“God has revealed enough of the future to give us hope, but not so much that we do not need to live by faith.” Ben Witherington III As a single I had a job that I enjoyed and was eager to learn more in this field. As time passed my job became more of a career where I gained visibility and notoriety among those who influenced my future. I was not seeking this effect, jobs were offered to me and one manager worked with me to mold a career path. It was not a fast-track into management; it was more honed toward skill development and exposure to the right people and opportunities. Also, during that time I watched all my friends get married—the veritable ‘always a bridesmaid, never a bride.’ I got in the habit of saying—and I truly believed—God has not given me a partner, but He has provided for my needs (at least financially) through my job. I still had hope that one day I would marry, yet at times I fell into the pit of ungratefulness. I felt like God had forgotten me. Until a friend reminded me of all the times God had come through for me, "He restored your lost dog when you were going through a hard time, He got you a job offer that directed you to the career path you have today, and He opened the door for you to move into the location you always wanted to live." I had learned as a girl to place my hope on past performance…family and friends’ follow-through, my boss’ promises, even politicians’ voting record. God was no different. In my journey with Him, every time I prayed and He came through with an answer, it was building a foundation that showed through my personal experiences that God is faithful. My hope based on people has let me down from time to time. At times I felt cheated, resentful, or even a failure. But when I placed my hope in God, I was never disappointed. Even when His answer was, No, I eventually saw that it was always in my best interest. This is what enables me to hope for the future…a track record that proves I’m in good hands when I stay close to God. It is easier for me to look into the unknown future with peace when I remember God’s faithfulness in the past. Do you agree that past performance is generally considered a good indicator of future results? Do you keep track of God’s faithfulness in your life situations? Are you ready to place your faith in God’s next step for you even though you can only hope for what little you can see now?
Lord, help me grow hope for the future built on confidence in Your faithfulness. Amen “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23 What are your thoughts? Libby Note: Ben Witherington III (1951- ), an American New Testament scholar, Professor at Asbury Theological Seminary, and an ordained pastor in the United Methodist Church. He has written over thirty books and made appearances on radio and television, frequently featured on the History Channel and Discovery Channel.
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“I follow my heart, and even more, I follow God’s lead. I’ve found that if I’m listening closely, they take me to the same place.” Meagan GoodWhen I was young I loved to read. I wanted to write children’s books. When older I wanted to write personal interest stories and devotionals. I wrote as part of my job and became adept at writing to inform, to persuade, to influence, to negotiate; even winning an award for the design of training materials. I kept a quote board outside my office and found that people looked forward to stopping by for a daily dose of encouragement.
At one point my manager made it my role to review all submissions to the divisional newsletter from our department. And, I was frequently challenged by management with, “I don’t know what I want, but I’ll know it when I see it.” I thrived on the challenge of creating something from scratch. One spring after years of working in high-tech, four things happened in unison. First, I told my husband I didn’t have a peace about accompanying him on a mission’s trip to Peru. Weeks later, I was presented with the opportunity to attend a writer’s conference. Next, during the conference I had an amazing experience, an interview that resulted in getting the attention of, and dozens of business cards from, agents, editors, and publishers all interested in a particular topic. Finally, shortly after my return from the conference, my company offered an enhanced early retirement program which required me to be in the office to train during my husband's trip to Peru. Although I met the qualifications, I was only in my 50’s. To leave and begin a new career was risky and challenging, especially since I knew nothing about writing fiction. All too often in the writing world they say, “…but don’t quite your day job.” My husband and I prayed and I took the package. This immersed me into the world of fiction writing. The more I learned about fiction writing, the more I realized how much I still needed to learn. But I reasoned, if I could learn business writing and the design and development of training materials, job aids and websites, I could also learn fiction writing. It has taken much longer than I imagined and I still have much to learn, but I get so much joy when someone is touched or encouraged by something I write. God has not only given me the desire of my heart, but He has also put me into a new relationship with Him. Instead of relying on my skill set, confident in my accomplishments, and my abilities, I am now in a place where I need to constantly depend on Him. There is no question that although this is my desire, it is also His will for me: completely dependent on Him, a channel for His words to reach others. Have you given the desires for your life to God in prayer? Are you willing to take the risk of stepping out on faith in order to realize the joy of being in the center of His will for you? Lord, help me keep my eyes on You so my words will be Your words, and will continue to bless others with joy and encouragement. Amen “Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4 What are your thoughts? Libby Note: Meagan Good (1981- ), an American actress since the age of four; has appeared in numerous television shows, films, and music videos. She is most recognized from her performances in Think Like A Man, Anchorman II, and three seasons as the main character in Nickelodeon’s Cousin Skeeter. “I have found that people tend to live up, or down, to your expectations.” Cathy Keiran I tried an experiment with my husband. I remember hearing a message called “Bless, Don’t Curse.” The title intrigued me because I thought it was odd for a message to mention cursing. I certainly didn’t curse my friends and loved ones; not even my enemies.
