Make Something Happen

In today’s world of uncertainty and confusion many people are afraid of what the future will bring.  There are many who engage in endless conversations, voicing their opinions of what should or should not be done.  Meanwhile, a growing number of people are convinced that the government is out of control in spending money that we just do not have.

With all of this uncertainty and confusion, some wait for the government to do something to help them.  Others just wait to see what happens next, hoping things will get better.  But some have decided to make something happen in their own lives.

Which group are you in?

There is a lot of talk these days about “stimulus.” People question whether the “stimulus package” is working. One of the dictionary definitions of stimulate is, “to excite to activity or growth to greater activity.”

Because of fear, many people wait for something to stimulate their lives.  They wait uninspired; they are frozen. But why should you wait for someone else to change your life?  Why not trust God to help you to change your own situation, regardless of what the government does or does not do?

A recession does not put God out of business.  For those to who choose to put their trust in God, there is nothing that ties His hands, including a famine.  As bad as a recession can be, it is nothing compared to a famine.

Countless records in the Bible show God’s help, from small situations to desperate life threatening situations.  For those who trusted Him, He always provided a solution.  That is His nature.  Why would He stop now?

Some people might argue and say that they are not afraid.  But inaction is a product of fear.  Fear will always hold you back or push you back.  The reason so many people are just waiting, and not taking action, is because of fear.

It is very easy to wait and see if things will get better.  It’s easy to wish things were better.  It’s easy to hope things will get better. But it takes courage to move forward, trusting God to help you, having confidence in Him that things will get better for you.

It is sad that so many people feel absolutely hopeless.  They feel that way because they have forgotten just how powerful and delivering God is.  They look only at their own abilities and see no way out.  And so, they wait.

But if you are tired of waiting, here’s a plan.  Get inspired and take action by faith.  It really is that simple.  You first need to be inspired.  And you’re not going to get inspired by watching the news or having negative conversations with people about how bad the current situation is.  Those things simply build more fear into your life, so avoid them.

Get inspired by reading the Bible and seeing your God in action!  Get inspired by talking to other people who want to trust God and make something happen.  Get inspired by thinking thoughts of possibilities, instead of consequences of the current situation.

Get inspired!

Then by faith in God, which is believing and having confidence in Him, start moving forward, asking Him to direct your path.  He has promised that He would direct and light up your path… but if you are sitting on the side of the road, there is no path to lighten or direct.

Have you ever gone fishing? I like to fish in a small boat anchored in the middle of a lake. Now I could just sit in the boat and dream all day long about catching lots of fish.  I could watch others in their boats and see them catching fish.  I could even wonder if perhaps another fisherman might even bring me a few of his fish.

I never do any of those things.  Do you know why?  Because I would never have any fish.  When I get out my pole, and bait my hook, and cast my line into the water, then and only then do I have the possibility of catching some fish.

And, I’ll let you in on a little secret; I pray when I fish.  I ask God to help me, to direct my path to the fish.  Why not?

You can either sit and wait for the government to do something, or, just wait to see what happens next, or, decide to make something happen in your own life.

I met a lady recently who I think is in her sixties, although I certainly wasn’t going to ask her.  She is living a dream she had for a very long time.  She told me that she was blessed by God to be living where she is living today.

Over the years I have written a number of articles about dreams, goals and possibilities.  I think life was meant to be lived to its fullest.  Part of living your full potential is being a possibility thinker.

Many methods and programs can help one realize their dreams and goals.  I have in the past written about some of them.  But I also know that methods and programs are just that; they are simply methods and programs.  What works for one person may not work for someone else.  And, you really can’t say that a specific method or program was the only reason someone realized their goal or dream.

That being said, the lady I met recently who is living her dream, did something a long time ago.  She drew a picture.  She told me that she was born and raised in a house in Pennsylvania right in the middle of an apple orchard.  It was her dream to someday live again in a house in the middle of an apple orchard.

So, she drew a simple picture of a house in the middle of an apple orchard.  She drew that picture many, many years ago.

