It Really Matters...Significant Christianity

What if you found yourself in a place where nothing you did seemed to matter? It did not matter the sacrifice you made for someones Christmas to be merry, or the comfort that you gave a depressed friend; you could likely name any number of other situations where you felt like your efforts didn't seem to matter.

I just want you to know that if you feel like what you do doesn't matter…well then take heart because what you do for the Kingdom of GOD and others does matter.

Almost 4 1/2  years ago now my wife and I made a drastic move and left a larger stable assembly to assist in a small church to help out on their ministry team. The word drastic is not an exaggeration at all, bear in mind we were content with the security and a sense of comfort in our lifestyle. In our early to mid 50's we were not looking for adventure, we kind of thought we might ride out any difficulties from the safety of our little home in the country. Our finances were doing alright and we as semi-retired empty nesters did pretty much what we pleased.

Riverside Apostolic in Marshfield

However, when we felt a tugging in our hearts by what I can only call a leading of the Holy Spirit we could not just waste our gifts and abilities from a place of security and comfort. When we stepped out in faith from the doors of a large church into a room behind the liquor/tobacco store we found ourselves in a tremendously rewarding place.

Oh sure we might have been able sort through agates on the shores of Lake Superior for the rest of our lives but that would have been wasting our gifts and blessings. Mary and I found ourselves being involved in helping new friends and involved in things where we really felt needed and not just appreciated. We came to the realization that what we had stepped into something really important. We were feeling a little overlooked before but now we were doing things that seemed really important and that brought us a renewed sense of purpose. Everything we did really seemed to matter.

We worshipped in our new church, we gave financially, and helped move into and remodel a new building but most importantly we loved and were loved in return. Loving and investing in people is one of life's greatest accomplishments. I will not be taking any Lake Superior agates to heaven with me but if I changed the eternity of even one person my life has been a total success.

Way to often we wake up early, stay up late and we will do it all again tomorrow, bone dead tired of chasing after things in pursuit of...whatever. What if our lives were spent helping and loving others? I am fairly certain we would find a new sense of purpose and living lives that can make a difference. What we do really does matter.

You Are So...Uncommon

I have recently come upon a startling thought...(ok maybe not startling)... but interesting none the less. There is an old saying that says, "there is nothing more uncommon than common sense."

I am so...uncommon

Well, with that being said...

Average, dare I say, common people, posses the potential to be really uncommon and interesting,  simply by being themselves. Not just uncommon and interesting but strong, and self confident. Strong enough to be encouragers, good examples, positive role models, and healthy parents raising kids to rise above the wash of low self esteem.

After all no is quite like you. So stop measuring yourself by other peoples standards. It seems that we are surrounded by people not comfortable being themselves, and they struggle with joy stealing self loathing. People who just never seem to be happy. How sad for them.

You are like a finger print, no one is quite as uncommon as you are. So despite my rather common appearance fishing on the big water, I really am quite an uncommon sort of guy.

Uncommon (adjective)
out of the ordinary...unusual...remarkably great.

Yeah thats us..Our best days are still ahead of us. Repeat after me...My best days are still ahead of me...say it again...My best...you get the idea, tell yourself everyday.

Rising From the Ashes

Sheepishly as if eyes were watching him, he approaches his key board clears a path to the track pad and keyboard. He looks at the screen then the i-sight camera still feeling like someone is watching, he opens up the blogging program. He signs in and wonders what  he should write about after all of these months of silence. Almost apologetically Frank tries to gather his thoughts and then realizes that there just aren't that many new things to offer the rest of the world...screech (screaming tires and then the sound of a car crash, the sound of twisting metal and busting glass...it sounds better in an audio book or on the radio).

Wait a minute he is one of the most interesting people he knows; certainly things will come and the world will be a better place.

Making a resolution this year to blog once again he has already failed by 3 days. With this understanding of the weakness of his own character and with the knowledge that weakness seems to not only run through out his life, I am, (I mean Frank is) certain that, they have in fact in recent months purchased race cars and are using his mind and lifestyle as a race track.

