I have been employed at my current organization over twenty-two years. Each day, I am grateful to do what I do. I am grateful for the job that I have. I am appreciative of the organization giving me a chance years ago. I am in awe that they did give me that chance, and continue to daily.
Being tenured this long causes others to think that I have some influence here, and I do. I always tell folks that if they want to talk to someone with a little influence here, I am the one they need to talk to; because, that is what I have - very little influence.
Ever feel that way? That you have little or no influence on things? That you have little or no influence on others?
Today's word is from Romans 14:13, NLT, "So let's stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall."
The truth be known, we have far more influence than we probably ever imagined, especially as believers. People are watching us all the time to see how we are going to handle things, how we are going to do things, the things we aren't going to do. They are watching to see how we handle obstacles and how we overcome difficulties. How we behave, how we react, has a direct influence on others.
It is hard to imagine that others are watching me. Why would they want to do that? You would think that they have much better things to do with their time. However, they are watching to see if I stumble or if I will be the cause of someone else stumbling. Maybe I do have a little influence. I pray it will always be positive.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Thursday, July 31, 2014
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Whacha talkin' 'bout?
Years ago there was a popular television show titled "Different Strokes". What the show was about, etc., we won't get into. What I want to mention from the show was a byline that one of the characters always used. Anytime someone would say something that this character didn't understand, or didn't want to understand, he would reply, "Whacha talkin' 'bout?" The character's name was Arnold, his brother was Willis. So, more often than not, the line was, "Whacha talkin' 'bout Willis?"
Those who know me will tell you that I am a talker. I have mentioned before that I don't really need a subject to talk about, I just need an audience to talk to. However, there is importance in the subject matter. A lot of people like to talk about their problems, including me, but maybe there is something better to talk about.
Today's word says, "Talking about our problems is our greatest addiction. Break the habit. Talk about your joys."
It is rather easy to talk about my problems; goodness knows I have a ton. The truth, though, is that I have far more blessings and joys than problems. If I took the time to talk about all my joys, I would probably find that I really don't have time to talk about my problems. But, it's easy to talk about our problems because we want someone to listen, which is usually part of the problem - no one listens. So, I want to challenge myself. I am going to try to make a point that when I discuss my problems, I also have to mention some joys.
We do like to talk. So, whacha talkin' 'bout?
Those who know me will tell you that I am a talker. I have mentioned before that I don't really need a subject to talk about, I just need an audience to talk to. However, there is importance in the subject matter. A lot of people like to talk about their problems, including me, but maybe there is something better to talk about.
Today's word says, "Talking about our problems is our greatest addiction. Break the habit. Talk about your joys."
It is rather easy to talk about my problems; goodness knows I have a ton. The truth, though, is that I have far more blessings and joys than problems. If I took the time to talk about all my joys, I would probably find that I really don't have time to talk about my problems. But, it's easy to talk about our problems because we want someone to listen, which is usually part of the problem - no one listens. So, I want to challenge myself. I am going to try to make a point that when I discuss my problems, I also have to mention some joys.
We do like to talk. So, whacha talkin' 'bout?
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
Body Building
A friend of mine is training for a couple of bodybuilding competitions. He has been diligent in his efforts, making sure he does the proper training and maintains the proper diet. The regimen, according to my friend, is strict. There are specific things to do on specific days. There are specific things to eat and specific times to eat them. It takes a lot of discipline.
I have never been into bodybuilding, and, if you saw me, you would attest to that. But, I do try to stay in pretty decent shape physically. Having little ones running around will do that for you, even if it is just a result of running after them. My thought, though, is I wonder if we put as much time into our spiritual training as we do into our physical?
Today's word is 1 Timothy 4:8, NIV, which reads, "For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come."
Paul tells Timothy in this passage that physical exercise is good, it has some value. It is important for us to maintain our health as best as possible. There is no doubt that whatever physical activity we do now will pay dividends in our years to come.
But, how about our spiritual? Are we working equally hard to maintain our spiritual health? Are we training just as hard to maintain our spiritual fitness? Paul tells us that while the physical fitness will aid us in this life, our spiritual fitness is preparing us for not only this life, but for the life to come.
