By Jim Martin/euronitram54@gmail.com
I was watching one of my favorite movies again with the title "Meet Joe Black" starring Anthony Hopkins and Brad Pitt. The story line has had a great impact on my life since seeing it the first time because I can relate to it. Maybe you will too--if you are able to mentally exchange places with Anthony Hopkin's character in the movie and wonder "what now" ?
Anthony Hopkins was a very wealthy man about to turn age 65 and life was grand with the exception that his wife was deceased but he had two Daughters who loved him very much. The family was having a dinner at the Pent House in the City that night when an unknown visitor came by during the meal. His housekeeper took the man to the library/office and informed Anthony that he had a guest. Anthony had some severe chest pains the previous days and each time, he would hear a voice talking to him but didn't know where it was coming from. So he cautiously left the meal to go see this "unknown" visitor. As he entered the room, he realized this was no ordinary mortal. As a matter of fact, he was not really mortal but was using the body of a young man his Daughter had met the same day.Anthony now knew through a detailed conversation with this Angel of death,played by Brad Pitt, that he was there to take him to the other side. Brad told him in stern terms that he would be spending a couple of weeks with Anthony before it was time to go. When he introduced him to the family, Anthony pulled a name from the air and named him Joe Black. No one but Anthony could know the real identity of this Angel of death as that was part of the instructions. The next two weeks created much frustration and many questions because Joe was involved in all decision making and never left Anthony's side. His daughter knew something was different about Brad's character but fell for him anyway.
Now put yourself in Anthony's place as I have many times. He had lived an exemplary life with incredible success and a great reputation. Yet, he was about to give it all up . Not if--but when. Your mortal life is over in two weeks and your mind is spinning. All the things I wanted to do in life--all the places I wanted to see--all the things I wanted to say to people--all the things I wanted to do to help others. I knew that I had a purpose in being here on Earth but thought I had more time. Why me? Why Now? He was told there are reasons for everything and they had a plan for him.
We wake up daily and whether we are 20 or 65, our mind is telling us that we have many many years to live so there is "plenty" of time do things for others--to accomplish those plans and goals--to tell people things you always wanted to say but put it off. But, if you are in Anthony's place, you have two weeks. "Oh yes, forgot that ".
So now the frustration kicks in because how will you accomplish all you had planned in two weeks. And the other question of what kind of life have I led so far and how will I be judged ? Have I been kind to people and tried to help others. Have I smiled and helped others to have a better day--and work through their problems. Have I been a good Parent by building my children's self esteem and told them how much I love them? Have I been a good spouse and loved my spouse--and told them enough? Have I worshiped, been a good Christian and been Christ like in the way I lived. But wait, you are only mentally in Anthony's place and don't have a two week deadline.
So now it is all better and you have 20 to 80 years to do all that "stuff". "Ya Think"?? You see, Anthony was lucky. The Angel of Death came and gave him a time frame. Mine and yours can end the next car ride or plane trip--or maybe not wake-up.
So how do we live if we don't have an Angel of death at our door giving us a check-out time? We live as if everyday is our last as a mortal. We live to help others because in the end , that is what brings true happiness and is actually why we are here.
A HUGE 65th Birthday party was given at night for Anthony's character at his mansion. His Daughter now knew who Brad really was and also knew in moments that she would never see her Father again as a mortal. As she watched her Father and the Angel of death walk over the moonlit hill, with celebration fireworks and hundreds of people at the party, Anthony stopped and asked, "Should I be afraid"? And the Angel of death smiled and said "Not a Man Like You" ! To live our lives by helping others and making a difference in this World , just might earn all of us a final answer like that.