There were some things in her life that didn’t go as well as she had hoped for. Then, after a number of years, she was living alone.  She lived alone for nearly twenty years until she met a widower about seven years ago.  After a time of courtship, the couple got married and she moved into his house, which is now their home.

As I talked to her in the driveway of her new home of seven years, she was relating some of these things to me.  She was so happy and truly thankful to God to be living in a house in California, right in the middle of a large apple orchard.

“What are the odds,” she told me, “that I would meet someone who owned an apple orchard and that he would want to marry me?”  She thankfully added, “Isn’t God so good to me?”

Have you ever considered drawing a picture of your dream or goal?  Not an artist, you say?  Neither is she.  That’s not the point.  The point is, can you see your dream?  Can you describe it?  Why not draw a little picture of it?

I remember reading a book a number of years ago and one of the incidents in the book was about a picture from a magazine.  A man cut out a picture of a beautiful house from a magazine and kept the picture in his office.  After moving a few times, the picture ended up in a box.

Years later he purchased his dream house.  And, then while unpacking; he discovered the old picture from the magazine.  It was not a picture that was similar to his new home; it was his new home!  He stared at the picture that he had cut out of a magazine many years before.  He stood there holding a picture of the house he now owned.

Can you picture your dreams?  Why not draw a picture of your dream?  Or, cut out a picture from a magazine of your dream.  Or, download a picture of your dream and put it on your desktop computer.  Put it on your cell phone.

Our minds remember images.  Scientists say that Images that have emotions attached to them are very powerful.  Perhaps this is a method you may want to explore in reaching your dreams and goals.

No matter what method you use, do something to keep your dreams and goals alive.  And never stop picturing them vividly, in great detail, in your mind.  See yourself where you want to be, not where you are today.  Regardless of the odds, regardless of what others say, your dreams are important because they are your dreams. Refuse to let go of your picture; work towards it until you get it.

Michael A. Verdicchio

The inspiration for this article came from a TV commercial I saw recently.  The premise was a group of people from one phone company discussing the success of their competitor.  When asked if anyone had any suggestions, someone said, “Let’s have a “blame-storming” session.  Irene, I blame you!”

Have you ever had a brainstorming session?  That’s a term we use when a person, or several people really focus in on something and endeavor to come up with solutions.   Brainstorming sessions can be very profitable.

I’ve been in brainstorming sessions in a group setting, as well as with just one other person.  My wife and I have regular brainstorming sessions about different issues.  And of course, I have brainstormed with myself on plenty of occasions.

Brainstorming is good because you take the time to stay focused on one particular issue, looking for possible solutions, or different perspective and direction. Many times, just because you are mentally locked in, you think about things that you maybe hadn’t considered before.

But on the other hand there are people who aren’t really looking for solutions. Instead of brainstorming, they are “blame-storming.”  Instead of looking for positive possibilities to improve their situation, they are engaged in thinking about who is to blame for their circumstances.

Now it’s really quite interesting when a brainstormer meets up with a “blame-stormer.”   When offered advice on how things might be improved, the “blame-stormer” comes right back with a list of who is responsible for their circumstances.  It seems as though “blame-stormers” would rather have a “pity party” instead of finding solutions for their present condition in life.

First of all, it is good to remember that there are things in life that are outside of your control.  I don’t control the stock market, and neither do you.  I don’t control the housing market, and neither do you.  I don’t decide interest rates, and neither do you.

When it comes to things that are outside of our control it is a terrible waste of time to try and figure out who is to blame.  It’s not only a waste of time, but it effects no change.  It doesn’t improve your situation in the least.

At the end of the day, “blame-stormers” are still discouraged and have accomplished nothing.  They find themselves in the same place they were when the day started. They have no added hope for the future.

On the other hand, at the end of a day, a brainstormer has new hope for the future.  They have considered other possibilities.  They are encouraged and on their way to finding real solutions.

It really is a great way to live.  Instead of complaining and looking for whom to blame, look for solutions.  Instead of thinking like a victim, decide to be a winner. Consider possibilities.  Think outside of the box.

