Time is money

You have probably heard the expression time is money.  So, let's take that a step further. Picture you have $86,400.00.  What would you do with that money?  Sure, we all like to pretend we hit the lottery and know what we would do if we had that much money just sitting around.  I would pay off bills, and invest.  The Bible says a lot about money, and most of it is not good.  Because I think that people in general have a problem with money.  Sure, I am generalizing, however think about it.  How would you spend 86,400 dollars?

This post is not actually about money.  Sure, I could talk on how the ancient Israelites gave  65% of their income back to God and to the Temple, but Jesus addressed tithing and spoke of giving with the widow's mite.  No, this post isn't about money, it is about time.  God grants us 86,400 seconds every day.  How are we choosing to spend that time?  Is it God honoring?  Philippians 4:8 tells us to only think about honest, good things.  (I have heard it said as garbage in, garbage out.)  I Thessalonians 5:16-18 tells us to pray without ceasing and to rejoice always.  So, we have a good guideline of how we should spend our time.

Does that mean we sacrifice relationships and earthly things?  No, I think the heart of the matter is the Heart of the matter.  How you feel in your heart, is the true you.  Jesus spoke a lot of the heart. Proverbs says, "As a man thinks in his heart, so is he."

So, are you doing what you can for God in the time He has for you?  I know for myself, I feel there is sometimes not enough time in the day to get done what I want to get done.  But that is the key.  Are my desires matching up to what God wants?  Am I doing what He has in store for me that day?  Are you?  Are we using our time wisely?

Next time you find yourself with a few "extra" minutes, I would challenge you (and me) not to jump on social media, not to turn to Facebook, but turn to THE Book!  Spend some extra time in God's Word, or praying.  I know I am going to be more careful with my 86,400 seconds.

"Yellow Car!"

My family likes to play games.  Usually these are board games or various types of tabletop games.  "Sheriff of Nottingham", "Munchkin" a few others.  But what does a family do when they can't play games and have a 40 minute ride to church?  Enter car games!

So there is one game in particular that is always being played.  It started out as "Yellow Car"  you see a yellow car, you yell out "Yellow car!", you get a point.  Pretty simple.  If you tied with someone saying yellow car at the same time neither one gets the point.  Points are only awarded while the car is running and are reset when the car is shut off.

One of the things I noticed while playing yellow car is there are a lot more yellow cars on the market than I thought.  Was this because I was now paying closer attention to how many yellow cars are on the road?  Or are there really more yellow cars on the road?

So, somewhat sick of "Yellow Car" my oldest son and I switched the game to "Orange Car".  As an experiment of sorts. Which is more of a challenge since some red cars look orange until you get closer, and then they wouldn't count.

We were trying to see if a.) you see more of a color of car because you are paying closer attention, b.) if there are really more of those cars on the road, and c.) how long would it take for the rest of the family to catch on once we changed the color.  (It took them about 3 days.)

So, sure enough, I have been seeing a LOT of orange cars lately.  It couldn't be because the color is more popular than it was 3 months ago!  Could it?

No, I think it is because we have been paying attention to the orange cars.

Isn't that how God speaks to us?  We sometimes get wrapped up in our lives and pray out of habit or for something to do, but how often are we listening?  A few days ago, I had posted about listening.  Listening to God is part of that.  We need to pay attention to Him, not just listen for Him.  Notice what He has for us, not just "feel" it.  Are we hearing His voice? Or are we just hearing what we want to hear?

John 8:47
Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.”

Pretty clearly we are told that if you belong to God, you will hear the words of God.  Will God ever reveal a new truth? NO.  But, times I have heard the Holy Spirit talking to me, it has been through His Word, and it re-enforces what has been written.  Jesus tells us in John, that we will hear His voice and follow!

John 10:27
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.

Are you hearing God because you are paying attention?  Or because it is something to do?  Perhaps you aren't listening at all?  What "orange cars" are you finding in your spiritual walk?

