There are a few stories that maybe a one-time print moment in the history of the day, but the storms of March 2012 will be as memorable as the Floods of 1977 for me. Remembering where you were and what you were doing at certain moments in our lives just seem to stick with you. I remember in high school where I was on March 21, 1981 when then President Ronald Reagan had been shot. I remember telling Coach Zek Smith that he had been shot and coach said “Tim, you don’t joke about those types of things”. Of course I wasn’t, and that moment is etched in my minds history.
The winds of Friday, 2, March 2012 blew through with a fiery that has left families changed forever. The impact of a single event can sometimes change the entire course of an individual’s life. It changes the course of a business owner who has lost everything or experienced a major set-back and loss. Churches are impacted and can experience a new focus and direction of resources and energies when tragedy happens and response is a must. We often like to think about impact moments such as milestone birthday parties and anniversaries. We want to remember changes and advancement in your chosen career field or a promotion from your employer. Announcements that celebrate the birth of a child or the graduation of our child from high school or college we want to celebrate and remember. Yes, these happy moment we want to hold on to, but there is also value in remember the difficult moments and struggles of life too. The loss of a loved one from a tragic storm is an experience we all want to avoid. Honestly, most individuals want to avoid loss of life for any reason at all cost, but it happens. One of the strengths that is discovered during such a moment at death is the way in which we have lived prior to that event. Growing up I have heard the expression, “live it like you mean it” often. It was a reminder to me and a reflection to live my life in such a way as to be true and honest with myself and others as I traveled in my journey called life. I lost my best friend in high school shortly after graduation. Still today, I think of Mark Douglas Sharpe often. I had left for a mission trip and he had stayed home when he drown on a sunny day on a lake. The news of that moment didn’t bring sunshine for sure yet it was an experience that did change me forever. The moment was negative but the impact and change was positive. I learned what I called the enhanced value of friendship. Each time I look at that picture of us on graduation day I remember life is short, relationships should be meaningful, and maybe the most important lesson of all, the value of time.
The impact of the tornados that touched down did created change that we had no control over. The winds and hail of the moment destroyed property totally for some and just damaged the goods of others. There will be many varied experiences from those directly impacted and those that are impacted from the aftermath of the event. Helping to clean up and assisting with the next stage in life for those volunteering can have both a changing impact for those giving and those receiving a hand along the journey.
There is much to be done and there is many who need help. If we each decided to give and do as we can with respect to our resources, the single action of one becomes a pool of resources that makes a positive impact forever.
Until then.
Friday, March 23, 2012
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Battles that Rage
The battle that rages within each individual may not necessarily been a battle that is easily recognized. Yes, there are many things we each battle, but given the nature of my column, I am speaking about the spiritual battle we face. I could make this extremely personal and say that battle I face if that makes you reading the column feel better. Sometimes it is easier for us to see issues that others face before we accept the challenge that is before us personally. The Bible says that Jesus Christ seeks after us as individuals. He loves us, cares for us and has a plan of abundance if we would only accept it. The Bible also says that the devil has a plan, where he seeks like a roaring lion that he may devour us. Not sure which plan you believe sounds the best, but I am thinking clearly for me, I like abundance of good, and not being devoured.
Here in lies the battle that we each face spiritually. Good versus evil. Our human nature wants to always believe that we are A.O.K., our lives are under control, we not only have a handle on things, but maybe even we see the future too. For those who have experienced just the opposite of those statements you clearly see the task before each of us because of personal experience. For some, being able to talk about a higher power is a battle. Some folks find it difficult to discuss all the things associated with a spiritual conversation. We hate to talk about church, because we’ve been hurt. We don’t want to talk about being submissive to authority or God because we had someone use us and we feel there was no return or appreciation for our efforts. Yes, these are some of the battles we each face. Battles that have touched each of our lives at different times and in different ways.
I would love to write that the ideal church is located in your neighborhood and that there are no issues to report, but I would be lying. I can report that the church Jesus Christ established was designed to be a place where hurting people can find help. The church that Jesus designed is to function as an outlet of light to see and a place of salt for flavor. Yes, we all know churches with problems, because churches are made up of people. I can report that the church Jesus created for the fellowship of folks to come together was built as an encouragement station, even if we humans have made it to be something else at times.
When you feel something inside you that is providing options and decisions, this is battle phase one. Determining who it is that we hear, feel, and sense directing us. Remember, it could be Jesus, or it could be the devil. Learning to figure out who it is can be eased with a personal relationship with Jesus. This personal relationship is key because we learn through a talking and walking with Him, who He is, what He is like, and we are better able to recognize His voice.
