There are many people who want to change. They want a new start and a new future. While no one can go back and start over, we can start creating a better future today. C. S. Lewis is noted as saying, “You cannot go back and have a new beginning, but you can start today and have a new ending.”
Change begins with you. It starts in the heart, nurtured by faith and guided by God’s word. For us to change, we must realize the change that can take place in our life. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (ESV)
We must remember that change begins with us. It is through following God’s word we change and see true transformation in our lives. (see Romans 12.1-2)
Consider these words as found on a tomb dated A.D. 1100 of an Anglican Bishop at Westminster Abbey:
When I was young and free and my imagination had no limits,
I dreamed of changing the world.
As I grew older and wiser, I discovered the world would not change,
so I shortened my sights somewhat and decided to change only my country.
But it, too, seemed immovable.
As I grew into my twilight years, in one last desperate attempt,
I settled for changing only my family, those closest to me, but alas,
they would have none of it.
And now as I lie on my deathbed, I suddenly realize:
If I had only changed myself first, then by example I would have changed my family.
From their inspiration and encouragement,
I would have been able to better my country and,
who knows, I may have changed the world.
Just some thoughts,
The journey of 2024, like any other year, will not be devoid of challenges. But it’s in the face of these obstacles where our resolve is tested and our growth occurs. Here are some strategies to keep moving forward when times get tough.
- Maintain your focus on the big picture. Challenges are often temporary, but our larger goals remain constant. Keeping our eyes fixed on the end goal can help us navigate through tough times.
- Bible Verse to Remember: “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 3:14
- Quote to Remember: “The only limit to our realization of tomorrow is our doubts of today.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt
- Foster resilience. It’s our ability to bounce back from adversity that determines our forward momentum. Cultivate a growth mindset, learn from your experiences and remember that setbacks are steppingstones, not dead ends.
- Bible Verse to Remember: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” – James 1:2-3
- Quote to Remember: “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” – Nelson Mandela
- Remember to take care of yourself. Tough times can be mentally and physically draining. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate rest can boost our resilience and enable us to tackle challenges more effectively.
- Bible Verse to Remember: “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own.” – 1 Corinthians 6:19
- Quote to Remember: “Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.” – Jim Rohn
- Seek support when needed. We are not alone in our journey. Friends, family, mentors, or professional help can provide valuable advice, encouragement, and a fresh perspective.
- Bible Verse to Remember: “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
- Quote to Remember: “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller
While challenges are inevitable, they don’t have to derail our journey. By adopting these strategies, we can continue to move forward, making 2024 the best year ever.
Just some thoughts,
In this journey called life, we often encounter people from all walks of life—some striving towards their goals, others grappling with the desire to change but seemingly unable to make that leap. For those of us who are deeply invested in the well-being of others, it can be incredibly disheartening to watch someone express a yearning to improve yet remain tethered to the same habits and patterns that hold them back.
The Desire to See Others Thrive
The desire to help others stems from a place of deep love and compassion. We see the potential in those around us—friends, family, colleagues—and we earnestly wish for them to experience the growth and happiness they deserve. Our hearts ache when we see them struggle, and we become invested in their journey, often more than they are themselves.
The Frustration of Inaction
One of the most challenging aspects of this experience is the frustration that arises when someone tells you they want to get better, but their actions speak otherwise. They may verbalize their goals, dreams, and aspirations, yet they continue to engage in behaviors that contradict their intentions. This dissonance can be perplexing and discouraging for those of us who are eager to offer support and guidance.
“Change is hard at first, messy in the middle, and gorgeous at the end.” — Robin Sharma
We must remember that change is a deep personal process. The road to improvement is often fraught with obstacles, fears, and uncertainties. It is essential to approach this journey with empathy and patience, recognizing that everyone moves at their own pace.
The Process of Getting Better
Getting better is not a destination but a continuous process. It requires dedication, effort, and a willingness to step out of one’s comfort zone. As much as we wish we could, we cannot make these choices for others. They must take the steps themselves, and it is their responsibility to commit to the journey of self-improvement.
“The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.” — Franklin D. Roosevelt
We can offer encouragement, resources, and a listening ear, but ultimately, the power to change lies within the individual. It is crucial to communicate this lovingly and supportively, emphasizing that while we believe in their potential, they must take the reins and steer their own ship.
Navigating the Emotional Terrain
Our desire to see others improve can sometimes lead to emotional exhaustion. We invest our time and energy into helping them, and when progress seems stagnant, we may feel disheartened. It is essential to practice self-care and set healthy boundaries to ensure that our well-being is not compromised in the process.
“You can’t pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself first.”
Remember, it is not a reflection of our efforts if someone chooses not to take the necessary steps towards improvement. Each person’s journey is unique, and their readiness for change may not align with our timeline.
A Message of Hope and Encouragement
As we continue to support those around us, let us do so with a heart full of hope and encouragement. Change is possible, and while it may take time, each small step forward is a victory worth celebrating.
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” — Lao Tzu
We must remain steadfast in our belief that people can get better, and we should continue to offer our unwavering support. At the same time, we must acknowledge that the choice to change lies within the individual. By empowering them to take ownership of their journey, we can foster a sense of agency and motivation that will propel them towards a brighter future.
Keep pressing forward.
Just some thoughts,
Update on February 3rd, 2025
Good Monday morning from the Preacher’s Pen!
Over the past few days, we’ve faced a challenge on how to communicate the message of the Preacher’s Pen amidst the new changes coming our way. Our goal is to encourage individuals by helping them create better days today for a better life tomorrow, all based on the teachings of Jesus Christ.
For years, the Preacher’s Pen has been your one-stop shop for:
- Articles
- Blog posts
- Sermon outlines
- PowerPoint presentations
- Various resources
The Preacher’s Pen website started back in 2006 when my family and I moved to start a church in South Carolina. It became a way for people to stay connected with us as we aimed to inspire and be a beacon of light, spreading messages of hope and encouragement. We wanted to show that while this world is decent, it’s not our true home. Our aim was always to help people make their days better today, leading to a better life tomorrow.
All our messages have revolved around Jesus and the profound teachings He left us with. Over the years, the website has evolved, but last year, we decided to pivot back to our original mission:
- Returning to our roots by focusing on daily motivation rather than being a comprehensive resource center.
- Offering daily encouragement to help you move forward in your faith.
Today, we’re doubling down on that focus. The world is changing fast, but the need for motivation, hope, and challenging the status quo remains. As Christians, we’re called to live the best life possible because we believe in the best future possible, thanks to Jesus, God’s own Son.
So, today, we’re shifting our focus:
- We’re returning to our roots with daily motivational content.
- We’ll also provide weekly information to challenge you to grow and better yourself every day, knowing that our faith in Jesus propels us into a hopeful future that transcends imagination — a future with God in heaven.
You’ll notice some changes on our site soon. I encourage you to sign up for our newsletter. Not only that, but as a Christian seeking God’s presence daily, I urge you to:
- Remain faithful.
- Be a beacon of light in your community.
Remember, God is with us, cares for us, and loves us. As Christians, we have one of the greatest gifts in life: hope.
Be blessed today, and I look forward to talking with you soon.
Just some thoughts,
