Where He wants us

Years ago, in a moment of weakness or poor judgement or complete unintelligence, I ran for a seat on the city council. I was a first time candidate, with no name recognition, with no prior experience of any kind. I had a lot of help getting flyers out and we canvassed the entire district; we worked really hard. And, on election night, in a five-person race, we found ourselves in a runoff against a former council member.

So, we campaigned for another three (3) or four (4) weeks. I made it a goal to personally knock on every single door in the district, which we did. Then, on the night of the runoff election, we lost. In hindsight, it was the biggest blessing I could have received, though I didn't know it or understand it at the time. 

Today's word is Lamentations 3:25, ESV, which reads, "The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him."

While I didn't understand the blessing of losing nor the blessing that not being on the city council was at that moment, I have since come to realize that GOD was protecting me and keeping me in ways that I could have never imagined. He knew that I wasn't ready for something like that. He knew the plans He had for me, and that was not part of it. I am grateful that He led me to do it, and more grateful that His plan was executed.

Sometimes, we have difficulty trying to figure out why things are happening the way they are. But, if we are faithful and wait for GOD to reveal His plan, in His time, we may just find out that we are exactly where He wants us to be. 

Be Blessed,

Mickey T 

Freedoms

I have been a really poor example of so many things so many times before. I have failed at more things than I care to remember or talk about. I have let people down more times than I could ever possibly count. Yet, GOD still finds a way to make use of me and has allowed me opportunity upon opportunity to serve Him.

Years ago, seems like a lifetime ago now, I was privileged to serve GOD by serving my country. Again, I wasn't the best at it, yet, He allowed me that blessing. I look back at it now and am humbly honored to have been allowed to serve this great country. I am more humbled that there are still others that are making those sacrifices every day.

We have the great freedoms that we enjoy because men and women volunteer to step up and stand up for those freedoms. The sacrifice is great. My appreciation for that sacrifice grows deeper each and every day. I will forever be grateful and indebted to those that have been so willing to make those sacrifices to allow ME the freedoms that I have. THANK YOU!

The ultimate sacrifice that has been made for me, and ALL of US, is JESUS CHRIST dying for our sins and making a way for us to be a part of His family. And, we are allowed to learn about Him and to serve Him and to live for Him because others sacrifice to preserve that freedom of worship. Thank You, JESUS, for Your unspeakable gift!

John 15:13, NKJV, reads, "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends."

Be Blessed,

Mickey T 

What is right and true

I am not a good liar. I did not say that I am not a liar; I have lied many times, I am just not good at it. Before you get the wrong impression, I am not proud or boastful about lying.  I am just admitting that I am not good at it. As a matter of fact most of us aren't.

Once you start telling a lie, it is hard to keep up with what lie you have told to what person. Sooner or later you are going to get the lies mixed up, then, you have to tell another lie to try and make the first lie seem plausible. When this begins, it is just one lie after another, after another. So, it is simpler to just tell the truth, which is what I am working on, no lie.

Today's word is Psalm 34:13, NIV, which reads, "Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies."

Today's verse reminds us of what we are talking about - don't lie. We are instructed to keep our tongue from evil: causing discord, being mean, saying ungodly things. And, to keep our lips from telling lies, which can be hurtful and harmful and more destructive than we often admit or can fathom while we are telling them.

I am going to work on being more truthful all the time. Pray for me that I will do exactly that. Then, pray about joining me, as we seek to stop lying and to start standing for what is right and true.

Be Blessed,

Mickey T

That doesn't make it true

My kids, like everyone else's, and like we were when we were children, will allow other's words to affect them. It is difficult when people say things that hurt our feelings, or they say things that are completely untrue just to make others think differently about us. This tactic has been utilized for centuries and is still a very common weapon of haters today.

We have mentioned it before that some folks just love to hate, and there is very little you can do about it. People are going to hate us for everything we do, and for everything we don't do. People are going to hate us for everything we say, and for everything we don't say. Then, when they hate us, they are going to go and tell others things that aren't true just to try and bring us down.

