Evening reflections

Good Evening, or whatever is the best greeting to you, in your part of the world!

It has been a rather interesting day; we went through all the tidbit 'protocol'; and now, it is a simple matter of simply 'waiting' things out, and hearing back from the individuals involved. We provided what was needed; and we followed through; but??? We are not sure whether we have been dealing with a bittid of 'B.S.' or what the situation is. However, no problemo. We have some other options; that I suggested to Alan to also ignite into place today. So, that is where things are at, at the bit moment. Perhaps it is also another 'test' to see how we embrace / deal with adversity and challenges.

In tid short, it has been rather a disappointing two days; however, we are also looking forward to making other choices, if need be. Perhaps, it is 'in the waiting' (and 'in the doing'), that there is an inner strength and courage that is being nutured / developed from one's experiences. Only He (God) knows the outcomes; so we are going to continue on with a spirit full of Hope, Faith, and Trust in Him to Provide the Solution.

Tidbit - 'Sleeping on things' is most prudent; particularly, when one intuitively knows that it is best to just simply 'step back' and leave it ALL to Him to deal with. He has a magnificent Purpose for all of us; even if we do not understand it at the time.

Bittid - Continue 'Praising Him In ALL Things'; and be genuinely Thankful for your daily Blessings.

This early evening, we have enjoyed seeing beautiful blue dragonflies and different coloured hummingbirds gracing our bittidz garden. We think this is another one of His wonderful creative Blessings!

A few minutes ago, received a phone call from one of our 'Plan B' options; and we will be hearing from them on Saturday. The tidbitz difference being, that we know we will! Interesting how He works, in expanding other possibilities! We are genuinely 'going with the flow','keeping it simple', AND being of GOOD CHEER at the same time! He wants us all to enjoy our lives, on a daily basis; and yet RELYING UPON HIM (and not upon our own understanding). Best to just keep positive, confident, and always moving enthusiastically forward; with Him being our Guide!

I LOVE the above photo image and appreciate its beautiful tranquil surrondings. Alan just brought me a glass of South African Red wine, before dinner! Skal! We are grateful that it is now the evening!

Peace and God Bless!

Blessings of encouragement

Good Evening!

That sad news about our friend is 'numbing'; she is not that much older than us. Well, maybe some ten or fifteen years; but that is still pretty young to pass away, methinks!

Eventhough, it is still 'raining buckets', it is soothing! We are enjoying the cooler air; as well as gently 'pacing ourselves' for tomorow's full day.

Earlier, took a few more tidbitz photos of our 'puppy' Blue ('His Royal Highness'). As you can see, he is not wearing his collar and his blue kerchief. As it had been so warm, with temperatures soaring over 100 degrees Fahrenheit for the last several days, we thought it best to release him from his collar and scarf. Our blue-eyed Blue, appears to appreciate the 'freedom', as well as the comfort of not having anything around his neck. He is on 'holiday'.

Tidbit - When you feel weary, sad, or whatever, just turn to Him (Christ) and Ask Him to uplift you and carry ALL your burdens. He DOES; and you feel much better!

After that particular Prayer to Him, I was immediately 'encouraged' to pursue taking some more pictures of Blue and of our bittid floral balcony! Blue went through many funny antics before I was able to take the snapshots. LOL! Pets are great, aren't they? They do provide so much; including laughter! It is often said, and I agree, that 'elderly people' are 'cheered up' by having a pet around them.

It is tragic about my friend; and if her time is, indeed, up, we accept it. There is comfort in knowing, that she will be safe in His Hands; and will be at eternal peace. Am thankful too, of our good friendship over the years. We did not see each other often; but when we did, it was like 'yesterday'.

Bittid - If your body is saying to 'rest' a bittidz, listen to your body; particularly, if you are experiencing some 'R & R vacation time'. Or if you are not on holiday, take a bit of time to take a 'breather'; possibly 'slow down' even. When you are not 'running on a treadmill' (and I am not meaning an actual machine); it is very important to 'take a tid pause'. This also brings you in a 'closer' relationship with Him; as He has your attention.

You may also wish to tune into 'Enjoying Everyday Life' (Joyce Meyer - www.joycemeyer.org); as she shared about 'Eliminating Emotional Stress' in yesterday's televised program on the Vision Channel. Will be touching upon some of her inspirational insights at a later time. In fact, I will be a 'sponge', and listen again to her wonderful message which, pertains to enjoying a better quality of life. ie Slowing down, taking a rest, which is conducive to a happier and healthier lifestyle; which Christ wants us all to enjoy! Joyce also shares a revelation: 'Do less (if you are too stressed, busy etc) and do what you do, with a different attitude'. Plus, when you embrace Him, His Holy Spirit comes to live within you, and you change for the better. ie You are healthier and happier; regardless of all daily trials and tribulations that come your way. In fact, they decrease, as you are able to 'maintain a high level of being joyful' or words to that effect from Joyce.