By Jim Martin
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Saturday, June 5, 2010
DECENCY 1950 vs 2010
DECENCY 1950 vs 2010
by Jim Martin/euronitram54@gmail.com
The word Decency is a word that seems to have lost it's influence among many in today's World. I remember sitting in a movie theater in the 1950's and hearing an actor use the first curse word that we had ever heard in a film. When the actor uttered "damn", a gasp erupted in the audience and there was a murmur that lasted for a few minutes . But the talk about that life changing verbal assault continued for weeks and months. It seemed to open the door of Indecency in the way we communicate our feelings or description of situations in life. As the years passed, the censors seemed to dilute the standards of what was deemed "decent" anymore. Much like when we start gaining a few pounds and we say ,"Oh, it's just 2/3 pounds". But once that standard changes on a weekly/monthly basis, our weight is out of control and the same has happened to Decency.
The lack of Decency creeps into every fiber of our lives. It hurts business relationships when business people are not decent in their interactions with each other and fail to do what they said they would do. Oh, we can make all kind of excuses of why we act indecently in business or don't do what we said we would do, but it all boils down to treating others the way you would like to be treated. With Decency.
Parents can teach their children Decency in the early years by being a role model. They can be Decent in the way they treat their children on a daily basis and can be Decent to others so their children can see this behavior and yearn to be the same. Parenting is so hard today because much of the music, movies,TV shows, friends at school ---attacks the fundamentals of Decency on an hourly basis .Everything the Parent has tried to teach their children in Decency at home in the first five years is now assaulted daily the minute your child leaves the house every morning.
Oh, the 1950's weren't perfect--they were just better. The late 1800's weren't perfect--they were just better -- more Decent and Proper.
There are TV personalities who attack others and say some "really" Indecent things-seemingly not caring who they hurt or influence.These people seem to have lost the understanding of what a huge responsibility they have in this electronic age we live in today.
Decency starts in the heart. I heard of a bumper sticker this morning that says "If you are Born Again--tell your face". The same goes for a person who realizes that Decency is a better way to live and help others. The heart needs to let the face know about Decency. My Mother had written in her Bible that the only thing you can take to Heaven is what you did for other people. She defined Decent for me and I can "still" remember her saying,"Jimmy,that is not right". She was nice and Decent to our family and to others.
I have two Granddaughters who have learned Decency at a young age--thanks to good Parenting by my Daughter and her Husband.Like all children, they face challenges to maintaining Decency as they grow up. Their Decency starts in their hearts and I believe they will be fine. They "define" Decency for me today.
We all have had times of "not" being Decent to others but that does not mean that we cannot remind ourselves daily how important Decency is in this World . And what a tremendous difference we can make in society by being "more Decent" to others as opposed to just "telling" people about it. Living your remaining years as a Decent person can only help this World's future.
Jim Martin
by Jim Martin/euronitram54@gmail.com
The word Decency is a word that seems to have lost it's influence among many in today's World. I remember sitting in a movie theater in the 1950's and hearing an actor use the first curse word that we had ever heard in a film. When the actor uttered "damn", a gasp erupted in the audience and there was a murmur that lasted for a few minutes . But the talk about that life changing verbal assault continued for weeks and months. It seemed to open the door of Indecency in the way we communicate our feelings or description of situations in life. As the years passed, the censors seemed to dilute the standards of what was deemed "decent" anymore. Much like when we start gaining a few pounds and we say ,"Oh, it's just 2/3 pounds". But once that standard changes on a weekly/monthly basis, our weight is out of control and the same has happened to Decency.
The lack of Decency creeps into every fiber of our lives. It hurts business relationships when business people are not decent in their interactions with each other and fail to do what they said they would do. Oh, we can make all kind of excuses of why we act indecently in business or don't do what we said we would do, but it all boils down to treating others the way you would like to be treated. With Decency.
Parents can teach their children Decency in the early years by being a role model. They can be Decent in the way they treat their children on a daily basis and can be Decent to others so their children can see this behavior and yearn to be the same. Parenting is so hard today because much of the music, movies,TV shows, friends at school ---attacks the fundamentals of Decency on an hourly basis .Everything the Parent has tried to teach their children in Decency at home in the first five years is now assaulted daily the minute your child leaves the house every morning.
Oh, the 1950's weren't perfect--they were just better. The late 1800's weren't perfect--they were just better -- more Decent and Proper.