This is especially good advice for someone who has lost their job.  Finding yourself in that situation can easily tempt you to blame, blame and blame some more.  But what good does that do?  What does that accomplish?  How does that aid you in finding new employment?

And, here’s a helpful tip for the next time you decide to brainstorm: pray.  Ask God to help you.  Ask Him to help you think of new ideas.  Ask Him to guide you.  The Bible says if you lack wisdom then ask God for it.

Life really is all about choices.  You can choose to be a “blame-stormer” or you can choose to be a brainstormer.  It’s pretty obvious which course is the better path to take.

Michael A. Verdicchio

I don’t watch much of the news on TV, especially lately.  It is not very inspiring or encouraging.  That’s one of the main reasons I haven’t subscribed to a newspaper for some time now. The reports paint a pretty depressing picture.  And, most of their predictions paint a gloomy future.

Do you ever wonder why the news is so depressing? It’s because it isn’t designed to build you up and encourage you.  Journalism has strayed pretty far from just reporting the facts.  But, there’s an old saying: “If it bleeds, it leads.”  That means the story that is the most tragic, dramatic, horrific, or negative, is usually the lead story. And that applies to TV, radio, and newspapers.

But have you ever noticed how you feel after watching the news on TV? Are you refreshed, enthused and inspired?  Like me, you probably don’t feel happy, elated or encouraged, do you?

A lot has happened in our country in the past year.  As a result of what people know, or, what they think they know, many choose to criticize and blame.  And of course to validate their feelings, they simply re-report to others what they heard on the news.  “Guess what I heard on the news, today?”  “I told you they were planning to do that; and just yesterday…”  And on and on it goes.

The United States is currently facing some very critical issues.  Very serious problems need the right solutions.  I understand that.  But, what about putting your focus on some other news?  What about listening to the Good News?

I really do believe that regardless of any circumstances no matter how insurmountable they may seem, God’s promises are still true.  And He will bring His promises to pass for those who choose to trust and believe Him.

Consider this: the Bible is not only full of God’s promises of help, deliverance, healing, and prosperity, but there are also many accounts of people facing very difficult and even impossible circumstances who received His help and deliverance.  Have you ever wondered why all those accounts are in the Bible?

Some of those accounts are memorable to many people, like the Children of Israel crossing the Red Sea.  And that of course, was definitely a very difficult and seemingly impossible situation.  The odds were certainly stacked against them with the Egyptian army on one side and the Red Sea on the other side.  But, God had a remarkable solution.

But how about some of the accounts that are less familiar, and more personal?  For example, a woman with her two sons, whose husband just died, leaving the family with unpaid debts?  It was bad enough in that culture to be a widow, let alone having debt.

To that woman, this was a seemingly impossible or hopeless looking situation.  In that culture, her two sons would be taken to work off the whole debt.  But once again, God came up with a solution.  The woman not only paid off all of her debts, but she had enough to live on with her two sons.

Today, we are going through some difficult economic times.  But what about living through a famine?  A famine is about 100 times worse than a downturned economy.  A woman and her son were about to eat the last of their food, and then just die.  But God brought a tremendous solution.

So, again, my question is why are all those accounts are in the Bible?  Why are there numerous records of God’s help and deliverance in seemingly impossible situations?  Are they in there for our entertainment?  Or, do you think that they are written to inspire us and encourage us to have confidence in God?

In my own life there have been times when to me it looked like the “odds were all stacked against me.”  Perhaps you have faced difficult and discouraging situations where you felt like giving up.  I certainly have.

But, I have learned a big key is where I decide to put my mental focus.  I can choose look at my present reality and accept it, and then project a very negative outcome as a result of where things are right now.

Or, I can choose to think differently. I can look at the Good News.  I can look at what God has promised me, and decide to keep my focus on what He has said.  I can look to Him for solutions. In doing that, instead of expecting things to get worse, I expect things to get better, regardless of what is going on around me.