Writing of stress, my Dad died of stress (Wrote 'A Tribute to my Dad', in my post of April 30/07, as well as sharing more in April 30/08 & April 30/09). He had lost his voice, due to throat cancer; however, he was able to scribble down shortly before he passed away, a note to me that said: 'STRESS KILLS'. I have never forgotten those two words; I still have the note. Unfortunately, the cancer ultimately attacked his lymph nodes and that was it.

Just received some 'good' news. A short time ago, we returned a defective knee wrap. Alan was using the wrap; but had to put it aside several months ago, because it was not adhering to the material; hence not staying up on his knee. Nonetheless, we thought it best that the marketing group should have it back; if nothing else, to examine the possibility of a defect, as to assist them in future products. We are being sent a new one; that is an unexpected lovely surprise, as well as a good will gesture on their part.

The bit expression: 'It never rains, but it pours' may very well be happening tomorrow; so we are appreciative of this 'quiet' lull we have today.

Have been enjoying a 'spritzer' of South African white wine that Alan brought to me; and in a bit, we will be savouring Alan's 'creative' pizza for dinner. We may appreciate also, a tid glass of red wine (South African)as an accompaniment with our repas.

Here is wishing you Peace and SKAL!

God Bless.

Each day is a Blessing

Good Afternoon,

The expression 'dancing in the rain' applies here! We are in 'a waiting process' of various tidbitz projects; and we are HOPEFUL that we will receive good news tomorrow. Everything is left up to Him; as we are in His Hands, according to His Purpose.

Tidbit - One may as well relax, and enjoy the journey while one waits for Him to Provide Solution.

Hence, have just taken a few more photos of our tid 'garden', outside our bedroom. Blue, our Blue Heeler (who just turned five years young), is also making a balcony appearance! LOL! The five pictures are redundant, perhaps. However, they are of good colourful cheer / uplift to one's spirits methinks; and the fresh rainfall magnifies the beauty of His creations all the more! Love the smell too, of freshly fallen rain upon the earth.

In my earlier bittidz post of today, I suggested that my Home Ec teacher did not like me very much; methinks, this is a more compassionate way of putting things. Also, I recall too, that when I was no longer in her classroom, she was kinder to me.

Also, just received a sad phone call a few minutes ago, from a friend, letting us know that a mutual friend of ours is passing away. Her cancer has reoccured and things are not looking very bright. Intercessary Prayers would be a good comfort at this time. Bit of a shock. Not sure what her age is; but she is too young.

Bittid - Give genuine thanks for your Blessings, and be appreciative for the moments of each and every day. Life is so short; make the most of it. If you have 'thoughts' about calling people; ie a family member, a friend, a colleague, whomever, that you have been 'out of touch with'; best to do it, as you think of it; before it is a 'too late' reality.

The weird thing is, I had thought of calling my friend a few weeks ago; but 'procrastinated'; thinking I will do it, when 'I get around to it'. Hmmmmm. As per the telephone call, her family appparently are not taking any calls, flowers, visitors; as things are happening very quickly. So, all I can say is Godspeed to her; and she is in our heart and Prayers. She had been diagnosed with cancer a few years ago; the cancer then was very aggressive; however, she 'rebounded', and the cancer appeared to have subsided into remission. The last time I saw her, was about a year ago; and she was looking fantastic, and was her fiesty 'spark plug' self!

'Love one another, as I have loved you' is what He wants us all to do!

God Bless.

Blessings in the rain!

Good Morning, or whatever is the best greeting to you, in your part of the world.

It is POURING with rain this am; and personally, am glad it is! Eventhough our weather has been gloriously exceptional this summer; rainfall is appreciatively needed at this time. ie For dealing with major forest fires, refilling water reservoirs, etc.

In yesterday's two posts, I included some tidbits; and you may wish to refer to them for bittids of background.

Call it age; if I have already told the tale in an earlier post. I do not think so; but it seems like a good time to tell it. When I was in Grade 7 (age 12 years), one of my subjects was Home Economics (sewing & cooking). In those days, Home Ec was not one of my interests or strong points; plus having a teacher who literally appeared to 'hate' me, did not help matters. You know how some teachers have their 'pet' student; well, I was her 'pet peeve'.

This particular day, we had to prepare some dishes and we were being graded on presentation, timing, as well as producing food on the table. One of the foods, included boiling up some cauliflower. For some reason, there were not enough pots; and I remember how the teacher gleefully and perhaps spitefully, said to me in a loud voice (overheard by all), "Well, looks like you are going to fail; as I do not see where and how you will find a pot and have everything done in time!" As, I did not wish to let my partner down (we were assiged a partner to work with), and also due to her triumphant gloating manner over me, this was like a 'red flag' beckoning to me to take instant action - pronto improvisation!

Everyone was neatly doing their thing, my partner was doing her best, and lo and behold, I saw a 'kettle!' I thought that is the lifesaver! You can guess what happened next. I literally threw the cut up pieces of cauliflower into the kettle and voila, darned if the cauliflower didn't turn out to be perfectly 'steamed' and absolutely perfect! The teacher was furious ('steamed' as well, methinks! LOL!); because not only did we accomplish our assignment, but we had everything 'tickety boo' before everyone else! She could NOT fault or fail us! I ended up being transferred (by mutual request!) to a double period of 'Latin'; and I soaked up the subject; appreciatiing that Latin is a good derivative base for a number of languages.

