Not long ago a commercial airliner, whose pilot was new to New York,
landed at JFK Airport. He steered the jet onto a taxiway and
stopped. Then slowly he began turning. First he nosed the aircraft
to the right. Then to the left. Then he turned the plane completely
around.
Finally, over the public-address system, a confused voice asked,
"Does anyone know where Gate 25 is?" Do you think that if he just
turned around enough times he would come out right?
Deciding to turn, though, is something we often have to do if we are
to live fully and live well. For each of us knows what it is to head
the wrong direction in life; and we also know how relieved we feel
to turn around again.
Do you remember the old Shaker hymn, written by Joseph Brackett, Jr.
over 150 years ago?
'Tis the gift to be simple,
'tis the gift to be free,
'tis the gift to come down where you ought to be,
And when we find ourselves in the place just right,
It will be in the valley of love and delight.
When true simplicity is gained,
To bow and to bend we shan't be ashamed.
To turn, turn will be our delight,
'Til by turning, turning we come round right.
It's amazing how many times I turn in a day. I turn up to things I
want to attend and turn down others. I turn in at the end of the day
and turn over all night long. And when things are not right, I can
always turn them around.
Actually, turning is one of the most hopeful words I know.
When I'm not right, I can turn in a new direction. By turning, I do
something about the course I've taken. I may not be able to change
what I've already done; and I may not be able to fully escape those
unpleasant consequences of past choices. But I need not continue in
the same, destructive path. I can turn. I can find my way again.
Turning around is allowed in this life. In fact, it's necessary.
Especially after mistakes and failures. And that's like hope for me.
Like the song says, "'Tis the gift to come down where you ought to
be." But when we don't find ourselves where we ought to be, "by
turning, turning we come round right."
-- Steve Goodier
at lifesupportsystem.com
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Do you have the joy of God's presence?
On that day the announcement to Jerusalem will be, "Cheer up, Zion! Don't be afraid! For the Lord your God has arrived to live among you. He is a mighty savior. He will rejoice over you with great gladness. With his love, he will calm all our fears. He will exult over you by singing a happy song."
Zephaniah 3:16-17 NLT
I know the Lord is always with me, I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. No wonder my heart is filled with joy, and my mouth shouts his praises!
Psalm 16:8-9 NLT
Happy are those who obey his decrees and search for him with all their hearts.
Psalm 119:2 NLT
Real joy
Is joy, or happiness, a passing emotion or a permanent state? The Bible says it can be both. There is happiness that reacts to happenings (which is temporary and volatile), and there is happiness that overrules happenings (which is strong and lasting). Happiness based on happenings is part of life, but if that is all we can count on we have to keep feeding ourselves with events to keep us upbeat. Those who know the joy that comes from God don't need happenings to keep them happy. They learn how to develop inner joy because they know, no matter what happens, God offers hope and promise.
Zephaniah 3:16-17 NLT
I know the Lord is always with me, I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. No wonder my heart is filled with joy, and my mouth shouts his praises!
Psalm 16:8-9 NLT
Happy are those who obey his decrees and search for him with all their hearts.
Psalm 119:2 NLT
Real joy
Is joy, or happiness, a passing emotion or a permanent state? The Bible says it can be both. There is happiness that reacts to happenings (which is temporary and volatile), and there is happiness that overrules happenings (which is strong and lasting). Happiness based on happenings is part of life, but if that is all we can count on we have to keep feeding ourselves with events to keep us upbeat. Those who know the joy that comes from God don't need happenings to keep them happy. They learn how to develop inner joy because they know, no matter what happens, God offers hope and promise.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
LEAFAGE AND ROOTAGE
American President Woodrow Wilson once pointed out that "a man's
rootage is more important than his leafage." What others see are the
leaves, the outside. What they can't see are the roots, the values
and principles that ground a person. A happy and fulfilled life
grows from a good system of roots.
No one believed in the solid "rootage" of President Jimmy Carter
more than his own mother "Miss Lillian," as she was fondly called.
She was aware of her son's reputation for honesty, which had become
a topic of curiosity among many politicians and even reporters.
During a 1986 speech at the University of Tennessee, Jody Powell
told a story about a television reporter who grilled Miss Lillian on
this topic.
"Is it true," asked the reporter, "that your son doesn't lie? Can
you tell me he has never told a lie?"
"Well, I reckon he might have told a little white lie now and then,"
replied Miss Lillian.
The reporter spotted the opening. "I thought you said he didn't
lie!" she exclaimed. "Are you telling me that white lies aren't as
bad as black lies? Just what do you mean by a white lie?"
"Well," drawled Miss Lillian, "do you remember when you came in this
morning and I told you how nice you looked and how glad I was to see
you...?"
Those people who care about strong and principled inner lives leave
an important mark on the world. They actually live from the inside
out. Their inner convictions guide their actions. Their inner
principles govern their lives. It's like roots which are sunk deep
into lasting values and sustain the tree through whatever hard times
may come along.
What does it mean to have good roots? I think it means to be strong
enough and healthy enough to do whatever you truly want to do. It
means to be strong enough, at least most of the time, to give your
best to the world.
