It Got Me Thinking

     I stumbled across a video on You Tube this morning that caused me to turn a little introspective I suppose.  The majority of the piece is made up of photographs of what we can only imagine to be family members through the years, exteriors of homes, landscapes and such. But what it brought to my mind is how brief life really is and if we are not careful, it will pass us by and we won't even realize the moments we missed.  Each of us has been given one life; no dress rehearsal.  This is the real deal and I don't know about you but I want to drink it in to its fullest with no regrets.  

      The message this weekend by Pastor Tim Chambers at Shore Fellowship was all about finding balance in life.  The truth is when you find that balance, you'll be less likely to miss what really matters. 

      It's fun to look back at photographs that mark the milestones and moments of your life.  But even more rewarding, is the ability we are given with that glance of an image to recall sounds and smells, laughter and tears as we are immediately taken in our minds eye to that moment in time. 

      A wise man by the name of Jim tells us that our life is only a vapor.  Here for a moment and then it vanishes just like the morning fog.  Jim reminds us to major on the important things in life and realize where each breath comes from to begin with.  

     Does any of this make sense to you?  I don't know; I saw this video and it just got me thinking.

I Am Inspired!

     I'm inspired this morning!  Not by a new President, but by what he represents.  And it's not what you think.  I'm not talking about the politics of it all.  For the most part, I don't agree with the policies of this administration (although I want to give him a chance).  I'm talking about something different.  When I woke this morning, I couldn't help but imagine what Mr Obama was thinking as his feet hit the floor for the first time in the White House; as he watched the brilliant sun rise out his window.  He walks down the hall.  "Good Morning, Mr. President."  "How are feeling this morning, Mr. President".  He opens the door to the oval office and for the first time, sits behind the desk.  Wow!  "Here we go", he must think.  He is off and running.  

    There is something about newness, fresh starts and clean slates.  Sure there is much on his plate (more I dare say than on any of ours).  But nevertheless at least for this morning there is an ability to tackle the tasks before him with fresh eyes.

     So, from where does my inspiration come?  It's in this.  This morning, though you and I may not be new to our roles, we still have the ability to start fresh.  We too can look at the world around us as if for the first time.  It was Jesus who said, "I have come to make all things new."  We can look to Him for the guidance, wisdom, strength and inspiration to inspire and impact our own world around us.  If each of us could for a single moment grasp the concept that we have the ability to affect change in our world, we'd turn things upside down!.

    So this morning . . . be inspired by the fact that YOU can approach each day with the knowledge that you too can inspire, lead, impact and affect change right where you are; right where God has planted you!!

     I close my radio show each afternoon by reminding my listeners to go out and make a difference.  Do it!  Be the difference maker right where you are today.  Then write to me and let me know how you are impacting your world.  I'd love to hear from you. 

The Bucket List

     My wife and I saw "The Bucket List" this past weekend and we both came away counting our blessings.  Our brush with cancer this past Summer in a way that is hard to explain has been a gift as opposed to a curse.  When you are faced with your own mortality,  you are given a new appreciation for each day.     

     In "The Bucket List", two men (played by Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman) from two vastly different worlds are confronted with the ravages of cancer and brevity of life.  They both determine to pursue a list of  places they want to see, emotions they want to internalize and things they want to do before they "kick the bucket".  While it's unlikely the  scenario would ever take place, the overriding message is one we can all learn from.  

    The New Testament Apostle James said that our life is but a vapor.  Here one moment and gone the next.  We would all do well to remember that and determine to make the very most of each breath we are given.  Being diagnosed with Leukemia (seemingly out of the blue) actually has increased my faith, drew our family closer and gave us all a much keener appreciation for the healthy days we are given.  We now have much more compassion and care for those who are going through their own struggles whether health related or otherwise.  It's hard to explain what an experience like this will do for you and through you.

     I encourage you to see "The Bucket List".  Introspection is good for the soul.  

     Carpe Diem!!

A Pause To Reflect

Maybe you’ve been there. The run, run, run of your life is suddenly interrupted. You may see it coming, you may not but none the less, life is interrupted. It happened to me this week.
As I write this entry, I’m sitting in a hospital bed, interrupted unexpectedly. I’ve felt a lack of energy lately and frankly got a little weary of hearing more and more people telling me that I looked somewhat gray and lacking color. So off to the doctor I went this week for a check up and series of tests. Come to find out, my hemoglobin levels are extremely low and I was in need of a blood transfusion. For someone who is never sick, never spent a night in the hospital (expect to be by my wife’s side when our babies were born), this has been an strange experience. I’m used to being the one leaving the room and waving good-bye to someone else. Not this time. I feel fine, have no pain and as yet the doctors don’t know what the problem is.
But I write this as background only to say that times of reflection are good. Don’t get me wrong, I really don’t like being here and the uncertainty can be un-nerving, the reflection time is good. One of my daughters gave me a hand made get well card and on it she wrote my favorite verse in the Bible. It comes from the book of Isaiah, chapter 40. You really should read the whole chapter sometime. The chapter concludes with verse 31 which says, “They that hope (or wait on) in the Lord will renew their strength. They will sore as with wings of eagles. They shall run and not be weary. They shall walk and not faint.”
You ever get so busy making the most of your day, running around and working to make use the sun before it sets that you never take time to look up at the sun and appreciate the fact that you’ve been given another day to enjoy it?
Boy, I appreciate and love my family and in times like these, I’m directed to pause and take the time to thank God for all He is, all His has given to me and blessed me with and renew my strength to leave this hospital in His time to make the most of and appreciate my Creator and the gift of life He has given me.
Carpe Diem!! Seize The Day!! Until next time........