A Change of Perspective

As I write it is an early fall Saturday, my wife is having to work, and my daughter and I have been cleaning the house.  Now that we have finished cleaning I have settled in watching some college football and reading.  With at least 8 channels on our cable package currently showing games you would think I could find one that was remotely interesting.  Not happening.

I think this is a sign of growth, maturity, or both.  There was a time when it did not matter who was playing, I was going to be into it.  Now unlesss one of the few teams that I follow is involved it seems interest is lacking.  The reading is far more interesting. 

As I proposed in a previous writing I believe the library is one of the most under-appreciated assets in our communities.  What better course would our country, and our families be on if we introduced our kids to the library and  the church with as much enthusiasm as their first ball glove?  I was a youth athlete and have no doubt that the sports were a factor in forming me into the man I am today.  That being said, times have very much changed as families are putting everything they have, and often more, into supporting their young world beaters, while at the same time neglecting other areas that are even more vital to their future success.
Where do you and your family fit in this spectrum?  We all say we want what is best for our children, but do we truly consider the whole picture?  The odds are remote at best that our children will ever be professional athletes, they are only slightly better that they will be collegiate athletes earning scholarships, but eventually they will find themselves out in the realities of the world.  Those realities are not always pleasant and a deeply rooted faith in Christ and a well rounded perspective from their studies, and readings will provide a far better basis for success.

Consider now where you are, and where you want to be with your family.  Do you need to make some changes?  Remember that with God we will. . . succeed.

Overcoming Life's Struggles

Some weeks give us strength for the future while taking so much of our current  strength.  This was one of those weeks. 

In our church family we mourned the loss of a young mother and wife who lived her life with a distinct zeal.  In my professional life our office faced a week with Medicare and state health officials and the stress that brings.  These events on top of the everyday hustle and bustle have been quite draining.

Now I have spent the day with my wife wandering through stores and then attacking some small projects at home.  This has gotten my brain reenergized yet left me physically fatigued.  I so look forward to the possibilities of the coming week and the worship Sunday brings. 

God gives us insight for times like these throughout His word.  I call to mind passages like Ecclesiastes chapter 3 where Solomon tells us there is a season for everything under the sun.  We would do well to find and know several of these passages to comfort us and provide strength for what can be a difficult journey.  You and I will face good times and bad, aligning ourselves with God is the best way to prepare ourselves for all things.  Be strong, with God we will. . . OVERCOME.

Hope

What is hope?  The Bible tells us as Christians that we should be ready always to give an answer for the hope that lies within us.  Again I would ask what is hope?

Hope in the Biblical sense is not the innocent, anxious hope of a child coming up to their birthday or Christmas.  Hope for the Christian is a calm expectant desire, that is peaceful and reassuring.

When we enter into a relationship with Christ we have access to His immeasurable grace and the riches of Heaven.  Though we may be asked to live in a sinsick, deteriorating world we know there is more.  Because of this hope we carry on, we serve for the greater good, and we look to bring others into the fold.  It does not prevent us from messing up or making mistakes, but does point us in the right direction to right our course. 

Do you hold this hope within you?  If not does it sound more appealing than hopelessness and uncertainty?  Open your Bible, visit your local church or find a spiritual mentor to help you gain the Christian hope that helps us overcome the world.

Sleep and Life

How did you sleep last night? There are any among us who struggle in this area.  The Bible tells us in Psalm 46:10 "Be still and know I am God. . ."  This is good medicine for our body, mind, and soul.  Some of us have physical difficulties that give us problems with our sleep, such as sleep apnea.  Others can't stop their minds from working on the problems of the day.  No matter the issue we must realize that a lack of quality sleep dulls our senses, fatigues our bodies, and taxes our systems.  Several recent studies indicate sleep deprivation can impact us similarly to, if not more so, than being under the influence of alcohol.
A couple of thoughts to help us out in this area are to take breaks during your day to clear your mind even if it is just for a few minutes.  This temporary decompression will tend to make us more productive and put us in the habit of letting go, thereby making it easier to do the same at bedtime.  Second many of us go about our daily business in a dehydrated or nearly dehydrated state.  Additional hydration throughout our day will help us feel better and in turn help us sleep better at night.
Finally, as Christians the calming effect of prayer is a must.  Not a trite repetition ran through out of habit, but a simple thank you to God for seeing you through the day along with a request for a good night of sleep to prepare you for service to Him in the day to come. 
Try these simple tips to see if you can improve your sleep quality.  If you sleep better you will have more energy for God, your family, friends and work.  Sleep better, feel better, with God we will. . .