Reasons to smile - catch great memories

There is a particular game that is consuming the attention of children, youth, and adults. It has a very simple concept. Using a smart phone or tablet, individuals must seek-out and catch imaginary monsters in actual locations. Sounds kinda cool in theory. Well, the monster hunters are looking everywhere and without any discretion. They are so determined to get these monsters that they  go to extreme lengths to obtain what they want.

An on-line journal posted that the monster hunters are hunting so aggressively that they are even looking in a Holocaust museum. How are these gamers so intent on finding fun that they are willing to search in a place that holds memories of one of the most tragic eras in world history? 

As of July 2016, there is a petition to remove the little monsters from the museum on Care 2 Petition with nearly 17,000 signatures!

It is greatly apparent that our nation and this world are experiencing some very rough days. The senseless killings, terrorist attacks, and political upheavals are enough to make a person want to hide behind closed doors.

Yet, Numbers 14:6-9 helped me to get grasp on catching joy in a place filled with monsters. 

6 But Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had spied out the land, tore their clothes; 7 and they spoke to all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying: “The land we passed through to spy out is an exceedingly good land. 8 If the Lord delights in us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us, ‘a land which flows with milk and honey.’[a] 9 Only do not rebel against the Lord, nor fear the people of the land, for they are our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the Lord is with us. Do not fear them.”

God told Moses in the previous chapter that He was giving the children of Israel the land at Canaan. All they needed to do was explore and take ownership.

The story goes on to say that 12 spies explored the land. When they returned with a report, they marveled at the land's beauty. However, ten of the twelve confessed that the land had giants greater they could handle. Only two of the spies, Caleb and Joshua, had the intestinal fortitude to believe they were greater than those giants. Subsequently, the children of Israel wondered for 40 years for not acting on what God told them to do. 

How does this fit in today?

Like I said earlier, it is obvious that the giants called fear, intimidation, hate, anger and more are in our land. Yet and still, our land is still good and we have the ability to enjoy the prosperity of this land if we go and obtain it. 

What would happen if we aggressively searched for JOY, PEACE, LOVE, UNITY, and BROTHERHOOD in our land like people are desperately searching for Pokemon and holding on to those things?

A cool feature about the game is that when you catch a little monster it saves to your profile. Then, when you need the motivation to keep hunting or a reminder of how far you have come, all you have to do is look back and enjoy your good "Catches" or memories. 

Here are some scriptures to help you search:

“You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water” (Psalm 63:1).

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).

“But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul” (Deuteronomy 4:29).

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. (Philippians 4:8)

Activity:

To emphasize this message during our youth service, I blindfolded two participants and placed a bowl in front of each. Inside of the bowls were cooked spaghetti and elbow macaroni as well as gummy snacks. The kids were given one minute to search through the gross stuff to find the good stuff. The catch was that they could only use one hand. Point: There is good in gross or bad days/moments. Even if you can't physically see it you should strive to find it. 

PS: If you are READING this - You have SURVIVED 100% of your WORST DAYS!

Get it - Got it - Good!

Too broke to pay attention 

True story!

While eating at a restaurant the other day the most entertaining exchange took place between the manager and I. My son, who never finishes his food, had a delectable looking dessert. I wanted the dessert but didn't want to use the fork that was in my salmon. Gross! I asked the manager, who happened to be near my table, to bring me a new utensil roll. A short time later she placed a piece of candy on my table then kept it moving. It was so fast that I didn't even notice. I could practically hear that banana pudding calling my name and all I needed was a spoon.  Where was the manager, a waitress, the bus boy, somebody with my spoon? Before I knew it, my hand was in the air beckoning the manager back to my table. Perplexed, the manager inquired about my needs. As patiently as I could, I requested another utensil roll. The manager looked even more perplexed and said, "I gave that to you a while ago." I was like, "Where?!" She pointed to the lone tootsie roll on the table and smiled. By that point, my waitress had arrived and looked equally lost. We laughed and I explained that all I needed was a spoon for my banana pudding. The manager left and returned with the utensil roll, "Oh, this thing? We call this silverware!" 