We all choose what thoughts we think.  The TV news is not going to do much to build your confidence in God. But the Good News will. And when it comes to the economy, here is something you can do to remind yourself to have confidence in God.

Remind yourself every time you spend money, because on every piece of currency we still have the words, “In God We Trust.”  Isn’t that a great little reminder?

Some may choose to feed themselves all that the TV news is reporting, and then hope that somehow, some way, the government will take care of all their problems.  I choose to accept the Good News, and have confidence in God’s promises of prosperity. I choose to trust in God.

I was teaching recently and asked the audience who they thought really deserved God’s favor.  I then told them to take a piece of paper sometime, and write down a list of people that they thought really ought to receive favor from God.

“If your name is not on that list,” I said, “Well, why not?”  “Why do you think that you really shouldn’t receive favor from God?” “Is it because of what you have done, or is it because of what you haven’t done?”

When you stop and just think about it for a minute, who really deserves God’s favor?  Who could possible earn favor from God?  And yet the Scriptures are plain that God has freely extended His grace and favor.

If you are a fan of the Bible and you have read from the New Testament, then you have undoubtedly read many, many promises;  promises of health, prosperity, all your needs being met, help, and deliverance.  None of those promises come with stipulations, do they?  Are there certain rules and restrictions?  Of course not.

Those promises are God’s offer of His grace and favor.  He has freely extended His grace and favor.  We, on the other hand, so many times, object to His good favor.  Object?  Yes.  How?

We really would love to receive what God has promised, but something inside of us is saying, “You don’t deserve it.  You are not good enough.  You haven’t prayed long enough.  You haven’t done this; but you have done a lot of that.”

In other words, our feelings of unworthiness cause us to object to or reject the kind favor He is extending to us.  Instead of having arms out and palms up ready to receive His blessings, we push the blessings away.  We do this because we do not feel worthy.

Have you ever offered something to someone and they responded by saying, “No thank you, I don’t want to impose?”  For example, inviting someone to dinner, who was indeed hungry, only to have them say that they didn’t want to impose upon your kind hospitality.  They objected because of how they feel about themselves.  They not only feel unworthy, but they also feel like they have not really earned a spot at your table.

When it comes to God’s favor and His grace and blessings, it has nothing to do with earning it.  It has nothing to do with being worthy of it.  It has nothing to do with earning it.

His grace and favor have been extended to us.  He is the One who made the promises.  He is the One who will keep His word.  He is the One who has extended Himself to us, regardless of our response.

No, you cannot earn His favor.  Neither can I.  No, you do not deserve His favor.  Neither do I.  But it has been extended to us.  We can accept it or reject it.

The first key in receiving more of God’s favor in your life is to accept and believe who God says that you are.  As a Christian, the Bible says that you are not only saved, but that you have been made righteous.  That simply means you are now right in His sight; you belong.

So, do you feel righteous?  Do you feel all right to be in His presence?  Or, do you feel ashamed and unworthy?  Do you feel guilty and condemned?

If you feel guilty and condemned or ashamed and unworthy, then just ask for forgiveness.  He will forgive you.  The Bible says that if our heart doesn’t condemn us, then we will have confidence toward God.

The second key in receiving more of God’s favor is to simply expect it; anticipate it.  Believe you are who the Bible says that you are.  Stay convinced of God’s love for you. The Scriptures tell us that nothing can separate us from God’s love.

Anticipate, look for and expect God’s favor in your life and on your life.  And if you write down a list of people who you think really, really ought to receive God’s favor, make sure your name is at the top of the list.

Sometimes situations force us to make changes.  At other times, we get so tired of our current results that we initiate change.  Sometimes in life we know we need to change, but just refuse to change.

Why do we fight and resist change at times?

At some point, we recognize the need for change.  Perhaps we see it or someone else points it out to us.  But, we all know too well that nothing changes by simply recognizing a need for change.

For example, if you are overweight then you recognize there needs to be a change.  You may even desire to weigh a certain amount.  The end result of the change is appealing, but changing what needs to change to arrive at that point is not pleasant at all.