However, there's an old saying that goes those who really matter don't care; and, those who don't care, don't really matter. Another thing I tell the kids all the time, and I have shared it here, is that just because someone says it, doesn't make it true. Don't let their hate, their jealousy, their envy bother you. Don't allow someone else's opinion to occupy any space in you.

Today's word is simply this: "Don't let someone's biased opinion define you."

There will always be those that look to spread venom and hatred. Don't let them bother you. You are a child of GOD, valued so dearly that JESUS died for you! That fact alone should tell you your true value. People can say what they want, but, that doesn't make it true.

Be Blessed,

Mickey T

Submit to His calling

I have always had a bit of a rebellious streak. I don't know why, it has just always been there. I haven't done anything drastic and life changing. However, there have been many occasions when I have done things just to be doing them, just to let others know that I am a man and I make my own decisions.

Sometimes, I have been rebellious towards GOD and what He would have me to do. I would love to deny that, too, but, the facts are facts. He has led me to divine appointments, to opportunities to be used by Him, and I have refused to do it. Maybe it was out of fear, maybe it was out of insecurity, maybe it was out of stubbornness, maybe it was a combination of it all, but the end result was rebellion.

I have prayed hard that GOD would be able to use me and that I would do as He led. I want so much to be useful to Him, and used by Him. First, though, I have to get rid of that rebellious nature that will arise from time to time. How about you? Do you have a rebellious nature?

Today's word is Psalm 39:8, NLT, which reads, "Rescue me from my rebellion. Do not let fools mock me."

Our rebellion isn't only not doing what GOD wants us to do, not only steals our joy and opportunities to be used by GOD, but, also, opens us up for ridicule from those that we need to reach the most. BUT, GOD can remove the rebellion and make us useful for His purposes. Let's pray for GOD to help us submit to His calling.

Be Blessed,

Mickey T

Keep me focused

It is the time of year when football, especially college, is in full swing and we are starting to see who has a legitimate shot at a championship. We also have the MLB season wrapping up, with the Braves and Astros playing in the World Series for a chance at the championship. And, if you are a NBA and/or NHL fan, those seasons have kicked off, too. Lots of sports going on.

But, it is not just the sports world. It is the time of year for fall festivals, when everyone gets to enjoy some outdoors time in a milder climate (we hope). Halloween is coming up, and regardless of your take on it, Halloween is a pretty exciting time (we have kids). Thanksgiving and CHRISTmas are just around the corner, and we need to start making some plans. 

With all these things going on, coupled with everyday life - work, school, obligations, etc. - it can seem a little overwhelming at times. It is easy to allow ourselves to get distracted and lose sight of what really matters. As we all know about CHRISTmas, it isn't about the presents - it is about the Gift, the Gift of salvation through JESUS CHRIST.

Today's word is a quote that I came across. I don't know to whom to attribute it, but it says, "Don't let the noise of the world keep you from hearing the voice of GOD."

With all the distractions that this world can bring, even good ones, it is easy to lose sight of the things that really matter. Even in the midst of all the busyness, GOD still has something for us to do and things that He is telling us. However, if our focus isn't on Him, and listening to Him, we will miss what He is saying. So, my prayer is, "Dear LORD, please keep me focused."

Be Blessed,

Mickey T

Turn to Him, Do good, Seek peace

This morning, as I sat, turned on the computer, and prepared to write this short blog, I see all the headlines. It is hard to see any headline that is encouraging, ANY. We have people saying things that are bringing reproach. We see horrific personal attacks on people. We see stories of tragedies all over the world. We see where the politicians are fighting against each other instead of trying to make things better for us all.

There is so much evil in this world, which should not surprise us, but, man, there is a lot of it. I don't know how people can be so evil, except they allow satan, the prince of evil to direct them. And, we all know that, if we allow him, he will take us down paths we don't want to go and ultimately destroy us and those around us.

