This year, 2012 in America is a very important year. It is that time again to pick a new president or re-elect the one in office for four more years. Also, many state and federal offices are up for reelection.
We, in America, have a party system. Each party nominates their man or woman for the highest office in the land. Only one party will have the winner. Many people will be disappointed while others very happy. We have the best form of government in the world, but still people are not satisfied.
The best man does not always win. The man who gets the most votes wins. The key is for every American to get out and vote for your choice. To vote is a privilege that every American should take advantage of. Don't complain if you don't vote.
Countries rise or fall many times because the leaders are either good or corrupt. Corrupt leaders attract others who are corrupt or willing to be corrupted. Good, honest leaders attract people like themselves; like attracts like. Yet, in a country like ours that is so big and has so much money in taxes, the temptation is great for corruption. Sometimes a little leaven corrupts the whole lot. Not everyone can handle power and popularity. We know that power corrupts, but it need not to.
Our history of Presidents has given America some great, honest men, like Washington, Jefferson, and Abe Lincoln, just to name a few. We have had failures too. But that is our system and we must live with it. We must admit that this is not a Christian nation anymore. We were founded on Christian principles by Christian leaders, even though not all of our founding fathers were Christians. But, these great statesmen gave us the Constitution and the Bill of Rights that gave America the ability to be the great nation she is today.
America will only remain great as long as our leaders remain true to our constitution and the laws of the land. Our prosperity came and still comes from free enterprise and capitalism where every person born in America has opportunities to excel in life.
True freedom is not easy to achieve or keep. Freedom is everyone's business. Our freedom has always had a cost. The cost of lives during wartime, the cost of taxes to run our country, the cost of hard work to be successful and the cost of greed and selfish ambition that plagues our country from time to time.
Our ancestors paid a high price for our freedom. Some died on the high seas before they ever got to America. Others died from hunger or diseases while building our country. Some lost their fortunes and lives fighting for our independence from England. Some died at a young age giving birth to children in a very primitive country. But, they didn't give up and quit. They birthed new generations who made things better for that new generation. Today it would be well to reflect on those brave, great souls who believed in freedom and paid the price so we could enjoy this great land.
Get out and vote this year. Support the party of your choice. Be a real American and get involved in your community and with people. Look for ways to improve things for you and your neighbors. Remember, we have an obligation to the next generation.
Chaplain Bud
The Christian Church at Cogan Station
The American scene is one of great opportunities, but they come at a price. Everything is built on power and money. The way to get ahead is the driving force and it's leaving a path of destruction wider than can be measured.
Our society is drunk with consumerism and entertainment. Character and ethics are disappearing as fast as the older generation is dying off. The younger generation's idea of right and wrong is coming out of a new book, but not the "Good Book".
When this country got rid of the outhouse and the woodhouse, we began a season in history that will affect us forever. Our youth are bored and their parents are too busy making money to care. Youth with too much idle time on their hands is guarantee for trouble. The youth of today are lacking two great character builders. They are, learning to work and being responsible for their actions.
When you address this problem, everyone gets into the blame game. The government is not doing enough or the schools are not doing their job, or there is nothing in our neighborhoods for the kids to do. And on and on it goes.
The real problem that is at the bottom of all this is in the home. Our homes are being destroyed by a very immoral, liberal society gone mad over success and money. The home for most people today is just a place to sleep and get clean clothes. The families don't eat together, don't pray together, don't play together, don't travel together, etc.
A high number, and I mean really high number, of children are raised by single parents or
grandparents. These people are stuck with the children and have no choice. They may or may not love them, but they are all the kids have. This presents all kinds of problems especially with discipline and respect
Then, to add insult to injury, we have a society of liberal people who do not want children spanked. Without the proper discipline, children grow up to be monsters that kill people. They can't be taught in school or college because they grow up without respect for authority.
So, what do we have in America? The greatest country in the world with all the conveniences anyone could ever want. But we are destroying ourselves, we are destroying our future, and we are reaping a harvest of a nation gone bad morally and spiritually.
This country was founded on the greatest principles in the world; biblical principles. Our laws and constitution were designed on the biblical truth. But, now as a nation, we have abandoned God in our courts, schools and social gatherings. After 300 years now, it is not politically correct to pray in public.
All great nations in history were built on strong character, produced by strong homes that were produced by strong Christian principles. Think on these things.
Chaplain Bud
Well, Christmas is over and the New Year begins. Its wintertime and the snow and cold temperatures are our constant challenges. Oh how the joy of Christmas slips away so quickly in cold weather.
So, how can we retain our Christmas spirit? It is the spirit of giving and sharing; the true spirit of our Lord Jesus' birthday; the reason for the season.
It's so easy to slip back into our old routines and old habits. But, we don't have to. We have a choice and maybe if you read this, you too can make 2012 a very new and joyful year.
First, be generous throughout the year like you were for Christmas. Be generous not only with your money but generous with your time and talents. We look for people to help at Christmastime so don't stop looking now. People still need help. Here are two verses to think about.
"For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable to what one has, not according to what he does not have." II Cor. 8:12
"He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little." II Cor. 8:15
Second, be grateful. When we go through Christmas or vacation time, these are high days. Days of plenty and joy, but now we are back to work and the old routines. We forget to be grateful and thankful. Now we are in the planting and working stage to have a new crop of happiness. We are always preparing for the next event to come into our lives. This is called the process of life. We must go through valleys to get to the mountain tops. Here is another good verse.
"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly and whoever sows generously will also reap generously." II Cor. 9:6
Thankful people are generous and generous people are showing their gratitude by their deeds.
Third, be a good employee. We trade our work and time for money. We need money to live, to feed our families and support our communities. The good employees work hard and are honest. The good employees are dependable and follow orders well. The good employees have good attitudes and do no gossip. In other words, a good employee likes his job and lives by a good value system based on solid convictions of right and wrong.
Fourth, see your life as having real value. Value to our family, to your friends, to your employer, to your Lord, to all you come in contact with. You give your life value by your character and convictions. You give your life value by your actions and words. We are what we do and think.
You see, our value system gives us our purpose in life. To retain the Christmas spirit we must work at it every day. It needs to come naturally out of joy and satisfaction in our heart. Remember your life will pay you only what you think you are worth.
Chaplain Bud
Another year is almost over. In a few weeks we will be in 2012. The possibility of doing much more in 2011 is slipping away.
But, it’s a great time of year. Christmas is a time when even mean people are nice. People are filled with the giving spirit of Christmas. Gifts flow like there is no tomorrow. College kids are home and all is well with the world.
Yes, Christmastime is a special time, when family and friends become first place. Some doors are opened that were closed all year. If the truth was known, there may be more forgiveness given at Christmas than any other time of the year.
Since this year is almost over, it’s time to be planning for 2012, three hundred-sixty five unused days. Days filled with opportunities and challenges. Many things are going to happen even if we are not prepared.
Some people will die in 2012. Others will be born. Others will buy their first house or begin a new job. Yes, all of this is yet to come. Are you prepared?
Of course we have a major election in 2012. It will be the major part of the news until it is over. Some people will be very happy with the election outcome, and others will be unhappy. But, that is our American way. It’s our privilege to vote, so get out and vote in 2012. This is going to be part of our 2012 experiences along with many others.
My question is this; How prepared are you for 2012? The year will come even if we are not prepared.
People make a lot of New Year’s resolutions. Resolutions they can’t keep or don’t intend to keep. They have the desire but lack the discipline. They may even be determined, but still discipline is the key.
So why not begin today to prepare for 2012? First, make a list of goals you want to achieve in the New Year. Things like change jobs, or find a different house, or buy another car, or begin exercising, or going to church, or continuing your education.
Second, now list each goal separately. Then list the things you must do to accomplish your goals. Try to think of the cost, time, and everything involved. Then one by one do the same with all your goals.
Third, list your goals in the order you want to accomplish them. Then begin to concentrate on your number one. Stick to it till it’s finished then move on to number two, etc.
Now keep in mind you are the one who is going to make these things happen. Your determination and discipline must be greater than those around you. Avoid all negative people. Don’t become discouraged or begin to doubt yourself. Don’t be afraid to sacrifice. You will probably have to. Don’t let distractions keep you from working at your goals. Do whatever it takes, as long as it takes, until you reach your goals.
Finally, don’t waste next year. We only get one life and it is short at best. Success and happiness depend on you, not others. You can do it.
Chaplain Bud
Two words are very important in the English language; communication and cooperation. These words are the key, many times, between success or failure. Success or failure in marriage, a business, your job, or just getting along in this world.
The true meaning of communication is: an imparting; the act of making oneself understood; an expression of thoughts or opinions.
Communication is not just talking, but making yourself understood. That is the hard part. People listen to us, but do they really understand what we are saying? And, are we saying what we want to say, clearly and plainly? Not just a bunch of words, but words that mean something.
Yes, people talk, but they don't clearly communicate. And this does not mean we agree on what is being said. It does mean we are being understood by the words we speak.
The lack of communication leads to all kinds of problems. In business or at our job the lack of communication causes all kinds of misunderstandings or failure to do our job. Bad information results in bad decisions, which result in bad consequences.
Many family problems come from the lack of good communication. People say things but do the opposite. Or people misunderstand the other person's motives or actions. The communications were not clear or understandable. So, people just don't talk and trouble is brewing in the future.
Because communications are bad, it makes cooperation impossible. Here is the meaning of cooperation. "The act of working together for the same end".
To have a successful business or public department, people need to know their job and do their job. But they can't do it alone. The job includes other people, which we must communicate and cooperate with. It's not about what we like or dislike. It's about success or failure.
Marriage is the same way. Not everything is about one person. Marriage is putting two people together who may be very different yet working together to produce fulfillment and happiness. This takes communication and cooperation. Without these two words that produce good fruit, marriage is impossible.
Someone has said, "life would be simple and easy if we didn't have to deal with other people". Well welcome to the real world! This is our real test of being a human being. Don't fail this test. If you do, you have to keep taking it till you pass. We were all given this life for a purpose. That purpose will come through other people and their needs the same as ours.
Chaplain Bud
The Christian Church at Cogan Station
(570) 998-2989
The world needs good finishers, not just good starters. We have many who start well, but finish badly. Somewhere along in life's journey, people either lose their passion and vision or their past was not always honest, and it caught up with them.
Some of America's greatest success stories are about the people with great vision; whether it was building a railroad, having a territory become a state or discovering oil for the first time in America. These men and women had great passion and ambition. Some were great finishers but others were destroyed by success or other reasons.
Then you have people who are poor starters but great finishers. Abe Lincoln is a good example. He never gave up and kept trying until his last great success was to lead America through her darkest hours.
Our country was birthed by men and women of great courage and determination. It produced leaders at the right time to lead under very extreme conditions. Our independence from our mother country cost many of them their lives and their fortunes. Some started slow and finished great. Others started great but finished very poorly.
Good finishers have certain qualities in common and those who finish badly also have some things in common. Let's look at the latter first.
First, motive is a big player in anyone's life for doing things. If the motive is evil or just to get rich off of others backs, that's not a good motive. When people's motive is just to get to the top or use other people to get there, it is wrong.
Second, dishonesty will always catch up to you. Many people who start well are not honest in their dealings or speech. Dishonest people are blight on any organization, country, or town.
Yes, motive and dishonestly will eventually bring a fast starter down. Their foundation is bad so whatever they do or say is not reliable.
Now, let's look at the good finishers. What do they have in common?
First, they have character. Yes, character is who you are. It is everything you do and say. People of character are people who build others up. People of character are dependable and predictable. They are stayers and that's why they are good finishers.
Second, people who finish well have a plan. They know where they are going. They count the cost and prepare for the future. Their plan becomes their vision, and their vision becomes their purpose.
Third, people who finish well learn from their experiences. They know what it is to fail and they know what it is to succeed. They let their experiences work for them, not against them.
Fourth, people who finish well are people of discipline. The finishers are disciplined by character and honesty. They discipline their lives to be productive and fulfilled. They discipline their desires, restrain their reactions and keep their commitments.
Be a finisher not just a starter.
Chaplin Bud
Every crisis brings sorrow and heart ache. But it also gives people an opportunity to help one another. Sometimes out of ashes heroes are born. Not that they rush into a burning building but they are there in a time of need.
The high water we had in our area in the past few days tested everyone. The friends and neighbors, the firemen, and the policemen, the medical people, and many more that we are not aware of. But in our eyes they were all heroes. Some risked their lives, others gave hour after hour of their time and others used their trucks, boats, or whatever was needed. But they were available.
Now the clean up and all the problems of relocating or rebuilding begins; the disposal of all the things that got ruined and all the mud and dirt. Now is the beginning of the rebuilding process. Not just the material things but the lives as well. Overcoming the emotions of the loss of things that can't be replaced like family pictures, baby pictures, personal papers, and the list goes on. But, so does life.
Much heartache will come out of this disaster, but much good will also come of it if we just look for it. People need to be needed, and this is a great opportunity to be needed. Material things take a backseat to human needs and comfort. People go the extra mile and do the extra things because there is a need and they are needed.
A crisis also brings out of people an inner strength they didn't realize they had. It takes real determination to overcome this temporary setback in life. It brings out a true value system to clean up the disaster and move on. It brings family and neighbors together because they all have one thing in common; Survival!
The clean up and rebuilding will take weeks and months to complete. Some people will move to new locations, but others will stay and rebuild their everyday lives. Activities will go on. Life must go on.
The question is, what did we all learn from this crisis? How can we be better prepared? How can this crisis teach us to heed the warning quicker or be more realistic about the damage water can bring? People soon forget and go back to life as usual until the water comes again. And it will at some time in history.
The true lesson is that lives are more important than material things. Family and friends are more important than material things. We are social beings and to be truly happy and fulfilled we need people. A lost life can never be replaced but material things can be.
This is a good time to take inventory. What do I have to be thankful for? Who and what is the most important person or thing in my life? Now could they be replaced if taken from me?
We say, as Christians, God never wastes a "crisis". It will open our eyes, move us to check our value system, and find strength we never knew we had. We become a better person through the testing that comes through crisis.
Chaplain Bud
Life is too short to be unhappy and sad. Or, like some, to always be mad. Did you ever stop to think that a day wasted is one you will never get back? We only have so many days on this earth. We have no idea how many days that will be, however our time here will end.
Each new day we have a major choice. Will I choose to let things rob my happiness? Will I let circumstances ruin my day? Or, will I overcome whatever comes my way and be happy? Things will happen. Things will go wrong sometimes. People may let us down or hurt us, but don't let them hinder you from enjoying life.
If you can control your responses, you can control your attitude. It's not what happens to us but how we respond to what happens to us that makes a difference. Something may happen to two different people and one will get angry and the other may just smile. The reason is because each chose to respond in accordance with their attitude.
Happy people are not always the smartest, or most talented, or have the best jobs, but they see things differently than negative people. Most happy people don't take themselves too seriously and they laugh at themselves often. They see life as a constant opportunity not as a burden or as the enemy.
They do, however, take their work and their friendships seriously. The men or women who are happy will also enjoy their work and careers, and are successful doing them.
Someone once said, "if you are happy in your work you will never work a day in your life." Why? It's because of the joy and satisfaction it brings you.
When I meet a happy person they are usually people of good character. And, most of the time, truly happy people are generous. Their inward joy is expressed in ways of sharing and helping others. Their blessings are in the form of seeing other people made happy by what they can do for them.
Proverbs 11:25 "A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed."
That says it all. Want joy and happiness? Then try giving it away. Truly successful and fulfilled people have learned this and practice it. The giver always receives back far more than they give.
Tomorrow will be a new day. How are you going to live it and use it? You may be a very happy person like the ones I am describing in this article. If you are, share with at least 3 other people why you are happy.
But, if you are not a happy person, make some new choices. Make some major changes. Make some new friends or seek out some happy people and learn from them.
Life is too short to waste even one day. You are important to yourself and others. Don't let either down.
Chaplain Bud
The Christian Church at Cogan Station
(570) 998-2989
When you travel to new places and foreign lands, you learn so much. You see so much. All around the world people are just like us at home. They work, they sleep, they eat, and they find ways to enjoy life.
But history teaches us that people can also be cruel, selfish, and greedy. They can have selfish ambitions that cost others very dearly. Wars are caused by evil leaders who want power and control of others.
My last mission trip took me to Europe and many countries. But, in Poland, I observed the destruction of the Second World War. Poland, like many other countries in Europe, suffered greatly by invaders from their neighbors.
The Polish people were enslaved and thousands killed senselessly. They were made to work in work camps for their captors. Their rights and passions were taken from them. Their homes and families were destroyed.
They were made to help kill thousands of innocent people from other countries. Their sick received no medicine but were killed for being sick. Their women were raped and young girls made to become prostitutes for their invaders. This is the result of greedy, power-hungry people.
In war, in the long run, everyone loses. The common people suffer the most. It takes years and years to recover. It takes generations to rebuild a nation. Families separated or killed never will ever be the same. This kind of war has no good purpose. It is a destroyer of people.
We, in America have never been invaded by a foreign country. God forbid that it ever happens. Our way of life would be no more. Our freedom would be taken away and we would become enslaved.
Freedom is the responsibility of everyone, not just our leaders. We must live, and plan, and protect freedom. We must elect honest, good leaders who understand freedom and make decisions that our way of life will continue.
The world continues to produce friends as well as enemies of America. We must know who they are and protect our future. The price of freedom is always very high. But, the cost of losing freedom is even higher.
America continues to decay morally and this, in the end, could be our downfall. God has blessed America because in the past she honored and obeyed Him. However, today our government has turned her back on God. No country in history will or can stand without strong moral and family principles.
The invaders of Poland silenced the churches in their home country. People were deceived into believing lies about their leaders until it was too late. We, in America, cannot afford to make the same mistakes. Greed and selfish ambition can destroy us too!
Think about these things.
Chaplain Bud
The Christian Church at Cogan Station
(570) 998-2989
Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, "I find no pleasure in them." Ecclesiastes 12:1
We are young but too soon we are old. The years go by so fast, and one morning we wake up and we are old. We have been busy with life and now we see the end coming. Listen to another verse: "Moreover when God gives any man wealth and possessions and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work, this is a gift from God. He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart." Ecclesiastes 5:19-20
Happy is the man who enjoys his work. That happiness is reflecting in everything in his life. His home, his family, his friendships, his community, and all that he does. The years just keep going so fast. He is occupied with the gladness of his heart. His wealth and possessions may be great or small, but they are his. He accepts his lot in life.
We were all born with a purpose. The secret is to find your purpose, and then the real happiness comes not from you but the purpose. To each of us the purpose is different, but there must be one. Some people just live to work, but with true purpose we work so we can live. However all must work. This is our lot in life. Those who refuse to earn a living live off the backs of those who do. This is not the plan God has for man
Here is a truth you can take to the bank. Find your purpose and you will find fulfillment. An unfulfilled person is a miserable person. And, a miserable person is a dangerous person, because they do desperate things. They become angry, or selfish, or jealous, or become filled with hatred. Then bad things happen.
We human beings do not like authority. We don't like being told what we must do. But without authority and order life would be unlivable.
This is where God comes into the picture. Countries and people who refuse to honor and obey God, become immoral and corrupt, and governed by evil leadership. History has recorded many of these countries and horror stories of the lives of the people.
The book of Ecclesiastes sums it up very well. "Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter. Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment including every hidden thing whether it is good or evil."
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
Whether you believe in God or not does not change the picture. There is only one God, the Creator of the universe and Saviour of man-kind. Each person is given a time here on earth to find their purpose and make their own choices. But our choices all have consequences both good and bad. We only have one life to live, so do it right and don't waste it. Find your purpose.
Chaplain Bud,
The Christian Church at Cogan Station
(570) 998-2989
This has been a very different spring in most of America. Rain, rain, rain in some areas. So, we have flooding along our rivers. We have bad winds that bring tornadoes that kill and destroy. Yes, American people have suffered greatly this spring.
You may ask, "whose fault is it?" No one's. It is the weather of which no man has control. And, it's been like this since the beginning of time. We can complain and grumble or we can overcome whatever happens to us. The greatest suffering is the loss of life that cannot be replaced. However, buildings and businesses can be rebuilt and life goes on.
These are times that people can rally around others and help. People who never knew each other now find themselves along side each other, searching for survivors or cleaning up or rebuilding or sand-bagging a dike or sending food and water to help. And the list can go on. So, the point is that 99% of American people do care and can be counted on when the chips are down.
These are the times people become very generous with their money also. Without generous people so many would not have a chance. It's not the government but the people who really make a difference over the long haul. Yes, the true blessing is to share, care and dare to come out of your comfort zone. To give and help someone knowing that they can never repay you.
