Never tell yourself that something is impossible or it will never happen. That once would have been my thoughts about creating a blog or writing a book. Not only did I dread writing but the words never seemed to flow. I always considered it a chore and related it to the term papers from my college days.

Neither creating a blog or writing a book were in my plans for retirement. However our plans are not always God’s plans and we must be open to His guidance.  When God brings you to it, He will see you through it. It is amazing how He leads you through the details when you allow Him to guide you. I know that He was guiding me throughout my writing because the thoughts and ideas continued to flow as well as the details on the process to make it happen. God is with us and is there to guide us if we just rely on His strength rather than relying on our own strength.

Prayer does not have to be done in a private setting where there is no distraction although we should definitely make this a part of our prayer lives. Prayer can also be spontaneous and brief as we whisper prayers as we go about our daily life. These prayers may be requests for emergency situations, personal cries for help, or of some other nature.  Pray as you walk on your treadmill or as you drive to work. We can even prayerfully sings hymns of worship and praise throughout the day.

If you check out the Southeast Outlook this week, you will see several feature articles on prayer. These include articles on types of prayer to help you connect with God, the power of prayer, prayer journaling, praying couples and divorce-proofing their marriages, teaching children to pray, unanswered prayer, and a survey of American’s prayer life. Effective Communication with God Includes Several Types of Prayer is included as a featured article  for many to view online, but the Southeast Outlook newspaper is available at many locations throughout the Louisville and southern Indiana area, including  many restaurants, grocery stores, and of course both Southeast campuses in Louisville as well as the southern Indiana location.

Strength in PRAYER is better than length in PRAYER!!!

The New School Prayer

Now I sit me down in school

Where praying is against the rule

For this great nation under God

Finds mention of Him very odd.

If Scripture now the class recites,

It violates the Bill of Rights.

And anytime my head I bow

Becomes a Federal matter now.

Our hair can be purple, orange or green,

That’s no offense; it’s a freedom scene.

The law is specific, the law is precise.

Prayers spoken aloud are a serious vice.

For praying in a public hall

Might offend someone with no faith at all

In silence alone we must meditate,

God’s name is prohibited by the state.

We’re allowed to cuss and dress like freaks,

And pierce our noses, tongues and cheeks.

They’ve outlawed guns, but FIRST the Bible.

To quote the Good Book makes me liable.

We can elect a pregnant Senior Queen,

And the ‘unwed daddy,’ our Senior King.

It’s ‘inappropriate’ to teach right from wrong,

We’re taught that such ‘judgments’ do not belong.

We can get our condoms and birth controls,

Study witchcraft, vampires and totem poles

But the Ten Commandments are not allowed,

No word of God must reach this crowd.

It’s scary here I must confess,

When chaos reigns the school’s a mess.

So, Lord, this silent plea I make:

Should I be shot; My soul please take!

Amen !

]]> http://meditationsofmyheart.com/2010/06/13/the-new-school-prayer/feed/ 0 http://meditationsofmyheart.com/2010/06/06/life-is-too-short/ http://meditationsofmyheart.com/2010/06/06/life-is-too-short/#comments Mon, 07 Jun 2010 00:09:29 +0000 admin http://meditationsofmyheart.com/?p=607 Haven’t we all had disagreements with friends, family conflicts, or issues that arise among friends or others from time to time?  Most all of us have been a party to these conflicts but it is the handling of the conflict that makes all the difference. As we accept the grace and forgiveness from God, we should also be willing to forgive others. Often times, this is not easy to do but we are commanded to forgive others just as Christ has forgiven us in the Bible. It is our responsibility to pray about the situation and ask God to help us understand and resolve the conflict.

Too often, each person tends to dwell on the issue rather than trying to understand the situation or simply to forgive and forget. Often the conflict is allowed to drive a wedge between the relationships that seems insurmountable with either party willing to take the initiative to resolve the situation. We tend to forget about forgiving as Christ has forgiven us. We fail to focus on the important things in life, being obedient to Christ as well as the relationship with family and friends, but rather allow the feelings of hurt and anger to overtake our lives.  Many times there is not a sincere effort to understand or a willingness to seek to settle the conflict. We say we are willing to forgive with our mouth, but the willingness to forgive is not present in our hearts. We do not rely on God to help us and we continue to hold on to the underlying causes that have a hold on us.

The first step in resolving the conflict should be to pray. Let God help you as you seek to understand the situation and develop a willingness to forgive.  However, when the anger and hurt is harbored so deep inside and forgiveness is not present in your heart, it is difficult to ask even ask God to intervene. It is like asking God to resolve a situation that you really  do not want to resolve. Naturally, in order to totally resolve the conflict, both parties must make an effort. However, even if the other person is not willing to forgive, it is important that you truly forgive the other person so that you can replace the turmoil in your life with an inner peace.