There are TV personalities who attack others and say some "really" Indecent things-seemingly not caring who they hurt or influence.These people seem to have lost the understanding of what a huge responsibility they have in this electronic age we live in today.
Decency starts in the heart. I heard of a bumper sticker this morning that says "If you are Born Again--tell your face". The same goes for a person who realizes that Decency is a better way to live and help others. The heart needs to let the face know about Decency. My Mother had written in her Bible that the only thing you can take to Heaven is what you did for other people. She defined Decent for me and I can "still" remember her saying,"Jimmy,that is not right". She was nice and Decent to our family and to others.
I have two Granddaughters who have learned Decency at a young age--thanks to good Parenting by my Daughter and her Husband.Like all children, they face challenges to maintaining Decency as they grow up. Their Decency starts in their hearts and I believe they will be fine. They "define" Decency for me today.
We all have had times of "not" being Decent to others but that does not mean that we cannot remind ourselves daily how important Decency is in this World . And what a tremendous difference we can make in society by being "more Decent" to others as opposed to just "telling" people about it. Living your remaining years as a Decent person can only help this World's future.
Jim Martin
Sunday, April 25, 2010
What a Dad-What a Man
By Jim Martin Jr./euronitram54@gmail.com
I have always heard that Parents raise their children very much the same way that they were raised. After all, what other training have we Parents had except for our memories of how our own Parents handled us ? If I can be half the Parent my Dad was, my Children's future will be enhanced.
When I was about 7 years old, my Dad started teaching me to compete in fun games and he would always win. Then,with a wry smile, he would say, "I'm the Champ" ! Dad was a great athlete and I knew that so for the next 32 years, I always called him Champ instead of Dad. He had a way of getting respect without demanding it. I can remember watching baseball on Television and hearing him tell me that one day I would be out there. Champ was always painting that future for me and it excited me to see that "twinkle" in his eye when he said it.
There were always times when I saw how he cared. When I was about 12 years old, we had an accident on Main Street and in exchanging insurance information, he asked the young boy what he did for a living. The boy told him he was a college student and my Dad immediately said not to worry about it--that he would pay for his own damage(even though it was the young boy's fault). I can remember getting in the car and telling Dad how proud I was of him ! I saw many reasons to respect him because he showed me love and respect. In all my years of Sports, he always respected my Coaches for their decisions. He never said one negative thing about coaches to me. My High School Coach once paid my Dad a high compliment. He told me that my Dad never put him on the spot. Just one more reason to be proud of the Champ !
After every home game, we would go to the kitchen for our peanut butter and graham crackers and rehash the game. Not once did he ever say anything negative if I had a bad game. He always let me know that nobody bats a 1,000 and my next game would be better. He wanted me to learn from my mistakes and move on to my next task. I longed for these after game talks --win or lose. I can still remember those proud looks on his face when he wanted me to know how great a feeling it was to be a Dad !
Parents are always frustrated about disciplining their Children. Champ would tell me to be home at 11:00 PM, and when I would get home at 11:20 PM, he would know. I had to walk through my Parents room since the dining room door squeaked too much. Never could oil that squeak. I would almost get through and my Dad would roll over and ask what time it was? I would say 11:20 and he would say ,"I thought I told you to be home by 11:00" ? He would then say "Good night" and I would lay awake for an hour because I had let him down. Total respect without the Champ demanding it.
My Dad passed away in 1986 and I miss him terribly 24 years later. It is so important now for Parents to realize what a great impact, good or bad, that they have on their Children. It is time for Parents to spend more time with their Children / understand the problems they face and give them guidance. We as Parents must wake up and understand that Schools,Churches and Law Enforcement are not able to teach our Children discipline and high morals by themselves. Parents have to rise up now and take responsibility more than ever before.
By Jim Martin Jr.
Jim Martin Sr.
I have always heard that Parents raise their children very much the same way that they were raised. After all, what other training have we Parents had except for our memories of how our own Parents handled us ? If I can be half the Parent my Dad was, my Children's future will be enhanced.