.Luke 6:38 "Give and it will be given to you. A good measure pressed down, shaken together and running over will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be
measured to you."
When you help other people get what they want and need first, you will get what you need and more. When your life bears good fruit, it multiplies. When you bear bad fruit it too multiplies. So, why not bear good fruit and have the true joy of fulfillment?
Proverbs 11:25 "A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself b refreshed."
God never wastes a crisis and we must not waste them either. The time for action is now. The time to open your hearts and pockets and help our neighbors to the south is now. It will not be months, but years in cleaning up and rebuilding. They need help now not a "wait and see" attitude. Help some good worthy cause that is doing something. Contribute to Hope Missions, the Red Cross, etc. Take a week or two off and go on a mission trip or finance someone else to go. We can make a difference. You can make a difference. Act NOW.
Chaplain Bud
If you think your life is bad, you can make it better. Each person puts his own value on life. Each person develops his own value systems. This begins at a very young age and lasts a whole lifetime. The value system is developed in many ways and experiences. Education helps build a value system. Our parents have a great influence. Our communities we grow up in, as well as its traditions and culture have great influences.
But, it's our faith that will be the best influence of a personal value system because our faith is far more than just a belief in God. Our faith comes out of trust in the Word of God that develops a love for the God of the Word. The Word teaches us so many things; such as how to please God, how to obey God, and what to put into our daily lives and also what to eliminate.
A value system is not based only on what a person knows and thinks, but also how a person acts. Our experiences both good and bad build up or tear down our value system. These experiences of a lifetime continue to support what we believe and think. If we think life stinks or is unfair, we react that way. If we accept life as it comes everyday and we are positive and have a good attitude, we react in a positive way.
A person will act or react in a certain way based on our convictions. Our convictions of right and wrong are the basis for our value system. A true conviction does not change because of the circumstances. True convictions, when tempted, will not change. Why? Because of a faith-based value system.
Everyone bases what they do and know on something. Moral laws are the basis for moral behavior. Every society has laws that determine what behavior is accepted or rejected. Those that violate or break these laws suffer the consequences. Those who obey them have nothing to fear because they accept and live by this value system.
Let's go back to our faith-based value system. A faith-based value system is born, fed, and matures in truth. Without trust there are no absolutes. Without trust nothing is certain or can be trusted. The truth will set you free only if you obey truth. Knowing the truth is not enough, we must obey it.
People who put great value on life have come to the point of realizing what it is all about. Each day becomes one more day of joy and happiness, or pain and suffering because of our actions. People don't just get the way they are in one day or without experience. They have been a part of the human process of maturing or not maturing. Our true nature is revealed in our actions and behavior.
Can people change and do people change? Yes, some for the better and some for the worst. Time and circumstances are the two great testers of our value system. What you know, do, and think is who you really are. Think on these things.
Chaplain Bud
How creative are you? Or, is your life just plain vanilla? Is your life boring and too routine? Maybe you need to think about it, and then if you are dissatisfied, do something about it. Don't just sit there.
The person who follows the crowd will usually get no further than the crowd. The person who walks alone is likely to find himself or herself in places no one has ever been.
You have two choices in life. You can dissolve into the mainstream or you can be distinct. To be distinct you must be different. To be different you must strive to be what no one else but you can be. This will get you into a bind sometimes with the old ways, but trying something new is what you need to get out of trouble. Be creative!
Jesus said "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life and only a few find it." Matthew 7:13-14
A dissatisfied person becomes creative because they are not happy with things as they are. A creative person is willing to take risks and try new things and new ways. The creative person is usually ahead in their thinking and doing. However, it is not without difficulties and trials. It may even breed contempt from those around you. But the creative person knows where they are going and has figured out how to get there. Another thing that may seem strange is that they look at the goal not the cost only.
Creative people don't find satisfaction in limited alternatives. They want to discover as many alternatives as possible. Some people will stifle their own creativity by caving into fear of the unknown; not the real creative people who love the joy and excitement of the undiscovered unknown.
Henry Ford said, "Some of our best ideas have come from letting fools rush in where angels fear to tread."
Creative people are not typically married to anyone concept or idea. They don't develop sacred cows. They are flexible and curious and yes, they make a lot of mistakes and sometimes fail. But they know failure is not final unless you quit.
There are four main things that block a good idea. They block a creative mind. The first is habit. Habits are hard to break. Habits mean hanging onto the status quo; we have always done it this way. The second block is fear. Yes, fear of the unknown, fear of failure, fear of losing friends, etc. This is a major blocker of creativity. Prejudice is the third one. Again we become prejudice against things we don't understand or people different from us. The fourth blocker is friends. Friends are necessary and wonderful, but they can also influence us the wrong way. Friends can be good or cruel. So pick your friends, don't let them pick you. You can't pick your family, but you can pick your friends.
A person with no new ideas stops growing. When we stop growing, we begin to die. Don't die, be creative!
Chaplain Bud
As ministers, one of our duties is to have funerals. They are never easy for anyone, and for a close family saying goodbye it is very hard. We all know that someday we will also die. This is just a fact of life. Dying is one thing, living is another. The sad fact is that so many people never really live, just survive or exist.
To really live a full life takes more than just occupying space on this earth. To live a full, happy life takes preparation and planning. It takes effort and work. It takes other people becoming a part of your life. It takes desire and determination to be proactive not just a reactionary.
So what brings this full life, that at the end we can say, "I really did live it to the fullest?" And, yes, there is a way at the end of your life in which you can say this.
Here is the secret: "A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." Proverbs 11:25. A generous person is a happy person. Anyone who helps others will be fulfilled. Yes, this seems too good to believe. But it is true.
Too much of our lives we spend just trying to make a living and not making a life. It seems that greed and selfishness becomes people's master. Money does not make people happy, people make people happy. We work hard and long just to buy things and stuff, but why? We find out that things and stuff cannot love us or bring us happiness. This becomes a bottomless pit that can never be satisfied and only leaves us with a desire for more.
God created man and woman to be good stewards. We are the keepers of this earth. We are to be good stewards of our time, talents, and treasures. We are to be generous with our blessings and treasures.
Yes, we know people will die so we must have new births. That's why we have families and children. We are not all created equal but we all have choices and opportunities. During this one life we have, it's our time in history. It is our time to love and be loved. It's our time to be productive and creative. It's our time to make a difference. If we don't, it's one more wasted life. And what a waste it is, not to live and enjoy your few years on earth.
Do you live to work or work to live? I hope your motive is to work so you can eat and feed your family. We were designed to live and build relationships, not build empires. When careers come before family and friends, career is a monster. That monster will destroy you, not bless you. The monster will steal your years, your family, and your health.
Don't fear death, but fear being dead and still walking on this earth. Too many are in that state today. As a result, they drink alcohol or take pills for relief of stress. They are wasting precious years on meaningless things. But the man or woman who has found the truth about why we are created and truly lives and enjoys life, is the richest person you will ever know. Give this some thought.
Chaplain Bud
The Christian Church at Cogan Station
(570) 998-2989
How To Live
Ways To Get Your Own Way
Help other people get what they want first.
Always show respect to others.
Do more than is expected of you.
Be the first to volunteer.
Be generous and kind.
Be an encourager to everyone.
Don't look down on anyone.
Don't be a gossip or backbiter.
Be polite and kind even when it is hard.
Speak to everyone and smile.
Look for people who need a helping hand.
Praise others for jobs well done.
Open the door for others first.
Say please and thank you often
How Not To Live
Ways To Keep People Mad At You
Never do your share of work.
Never smile at anyone, look mad.
Always try to be late to an appointment.
Be a backbiter and gossiper.
Don't help anyone for any reason.
Never praise anyone or encourage them.
Always have the other person pay.
Don't show respect to anyone.
Be a verbal complainer always.
Leave early while others are still working.
Never clean up your messes.
Tell your wife she is as dumb as her mother.
Throw a fit when you don't get your own way.
Kick your neighbor's dog.
Chaplain Bud
"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." Proverbs 27:17
We do need other people in our lives whether we think so or not. People can pull us down but they can also build us up. It depends on who you work with or who your friends are. Everyone has influence, whether it is good or bad.
The trick is to pick the right kind of friends. Good friends will be encouragers and people we need in our lives. Bad friends become bad influence and drain you of the good in you.
Here is some good advice. "Do not make friends with a hot tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn his ways and get yourself ensnared." Proverbs 22:25-26.
It's the same way with people we work with. We don't have a choice to pick who we must work with most of the time. Some people with whom we must work are fun to be with. But, some are very difficult to work with. They may be moody, or lazy, or just plain morale busters. They may be gossipers or back-biters. But, you still have to work with them if you want a job.
So what should you do if you find yourself in a job like that or around people like that? First, don't be like the other people. Work hard and do more than expected of you and don't be a complainer. Always do what is right regardless of what others do. Don't be a gossiper or a tale bearer. Treat everyone alike. Show respect to all. And, don't give the enemy ammunition against you.
Is this easy to do? No! But when we are paid to do a job, give it your best. Look for ways to make things better. Be a good example setter, and be a pacesetter.
Life is a test. We are always being tested. We are tested in patience and endurance. We are tested in our talents and skills. We are tested in our relationships with other people. We are tested in our marriages. We are tested in our financial dealings. And the number one, our character, is always being tested. If we fail the test, the consequences can be bad.
The good news is that as human beings we can overcome almost anything we put our minds to. I have used this saying for years; "I can put up with the things I don't like, so I can do and have the things I do like." That may not make sense to you, but it works for me!
There are no perfect times or seasons in our lives. Each has both good and bad times. Each age and season has times that it was easier or harder. The hard times are the times of molding our character. The choices or decisions we made were not always the best, but we did make them.
Success comes to those who seek it and work for it. Failure comes to those who blame others and seek something for nothing.
Chaplain Bud
Our only limitations are those we set up in our own minds or permit others to establish for us.
People sometimes feel they are trapped in life with no chance for advancement or change. This can be true to a certain extent, unless we truly believe in change. Yes, change if you always do what you've always have done, you will always have what you always had. That is so true.
In life, we call this lifestyle a rut. Someone has said that a rut is a grave with both ends kicked out. The good news is that you can get out of a rut. It takes effort, and sometimes sacrifice, but it can be done. We need not to remain victims of the rut.
The way to eliminate limitations is to see possibilities. It may mean changing jobs, more education, moving to a new community or state, or giving up hobbies or things you like to do for a time. This will take determination and planning. However, there is always a cost to change.
Self confidence is the first requirement to a major change. If others can do it, so can you. You are the key player, so prepare for the challenge. Someone told me once, "Life will pay you what you think you are worth." I have never forgotten it. You build self confidence by taking risks and learning from your failures. We learn very little from success but a great deal from failure.
Satisfaction comes from trying, not from just thinking. But, never the less, the greatest possibilities come from ideas. But every good idea needs action. The simplest idea is what gave us our cars. Henry Ford took his idea of a wagon that was self-propelled and made it work. It did not happen overnight or without cost or many failures, but he believed in his idea.
The electric light and the telephone came from an idea. The cell phone or email had to start somewhere. The man with an idea must believe in it first and even after others give up, they keep going.
So, the purpose of this article is to be an encouragement to any and all people who read it. I believe God's greatest gift to His creation, next to eternal life through His Son, Jesus Christ, is our mind. It gives man the capacity to think and produce. The mind controlled by a good heart is limitless. Men and women have made this world a better place because they used their minds to its greatest advantage. Yes, some use their minds for evil, but believe more use them for good than bad.
Don't let the world set your boundaries. Dream some dreams, accomplish your goals, let your life reach its greatest potential, and you will come to the end truly fulfilled.
The true meaning for life is to find purpose and enjoy that purpose.
Chaplain Bud
Every country, company, or business, large or small, has one thing in common; the need for leadership. Every once in a while a great leader appears. Sometimes their greatness does not appear until a crisis appears but their greatness will surface.
Every leader answers to someone. They have responsibilities, schedules to keep, people to keep happy, problems to solve, and many other things on their shoulders. Many leaders are very good. Others find themselves in leadership, and realize that they are not equipped and are very unhappy.
Great leaders come from good leaders who show up at just the right time. Men like George Washington or Abe Lincoln, or Moses. These men and many others in history were in preparation a long time before they were called upon to lead. All these men were men of passion, vision, and a persevering determination to achieve the goals they set out to do.
So, what makes good or great leaders so different? They get people to do the work and accomplish the tasks assigned to them. Any leader can do that. But great leaders get people to want to do the work assigned to them. It is because they don't command people but inspire people. That is the difference.
A leader who can inspire people is always in great demand. Their style comes from their personality and character. They know how to communicate, not dictate. They know how to motivate without manipulation. They are morale builders, not whip- crackers.
Those who can inspire can lead, whether it's into battle or to run a business. They inspire their followers to do more than is expected of them. They instill in their followers, pride in who they are and what they do. People love to be a part of whatever or wherever this leader is doing or going.
Great leaders make their visions and goals clear for their followers. They communicate them constantly and clearly. They motivate by recognition and praise for work well done. They don't waste time with excuse and failure. They have no time for weakness. Also, they demand more of themselves than they do of others.
The world is starved for good leadership. And we need great ones too. So, where do they come from? They come from good homes. Yes, parents that gave them the right starts in life. They may have a good education or they may have little education. But, they understand life. The understand responsibility and the true purpose of hard work. They learn the basic principles of life from good parents, good manners, and respect for others, honesty, no short cuts, honor your father and mother, etc.
Yes, their journey to the top started many years before they got there. They knew failure and disappointment. However, failure and disappointments were not setbacks, but preparing times. They knew what they wanted and how to get there. They had desire, determination, and disciple; the three D's of success. People like this, will get there some day.
Chaplain Bud
There is a word that brings the fear of God to everyone. The word is "Change." People may even be for it as long as it doesn't affect them. But, if it affects them, you may have a fight on your hands.
Have you ever heard the statement: "Nothing ever stays the same, but nothing changes?" What never changes is human nature, but things are always changing. We are changed by time and age. We are changed by weather and storms. We are changed by seasons, yes, even seasons in our lives.
Change really threatens our comfort zones. We may complain about the way things are but we are comfortable the way things are. We are creatures of habit and when our daily routines or work schedules change, we are not happy.
Change also brings inconveniences. If a road is changed we may have to travel a new way. The seasons bring inconvenience or bus schedules changing bring inconvenience. When store hours or restaurant hours or times of service at church change, not everyone is happy.
Deep down in our hearts we know that changes are unavoidable. They will come. Progress cannot be stopped in America. We are a progressive people driven by success and technology. We love new things but not always new ways. So, we grumble and complain. However like it or not, we do change with the times.
When the tractors came to the farms in the horse-drawn days, it was a hard transition. My grandfather forbid my father to bring a tractor on his farm. But as time went by and my grandfather saw the advantage of the tractor over the horses, he changed his mind. His world and love for workhorses was coming to an end, and he did not like it. But, change came in spite of what he didn't like.
Not all changes are bad, nor are all changes good. Methods are going to change, but there is the question of whether these changes will make us better men and women. Will these changes make us more productive? Will these changes bless or curse our families, and are these changes short-lived or for the long term?
People are always looking for a better way. Maybe even an easier way and, most of the time, a cheaper way. As people are driven to find an easier, better, cheaper way, it must bring change. The change may be machines replacing people. The change may be moving the factory. Whatever the outcome, some people will be happy and some will be upset and angry.
Here is the bottom line. Those who change with the process grow in many areas and become producers not complainers. Those who don't change will be eventually left behind and out of the know. Life must go on.
The key, then, is to make the most of your personal situation. Find a way to be happy and make a living for your family. Seek work that you enjoy. Pick friends and acquaintances that have your same interests. Try to always find joy in the years you are here on earth. Remember, life is just a test. You get out of life in direct proportion to what you put into it. Your rewards are because you met the challenges.
Chaplain Bud
Whatever happened to good common sense? Whatever happened to good family values? What has gone wrong with the American dream? The last 50 years has sure changed America. Yes, some for the good, but so much for the bad.
We are better educated, better fed, better housed, better paid at our jobs, there are better ways of travel, better cars and airplanes, better medications, and better ways to communicate. Yes, things are better.
But, as things got better, we humans have lost our purpose and value system. We are not better morally. We are not better socially. We are not better workers. No, our living conditions got better, but we went downhill.
What happened to parenting? Children run the homes not the parents. When I grew up we understood; "children are to be seen not heard." Children today sass their parents, don't respect their parents, and grow up destined for trouble.
Parents are afraid to discipline children today because of our crazy laws. Undisciplined children are then unteachable children. They cause trouble in the home, the schools, and on the streets. Whatever happened to the teaching, "spare the rod, spoil the child?" Do we parents love our children too much or not at all?
We are losing generations of children not because they are born bad, but because we have weak parenting skills. Children need to learn from the cradle up about discipline. They need to learn responsibility and work ethics. They need to learn good manners and
how to show respect to adults and teachers. Their value system for their lives is established in the home. The Bible teaches: "The student becomes like the teacher."
We have a serious problem in this country and it's greater than our bad economy. It's our wasted future generation of children. We learn good family values from examples in the home. We learn the value of common sense in the home from the parents. Children who are being raised by constant violence on T.V., the computers, cell phones, and baby sitters are missing out on real parenting.
Then, add to this mix no spiritual training and we raise immoral people. Whether people believe in God or don't believe in God, is not the question. There is a God whether we believe or not. The Christian standards and principles in the Bible give us and teach us good guidelines for life.
There was a time in this country when people did not need to lock their doors. You could let your keys in the car and no one would steal it. A person's word was his bond. Marriage was till death do us part. Children grew up, got jobs, worked hard and took care of their parents when they got old.
This was all accomplished without all of our modern trappings. Do you think it may be time to stop and make some major changes in America? Our greatest contribution to our society is our children. It may be too late for some, but it's worth a try for the future generation. There is always hope for the future.
Chaplain Bud
The Christian Church at Cogan Station
The New Year is here with 365 unused days and nights, weeks and months of time in our lives. Now the question is how are you going to use the new year? It is totally in your hands to make 2011 good or bad.
Life continues to go on year in and year out. This coming year will bring new babies, and some people will die. Some will begin school and others will graduate. Some will begin college and others will graduate. People will retire and others just begin working at a career. So, life goes on.
Each year people make New Year's resolutions. These are goals for the year or things they want to see happen. However, most people never follow through with their goals.
Might I make a few good suggestions for the New Year? These are goals for everyone regardless whether male or female, young or old.
1. Look at life everyday as an opportunity, not just another day.
2. Work at improving your life this year in some way.
Maybe more education, a better job, volunteer to help someone, etc.
3. Make some new friends this year. When you get to know new people it's a new experience.
4. Take that trip you always wanted to take.
5. Become more active in your community, church, or something worthwhile.
6. Make it a goal to live a more stress-free life. Take time to smell the roses.
7. Begin that new hobby you have put off for years.
8. Try saving a little more money than you have in the past.
9. Try to eat less and healthier if possible.
10. Take more leisure time with your family.
Money isn't everything.
These are practical goals that will make your life better and will have more meaning. Sit down and make your own list. Be realistic and committed to your goals.
Most people fail because they fail to plan. Or, they become impatient and become discouraged. Pick a plan and work your plan. Don't just be satisfied with what life gives you, make your dreams and goals happen.
The year 2011 will be a great year for some and disaster for others. Our income has little to do with our happiness. We have everything to do with our happiness. Know what you want, know how to get there, know what it will cost, and then proceed with full speed. When you take charge of you, then you can predict your future. Just do it!
Chaplain Bud
The Christian Church at Cogan Station
Losers visualize the penalties of failure. Winners visualize the rewards of success. To visualize is to see what is not there, but that could be there.
If you always think negatively you will always find the negative. If you always think positively you will always find the positive. We are what we think and do.
It's a joy to be around positive people; people who enjoy life, regardless of what it brings; people who are encouragers and motivators, not joy killers; people who take risks, and are quick to admit making a mistake, but still keep going; people who don't always blame other people for their shortcomings, but take responsibility for their actions.
In every organization you can find these people. They are sometimes buried deep in the ranks, but they are there. They are the real movers and shakers; the go-to guys when something needs done. Yes, they are real stand-up people who get very little credit, but know in their hearts that they are doing right.
The world is made better and stronger by these kinds of people. Not by crooks or big shots. Not by braggers and blow guts, but by honest hard working people who compete everyday for a chance to serve in our competitive world. They are steady and reliable. They are the first to arrive and last to leave.
Sometimes these people are not the best talented or even the most intelligent, but they are reliable. They are just happy to have a job and opportunities to work.
They have learned what I call the secret to life. "They know how to do the right things right." That keeps them out of trouble and makes them winners.
