He tells me to relax and keeps me calm, cool and collected wherever I go.

He makes be stronger and keeps me focused in the right direction.

Although this world is dangerous, it doesn’t make me afraid. He is with me and gives me evidence of His presence to relieve any stress.

I always prosper and those that seek to prevent it are powerless; I live in blessings and so much so that I can’t keep it to myself.

I am convinced that God will be with me till I take my last breath and afterwards I shall live with Him forever.

What I am referring to is the hunger of accomplishing a meaningful goal. This type of hunger is a good thing when it is directed in the proper direction. Being hungry motivates you to be your best and you give your best to receive the best.

All of us have had occasions where we have experienced lousy customer service. That clerk who seemed too preoccupied with everything but providing excellent service; that repairman who seemed more interested in getting a payment than in insuring quality service; that phone consultant who seemed to have no independent thoughts outside of the script; all showed a lack of proper hunger.

It is so easy to settle into a routine and to perform as on automatic pilot. Going through the motions may look like progress, but is it really? Are you hungry or are you satisfied to continue to follow the script that removes you from taking ownership of the things within your sphere?

At the beginning of the year, many of us wrote down goals we had for ourselves. With a blank page before us, we allowed ourselves to dream and to picture the end results of the goals we set. But dreaming and doing are two different things. Whether or not we reach these goals will be determined by just how hungry we are.

How hungry are you? Are you hungry enough to make necessary changes in your life and routine that only come about by self-discipline and will power? Or will you continue to talk the talk but not walk the walk?

Are you hungry enough to take a serious inventory of how you spend your time and who you spend your time with and to make adjustments where deemed necessary? Or are you more concerned with not “rocking the boat” and not making waves? Just how hungry are you?

For those who are hungry enough, there is a buffet before you. The world needs and wants individuals and ministries and companies and churches and organizations that are passionate about what they do.

Being hungry is a good thing. What are you hungry for?

My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding,  and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.  Proverbs 2: 1-5

No matter how nice, how new, how expensive, how popular, how trendy or how well liked and desired, a shoe with a rock in it is an unpleasant experience. Just one rock, a small stone in your shoe, will change your outlook on everything.

Until you remove it, none of the superlatives that should be associated with your shoes matters at all. You must remove that rock out of your shoe. As long as the rock is there you can smile and try to go on but the truth is that you are hurting on the inside. The further you try to advance with a rock in your shoe the more pain you will experience. You need relief.

Beauty, Education, Connections, Position, Salary, Investments, Portfolio, Charm, Home Ownership, Car(s), Suburbs, Downtown, Uptown, Midtown, Muscles, Smile, Hair, Family, Associates, Masters, Doctorate, Savings, Health, Energy, Figure, Popularity, Relatives, Talents, Skills, Employment, Entrepreneurship, Favor.

No matter what desirable traits possessed, how well liked or desired, a person with bitterness on the inside is like a person in good shoes with a rock in them. It is an unpleasant experience.  The stone of bitterness will change your outlook on everything.

Until you remove it, none of the superlatives that should be associated with you matters at all. You must remove the rock of bitterness from your life. As long as the rock is there, you can smile and try to go on, but the truth is you are hurting on the inside. The further you try to advance with a rock of bitterness in your life the more pain you will experience. You need relief.

Removing the rock of bitterness from your life can only be done in one way – you must forgive. It may not be fair but for your progress it is vital. It may not be easy but for your peace of mind it is necessary. The pain that bitterness brings is a pain that is not beneficial to you (or anyone else). It can only slow you down and rob you of the quality of life you were meant to experience.

It’s time to let it go. It’s time.  By God’s grace and a made up mind, take that rock out of your shoe and move forward. You have a greater destiny before you.

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins. Mark 11:24, 25 NIV

Now when you hear the music it all makes sense. The blending of different notes, chords and textures of sounds makes the singing that seemed strange by itself now natural and appropriate. You just needed to hear the music.

Today I want to invite you to hear the music that not everyone can hear. I want you to hear music that makes your heart sing out. You might have to tune your ears to hear the music because the musicians are not what you would naturally expect.

I want you to hear the music that comes in the morning before your day starts. That moment of consciousness that says, today, regardless of what I face, is a new day and I thank God that I’m here to experience it. Your beating heart will serve as the rhythm section.