Temporal Circumstances

How often are we faced with a seemingly difficult situation and when looked at in the grand scheme of things is not that bad?  I went through a divorce a few years back and when I was going through it, I had a mantra if you will of "It's only temporary."  That works in relation to so much.  The apostle Paul had taught me that no matter what we can praise God, because this life is only temporary. (I Thess. 5:18)  Paul is also quick to remind us that we are just "passing through" this world if we are saved. (Phil. 3:20)

Today I cut my foot badly.  I had a moment of panic, then of self loathing. Then I realized, this will heal.  Kind of like the time a few months ago I stepped on a nail. (Stupid me, ya know?  Fearfully and wonderfully made though!)

Well, in comparison, it's not that bad.  Even if I had to lose my foot, it's not that bad.  An eternity without God, that's bad.

Do we think Joseph thought this way in the pit, or in jail?  Is that why the Bible doesn't really mention if he was downcast?  No, the Bible tells us that God took care of him.

Paul and Silas worshiped God while in prison.

So, whatever circumstance you find God has you in, you can praise Him.  Whether it is a punctured foot, or prison, it is only temporary when viewed through Heaven's eyes.

Praise GOD!

Laughter

After yesterday's post, I decided to lighten things up a bit by posting an excerpt from my book

entitled "Stuff in my Attic". 

“A day without laughter is a day wasted.” – Charlie Chaplain

I chose to open this section with a picture of Charlie Chaplain.  There are few on this earth who do not know of the comic genius of Chaplain.  He could single-handedly take a few moments on film and make you laugh and cry, and laugh again without thinking twice about it.

How is it that someone who had such a hard upbringing become a great icon of humor?  Raised in poverty, he entered a workhouse in London at age seven. 

Chaplin's first stage appearance came at five years old, when he took over from his mother one night in Aldershot. Hannah had been booed off stage, and the manager chose Chaplin, who was standing in the wings, to go on as her replacement. The young boy confidently entertained the crowd, and received laughter and applause.  It was an isolated performance, but at nine years old Chaplin became interested in the theatre. He credited his mother, later writing, "[she] imbued me with the feeling that I had some sort of talent." Through his father's connections, Chaplin became a member of The Eight Lancashire Lads clog dancing troupe.  He began his professional career in this way, as the group toured English music halls from 1899 to 1902.  Chaplin worked hard and the act was popular with audiences, but dancing did not satisfy the child and he dreamt of forming a comedy act.

Bottom line: Chaplain realized at a young age the importance of laughter.  (I challenge you to watch “Kid Auto Races at Venice” and not laugh.  While only his 2^nd film, Chaplain utilizes some trademark comedy that the world comes to love and adore.  “Kid Races” is available for free download here.

Perhaps you have heard the phrase “Laughter is the best medicine.”  God created us in a way that laughter actually helps you, below are some health related benefits to laughter.

• Laughter relaxes the whole body.  A good, hearty laugh relieves physical tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes after.
• Laughter boosts the immune system. Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease.
• Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.
• Laughter protects the heart. Laughter improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can help protect you against a heart attack and other cardiovascular problems.

Physical Health Benefits: Boosts immunity Lowers stress hormones Decreases pain Relaxes your muscles Prevents heart disease	Mental Health Benefits: Adds joy and zest to life Eases anxiety and fear Relieves stress Improves mood Enhances resilience	Social Benefits: Strengthens relationships Attracts others to us Enhances teamwork Helps defuse conflict Promotes group bonding

So, laughter is a great stress reducer.  Remember that next time you’re stressed.  Laugh.

I remember that when I was younger, my older sister would love tickling me.  I recall laughing so hard, because I was so ticklish.  One particular instance of tickling happened when I was about seven years old.  My sister was tickling me and I had a hard time breathing I was laughing so hard.  I recall I had warned her several minutes earlier.  “Stop! Hahahah, I’m gonna pee! Hahahaha!”  Then it happened.  I peed myself. To which my sister stopped tickling me and said, “OK, I’m done.”  (She was mean that way sometimes, but as soon as I got bigger than her, she got her comeuppance.)

Have you ever laughed when you “weren’t supposed to”?  I find this happening a lot.  Especially now I am a father.

Parents understand that sometimes your child does something so outlandish, and silly, that it is hard not to laugh.  You need to maintain that stern face, because they are supposed to be disciplined for their crime, and yet, it is just too funny…so you laugh keeping your lips together, trying not to belt out a huge “guffaw”, and say, “I’m not laughing!”  (Though you really want to.)

