Why Do You Pray?

Why do we pray? Listen to your prayers tonight before you go to bed or tomorrow before meals. What do you say to God? Why do you say what you pray?
Do your prayers sound like this? “Thank you God for this day. Thank you for my family. You are awesome. Be with my friend who is sick. Be with my cousin because she is having a bad day. Help us to all have a good day. In Jesus name, Amen.”
If prayer is to strengthen our relationship with God, did that prayer create intimacy with Him?
If prayer is to ask God for things for our friends and family, would that prayer help?
If prayer is to hear from God, could we hear Him in that prayer?
If prayer is to discover our purpose & mission in life, could we discern direction from that prayer?

Jesus said if you have faith the size of a mustard seed you could say to a mountain move and it would.
I would like to see a mountain move. I want to experience the power of God. I want to witness a miracle. Don’t you? What would it take for that to happen?

Could our prayers be so radically changed that mountains moved? Could our prayers become so intimate that we experienced God like Saul did when he became Paul? Could our prayers be so intense that we shed drops of blood as we fell face down on the ground seeking God’s guidance and help?

Let’s get real with God. Stop the cherades and artificial face talk. Pour our souls out to him and watch and see what happens. And somebody call Colorado because those Rocky Mountains might start movin'!

Crystal Clear or Muddy Water?

Today someone asked me if I would help in a specific area. The person wasn’t sure what the job would entail, how many hours were required, when my help was needed, or if the area of help would actually transpire. When the friend finished speaking, I responded, “What I hear you saying is… you MIGHT need my help to do something that we aren’t sure what it is, when it MIGHT be, how often you MIGHT need me, or whether you will really need me or not.” She replied, “Exactly.” We both laughed as I thought, “That was as clear as muddy water.”

Do you ever feel like life is as clear as muddy water? Life is good. You love your family, have a great home, super friends, everyone is healthy. Life seems crystal clear. At the same time it’s as grim as muddy water. How are you going to pay the bills? Why is your child struggling? Why do you dread going to work? When will that relationship work out? What is your purpose on this earth? How do we sift through the mud to swim in the cloudless water?

Maybe the clarity comes in perspective. When we view life from a heavenly outlook, it’s clear. When our eyes and mind shift to a worldly perspective, the cloudy water of doubt, worry, fear, disappointment and anger, distort our vision. What do we do?

Look up. Look in. Look around. Turn your eyes up and focus on God. Trust Him. He is in control. He loves you and wants what is best for you. Look in His word. Pounce on His promises. Walk in His wisdom. Execute His commands. Spend valuable time chewing on His truth. Lastly, look around. Is there someone you can help? Is there another person in worse shape than you? Notice everything you have to be thankful for! When we keep our eyes pointed in the right direction, the murky water fades and the truth is crystal clear. Which way are your eyes pointing today?

“Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things.” Col. 3:2

Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

Agree or disagree with this statement? Life can throw us the biggest challenges...ie, illness, unemployment, children taking the wrong path...and we have a sense that God will carry us through and work it out, but the little things in life send us over the edge.

When faced with the giant struggles, we have hope and a sense of peace. Don't get me wrong, it hurts. We cry. Yell sometimes. Might even punch a pillow or two. But in our hearts we know God is in control. He provides. He loves us. He wants the best for us. We know he is stretching us to grow our faith or transforming us into his image. We trust him.

But when our kids get the wrong teacher, a lightbulb blows out in our car, someone spills milk on the carpet, or for heaven's sake, a selfish driver pulls out in front us on the freeway, we literally BLOW A GASKET!!! We flip. We start biting heads off. We think the world is going to turn around and revolve backwards. Why is this?

I learned a very valuable lesson this week. On Monday I wrote about Stephanie Chase and her terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. (that's a children's book :)) I blew a gasket that day. I cried. I yelled. I wanted to quit. Tonight, however, I received one of the sweetest e-mails ever. A dear friend wrote how God used Monday's blog to encourage her in the midst of a friend's battle with cancer.

Was God orchestrating my unimportant little challenge on Monday to bring glory to Himself and encourage someone else? What if that was the reason I had to endure the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day? The answer: if the reason was to help 1 person, I would do it all over again!

In a tiny, remote way isn't that how Jesus must have felt on the cross? Did he think, "I would do this all over again just to save that 1 person from hell, to give life, hope, and peace to that 1 who needs it." Jesus must have said, "I will suffer the most terrible, most horrible, awful, painful day, so that you may have life!" WOW! I get all excited thinking about it!!! Thank you Jesus!!!!

So...the next time you are throwing a fit about something, crying on the phone to tech support, getting cut off in traffic, or your child's teacher is a major dud...imagine God using this 1 small thing in your life to bring glory to Him by using it to help someone else!!! These thoughts will turn our no good, terrible, horrible, bad days into encouraging, helpful, Christ-centered, selfless moments!

Your Child's Success/Failure Is In Your Body

Do you want your child to succeed or fail? You play a powerful role in the determination of that question.

