Better Things Ahead

The past. Every person has a different one. Every person has some "skeletons" in their closet which they must deal with and try to keep in that proverbial closet. Similar to the person who "cleans" by putting everything in a closet or under a bed, the past is still present even when it is hidden. Just because we hide it does not take it away. Hiding simply takes it out of sight but not out of mind.

The past does not always mean things that we are "guilty" of or that we "did." The past can be filled with events that happened to us. Bullies, bad relationships, abuse, failure, rejection, cancer, illness, fear, and the list could continue.

I have my own set of past memories. Even though I may go on with everyday life like there really is nothing wrong, it doesn't take much to think about it and rehash some memories. However, even if I may remember the past, I know it shouldn't be forming who I am today and for the future. That brings us to this week's quote...

There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind. ~ C.S. Lewis

As I am getting a bit older, I am noticing that my body is not responding to things like it did in the past. Physically, I am bringing the past to the present - the choices of the past affect the status of the present. It is a tangible reminder.

That can be the way our choices of bringing memories and issues of the past with us into the future. You choose how the past "handles" you. Does it have a grip on you or is it simply a 'sticky note' reminder that you know its there and you can take it off very easily. Which are you going to choose?

Understandably, there are things of the past that may be to a level that you are never going to forget. I cannot imagine how some people who have encountered heinous attacks can make the future seem brighter. Similarly, other violent/shocking life experiences are going to be very traumatic on individuals. So there is no superficiality in this thought and challenge to look to the future with a sense of brightness. The key is stated above when we must understand how we are going to choose letting the past "handle" us. Are we going to take control or let the past control us?

Maybe you need to find someone who you can visit with if you haven't had your "breaking" point. If you have had that point, maybe you can think about how you are stronger than the past. If you are religious, know that God is bigger than any past issue and He can help you throw it. Look to the future, there is a brightness found there!

Now it's your turn...what memory of the past do you need release the grip of? What do you need to do to accomplish this? Feel free to leave comments...

What Will Things Look Like in 2022?

Some things in life I think will never change, especially when you are living in the moment. However, some things, over the years, have seemed to change. Like a child, who seems to grow faster when you are not around them, things in life seem to change more when you look back on their progress.

Film for cameras is one of those things that has changed drastically over the past ten years. The change is that you practically cannot find film in an average store. There simply is not a market for it anymore. Cameras have gone to digital formats and trying to find film is virtually impossible in the average department store.

Recently I saw a rerun where someone received a gift of a “filmed” camera for a Christmas gift. This scene started me to think about how film was something which seemed timeless. However, it did have its time.

What about some other things in life that have been around for years? What about tires for our vehicles? Will there ever be something that is just as comfortable but maybe doesn’t need any air to maintain a level for a good ride. Also one that has a lot more wear on them? Could they not be made out of rubber but, rather, a chemical mixture to create the substance? You may think “No, we’ll always have tires.” I think that, too. But I also thought we’d always have film in cameras.

What will the differences in the churches look like in 2022? Will there be much of a change in some of the churches by that time? Will songbooks or bibles be practically useless? Will some churches go back to house church only or “sit at home and watch on your computer?” Will we become more casual or go back to more dressed up? Whatever does happen will affect the way we share our faith with others. Ponder it...what will be the trend in 2022?...it will be interesting to find out!

Leaving a Legacy of Yourself to Yourself

Legacy...something transmitted by or received from an ancestor or predecessor or from the past (reference Mirriam-Webster). As a parent, I am often conscience of the fact that what I do with and in front of my children will have a long-term effect on them. I am creating a legacy for how they will operate (act, prioritize, associate, etc.). Whether that is how I treat their mother, how I walk the Christian walk, how I treat others, how I act in public, or how I raise them, there are so many areas which this applies.

I was just thinking that I will often say to people, in person or on the phone, with sincerity, "Have a good day!" Lately I've heard my 4-year old say that to people when we leave. It gives you that warm fuzzy feeling because you know you are showing a positive example to your child.

I think that when we go day to day, as parents, we may forget that compromising on some areas in life may have some detrimental outcomes to our children's future. But think about how some of the same areas of compromise can have detrimental outcomes to our own future. That brings us to this week's quote...