Oh the misery and the condemnation that this sense of failure brings...and once again the despair of his own short comings loom like a thundering storm cloud that will most certainly bring flooding and damage to the the small community that was once a happy man.

How does one begin to rebuild in the ruble of what seemed a glorious ancient culture. He determines that this amazing civilization will rise again only by the turning over of stones and picking through the twisted lumber and salvaging what he can...one day at a time...one post at a time until once again all of his friends will know that like a Phoenix he has risen from the flames of devastation and obscurity.

So many thought so many ideas and yet so little time to blog. Understanding that others have the same number of hours in their days and that this capital must be budgeted and spent wisely. Being the giving person that he is he wonders; can he remain effective in the tangible world of real people and still send his thoughts to people he does not know or will never meet. Could it be that both could be accomplished? Could he somehow be insightful and encouraging to those who read in the far reaches of this ever shrinking planet, and still minister to needs in Marshfield, Wausau and who knows where. This poor man with a guilty conscience trying to be all things to all men must...somehow...fight...through these... hindrances.

A mental picture from the long past days of comic books comes of Lex Luthor and Superman; it is the weakness that kryptonite brings. Yet somehow he must push through the impending doom and fight until he once again soars. Frank (with the help of the superman analogy) once again realizes that in spite of frailties, weakness and very few gray cells (brain power) he can in fact push through, he will once again rise and be better...(still not sure at what).

But that will come another day...stay tuned...do not touch that knob...do not attempt to change the channel.

Whew I am exhausted.

I Am A Published Author...(sort of)

Today I received my first blog book in the mail; I guess that makes me an author of sorts...sort of. The book has no ISBN number nor was it inducted into the Library of Congress; hence the "sort of" disclaimer in my title. The book contains all of my blog entries for the year 2010.

So far I have had over 6,300 page views from almost 60 countries including nations like: Nigeria, Isle of Mann, Latvia, Slovenia, Australia, Sweden, India, Thailand, Chile, Iran, China, Saudi Arabia, Japan, South Korea, and Tasmania to name only some. When I was a kid I fell in love with shortwave radio because I could hear radio stations from other countries. Blogging is a very cool way for me, to be read by people in other countries.I just want to have something meaningful to say. The internet certainly has changed our world.

The book is nice. I like it. In reading it, I was encouraged, by what I wrote to encourage others.

Wow, I Thought I Was The Only One

I wonder how many friendships have been formed and forged because of a common experience or a familiar mindset. I remember sitting in a middle school class and feeling very much out of my element; I had just arrived from a summer of fun and a small elementary school to a much larger social landscape. D. C. Everest Middle School had students from all over the place and we are all placed together in a really big school.

I was sitting in a classroom back in the...along time ago, and I did not know anyone. I looked around the room to see if there was anyone else who looked terrified and a little insecure; (because I was) and I found one. Seated in the row of seats right next to me was this guy who looked a little nervous and shy. What did I have to lose? I asked "so, where do you live?' It was that simple and a conversation began, he liked to go hunting and fishing, and confessed to being a little intimidated at the new school thing. His name was Nathan. We had an encouraging sort of friendship for awhile back when I needed it.

I wonder how many friendships we miss out on because we never speak up? If we would only brave up a little we just might be surprised at what others could add to our lives. I find it a little too easy to mind my own business; I could be in a room full of people and not say a word. Our cell phones and Ipads have made seclusion in a crowd easy to do. Don't look up or around, it is easy as pie...(I have made many pies and honestly it is not as easy as it sounds). But really, who knows how many good things I have missed out on.

If

Rudyard Kippling

This is a poem that I wished I had leaned as a young boy or even as a young man. Had I understood this poems significance I would have committed parts or all of it to memory.

It seems like so few men are being real fathers. I think that a father is a man who will do everything in his power to give his son's and daughter's safe passage to adult hood, and will pass to his kids as much of his fathers and grandfathers virtues and values as he can.

