"I Do, You Do,... We Do"

Many things in life are subject to wearing out. The spark and vibrancy once known between husband and wife tends to grow dim with all of the demands that life brings. I'm certain you won't have to think about it long. 

- Have your conversations become dull, boring, and typically predictable? 

- Do the negatives tend to outweigh the positives?

- Are you consumed with the schedules that YOU have created for your children?

- What are things you've wanted to talk about, yet you couldn't find the courage to initiate? 

Find the "pause" button and stop long enough to re-ignite your conversations with bridge builders - those things that will merge your thoughts, hopes, goals, and dreams. Take time to construct raw moments of fun and genuine laughter that will usher in the help and healing that both of you need. 

It's time to dream again. Regardless if you have been married 50 years, 5 years, or 5 months, there's no harm to be done in dreaming anew with your spouse. And picture albums are often a great catalyst for bringing back the fire - that is, the wanted, desired, awe inspiring joy of complementing one another in simply being together. 

So, let's map out a plan. Go ahead and fetch your wedding album and sit down together free from distractions and distance yourself from all electronics and social media. You are about to re-discover once again the love, excitement, and romance you shared back when problems, challenges, and struggles didn't exist. Wait a minute, they actually did exist! You were just so unwilling to allow them to wear you down and giving up,...well, that was not an option. You refused to lose and you knew TWOgether, you were destined to win.

As you open the album, or begin sifting through those pictures, narrow your focus onto your faces. Look at the smiles and find the anticipation that you possessed for the future. Zero in on the confidence you delivered every time someone delivered their "Congratulations" and/or "You two look so amazing!" Take a moment to extract the strength you had then and know you still have it. It's just been overlaid with so much "stuff" that has clouded your view of one another. 

Summing it up: Do you recall those statements the minister had you repeat to each other on that special day? 

How about this one:

"I, (name), take you (name), to be my (wife/husband), to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do us part."

The question to ask yourself is, "Am I?"

The question to ask your spouse is, "Am I?"

If the response you receive isn't what you long to hear, then take the necessary time and steps NOW to connect, reflect and sincerely work toward a soul'ution. The journey is intended to be enjoyed, but it is not, and will not ever be free of the need to refresh the screen.

It's time for the two of you to enjoy each other and the journey,...again.

FINDER'S KEEPER'S

If there is one principle, one posture, one position, and one passion that is most misunderstood, misquoted, misread, and missing in the lives of so many professing Christians today, it is defining, aligning, and assigning what it truly means to "Keep God First."

When desiring to belong and be associated with the spiritual aspect of humanity, so many lay a quick claim to their pursuits being met with the prerequisite of "keeping God first." I'm not going to hide it. While some state their claims, the landscape of their lives reflect a clear disconnect in their application of Jesus' command to "seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness." (Matthew 6:33) 

To "seek first" means that one's #1 priority in life is to nurture their life focus on God, with God, and to God,...daily. This is not merely accomplished by being able to speak certain spiritual jargon, or dressing up on Sunday mornings, or referencing an spiritual experience or event that took place somewhere in the past. It really comes down to a personal pursuit, a continual discovery, development, and deployment of the nature of Christ in and through one's life.

The hymn of the church, "Amazing Grace," though written ages ago, included my sinfulness and wretchedness. You see, "I once was lost, but now I am found, I was blind, but now I can see." I am so thankful that God so loved you and me that He gave His only Son to die for our sins, sicknesses, and sorrows. He found me, rescued me, redeemed me, and I am determined to keep Him at the top of my list.

This is in no way an exhaustive list of some of the markers that indicate one is truly "keeping God first." Let's begin with the detectable, obvious, and notable markers and then include some of the faith foundational principles:

- Possessing an optimistic attitude toward life and others, both in the present and for the future.

- The absence of heaviness, depression, and a despondency that clearly lacks the joy of the Lord that is one's strength.

- Being reachable and teachable at all times.

- Participates in helping and serving.

- Actively looks for opportunities to encourage others who may be struggling in life.

- Actively assimilated into a Community of Faith (local church).

