This may seem as a continuation of the last post but it is not intended to be. I have just had hard work and working hard on my mind lately. It may be because of all the projects we have had going that keeps this on the forefront, but there is just something about working hard and earning it.
Don't judge me when I tell this story. Many years ago, when I was much younger and had a nephew that was then about 10 or 11, this nephew and I were playing video games, which have never really interested me very much but I have been known to play a few. Anyway, we were playing games that my nephew was very familiar with and very good at and he was beating me pretty soundly every time. Eventually, though, I noticed a football game and asked if we could try that. My nephew said something to the effect of, "Oh yeah, I'm good at that."
Well, we played football and I began to get the controls down and I began to win. The better I got and the more he couldn't stop me, the angrier he got. Finally, he blurted out, "My Dad lets me win!" To which I replied, "And, that is your problem. You know how to win but you've got to learn how to lose. I don't let anyone win. If you want to beat me, you have to earn it."
Today's word is Proverbs 14:23, NIV, which reads, "All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty."
There's just something about earning it. There is nothing sweeter than setting a goal, putting in the work, and accomplishing that goal. During the course of obtaining that goal, the profits are innumerable: effort, experience, perseverance, determination, etc. There is a lot of good things that come from hard work, and they are all profitable.
The flip side, of course, is talking it but not walking it. I think we have this problem in our spiritual lives from time to time as well. We want to talk it when everything is going good but we often lose that talk when it begins to not be as good, when it is time to work. GOD is on our side. He has everything in control. Everything is working for our good. Let's not just talk about it; let's be about it.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Monday, September 18, 2017
Friday, September 15, 2017
Keep working hard
So, I am trying to be a U6 soccer coach. What is U6 soccer, you ask? Well, for our organization, it is for any child that is under six years of age on July 31st of the current soccer year. However, to sum it up more precisely, it is like herding cats, only with less success.
If our team doesn't have a competitive season, it will have more to do with their inept coach than the members of the team. I know about as much about soccer as those I am trying to coach, except for the fact that I can read others' recommendations and can understand youtube videos. I truly am working hard to try to educate myself on how to best instruct them.
Today's word is a quote from Colin Powell, which says, "A dream doesn't become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination, and hard work."
There are lots of people who say they want a particular thing, who claim to have a particular dream but are unwilling to put forth the effort to bring it to fruition. Even at the U6 soccer level, we will try our best to instruct and teach the basic fundamentals. BUT, these young soccer players will never reach their full potential with the couple of hours each week that we have. If they truly want to get better, they will have to work hard at home to hone their skills. Same holds true for us adults.
We all have dreams of one sort or another. However, those dreams will never come to fruition as long as we sit on our duffs and wait for it to happen. GOD does perform miracles - every day - but, He expects us to do our part. And, our part is working hard and depending on Him for the rest. We are going to keep working hard.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
If our team doesn't have a competitive season, it will have more to do with their inept coach than the members of the team. I know about as much about soccer as those I am trying to coach, except for the fact that I can read others' recommendations and can understand youtube videos. I truly am working hard to try to educate myself on how to best instruct them.
Today's word is a quote from Colin Powell, which says, "A dream doesn't become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination, and hard work."
There are lots of people who say they want a particular thing, who claim to have a particular dream but are unwilling to put forth the effort to bring it to fruition. Even at the U6 soccer level, we will try our best to instruct and teach the basic fundamentals. BUT, these young soccer players will never reach their full potential with the couple of hours each week that we have. If they truly want to get better, they will have to work hard at home to hone their skills. Same holds true for us adults.
We all have dreams of one sort or another. However, those dreams will never come to fruition as long as we sit on our duffs and wait for it to happen. GOD does perform miracles - every day - but, He expects us to do our part. And, our part is working hard and depending on Him for the rest. We are going to keep working hard.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Thursday, September 14, 2017
The entire ensemble
I've worn some uniforms in my life. I played a lot of sports throughout my life. I didn't play any of them particularly well but I tried to play most all of them. There is just something about putting on the uniform. It designates that you are a part of a team. It distinctly ties you to a particular school, organization, church, etc.
The uniform I am most humbled and most proud to have worn is for the United States Navy. Again, I didn't particularly excel as a member of that team either but I am proud that I was allowed the privilege to serve.
Today's word is Colossians 3:12, ESV, which reads, "Put on then, as GOD'S chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience."
Much like uniforms distinguish something about with whom we are teammates, the characteristics we display tells others a lot about us. As GOD'S children, we should have certain traits, certain characteristics that causes others to see that we are apart of GOD'S "team", a child, a part of His Royal Priesthood. There are certain characteristics that we should display because we are His.