I understand that life is difficult at times but not near as difficult as a child's life when they are with out some sort of paternal mentor and moral compass. A father may start out on a dirt trail but during his life he does as much as he can to pave a highway for his kids and grandkids.

My dad worked all week as a tree surgeon and then worked private jobs cutting down trees on the weekends to earn money so his kids lives would be the best that he could make it. Thanks Dad.

I would encourage anyone to commit this to memory and try to live by some of it's principles. This poem was written to a young man, helping and teaching him how to become a man.

If
By Rudyard Kippling (1865-1936)

If you can keep your head when all about you 
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise:

If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools:

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breathe a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: 'Hold on!'

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
' Or walk with Kings - nor lose the common touch,
if neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man, my son!

"Island of Saints" by Andy Andrews

Island of Saints is another amazing book by Andy Andrews, and although I am not a professional writer or book reviewer I must tell you this is a great book. I bought it at a thrift shop in Merrill, WI for around  $1.50 (hardcover). I was sort of excited because I really appreciate his work as an author. I told Mary to drive home and I would read out loud; sort of like an audio book up close and personal...sort of.

I had no idea that the Nazi military had subs in the gulf of Mexico during the WWII.  I was hooked almost immediately on the very idea that the country was in an even greater danger than I had ever learned in history; (just for the record I am not a big history buff). So the idea that we had overcome a danger so close to home was intriguing to me. Andy tells the story of digging up the roots of an old tree and finding a can buried in the ground, the buttons, photo, ring; and who was the child and the woman (?) in the photograph? Yet because I am not a history buff I put the book down and allowed it to sit idle for a few months before I picked it up again.

Andy tells the story of a German submariner and the politics and loyalty to duty and the Nazi regime aboard a Kriergsmarine U-boat; and his near death experience at the hands of another German and the beating by a hard hearted military widow after he washed up on shore. I am certain that great deal of research went into the telling of this story, but it was personal to Andy. The can and it's contents were found under his own tree on a small island situated along the Florida and Alabama coastline of the north coast of the Gulf of Mexico.

I would try to retell parts of the story to whet your curiosity but it is told so masterfully that any attempts to do so might ruin the story for you.

The sub-title of the book speaks of the "One Principle That Frees the Human Spirit"; that description is what sold the book for me. I want my heart to be free of clutter and baggage that keeps me from freely giving what I can to others. If I am bound by the baggage of a broken down life how can I give to others, and tell them about the true freedom that is in Jesus Christ. My heart longs to be free, your heart wants to be free and this book truly addresses one of the monumental areas that we find ourselves bound in; the power to forgive. Forgiveness is not about the other person forgiveness is personal it's about you and taking back your life.

I must tell you that you need to read the last "part" of the book. The book is divided into three parts and part three is the clincher. Enjoy; it is a must read.

How To Be An Insignificant Christian

I know that the title of this post seems very harsh and it likely is, but sometimes it seems that we need a wake up call every once in a while to cause us to realize that we could use a fresh inspiration in our Christianity. I recently got mine.

I was in the Goodwill store in Schofield the other day, and as I was standing there looking at the books, a childhood friend of my brothers came into the store and greeted me. His wife had passed away about three months ago from a heart attack. Phil looked empty and a little sad, he leaned on his cart and came over to where I was standing and gave me a weak smile. It was at that moment I had to make a decision. I could be caring and encouraging, or I could be an insignificant Christian.

A really good way to be an insignificant Christian is to be living, breathing cliché about other peoples  situations.

I understand that we often get uncomfortable and panicked not knowing what to say to help. Everyone understands that people pass away and I could have said something like "Well she is in a better place now" and ignore his suffering. Or maybe a "Hey all things work together for good", perhaps a  "This to shall pass" might help. Let's not forget that old faithful stand by, "Let go and let God." I must be sure to repeat these slogans to bring credibility to them; it will certainly begin to take hold in his heart after I repeat them a few times...(I jest).