Good luck to my bodybuilding friend, whom I know is training equally hard spiritually.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
I have never been into bodybuilding, and, if you saw me, you would attest to that. But, I do try to stay in pretty decent shape physically. Having little ones running around will do that for you, even if it is just a result of running after them. My thought, though, is I wonder if we put as much time into our spiritual training as we do into our physical?
Today's word is 1 Timothy 4:8, NIV, which reads, "For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come."
Paul tells Timothy in this passage that physical exercise is good, it has some value. It is important for us to maintain our health as best as possible. There is no doubt that whatever physical activity we do now will pay dividends in our years to come.
But, how about our spiritual? Are we working equally hard to maintain our spiritual health? Are we training just as hard to maintain our spiritual fitness? Paul tells us that while the physical fitness will aid us in this life, our spiritual fitness is preparing us for not only this life, but for the life to come.
Good luck to my bodybuilding friend, whom I know is training equally hard spiritually.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Monday, July 28, 2014
What your scars say
I have tons of scars; most earned while doing things that I shouldn't have been doing. I have scars from riding a bicycle with no hands. I have scars from playing "stunt man". I have scars from not paying attention to what I was doing. I also have scars I earned while playing sports, which are not bad scars. The point is we all have scars.
Whenever we have some kind of trauma or tragedy to our flesh, it leaves a scar. Maybe you were poked with a pencil (yep, got that one too). Maybe you were in an accident. Maybe your received yours fighting for something you truly believe in; that is a scar of honor.
Today's word is from Galatians 6:17, NLT, which reads, "From now on, don't let anyone trouble me with these things. For I bear on my body the scars that show I belong to JESUS."
Paul truly endured some punishment for the cause of CHRIST. He wore the scars that proved his love and devotion to the SAVIOR. There was no doubt that Paul was a soldier of the LORD.
Paul knew what we as Christians should know - being a Christian may cause you some strife and some stripes but those are scars of honor. "LORD, may others see from my scars that I belong to You."
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Whenever we have some kind of trauma or tragedy to our flesh, it leaves a scar. Maybe you were poked with a pencil (yep, got that one too). Maybe you were in an accident. Maybe your received yours fighting for something you truly believe in; that is a scar of honor.
Today's word is from Galatians 6:17, NLT, which reads, "From now on, don't let anyone trouble me with these things. For I bear on my body the scars that show I belong to JESUS."
Paul truly endured some punishment for the cause of CHRIST. He wore the scars that proved his love and devotion to the SAVIOR. There was no doubt that Paul was a soldier of the LORD.
Paul knew what we as Christians should know - being a Christian may cause you some strife and some stripes but those are scars of honor. "LORD, may others see from my scars that I belong to You."
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Friday, July 25, 2014
Drama
I am not into drama. There are some people that thrive on/for drama. Some folks seem absolutely unhappy unless they have some kind of drama going on; they are even happier if they are the cause of that drama.
What makes people want drama in their lives I will never know. I don't have drama because I don't like it. Now, I am not saying that I am not affected by drama, every family is. But, I am not the cause of drama, nor do I allow myself to be drawn into someone else's.
Today's word is just a quick reminder from Liz D'Orsi about drama. Liz says, "Drama can only exist in your life if you allow it in."
The next time someone tries to rope you into their drama, just look at them and say, "My name is Paul, and that's between y'all." There is nothing like drama. And, there is nothing worse than involving yourself in someone else's.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
What makes people want drama in their lives I will never know. I don't have drama because I don't like it. Now, I am not saying that I am not affected by drama, every family is. But, I am not the cause of drama, nor do I allow myself to be drawn into someone else's.
Today's word is just a quick reminder from Liz D'Orsi about drama. Liz says, "Drama can only exist in your life if you allow it in."
The next time someone tries to rope you into their drama, just look at them and say, "My name is Paul, and that's between y'all." There is nothing like drama. And, there is nothing worse than involving yourself in someone else's.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Thursday, July 24, 2014
Enemies? Yeah, I have a few
It's been a few days. I have been out of town for a conference, and time has been limited. Sounds like a poor excuse, I know, but it is true.