- Regularly attends a local church and is committed to consistent discipleship training.

- Commits their time, talent, and treasure to their community of faith in obedience to God's Word, to fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20), and for the support of the vision of the local church.

- Prays and stays their focus on God and the things of God. 

- Encourages their family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and community to follow their example.

"Keepers," those who keep God first are committed to a life pursuit of excellence; spirit - soul - and body. This pursuit is never to be emotional, occasional, or seasonal, to only be set in motion during holidays (Easter, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas) or key life events (Baby dedications, Graduations, Weddings, Retirement, Funerals). For "keepers," these times are highlights of the year to bring added honor and support to family and friends. For those who fail to maintain their faith focus and pursuit, it often turns into an unfortunate time of encouraging others to follow an example that may be nonexistent. We are called to sharpen the stewardship of our Christian witness and be careful to only offer genuine words of encouragement, rather than trying to pose as a representative of a Kingdom that one is not enlisted or authorized to speak on behalf of. 

SUMMING IT UP: Some just simply fail to understand that commitment is not contingent upon comfort, conveniences, or the direction of the crowd. We are encouraged to "set our affections on things above, not on the things of this world." (Colossians 3:2) "Keepers" don't view this encouragement as boring, religious, or confining, but rather liberating and a welcomed companion to the Christ centered life.

If you find yourself a bit irritated or overwhelmed with the working out of life, then it could be a sign that you're spending less time with God and too much time with this world. Both my desire and drive in this present life is that I represent the Kingdom of God with honor, honesty, integrity, and a faith that is active, living, transformational, and an encouragement for others to follow.

DO YOU REALLY CARE ?

Our world has become inundated with individuals who simply like to tell others how they feel, yet they are rarely having those conversations with the people who really matter. Some are oblivious to this reality, consequently being held hostage to self inflicted hostility. For some, it has become their standard "modus operandi" accompanied by a reckless disposition. It's that whole "I don't what they think, it's how I feel," attitude that we've seen and heard demonstrated much too often. Allow me to extend a heart and a hand to you here today.

Let's begin here with a simple exercise. Carve out a few minutes to seriously consider TAKING AN INVENTORY. This is not just something to consume your time, but this will equip and empower you to experience freedom and help others benefit as well. Something to think about AND walk about today,... tomorrow,... always!!!)

1.) Are the people you talk about with others, or those whom you post about on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.), those whom you reference in your posts, those whom you love, care for, and value,... are they personally aware of your perspective, position, and passion? Do they have access to the various social media highways to view the signs that you are posting about them? 

IF THIS IS THE CASE, if at all possible, make sure you tell them personally - call them and let them hear the love and warmth in your voice. You made need to get creative in your pursuits, but believe me, it will be worth it to them, and yes, you will be rewarded as well.

2.) How about some of the negative, cutting, glaring comments you make,...are they mere innuendo's submitted in a public forum or posted on social media billboards to afford you some perceived relief (a/k/a "venting")? Have you considered that the real issues you possess are going unattended, as YOU permit whatever it is (whether perceived or real) to continue wreaking havoc IN you, ON you, and TO you? Buried deep within you is a desire to have fellowship, to experience connection, to enjoy the benefits of genuine, real, and authentic relationships. Fortunately, this is possible, but it will not be achieved without your participation. 

IF THIS IS THE CASE, stop the madness. Shift into the lane of proper conflict resolution and take some time to connect with those individuals you've been taking pleasure in avoiding to reach a resolution that will bring forth the much needed healing and restoration. The construction and maintenance of relationships requires time, energy, effort, and exercise. IF you're willing to make the investment, your world will be a much more enjoyable and fulfilling place to live, and so will the world be for those whom you invest. 

THIS WILL BE A "Win-Win" FOR EVERYONE, including God!!!

"May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer." (Psalm 19:14)

Don't just think about it,.......DO IT TODAY. Take the time needed to launch a new beginning, a new day for you and others!!! You really can be a world changer, but it's UP to you!!!