Another really good way to be an insignificant Christian is to be sure that you have all of the answers and are ready to bless others with your vast life experiences.

There is nothing wrong with my admission that I can not imagine what he must be going through. I laid my hand on his back and told him that I would continue to pray for him; touching is important not just a pat on the back but a lifting of his heart.  We don't always have the right words, and Phil did not expect me to have all of the answers, he just needed a listening ear and caring heart. He is still hurting and I told him I would still pray for him.

Be Jesus to other people. After all Christianity means that we are trying to be Christ-like; if we are going to be like Jesus we must cast off the cliche'. John Maxwell says, "People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care." It may take a little effort but the rewards of actually being involved with, and caring for others is life changing for both parties involved. It is not however for the faint of heart. You know how when a newborn baby arrives at home, there are going to be midnight feedings or hours spent trying to care for them to be sure they stay healthy and fed. That may be what we need to do at times to practice real Christianity.

Have a real genuine relationship with God and it will be easier to be significant in the lives of others.

The Persister

Persistence is defined as a firm or obstinate continuance in a course of action. If there is one thing I have learned, it is that every new day brings a new opportunity to give up. I am not speaking of "giving up" although many do every day. I will not be one of those. Really I am willing to guess that within the next 24 hours you will have an opportunity to be offended. Offense is almost a given in all of our lives. The question is not "how" we are offended but what we will do "when" we are. I have had people tell me that I could not possibly offend them; seeing as being offended is a choice, they might be right.

But really, things will come along everyday that try to derail our good intentions, but we must stay on track and see our dreams and goals through to the end. Maybe you want to be the next Iron Chef, don't be discouraged when someone tells you that your cooking is terrible; get back up and pop a better bowl of popcorn. What if it is your dream to fly an airplane don't stay grounded because your mom is afraid to travel by anything but a car...or covered wagon. Dream big and don't listen to the nay-sayers; persist, and be persistent.

Here are some of my favorite persistence quotes.

When the world says, 'Give up" Hope whispers, "try one more time"
Author Unknown

Fall seven times, stand up eight.
Japanese Proverb

Consider the postage stamp: it's usefulness consists in it's ability to stick to one thing until it gets there.
Josh Billings

Difficult things take a long time, impossible things take a little longer.
Author Unknown

Don't let the fear of the time it will take to accomplish something stand in the way of your doing it. The time will pass anyway: we might just as well put that passing time to the best possible use.
Earl Nightingale

I can do all things through Christ who give me strength.
The Bible

If you are on the right track, facing the right direction, keep moving ahead.
Mr Toad

Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent."

Calvin Coolidge

Words From Ben, On Regret

Mr. Meant-To, has a comrade,
and his name is Didn't-Do;
Have you ever chanced to meet them?
Did they ever call on you?

These two fellows live together
In the house of Never-Win,
And I'm told that it is haunted
By the ghost of Might-Have-Been.

Benjamin Franklin

Discouraged In The Fog

Florence May Chadwick was a swimmer born in 1918, at age ten she began competing in swimming events, at age 11 she had her first rough water competition and placed 4th. At the age of 32 she swam the English Channel from England to France, a distance of 21 miles, setting a new world record by a woman. A year later she crossed again making her the first woman to swim the channel both directions setting yet another world record. Florence's first attempt to swim the channel lasted 13 hours 20 mins breaking the record set by American Gertrude Ederle; the second swim was made in 16 hours 22 mins.

In 1952 Florence May Chadwick was determined to swim the 26 miles between Catalina Island and the California coastline. She began the swim surrounded by small boats to keep an eye on her safety and to help her in case she need to be pulled out of the water due to exhaustion or injury. After about 15 hours in the water a thick fog set in so that Florence was unable to see anything in front of her. Florence's mother, and her trainer, in a nearby boat offered encouragement telling her that it was not much further; but all that Florence could see was the very thick fog. With only a half mile to go for the first time, Florence quit; it was not the fatigue or the cold it was the discouragement of not being able to see her goal. In spite of the encouragement that others offered she was not able to see the coastline and gave up hope.