When I was about 7 years old, my Dad started teaching me to compete in fun games and he would always win. Then,with a wry smile, he would say, "I'm the Champ" ! Dad was a great athlete and I knew that so for the next 32 years, I always called him Champ instead of Dad. He had a way of getting respect without demanding it. I can remember watching baseball on Television and hearing him tell me that one day I would be out there. Champ was always painting that future for me and it excited me to see that "twinkle" in his eye when he said it.
There were always times when I saw how he cared. When I was about 12 years old, we had an accident on Main Street and in exchanging insurance information, he asked the young boy what he did for a living. The boy told him he was a college student and my Dad immediately said not to worry about it--that he would pay for his own damage(even though it was the young boy's fault). I can remember getting in the car and telling Dad how proud I was of him ! I saw many reasons to respect him because he showed me love and respect. In all my years of Sports, he always respected my Coaches for their decisions. He never said one negative thing about coaches to me. My High School Coach once paid my Dad a high compliment. He told me that my Dad never put him on the spot. Just one more reason to be proud of the Champ !
After every home game, we would go to the kitchen for our peanut butter and graham crackers and rehash the game. Not once did he ever say anything negative if I had a bad game. He always let me know that nobody bats a 1,000 and my next game would be better. He wanted me to learn from my mistakes and move on to my next task. I longed for these after game talks --win or lose. I can still remember those proud looks on his face when he wanted me to know how great a feeling it was to be a Dad !
Parents are always frustrated about disciplining their Children. Champ would tell me to be home at 11:00 PM, and when I would get home at 11:20 PM, he would know. I had to walk through my Parents room since the dining room door squeaked too much. Never could oil that squeak. I would almost get through and my Dad would roll over and ask what time it was? I would say 11:20 and he would say ,"I thought I told you to be home by 11:00" ? He would then say "Good night" and I would lay awake for an hour because I had let him down. Total respect without the Champ demanding it.
My Dad passed away in 1986 and I miss him terribly 24 years later. It is so important now for Parents to realize what a great impact, good or bad, that they have on their Children. It is time for Parents to spend more time with their Children / understand the problems they face and give them guidance. We as Parents must wake up and understand that Schools,Churches and Law Enforcement are not able to teach our Children discipline and high morals by themselves. Parents have to rise up now and take responsibility more than ever before.
By Jim Martin Jr.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
I MADE A DIFFERENCE by Jim Martin/euronitram54@gmail.com
Sunday, March 7, 2010
I MADE A DIFFERENCE by Jim Martin/euronitram54@gmail.com
Why are you here? That is a question that sooner or later a person will look in the mirror and ask themselves. When that time comes, and you actually find the answer in your heart, your life becomes more complete. I worked with a man many years ago, who was extremely successful and happens to be a Billionaire today, who used to say that he only wanted on his tombstone his name and the inscription--"I made a Difference". He had figured out why he was here and how he could use his God given talents to help others to better themselves in life.
When you look in a mirror today, you may be a executive in control of thousands of careers, or an employee working for a large/small Corporation---maybe self employed--a Government (State or Federal) employee--or one of many thousands of different Professions. It doesn't matter. What matters most is that you are in contact with people daily on a personal and Professional basis by Phone--mail--email--face to face--and with people you know well and others you just met. You can be one of two types of people that others have opinions of. You can be a person that people like to see coming---or one that people like to see leaving. Usually the people that have figured out "why they are here" are the ones that people like to see coming !
The people who have it all together, and know their destiny and function in life, have a goal for you in that encounter for the day. They want to leave you better off than when they said hi for the first time or hi to a good friend/office worker that they see everyday . If they are meeting you for the first time, their feeling is genuine when they "smile" and give you a "firm" handshake--and say, "it's nice to meet you" ! But , they don't stop there. If there is time for small talk--they will find something positive to say about your family or what you do for a living. They will leave you with a smile, genuinely happy to have met you, and something that reminded you that your life is special ! Maybe they were impressed with what your job is or the fact that your children have accomplished something special---whatever. They will "find" something in that conversation that focuses on "you" and your family---which will hopefully help set you on a course of a better life.