#motivecheckers

ART OF LEADERSHIP

"I WAS AWAKENED BY THE ARTIST THIS MORNING!" 

I have discovered just as a song, painting, or book is never really perfect to the artist or author, so it is when we aspire to be leaders. At some point, we must release them into the public sector to be judged by those who will declare their "value." I have discovered that nothing ever really quite measures up, including me. However, I allow these revelations and reminders to not serve as an insult, rather an encouragement. 

Within these reminders are opportunities for me to refuel my passion and pursuit to be the very best I can be, not only for myself, but TO those, and FOR those whom I am "being" sent. You see, we must keep the songs stirring, our brushes dipped in paint, and our pen stroking the paper. The art of leadership in life is never done until we step into the presence of the One who created us - THE artist of life and love. With all of my imperfections considered and inventoried today, I'm so thankful for the opportunity to live, to learn, and to love.

"I thank my God every time I remember you.  In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 1:3-6)

I'm so glad He is still working on me!

"HELP, I'M STUCK ON ME!"

"IT'S JUST THE WAY I AM!" Who told you that? 

This is often the response of someone who fails to understand they have a responsibility to work on their personality, attitude, perceptions, likes/dislikes, tolerances, humor values, work ethic, vocabulary, appetites, relationship principles, and life skills. These demand our intentional engagement.

Then, there are those who know this, yet they allow their selfishness and "I don't care" attitude to rob them of some of the rich rewards of life. Sadly, those individuals tend to live lonely lives, absent the opportunities granted to the reachable and the teachable. 

Whether at home, at work, at church, or in community, building strong relationships requires consistent effort, energy, excellence, and an enduring desire to improve our contribution in the lives of others. So, if that's tough for you to do, then just your ask yourself, who are the people (beyond your family) in your life who challenge you and call on you to be ALL you can be? If no one, that very well may be your Genesis - the place to begin!!!

This is a journey that we should enjoy, not one that we should avoid. WE can do this - let's go!!!

#theprideslide #Uturn #wearestrongertogether #live2learn #love2learn #learn2live #learn2love

WHO'S WHO IN YOUR LIFE?

There seems to be an ongoing war for some folks who tend to regularly struggle with qualitative and meaningful friendships and at times, even dating pursuits. And, there are those who encounter difficulty in building stability and longevity in their careers or employment opportunities. 

Why is this? Too often, there is this tendency to HOLD on to things that we should free ourselves from that are toxic, eventually proving their destructive presence and pursuit. On the flip side, some will LET GO of things they should have HELD tightly to - principles, ideals, relationships, and influences that should have remained. The culprit is often a lack of agreement with principles and guidance provided. 

The writer of Proverbs gives us some much needed insight, where he reveals 

"Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed." (Proverbs 15:22)

Unfortunately, some people are slow to realize that just because they don't "agree" with someone or something, doesn't necessarily mean the principle, the person, or the provided guidance or counsel was wrong. 

SUMMING IT UP: Feelings are never to be the criteria to determine the accuracy, validity, or correctness of the spiritual and moral compass of our lives. #nurtureyourspirit #growingpains #lookattheevidence

"WAITING, WANTING, & WINNING!"

"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." (Hebrews 11:1)

When I awoke this morning, I felt prompted to bring these words forward as a simple reminder to those who pass this way on this 5th day of May, 2015.

- You may be WAITING for your spouse to change.

- You may be WANTING your boss or coworker to change.

- You may be WAITING on your finances to change.

- You may be WANTING your children to change.

- You may be WAITING for and WANTING your health to change.

Many of the things we are often WAITING on and WANTING to see change, will only change when we "do!"

"14 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." (James 2:14-17)

Again, much of the change you are awaiting in your life is actually waiting on YOU. 

Friend, stop waiting and wanting and start WINNING today, by not only saying you want things to change and hoping things will change. It's time, today is the day to begin bringing order to your life by following through with the action plan you've been talking about to bring about the change you so desire, and in so many cases, that you need.

#nowfaithis

#participateinyourownrescue #faithwithoutworksisdead

#stepintothewinnerscircle