Attitude of Gratitude

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.  It turns what we have into enough, and more.  It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity.  It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.  Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow." - Melody Beattie

Have you ever taken a personal inventory of your life and asked yourself, “How did I get here?” or even – “How do I get out of it?” Don’t worry. You are not alone. In fact, I have never met a person that has been completely content with his/her entire life. And I would like to believe that is the way God intended it. If we get too comfortable or complacent, then we leave no room for growth. And if there is no growth, then change is nonexistent. We become stagnate… and eventually die. Therefore, change is a way of life; it’s inevitable.

With every change comes some uncertainty or uneasiness about what the future holds, and it also brings a sense of restlessness into our current state of being. This reminds me of a quote by Andy Andrews in his book The Noticer, “Every life is either in crisis, coming out of crisis or headed for crisis.” I find an odd comfort in that statement, knowing that change is inevitable… and it might not always be pretty, but we will get through it, and what we learn from each experience will equip us for what is yet to come.

I’ve had my share of changes – some were disappointments and some were incredible awe-inspiring experiences - but with every change, came uncertainty… or even fear.  And I've learned over time that the best way for me to overcome these anxious feelings is through prayer and thanksgiving.  An attitude of gratitude might not fix my current situation, but it will give me the strength I need to see me through it.   

I found a great blogpost today on A Better You Blog by Patricia, entitled: 

How to Develop an Attitude of Gratitude.  Patricia highlights three key points:

1. Get perspective. You can choose to focus on what you do not have, or make a conscious effort to notice what you do have. If you cannot see it, get a new view.
2. Count your blessings. Name them, list them, draw them, but count them.
3. Give thanks - show your attitude in word or deed.

Read more on Patricia’s blogpost HERE.

YOU Can Make a Difference!

Do you ever question if your life really matters?  I do all the time… and then I arrive at church and I witness all of the lives that are being transformed each and every Sunday, because we:

• Open our doors and our hearts.
• Turn on the sound system and setup the cameras.
• Worship with an incredible choir and musicians.
• Share the awesome power of Jesus Christ.  

Sometimes, all it takes to make a difference is a gentle touch or a loving smile.  And sometimes, it takes us stepping outside our comfort zone and thinking outside our normal workflow to really make a difference.  Jimmy Carter once said, “I have one life and one chance to make it count for something . . . I'm free to choose what that something is, and the something I've chosen is my faith. Now, my faith goes beyond theology and religion and requires considerable work and effort. My faith demands -- this is not optional -- my faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can with whatever I have to try to make a difference."

I stumbled across this story today on YouTube.  It’s a tribute to a young man who impacted many lives through his battle with Leukemia.  Please take the time to watch the video; you won’t regret it…

The following information was copied from YouTube link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8I7Wk14VWK4

 

Tyler Blaine Genneken: 02/22/95-11/04/09
On July 4th, 2006- Tyler was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia. After going through many treatments, he went into remission. Then unfortunately cancer won the battle on November 4th, 2009...Tyler received his angel wings.

Throughout his battle, he didn't give up. Holding Bone Marrow drives and helping others, spreading the word, touching the hearts of many...opening doors that would have never been opened...opening the eyes of others how important and short this life really is in his short time here on Earth. He bestowed on us just how important ONE person really is. And how ONE person.... can truly make a difference in this world. For that HE is a HERO.

We become architects of eternity when we live the present moment well-- using unselfish hands to share lasting values and to create timeless memories. Some of life's most enduring and inspiring gifts will forever bless the lives of others if we will simply remember to pass them on. It's as easy as giving a hug, a smile, a helping hand.

YOU can make a difference...what are you waiting for?

Where Were You Nine Years Ago Today?

"Never forget..."



I will never forget that day... nor the feeling of that day.  Just like most of the rest of the world, I watched the tragedy as it unfolded on television.  I could not get ahold of family or friends, because the lines were jammed.  So I just stood in silence, watching the tv monitor.  I could not help but wonder if I would ever see my family again... and I was many miles away from the crash sites.  I can't even comprehend what horror, fear, and uncertainty the people directly impacted by the attacks must of been going through.

I remember today... so I will never forget.  Where were you nine years ago today?

Joy without Pain?

"In true community, we do not seek to eliminate pain, but to deepen it to a level where we all become one.  So we become a community where we know how to share in each other's suffering and pain... and joy.  But there is no sharing of true joy without sharing the pain."  I heard this statement in a devotion given by Dr. Norman Neaves.  When I heard this, we were on our way to visit Dachau Concentration Camp in Germany.  Norman presented us with a wonderful devotion each morning of our week-long travels through the beautiful countryside of Germany and Austria.  But this morning felt a little different than the others.

Norman began telling us about his own spiritual journey as a young boy.  He talked about the first time he, as a Methodist, stepped into a Catholic church.  He noticed that they too had a cross hanging in their church, but on that cross was the body of Jesus, hanging lifeless, covered in blood and bruises.  He was so moved by what he saw, that he knelt down in the church and began to weep.

Jesus suffered incredible pain and torture... and eventually death on the cross... so that we ALL can have everlasting life.  Not only that, but he is here with us today, suffering right along side us, feeling our pain and struggles and never leaving our side.  Wow.  That is a love like no other.