There is no right way to do wrong and no wrong way to do right. Right is right and wrong is wrong. Each has consequences.
So, how does leadership find these people? You look for them, you watch for them, and you listen to them. Most of the time you will find them busy doing whatever it is they do. They are not time-wasters nor are they goofing off somewhere. They are productive, fulfilled people.
These are the people you want when the going gets tough. They will stick to it, when others give up or complain. They, many times, are overworked and underpaid, but still keep going.
America was built on these kinds of people. They one day became leaders and entrepreneurs. They were trail blazers and inventors. They were developers and sometimes failed at the first attempts. Yet they kept trying, because they believed in what they were doing.
There is one interesting fact about the success of these people. Money was not their motivator. Later, yes, money was a reward, but not the purpose of their mission. And, because money was not important, as they made money, they were very generous. By the way, I never met a generous person who wasn't happy. That's because they do right things right.
Chaplain Bud
The Christian Church at Cogan Station
Have you ever wondered why you were born for this time? Why you are a male or female? Why your parents ended up in the area where you were born? Why you like certain hobbies or certain kinds of food?
The why, is a big question. But according to the Bible, God's Word, there is a time and a reason for everything. In fact it teaches that God has a plan for everyone born on this earth. This is true whether you believe there is a God or believe in God. It is still truth.
We have no choice in picking our parents or where we are born. But as we grow up we do have choices about our education, how we accept learning, and how we begin to develop our characteristics and personalities. This development depends on so many things. It depends on your teachers, your attitude, your environment, your friends, your parents, etc.
All of the people around you are example-setters, both for good or bad. As our character develops so it is with our talents and abilities to accomplish things. We learn to hunt or fish because our parents or someone exposed us to hunting or fishing. Farm kids grow up on a farm learning to work and what farming is all about. We learn from our peers.
All these experiences and examples help us to make choices later on in life. We soon learn that to have things, cars, radios, or a family, we must earn money. Now there are two ways to get money. Work for it or steal it. Your early training will determine your choices about money and earning a living.
Now here is where character and integrity kick in and take over. Your past has now prepared you for your future. Your attitude is how you think but passion is how you feel. These two will motivate your decision making process.
Also along the way you have discovered things you like to do and things you do well. That becomes the foundation for your careers. You now trade your time and talents for money. You now have become a part of a culture which is a people society.
This is why you were born male or female, to fulfill your purpose in life. This is why we live in certain areas and do certain jobs, to fulfill your purpose in life.
What is sad is that some people never find their real purpose in life. This may be due to their bad choices or someone else's bad choices but they never reach their greatest potential.
For those who do find their purpose, life is great. They enjoy their careers, their families, where they live, their friends, their hobbies, their church, and on it goes.
Yes, you were born for this time in history. Yes, you do have choices. Yes, life is good, and remember, you only get one shot at it, so make it good. Don't be a victim be a winner. The spoil always goes to the winner.
Chaplain Bud,
The problem with having a problem is that it consumes your time. It also takes your mind off of what you need to be doing. Problems are energy killers and motivation stoppers.
Of course we are going to have problems from time to time. They are unavoidable. But it seems people make problems bigger than they should become; the mountain out of a mole hill deal. Every problem has a solution and if we wait, time will cure most of them. But as people we roar in where angels fear to tread.
Consider a weather problem. We can't do anything about the weather. Just take it as it comes. The secret is to be prepared and don't go in places that the weather will hang you up, like snow storms or high water.
Problems are really opportunities to use our talents, skills, and brains. All problems have solutions, and all people will have problems. But to worry is another thing.
Worry, or anxiety, is assuming the responsibility for something you can't do anything about. The definition of anxiety is: "a condition of mental uneasiness arising from fear or distress, especially concerning possible misfortune or some uncertain future event; desire for some future event."
The Bible teaches us how to deal with worry. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Philippians 4:6
Also in Matthew 6:34 "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about its self. Each day has enough trouble of its own".
The real problem is that life keeps coming at you every day. Life is nothing more than a test; a test of your ability to deal with everyday decisions. And, we know that every decision has consequences, both good and bad. Each day we are tested and this is how we grow stronger or weaker, depending on our outlook on life.
The trick is not to be a victim but a victor. To overcome is to bring fulfillment and joy. To fail brings fear and depression. But failure is not final.
We are tested in many ways. With other people, with various circumstances, our jobs, with our homes, with any and everything we are involved in. Because this is true, some people become negative to everything. Still others allow these things to build their character and personality.
How are you doing with life? How are you doing with worry-some things? We must take charge of things as they come our way. He who makes good decisions has good results. Don't waste your life because you only get one.
Chaplain Bud
The Christian Church at Cogan Station
This is a special time of year. We have just celebrated Thanksgiving and now it's almost Christmas time.
Thanksgiving comes at the end of harvest time. We celebrate at the year's end because we have been blessed. The first Thanksgiving was a sharing time between native Indians and the new settlers. It was a community thing and everyone came together to feast and fellowship.
Christmas is a totally different holiday. It is the time the world celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. In a far away stable He was born; born into a humble family and raised as a carpenter's son.
Christmas to all who believe in God has a greater meaning than just giving and receiving gifts. The greater meaning is that Jesus Christ became the Savior of the world. His life and teachings have, for generations, brought hope to a hopeless world. The Bible still remains the best seller year after year.
It is too bad that the Christmas season has become so commercialized and not spiritual. People have parties and celebrate but not the birth of Christ. To some, gift giving and receiving is all Christmas is about. To some, Christmas is a very lonely time, not a time of joy.
Each of us can make this Christmas season special for ourselves and others. We can look for the lonely and helpless. We can visit the shut-ins and sick. We can take a meal or give a gift to someone who will be in need. We can bring the right kind of joy to people not expecting it.
Whether we want to believe it or admit it, this great America was founded on Christian principles. America became great because of her faith and trust in God. Many of the principles of our constitution were taken from the Bible. Our land was founded on freedom of religion, because of religious persecution in the countries our ancestors came from.
Every year at Christmas time our churches are full of worshipers, but as the year goes on the worshipers get less and less. People become too busy for God. They soon forget the Christmas story. They soon forget the joy of giving and helping others.
We, as American people, have so much to be thankful for and have been blessed by the best way of life in the world. This year why not share your blessings, with others? This year take time to go to church and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. This year step out of your comfort zone and share the true joy of Christmas.
The birth of Jesus Christ is a true fact of life. His birth and life has affected more people than any other life ever lived. His teaching never grows old or is outdated. His mission and message is still love and forgiveness. His resurrection was the greatest news this world ever heard.
Don't let the joy of Christmas pass you by this year. Get in the spirit of Christmas and make a difference in someone's life.
Chaplain Bud
The Christian Church at Cogan Station
(570) 998-2989
It's been interesting to me, how many refuse to believe there is a God or even honor God. To ignore God does not mean there is no God.
Psalm 14:1 "The fool says in his heart, there is no God."
There are so many proofs that there is a God. Just look at nature or the seasons. Spring comes and the trees blossom or the wild animal reproduces and raise their young, without the help of humans. To say there is no God does not make sense.
When you look at Christianity versus those who do not believe, take a look at the different lives. There are so many benefits for people who believe. They have more peace and have less stress in their lives. They have hope for the future after death, but the non-believer has no hope. They tend to be more generous because as Christians they learn good stewardship principles from the Bible.
Christianity has many good teachings on lifestyles and value systems. But I believe the best teachings are built around family values. God in His teachings in the Bible has always put great value on the family and the next generation. Without strong families the next generation will become more and more corrupt.
It's the family that makes great nations. It's the family that makes great communities and towns. The moral decline of any country or nation always started with the breakdown of the family. The Roman Empire is the best example in history.
People, who believe in God, also believe in a purpose. They have a reason we are living and serving mankind. Where do we learn these things? Not from a greedy sin-sick society, but from God and the Bible.
Our very constitution of America was formed from the principles of the Bible. Even the non-believer who helped design the constitution understood the value system taught in God's Word. The Bible produced the best guidance for our young nation to become a great country.
Year after year the Bible is still the best seller in bookstores. Isn't that interesting? Even, as non-believers continue to try to discredit God's Word, it prevails. Today the Bible is still the best book available, and the history of mankind.
Yes, I know many people do not believe there is a God. That is OK. God does not force Himself on people. We have a free will. But for those who believe and obey, there are so many benefits and blessings.
Even if there was no God, my life is better because of a "God values system" taught in His Word. I have never heard anyone say they were sorry they lived a Christian life, but I have been with many dying people who said they were sorry for the corrupt life they lived without God. To die without hope is a hopeless life.
Think on these things.
Chaplain Bud
The Christian Church at Cogan Station
(570) 998-2989
There are real reasons why people succeed or fail. Here are 12 reasons why people fail. And there are many many more than 12. Also, here are 12 reasons why people are successful. And again there are many more reasons people succeed.
Read these and see what you think.
Ways People Fail
They make decisions based on bad information.
They are influenced by wrong people.
They marry the wrong person.
They refuse to be honest in dealing with other people.
They refuse to work and earn a living.
They choose the wrong careers.
They have bad attitudes.
They spend too much money on the wrong things.
They abuse credit through credit cards.
They continue to make the same mistakes over and over.
They have the wrong friends.
They give up too easy when faced with problems.
Reasons Why People Succeed
They have a good attitude.
They enjoy life and people.
They are happy in their careers.
They married the right person and are happy.
They know how to handle money properly.
They have a good hobby.
They spend time with good friends and are a friend to others.
They are involved in their community.
They work hard and enjoy the fruit of their labor.
They make other people more important than themselves.
They are always willing to help others.
They never give up even in the face of failure.
The big difference between success or failure many times is attitude, talent and time. Attitude is how you think, talent is how you do it, and time is the margin you have in life.
Chaplain Bud
As we close out the month of September, it almost seems that summer is over. The leaves are turning color, the fall crops are being harvested, and wood piles are growing preparing for the winter season.
As I reflect on these things, I thought of all the activities the summer has provided. Many things took place this summer both good and not so good. But the summer is history now.
Now another season is here; the winter season with the cold, snow and ice, and the cost of heating our homes. Every season has its benefits and challenges, and winter can have many challenges.
Life also has seasons; our springtime when we are born and begin life; the summer time as youth and young adults. This is our real growing time and preparing time. Young people go to school and college; always preparing. This is the season of development and discovery of potential.
The fall season in a person's life is the years they raise a family and have careers. This is the Harvest time. This is the season to use the potential and opportunities that life gives every individual. This season is the most exciting and filled with many challenges to either succeed or fail.
Then comes the winter season of retirement and we change gears from the routine of going to a job every day. These years can be very good if we prepare and plan for them.
Yes, our lives are in seasons. But during those years we may lose our way and purpose if we don't use our talents and gifts for our greatest potential.
After years of working and watching people, I have observed that many people never really reach their greatest potential. And I don't have all the answers, but this one thing I do know. Most people waste their potential.
Why do we waste potential? Good question. Maybe because people are afraid to take risks or step out of their comfort zone. Maybe they lack self worth or are lazy. Maybe they are always preparing but never taking the next step.
But others do quite well. Success comes to the prepared and risk takers. Successful people learn to market themselves. That's right. They learn how to present themselves, how to step up to the challenge, and overcome the barriers to reach their potential.
Ask yourself today a couple of questions. Am I using all my potential? How successful am I at investing my talents and gifts? What would it take for me to reach a new level of fulfillment in life? What are my dreams and plans for the retirement years?
In football there is a saying for the offensive team, "take what the defense gives you." This means if you can't pass, run. If you can't throw a long pass, throw a short one. But the defense has weaknesses. Find them and take what they give you.
Life is like that too, take what it gives you and make it work. The saddest words in life, "it could have been", come true too often. Life teaches us to use it or lose it. Think on these things, and then take action.
Chaplain Bud
Why is our attitude so important to our daily activities? It is because attitude is how you think and see things. If your attitude is good, you see and receive things as good. If your attitude is bad, it seems that everything and everyone upsets you. Yes, it is how you think. Attitude will make or break your day.
Let's look at the actions of people with good attitudes. They are pleasant to get along with. They usually smile and laugh a lot. They seem to be more generous than others. They are willing to give a helping hand. They are not complainers, but doers. People with good attitudes are just great people to be around and to work with.
Did you know that the number one reason many people change jobs, is because of the people they must work with or who they are under the supervision of? People with bad attitudes do make life miserable.
Another reason people end up with bad attitudes is that they are unhappy with themselves. They blame their job or their marriage or something else. People who have a low self-worth tend to have bad attitudes.
The Bible teaches us to love our neighbor as ourselves. Now if you don't love or like yourself, you can't love others. What is the result? Bad attitude and you get in the blame business.
I believe the key to having a good day is how you begin in the morning. The beginning has a great bearing on how the day will end.
Every day is one more opportunity to enjoy life. Begin by seeking and believing good things will happen today. Be cheerful, not grumpy. Smile a lot and speak to people in a cheerful way. Start your day by being early wherever you must be. Say to yourself, "today good things are going to happen to me." Then, go out and enjoy your day.
Another influence on our attitude is our friends or circle of people we hang out with. Good, positive friends are a blessing. Bad friends are a drainer. Bad friends pull you down mentally and spiritually. Bad friends take away our good potential and influence us in the wrong way.
Attitude is a personal thing. I choose to have a good attitude regardless of the circumstance. I have choices every day. My attitude will determine whether I make good choices or bad ones.
Knowing this, I can be my best friend or worst enemy. But, it's up to me. Yes, attitude is how we think. So let's think positive, think good thoughts, and the results will be good deeds. Don't waste your days. They are numbered.
Chaplain Bud
The Christian Church at Cogan Station
(570) 998-2989
People who choose law enforcement for a career find that it is both hard and rewarding. You deal constantly with the worst of society, and the best of society. It is very easy to only see the bad, and not the good. Then, by only seeing the bad you become suspicious of everyone. But there is good in this world and good honest people.
As law enforcement police officers, you deal with thieves, murders, liars, forgers, drug dealers, and all kinds of corruption. Also you must deal with death.
Death has always been a subject people ignore. People are being born every day and people are dying every day. But it's something we ignore unless it affects our family or circle of friends. But death is a fact of life! As police officers, every day there is the possibility of death on your watch. Yes, death is an unavoidable fact of life.
Even for people who believe in God find that dealing with death is not easy. However, Christianity does bring comfort and closure. As Christians, we believe in eternal life in heaven after death. God is kind, merciful, compassionate, and forgiving. Just to know this brings great comfort.
Especially when death touches one of our own it's so difficult to deal with. We visit and are there, but what can we say? It is more important we are there for each other. To the grieving, just you being there has such great value. You send a message that says, "I can't do anything, but I am here for you. At this point words are not as important as you being there.
Life must go on. The pain and suffering will continue for a time, but life must go on. Time is a great healer and friends are priceless. We need to work to occupy our time and help with the healing process.
When things look the darkest, don't look down, but up. We draw on an inner strength that we don't realize we have. Death of a loved one draws those who are living closer together. This is an event in life that all of must face from time to time.
Our faith at death, teaches not to ask why, but our faith gives us strength to accept what has happened. Our faith will sustain us and get us through the most tragic things in life. At these times, our faith is the most important strength that we have.
Death is the last enemy we must overcome in this life. We have no choice because we will all die someday. But, we are still alive and will overcome and go on.
Chaplain Bud
Where do great leaders come from? Why have there been so few great leaders in history? These are questions we need to ask and seek answers.
Great leaders in the past have always come from the common people. They all have had one thing in common, a cause. Most of them did not seek fame or glory but took a stand and paid the price to become great leaders.
Men like George Washington or Abe Lincoln were put in impossible situations but they were willing to do the impossible with honesty and integrity. Great men of the past were men willing to sacrifice all for the cause of America.
The great leaders of the past were great persuaders who could convince people to follow them. People who have no following are not leaders. Great leaders are not always the most popular, but are willing to do the right thing for their country.
Another mark of a great leader is how they handle defeat. Able Lincoln was a good example of how to handle defeat. Again and again he ran for office, only to be defeated. But when he ran for President of the United States, the people knew he was the man for the job. His common sense was his greatest tool to win the peoples' vote. A common man, with a common cause, made Abe Lincoln one of our greatest leaders in history. He was a great statesman who saved our country from a bitter split and economic disaster. Most great leaders have a humble or even a hard up-bringing. They are a product of hard working people who understand life's tests. They learned early that the cost to succeed in this world was hard work. They also understood and taught their families that you receive what you earn.
History seems to record that great leaders appear at just the right time. I believe that happens because that leader was prepared and willing for that time. Prepared people are always ready when the call comes. That's what makes them so special, and so few.
Great leaders begin in a good solid family setting. The parents are able somehow to help develop the character, talents, and gifts of the children. They provide guidance and opportunities for the children to grow into greatness. It's the family values that become the foundation for the future of the children.
Today, as you read this writing, somewhere in America a great leader is being prepared. Only God knows who it may be, but someone or more than one are going to someday be a great leader.
We must put our efforts into good families who produce good offspring. That's where great leaders come from.
Chaplain Bud,
Every year the whole world's eyes are on Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Not because of a war, floods, or tornados, but because of children. Yes, children who play a game called baseball.
Baseball is the simple game that can unite over 8000 children to play and then have 16 teams end up in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Yes, there will be a world champion, but these kids are winners just to get here. It is a dream of a lifetime.
Just to think that one man and a few kids decided to have a field and play baseball like the adults do. Little did the man, Carl, have any idea how far this act of kindness would go. From a humble beginning to what has developed over the years is unbelievable.
Little League World Series is about families. They come to Williamsport by the thousands to watch the kids in action. Every little league team around the world dreams of a trip to Williamsport, not only as a player, but as a visitor as well. The end of August brings all those hours of practice and travel to a close. Some of the players will go on to play in college and maybe the big leagues, but most will just have those precious memories of Williamsport, and the Little League World Series.
We who live here may not understand the work and effort that goes into Little League Baseball. First, the vast amount of money that must be raised and budgeted for the organization is huge. There are numerous networks of teams, districts, and regions around the world. The volunteers and families spend much time during the summer so their kids can play this game called baseball.
It's also about the safety of the children. They can pitch only so many pitches, to protect their arms, and the safety helmets, bases that release, and many other safety rules. Some of these, like the helmets, have been adopted by the major leagues.
Little league is far more than just playing the game, its character building and learning to obey rules. It is team work. It's respect for umpires, and respect for coaches. Little lives can be changed and prepared for adulthood by playing sports. It's amazing how many major league players credit little league for preparing them for the future.
Little league is a good example of the value of teamwork and good leadership. There is a lesson here for all of us. The lesson is simple; loners will fail but it takes team work to succeed. The children also have something that so many adults have lost. They have joy. Life is still fun to them and I pray that they never lose it.
Maybe "Little League World Series" every year reminds us all of what life is all about; family, friends, and fun.
Chaplain Bud
What good is life if you don't live it to its full potential? What good is life if you are
always sad or mad? What good is life if you are always negative?
Life is supposed to be good and fulfilling. We have so many choices to be able to experience why God created us. We didn't get to choose our time to be born or our parents. But, after we become adults, we are in charge of our lives, our careers, our families, and our relationships. All choices bring consequences and each consequence has a price. So, we learn from bad choices and enjoy good ones.
Someone has come up with an interesting statistic. Here it is. People who are friendly and treat others well are less stressed. People who are unfriendly and treat others badly are really more stressed. So, since I heard that as I meet an unfriendly person, I think to myself, why are you so stressed out? What good is your life if you are always stressed out? Life is too short for that.
Today put on your happy face and enjoy this life here on earth. Make it your goal and ambition to be friendly and kind to other people. Smile a lot and only cry when necessary. Look for someone who needs a helping hand and give it cheerfully. Share your life with your fellow man and you will never be lonely. Give or help others who have no way of repaying and you will really be blessed.
As we age we mature and as we mature we see things much differently. Our choices are better, our work is more meaningful, and our families enrich our lives. Aging does have a positive side. It helps us have a better value system to live by. We begin to take things less and less for granted and realize that life has limitations that are moving in on us. This life on earth is not forever.
So, here is the deal. Start today to eliminate the joy robbers from your life. Be positive about each day and the opportunities that are yours. Keep a tight rein on your tongue and your temper. There is a "new you" in you that wants to be turned loose to experience real joy.
Every day's experiences prepare you for tomorrow's challenges. Every challenge is an opportunity to make good choices and be positive. Fulfillment comes because you fulfilled an obligation and were honest and fair.
A wasted day never returns. So, don't waste them. You are your best motivator of self. Don't let yourself down. Do better, do it quickly, and enjoy the fruit of victory. What good is life if you don't live it to its fullest potential?