Two months later she attempted the swim from Catalina Island to the California coastline for the second time. This time despite the same thick fog she accomplished the swim; this time she swam with the goal clearly pictured in her mind becoming the first woman to swim the Catalina Channel.

The message is to have a clear goal in your mind and never to quit.
Florence Chadwick

It's always to early to quit.
Norman Vincent Peale

Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.
The Bible (Proverbs 13:12) 


Even when there is not single shred of evidence for proof, keep moving forward.
Me...Mr. Toad

Victorious Over Fear

In 1964 President Eisenhower went to visit Winston Churchill; Mr Churchill the former Prime Minister was dying. The former President Eisenhower sat next to the bed of the dying man for a long time remembering his fearless leadership. Great Britain's bold leader was never taken hostage by fear, even in the face of almost certain defeat by the German war machine. While lying on his bed Churchill laboriously managed to raise his hand and flash the victory symbol to Eisenhower, the same symbol that had given courage to his countrymen during the very difficult years of World War II; that symbol of victory was the sign of faith over fear. Eisenhower holding back tears rose to his feet stood at attention and saluted the former Prime Minister and left the room.

Life is full of difficulties but we do not have to be imprisoned by fear. Never give up, keep moving forward one step, one day, one trial, and ultimately one victory at a time.

When you walk to the edge of all the light you have, and take the first step into the darkness of the unknown, you must believe that one of two things will happen:

There will be something solid to stand upon, or you will be taught how to fly.

                                                             Patrick Overton, Author of "Rebuilding the Front Porch Of America"

You Are Here

When our kids were small we would take day-trips in our car and explore exotic places like Green Bay or Tomah. Once in awhile we would consult a map at a wayside or a gas station. To make things easier for the wayward traveler the wayside or gas station would mark the map with words and an arrow that said..."You Are Here". Which was a good thing because it gave you an opportunity to see the big picture; "wow I am quite far from where I started."

I live near a small city called Mosinee. The nice thing about Mosinee is that it has an airport, not a big one, but it does afford me the luxury of going anyplace in the world by air travel. Or if I prefer I can hop in my car and travel anyplace I want as long as I don't need to cross a large body of water, like an ocean. I am pretty certain that I could go to a gas station in Mosinee and find a map that says, "you are here." So it goes, anytime anyone wants to move ahead in their life they must start "here".

I have often wished that I could be somewhere else, at least for a while. I would love to visit Christchurch New Zealand some day, and if I ever do travel there, I will need to start from...here, to get there. Any steps to fulfilling a dream, begins...here. I wish I had more talent, was younger looking, had more money, did not have such a reputation for being...and our lists go on. If you want to move on with the rest of your life you must start...here, regardless of your situation. You cannot go 15 years back in time, you cannot change past mistakes or change the consequences of your present situations; you must begin...here.

I am not speaking of a geographical change of locations but rather a change in the ruts that you may find yourself in. Dream a little, pray big prayers, and step out into the unknown of your life you have played it safe too long; (I am speaking to myself right now).

"You must begin wherever you are"

Jack Boland...clergyman

"You are here and loitering is no longer allowed"

Frank...me

Pack up your talents and gifts and head off into the wild unknown where only the courageous thrive.

(me again)

It's Whats On the Inside That Matters

I came across this when I was looking for something else on my computer; I think it is good enough to pass along. You know each one of us is influenced by many different things, some good some bad. But the most important thing to remember is that each of us needs a relationship with Jesus.

The Third Most Interesting Situation

There are two situations that make interesting stories; when an extraordinary person is plunged in the commonplace, and when an ordinary person gets involved in extraordinary events.