This week is the perfect time to think about the battle you are facing and what answer can be found that provides a real solution. Following Jesus is no guarantee that you will not experience heart ache or problems. Following Jesus will not give you a life of ease and all sunshine. However, following Jesus will give you a friend that will never leave you or forsake you. I have found a friend in Jesus and would like to recommend Him for your battles.
Here in lies the battle that we each face spiritually. Good versus evil. Our human nature wants to always believe that we are A.O.K., our lives are under control, we not only have a handle on things, but maybe even we see the future too. For those who have experienced just the opposite of those statements you clearly see the task before each of us because of personal experience. For some, being able to talk about a higher power is a battle. Some folks find it difficult to discuss all the things associated with a spiritual conversation. We hate to talk about church, because we’ve been hurt. We don’t want to talk about being submissive to authority or God because we had someone use us and we feel there was no return or appreciation for our efforts. Yes, these are some of the battles we each face. Battles that have touched each of our lives at different times and in different ways.
I would love to write that the ideal church is located in your neighborhood and that there are no issues to report, but I would be lying. I can report that the church Jesus Christ established was designed to be a place where hurting people can find help. The church that Jesus designed is to function as an outlet of light to see and a place of salt for flavor. Yes, we all know churches with problems, because churches are made up of people. I can report that the church Jesus created for the fellowship of folks to come together was built as an encouragement station, even if we humans have made it to be something else at times.
When you feel something inside you that is providing options and decisions, this is battle phase one. Determining who it is that we hear, feel, and sense directing us. Remember, it could be Jesus, or it could be the devil. Learning to figure out who it is can be eased with a personal relationship with Jesus. This personal relationship is key because we learn through a talking and walking with Him, who He is, what He is like, and we are better able to recognize His voice.
This week is the perfect time to think about the battle you are facing and what answer can be found that provides a real solution. Following Jesus is no guarantee that you will not experience heart ache or problems. Following Jesus will not give you a life of ease and all sunshine. However, following Jesus will give you a friend that will never leave you or forsake you. I have found a friend in Jesus and would like to recommend Him for your battles.
Friday, March 2, 2012
Remarks, let me share some.
Remarks are the things we say about a conversation, situation or the comments we make regarding what we have just witnessed or experienced. These "remarks" can either carry with them the weight of the world, or they could be the lifting encouragement that your spirit so desperately needed. For those who read this column regularly you know I have an option and I am thinking something all the time. Opinions are great to think about, consider and review. Opinions are perfect for testing conditions, beliefs and situations. Of course these past two statements are all self reflective opinions and not necessarily fact. There you go, a disclaimer all ready! Life regarding our remarks is just like a disclaimer isn't it? We have an opinion, we have thoughts but they should be heard relative to the situation, context, and understood from our point view.
The things we say really matter. I am of the opinion that most folks consider what they say to have no matter at all. My reason for believing such is because I hear people say things about people, situations, and events that I am not convinced they realize have an impact on others. Words are a powerful tool. Actions are also a handy tool and companion mate for words as well. These two go hand-in-hand and when used with consideration and thought, they have an amazing positive impact, even when shared to help others grow or see more clearly. However, the opposite is just as true. Remarks can set people back, and it even appears to sometimes be what me might call a deadly blow to self esteem, confidence, and vision. Not sure what you consider your role to be in society, at church, among your friends, or at work, but I believe mine should be one that is positive, provides encouragement and yes that includes a challenge too.
Everyday as we walk and talk we have a chance with our interactions with people to help write a new verse. Walt Whitman wrote that we each have a chance in the powerful play of life to contribute, make a difference, be a part, and to coin his words exactly, "write a verse". When you look out and see something happening do you turn your head, act as if you didn't see it, or just ignore it altogether? I have shared with the blessings of my life that there are 4 things that help to mold us as individuals. I have quoted these 4 for so long that I have forgotten where I even heard them, but I claim them as truths to live by for certain. The books you read, the people you meet, the places you go and the experiences you have. These truths I have shared in motivational talks with First Priority at their club meetings, devotions with sports teams, and even in sermons. I have discovered my life is different because of these 4 things alone and consider these remarks for what they are, mine, but remarks that have changed me.