Like everything else, change starts in your mind first, and most of the time the mind objects to change. “No, I don’t want to eat smaller portions and cut out unhealthy snacks!”   “No!  I don’t want to exercise every day. I don’t have enough time!  What if I overdo it?”

The mind objects to leaving the comfortable environment that it has become so accustomed to.  We all like to be comfortable, and change interrupts our comfort zone.  We many times love and protect that comfort zone regardless of the results we are getting.

The mind seems to have some kind of objection whether the possible changes are little changes or big changes.  The mind does not want to be interrupted or bothered.  In a sense, it protects that comfort zone.

So how can you bring about change in your life?  Here are two key you can use when you really want to see some change in your life.  Number one, you must consistently remind yourself of the reason and end result the change will bring about.  For example, say “When I eat smaller portions and cut out some snacks I will lose weight, feel healthier and live longer.”

This first key is important, no matter what kind of change you are pursuing.  “Spending the money and time to take this course will improve my skills and abilities and give me much more to offer prospective employers.”

If you don’t keep reminding yourself of why, your mind comes back with a whole lot of reasons why you really don’t need to change anything!  “This is too hard; you can’t do this; you really don’t need to go this far; you really need some cookies!”

Just realize that your mind is protecting your comfort zone.  Simply respond back with the end result of this change.

And, number two, be patient.  Stay the course.  Stay consistent and persistent; both pay big dividends. The change will come.  Have you ever planted a garden?

I haven’t planted a garden for awhile, but when I did I learned a lot about patience.  After putting the seeds in the ground, I was consistent in watering every day.  And it seems like there always came a point where one day I would say, “Well, where is everything?”  All this persistent and consistent watering has produced nothing.  Were the seeds I planted bad seeds?”

It’s easy to get impatient when you see no noticeable results.  But the results will come; stay persistent and consistent.  Don’t let your mind suggest that you should quit and head back to your comfort zone.

Again remind your mind of the goal, the place you will arrive as a result of the change.  And then, don’t forget that change takes time; be patient.

Change is really a part of life.  When you realize that, life takes on a whole new excitement.  You are not stuck in a rut.  You can change whatever you set your mind to do.  Don’t be afraid of change; instead, embrace it.

The effort needed for change will vary, but the results when you reach your desired destination will greatly outweigh the time and effort you put into the change.

If things in your life are not bringing you the results that you really desire, then it’s time for a change.  Are you ready to venture out of your comfort zone?  It all depends upon your desire to see real change happen in your life.

Why is it that the details of something negative seem to be so vivid to people’s minds, yet the details of their dreams and goals seem so vague?  Let me explain.

How many times do you hear someone say to you, “Guess what just happened to me?”  And of course you can’t say, “I don’t care; I’m not interested.” And so we all usually say, “Gee, what happened?”

What happens next many times is the person telling you about something that happened that is not very pleasant.  And here’s the interesting part: when people tell about, “what happened,” they relate it in fabulous detail.  Here’s an example.

Getting a flat tire is not a real fun experience, but it happens.  And when it does, we do whatever we need to do to change the tire and either repair or replace the tire that is flat.  That’s it.  That’s the process.  But to hear some people relate their experience with a flat tire, it almost sounds like a Shakespearean tragedy.

“I was driving along and then I heard a thumping sound and just knew my tire was flat.  How in the world could that have happened?  Did someone drop some nails on the road?”

Get ready, because next comes ten or fifteen minutes of one negative after another.  You’ll probably hear about how they don’t make tires like they should, and what lousy shape the roads are in these days, and how some irresponsible idiots drop nails and screws and metal all over the road.

Then comes Act II, which is all about the actual changing of the flat tire.  You’ll hear about how difficult it is to get to the jack and to the spare.  “It’s almost impossible to get those lug nuts off.  When you are finished, your hands are all dirty too.”

Now I could go to Act III, which is a trip to the tire store, but I think you get it.  And besides, at this point you are probably getting pretty bored!