Chaplain Bud
What would you say is our society's greatest stress? Is it the oil spill? Is it the wars we are fighting? Is it the fact that we have to work to make a living?
Well, I believe our greatest stress today is debt; there is too much of it and it is getting worse. People are stressed out with real money problems. Credit cards are the downfall of too many people. Credit cards have high interest and they enslave people.
Whatever happened to the principle "if you don't have the money, don't buy it?" There was a time when people made do with what they had until they had the money to pay cash. Did you ever hear, "make do, wear it out or go without?" That's not how it is anymore. People just charge it and worry later. Debt is a big stress factor to our society.
Yes, from our government to the ordinary household, we are in debt over our heads. Everything is easy to buy and hard to pay back. And, this stress is affecting everything. It affects marriages, business, our government, our taxes and our very way of life.
The answer is to learn to live within your means. And this means to live within or under your income. It's not how much we earn, but how much we spend on non-essentials. How much do people buy that is really needed to live? Everyone complains about how hard things are today, but go to WalMart or other stores and people are filling their carts with junk. Or, look at all the new cars on the road. We have become consumers more interested in having stuff than living stress-free lives.
The problem is that people have no emergency funds or extra savings if unexpected things happen.
For instance, repairs for the car or the washing
machine, or a new roof for the house, or the furnace needs replaced. The emergency funds should be at least $2,000.
Then, there is retirement savings or just savings. We are all going to be too old to work some day. Savings and investments are essential to
prepare for the future.
To live debt free takes planning and discipline. It also takes sacrifice, but the results are well worth it. Just think of the relief from stress and the joy of being in control of your finances. The Bible has a great verse that says: "Dishonest money dwindles away but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow." Proverbs 13:11
There is another verse in 2 Peter 2:19, "For a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him." Debt has become the master of far too many people. They are hopelessly slaves to lenders and credit cards.
The good news is that there are people who have wised up. Their goal is to be debt free or they are already debt free. Why? Because they made a choice to work the extra job, stop the credit cards, pay off debt instead of making new debt and making the old things do, or do without. They are the winners in the end. They have killed the giant of debt. It looks like they may have less, but they have more. What they have is lack of stress.
More and more people are seeing the light. Sit down and look at the money you would have every month if you were debt free. Then pick a plan and go for it. You can do it; thousands have.
Chaplain Bud
The Christian Church at Cogan Station
(570) 998-2989
Whatever happened to The Good Ole American Grit? All we hear today is woe is me. People are complaining about their income, lack of work, the oil spill in the gulf, fighting wars in two countries, and on and on it goes.
This country has always been a can-do country. In the 1930's, we had the great depression. There was no work and people stood in bread lines for hours. The Midwest blew away in a dust storm because of the worst drought in history. People migrated to California by the thousands looking for work, only to end up in work camps that starved them and made them slaves.
Those were really hard times. But, we survived and overcame. Then in the 1940's we were again in a war for our lives. We were attacked by the Japanese and we were helping Europe fight the Germans. It was a time for The Good Ole American Grit to kick in and we did!
The men who were able went to fight the enemy. The women kept the home front going. Some of the men who did get home had been gone 3 or 4 years. The women made up for the men in defense plants and ship years. The hard time brought out the best and worst in people.
Along with the war the 1940's were rebuilding years for America. The depression was past but life was still hard. Everyone worked hard and America had a new resurrection. It was our second resurrection, the first being after the civil war, less than 100 years before.
But now, in the 2000's, America has lost a sense of The Good Ole American Grit. We have too many ways to get money or credit without work or sacrifice. The youth can go to college, and without money. They get loans. Adults buy anything that is on the market without money they use credit cards. The government just keeps printing more money and borrowing more money to put us farther and farther in debt.
We are fast becoming a cashless society and debt-infested nation. What has happened to our advice from our forefathers who taught, "If you don't have the money do without".
In saying all that, let me say this. There are more and more people everyday who are being very successful. They are working hard, maybe two jobs, raising good families, avoiding as little debt as possible. They are being good community citizens and yes, they are doing well. They still have The Good Ole American Grit. Why? Because they are applying good principles for life that have been around for centuries; honesty, integrity, character, faithfulness, and loyalties. They still work.
America will recover and God will raise up a new generation who will lead this country someday to produce people with The Good Ole America Grit.
Chaplain Bud
The Christian Church at Cogan Station
(570) 998-2989
Why are so many people unhappy? What has taken our joy away? I am not talking about the old grouches who never were happy, but the everyday, good, honest working Americans.
It's not because we do not have houses, food, clothing, families, etc. We are not a third world country. Our poorest are better off than many of the countries around the world. Life in America, compared to other countries, is the best in the world.
So why are people unhappy? Why is there not more joy and thankfulness?
When people become sick, we take medicine. Sometimes people over-medicate and become sicker and not better. It can even kill you. I believe we Americans are not over-medicated but are over-informed. We have so much information available, it is just overwhelming.
The internet, TV, radio, cell phones, iPods, and everything else is just too much. Hours are spent either watching or listening. We know what is happening everywhere, instantly, and why do we need to know? What good does it do? Does it fulfill us or worry us? Does it make us wiser and more productive or do we just continue to receive more information?
According to God's plan in the Bible we are missing something. Life is to be fulfilling and have purpose. We are on this earth to be stewards of what God has created. Life could and should be simple and happy.
God made us male and female so we could have families and reproduce. We have others in our lives to love and serve. We have others to help us and to socialize.
We are social beings, not machines. But greed and selfish ambition has become our joy-robbers. Work is good for us and has a purpose and reason. But, the love of money and materialism is destroying God's plan for His creation.
Education and information in themselves are wonderful. We can have better jobs and communicate better. But education has not made us better people, in fact, just the opposite. We are deteriorating morally. Pressure and stress is on the increase; crime and alcoholism is at an all time high; youth, in many cases are out of control and yet we are the best educated, informed people in the world.
Maybe we need to stop and take a look at what progress and education has brought us to. I know we can't stop the world and get off, but I do believe I have a choice. I have a choice of how I should and could live and what or whom I am going to allow to tell me what I need or what will make me happy.
Our time on earth is just a test, and it is short. The test is whether materialism or anything else will be my god or will the God of the Bible be my real source of happiness? Will education and information help me be a better person or hinder me from fulfilling my life as a Christian? Change will only come one family at a time and one heart at a time. Yes, we are over informed with this world's evil medicine. The cure is God, so love Him, serve Him, and obey Him.
Chaplain Bud
We are preparing every day for tomorrow. Every experience is a teaching and a preparation.
The question is: What are we learning, and who are we learning from? Who you learn from will determine what you learn. What we learn develops our character and value system.
Here are some questions to ask yourself about who you are learning from.
Is their teaching truth?
Are they honest people?
What are their values?
What are their morals?
What are their successes?
What are their failures?
Who are their friends?
What about their family?
Would you like to be like them?
Are they respected in the community?
Are they generous people?
Are they people you want to be seen with?
Would you entertain them in your home?
Could you trust them with a secret?
Who has influenced you the most in your life?
What you learn and experience will determine your future and its possibilities. We form habits and habits form us. True character has more value than wealth.
Why? Because wealth can come and go but character is who you are. Your circle of influences has formed your character and your habits.
What you learn and experience will determine your future, because you are what you think. You are what you do. And, you are what you know. What you think, know and do is who you truly are. Yes, we are what we prepare for.
Your value system determines your decisions, and your convictions. This is what makes up your character. True convictions do not change with circumstances or they are not true convictions.
Have you ever noticed that those at the top of the ladder are good, generous people? People may say, "Well if I had their job or position, I could be a good, generous person too". Well here are the facts. They were good, generous people before they got the position. They had prepared well and had good influences in their lives.
If you are good before life moves you up, you will remain good. But, if the person was of bad character before, he will still have a bad character. The position or title does not make a person good or bad. Character and influences around them determines the outcome.
You are what you think, do, and know. That is who you are. Some people are willing to prepare and prepare well and they will succeed. Others just go through life being reactionaries and don't ever get it. But, the key is what you learned and the value system of whom you learned it from.
Chaplain Bud
What do you do when your "want to" has "got up and gone?" You have no desire, no pep, and no incentive. Life is boring and empty. It is hard to get up in the morning or keep your mind on what you are doing.
You must first realize you are in big trouble. Life is not supposed to be this way. There was a time you had joy and loved your job. There was a time you enjoyed sports or hobbies. But now look at yourself; you are a mess. What happened to you?
You lost your purpose. Somehow along the way in the journey of life you became sidetracked. We humans have a bad weakness of letting the stress of our jobs, family, etc. steal our joy. We get bogged down with details and the repetition of everyday life. There is nothing new. Everything is the same day after day after day.
First you must understand that you are not alone in feeling like this. Far too many people are in this boat and don't realize it. They believe life is like this for them and everyone else. However this is just not true. We humans are to have joy and enjoy life. To be fulfilled and satisfied.
To get out of a rut, you must first admit you are in one. That is the first step and a big step. Now that you admit it, what are you going to do about it? That is the question.
There are many things you can do. Start a new hobby, go to exercise classes, join the gym, read new books, join a church, become a volunteer for some worthy cause, but do something. Take charge of your life. Every day wasted is one you will not get back.
Another way to get out of the rut is to seek out some new friends. New friends bring a variety of new ideas and opportunities. Maybe part of your rut problem is your friends you have now. Think about it.
Another way to get out of the rut is to change some things you can change quickly. One way is different clothes or hair style. Our clothes speak a lot about us. They can make us feel young or old, happy or sad. I am not kidding.
Another way to get out of the rut may be to change where you shop or buy your gas. Meet new people. The world is full of great people. Maybe where you go for coffee or lunch, find a new place. Get out of the rut.
I know life is not all fun and games, but it can be joyful. Life is serious, our careers are serious, our marriages are serious, our friends are important, but don't take yourself too seriously. Lighten up. Smile, laugh, and see if you don't feel better. Laugh at yourself once in a while. We all do stupid things once in a while.
The Bible has a great one-liner: "I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all of his toil - this is a gift from God." (Eccl. 3:12, 13)
Have a good day and today get out of that rut!
Chaplain Bud,
People do not like to be told what they must do. We are just rebellious about rules and regulations. But rules and regulations are a fact of life.
What would this world be like without some kind of order? We would have total chaos and confusion. We could not drive on the highways without rules. We could not have sports without rules. Life would be like living in the jungle where it is the survival of the strongest.
Every country, town, and village needs people to enforce the rules. That is why we have the local police forces, the FBI, the US Marshall, and every other organization that enforces the rules.
Our police department in Williamsport is a very important part of the life of every citizen. They enforce the rules and protect people from acts of violence. They are prepared to serve our community at all times for any situation that might come. They risk their lives on a daily basis. At any minute they might encounter violence.
Our police department is prepared to arrest the law breakers and protect the law keepers. This is a constant on-going responsibility, 24 hours a day. They are on the job day and night, holidays and weekends, in good weather and bad. The men and women in blue are doing their job.
No community, town, or city could exist without these dedicated men and women who provide law and order to a thankless society. Yes, it is a thankless job and very little recognition or thanks is given by the general public. However, the men and women in blue do their job anyway.
So why do people choose to be in law enforcement? Is it the money, power, or position? Is it just so they can carry a gun and go out and arrest people? No! I believe it is far more than that. Maybe for people in law enforcement who are egotistic or have bad motives. But the good police that I have gotten to know have a pure motive for choosing this career. They believe they can make a difference. They truly help other people by being a policeman. They take their job and training seriously. They know the value of being a good team player. They know they must live by rules and regulations.
To wear a uniform and represent a police department is a very important honor. It takes strong determined, dedicated, people to be good officers. Not all officers are the best, but most are. Not all officers are dedicated and are 100% committed, but most are.
We are the Williamsport Police Department and we are here to make a difference. As Chaplain, I am proud to serve with this department to keep our city safe. Keep up the good work.
Clain Bud
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
Where do good law enforcement officers come from? They come from all kinds of backgrounds; the country, the cities, the educated, and the uneducated. They come from all nationalities. But they all have one goal, and that is to be in law enforcement; to be an officer who upholds the law.
It takes a lot of things to make a good officer. It takes training, training, and more training. This is the foundation of any good officer. How
serious they take these lessons will determine their safety and the safety of those around them in any situation.
The trainers have a great influence on the trainee. The trainer’s experience and discipline is the building of a good foundation for the trainee. They must be more than impressed they must learn well and be disciplined to reproduce the lessons in real life. Good officers are made, not born.
Another thing that makes a good officer is that they must believe in the career and calling. It is more than a job. It is a calling to keep our society safe. In doing so, they must have the willingness to take themselves and their fellow officers seriously because their job can be very dangerous at times. There are no “just routine calls.” At anytime a call can turn into a
disastrous loss of life. Good officers know this,
understand this, and always walk with caution.
It is very hard for good officers to be positive and not negative. They deal with evil and bad every day. The truth is very hard to find in any given day. People lie to them constantly. Then this affects everything; the home life, the attitude, and can also affect those you work with.
Those who chose law enforcement as a
career chose a great life. It has many benefits and a great retirement. But, it can also make you a better person or a worse person.
The good news is that you have a choice. It’s not what happens to you but what you do with what happens to you that makes the difference.
The goal of every person who puts on a
uniform should be, “I am going to be the best; the best as a person, as an officer, as a family man, and as a team player.”
Not all officers are good officers, but most are; it’s the bad ones who stink up the pot.
Chaplain Bud
When life deals you a lemon, make lemonade, someone once said. Is that hard to do? Yes. But it all comes back to attitude and character.
Some people believe it is their gift to see the negative in everything. They can take a perfect situation and turn it around for negative. Why do people do that? I wish I had the answer to that one, but I don’t.
Then, you have other people who never seem to get a good break. It’s uphill all the way, but they never seem to complain or get discouraged. Why? Well, it could be several things, but I notice people like this have one thing in common. They are not insecure with who they are. They are not intimidated by other’s success or power. They continue day in and day out dealing with life as it comes to them.
It’s a joy to be around “get up and go people.” My question is how did they get to be this kind of person? Why are they not negative or insecure?
I believe it all started when they were very small. The parents instilled in them the right principles and morals. They were taught the good value system of how to work and be responsible, and how to put value on relationships through the family. They understood the fulfillment of earning money and doing a good day’s work. They learned by experience what it meant to sacrifice and share with others. Yes, I believe it all goes back to the early years in the home.
The family is so important, and today the family is being dismantled by a runaway society. The fathers are absent from far too many homes. Single parents are raising children who do not have the balance of both parents. This is having a damaging effect on the homes, the communities, the states, and the country.
History has proved over and over again “as the home goes, so goes a country.”
The moral decline in America is in direct proportion to decline in the homes and also the churches. Intact families are more inclined to be church goers than fragmented families. Why? Because raising the children to be good moral people is very important.
The past does have a bearing on the future. How we were raised does prepare us for life. We were not born negative or positive, good or bad; we were born a baby. From then on the influences, education, opportunities, etc. produce a negative or positive human being. We produce too many people who have not prepared to live productive, victorious lives.
What is the answer? Better homes. It’s just that.
Chaplain Bud
A man who had failed badly, said to me one day “Who would have thought that life would turn out this way?” When we start out in life we have big plans and dreams. Look out world here I come!
We know all the answers. We haven’t had many disappointments or setbacks yet. Life is going to be a breeze.
Then come the tests. Perhaps they come in your family or career or parents or sickness or some other crisis. Life begins to unravel and our dreams and plans begin to crumble.
Maybe now discouragement begins to set in and we think, “What is the use?” Our trust in people begins to disappear. Our future is unclear, at the best. My life has become a mess.
Then we may turn to family or friends for sympathy or advice. But, the influence is not good. Hope again begins to disappear. Our decisions are not good. We make more bad choices.
In all of this, you know you are a better person than this. Now you begin to fall into the bitter state. You want revenge or just to get even. Your world has come apart.
This is the picture of many people I meet and talk to every day. They are blamers and victims who have given up on life. This is not a very nice picture, but it is true. Drugs, alcohol and divorce are not the answer. But there is an answer and a way to turn your set- backs into come–backs. It will, however, take major changes and determination to overcome.
Here is something to think about. Life is short, and eternity is forever. Thinking about that may encourage us to make some changes.
First, you may have to change to new influences in your life; new friends and new ways to spend your free time.
Second, take inventory of your life. Not what you have lost but what you have left. How old are you? What do you want to do with the rest of your life? Do you want to be a victim of your circumstances or do you want to be an over-comer? You must decide.
Third, seek out a good Bible preaching church; one that teaches the truth to help you find your way in this world. Join a small group of Christians and let this influence your decisions and life. Let God help you build a life of success and fulfillment.
Last, but not least, commit your life to a worthy cause. Get your mind off of self and help others. This time in history is the best time for us because it is our time. We have no second life. One life is enough if we live it right.
When your life is over, what have you really accomplished?
Chaplain Bud
Christian Church at Cogan Station
(570) 998-2989
There is nothing drearier than a rainy day, especially in the fall. You feel colder than the temperature around you. It slows down our motivation, and we just want to stay home.
The weather is something mankind cannot control. God and nature are in charge of the weather. It’s a good thing because we would probably mess it up too.
But, there are things we can control, the heat in our houses for example. However, some people like the house real warm, while others like it cool. This we can control but few agree what the temperature should be. We are people with different minds.
We can’t control what other people do or think. This can be a problem too. Because we all have our ideas of behavior patterns, etc. Why is it this way? It has to do with our upbringing and the culture concerning what is acceptable and not acceptable. And each culture thinks they are the only ones who are right.
We can’t control how others dress and talk. This is also frustrating to some people. Our dress code does send a message of who we are and how we think. Like it or not we are judged by how we dress, as much as how we talk.
Control is what we all like. We think because we are in control, we can control the outcome. In some cases, this is true but not always.
The world has too many uncertainties. Each day can bring the unthinkable, regardless of our plans. Death, sickness, crisis of many kinds, accidents, weather, changes in the economy, politics, and on it goes. We walk among uncertainties every day, yet we are the eternal optimists.
I said all that to say this; life has few guarantees. Does that make life wrong or bad? No, it does not; in fact that makes it more exciting. Because this body or this life, however long you live, is the only one you get. And one life is enough if you live it right.
The one thing that is very certain and you can take it to the bank, is that we will all die sometime. Some younger and some older, but we will all die. We cannot escape this in spite of our medical and technological knowledge. It is certain.
Now, knowing these facts, consider how important everyday is to you. Don’t waste one day because you can’t get it back.
Here is another fact. Mankind is different from all God’s creations, because we have a soul and spirit. When we die they are under God’s control, not ours. God has prepared a place called Heaven for those who chose to obey Him in this life and are born again. For others who chose not to obey God, He has prepared a place for them too. It’s in punishment for our disobedience. In this life time we make our choice where will be our final resting place for the soul and the spirit.
Yes, this world has much we can control and can’t control. But take advantage of what you can control while you have time. Don’t waste this life. It’s too important.
Chaplain Bud
How we spend our days, is really how we spend our lives. And, we only have one life to spend.
Here is the real question: Does your life have meaning?
Why or Why not?
Meaning is what you build your life around. Meaning is not something you stumble across, like the answer to a riddle or the prize in a treasure hunt. You build it out of your own past, out of your affections and loyalties; of the experience of humankind as it is passed on to you; out of the values and understandings and out of the things you believe in; out of the things and people you love, and out of the values for which you are willing to sacrifice something.
The ingredients are there. You are the only one who can put them together into a pattern that will be your life. Let it be a life that has dignity and meaning for you. If it does then success or failure is of less account.
Too many people live their lives without true meaning. You have to build meaning into your life, and you build it through commitment. Your identity is what you are committed to.
As you look at your life, what are you committed to? What takes most of your energy and time? What fulfills you the most? Is it your family, your job, your title, your success, your materialism, your friends, your faith, etc. This is where you are getting your meaning whether you understand it or not.
A wasted life is the greatest waste of all because you only get one. You only get one shot at getting it right. Yet thousands of people are misable everyday because they have no meaning and are wasting their days. Life will pay you exactly what you are willing to sacrifice and work for.
My life has real meaning because of my faith in God. My faith brings real meaning to life, to my family, my career, and all my relationships. Through my faith I have learned the very important principles for having a life that is fulfilling and has meaning.
Each of us must find our own meaning and purpose in life. When I find people with good attitudes, they have found true meaning. Happy married people, or people happy in their careers, or successful business people, they have found true meaning.
Our lives are really like seasons. The springtime is our youth; our learning time to prepare us for life. The summertime is our preparing and planting time. We marry, bring children into the world, earn a living, and sometimes waste these good years. It too is a learning time.