In a recent study, a group of students were told exactly what would happen in an experiment prior to starting. A teacher degraded and belittled each student with snide remarks and negative comments. She cut the students to the core. Many children were sobbing by the time the teacher finished, even though they knew the insults were part of the project. After the cruel verbal abuse, each student took a test. Every student in the class failed.

The same study was repeated. This time the teacher lavished compliments and encouragement on the class. She praised each student individually and cheered them to be their best. After the positive reinforcement, each student took a test. Every student in the class made an A.

Is your child succeeding? Plant seeds of success with simple phrases like...
I am proud of you because you make good choices.
I noticed you helped your sister today. I’m impressed!
Out of all the kids in the world, I am so glad God gave you to me.
You are organized.
You are a good listener.
You are very conversational.
You use your head wisely.
You have great ideas.
I love your energy level!
I can see you making a huge mark in this world.
I can see you doing something no one else has ever done before.

Catch your child doing something good today and tell him/her!

“The tongue has the power of life and death.” Prov. 18:21

Remember to Save Your Work...Jesus Does!

Jesus and Satan were having an on-going argument about who was better on the computer. They had been going at it for days, and frankly God was tired of hearing all the bickering.Finally fed up, God said, 'THAT'S IT! I have had enough I am going to set up a test that will run for two hours, and from those results, I will judge who does the better job.'

So Satan and Jesus sat down at the keyboards and typed away.
They moused.
They faxed.
They e-mailed.
They e-mailed with attachments.
They downloaded.
They did spreadsheets!
They wrote reports.
They created labels and cards.
They created charts and graphs.
They did some genealogy reports
They did every job known to man.

Jesus worked with heavenly efficiency and Satan was faster than hell.Then, ten minutes before their time was up, lightning suddenly flashed across the sky, thunder rolled, rain poured, and, of course, the power went off..Satan stared at his blank screen and screamed every curse word known in the underworld.Jesus just sighed.

Finally the electricity came back on, and each of them restarted their computers. Satan started searching frantically, screaming:'It's gone! It's all GONE! 'I lost everything when the power went out!

'Meanwhile, Jesus quietly started printing out all of his files from the past two hours of work..Satan observed this and became irate.'Wait!' he screamed. 'That's not fair! He cheated! How come he has all his work and I don't have any?'God just shrugged and said, JESUS SAVES!

Do You Wanna Quit?

Have you ever had one of those days when you just want to QUIT!!! Throw in the towel. Hang it up. Crawl back under the covers & bury life. Today was one of those days for me. I have been trying for 3 weeks to register for school and today the straw broke this camel’s back.

Because I preregistered and didn’t pay by a certain date, all of my classes were dropped. In order for me to re-enroll, I had to pay the designated amount. There was 1 small problem…the reason I hadn’t paid in the first place was because I was being overcharged. After talking with 4 different people on the main campus, waiting for return phone calls, being on hold for extended periods of time, transferring to various departments, no one could explain the charges. I was told the only way to get an itemized statement was to pay the amount and then the bill would be sent to my web advisor account on line. Now, does that sound right? That’s like saying give me $1000 and then I’ll show you the TV you just bought!

I proceeded with an idea that I thought might work, to have another door slammed in my face. Through tears, anger, and frustration, I persisted. Although I wanted to sit down on the floor and shout at the top of my lungs, “I QUIT,” my sweet husband kept saying, “Keep trying. Don’t give up. You are supposed to be doing this. I am not letting you quit now.”

With the help of some very patient friends and a great advisor, the problem was solved. I was reminded, though, that even when things look impossible, bleak, or hopeless, don’t quit! If you know you are doing what God has planned for you, move. Keep pressing on. Go. Persevere.

Imagine Jesus quitting. What if he handed his cross back to the father and shouted, “I QUIT!” Jesus didn’t. He remained steady in the face of adversity. He stuck with it until the bitter end became a beautiful blessing. We, too, must persist in the plans God has for us. When trouble, hard times, or opposition block your path, stand up and shout, “I WILL” and keep moving.

“Press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Phil. 3:14

Would You Throw Someone Down a Chimney?

I had the privelege of serving in a 1st grade LifeGroup today at our church. As the 14 little, bright-eyed cuties gathered around, we discussed the story of the four friends who brought the paralyzed man to Jesus. The 4 friends climbed the roof and attempted to lower the man down to Jesus because there was no room.
As I told the story, I stopped and asked what we would do if we were the 4 men. How would we lower the man through the ceiling? You could see their wheels turning. One little boy decided it would be easy. Since the house was full, people could reach up and catch him. Another little girl, chimed in, "We could use rope." Suddenly a bright boy sprang from his knees and shouted, "We could throw him down the chimney. He's paralyzed so he wouldn't feel it anyway!"
That might be one way to bring our friends to Jesus, but there must be a simpler alternative. There are people around us every day who are desperate for hope, help, answers, and love. Jesus is what they need. Are we a friend who cares so much that we will do whatever it takes to bring our friends to Jesus? Do we notice hurting people? Are we willing to stop our predetermined plans to spend time with them? Will we physically give the energy and resources necessary? I''m not suggesting we pick them up and throw them down chimneys, but let's be aware of those who need Jesus & offer the kind word, an invitation to church, or a listening ear!

