The Power of a Smile – The Power of One Series – Part #4

The Power of a Smile – The Power of One Series – Part #4

Does a smile have the ability to change others?

Can a smile have an impact?

In 1993, the world needed something. It would be 1993 that two men,  Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen, released the “Chicken Soup for the Soul.”  Chicken Soup for the Soul filled a gap in the world. The world that was hurting and needed to connect with stories that created hope for those who felt hopeless and nurtured people who were feeling lost and abandoned.

Chicken Soup for the Soul was a compilation of true stories and other stories that inspired readers by showing how others made a difference when it mattered most.

One story titled “A Simple Gesture,” penned by John W. Schlatter.

In John Schlatter’s story, he describes Bill and Mark. Bill was a nerdy guy who was bullied. One day Mark encountered Bill when he, Bill, was planning to kill himself. Mark smiled at Bill. It would be that simple gesture that helped Bill feel the compassion and sense of belonging he needed to stop his plan and begin living a positive life.

All because of a simple smile.

When we encounter people for the first time, we do not know what is happening in their lives. The same is true in our lives; they do not know what is going on in ours. One of the most beautiful things we can do, as a first impression, is to smile at them no matter what is going on in ours.

The act of smiling gives out energy which releases endorphins in our body designed to make us feel good. The experience of receiving a smile can change our mood, our perspectives, and our self-image.

What does a simple smile convey?

    • It conveys that I see you.
    • It conveys you are accepted.
    • It conveys I like you.
    • It conveys you matter.

Smiling is one of the fundamental and foundational ways we bond as human beings. When our children are babies, we connect with them from the moment they are born. As parents, we wait with anticipation to see that first genuine smile back.

This first smile back was a sign we are affecting our children’s learning. This shows us they know us, they like us and our communication is just beginning.

If you want a challenge, try these next steps, and see if you notice the impact it has on you and those around you.

(1) Choose a day when you are going to be in your community, around town, running errands or crossing paths with other people. Make it a point to look at each person you see in the eye and smile. Don’t worry if they have their head down, just look at them and smile. The chance that they look up and see a smiling face is great.

(2) When you see an employee in a store, smile at them. As you do wait for the smile back and greet them pleasantly. Remember, we do not know what they are going through. Many employees hear complaints all day long and you might be the first smiling face they see.

(3) Have you ever noticed how you feel when someone responds to your smile with one of their own. Notice how it feels when they don’t respond to your smile. When you feel the effects of a simple smile, it can leave a lasting impact, not just on others, but for you as well.

Who knows what a simple smile can do for someone?

It is a simple gesture each of us can do every day.

Will you smile today?

Just some thoughts,

Signature File

Monday Motivational Thought – January 25, 2021

Monday Motivational Thought – January 25, 2021

Do you have an “Attitude of Gratitude?”

What does that really mean?

What can you do right now to develop an “Attitude of Gratitude?”

Matthew Henry once said, after being robbed late one night, “Let me be thankful, first, because I was never robbed before; second, because, although the thieves took my all, it was not much; and third, because it was I who was robbed, not I who robbed.”

Take a moment and write three things you are thankful for today. Put them in a place you can see them and look at them throughout the day.

Just some thoughts,

Signature File

Study Outlines

Study Outlines

Have you always wanted to study the Bible, but did not know exactly where to begin?

The outlines below are simple outlines to being your personal study. You will notice the outlines are not complete. Use them as a guide to help you study.

Preachers, feel free to use these as a help to kick start our sermon on Sunday.


Outline #1 – Attitude Determines Altitude

  • Why is Attitude Important?
    • Attitudes are always forming
    • Attitudes are formed when we are young
    • Attitude problems are the result of heart problems
  • What must My Attitude be?
    • Not as the rich young ruler.
    • The Attitude of Christ
    • We need an attitude of “Yes! We can!”
  • How is your attitude?
    • Is it Christ-like?
    • Since attitude problems are heart problems, where is your heart?
    • Have you learned to be content?

Outline #2 – Do Not Mumble or Grumble

  • The Dangerous Attitude of Complaining
    • How can we be blameless and shining as lights in the world, if we complain?
    • Complainers bring others down.
  • The Dangerous Attitude of Disputing
    • Some people try to dispute, stir up anger and arguments
    • “All that is needed to make a mountain out of a molehill is a little dirt.”
  • Our Attitudes and Words
    • Words affect people?
    • Replace complaining and disputing with good things (i.e. – thankfulness, faith, kindness, etc)
    • What will your words do today

Outline #3 – Taking it all in and letting none of it out

  • The Most Followed command?
    • Matthew 8:4 – “See that you tell no one…”
    • Why did Jesus say that phrase?
    • Do many people follow it today?
  • Why do many follow those words today?
    • Fear
    • Specifically, fear of rejection
    • Some are afraid they will be wrong
    • What is the solution?
  • We need to get off our “buts.” (ex. – I really know I should but…)
    • Isaiah 6:8 – “Here am I, send me”

Outline #4 – Simply Trusting God

  • Simply trusting God means you are like Joseph
    • Remember Joseph’s words to his brothers? (Genesis 45:5)
    • Joseph kept confidence by relying on God’s providence
  • Simply trusting in God means you are like Daniel
    • Daniel was a man of principles
      • He refused the kings food.
      • He refused not to pray.
    • God admires principles. (Psalm 15:1-5)

Outline #5 – Christian Repentance

  • Why would a Christian need to repent?
    • Sin
    • Isaiah 1:18
  • Christians can stray away
    • Demas (2 Timothy 4:10)
    • Simon the Sorcerer (Acts 8:13; 18-23)
  • What is your reaction to sin?
    • Do you deny it?
    • Do you try to cover it up?
    • Do you justify it?
    • Do you take responsibility?
  • You must live a life of action
    • “Faith without works is dead.”
    • You are salt and light
  • Christian’s Change
    • They change as they grow
    • Psalm 51

Outline #6 – “Lord I believe. Help my unbelief.” (Mark 9:34)

  • The situation: the disciples were not able to cast out a spirit of a boy, so the Father appealed to Jesus.
  • “Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief.”
    • Note the verse is not a contradiction.
    • It may be better rendered, “Lord, I believe. Help my unfaithfulness.”
  • Do you believe but lack faith?
    • Are you in need of an increase of faith?
    • The father had belief, but he needed more faith.
  • How can you increase your faith?
    • Romans 10:17
    • Start now. (Matthew 4:18-20)
    • Attend uplifting events. (Hebrews 10:24-25)
    • Find contentment and joy in God. (Philippians 4)
    • When in doubt, pray. (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

Remember to use these outlines are a guide for further study.

Check back next Wednesday for a few more outlines.

Just my thoughts,