Random Lessons Learned

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“I have not failed 10,000 times. I have successfully found 10,000 ways that will not work.” -Thomas A. Edison

Lessons learned over the weekend:

  • The Weather Channel’s roving reporters add nothing to the drama level by standing sideways against 80 mph winds. They look ridiculous and put not only themselves in harm’s way, but the camera men as well.
  • Never substitute napkins propped by the popcorn for Puffs tissues—something Beth and I learned the hard way Sunday afternoon while watching “The Help.” (By the way, LOVED the movie!)
  • Exercising is always more fun (and I believe efficient 🙂 when accompanied by 70’s music.
  • Based on Chip Ingram’s Good to Great in God’s Eyes series (which I taught as my last class yesterday), our “to-be’s” need to be jotted down in our calendars prior to our “to-do’s”. I want to be healthier, so guess what’s already in my calendar this week? Exercising. Chip shares how he wanted to be a better husband so he marked in his calendar a date night with his wife every Friday. That was 26 years ago and he’s become a better hubby as a result. What “to-be’s” do you need to jot down before your week gets away from you?
  • Our identity is not to be based on any spiritual gift or talent we possess. It is to be grounded in Christ.
  • We made a lot of mistakes as parents but we also created some pretty cool Christmas traditions (I worked on the Christmas e-book this weekend!)
  • As important as it is to budget our money, it’s even more vital that we budget our time.

–image courtesy of US Coastguard

My Friday Fave

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I call them “God glimpses”—those instances when we catch sight of God moving in our life, or in the lives of those around us, in very specific ways.

On Monday morning, I got a call from God inviting me to a “come to Jesus” meeting. His tone was firm, yet full of tender mercies. We conversed, I repented, and began anew with a fresh awareness of His presence.

As a result, this week was unlike many others in recent months, thankfully. I walked with a greater dependence on God and in doing so, my spiritual eyes were open to “God glimpses” at every turn.

God began my week by calling out my sin, including my lack of dependence on Him, and He ended my week by reminding me that I’m in training—never arriving.

“I am intimately involved in all your moments, and I am training you to be aware of Me at all times. Your assignment is to collaborate with Me in this training process.” – Jesus Calling, Sarah Young

A glimpse of God to begin my day. Only a sweet Savior would bookend my week with grace and mercy.

Why Saying No Is Saying Yes

by | Faith | 5 comments

I said “no” to something on Tuesday that I’ve not declined in months. (Hint: it’s frozen, yet pliable enough for scooping, 500+ calories, and chock full of cookie dough)

So why say “no” this time? It wasn’t a matter of being too full or not in the mood for ice cream (is there such a mood?)

I said “no” to ice cream that night in order to say “yes” to a healthier me for a lifetime.

It’s simple but true: Saying “no” to one thing allows us to say “yes” to something else—usually of greater value.

  • “No” to TV = “Yes” to quietness, quality time with the Lord and family, reading a good book.
  • “No” to splurging = “Yes” to wise spending, saving, ability to help others in need.
  • “No” to busyness = “Yes” to abundant living
  • “No” to always saying “yes” to everyone = “Yes” to understanding you can’t be everything to everyone…nor should you.

Perhaps I’m the last one to board this train, but this simple principle is a life-changer for me. It seems so obvious yet it’s too often neglected.

What about you? To what (or whom) can you say “no” to this week in order to say “yes” to God’s best?

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