"Being unable to get to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above Him; and when they had dug an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic was lying. And Jesus seeing their faith said, 'Your sins are forgiven.'" Mark 2:4-5

Who is the Most Trustworthy Person You Know?

Do you trust people? Who is the one person you trust the most? I heard John Maxwell tell about a friend he completely trusted. Maxwell started a new business and gave the entire company to the friend with the agreement when John was ready to have the business back, the trustworthy mentor would return it. After quiet sometime, John returned to claim his business. With kindness and love, the companion gave back the business in better shape than John says he could have managed it. Is there someone you could trust enough to give your business, finances, or family?
The answer is Jesus Christ. He is the one person you can trust with your entire life. He loves you more than anyone else ever could. He adores you. He will never leave you or forsake you. He is working everything in your life for good. He has plans for you, to prosper you and not to harm you. Will you trust him with your life, your job, your children, marriage, finances, health? Choose today to trust the one person who is most trustworthy.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make straight your path.” Proverbs 3:5-6

Reading The Bible Is Boring

Reading the Bible is boring. I get nothing out of it. It's too difficult to understand. Have you ever had these thoughts? Recently someone asked me, "How do you understand the Bible?"

It's like loosing your car keys. What do you do when you have to be somewhere in 10 minutes and the keys to your car are nowhere to be found? Do you search whole-heartedly, ask others to help, or give up? What happens if you quit? You miss an appointment, school, or job which leads to seriously negative consequences.

When you read your Bible, search for the 1 thought God has for you like searching for lost keys. Read until you find that 1 unique truth written specifically for you. Ask the Holy Spirit to help. A mentor told me to pray, "God you are the shepherd. I am the sheep. Your word is a meadow of food for life. Lead me where you want me to graze." Dive into the word. When a verse, word, or story jumps out at you, STOP. Re-read it. Think about it. Chew on it. Savor it. Digest it. Pray about it. Do it!

I am reading the Bible through this year. You might not think Ezekiel is a hot bed of entertaining literature, but it is. Yesterday, I read the most disgustingly funny verse in Ezekiel 23, I have ever read in the Bible. God is describing Samaria and Jerusalem's unfaithfulness to him. Let me tell you, God gives an explicit picture of the rupture in their relationship! Enjoy the variation in the Bible. It is drama, romance, tragedy, and self-help all inspired by God.

Imagine life without the Bible! We wouldn't know how to live, act, raise our children, or handle our finances. How would we know truth and wisdom? Don't spend your life without these things. Experience the blessings and hope of grazing through the word daily!

"Meditate on the Bible day and night so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and succesful." Joshua 1:8

Have You Heard of Neal Jeffrey?

Do you have major lids on your life - something that keeps you from being all God intended you to be? Tonight I heard a former major league football player and current pastor speak, Neal Jeffrey. He has one major lid in his life - stuttering. Even as he spoke tonight for 1 hour, there were times when he stuttered, paused and waited patiently for the words to come. He was dynamic. He made a powerful impact in my life. How did he overcome this lid?
3 Ways to Overcome Your Lid
Hear it - People throughout Jeffrey's life said, "You can do it. Your speech impairment can't stop you, only your desire can stop you. Try it. Go for it."

Got it - When people spoke positive words into his life, he understood what they were saying. He believed it.

Saw it - He watched Joe Namoth as a young boy and knew that is exactly what he wanted to be. He also saw his father live a godly life, and decided that was the road for him.

What are your lids? If Jeffrey can speak around the country to thousands of people with a stuttering problem, what is holding you back from being all God wants? We have no excuse.

What are you hearing? There are way too many negative people in this world. Surround yourself with honest, encouraging people.

What is God's plan for your life? Can you see it? Have you got it? Remove the lids and go for it!

Also, be the one who pours positive, encouraging words in the lives of others. Live a life that reflects Christ, so they can get a vision of the very best person to be!

What is The Quickest Way to Annihilate Your Body?

Would you volunteer to rip your arms out of socket, jar your head repeatedly like beating it against a brick wall for 15 minutes, endure an atomic wedgie, suck 1/2 a gallon of water up your nose, loose 1/2 your clothing, and get stuck upside down in water unable to turn yourself over all in the name of fun? If your answer is yes, knee-boarding is for you! Today I enjoyed and endured my first experience with knee-boarding. As painful as it was and is going to be in the morning, it was EXHILARATING! Bouncing along behind the boat. Waves pounding against the bottom of the board. Water spraying in my face. Holding on for dear life. It was GREAT! I wouldn't have missed it for the world.

As I rocked along over the surface of the water, pain and all, I thought, "This is so like life!" When I was safely nestled in the path of the boat, the ride was peaceful, calm, and enjoyable. When my pride and self-sufficiency swelled, I ventured over the wake and out into "no man's land." I was on my own, holding on for dear life. The ride was difficult, demanding, and less safe. When I left the safety of my security, I crashed and landed upside down with the board on top of me.

