All of us have points that we are trying to reach. Many of us are desirous of increasing our usefulness by furthering our education. Getting to the final point of completion can appear daunting. However, if we can just make the first step, we will be on our way. That first step may be completing a registration form and hitting “submit” that will start the ball in motion.

Many of us believe that we can add real value to different enterprises or causes that we find meaningful. We have sat on the sidelines waiting for that imaginary signal that will tell us to get into the game. That first step may be picking up the phone and making a long overdue call. Make a connection with someone who is integral to your involvement or who is in need of your participation.

For some of us the healing of a relationship would give us the ability to breathe again. We have lived too long with the issues and it’s time to release it and free all involved from its draining effects. That first step may be saying three simple words; either “I am sorry” or “I forgive you”. It’s not the only step but it is the most important step because it is the first step. The rest will take care of itself.

Some of us feel a conviction that we must make some personal and private changes in our lives if we are ever going to reach our God-designed potential. Where to start seems perplexing because so much needs to change. However, if we can just make one step, do one thing, make one change, we will gain more confidence to tackle bigger issues along the way. Just do something.

Joshua Chapter 3 tells the fascinating story of how the Israelites were to cross the last obstacle that stood in their way of claiming their destiny.  It would be a miraculous event but the miracle wouldn’t be manifested until they took the first step forward.

Yet as soon as the priests who carried the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge, the water from upstream stopped flowing. It piled up in a heap a great distance away, at a town called Adam in the vicinity of Zarethan, while the water flowing down to the Sea of the Arabah (the Salt Sea) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho.  Jos 3:15,16 NIV

Before we know it, this year will get away from us. Without doing something right now we run the risk of never getting from point A to point B. What step can you take today? Don’t worry about if you will be able to deal with what comes after. You just need to put your foot forward and make a step.

If God is for you, the way will open up but first you have to take that first step.

Some anniversaries are easier to remember than others; such as, the beginning of your employment anniversaries, the launching of a new endeavor, relocation dates, a wedding anniversary (don’t ever forget this one! ), and even the one year anniversary of this blog.

Some anniversary start dates are hard to pinpoint. That does not make them less significant. It just might mean that the starting point had its origin in what might have appeared to be an insignificant moment in time.

I believe some of our most important days that are celebration-worthy are those days that moved us from viewing ourselves with limitations to a new view that, with the help of God in our life, we could reach any star He inspired us to reach.

I would like to be the first to say to you Happy Anniversary! For what you ask? How about for these reasons:

The day you said “No” to living a self-centered life, but “Yes” to realizing you had much to offer others and you set about to do just that.

The day you realized that your past mistakes did not have to dictate your future opportunities and you let it go and moved on.

The day you opened up your heart to love and forgiveness and moved past the limits of bitterness.

The day you said “I can do more with my life” and you did do more with your life.

The day you embraced the fact that excellence in your life and ministry was not optional but doable and enjoyable!

The day you accepted God’s promise of completeness “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ” Philippians 1:6

Setting the beginning date of a new celebration-worthy anniversary can start this year, this month, this week, this day, this very minute. The starting point is yours to choose. Someone needs what you are uniquely qualified to give. Its time to celebrate!

You hear them buzzing about or you see them circling for attack and you know it’s time for swatting mosquitoes. They are annoying, distracting and potentially dangerous. You can try to avoid them but they are determined to do what they do…stick you and draw blood.

Mosquitoes are like the obstacles you encounter in your pursuit of change and excellence. Seemingly out of nowhere you encounter situations and unfortunately people that can become a major distraction to keep you from reaching your destination. You have got to swat these mosquitoes and keep moving.

Mosquitoes thrive in stagnant water. You cannot make your camp where the waters are not flowing. You have got to move out to where waters are moving. People and situations that are not going anywhere is the last place you want to spend your time.

To grow as a person and in your ministry you must try as best you can to surround yourself with people that are going somewhere in life. Even then, you will still have to swat some mosquitoes. Attempts to get you to go backwards in your progress; swat those mosquitoes and keep moving. Attempts to engage you in meaningless debates and arguments; swat those mosquitoes and keep moving. Attempts to get you to settle for anything less than excellence in your life and ministry; swat those mosquitoes and keep moving!

Here are some biblical mosquito repellents. Just make sure to follow all of the directions. Apply as often as needed

He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city. Prov. 16:32.

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. Proverbs 18:10

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. James 4:7

Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven Matthew 5: 43-45

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.
1 Peter 4:12,13. NIV

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8