Often times those involved are too prideful to simply say, “I’m sorry,” because they do not feel responsible and they feel that another family member should apologize first. Maybe one of the family members has done something wrong, but haven’t we all done something wrong at one time or another.  We want to blame the other person, while finding no fault in our own actions. We must be willing to try to see the other side of the story and understand their reasoning as we seek to forgive. Pray that God will help you to understand and that you will develop willingness in your heart to make amends.

It is best to resolve the situation immediately rather than allowing the wounds to fester out of control. Don’t allow yourself to become too prideful to be able to restore an important relationship. Don’t place other things, such as money or pride, before the relationship. Don’t continually try to place the blame on others, thus not allowing the relationship to mend. Even if it is not family or close friends, we are commanded to forgive and forget. Experience a peace that only Christ can give as you call out to him and seek to be obedient to his command to forgive others as Christ has forgiven you.

Life is simply too short to dwell on such distractions. We are not promised a tomorrow. Forgive now before it is too late.

Ephesians 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Colossians 3:13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

How many times have you recited the Lord’s Prayer without understanding the complete meaning or putting much thought into it? Recently I received the following email which I thought was very cleverly done. It definitely makes you stop and think. It  is in two parts, the prayer in blue type, the prayer’s response in black type, and GOD’s response in red type.

“Our Father Who Art In Heaven.”

Yes?

Don’t interrupt me. I’m praying.

But — you called ME!

Called you? No, I didn’t call you. I’m praying.

“Our Father who art in Heaven.”

There — you did it again!

Did what?

Called ME. You said,  “Our Father who art in Heaven” Well, here I am… What’s on your mind?

But I didn’t mean anything by it. I was, you know, just saying my prayers for the day. I always say the Lord’s Prayer. It makes me feel good, kind of like fulfilling a duty.

Well, all right. Go on.

Okay, “Hallowed be thy name .”

Hold it right there. What do you mean by that?

By what?

By “Hallowed be thy name”?

It means, it means . . good grief. I don’t know what it means. How in the world should I know?  It’s just a part of the prayer. By the way, what does it mean?

It means honored, holy, wonderful.

Hey, that makes sense.. I never thought about what ‘hallowed’ meant before. Thanks.

“Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven.”

Do you really mean that?

Sure, why not?

What are you doing about it?

Doing? Why, nothing, I guess. I just think it would be kind of neat if you got control,of everything down here like you have up there.We’re kinda in a mess down here you know.

Yes, I know; but, have I got control of you?

Well, I go to church.

That isn’t what I asked you. What about your bad temper?  You’ve really got a problem there, you know. And then there’s the way you spend your money — all on yourself. And what about the kind of books you read ?

Now hold on just a minute! Stop picking on me! I’m just as good as some of the rest of those People at church!

Excuse ME.. I thought you were praying for my will to be done. If that is to happen, it will have to start with the ones

who are praying for it. Like you — for example …

Oh, all right. I guess I do have some hang-ups. Now that you mention it, I could probably name some others.

So could I.

I haven’t thought about it very much until now, but I really would like to cut out some of those things. I would like to, you know, be really free..

Good. Now we’re getting somewhere. We’ll work together — You and ME. I’m proud of You..

Look, Lord, if you don’t mind, I need to finish up here. This is taking a lot longer than it usually does.

“Give us this day, our daily bread.”

You need to cut out the bread.. You’re overweight as it is.

Hey, wait a minute! What is this? Here I was doing my religious duty, and all of a sudden you break in and remind me of all my hang-ups.

Praying is a dangerous thing. You just might get what you ask for. Remember, you called ME — and here I am. It’s too late to stop now. Keep praying. ( pause . . ) Well, go on.

I’m scared to.

Scared? Of what?

I know what you’ll say.

Try ME.

“Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.”

What about Ann?

See? I knew it! I knew you would bring her up! Why, Lord, she’s told lies about me, spread stories. She never paid back the money she owes me. I’ve sworn to get even with her!

But — your prayer — What about your prayer?

I didn’t — mean it..

Well, at least you’re honest. But, it’s quite a load carrying around all that bitterness and resentment isn’t it?

Yes, but I’ll feel better as soon as I get even with her. Boy, have I got some plans for her. She’ll wish she had never been born.

No, you won’t feel any better. You’ll feel worse. Revenge isn’t sweet. You know how unhappy you are — Well, I can change that.

You can? How?