Then comes fall; it’s the reaping time. Reaping what we have sowed. To some the harvest is great and to others it’s bad or no crop at all. Then the wintertime; the time we realize the truth. Did my life have meaning? Am I a victim of a wasted life or has life been good for me?
As long as you are breathing there is hope. If you need to make changes, do it. Find true meaning in your life before it is too late.
Chaplain Bud
A great man once said, "Always do the right thing for the right purpose.”
Doing the right thing is not always the easiest thing to do, but always the right thing to do. Life continues to test us with decisions, decisions, and more decisions. But, that is life. That is what gives life purpose.
Here is my question today. Do you know your purpose in life? When I ask people this question, the answers are numerous. Some say to be a policeman, or husband, or wife, or parent; a friend, or truck driver, or make money, or be a Christian, or be a politician, etc.
But what is your real purpose? Why are you doing what you do and why do you think like you do? Why do you react or not react to certain situations? I believe if you know your purpose in life, it will answer all these questions.
First, knowing your purpose “gives meaning to your life.” Purpose is why we are here on this earth. When you find purpose for your life it takes on a new meaning. Some people work to make a living, others live to make a life. There is a big difference.
Second, knowing your purpose “simplifies your life.” Now you know what you are living for. Now your goals in life are to accomplish your purpose. Instead of things and stuff being your purpose, it’s much more than that. This brings me to the next reason.
Third, knowing your purpose “focuses your life.” To stay focused is to stay on track. To stay focused keeps you alert to opportunities to live your purpose. Staying focused takes both desire and determination.
Focused people are less stressed and more successful. They meet life’s tests head on and overcome because they live for that main purpose in life.
Fourth, knowing your purpose “motivates your life.” We all need motivated. This keeps you going when others give up. Motivated people work harder, stay longer, and give more to what they are doing. Why, because they have true purpose in life. They have found meaning to life, learned how to simplify things, stay focused, and are motivated by always doing the right thing.
There is a simple little story in the Bible about a man who was a pearl merchant. He was
always looking for the best and finest pearls. One day he found one of great value we are told. Do you know what he did next? He went and sold everything he had and bought it. Why would he do this? Because his purpose was to find the best pearl and have it. This pearl cost all he had but it was worth it.
This is why people change careers after years at one they were not fulfilled in. They found the real purpose to why they were here on earth. The purpose is to be fulfilled and happy. To find it is like finding the pearl of great price.
Have you found your real purpose? Don’t give up until you know your purpose and then go for it. You will never be completely fulfilled until you do.
Have a good day and be safe.
Chaplain Bud Yoder
Everyone’s life is filled with many challenges. Life has a way of coming at us day after day. Some people handle these daily challenges well, and others cannot or will not.
The result is what we call burn out. People get tired and just worn out at times, and have no energy or get-up-and-go. Here are some professional definitions of burn-out.
Burn out is when one’s attitude becomes “a job is a job is a job.”
Burn out is a depletion of energy and a feeling of being overwhelmed by other’s problems; a syndrome of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishments that can occur among individuals who do “people work” of some kind.
Burn out is a state of fatigue or frustration resulting from disappointment or excess exposure to stress over a period of time. Also people with burn out are always unhappy, because it affects them
mentally, physically, socially, and spiritually.
The truth is that many people today are suffering from burn out and don’t realize it. They think it is
normal, but it is not. Our lives should produce happiness and fulfillment.
How does all of this happen to so many people? It could be caused by many things. Some we have already mentioned. One of the main causes of burn-out is no margin in our lives. Burn out also comes to many because of bad decisions that produce bad consequences. Every decision has consequences either good or bad.
Our lives need balance. We need a good mental balance. That is our attitude. Our attitude controls so much of our everyday activities. We are social beings and we need people in our lives. We need family and friends to share our lives with. Our health has a lot to do with burn out. If we don’t feel good we don’t produce well at our jobs or with our families. Eating right and exercise are very important to our well being.
The one area of our lives that is so important is our spiritual lives. People who have a good relationship with God are more fulfilled and happy. They live longer because they do not abuse their bodies with drugs and alcohol. They put great value in their families and their friends. They have learned to deal with tragedy and success better. The spiritual side of our lives keeps us on track better because of God’s Word and His teachings.
Everyone should beware of burn out. It is very subtle and very serious. It is preventable and curable. So, don’t give up. Think about these things.
Have a good day and be safe.
Chaplain Bud
How many people have you noticed lately that are really stressed out? Maybe you haven’t noticed. However, we are having an epidemic in America with stress. There are many reasons for people today living with high stress.
This past week I was away at a chaplain’s conference. We covered many subjects in training, but stress came up again and again in many other topics. It is not only affecting Law Enforcement people but their families also. Stress can be a real killer of morale and just take the joy out of everyday living.
There are two kinds of stress. They are positive and negative. We usually define stress as negative. We do know, however, that it motivates us to complete our daily tasks. Eustress is good stress that is positive. It puts just enough pressure on individuals to perform. Eustress motivates and focuses energy.
Examples of eustress could be a promotion or a raise, starting a new job, marriage, new home or car, having a child, moving, vacations or retirement. These are good stresses and get us excited.
Distress is negative stress. It causes anxiety or worry. It can be short lived or long term. It is outside our coping abilities. It feels unpleasant, decreases performance, and leads to mental or physical problems or burn out.
Examples that cause distress are death of a spouse or friend, filing for divorce, money problems, children’s problems in school, low morale on the job and inability to cope with fellow workers.
The consequences of distress in Law Enforcement are very high because of the nature of the career. Some of the consequences are low productivity, lawsuits, excessive force, alcoholism, drug abuse, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and chronic headaches. To make matters worse, this all leads to ulcers, depression, aggression, and even sometimes suicide.
Some signs of distress are poor attention, poor decisions, memory problems, disturbed thinking, nightmares, fatigue, high blood pressure, fear or depression.
Stress filters down into every aspect of the police officers’ life and the life of the police organization. Stress affects the officers morale and performance and even the safety of co-workers or civilians.
So, how do we cope with stress? People need a life outside of their career. That may be with family, with hobbies, with a church, with your neighborhood, etc. A positive attitude is the number one defense against negative stress. Eat right and exercise. Don’t spend all your off-duty time with fellow officers.
Your job does not need to destroy your health or your family. It is just a job. Do it well, take it seriously, but also take seriously your off-duty time. We all want to have our families long after our careers are ended and we retire. Here is a little jingle I learned years ago. “He who lives with too much tension, doesn’t live to enjoy his pension.”
Have a good day, be safe,
Chaplain Yoder
How is your attitude today? Life is all about attitude. How you think will determine how you act. Life is about attitude not circumstance.
Life is what you make it. Life is not fair or easy, but that is life. No one ever said life was easy or fair. For some it is easier than for others, but in general all face the same challenges. And, may I add, it’s not about race or gender. Both must face challenges based on who they are.
Your attitude is your programmer with which you act or react to things and events that happen every day. When you think well, you look for good and find it. When you think negatively and look for it, you find it too.
A good attitude is the first step to success, because success is fulfillment more than just completing something. Successful people may not have all the materialistic things but they have peace. Why? Because of a good attitude!
These are not the best of times as a country, but they are far better than most of the world. We have nice homes and families. Most of our population is working. In Myanmar where I visited this spring, 80% of the people are unemployed. They are surviving on very little with a government that is all about itself and not caring for the people.
We are blessed people to live in America. People all over the world would love to have the opportunities we have and the luxuries we have. But, we forget quickly as soon as things become challenging. Then people begin to listen to negative talk and it kills our attitudes and enthusiasm.
Here are several suggestions to help your attitude. First, start each day with a positive attitude. Look for the good in your career and people around you. Be thankful for what you have.
Secondly, don’t spend time with negative people. It is contagious. Look for influences that build you up not tear you down. Failure is the product of negative people saying and doing the wrong things.
Thirdly, be happy with who you are. Every person in God’s eyes is special and you are special. Don’t waste one day of your life. We can either improve or go backwards. Unhappy people go backwards.
Lastly, but not least, happiness comes to those who make the most out of life. Attitude is the key. You are what you think. You react according to how you think. You reap what you sow. You reap after you sow and you reap more than you sow.
Life may not pay you what you think you are worth but it will only pay you what you earn. If you feel you deserve better, try doing better. If you are unhappy, change things that are influencing your attitude. If you have a good attitude this world needs you. Keep it up!
Chaplain Bud
The book of Proverbs is a great book in the Bible. I call it the how to book. It tells us how to do life. Prov. 22:24-25 has some great advice.
“Do not make friends with a hot tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn his ways and get yourself ensnared.”
Many people in life have their character ruined by the people they associate with. Their influence is a bad influence and it is contagious. Some people are easily influenced and others not so easily, however, we are all influenced in one way or another. It is said that we are what we eat, but also we are judged by the friends we keep. Friendships are very important, but you pick your friends, don’t let them pick you. Look at a person’s lifestyle and decide whether or not that lifestyle is for you. We do become like the people we spend time with.
Life is a constant lifetime of learning, but for some reason some people keep making the same mistakes over and over. They just don’t get it. If they would just stop and look at the friends and their influences they would see the light.
On the other hand good people of good character are good influences. We can be encouraged and influenced in the right way. Character is something we are building all the time. Good character must be protected. A good reputation is very important and can be destroyed with one stupid act. At one moment a person can be ruined for life.
What best builds character and integrity? Good moral standards. Good moral convictions. Where do we find these standards and convictions? In the Bible, in God’s Word. in the book of Proverbs, or the Gospels or the Old Testament. Here we find the truth and the consequences of doing wrong.
Most people I have met in life just want to be happy and succeed. But the cold, hard fact is that there are no short cuts to either being happy or being successful. Both take hard work and we must pay attention to situations around us.
It also takes other people to both make us happy and successful. We don’t do it alone. We need people in our lives. Good people of good influence and character. These people are priceless and bring fulfillment that can come in no other way.
Who is it who has influenced you the most over the years? Many of us were influenced first by good parents. Then our young friends as we grew up. Then people in our careers and communities. Along the way, these are the people who have helped shape our lives. Some will never know how much good they have done for us, and others will if we tell them.
Who are you influencing today? Are you helping others to shape their lives and character for good? Or, are you a bad influence? Do you build people up or tear them down? I pray you build them up. We only have one life to live, and one is enough if we do it right.
Chaplain Bud
How wonderful is life! How many of us take this wonderful life for granted? We allow the everyday work and stress take away the wonder of it all.
Just to have a mind is a wonder, to be able to think and reason, to be able to read and to write, to be able to see and hear, to be able to love and be loved, to be able to work and earn a living for our families is a wonder in this wonderful world.
Have you taken time to see the beauty of the world this time of year; the yards and gardens, the mountains and valleys, the sky and the sun in the clear morning, or a full moon once a month? These are the wonderful things that surround us daily, and we take them for granted.
The wonder of health is such a big thing in life. If you are healthy, you are truly blessed. When we dwell on the negative or bad it robs our minds and lives of these blessings. The word blessed in the Bible means “happy”. Happy is the men, women or children who are blessed.
Oh, the wonder of good relationships and friends! A friend is someone you let into your life and its dreams and activities; someone you are happy to be around and spend time with. A friend is someone you can confide in and seek counsel from. A friend, true friend, is a great influence in your life. Because true friendship is about trust and honor, good friends are hard to come by and should be valued very highly. You trust each other and honor them for who they are, not what they can do for you.
The human being is a wonderful creation of God, put on this earth to have purpose and to be a good steward of the world around us. We are to be fruitful and multiply. We are to live and let live. We are to give and receive. We were created to love and be loved.
The world is so full of negative, unhappy people with no purpose. Or, maybe their purpose is to make others unhappy. But, we with good minds and good purpose have another mission. Yes, a mission, to make this world and those around us feel good about our creation. It takes very little to be positive and smile at others. It takes very little to be kind and considerate.
Oh, the wonder of it all! Each of us will be on this earth limited years. Why waste them? Find your place and make your mark. Live out your dreams by desire, determination, and discipline. Most people have so much potential but never reach it because of the fear of failure. Turn your setbacks into comebacks. You are a miracle in the making. Stretch yourself and you will find you will be overjoyed with the results. Life will pay you just what you think you are worth. How much do you think you are worth? Think on these things; then go for it.
That is the wonder of this wonderful world.
Chaplain Bud
Today is the first day of the rest of your life. You will never be as young as you are today. Now what are you going to do about the rest of your life?
We live in a very fast world in America. Everything is rush, rush, and done fast; from internet, fast food restaurants, cell phones, etc. However, is all of this making life better or just more hectic?
God created men and women to have good relationships and to be fulfilled, not to be in a rat race that tears down our health and destroys life. We have become abused people driven by success and greed, as we socially and materialistically try to keep up with everyone else.
Some days do you feel like you would like to stop the fast world and get off; to have some peace and quiet with nothing pressing? I believe this is the feeling of many people and they don’t know what to do about it.
I heard a man say one time, “People are creatures who create monsters that eat them up.” He may be right on.
The question then becomes, what can we do about this problem? Here are a few suggestions.
Take time to look at your daily activities. How much of what you are doing is absolutely necessary. Could you make one trip a day instead of two or three? Do you plan your day or just react to what is happening? There are only 24 hour in a day, so maybe you need to learn to budget your time like you do your money. It’s called margin.
“Margin is how much time you have between what you are doing and what you must do next.”
Take time to look at your relationships. How much time do you have for your family and friends? Is your busy life giving you no time for others? Our relationships in life are what give us purpose and joy. And, when there is no margin, time becomes a joy robber, not an asset.
Take time to look at your hobbies or what you like to do in your free time. “All work and no play make Jack a dull boy”. Not only are work and careers important but they too can be joy robbers. Quality time away from our jobs doing what we enjoy makes us better employees, better husbands and wives, better parents, and better all around people. Hobbies can be fulfilling because you are doing what you enjoy.
All of us have only one life to live. Make it count for something worthwhile. There is a great verse in Proverbs 13:20 “He who walks with the wise grows wise, but the companion of fools suffers harm”.
Who are you walking with today? Who are your companions? Who or what has the greatest influence in your life? These are personal questions that only you can answer truthfully. Your answer will say a lot about your life and your future. It’s the wise choices that are the hard choices. Remember, today is the first day of the rest of your life. Use it wisely.
Chaplain Bud
As I had my prayer time one Tuesday morning the Williamsport Police continues to come to mind. Its one thing to pray for our officers, for their safety, and their families but the question is how can we all make our Police Department better?
What is it we all can do to make our department a better place in which to work and serve? Every organization can always improve. What will it take to improve moral and enthusiasm about the great job of being a law officer?
As Chaplain, these are questions I ask myself. We are all human with human needs. We not only have a career but a life outside of the department. So how can we all help each other?
First, I believe we must respect each other. Respect each other’s experience and rank. Respect that each officer is a human being with feelings, desires, and dreams. Respect the fact that our families are affected by our careers. Respect for the uniform and what it stands for. Yes, a little respect could go a long way toward good morale.
Second, good communication makes a good, well-oiled machine. Communication is more than just talking but being clear on what we expect of each other. Communicate to each other their value in the department. Communicate your appreciation of a job well done, or going the extra mile or when someone does you a favor. Communication goes a long way to help morale.
Third, we need to appreciate the great career as a law enforcement office. You and I are in a great position to help other people. The job is a good paying job. Only 50 plus people in this town have the opportunity you have to be a part of the Williamsport Police Department.
Fourth, your families are so important to your morale and happiness. Take good care of them. Your career is only part of your life. Don’t take your job home with you. Don’t be a policeman at home, be a father, husband, and good community person. If you are a female office be a good wife, mother, and, yes, a home maker. The law enforcement career in the United States has the highest rate of divorce of all careers. Put your families first and career second.
I truly love to be around people who make a difference. We can make a difference. Life was meant by God to be fulfilling and happy. Every day you may have to deal with the worst element of our society, but you are making a difference! Our police department needs good, efficient, effective officers. We have them.
My advice is to rise above gossip and cheap talk. Strive to be a change maker. Keep a good attitude and work record. Go beyond what is expected and you will be blessed. Then, at the end of your career, you can say, “I gave it my best and they were good years.”
Chaplain Bud
It’s spring time, and almost summertime already. The yards are green, the flowers are beautiful, and the gardens are growing. The farmers are planting and the deer have their new fawns.
What a wonderful time of year; the season of optimism. People are on the rivers and lakes. Vacations are being planned and schools will soon complete another year. The
children are excited and playing sports already. It’s spring time!
There is something special about beginning another season. The past is forgotten and the newness brings out the best in everyone. We are a blessed nation and the opportunities are unlimited. Colleges are playing in tournaments for bragging rights in baseball and softball. It’s spring time again.
When the winter passes, then comes the warm weather and things begin to grow again; there is a new excitement in the air. People take pride in their yards and gardens. Buildings get new paint jobs and new face lifts. Why is all this happening? Because it’s spring time.
This is also a great time of year to look for other people who might need some help. Maybe they can mow a yard or just lend a hand at something else. A lot of times people who really need the help do not ask. You have to speak up first and volunteer. There is a great verse in the Bible which says “He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” Prov. 11:25. When you give of your time and talent to others, the rewards are tremendous. We have a man in our church who freely mows 4 or 5 lawns weekly for people who can’t mow themselves. Both he and the people are blessed by this act of kindness. It’s spring time. Go look for a blessing. It might be right under your nose.
We make our communities, our city, our churches, and our neighborhoods better by
having good attitudes and good work ethics. We have the personal responsibility to be good neighbors and good stewards of what God gives us.
Greed and selfishness never build relationships or our neighborhoods. Servanthood is the key to true happiness and fulfillment. We only have one life to live and the years that go by fast are limited at best. So, don’t let the winter time of your life find you with regrets wishing that you could have been a better servant.
What our world needs more than a better economy are better committed people to whatever task are before them. Our families need committed parents. Our jobs need committed employees. Our churches need committed members. Our communities need committed neighbors. Our nation needs committed citizens. Our friends need committed friendships. Our marriages need committed spouses.
Yes, it is spring time. It’s a great time to do some house cleaning and take inventory of your life and community. Maybe there are some things you need to do (or stop doing) for the betterment of mankind. Its spring time and the time is now--
Chaplain Bud
When you die, for what do you want to be remembered ? And, we will all die someday. What will people say at your funeral as they gather to comfort those you leave behind?
You see, I believe that each day of our lives we are preaching our own funeral. Our lives will speak louder, many times, after we are gone. Will people talk only of your career and accomplishments or will it be about your character? Will they have good to say about you or dance around the real truth about you?
Think! What is it in life that really has value? What has eternal value? What, more than just memories, have you given to this world? Have you spent your years here on earth as a giver or just a taker?
These are not easy questions nor are they simple questions. If you have been blessed to be a father or mother, you will live on in your children. If you have spent time with children, though not yours biologically, your efforts will also live on in them. What have they learned from you? Have you invested in the future of these children, building character, integrity and good moral values? Have you been a good example to follow? Have they learned how to treat and love others by your example? These are the things money can’t buy and have an eternal affect on families.
As you have been blessed to have a job, what will those fellow workers have to say about you? Will they say that you had a servant’s heart, did more than his share, was always willing to help others, was someone they liked to be around and work with? Or, will they say that they are glad you are gone because your only purpose for working was the money and that you only thought of yourself? Wouldn’t that be a sad commentary of a person’s legacy at work?
How about the community where you live? Are you the kind of neighbor people like to have in their community or are you a sorehead and negative about everything? Do you help other people? Do you ever mow a lawn for a shut-in or shovel snow for a widow? Do you help with the youth in some sport or volunteer to work at the park or ball field?
I learned a long time ago that when you help others get what they want, you will get what you want too. There is a Proverb that says that even better. “A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” (Proverbs 11:25)
Over the years I have had a lot of funerals. People very seldom refer to the dead person’s accomplishments or wealth. There is one exception and that being an accomplishment to help other people. What is referred to is their kindness, a giving, helping spirit, a special parent, their contribution to society, etc.
If you are able to read this article, you are not dead yet and still have time to prepare for your day when you leave this earth. Give people something good to say by which they will remember you. Prepare spiritually for your meeting with God. Leave a legacy and path for others to follow. Live every day as if it were your last but plan each day as if you will live forever.
Your life has more influence than you think. Both for good and for bad. Strive to make it count for good.
Chaplain Bud
Where is your focus this week? On what are you seriously concentrating? Is it the economy, your job, your home, your kids, or maybe your future? I have learned a simple principle. “What gets your attention gets you.” To say it another way, “what you are focused on gets you.”