God has an amazing plan for our lives. When we follow his path, we are nestled safe in his hands. He gently leads and guides us. Venturing out into "my own land" gets me in trouble. I crash with the weight of the world on top of me. Where are you today? Behind the captain of your life or floundering in your own world seeking the thrill?

"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. " John 8:12

Five Years Comes Fast

Why waste your time reading books when we have bullet points and internet? One out of four adults did not read a book in 2007. Is this healthy? Does it affect our livelihood?

Do you remember curling up in the lap of someone who loved you immensely listening to make-believe stories? Captivated by a storybook, you held on to each word whispered from the adult who cared enough to read to you. One of my favorite childhood stories was Chicken Little. I loved the silly names, Goosey Loosey, Henny Penny, and Ducky Wucky. I wondered what Chicken Little might have called me, Stephanie Wephanie, or Stuffy Stephy. I was so fearful of that nasty Foxy Loxy. How was the king to know the sky was falling with the evil creature lurking across the farm?

Reading changes, though, when you become a teenager. Most teens classify reading as totally "uncool." As a teenager, I didn’t like reading. In the mid-eighties a great writer emerged that changed my perception of books. You may remember Judy Blume. She wrote three books that captured my attention; Freckle Juice, Are You There God It’s Me Margaret? and It’s Not the End of the World. These were the only three books I read for pleasure as a teen, and I probably read each one 5 times.

As adults we are busy. Why waste our time reading books? Do we really need to read? Check out these proven facts. Reading…

· Exercises your brain.
· Reduces your Stress.
· Develops your focus and concentration.
· Creates a greater base of knowledge. (Which makes you more interesting.)
· Builds a foundation of connection between what you know and learn.
· Enhances your vocabulary.
· Sparks your memory.
· Gives you a new perspective of life.
· Improves your self-discipline
· Energizes your creativity
· Revolutionizes Your Life

If you haven't read a good book lately, September is coming. Set a goal to read 1 book. Keep it in your purse or computer bag, and read when you have spare moments. Charlie Jones said it best,
“You're the same today as you'll be in five years except for the people you meet and the books you read.” Five years comes awfully fast. Who will you be?

"The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, the ears of the wise seek it out." Prov. 18:15

Only Do What Only You Can Do

You have been given a single gift that no other person in the world possesses! What are you doing with it? God has given you a gift to be used for his kingdom. You are the only person with this gift. You are the only person who can use it. God gave you this gift for a specific reason & purpose. What if you miss the purpose? What if you blow the one opportunity to make the greatest impact with your life?

Eunice Shriver, sister of JFK and mother of Maria Schriver, died this week. She was known for her passionate love for people with special needs. God placed in her a desire to prove doctors wrong and overcome the negative stigma about exercise and the mentally disabled. She invested her single God-given gift and passion to begin the Special Olympics that impacted millions of families all over the world. What if Mrs. Shriver thought about her gift, talked about her gift, but never made it happen?

You have an equally if not more important gift. Do you know what it is?
Here are a few questions to help you discover your gift:

* What do you do that is almost effortless but seems a daunting task to others?
* In what arenas do you consider yourself the go-to person?
* What would you do everyday for free?
* What is the greatest natural skill you possess?


I was thinking about my church. Imagine if every person at Champion Forest Baptist Church, 5,000 people, knew their gift. What would happen to our church and community if we all put our one, single gift to work? Ask yourself this quesiton:

Where are your skills not being put to good use?

What can you do easily, naturally, and passionately that would make a huge impact in our world?

Do whatever it takes to discover your gift, then work it! Make it happen! Don't be the guy who buried his talent in the sand. Be the wise one who invested his gift and reaped a huge return! Imagine if 5,000 people at CFBC reaped only a 20% return. (I'll let you do the math, because that is not my gift! :) How would Spring, Houston, and the world be changed forever?

There are many things you CAN do, but narrow it down to the one thing you MUST do. You will have many opportunities, but very few assignments. Your gift is the single assignment you must do - a natural passion, skill, strength, talent, vision, dream! Talk to someone this week about it! Pray about ways to make it happen.

CFBC is blessed with visionary leaders who want every believer to experience God's purpose and plan. If you are a member of CFBC, let them guide you as you put your gift in play!

If you are not a member of CFBC, discover your gift and work it in your job, home, community, church, and life. Take this little seed and plant it in the areas you impact.

"We all have different gifts according to the grace given to us." Romans 12:6

These thoughts were inspired by "Next Generation Leader" by Andy Stanley.

