Have you ever noticed that you tend to pick up habits of those that you hang around? If you hang around people who sit around all day and play video games, it won't be long before you decide that it's a lot of fun sitting around playing video games.
On the other hand, if you surround yourself with people who like to go hiking and exploring the great outdoors, it probably won't be long before you decide that you, too, like hiking and exploring the great outdoors. Now, there's nothing wrong with either of these scenarios but I think we can all agree that one is more productive than the other. However, that is not the point I am trying to make.
The point I am trying to make comes from a simple snippet of something I came across. So, today's word is going to be something that I have composed from a simple thought: "Surround yourself with people who push you, challenge you, make you laugh, and make you better."
Whoever we decide to "hang" with will have an influence on us, good or bad. If we surround ourselves with people that are slothful, we will find ourselves taking on slothful tendencies. If we surround ourselves with people that are always negative, we will find ourselves producing a lot of negativity. It's not that we aren't our own people and that we aren't responsible for our own selves. It's just that you can't wallow in the mud and not get muddy.
Everyone needs a friend, and we should certainly show ourselves friendly to everyone. However, we need to keep our guard up and surround ourselves, spend the bulk of our time with folks who make us want to be the best that we can be. And, we do that by surrounding ourselves with people who push us, challenge us, make us laugh, and make us better.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Don't be afraid or discouraged
This world is certainly experiencing some tumultuous times. It seems that we can hardly go a few hours, much less a few days, without something catastrophic and unimaginable happening. Some say that it has always been this way, we just didn't have the coverage that we have today. I am of the opinion that it is worse because the Bible tells us that in the latter days, evil men and seducer will wax worse and worse. They are certainly doing that.
With all of this going on, it is easy to get concerned and even worried about the state of our world. These events may even cause some to fret and become discouraged. And, if all you have to hope for rests in this world, you probably are in a heap of trouble. However, if you are a child of GOD, there's nothing to be discouraged about because this is as bad as it gets.
Today's word is a familiar passage from Joshua 1:9, NLT, which reads, "I command you - be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your GOD is with you wherever you go."
If you are a child of GOD, the events of this word is nothing to concern yourself over. GOD is with us wherever we go, whatever goes on. We can rest peacefully in His arms, knowing that He isn't surprised by any of these travesties.
When we recognize that GOD has us, and that He holds us, and that He helps us, we can certainly be strong and courageous. As a matter of fact, GOD commands it! When we realize His protection and His strength, we can loose our fears and be encouraged. Then, we should encourage others because GOD is with us wherever we go!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
With all of this going on, it is easy to get concerned and even worried about the state of our world. These events may even cause some to fret and become discouraged. And, if all you have to hope for rests in this world, you probably are in a heap of trouble. However, if you are a child of GOD, there's nothing to be discouraged about because this is as bad as it gets.
Today's word is a familiar passage from Joshua 1:9, NLT, which reads, "I command you - be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your GOD is with you wherever you go."
If you are a child of GOD, the events of this word is nothing to concern yourself over. GOD is with us wherever we go, whatever goes on. We can rest peacefully in His arms, knowing that He isn't surprised by any of these travesties.
When we recognize that GOD has us, and that He holds us, and that He helps us, we can certainly be strong and courageous. As a matter of fact, GOD commands it! When we realize His protection and His strength, we can loose our fears and be encouraged. Then, we should encourage others because GOD is with us wherever we go!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Monday, October 12, 2015
He knows who are His
Could you recognize your child's voice even if your eyes were closed and there was a cacophony of noise? I would dare say that everyone is saying, "Absolutely." Why? Because we know our children.
If you lined up 20,000 people, I could still pick out our children. If you had hundreds of people call my name, I would still recognize when it was my child calling my name. Because, they are mine, and I know my children.
Have you ever wondered if GOD really knows you? If He really knows the intimate details of your life? Now, it goes without saying that He knows everything. You may think you have hidden it deep in the recesses of your mind but you didn't hide it from GOD, if He is your Father. He knows you if you are His child.
Today's word reminds us of that very fact. It is 2 Timothy 2:19, NLT, which reads, "But GOD'S truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: "The LORD knows those who are His," and "All who belong to the LORD must turn away from evil."
We can rest assured that GOD knows us. He knows His children: every hair on our heads; every thought in our mind; every desire of our heart; He KNOWS us. There's no need to feel as if GOD isn't listening - He is. There's no need to feel as if you are all alone - He's there. There's no need to feel as if no one cares - He does. There's no need to feel as if it can't be done - He can.
Isn't it great knowing that GOD knows His children? Nothing better than to know that GOD knows me and loves me and desires a relationship with me. And, because He loves me, I should strive to do His will and turn from evil. If we'll do that, we'll find our relationship to GOD deeper, stronger, and closer than it has ever been.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
If you lined up 20,000 people, I could still pick out our children. If you had hundreds of people call my name, I would still recognize when it was my child calling my name. Because, they are mine, and I know my children.