Today, I am not a brilliant sewer (my daughter is though); however, I admire those that are Blessed with that 'special' gift. (I like to 'sow' instead; better yet, have Him Guide us along our journey!). I genuinely love cooking; although, I have been wonderfully spoiled by Alan, who does the main cooking; and I do the tidying up of the dishes and the kitchen.

Tidbit - A sense of humour helps! I always have a bittid of a laugh, when I remember those Home Ec days!

The next tid tale, was when I was twenty years young, and was working for the summer at a beautiful resort (Jasper Park Lodge, Alberta). Most of us employed, were university students; so having this 'summer job' was a great boost! Was a waitress in the main dining room; and I thoroughly enjoyed it! It hasppened one evening, I was 'assigned' to a certain section; where there was a rather large 'entourage' of people. At the end of their dinner, one of the guests gave me his card, and said, "If you ever come to Los Angeles, come in and see us". Well, I kept the card and carried on with other things in life, that 'cropped up' - children etc.

Approximately eighteen years ago, I was at an 'Academy Awards Party'; we had a friend who hosted this fun 'dress up' event every year at her house. I went as a glamourous movie star; and my boyfriend (the one I went out with for many years, and who ultimately 'did me a favour', as per one of my earlier bit posts). went as my agent. To complete the 'look', I gave him the card to put in his breast pocket. In hindsight, I should have taken the card back after the evening. However, c'est la vie'. The name on the card, well, it was 'William Morris' of William Morris Agency. Thought that was a rather unique experience; and when Sam Haskell's association with the William Morris Agency came up (see 'Hour of Power' in yesterday's post), I thought I would share that tidbit. Also, the 'Stone Soup'; well it made me think of my 'cauliflower' kettle experience! LOL!

Bittid - Appreciate moments; but do not lament on what could have, should have been etc. It is TODAY that matters; and 'Praise Him In ALL Things'; as we all have so much to be joyfully THANKFUL for!

In that regard, I just took a photo, (in the teaming rain, which was neat!) of our first flowering flower on our Hibiscus plant. One of His many creative miracles / Blessings in the rain! WOW! We had a very harsh, unseasonably cold winter; and a number of flowers, plants, trees, bushes, etc did not make it. Eventhough our hibiscus is green and healthy looking, we were not sure if it would yield any blooms this summer!

May be back a bittidz later. We are working on various tidbitz projects; and will keep you posted when we know more!

Peace and God Bless.

Peaceful Blessings

Good Evening,

I felt I just 'had to share this', by John Maxwell, who is a much loved friend of Dr. Robert Schuller and his family. He was welcomed again, as a wonderful guest speaker, on the televised Vision Channel 'Hour of Power' (Dr. Robert Schuller - www.hourofpower.org). Please feel free to refer to today's earlier tid post for a bit of background. Methinks it was best to have 'copied / pasted' John Maxwell's meaningful message; so that you may receive it first hand. This is a tidbit example; as to why I suggest that it is best to check out the websites; and thus do your own 'due diligence', should you wish to gain more knowledge of Jesus Christ.

"Good morning! What a delight it is to be at the Crystal Cathedral. It's a beautiful sunny day in Southern California and it's warm. And I'm here with Dr. Schuller, who has blessed us in so many ways and inspired us. I remember a few years ago, coming out and having dinner with Dr. Schuller and his dear wife Arvella. I'd just written a book called, "Failing Forward." Dr. Schuller had taught me so much about possibility thinking and how to fail correctly. He is my mentor in that area. So, when the very first book came off the press, I held onto it, and when I came out to Los Angeles to have dinner with the Schullers, I gave Dr. Schuller that book. It was the first book and I wanted to give it to him because he is like the godfather failing forward. I have a picture of Dr. Schuller holding up my book, and it's in my office today. So when I see it, I'm reminded of what you have taught me.

All of us at the Crystal Cathedral and all of us that watch his TV program throughout America and around the world could all say from our hearts to Dr. Schuller, thank you. Thank you for teaching us possibility thinking. Thank you, for teaching us how to fail forward.

Let me tell you how I came to writing the book, "Failing Forward." My wife and I were going on a cruise to see the fjords of Norway and about two weeks before we were ready to leave on the cruise, I looked on the calendar, and I realized it was a two-week cruise. So I said to my wife Margaret, "Sweetheart, don't you think that's a little long? Does it take that much time to see the fjords or Norway? I mean, God created the heaven's and earth in only six days. Can't we go for a week and take pictures? So, we talked it all out and, nonetheless, had a marvelous two-week cruise.

Anyone out there who doesn't believe in compromise has never been married. We compromised - we made a deal that I would go on the two-week cruise with her if she would let me write a book, so that at least while I'm watching the fjords of Norway, I could be doing something profitable.