While riding back from the conference yesterday, with someone else driving, of course, I had the opportunity to read the book Happy, Happy, Happy by Phil Robertson, Duck Commander. I like Duck Dynasty. I like what they stand for. I like that they are Christians and aren't afraid to share the gospel. While the show is obviously scripted, it is good, clean, wholesome entertainment.
I am sure that some people don't like Duck Dynasty for one reason or another. I am equally sure that some don't like the show, and the Robertsons, because of their Christian stand. It seems to be okay to be anything in this country except an overt Christian.
Today's word is a quote from Winston Churchill, which says, "You have enemies? Good. That means you've stood up for something in your life."
Phil Robertson has taken some criticism and heat for his beliefs. I applaud his unwavering stand and faith. There will ALWAYS be those who do not like you for one reason or another, some justified, most not.
If you find that you have enemies, that is not necessarily a bad thing. It may just mean that you have taken a stand at some point in your life, and standing for right is never wrong.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
While riding back from the conference yesterday, with someone else driving, of course, I had the opportunity to read the book Happy, Happy, Happy by Phil Robertson, Duck Commander. I like Duck Dynasty. I like what they stand for. I like that they are Christians and aren't afraid to share the gospel. While the show is obviously scripted, it is good, clean, wholesome entertainment.
I am sure that some people don't like Duck Dynasty for one reason or another. I am equally sure that some don't like the show, and the Robertsons, because of their Christian stand. It seems to be okay to be anything in this country except an overt Christian.
Today's word is a quote from Winston Churchill, which says, "You have enemies? Good. That means you've stood up for something in your life."
Phil Robertson has taken some criticism and heat for his beliefs. I applaud his unwavering stand and faith. There will ALWAYS be those who do not like you for one reason or another, some justified, most not.
If you find that you have enemies, that is not necessarily a bad thing. It may just mean that you have taken a stand at some point in your life, and standing for right is never wrong.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Sports coats
I have a fair number of suit coats/sports coats/blazers. I have about four black ones, an olive one that I really like, two or three navy blue ones, a maroon, a red, a khaki. Wait...I used to have all those. I recently began a search for one of the blue ones and couldn't find a single one. I searched but they were not to be found.
This gets better. I can't find the maroon, the red, the khaki, or a single navy blue blazer. Not a one. I've searched every closet, the basement, every garment bag, everywhere a blazer might hang, no blazer. Sometimes, it seems that we can search and search but never find what we are looking for.
Today's word is from Jeremiah 29:13, NLT, which reads, "If you look for Me wholeheartedly, you will find Me."
Have you ever wondered where GOD was when something significant was happening in your life? Ever feel that He isn't there when things really start to go downhill? Ever take the time to really seek Him? The verse tells us that when we look WHOLEHEARTEDLY, we will find Him. We have to look for Him and to Him with everything we have.
I apparently will NEVER find the missing blazers, though I have searched wholeheartedly. However, I know without a doubt that GOD is with me at all times, because He Wholly lives in my heart.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
This gets better. I can't find the maroon, the red, the khaki, or a single navy blue blazer. Not a one. I've searched every closet, the basement, every garment bag, everywhere a blazer might hang, no blazer. Sometimes, it seems that we can search and search but never find what we are looking for.
Today's word is from Jeremiah 29:13, NLT, which reads, "If you look for Me wholeheartedly, you will find Me."
Have you ever wondered where GOD was when something significant was happening in your life? Ever feel that He isn't there when things really start to go downhill? Ever take the time to really seek Him? The verse tells us that when we look WHOLEHEARTEDLY, we will find Him. We have to look for Him and to Him with everything we have.
I apparently will NEVER find the missing blazers, though I have searched wholeheartedly. However, I know without a doubt that GOD is with me at all times, because He Wholly lives in my heart.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
It's not the stress
Ever wonder what you would do in a particular situation? I believe we have all heard of someone's heroics or lack of and thought, "Well, if that were me, I would do blah blah blah..." You never really know what you would do unless you were in the exact same situation with the exact same circumstances at the exact same time.