If they are seeing you in the office on an everyday basis or just seeing you as a good friend once a week, they will look for something in your life that is going well and focus on that . They will bring up that positives rule in life and they are making an effort to remind you how fortunate you are in so many areas. Of course "everyone" has problems or parts of their present/or past life they want to change. Without valleys --there would be no mountains---how would you tell the difference? They just want to help you have a better day/better life and to help you concentrate on "why you are here" !
A typical person who has not figured that out, may be so involved in his/her job--so involved in the stress of being a Mother/Father to their children(and all their growing up problems) that they have not stopped long enough to ask the question--"why am I here"?
I have heard many people just saying--"I just want to be happy" ! It's like the man who had a huge rambling farm and wanted to sell it. He called the Real Estate Agency and gave them the listing. The next morning, it appeared in the paper with a "Beautiful" picture ! It read, 110 acres of prime farm land with beautiful rolling hills and 30 huge shady oak trees--a white fence covering all of the rolling hills property, an 8 acre pristine/clear water lake surrounded by willow trees and stocked with catfish, a large newly built and freshly painted red barn with 7 horses and 40 head of cattle and a beautiful 4,000 square foot ranch house with a 8 foot wide front porch with ceiling fans and white rocking chairs ! After reading this, he immediately called his agent and told him to take it off the market ! He said , "I've been looking for a place like this ALL my life" ! Maybe if a person who knows WHY he is here--could describe what you really have in life--it just might wake you up ?
I believe true happiness comes from "doing for others" more so than for yourself ! It is a small thing but something I have done for years is to walk up to a soldier/policeman/policewoman/fireman --- shake their hand and "Genuinely thank them for their service"! The look on their face tells it all.
We are here to help others to cope with the trials and tribulations of everyday life and realize why they are here. We are here---NOT just to exist--but to embrace life and appreciate every birthday you have whether it is your 21st or your 81st.Because as long as you are celebrating birthdays--you are not finished. You can be one of those that people like to see coming and don't like to see leaving --- knowing in your heart that "You have made a difference" !
By Jim Martin Memphis TN
Sunday, February 21, 2010
MISSED HIS CHANCE AT BEING A GREAT DAD By Jim Martin/euronitram54@gmail.com
This is a story about a little boy and his Mother at the airport in Houston . It was drizzling light rain that day and this little 5/6 year boy was at the window in the waiting area watching for his Dad's plane to arrive. He had his little pug nose pressed up against the window and every few minutes would ask his Mother if it was time yet.His Dad had obviously been on a business trip and his excitement in seeing his Dad took my mind off missing my children temporarily. As the plane pulled in , the little boy started jumping up and down and pointing to the plane with a huge smile and holding his Mother's hand. It was a boarding and de-planing from the ground so I got up and followed he and his Mother out to the plane as I was getting excited to see this reunion. I stayed back while the other passengers deplaned and watched . One by one they came off and the little boy stood with his Mother patiently waiting for his hero. Then, I saw the little boy start jumping and pointing and as I looked at the plane, a rather large man in a dark blue three piece suit, briefcase and cigar started walking toward them with the Jackie Gleason swagger. I moved a little closer wanting to get the full benefit of this wonderful reunion. When the little boy ran and reached his Dad's leg, he never broke stride, never looked down to acknowledge his son but looked at his wife and angrily said, "where's my damn umbrella"? "Can't you see it's raining" ? My heart sunk to my feet.He walked far out in front of them and his son walked behind his Mother holding on to her with his face buried in her skirt. That Dad missed his chance at hugging his son and loving on him. He missed his chance at hugging his wife and loving on her. He wanted to be a big shot. There are thousands of men who have lost their lives in plane crashes that never got to de-plane and see their sons/daughters/wives running to meet them. They would just like to have one more time. That Dad just didn't get it. Being a Parent is a GREAT Privilege. Don't miss out !!
By Jim Martin -------who was at a convention and heard the speaker tell about personally seeing this happen.