Or worse, when a funny tale is related at a funeral.  Everyone else looks nervously around before deciding it is ok to chuckle.  I remember I was at my aunt’s funeral, and a funny story was told regarding her past, and I was trying so hard not to laugh out loud.  I took a tissue and bent over, convulsing with “silent laughter” and my dad thought I was really broken up by the loss of my aunt (which I was, just not as he thought at the time).  “That poor boy, he must of really loved her.”  (Either that, or the story was completely hilarious.)

My sister once told me a story of my brother-in-law’s uncle passing, and how the memorial service was in the Grand Canyon.  The departed was cremated, and it was his wish that his ashes be spread into the Grand Canyon.  Here they are in a very somber moment, and some solemn words were said, then the plan was to open the urn, and let the ashes drift down into the Canyon with the breeze…except there was a snag.

The urn would not open!  Several men tried to open it, and it just wouldn’t budge.  At which point my brother-in-law’s father was trying to help him open it, and he said (referring to the urn lid, not the contents) “No, there’s a lip in there!”  At which point my sister had to turn away because her thought was, “Yep.  There’s a lip, and a leg, and eyes and liver and…etc..”  She was convulsing laughing so hard...(That poor girl, she is so distraught, did she even know him?)

My sister and I still share a hearty laugh over that tale.

Have you ever laughed at work because something struck you and only you as funny?  Then your co-workers think you’re nuts.  Let me say, this is great.  Not only does it allow you to reduce stress, it is fun to see where the rumor mill starts at work, and possibly get some extra vacation time because of it.

My family loves telling stories and jokes.  We have heard a ton, and sometimes we recall them just to get a good laugh.  This is accomplished by merely reciting the punch line.

“This guy was ok until we turned his head around.” Is a favorite.

The funny thing about the jokes my family tells isn’t necessarily the punch line, but when my sister tells a joke.

I love my sister, and she is very intelligent, just not so bright sometimes.  She will sometimes tell a joke that she will mess up, or not understand herself.  The former is understandable, and makes it even funnier when she says, “No, wait, that’s not it, let me start over.”  While already laughing herself!  The latter however is rare, but extremely humorous, in as much as when she tells the joke, we all laugh at the punch line, and as she is laughing with us, she will say, “I don’t get it.”  Yet, she is the one who told it!   At least she can have a good laugh.

In order to traverse this life with any success, you must learn to laugh at yourself first, then others. 

Growing up, I often would hear, “It’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt.”  To which I often added, “Then it is hilarious!”

It’s funny when friends get hurt.  That may sound harsh, but how many groin shots are featured on “America’s Funniest Home Videos”?

I myself laugh when I get hurt.  That’s how you can tell I am really hurt because I laugh.  I stub a toe, and it is funny.

When I broke my arm, the tears in my eyes weren’t from the pain,  (OK, maybe somewhat) but because I couldn’t stop laughing.

Many comedians use laughter as self-medication.  Much of their comedy comes from a dark place.  I find that to be true for myself as well.  

As of writing this I recently started regularly posting to my Twitter account.  I am using as a platform for my comedic therapy.  If I am being honest (which I am) I have no idea where most of my twitter posts come from.  I know that I feel bad some days, and I like to make people laugh.  That being said, I don’t foresee a comedy tour in my future, I don’t think a comedy club would be my forte.

Sometimes I find myself trying hard and struggling to feel funny, or to find humor in something.  There is a lot of humor in the world when we care to look.  Just be willing to look.

The bottom line is, whether you are laughing at someone or with someone, it can really be the best medicine.

The Bible has quite a bit to say about laughter.  Some of my favorite verses are;

Luke 6:21 

Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied.  Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh.

Job 8:21

He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouting.

Psalm 126:2 

Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, "The Lord has done great things for them."

Laugh today, don’t waste it. 

You mad bro?

Ok, so I was going to write about the downfall of sexual sin and lust.  But, as I write this, I find that I am troubled.

You see, I had to deal with some issues at home that are upsetting and as a parent, you sometimes can't help but be angry at your kids.

But, is this what God wants?  Short answer.  NO.  Disciplining your children should come from a place of love, and not anger.  Is it ever OK to be angry?

