Peter 4:10, all believers are “stewards of the manifold grace of God.”  And the Apostle Paul concludes that “it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.” (I Corinthians 4:2) 

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!

WE REAP WHAT WE SOW

WE REAP WHAT WE SOW

According to the Holy Writ, “whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” (Galatians 6:7)  This spiritual principle pertains to both good and bad seeds, so we must be careful what we are planting in this life.  Allow me to share a very positive story that powerfully illustrates this truth.

One stormy night an elderly couple entered the lobby of a small hotel and asked for a room.  The clerk informed them that they were fully occupied, as were all the hotels in town.  “But I can’t send a fine couple like you out into the rain,” he remarked compassionately.  “So I’ll give you my room; would you be willing to sleep there?”  The couple hesitated, but the clerk insisted. The next morning when the hotel guest paid his bill, he said, “You’re the kind of man who should be managing the best hotel in the United States.  Someday I’ll build one just for you.”  The hotel clerk smiled deferentially and politely, expecting nothing in return.

A few years later that clerk received a letter from the elderly man, who recalled that stormy night of unusual hospitality and asked him to come to New York.  A round-trip ticket was enclosed.  When the clerk arrived, his host took him to the corner of 5th Avenue and 34th Street where stood a magnificent new building. “This,” explained the man, “is the hotel I have built for you to manage.”  That wealthy man was William Waldorf Astor, and the beautiful edifice he had built was the original Waldorf-Astoria Hotel.  That young unselfish clerk, George C. Boldt, became its very first manager.

My friend, keep on sowing good seeds.  Whether anyone cares or is aware, our Father is always observing, and your harvest will surely come.

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!

PEOPLE PLEASER???

PEOPLE PLEASER???

According to an unknown source, “I really cannot give you the formula for success. But I can give you the formula for failure.  It's simply this: Try to please everyone.”

Sounds about right to me.  Make sure that God and you are satisfied.

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!

SOUL-TIES

SOUL-TIES

Dr. George Sweeting offers an interesting account of an occurrence in nature, which has practical application for us.  “Several years ago,” he wrote, “our family visited Niagara Falls.  It was springtime, and ice was rushing down the river.  As I viewed the large blocks of ice flowing toward the falls, I could see that there were carcasses of dead fish embedded in the ice.  Gulls by the score were riding down the river feeding on the fish.  As they came to the brink of the falls, their wings would go out, and they would escape from the falls.  I watched one gull which seemed to delay and wondered when it would leave.  It was engrossed in the carcass of a fish, and when it finally came to the brink of the falls, out went its powerful wings.  The bird flapped and flapped and even lifted the ice out of the water.  I thought it would escape, but it had delayed too long so its claws had been frozen into the ice.  The weight of the ice was too great, and the gull plunged into the abyss.”

Dr. Sweeting concluded that “the finest attractions of this world become deadly when we become overly attached to them.  They may take us to our destruction if we cannot give them up.  Oh, the danger of delay!”

Actually we humans are prone to developing what are called ‘soul-ties.’  It simply means that we can become spiritually intertwined in intimate relationships, whether they are good or bad for us.  The practical take-away from that reality is that we must be extremely careful about making connections with people (and even things) that may prove to be detrimental to our lives and future.

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!