We had this wonderful suite at the front of the ship lined with windows. So, while we spent those endless days looking at the beautiful fjords of Norway, I could write my book. I like to write by hand, so I'm sitting at a desk right by the windows writing my "failing forward" book and all of a sudden, there'd be a fjord and I'd say, "Hey babe. Look, look, there's a fjord! Wow. That's something." A little bit later, I'd say, "Honey, honey, look, look, another fjord."

Throughout the two-week cruise, I wrote the book. As I wrote, Margaret would pull off the pages, read them, and make suggestions and corrections. As we disembark from the ship at the end of the cruise, she had this manuscript written on legal pads under her arms. As we're halfway to shore, she stops and turns around and says, "John, I love the book. I love the book!"

I said, "Thanks honey. Tell me, what do you like about the book?"

"Oh," she said, "your candidness. On every page of this book, you talk about your failures and you're so open and you're so honest. When the reader picks up this "Failing Forward" book, they're going to be so encouraged because they're going to identify with all your failures. But, there's one problem. You didn't get all your failures in that book. I see a series! Failure 101, 201, 301, 401. You have a whole series of books to write on failure."

And it's very, very true. It's true in my life, its true in your life. You know, we could do a success seminar in one day, but if we wanted to do a failure seminar, it would take a week! Because we've all failed. Maybe I shouldn't assume that. There may be someone out there who hasn't failed. But not likely

Let me ask you, have you ever failed? Have you ever failed to get a job or a promotion you wanted? Have you have ever been impatient with a child? Okay, be truthful here, have you ever fallen asleep during a sermon? Now, not one of Dr. Schuller's sermons, of course.

In fact, somebody asked Pastor Elza Brooks, one time, what he would do if somebody fell asleep in a pew while another pastor was preaching. He said, "I'd leave the pew and I'd go wake up the pastor!"

We've all failed. We've all failed and we all understand. We all understand that failure often has a way of dampening our spirit and causing us to give up. But, on the other hand, so many people that we look up to today are what I call "famous failures." For example, Bill Gates, a dropout of Harvard, spent 50 bucks on computer technology and then started a business and hasn't done too bad.

Mark Hanson and Jack Canfield, the authors of the "Chicken Soup for the Soul" book series, were rejected by 50 publishers before they found one that would publish their books, which have sold 75 million copies.

J.K. Rowling, when she took her first manuscript of "Harry Potter" to a publisher, he said, "There's no money in children's books."

There are a lot of famous failures and the Bible. What I love about God's Word is that it takes some of the most significant, important people - people that we look up to, people that we want to pattern our lives after - and talks about their failures.

The one famous failure I want to talk about today is Peter. In fact the lesson that Peter learned from God about failure was that God will give you hope. Because in Peter's failure, he had a tendency to give up hope. Now let's go to the beginning when Jesus saw Peter.

When Peter came into the presence of the Lord, Jesus saw this strong muscular, square-jawed looking leader, and he said, paraphrased, "I'm going to change your name. We're going to call you the rock. You're strong and you have capacity, and you have a physical presence. We're going to call you the rock and this is not a bad thing." I mean here is Peter the disciple and he's somewhat intimidated with Jesus. Then Jesus looked at him and he said, "We're going to call you Rocky. You're going to be Rocky."

I think Peter probably said, "Ho, ho, ho. I'm the rock!" If you look at Peter's life, you might envision chisels cutting away on the Rock with each mistake that he made. You turn the pages of the Bible to see the many examples of when he failed. He spoke out of turn many times. He took his eye off Jesus when he entered into the water from the boat. He went to sleep at a very important time in the Jesus' life when asked him to pray with him. He took things in his own hands, attacking a soldier with a sword. You can read all about Peter and you can see all kinds of shortcomings, mistakes, and failures. And the classic one, the one that you and I know about, is when his best friend, Jesus, needed him the very most, when he depended upon him to speak out for Him and to stand up for Him, you know the story - Peter denied knowing his best friend. Now that is a major failure.

I've asked myself many times regarding the denial of Peter towards his Christ - why did he do that? What caused that failure? I think there are three reasons that Peter failed.

First, he placed himself spiritually above the others. I know that Peter saw himself in a more favorable light than the other disciples, and I know that he placed himself spiritually above them. I know this because, when Jesus talked that night about the betrayal, he looked at his disciples and he said, "Tonight you're going to desert me."

And Peter declared, "Lord, if everyone else deserts you, if everyone else leaves you, if everyone else messes up," he said, "I just want you to know, I will not desert you." In other words, he said, "Hey, Lord, I'm the rock! I'm the rock! You can count on me! Lord, I can't talk about these other guys. But, I just want you to know you can count on me."