Spotting a Preschooler

I love preschoolers! They are hilarious! My 18 month old cousin sat down on the floor last week and proceeded to scream at the top of her lungs because her daddy walked out of the room. I can so relate to that somedays! Don't you just want to lay down and throw a fit sometimes? Maybe when the driver in front of you won't break 20 miles per hour. How about when noone makes their beds and everyone leaves all the dishes in the sink? Although we can't act like preschoolers, it's fun to watch them. Here is what a normal preschooler might look like.
A normal preschooler...
lies and tell stories
picks his nose
chews with his mouth full
runs instead of walks
is afraid of the dark
embarrasses you in public
constantly wiggles
splashes water all over the bathroom
tells you no
spills at most meals
constantly asks why
breaks important things
hits, kicks, or bites other children
smacks his food
throws himself on the floor when he doesn't get his way
stays dirty
leaves toys on the floor
loves to dance
loves to sit in your lap
laughs, giggles, and smiles
is fascinated by the simple things in life, like butterflies, worms, lipstick, and firetrucks
gives lots of hugs
tells you when he feels how much he loves you
says the funniest things
talks all the time
wants your attention
makes you laugh
is silly and has fun
loves to read and play games

A normal preschooler brings many headaches, frustrations, and trying moments.
A normal preschooler is here today and grown tomorrow...
Cherish your normal preschooler, after HE IS NORMAL!

Next time you are at a store or out to eat, take time to observe the preschoolers around you! Notice any similarities?

Songs for The Awesome Lamb School Teachers

Special Song:
Here's a little song that's fun to do,
You say "I'm a special person and so are you."
You say it with your eyes, here's what you do
You say, "I'm a special person and so are you."
Repeat with nose, mouth, shoulders, knees, feet, all over.

I Wish Song:
Oh I wish I were a little juicy orange, juicy orange.
Oh I wish I were a little juicy orange, juicy orange.
I'd go squirty, squirty, squirty over everybody's shirty.
Oh I wish I were a little juicy orange.
Repeat with
a little speedy car - speedy, speedy, speedy over everybody's feety
a little bar of soap -slidy, slidy, slidy over everybody's hidey
a little bottle of coke - down with every slurp and come up with every burp

5 Senses:
I have 5 senses and they all belong to me.
The first one is for hearing and the 2nd is to see.
The third one is for smelling and the 4th one is to touch.
But the 5th one is my favorite 'cause I get to eat so much.

Waiting:
I've been waiting for you to come to this place.
Waiting for you to come to this place.
Where ever your from, I'm glad that you've come.
I've been waiting for you to come to this place.

Chapel Song:
Going to the chapel and we're learning 'bout Jesus.
Going to the chapel and we're learning 'bout Jesus.
Ooooo, I really, really love him.
He really loves me too.
So, we're going to the chapel today!

What Do You Do When No One Is Looking?

Integrity is how you act when no one is looking. No one was looking this morning and I blew it! Today is my daughter’s 14th birthday. I planned to go for a short jog, head to the bank, cash a check, purchase her gifts, and be home before anyone awoke. The presents would be wrapped, on the table, and we would have icecream before 9am.

My first mistake was going to a bank we don’t normally use. The teller was very nice. I waited 15 minutes knowing I was on a strict time schedule. She began to ask questions. I answered and she resumed clicking on the computer for another 5 minutes. After I had waited 25 minutes, she proceeded to tell me that she could not cash the check.

INSTEAD OF walking away calmly and thanking her for her genuine attempts to cash the check, I drilled her with 50 questions, irrationally tried to reason with her, and half-heartedly apologized for my impatience. I didn’t stop there either. I got in the car and called my husband. I reamed him as if he had anything to do with it. After hanging up on him, I continued foolishly complaining to the air.

What in the world happened to me? It was like an evil person jumped from inside my body and took over. Does that ever happen to you? If it doesn’t, pacify me and act like it does.
As I was throwing my fit, the word INTEGRITY came to my mind! (Don’t you hate it when that happens? You are really mad and some logical thought flies through your head that makes you feel like gum stuck to the bottom of a shoe.) How did I act today when no one was watching? How did I treat someone who was trying to help me?

I realized this morning I have a lot of room to grow in the integrity department. Thank goodness God is in the business of growth and transformation. What do I do the next time Mrs. Evil leaps from my body and takes over? Slap her and put her back in her place! Recognize the behavior, regain integrity, and act with intelligence!

"A wise woman keeps herself under control." Proverbs 29:11

Tractor Panic

A sign in my kitchen reads, “A day in the country is worth a month in town.” Most of my girlfriends prefer the mall, but put me knee deep in a luscious green pasture or hiking through the woods. This weekend I ventured out to my parent’s farm and got to drive my daddy’s new tractor. I realize most normal women prefer driving a nice BMW or Mercedes, but throw me on a tractor and I think I’ve died and gone to heaven.

I listened carefully to the driving instructions and saddled up. I bumped across the front field thinking Kenny Chesney may think his tractor is, well, I’ll let you fill in the words, but he ain’t got nothin’ on me. As I bounced along singing and soaking in the country air, I saw an animal dart across the field. I was so excited. I lost focus of my new ride as I searched through the tall grass.