I want you to hear the background melody from birds that find their way to sing notes of cheerfulness amid the noise and pollution of their surroundings. The key they are singing in says that life is yours for the living. Regardless of your environment, it’s time to sing.

I want you to hear the music that comes from realizing that though yesterday may have been a challenge and today is full of things that appear overwhelming, you are meant to sing.

Don’t worry about if others seem puzzled by your singing. To some, there does not seem to be a reason to sing. Life has become a round of never ending difficult circumstances and human tragedies. The pain they feel is real and the struggle to maintain is fierce and ongoing. It’s not that they don’t want to sing, they just can’t hear the music anymore.

The world we live in has serious issues. In many parts of the world people are living in conditions that can only be described as deplorable. Life for many is not a bed of roses. The solutions for change are as complex as the issues faced. But we still need to sing.

So maybe, if you sing loud enough, someone else will pick up the song and realize that we are all meant to sing. You can turn up the volume of your music by giving everything from a simple smile, a warm hug and a shoulder to cry on to someone who needs to sing.

Within each one of us, regardless of our particular situation, is a voice waiting to sing out. Many just need to hear the music. Today, are you willing to help someone else find their voice to sing? If so, turn the music up!

 I rescued the poor who cried for help, and the fatherless who had none to assist him.

 The man who was dying blessed me; I made the widow’s heart sing. Job 29:12, 13 NIV

This question goes far beyond possessions and achievements. It goes far beyond applause for acts or attainments. It goes beyond cultivated or inherited social advantages in life. This question goes to the core of our souls. It asks us, without any flattery, “does your life really count?”

It seems that we are all wired to serve some higher purpose in life than just focusing on our own desires. When we reflect back on our lives our best moments of satisfaction always seemed to be when we were making a difference in someone else’s life.

It might have been a simple act of kindness or a great sacrifice of our time and resources. Either way, inside we knew that for that moment of exchange with another, our lives really did matter. In that moment of exchange we felt that the touch of one human heart to another was what really mattered.

We all have to fight hard to resist the currents of life that pushes us towards living for fame and fortune. It will take a real effort on our part to resist the urge that we often and naturally feel to focus on ourselves.  Because in the grand scheme of life, those things really don’t matter.

Someone may be wondering just what it is they have to offer. The answer to that great question in life is always discovered in the same way. Just start where you are. Find someone you can help. You probably don’t have to look very far. It doesn’t have to be anything grand and it doesn’t have to be anything planned.  A little means much to someone who needs it.

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Enter, you who are blessed by my Father! Take what’s coming to you in this kingdom. It’s been ready for you since the world’s foundation. And here’s why: 
   I was hungry and you fed me,
   I was thirsty and you gave me a drink,
   I was homeless and you gave me a room,
   I was shivering and you gave me clothes,
   I was sick and you stopped to visit,
   I was in prison and you came to me.’ Matthew 25:34-36 The Message Bible

Your life does matter. You do have a purpose in life. Don’t trade it for things that don’t really matter.

Everything was on the line and everything available was being used to accomplish the goal of victory. They just wouldn’t go away. Every time it seemed like losing was inevitable they made a play that said “don’t count me out yet”.

Many times we say that we really want something in life. Everything from that special relationship with someone, good health, positive cash flow, higher education, inspired ministries and everlasting salvation are desires we hold. But the question is “How bad do you want it?”

Is it bad enough to use everything you have to push through the obstacles that stand in your way? Is it a quest in life that refuses to go away with time or the changing of circumstances? Is it a driving force fueling you to press forward and upward? Just how bad do you want it?

The second part of the question is “How bad do you need it”? A need and a desire are often not the same thing. You can really want something but not feel that you really need it. That’s just a part of being humans with the ability of imagination. But when you feel that you need something, it makes your wants an equal partner in accomplishing the goal in mind.

Do you want to take your ministry to another level? “How bad do you want it?! How bad do you need it?!” If you want it and need it you can find a way to do it.

Is this the year of being a brand new person with better outcomes because of better planning and better living? “How bad do you want it?! How bad do you need it?! If you want it and need it you can find a way to do it.

They call this a gut check. It’s an honest assessment of what we are all about. Are we in it to win it? Are we willing to make sacrifices in order to achieve our goals? Do we need it as well as want it?