Create the kind of self you will be happy to live with all your life. ~ Foster C. McClellan

If you've ever played Jenga you know that it is inevitable that the tower will fall. You build and build, but sometimes things happen that causes the tower to fall and you start the game over. In life, I think we have a tendency to operate the same way. Each day is a building process, even adding to others' lives. Some days we may "tear down" some others with a choice we made. Then, other days we are building back up. There seems to be a constant building and tearing down. Hopefully, there is more building than tearing down!

As you are building on your own life, you should look to have a day that is creating a legacy, within you, that you are going to be building up most days that the future will be a good one.

I am not talking just about morals, treating others, the Christian walk, but also our physical health is important. Whether it is our diet, exercise, smoking, drugs, alcohol, etc., the future may reflect on how we treated ourselves years prior. One nutrition fact I heard of late, that it takes about 60 minutes of walking to expend a 12 oz. can of soda. So, you can either increase your exercise for the day or decide to cut out that extra and drink water for one meal. That really put it into perspective for me, both from a personal and parenting perspective.

What will the "you" look like in 5, 10, or 30 years? Will you be happy to live with yourself at that time in your life?

Now it's your turn...what choices have you made that caused you to learn from, to change to make your future better?

The Goodness of Where We Are

What is a better time to celebrate than the present? When you start to add up all the blessings you have, you tend to appreciate life more and more.

The past has already happened, so to bring it to the future is only carrying unneeded baggage. This is usually easier said than done, especially when some of the past baggage is emotionally attached. I have negative memories of my childhood that I can remember pretty vividly. What I have found is that those memories may come with me, but how it affects my future depends on me. I can decide if it will permeate into other areas of my life or try to release it and go on with life.

This has been a struggle at times, but it helps to leave the baggage in the past and move on with the future, appreciating the present. That brings us to this week's quote...

Life is indeed grander than ever, when we take the time to understand every bit of the goodness that exists right where we are. ~ Gigi Galluzzo

Have you ever been in search of something and it be right in front of you, literally? I have and it kind of makes you feel like a fool, momentarily.

That is similar to how we should react to life when we are caught looking backward and forward and not appreciating the present. Time is something you cannot take back. It is here for the moment but then it is gone. Moments add up to be minutes which add up to be hours. Hours add up to be days which add up to be weeks. Weeks add up to months which add up to years. To drift from one to the next can create losses in life.

May you take the time to enjoy the present. This made me think of losing a friend recently to a fatal motorcycle crash. He and his wife (or anyone) did not have the opportunity to have "final words" together. They didn't know that hours after they said goodbye that he would be gone.

Appreciate the present, you never know how much future you will have in this world and/or with someone!

Now it's your turn...What do you most appreciate about the present?

Visit the Grave; Look to the Future

I am fortunate to still have my parents in my life. I, also, have all my siblings around. I have not lost anyone in my immediate family. Some are not so fortunate. This writing is not about losing someone, though it is about losing something.

In regards to the grieving process, it is generally advised for people to be involved in their normal lives within a reasonable time following the tragedy. Having your mind fixed on something in the past does just that...keeps it fixed or anchored there.

We can visit the grave, lay some flowers in place, but then we must move forward with life. That brings us to this week's quote...

If you're still hanging onto a dead dream of yesterday, laying flowers on its grave by the hour, you cannot be planting the seeds for a new dream to grow today. ~ Joyce Chapman

Those that have lost someone close to you have had the experience of going to that person's grave. Your return trip varies in reason. You may take flowers or some other sentimental object to resurface the memories you had with that person. But after the graveside visit, you can move on with your life and each year becomes a bit easier to handle.

Do you have a dream? Have you seen any growth take place? Is there any growth potential?

Make it a point to look to the future. Do not spend all your time at the grave. Ideas go there to die...leave them there. Then go back to plant some seeds of new flowers!

You Decide (Where You Will Go)

Choices are all around us and practically every second of your life, if you want to break it down that small. You can decide what to click on when you are on the computer. You can decide when and how often to close your eyes. You decide what path to take - driving or walking. So many choices!

What about the choice of where to go in life? Graduations have pretty much ceased for the year. From preschool to those completing PHds, people looked into the future as they received their piece of paper that said they had completed the necessary requirements to graduate.

