A really dear friend of mine suffered an unimaginable loss recently. I cannot fathom the pain and sorrow, nor the questions. It is at times like this that I cannot think of a single thing to say. Not a single thing. There just is not any word that could possibly make it any better. Ever been there?
Have you ever been in a situation where words you say fail to convey what your heart truly feels? Have you ever been in the situation where the words others say fail to ease the pain your heart feels? Yeah, I would imagine that we have all be there...
Today's word is Psalm 119:50, NIV, which reads, "My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life."
When nothing seems to ease the pain, when words seem to fail to express, we can take comfort that GOD is still on the throne, and that He can help us through. We are reminded that sorrow is for a night but joy comes tomorrow. While it isn't easy to see that, while it isn't easy to sense that, while it is impossible to even believe that, we can rest assured that GOD does not fail, His promise will preserve us.
For my friend, I love you. I am praying for you. I know GOD will comfort you and His promises will endure.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Monday, October 27, 2014
Thursday, October 23, 2014
Always on my mind
There's a fairly popular song, "Always on my mind," that has been released by several artists. Brenda Lee released it in 1972, Elvis in 1972, Willie Nelson in 1982, which won a Grammy Award, and even the Pet Shop Boys in 1987. Yep, the Pet Shop Boys. It has been a really popular song.
The gist of the song is that I haven't shown you the love that you deserve; that I haven't done the little things to show you how I truly feel; that I haven't done what you needed me to do in order to prove my love but You were always on my mind.
Today's word is a C.S. Lewis quote that says, "Humility is not thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less."
I find it absolutely amazing how much I think of myself. I don't mean that I think HIGHLY of myself. I mean that I think about MY plans, and MY day, and MY stuff, and MY this, and MY that. Thinking so much of yourself can lead to quite an ego, which I try to fight every day. Lately, though, I have begun to wonder if MY thinking has caused others to think I didn't think enough about them.
Please believe me when I say this...I know it's not all about me. I am what I am, where I am by the AWESOME GRACE of GOD. I cannot thank Him enough. I cannot praise Him enough. I cannot give Him enough credit for all that He has done, is doing, and will do. It's not about me. If I've ever made you feel second best, I'm so sorry that I was blind. But, you were always on my mind.
LORD help me to be better at thinking of others more, and of myself less.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
The gist of the song is that I haven't shown you the love that you deserve; that I haven't done the little things to show you how I truly feel; that I haven't done what you needed me to do in order to prove my love but You were always on my mind.
Today's word is a C.S. Lewis quote that says, "Humility is not thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less."
I find it absolutely amazing how much I think of myself. I don't mean that I think HIGHLY of myself. I mean that I think about MY plans, and MY day, and MY stuff, and MY this, and MY that. Thinking so much of yourself can lead to quite an ego, which I try to fight every day. Lately, though, I have begun to wonder if MY thinking has caused others to think I didn't think enough about them.
Please believe me when I say this...I know it's not all about me. I am what I am, where I am by the AWESOME GRACE of GOD. I cannot thank Him enough. I cannot praise Him enough. I cannot give Him enough credit for all that He has done, is doing, and will do. It's not about me. If I've ever made you feel second best, I'm so sorry that I was blind. But, you were always on my mind.
LORD help me to be better at thinking of others more, and of myself less.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Friday, October 17, 2014
It can be scary
There are some really scary things going on in our world right now. There are the skirmishes, the battles, the wars against ISIS and terrorism and just the worldly unrest. Closer to home, Ebola has been in every headline, Enterovirus D68 is pretty scary, especially with winter coming and everyone being indoors, closer to each other.
Then, we have the everyday fears with the economy, with gas prices that are still dragging us down, grocery prices that are still rising, medical costs and the whole "affordable care act"; there are a lot of things going on that can potentially scare the beejeebies out of you.
Today's word is Psalm 56:3, NIV, which reads, "When I am afraid, I put my trust in You."
So many of the things going on, we have no control over. I have ideas about all of them, but they aren't going to listen to me nor implement any of my strategies. If I have no control, and if I can do nothing to make it better, what am I to do? I am to put my trust in GOD. GOD knows everything that is going on. He knows all the challenges and fears that are before us and that surround us. He will provide what we need to get us through.