God says “When you come looking for me, you’ll find me. Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I’ll make sure you won’t be disappointed.” Jeremiah 29:13 The Message Bible.

It’s not time to count you out. Get your bearings about you, take a deep breath and let’s make some things happen. It’s not over yet.

What makes this such a sure winner is that the market is huge! It extends beyond ethnic groups and genders. It would be in high demand by young people as well as middle aged and senior citizens.

The financially well-off certainly need it, and those with financial challenges would snap it up as well.

What makes it even more valuable is that it’s not a seasonal item. We are talking about a year round, in-demand market. I could give whoever invents this a list of people today that would pay any reasonable price for this product.

I haven’t thought of a name so I can only describe what the invention should do. It’s so simple I don’t know why it hasn’t been done by now. I guess it was waiting on me to send the idea out for someone with creative abilities to take and to shape into a million dollar product.

Here it is, the million dollar idea. All someone needs to do is to create a product that people with wounded hearts can use to bring real and lasting relief. That’s it! Simple! It doesn’t have to be any broader than that. Just something that everyone with a broken heart can take or use to bring relief. It’s a million dollar winner!

I am counting on someone out there to go to work immediately on this million dollar idea. Until then I guess we will have to deal with this the old fashioned way. We’ll have to continue to take a personal interest in the lives of people who are hurting.

I know it may seem like an inconvenience to take time out of your busy day to stop and listen to someone else’s troubles. Issues like: feelings of personal rejection; insecurities of life’s future; shameful abuses from the past; strife from relationship issues of today; and economic uncertainty in a world driven by money.

Until the new invention is completed, we will have to continue to let as many people know as possible that there is a better way to live. We must somehow share the concept that doing for others will solve many of the heartaches so many carry. The more you focus on the needs of others, the better life becomes not just for them, but for you as well.

It’s the way it’s been handled for generations, and I guess it’s the way it will be until the new invention is ready. So if you can spare a smile, share it. If you can spare a hug, give it, If you can spare some time to just listen, do it.

“Blessed are the merciful; for they shall obtain mercy” Matthew 5:7

Now that’s a million dollar idea!

1) Climb onto the bike while someone holds it still. 

2) Get your feet set on the pedals. 

3) Start peddling when your supporter launches you forward. 

4) Repeat after falling until that magical moment happens.   

That moment of successfully riding was summed up by the broad smiles of both you and your supporter. 

What made this experience all the more memorable was that it didn’t take a book of instructions; it took a hand of commitment. It didn’t have to be a hand of years of experience; it just needed to be one of understanding, support, and involvement. 

Once you learned to ride, it became a part of who you are and something that can never be taken away. It’s what we call experimental knowledge. It’s not what you heard to be possible; it’s what you know to be possible (your scarred knees are your witnesses ). 

Today, it’s time for you to either push or pedal. If it’s your turn to peddle, you must get on the bike and get your feet set and ready to move. You can not worry about not succeeding on the first attempt, or the second, or the third. Just know that with trial and error you will succeed (although you will have scarred knees to show for it). 

Without a doubt, there is something more for you to accomplish. There is a higher level of productive living that you must experience. But for this to happen you must get ready to peddle with everything you have. As you’re being launched forward, you will only succeed if you focus and peddle. 

If it’s your turn to hold the bike and push, you must remember that the role you play will make the difference in the success of another. They cannot do it on their own. 

It will take a steady hand on your part to provide the support needed to prepare for launch. It will take energy and selflessness on your part to help propel someone else further than where you are standing. It will also take patience and commitment to allow someone the opportunity to fall (repeatedly) while they learn to move forward. 

The rewards for you whether you’re peddling or pushing are priceless. If you’re the peddler you will experience the liberty and freedom that comes through new growth and real progress. If you are the one to push you will have the inward satisfaction of knowing you played a part in launching someone else forward to their dreams. 

“Say no to wrong.
   Learn to do good.
Work for justice.
   Help the down-and-out.
Stand up for the homeless.
   Go to bat for the defenseless.” Isa 1:16, 17 The Message Bible 

Let’s go. It looks like a great day for some bike riding. 

