The Fun Theory

When you have the option to take the stairs or the escalator, which do you choose? The majority of people resort to taking the escalator. Is there a way someone could convince you to take the stairs instead?

I received an e-mail from a friend with a video clip by Volkswagen. The company recorded a set of stairs next to an escalator. Most people chose the stairs. Overnight, the company covered the stairs with a black and white material to make the staircase look like a keyboard and rigged each step to play a note. People were automatically drawn to the stairs. Some jumped while others tried to play songs. 66% of the people chose the stairs over the escalator. What was the difference? The Fun Theory! When you make something fun, you can alter people's behavior and choices!

How does this apply to us? Think about asking your children to do chores or the trivial tasks at work. Pump up your workload by making it fun! Make games a chore or have a contest with a co-worker. I promise it works! You can get 20 preschoolers to walk down the hall by singing a song or acting like a choo-choo train! Look for ways to put the fun theory in practice in all that you do!

Afterall, "A merry heart is good like a medicine!" Proverbs 17:22

The Art of the Puzzle

What do you do when faced with a problem? Big or little... kids, work, broken car, out of money, spouse...how do you react? One Christmas gift this season has given me a new perspective on handling problems.

When I was in elementary school, each year we had a class Christmas party. Each child brought a $1 wrapped present. Back in those days, everyone "shook" the present before opening it and tried to guess what it was. Well, it never failed, every year my mom bought a puzzle for me to take to the party. First of all, most kids didn't want a puzzle and secondly, everyone knew what it was when you shook it.

I never was too happy about taking my wrapped puzzle, but I never complained. The gift I really wanted to take was a book of lifesavers. I thought that was the coolest gift ever and my mom rarely splurged for such an item. If she did splurge, it was for the "knock off" brand of lifesavers which tasted mostly like bad Halls cough drops. So, I settled for my puzzle and happily headed to my class party.

This Christmas I was totally surprised when my son asked for a puzzle. When I mentioned it to my mother, she was extactic! His Grandma couldn't wait to purchase the item and made sure her grandson was well stocked with puzzles. (I'm sure memories of buying $1 puzzles for parties flooded her mind as she shopped.) Well, Grandma has upgraded since I was a kid. My son didn't get a dollar store puzzle, he got a 3 pack puzzle set with a 100, 300, and 500 piece puzzle. My how times have changed.

We set up the card table in our bedroom and it became the puzzle working station. My husband and son have steadily conquered the first 2 puzzles and are now ready for the 500 piece challenge. As I watched these 2 work, I learned some valuable lessons on handling problems.

First, a puzzle is one giant problem. It has a million teeny-tiny pieces that must be put together in an orderly fashion to be useful. Life is like that. We have all these minute problems, situations, details, dreams, and broken relationships that must be put together in order to be useful. Accept this as part of life!

Second, when working a puzzle, you know the object is to put all the pieces together, so you steadily look at each piece, thinking, studying, deciphering how to make it fit in the big picture. Why is it when we get a challenging situation thrown into our puzzle of life, we flip out or quit or cry? I have not once seen my husband or son yelling at a puzzle piece and neither have given up. That would be absurd. Life is about putting all the pieces together and steadily deciphering how each piece fits into the big picture!

Lastly, confidence and joy come when you resolve to finish. Once these 2 men completed the 100 piece, they were ready to go for the 300! It was so fun to watch them high-five and their chests filled with the air of success when the first 2 puzzles were completed.

What about you? Have you resolved to finish your marriage even if the pieces seem broken? Are you determined to hang in there with your child who has gone the wrong way? Will you work daily to find the job you lost months ago? Are you determined to put the pieces of your dream in place? In what area, are you being challenged to finish? Don't stop until every piece is in place.

I once heard someone say, "Life is like a box of chocolates," but I would like to contest that "Life is like a puzzle just waiting to be worked." So...get busy and work it out. You'll be amazed at the view when the last piece is put in place.

"Consider it all joy when you face trials of many kinds because you know the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete." James 1:2-4

Treasure Up

I absolutely love Christmas! What about you? Did you take time to read the Christmas story this year? My favorite verse in the story of Jesus' birth is Luke 2:19, "But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." Can you imagine what Mary was thinking as she held the son of God in her arms, remembering her engagement to Joseph, the visit from the angel, her trip to see Elizabeth, and now lying in a barn with a beautiful baby boy while shepherds came to see the newborn king? What if Mary kept a journal? What would she have written that first Christmas?