Were you one of them? What will you do with your future? What choices will you make? Where will you go? That brings us to this week's quote...

You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. You are the guy who'll decide where to go. ~Dr. Seuss

"You are the guy who'll decide where to go." A powerful statement that compels me to think, it is not up to anyone else but me. Others may influence, but it is my choice on what I do and where I will go.

So, where will you go? It is an exciting mystery. I hope it is "far." Good luck!

Freeing Your Future

If you are facing the sun and look back, you will see your shadow.  Your shadow is a representation of you, but it is not you.  Your shadow casts what you may look like, in shape, but it is not representative of the shape of your character.
One can focus so much on what is behind you that you forget about what is in front of you.  If you turn around, after facing the sun, you see that shadow.  You may think it is “you” but only you can be you.  The “you” that you become is based on how you create your now.  That brings us to this week’s quote…

Your past is not your potential. In any hour you can choose to liberate the future.  ~ Marilyn Ferguson

What do you see your future looking like?  What choices can you make to be a catalyst to get you there?
Don’t most of us want a freed future?  Think of the ones who were in England and wanted a better life, so they decided to come to this country.  The English didn’t like it and tried to keep them from being “independent” and free.  However, they didn’t look at the past as a shackle, but rather saw the potential of the future and chose to liberate themselves and their future.
Try not to become so focused on your past that you are not freed for the future!

Creating Our Future

Each step we take, each breath we take, and each word we speak all help pave the future.  You can stay still, move backward, or move forward and the future will come.  It doesn't matter what you do or don't do, the future is going to happen.

You've probably heard the phrase "Lead, follow, or get out of the way".  That is a pretty true statement when it comes to how your future is going to be.  You have a lot of choices of what and how you are going to do something, but ultimately, it is your decision.

That brings us to this week's quote...

The future is not some place we are going to but one we are creating. The paths to it are not found but made.  ~ John Schaar

You are carving out the future as you read this and as you go about your day.  The choices you make today will have an affect on the tomorrows that come.  If you decide to buy something - food or a car - that choice will affect your future.

Have you been able to see, from your past, how your choices carved out the future?  How they made a positive or negative effect on the future?  I can from my life, both good and bad.


Make the most of every opportunity so that your choices will have a good affect on your future.  That way the path you make will be a good one!

Who Won in 1988?

In America, the month of March is quite busy because of the phenomenon that has been dubbed "March Madness".  There are sixty-four NCAA Division I basketball teams that start the playoff toward a "national champion".  It is probably the best time to watch college basketball because every game every team must play hard.  One loss and you're out.  Hopes shattered. For some, no more next year.

This month can be quite "maddening" because of all the games that are played, especially the first few rounds. Of course, with each round the total number is reduced by half.  One of the fun things about the tournament is that sometimes a team who was not supposed to do well will do well (even if they don't win it all).  They upset team after team, tossing dreams to the curb.  

As "March Madness" is focused a lot on winning and losing, life also can be like that.  This thought brings us to this week's quote...

The wonderful thing about the game of life is that winning and losing are only temporary...unless you quit.  ~ Dr. Fred Mills

Do you recall who won the National Championship in 1988?  If you live in Kansas you do (hint).  I remember it also because, being an Oklahoma University fan, they were beat out by Kansas University for that prized possession.  

If you don't remember the winner of 1988, then what about 1991, 1996, 1983, 2002?  I don't know without looking them up.  Even then I may not remember that particular team winning.  The idea of those victories are important to the players, fans, and the school, but most people treat it as a "here now, gone tomorrow" kind of thing.  

Life seems so important in the present.  However, oftentimes we will look back at something and think it was not as important as it seemed at the time.  Though it may feel important to someone to win and frustrate you to lose, all those are temporary.  Even if you lose your place in line, it is just a temporary inconvenience.  When, or if, you quit, that is where problems can come about because now you're not going anywhere.  Don't quit...keep going...look to the future!

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Which Defines You: Past or Future?

As much as people aspire to win championships, the thrill is short-lived.  The memory to few will be there for a much longer period of time, but to the overwhelming majority, it will dissipate.  I am a fan of particular teams. However, I do not remember everything about each team, each year. Even when a sportscaster will talk about previous seasons, I will think "oh, yeah" as I recall the memory.  However, I didn't remember it up to that point all on my own.

