How many times do you catch yourself saying "I wish" I could do this or this problem would go away? While wishing upon a star seemed like a great idea as a youngster and I still make a wish upon a falling star, there is one place where we CAN place our trust and hopes. I have always found it in one of my favorite verses:
Be anxious for nothing, but in all things through prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God and the peace that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6
:There have been times when - with all of my heart - I thanked God for provision that was needed, but I knew He would provide (there have also been those times where it was more of a challenge and I would say to God - You say this and now I am believing you for it). Each time when the provision came, my hope was renewed and my faith increased. Is there some situation in your life today that you would like to see change? Well - I suggest you roll up your shirt sleeves for your part and trust fully in God for the rest. You take that first step in faith and He will carry you the rest of the way - if you let Him.
Now have a great day!
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
When people read you- what do they find?
I thank my God every time I remember you. Philippians 1:3
D.L. Moody once said of 10 men, 1 will read the Bible, the other 9 will read the Christian. His words before me, I am ever aware responding to my own query – how good a read are you? Will others see the Light of the World and be lead into His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise? A friend sent this to me and I share it with you... it goes to the heart of the question..
Now this is the Living Bible:His name is Bill. He has wild hair, wears a T-shirt with holes in it, jeans, and no shoes. This was literally his wardrobe for his entire four years of college. He is brilliant. He is kind of profound and very, very bright. He became a Christian while attending college.Across the street from the campus is a well-dressed, very conservative church. They want to develop a ministry to the students but are not sure how to go about it.One day Bill decides to go there. He walks in with no shoes, jeans, his T-shirt, and wild hair. The service has already started and so Bill starts down the aisle looking for a seat. The church is completely packed and he can't find a seat. By now, people are really looking a bit uncomfortable, but no one says anything. Bill gets closer and closer and closer to the pulpit, and when he realizes there are no seats, he just squats down right on the carpet.By now the people are really uptight, and the tension in the air is thick.
About this time, the minister realizes that from way at the back of the church, a deacon is slowly making his way toward Bill. Now the deacon is in his eighties, has silver-gray hair, and a three-piece suit. He is a godly man, very elegant, very dignified, very courtly. He walks with a cane and, as he starts walking toward this boy, everyone is saying to themselves that you can't blame him for what he's going to do. How can you expect a man of his age and of his background to understand some college kid on the floor?It takes a long time for the man to reach the boy. The church is utterly silent except for the clicking of the man's cane. All eyes are focused on him. You can't even hear anyone breathing. The minister can't even preach the sermon until the deacon does what he has to do.And now they see this elderly man drop his cane on the floor. With great difficulty, he lowers himself and sits down next to Bill and worships with him so he won't be alone.Everyone chokes up with emotion. When the minister gains control, he says, "What I'm about to preach, you will never remember. What you have just seen, you will never forget""Be careful how you live. You may be the only Bible some people will ever read!"
D.L. Moody once said of 10 men, 1 will read the Bible, the other 9 will read the Christian. His words before me, I am ever aware responding to my own query – how good a read are you? Will others see the Light of the World and be lead into His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise? A friend sent this to me and I share it with you... it goes to the heart of the question..
Now this is the Living Bible:His name is Bill. He has wild hair, wears a T-shirt with holes in it, jeans, and no shoes. This was literally his wardrobe for his entire four years of college. He is brilliant. He is kind of profound and very, very bright. He became a Christian while attending college.Across the street from the campus is a well-dressed, very conservative church. They want to develop a ministry to the students but are not sure how to go about it.One day Bill decides to go there. He walks in with no shoes, jeans, his T-shirt, and wild hair. The service has already started and so Bill starts down the aisle looking for a seat. The church is completely packed and he can't find a seat. By now, people are really looking a bit uncomfortable, but no one says anything. Bill gets closer and closer and closer to the pulpit, and when he realizes there are no seats, he just squats down right on the carpet.By now the people are really uptight, and the tension in the air is thick.