Forgive Ann. Then, I’ll forgive you; And the hate and the sin, will be Ann’s problem — not yoursYou will have settled the problem as far as you are concerned.

Oh, you know, you’re right. You always are. And more than I want revenge, I want to be right with You . . (sigh). All right, all right . . I forgive her.

There now! Wonderful! How do you feel?

Hmmmm. Well, not bad. Not bad at all! In fact, I feel pretty great! You know, I don’t think I’ll go to bed uptight tonight.

I haven’t been getting much rest, you know.

Yeah, I know. But, you’re not through with your prayer, are you? Go on.

Oh, all right.

“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”

Good! Good! I’ll do that. Just don’t put yourself in a place where you can be tempted.

What do you mean by that?

You know what I mean.

Yeah. I know.

Okay. Go ahead. Finish your prayer.

“For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.”

Do you know what would bring me glory — What would really make me happy?

No, but I’d like to know. I want to please you now. I’ve really made a mess of things. I want to truly follow you.. I can see now how great that would be. So, tell me . . . How do I make you happy?

YOU JUST DID!!!

Have you ever felt that you are the only person being faced with temptation? You look at others and think that God doesn’t allow them to be tempted. The above scripture helps us to realize that every temptation we face is also faced by others. Too often, we think that we are the only person facing such temptation. We often feel guilty when just faced with the temptation even without succumbing to it.

We must remember that being tempted in itself is not a sin. It is how we choose to deal with the temptation that makes all the difference.  We must immediately turn from that temptation rather than entertaining the thought. Immediately redirect your focus away from the temptation. Entertaining the thoughts of the sin will eventually result in giving in to the sin which can lead you down a path of destruction.

When faced with temptation, it is important to be prepared in advance.  If you have a temptation with which you know that you struggle, develop a plan to deal with the temptation whenever it occurs. A part of the plan should include prayer and relying on God. Go over this plan in your mind before the temptation ever presents itself. Therefore, when the temptation does occur, you are prepared to act. As a believer, we know that God is with us each and every step of the way but we must recognize his presence and  rely on him so we can overcome the temptation.

Amazing Math…

1 x 8 + 1 = 9

12 x 8 + 2 = 98

123 x 8 + 3 = 987

1234 x 8 + 4 = 9876

12345 x 8 + 5 = 98765

123456 x 8 + 6 = 987654

1234567 x 8 + 7 = 9876543

12345678 x 8 + 8 = 98765432

123456789 x 8 + 9 = 987654321

1 x 9 + 2 = 11

12 x 9 + 3 = 111

123 x 9 + 4 = 1111

1234 x 9 + 5 = 11111

12345 x 9 + 6 = 111111

123456 x 9 + 7 = 1111111

1234567 x 9 + 8 = 11111111

12345678 x 9 + 9 = 111111111

123456789 x 9 +10= 1111111111

9 x 9 + 7 = 88

98 x 9 + 6 = 888

987 x 9 + 5 = 8888

9876 x 9 + 4 = 88888

98765 x 9 + 3 = 888888

987654 x 9 + 2 = 8888888

9876543 x 9 + 1 = 88888888

98765432 x 9 + 0 = 888888888

Brilliant, isn’t it?

Amazing Symmetry…

1 x 1 = 1

11 x 11 = 121

111 x 111 = 12321

1111 x 1111 = 1234321

11111 x 11111 = 123454321

111111 x 111111 = 12345654321

1111111 x 1111111 = 1234567654321

11111111 x 11111111 = 123456787654321

111111111 x 111111111 = 12345678987654321

Mind Boggling!!!

Now, take a look at this…. 101%

From a strictly mathematical viewpoint:

What equals 100%?

What does it mean to give MORE than 100%?

Ever wonder about those people who say they are giving more than 100%?

We have all been in situations where someone wants you to

GIVE OVER 100%…

How about ACHIEVING 101%?

What equals 100% in life?

Here’s a little mathematical formula that might help answer these questions.

If…

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Is represented as…

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

Then…

H-A-R-D-W-O- R- K

8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11 = 98%

And…

K-N-O-W-L-E- D-G-E

11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+ 5 = 96%

But…

A-T-T-I-T-U- D-E

1+20+20+9+20+ 21+4+5 = 100%

THEN, look how far the love of God will take you…

L-O-V-E-O-F- G-O-D

12+15+22+5+15+ 6+7+15+4 = 101%

Therefore, one can conclude with mathematical certainty that

while Hard Work and Knowledge will get you close, and Attitude will

get you there, It’s the LOVE of GOD that will put you over the top!

Philippians 4:13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Matthew 19:26 Jesus this looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

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