My past has some spots in it that I'd like to forget.  Growing up can be hard.  However, if I left it up to my past, I'd probably be still at the same place I was then.  However, the past is the past and the future lies ahead.  That brings us to this week's quote...

Your past is not your potential. In any hour you can choose to liberate the future.  ~ Marilyn Ferguson

I am glad that I had some life-changing moments where the past could be left there, for the most part.  I am thankful that my future is what I make it. Having a liberated future allows me to look forward to the future and to live each day with a fervor because I am not bound by the past but liberated by what the future holds.

Join in with me in looking forward to what the future holds!

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Power Just Waiting to Astonish

What are you capable of doing? How high are you capable of going? Do you think of those questions very often? If you are like most that drift from day to day going through the motions of life, you probably don't think of them too much. Usually we have to be prompted to think of the possibilities.

I am a softy for seeing people accomplish something. I can't help shed a tear on most situations where people have shown their potential to reach goals they never knew they could reach. These situations could be in real life or movies. It makes me want to go out and do things. When I watch a movie like this before I preach the next day, I am on fire. I am so pumped. I am more antsy to get to preach/teach than normal. It just does wonders for me. It makes me imagine what God could do with me if I put myself out there.

You may have heard that we do not use very much of our mind's potential, I think the same could be said of our talents. We probably do not use much of the potential that our body possesses throughout our lifetime. There is something inside each of us that if used to its potential, would do amazing things and the powers would be astonishing. That brings us to this week's quote...

Deep within man dwell those slumbering powers; powers that would astonish him, that he never dreamed of possessing; forces that would revolutionize his life if aroused and put into action. ~Orison Swett Marden

As created beings, God gave us "powers" to serve Him. By serving, I don't simply mean actions like bringing Him breakfast in bed, if there were such a thing. I mean doing what we can to repay Him for what He's done for us. Paul, the apostle, writes "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (II Corinthians 12:9). He is describing the grace that comes from God is perfect in our weak human bodies. Paul also wrote this, "...[he] is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us" (Ephesians 3:20). Both indicate that we have a certain amount of "power" given to us, as Christians, that can do more than we can even fathom. Though we are human beings, which mess up, God can do great things with mess ups.

You have dreams, ideas, and potential inside of you. Make a list of how you are going to let your weak body be great for God. How are you going to serve Him by using your talents to impact those around you for His Glory?

We all are a volcano with some type of lava just waiting to erupt!

Enjoying Erupting...

Just When You Thought You Were Done

Just When You Thought You Were Done

Planning big events takes a lot of extra time and effort, and it feels so good to be finished. Maybe it is a campaign, a workshop, a dinner, or a trip. All of these would probably hold true to the opening sentence. When it is completed you think that it is all over. All that preparation and planning has come to an end. Now you can rest and move on…so you think.

This weekend is a great weekend. One filled with bittersweet feelings. For the graduates, twelve years (plus Kindergarten and/or preschool) of education comes to an end. All the hard work, socializing, playing sports, frustration, procrastination, school lunches, and routine, as you they know it, comes to an end. You will most likely miss high school, as it starts out slow your freshman year, but by the time your senior year comes around, it seems to end very quickly. You are probably a bit sad, though you are glad to be done. Parents reminisce of memories when these graduates were too small to go to school. They now have to let their “birds” start to fly a bit. Even if they are staying close to home, there is a sense of flight that comes with the territory.

I still remember what it was like to walk across the stage and feel that awesome “completion” sensation! It seemed like so much had passed in my life, but that was simply the beginning. I am sure that most of you who have completed various levels of education have felt similar feelings and can remember those moments of relief when you were finished. However, you also know that much more came after the diploma. Your learning and life-tests never stopped, though you were out of the formal classroom.

Regardless of whether you are an Eagle alum, a Viking alum, a Plainsmen alum, or a Trojan alum, you may think you are finished because you walked across a stage, but you are just getting started with the future. The future is much of what you make of it, determined by the choices you make. However, regardless of how many years of formal education you may have under your belt, the classroom whose teacher is Experience, never holds a graduation ceremony. So, just when you thought you were done, there is much more to look forward to in the future!