About this time, the minister realizes that from way at the back of the church, a deacon is slowly making his way toward Bill. Now the deacon is in his eighties, has silver-gray hair, and a three-piece suit. He is a godly man, very elegant, very dignified, very courtly. He walks with a cane and, as he starts walking toward this boy, everyone is saying to themselves that you can't blame him for what he's going to do. How can you expect a man of his age and of his background to understand some college kid on the floor?It takes a long time for the man to reach the boy. The church is utterly silent except for the clicking of the man's cane. All eyes are focused on him. You can't even hear anyone breathing. The minister can't even preach the sermon until the deacon does what he has to do.And now they see this elderly man drop his cane on the floor. With great difficulty, he lowers himself and sits down next to Bill and worships with him so he won't be alone.Everyone chokes up with emotion. When the minister gains control, he says, "What I'm about to preach, you will never remember. What you have just seen, you will never forget""Be careful how you live. You may be the only Bible some people will ever read!"
Friday, September 25, 2009
You are one of life's good things - Show it today!
He surrounds me with loving kindness and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things! Psalm 103:4-5
Look around – are you one displaying loving kindness and tender mercies - is there someone that sticks out that does? Thank God and thank them.
Let’s be one of life’s good things to another today.
Look around – are you one displaying loving kindness and tender mercies - is there someone that sticks out that does? Thank God and thank them.
Let’s be one of life’s good things to another today.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Regardless of all else - Praise!
Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise;
Give thanks to Him and praise His name.
For the Lord is good and His love endures forever;
His faithfulness continues through all generations.
Psalm 100:4-5
How amazing to know that regardless of the gook and grime in our lives – the uncertainty and everchanging tide – we can count on this…. God loves you and has an amazing plan for your life. He remains faithful and on the throne.
Give thanks to Him and praise His name.
For the Lord is good and His love endures forever;
His faithfulness continues through all generations.
Psalm 100:4-5
How amazing to know that regardless of the gook and grime in our lives – the uncertainty and everchanging tide – we can count on this…. God loves you and has an amazing plan for your life. He remains faithful and on the throne.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Keep on doing good!
Recently I have had the "pleasure" of going through quite a red-tape process and I must admit, at one point today I just wanted to give up and to be honest, my attitude became a bit stinky! Well, I've had a few moments alone - and some encouragers in my evening. I know each of you works toward helping others each day (I believe in you - and word gets around) and I thought perhaps you could use the same encouragement that I needed to hear today. So...I will continue to work toward what I know is good and right and give each day's glory to God. In the meantime - let's keep on keeping on and ...
Let us not become weary in doing good,
For at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people.
Galatians 6:9-10
Sometimes it’s hard to move ahead with a smile and optimism when disappointment strikes our doorstep and we have worked so hard toward something. But be encouraged today that the truth is….at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
So take the opportunity at hand – this new day – and do good to all people.
Let us not become weary in doing good,
For at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people.
Galatians 6:9-10
Sometimes it’s hard to move ahead with a smile and optimism when disappointment strikes our doorstep and we have worked so hard toward something. But be encouraged today that the truth is….at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
So take the opportunity at hand – this new day – and do good to all people.
Take today's opportunites
Today is a new day…. As each moment passes, we will not have the opportunity to recapture it… it must be treated as a precious jewel and made to count. William Penn said:
I expect to pass through life but once.
If, therefore, there can be any kindness I can show,
Or any good thing I can do to any fellow being,
Let me do it now… as I shall not pass this way again.
Have you thought to yourself something you ought to do? Have you kept to yourself a compliment or congratulations due another? Have you scheduled time today to make a call or lend a hand?
Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” Philippians 4:8 NIV
Please don’t let it end in the thinking…take action. Make today count.
I expect to pass through life but once.
If, therefore, there can be any kindness I can show,
Or any good thing I can do to any fellow being,
Let me do it now… as I shall not pass this way again.
Have you thought to yourself something you ought to do? Have you kept to yourself a compliment or congratulations due another? Have you scheduled time today to make a call or lend a hand?
Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” Philippians 4:8 NIV
Please don’t let it end in the thinking…take action. Make today count.
Monday, September 21, 2009
How do you see others & self?