Today's word is Psalm 34:14, NIV, which reads, "Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it."

This verse seems to have some pretty simple advice that we should all try to heed: "Turn away from evil and do good." I could be completely wrong but that doesn't seem overly difficult - stop doing bad things and work on making things better for everyone. Again, we don't have to condone wrong doing but we can love each other despite our failures and differences.

There is a lot of people in today's society doing anything but turning from evil and doing good. There are many more that refuse to seek peace. BUT, our GOD is abundantly able to bring peace in the worst circumstances. Let's pray to Him, the One and Only, True and Living GOD, to help us turn to Him, do good, and seek peace.

Be Blessed,

Mickey T 

Please GOD

If you have ever coached a youth sport of any kind, you will understand what I am about to say. Coaching a youth sport is a lot of fun, trying to teach the young ones about a sport: how to play, the proper techniques, the game management, the ins and outs, etc. While dealing with the kids is a joy and a blessing, dealing with the parents can be a nightmare.

There are very few weeks that go by that some parent isn't upset about one thing or another. Either his/her child isn't learning enough; in his/her opinion, their child isn't getting as much one on one as they expect; his/her child isn't on the field enough; you are being too rough or too easy on his/her child; the list goes on and on. Teaching the children are a blessing; dealing with the parents can be a burden.

Today's word is a quote by Timi Nadela that says, "Let pleasing GOD become bigger than pleasing people."

We have to keep in mind that whatever we are doing is to bring glory to GOD. If we are trying to do everything for our own glory, that is all that we will ever have. If we are truly trying to everything for GOD and for His glory, we will find ever challenge worthwhile. It can be extremely exhausting to try to please everyone, but, with GOD, we will reap if we faint not.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with pleasing others. As a matter of fact, it is something that we should all strive to do. However, if we keep in mind that our ultimate goal is to please GOD, we will find more joy in everything that we do. Please GOD.

Be Blessed,

Mickey T 

Love someone

I often tell our daughter that she is my favorite daughter. And, I often tell our son that he is my favorite son. When one of them asks me, "But, who is your favorite child?", I always tell them that I don't have a favorite child, I love them both equally.

Our D-Life studied in Genesis 25 last night about Isaac and Rebekah having Esau and Jacob, and how Isaac loved Esau but Rebekah's favorite was Jacob. Now, of course, I am sure that both parents loved both sons, but, they obviously had a favorite, which probably caused friction and trouble between the two. As parents, we should try to love our children equally, with no favoritism.

Today's word is John 13:34, NIV, which reads, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another."

GOD shows no favoritism; He loves us all equally the same. The Bible tells us that He sent His Son to die for whosoever believes. He didn't come and pay the price for sin for just a select few, He came for us all. I wasn't worth it; I could never measure up to be worth it, but, He loves me anyway. And, He loves you, too. 

I love my wife and children more than words could ever express. I am so blessed to have the blessing of living this life with them. I am more blessed that we will all live eternally together because GOD loves us all enough to make a way for us to be with Him. Go out today and love someone.

Be Blessed,

Mickey T 

Keep Moving

We have known several families that have experienced the loss of loved ones recently, which has caused our two (2) children to ask why so many people are dying. It is easy to say that it is something that we will all face, that every family will experience it, that we are just in a really trying season. The truth is, though, it is difficult to explain.

There are lots of things in life that are difficult to explain. I don't know why bad things happen to good people. I don't know how people can go out and intentionally hurt others. I don't know why, even when you are trying your best and working hard to do the right things, that something unexpected happens that knocks the wind out of your sails. Oh, it is because we live in a broken and fallen and sinful world, and we are all going to face adversity and challenges.

Today's word is a quote from Lisa Lieberman-Wang that says, "When life puts you in a tough situation, don't say, 'Why Me?', say 'Try Me!'"

