Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Anger and Guilt

Ever let someone push you over the edge?  So much that your anger flairs?  The old saying, "He who angers you conquers you" is true.  Once your self control goes, then it is only a short hop to saying and doing regrettable things.

And no amount of apologies erase words say in haste and in the heat of the moment.  "I'm sorry" no matter how heartfelt never eradicates the memory and the nagging feeling that in the backlash, there just might be a grain of truth.

And there you have the decision cycle that changes your life and invites GUILT into your heart.  Resist the urge to take the easy route.  Rise above criticism and failure.  You have a higher calling.

Monday, July 30, 2012

Hands Up!

To most individuals in our society, surrender is a dirty word.  For the month of  August I hope to persuade you that surrender does not mean giving up.  I devote an entire chapter to this subject in 13 Decisions That Will Change Your Life.  God often uses situations, people, and yes even loss to get out attention and convince us of the need to surrender.  Even a peek into the Old and New Testament reveals Deborah's surrender to leadership, Saul's rebellion to surrender,  David's up and down attitude toward surrender.  But of course Jesus' surrender is the most magnificent of all. Anything less pales before that example.  How are you doing with surrender today?

Thursday, July 19, 2012

GUEST BLOG!!

Check out "HOW I WRITE" on Friday, July 20 on the Southern Writers Magazine website

http://www.southernwritersmagazine.com/


blog page is entitled   Suite T

Satan's Toolbox

Everyone has a resource they pull from.  Writers read voraciously and persuade, create worlds, motivate, or make us laugh.  Carpenters use their hammers, planes, and blueprints to fashion cathedrals. 

Satan is like that.  But he isn't clever enough to use innovative methods.  Instead he digs into our conscious and subconscious minds, invades our dreams, and finds enough emotional baggage to be a guilt trip agent.

Don't fall for it.  Let your toolbox be filled with love, peace, and joy.

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Tale of Two Guilt Trips

David was a king.  He has everything he could ever want.  But that wasn't enough.  He wanted a woman who belonged to another.  He devised a crafty plan, murdered the husband, and took Bathsheba.  He paid a hefty price for his sin, but guilt led to repentance and restoration.

Judas was a disciple.  He was treasurer of the "in" group.  But that wasn't enough.  He needed recognition.  He devised a crafty plan, betrayed Jesus, and paid a hefty price for his sin -  suicide.

Two men, two sins, different endings.

Motivation to Serve

Guilt is a huge motivator.  It can make us volunteer, do penance, teach a class, and otherwise burn our candle at both ends - all without emotions, empathy, or concern.  Guilt compares us to others and brings up conversations from naysayers.  Guilt reminds you of your failures and confuses your motives with "oughts."  Satan uses many tricks in his bag to get us to serve, but the only motive that satisfies is the one Jesus gave to love and serve as He did.

Friday, July 6, 2012

Use Your Abilities

A double amputee wrote, "You're not disabled by the disabilities you have, you are able by the abilities you have."  A great attitude from a great athlete.

Oscar Pistorious is the fastest man with NO legs.  His awards would fill a room.  He is only one example of patience and perseverance.  He decided that his disability would not define him. 

As the motto of paraolympics asks, "What's your excuse?"

Monday, July 2, 2012

Pursue Patiently

Many wonderful things in life come only after we patiently wait for them.  Children come to mind. We plan, prepare, and wait for our little ones. They are worth the wait.

The dream house we save for is finally ours after years of sacrifice.  The promotion comes only after our performance reaches a peak.

And so it is with most things.  Pursue patiently what your heart desires.  Celebrities who are an overnight success worked at their craft for many years.  And when the accolades come, enjoy but don't forget to pass that grace along to another.

I Want to Be Patient NOW

In the instant society where we live, work, and play, patience has become an antique virtue.  We nuke our food, speed to our appointments, demand faster cable and internet (guilty of all).  Perhaps the only thing we can't speed up is childbirth and C-sections are helping with that.

When it comes to the world of writing, patience and its companion, perseverance, is the only thing that will keep you sane.  David Sarnoff said, The will to persevere is often the difference between failure and success.