By Jim Martin -------who was at a convention and heard the speaker tell about personally seeing this happen.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
A SNAPSHOT OF YOUR LIFE By Jim Martin/euronitram54@gmail.com
If a person listens well, he or she will hear family and friends reach out in frustration about their lives and how they wish certain areas could be different or regrets that could be erased and relived. Everyone has those thoughts and moments because that is why our spirits were put here in mortal form to live and learn from these experiences. But many times, we are too critical of where our lives are or maybe we don't really take a snapshot of our present time frame in life and recognize how fortunate we are. A close encounter with death happened to me a few years ago that makes me realize why I should share it--since it woke me up to the reality of my life--how to concentrate on my wonderful family and the fact that I am still having Birthdays.
I was eating some chicken for lunch alone at home and watching the news at the same time. It became apparent that I had not chewed very well and a large piece of chicken became lodged in my throat and I could not breath. I stood up and drank some tea but it came back up. I didn't panic "yet" and walked into the kitchen while trying to cough--but couldn't. By now, time was approaching a minute or so and the panic was showing it's presence "clearly". And then it happened. I saw a headline in a paper, "Memphis Man Chokes To Death" and knew immediately , "This is not Good" ! Now I am down to critical seconds and panic has turned into reality with thoughts of how could I have complained about "anything"? But then in what was probably 5 or 10 seconds , I saw a video or newsreel of my life as you would see thousands of frames whizzing by in warped speed. Now I am "Really" saying "This is NOT good" ! But then a thought or a voice said to stick my finger down my throat and throw it up. It worked and I am still here----appreciating life more than ever before and how lucky I am to have my Wife, Daughter, Son, Grandchildren , extended Family, Great friends and the second chance to do some good in this World. I don't wish this experience on anyone but I can assure you there would be less complaining and un-happiness about where you are in life . Most would concentrate on how to improve and appreciate life in general after having it almost taken away.
My friend in Indiana (David Stevenson) gave me an article written by Pastor Jeff Johns on January 10, 1999 that is appropriate for most of us . It is below and I believe is "well worth" reading and living by the life fundamentals described by him.
DIVIDING THE HEART by Pastor Jeff Johns
You can become emotionally and physically exhausted
From concentrating on things you want to have or buy or can't afford
Trapped in a vicious circle,the more you focus on lack,
And what you cannot have,the more depressed you will become,
The more depressed you become, the more you focus on lack.
There is no such thing as financial security when this occurs,
because your soul is crying out,not for financial security but peace
An inner peace that the World or Worldly things cannot take away
Lay down some goals,fears,anxieties, become a seeker,a Pilgrim,a Sojourner,
When you DO then your eyes open,and you will see "MUCH to be Grateful for".
Gratitude is the key to opening and "awakening" the Heart.
Take inventory of Life's assets; Health, Wonderful Spouse, Daughters,Sons
Food in the Pantry, friends who care deeply about us and share in our lives.
Get started,your list will grow,what you sow you will reap.
Give your very best,it will come back to you,
NOW is the moment to live out your own personal beliefs.
Look at life's ledger, you will see that you are rich.
All you are experiencing is a cash flow problem, that's all
You need an inner awareness that your personal net worth
Cannot be determined by the size of your checking account(big or small).
Start giving Thanks for Everything
The Fragrance of my Wife's hair
The smile of my Daughter's face
My Son's Zeal for Action
Grape Jelly and Locust Honey
Every "I Love You"
Give your Life another Glance, pause a moment and give Thanks,
Exchange your need for emotional and financial security for Serenity(Peace)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pastor Johns says it all in appreciating what you have and Giving Your Life another Glance AND Chance.
I Hope that this message finds the right time frame in your life or someone else's and can redirect your focus on the right priorities. It seems that we don't "really" realize what we have or how great we have it until it is almost taken away.
Jim Martin--Memphis TN.
