Category Archives: Gratitude

5/6/24   MondayMatters: How To Stay Positive In A Relationship

5/6/24 MondayMatters: How To Stay Positive In A Relationship

In a fallen world, relationships fall. How we talk about them has much to do with how they survive. Here are 5 Rules of Relationships that help me stay positive about those connections in my life. Click on the link to watch the video. And follow on Facebook or Instagram for a daily reminder about this topic.

https://youtu.be/m9_HfT-bbUQ?feature=shared

Gravity and a fallen world means relationships spiral downward rather than upward unless we intentionally focus on moving them the other way. It is human nature to:
  1. Make comparisons.
  2. Be critical.
  3. And refute character.
Hebrews 12:14 “Follow peace with all men…”
John 13:24 “…love one another.”
I Thessalonians 5:12 “…honor your leaders…”
Philippians 2:3 “…in humility, count others more significant than yourselves.”
Relationship Rules:
  1. Affection is a choice.
  2. I see what I am looking for.
  3. Recency bias clouds our judgement.
  4. Affirmation creates appreciation.
  5. Language is both descriptive and prescriptive.
  6. Honor is habitual. (So is dishonor.)
When I want to be negative I remember….
I am a servant of God.
I am subject to spiritual authority.
I am a symbol of unity.
I am a sign for those who are watching.
Luke 6:45 “A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”
3/13/24   Lent   Psalm 79   IFTTT

3/13/24 Lent Psalm 79 IFTTT

3/13/24 Lent Psalm 79 IFTTT  The history of the children of Israel has always been an “If this then that” relationship. God designed it that way, at least from His side. “If you keep my commandments, you will be blessed.” “If you call on my Name I will answer.” “If you bow down before Me,… Continue Reading

Almost Done

Almost Done

Yesterday was Sunday in Israel. Since Shabbat ended Saturday at sundown, we were back to a full day of visiting some amazing sights. We have been in the north for several days, staying each night in Tiberias on the Sea of Galilee, and touring the Galilee area. This trip is different from any other time… Continue Reading

My Life for Yours

My Life for Yours

A few days ago, I attended a fund-raising event for Siloam, a non-profit, primary medical care organization in Nashville. They have worked tirelessly for 20 years serving the underserved and marginalized in Davidson County, Tennessee. While their primary focus has been the burgeoning immigrant and refugee population of middle Tennessee, of late they have taken… Continue Reading

Roll On!

Roll On!

Jakson prayed on Easter Sunday. He looked his very Easter Sunday best, pink pants, long sleeve blue shirt, hair slicked back, fresh out of the deep theological experience of 6-year-old kids church. The whole family was gathered. We held hands in anticipation of deviled eggs (What! On Easter), chicken casserole, and sweet potato pie. Josh,… Continue Reading

The Jag

The Jag

In May of 2005 Doris and I were still putting the pieces back together from the STUPID chapters of my life. I had been to the clinic about a year before. God had done a miracle in us and for us. We were back together, learning to do marriage and life a whole new way.… Continue Reading

Curse You Fiery Gizzard!

Curse You Fiery Gizzard!

This weekend my friend Wayne and I backpacked the Fiery Gizzard Trail on the Cumberland Plateau near Monteagle, Tennessee. It is both breathtakingly beautiful and gut-wrenching brutal. We hiked 17.5 miles over the 2 days, 13.5 the first day and 4 the second. We slept (and I use that word generously) in the middle of… Continue Reading

Well, Here We Go!

Well, Here We Go!

I love my daughter-in-law but she cries a lot. Especially when it comes to watching her boys grow up. That’s okay. I usually cry with her. Last week we had a tearful moment. Jon-Mical who is 7 was having his first official sleep over at a friend’s house. He was excited all day. Packed his… Continue Reading