Nothing about this world exempts any of us from experiencing pain and suffering. NOTHING. JESUS told us that in this world we will have tribulations, we will have hard and difficult times. We can wonder why it happened or we can put our heads down and keep moving toward the goal, the calling that GOD has given us. We can faithfully finish the race.

Times of trouble and trying will come. It is okay to get mad and angry and sad. Then, focus on GOD, take the next step and keep moving.

Be Blessed,

Mickey T

You are worth it!

We played a youth football game last night that didn't go the way we would have liked. While we lost, the boys played about as hard and about as determined as I have ever seen them play. However, the final score indicated that they hadn't done enough. Now, there were some other happenings that contributed but, we will stick to the narrative.

It is tough to take when you do all you can and realize that it may not be enough. Not because of effort. Not because of determination. Not because of not giving it your all. You do all you can and you still come up short. It is a tough pill to swallow.

Today's word is 2 Corinthians 3:5, NIV, which reads, "Not that we are competent to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from GOD."

In life there will be times when we do all we can and it just won't be enough. However, if we have done our best, we are still winners. When it comes to salvation, though, there is never anything that we can do ourselves that makes us good enough. The only thing that makes us good enough for Heaven is accepting JESUS as our SAVIOR.

LORD JESUS, thank You for making a way for me. In ALL my incompetence, You still find me worth it.

Be Blessed,

Mickey T 

Use your head

So, we have a couple of great kids, the best kids in the world! They are kind and honest and loyal and loving (sometimes) and generous and just great kids. However, they aren't always that into school work and learning. As a matter of fact, they will tell you that they have learned all they need to learn, in third and fourth grade, respectively.

I try to remind them and encourage them that I learn something new every day. Sometimes, it may some little something, and some days it may be something pretty big to be learning. GOD has given us brains and we should use them to their fullest capacities for His honor and glory and in order to do His good and perfect will.

Today's word is Proverbs 16:16, NIV, which reads, "How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver."

Gold and silver are nice to have: you can buy things with them; they can give you a certain amount of comfort. But, they are easily lost, and the little joy that they bring us are temporary. But, having the ability to comprehend and learn is something that not everyone has, and certainly not everyone uses. When you learn something, that is a deposit into a reserve that no one can ever take.

And, when we use our brains, our intellect to learn more about JESUS, we truly do acquire knowledge like nothing else. So, use that space between your ears that GOD has given you. 

Be Blessed,

Mickey T

Sing Praise

Last night, after rehearsal, our music leader told us the story of how when he rides his bike, which he does often, he has a worship song playlist just for bike riding that he listens to. He went on to say that even if he is not in the best of moods, listening to music that is praising GOD eventually lifts his spirit. And, when he completes his bike ride, he is in a much better mood.

I love to sing. I have mentioned before that I am not a great singer but I will, and do, sing almost constantly. There is nothing that moves my soul quite like music. The old saying is that "music soothes the savage beast". The truth is, though, that music soothes us all, especially when it is the right type of music.

Today's word is Psalm 9:2, NKJV, which reads, "I will be glad and rejoice in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High."

What or Whom do you rejoice in? The old song reminds us that the "Only real peace that I have, dear LORD, is in You..." We can rejoice in what GOD has done for us, in what He has given us, in what He has prepared for us!" There is so much to rejoice in GOD about. If I were to sit down and start writing out all the blessings He has bestowed upon me, I would be writing from now until He calls me home. Rejoice!

And, sing! Sing praise to the One that has been, is, and will be. Sing praise to the One that did, does, and will do. Sing praise to the One that has provided everything and continues to meet our needs each and every day! You may just find that your song of praise will lift your spirits, and maybe those around you.

Be Blessed,

Mickey T

Learn Something

I love to learn. As I get older, the learning doesn't come as easy or as quickly but I still love to learn. I am a firm believer in trying to learn something everyday. Learning new things keep us young and interested and involved and focused. Even when I was in school, learning was not the problem - retaining it was, but, learning was fun.