Have you ever wondered if GOD really knows you? If He really knows the intimate details of your life? Now, it goes without saying that He knows everything. You may think you have hidden it deep in the recesses of your mind but you didn't hide it from GOD, if He is your Father. He knows you if you are His child.
Today's word reminds us of that very fact. It is 2 Timothy 2:19, NLT, which reads, "But GOD'S truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: "The LORD knows those who are His," and "All who belong to the LORD must turn away from evil."
We can rest assured that GOD knows us. He knows His children: every hair on our heads; every thought in our mind; every desire of our heart; He KNOWS us. There's no need to feel as if GOD isn't listening - He is. There's no need to feel as if you are all alone - He's there. There's no need to feel as if no one cares - He does. There's no need to feel as if it can't be done - He can.
Isn't it great knowing that GOD knows His children? Nothing better than to know that GOD knows me and loves me and desires a relationship with me. And, because He loves me, I should strive to do His will and turn from evil. If we'll do that, we'll find our relationship to GOD deeper, stronger, and closer than it has ever been.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
He ain't my Daddy
If you've ever been in the military, you know that boot camp is a very different experience. It's not necessarily the physical part, which is tough but doable day-by-day; it's the mental aspect of unlearning what you know and transforming into the soldier or sailor you're expected to be. It can be a very anxious, uneasy time.
It all begins the moment you arrive at the training center. The anxiety of what is to come, what is going to happen, how will I handle this. At Great Lakes, one of my Company Commanders let us all know that for the next 9-1/2 weeks, he would be our mother, our father, our family. He didn't really mean it, nor did he actually give me the warm and fuzzies.
Today's word is a familiar passage from Philippians 4:6, NIV, which reads, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to GOD."
With GOD, we can have a peace that relieves all anxiety even in the midst of our most anxious times. GOD has us covered; He has our back. Come what may, He's in control and He will take care of it, if we will let Him. He'll ever alleviate and eliminate the anxiety if we will only give it to Him. We can worry and fret or give it to Him and forget. I know, easier said than done but it is still true.
Well, to finish the story, he wasn't my Dad or my Mom, but, my Company Commanders did direct and guide me through those 9-1/2 weeks. And, some of what they taught me, some of what they instilled in me, aided me during those anxious moments when I found myself in a very uncomfortable situation. If you'll make your requests to GOD through prayer and petition and thank Him for His being in control, you'll find you're less anxious. And, unlike my Company Commander, GOD truly is our FATHER.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
It all begins the moment you arrive at the training center. The anxiety of what is to come, what is going to happen, how will I handle this. At Great Lakes, one of my Company Commanders let us all know that for the next 9-1/2 weeks, he would be our mother, our father, our family. He didn't really mean it, nor did he actually give me the warm and fuzzies.
Today's word is a familiar passage from Philippians 4:6, NIV, which reads, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to GOD."
With GOD, we can have a peace that relieves all anxiety even in the midst of our most anxious times. GOD has us covered; He has our back. Come what may, He's in control and He will take care of it, if we will let Him. He'll ever alleviate and eliminate the anxiety if we will only give it to Him. We can worry and fret or give it to Him and forget. I know, easier said than done but it is still true.
Well, to finish the story, he wasn't my Dad or my Mom, but, my Company Commanders did direct and guide me through those 9-1/2 weeks. And, some of what they taught me, some of what they instilled in me, aided me during those anxious moments when I found myself in a very uncomfortable situation. If you'll make your requests to GOD through prayer and petition and thank Him for His being in control, you'll find you're less anxious. And, unlike my Company Commander, GOD truly is our FATHER.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
Otto Korech
Someone sent an email to me and several others recently about thank you cards that was supposed to say, "Hand written," however, it read, "Hans written". Now, this, of course, received the reply, "Who's Hans?" I thought I would help the fellow out and emailed everyone that Hans was a Dutch font that was very regal. The person that had made the original typo thanked me for coming to his rescue but he included another typo, "Hade" instead of have, and I couldn't stop there.
I, first, replied all that "It was no big deal. And after further research, I had discovered that not only was Hans a regal, Dutch font but it was exclusively reserved for thank you cards." I wasn't going to comment on the additional "Hade" typo but someone else jumped all over it. His question was, "Who is Hade? Is he kin to Hans? Twins maybe?" It's important that you check your emails for typos, especially when you are emailing this group of individuals.
Thinking about watching what we say, today's word is Matthew 5:37, ESV, which reads, "Let what you say be simply, "Yes," or "No"; anything more than this comes from evil."
It is when we try to explain ourselves that we often find ourselves digging a deeper hole. It is best if we just answer the question asked, without trying to expound. Sort of like typos - if you let one get out, don't follow it up with another.
So, let's finish the story. After the typoist was asked if Hans and Hade were twins, I replied that indeed they were. They are the product of the union between Bad Ayes and Otto Korech. It's important to make sure we say what needs to be said, and stop there.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
I, first, replied all that "It was no big deal. And after further research, I had discovered that not only was Hans a regal, Dutch font but it was exclusively reserved for thank you cards." I wasn't going to comment on the additional "Hade" typo but someone else jumped all over it. His question was, "Who is Hade? Is he kin to Hans? Twins maybe?" It's important that you check your emails for typos, especially when you are emailing this group of individuals.
