What are your plans for 2010? Yes, a new year is very near. There is something wonderful and exciting about something new. “New” means it is unused.
You will have 365 new days, 12 months or 52 weeks that are unused. They will be yours to live one day at a time, one hour at a time, minute by minute. The question is what are you going to do with all this time you have in 2010?
Some people will use the next year wisely and others will waste it like they did this year, and maybe the year before that. But, what are your plans? Is this the year you retire, or maybe change jobs? Is this the year you remodel the house or maybe buy a new one? Is this the year you will buy a new car or boat? Is this the year you continue your education or go on a mission trip? What are your plans for 2010?
If you don’t have a plan or a goal, chances are you will just react to whatever happens to you. That’s the reason life becomes boring or dull. We have no goals. So, I am encouraging every one this year, regardless of age or career, to make some goals and plans. Don’t just talk about them, write them down. Then work toward fulfilling the plan. And, stick to the plan. People fail some times because they have a plan, but don’t stick to it.
The way to develop a plan or set goals is to sit down with a pad or notebook and write down your dreams and desires. Even though at the time it may seem impossible, write it down. Write a lot of things. Maybe you want to take a trip to Alaska. Maybe you want to lose weight. Maybe you want to start a new hobby or business. Just start making a list.
After your list is made, begin to prioritize the list. Which one would you do first and which one is the least important? This list is very important because it is the beginning of your plan.
Now, take your most desired goal for 2010. Write down what you must do to prepare. What resources will you need? How much time will it take out of your work week, etc? Do this with each of your goals. Now you have a blue print of your plan and how to accomplish it.
One other factor needs to be considered. Very seldom do we succeed with plans without sharing them with someone else. Share your goals and plans with someone you respect and trust. Someone who will encourage you and not criticize you. It could be your spouse or a good friend. Listen to their advice and encouragement. Words of wisdom are worth more than gold sometimes.
Don’t make New Year’s resolutions. You won’t keep them. Make real plans and set real goals. Work at them at all cost. Understand that a good plan takes desire, determination and discipline. And, discipline is more important than desire. Only the disciplined reach their goals.
Chaplain Bud,
Christian Church at Cogan Station
Why is it that on a nice, sunny day we feel great, and on a rainy, dreary day we don’t feel so great? Or when we get a raise in pay we are very happy, but when we are passed over for a raise, we don’t rejoice? Why?
It’s because we allow circumstances to dictate to our attitude. We are happy when we control circumstances, but when we can’t, it’s not so good. And this is not good. Circumstance should not be our slave master. When it does control us, we are not in control of self. And, self is who you are, not what you do.
I spend a great deal of time watching people and reading books about people. It’s the greatest study of all studies. What makes people tick? What develops people? Why do they do the things they do, or give excuses for what they do? Yes, people are a great study.
There are many reasons why people do what they do, or act like they act. Some say it’s because they hate their job. Others blame it on their childhood. Still others say they never get the right breaks in life. But, are these reasons, or just excuses excusing their actions. I believe we are what we are because of our choices after we become adults. As children our lives are controlled by others, but when we become adults, we do make choices.
We have stories of people who grew up under terrible circumstances. But as adults, they excelled because they had a desire to excel and not to be a victim. We also have many stories of people who had the best of everything; education, home life, etc and they were a total failure in life. What makes the difference? Not the circumstances or even the past, but your outlook toward the future.
The only conclusion we can draw is that it comes down to attitude and discipline. Most opportunities in life that have real value come at the cost of hard work. Talk to people who are successful and fulfilled and they all had to start out somewhere, somehow. The one thing they all seem to have in common is that circumstances did not hold them back. They knew what they wanted to do in life, and knew how to get it.
The great builder of a person’s character is the challenge to overcome bad circumstances and turn them into opportunities. The experience of bad things that happen can make you better or bitter. But you do have a choice.
I have known men who went to prison as a youth, served their time and went on to live very successful, productive lives. I also have known very talented people who never went to prison, who wasted their lives foolishly. What made the difference; attitude and opportunity?
We have a saying in Christianity: “Bloom where you are planted.” This means that here is where you are now; grow, learn, and use what you have. You can’t be what you are not or use what you don’t have.
Life will pay you just what you think you are worth, and will give you a chance to prove it. No, it’s not what happens to me that determines my future, but how I respond to each opportunity. That will determine my future. Don’t be so full of the past that you have no room for the future.
It’s a new day, don’t waste it. You can make a difference. It’s all about attitude and character.
Chaplin Bud
The Christian Church at Cogan Station
What a wonderful time of year as we remember the birth of Jesus Christ. And, because God gave us this wonderful gift, we too give gifts to others whom we love and appreciate.
The true wonder of Christmas is the transformation of the attitudes and hearts of people. People who are old grouches all year long, become friendly. People who are negative or complainers have a change of heart. People who are difficult to live with or work with somehow catch the Christmas spirit. Yes, Christmas time is a wonderful time.
The communities are transformed with beautiful lights and displays. These lights and displays become statements of joy and faith. Some communities go all out to help celebrate this wonderful time of year. For a few short days the past year with its successes and failures are forgotten. It’s Christmas time.
Then we have the joy of the children. From getting and decorating a tree to opening presents on Christmas morning, it’s so special to them. For the children, it’s the joy of receiving. For the parents and grandparents, it’s the joy of giving. This is so wonderful because Christmas is about giving, not receiving.
With this wonderful Christmas season comes some special opportunities. In all of our communities we do have people who have very little. The reason isn’t important, they are in need. So, those who have been blessed this year can share with those who have very little. It’s a time to go out of our comfort zones and overcome our hang-ups. It’s a time to share and help others.
The people who need our help could be our neighbors or even our friends. They may have had a bad year financially, but will not let you know. They could be someone you go to church with or just see in your neighborhood. Now is a good time to be sensitive to what you might not hear in words from them but you just sense something is needed. How about just taking a chance and give them a blessing?
It’s a great time of year to let your plenty be a blessing to someone else. Maybe take some family a load of groceries or buy some stove fuel, or help buy toys for children in need? Maybe you could give someone money. Yes, money, so that they can buy for themselves a gift for those they love. Your plenty will be a big boast to their joy at Christmas time.
It’s not the gift or the size of the gift that brings the joy. It’s the willingness to reach out and give in order to make a difference that brings the blessing. Then the message “it’s more blessed to give than to receive” becomes a reality.
Open your eyes this Christmas season. Look for the homeless, the helpless, and the hurting. Use your resources and time to meet their needs. Just the smile on a child’s face or a homeless person’s face is worth all the money in the world.
There is a wonderful verse in Proverbs 11:25 that we all need to remember and activate. “A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.”
Have a very wonderful Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Begin today to plant the seeds for a good crop next year.
Chaplain Bud