When it comes to negative situations that we all encounter in life, there are some people who like to remember those events in great detail.  Even things that have happened long ago, there are people who remember and repeat the incident it as if it just happened.

But, on the other hand, ask those same people what their goals and dreams are, and where they see their life heading, and what they think the future holds for them, and in most cases you will get a pretty short answer. “Well, I’m hoping things turn out okay; I’d like to retire when I turn 65.”

Isn’t this interesting?  Why do some people talk about negative and unpleasant situations in the past with so many clear details, but when it comes to their future, they seem to have no clear vision.  They don’t seem to talk about it with any excitement and enthusiasm.

This is one of the biggest reasons why some people are so negative and unsuccessful in their lives.  They have actually developed a habit of focusing their minds on all the negatives. If they only knew that changing their focus to the possibilities for their future would change their lives!

I know there are plenty of people who say, “That’s just the way I am.”  That may very well be true, but how did you get there?  They fail to realize that they are the way they are because that’s how they have trained their own minds.

Anyone who consistently chooses to focus and dwell on negatives is literally training their mind to look for negatives, and to see circumstances from a negative point of view. To those people the glass will always look half empty. But, even more importantly, one who continues to be negative will attract more negatives into their life.

So, what kind of future are you expecting? Where is your focus?  Not sure?  Take note of what is going on in your mind and what is coming out of your mouth.  If it is predominantly negative, complaining, blaming, and whining, then you can expect more of the same.

Your future is really your own choice.

Instead of being immersed in all the negatives around you, get a clear picture of what you really desire in your life. Have the picture of where you want your life to go so clear in your mind that you can easily describe it to others with great excitement and in great detail.

On the “road of life” there will always be “flat tires.”   Deal with those things as quickly as possible and then move on.  Forget about relating all the “details” of a flat tire, or anything else negative to someone.  Why waste any more mental energy thinking about negative situations that are already over and done with? Instead, put your mental energy and focus on the positive things around you.  Look for them; find them and embrace them!

And don’t forget to remind yourself every day, and even throughout the day, of exactly what you desire. Keep that picture clear, with details, passion and emotion.   Do whatever you need to do to keep your dreams alive by keeping the focus of your dreams in clear view.

What changes will make you happy?  Finding a new job?  Getting an increase in pay?  Losing fifteen pounds?  Finding that special someone?  Seeing an economic upturn?

Many people are waiting for things to change so that they can be happy.  They are following the “when then” formula.   “When I get a new job or a raise, then things will be much better, and I will be happy.”  “When I lose fifteen pounds then I will feel better about myself, and I will be happy.”  “When I find that special someone then my life will be fulfilled, and I will be happy.”  When this economy turns around, then things will be a lot better and I will be happy.”

People are waiting to be happy.  But why wait?  You can choose to be happy right now, if you want to.  Let me explain.

Regardless of any situation in your life, there are many, many things that you can choose to be happy about.  The reason people are not happy is because of what they choose to think about and focus on.

If your mental focus is on what you don’t have right now, you are not going to be happy.  Your perspective of your current situation right now will determine your happiness.  Yes, we all face challenges in life, but it is how you choose to respond to those challenges that determine your happiness.

Let’s consider the economy.  I am an optimist.  I believe things will turn around.  I don’t know when, but I believe things will change for the better.  I don’t like where things are today, but I see brighter days ahead.

But, I can choose to be happy today about where I am and what I have right now.  I have food to eat every day.  I have a house to live in.   I have a vehicle.  I am healthy.

Are you getting the idea?  A great key to living a happy life is to be grateful for what you have right now, today.  It has nothing to do with accepting the circumstances as permanent and abandoning your dreams and goals. But it has everything to do with keeping a healthy, positive mindset.

The reason people are not happy is because of what they choose to think about and focus on.  If your mental focus is on how difficult or how bad your challenges are, you are not going to be happy.    On the other hand, if your mental focus is on what God has blessed you with and what He has promised you, then you can have happiness in your life despite the challenges and disappointments.