I was eating some chicken for lunch alone at home and watching the news at the same time. It became apparent that I had not chewed very well and a large piece of chicken became lodged in my throat and I could not breath. I stood up and drank some tea but it came back up. I didn't panic "yet" and walked into the kitchen while trying to cough--but couldn't. By now, time was approaching a minute or so and the panic was showing it's presence "clearly". And then it happened. I saw a headline in a paper, "Memphis Man Chokes To Death" and knew immediately , "This is not Good" ! Now I am down to critical seconds and panic has turned into reality with thoughts of how could I have complained about "anything"? But then in what was probably 5 or 10 seconds , I saw a video or newsreel of my life as you would see thousands of frames whizzing by in warped speed. Now I am "Really" saying "This is NOT good" ! But then a thought or a voice said to stick my finger down my throat and throw it up. It worked and I am still here----appreciating life more than ever before and how lucky I am to have my Wife, Daughter, Son, Grandchildren , extended Family, Great friends and the second chance to do some good in this World. I don't wish this experience on anyone but I can assure you there would be less complaining and un-happiness about where you are in life . Most would concentrate on how to improve and appreciate life in general after having it almost taken away.
My friend in Indiana (David Stevenson) gave me an article written by Pastor Jeff Johns on January 10, 1999 that is appropriate for most of us . It is below and I believe is "well worth" reading and living by the life fundamentals described by him.
DIVIDING THE HEART by Pastor Jeff Johns
You can become emotionally and physically exhausted
From concentrating on things you want to have or buy or can't afford
Trapped in a vicious circle,the more you focus on lack,
And what you cannot have,the more depressed you will become,
The more depressed you become, the more you focus on lack.
There is no such thing as financial security when this occurs,
because your soul is crying out,not for financial security but peace
An inner peace that the World or Worldly things cannot take away
Lay down some goals,fears,anxieties, become a seeker,a Pilgrim,a Sojourner,
When you DO then your eyes open,and you will see "MUCH to be Grateful for".
Gratitude is the key to opening and "awakening" the Heart.
Take inventory of Life's assets; Health, Wonderful Spouse, Daughters,Sons
Food in the Pantry, friends who care deeply about us and share in our lives.
Get started,your list will grow,what you sow you will reap.
Give your very best,it will come back to you,
NOW is the moment to live out your own personal beliefs.
Look at life's ledger, you will see that you are rich.
All you are experiencing is a cash flow problem, that's all
You need an inner awareness that your personal net worth
Cannot be determined by the size of your checking account(big or small).
Start giving Thanks for Everything
The Fragrance of my Wife's hair
The smile of my Daughter's face
My Son's Zeal for Action
Grape Jelly and Locust Honey
Every "I Love You"
Give your Life another Glance, pause a moment and give Thanks,
Exchange your need for emotional and financial security for Serenity(Peace)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pastor Johns says it all in appreciating what you have and Giving Your Life another Glance AND Chance.
I Hope that this message finds the right time frame in your life or someone else's and can redirect your focus on the right priorities. It seems that we don't "really" realize what we have or how great we have it until it is almost taken away.
Jim Martin--Memphis TN.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
DRIVING OFF IN THE CAR-LEAVING JESUS BEHIND by Jim Martin/euronitram54@gmail.com
I was having a conversation the other day with a good friend in Indiana (David Stevenson) and the subject was the fact that Christmas has become so commercialized that the real meaning has just been left behind. He then said something profound about the family driving off in the car and leaving Jesus behind while traveling to celebrate Christmas extended Family. It meant even more when he reminded me of how Jesus was left behind by his family and they had to travel a full day to go back and pick him up. David told a friend in Indiana about this (Mike Vanouse) and he wrote a paragraph about the happening and compared it to today. The below is what Mike wrote in quotation.