Some folks don't seem to like learning. Everyone has probably heard his/her child say that they couldn't learn or that they didn't want to learn it or that they had learned enough. We have experienced times when our children absolutely refused to learn. When these times arise, it is frustrating and tiring. Unfortunately it seems that you can't make people learn.

Today's word is a quote from Zig Ziglar that reminds of the importance of our attitude towards learning. Mr. Ziglar said, "If you are not willing to learn, no one can help you. If you are determined to learn, no one can stop you."

When people are unwilling to try to learn there is absolutely nothing you can do. It it was possible to sleep on the math book and absorb its contents, people would do it. But, you can't force the information into someone's mind who refuses to accept it. The same holds true about the truth of salvation through our SAVIOR JESUS.

On the other hand, if someone is determined to learn something, there is nothing that can stop them from doing what is necessary to learn it. Like so many other things in life, learning is all about attitude - if you don't want it, you won't get it, and if you do want it, no one can stop it. Go out today and learn something.

Be Blessed,

Mickey T

Sing

I love to sing. I am not saying that others like hearing me sing; I am just saying that I LOVE to sing. I have been singing my whole life. My family was a singing family, not officially or professionally, but, folks around my house were always singing. Music and singing have been a part of my life from my earliest remembrances.

There is just something about singing, about music, that moves me. How about you? I can hear a song and it reminds me of where I have been or where I am or where I am headed. I can hear a song and it jogs a memory of someone I love. Usually, if you hear me singing, I am happy. It is hard to sing if you are not happy. I am sure people do it all the time, but, for me, if I am singing, I am usually happy.

Today's word is James 5:13, NLT, which reads, "Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises."

We have discussed before that we will all suffer hardships. We live in a broken, fallen, desperate, spiritually-desolate world. Sin came into the world in the garden of Eden and it is still alive and well today. When the hardships come, we pray to the One that can sustain us and see us through.

We also have a lot of happiness come our way. Spending time with my family makes me happier than I could ever express in words. When we are happy, we should sing GOD's praises. My family hears me sing A LOT. Fortunately, they are nice enough to not complain. Why? Because, they know that if I am singing, I am happy. And, if you are happy, sing!

Be Blessed,

Mickey T 

GOD'S Strength

Well, it has been a week or so since my last post. It has been really busy, and I have been really tired. I call it life. Sometimes, we have seasons that are really busy and that really wear us out, and all we can do is trust GOD and keep moving forward. If we will do that, He will give us the strength to make it through each day.

I would venture to say that we have all had those days, weeks, months that have really taken a toll on us physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. It seems that we can't block all the fiery darts that are coming our way. It is in those moments that we remember that LORD is our strength and our shield. 

Today's word is Psalm 28:7, NKJV, which reads, "The LORD is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped."

We will all experience times that will test our mettle and that require more strength than we have. It is in those times that we realize that it isn't our strength that will see us through; it is GOD'S strength that will sustain us and preserve us. It is in our lowest moments that we realize just how much we need GOD, and just how much He loves us and strengthens us.

Be Blessed,

Mickey T 

He Loves Us

The older I get, the more I wonder how my parents put up with me. I was not the best of children. I probably wasn't the worst either, but, I certainly was not the best. I had my moments that I am sure that had my parents not loved me, they would have beaten me to within an inch of my life. However, they never did.

I can say the same for GOD. I am sure there are times that He would like to really get a hold of me and correct me, times that I needed that. There have probably been times when He probably wanted to take me out of this world because I was certainly messing things up, yet He didn't.  Why?

Today's word is Lamentations 3:22, NIV, which reads, "Because of the LORD'S great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail."

We are not consumed because of our sin or disobedience because GOD loves us. Just as our parents didn't take us out because they love us. Just as we love our children and show them mercy and compassion because we love them. Only more. GOD'S love for us is deeper and more pure and perfect. He LOVES US!