Whether we realize it or not, as children of the Most High GOD, we represent Him daily; we wear the uniform. Just like any uniform, it consists of various parts. In the case of our spiritual uniform, we should display compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. And, much like all the earthly uniforms I have worn, I haven't always been the best example wearing my spiritual one either. I pray I can better better at displaying the entire ensemble.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
The uniform I am most humbled and most proud to have worn is for the United States Navy. Again, I didn't particularly excel as a member of that team either but I am proud that I was allowed the privilege to serve.
Today's word is Colossians 3:12, ESV, which reads, "Put on then, as GOD'S chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience."
Much like uniforms distinguish something about with whom we are teammates, the characteristics we display tells others a lot about us. As GOD'S children, we should have certain traits, certain characteristics that causes others to see that we are apart of GOD'S "team", a child, a part of His Royal Priesthood. There are certain characteristics that we should display because we are His.
Whether we realize it or not, as children of the Most High GOD, we represent Him daily; we wear the uniform. Just like any uniform, it consists of various parts. In the case of our spiritual uniform, we should display compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. And, much like all the earthly uniforms I have worn, I haven't always been the best example wearing my spiritual one either. I pray I can better better at displaying the entire ensemble.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Tuesday, September 12, 2017
An encouraging word
The song "Home on the Range" has a line that goes, "And, seldom is heard, a discouraging word..." There is something about an encouraging word. We all need a little encouragement from time to time. We all need a little exhortation and uplifting. We all like to hear that we are loved and cared for. An encouraging word can do all those things and more.
I always try to remember that there is always time to say something nice. I may not always want to, I may not always try to, but there is always time to say something that will brighten someone's day. It doesn't take much either. Just a simple, "I like that shirt," or, "I like what you've done with your hair," or, "that was really kind of you to do that".
Today's word is an attempt to remind me of how blessed I am and how I need to share an encouraging word with others: "Happiness keeps you sweet. Trials keep you strong. Sorrows keep you human. Failures keep you humble. GOD keeps you going."
Today is National Day of Encouragement. It is celebrated every September 12th, and it is supposed to be dedicated to lifting others up and to making a positive impact on those we come in contact with. I know that I can certainly be more encouraging, and I am going to try to be.
Look around today and see if you can find a way to express an encouraging word.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
I always try to remember that there is always time to say something nice. I may not always want to, I may not always try to, but there is always time to say something that will brighten someone's day. It doesn't take much either. Just a simple, "I like that shirt," or, "I like what you've done with your hair," or, "that was really kind of you to do that".
Today's word is an attempt to remind me of how blessed I am and how I need to share an encouraging word with others: "Happiness keeps you sweet. Trials keep you strong. Sorrows keep you human. Failures keep you humble. GOD keeps you going."
Today is National Day of Encouragement. It is celebrated every September 12th, and it is supposed to be dedicated to lifting others up and to making a positive impact on those we come in contact with. I know that I can certainly be more encouraging, and I am going to try to be.
Look around today and see if you can find a way to express an encouraging word.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Monday, September 11, 2017
Not what you see
I had an experience in a restaurant once that will forever remind me that things aren't always what they seem.
We were eating at a buffet and I saw on the sneeze guard "Cheese Sticks", and I like cheese sticks. A LOT. So, I picked up a "cheese stick", took a bite, and instantly realized that it wasn't cheese at all - it was fish. Now, if you like fish, this would have been a surprise, BUT, I don't like fish. At all.
Today's word is 2 Corinthins 5:7, ESV, which reads, "For we walk by faith, not by sight."
Sometimes, things aren't what they appear. It's easy to look at things and sit and think, "This is horrible, and will always be horrible." But, that's not true.
GOD has great plans. What is happening today is preparing us for things tomorrow. Don't let what things appear to be dampen your spirit. Walk by faith; things are not always what they seem.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
We were eating at a buffet and I saw on the sneeze guard "Cheese Sticks", and I like cheese sticks. A LOT. So, I picked up a "cheese stick", took a bite, and instantly realized that it wasn't cheese at all - it was fish. Now, if you like fish, this would have been a surprise, BUT, I don't like fish. At all.
Today's word is 2 Corinthins 5:7, ESV, which reads, "For we walk by faith, not by sight."
Sometimes, things aren't what they appear. It's easy to look at things and sit and think, "This is horrible, and will always be horrible." But, that's not true.