Sister Helen Prejan

As I read the quote by Sister Helen Prejan movie titles and book titles came to mind. We are continually drenched in reality shows and documentaries that tell the stories of nobodies who are now famous because they might have won an award or top spot on a show like American Idol. It is silly, and sad, at the same time, this curious obsession we have with under dogs and fallen heros. You can be certain there will always an audience willing to listen.

I would like to propose a third interesting situation that some may not seem to find all that interesting. What about the man who gets up every morning and goes to work and has scratched out a living for his wife and kids for the past 25 years. What about the single mother who gets her kids up at 6 in the morning to feed them and get them off to day care or school and barely makes it to work on time...every weekday. Or the pastor of a small congregation who works all week and still feeds the flock on Sundays and Wednesday nights, who visits homes and hospitals during the rest of the week. We pretty much ignore those stories because they just aren't as exciting. No paparazzi following them everywhere.

The world is full of people doing the right things for the right reasons, day in day out, justlike you and me, with no nod from Hollywood. It is this third interesting (or not so interesting maybe) that makes the world work, day in and day out. The man at the gas station, the store cashier, the waitress, and the CNA; they all lead common lives that really are the back bone of everything that happens everyday.

So the next time you are tempted to get excited about the new American Idol, ask yourself this question. How is this really going to benefit me or touch my life? Then when you go to the store be nice to the cashier, and be thankful that ordinary people like them are making your life a little easier; just like you are, theirs.

We touch so many lives everyday; what kind of impact are we having on those around us? Good? Bad? Do they see Jesus in us? I hope so.

A Question To Ask Yourself...It Could Change A Life (1)

What can I do to make a difference?


Everyone, and I mean everyone wants to feel like their life matters somehow. Your life matters to you and everyone around you is living a life that matters to them. I will say up front that I do not have all of the answers to all of the problems in my own life, much less, the answers to the all the situations that people around me face. But I can make a difference.

I received a call from a very close friend. I have set across the table from this guy many times, and together, we were able to hammer out the problems of world. Simple, actually nothing was at stake for us so it was easy. Tonight he called and told me of a tragedy in his family and how his wife and daughter are really struggling with the mess. When it all hits a little closer to home the problems get a bit more complicated; the trite, "hang in there" sentiments actually seem a little thoughtless and almost insulting. What can I do to make a difference in that situation? I am not sure, but I am working on it.

It seems that the longer I live the less I really think I know, when I was younger I pretty much knew it all; but I don't now. But I do understand this, that going the extra mile matters to people. You do not need to have all of the answers, people around us simply need to know that we will not bail out on them when the going gets difficult, and that we are willing to do what we can.

If you really want to make a difference in the lives of other people, go the extra mile. Jesus spoke of walking two miles with a friend even if they ask you to only walk one. Just do something!

Call someone just to encourage them or just listen
Drop a little card in the mail, or send a text or e-mail just to say, "Hi"
Look an elder in the eye and thank them for their friendship and for being a good example
Tell someone that they are doing a good job
Pat someone on the back
Buy a fast food "Happy Go Lucky Meal" and give the toy to a nephew, niece or neighbor kid
Say something nice about someone else
Find someone to go with you to get a Chicago style hot dog (at Mikes) and spend an hour being together
Visit someone
Cook a meal for a shut-in, or a sick neighbor
Try to restore a broken friendship

I think that is what Jesus would do...Who will be Jesus to them?

(The hot dog was great Mark, in a couple of weeks let's go look for a good burger)

One Day At A Time

I am so glad to be in January. Yes I know that the temps are cold, and going anywhere seems like a monumental task, but at least Christmas is over. It is time to resume the daily grind and I am happy to do so. Did you notice that the days are getting longer. Please do not look at any gardening books or seed catalogs, it will only make the winter and spring seem that much longer. Let's just take it a day at a time.