In 1999, my mother gave me a book to record each year's Christmas memories. Over the years I have written about our holidays. It is so fun to read the events of the previous seasons. One year during the Christmas Eve service I was so proud of the way my son, who was very young at the time, was sitting so still and listening intently to the pastor. As I watched him soaking in the Christmas story, so amazed at the intense interest of my little boy, he leaned over and whispered, "Does our church have a chimney?" I realized at that moment his thoughts were not in the manager. My realization was confirmed when he asked a few minutes later, "Do you think Santa can find us here if he comes now?"

When I finish writing this quick blog, I am going to treasure up all of the memories and moments of this Christmas and take some time to ponder God's amazing blessings. Won't you join me? Begin this year, treasuring your Christmas by simply jotting down your favorite Christmas memories. Store your journal with your Christmas decorations so it will be ready next year to repeat the same process. Trust me... you will be so thankful you followed Mary's example

Taming the 'Tude

When you hear the word "attitude" what comes to mind? Your teenage child's rolling eyes and sour scowl when you mention a menial chore? Your three year old lying on the floor in the grocery store screaming for a piece of gum? Your spouse demanding immediate response to the need of the moment? Is it your boss's general disposition, your neighbor's demeanor, your mother-in-laws actions? What causes humans to respond with "attitude?"

My family and I sat on the back patio Sunday morning, when my 8 year old niece opened the back door and asked my brother, "Dad, are we really leaving?"
"Yes, go pack up your stuff," he said very politely.
There was no response, just a firm shutting of the door, not close enough to be considered a "slam," but just enough to define her emotions.
"You gotta love the attitude," my brother said.
"Wait until she's 16," I replied.

This small scenario sparked a conversation in which my brother said something very profound that I will remember for life.

"Attitude is ego in action."

Isn't that so true? Every time I cop an attitude it is simply my ego demanding my way or resisting someone else's control over me. Start paying attention to the times your attitude jumps out of your body and displays itself. Ask, "Why did my attitude do that?" You'll find the amazing answer is rooted in pride and ego.

Think about Spiderman...when there is a problem in the city what does he do immediately? Respond! That is exactly what my pride does when other people or the world does not line up with it's wants or desires. Ego responds and takes action! I picture my pride like Spiderman fighting for what it believes is truth and right. The problem is that my pride does not want what is good, my pride only wants MY WAY!

What do I do? Something that requires a lifetime of practice...self-discipline.

Discipline is regulating our self by

...principle rather than impulse

...reason rather than emotion

...long-range results rather than immediate satisfaction

Discipline is doing what is best not what is easiest.

Discipline is choosing to do difficult things and making them a habit.

How's your attitude this Christmas season? Patient? Sarcastic? Negative? Whatever it is, take action, Spiderman, and respond with principle, reason, and long-range results. Fight for what is best not what feeds your pride and choose to remain silent when your ego demands to speak. I think you will find your own personal city full of peace and joy when you do your best to tame the 'tude!"

"Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you will win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore, I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way as not beating the air, but I discipline my body and make it my slave." 1 Cor. 9:24-27

The Pilot With A Plan

Have you heard this saying, "The person who fails to plan, plans to fail?" Without a plan people get nowhere! People who set a goal and create a plan usually succeed. As I think about 2010, I wondered, "What is my plan for 2010?"

Think about your life for a minute. Break your life down into 4 or 5 areas. Where do you devote most of your time? My life can be categorized in these areas: spiritual, marriage, parenting, health, finance, dreams/skills.

What if I resolved to create a SIMPLE plan for each area of my life for the year 2010? For example, in the financial area. My plan might be to...
1. Get a job! :)
2. Tithe 10% (Set up automatic draft.)
3. Save 10% (Set up automatic draft.)
4. Keep a written record of all the money I spend. (Writing it down highlights the wasteful spending and helps you spend less.)
5. Go out to eat only 1 night/week.
6. Allow children to participate in only 1 sport/extracurricular activity at a time.

How different would the financial area of my life be in the year 2010 if I followed this simple plan?

Spiritually I might...
1. Read the Bible through this year. (Purchase a One Year Bible for yourself for Christmas.)
2. Attend church once each week.
3. Find an accountability partner.

In the health area...
1. Give up sodas.
2. Exercise 3 times each week.
3. Only eat out 1 time/week.
4. Drink 3 glasses of water each day.

Make your plans and print them on paper. Hang your goals in an area where you can read them weekly. When you see the plan often, you are more likely to move in that direction. Once you've made your plans, TELL SOMEONE! Ask them to hold you accountable or just check on the progress of your plans!

