Trying Something New

I just watched Matt Cutts' Ted Talk "Try Something New for 30 Days" so I'm going to do it. I have taken TOO MUCH time off from daily exercise and pumped way too much sugar and caffeine into my system, so I've decided to start something new this morning. I got up 40 minutes early so I could get a 30 minute walk in before getting ready for work. I am also going to drink more water (at least 3 bottles) and begin weening myself from caffeine. So, the plan is 30/3/30. 30 minutes walking/3 bottles of water/30 days. This change or new beginning reminds me of a verse from Paul's 2nd Letter to the church in Corinth. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." 2nd Corinthians 5:17.

Lesson 5: Have No Regrets

In Tuesdays with Morrie, Mitch is living a crazy life with deadlines and ignoring the important things in life. Mitch ignores his family (dying brother), his girlfriend/wife, and his old professor (for 16 years). He avoided the things that matter most. Life is busy. Work often consumes us. It is important that our priorities are in order so that we do not regret the things we did or did not do. God should be our first priority, followed by spouse, then children, and finally work. I want no regrets when I'm older. My goal is to focus on the things that matter not the things that do not. In 1 Timothy 4:7, Paul writes: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith". These words Paul spoke carry no regrets. I want to be able to speak these words one day. Prioritizing my life now will be the first step in finishing the race. Will you be able to say this verse at the end of your life?

Lesson 2: Accepting Your Past

Morrie tells Mitch to "accept the past as the past without denying it or discarding it". The past has ways to come back to the "present", but we cannot change the past or allow it to consume us. Lessons learned in our past often shape who we are today. The circumstances life has brought you or the struggles you faced in your past happened for a reason. At the time, most people do not understand why they are going through a trying time. Through reflection, we sometimes see and understand why we experienced a particular challenge. Discarding the past or not learning from it could lead to other consequences. Paul tells us in Romans 8:28, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose". This verse tells us that no matter the circumstance God is working for the good if we love Him. Something good will come out of the circumstance you are facing. You may not realize it at the time or never realize it, but know that God is working.

3 A's of Awesome--Awareness

How do you get to work? Do you drive the same road everyday? Do you walk the same path? Do you make the same stops at the gas station or coffee shop? We are creatures of habit. We are aware of our surroundings for the most part, but are we aware of the opportunities within our surroundings. Being aware of our surroundings is important not only to keep us safe, but also to see opportunities to serve those around us. In Galatians 6:10, Paul wrote: "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers". I know I miss out on opportunities daily to provide a helping hand or seize the opportunity to serve. It is very important that through my actions and conversations with people that I am as "Christ-like" as possible. Paul reminds us in Colossians 4:4-6 to "Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone".

#2 Bathsheba Admission---To be Famous in my Profession

I had a major problem with the desire of becoming "famous" in my field. However, the last two months, through prayer and mediation on God's Word, I have begun the process of getting rid of this Bathsheba, once and for all. My desire to be the "guru" in the area educational technology is slowly diminishing. This desire consumed me. It was all I thought about. I stressed and worried about my success in my profession. The desire of becoming a "guru" did take me to some interesting places, but I had very little time for the things that really matter in life. I had very little time for exercise, family, or hobbies. We are warned of this worldly view of "becoming" someone or desiring success in the eyes of the world. In Romans 12:2, Paul writes, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will".

I Admit It....One of my Bathsheba's is FOOD!

I Love Food! I've been wanting to lose some extra "poundage" for about two years, but have not been able to because of the food...especially cookies! I desire other foods and beverages too, including pizza, breads, and soda. Whenever I see these foods or begin to crave them, it is hard for me to resist the temptation of eating them. Nutrition is only one part of the "natural" weight loss solution, but I've been successful with exercising several times a week, except for the last month. In a previous post, I discussed David's falling into sin with Bathsheba. This desire for food will eventually lead to an unhealthy body. Actually, it has already became a problem due to excess weight on my joints and muscles. In 1 Corinthians 6:18-20, Paul reminds the church in Corinth to take care of their bodies and do not do anything unpleasing to God. Paul writes: "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; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies". I am challenging myself to turn to God and begin taking better care of my temple. Admission is the first step...now begins the hard part not allowing the temptation make me "fall".

The Power of Words

Words are powerful. Words can mean different things to people depending on their understanding of the word or their experiences. Words can build up or tear down. Words have the potential to change attitudes. In Psalms 119:130, the psalmist writes: "The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple". Words can direct us and guide us. This week’s posts will focus on two different words: can and can’t. Each word has the power to transform your attitude and your life. I'm often reminded of the power of words when Paul addresses "unwholesome" talk in his letter to the church in Ephesus. "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen".