Showing posts with label Advice. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Advice. Show all posts
Friday, July 20, 2012
Thursday, July 19, 2012
What do I get out of it?
For
us single folks, it should really make us ask ourselves if we are truly
ready for marriage. It's easy to focus on our loneliness and the "idea" of a
companion but instead of fantasizing about what you are going to get
out of it, spend some time thinking about what YOU are going to have to
give to it....
Monday, September 7, 2009
For Brian
A man fell into the sea. He was a powerful man, not just in status but also in statute. He had great muscle strength. The people on the boat threw him a life saver. This floating device was designed to save lives. The man full of pride believed he could save himself and began to swim towards the boat. The man in all of his strength fought hard but the undercurrent was much stronger and continued to carry him further out to sea. He eventually gave up and the sea overtook him, carrying him to his death. The floating device bobbing up and down was untouched. The floating device was designed to save lives. It worked, it was good, yet he died.
Another man fell into the sea, in his fear he grasped for the floating device. People began to pull him in, but he continued to flair his arms wildly and kicking his feet frantically. People shouted at him to be still and to hold on tightly to the device but he wouldn’t listen. As the waves got higher and the wind began to blow, his kicking made it difficult to pull him in. He was tossed to and fro and due to his arms flailing about, he was thrown from the floating device and carried out to sea to his death.
You watched in horror but you did not see the one man’s failure to reach out to a device that was designed to save his life. Nor did you see the other mans failure to hold on tightly to the device so he could be pulled out of the raging sea. Through your eyes you saw a device that didn’t save their lives. Through your eyes you saw what you were told was a life saving device that didn't work. You didn’t trust this so-called life saver, so when you found yourself in the middle of the raging sea, waves overtaking you, you didn’t even bother reaching for the floating device that was just inches within your grasp, you laid your arms over your chest, closed your eyes and let the sea shallow you up.
The floating device was designed to save lives, it works, it does exactly what it was designed to do, but you have to reach for it, grab it, wrap your arms around it and hold on to it with every bit of strength you have inside of you. As the waves cover you and the undercurrent pulls you down, your grasp on the life saver will get you to safety. It is guaranteed to do that IF you just hold on.
Jesus was designed to save lives. That is the reason he was born. Those that refuse to grab a hold of him because of pride do so by choice, it is not HIS fault. Those that grab on, but let go and continue to do things their own way and fall back into the raging sea, do so by choice, it is not HIS fault. The life saver is not defective because it was not used for the purpose it was designed. Neither is Jesus defective nor is His blood and sacrifice rendered ineffective for you because someone else did not apply His blood, His word and His promises to their lives. Jesus loves YOU! He died so YOU could be free! He can bring you safely out of the raging sea and put your feet on solid ground. He can do that, IF you reach out grab a hold and don’t let go.
I love you Brian.
Another man fell into the sea, in his fear he grasped for the floating device. People began to pull him in, but he continued to flair his arms wildly and kicking his feet frantically. People shouted at him to be still and to hold on tightly to the device but he wouldn’t listen. As the waves got higher and the wind began to blow, his kicking made it difficult to pull him in. He was tossed to and fro and due to his arms flailing about, he was thrown from the floating device and carried out to sea to his death.
You watched in horror but you did not see the one man’s failure to reach out to a device that was designed to save his life. Nor did you see the other mans failure to hold on tightly to the device so he could be pulled out of the raging sea. Through your eyes you saw a device that didn’t save their lives. Through your eyes you saw what you were told was a life saving device that didn't work. You didn’t trust this so-called life saver, so when you found yourself in the middle of the raging sea, waves overtaking you, you didn’t even bother reaching for the floating device that was just inches within your grasp, you laid your arms over your chest, closed your eyes and let the sea shallow you up.
The floating device was designed to save lives, it works, it does exactly what it was designed to do, but you have to reach for it, grab it, wrap your arms around it and hold on to it with every bit of strength you have inside of you. As the waves cover you and the undercurrent pulls you down, your grasp on the life saver will get you to safety. It is guaranteed to do that IF you just hold on.
Jesus was designed to save lives. That is the reason he was born. Those that refuse to grab a hold of him because of pride do so by choice, it is not HIS fault. Those that grab on, but let go and continue to do things their own way and fall back into the raging sea, do so by choice, it is not HIS fault. The life saver is not defective because it was not used for the purpose it was designed. Neither is Jesus defective nor is His blood and sacrifice rendered ineffective for you because someone else did not apply His blood, His word and His promises to their lives. Jesus loves YOU! He died so YOU could be free! He can bring you safely out of the raging sea and put your feet on solid ground. He can do that, IF you reach out grab a hold and don’t let go.
I love you Brian.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
For Women
If you are in a bad relationship, recently out of a bad relationship or looking for a relationship, you may want to read what Oprah has to say about it:
I think her words are very wise.
If a man wants you, nothing can keep him away.
If he doesn't want you, nothing can make him stay.
Stop making excuses for a man and his behaviour.
Allow your intuition (or spirit) to save you from heartache.
Stop trying to change yourself for a relationship that's not meant to be.
Slower is better.
Never live your life for a man before you find what makes you truly happy.
If a relationship ends because the man was not treating you as you deserve then heck no, you can't 'be friends'. A friend wouldn't mistreat a friend.
Don't settle.
If you feel like he is stringing you along, then he probably is
Don't stay because you think 'it will get better'
You'll be mad at yourself a year later for staying when things are not better.
The only person you can control in a relationship is you.
Avoid men who've got a bunch of children by a bunch of different women.
He didn't marry them when he got them pregnant, why would he treat you any differently?
Always have your own set of friends separate from his.
Maintain boundaries in how a guy treats you. If something bothers you, speak up.
You cannot change a man's behavior.* Change comes from within.
Don't EVER make him feel he is more important than you are...
Even if he has more education or in a better job.
Do not make him into a quasi-god.
He is a man, nothing more nothing less.
Never let a man define who you are.
Never borrow someone else's man.
If he cheated with you, he'll cheat on you.
A man will only treat you the way you ALLOW him to treat you.
All men are NOT dogs.
You should not be the one doing all the bending...
Compromise is two way street.
You need time to heal between relationships...
There is nothing cute about baggage...
Deal with your issues before pursuing a new relationship
You should never look for someone to COMPLETE you...
A relationship consists of two WHOLE individuals...
Look for someone complimentary...not supplementary.
Dating is fun...even if he doesn't turn out to be Mr. Right.
Never move into his mother's house. Never co-sign for a man.
Don't fully commit to a man who doesn't give you everything that you need.*
Keep him in your radar but get to know others.
Scared of being alone is what makes a lot of women stay in relationships that are abusive or hurtful: Dr. Phill
You should know that:
You're the best thing that could ever happen to anyone and if a man mistreats you, he'll miss out on a good thing. If he was attracted to you in the 1st place, just know that he's not the only one.
You have a lot of choices.
Make the right one.
Ladies take care of your own hearts....
I think her words are very wise.
If a man wants you, nothing can keep him away.
If he doesn't want you, nothing can make him stay.
Stop making excuses for a man and his behaviour.
Allow your intuition (or spirit) to save you from heartache.
Stop trying to change yourself for a relationship that's not meant to be.
Slower is better.
Never live your life for a man before you find what makes you truly happy.
If a relationship ends because the man was not treating you as you deserve then heck no, you can't 'be friends'. A friend wouldn't mistreat a friend.
Don't settle.
If you feel like he is stringing you along, then he probably is
Don't stay because you think 'it will get better'
You'll be mad at yourself a year later for staying when things are not better.
The only person you can control in a relationship is you.
Avoid men who've got a bunch of children by a bunch of different women.
He didn't marry them when he got them pregnant, why would he treat you any differently?
Always have your own set of friends separate from his.
Maintain boundaries in how a guy treats you. If something bothers you, speak up.
You cannot change a man's behavior.* Change comes from within.
Don't EVER make him feel he is more important than you are...
Even if he has more education or in a better job.
Do not make him into a quasi-god.
He is a man, nothing more nothing less.
Never let a man define who you are.
Never borrow someone else's man.
If he cheated with you, he'll cheat on you.
A man will only treat you the way you ALLOW him to treat you.
All men are NOT dogs.
You should not be the one doing all the bending...
Compromise is two way street.
You need time to heal between relationships...
There is nothing cute about baggage...
Deal with your issues before pursuing a new relationship
You should never look for someone to COMPLETE you...
A relationship consists of two WHOLE individuals...
Look for someone complimentary...not supplementary.
Dating is fun...even if he doesn't turn out to be Mr. Right.
Never move into his mother's house. Never co-sign for a man.
Don't fully commit to a man who doesn't give you everything that you need.*
Keep him in your radar but get to know others.
Scared of being alone is what makes a lot of women stay in relationships that are abusive or hurtful: Dr. Phill
You should know that:
You're the best thing that could ever happen to anyone and if a man mistreats you, he'll miss out on a good thing. If he was attracted to you in the 1st place, just know that he's not the only one.
You have a lot of choices.
Make the right one.
Ladies take care of your own hearts....
Friday, August 29, 2008
Feed Yourself a Feast
I was watering my plants today and scolding myself for not watering them more often.
“Okay fellows I want you to grow not just survive.” I pleaded.
I frowned thinking, that is what my Father God probably says as he lovingly looks over us,
“Okay my beloved, I want you to grow not just survive.”
Plants cannot feed themselves; mine rely on me for survival. I am so glad I don’t have to depend on someone to feed me. I would hate to think I would have to look limp and withdrawn before I could get fed. I guess that gives you some indication of how I take care of my plants. It’s sad, yes I know.
Jesus said “Man shall not live by bread alone.”