The new year is generally a time to resolve to do better, to be better, lose weight, and quit smoking or drinking. The list goes on. When I was a kid everyone always talked about how their life was going to change because of a New Years resolution; no one really does much of that any more. Perhaps we are all tired of breaking our vows after only a week or so of being good, and feeling like a failure. I don't like to break vows, but I am not sure that goal setting should become a thing of the past either. I would like to tell you a story.

Charles Schwab was the president of Bethlehem Steel, (I am pretty sure that there is no connection with the Christmas story). Ivy Lee was a consultant. Lee was given the task of formulating a plan that would help Schwab, "Show me a way to get more things done with my time." Schwab agreed to pay Lee "anything within reason" if the plan worked. Lee at a later date handed the president of Bethlehem Steel a sheet of paper with a plan to help get more things done with his time; the same amount of time given to all of us.

It went something like this. Write down the most important tasks that you have to do tomorrow. Number them in order of importance. When you arrive tomorrow begin at once your number 1 task and stay at it until it is accomplished. Re-check your priorities and begin with number 2 on your list, then move on to number 3, and so on until you have accomplished your goals for the day. Make this a habit for every working day.

The plan turned Bethlehem Steel into the largest independent steel producer in the world within five years. How much did Schwab pay his consultant? Several weeks after receiving the note Schwab sent Lee a check for $25,000, admitting that it was the most profitable lesson he had ever learned.

I know not every one works well from a list. Maybe you are a "planner" and not a "doer" but regardless of your type we need to live life one day at a time and really try to get as much living in as we can. Not just living for ourselves but doing what we can for others as well. You can do it.

A New Church

Pastor Ron Schuenke is on the far left.

Ron is a very good friend, and a man with a very strong love for the Lord and his family. Ron is the Pastor of a church in Medford, WI; a small church that is growing. This last weekend we passed out around 900 flyers in a neighboring community about 10 or 12 miles south of Medford, called Abbotsford. Ron wants to start a new church in Abbotsford, WI.

T.J. and Kirsty Heidenriech brought over some of their youth group from Pentecostal Assembly Church in Eau Claire; about and hour west of Abbotsford. A young couple from Kaukanana, Wi, about 3 hours away to the southeast came to help out as well. We all got together to support Pastor Schuenke and pass out the invitations/flyers. It was pretty cold and windy when we started but the sun seemed to warm things up a bit by the time we were done. We finished in about 3 hours; after which we all headed to Pizza Hut.

Ron has a real desire to see lives changed by the power of the Holy Ghost. Being a Christian it seems is becoming a really old fashioned, and a little counter cultural way of living. Being a Christian is the best thing I have ever done. I firmly believe that everyone is looking for Jesus, they just don't know that it is Jesus they are looking for; Ron is trying to help the ones who are searching. Way to go Bro.

Living Medium

Mom and dad bought a new refrigerator, and the box that it came in was huge. After cutting the metal straps off the top and bottom of the shipping carton they removed the refrigerator from the box. Mom loved the new "fridge" and the kids loved the box that it came in. Dad was not real happy with any of it; it cost too much, it was so heavy that he had to have his brother come over and help him get it in the house, and then grocery shopping had to be done to fill it up. A whole evening was spent getting this refrigerator thing, taken care of; no relaxing for dad. It was time for bed by the time by it was all done, and he was ready for it. Dad worked all day, came home and worked all evening, and now time for sleep, he had to get up early for more work. Sleep was better though, the new fridge simply hummed off and on all night. Nice. The last month or so the old fridge just growled and groaned all night, until last night when it began dripping; it was dead.

In the morning the giant box was still in the garage and the kids decided that they were going to make a fort out of it. Mom said it was alright as long as the neighbor kids stayed outside. This was a great situation for her, she got a new refrigerator, and a whole day of peace and quiet while the kids played outside. The kids gathered as many boxes as they could find and began building a cardboard castle. When they were done they stepped back and basked in the beauty of the mornings efforts.

Well naturally they needed to have rules. What were they going to be? The fort was not anyones in particular, they all contributed some cardboard to the project. So they came up with one rule, and all needed to obey, or else. If anyone breaks the rule they were getting kicked out. The rule?