And guess what?  That kind of thinking will definitely increase your confidence in God to help you through any future challenges.  And that is a good thing.

I am thankful each day to be alive. Today I have been given another day to live.  Life is such a precious gift.  I choose to be grateful and happy for all that I have right now, today.  That choice helps me to have more confidence in God.

I don’t know about you but I have a list of things that I need to get done at my house.  There are big projects and small projects.  We all have things around the house that we need to get done and want to get done.  But is there ever a time when it is all done?  Is there ever nothing left to do?  Do we ever say, “Oh, good, now, I can really be happy in my house because everything is done!”

I like my house and I enjoy living in it, even though there are things that I need and want to get done.  But I don’t let those “projects” stop me from being happy living in my house.

Many people have put their happiness on hold. They believe that they will be happy after certain things happen:  after they get a better job or a raise, after they are out of debt, after the kids are grown and out of the house, or after they retire.  For those who are waiting for things to get better in their lives so that they can be happy and enjoy this life, they are really wasting their lives away.

Life will always have its ups and downs, its challenges, barriers, and at times some disappointments. This life we have been given to live now is not going to be perfect every day without any hitches.  But we can still choose to be happy.

There are two great keys in enjoying this life now.  The first is gratitude.  Be grateful for all that God has blessed you with right now, today.  Stop, take a look around and consider His blessings on your life.  Thank Him for His blessings.
Having gratitude from what He has done for you gets your mind into remembering and then expecting more of His blessings.

The second key to enjoying this life now is to make a decision to be happy with what you have right now, today.  Wherever you are and whatever you have, make a conscious effort to enjoy it and make the most of it right now, today.

When I go to bed at night, I don’t think, “Gee, the exterior of my house needs painting, but I guess that will never happen; I guess I better try and be happy about it.”

I enjoy my house everyday.  I look forward to getting it painted, but I am not going to wait until it is painted to enjoy it!  If I do, there will surely be something else that needs to be taken care of next, and I will live my days waiting to be happy.

Be grateful for all that God has done for you.  Look around and see His hand of blessing on your life.  Then, choose to enjoy whatever it is you have right now, today.  Live life to its fullest today, expecting great things for tomorrow!

June has arrived; the year is moving very quickly.  I know that’s pretty silly because there are still 24 hours in a day.  But as each day goes by are you getting closer to your dreams?

Have you ever noticed that as children get older many of their dreams seem to vanish?  At age five or six many kids are anxious, excited and eager and have some of the wildest dreams you have ever heard of.

But slowly, over time, as they get older, those dreams just seem to slip away.  And when it comes to adults, sadly, many, many of them simply have no dreams.  It is all they can do to just get by.  But, that is not so concerning the person whose dream I want to share with you.

I’d like you to meet someone. Her name is Rachel.  She is almost thirteen years old.  She has a dream.

A week ago, our friend Doug was traveling back to California and he spent the evening with us.  He had his two daughters and one of their friends with him.  One of his daughters is Rachel.

I was sitting out on the patio after dinner talking to Rachel about school.  I asked her if she had any plans after high school.  I was delighted with her answer.  She knows exactly what she wants to do.

She told me she wants to go to culinary school in either New York or Paris.  She said that it will probably be in New York because her aunt Candice lives there.  She wants to learn how to do pastries.  But her dream doesn’t stop there.

She described what her restaurant/pastry shop would be like.  She can envision a special place for family and friends to sit and taste her new creations.  She was so excited describing her vision and added that most of her friends have no idea what they want to do.

So, will her dream ever come true?  No one can say for sure.  But if you ask Rachel, she is absolutely convinced.  Time will tell, but that’s not the point.

The point is that she has a dream.  And I know that there are those who would say, “Well that’s nice,” seeing it only as a child day dreaming, doubting that it will ever come to pass.  But there were things that Rachel didn’t mention to me.

She said nothing about the current economy.  She didn’t have any doubts about what the future holds for her.  She didn’t mention anything about how the current housing market or stock market might have an effect on her dream.