Memorial at Dachau Concentration Camp (Germany)

What if we were to love our neighbor like Jesus loves us?  What if we felt our neighbor's pain and struggles and never left his side?  That is true community.  That is loving as Jesus first loved us.  And that is where true joy comes from.

What about you?  Do you love your neighbor as Jesus loves you?  Or do you allow religion or culture to stand in your way?

Stop, Look, Listen... and Grow!

I traveled this weekend to Lincoln, NE with a friend to watch the Special Olympics Opening Ceremonies.  I had never been to anything affiliated with the Special Olympics... and I really didn't know what to expect. I almost backed out of the trip, because I was overwhelmed at the time with work projects and deadlines... I am so thankful that I went... I was not prepared for what I saw.

2010 Special Olympics Opening Ceremonies

The Opening Ceremonies began with the parade of athletes.  The parade consisted of over 8,000 smiling athletes from 47 states... over 14,000 people were in the arena that day, participating or cheering from their seats.  The excitement and enthusiasm was contagious!  Getting caught up in the moment, I jumped into the line of athletes and gave 'hi-fives' as they proudly marched by. 
The rest of the program consisted of motivational speakers, celebrity artists and athletes, and inspirational video clips, but there was one moment that shined above them all...
A team of athletes carried an enormous Special Olypmics flag to the stage, and as they raised the flag on pulleys, Sandi Patty sang "We Raise This Flag... for all the world to see!"  The crowd went wild!  Over 14,000 spectators were on their feet... the thunderous applause was so loud it was deafening!  Wow!  It was incredible!  Words cannot describe the outflow of emotions I was feeling at that moment.  Those athletes were so proud to be in this arena... and I didn't even know them, but I was gleaming with pride too.
Have you ever found yourself so caught up in the busyness or complacency of your life, that you almost missed out on something incredible?  I almost did.  Where in your life do you need to take a step back and take note before the world passes you by?

Remember Your Baptism

Do you remember when you were baptized?  I do.  In fact, I remember both times.  I know that sounds a little strange, but yes, I was baptized twice.  The first time was by a methodist minister; a hand full of holy water was poured over my head as the minister and my family and friends prayed over me.  It felt like a rite of passage; I was closing the door to my past and opening a new and exciting door into my future.  As glorious as that moment was, it holds a faint memory in comparison to my second baptism -- this time by a baptist preacher.  

I had been attending Southern Hills Baptist with my grandmother for the past few months and decided to transfer my membership to the baptist church.  Before I could become a member, I was told that I would have to be baptized again, this time by a baptist preacher.  Okay, I thought.  Just another rite of passage, right?  Sure, I will go through the motions -- the public profession of faith and all.  I had no idea what I was in for.

The preacher standing in the baptismal with me was Brother Doug Melton.  Brother Doug and I had fast become great friends over the past few months.  He was and is a wonderful man of God.  I was overjoyed that he had agreed to perform the baptism.  Brother Doug helped me down into the water and walked me to the edge.  He asked everyone in the congregation who was there in support of my baptism to please stand.  Hundreds of people stood in my honor.  He began explaining the importance of the baptism -- just as Jesus was laid in the grave, I will be laid in the water.  And just as Jesus was raised from the dead, I will be raised from the water, cleansed and reborn into a new life with Christ.  When I was lowered into the water and then raised for all to see, the room began to applaud and shout for joy!  I had been saved for many years before my baptism, but at that moment I truly felt born again.

Martin Luther, the great Church Reformer, "attached great importance to his baptism.  When the Devil assailed him, he would answer, 'I am baptized'" (Here I Stand, Roland Bainton, p.287).  My baptism was many years ago now, but I can still recall those feelings like it was yesterday.  Whenever I find myself struggling in my Christian walk, I remind myself of that glorious baptismal moment and I begin to pray for the Lord's guidance and strength.  

What do you do to help you through difficult times?  

Do you have a baptismal moment that you can recall and find strength in?  

When times are tough, do you lean on God for understanding?

Loving Twitter!

I finally took the plunge… I setup a Twitter account, and I am having so much fun!

I have only had the account a few days, and already I have made a friend on the east coast that is just as big a techno geek as I am.  I have also received some great tips on "time management" and "becoming a better leader by having a spiritual heart" (or something like that).  Suddenly, the gigantic world that we live in seems so much smaller.  With all of the technology we have today, no one should ever feel alone. 

We have come a long way in just the last 15 – 20 years.  I took a step back in time when one of our secretaries did not know how to use the typewriter; she had never seen one before.  And what about the mimeograph?  Do you remember getting blue ink all over you while you turned the cylinder?  Now we have copiers that can copy 100 sheets a minute (in full color).  And cell phones… my first phone was in a brief case and it cost something like $.20 cents a minute to make a call… and that's all it did!  Now I have my calendar, email, contacts, photos, videos, to do lists, bible, ect… all on my iPhone, with unlimited text, email, and long distance! 

And yet, with all of the advances in technology, our God is still the same God today that He was yesterday and that He will be tomorrow.  Whether we have every techno gadget under the sun, or if we still use a rotary dial phone, our God is still just a conversation away from interceding in our lives.