"No one act big, and no one act small, everyone must act medium."

Nobody was boss, and nobody was slave. Everyone was to take care of the fort, and each other.

I know it is a simple story about getting along, but really is it too much to expect that we just get along? Everyone is different, each with different types of personality, I understand that. Sometimes the very strong manipulate the weaker or more compliant to have their own way. The very best among us was Jesus, and if anyone had a right to call the shots and make up all of the rules it was Him. The Bible refers to Him as a King of Kings, and a Lion. Jesus is the real King of the jungle; yet He chose to serve others. 

The Bible tells us, to regard one another as more important than himself. It also tells us, to serve one another in love. That is exactly the way that Jesus lived, and died. We were so important to Him that he served us. So regardless of the alphabet behind your name; PHD, MD, CPA, XYZ or ABC. Just live medium. You may be really a great person and worthy of great honor, but why not lay aside the pride for awhile and be caring, and honest, with an attitude of service to others. Be real; live medium. 

Tell Them

A young fella rushed into a service station and asked the manager if he had a pay phone. The manager nodded, "Sure, over there." The boy pushed in some change, dialed, and waited for an answer. Finally, someone came on the line. "Uh, sir," he said in a deep voice, "could you use an honest, hardworking young man to work for you?" The station manager couldn't help overhearing the question. After a moment or two the boy said, "Oh, you already have an honest, hardworking young man? Well, okay. Thanks just the same." With a broad smile stretched across his face, he hung up the phone and started back to his car, humming and obviously elated. "Hey, just a minute!" the station manager called after him. "I couldn't help but hear your conversation. Why are you so happy? I thought the guy said he already had somebody and didn't need you?" The young man smiled. "Well, you see, I am the honest, hardworking young man. I was just checking up on my job!"

I know it is a cute story but it tells of the need everyone of us has; affirmation. I need to someone to tell me once in awhile that they think I am doing a good job or that they appreciate me, and love me. I know it is not very manly to say "I love you" to another man, or speak of feelings, or hard lessons learned but we add to others lives when we do. If your son or daughter is doing a good job in school; tell them, it cost nothing and you are building and adding into their lives (like elephants they won't easily forget). What is even more important to remember is that they need to hear it every now and then. They need to know that you think the world of them; that goes for kids, spouses, grandkids, co-workers, bosses (suck-up), mentors, Pastors, Sunday School teachers; the list goes on and on.

Does everyone need this type of reassurance and affirmation? Yes if the truth were told we all have a proverbial "itch" and kind words are the only way to "scratch" it.

I remember I was was called into a friends office one day; I sat down and he began to tell me about how a couple of people got together and began to accuse me of some things that were not true. He listened until they were done and explained that he knew me, and what they were saying could not possibly be true, and that the accusations surely were unfounded. He explained the accusations to me and asked if they were true; I said no and the case was closed. I must tell you, it made me feel great that a friend would stand up for me, and say good things about me when I was not there to defend myself. But I cannot tell you how It felt to hear him repeat those things so I could hear what he really thought of my character and integrity; it was amazing.

If you think someone is doing a good job tell them. Don't just tell others about them; tell them.

If we do not build into the lives of others they will look other places to be affirmed. Not just our family members either. Church people, work people, neighbor people, sick people, and healthy people. "Fat kids, skinny kids, kids who climb on rocks, tough kids sissy kids even kids with chicken pox"...(old Oscar Meyer TV commercial). We all want it, we all need it.


We are all so busy, and we are watching kids turning to each other, and these groups of kids are getting into trouble trying to find attention and affirmation. Dad your daughter needs a hug and a kiss on the cheek, she needs to know that you think she is special. If you drop the ball on this one thing, she may look to a boy at school to fill the need for love from her dad; the boy will only take advantage of her and cause heartache for the whole family. 

If you really want to add something lasting to my life or the lives of people you know; don't buy us something, tell us something