GOD has great plans. What is happening today is preparing us for things tomorrow. Don't let what things appear to be dampen your spirit. Walk by faith; things are not always what they seem.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Thursday, September 7, 2017
When doubts fill my mind
There are probably those who know me that would say that I am a confident individual, and I am for the most part. I have shared this before, I am not arrogant, but I am confident. The way I explain this is by saying that I am confident; there are things that I know, that I am confident that I can do. However, the flip side is also true: there are those things that I am absolutely confident that I cannot do.
But, even with being confident and trying to instill confidence in others, I have my occasional doubt. Sometimes, when one bad thing seems to lead to another, it is easy to become doubtful. During those times when I am trying my very best and still not getting what someone is trying to show me, what someone else makes look so easy, I can become doubtful. When it seems that there are still two many bills for the amount of month left, it is easy to have doubts.
Today's word is Psalm 94:19, NLT, which reads, "When doubts filled my mind, Your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer."
It is during those times of doubt that I can feel GOD'S presence the most, if I will only take the time to sense it. I have seen GOD move time and time again at just the right moment and in just the right way. I have seen Him produce great victories from what should have been a sure and resounding defeat.
When I have those moments of doubt, when I have those moments of wonder, when I have those moments of uncertainty, all I have to do is take a second and remember all the things that GOD has done before. I try to focus on how GOD has previously made a way and how He has prove time and time again that He is working everything for my good. That's what I try to do when doubts fill my mind.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
But, even with being confident and trying to instill confidence in others, I have my occasional doubt. Sometimes, when one bad thing seems to lead to another, it is easy to become doubtful. During those times when I am trying my very best and still not getting what someone is trying to show me, what someone else makes look so easy, I can become doubtful. When it seems that there are still two many bills for the amount of month left, it is easy to have doubts.
Today's word is Psalm 94:19, NLT, which reads, "When doubts filled my mind, Your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer."
It is during those times of doubt that I can feel GOD'S presence the most, if I will only take the time to sense it. I have seen GOD move time and time again at just the right moment and in just the right way. I have seen Him produce great victories from what should have been a sure and resounding defeat.
When I have those moments of doubt, when I have those moments of wonder, when I have those moments of uncertainty, all I have to do is take a second and remember all the things that GOD has done before. I try to focus on how GOD has previously made a way and how He has prove time and time again that He is working everything for my good. That's what I try to do when doubts fill my mind.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
Tuesday, September 5, 2017
Always Loyal
What do you think of when you hear the word "loyal"? Some words that come to mind are faithful, true, devoted, consistent, constant, steadfast, dependable, etc. There is such power in loyalty, such a humbling power when you find someone that is truly loyal. Loyalty seems to be a dying trait these days.
I am not talking about anyone in particular or any specific population but all you have to do is look around at all the divorce in our culture and all the backstabbing and dissension to see that loyalty is certainly falling by the wayside. I was told at a very young age, and have found it to prove true most of the time, that you can count your TRUE FRIENDS on one hand. How sad.
Today's word is Proverbs 17:17, NLT, which reads, "A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need."
I think the reason so many relationships fall apart, so many disagreements severe long friendships, so many trivial things destroy closeness is because we become disloyal. We begin to become obsessed with self-promotion and the old, "What's in it for me?" We forget what drew us to the person to begin with. We consciously choose to pursue our own will rather than the will of the one we love. We aren't to be used by anyone. Period. Yet, I think we so often forget what love is truly all about - true love is about giving, not getting. We lose loyalty because we start focusing on the getting.
I pray daily that GOD finds me faithful and that I will strive to do His will. I want to be faithful to Him and to His calling. And, that means that I want to be loyal to those He places in my life. Pray for me that I can be a true friend, always loyal.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
I am not talking about anyone in particular or any specific population but all you have to do is look around at all the divorce in our culture and all the backstabbing and dissension to see that loyalty is certainly falling by the wayside. I was told at a very young age, and have found it to prove true most of the time, that you can count your TRUE FRIENDS on one hand. How sad.
Today's word is Proverbs 17:17, NLT, which reads, "A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need."
I think the reason so many relationships fall apart, so many disagreements severe long friendships, so many trivial things destroy closeness is because we become disloyal. We begin to become obsessed with self-promotion and the old, "What's in it for me?" We forget what drew us to the person to begin with. We consciously choose to pursue our own will rather than the will of the one we love. We aren't to be used by anyone. Period. Yet, I think we so often forget what love is truly all about - true love is about giving, not getting. We lose loyalty because we start focusing on the getting.
I pray daily that GOD finds me faithful and that I will strive to do His will. I want to be faithful to Him and to His calling. And, that means that I want to be loyal to those He places in my life. Pray for me that I can be a true friend, always loyal.
Be Blessed,
Mickey T
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