When I am afraid, I put my trust in GOD.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Then, we have the everyday fears with the economy, with gas prices that are still dragging us down, grocery prices that are still rising, medical costs and the whole "affordable care act"; there are a lot of things going on that can potentially scare the beejeebies out of you.
Today's word is Psalm 56:3, NIV, which reads, "When I am afraid, I put my trust in You."
So many of the things going on, we have no control over. I have ideas about all of them, but they aren't going to listen to me nor implement any of my strategies. If I have no control, and if I can do nothing to make it better, what am I to do? I am to put my trust in GOD. GOD knows everything that is going on. He knows all the challenges and fears that are before us and that surround us. He will provide what we need to get us through.
When I am afraid, I put my trust in GOD.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Thursday, October 16, 2014
Your awesome responsibility
We are all responsible for certain things. Some of us are responsible for getting out of bed and making good grades in school. Some are responsible for getting up every morning, cooking breakfast, getting everyone out the door for school and work, then, going to work themselves. Some are responsible for getting out of bed, feeding the livestock, milking the cows, cooking breakfast, getting everyone else ready, then, going to work themselves. You get the idea; we are all responsible for things.
To meet our obligations, our responsibilities, we have all been given certain abilities. Some folks are really good motivators and can get people moving and things accomplished. Others are really good planners and organizers; they know how and when and where everyone needs to be, and what they are to do when they are there. Others are really good financially and keep things paid up and food coming in. But, we have more than that...
Today's word is a quote from Zig Ziglar that says, "You are the only person on earth who can use your ability. It's an awesome responsibility."
We have all been blessed and equipped with certain abilities, certain talents. Only you can use yours. I am probably one of the least talented individuals you will ever find. I have seen people with tremendous talent that just didn't use it. I have seen people with spectacular abilities that they just allow to go to waste. I wish I could use what they have but only they can use it.
You have been gifted with some very special abilities that no one else has. You have been given some very special talents that no one else can do. You have an awesome responsibility to use that with which you have been gifted. No one else can use it - it's your responsibility.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
To meet our obligations, our responsibilities, we have all been given certain abilities. Some folks are really good motivators and can get people moving and things accomplished. Others are really good planners and organizers; they know how and when and where everyone needs to be, and what they are to do when they are there. Others are really good financially and keep things paid up and food coming in. But, we have more than that...
Today's word is a quote from Zig Ziglar that says, "You are the only person on earth who can use your ability. It's an awesome responsibility."
We have all been blessed and equipped with certain abilities, certain talents. Only you can use yours. I am probably one of the least talented individuals you will ever find. I have seen people with tremendous talent that just didn't use it. I have seen people with spectacular abilities that they just allow to go to waste. I wish I could use what they have but only they can use it.
You have been gifted with some very special abilities that no one else has. You have been given some very special talents that no one else can do. You have an awesome responsibility to use that with which you have been gifted. No one else can use it - it's your responsibility.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
The good you ought to do
It has been a few days. Things have been rather busy and I have found difficulty in trying to get everything done. Speaking of doing, have you ever had the feeling that you should do something, then, not do it? I am sure we have all had that feeling, that urging that we were supposed to do something for someone but we ended up not doing it.
How about the little things? Ever did something that you knew you shouldn't do but you did it anyway? You know, everyone else does it. No one will ever know. The way they have treated me, I deserve this. As much as they have, they will never miss what little bit I take. Any of that sound familiar?
Today's word comes from James 4:17, NIV, which reads, "If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn't do it, it is sin for them."
It doesn't matter if everyone else is doing it. It doesn't matter if no one will ever know. It doesn't matter what you think you deserve. It doesn't even matter how much someone else has. It doesn't even matter that we know what is right. No, what matters is doing what is right. What matters is doing what is right, even when what is right is the last thing we want to do. Why? Because we are GOD'S children and reflect Him.
James tells us that if we know what we ought to do, and we do, then, when we don't do it, it is sin. It takes action. It isn't about knowing what is right, it is about doing. It is about doing the good you ought to do.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
How about the little things? Ever did something that you knew you shouldn't do but you did it anyway? You know, everyone else does it. No one will ever know. The way they have treated me, I deserve this. As much as they have, they will never miss what little bit I take. Any of that sound familiar?
Today's word comes from James 4:17, NIV, which reads, "If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn't do it, it is sin for them."
