Sunday Reflections 12.21.08

Is Christmas really this week? I can't believe 2008 is coming to an end - Once again - I need a machine that can slow down time... Here are some thoughts from the week:

• Here are all the articles/blog posts I thought were worth reading this week!
  

• Dating - Keith Moore wrecked me on dating - he said, "Because some of you haven't been diligent - you haven't met that perfect person yet. It's been the grace of God you haven't because they'd probably look at you and just keep walking - you're not ready yet. Become what you want to attract!"

• One of my good friends, Ryan Walczak, got married on Friday - I'm so happy for him!
  

• I just watched this sermon (Developing an Attitude of Gratitude) by John Maxwell that was unbelievable - I would definitely recommend watching it!

• I've been listening to Keith Moore's series on Diligence - Wow - another (like all of his) must listen to series!

• Revolution (Our Youth Ministry) has a new website up! Check it out here!

• I'm 2 weeks into training for the Pittsburgh Marathon with Scott Dozier and Chris Martin - through the process we're all going to grow spiritually, mentally, and physically - it's a joy to go through the journey with these guys!

• This week I'll be conducting my 2008 review - I am so pumped! If you don't have a review planned for your year - I would strongly encourage you to!

That's enough for now... enjoy your Sunday

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Happy Thanksgiving!

I just wanted to wish all of you a Happy Thanksgiving! I'm thankful for all of you!

Here are some of my favorite Thanksgiving traditions:

• Going for a run in the morning so I can eat as much as I want!
  

• Watching the Macy's day parade

• Eating a ton of food

• Watching the football games

• Hanging out with friends in the evening and watching a movie (usually The Grinch with Jim Carey - but this year we're switching to Elf)

I would love to hear some of your favorite Thanksgiving traditions if they're out of the ordinary.....

Have the best Thanksgiving ever! Love ya - Bubs

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Thanksgiving (Part 3)

As iron sharpens iron - so one man sharpens another. -Proverbs 27:17

I was thinking of things I'm thankful for and I really feel like I need to acknowledge some friendships that I'm thankful for. I always talk about mentors and family - but haven't acknowledge my friends yet.

People always tell me as I grow up that if I have one or two really good friends - then I'm extremely blessed. As I grow older - I realize the truth that is in that statement. So here are some friendships I am thankful for this Thanksgiving:

Andrew Raisley - You're my roomie! I'm looking forward to sharpening each other on Saturday mornings. Thanks for always encouraging me to shoot for the highest and the best.

Ben Rath - It's been great getting to know you over the past two years. The life you live stretches me! Thank you so much for being a great friend and mentor. You encourage me to step out in faith!

C - Sweet Daddy C! As much as I rebuke Slicks prophecy... I do appreciate you. We've been friends since 2nd grade - so many good times! Love you bro!

David Faulk - Every time I talk to you a fire in me gets reignited for Jesus. Thanks for always being willing to listen and pour into my life.

David Riley - Riley . . . you're the man! I've had a blast hanging with you the past two years. Thanks for all of your encouragement and thanks for driving me crazy haha! I love ya!

Laura Steidel - You've never given up on me and always see the best in me and help draw it out. You believed in me when no one else did and for that I'll be forever grateful!

Scotty D - I've enjoyed getting to know you more intimately lately haha - God's got awesome things in store for you. Thanks for not letting me settle!

Sean Moore - You're one of my best friends bro! I'm so grateful we get to go through the journey of ministry together, have Words together, and help each other not settle for less than God's best.

Vanessa Phillips - We're best friends! haha... It's been a crazy journey! I'm thankful that we can always encourage each other and cheer each other up. Thanks for always being there for me!

Zack Blair - Thanks for always being there to listen to me and encourage me. Thanks for being obedient to God in every area of your life - I always look up to you and your example. I am so excited to watch you touch a generation of twenty somethings.

Obviously there are soooo many more - so if I didn't put you on here it DOES NOT mean I am not grateful for our friendship! All of you have added value to my life and if I interact with you at all - believe me - I'm grateful!

What friends are you grateful for in your life? Have you let them know?

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Thanksgiving (Part 2)

Let each one of us make it a practice to please (make happy) his neighbor for his good and for his true welfare, to edify him [to strengthen him and build him up spiritually. ~Romans 15:2

What are You Thankful for?

Some of you may be thinking this week - I have nothing to be thankful for - my life is a mess. I would encourage you make 2 things a practice in your life:

• Make a grateful journal - pull out a journal or notebook and start writing down everything in your life your grateful for. Once you have done that, make it a daily practice, everyday try to find 1-2 things you were grateful for that day. I think you'll find you have a lot more to be thankful for than you think.

• Make a "rainy-day" file - Pastor Larry got me on this one. Anytime someone gives you a nice card, writes a nice e-mail, or gives you something to cheer you up - stick it in a file and label the file "rainy-day" then when you're down go through that file and you'll find that life isn't nearly as bad as you think.

Who are you Thankful for?

I love that the verse above tells us to edify (build each other up). I think one of the best ways to do this is to let people know were grateful for them. Do the people that your thankful for in your life know you're thankful for them? If they don't - I encourage you to do one of these things over the holiday season:

• Write them a letter/card - write them telling them how thankful you are that they're in your life and the impact they've had on you

• Tell Them - does anything build us up more than people telling us how we've added value to their lives?

• Buy them a gift - it doesn't have to be extravagant - just something that's says thanks for making a difference

Simple? Yes. Life changing - you better believe it. There is power in building people up... everyday strive to let someone know how grateful you are that they're in your life.

Who and what are you thankful for?

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Thanksgiving (Part 1)

Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

Phil. 4:11-13

Thanksgiving is already here - hard to believe. I want to take this time and challenge you to reflect on things you're grateful for. I love these scriptures because it teaches me several things I need to always remember to be thankful for. Here is what I learned:

God is Faithful - I think one reason Paul was able to say he'd learn to be content with much or little was because He knows God is faithful. He was faithful in his past, in his current circumstances, and Paul knew God would be faithful in the future. We need to learn this and be grateful for it~!

God gives us the Ability to Enjoy Life- We can be the richest people on earth, have all the "right" relationships and things, but be completely miserable. The Bible says God will make you rich and add no sorrow with it. When I do it Gods way - I'll always enjoy it and always be thankful for it.

The Secret to Life is Putting God First - If we'll put God first in every area of our lives - we will live the most amazing lives we could ever imagine. It really is the secret of life!!!

I love the quote from Keith Moore - "If it's good, it's God. If it's bad, it's you!". Everything good in our life is from God and for that I'm grateful.

First Thing I'm Thankful for: My Relationship with God

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