I can tell you in our own spiritual journey, whenever we begin to place ourselves above others, when we begin to think that we are more spiritual than someone else or that we're stronger than someone else, it is almost always a sign that we're about to fall. That pride is eventually going to bring us down. I can promise you this, this comparison game -comparing ourselves with others - you're never going to win. You say, "Well, I know I'm better than them and I know I'm more spiritual than her," but if you go long enough, you're always going to find somebody who's better and more spiritual than you are. When you really think you're good, think of Billy Graham. I was talking to Billy one time and he said, "John, when I think I'm doing well, I just think of Mother Teresa."

The comparison game doesn't work. In fact, I know so many people godlier and more holy than me that I've developed this theory. When I get to heaven, the good ones, I mean the real good ones, the godly ones, I think they're going to be in heaven around Jesus. And people like me are going to be out in the lobby with the satellite feed! But I do know this for sure - we are setting ourselves up for failure when we think that we are more spiritual than someone else is.

The second reason Peter failed is that he thought he knew himself better than Jesus did. This amazes me. Because Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, Peter, this very night before the rooster crows, you're going to deny me three times. You're going to deny that you even know me."

"No," Peter insisted. "Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you." You see Peter thought that he knew more about himself than Jesus did. And every time I begin to think that I have better plans than God has for me, or I have better ideas than God has for me, or I have better decisions to make for myself than God has for me, I'm setting myself up for failure.

The third reason Peter failed was that he felt that he was stronger than he was. He literally felt that he was more capable than he really was. Jesus said to him, "Peter, the spirit is willing, but the body is weak." In other words, "Peter, you've overestimated yourself and you've underestimated others. During the pressure he received from the crowd, we know what happened - while Jesus was on trial, three times Peter denied him. And in denying Jesus the third time, the rooster crowed, and the Bible says, and the Lord turned. When the rooster crowed, the Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. He never said a word. But as Peter saw the Master look at him, he could tell in Jesus' eyes, he could see the disappointment. Peter could sense that this was a bigger failure than he had ever experienced before in his life, and he was crushed. The rock was crushed as he went outside and wept.

Yet, on that first Easter morning, you know the story, when the women found the tomb empty, the angel said to the women, "He who was crucified is now risen." This brought great hope to the women. One of my favorite verses in the Bible is this one: "The angels looked at these women and said, ‘Now go and tell his followers, the followers of Jesus...'" and notice this, "...and Peter." They wanted him to know that, in spite of his failures, his terrible denial, that God loved him unconditionally. He was still a disciple and he was still in the inner circle and he was still unconditionally, preciously loved.

Now, while all of this was happening, what does Peter say? Peter's discouraged. Peter's given up. The last time he saw Jesus, he saw that look in the Lord's eyes knowing he had denied him. Peter felt that his was a failure that he could not overcome. So, he said to his disciple colleagues, "Guys, I'm going to go fishing. I'm going to go back to the trade I had before I met Jesus." This young man who had progressed so far in becoming a fisher of men is now going back to fish for fish. A young man who was called the rock now wants to slink away and get as far away as he possibly can, to try to forget what he's done and to abandon all those ideals and values that he had acquired. He was disappointed, he was discouraged, he had lost hope, and he was in despair.

C.S. Lewis in his book, "Screwtape Letters," said Satan's strategy for all of us is to get Christians preoccupied by their failures. Because when we're preoccupied by our failures - what we didn't do, what we should have done, what we can't do - when we're preoccupied by our failures, it causes us to take our eyes off Christ.

So, here's Peter fishing with the disciples out on the Sea of Galilee. Jesus, the resurrected Lord, now comes back, he's on the shore, and he calls out to his disciples who are out there fishing. He said, "Have you guys caught anything?" And, I love this; the Bible says this, "The disciples said, ‘No, we haven't caught anything.'" Now, I just have to stop here long enough because my sense of humor is just what it is. When they said they had caught nothing, I believe it's the only time in recorded history that fishermen have been truthful. They said they'd caught nothing!

Jesus said, "Well, cast your nets on the other side."

When they cast the nets over on the other side, they pulled up a huge haul - 153 fish! John said to Peter, "It's the Master! That is the Master on the shore." And then, as the boat started to turn slowly back to the shore, Peter dove into the water. When he dove into the water, he was basically saying, "The boat's too slow. And I'm getting a second chance! I thought that I had blown it forever." The Master is on the shore, so he's swimming. He's saying to himself things like, "I've held onto this failure long enough. I've allowed this mistake to control my emotions long enough. I've allowed this to keep me from my potential long enough. I have to get to Jesus!" And to the shore he swam, as fast as he could.

In the scripture, it says that when they got to the shore, they sat by a charcoal fire. Stay with me. Of all the five senses, the sense of smell is the one that you remember the best. And when he came on shore to see Jesus, to get this failure off his back, the first thing he sees is Jesus and the fire and he smells the charcoal. Charcoal's only mentioned twice in the Bible. You see, Peter was sitting at a charcoal fire when he denied Jesus. Now he's coming back to get these failures off his back and again he smells the charcoal. All it does is to bring back a fresh reminder of that failure and that mistake. So how did Peter turn from failing Christ to following Christ? It's in the dialogue in this passage of scripture.