It doesn't matter if everyone else is doing it. It doesn't matter if no one will ever know. It doesn't matter what you think you deserve. It doesn't even matter how much someone else has. It doesn't even matter that we know what is right. No, what matters is doing what is right. What matters is doing what is right, even when what is right is the last thing we want to do. Why? Because we are GOD'S children and reflect Him.
James tells us that if we know what we ought to do, and we do, then, when we don't do it, it is sin. It takes action. It isn't about knowing what is right, it is about doing. It is about doing the good you ought to do.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Thursday, October 9, 2014
Prayed lately?
In our busy lives, it seems that we often run out of time to do some of the most crucial things. We are so tired with all that we have going on that we can't find the time to unwind and exercise, which would do us more good than we could ever imagine. We are always running and trying to do the next thing that we often eat whatever we can when we can, instead of having a good, balanced meal that would benefit us.
There are other things. The main one on my mind today is prayer. It seems that there is so much going on and I am always behind that I don't seem to have the time to devote to prayer that I should, or that I would like. Oh, I pray, and GOD listens to all our prayers; and, He knows how busy we are. But, I really love those times when I can just concentrate on talking to GOD.
Today's word is Colossians 4:2, NIV, which reads, "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful."
Just as we need to be diligent in our attempts to exercise and eat right and rest and unwind, we also need to be diligent in our efforts to commune and communicate with GOD. We need to be devoted to praying, to talking with our Heavenly Father. Yes, He already knows but He still wants to hear from us.
This verse also reminds us to be watchful, to be sure that we don't let that relationship slip. It is easy to get overwhelmed with everything else and become slack in our prayer life. We also need to be thankful; every good and perfect gift comes from above. GOD has blessed me so much with so much that I cannot thank Him enough. I need to thank Him every chance I get. Thank You, LORD, for being so good to me, for being such a loving and devoted Father.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
There are other things. The main one on my mind today is prayer. It seems that there is so much going on and I am always behind that I don't seem to have the time to devote to prayer that I should, or that I would like. Oh, I pray, and GOD listens to all our prayers; and, He knows how busy we are. But, I really love those times when I can just concentrate on talking to GOD.
Today's word is Colossians 4:2, NIV, which reads, "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful."
Just as we need to be diligent in our attempts to exercise and eat right and rest and unwind, we also need to be diligent in our efforts to commune and communicate with GOD. We need to be devoted to praying, to talking with our Heavenly Father. Yes, He already knows but He still wants to hear from us.
This verse also reminds us to be watchful, to be sure that we don't let that relationship slip. It is easy to get overwhelmed with everything else and become slack in our prayer life. We also need to be thankful; every good and perfect gift comes from above. GOD has blessed me so much with so much that I cannot thank Him enough. I need to thank Him every chance I get. Thank You, LORD, for being so good to me, for being such a loving and devoted Father.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Happy Birthday Pops
Today would be my Pops' 75th birthday. Pops passed away eleven days after his 74th birthday; it's been almost a year. I miss him everyday. Pops and I were buddies. Now, when I was growing up, he was Pops, the disciplinarian, the authoritarian, the father that fathers should be. However, as I grew into my "own man", we became pretty good buddies. It is amazing that the older I got, the smarter he became.
Pops was never into sports. He grew up on a farm, plowing with mules, working in the cotton fields; he never had time for sports. I came along and loved sports, which Pops didn't understand but accepted. He grew to love baseball, especially the Atlanta Braves. He and I had a lot of conversations about baseball, and about life, while working, fishing, just sitting on the porch. I miss him.
Today's word is one I have probably used before but it reminds me that I will see Pops again. John 16:22, NLT, reads, "So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again; then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy."
Losing someone you love to death is painful. There are no words to describe it; there is no magic bullet to fix it. But knowing that I will see Pops again makes his passing a little easier. One day we will sit around again and talk about baseball on the porch of our Father's house. Happy Birthday Pops! I love you!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Pops was never into sports. He grew up on a farm, plowing with mules, working in the cotton fields; he never had time for sports. I came along and loved sports, which Pops didn't understand but accepted. He grew to love baseball, especially the Atlanta Braves. He and I had a lot of conversations about baseball, and about life, while working, fishing, just sitting on the porch. I miss him.
Today's word is one I have probably used before but it reminds me that I will see Pops again. John 16:22, NLT, reads, "So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again; then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy."