Suddenly, I realized I better stop this tractor or I'm going to hit the cabin. I tried to remember the stopping directions. As I slid the gear shift into neutral I felt the tractor pick up speed. I was going downhill. Why wasn’t it stopping? My dad was following me in the truck. I hollered back at him.
“How do I stop?” He said something. I couldn’t hear him. The tractor picked up more speed.
“How do I stop?” I yelled more frantically. He responded but I still couldn’t hear.
“I’m trying to stop. What do I do?” I screamed.
He smiled and calmly replied, “Put on the break.”

Isn’t life like that? We roll along, enjoying life and then boom, something throws us for a loop, we get distracted, and forget how to put on the break. It’s like eating chips at a Mexican food restaurant. You start eating and can't stop.

Have you ever been shopping, knowing you are spending way too much money, but get so distracted by the purchase, you forget to stop? What about yelling at your kids? You know you should talk calmly, but you loose control and let ‘er fly. What about spending time on facebook or the computer? You know it’s an addiction that takes you away from your family and responsibilities, but what is another hour going to hurt? What about pornography? You know it’s killing your mind and relationships, but you can’t stop.

Do you ever feel like yelling at someone, “How do I stop?” One of the hardest things to conquer in life is “self-control.” Self-control is simply stopping when you know you’ve crossed the line. You know when you’ve gone too far, because you feel it in your heart and hear it in your head. When you feel it and hear it, get tough. Put on the breaks & come to a complete stop.

If it’s debt, cut up your credit card. Pay cash only.
If it’s eating, throw away the sodas and sweets. Eat veggies and drink water.
If it’s porn, get rid of the laptop, magazines, or channels. Only use the TV/computer when someone is in the room with you.
If it’s anger, put yourself in the other person’s shoes. Speak calmly.

Self-control is a choice. What is God commanding you to stop? Are you willing to put on the breaks? If so, slam on the breaks and put that tractor in park.

God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but of power, love, and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7

Are You Soaring?

Which would you rather be an ant, a dog, or an eagle? Ants work their way through life caught up in the petty things of this world and never see there is more. They are easily squished by others and sting when they don’t get their way.
Dogs are followers who try to please important people and waste time chasing their tails. They perform quickly for a treat, but sleep their life away.
Look at interesting facts about eagles.

The strike of the eagle talon is so powerful that its force is twice that of a rifle bullet.
Bald Eagles can fly with 8 pounds of food.
There are approximately 7,000 feathers on an eagle.
Pound for pound, an eagle's wing is stronger than the wing of an airplane.

The most remarkable fact is an eagle can see up to one and a half miles away, thus the term “eagle eye.” Imagine sitting on your front porch and having the ability to see for a mile. What could you see?
We can be eagles. We can rise above the petty things of this world, stop following others, chasing our tails, and view life from a different perspective. Like an eagle floating across a baby blue sky, we can be free from the pressure of the world, and experience a heavenly view.
How do we soar? Grasp God’s view – love, kindness, peace. Read Proverbs. It will transform your view of life. Recognize the world’s requirement for success. If it demands selfishness, debt, dishonesty, or immorality, it’s not an eagle-eye view. Shake off the need to impress others and the addictions holding you down.
Imagine yourself floating through the sky far above this earth. Why be an ant or a dog? Soar through life with an eagle-eye view.

GABC EDUCATORS
Here’s a little song that’s fun to do.
You say, “I’m a special person and so are you.”
You say it with your eyes. Here’s what you do.
You say, “I’m a special person and so are you.”
Repeat using nose, mouth, shoulders, hips, knees, feet all over!

Socially Professional What?

How would you define "socially professional?" I spent 6 hours today teaching 80 incredible Early Childhood Educators. They are passionate women who are committed to leading the next generation. One of our topics was "How to be Socially Professional." It's a strange sounding concept, but it has a huge impact in your life.

Socially professional people smile, make eye contact, and no how to "cut the drama." When working in an environment with 80 women, gossip is a tempting distraction. It sneaks in like a slithering snake and bites when you least expect it. What do you do when a friend or co-worker approaches you with friendly gossip about the latest office, neighborhood, or church drama? You "cut the drama" immediately.

How? It's easy. Look the person in the eye, listen, and maintain a 1/2 smile. If you give them a full smile, it will encourage the conversation, and you don't want that. When the person finishes the story, gently fold your hands in front of you and reply, "Okay." Say nothing else.

The silence is like a knife cutting out the fun and emotion of stirring up gossip. It may feel awkward the first time you try it and beware, you will no longer be the center of hot conversation, but you will become an amazing socially professional person.

"Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouth but only words for building up others."

Ephesians 4:29

FOR GABC EDUCATORS:
(I will post 1 song/poem each day! Thanks for a great conference!)
It's a happy day and I thank God for the weather.
It's a happy day and I'm living it for my Lord.
It's a happy day and things are gonna get better.
Living each day on the promises of God's word.
BUT
It's a grumpy day and I don't like the weather.
It's a grumpy day and I'm living it for myself.
It's a grumpy day and things ain't gonna get better.
Living each day on the promises of God's word.

How do I Fly When I Feel Like I'm Falling?