Over the past year, there has been an addition to my face - reading glasses. After a full day in front of a computer working on documents my eyes would become “fuzzy” when trying to read. Eventually I found myself seeking my reading glasses early in the day as my eyes became “fuzzy” and reading was difficult. Now, more often than not, I am wearing my reading glasses from the start of my day on the computer.
While my eyes may be becoming “weaker” in some areas, it is my prayer that they will remain strong in their ability to see others from the inside out. The beauty of other people that shines through in their graciousness, kindness, friendliness, etc. I hope I always enjoy “lovely eyes.”
For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.
Audrey Hepburn
I challenge you to use lovely eyes when you look in the mirror as well for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7b That person in the mirror is often unforgiven, underappreciated and harshly treated (by self) as we fail to administer the same the grace, love and compassion that we show others.
So smile at the person in the mirror and those whom you are in contact with today. Look for the good in someone in whom you’ve found it difficult to find before and smile as you see anew.
While my eyes may be becoming “weaker” in some areas, it is my prayer that they will remain strong in their ability to see others from the inside out. The beauty of other people that shines through in their graciousness, kindness, friendliness, etc. I hope I always enjoy “lovely eyes.”
For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.
Audrey Hepburn
I challenge you to use lovely eyes when you look in the mirror as well for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7b That person in the mirror is often unforgiven, underappreciated and harshly treated (by self) as we fail to administer the same the grace, love and compassion that we show others.
So smile at the person in the mirror and those whom you are in contact with today. Look for the good in someone in whom you’ve found it difficult to find before and smile as you see anew.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Live on Purpose
It never ceases to amaze me how time flies…and we forget it’s preciousness until it has passed. We get lost in the mundane, the hurriedness of daily life and forget the important. It’s days where sleep passed too quickly the night before that I find myself putting on bright colors, requiring a smile of myself and looking again at what important, fun and even motivating thing I will do today to make it count – to live it ON PURPOSE.
5"Before I (A)formed you in the womb I knew you, And (B)before you were born I consecrated you; I have (C)appointed you a prophet to the nations." Jeremiah 1:5
I am reminded to be grateful and to express that boldly as we are reminded that if we do not tell the world of our Creator – the very rocks will cry out.
May today hold new adventures, new plans, new life and at least one step toward creating a legacy from a life lived ON PURPOSE.
It can all start with a SMILE.
5"Before I (A)formed you in the womb I knew you, And (B)before you were born I consecrated you; I have (C)appointed you a prophet to the nations." Jeremiah 1:5
I am reminded to be grateful and to express that boldly as we are reminded that if we do not tell the world of our Creator – the very rocks will cry out.
May today hold new adventures, new plans, new life and at least one step toward creating a legacy from a life lived ON PURPOSE.
It can all start with a SMILE.
Take a step toward your legacy
No eye has seen nor ear heard, nor the human heart conceived, what God has prepared for those who love Him. 1 Corinthians 2:9
How awesome is that!?! The dream, heart’s desire that you put away should be pulled from the dust, shook off and worn! It IS meant to be that you will achieve. Dream Big! It is the dream that returns over and over to your heart and mind that is inspired and you CAN achieve…. You haven’t even imagined fully what God can do with that. Just plan and take that first step today… or maybe you’ve taken some steps… and are resting on the landing – not sure whether to head up or go back down and forget it. Take the step up. You are worth it… after all, it can’t compare with what He sees. So I dare you – take the step forward…. smile and let all see the twinkle in your eye.
I am grateful that today is a new day and that No eye has seen nor ear heard, nor the human heart conceived, what God has prepared for those who love Him.
I’m taking my step…….it’s your turn now.
Yeah!!!! You did it.
How awesome is that!?! The dream, heart’s desire that you put away should be pulled from the dust, shook off and worn! It IS meant to be that you will achieve. Dream Big! It is the dream that returns over and over to your heart and mind that is inspired and you CAN achieve…. You haven’t even imagined fully what God can do with that. Just plan and take that first step today… or maybe you’ve taken some steps… and are resting on the landing – not sure whether to head up or go back down and forget it. Take the step up. You are worth it… after all, it can’t compare with what He sees. So I dare you – take the step forward…. smile and let all see the twinkle in your eye.