People with goals and plans succeed because they know where they are going. Suppose you wanted to fly to Hawaii. You boarded the airplane. Little did you know, the pilot had not mapped out the trip. He simply climbed aboard, started the engine, and took off. Where would this trip take you?

Many people today go through life without having mapped out or planned their journey. They simply soar through life with no direction or goal. Is that you? If so, today, make a plan for your life. Be the pilot with the plan and have great trip in 2010!

CROKM for Life

Don't you love those moments when it seems God is speaking directly to you? Maybe through a song, a verse in the Bible, or another person? Tonight I attended a youth Christmas service at the Lanier Chapel. The Chapel was recently built on the property of an extremely wealthy lawyer in our town. The owner explained the intricate details painted, etched, and designed in the architecture of the little church.

In closing he shared his personal testimony. People often ask and wonder how a man can acquire so many possessions and so much wealth. He tells of a time when he was a kid he decided to join God's team. He didn't understand everything about God or the Bible. His faith wasn't completely strong nor his knowledge of religion, but he determined to obey God. He committed to reading something from his Bible every day, even if it was only one verse.

He explained how life is full of choices and all choices have consequences - good or bad. When we choose to follow God's commands, it is not because God wants to suck all the fun out of our lives, but because God's commands reap good consequences. As a young kid, this man determined not only to read something out of God's word daily, but to obey God as best he could in everything he did.

Lastly, he explained when you choose to be on God's team and obey, you prove you are trustworthy to God. He admitted that nothing he owned belonged to him. Every possession of his was Gods. He is simply the manager of it all. When we obey, surrender, and follow God, he can trust us with little things. Then when we prove ourselves trustworthy, he will trust us with bigger.

Tonight I learned to CROKM for life!
1. C - Choose God.
2. R- Read something out of the Bible everyday!
3. O -Obey God's commands because they reap good consequences.
4. K - Know that everything you have belongs to God.
5. M - Manage wisely.

What if these were your life goals? What would be different in your life today if you chose to make this list your priority? Why not? Start today CROKMing for the rest of your life!

Nothing Wrong With Ping Pong

Are you dreading the kids being home for the holidays? What will you do to keep them busy especially if the rain continues? Our family has started something pretty fun that you might try. (You could even slip this inexpensive gift in a stocking or 2!) We purchased 2 ping pong paddles and a ball. Most days you will find the chairs pushed back from the kitchen table and two people going head to head in a heated ping pong match.

"What about a net?" people ask. We don't use one. We just eyeball it.
"The table is too small," someone else mentioned. True, but it works.
"It'll ruin your table," a friend whined. Hasn't yet.
"Why don't you buy the kids a ping pong table for Christmas?" a family member suggested.

Here's what I've learned about purchases. Once you buy something, the new wears off, and nobody plays with it. Society programs us to think we need the newest and latest. That is why there are new hairstyles each year, seasonal fashion trends, phone upgrades, and the latest models in cars. We are trained to believe we need the "new stuff" so designers, dealerships, and wealthy companies continue to bring in revenue and we appear wealthy and "cool."
So what do we do? Here is a hard concept and extremely counterculture:

"Be content with what you have." Hebrews 13:5

Try saying that five or six times slowly. What comes to your mind?

This Christmas season make contentment a priority. Be content with the size of your home, the

number of gifts you are able to give, your spouse and children, your job, your Christmas decorations. Turn your eyes off what everyone else has and be content with all the blessings in your life.

Remember, you don't have to purchase a ping-pong table, or a brand new car, a phone upgrade, or the largest TV on the planet. Next year at this time there will be a bigger and better one to take it's place. So be content with the ping pong tables in your life and enjoy all you have been given.

Up or Down - Always One or The Other

Have you ever had a random meeting with an acquaintance that totally transformed your thinking? My daughter was babysitting Saturday night and got sick. My husband and I rushed to her aid. As I waited for the grandmother to arrive to resume the babysitting schedule, I had no idea what was about to transpire.

The grandmother and I were exchanging friendly conversation, when this sweet woman mentioned a marriage class she and her husband teach. (My mentor once told me, “When in the presence of wisdom and knowledge, ask as many questions as you can.”) This thought crossed my mind, so I asked, “Do you have a happy marriage?” She hesitantly said, “Yes, I do.” I asked her to share 3 keys to a successful marriage. We talked about communication and dedication, but here is the priceless nugget I gleaned.