Have you survived a plane crash? My father is a pilot. He and my husband went flying early one morning while I slept late. About ten that morning I received a phone call. It was my husband. "We've been in a plane crash. Come to the hospital," he said. I laughed and told him that wasn't funny. He repeated his plea with a little more urgency, but I would not be fooled by the practical joke. "Ha. Ha. Where are you really? Stop joking," I said. This time I heard a tremble in my husband's voice as he said, "I'm not joking. Come to the hospital NOW." My heart sank. I couldn't believe it. The two men I loved most in my life had been in a plane crash.
Miraculously, they both survived. My dad got 52 stitches in his face and my husband walked away with just a few stitches. How does a pilot handle a crash? What does he do in the air when he knows the plane is about to hit the ground?

There were 3 critical statements my father learned when taking flying lessons.
1. Fly the plane.
2. Be ahead of the plane.
3. Keep scanning.

What do you do when you feel like life is crashing in on you? What do you do when you are about to hit the bottom? Follow the pilot's wise advice.

1.Live your life. Don't stop. Keep trying. Put one foot in front of the other. It's like drowning. When going under in the middle of a lake, what is your single focus? SWIM. Life may not make sense. It may seem impossible, but like the pilot, you have to keep flying the plane.
2. Be ahead of the game. If you are not in crisis mode right not, prepare for what lies ahead. Prepare mentally. Set goals. Make a plan. Dream a little. Prepare spiritually. Have a mindset of faith in the one who created you. Believe that all things work together for good for those who love him. Stay positive. Prepare financiallly. Get out of debt and save a few bucks. Prepare physically. Eat right, get rest, and exercise. Be ahead of the game.
3. Scan your options. Be aware of the possibilites that surround you. Get your head out of the sand and look for alternatives. Think outside the box. Get to know quality people who can help you.

The morning my husband and father left for a quick flight around the city, we had no idea what the day would bring. We have know idea what tomorrow holds. Don't worry about your tomorrows, but put into action the lessons of the pilot. Live. Prepare. Scan.

Leave It All On the Court

Volleyball is a blood-thirsty sport. Dive. Jump. Slam. Sweat. Set. Spike. Crush. Slaughter. Dominate. Victory. Defeat. Over 200 students at Champion Forest Baptist Church are participating in an intense 4-day volleyball tournament. Teenagers of all ages, shapes, sizes, colors, and personalities pour their souls into conquering the competition.

Watching students play is fascinating. Some students are determined to win. They leave every ounce of energy, skill, and effort on the court. Other students are competing for fun. Each match is entertaining and full of laughter as they attempt to volley back and forth. They enjoy participating, but aren’t serious. While yet another group is baffled by the goal of the game. They stand in one place watching and recoil when a serve is hit their way. They want to engage but don’t know how.

These students represent us. If you took a look at your relationship with Christ, which would you be?

Do you want to engage but don’t know how?
Do you enjoy participating but don’t take it seriously?
Do you give every ounce of energy, skill, and talent for the sake of Christ?

Everyday we step on the court of life. God hands us the ball of time and says, “Play.” If someone were standing on the sidelines watching today, which player would you be?

Today, expend every ounce of energy, skill, and talent you have for the sake of Christ. Intentionally read God’s word until it radically transforms your thoughts. Pray like you have never prayed before. Love unconditionally. Smile. Show appreciation. Listen. Share Christ. Give attention. Let every person know, especially those closest to you, how much you love them.

It’s your serve. What will you do? Just for today, leave it all on the court!

Can You Hear the Music Playing?

God is busy orchestrating our lives even when we are deaf to the symphony that softly whirls around us.

I have a confession to make. One day I would love to have a book on the New York bestseller list. I would love to be on Oprah and tell her and the world the simple things of life that make it miraculous. I would love to speak to and encourage millions of people all over the world to experience all God has planned for each one and to live it up. I know it sounds like a small thing to want, but there it is. My soul lay bare before the world.

As a mother of 3, wife, and ordinary person, I think, “That’s a little too much to ask, Steph.” What I have learned is, I keep doing what I am doing and God keeps making it happen. Now, don’t think you are going to see me on Oprah next week, but its baby steps.

It’s like an orchestra and God is the conductor. While we are changing diapers, balancing checkbooks, running to the grocery store, and working, God is busy orchestrating his music, better known as his purpose, in our lives. We don’t hear the music often times, because we are simply doing what he tells us. “Love me. Take care of your spouse. Teach your kiddos about me and do what is right.” Some where in the middle of life’s chaos, God gently and patiently adds the strings and percussion; the next thing you know we hear a small tune in our hearts. We were deaf to his symphony softly playing around us, but it was there all along.

A friend once said to me, “I don’t know what my purpose is.” I said, “You got a husband?” “Yes,” she replied. “That’s your purpose. You got kids?” “Well, yes,” she responded. “That’s your purpose. You gotta job?” “Yes,” she retorted. “That’s your purpose.”

Play the instruments God has given you and he will take the tune of your life and create a beautiful masterpiece. You may not hear it right now over the kids screaming, the creditors begging for money, or your tears of frustration, but keep going. God is busy orchestrating your life. One day when you reach the end, you will hear the exquisite
melody of your years resonating in the ears of all the lives you touched along the way.