Losing someone you love to death is painful. There are no words to describe it; there is no magic bullet to fix it. But knowing that I will see Pops again makes his passing a little easier. One day we will sit around again and talk about baseball on the porch of our Father's house. Happy Birthday Pops! I love you!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
There are choices
Choices, choices, choices. We make choices all day every day without even thinking about most of them. We decide what we are going to eat, what we are going to wear, what we are going to do to entertain ourselves. There are lots of choices to make.
We make choices concerning how we talk to and around others. We make choices concerning what we listen to and how we allow that to affect us. We make choices concerning how we will live our lives and what we will fight for and what isn't worth it. Yep, there are choices to make.
Today's word is just a thought that developed from something I read a while back. It is simply, "When something bad happens, you can either let it define you, destroy you, or motivate you."
Bad things are going to happen; no one is immune to it. No matter how hard you are trying, no matter how much you put forth the effort, no matter how hard you are trying to "live right", bad things are going to happen from time to time.
It really sucks when things go bad! However, when they do go bad, and they will, we have a choice to make. We can let those bad things define us - today is bad, every day is going to be bad. We can let those things destroy us - mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually. Or, we can use those things to motivate us - Yes, today is bad but I am going to push hard for a better tomorrow.
Bad things will happen. Our reaction is our choice.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
We make choices concerning how we talk to and around others. We make choices concerning what we listen to and how we allow that to affect us. We make choices concerning how we will live our lives and what we will fight for and what isn't worth it. Yep, there are choices to make.
Today's word is just a thought that developed from something I read a while back. It is simply, "When something bad happens, you can either let it define you, destroy you, or motivate you."
Bad things are going to happen; no one is immune to it. No matter how hard you are trying, no matter how much you put forth the effort, no matter how hard you are trying to "live right", bad things are going to happen from time to time.
It really sucks when things go bad! However, when they do go bad, and they will, we have a choice to make. We can let those bad things define us - today is bad, every day is going to be bad. We can let those things destroy us - mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually. Or, we can use those things to motivate us - Yes, today is bad but I am going to push hard for a better tomorrow.
Bad things will happen. Our reaction is our choice.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Monday, October 6, 2014
College Football
I really like college football, especially SEC football. There is something special about SEC football that makes it almost addictive. I say, "Almost," because I am not as addicted as I once was. I used to be so bad that it would keep me awake at night when my team lost, and my team has done some losing (they've done some winning too).
How silly it is when I look back now at how I used to let it consume me. I mean, there are young men that played the game, even professionally, that realized that it's a lot of fun but it isn't the most important thing. I think of John Croyle, Danny Wuerffel, Tim Tebow, Jay Barker, Will Herring, and countless others that realized that the biggest thing they could get out of sports was the opportunity to share GOD'S word, and it's an amazing word.
Today's word is 1 Corinthians 2:9, NIV, which reads, "What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived - the things GOD has prepared for those who love Him."
Yes, I love my life. I love living this life. I am having a ball here on earth. But, it pales in comparison with what is awaiting GOD'S saints. I love the way the scripture describes it - NO eye has see, NO ear has heard, No human mind can conceive - we can only imagine what GOD has prepared for those who love Him.
College football is great! I really like it. But, I am reminded by the example of those who saw that it was for a season, it was a stepping stone to where GOD wanted them. It's not just college football. Whatever GOD has you doing, use it for His glory and to lead others to His blessings.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
How silly it is when I look back now at how I used to let it consume me. I mean, there are young men that played the game, even professionally, that realized that it's a lot of fun but it isn't the most important thing. I think of John Croyle, Danny Wuerffel, Tim Tebow, Jay Barker, Will Herring, and countless others that realized that the biggest thing they could get out of sports was the opportunity to share GOD'S word, and it's an amazing word.
Today's word is 1 Corinthians 2:9, NIV, which reads, "What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived - the things GOD has prepared for those who love Him."
Yes, I love my life. I love living this life. I am having a ball here on earth. But, it pales in comparison with what is awaiting GOD'S saints. I love the way the scripture describes it - NO eye has see, NO ear has heard, No human mind can conceive - we can only imagine what GOD has prepared for those who love Him.