And, His love for us, His mercy for us, His compassion for us NEVER fails. He always loves us even on our worst day. Now, that is something to consider. We will all mess it up from time to time but we can be assured that GOD still loves us, and He wants us to come to Him with our burdens and problems. When we do that, we will find our Heavenly Father wrapping His arms around us and loving us.

Be Blessed,

Mickey T

Uncertainty

Life is filled with uncertainty, and the last year and a half has brought even more. We don't have to look too far back to realize how quickly and uncertainly life can move and change. I don't know how much longer the pandemic and the concerns that have come from it will continue. I do know that there is still a lot of uncertainty concerning it.

As I mentioned a while back, I had a bad fall and had to have some repairs to my legs. Now, I have my surgically repaired knee giving me some trouble. I don't think for a moment that the surgery went awry or that something went wrong. I may have tweaked it and caused what is going on. It has left me a little uncertain about my knee though.

Of course, there are countless uncertainties when it comes to providing for and taking care of your family. The economy can change quickly and without notice. Things can be going seemingly well and then, it is not. Even when things are going pretty well, there are the uncertainties of college and vehicles and so many more things.

Our health is another that we try to take care of, that we try to ensure that we are trying to remove all uncertainties. But, we are in the midst of a lasting and unrelenting pandemic. While I look reasonably healthy, and while I believe I am, all I can do is keep trying to take care of myself and to do what I can.

In these times of uncertainty, my mind goes to how good GOD is, and how He has NEVER failed me, He will NEVER leave me nor forsake me. I find great comfort in the fact that He is for me and He is working all things for my good. Today's word is Psalm 29:11, NKJV, which reads, "The LORD will give strength to His people; the LORD will bless His people with peace." GOD strengthens us and gives us peace.

Be Blessed,

Mickey T

You are gifted

There is something for everyone to do in GOD'S family. I know that there are many, probably most, folks that have way more talent and ability than I will ever have. Yet, there is still something that GOD has given me to do. And, I need to do it.

GOD has equipped each of His children with gifts that, when used together with everyone else's, will bring glory to Him and others to salvation. I may be just the little toe, or the least member in the body but, with the giftedness that GOD has given, I, and you, are important to GOD'S plan.

Today's word is Romans 12:4, NLT, which reads, "Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function."

There are people that have more giftedness than me but GOD has still equipped me with certain gifts that they may not have. And, when I use the giftedness He has given me for Him, He will multiply and combine my limited giftedness with His unlimited resources, and the results are amazing!

You have been given some special giftedness from GOD, and you need to use it for Him. You may wonder what it is, but it is there. Read, study, take a spiritual gifts inventory, find out what GOD has gifted us to do. Then, do it. 

Be Blessed,

Mickey T

Just Show Up

So, the other night, we had called off football practice because it had rained a fair amount during the day and we try to let parents know as early as possible if practice is a go or not. Then, our head coach went by the field and decided that it wasn't too wet or messy to practice and called and asked me what I thought about sending out another message that we were going to practice. I told him that we needed the practice and if he wanted to practice, we should practice, which we did.

When the kids got there, the most of them were just going through the motions. They were doing what was asked, they were completing the drills, doing their assignments, but there wasn't a lot of enthusiasm about any of it. I understood. Just a couple of hours ago, their parents had gotten a message that there would be no practice, which is rare during a football season, then, they had to show up anyway.

At the end of practice, when we huddle up and break down our day and pray, I told these young men that it was apparent that they didn't really want to be there, and it was obvious that they were just going through the motions. And, then I told them that that was alright. I, then, thanked them for showing up. Sometimes, the hardest thing to do is simply to show up, and they did that.

We will all experience times when GOD is moving us toward something, leading us to something, asking us to do something that we absolutely don't want to do. I have had moments in my life when folks just showed up. I don't remember what they did or what they said but, at that moment, when I needed it most, they showed up! So, today's word is a quote by Mother Teresa that says, "Just show up, and things will happen."

Be Blessed,

Mickey T