There is righteous anger, but I don't think anyone but Christ could accomplish that.  In one of my favorite books, (James) we are told "human anger does not produce that righteousness that God desires."  It turns out that the Bible has a lot to say on anger.

Psalms tells us to refrain from anger.  Is that even possible when anger is such a common human emotion?

Well, if we are casting all our cares upon him, then I believe it could be possible.  I used to have a problem with anger.  Since then, I have been asking God to allow me to be an example of His love.  If we are reflecting God and how He views others, then why isn't our first reaction to pray for those who cut us off on the highway.  Why isn't our gut reaction to feel sorry for those who really upset us?  Well, the simple answer is because we live in a fallen world.

So, when circumstances upset us, and we get angry perhaps by following these simple steps we can avoid sinning in anger.

1. Pray
    Somebody cuts you off? Pray for them.  Maybe their loved one is dying or there is some sort of           emergency.  Kids upset you? Pray.  Pray for patience and the best way to deal with your children.
2. See others how Christ would see them.  He would love them unconditionally.  Nothing can separate us from Christ's Love. Shouldn't it be the same for us if we are to reflect Christ?
3. Be still.  Psalms 46:10 God is still in control.

I challenge you next time you are mad, follow these steps and see if it helps.

25 Verses on anger

Listening

The other day I wrote that James reminds us to listen, and be slow to speak.  Today I would like to focus on the listening part with an excerpt from my book.

Listening.  How many times have I told my son, “You’re not listening.”?  Does listening take practice?  Is it something we learn?  Is not listening a learned trait?  How often do we “not listen” because we are disinterested, or bored.  How often do we pretend to listen?  I am guilty.

Most men have “selective hearing”.  I however think this would be a rather sexist thing to say, no matter how true it is.  I think that it is a human trait that we develop over time.  To “tune out” things we don’t want to hear.

Though I have a small hearing problem, I try not to let my hearing problem become a heart problem.  What I mean is, though I may be hard of hearing sometimes, I cannot allow that to be a metric for my response. 

Hearing is not the same as listening.  This nearly goes without saying. However stop and think about it for a minute.

How many sounds do you hear throughout the workday?  Short answer is lots.  If you think about how many sounds you actually hear, and tune out automatically, it would be in the thousands.  Our brain could still handle all of these sounds without going into meltdown.

Take a moment, just a moment sometime, and actually listen to all of those random sounds.  Concentrate on what is actually going on with each sound.  An office environment, or a hospital are ideal locations for this little experiment.  The ambient noise in both places is very active.  As a side note; my friend Mike and I agree the best sleep we get is in the hospital, because even with all the noise, it is still quieter than home or work!

Now, once you have processed the sounds, analyzed and categorized them.  Think about all you had been missing when you just heard the sounds, but did not listen to them.  We take most of these sounds for granted, but stop and think about them.  Think about the motivation behind the sound, think about the reason the sound is there.  Be thankful the person in the cube next to you at work is constantly getting phone calls.  This may mean that 1.) They are busy, and it helps pay your check.  2.) They have a hectic personal life, be glad yours isn’t like that.  Or the third option, if you are that busy, be glad that you are not out of work.

So, listening is important.  We have already looked at all that can be missed by simply not listening, what happens when we actually take time to go beyond hearing, and start to listen?  I think this story about my grandpa can really help us with that question.

My grandfather was a very loving and quiet man.  He was the epitome of “a man of few words”.   (This is really saying something given the noisy nature of our family.)  I remember that we were all gathered around the table for Christmas Dinner one particular year conversing on various things that seem to inevitably pop up when a family gets together.  Politics, gas prices…etc…  I was enjoying the moment of the family carrying on a few separate conversations about these or similar topics.  Just to the right of my Grandpa who always sat at the head of the table.  And I looked around the table just enjoying being present at this event.  As I looked at my Grandfather, I realized he was doing the same thing, and listening.  (Guilty!  I wasn’t listening in on the conversations.)  While my grandpa was listening, he was looking on in love at his family.  And then, the unthinkable happened.  He spoke!  He was able to quiet our clan down with 6 simple words.  He succeeded, with these 6 words in calming 24 people to a silent, quiet moment.  Others had tried and failed to quiet our mob with banging of pots, and whistles, and even shouting…but in his quiet dignity, grandpa was able to silence us all with his wisdom, and command of respect.  The words he used were few, but powerful.  “Do you know what I think?”  The stillness was amazing.  Here we were complaining about gas prices just a moment before, and now we were all looking at him with respect and admiration.  “I think we should be thankful we have cars to put gas in.”  My grandpa was never much of a “Pollyanna philosopher.”  And rarely, did he stoop to the obvious.  I don’t remember him ever being a “glass half full” type.  But, he had a point.  Stop arguing about politics and gas, and such, and be thankful for what you have.  It was cliché but in that moment, it was quite profound.