If you're going to start following Christ after your failures, you're going to have to wake up to your problem. Jesus, when he looked at Peter, asked his disciple a very simple question. He said, "Peter, do you love me? Peter, let me talk to you. Do you love me?" To be honest with you, if I was Jesus, I would not have asked that question. I wouldn't even have thought of that question. I'd have looked at Peter and I would have said something like this: "Peter, I am so disappointed in you. Dear God, Peter, I've spent three years of my life investing in you. I mean, Peter, haven't you been with me when we saw miracles, when we've seen the glory of God? Peter, Peter, Peter, Peter, how could you do that? Why did you do that?" Those are the kinds of questions I would ask.

However, Jesus knew that those weren't the right questions. He knew there was one issue, and he wanted to wake Peter up to the problem. He said, "Peter, do you love me?" He didn't ask that question once or twice. Three times, he said, "Peter, do you love me?"

By the third time, Peter is beside himself wanting to get this failure off his back. He said, "Lord, you know me. You have to know that I love you."

And then Jesus said something interesting. He looked at Peter and says, "Peter, do you love me more than these?" When he said "more than these," what did He mean? He could have been pointing to the boats. "Peter, do you love me more than the fishing business that you've gone back to? Do you love me more than the boats?" Or, he could have been waving his hand to the disciples.

Remember that Peter said, "I don't know if you can count on them, but you can count on me."

Now, Jesus said, "Peter, let me ask you, do you think you love me more than these other 11 followers love me?" Wow. He said, basically, "I want you to wake up to your problem. It's a love issue. And I want you to break up with every rival love, whatever they are - the boats, the disciples. And then he said, "I want you to take up your ministry. I want to give you a ministry." This next bit of dialogue is very interesting. Jesus shared with Peter that he was not going to, from that day on, control his life. He said, "I'm telling you the very truth Peter, when you were young, you dressed yourself and went wherever you wished, but when you get older, you have to stretch out your hands while someone else dresses you and takes you where you don't want to go." He said this to help Peter understand what kind of death he would experience. Then he commanded Peter, "Follow me."

And, turning his head, Peter noticed the disciple that Jesus sought. In other words, Peter turned his head and he saw John. And he said, "Master, what's going to happen to him?" In other words, he said, "Jesus, I don't mind having this kind of tough life as long as John has it too. Just tell us were all going to suffer and I'll feel better."

And Jesus said, "What is that to you? You follow me." And Peter did.

A few weeks later, Peter became the preacher at Pentecost, which literally gave wind and birth to the greatest gift we've ever received outside of our salvation. And that is the church of Jesus Christ. Peter, who had lost hope and had gone back fishing, all of a sudden has a fresh wind beneath his wings and it's all because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Eighty one times in this word, you'll see the word "hope" - one time before the resurrection, and eighty times after the resurrection. After the Lord arose, there was hope for us. No matter what our mistakes, no matter what our failures, no matter what our problems, no matter what we'd done, no matter what we'd gone through, there's hope. Peter would tell you, he would tell me, that the lesson he learned in his failure was that God will give you hope.

I close with this very personal story. Just a few days ago, my mother died. About a month ago, I was in Asia doing a book tour, and speaking to the corporate community. I was in Thailand and my sister Trish, who is an RN, called me on the phone and said they just discovered that Mom had cancer. So, as soon as I could, I got back. My wife Margaret and I drove from our home in Jupiter, Florida, to Winter Haven where Mom and Dad live. And we had a wonderful Thursday with her. She had just gotten back from the hospital and I've never had a better day with my mom. We laughed a lot.

At one point, she wanted to get rid of some of the books on her bookshelf, so I took all the books down and read to her the titles. With each title, she'd say, "I don't want that one anymore," or "I want that one." And then I picked up one of my books off the bookshelf and she said, "Oh, now, what do I do with this one?" Finally with a smile she said, "Okay, you're here, I'll have to keep that one." We had a phenomenal day.

Toward the evening, Dad called me into his office, and said, "Its not going to be long, is it, son?"

I said, "No, Dad, it's just a matter of days."

He said, "I want you to do the funeral."

I said, "I don't know if I can. It's my mother." I've done many funerals. I've talked a lot about the resurrection and hope. But I didn't know if I was emotionally able to do my own mother's funeral.

My father, who's a good leader and a very confident man, looked at me, and said, "Son, God will help you. You can do it. And I know that it would please your mom." So I said I would do my best. So, I put some thoughts together and a few nights later, she went to be with the Lord.

That Friday, I began the memorial service by sharing the thoughts of a Greek scholar who, in 125 AD, described for the secular world Christian funerals and why Christianity was contagious and growing. He said that, at a Christian's funeral, they sing songs and praise God. They talk about the fact that they're leaving this world and going to one that is eternal. Their viewpoint of death is different from other persons, he said.

