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I said Hi to a passerby and she replied,  ”How are you?”, and continued to walk away.   She asked me a question, yet continued to walk away.  It puzzles me that we use our words without thought or caution.  Of course I know that this is a simple example, one that doesn’t hurt anyone, but it is an example that shows how we can “act” like we care, but making the effort to really show we care is something else. 

You see, words are powerful.  I love the story of the kid at school who was lonely.  He was hurting but generally no one noticed him.  One day at the end of school, he cleaned out his locker and headed home.  A boy in his neighborhood saw him carrying this load, and offered to help him.  The boy then dropped everything. The boy helped pick up the stuff and helped him carry the stuff home.  While walking home, the boy who was helping him was kind and friendly.  He even mentioned meeting the next day so they could walk to school together. 

Years later, the first boy during a graduation speech, mentioned this story.  He shared that he cleaned out his locker that day because he was going to go home and commit suicide. He felt lonely and worthless.  But because this other boy showed him care and kindness, he decided to keep on living.

 You see friends, sometime we are exactly that fragile and it only takes ONE to reach out and help.  One person can make a difference.

 Jesus was one of those people that God blessed the Earth with.  Repeatedly, Jesus made the most unworthy feel a strong sense of value.  What an awesome thought. 

 You can make a difference.  When you see people, acknowledge them.  Let them know they are worth your time.  Even in a rush, you can in an instant lift someone else up, and perhaps even save their lives. 

 Go Ahead and Lift Someone Up!

Who is your shepherd?  Who helps to guide your way?   Who makes sure that you are safe?  Who brings you comfort, security and reassurance?

The world teaches that we need to fend for ourselves.  That if we are going to be the best, we need to do whatever it takes to make sure we are at the top, even if it means knocking people over in the process.

The world points out all of our faults. We aren’t good enough.  We are too fat, too skinny, too quiet, too loud, not pretty enough, not smart enough, not, not, not! 

The world loves to tease us.  Hanging things over our heads, creating desires that we didn’t even know existed.

Why?  Because the world is a scary place.  My mom always said that to me.  The world is a scary place.  I didn’t get it.  I grew up in a little nothing happens town and the world seemed totally safe. 

But, then, I got older and I saw.  And I saw the need for a shepherd.  Someone who ALWAYS had my best interest in mind.  Not just when it suited them.  Always!  

You see, the world teaches us that in order for us to be successful we need a high powered job,  great cars, a 6 room home with 4 car garage, 2 kids, 2 dogs, a boat.  You know, the best that money can buy!  That is success.  That is what the world values.

The world doesn’t care that your marriage is falling apart.  The world doesn’t care that your kids are on drugs, pregnant, in jail, or just not speaking to you.  The world doesn’t care. 

But, God cares.  He truly has our best interest in mind.  He truly wants us to be happy, healthy, loved, and successful.  His picture of success, however, is a bit different from the worlds. 

He desires that you are taken care of, that you have all that you need, that you are safe.  Psalm 23 is just a beautiful picture of that.

1The Lord is my shepherd;
      I have all that I need.
 2 He lets me rest in green meadows;
      he leads me beside peaceful streams.
    3 He renews my strength.
   He guides me along right paths,
      bringing honor to his name.
 4 Even when I walk
      through the darkest valley,
   I will not be afraid,
      for you are close beside me.
   Your rod and your staff
      protect and comfort me.
 5 You prepare a feast for me
      in the presence of my enemies.
   You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
      My cup overflows with blessings.
 6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
      all the days of my life,
   and I will live in the house of the Lord
      forever.

Let God be your shepherd, not the world.  Let God guide you, not the world.  Let God, be your shepherd.  He has your best interest in mind ALWAYS! He will lead you, you just need to let Him.

Last week I had my air-conditioner cleaned.  It was disgusting and full of mold.  It had this smell, like cat urine, and we don’t have a cat.  I am so grateful it is done and am happy to say my home no longer smells like cat pee pee.

 Anyway, that same day, I was going to be beginning to teach a new student voice lessons.  The lesson was set for late in the afternoon and I decided in my mind that the air conditioner would be cleaned by then, and it would be fine.   Soon after the man took apart the a/c, I began to feel my throat get scratchy - even though I don’t have any allergies.  I began to think that I should cancel the lesson.  Who knew if she had allergies.  But, I didn’t cancel then.

Around noon, I thought about it again, but still squashed the idea as I figured I was being paranoid.  Finally, the feeling just wouldn’t go away.  I called her mom and told her about the a/c and the mold. 

You know what happened?

Her mom told me that she was severely allergic to mold, takes medication for it regularly and would surely have had an attack had they come over.

Now, once again pondering on this whole thing, I know that it was God not letting this go.  He knew this little girl would get sick coming to my home that day. He knew that I had to cancel. 

Had I not listened, she would have come, and she would have gotten sick, had an asthma attack and felt awful. 

Trust that little feeling.  Listen to it.  God is always with us.   

Happy New Year!  It is the time for all things new.  New starts, new focus ! 

It is my prayer that your focus first, be on God.  He will help to guide you in your life.  By putting your faith in Him, and taking your focus off of yourself and stuff, your life will have more meaning and be more fulfilled.

After God, let your focus be on your family.  They are important - more important than your career, more important than stuff, more important than housework, more important than anything under God. 

Finally, focus on your career and all the other “stuff.”  By living this way, God first, family second and career and stuff third, your life can have more balance and be a little more simple.  In the long run, when we are old and dying, what do you want people to remember about you?  All the stuff you had, or the amazing person you were to your loved ones?

I hope that your New Year will be joyful, blessed, and full.  I hope that you will remember, everyday when you wake up and go to sleep, to thank God for you, for your family, and for all the blessings in your life. I hope that you will SEE all the blessings in your own life, and help to bring blessings to other people’s lives.

God Bless You!  I wish for you an amazing 2008!