Great customer service - poor understanding...

The bible teaches us, “Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.”

Proverbs 4:7 NKJV

Typically the reason mishaps occur in life is because something is broken. 

1. Broken communication

2. Broken mindset

3. Broken relationships 

4. Broken understanding

5. Broken feelings 

It's not fair to completely blame others when we do not receive our desired results or to even get mad at God because He hasn't answered our prayers according to our specifications.

Truth is, perspectives and expectations vary based on an individual's background, upbringing, and location. Take time to listen more than you speak and when you do speak - seek to understand and not to be understood. 

God knows your needs and when you need them - instead of just asking Him for your personal desires, ask with the desire to understand His giving and timing.

The Last Place Winner! (lane management)

There is always something to LOOK forward to when you are growing up. We LOOK forward to the first day of elementary school. In middle school We LOOK forward to our first locker, guy's first little mustache hairs, and girl's first time wearing heels. Then comes high school! There is too much to

LOOK forward to in high school. The one thing I LOOKED forward to mostly was my driver's license. I couldn't wait to get it. I even remember the first time I drove my mom's car to church. We owned a giant coffee brown 1988 Lincoln Continental Signature Series. It was a boat! The entertaining part of my inaugural church drive was that entire time I never changed lanes. Not once. I only had one goal. Get to church without wrecking mom's car. One Lane! One Car! You wanna..(never mind) 

Either way, I was intense, you had to either drive around me or wait until I turned on a different street. 

There's a funny thing about lanes, they are easy to see but potentially difficult to stay between if you are not focused. 

As I have gotten older and purchased my own vehicles, I change lanes more often - sometimes without signaling. Don't judge me, I live in Houston where turn signals are allegedly optional. However, my lane changes in life are different. 

Consider the rewards of sticking to your lane/plan, trusting God to guide you, abandoning thoughtless change, and avoiding finish line anxiety.

Here are some bumpers to keep you in lane.

1. God told us through scripture that He will reward our focused diligence (Hebrews 11:6). According to what I have lived, God speaks truth only. Why doubt Him? God built the road - Trust that His directions will not only get you there but also give you what you need. As Peter explained David's psalm in Acts 2:28, the reward of gladness is available through following God's path even from a place of destruction and death. 

2. Let Jesus take the wheel.  In John 21:20-22 (NLT) it is written, "Peter turned around and saw behind them the disciple Jesus loved - the one who had leaned over to Jesus during the supper and asked, "Lord who will betray you?" Peter asked Jesus, "What about him, Lord?" Jesus Replied, 'If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? As for you, follow me.' " 

What a crazy amount of imagery! Jesus knew Judas would betray him. Jesus also knew that Peter would deny him. Yet, Jesus also knew that the detours in their life would lead them and us to greater understanding of following divinely personalized plans. Peter essentially tells Jesus, "What about Judas? Aren't you going to do anything to him?" Jesus' reply is cool as sweet tea in the summer, "I got this. Just keep up with me!" 

In our efforts to please God and achieve personal success we can't keep peeping in on other people's plans. If they get what you want before you, God bless them. It's not up to you to judge other's accomplishments or punishments. You don't fully know their issues or their effort. What you do know is that God's divine purpose for YOU will prevail when YOU completely trust His plan! (Proverbs 3:5-6). 

LOOK for YOUR finish line not THEIR'S!

(Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports via Reuters)

Finally, there is a story of a beautiful centenarian who felt great heartache and nevertheless found great hope. After the devastating distraction of her two son's being killed and her husband passing, she discovered running as a way to keep running. Recently at the Penn Relays, Mrs. Ida Keeling participated in a 100-meter race against other seniors. The gun fired, they all took off at top speed, but Ida did not finish first. In fact, she was the last one to cross the finish line. One minute and 17.33 seconds. Although people were excited this 5 foot 3 inch older lady competed and completed the race, I was more excited by one specific race stat. Mrs. Ida, the last place finisher, is the world record holder in her age group for that distance. She possess the premier position on the podium. 

YOU will cross YOUR finish line in His time and it will be a first place prize for YOUR record books!