So, that's what we did - we sang and rejoiced that Mom, though she had left this world, was now in a world eternal. As I talked about my mom, God did help me. I shared about how my mother, with her great sense of adventure, loved to travel and plan the trips. How she loved to talk about where she was going and what she was going to do at each destination. I closed that day by saying to those who had come to say their last goodbyes, that my mom had taken the trip of all trips. That she'd gone to a place where God dwells. She may be diminished from our sight, but she was now on heaven's shores. They're saying, "She is coming, she is coming, she is coming!" And then I looked at her friends and family and said, "The reason I can stand before you and smile on the day of the memorial service of my mother is because I know where she is."

My friends - you watching television in America and around the world, and you at the Crystal Cathedral today - here is my last word to you - it's "hope." No matter what you've done, no matter where you've been, God forgives your failures, God loves who you are, God offers you hope, and he offers you eternal life. That is the promise that causes us to rise above the difficulties and disappointments in life because we have a hope and a faith in a God who offers us a home with him where we can live forever and ever. He offers hope for a better life on earth and an eternal life with him. He beckons, "Follow me." "

Apart from FATIH, TRUST, and GOOD CHEER, Alan and I are also going with steadfast HOPE. We have been working on a number of projects, which have taken much longer to reach fruition. We will know more tomorrow evening and / or the next day. However, we have not given up; (we have had our disappointing moments; but then, who hasn't?); but we simply ASK Him to have His Holy Spirit indwell within us; so that we may best Serve Him and be Used for His Purpose and to be a 'Blessing to others'. We Pray to Him for His GUIDANCE, UNDERSTANDING, GIFT OF GRACE, FAVOUR, WISDOM, HIS WORDS OF WISDOM; and all the other 'fruits of the Spirit', so that we will make the right choices and follow the right path; all being 'Directed' and choreographed by Him. We are a part of His orchestra; He LEADS us; we follow.

For those of you or those you know, who do not have much hope left, please access 'Hour of Power' and their encouraging resources. ie. John Maxwell is also someone methinks, you can turn to as well.

Hope this has been / is a helpful and encouraging bittid for you; it certainly has been for me! Thank you, John Maxwell!

In closing, methinks, if one does not try, one will never succeed. Also, failures breed success ultimately; because you have refused to give up; even when the 'chips are down'! The ONLY plan is, is to RELY UPON HIM totally, to carry your Burdens! ASK Him to carry your load, to uplift you, and it is amazing what happens / transpires. You are, indeed, uplifted; as if a huge weight off your heart or shoulders has been lifted! Your life is a lot simpler and more clear.

Once again, may you have a calm and a peace 'within'. A good night's rest, is always sound, as well.

Good Night and God Bless.

'Restful and Blessful'

Good Afternoon, or whatever is the best greeting to you, in your part of the world!

Am glad it is Sunday, 'a day of rest'. We are enjoying a wonderful tidbitz of R & R. Gives us a chance to reflect and recharge our batteries; as well as being joyfully apppreciative of all our Blessings that He Gives us! Plus, we have a few full days coming up; and hence, this CALM is a Godsend.

We had some unexpected and disappointing news yesterday morning (not related to the exciting news coming up on the Monday / Tuesday horizon); and we could have chosen to remain upset. However, we chose to maintain 'good cheer'; and to embrace the day all the more. We will attend to this bittidz matter tomorrow morning; and it should be resolved before too long. So, we are enjoying the day; in fact as each day comes along, make the most of it!

Like a 'sponge', I listened to and watched the Vision Channel this morning; love all three programs, with their uplifting teachings and insights! ie. 'Hour of Power' (Dr. Robert Schuller - www.hourofpower.org); 'Enjoying Everyday Life' (Joyce Meyer -www.joycemeyer.org); and 'Living Truth' (Charles Price - www.livingtruth.ca).

Should also mention that Joyce Meyer in her encouraging message, shares with us, NOT to allow the devil to take away our JOY. ie. If things do not go as per our plans, instead of being 'down and out', turn things around and be of 'good cheer!' I will share a few of her wonderful tidbits in another post. Methinks, there are NO coincidences here; because everything that Joyce expressed today, sums it all up! I would really urge you to check her website out!

'Hour of Power', welcomed back on its program, some well known guests. ie. Kathy Ireland, author of the book, 'Real Solutions for Busy Moms', and Sam Haskell, who wrote ' Stone Soup'. Very interesting story; and here is a bit of an excerpt from the televised interview between Kathy Ireland and Sam Haskell. Best though, if you tune into 'Hour of Power' etc, to gain your own fresh insights!

"And when I speak of inspiration, I have to credit Dr. Schuller for having said something that inspired me some time ago when I was thinking about writing this book. He said "what great thing would you attempt to accomplish if you knew you would not fail?" I had to write this book to share the lessons of my mom and to share with America and beyond, simple lessons of hope, faith and love. Simple in their explanation but profound in their execution and what it has meant to my life.

KI: Well it's touched so many lives.

SH: Thank you.

KI: Would you please share the story of stone soup? I love that.

SH: I've been on this sixty city tour and this is city forty-eight, in case anyone is interested, and I am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. But I was in a bookstore in Tupelo Mississippi and I had a line out the door of people, friends and old college friends who wanted to come hear about the book.