Go get ‘em, graduates!

I Give Up!

Most of us have said the words "I give up". You had a task to perform and it became impossible to finish. You worked and worked but couldn't come to a solution. However, you could have been just around the corner of solving the problem or doing something great. But you never will know because you gave up.

It is not simply continuing on that is the real issue, but rather backing up, evaluating the situation and solving the problem. This brings us to this week's quote...

The majority of men meet with failure because of their lack of persistence in creating new plans to take the place of those, which fail. ~ Napoleon Hill

There is nothing wrong with coming up with a wrong answer, as long as, it is not your final answer. This week I was working on my bathroom. I was trying to get the handles off of the shower faucet. I took the set screws out and then expected the handle to just pop off. However, they didn't just pop off. After talking with two different men experienced in the field of "repair", I thought I knew what I needed to do. I tried...nothing going. Finally, they broke free, after a bit of hammering on them. I had to try to do something different than I had been for the plan to work!

I see this as a problem with life as a Christian. We try evangelizing, but no results. We try a time or two more (if you're lucky), still no results. How likely are you to continue on? Probably not very much. Don't think of evangelizing as a "bible study", but rather think of it as any time/way you share Jesus. I challenge you to continue on - but trying different approaches.

Whatever your endeavors, be persistent and evaluate what you did and see how the next one can be even better.

Backing up and looking at where I've been to improve the future...AND working on not "giving up"~

Tomorrow...Where Your Thoughts Take You

Each day we take steps in the journey of life. We often find ourselves at crossroads and have to make a decision. Some decisions have greater effects on our lives than others do. Where we have come has a lot to do with the decisions that we have made in life...If/where we went to school, if/who we married, what job we take, where we live, buy vs. rent, friends we've made, etc.

Where have you come in life? Where have you gone? How have your decisions affected you? Life tends to be a series of choices and you choose based on your thoughts about each choice. This brings us to this week's quote...

You are today where your thoughts have brought you; 

you will be tomorrow where your thoughts take you.
~ James Allen

Maybe your life has been a storybook...the "happily ever after" type of life. However, most would probably think that wouldn't be the way you describe your life. Some choice along the way could have made it better. You may have a good life and are very content, and that is good. Regardless, the future is still the future and you have the potential to make it whatever you can.

Your tomorrow is based on the choices you make today, reflecting on the thoughts about those choices. Make your tomorrow better than today!

May your thoughts take you to an entirely better place than you have ever been!

Anticipating the future...

Connections Determine Future

People you are around will tend to affect you in one of two possible ways: pull you up or pull you down. These two effects will also determine your future. By your future, I mean, the moments of your life that follow. It could be a matter of seconds to years. Unfortunately, we may not even realize the effect that a particular connection is having on us.

Have you seen how this has played in your life from examining your past? What connections have made you become better? What connections have made you become worse? This thought brings us to this week's quote...

The size of the future you actually experience will 
largely be determined by one factor: the people you 
choose to connect with. When you invite people who are 
truly committed to growth into every aspect of your life, 
your own potential for growth becomes truly unlimited. ~ Dan Sullivan

What does your future look like based on the connections you have at this moment? Are many of them tearing you down or building you up?

How about others' connection to you...are you building them up or tearing them down?

Look for people who truly build you up and make your future big. Look for those who will help you grow - in every aspect - so that you see your potential as "unlimited".

I am looking forward to seeing how big your future is going to be (let me know from time to time).

Determining the size of my future with the connections I make...

ichthus_man@hotmail.com

Better Tomorrow

If you're anything like me, when things don't go well, you tend to mull it over in your mind. The time that you "mull" will vary depending on the person and the situation. You may have doubted yourself or thought how you could have done things differently/better. Regardless, it occupies your mind more than is needed and may get in the way of how you operate. Along these lines, this week's quote reminded me to have a better tomorrow...

You can't have a better tomorrow if you are thinking about yesterday all the time. ~ Charles F. Kettering

A relationship book I read, makes a metaphor of computer "windows" as a way of describing how women continue to think about things after they have happened. Specifically, in conflict with their spouse. The "window" cannot be closed until the matter is resolved. Guys may not operate much like this in their relationships, but I operate like this in certain situations. You just can't "move past things" until the window has been closed.