Let God lead you in your life lane, stay focused, finish strong!

This lane is my lane - this lane's not your lane - this lane was made for me not you. (Texas humor)

#LaneManagement 

Cancel plan B!

No Take  Backs

As a parent, every day is an opportunity to learn a life lesson. Despite the hour of the day, my youngest child knows that he can cry out and receive attention. As the scream goes from ear piercing to blood curdling, he knows that his immediate demands will be met. It’s not a question of IF his parents will attend to him but WHEN his parents attend to him. He is CONVINCED that he will be satisfied because of his efforts. A pacifier could soothe him but he knows there is something better that will satisfy him.

Good is great until you realize better is an option.

1 Kings 19:19-21 New Living Translation (NLT)

19 So Elijah went and found Elisha son of Shaphat plowing a field. There were twelve teams of oxen in the field, and Elisha was plowing with the twelfth team. Elijah went over to him and threw his cloak across his shoulders and then walked away. 20 Elisha left the oxen standing there, ran after Elijah, and said to him, “First let me go and kiss my father and mother good-bye, and then I will go with you!”

Elijah replied, “Go on back, but think about what I have done to you.”

21 So Elisha returned to his oxen and slaughtered them. He used the wood from the plow to build a fire to roast their flesh. He passed around the meat to the townspeople, and they all ate. Then he went with Elijah as his assistant.

It can be difficult to determine which bridge to cross and which bridge to burn…

Your future is happening now - stop watching the clock do what it does and still do nothing (it’s ok slow down and read it again – got it? Good!)

(Side bar) I think it is entertaining that the next leader, Elisha, was chosen from the final team. Your destination will supersede your position when you are focused.

Elijah simply gives a sign to Elisha signifying its time to move. Have you been given the go ahead to grow but stifling your height with doubt and disbelief?

It was up to Elisha to make a decision. Although Elisha was sustained where he was it was insufficient to his destiny. Greater was available. Your call for better may be simple – will you be CONVINCED enough to move?

Elisha was CONVINCED that going with Elijah was his best move.

1.     What are you convinced of?

2.     Why are you convinced?

3.     What will you do because of your conviction?

Elisha asked to inform his parents of his conviction to move. Elijah agrees with him going but leaves the stipulation that Elisha realizes the opportunity he has just been given.

Don’t go back for a final goodbye and get paralyzed.

We must learn to say goodbye and not see you later to certain things in life. It is like the childhood game where you gave someone something you didn’t want back. You would say, “No take backs!” Stop leaving the candy trail back home. Where you are going, there isn’t a need to go back.

Elisha takes the tools he once used to create wealth and turns them into firewood and food. Elisha threw a boil featuring Ox tails on smoked plow wood

He was essentially saying, “I’m cancelling my plan B – there will not be an open back door to this decision – I am CONVINVCED!”

This moment was not a holy sacrifice but a celebration through sacrificing his past. People will celebrate your stagnation but you must stay focused on succeeding.

When you are convinced, there isn’t an exit strategy.

When you are convinced, there isn’t what if it doesn’t work.

When you are convinced, there is only one way and that is it.

Are you convinced?

It is no longer IF God works this out...

It is WHEN God works this out!

Be convinced that God will supply all of your needs

Be convinced that you are already great because the Holy Spirit resides in you

Be convinced that your right now is not forever

Be convinced that your marriage will work out

Be convinced that your children will be successful

Be convinced that you will graduate

Be convinced that He who has begun the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

#BeConvinced #GodROCKS

Jumpman Jumpman Jumpman Jumpman

#JumpForIt

When I was younger, a Nike commercial truly inspired me. I had to own a pair. When my mom purchased them for me, I was convinced that those shoes would help me pivot, run, and JUMP like the athletes who wore them. I put them on and commenced to running through the house jumping and extending my reach to smack the top of everything.