I am grateful that today is a new day and that No eye has seen nor ear heard, nor the human heart conceived, what God has prepared for those who love Him.
I’m taking my step…….it’s your turn now.
Yeah!!!! You did it.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Into the sun and forward
Ever turn a corner from a dark place into the light of day with someone you care deeply about?
Suddenly the sun is shining - even in the midst of clouds.
You see renewed hope and life as the dawn breaks from pain and fear.
For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:5-7)
Today in this new and wonderful day, I encourage you to take a gander outside at the beautiful blue sky - take in the color, think of those most near and dear to your heart and say “thank you.” It is a fresh beginning filled to the brim with opportunities to "get it right.” Today holds the key to tonight’s restful sleep and tomorrow’s success. So plan your “random acts of love” – remind yourself to smile (even if you don’t feel like it) and do one thing from your list – the most important thing today……. Have you put off a call to a friend who’s been on your mind? Have you let life’s concerns grab away at your time and remove time to regenerate and renew? Then today – do it! Just do that thing that came to mind and revel in the accomplishment of this day.
Don’t forget to let people see the twinkle of your eye.
Suddenly the sun is shining - even in the midst of clouds.
You see renewed hope and life as the dawn breaks from pain and fear.
For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:5-7)
Today in this new and wonderful day, I encourage you to take a gander outside at the beautiful blue sky - take in the color, think of those most near and dear to your heart and say “thank you.” It is a fresh beginning filled to the brim with opportunities to "get it right.” Today holds the key to tonight’s restful sleep and tomorrow’s success. So plan your “random acts of love” – remind yourself to smile (even if you don’t feel like it) and do one thing from your list – the most important thing today……. Have you put off a call to a friend who’s been on your mind? Have you let life’s concerns grab away at your time and remove time to regenerate and renew? Then today – do it! Just do that thing that came to mind and revel in the accomplishment of this day.
Don’t forget to let people see the twinkle of your eye.
Monday, September 14, 2009
You aren't finished - dream big!
Sometimes we find ourselves feeling overwhelmed, just trying to keep our footing in the sand that seems to be washing from beneath our feet, let alone trying to move forward….
Good news!! Today is a new day full of new challenges, opportunities and even a new friend or two. Remember – nothing today is by accident. There will be amazing people dropped before you for whom a mere smile will trigger a conversation or an elevated spirit in both of you.
Remember your big rocks – those items of greatest importance in your life. Get at least one in to your day today: it may be as simple as a phone call to a friend, getting in a work out, reading a chapter in a book, or simply planning your week or day for tomorrow. You will derive energy and a sense of accomplishment great enough to propel you into the remainder of your day and even tomorrow with a renewed sense of purpose, for there are great plans for you that have already begun.
Remember… dream big and each small step will account for more than you bargained for. Your legacy is depending on it.
For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:5-7)
Good news!! Today is a new day full of new challenges, opportunities and even a new friend or two. Remember – nothing today is by accident. There will be amazing people dropped before you for whom a mere smile will trigger a conversation or an elevated spirit in both of you.
Remember your big rocks – those items of greatest importance in your life. Get at least one in to your day today: it may be as simple as a phone call to a friend, getting in a work out, reading a chapter in a book, or simply planning your week or day for tomorrow. You will derive energy and a sense of accomplishment great enough to propel you into the remainder of your day and even tomorrow with a renewed sense of purpose, for there are great plans for you that have already begun.
Remember… dream big and each small step will account for more than you bargained for. Your legacy is depending on it.
For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:5-7)
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
We each have a choice - Be one person
Tonight I watched a movie with an excellent line - "it is not about how much natural talent you have, we all have choices." This is so very true. To the degree that each is given, it can be used for good or evil.
The choices we make in public and maybe even more importantly, in private, are those that make up who we are. Are your words faithful to a friend when they are away? Is your love sound, remaining true when your partner is away? Does your work ethic extend to when the boss is not looking? Would any one be surprised by your personality and behavior away from them?
