Remain Faithful in Legacy Creation

So today you find yourself tempted to give in – it may seem harmless – but after all we are building a heritage/a legacy for others to see and say, “you made a difference in my life. You inspired me.” In order to do that, we must not give in, even to what appears to be the smallest of temptations – like participating in gossip, or giving an opinion where not welcomed nor invited, or supposing to know another’s motives in a negative light.

Don’t give in. It will change everything!

You are not alone. Others have been where you are and stood fast for much is at stake. Remember: No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. 1st Corinthians 10:13

I believe in you and there are so many that are watching your moves this very day to see how you handle the unkind comments of a co-worker, that trial at home or the casual onset of gossip. Be a peacemaker – be bold and faithful. There is a way to stand up keep your very legacy intact today.

And just for kicks – remember for a moment that person you aspire to be – the one God created you to be – and smile.

Attitude of Gratitude - Two Lives & Legacy

In the last two days I've gotten word of the passing of two ladies who had each seen over 7 decades of life here on earth. One lived a life that poured forth love, compassion, gratitude, and joy no matter what she faced in life. People poured in upon news of her illness and she had constant companionship, whether aware or not. The love she'd shown each person with whom she'd come in contact was as a Stone dropped into a pond where it's impact sent wave upon wave ever expanding and reaching those who would never meet her, but benefited from the love of God she allowed to overflow from her heart toward others. Her legacy remains, she is missed, but those who knew her are even more vigilent to pay it forward.

The other woman lived a life wherein she "told it like it was" through her eyes, when a friend or family member was absent there were sure to be unkind words or judgments, and she was clear about who she liked and did not. She had several children, though nearby, not frequent visitors as she'd worked her "magic" on their spouses and children as well. Her unkindness was legendary. Visitors had trickled down to an obligated few. Her legacy.

I am grateful for the opportunity to have known each of the women. I learned from both; inspired by one and through necessity with the other. I offer these verses as they came to me so clearly to me and have been on my mind for days...long before the news of these two lives conclusion with us here.

" 1 If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body [a]to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.

4 Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, 5 does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, 6 does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; 7 [b]bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never fails..." (1 Corinthians 13: 1-8a)

God bless you as you step forward, continuing your own legacy creation.

Attitude of Gratitude - Forgiven and Free to Be

There is a story of a little boy who – while playing with a slingshot – killed his grandmother’s duck that she loved to watch swim in her pond. The boy became his sister’s slave as she blackmailed him with the information - leaving him to doing her
chores as well as his own. Finally, breaking down, he confessed to his grandmother, who kindly confessed to him that she had known all along for she’d been at the kitchen window when the duck was killed and saw the whole thing. She was only waiting for him to come to her – he was already forgiven.

So it is with our Father in Heaven. This season finds remnants and memories of the past and broken relationships, of failures as another year closes, of deeds for which we would not be proud to have displayed in the town square (gossip, a drink too many, an unkind word or action, an untoward thought, a slip into an old addiction… the possibilities are many and as unique as each individual).

The good news is that Your Father was standing at the window and saw – you’ve been forgiven –and He doesn’t want you succumbing to the shame that continues to heap upon you unless you receive His forgiveness.

Today is a NEW DAY - Rejoice and be glad in it! Forgive yourself and be mindful that others are struggling through the same story – different details. Be kind and loving to them, too. You never know what visions/thoughts are keeping them down. Beloved, let us love one another – for love is of God and he who loves is born of God and knows God. He
who does not love, does not know God for God is love. 1 John 4:7-8
Let’s be beacons of hope, light and life and touch all of those around us. It is a legacy.

Attitude of Gratitude - Roadblock or Building Block?

I am reminded today by processes and events that surround us daily, how we have the opportunity to be roadblocks or building blocks to peace, harmony and ultimately love in every circumstance. We’ve been taught since childhood that we are …to love one another. As I have loved you…. (John 13:34b-35a)

What does that look like? I believe it is a turning away from strife and speaking ill of another. I believe it is in the gratitude for this day that is allowed to flow and be passed on to those around you. Regardless this day of my own illness, injury, tiredness or sadness, I have a choice and with it an opportunity to make a difference for good this day…to live this day on purpose and for a greater purpose than mere existence.

Nicole Nordeman put it this way in one of my favorite songs – Legacy.

I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love?
Did I point to You enough To make a mark on things
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace Who blessed Your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qLL6W2-gJo

This is my goal…to leave that kind of legacy.
So, 19Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. (Romans 14:19)