We ended up losing grandpa to a tragic accident a little less than a year later.  His words stuck with me.  Why?  Because he was a man of few words, what he did say really had more meaning than if he was constantly talking.

There is a famous quote from Larry King.  “I never learned anything while I was talking.”

Think about it.  How much more can we accomplish in our spiritual, professional and personal lives when we listen?  There are plenty of books on the art of listening.  And, I won’t go into too much detail here.  I could write a list of listening advice, but I don’t want to be one of “those authors” who gives you too much information that you already know, and just don’t tend to put it to use, so when you read it, you think, “Gee, he’s right, I do need to do ‘x’!” 

So, I’ll just say do it.  Listen.  Listen to those around you.  (No, don’t eavesdrop)  Listen to all the little noises in life.  Listening can be more than a conversational tool.  Listen to the rhythm of life.  Listen to the birds singing in the morning.  Take a moment to listen.  Listen to God.   Listen to what God is telling you.  Listen to what He wants for you.  Just be still and know.  Be still and listen.  

In a world where we try to “tune out” the noises, I think of grandpa’s words, and how to listen. 

As Americans, we tend to listen to music while working, or doing chores, exercising, etc…but have you ever taken a moment to stop hearing the music and actually listen to what the artist is conveying in their message? 

How much harder would my life be without the ability to listen?  Even if you are hard of hearing, even if you have no hearing, you can listen.  Listening is deeper than hearing. 

True listening is connecting.  Connect with God, connect with your loved ones, connect with a stranger.  Truly listen.  You may find a need there that is begging for your attention.  You may find one of your needs being met just by listening.

“Tune in” It is amazing what you can “hear”, when you connect, and there is only a stillness in your mind. 

Planning

I love Chinese food.  What I don't like is the fortune cookie at the end of the meal.  Sure they taste just "ok".  But, the "fortune" they contain is mostly useless "fun".  Empty words.  I often wondered who wrote the fortunes for fortune cookies.  Then I thought, "Wouldn't it be cool if someone took the book of Proverbs and put them in fortune cookies?" Then I thought, "No, the Bible is God's Word, and shouldn't be subjected to a snack every now and then.  Although, certainly God could use it to bring Himself glory.

Yes, the Bible isn't a fortune cookie, it is the unerring Word. It is everlasting and steadfast.  If I were to say that the book of Proverbs is like a list of fortune cookies, that would belittle the Word of God, and the wisdom and love contained within.   So avoiding the cookie altogether, let's see what wisdom we can glean from Proverbs 27:1.  "Do not boast about tomorrow, you do not know what the day will bring."

So, as I try to balance life, ministry, family, job, this blog...etc.  I find that I am making plans for this blog for the rest of this year.  Sure, it's good to have plans, but where do we draw the line?  Jesus said, "Don't worry about tomorrow, tomorrow will be anxious for itself.  Sufficient is it's own day for trouble."

So what does God mean by that?  Should we never make plans?  I think like most instruction of Christ, it is a heart issue.  Don't get so wrapped up in making plans, that you lose focus of the present.  As we plan, we tend to get caught up in the details, and soon we get a picture or expectation in our mind of how things should go.  Then we get upset when things don't go according to plan.  So what do we do?

I think the key is to make plans, but not to worry about the minute details.  God is in control, we just need to let Him work.

If we worry about tomorrow,  we are not focusing on what we be focused on, and are missing out on being a blessing or receiving a blessing in return.

Plan, don't get stuck there.