Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Building Blocks or Stumbling Blocks

If your lips would keep from slips,
Five things observe with care;
To whom you speak, of whom you speak,
And how, and when, and where.

Proverbs 18:20-21, "Words satisfy the soul as food satisfies the stomach; the right words on a person’s lips bring satisfaction. Those who love to talk will experience the consequences, for the tongue can kill or nourish life."

Your words are building blocks or stumbling blocks. Words destroy, so guard your tongue. Words can destroy marriages, kids and friendship. Words can destroy your faith, dreams and future. When you have nothing to say; say it. And, don’t speak unless you will improve the silence!

However, words build, so don't stay silent. Cold words freeze others, hot words scorch them, and bitter words make them bitter. Kind words soothe, gentle words comfort, and encouraging words strengthen and heal the hearer. Mark Twain said, “I can live for two months on a good compliment.” “I love you;” “Thank-you;” “I am proud of you;” “I really appreciate you;” “You’re great,” are powerful phrases that sould be used often. Learn to find specific qualities to compliment in others. Then, be liberal with your compliments. Proverbs 25:11, "Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances."

I am making a commitment to use my words are building blocks not stumbling blocks.

Peace,
Stan

Monday, July 16, 2007

Sowing and Reaping

It seems that God is fond of gardens. He planted a garden in Eden, and put Adam there. 1 Corinthians 3:9 (CEV), “You are God’s garden...” 1 Corinthians 3:9 (ICB), “You are like a farm that belongs to God…”

Our lives are like a garden or a farm. Things are grown and harvested in a garden or a farm. All around us the wheat that was planted in the Fall has just been harvested. The corn and soybeans are growing. Hay is being harvested to feed cattle and horses next winter. The food we will eat today is the product of a farm or a ranch.
Seedtime and harvest affects much more than just food. This process affects our whole life. Nearly everything can be traced to this principle of sowing and reaping.The principle works this way: (1) a seed has the ability to reproduce or duplicate itself (2) the seed can only reproduce the attributes inherent to itself, e.g. apples can only produce apples, not pears (3) there is a multiplying effect when the seed is planted, e.g. a soybean seed produces a soybean plant, which produces dozens of new seeds. In other words, whatever is planted will grow and produce a harvest, usually more of the same. So, if I expect to get something different than the “same old, same old”, what must I do? {Plant different seeds!}

Just like other “laws” in the universe, e.g. gravity, reflection & motion, the law of sowing and reaping will not be violated. Once something is sown, a person should expect a harvest. According to this law, a person should not be surprised by the results he/she is getting in life! This works with money, relationships, and the level of peace and joy in my life.

THIS IS EXCITING! I have control over enough of the variables in my life to change my outcomes. I can adjust my attitudes, words, actions, spending habits, investments, etc. Galatians 6:7 - 10 (CEV) 7You cannot fool God, so don’t make a fool of yourself! You will harvest what you plant. 8If you follow your selfish desires, you will harvest destruction, but if you follow the Spirit, you will harvest eternal life. 9Don’t get tired of helping others. You will be rewarded when the time is right, if you don’t give up. 10We should help people whenever we can, especially if they are followers of the Lord.

Change your life. Change what you are planting.



Peace,



Stan

Sunday, July 8, 2007

I am sitting here in Frisco, Colorado in the Rocky Mountains thinking about God. Psalms 24:1 declares, " The earth is the Lord’S, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein." How can a person sit a view God's beauty and not acknowledge the Creator?

I am a person who best heres from God out in His creation. The most significant things I have ever heard from God always came to me outdoors. When I need to clear my head and need direction, I go outside for a walk or a bike ride.

We are all different. I believe there is a place where everyone can find God. Where is your place?

Sure, this is a short post, but remeber that I am on vacation.

Peace,
Stan