We are called to be one person all the time - openly and in private; to live out loud and make each day one of enduring significance. What eternal treasure did you bring to the day? Did you acknowledge someone who often goes un-noticed? Did you love another in word or deed? Did you share the Word with another? These are the things of eternal signficance and those things that make - truly - each day memorable bearing a mark. Remember.....
The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil. Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
The choices we make in public and maybe even more importantly, in private, are those that make up who we are. Are your words faithful to a friend when they are away? Is your love sound, remaining true when your partner is away? Does your work ethic extend to when the boss is not looking? Would any one be surprised by your personality and behavior away from them?
We are called to be one person all the time - openly and in private; to live out loud and make each day one of enduring significance. What eternal treasure did you bring to the day? Did you acknowledge someone who often goes un-noticed? Did you love another in word or deed? Did you share the Word with another? These are the things of eternal signficance and those things that make - truly - each day memorable bearing a mark. Remember.....
The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil. Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
Make every day significant!
On this special - very special - 09-09-09 date a friend enjoyed a life altering event as well - she got married! We send our blessings to Cheryl and Jim!!
While this day will stay blazened in their lives with significance, it begs the question, why not make every a day that is blazened in significance? I must admit, there are far too many days that pass without reference because I failed to utilize them to their full. While I thank God for each day, I squander. Oh - what a waste to squander a gift so precious and rare - for it will not come again and I've no idea what tomorrow holds.
I will set out to bless and accomplish at least one thing that will (besides Cheryl and Jim's anniversary) emblazen the date in my heart! And in their honor today I give you 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a:
4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8Love never fails.
While this day will stay blazened in their lives with significance, it begs the question, why not make every a day that is blazened in significance? I must admit, there are far too many days that pass without reference because I failed to utilize them to their full. While I thank God for each day, I squander. Oh - what a waste to squander a gift so precious and rare - for it will not come again and I've no idea what tomorrow holds.
I will set out to bless and accomplish at least one thing that will (besides Cheryl and Jim's anniversary) emblazen the date in my heart! And in their honor today I give you 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a:
4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8Love never fails.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Love - especially when something's amiss
When people behave in a way that we do not understand, we are quick to put up or defenses or to look upon them with mistrust and fear (often masked by anger). Truly, this does not serve us.
1 Corinthians 13 is commonly referred to as the “love chapter” and verses 4 through 8a encourage us to/defines love as follows: Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy. It does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.
The best way to live according to psychologists and John 17 is wide open… let your truth be known and live it out loud. If someone calls into question who you are… talk it out. Often we hit a bump in a friendship or other relationship and assume we know motives, intentions and even feelings based upon our own reactions/actions in the same situation. We fail to remember that everyone is stuck with living their own truth, scars, wounds, bandages and that ever delightful baggage and all.
So what do we do with friends/loved ones when they behave in a way we don’t understand? According to 1st Corinthians, we are patient and kind – not easily angered – and we trust, hope and persevere…and ask. Keep the doors of communication open. We are meant to share each others burdens which brings all that much more joy when there are rejoices to delight in…… so today –
Live wide open, big, bright and beautiful – sharing, spreading, realizing and experiencing love.
New day – New spark in the eyes!
1 Corinthians 13 is commonly referred to as the “love chapter” and verses 4 through 8a encourage us to/defines love as follows: Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy. It does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.
The best way to live according to psychologists and John 17 is wide open… let your truth be known and live it out loud. If someone calls into question who you are… talk it out. Often we hit a bump in a friendship or other relationship and assume we know motives, intentions and even feelings based upon our own reactions/actions in the same situation. We fail to remember that everyone is stuck with living their own truth, scars, wounds, bandages and that ever delightful baggage and all.
So what do we do with friends/loved ones when they behave in a way we don’t understand? According to 1st Corinthians, we are patient and kind – not easily angered – and we trust, hope and persevere…and ask. Keep the doors of communication open. We are meant to share each others burdens which brings all that much more joy when there are rejoices to delight in…… so today –
Live wide open, big, bright and beautiful – sharing, spreading, realizing and experiencing love.