"According to Luke 2:41-50, when Jesus was a
boy, His family packed Him up every year and took a trip to Jerusalem
to celebrate Passover. When He was 12, the family got so caught up in
the festivities of the holiday that when they packed up to return
home, they FORGOT TO LOOK FOR JESUS and assumed that He was among
them. They traveled for a whole day before they realized that He
wasn't in their midst. They had to turn around and GO BACK to where
they were to look for Him. He was in the temple doing His Father's
business. Fast forward to America today: a land flowing with milk and
once were honey. Every year families pack up the kids and travel across the
country to celebrate the night that God came to Earth as Jesus to
deliver us from captivity to sin. Christmas. We spend lavishly to
erect decorations, exchange gifts and keep the moneychangers in
business. But at some point we'll take stock of ourselves and
realize that we've been caught up in festivities and have traveled
very far, FORGETTING TO LOOK FOR JESUS, assuming that He is among us.
Meanwhile, He hasn't gone anywhere. He sits in the Temple not made
with hands and conducts our Father's business. It falls to us to
turn around, go back to where we once were as a nation and look for
Him again."
So just how do we drive off as a family for Christmas and leave Jesus behind ? My Mother told me an embarrassing story about how I was traveling with she and Dad on the way back to Mississippi and after fueling up, we drove away leaving her in the restroom. Since I was too young (thank goodness) and did not remember that happening, I was gasping at this point in the story and asked,"HOW could we have done that"? She just laughed with her little giggle and said the owner offered to immediately go after us---but she said no, "because we would be back". She said that we came right back as predicted but I have never gotten over the fact that Dad and SON could drive off and leave her. I thought that only happened in the movies !!!.
So next time we drive to another State or across town to celebrate Christmas--we need to make sure Jesus is WITH us. If we get in the car to go anywhere --"anytime" of the year--we need to have Jesus with us. When we wake up and go to bed, we need to have Jesus with us.
For those who know me well--you know I am not overly--in your face--religious but I try to live right and be a good Christian while influencing others with what I consider helpful ways to live a better life. David's statement just caught my attention and I felt moved enough to write about it. I hope you enjoyed it and further hope you will benefit from an extra passenger.
Jim Martin
"According to Luke 2:41-50, when Jesus was a
boy, His family packed Him up every year and took a trip to Jerusalem
to celebrate Passover. When He was 12, the family got so caught up in
the festivities of the holiday that when they packed up to return
home, they FORGOT TO LOOK FOR JESUS and assumed that He was among
them. They traveled for a whole day before they realized that He
wasn't in their midst. They had to turn around and GO BACK to where
they were to look for Him. He was in the temple doing His Father's
business. Fast forward to America today: a land flowing with milk and
once were honey. Every year families pack up the kids and travel across the
country to celebrate the night that God came to Earth as Jesus to
deliver us from captivity to sin. Christmas. We spend lavishly to
erect decorations, exchange gifts and keep the moneychangers in
business. But at some point we'll take stock of ourselves and
realize that we've been caught up in festivities and have traveled
very far, FORGETTING TO LOOK FOR JESUS, assuming that He is among us.
Meanwhile, He hasn't gone anywhere. He sits in the Temple not made
with hands and conducts our Father's business. It falls to us to
turn around, go back to where we once were as a nation and look for
Him again."
So just how do we drive off as a family for Christmas and leave Jesus behind ? My Mother told me an embarrassing story about how I was traveling with she and Dad on the way back to Mississippi and after fueling up, we drove away leaving her in the restroom. Since I was too young (thank goodness) and did not remember that happening, I was gasping at this point in the story and asked,"HOW could we have done that"? She just laughed with her little giggle and said the owner offered to immediately go after us---but she said no, "because we would be back". She said that we came right back as predicted but I have never gotten over the fact that Dad and SON could drive off and leave her. I thought that only happened in the movies !!!.
So next time we drive to another State or across town to celebrate Christmas--we need to make sure Jesus is WITH us. If we get in the car to go anywhere --"anytime" of the year--we need to have Jesus with us. When we wake up and go to bed, we need to have Jesus with us.
For those who know me well--you know I am not overly--in your face--religious but I try to live right and be a good Christian while influencing others with what I consider helpful ways to live a better life. David's statement just caught my attention and I felt moved enough to write about it. I hope you enjoyed it and further hope you will benefit from an extra passenger.
Jim Martin
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