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

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

People and organizations are marshalling their efforts to try and help in this far-reaching catastrophe. The help needed is beyond the scope of cookie cutter relief efforts. Compounding the challenges of providing medical help, food relief and shelter is the logistical nightmare of doing it in the midst of the cruel tombs of those who have perished.

Our hearts are correct when they say we must do something to help. Those impulses we feel within us for helping in this crisis are the promptings that give nobility and brotherhood to mankind. But what can you do?

Today, we are limited to our prayers and our financial donations. Both are greatly needed. All of us can contribute in those ways. We may not have much money to give but whatever it is will help someone who needs it much more than we do. Give something, please.

Another thing we can do is to resist the urge to find a justifiable reason for what has happened to Haiti. For some reason, many feel the need to explain these events as a divine sentence from God because of some inherent evil either in the country or the people of Haiti. How sad that we have room in our hearts to think in these ways during times like this.

The question of calamities being the result of divine retribution is not a new one. It has perplexed man throughout the ages. Even in Christ’s time, many were confused in their theology concerning unusual tragedies:

Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. Jesus answered, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.” Luke 13:1-5 NIV

If we all simply took an honest inventory of our own lives, or own failures, our own tendencies to do things we know we shouldn’t, we would not have the arrogance to differentiate between ourselves and those less fortunate. That honest introspection should lead us all to say “if not for the grace of God”.

What can you do? Do what you can. Anything is better than nothing.

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.

Another frequently cited resolution is becoming debt free. I am all for that and it’s certainly the best way to live. “Owe no man anything” was written for a good reason. But that’s not in my 5.

In accordance with the mandatory listing of New Years Resolutions, here’s my fav 5:

1- I will listen more closely to my heart and live my life more closely to its urging. I won’t ignore the promptings for ministry that get suppressed year after year by that enemy called procrastination. “To thine own self be true.” William Shakespeare

2- I will use the gifts and talents I presently possess to help those who can benefit from what I now have to offer. I won’t believe the lie that what I have to offer is too insignificant to matter. I will be open and available as providence directs. As my courage increases I will volunteer my services instead of waiting to be asked.  

3- I won’t live my life looking backwards. I won’t focus my energies on the failures of my past nor will I refuse to let go of my old best days. Instead, I will embrace today, expecting that my best is ahead of me. Goodbye old friend. There are new friends to meet and new memories to make. I must let you go and move on.

4- I will improve myself to be a better self. I will purposely and intentionally find ways to learn and to grow. My mind is capable of so much more and there are resources all around me to help me to advance in whatever area that I need to. There is too much dust on too many of my books.

5- I will remember that the quality of my life is not determined by the quantity of my stuff but by the quality of the relationships I have with others and most importantly with God. I can be a better person, a better mate, a better friend, a better example and I don’t have to lose any weight to do that.

If these resonated with you, why not add them to your list? They go well with dieting.

Thank you for taking time out of your busy days over this last year to stop by my blog. For those of you who have commented I want you to know that each comment was greatly appreciated. For those who just read and either smiled or nodded in agreement I say thank you to you as well.

“My response is to get down on my knees before the Father, this magnificent Father who parcels out all heaven and earth. I ask him to strengthen you by his Spirit—not a brute strength but a glorious inner strength—that Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite him in. And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you’ll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ’s love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God.”

 “God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.” 

   Glory to God in the church!

   Glory to God in the Messiah, in Jesus!

   Glory down all the generations!

   Glory through all millennia! Oh, yes!  (Ephesians 3:14-21 The Message)

May God’s richest blessing be yours for 2010.

What would seem like an obvious conclusion to one can be completely opposite to the conclusion of another. Because our paths of life are so unique and are shaped by circumstances and events that are ours alone, many times we see things in unpredictable ways.

Some opinions are nothing more than water cooler discussions. It’s usually the news topic of the day and just a ritual of human engagement.

The opinions that are more significant are those expressed about how we do what we do, and what we should or should not do about a particular situation. If we listen closely enough we can hear various opinions about things we deal with given by people who have no history in the same arena. Everyone has an opinion.

Opinions do have their place and those shared by people closely associated with us should carry some weight. But remember, they are just opinions.

As we close out another year we will undoubtedly reflect back on how successful we were in achieving the goals we set out to accomplish at the beginning of the year. If we gauge our progress only by the opinions of others we are relinquishing one of our most powerful abilities; honest self-criticism.

Some opinions will say that you did a terrific job but only you know if you really did your best.

Some opinions will say that you could have done much better but only you will know what you had to overcome to do as much as you have done.

Some opinions will say that you should have done it differently but only you will know what it took just to maintain.

Some opinions will say that your purpose in life should be re-evaluated but only you will know the certainty of the dream God has placed in your heart.

Some opinions will say that you will never make it but only you and God will determine that.

After all, the greatest opinion is the opinion of who we believe God to be and what we believe about His involvement in out lives. If our opinion is that God is all powerful, we certainly can overcome any obstacles that are placed in the path of our success. If our opinion is that God is all knowing, we certainly can get insight from Him to accomplish any goals we have. If our opinion is that God is love we can trust that he has our best interest in mind and that He has our back and will see us through every difficulty we face.

“When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven.” Matthew 16:13-17 NIV

Opinions can matter and everyone has one. That’s my two cents worth. What’s yours?