New day – New spark in the eyes!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Love One Another
Often I will be watching or listening to the news with a loved one and the question will be posed, “why can’t people just get along?” There is but one ingredient – though large and infinite – that is missing from the equation in all of the atrocities that humans commit against others.
I’ll let Mother Teresa’s words fill in the gap here, ”Open your hearts to the love God instills…. God loves you tenderly. What He gives you is not to be kept under lock and key, but to be shared.”
For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
A new command I give to you, love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. John 13:34
Wow – each day as I am confronted with yet another report of human suffering or crimes committed upon individuals, I can not help but wonder what our world would be like if we only loved as God loves us. The first obstacle is often to get through our own way and accept the overflowing love poured out upon us so that we can fully and easily share - even by our presence - the love of God.
Allow yourself to receive the love from God today and then watch as you share the love that has been poured out to overflowing upon you with others.
I’ll let Mother Teresa’s words fill in the gap here, ”Open your hearts to the love God instills…. God loves you tenderly. What He gives you is not to be kept under lock and key, but to be shared.”
For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
A new command I give to you, love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. John 13:34
Wow – each day as I am confronted with yet another report of human suffering or crimes committed upon individuals, I can not help but wonder what our world would be like if we only loved as God loves us. The first obstacle is often to get through our own way and accept the overflowing love poured out upon us so that we can fully and easily share - even by our presence - the love of God.
Allow yourself to receive the love from God today and then watch as you share the love that has been poured out to overflowing upon you with others.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Inspired
Sunday night I found myself restless and unable to sleep. I turned on the tv and happened upon the movie "In Pursuit of Happyness" again. It is a great film that runs the gammet of emotions and boy was I blessed. Christopher Gardner is a man who was born into a life filled with challenges and a mother who told him "if you want to, one day you could make a million dollars." He believed her despite the absence of a father in his life and spending time in and out of foster homes as circumstances unfolded. But he credits his mother with instilling "strong spiritual genetics" and some of the greatest lessons of his life that he still calls upon and lives by. His wife, who had stopped believing in him, left him and he insisted on keeping their young (pre-K) son so that he would not grow up without a father. They struggled. The challenges were many. Each time he would start to get a leg up (some money in the bank) something would happen that would knock his feet from beneath him again. They found themselves homeless during his internship at Dean Witter, yet he performed flawlessly and with an attitude that would cause many of us to blush as we relax in homes with many rooms. He was the only intern in 1981 to be offered a position (and most likely the only trainee that did not sport a college education). He is the CEO of Chris Gardner International holdings with offices in New York, San Francisco and Chicago. In 2006 he sold his portion in the Gardner & Rich partnership for several million dollars.
There is a point where he tries to gently tell his son not to take too much hope in making it big as a basketball player as he had not been so grand. You see Chris Junior's face fall. Upon realizing the effect of his words on his son, he turned to him and said, "Don't you ever let anyone tell you that you can't do something - even if it's me." WOW!!! The strength of those words coming from a father!
"Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him...Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting of shadow." (James 1:12, 17)
How amazing! There is no variation in God. He bestows every good and perfect gift from above. I am inspired by Chris Gardner, but hold to the promise of our Lord God. Every day is a new day with the promise of a new beginning...and a new tomorrow.
Please go to the blog and leave your story or comment. I'll be looking for them.
There is a point where he tries to gently tell his son not to take too much hope in making it big as a basketball player as he had not been so grand. You see Chris Junior's face fall. Upon realizing the effect of his words on his son, he turned to him and said, "Don't you ever let anyone tell you that you can't do something - even if it's me." WOW!!! The strength of those words coming from a father!
"Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him...Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting of shadow." (James 1:12, 17)
How amazing! There is no variation in God. He bestows every good and perfect gift from above. I am inspired by Chris Gardner, but hold to the promise of our Lord God. Every day is a new day with the promise of a new beginning...and a new tomorrow.
Please go to the blog and leave your story or comment. I'll be looking for them.
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