How about handling things? You ever see others handle extremely stressful situations and never even raise their voice, and, yet, you see someone else in a much less stressful situation, and they are yelling and screaming and throwing things. What makes the difference in reactions?
Today's word is a quote from Hans Selye, which says, "It's not stress that kills us, it is our reaction to it."
I have to admit that there are situations where I handle really difficult, really stressful situations really well. And, there are other times when I hand really insignificant situations really poorly. It's not the amount of stress presented, it's how I react to it.
I am going to strive to handle things better. It is difficult at times with all that is going on but I know that my reaction is much more controllable than my situation. I want to live an long and productive life, and have people grateful to have known me. My reaction to stressful things may play a major role in each of those. So, I am trying to keep in mind that it is not the stress that will get me, it is my reaction to it.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
How about handling things? You ever see others handle extremely stressful situations and never even raise their voice, and, yet, you see someone else in a much less stressful situation, and they are yelling and screaming and throwing things. What makes the difference in reactions?
Today's word is a quote from Hans Selye, which says, "It's not stress that kills us, it is our reaction to it."
I have to admit that there are situations where I handle really difficult, really stressful situations really well. And, there are other times when I hand really insignificant situations really poorly. It's not the amount of stress presented, it's how I react to it.
I am going to strive to handle things better. It is difficult at times with all that is going on but I know that my reaction is much more controllable than my situation. I want to live an long and productive life, and have people grateful to have known me. My reaction to stressful things may play a major role in each of those. So, I am trying to keep in mind that it is not the stress that will get me, it is my reaction to it.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Friday, July 11, 2014
TGIF
All my life I have heard the T.G.I.F - Thank GOD it's Friday. I thank GOD for every day that I have, but, I have to agree that Friday is my favorite day of the work week. I think TGIF reminds me that better days are coming - Saturday and Sunday. lol
It does seem that we spend our weeks waiting for Friday, our years waiting for retirement, and our life waiting for happiness. The truth is that every day can have good moments, if we only look for them. Retirement will come, and probably much quicker than we really anticipated. And, happiness is always within our grasp, with the right perspective.
Today's word is just a play on TGIF - "Thank GOD I'm Forgiven".
The fact that I have JESUS CHRIST as my LORD and SAVIOR, and that my sins are forgiven, and that one day I will spend eternity in Heaven, should be enough to make every day a good day. If we will hold on to that truth we may just find that today is a good day, that we have a retirement plan that is out of this world, and that GOD gives us true joy.
Yeah, I want to thank GOD that it is Friday. I want to thank Him even more that I am forgiven.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
It does seem that we spend our weeks waiting for Friday, our years waiting for retirement, and our life waiting for happiness. The truth is that every day can have good moments, if we only look for them. Retirement will come, and probably much quicker than we really anticipated. And, happiness is always within our grasp, with the right perspective.
Today's word is just a play on TGIF - "Thank GOD I'm Forgiven".
The fact that I have JESUS CHRIST as my LORD and SAVIOR, and that my sins are forgiven, and that one day I will spend eternity in Heaven, should be enough to make every day a good day. If we will hold on to that truth we may just find that today is a good day, that we have a retirement plan that is out of this world, and that GOD gives us true joy.
Yeah, I want to thank GOD that it is Friday. I want to thank Him even more that I am forgiven.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Thursday, July 10, 2014
Then Finish It
Years ago, while coaching little league baseball, I had a moment that lives forever in my memory. We had a young man that we had worked on as a pitcher. He wasn't the fastest pitcher; he wasn't the most efficient pitcher; he wasn't the most accurate pitcher; but, he had the desire to pitch, so, we worked with him to that effect.
This young man pitched a little here and there, and did alright. As we approached the end of the season, with first place hanging in the balance, I decided that he would be the pitcher in the all important last game. He lit up with excitement when I told him the news. He was encouraged by our confidence in him.
Today's word is from 1 Thessalonians 5:11, NLT, which reads, "So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing."
Encouragement can take people so far, farther than we could ever imagine. The young pitcher pitched really well for five innings but began to struggle in the sixth, and last, inning. We were up by two runs but, with two outs, he had loaded the bases by giving up two singles and a walk. I walked out to the mound, put my arm around his shoulder, and said, "You've pitched an outstanding game. Do you want some help finishing?" He looked me dead in the eye and said, "I want to finish it." So, I looked at him, smiled, and said, "Well, then, finish it." He struck the next guy out!