Just as we so readily open our mouths, to feed our stomachs. We should so readily open our bibles to feed our spirit and our minds. The word of God is food for our spirit, instruction for our minds, and comfort for our emotions. This kind of sounds the way we use food. The good news is, the bible has zero calories and completely satisfies.
We don’t withhold necessary substance for our survival, so why do we withhold the reading, learning and doing of God’s word from our daily diet? I stand judged and convicted “guilty” of doing that very thing. That is why I write this, because now that I am feeding myself God’s word, I can see the changes in my personality and in my attitude which is also changing the quality of my life and the lives of my loved ones.
The Bible truly is a remarkable book, take a quick glance: When you read the Bible you are reading life into your life!
You want poetry read the Psalms. The Song of Solomon is a love story. For wise advice, check out Proverbs. Battles and hero’s fill the pages of the Old Testament and the New Testament is God revealed to us.
If you’re depressed read the Epistles: Acts teaches us about the Holy Spirit and his role in helping us live a victorious life here on earth; Romans tells us to transform and renew our minds, that it doesn’t matter what we’ve done, God loves us for who we are; 1 Corinthians 13 is the Love Chapter; 2 Corinthians teaches you to walk in your new creation in Christ, leaving the old behind; If you have a religious legalistic view read Galatians and set yourself free; Ephesians is all about how God loves you and his plan for your life; Philippians is how to have true Joy through trials; Colossians explains success by doing all unto the Lord; 1&2 Timothy shows us how to fight the good fight, how to stand strong as a Christian. I could go on but I am sure you get the point.
God very clearly tells us why we should read the bible.
In 2 Timothy 3:16 he wrote, "Every Scripture is God-Breathed and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, and for training in righteousness in holy living, to conform to God’s will in thought, purpose, and action. So that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work."
I don’t know about you but I want to be thoroughly equipped so I can live this abundant life God has promised me.
I know the Bible can be hard to comprehend that is why I wouldn’t recommend you try to read The King James Version, yes it is beautifully written but it is difficult to understand. I suggest you purchase a study bible which is written in a less formidable fashion.
Watch as God’s word comes alive in your heart and begins to transform your life. It’s the best investment of time you will ever spend. I encourage you to feed your spirit; your mind will thank you.
“Okay fellows I want you to grow not just survive.” I pleaded.
I frowned thinking, that is what my Father God probably says as he lovingly looks over us,
“Okay my beloved, I want you to grow not just survive.”
Plants cannot feed themselves; mine rely on me for survival. I am so glad I don’t have to depend on someone to feed me. I would hate to think I would have to look limp and withdrawn before I could get fed. I guess that gives you some indication of how I take care of my plants. It’s sad, yes I know.
Jesus said “Man shall not live by bread alone.”
Just as we so readily open our mouths, to feed our stomachs. We should so readily open our bibles to feed our spirit and our minds. The word of God is food for our spirit, instruction for our minds, and comfort for our emotions. This kind of sounds the way we use food. The good news is, the bible has zero calories and completely satisfies.
We don’t withhold necessary substance for our survival, so why do we withhold the reading, learning and doing of God’s word from our daily diet? I stand judged and convicted “guilty” of doing that very thing. That is why I write this, because now that I am feeding myself God’s word, I can see the changes in my personality and in my attitude which is also changing the quality of my life and the lives of my loved ones.
The Bible truly is a remarkable book, take a quick glance: When you read the Bible you are reading life into your life!
You want poetry read the Psalms. The Song of Solomon is a love story. For wise advice, check out Proverbs. Battles and hero’s fill the pages of the Old Testament and the New Testament is God revealed to us.
If you’re depressed read the Epistles: Acts teaches us about the Holy Spirit and his role in helping us live a victorious life here on earth; Romans tells us to transform and renew our minds, that it doesn’t matter what we’ve done, God loves us for who we are; 1 Corinthians 13 is the Love Chapter; 2 Corinthians teaches you to walk in your new creation in Christ, leaving the old behind; If you have a religious legalistic view read Galatians and set yourself free; Ephesians is all about how God loves you and his plan for your life; Philippians is how to have true Joy through trials; Colossians explains success by doing all unto the Lord; 1&2 Timothy shows us how to fight the good fight, how to stand strong as a Christian. I could go on but I am sure you get the point.
God very clearly tells us why we should read the bible.
In 2 Timothy 3:16 he wrote, "Every Scripture is God-Breathed and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, and for training in righteousness in holy living, to conform to God’s will in thought, purpose, and action. So that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work."
I don’t know about you but I want to be thoroughly equipped so I can live this abundant life God has promised me.
I know the Bible can be hard to comprehend that is why I wouldn’t recommend you try to read The King James Version, yes it is beautifully written but it is difficult to understand. I suggest you purchase a study bible which is written in a less formidable fashion.
Watch as God’s word comes alive in your heart and begins to transform your life. It’s the best investment of time you will ever spend. I encourage you to feed your spirit; your mind will thank you.
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