What's up with your 'VIBE'

There are so many things in life that we send and share our personal 'vibes' about with others we meet and know. When I think about 'vibe' items I have signaled that are important to me they include foods items like: pizza; corn dogs; hot pretzels; Soda drinks like Squirt and a Royal Crown Cola. (In my opinion if you claim to be a Christian and because Jesus is a Royal King how could you not like an R.C?; In the music 'vibe' as a Kentuckian it must be Bluegrass Music; If these facts you knew about me you can place yourself in my 10 best friends list! If you know the remaining unnamed two other items then you know you are named in my Last Will and Testament! For those that are not sure about the definition of the word 'Vibe' it is wise to understand the word is used in many different settings. A big difference in style and meaning varies from a younger generation to an aged and season people group. 'Vibes' come up in conversation that are negative and positive. These 'vibes' we share can also be easily misunderstood if we don't understand in some aspect or part the history of the individual sharing. Someone who has experienced and been emotionally crushed by untruths will find it very difficult to open up to such opportunities to repeat the process again. If someone is guarded there is a history behind the reason for this attitude. The positive vibes I have personally mentioned all have a history too. Pizza goes back to the hour and location I was born. That story is for another day and in honors my parents. If you've never heard of National Corn Dog Day then there you have it. Who needs another reason to celebrate such a special creation and mixture of cornmeal, flower and a hot dog all deep-fried. Bluegrass Music honors the mountain heritage of the people of Kentucky and it is a style of music known, appreciated and loved the world over. If you know the history and the shape of pretzels then you know they are crossed praying hands created by monks. I have always bought RC Cola's for church events and most people respond with something like, "who drinks RC?", when I respond with what Christian doesn't? there is always a laugh or smile. Sometimes it creates a flash back memory of an RC and peanuts moment of their childhood. Final reason would be to begin a conversation on the subject of Jesus and a Royal Crown cola. Now that might seem really funny or even dumb to some but I've got many positive stories to share from such witnessing opportunities. For me and my walk with Jesus this all makes perfect sense totally personally. In life we have many opportunities to love life, love things and love Jesus with all our hearts. Scripture says Jesus uses all things and for me, I believe this too. Happy New Year and I pray your 'vibe' is working well for you too. Until then

Saying 'Goodbye to 2014' and 'Hello to 2015'

Saying 'goodbye' to 2014 and 'hello' to 2015 is the next step in my yearly ritual of reflecting and embracing. Happy New Year is the expression of this time period but the most amazing fact is that it is also the most short lived expression. If you want to test my theory just listen to people and the salutation the share just days after the big ball drops in New York City. Everywhere people are using the expression today when they answer the phone, see their friends and say goodbye. One week removed from the big transition of 2014 to 2015 you will likely find very few people saying Happy New Year. Personally, I just don't get it! If you think about the course of a year and the way it is divided into days (365), weeks (52), months (12) and quarters (4), I believe reflecting upon the year just passed requires just a bit more than one eve of noise and food. Reflecting upon 2014 requires more than just a New Year's Day schedule of football on television, eating food and watching floats in a parade. I suggest that proper reflecting requires that we consider our failures experiences and what we've learned from those moments. Proper reflection involves a look back at your struggles and challenges too. Who was involved in your getting over the hump or being in the dump? Good questions that if properly reflected upon will be a great tool for embracing 2015. Life often leaves some folks saying "I don't know what happened"....well, reflecting will give you an opportunity to process the four big life changers. I have long been sharing the big four life changers as: People; Experiences; Places; Books; These four will without a doubt change your life and without them your life will be, well I think void of all the opportunities that make a difference in your life and in others. Embracing 2015 begins as all new moments, the first requirement is that we must embrace change. This is the nasty word for most folks and shockingly for me personally, I see individuals who are so repulsed and negative about the word and slightest introduction to change that I often find myself just wondering what's wrong with them. These thoughts I have especially when the negative comes from individuals who are most well suited for the experience of change. I would describe those individuals as folks who strive for the best, believe in people and are individuals who give a helping hand to others. Perceived to be positive people unfortunately are not always so. True intentions must be evaluated by heart words heard, heart actions witnessed and heart attitudes observed. The heart is the lifeline and reflecting and embracing. 2014 was more than I asked for and provided me with many unexpected blessings and challenges. I have no promise of the first second, minute, hour, day, week, or month in 2015. I am approaching the year 2015 optimistically even with no promise to experience any part of it. My heart is right. Me and Jesus have had plenty of conversations and my inner spirit is at peace with all things eternal. My attitude is set in stone I pray. I am determined to embrace all changes as they appear. Making the best possible decision with the information, wisdom and guidance each moment presents. From my previous reflections of this year and years past, I know I am grateful for failed personal goals that were not in my best interest, closure on some issues and for opportunities that will allow me to dream again. There is nothing but reflection that can be accomplished regarding 2014 but there is everything you can do to embrace 2015 if only you would believe. Until then.