However, open windows don't allow us to "have a better tomorrow" if we think about yesterday all the time. This quote challenges me to forget yesterday, when you can, and revel in what can happen today or in the future.

Though the past may have had its setbacks, tomorrow has possibilities. Look forward to those and not worry about the setbacks!

Have a great rest of your week...Look forward to the weekend!

Working on forgetting...

Making Preparation

Is there something that is on your "list" that you are preparing to do in the near future? A building project? A trip? A household chore? A speaking engagement? A ____ (you fill in the blank)? How are you preparing for it? Each one requires different types of preparedness.

Jesus asks us to be prepared for when he comes back. Jesus also challenges us to count the cost pertaining to the journey of following Him. Peter reminds us that we must get our minds ready for whatever comes our way so that we will be prepared to how we deal with the situation. Yesterday, we focused on the concept of "preparing our minds for action". Here are some applications to choose from from the lesson...

1. Sample Prayer for the Unexpected: "Lord, Your ways are higher than my ways, and I don't know what will happen today, be it in the next few minutes or hours away. Regardless of what it is, I ask that you help me to see what You want me to see through it. Help me to be fully prepared."
2. Sample Prayer for the Expected: "Father, I know that ____ is in the future. It is something that has been on my mind and I ask that You help me to use it to Your glory! I am Your instrument and I want to be used in the most effective way by You. Please guide me as I prepare for ____. Help me to be fully prepared."
3. Plan, in advance, what may happen next. Whether you're at the store and the line is long, someone you know is on your nerves, your service is terrible at a restaurant, someone asks you about your faith (or contests your faith), or a host of other possible scenarios, decide how you would deal with them that would reflect and honor Christ the most.

As we understand that preparation means we must be active, may we be a people who commit to making sure we're doing all we can to be prepared for things in the future.

Preparing my mind for action...

Monday Mentionings: "Empty" - Future - Amos 4:6-8

When you started the day/week, where was your focus at for the week? Maybe it was on one thing or many, we're all different. Try this one on, was what you were focused on something you looked forward to or dreaded? The power of positive thinking affects us greatly. So, if you looked at the week with dread, you are in for a much rougher road. Looking at the week with dread is like seeing the week without something - fun, enjoyment, fulfillment, etc., which means it is empty of those things. This series called "Empty" focuses on different things which we may experience a form of that word. Yesterday, we looked at how a future can seem empty. Try these applications on for size and see if they can help you as you go through your week...

1. Self-esteem is so important to how a person looks to the future. When you have a low self-esteem you may feel like life, or some aspect of it, is without hope. You may have feelings of wanting to get away, but this can have a negative effect as you are just surrounded by negative thoughts. May the words of Paul encourage you, "[You] are God's workmanship"! The idea of workmanship is like a work of art. You are unique and God can do amazing things through you - what will this week bring?

2. I've heard many times about people who wonder why their life wasn't any better after they became a Christian. They're looking for the blessings that come from being a Christian. Blessings are subjective - you may not get health and wealth blessings, but you may get a lot of other tangible blessings that you aren't noticing. Regardless, our most valuable blessing is to have Christ as a Savior. When all the "sugar" runs out of our life and it seems very bitter, God is still around. The next time you're feeling you are emptied of blessings, think about how you can see, hear, type, walk, run, breathe, or any other good thing you take for granted. We also have the opportunity to go to heaven...what a BLESSING!

3. What do you desire to happen when you come together with the family of God? I desire to be surprised by how God shows up. I am hungry each and every day for that. Do you have a desire to connect with Him some way? Have you ever lost that desire or any desire related to this? We've all probably had "valley days" - I have. That is natural, but what God hopes will not happen is that you stay in "Camp Self", that you lose all desire to go to Him. Even if the only source of hunger is where He's at, you are so content to be in "Camp Self" that you'd rather forage in the valley, than go to Him. May you never find yourself at "Camp Self" - or at least staying there! Seek Him!

May God bless you with a great week!

Spring is knocking! I love the transitional seasons!

Blessed by the Blood ~