How about trying something new this week and also in weeks to come? Live stress free. Yes, I mean it. We are all too stressed out. Everyone seems to be under so much pressure and stress these days. It’s like a contagious disease. And, it seems as though the stress is coming from everywhere.
There is stress on the job, stress in the home, stress on the highways, stress with our children, stress in our marriages, stress in our friendships, and of course, today, financial stress. Stress, stress, stress.
Just stop and look around. The world is going mad and life is going faster and faster. The treadmill never stops. Everything is becoming so insecure and people are operating under a great load of stress and fear. All of this stress is not changing anything, just robbing lives of true joy and happiness.
But what is really causing all this stress? We have to define the problem before we can fix it. To live stress free we must discover and control what is causing our stress load. And I submit, it is a load!
As I see it, most of the stress is coming from what people lack, not from what they have. The number one lack is the lack of enough time. There are too many things we think we must do and there is no margin. Then you have the lack of enough money. This lack is really stressing people out and have them running emotionally on fear. Then you have the lack of the right kind of jobs. The lack of opportunities. The lack of the right kind of friends. The lack of success and too many failures. All these things bring on the big one. Stress.
Now in the beginning I mentioned living stress-free lives. Is it possible? Yes, but it will take desire, determination, and discipline, my favorite three words. They are words that have changed lives and peoples’ futures in the past and will do it again.
Step one: Desire will drive you to search out and eliminate the stresses in your life. You must be totally honest. What are the stresses? Could it be your cell phone, your computer, your job, your friends? You must decide.
Step two: Determination will drive you to face the truth and decide if you truly want to live stress free. Then begin to eliminate the stresses in your life one at a time. Don’t attack everything at once; one at a time. This will take real determination and sacrifice. But it’s the only way.
Step three: The final step is discipline. Determination keeps you going but discipline enables you to make the hard decisions. Discipline is the power to say no to something that brings stress into your life. Discipline is how you lose weight and keep it off. Desire and determination will get you there, but discipline will keep you there and give you the victory.
To be stress free you may have less, but you will feel great. You may not be understood by others, but you are in control of yourself. Now you can really enjoy life.
Chaplain Bud
How many times have you started something and never finished it, or have been so excited about something only to lose your enthusiasm very quickly? Why do we become great starters but poor finishers?
One reason we are poor finishers is because we are too often driven by impulse. We see it and want it now. We dive in without thinking things through. Our easy-come, easy-go society has made not finishing very easy in the past. However, with the times changing that could also be changing.
Another reason people are poor finishers is the lack of preparation and information. We don’t consider what we are getting into and the preparation time to accomplish whatever we are trying to do. People in college change courses for this very reason. They did not investigate the time and effort needed to complete the course. Poor information and preparation is a guaranteed failure almost every time.
Another reason many people who go into business starting well, but finishing badly is because of poor financial planning. It’s one thing to know how to do a trade, it’s another thing to know how to make and handle money. It takes money to make money, but it also takes brains and discipline. It takes years to build a good, solid business and it also takes sacrifice and discipline. Many times good ideas and business dreams die for the lack of sacrifice and discipline.
So, now the question is how do I become a good finisher? Those who finish, and finish well, have done a lot of things; both right and wrong. But they stuck with it and would not give up. Sometimes it’s skill and good efforts and other times it’s just plain refusing to give up.
Life is nothing more than a lifetime of ups and downs. To finish, there must be more ups than downs. To overcome many of these down times in your life you must do the little things well. The simple things well, such as being on time, always keeping your word, always save a little money regardless of how little you have, being a friend to the friendless and giving something to others out of your plenty.
But here is the real secret to finishing whatever you start. Whether it’s your marriage, a business, paying a debt off, learning a new hobby, getting your education, or doing a good job where you work, the secret is know who you are. Know where you want to go. Know how to get there, and how much it will cost. Each of these are keys to the other. It takes it all.
To know who you are is to know your potential and to know your dreams and desires. To know where you want to go speaks to your character and integrity. To know what it will cost speaks to your willingness to sacrifice and to be patient.
Everyone could be good finishers, but not everyone will discipline themselves to whatever it takes to get there. The good news is that we can change. What do you need to change to be a good finisher?
Chaplain Bud
Christian Church at Cogan Station
The Christmas season is a wonderful season of the year. People become the people they should be all year long. They are kinder and happier. They become friendly and are nice to be around and work with. They buy gifts and receive gifts. So, what causes the change?
It’s because of an event that happened 2000 years ago. It was the birth of a baby that would affect the whole world; a Jewish baby that would affect every race, every culture and all people; believers and non-believers. It was the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
He was a King, but born in a stable. He was a King, but born of common people. He was the Messiah but the world would reject Him. He would die on a cross between two thieves. However, the grave could not hold Him down. He arose on the third day to be a testimony to the power of God and to send a message of hope to a very dark and confused world. This hope energized a religious world with new excitement and enthusiasm. It was God’s gift of His Son to the world that set the stage for the meaning and purpose of Christmas. We give gifts out of gratitude and appreciation to people and family because of their meaning in our lives. It is our way of showing love just as God showed us love by giving His Son. He did this, not because we desired it, but because God loves us. We give gifts also, not because people desire it, but because we love people.
The real meaning of Christmas is love. This is the bond that holds people and families together through good times and bad times. True love is unconditional and lasting. The love God has for His creation is why we honor and serve Him. Man’s love is why we honor and serve each other. It’s a bond stronger than materialism, education, position, race, culture, or anything else. We learn to love from God because He is love.
This year make this Christmas a real love experience. Give gifts with meaning and purpose. Seek out someone or a family you can bring joy into their lives by a gift, meal or kind deed. Seek someone who doesn’t expect it or desire it. Use your gift to be a true act of love. The true joy is in the giving not receiving anyway.
Share your harvest, your money and yourself to make other lives better or happier. As givers we know we receive more than we give. Christmas is love in action. And, when love acts, it brings many, many blessings in so many ways.
Christmas is a special time for Christians and non-believers. It’s the mood of the season. Everyone can benefit. Even some non-believers go to at least on worship service at Christmas. This season, touch the hard hearts as well as the tender heart.
Don’t let materialism ruin your Christmas this year. It’s not about the size or cost of the gift, but the thought behind it. Use this season to bridge the gap between broken relationships. Let the God of Heaven, who gave us Jesus Christ, touch your life and heart in a new way this year. Try love because it never fails.
Chaplain Bud
What do you expect out of life? Is your life being fulfilled by your activities and career? Are the people around you positive or negative? Are you happy in your marriage or where you live? What and who has the most influence in your life?
Do these questions sound unreasonable and without value? Well, they are not, and they have value. These are the people, things, and activities that affect us every day. We allow people, things, and activities to control us, and we come to expect that this is life.
Well, it is. But instead of allowing them to dictate to you, maybe you need to take inventory of who you are and what you are all about. Look at what influences your decisions or life the most. Are you in control of self, or as they say, “Is the tail wagging the dog?”
Let’s take your career first. If you love what you do to earn money, it’s not hard, it’s a joy. Each morning you can enjoy going to work and enjoy the fruit of your labor. But suppose you don’t like your job? You don’t like the people you must work with. Now what? That’s right, you are miserable and you make others miserable around you. This is why the national average states that most people make three major career changes in their lifetime. So, your career or job has a big bearing on what you expect out of life and if you are happy.
Marriage is another very important influence of whether we expect much or little of this life. Why? Because marriage can bring so much happiness, but it can also bring so many challenges or problems; whether it is difficult children, health issues, in-laws, or just two people butting heads all the time. People who remain married to one person have learned the secret of marriage. Neither party can be selfish or controlling. They must make whatever adjustments must be made to have harmony in the home. It’s called unselfish sacrifice. I hate to tell you, but marriage is not about looks, talent, or fame. It’s about love and how two people refuse to be defeated by outside influence. Their marriage has value, and they protect it.
I learned an important lesson early on in my adult life. The world will pay you exactly what you are willing to work for and earn. Whether it’s a living, whether it’s respect, whether it’s friendship, or anything else, you earn it, or you don’t achieve it.
Real friends are valuable, good careers are valuable, good marriages are valuable, nice homes are valuable, good families are valuable. And anything valuable cannot be taken for granted.
It takes just as much work to keep a home up as it does to fix it up. It takes just as much love to keep a marriage alive as it did to get married. It takes just as much work to hold a job as it did to get the job. And I could go on and on.
Here is the bottom line. Don’t blame the world if you are not receiving what you expected. You made the choices. If it needs changing, that’s up to you. As for me and my household, we choose to serve the Lord.
Chaplin Bud
Debt is the destroyer of happiness and the father of stress:
Is borrowing necessary? Yes, money is the way we build our economy and grow a nation.
It takes investments to grow a business.
It takes investments so banks can make money.
It takes investments for new homes and farms.
It takes investments to grow a country.
So, that is the up side. What is the down side?
Borrowing more than you can pay back.
Borrowing without good collateral.
Continued spending beyond the means of income.
Not learning to live within your means.
People getting loans who are not responsible and credible
Too much credit card debt.
The lack of discipline in handling money.
The truth is that you can’t borrow your way out of debt. To stop debt is to stop making debt. This is a simple principle of good common sense. Without margin in your finances there is too much stress. The family is stressed, the breadwinner is stressed, and happiness is destroyed at the root, namely too much debt.
Now, what is the solution to this problem? I believe there is always a solution for everyone.
Dr. Richard A. Swenson, in his book called “Margin”, states that there are some good answers for our debt crisis. I would like to share some of his suggestions.
He said to restore financial margin there are some things that we must do and have control over.
First, stop making more debt. For a very long time we’ve been living beyond our means. ‘Buy now and pay later’ consumes the future and depresses us for the lack of money. Debt is a noose around our necks that will finally hang us.
Second, live within your means. According to Dr. Swenson this is more than a strategy, this is a conviction, the kind you drive a stake in the ground and say, “no more”. This means you may not have everything you want but you will have what you need.
Third, there are only three ways to decrease debt. Increase your income, decrease spending and increase savings. This may mean a second job, not going out to eat, or not taking a long vacation. It takes discipline and real commitment and determination.
Fourth, break the culture death trap. Our culture makes demands that we buy its wares and live by its rules. Our culture has a great power over our spending. However, we don’t have to keep up with the Jones’s but live by our convictions and means.
Finally, we must fast. We understand food fasts. That is to go without food. We can also fast from shopping and impulse buying. We must learn to use it up, wear it out, make it do and do without.
If you want, you can stop this happiness-robber called debt that brings so much stress. Remember, only you control your future. You man need help with a budget or just some encouragement, but you can do it. Other people are doing it every day.
Chaplain Bud,
What is happening in the Christian world? Are things changing too fast, or am I just that slow at catching on? Everything today has to be new. There are new styles of worship, new styles of preaching, new styles of teaching, and new styles of teaching the youth. And on and on it goes.
First of all, you must understand, I am not against change. I am not against new ways and new techniques. However, what I have a very hard time with is the willingness of young leaders to disregard the past.
Everything in the past was not wrong. We managed and grew churches without the things we say are necessary today. We preached, and people got saved. We taught from the Bible, and people learned. We had youth groups that met to pray and learn God’s Word. We survived without air conditioning and fancy buildings. We had great VBS meetings in the summer, and everyone grew because of it. These were traditional things that had meaning and purpose and still do. Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Christmas, and Easter were always important days. A Mother’s Day banquet was cooked and served by the men for the women. A Father’s Day picnic was special. But they are all gone in a lot of churches because we are too big or too busy.
We can’t live in the past, nor can we hold back the future. But let’s not throw the baby out with the bath water. Church is still about a relationship with God and His body. The message does not change, but methods do, and I understand that. But I’ll say again that everything in the past was for good, not bad. Most programs were always designed for the good of all the church, not just a few.
So what is the answer to our changing world of religion?
First, I believe there are some things that are essential and have been for 2000 years. The preaching of God’s Word is one. Preaching produces conviction, and teaching produces learning. We need both, and one cannot replace the other.
Worship in the Book of Acts, which we pattern after, was for four things: fellowship, prayer, breaking of bread, and preaching. All four were and are needed to fulfill the Christian and bring glory to God.
Second, we as Christians are to reproduce other Christians. We are not to conform, we are to be transformed. Ask yourself, is this happening today in our churches. In America, there are pockets of growth, but for the most part, our churches are failing to transform lives. There seems to be a lack of conviction about the destruction of sin, therefore, there are no transformed lives.
Third, and maybe herein lies our real problem, we have lost our evangelistic zeal and compassion for the lost. The church is in the maintenance business, not the soul-winning business. If you think I am wrong, look at most churches’ budgets and programs. We are doing evangelism by chance, not by choice. And this is wrong; our mission is to reach the lost, not entertain the saints.
You measure church growth by generations. Each generation must have a vision for ministry. Vision is very hard to transfer. We have lost one generation in America, and we’re about to lose another. The church needs to wake up, be honest with the facts, and make some serious, prayerful changes. We must be different from the world or we are the world.
See ya in church,
Bud
A great man in India, Gandhi, said this: There are seven deadly sins for man to avoid.
Wealth without work.
Pleasure without conscience.
Knowledge without ethics
Business without ethics.
Science without humanity.
Religion without sacrifice.
Politics without principle.
Let’s look at these seven deadly sins in this writing.
First- Wealth without work.
That doesn’t sound too bad, but it is. When people get something for nothing, the value goes down. When we work and earn, we have an appreciation for success. It has value because you produced or sacrificed. That is why sons sometimes run a business into the ground that fathers worked a lifetime to build. That’s why few, if any people, who win the lottery, don’t squander it.
Second-Pleasure without conscience.
The lust of the eyes regardless of what road it takes will destroy. People with little or no moral control will destroy any society. There is pleasure in sin but it has severe consequences. The Bible teaches: “be not deceived, God cannot be mocked, a man, reaps what he sows.” This is truly a deadly sin.
Third-Knowledge without character.
Knowledge is good but it can also be used for evil. Good character controls knowledge, but if character is lacking, evil will prevail. Knowledge is just a tool, character is what you are. Good lives are built on good character.
Fourth-Business without ethics.
Most people trust and want to be trusted. Bad ethics makes any business untrustworthy. There was a day a man’s word was his bond. Again you reap what you sow.
Fifth-Science without humanity.
There’s No common sense. Science is to help us make our community better, not destroy us. The more we discover the more we decay as human beings.
Sixth-Religion without sacrifice.
Where there is no sacrifice or true commitment it becomes cheap grace. Salvation is free, but there is a cost to serving God and man. It’s called commitment and trust. Religion is the moral conscience of any people. Without God, we become as wild beasts.
Seventh –Politics without principle.
Why is it hard for us to trust our politicians; because so many of them lack good principles. Instead of putting the people and country first, they put self first. Do I need to say more?
From these seven deadly sins, do you see a picture of America? Because of them we are decaying morally. Gandhi was right! God is right too. We are reaping the seeds that have been sown.
Chaplain Bud,
It’s called “priming the pump.” When I worked in the west on a ranch, we had windmills to pump water for the livestock. If a windmill did not pump for a long time, we had to prime the pump. There is leather on the foot value in the bottom of the well, that would dry out. So to soften it up again, in order for it to pump water it had to be primed. This was done by pouring about a gallon of water down the casing and then it picks up the water again.
This morning I was talking to someone about being kind and encouraging others. In a way that is “priming the pump”. When you do a kindness for someone they in turn may do a kindness. That’s “priming the pump.”
When your day begins with a friendly word, think how good that makes you feel. Or, someone complements you on a job well done. This is “priming the pump.”
Our hearts are sometimes like that leather at the bottom of the well. We haven’t been very friendly or active. We are not doing anything wrong but we are just drying up. Then something or someone comes along and pours some encouragement or love into that hard, cracking heart, and bingo! All at once we are going again. Life is good and you’re smiling and becoming a friendly person again.
Deep inside of every person is good that wants to come out. The good is like the water down in that well, but our hearts get hard, like the leather on the pump. In that state we are not capable of doing good. Then our hearts need to be primed. Our lives need just a little help and we become a whole new person.
Just think about your relationships. Some are good and maybe some bad. If the truth is know the good relationships only hinder you they don’t help.
Let me give you some examples. In the morning your husband or wife says that: you look very nice this morning. That’s “priming the pump”. Or you were so helpful to me yesterday and so understanding. That’s “priming the pump”. Or someone at work sees you are struggling and gives you a helping hand. That’s “priming the pump.” This is what I am talking about.
Jesus said, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” I believe He was saying “prime their pump”. I have learned that to get what you want; you help others get what they want first. Then you will get what you want. Try it. It will change your life.
Here is the challenge. Look for someone today that needs their “pump primed”. So out of your way, go the extra mile, do the unthinkable, come out of your comfort zone. You will find that when you “prime someone else’s pump”, you prime your own.
“Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:38
Chaplain Bud
Promises, promises, promises; it’s an election year. Our want-to-be new leaders are touching the hearts of the people with promises. Boy does some of this stuff sound good, no, great! The politician’s tongue is firing out promises like a machine gun.
They are promising a chicken in every pot, a coat on every back, a shoe on every foot, and on and on it goes. Change is the cry of the want-to-be, but they never explain what that means. And how gullible people are! Let’s take it from those who have and give it to those who don’t have. What a joke!
Politicians continue to make promises they can’t keep, and they know it. But people put their trust in them only to learn the real truth later. They have been had again by a slick-tongued spin doctor.
This country is a great country, and our freedom and constitution make it possible for politicians to run wild. Don’t get me wrong, some of our leaders are good, moral, honest men and women. But they are few and limited in power. The nature of politics provides a base for power and corruption. It takes a strong person of character and good morals not to be overtaken in Washington.
The whole election thing would be funny if it was not so serious and damaging. Look at the waste of millions of dollars to campaign in order to get elected, the slander of the other people who are seeking the same office, the mean-spirited ads on T.V. to put the other party down, and on and on it goes. The people who could really lead this country never get a shot, either because of lack of money, or they are just not interested. How true it is: “A little leaven, leavens the whole lump.”
Our system of government was designed so that people who lived, worked, and died in a community could represent that community. It still happens on a local level, but not on the national level. Politicians move to a state so they can run for office in that state. They neither know the culture nor the people. They represent themselves, not the people. It’s only a stepping stone to a lifetime of political power and wealth. Did you ever meet a poor politician? I rest my case.
Our system needs an overhaul; it needs to be fixed. I don’t know how to do it, but God has given someone brains and courage enough to do it. We still have good, moral, smart people in this country who can make a difference.
Here is my point. We are a democracy, not a socialist government. We have prospered by free enterprise and hard work. We have fought our wars and protected our citizens. But democracy is everyone’s business. Free elections are a part of our freedom.
Our new generations of politicians are leading us into socialism. Take from the productive and give to the poor. Socialized medicine, socialized welfare, etc. Socialism encourages laziness and corruption, but far worse, it takes away our free choice. It hasn’t worked in other parts of the world, and it won’t in America.
Every citizen must get out and vote. It’s our right and privilege. It’s time for the grass-roots people to speak up and stand up. As Christians, we must pray for good leaders. Then we must continue to trust God and obey our leaders.
Chaplain Bud
There is a special week in August when the whole world is focused on Williamsport, PA. It’s the Little League World Series. Sixteen ball teams from around the world meet in one place, with one goal, to win the championship.
There is great joy for these teams and their families. But there is also a great sacrifice of time and money to get here. They play the regular season, then the all star games, and then, if they keep winning, finally arrive at Williamsport. However, they are willing to pay the price for this once in a lifetime opportunity.
The competition is very tough and there will be only one team who becomes the champion. But all the teams will go home winners just for the opportunity of being involved.
Something far more than baseball happens this week. Teams get to live together and play ball against each other. They make life-long friends from all around the world. They learn the meaning of both winning and losing. What a great opportunity for these young people!
Little League is about families and fellowship. It is encouraging when you visit the great complex at South Williamsport and see the large crowds and the behavior of young and old. This yearly event makes it possible for people to come together and enjoy their families. It is just wonderful. The sacrifice for some that come from so far away is big, but the joy and experience will last a lifetime.
I believe our world has become a better place because of Little League Baseball. At least for this one week it unites people from all walks of life, who have one common cause, their children. Yes, it’s just a game but it works.
This would not at all be possible without the hundreds of volunteers who work endless hours and enjoy every minute. It’s about the kids. From security, to vendors, to uncles, ushers, to maintenance, to garbage people, to drivers, to parking, to everyone involved, because without them this could not be possible. Many of these people come back year after year from all over the world to help the children. It’s about the children and friendship.