We could never imagine how much an encouraging word could do for someone. If you get the chance to encourage someone, do it!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
This young man pitched a little here and there, and did alright. As we approached the end of the season, with first place hanging in the balance, I decided that he would be the pitcher in the all important last game. He lit up with excitement when I told him the news. He was encouraged by our confidence in him.
Today's word is from 1 Thessalonians 5:11, NLT, which reads, "So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing."
Encouragement can take people so far, farther than we could ever imagine. The young pitcher pitched really well for five innings but began to struggle in the sixth, and last, inning. We were up by two runs but, with two outs, he had loaded the bases by giving up two singles and a walk. I walked out to the mound, put my arm around his shoulder, and said, "You've pitched an outstanding game. Do you want some help finishing?" He looked me dead in the eye and said, "I want to finish it." So, I looked at him, smiled, and said, "Well, then, finish it." He struck the next guy out!
We could never imagine how much an encouraging word could do for someone. If you get the chance to encourage someone, do it!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
We will be changed
People really seem to be into the transformation shows. You know the ones I am talking about - the ones where someone's looks are changed or their wardrobes are changed or they experience extreme weight loss or they change their home. We love transformation.
I often wonder, though, about how long it lasts. I wonder if the folks with the new homes keep the homes or if they keep them up as nicely as they are. I can tell you that I have seen some that I could never keep up; it may look nice now but I have no doubt that I will make it look worse over time.
Today's word comes from 1 Corinthians 15:52, KJV, which reads, "In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye...we shall be changed."
When GOD calls us home, we will be eternally and extensively changed. We will have a transformation unlike any other transformation. We will be changed to last eternally. While looks go (I never had them), while metabolism slows, while homes flow, one day we will be changed and will never deteriorate.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
I often wonder, though, about how long it lasts. I wonder if the folks with the new homes keep the homes or if they keep them up as nicely as they are. I can tell you that I have seen some that I could never keep up; it may look nice now but I have no doubt that I will make it look worse over time.
Today's word comes from 1 Corinthians 15:52, KJV, which reads, "In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye...we shall be changed."
When GOD calls us home, we will be eternally and extensively changed. We will have a transformation unlike any other transformation. We will be changed to last eternally. While looks go (I never had them), while metabolism slows, while homes flow, one day we will be changed and will never deteriorate.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
IMPACT
There are so many people that think what they do doesn't matter. Yet, there is nothing that anyone does that doesn't have some impact on someone else. Even the simplest act can mean the world to someone.
Some of us go through life trying to figure out how to leave our mark. We invest so much time and energy and resources in trying to do something so extravagant, so mind-blowing that we fail to realize that everyday, mundane is making more of an impact than we could ever fathom.
Today's word is something I came across that says, "Your life has purpose. Your story is important. Your dreams count. Your voice matters. You were born to make an impact."
Don't ever think that you don't matter or that what you do doesn't matter. I know it's old and clique but it is absolutely true that you may think that you are a nobody in this world but the truth is that you are the world to somebody. Whatever you are doing is important.
No one will ever remember me, and that isn't a bad thing. But, I do know that the actions I take, the words that I speak, the legacy I leave will have an impact. You were born to make an IMPACT!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Some of us go through life trying to figure out how to leave our mark. We invest so much time and energy and resources in trying to do something so extravagant, so mind-blowing that we fail to realize that everyday, mundane is making more of an impact than we could ever fathom.
Today's word is something I came across that says, "Your life has purpose. Your story is important. Your dreams count. Your voice matters. You were born to make an impact."
Don't ever think that you don't matter or that what you do doesn't matter. I know it's old and clique but it is absolutely true that you may think that you are a nobody in this world but the truth is that you are the world to somebody. Whatever you are doing is important.
No one will ever remember me, and that isn't a bad thing. But, I do know that the actions I take, the words that I speak, the legacy I leave will have an impact. You were born to make an IMPACT!
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
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