Thinking about watching what we say, today's word is Matthew 5:37, ESV, which reads, "Let what you say be simply, "Yes," or "No"; anything more than this comes from evil."
It is when we try to explain ourselves that we often find ourselves digging a deeper hole. It is best if we just answer the question asked, without trying to expound. Sort of like typos - if you let one get out, don't follow it up with another.
So, let's finish the story. After the typoist was asked if Hans and Hade were twins, I replied that indeed they were. They are the product of the union between Bad Ayes and Otto Korech. It's important to make sure we say what needs to be said, and stop there.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Monday, October 5, 2015
Why am I here?
You ever have one of those moments where, like me, you wonder what you are doing here? Why GOD has you here? Why GOD has you where you are at the exact moment you are? Those are all good questions; all of which I have asked and sought answers to.
There are times in our lives that it just doesn't seem to make sense to us that GOD has us where He has us. It seems to us that He could make better use of us in some other place, in some other capacity, with some other people. But, GOD makes no mistakes. If we are His, and if we allow Him to direct our paths, and we follow His leading, He will always have us where He wants us.
So, why are we here? Why are we in this exact location, at this exact time? Rick Warren sums it up with today's word: "GOD put us here to make the world a better place."
We are where we are because GOD wants us there, spreading His light in this dark world. Now, that isn't always easy; some folks do not like light, they do not like cheeriness, they do not like hearing about GOD and His goodness. Yet, GOD has us there to be a positive influence even when it seems that no one wants to hear it, or see it, or experience it.
If you find yourself wondering why GOD has you where He has you. Or, if you find yourself asking GOD why He has surrounded you with the ones that surround you, just remember that GOD has placed you there to make it a better place. I pray that I always do.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
There are times in our lives that it just doesn't seem to make sense to us that GOD has us where He has us. It seems to us that He could make better use of us in some other place, in some other capacity, with some other people. But, GOD makes no mistakes. If we are His, and if we allow Him to direct our paths, and we follow His leading, He will always have us where He wants us.
So, why are we here? Why are we in this exact location, at this exact time? Rick Warren sums it up with today's word: "GOD put us here to make the world a better place."
We are where we are because GOD wants us there, spreading His light in this dark world. Now, that isn't always easy; some folks do not like light, they do not like cheeriness, they do not like hearing about GOD and His goodness. Yet, GOD has us there to be a positive influence even when it seems that no one wants to hear it, or see it, or experience it.
If you find yourself wondering why GOD has you where He has you. Or, if you find yourself asking GOD why He has surrounded you with the ones that surround you, just remember that GOD has placed you there to make it a better place. I pray that I always do.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Friday, October 2, 2015
It's not my fight
There are things in this life that are DEFINITELY worth fighting for. I won't try to list them all here because it would take forever but suffice it to say that there are some things that are worth every effort. There are also others that aren't worth any effort, yet, some folks will fight anyone or anything for anything.
We go through life trying to figure out which things are worth fighting for and which ones are not, or most of us do. As I mentioned, there are those that will fight anyone for anything. They are usually the ones that find themselves on the wrong side of the law or at the wrong end of a gun. Some things just aren't my fight.
That thought has led me to today's word, which is an unattributed quote that says, "A warrior is always aware of what is worth fighting for. He does not go into combat over things that do not concern him, and he never wastes his time over provocations."
So many people have been hurt or worse because they let someone's words provoke them into a fight that wasn't worth fighting. It's not worth it; let it go. What someone says about me has no bearing on what is really true about me. I have an old saying, "Do you know what an idiot is doing when you're arguing with him? The same thing, arguing with an idiot." Why argue with idiots?
I know today's post is a little different than normal but I just can't wrap my brain around why some people will involve themselves in fights that aren't theirs or that don't matter. Let's use some discernment. Fight for those things that are worth fighting for, and let the rest figure itself out.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
We go through life trying to figure out which things are worth fighting for and which ones are not, or most of us do. As I mentioned, there are those that will fight anyone for anything. They are usually the ones that find themselves on the wrong side of the law or at the wrong end of a gun. Some things just aren't my fight.
That thought has led me to today's word, which is an unattributed quote that says, "A warrior is always aware of what is worth fighting for. He does not go into combat over things that do not concern him, and he never wastes his time over provocations."
So many people have been hurt or worse because they let someone's words provoke them into a fight that wasn't worth fighting. It's not worth it; let it go. What someone says about me has no bearing on what is really true about me. I have an old saying, "Do you know what an idiot is doing when you're arguing with him? The same thing, arguing with an idiot." Why argue with idiots?
I know today's post is a little different than normal but I just can't wrap my brain around why some people will involve themselves in fights that aren't theirs or that don't matter. Let's use some discernment. Fight for those things that are worth fighting for, and let the rest figure itself out.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
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