Have you ever been to the top of a mountain? When you get to the top the view is absolutely gorgeous. You can relax and enjoy the peaceful beauty. However, if you look around, there is no growth on top of a mountain. Once you reach a certain altitude, plants, trees, and life cease to grow. Now picture a valley. In the valley there are lush green trees, blossoming flowers, fertile soil and thriving grass.

Isn’t this like life- full of mountains and valleys? When we are on the mountaintops, we rest and enjoy the beauty. We soak in the blessings that God has provided. However, on those successful peaks and in smooth sailing months there is usually no growth. We become stagnant and self-reliant.

In the valleys of life, though, we stretch and strain through the trials and challenges of marriages, finances, loss, health, or family. It’s in those valleys, that we grow. During those seasons we move to new levels of maturity, discipline, strength, and trust in Christ.
Life is full of peaks and valleys. You will usually find yourself in one or the other. The goal is to recognize where you are and be thankful. Appreciate the times of rest and then be grateful when God wants to grow you into so much more. Search for the way he wants to change, mold, or teach you when you are helpless in the valley.

No matter where you find yourself, on good old Rocky top or in the valley of the shadow of death, keep your focus turned up. Praising God in the good and seeking his transformation in the troubling depths. Let it never be said of us, "They turn, but not upward to the Most High." Hosea 7:14 Instead let our goal always be, "Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in his wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace."

I Think I Can

What’s the latest “how to” article you’ve read? How to remodel your bathroom? How to manage your children? How to decorate for the holidays? How to have a long and satisfying marriage? How to trim off a few inches? The “How Tos” are everywhere.

I’ll never forget the first “How To” conference I attended. Mammie McCullough, “the famous I CAN lady” was the guest speaker. I was in my late twenties, married, had three preschoolers, and working full time. Basically, her entire talk was on how to have a positive attitude. I figured at this stage in life, I could use a little positive motivation.

She had a whole list of “I Can” statements to read each day. I came home from that conference, emptied a green bean can, cleaned it real good, peeled the label, printed 25 “I can” statements on strips of paper, cut each one and placed them in my “I Can CAN!” Each morning I would choose one statement, read it, and kind of meditate on it.

I’m sure those thoughts set me on the right track to a positive day, but I have noticed one thing. When I am afraid, not one of those “I can” thoughts comes to mind. Yet on nights when my husband is out of town, I will often hear these words, “What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.” When I don’t know what to do, no “I can” thoughts give me instructions, but this one thought gives me hope, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In everything you do, acknowledge him, and he will make your path straight.” When I am angry and want to string someone up by their toes, I can’t remember Mammie’s “I can” thought s, but I do think, “Forgive others as I have forgiven you.”

I’m not saying “I can” thoughts are wrong. The Bible does say, “Fill your mind with what is pure, right, excellent, and praiseworthy.” However, there is only 1 “How To” book that will answers life’s questions, dilemmas, and joys, and that is the only “How To” book that can authentically transform your life. If you believe in the author of this book, he will send your very own helper to guide you to understand and remember all the “How Tos” he has printed. You don’t have to empty a veggie can or print strips of paper to digest this book’s valuable treasures, simply open your Bible each morning and discover how to live life as God intended. And… if you kind of meditate on it a little, you’ll be amazed when God’s “how tos” come to mind, just when you need them most.

Hurry, Hurry and WHAT?

What about Christmas do you love? The gifts, the shopping, decorating, baking, being with family? I love the twinkling lights and the Christmas songs! Christmas carols are interesting, though. Have you ever focused on some of the words? Today I heard "What Child is This?" As I listened, something caught my attention.
Read the words carefully & notice what we are to bring the baby.

What Child is this who, laid to rest
On Mary's lap is sleeping?
Whom Angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?

This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and Angels sing;
Haste, haste, to bring Him laud,The Babe, the Son of Mary.

Did you catch it? Haste, that means hurry. So...hurry, hurry, and bring him LAUD! What in the world is laud? I remember singing "lard" as a child, but that couldn't be right.

We looked up the word tonight at the dinner table, and discovered, laud means praise. I was relieved to know there was not an overabundance of lard in the manger, but I was wondering, is there an overabundance of praise in my heart.

As I thought about that line of the song, I wondered, "How quick am I to offer praise to God? Am I hasty to praise?

Maybe this could be a goal for Christmas 09. Be hasty with praise to Christ the King. Each morning when we awake this Christmas season and each time we hear this song, let's praise God for who he is and all he has done for us.