“I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

Snicker, Chuckle, Giggle, Snort, Cackle, Fall Out

Don’t you love a good laugh? The kind deep in your stomach, where your jaws hurt from smiling too long, and you can’t catch your breath?

I inherited a laughing problem from my grandfather. When we hear something funny and try to retell it, we get so tickled we can’t say it. Have you ever done that? I am an easily amused person, so this happens frequently at the dinner table. I start telling a story and what should have taken 2 minutes winds up lasting 15, because I’m laughing hysterically. The sad part is no one can decipher what I am saying because I sound like a drunk who just sucked the helium from a balloon. It really is a serious problem. My family is so gracious because they usually laugh with me, even though sometimes I think they are laughing at me.

My remarkable husband initiated family night last Saturday. We ate dinner together and watched a Tim Hawkins video. If you don’t know who Tim Hawkins is, go to You Tube and check him out! He is a HILARIOUS Christian comedian!

Do you know laughter is extremely good for you? Discover a few of the benefits. Laughter…

Lowers your blood pressure
Reduces your stress
Relaxes your muscles
Boosts your immune system
Triggers your body’s natural pain killers
Protects you from heart attacks or cardiovascular disease
Attracts people to you
Eases your anxiety and fear
Strengthens your relationships

It’s no wonder the Bible says a cheerful heart is good medicine. This week energize your life! Laugh continually. Start by asking friends, family, and co-workers their funniest or most embarrassing moments. Watch Tim Hawkins on You Tube. Karaoke with your family. When you hear laughter, join it! Create laughter in your life! After all, “A merry heart is good like a medicine.” Proverbs 17:22

Don't Be Left Hangin' In the Air

Would you climb on a motorcycle, accelerate 100 miles an hour, scale an enormous ramp, and propel yourself and the motorcycle head over tire through the air making two 180 degree turns? Suppose you launched into the air and realized, I’m not going to make it. You are suspended three stories in the air with a massive piece of gas burning metal (my description of a motorcycle, work with me here) and you are about to drop. Pretend time froze. There you are hanging in the air. What thoughts are racing through your mind?

Tonight on the X-games, a daring hero experienced this encounter. His response was, “I knew the moment I left the ramp this wasn’t going to work. While I hung in the air, I thought, ‘This is gonna stink.’”

How many times have I thought, “This is gonna stink?” When I sped down Louetta and the cop stopped me, I thought, “This is gonna stink.” When I locked my keys in the car, first thought, “This is gonna stink.” When I lost my cool with my daughter, I KNEW that was gonna stink. When my husband lost his job, it really stunk.

Life is full of stinky situations. We have to ask ourselves, “How can I prevent and handle smelly circumstances?” The key is self-control. I learned the brave hero attempting the astonishing yet somewhat foolish motorcycle jump made a minute move in the wrong direction. Had he maintained concentrated, steadfast control of the motorcycle his landing would have been impeccable. Instead a tiny loss of focus cost him the win and pain.

A tiny loss of focus can damage our relationships, add pounds to our padding, reduce our bank accounts, or increase pain in our lives. Before making a choice, stop, secure self-control, and then take action. It’s like looking at a thousand foot motorcycle jump and thinking, “Is this a good idea?” When you know the right answer, execute the right action. Be the daring hero and attempt the astonishing feats in life with concentrated, steadfast control, then you won’t be left hanging in the air thinking, “This is gonna stink.”

“Prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled.” 1 Peter 1:13a

Who's Gonna Be Around in 100 Years?

What about this week will you remember next week - what you wore, who you talked to, what ticked you off? What about today will you recall tomorrow- the weather, a phone conversation, a funny story? If you are like me, I’m lucky to remember my cell phone number right now.

Our family was playing cards this week. My brilliant and extremely competitive husband thought I cheated. I have on occasions been known to cheat, but this time I assure you I did not. Unfortunately, he did not believe me. I unwaveringly held to the truth. He resolutely held to his guns. After an intense stand-off, I said, “Who is going to remember 100 years from now anyway?” We were discussing the question, when our son said, “Well, no one is really going to remember 100 years from now except God and that’s all that really matters.” Have you experienced one of those moments when your ten-year old child made you feel like you were two? Bingo, that’s exactly how I felt!

It’s such a life-changing question and what a stimulating answer. In the middle of an argument, when someone cuts me off in traffic, if my child spills spaghetti noodles all over the kitchen floor (happened today), or my husband accuses me of cheating at cards, I have to ask myself, “Will it matter 100 years from now?” In other words, is this worth investing emotional energy, time, and detrimental negative words? Remember, God is the only one who will be around 100 years from now anyway. Choose to do what pleases him, because “that is all that really matters.”

Today, when stumped with a challenge that is of little value or worth, stop and ask the life-changing question, “Will it matter 100 years from now?”

“Live a life worthy of the Lord and please Him in every way.” Colossians 1:10