Do More...

Recently, my boss and I planned a retreat for our leadership team. We desired to set the tone by having a few icebreakers at the beginning. One of the activities called for a response to a phrase or question. I happened to get the one that asked that I share my life's slogan(s). Well, two quotes/slogan immediately surfaced: A. Find the good and praise it; and B. Just do it! I did not share both quotes. I focused more on the one that stresses finding the good and praising it, which overlapped into the second quote that's a popular phrase from the familiar brand Nike.

As I read over Proverbs 24 today, the verses to stand out for me were verses 16-18: "For though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again but the wicked are brought down by calamity. Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when he stumbles, do not let your heart rejoice, or the LORD will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away from him."

This goes back to motives...As I shared in another entry, this has been a recurring theme for me--one that has convicted me. As I read in a great blog about proverbs today, initial thoughts in reading this chapter are of relief. You see your faults and know that God will carry you; however, I immediately tripped/stumbled over the words that would follow about our "enemies". I know there are times when I hope I'll prevail to prove or make a point to others. The reminder and truth is that should not be of my concern. In fact, if I get real with myself, I should go back up to one of the earlier verses in the chapter that also stood out while reading:

"By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures" (vs. 3, 4).

I am working to establish my home--literally and figuratively. I realize that in the settings where I dwell, I possess the power to affect the atmosphere, which can be one filled in those virtuous things spoken of in the Bible and valued by God, or the very same things He brings up in contrast to these positive characteristics.

On Sunday, our pastor challenged us to be the best we could be, doing more to overcome the Enemy known as Average. John L. Mason is the author of a book, which preaches and teaches to this type of stinking thinking. We must strive to be excellent and with the right, proper motives--not to prove anyone wrong or show off, receive fame, etc. etc.

When we work to give our best, it just makes life better for all involved. I'm stiving to do and be more...in every area of my life. This summer has been a season of being stretched. I feel myself expanding.

Living Life Skillfully

The latest battle has been doing with a cheerful heart. While I am often doing things for others at work, with children I mentor, and in my personal life, I am not always enthusiastic about doing it. In fact, I have a few close people in my life who I typically turn to in order to complain about why I feel things tend to fall in my lap to take care of or get done. It is hard trying not to show the frustration, exhaustion or irritation when it comes to needing people to step up to the plate and JUST DO IT. If you have the ability to and can help somebody, just do it...It's what I tend to model for others regularly. However, this week I was convicted due to my outer and inner not aligning. I do, but I knew in my heart I was going through the motions, expecting something in return, and becoming angry because I desired credit or appreciation in return.

I am reminded of Proverbs 19:21, "You can make many plans, but the LORD'S purpose will prevail."

Regardless of what those around me may be doing, God's only concerned with my motives and actions. It is my desire to please him. And, fortunately for me--all of us--he cares enough that regardless of how simple we may act or respond to his will, he will still take us to that place of fulfilling our purposes.

As I come to the last week of studying Proverbs, perhaps what I've been constantly reminded of in this book are the following: fellowship/actions with others, practical instruction for life, preparation for any day of the week on the hour, and (of course) the importance of wisdom and applying it.

God is my source. When I think of everything He's sacrificed and given me, I'm reminded that I ought to give my very BEST in everything...not for glory, benefits, handouts, or anything else, but simply because I can because God has equipped me to be able to do so. I want to be the best me I can be because I was created by the best there ever was...Why wouldn't I want to showcase Him in my swagger (Laughing)?!

And, it is funny or ironic: The more we give, serve and do, the more we're blessed. When we're obedient, life comes together. Why simply exist in the world??? LIVE!

I am skilled in living (for him), which makes every challenge or situation I face one that can be managed, achieved and overcame!

Being a Wise Guy (or Gal)

Consider this: "It's God that answers."

What comes to mind with the statement? Does it give you peace? Is it a bit of an indifferent feeling, or do you feel I need to offer a little more before you can respond to the questions?

My sarcasm has a way of interrupting progress and hurting feelings, especially when I get on a roll. My dealings with children often causes me to be aware of my mouth and I remind myself of the importance of modeling good behavior for the adults and children I connect with daily. However, the reality is I do have my moments...There is a little wise guy/gal in all of us if we are honest with ourselves. In thought, tongue, or actions, it is the wise guy who gets the laughs and attention--not only in life, but on the main stage...With such glorification along with some of the perks that come in putting others in their place, who wouldn't want to have a small measure of "wise guy" in them?

Proverbs 16 starts out with some peaceful truths that should hopefully remind us that he will answer when we're "wise"--the right way--in him:

"To human beings the plans of the heart, but from the LORD comes the proper answer of the tongue. People may think all their ways are pure, but motives are weighed by the LORD. Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans." (Proverbs 16:1-3)

To transition due to my being a little behind with my posts each day, Proverbs 17 discusses the positive traits and characteristics of a friend. A familiar passage is verse 17:

"A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."

What type of wise guy are you? Are you using your words to hurt, put down, kill & destroy, OR do you put truth out there in order to strengthen your neighbor?