Photo by Debra Howell

On this symbolic day of love I am writing this letter to say thank you for all that you do. I know that many times your efforts seem to go unnoticed but I want to assure you that they are not. Many of us notice and highly value what you do on a regular basis and it would be a great loss if you were not involved in the ways that you are.

One thing I love about you is how you continue to do what you do even though the odds seem stacked against you. If one were to focus on the outward appearances, the environment for success appears dismal. All around you are the voices of negativity, dissension, distrust and anger and yet, you stay positive and encouraging through it all. Your smiles and warmth seem to offset the frowns and worries of those you encounter. I love your kindness.

I know some of the personal challenges you have had recently. Enough has gone wrong in your life that it would be very understandable if you simply threw up your hands and gave up. You have faced economic set backs that seemed to indicate that the time was just not right to push to do more. Yet, somehow, you found a way to do more with less. I love your persistence.

I also know of some of the relationship turmoil you have gone through in your life. I know the deep sadness you have felt because of promised fidelity that was breached. It is a hard thing to bear when the confidence you place in another person is betrayed. It makes me proud to see how you continue to love and to give without holding onto past hurts that would stifle the affections of the average person. I love your openness.

It is also admirable that you have not allowed your health challenges to serve as an excuse for you not doing more. Your example of trusting God in the midst of your predicament is very encouraging to all of us who have health issues that seem to weigh us down from time to time. Instead of using your health as a liability, you have turned it into a positive by valuing the simple blessings of life that so many of us take for granted. I love your hopefulness.

I will continue to follow your example of constantly striving for excellence in service. I was not aware that so much improvement was possible over the status quo. Your growth has confirmed that it is ok to think outside of the box and to try new things and to embrace new methods. You were right, the sky did not fall. I believe that if you can do better, I can do better as well. I love your creativity.

Thanks to you I now understand more fully the words of 3^rd John 1:2,3 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.  For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.

Thank you for showing what true love looks and feels like.

Love always,

XXXXXXXX

However, it has recently taken on a new meaning for me. As we see the scenes unfold before us in dealing with the horrendous results of the recent earthquake in Haiti, I have come to a new appreciation of the phrase “No Fear”.

It goes beyond the absence of fear. It involves the triumph over our fears and in spite of our fears. It’s more than idealistic to say that we don’t have any fears. Many of us share the fear of speaking in public. Some say that stands at the top of most lists. We admire those who appear fearless when standing before us doing so effortlessly what makes many of us break out in a cold sweat.

Then there are those who have no fear in launching new endeavors or taking on difficult tasks. In this group I would include those who seek to make positive changes in the face of long standing traditions or accepted norms. It seems they must have nerves of steel.

But I have learned a new definition of “No Fear”. I saw it in the faces of the countless thousands who have literally lost everything. Yet, somehow, they lift their arms towards heaven and say “God, we love you and we still trust you. You are worthy of our praise”.

Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for Jehovah, even Jehovah, is my strength and song; and he is become my salvation. Isaiah 12:2

Standing together in the middle of total destruction, a song will start from one lip to another. As on some practiced queue they take up a song of praise and hope. Although all around them there is nothing to give them a sense of a brighter tomorrow or a promised end of today, they sing. That’s a new “No Fear”.

I have seen it in the faces of the rescuers who have put their normal lives on hold to help those who they don’t even know. I have seen it in their actions when they spend hour after hour digging through rubble to do all they can possibly do to reach that nameless person whose only hope for life rests in their weary hands.

I have seen it in the faces of those who, one patient after another, deal with the most gruesome wounds and injuries. Yet they remain a beacon of all that is good and loving that is possible in the hearts of man. This is not how life should be. This is not how they imagined this day. Yet, they say, “here I am, use me”. That’s a new “No Fear”.

I need that kind of “No Fear”. I am reminded that it’s not the absence of fear that indicates the time to move forward. Instead, it’s in the midst of our fears that we must move out and take on the tasks we have each been given by God.

One day, hopefully sooner than later, we will truly know and experience a life without any fears. Until then, let’s push through, do what we can, makes things better not for just ourselves, but for those we minister to.

But I am like an olive tree
       flourishing in the house of God;
       I trust in God’s unfailing love
       for ever and ever.

 I will praise you forever for what you have done;
       in your name I will hope, for your name is good.
       I will praise you in the presence of your saints. Psalms 52: 8, 9