I would like to have roots that grow deep and strong. I would like a
system of roots that could give me:
- enough strength to forgive those who hurt me;
- enough confidence to overcome any amount of fear;
- enough courage to accept whatever obstacles life throws my
way;
- enough compassion to love even the unlovable;
- enough faith that nothing can shatter my peace of mind.
If I grow good roots, I don't need to worry about the leafage.
-- Steve Goodier
rootage is more important than his leafage." What others see are the
leaves, the outside. What they can't see are the roots, the values
and principles that ground a person. A happy and fulfilled life
grows from a good system of roots.
No one believed in the solid "rootage" of President Jimmy Carter
more than his own mother "Miss Lillian," as she was fondly called.
She was aware of her son's reputation for honesty, which had become
a topic of curiosity among many politicians and even reporters.
During a 1986 speech at the University of Tennessee, Jody Powell
told a story about a television reporter who grilled Miss Lillian on
this topic.
"Is it true," asked the reporter, "that your son doesn't lie? Can
you tell me he has never told a lie?"
"Well, I reckon he might have told a little white lie now and then,"
replied Miss Lillian.
The reporter spotted the opening. "I thought you said he didn't
lie!" she exclaimed. "Are you telling me that white lies aren't as
bad as black lies? Just what do you mean by a white lie?"
"Well," drawled Miss Lillian, "do you remember when you came in this
morning and I told you how nice you looked and how glad I was to see
you...?"
Those people who care about strong and principled inner lives leave
an important mark on the world. They actually live from the inside
out. Their inner convictions guide their actions. Their inner
principles govern their lives. It's like roots which are sunk deep
into lasting values and sustain the tree through whatever hard times
may come along.
What does it mean to have good roots? I think it means to be strong
enough and healthy enough to do whatever you truly want to do. It
means to be strong enough, at least most of the time, to give your
best to the world.
I would like to have roots that grow deep and strong. I would like a
system of roots that could give me:
- enough strength to forgive those who hurt me;
- enough confidence to overcome any amount of fear;
- enough courage to accept whatever obstacles life throws my
way;
- enough compassion to love even the unlovable;
- enough faith that nothing can shatter my peace of mind.
If I grow good roots, I don't need to worry about the leafage.
-- Steve Goodier
Thursday, March 11, 2010
From the "Inspired Faith" Newsletter
A young woman from our local rescue mission recently spoke about her work with the homeless, and these words touched my heart . . . "One of our goals is to make them laugh, because they have so little to smile about in their world." I was reminded that as Christians, our mission is to be salt and light in the lives of others . . . bringing the light of Christ into their darkness, one smile at a time.
I love the way Paul used a mirror to illustrate how we can be transformed to reflect the image of Christ to the world. "All of us who are Christians . . . reflect like mirrors the glory of the Lord. We are transfigured in ever-increasing splendor into His own image" II Cor. 3:18 (Phillips)
If you’ve ever played with a small mirror in your hand, you know how you can catch the rays of the sun and angle the mirror just right to shine that light wherever you want it to go. The Bible tells us that the Lord holds us in His hand, and the more we reflect His image . . . and His radiance . . . the more He can use us to shine His light in our world.
This is my prayer . . .
A Mirror in God's Hand
by Paula J. Fox © March 2003
I want to be a mirror, Lord . . . A reflection of Your grace
To shine Your light for all to see
In every darkened place
I want to be transfigured Lord, so the image others see
Will be closer to Your likeness
And the light You've given me
I have no light source of my own . . . but when I look at You
The radiance of Your glory
Shines in all I say and do
I could stand to use some polish . . . I've been cracked and broken too
But it's not myself that matters
It's the light that comes from You
Though I have some imperfections, I'm still useful in Your sight
And in Your hand I know
That You will angle me just right
So that when Your face shines on me, it reflects on others too
And as it does, please use me, Lord
To LIGHT my world for You
I love the way Paul used a mirror to illustrate how we can be transformed to reflect the image of Christ to the world. "All of us who are Christians . . . reflect like mirrors the glory of the Lord. We are transfigured in ever-increasing splendor into His own image" II Cor. 3:18 (Phillips)
If you’ve ever played with a small mirror in your hand, you know how you can catch the rays of the sun and angle the mirror just right to shine that light wherever you want it to go. The Bible tells us that the Lord holds us in His hand, and the more we reflect His image . . . and His radiance . . . the more He can use us to shine His light in our world.
This is my prayer . . .
A Mirror in God's Hand
by Paula J. Fox © March 2003
I want to be a mirror, Lord . . . A reflection of Your grace
To shine Your light for all to see
In every darkened place
I want to be transfigured Lord, so the image others see
Will be closer to Your likeness
And the light You've given me
I have no light source of my own . . . but when I look at You
The radiance of Your glory
Shines in all I say and do
I could stand to use some polish . . . I've been cracked and broken too
But it's not myself that matters
It's the light that comes from You
Though I have some imperfections, I'm still useful in Your sight
And in Your hand I know
That You will angle me just right
So that when Your face shines on me, it reflects on others too
And as it does, please use me, Lord
To LIGHT my world for You
Monday, March 8, 2010
So Say the Joyologists
When the righteous see God in action they’ll laugh, they’ll sing, they’ll laugh and sing for joy.