The speaker identified cursing, however, as what we say to others—children, spouses, co-workers, neighbors, and so on—when we’re not happy with something they’ve done, or neglected to do. Our words spoken with little thought to the effect if might have on them, can have negative results—some call it, self-fulfilling prophecy. The speaker used the example of her son. He was of an age where he was tired of his family, embarrassed to be seen with them even in church. He would often ignore his parents and close himself up in his room for hours. One day she decided to stop hounding him to clean his room, and stop harping on him to do his homework. Instead she would think of reasons to compliment him…his art work, his attention to detail, and so on. It took a while but he eventually emerged, spent more time with the family, and smiled at her. I tried this with my husband. Instead of commenting on how he might better load the dishwasher, or a shorter way to get to where we were going, I began to thank him for doing the simplest of chores he did every week. I praised him for a project he did well and told him how good he was at doing searches on the Internet. In no time at all I began to get from him a thank you for a dinner I fixed or he’d set the table while I was cooking. Is there someone in your life that you have been cursing? Are you willing to turn your cursings to blessings and see what might happen? What one saying will you drop…and what one thing will you thank or praise them for? Lord, thank You for creating us with hearts that heal and grow stronger, in much the same way a cut or bruise heals. Amen “The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Proverbs 12:18 What are your thoughts? Libby Note: Cathy Keiran (195x- ) an American high-tech professional who formerly spent over ten years in the US Army and Army Reserves; currently a board member of the Matthew Museum of Maine Heritage, Union Fair. “There is a fountain of youth; it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of other people you love.” Sophia Loren For years the Baby Boomers have influenced the economy. When we had children they built more hospitals and then schools; when we began planning for retirement Wall Street funds were at their all-time high; and when we passed menopause skin-firming creams, Botox, and face lifts became common.
It is not only the vain that want to retain their youth. If you’ve worked to keep healthy and physically fit, you would like your appearance to reflect your zest for life. Jimmy Fallon once said, “Everyone looks so much better when they smile.” Sophia Loren, at one time considered the most beautiful woman in the world, obviously learned the secret of retaining her beauty—the value of a smile: keep busy, give back, be content…smile. I eventually learned this lesson myself as the years passed. When I work with children, deliver Christmas gifts to a needy family, or take time to listen to a homeless person, I find a brand of joy that I can’t buy. This joy is better than great memories. When I write a short story, blog, or novel, using my God-given gifts to benefit others, I’m so filled with joy I don’t worry about the lines around my eyes. Do you find yourself concerned with your appearance as you age? When was the last time you really smiled? What can you do today that will engage your joy, increase your smile quotient, and promote your fountain of youth? Lord, thank You for the gift of joy, and the blessing of giving to others. Amen “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. ” II Corinthians 4:16 What are your thoughts? Libby Note: Sophia Loren (1934- ), an Italian film actress who received an Oscar for Best Actress, the first artist to win an Oscar for a foreign-language performance. She also received a Grammy, five special Golden Globes, a BAFTA, a Laurel (Cannes Film Festival Best Actress), and an Honorary Academy Award. In 1995 she received the Cecil B. DeMille Award—one of her many lifetime achievement awards. "Be punctual, trustworthy, say 'please' and 'thank you.' I live by the principle of giving what you want others to give you." Lupita Nyong'oTalking to a friend at lunch one day, the subject came up about people that step out in front of a car, expecting the car to stop. Whatever happened to "look both ways," what I learned as a child when it came to stepping into the street or parking lot where cars travel freely. This started me thinking, has our generation not done a good job of role modeling common courtesy to the next generation? At work I was asked to teach a class on the corporate culture. It seems we had so many new hires that the number of long-term employees was not enough to role model the company's core values. The concern was that the new hires would adopt from each other what they believed was the culture of our company. I was concerned about the results of a training event; you don't learn to appreciate a value in the same way you learn to follow a step-by-step procedure or use a piece of equipment. Core values are not ingrained in others by a broadcast memo or a poster on the wall. These values need to be demonstrated...consistently. I did teach the class, but I also realized I needed to live the values in plain view of the new employees, even when-or should I say, most importantly when-I thought no one was watching. Have you considered what your actions demonstrate to the young people of today? Are you ready to be considered a role model? (Because you are whether you want to be or not.) What will you change today to improve the way young people perceive you?
Lord, help me be a good role model, including showing that I'm real...that I do things wrong sometimes and then need to make them right. May I be the 'salt and light' that leads others to You. Amen "Do to others as you would have them do to you." Luke 6:31 What are your thoughts? Libby Note: Lupita Nyong'o (1983- ), a Kenyan-American actress and filmmaker who attended college in the US earning a bachelor's degree in film and theater studies. She is most known for her Oscar winning performance as Patsey in 12 Years A Slave. |
WelcomeI love the wisdom of the ages gleaned from relevant quotes. In them there is a connection to the human experience that crosses all borders. Join me as I relate my personal experiences, and link the wisdom of the quote to the Source of all wisdom: God's Word, the Bible. Enjoy, Libby Categories
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