It is raining, but the rain should never trouble us, but we should realize it is a blessing. Rain should not make us frown, but allow us to smile. Consider this picture and quote I say on the Law of Attractions Instagram.
5 Things I Learned Last Week
1 – People need to be loved. When I reflect on the love of Christ, His love is overwhelming. Each of us needs to see people like Jesus saw people. Remember, Matthew 9.36 – “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” We need to see the world like Jesus.
2 – Some of the greatest preachers I know are not the most well-known. Across our brotherhood, there are well-known preachers who speak on every lectureship, youth event, etc. but some of the greatest I know are those no one really knows. Their hearts are wide-open and they work tirelessly for the gospel of Christ.
3 – Remember whose you are. Too many adults, not just young people, are faced the pressure to be someone they are not. This pressure lends itself to experiment with ways which are contrary to who we are as a being created by God. It is important to remember, not just who, but whose you are. You are created for a purpose, enjoy it.
4 – Family is Urgent! Sooner or later, most people learn a valuable lesson about family. However, not everyone will learn the lesson of the urgency of family. Many children will grow up to live the life of the words to “Cat’s in the Cradle” because of the actions they see in their parents. Christians need to make their family an urgent priority. Do not let your family slide, put them to the top.
5 – Sometimes it is better not to say anything at all. With that, I will leave this here.
So, what did you learn this week?
#MondayMotivation
Each person needs a little bit of motivation every now and then to get through the day, the week, the month or even the year. So, here is your quick video to give you a quick laugh and some motivation today.
It is a chilly, rainy Monday around this area. Today looks to be a good day to settle down in some research or one of the many books on the “to read” list. Days like this are so relaxing. I never consider them gloomy, but a time to relax and review what is important.
Below are a few short thoughts help you keep moving on this Monday morning.
Journaling Idea: Write about your most productive day and learn what steps you took to make it the most productive day.
Five Things I Learned Last Week
1 – Relax – Some days it is good to relax and do nothing. It is good to take a break and spend some time in relaxation and refreshment. For you, this might mean stepping away from the computer, email or Facebook. It might mean turning on some relaxing music and just drinking a cup of coffee. Here is an article from the Mayo Clinic on relaxation techniques and the benefits. Read more here. By the way, have you ever noticed how much Jesus withdrew Himself to be alone?
2 – A simple card does wonders – For the past several years, our Sunday morning adult Bible class has been sending cards to people. Some of the recipients are members of our congregation and some are not. Some are local friends and some are distant. Some are people that most know, others are people have one or two know. Each week, I pass a card at the beginning of Bible class and it is passed along for everyone to sign. Doing this not only helps the receiver, but many in our congregation find encouragement in being able to encourage others. Who are you encouraging?
3 – Audiobooks are worth the price – Some of you might be ones who like a good hardcover book in your hands and others might like reading on a Kindle or other device, but there is something to be said regarding audiobooks. I have listened to several audiobooks over the years and recently I have discovered the audio narration option on a few of the Kindle books in my digital library. With audiobooks, you can listen in your car, while you exercise, in your office and just about anywhere.
4 – More clothes than I need – Do you have a closest for of clothes? So do I. I probably have more clothes now that I have had in a long time. In fact, I probably have more stuff now than I have had in a long time. Have you ever seen the “My 100 Thing Challenge”? It is an interesting read. I am not agreeing with everything, but there is a benefit in living simpler. Soon, I will be doing away with at least 50% of my clothes. Simpler should be better.
5 – Doing the same thing, gets the same results – I forget the old quote but the definition of insanity is said to be doing the same things over and over and expecting the same results. As people, we like the comfortable an stable. We like doing the same things because they are comfortable. However, the same actions get the same results. If we want to grow, we need to step up our actions and thoughts and change the input to change the output. Do not change for the sake of change, but change because it is necessary. (Personal Note: Some things do not need to changes, just our actions toward them. We might need to examine our hearts and mind, along with our motivation and purpose.)
#MondayMotivation
There are people who need a little more motivation on a Monday. Here is a video from Michael Jr. I bet you have never thought of what it was like to be the younger brother of Jesus, but Michael Jr. did. Enjoy.
It’s Monday again. Some love it; some hate it. Some enjoy starting their work week and others are ready to get it over with quickly. I guess it all depends on attitude, your view of work and the life you are living. I happen to enjoy Mondays for a variety of reasons. Monday are my day of reflection. Every week, I quickly reflect on last week and try to learn from the previous experiences. We learn from our experiences and in that education, we can share our wisdom with others. While we all make mistakes, it is learning from them where our wisdom begins.
Journaling Idea: If you journal, an idea for writing is to end every week writing what you learned and the wisdom you gained.
Five Things I Learned Last Week
1 –Â There are people with knowledge and there are people who think they have knowledge. There is a drastic difference between the two. You have probably heard the old adage, “They think they know so much, but they know very little.” It always helps to consider the person speaking to you and their experience. Today’s “you-have-to-hear-my-opinion” age should be remembered when everyone starts sharing their “knowledge.”
2 – For me, reading the Bible is better when I think. When I read the Bible, I try to get away from reading the chapters and verses and read about the situation. For instance, in the book of Esther, Haman built gallows 75 feet high. When you read this passage, you keep reading. However, take a moment and consider what 75-foot gallows look like. Think of how long it took to build them? Think outside the verse for a moment to the time period and the situation. The story of the gallows is amazing.
3 – There are people who listen to care and then there are people who do not care to listen; be the first group. Have you ever been speaking with someone and you can tell by the look in their eyes they already have their response ready? We all have and it is annoying. Do not be that person. Make it a point to listen to the other person’s words, clarify what they said and then develop your response. Fully listen to what the other person is saying before developing your response. The reason: sometimes what we think we hear is not what you should be hearing.
4 – Your past does not define you; your past enables you. Many people live in the past. Their focus is on high school, past sports or even a past success; but remember, those are in the past. What future are you creating? Your past is just that, your past. Your past should not define you because every day is a new day. While the past is part of our life, it should not be the defining factor. Use your past as an educational tool. Each of us should learn from our past, but not live in it.
5 – This quote says a lot, “Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest.’ —Mark Twain
What did you learn last week?
Monday Morning Motivation
Getting up on a Sunday morning and getting your family ready to attend services can be a reality show, even for the best families. I love this story from Ken Davis regarding “Children fighting on the way to Church.” Sit back and laugh as you hear Ken’s story and see if you experienced it as well.
So, it’s Monday. Many parts of the country are under a hard freeze warning, while others are finally thawing out. One this Monday, whatever the conditions outside, are you working on the conditions on your inside?
Zig Ziglar is quoted as saying, “People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing – that’s why we recommend it daily.” Are you being motivated today?
The story of Rick Rigsby is a powerful one. If you have never heard of him, watch this and then do a little more research or watch a few more videos of his speeches. HIs blend of wisdom, comedic style and stories makes his messages worth listening too. You will laugh and learn much in one simple video.
It’s Monday. You really do not want to get out of bed, but you must. Your feet hit the floor as your hand hits the alarm clock to finally turn it off after a few taps on the snooze button. It is Monday.
However, you Monday does not need to be a bad one. Start the day by laughing a little to get your adrenaline flowing. One of the best ways is with the Monday Morning Laugh. Today’s Monday Morning Laugh features Tim Hawkins and a few thoughts on Christmas songs. Take a moment and enjoy.
Monday’s do not have to be all bad. Start the day laughing and renew your energy for a better day.