And again, no one can predict the future.  But this little girl has a big dream.  The sad part is that many big girls and big boys have abandoned their dreams for one reason or another.  They have accepted what they call “harsh reality” and are doing all that they can to just get by.

That begs the question, “When do you stop dreaming?  When do you give up on your dreams?  When do you just forget all those dreams and accept life as it is?”  I say, “Never.”

One of the biggest reasons people abandon their dreams is that they can’t see any way for them to come to pass.  Some feel cheated out of their dreams.  Others feel stupid for even having a dream in the first place.  But what’s wrong with having dreams and goals?

Just as no one can predict if Rachel’s dream will come true, no one can predict that your dream won’t come true.  Well, no one except you.  When you give up on your dream then it is certain that it will not happen.

But why not keep your dreams alive and even add new ones, even if they never happen.  Instead of looking at where life is today, why not look forward to where life can be tomorrow.  Many people have a hard time doing that because they are afraid of failing.  I would rather fail at trying, then never try at all.

I look forward to some day sitting in a special section for families and friends.  I look forward to tasting some new fancy pastry and telling Rachel, “Wow, this is really, really good.  What do you call it?”  I also look forward to reminding Rachel of the time that she and I sat out on my patio when she was almost thirteen.

I have heard people say, “Well, these are the cards that I’ve been dealt.”  They are not talking about a card game.  They are usually talking about things they perceive as success-limiting.

Regardless of your current status, I do not think that any circumstance or situation ought to be viewed as “the cards you have been dealt.”  To look at it that way indicates that there is nothing that you can do about your situation.  That is just not true.

Let me show you a better way to look at life using a card game as an analogy.

Have you ever played the card game, “Hearts?” Over the years my wife and I have played it with different couples.  It really is a lot of fun.  The way we play it is normally in teams of two. In every round, each player plays one card, and the player with the highest card wins that round for his team.  The exception is when a card in the “heart” suit is played.

In the game of “Hearts,” any heart card outranks all the other suits.  Even a deuce of hearts will defeat and win over an ace of spades. When that happens in the course of play, it is called “trumping.”  In this case, the deuce of hearts “trumps” the ace of spades.

This past weekend I was sharing just that with someone.  I was using this silly game of “hearts” as an analogy.  I told her that no matter what you hear, the promises of God can “trump” any and everything that we are faced with.

I am not talking about ignoring or refusing to acknowledge what we are faced with.  Just like in the card game, the ace of spades is very real, and in fact it is the highest card in the deck. No other card can beat it, except a “trump card.”

But, on the other hand, if you in turn play a deuce of hearts and don’t know or forget that the suit of hearts is the trump suit, then that ace of spades will beat you.

If you play the deuce of hearts and the one playing the ace of spades thinks that he won that round, you may have to speak up and say, “No!  My trump card beats your ace!”

That’s why I don’t like the phrase, “These are the cards that I’ve been dealt.” People say that to indicate that they are lacking or limited.  I simply see it another way.

The cards that we as Christians have been dealt are all “trumps!”  The things that we have to face in life are all the other cards that are played. And even if the ace of spades is played, we still have all the “trump cards” in our hand; we have all the promises of God!

But, it is up to us to understand that “our cards” are indeed, “trump cards.”  We can’t think, “Gee, this little deuce could never defeat that big ace.”  And, likewise, when we play our “trump card,” we must refuse to allow anyone else to claim victory over us; we must remain convinced that God has given us the victory!

Just ask yourself this question:  “Who can defeat a super conqueror?”  No one; they are more than a conqueror.  That’s why the Bible says, “If God be for us, who can be against us?”  We have all the trump cards; we are more than conquerors!

We need to understand that the promises in the Bible are real and they are true, regardless of any and every situation in life that we are faced with.  We “trump” the circumstances we are faced with by claiming the victory based on those promises. We must refuse to allow anyone or anything else to claim victory over us.

So, the next time you are faced with a circumstance, big or small, “trump it” with the promises of God.