Recently, my son was given his first pair of shoes. He can’t walk or even JUMP. Nevertheless, he has some fancy kicks! The funny thing about these shoes is that he owns a pair that at nearly forty years old I have never owned! (side bar: teach your kids to hop now so that they can JUMP later) He owns Jordans! A four month old with the JUMPman symbol on his feet…

2016 is a leap year and I believe that with enough focused energy and the right foundation you will find yourself leaping to great heights. #jumpforit

The Message version of Matthew 14:28-30 says, ”Peter, suddenly bold, said, “Master, if it’s really you, call me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come ahead.” Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus. But when he looked down at the waves churning beneath his feet, he lost his nerve and started to sink. He cried, “Master, save me!””

The part that excites me most about this passage is that Peter JUMPED out of the boat. In a place of complacency, common fear is apparent. Despite the fact that misery loves company – someone has to have the gumption to say, “I will do better than this!”  One man had the audacity to challenge his visibly uncomfortable reality and leap into an uncertain future.

Jesus sees what we can’t see and will encourage us to go where He has already made a way. Don’t you know that God is excited to see you color the canvas of the dreams He outlined for you? You have the intestinal fortitude to JUMP for it. You have the foundation to JUMP for it. How long will you slide your way through life with ifs and maybes? Jesus has already guaranteed it for you. JUMP for it!

We have a giant staircase in our home. My oldest child has the ability, on his own, to easily get down the stairs. He will either walk the steps or slide down on his bottom. But when I, his father, am there, he prefers to JUMP into my arms.  My son knows without a shadow of doubt that his daddy will not only catch him but also carry him. Your Heavenly Father hasn’t left you and He wouldn’t encourage you to jump without being certain about safe landing and determined future.  You could do it on your own, but it is more expedient to JUMP with your Dad.

Hebrews 11:1 New King James Version

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

“Now” faith says, I don’t need to challenge what Christ has told me. I’m going for it completely and not looking back!

My mom told me an interesting fact about the African Impala. This powerful animal has the ability to leap distances of nearly 30 feet and jump 10 feet. Yet, they are kept in enclosures with walls far shorter than their jumping abilities. The reason the impalas never jump out of their enclosures is because they are uncertain of their landing. They will not go where they do not see. Even with their awesome ability - freedom lies right beyond their own vision to achieve it.

God has given you a vision and although you cannot detail every step of your future – the very fact that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in you should be enough spark to put a spring in your step. If you stumble while walking, your Good Father will be there to help you back up. With faith, you can jump for your unseen expectations and obtain the God Ordained purpose for your life!

#JumpingROCKS 

It's worth listening...how to learn from experience!!!

Learning by Listening

My favorite scriptures on how to LISTEN!

I often wonder what thoughts are processing in my youngest child’s mind. He is only five-months old and although he cannot form words or create formal sentences, I know he has a lot on his mind. Maybe it’s the funny looks he gives his brother and I or possibly it’s the strange utterances that leave his mouth, but I believe he is learning from looking.

It is typical that the second child will perform certain actions quicker than the first child. Walking, talking, self-feeding, and unassisted potty time (my favorite) is often achieved with greater ease.

Did you know that the same letters that spell SILENT also spell LISTEN?

Do you remember taking the hearing exam as a child? They would put you in this box with a set of headphones. You then had to either raise your hand or click a device when you heard a small beeb.

In order for you to hear properly, we must not only be silent physically, but also mentally. Quiet the distractive thoughts that are impeding your proper hearing.

Proverbs 19:20 New Living Translation

Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life.

Experience is the greatest teacher – every experience does not have to be your own…

While attending a CPR class, the instructor said something that stuck with me. She said, “Don’t create two victims!”

The premise is that you must survey the situation and protect yourself before you go to administer CPR or any assistance. When we learn to look and learn before we move and speak we will make better decisions.

There is a reason we have two ears and one mouth – listen more than you speak!

Here are a few of my favorite scriptures on the importance of listening.

Matthew 11:15 New Living Translation

Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand!

James 1:19 New Living Translation

Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.

Proverbs 2:2New Living Translation (NLT)

Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding.

Proverbs 18:13 New Living Translation

Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish.

Proverbs 19:27New Living Translation (NLT)

If you stop listening to instruction, my child,  you will turn your back on knowledge.

Look. Listen. Learn.

#ListeningROCKS