Remember the say growing up, "If you have nothing nice to say, don't say it at all"? I think we need to remember to check our attitudes at the door in order to be better for those in our environments. Working to be more appreciative and cheerful makes life so much sweeter.

For work, we're aiming for continuous improvement in several areas. And, while the heart of my organization is learning and teaching, the reality is nothing can be accomplished without the establishment of strong, solid relationships. Relationships require us to keep wisdom in view in making decisions in the best interest of others. From strong relationships are such descriptors as trust, love, joy, peace, kindness--fruits of the spirit that are spoken of in Galatians.

If your tree is bearing "bad" fruit, perhaps you're not putting the right things into it that are needed for proper growth: a little (holy) water, some food (daily bread/the Word), and of course "son"light.

What type of "wise" guy/gal are you? One who is wise in the Lord and attracting/drawing in others to Christ, or are you avoiding the Good Director's plan for your life in order to have a show full of drama???

The awesome thing about a journey with Christ is he always allows for second, third, and fourth performances to perfect your role. And, he won't recast you if your motives are right and you desire him to be in control.

Each day we're on some one's main stage. Work to have your performance feel right the first time in order to not feel like you have to do it over and over. This comes with studying the lines to become the best wise guy you can be.

Break a leg!

Cross Eyed...for Jesus

As I continue to read a chapter out of Proverbs a day, I realize some subtle things which are likely the obvious but certainly okay to have manifest when reflecting on these daily readings. This is a journey in life where believers are encouraged to "walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7). This is how we're to make decisions about the difficult situations and choices that face us daily. From jobs to relationships, walking in faith is how we make hard decisions about life.

It is easier to accept putting major decisions in God's hands, but there is the question of how to approach simple, daily choices/decisions. Are we still seeking God? And, is it more of a walking by sight than faith? In reading Proverbs, it can become a bit hazy given the instructions and simple statements on living. However, one of the MAJOR themes from the book of Proverbs goes back to Chapter 1, verse 7: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction."

In satisfying the deepest desires of my heart, I'm working to better walk in faith. Today's message at church was a powerful depiction and analogy of our faith walk compared to Jesus'. We all have our tree, or cross, to bear; however, it is important to move from the tree into the cave--Christ was buried in a cave and we're to nestle in our caves, our secret places, to seek Him--in order to move beyond: Christ's resurrection/our triumphs...I'm giving the really QUICK bite to what was a deep and powerful message, but I'm hoping that I'm capturing some of the highlights, which will allow for further study and excitement in your own study time.

Currently, I am seeking faith in many--if not all--areas of my life. At the forefront, I am thinking of my "first" date from last evening. First dates have a tendency to be awkward and an annoyance, yet at the same time exciting and what could lead to major impacts for the future...It was a good first date. I'm walking in faith and keeping sight of the cross along the way.

What Have You Done for Me Lately?

Chapters 13 & 14 have no direct central themes. With each line or verse, there is a simple statement of good and not good. Essentially, the two chapters focus on contrasting good and evil in a variety of different scenarios from how we govern to what we say.

Last night I went and enjoyed the new movie G.I. Joe, seeing another picture of good versus evil. As I watched, I kept asking with the plot development, "What's the point? Is this drama necessary?" However, I am the type of person who asks that question often. I often think we complicate life so much more than necessary.

So, today I was checking my email and had a forward from my auntie titled "7 Percent". You will understand why it's given this title at the end, but that's not why I've posted it:

7 Percent

A holy man was having a conversation with the Lord one day and said, 'Lord, I would like to know what Heaven and Hell are like.'

The Lord led the holy man to two doors.
He opened one of the doors and the holy man looked in.

In the middle of the room was a large round table.

In the middle of the table was a large pot of stew, which smelled delicious and made the holy man's mouth water.

The people sitting around the table were thin and sickly.

They appeared to be famished. They were holding spoons with very long handles that were strapped to their arms and each found it possible to reach into the pot of stew and take a spoonful.

But because the handle was longer than their arms, they could not get the spoons back into their mouths.

The holy man shuddered at the sight of their misery and suffering.

The Lord said, 'You have seen Hell.'

They went to the next room and opened the door. It was exact ly the same as the first one.

There was the large round table with the large pot of stew which made the holy man's mouth water.

The people were equipped with the same long-handled spoons, but here the people were well nourished and plump, laughing and talking.

The holy man said, 'I don't understand.'

'It is simple,' said the Lord. 'It requires but one skill. You see, they have learned to feed each other. The greedy think only of themselves.'

When Jesus died on the cross, he was thinking of you.
Its estimated 93% won't forward this.
If you are one of the 7% who will, forward this with the title '7%' .

I'm in the 7%
Remember that
I will always share my
spoon with you.

The theme of this refers back to one of the two most important commandments the Lord asked us to follow: To love God with all our heart AND to love our neighbors.

These two chapters in Proverbs mention quite a bit the difference between the poor and the wealthy, but it notes that riches are stored up in heaven with the virtues of giving, loving, helping, and being honest.

How are you living? Have you done something (good) for someone else lately?