But in the book I mentioned the story, Stone Soup, which is a story my mother taught me as a little boy about philanthropy. It's very simple; three revolutionary soldiers had come into a little village. They had no food. They set up a tripod with a kettle and they put a rock in the kettle and they started stirring water into the kettle. And one by one people came out of their homes and said what are you doing? And they said well we're making stone soup. It's very delicious. But there's nothing in there but a rock, they said. Well I have a little bit of corn, one woman said. I have a piece of chicken, I have a piece of beef. And one by one everyone put the best they had into that pot and they served up a stew that fed the entire town.

Well, that's how I believe in philanthropy, Kathy. I believe that if we all put the best of what we have into the pot while standing, as my mother said, in the light of God's grace, we can serve up a stew that will feed the world. And here's the P.S. to that: I called a week later, because I call every bookstore I go to, to see how they're doing after I've been there, and they said well it's great because we sold out of your book, but guess what: we also sold out of "Stone Soup".

KI: I love that. And it just demonstrates all things are possible with God.

SH: Exactly".

Now that I think about it, I have a rather funny story about 'cauliflower soup'; as well as an unusual experience re: the William Morris Agency, years ago; and I will share those tid tales on another day.

John Maxwell was another special guest, on 'Hour of Power', and has written several books, as some of you may know. Will share a few bittids re: his enlightening thoughts about God giving us Hope. However, will do that on another day; so that you can appreciatively digest his upbeat words that reinforce Hope!

Charles Price on 'Living Truth', was also excellent with his ministry; and I will share a tidbit or two in another post. He tells the story of Moses, and how those 'equipping' experiences parallel and have relevance today. Once again, recommend you do your due diligence and access his website for further knowledge.

As a closing bittid, Alan joyfully said this morning, 'God has a pretty neat sprinkler system'; inasmuch as we woke up to a deluge of rain. It was / is most refreshing, and the garden appears to be 'happy' with the much needed 'watering'. At the moment, there are on again / off again showers, along with a mixed spritz of sunshine heralding forth, every so often.

A heartfelt THANK YOU to these three special Ministries (and others), that take the time to provide / deliver invaluable teachings; as well as being a Blessing of empowering encouragement to countless people around the world. 'Seek and Ye Shall Find'.

Speaking of 'spritz', Alan just brought me a glass of white (South African) wine; along with some ice cubes, to make it a 'spritzer'. Very refreshing!

Skal! LOVE the lush green scenery in the photo image. Looks so fresh and alive; perhaps there had also been a recent spritz of rainfall!

Peace and God Bless.

'Grapevine' (tomatoes) Blessings!

Good Evening, or whatever is the best greeting to you, in your part of the world!

We have had the best day of our 'staycation', thus far! You can refer to my most recent posts for a tid of info, if you wish a bit of background re: 'vacations at home'.

My daughter (she called us last night), her husband, and our 2 twin grandsons (just turned 3 years young!) came over in the latter part of the morning; and we enjoyed a really nice visit, until they had to leave for the baseball game. We will go to a game, another time with the parents and the little ones! One of them was quite upset that their 'Grandma MoMo' was not going to go with them today. Our wee grandsons LOVED our 'veggie patch garden'; particularly the ripe cherry tomatoes, that they picked and enhaled upon the spot. We gave them a bag of unripe ones to take home with them.

A tidbit - Basically to ripen the green tomatoes, leave the plastic bag open a bittid, and they will ripen with the encouraging rays of window sunshine.

After they left, we resumed with our plan to do some bittidz errands; as we had worked around my daughter's schedule. They could have come over after the game; but methinks the little boys would have been a tid tired; as well as dealing with the rush hour Friday / summer traffic.

After our errands, we treated ourselves to a long overdue tidbitz lunch out; and, as we had a credit; we thought, 'Why not?' It was, 'just what the doctor ordered!'

A bittid - One tends to genuinely appreciate things all the more, when there has been a 'lapse'.

We are now home for the evening; and thankful that it is the weekend AGAIN! Hurrah! We also received some enticing 'good' news this afternoon, about our major endeavour; and will be meeting with the individual early next week to 'discuss' the project. If that should occur; and we are hopeful / Prayful, it will; we will be 'off to the races!' Quite literally. As the expression goes: 'When one door closes, another door opens!'

We have some awesome plans should that enthusiastically all work out; and it sounds highly likely! Wish I could share some tidbits with you; however, have to wait til there is a bit more in place, before further bittids of this nature, follow.

The above picture is of our fresh garden produce; and our grandsons thought these were great tomato 'vines to swing from!' LOL! Not quite! However, there was 'fruit from the harvest'; and it is refreshing to see how much these 'little things' (cherry tomatoes) are enjoyed! Our grandsons LOVE them!

Tidbit - Appreciate the 'little things!'

Bittid - Oh, to be a child again!!! Good to always think 'young at heart!'

Here is wishing you a nice R & R weekend.

Peace and God Bless.