— Psalm 68:3 MSG
According to some joyologists (uh-huh, joyologists—those given to the promotion of joy), you can lose weight if you guffaw daily. So does this mean we can titter till our tummies tuck? Or better yet, chortle till the cellulite runs smooth? I’m afraid I’d have to be permanently hysterical to accomplish that task.
Can’t you see it now? A world emphasis on belly laughing, with people lining up single file around the block, waiting to slip into a joy booth so they can laugh off lunch. Or employers offering health incentives for workers who snicker heartily. Have you ever wondered why God designed us with the ability to laugh and cry? I guess he knew we would need to do both as a way to pour off emotional excess; otherwise, we might blow a gasket.
I’ve heard it said that hearty laughter sends fresh shipments of oxygen to the brain, which causes it to loosen up. Hmm, if it can loosen up my brain, then maybe, just maybe, the joyologists are right, and it could loosen up my jeans. That would be great. Then I wouldn’t have to unsnap them to eat, sit, travel, and breathe. I’d much rather chuckle myself fit than deny myself indulgences, but I have this nagging feeling I may need to do both.
— Patsy Clairmont
Excerpted from All Cracked Up. Copyright © 2006 by Patsy Clairmont. Published in Nashville, Tennessee, by Thomas Nelson. Used with permission. All rights reserved.
— Psalm 68:3 MSG
According to some joyologists (uh-huh, joyologists—those given to the promotion of joy), you can lose weight if you guffaw daily. So does this mean we can titter till our tummies tuck? Or better yet, chortle till the cellulite runs smooth? I’m afraid I’d have to be permanently hysterical to accomplish that task.
Can’t you see it now? A world emphasis on belly laughing, with people lining up single file around the block, waiting to slip into a joy booth so they can laugh off lunch. Or employers offering health incentives for workers who snicker heartily. Have you ever wondered why God designed us with the ability to laugh and cry? I guess he knew we would need to do both as a way to pour off emotional excess; otherwise, we might blow a gasket.
I’ve heard it said that hearty laughter sends fresh shipments of oxygen to the brain, which causes it to loosen up. Hmm, if it can loosen up my brain, then maybe, just maybe, the joyologists are right, and it could loosen up my jeans. That would be great. Then I wouldn’t have to unsnap them to eat, sit, travel, and breathe. I’d much rather chuckle myself fit than deny myself indulgences, but I have this nagging feeling I may need to do both.
— Patsy Clairmont
Excerpted from All Cracked Up. Copyright © 2006 by Patsy Clairmont. Published in Nashville, Tennessee, by Thomas Nelson. Used with permission. All rights reserved.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Daily Thoughts from Inspired Faith...
DAILY VERSE
When pride comes, then comes disgrace,
but with humility comes wisdom.
Proverbs 11:2
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
DAILY QUOTE
If you are humble, nothing will touch you, neither praise nor disgrace, because you know what you are.
Mother Teresa
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
DAILY THOUGHT
The sin of pride can be hard to define. Arrogance can be part of it, yes; but it’s possible to have both pride and poor self-image at work in one’s life at the same time. God doesn’t want us to lack self-respect, either. Maybe it’s best simply to be ever aware that all of us are vulnerable to vain pride and that it can find us at any time, anywhere.
Pride says, “I can do what I want,” “I’m better than others,” and “I’m looking out for number one.” Above all, pride says, “I don’t need God or anyone—I can make it on my own.” But of course we do need God. And when we resist surrendering to Him, depending on Him, we experience damage to our souls.
Fortunately, we can resist our pride by simply praying and asking God to heal us from a prideful attitude and help us think rightly about ourselves, God, and others. When that happens, we can rest content in God’s will and at peace with ourselves and those around us.
Lord, please heal me of a vain pride and set me in right relationship with You. Amen.
When pride comes, then comes disgrace,
but with humility comes wisdom.
Proverbs 11:2
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
DAILY QUOTE
If you are humble, nothing will touch you, neither praise nor disgrace, because you know what you are.
Mother Teresa
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
DAILY THOUGHT
The sin of pride can be hard to define. Arrogance can be part of it, yes; but it’s possible to have both pride and poor self-image at work in one’s life at the same time. God doesn’t want us to lack self-respect, either. Maybe it’s best simply to be ever aware that all of us are vulnerable to vain pride and that it can find us at any time, anywhere.
Pride says, “I can do what I want,” “I’m better than others,” and “I’m looking out for number one.” Above all, pride says, “I don’t need God or anyone—I can make it on my own.” But of course we do need God. And when we resist surrendering to Him, depending on Him, we experience damage to our souls.
Fortunately, we can resist our pride by simply praying and asking God to heal us from a prideful attitude and help us think rightly about ourselves, God, and others. When that happens, we can rest content in God’s will and at peace with ourselves and those around us.
Lord, please heal me of a vain pride and set me in right relationship with You. Amen.
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