There is a very important lesson in all of this. Here is what it is. Our careers and stations in life are important. But the most important is the children. The new generation that will be our leaders, doctors, nurses, pilots, preachers, truck drivers, block layers, professors, cooks, etc., will receive their value system from the older generation. We have an obligation to prepare them for the life they will have in the future.
Little League is teaching discipline and character, the value of teamwork and respect for others, and that winning is not everything, but how you play the game. These young people are learning to be good followers so that someday they too can be leaders.
Jesus said, “Except you become as a little child, you cannot enter the Kingdom of Heaven”.
Isn’t it interesting that it always comes back to God, family, and country, to bring true value into our lives. The blessings are there, don’t miss them.
Chaplain Bud
Do you ever get tired of people who are always complaining or whining? People who are always complaining about higher gas prices or the price of food going up? People who gather in groups and complain about the politicians and the government?
This negative kind of talking only produces more negative talk, but never changes anything. What I have learned is that complainers and first-class blamers know all the answers but never fix anything or get involved. But, they always know what everyone else should do or could do.
These people are promoters of discouragement and doubt in our government and our fellowman. I will agree that things are a little tight right now, but we Americans still have it better than any country in the world. Yes, we have some bad apples as politicians, governors, and mayors, but we have far more good ones than bad.
This generation needs to wake up and realize what a great country this is. Our forefathers sacrificed so much more and suffered for our freedom. They fought wars and lived through hard times that would make our day look like a day off. They lived through depression, droughts, and loosing everything but their dream of freedom. They dug in and overcame because they believed in the values of family and liberty.
The dream was never realized by many fathers and mothers but they were able to pass it on to their children and grandchildren who paid the price to see it come true. They instilled in those who would follow them, the value of hard work, honesty, integrity, and character. These values built a strong patriotic country. They asked for no handout nor did they receive any. They never believed anyone else was responsible for them. They were good neighbors and helped one another but retained their self-prided and dignity by not being weak or whiners.
What has happened to America? Have we become a welfare country that wants a socialist government? If we do, you think things are bad now, wait until that takes place. Study history and talk to people under this kind of government and you will change your mind.
There is hope for or great country. I have faith in the American people. Most serious problems we had in the past, we solved by out-living them. We will out-live this one too. This is not a time to give up or give over, but to tighten your belt and by making a few adjustments, we will over come.
These are the times that humble us and make us seek what is truly valuable to us. We don’t have an economic problem as much as a moral problem. Stop listening to the negative and be positive and keep your vision and dream alive. History records that times like these produce great leaders who will lead us through this crisis.
People who believe in God handle times like these better than people who don’t. The reason is that we Christians realize this life on earth is only temporary. We don’t put our hope in materialism but in God. These material things don’t really bring true happiness nor bring security. Losing our soul is a lot more serious than losing our home.
Chaplain Bud,
What a great time to live in history; just to be alive in such a time as this! If you listen to the negative people, things are terrible. But it’s just not so for us in America.
Sure things are changing some, and things cost more, but we make more. Unemployment is down, people are working. Just think of other times and other countries and what people went through and are going through right now.
I’ll still stick with the saying: “Things go best for those who make the best of whatever they are going through.”
We, Americans, are spoiled by “Easy come, easy go.” Now is the time for cool heads and good ole common sense. It’s time to make do with what we have and be thankful. Think about it, what has real lasting value anyhow? Is it not your family and your God?
Hard work and change will make us better stewards of what we have. Maybe it’s time to eliminate the non-essentials and concentrate on what is really essential.
For too long we have placed too much value on material wealth. Now we have a chance to look at our value system and make some changes. What is really important? I believe it’s things like God, character, honesty, family, true friends, health, jobs, and each day, one more day of life.
Americans are learning a real lesson now. To over extend financially has severe consequences. We are learning that plastic is not real money. We are learning that you can’t have every modern gadget that comes along. We are learning that there are limits to things, and we can’t keep up with the Jones. We are learning that the love of money is the root of all evil. We are learning that the past generations were not so dumb after all. We are learning to budget and value a good, steady job. We are learning the value of family and true friendship. But most of all, we are learning that life is short, and everything is so temporary.
These times, in the history of a country, are called defining moments. Things are happening today that are going to chart the future for America. To some it will mean failure and disaster. But for most who make the necessary adjustment, it will be okay. Some will be whiners and quitters, but others will be over-comers and live lives that are successful and make a difference. Out of necessity comes invention and strong people.
Here is the secret. Turn your burdens into blessings. Turn your problems into opportunities. Be thankful for what you have, and be willing to share with others. Live as if this day is your last, but prepare like you will live forever. Don’t be a victim, be a conqueror. Have a tender heart and a tough hide. Pick your friends wisely. Above all, never sell your character or integrity.
“If your outgo is more than your income, your upkeep will be your downfall.”
I’ll repeat: It’s a great time in history to live. Make the best of it, and be the best. God is counting on you, and so is your family.
Chaplin Bud
There are things that both make people happy or unhappy. Here are some reasons people are happy.
They receive a nice compliment.
They receive a raise, whether big or small.
They receive a promotion.
They receive good news.
They have a new baby in the family.
They make the team.
They make a good deal buying a car.
They fall in love with a wonderful person.
They receive a card from a friend.
They take a week’s vacation at their favorite place.
They kill a big deer.
They win a political race.
They buy a new home.
They pass a physical examination.
They are accepted into college.
They win a prize in a drawing.
They enjoy a favorite movie.
They receive something special for their birthday.
They hear good news about their children in school.
They were able to lose weight.
They enjoy an early morning walk.
They watch their favorite TV show.
They went to their favorite singer’s concert.
They visit their favorite in-laws.
They were able to retire with good benefits.
They were blessed by the Lord.
They received a big gift for Christmas.
They got a new dog or cat.
They love to fish, and they got to go today.
They found a good church to attend.
Chaplain Bud
The other day I was thinking how so many people put so little value on life. By that I mean the importance of life having meaning and purpose.
If life has no meaning or purpose, then why are we on this earth? Why work hard or have families or anything else? Why make plans to retire or even save money for retirement?
We take life, in general, for granted. We take health, wealth, and long life for granted. We take friends and relationships for granted. Some even take their jobs for granted, or even worse, not seriously.
Life does have value and purpose. But, we are the ones who establish the value and purpose. It’s not life by chance but life by choice. You can see how much value a person puts on anything by their choices. Let me illustrate.
If a person puts little value in the health of their body, they will take drugs, drink alcohol, overeat, won’t get enough sleep, over work, etc. These choices tell me they are willing to destroy the only body they get in this life. It’s your body. You can destroy it if you want to, but these are not good choices.
If a person puts little value in friends and relationships they will not last long. That person will use and abuse the relationship because they don’t see the value or purpose. We need friends and we need good healthy relationships because they bring purpose into our lives.
People who do not put value in having a job, how ever good or bad the job is, will not be a good employee. They become takers not givers. Without value and purpose the job becomes a negative not a positive. Again, it’s a choice.
I can make the best of a bad situation or I can make the best situation bad. I do have a choice.
Ponder this statement. Things go best for people who make the best of how things turn out.
Do you know why that is? It’s because of good attitudes and good choices. Attitude can be your best friend or worst enemy. It’s a choice. Only you control attitudes, no one else.
Now the key is to find your purpose. Why do I exist? Why do I have this job? Why do I feel the way I do? Why do I have the conviction I have?
When you can truthfully answer these questions you will see a pattern in your life that has been formed by choices you have made or are making. Without knowing it you have made commitments and put value on them.
The questions now are these. Are you happy? Are you fulfilled and if not what are you going to do about it? It’s your choice.
Remember, there is no right way to do wrong, and no wrong way to do right.
God has given you only one life to live. Seek a good value system, commit to it no matter what, and enjoy good fruit.
Chaplain Bud
Here Is What Happens When People Receive Regular Recognition and Praise
They increase their individual productivity.
They increase engagement among their colleagues.
They are more likely to stay with their organization.
They receive higher loyalty and satisfaction scores from customers.
They have better safety records and fewer accidents on the jobs.
Praise and recognition are bucket-fillers. Positive influence produces positive results. The positive influence is really an energy that motivates people. It is a builder-upper, a reinforcer. We all need it and love it.
As individuals, we have the power to build up or tear down another individual. A constant assault of negatives will wear another person down. Negatives produce a negative. This is not only bad, it’s expensive. It’s cost in production, bad health, and lost work days. This happens all because of a negative influence in the workplace by bosses or fellow workers.
It is very possible for just one or two people to poison an entire workplace. Negative employees can tear through a workplace like a hurricane racing down on a coastal town. Many negative people are very talented, but they are insecure or egotistical. The talent doesn’t matter for they cause more damage than they are worth.
Knowing this and understanding this does not change it unless changes are made. But ask yourself this question. What is doing more damage, dealing and maybe removing negative people or just allowing them to continue? Either way is painful, but one way does put an end to the problem.
Praise is rare in the workplace and for that matter, anyplace. That should not be. There is a cure for a negative environment. It is a positive environment. Nine out of ten people say they are more productive when they are around positive people. That comes from a Gallop Poll, not my poll.
When children bring their report cards home, in most cases, parents handle it all wrong. The student has 4 A’s, 2 B’s, and 1 C. What do the parents see and say? You better work harder and bring that “C” up. Instead, they should praise the child for the “A’s & B’s” and recognize the good work. The “C” will then take care of itself.
Here is my point. We have positive and negative emotions. The negative can be harmful to our health, marriages, and work; and it might even shorten our lives. The positive emotions are daily essentials for our survival, attitudes, production, family life, etc.
Whatever you get the most out of, that is what you become. What excites you, gets you, but what dominates you, also gets you. What is the most influence in your life, positive or negative? Only you can change that.
Chaplain Bud
Christian Church at Cogan Station
This past weekend the most important car race of the year for NASCAR was run at Daytona Beach. Forty- three cars started the 500 mile race but they did not all finish the race, or in the same lap. The winner was showered with praise and presents. All the drivers competed but there could only be one winner.
There is a lesson here for life. To finish first, you must first finish. And, you can’t finish first if you do not compete. However, everyone who enters is going for the prize.
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the game goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.” 1 Corinthians 9:24-25
In a way, life is like a race. Just like preparing a race car to do its best, we prepare to live the life we have and do our best. But, just like the racecars, they can have a flat tire or get in a wreck. Things happen to us that are not always our fault and we have no control over. But, the goal is to make the repairs and adjustments and keep going if you can. It’s not over till it’s over.
Another thing is that the best driver and the best team do not always win. The car that is at the finish line first in the last lap wins. During the race they must refuel and get more tires. The tires wear out and the tank gets empty. That’s why they have a pit crew ready to service the car. There is only one goal, to come in first.
In life the richest, smartest, fastest, or more intelligent don’t always win. We, as people, need refueled and new shoes like a car. We need a good pit crew, our small group. We need a good main headquarters and that is the church, the body of Christ.
Week after week we worship and praise the Lord in our Sunday services. However, the race is run during the week as we serve and witness. We must live to please God who sets the rules and determines who the winner is. Without the church we have no place to fuel up and make major repairs. We are Kingdom builders, building people to compete in the race of life and win.
Paul recorded for us this message: “No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”
In racing the winner gets the checkered flag, but if you are running too slow or need repairs because you are a hazard to the other racers, you are black-flagged. You must leave the race until you meet the requirements or rules.
Have you ever been black-flagged by God? Are you willfully sinning, willfully missing church services, willfully not paying your tithes, or just willfully disobeying God? He will black flag you. You say, “How will I know?” You will know by His Word. Read the rules and requirement to please God. Read the Word so that you know how to compete in the race of life.
I have always said, “if you miss heaven you will miss it all, and your life has been wasted.” At the end of your life it will be great to say, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” That will make you a winner.
Chaplain Bud,
Christian Church at Cogan Station
(570) 998-2989
What will you do for the Lord today? This is the first day of the rest of your life. Don’t waste it on things that don’t matter. Spend your time doing things that matter; things that will help you grow and mature.
Each day brings many challenges. Some are very difficult and others are very simple. However, all must be met and dealt with. Remember, these challenges are only tests. Pass the test so you can move on to the next one. Don’t keep taking the same test over and over.
Things are going to happen to you whether you are prepared or not. The secret is your attitude. It’s not what happens to you, but how you react or handle the situation. Don’t let these tests become negatives in your life. So, the first thing to understand about life is that it is only a test.
Second thing to remember is that life is short. Our stay on earth is not very long compared to eternity. Every day that you allow something to steal your joy is a wasted day. Invest your time with working, family, building good relationships, serving God and using your talents and gifts. The real goal is to come to the end of life and know it counted for something. Find a good cause that helps other people and get involved. Continue to learn and mature as a person who gives more than he receives. The world is full of takers but always short of givers and volunteers. Yes, life is short, so make it count.
Third, understand that life is personal. You are special. There are a few (very few) identical twins, but most of us are all different. Different in character, talents, likes, dislikes, speech, national backgrounds, home environment, and careers. That’s what makes everyone special. It’s personal because each life is important and has purpose. When we come to realize who we really are and what makes us tick as a human being, life takes on a whole new meaning. The sad fact of life is that many people never grow to this point in their lives.
Show me a person who loves his work and I’ll show you a happy, fulfilled person. We learn to love life; it’s not automatic. It’s the focus and influences around us that help mold us into productive people; people of purpose and character; people of integrity who may go through life unnoticed by the majority, but special never the less.
The people I am writing about know how to handle failure and disappointment as well as success. They have been tested and passed the tests. Their lives may not be easy, but by their determination and desire, they excel in whatever comes their way. These are the builders of communities and nations. They are the stability of families and churches. They are the people in the work force that give more than what is asked of them. They are accountable and reliable. They are not just survivors, but have found significance in living.
Yes, today is special and you are special. Use what you have and do what you can. That becomes the heart of our purpose for life. God has granted you time here on earth for a reason. Stay focused on the positive and avoid the negative. Seek good and avoid evil is the advice the Bible gives. Live each day as if it was your last, and plan like you will live forever. Read God’s Word daily and pray continually. Then, you will reap the right fruit.
Chaplain Bud
It’s a new year and we are still here. Praise the Lord! We have one whole new year filled with opportunities and possibilities. I just love new beginnings, don’t you? The old is gone and the new has come.
The Bible teaches a great lesson about seed time and harvest. We are all sowers or reapers in one way or the other. It you sow negative, you reap negative. If you sow positive, you reap positive. That is just how it works, and we can’t change that principle.
Listen to 2 Cor 9:6 “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will reap generously”.
What kind of seed are you going to sow this year? What we forget so many times, is that we are sowing constantly. We sow through our actions. We sow through our words. We sow through our friendships. We sow through our families. We sow through our jobs. In fact, you can not make or act on a decision without sowing either positive or negative seed.
As every farmer knows, growing a crop takes time. Much of this year’s harvest will be last year’s planting. Once a seed is planted and germinates, it has to grow. If it’s negative, you get a negative crop. If it’s positive, you get a positive crop. I can’t emphasize that too much.
So knowing this principle, you may have some things happen this year that are not very pleasant, but remember, you planted the seed. On the other hand you may have some wonderful things happen to you this year because you planted the seed.
Knowing this principle, seed time and harvest, has a very important lesson for all of us. We can’t undo last year, but we have a whole year ahead of us. So then, be careful of the seed you plant. Don’t just be a reactionary, but be a positive seed-planter. Remember, we reap what we sow.
Have you ever observed someone who seems always to be happy and full of joy? They never seem to get in the jams or fixes that you do. Did you ever stop to think maybe there is a reason that person is different? Is it because they have a better job or opportunity than you do? Is it because of their education or environment?
No, they have learned the principle of seed time and harvest. They plant the right stuff and they get the right crop. It seems too simple but it’s true. You reap what you sow.
This is such a great teaching and so easy to put into practice. It starts with a new attitude and new determination to have new results. It takes time and patience but the results are worth it. Ask yourself what is it worth to be happy? Then ask yourself am I unable or unwilling? The answer will determine this year’s crop.
Oh, by the way, do you know where this important teaching comes from? That’s right, God’s Word. Isn’t that interesting?
Chaplain Bud
The New Year is almost here. What will it bring to you this year? What do you want this year to bring? Most people tell me they want to be happy.
Here are some ways 2008 can be a Happy New Year.
1. Decide that you are going to be a happy person.
2. Don’t let circumstances control your happiness.
3. Don’t depend on others to provide your happiness.
4. Every morning decided that this day I will be happy regardless of what happens.
5. Look for ways to help others to find happiness.
6. Hang around happy people if at all possible.
7. Never let negative people steal your happiness.
8. Look for good in everything, and then smile.
9. Be a life time member of the “Happiness Club”.
10. Remember happiness comes from within not without.
11. Your happiness is of great value to you and others.
12. Happiness is contagious, so spread it around.
Chaplain Bud,
How is your life measuring up? You say what kind of a question is that? What I mean is, are you satisfied? Are you fulfilled? Are you happy?
These are very important questions. People don’t know what you know or feel, until you say it or show it. We can be very good at what we do, but does what we do, fulfill us? Does our day to day activities and life style bring true joy and happiness?
Now, you know I am an attitude guy. It’s how you think, most of the time that determines how you feel. You see things as you are inside, not as they are outside.
It troubles me that our world is filled with so many unhappy, unfulfilled people. Is the problem in America because we have it so easy and have so much stuff? We just keep on working and just keep on spending and buying more stuff. We have storage bins full of stuff. We have attics, cellars, and closets full of stuff. Then, why are we so unhappy with what we have?
Things don’t make us happy. People do. Relationships bring fulfillment and joy. Good healthy relationships produce something stuff can not. You see, each of us needs to be needed. Relationships produce needs and needs produce relationships. Feeling needed bring purpose and fulfillment. When we fell we are not needed, rejections and loneliness set in. We lose our self worth and reason to work and provide. Then life starts becoming boring and meaningless. People give up on life or do some dumb thing that has serious consequences.
It’s been my experience that people who have a deep faith in God are happier and more fulfilled. They build relationships based on what they can give, not on what they can get out of it. Their faith in God helps them build good moral standards and character. They put more value in good friends and relationships than in material things.
So, why if we know this, are Americans such complainers and whiners? It’s because we fight being under control or accountable. We don’t like to be told what we must do. We are a very independent people with very selfish motives. Then the good we do is blanked out by our selfishness.
We are, in America, the best educated, best-fed, best employed, best traveled, best housed, best informed, best protected, best financed, (and I could go on and on) country in the world.
Maybe we who are so blessed need to stop and think where all these blessings come from. What it cost our ancestors, so we could have what we do. Since we took God out of our schools and courthouses, we have been gone down hill and everyone knows it.
Were we not more fulfilled when we had a church on every corner, outhouse, and woodhouse? We can’t go back but we can fix what we have.
Chaplain Bud
I just returned from a mission trip to South Dakota. We, Hope Missions, built a large building on the Crow Creek Indian Reservation.
There were people from 12 different churches, from Iowa, Missouri, South Dakota, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. With the help of God and 45 very willing, hard working people, the building went up in 4 days. This was just the shell, which included the slab, internal walls, and roof. Other people will come later to wire and finish the inside.
Everything in the building is completely paid for through the generous giving of
people. What a miracle to see people working together for the benefit of others!
The Crow Creek Indian Reservation is located at Fort Thompson, South Dakota. The county it is located in is the poorest county in the United States. They have 80% unemployed and are cursed with alcoholism. There is so much hopelessness and lack of believing in the future for these people.
The Diamond Willow Mission is doing all they can thru the children and a few adults who respond to the gospel. They distribute food once a week and feed many, many people daily. The children are being raised in broken homes and by grandparents because of alcohol. But, the few that respond are doing great and God is being glorified.
The world we live in is a dark place. And, a lot darker in some places. It ’s hard for me to understand in a great country like America, that we still have so many hungry and suffering people. There is something wrong with that picture. Everywhere we look anymore there are needs. Homes and families are being destroyed for the lack of money or too much money.
Could it be that we, as a country trying to live without God, are now suffering because of it? A country founded on Biblical principles now have put God out of our schools and public places. Maybe as a country we had better rethink our plans for the future and include God in them.
We have more churches and more professing believers in America than anytime in our history. We also have more crime of every kind, higher divorce rates, alcohol and drug epidemics, more abortions, and I could go on and on. We are leading the world in these areas, and yet we are the greatest power in the world. This proves the old saying, “power corrupts.”
We, in Williamsport, are only a dot on the map. But we can make a difference. Our city and county is a good place that could become even better, not worse. However, it will take commitment from everyone to help stop crime and the destruction of lives.
The breeding grounds of corruption is started in our youth. Our schools and homes must teach good morals and integrity. This influence is being replaced by TV and the internet. We can not afford to loose our youth and the next generation.