College football is great! I really like it. But, I am reminded by the example of those who saw that it was for a season, it was a stepping stone to where GOD wanted them. It's not just college football. Whatever GOD has you doing, use it for His glory and to lead others to His blessings.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Friday, October 3, 2014
Speak what is true
While no one likes to admit it, we have all lied from time to time. I am not proud of lying. As a matter of fact, I am ashamed for lying. The funny thing is, I have lied about some of the most minor, minute things - things that would never have mattered but I lied about anyway. It is a shame...
As I have gotten older, I have become much better at speaking the truth. That's not to say that I don't still occasionally lie. I think we all know when a little untruth is the right thing to do. If someone asks if you like their new hairstyle, the truth may be that you don't, but, to save the friendship, you'll say, "I really like it." In instances such as that, I have gotten better at saying, "I like it if you do," and I leave it at that.
Today's word is from Proverbs 8:7, NIV, which reads, "My mouth speaks what is true, for my lips detest wickedness."
When it comes to sharing the love of CHRIST with others, I speak the truth. The truth is that GOD loves you. He doesn't want you to spend eternity separated from Him. He has made a Way through JESUS CHRIST for us to have an everlasting relationship with the ONE TRUE GOD. That is the TRUTH.
All the other things, "working your way to Heaven", following a strict code to merit Heaven, "killing the infidel" are all lies that GOD detests and will not proceed from my lips. The world needs to hear the TRUTH. So many folks are trying to spread lies that some people will believe; let's tell them the TRUTH!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
As I have gotten older, I have become much better at speaking the truth. That's not to say that I don't still occasionally lie. I think we all know when a little untruth is the right thing to do. If someone asks if you like their new hairstyle, the truth may be that you don't, but, to save the friendship, you'll say, "I really like it." In instances such as that, I have gotten better at saying, "I like it if you do," and I leave it at that.
Today's word is from Proverbs 8:7, NIV, which reads, "My mouth speaks what is true, for my lips detest wickedness."
When it comes to sharing the love of CHRIST with others, I speak the truth. The truth is that GOD loves you. He doesn't want you to spend eternity separated from Him. He has made a Way through JESUS CHRIST for us to have an everlasting relationship with the ONE TRUE GOD. That is the TRUTH.
All the other things, "working your way to Heaven", following a strict code to merit Heaven, "killing the infidel" are all lies that GOD detests and will not proceed from my lips. The world needs to hear the TRUTH. So many folks are trying to spread lies that some people will believe; let's tell them the TRUTH!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Thursday, October 2, 2014
Troubled Waters
The conference I have attended this week has been in New Orleans. In 2005, New Orleans was completely ravaged by Hurricane Katrina, which left thousands dead, hundreds of thousands homeless, and millions eternally changed.
People often ask why this happens or why that happens or why this particular thing happened to such a good person or why bad people never seem to have anything happen to them. The truth of the matter is that things happen. Even on our best day, something bad can, and often does, happen. It is just a reminder that we live in a fallen and evil world.
Today's word is a quote I came across that I do not know who originally said, "We are sometimes taken into troubled waters, not to be DROWNED but to be CLEANSED."
I don't know why bad things have to happen, other than the fact that we live in a fallen and evil world. I do believe, though, that sometimes we go through things to purge the bad things out. Your clothes would never get clean if the washing machine didn't agitate them. If we didn't have to go through a few things every now and then, we would never wash off what fouls us.
There is no doubt that I need a good reminder from time to time about how dirty I really am. Yes, I try to live right; I try with everything I have to be the person that GOD wants me to be. Yet, there are times I go through the wringer. I will try to remember that the troubled waters aren't there to drown me, but to cleanse.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
People often ask why this happens or why that happens or why this particular thing happened to such a good person or why bad people never seem to have anything happen to them. The truth of the matter is that things happen. Even on our best day, something bad can, and often does, happen. It is just a reminder that we live in a fallen and evil world.
Today's word is a quote I came across that I do not know who originally said, "We are sometimes taken into troubled waters, not to be DROWNED but to be CLEANSED."
I don't know why bad things have to happen, other than the fact that we live in a fallen and evil world. I do believe, though, that sometimes we go through things to purge the bad things out. Your clothes would never get clean if the washing machine didn't agitate them. If we didn't have to go through a few things every now and then, we would never wash off what fouls us.
There is no doubt that I need a good reminder from time to time about how dirty I really am. Yes, I try to live right; I try with everything I have to be the person that GOD wants me to be. Yet, there are times I go through the wringer. I will try to remember that the troubled waters aren't there to drown me, but to cleanse.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
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