The biggest decision I have personally ever made in my lifetime remains to be the moment that I asked Jesus Christ to come into my life! I remember it still just like I remember the first time I believed that Jesus loved me. Now these two experiences may seem like the same thing but they are not. I first believed that Jesus loved me because of the songs I learned at Vacation Bible School. It was the combination of my grandmother, Stella Mills, and her front porch singing and the efforts of Bill Cox from the First Baptist Spartanburg, South Carolina. That moment happened at Fields, Kentucky in an area simply known as Crocket. It was in a little room where we were making a summer craft that I painted in blue and gray. I remember the moment so well. It was the simply chorus "Jesus in the morning, Jesus in the noon time, Jesus when the sun goes down" that was helping to turn my mind and thoughts. I believed that Jesus loved me from 1971 on, but it would be a few years later until I would make that decision to ask Jesus to come into my heart. I made that decision then because I knew beyond any shadow of doubt I could clearly hear Jesus speaking to me.
Remarks, yes I have a few to share. They are absolutely from my experiences. I have read books to confirm and challenge my way of thinking about faith, church, and Jesus. People have walked in and out of my life that have played huge roles and had tremendous impacts on me, and the ministry that God has given me. I have been blessed to travel to spot all around the world, but the biggest travel that has changed me has been through the doors of homes that have been opened to me here at home. People, places, books and experiences. All working to make me what I ought to be. It took him just a week to make the moon and the starts and Jupiter and Mars, but He is still working on me.
For Christians this is a perfect day and time to thing about the things we say, the comments we make and the impression we leave with folks we meet, talk to, and even those watching from a far. For you reading who may have already arrived at the conclusion that Jesus loves you, but you have yet to make the next move, consider this last remark. What He did for me, He will do for you.
Until then
The things we say really matter. I am of the opinion that most folks consider what they say to have no matter at all. My reason for believing such is because I hear people say things about people, situations, and events that I am not convinced they realize have an impact on others. Words are a powerful tool. Actions are also a handy tool and companion mate for words as well. These two go hand-in-hand and when used with consideration and thought, they have an amazing positive impact, even when shared to help others grow or see more clearly. However, the opposite is just as true. Remarks can set people back, and it even appears to sometimes be what me might call a deadly blow to self esteem, confidence, and vision. Not sure what you consider your role to be in society, at church, among your friends, or at work, but I believe mine should be one that is positive, provides encouragement and yes that includes a challenge too.
Everyday as we walk and talk we have a chance with our interactions with people to help write a new verse. Walt Whitman wrote that we each have a chance in the powerful play of life to contribute, make a difference, be a part, and to coin his words exactly, "write a verse". When you look out and see something happening do you turn your head, act as if you didn't see it, or just ignore it altogether? I have shared with the blessings of my life that there are 4 things that help to mold us as individuals. I have quoted these 4 for so long that I have forgotten where I even heard them, but I claim them as truths to live by for certain. The books you read, the people you meet, the places you go and the experiences you have. These truths I have shared in motivational talks with First Priority at their club meetings, devotions with sports teams, and even in sermons. I have discovered my life is different because of these 4 things alone and consider these remarks for what they are, mine, but remarks that have changed me.
The biggest decision I have personally ever made in my lifetime remains to be the moment that I asked Jesus Christ to come into my life! I remember it still just like I remember the first time I believed that Jesus loved me. Now these two experiences may seem like the same thing but they are not. I first believed that Jesus loved me because of the songs I learned at Vacation Bible School. It was the combination of my grandmother, Stella Mills, and her front porch singing and the efforts of Bill Cox from the First Baptist Spartanburg, South Carolina. That moment happened at Fields, Kentucky in an area simply known as Crocket. It was in a little room where we were making a summer craft that I painted in blue and gray. I remember the moment so well. It was the simply chorus "Jesus in the morning, Jesus in the noon time, Jesus when the sun goes down" that was helping to turn my mind and thoughts. I believed that Jesus loved me from 1971 on, but it would be a few years later until I would make that decision to ask Jesus to come into my heart. I made that decision then because I knew beyond any shadow of doubt I could clearly hear Jesus speaking to me.
Remarks, yes I have a few to share. They are absolutely from my experiences. I have read books to confirm and challenge my way of thinking about faith, church, and Jesus. People have walked in and out of my life that have played huge roles and had tremendous impacts on me, and the ministry that God has given me. I have been blessed to travel to spot all around the world, but the biggest travel that has changed me has been through the doors of homes that have been opened to me here at home. People, places, books and experiences. All working to make me what I ought to be. It took him just a week to make the moon and the starts and Jupiter and Mars, but He is still working on me.
For Christians this is a perfect day and time to thing about the things we say, the comments we make and the impression we leave with folks we meet, talk to, and even those watching from a far. For you reading who may have already arrived at the conclusion that Jesus loves you, but you have yet to make the next move, consider this last remark. What He did for me, He will do for you.
Until then
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