It’s wake up time in America. But it must start with me and you. Let’s together make a difference and bring this country back to God!
Chaplain Bud,
Christian Church at Cogan Station
What is the number one cause of failure? People always state many reasons, but what is the real cause? Is it the lack of education or information? Is it the lack of preparation or purpose? Is it the lack of motivation or money?
All of the above can play into the cause but failure is measured in other ways. It can look like a person is failing and in reality they are just in the learning stage or preparing stage. Experience produces facts that produce success.
I believe the number one cause of failure is the lack of purpose and motivation. People who have a purpose are people on a mission. They must be motivated for the right reasons to get the right results.
No one ever said life would be easy. Tough times come to everyone. During life we all must make adjustments to the times or situations, but we need to keep the purpose always before us. Tough times never last, but tough people do. They will keep going against the big difficulties and don’t give up. When others quit, they keep on.
Some of our greatest inventions or developments have come after years of what looked like failure. But, the person or persons had a vision of what they were trying to invent or develop. Where would our country be today without men like Edison, Henry Ford, Washington, Lincoln, or others who never gave up? Their lives looked like failure but they were getting experience and preparing for a time to meet a need or champion a cause. Most of the time heroes looked like failures in the beginning.
It doesn’t matter whether it’s a business, marriage, or a war, people must do the right things to get the right results. To get the right results, you must do the extra things other people refuse to do. You go the extra mile or turn the other cheek. People who are successful are also wise enough to pick their battles. Why fight a battle you can’t win? This calls for wisdom.
We, in America, have the greatest opportunities of any country in the world. There is no reason why a person cannot get an education or enjoy the freedom we have for opportunities. We are not all created equal but we all have equal potential in America.
True success is finding fulfillment in what you are doing. True success is finding
fulfillment in who you are as a person. People who are fulfilled know and believe they have a purpose in life. This fulfillment provides the right motivation and the right fruit in your life.
No one is a failure who keeps trying and doesn’t quit. Failure is not final unless you give up.
Marriages or businesses fail because people give up. As a Christian, God will help us find fulfillment and purpose. God never designed people to live alone or live only for self. We are social beings with a need to love and be loved. Love is the fuel that feeds the heart and keeps us going when tough times come.
Life is for real and we only get one life, so don’t waste it. Make a difference.
Chaplain Bud
There is a serious epidemic sweeping our country and we as people, are not facing it. It’s the destruction of our marriages and homes. There are many reasons given for this, but few solutions. Because of the homes being dismantled, we are losing our children to hopelessness and abuse.
The highest divorce rate in America is among our professional people. Highly
educated and intelligent people who can run companies and corporations, but cannot live the home in love and harmony. This is the trickle down effect that will someday destroy our society and way of life.
People in law enforcement and firefighters are the hardest hit in the homes. Long hours, shift work, and the nature of their careers affects their home. Then, adding stress of danger and dealing with the low life criminal element of our society, does not help. In many cases the marriage must always come last instead of first.
The real destroyer to a marriage is time and stress. There is not enough time with the family and there is high stress in the career. And the family suffers. This happens with doctors, nurses, preachers, policemen, firemen, corporate CEOs, and the list goes on. No time and all stress will only produce a mess. When the family goes, then the career is affected also.
We have an economy that is consuming every dollar people can earn. This brings pressure on a marriage. So, the wife is taken out of the home to help make ends meet and again who suffers, the children. It costs more and more to have a home and run a home.
The stress keeps building until bad things happen to good people. They are so busy making a living that they don’t have time to make a life.
Because of all these things, the wedding vows eventually are violated. People get tired and grumpy. The blame game starts. Anger leads people to say hurting things that slowly destroys love and affections. People don’t fall out of love, they starve love to death, by neglect. Lonely or discouraged people do desperate things that produce destructive results to a marriage.
Then people ask, “where is God in all this?” He is where He always has been. God has the answers to those who seek Him. But He does not violate our will. We have a free will and make our own choices. But we cannot choose the consequences.
The home is the most important part of any society. As the home goes, so goes the country. As the home goes, so goes the communities, towns, and churches. When a nation like America, puts God out of the courtrooms and classrooms, the end is predictable. Our nation is being influenced by immoral people in Hollywood, TV, and in Washington D.C. What else can you expect from a Godless society? Since the 2nd World War, this has been slowly happening to our country.
Unless good homes and marriages again dominate our country, we will continue to produce losers. Losers at heart, life, and happiness. What say you?
Chaplain Bud,
Christian Church at Cogan Station
PEOPLE WHO SUCCEED
They do certain things right and on purpose. Here are some reasons people succeed.
1. They do the right things, right.
2. They don’t allow other people to set their
course.
3. They know what they want.
4. They know how to get what they want.
5. They are patient and positive.
6. They don’t let setbacks turn them back.
7. heir motives are never selfish.
8. They are generous.
9. They encourage others.
10. They understand the world owes them nothing.
11. They are open to try new things and ways.
12. They are always learning.
HOW TO GUARANTEE FAILURE
It seems some people work at failure. Here are some of the ways I see everyday.
1. Be negative about everything.
2. Be a complainer.
3. Blame other people for your failures.
4. Don’t trust anyone, no matter what.
5. Pick the wrong friends.
6. Never try anything new.
7. Don’t keep your commitments.
8. Look for ways to have money without working.
9. Never help other people with anything.
10. Never volunteer for anything.
11. Always believe you are the victim.
12. Don’t be a reader.
13. Never be generous or people will take
advantage of you.
14. Feed on bad news and keep talking about it.
Chaplain Bud
The other day I was driving on the highway that was very crowded and I thought, “where are all the people going and what is their purpose?” Do they have a purpose or is it just survival?
The definition of purpose:
To intend or resolve. End or aim desired.
Purpose is a fundamental characteristic of man and is essential for life. It is what our life is about. It is the reason we live and function as human beings. To have a purpose is to have a life, and not to have a purpose is disastrous.
Successful people have a clear, strong sense of purpose. They know where they are going (in life), and they know how to get there and the cost of getting there. We are not born with a purpose, we are born hungry. But, purpose comes later as we grow and mature.
A man wrote a book once, and asked two questions.
What are we suppose to be doing and how well are we doing it? His name was Joe Ellis. He was writing to the church but these two questions apply to everyone in life. Without purpose a person is like a boat drifting without power in the open seas.
But, it’s the way you see life that shapes your life. How you define life determines your destiny, according to Rick Warren in the “Purpose Driven Life”.
So, that is the real question; how do you see your life? Do you have purpose? Does your life count or matter? What have you invested your life in or for?
When you die, what will people say about you? But better yet, what will people know about you?
The greatest waste in this life is a wasted life. We only have so many years to live on this earth, and we don’t get back wasted years. People without purpose are wasters of the greatest gift of all- Life. We only get one life and it goes fast.
Your purpose becomes the driving force of why you are alive. This purpose will reflect your basic values and convictions. Purpose becomes our reason for living. So you see, if your purpose is wrong your life will be wrong.
Too many people I have met in my life say that their purpose in life is just to make money, lots of money. They are miserable but they have money. That’s not a real good purpose for life.
When we become Christians something wonderful happens. We get a new purpose. Now God is our purpose. He puts new meaning and purpose in our lives. Our job, our money, our position, our tithes, our education, where we live, etc, are no longer our purpose. We are not the purpose, but God is. Now life has a new meaning.
Your purpose in life is far greater than your achievement or your personal fulfillment. God becomes the center of your life. We learn three Biblical truths as Christians. Life is only a test. Life is a trust, and life is temporary. We also learn that the real purpose is who you are, not what you do. Our purpose is to find peace and joy. Our purpose is to glorify God by helping others and sharing our blessings. Have you found your purpose yet? Don’t wait too long!
Chaplain Bud,
Christian Church at Cogan Station
As I look out my window today, it is raining. It is raining hard and has been all day. In fact, water is standing everywhere and it’s a mess.
As I look at this messy day, my mind begins to think of a world without water. A dry thirsty land. It’s called a desert. And, a land with too much water is called a swamp. Too little is bad, but too much is also bad.
We are so blessed to have rain to provide the very nourishment we need for life. We live where we have four beautiful seasons, with rain and snow. How we are blessed by God to provide in such a generous, loving way.
Pennsylvania is a beautiful state with everything of nature a person could want. There are animals to be hunted and harvested by those who like to hunt. These wild animals also provide interesting scenes to see them in the wild. There are lakes and streams for those who love to fish. What a great pastime for those who love the outdoors and this sport. Yes, Pennsylvania is a sportsman's paradise and many people just take it for granted.
We have the rivers for summer activities that provide boating and family outings. We have the snow in winter for those who ski or snowmobile. We have many trails for hiking and camping. All of this natural beauty is provided by God. It is for our enjoyment and pleasure. But, also it is our responsibility to be good stewards of what God provides. If neglected and abused, it will be destroyed, but if it is cared for, will provide joy for generations to come.
God said to Adam at creation, “be fruitful and multiply and be good stewards of the land.” That command is still enforced today. Nature should not have to be protected from man, but man should always protect nature.
As I look out the window today I think of the wonderful things in life that are free. Free air to breathe and water to drink. The sun to warm us and help grow our crops. The darkness comes so we can rest from our daily labors. Money can’t buy a beautiful sunset or sunrise. No amount of money can buy the beauty of the mountains in the fall when the leaves change colors. All of this is from God, yet people still say there is no God. How foolish with all the proof around us.
Take time in the next week to observe the beauty God has given us. Take time to stop and pause and be thankful for life, the seasons, the animals, the people, the rain and sun, the rivers and streams, and most of all for life to enjoy them.
Take a ride in the mountains and observe the animals preparing for the next season. Take a walk and just listen to sounds and observe people around you.
To be fulfilled means: you are made full of life. You are content and happy with your lot in life. How sad, so many people live so long and are never fulfilled. God never intended it to be that way. Take time to think on these things.
Chaplain Bud
Christian Church at Cogan Station
(570) 998-2989
When we were born, it was our parents who made choices for us. As we grew up and entered school we learned to make choices. We also learned that with our choices came consequences.
Life seems to unfold for many of us in ways that are hard to understand, but that is life. Changes come and changes go, nothing ever stays the same. Most changes will not suit everyone or make all involved happy. But again, that is life.
Some have said, “everyone is for change unless it affects them.” How true that is. But, change will come. We get older, towns change, jobs change, people change, prices change, styles change, technology change, nothing stays the same.
All this is called seasons in our life. Those who do not make the adjustment will be constantly unhappy. I don’t mean change our convictions or character but apply them to the times in a positive way. Here is where a good attitude is always in season. People with the right attitude can overcome anything.
During the seasons of life we see many things both good and bad. Wars, tragedies, accidents, diseases, successes, failures, happy times, unhappy times, but that is life. That is why God gave us family and friends. These people support us during these seasons of life. We were not meant to be alone or to be without a good support base. To have friends, you must be one.
As the seasons of life are inevitable, many people fail to plan for the changes that come. We will not always be young and healthy. We will not always have all the money we need to meet our needs. So, a wise person plans to live this life. Again someone said “those who fail to plan, plan to fail.” How true it is.
I don’t believe in luck. It’s called cause and affect. Things and people cause things to happen. The result is some kind of affect. We can determine the quality of our seasons by our actions and decisions.
Those who live life to the fullest are those who understand this principle. They are fulfilled because they live every day to the fullest and don’t waste life.
Everyday is a 24 hour block of time. Every week is 168 hours, block of time. Every year is 365 days, block of time. Time is something we cannot get back nor do we have the promise for it to come in the future. So, each minute, each day, each year, is part of your seasons in life. Value them, enjoy them, don’t waste them, but use them wisely.
The truth is that each day we plant seeds and prepare for tomorrow. Again, someone said, “live today like it is your last and plan like you are going to live forever.” That’s good.
Take a good look at your life today and ask “am I satisfied? The future is up to you.
Chaplain Bud,
The Christian Church at Cogan Station
Today it is very hot. We are in the heat of the summer. So, now we think how great it would be to experience a cool, fall day or be in the dead of winter with snow blowing and bitter cold. Then we think how we enjoyed those summer days.
It seems to me that we are never satisfied with what we have now. It is either too hot or too cold; we are either to young or too old; we are either too early or too late; but life goes on. Maybe this is why God gave us the 10th Commandment. “Thou shall not covet.” Yet Paul learned to be content in whatever circumstance he was in. Maybe we should learn that too.
We know in Pennsylvania that both hot and cold weather will come. That is the climate and culture of our land. The seasons bring change and change brings opportunities. Those who realize this, prepare and life goes on as planned. Others are never prepared. When winter comes they wait till it is here to get out warm clothes or gather wood. Maybe the home is not winterized or the automobile is not ready for winter. When summer comes and there is grass to cut, the mower is not ready or the air conditioner is broken from last year. So, the result is that too many people live one season behind not ahead.
This weather illustration is also a good picture of too many whose lives are run the same way. You heard the saying “a day late and a dollar short.” There is more truth to that than fiction. Undisciplined people are always late, job hopping around, moving often, and always behind in everything. They seem to be one
season behind and it’s never their fault. It’s always someone else who messed them up.
We live in a time in history where discipline is demanded in order to survive. Undisciplined people get hurt or killed on the highways. Undisciplined people have trouble obeying the laws of the land. Undisciplined people do harm to their bodies and shorten their lives. Undisciplined
people are not responsible nor can they be counted on to keep their word.
I have never met a successful person who was undisciplined, whether in Christianity, business, marriage, law enforcement, or truck driving. I could go on and on. Successful people know that discipline is required to succeed. Their discipline drives them on when others would give up. Their discipline prepares them for the unknown and impossible.
Another thing that discipline does for a person is, it brings confidence and courage. A well disciplined person will be a risk taker and a natural leader. Even if they become a victim they are able to overcome and not surrender to being a victim. Disciplined people know they have what it takes to overcome. They are always one season ahead not one season behind.
Now, here is the best part. Christianity is the best kind of discipline available to mankind. The principles and teachings of the Bible are never outdated or without meaning. Disciple through Christianity is God’s plan for man. It not only shows us how to be saved but how to live above the moral corruption of the world. Remember “With God, all things are possible.”
Chaplain Bud
Christian Church at Cogan Station
As the days of summer roll by, it’s easy to get in a rut of just doing the same things over and over. We hit a stride and then nothing changes much. Life just seems to go on making daily demands of our time.
It seems to me we could change some or all of this. Maybe, be more sensitive to what is going on around us. Maybe, be more excited about new Christians or about going on the same vacation, to the same place, every year. Somehow without trying we develop the “same ole” disease. It comes so subtly and to the young and the old alike.
So, how do we first of all know we will have the “same ole” disease and then what do we do about it? Well, if you always do things the same way everyday with no excitement or enthusiasm, you probably have the “same ole” disease.
Now what do we do about it? There must be a desire for change. Without a desire, things will stay the same or get worse. We are creatures of habit. Change is not easy nor is it without pain, but to have results it must happen. Remember the saying, “the same routine makes Jack a dull boy.”
There are things we can do, in fact many things. Get a new hobby, maybe something extreme by changing jobs, change your meal times or even the food you eat, drive to work a different way, get out and meet new people, take a vacation, spend more time with your family, join a group that helps other people, etc. There are many things you can do to make a difference.
Maybe even as Christians who volunteer, we need to change what we volunteer for or how we serve. We serve a God of new beginnings. New brings both challenge and excitement. New is the cure for the “same ole” disease. Like Peter stepping out of the boat, we must step out of our comfort zone. I don’t believe God ever intended for our lives to be perfect but not to be boring either.
What we are like, we are because we choose to be that way. Growing Christians are constantly changing. To stand still is to die spiritually. Any little thing can make a big difference. Dissatisfaction is a good thing from time to time. Then we look for ways to change and bring satisfaction.
When you discover you have the “same ole” disease, the first obstacle to over come is you. You must admit what you have discovered is true. You are in a rut and must either stay there or do something about it. The first step is the hardest, then you are on the way to a cure.
Life is so full of blessings but also full of blessing-robbers. The “same ole” is one big blessing-robber. It’s one that may be hard to see and harder to overcome. But with Gods help nothing is impossible. You can do it!
Chaplain Bud,
Christian Church at Cogan Station
(570 998-2989)
For life to make sense, we must have purpose. Every organization has purpose, but also as individuals we must have purpose.
Each person or each organization has certain core values that govern all activities and actions. These core values produce certain standards that give us a guide to make decisions. Life is just that, decisions, decisions, decisions.
These core values determine our attitudes and passions. Truth, honesty, integrity, and good morals are examples of core values.
We live in a world driven by greed and rebellion. These things bleed into every group, organization, and anywhere people socialize or work. Then, add selfish ambition to the mix, and you really have trouble. This is because without a mind set to overcome these attitudes and emotions there is always turmoil.
The goal in life should not be just to make a living or make money, but to make a life; a life of joy and fulfillment. A life knowing you are giving something back to a sin-driven world. A life of helping, not hurting people. A life of service, not just being served. A life of sacrifice instead of always receiving.
This kind of life takes determination and dedication. To have good we must do good. The Bible teaches us! “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” That is a great teaching that brings great results and satisfaction.
In the beginning I said that for life to make sense, it must have purpose. It’s not a good purpose just to survive or just make money.
So, ask yourself the question, what is my purpose? Take time to consider your life and your core values. Take time to see if you are satisfied and fulfilled. If you are, praise the Lord. If you are not, why not, and what must I do to change some things? Only you can change you. This is a fact of life. Not to say others can't help you change, but the decision is yours.
To have a balanced life we are always learning. You see, we never stay the same nor does life. Things are always changing. So, how do we adjust or overcome? I believe we need four things to do this. We must be teachable, available, submissive, and faithful.
Teachable because we must be always learning. Available to carry our responsibilities and do our jobs. Submissive to those who have authority over us. And, faithful to our families, the organization, our churches or anything we belong to.
When you put these four things into play, your core values will be revealed. This is the test of our purpose.
One final thing. Every organization must have purpose, the people must understand the purpose, and be committed to the purpose, then you have harmony and success. Without it you have discontent and confusion.
Chaplain Bud,
The Christian Church at Cogan Station
When are we as Christians going to wake up to the fact, that we are being influenced by the wrong things. Little churches look to the big churches, and big churches look to big businesses for the ways and means. Now the real question is: What do American Christians really worship? What is the real purpose driving Christians in the market place? What is the real purpose of Christian artists, book writers, singers, T.V. programs, etc.? What is really driving Christianity in America to bigger and better?
Let us go back 75 to 100 years ago in America. Church services were held in church buildings if they had them, or school houses, or homes or maybe even barn floors. Rooms were divided off with curtains to hold classes to teach children. There were no nurseries, no televisions, not all the things we have today to teach the children. They were taught the Word of God by a teacher from the Word of God.
Our nation had suffered a civil war and over 500,000 people lost their lives in that war, more than any war we were ever in. But, as a nation we rebuilt and became a thriving nation under God. People lived good moral lives, in spite of the hardship of starting their lives over. God was still respected and honored in this great land of America.
But, then came World War II in the forties. America would change forever. It was the beginning of the subtle decline of the home. Women went to work in factories, never to return to being homemakers again.
The family farm was abandoned for bigger and better. We, as a country slowly changed from an agriculture and industrial nation, to what we have become today, a service nation. We service what other countries build and sell us.
You say “what does all this have to do with our spiritual lives?” Everything. America was birthed with the purpose of people being free and building their lives and homes on family and God. In the last 50 years our country has slowly shifted from our original purpose to the moral decline and destruction of our homes and churches.
Fifty years ago the gospel could be preached in its fullness. But not today. It’s not politically correct to point out false doctrine or support a Christian running for office. We can as individuals, but not as a church. The government tells us we can no longer discipline our children but we are to turn them over to pagan run schools to brainwash them about God.
The community of saints is no longer an army of well equipped soldiers. The church buildings are now theaters with cushioned seats, and our pulpits are stages for polished professionals exhibiting their talents. Christianity is not gaining ground in the world. We are losing, losing, losing. Our church members have become spectators and our preachers have become entertainers. God help us if change does not soon come. We need revival in America. We need our preachers to be convicted of our need to preach the whole world the truth of God. We need our churches transformed into life-changing places instead of social clubs where satan prevails, not God.
Pray, Christian, pray and seek God’s face.
Chaplain Bud,
The Christian Church at Cogan Station
When people have a good attitude, they are more successful. When people get along with each other they are more productive. When people enjoy what they do, they will be early to work and work more than those who grumble and complain.
Life will pay you just what you are worth. The return is in direct proportion to the input. Life has a way of qualifying each of us for our roles in life. We are always preparing for the future. When we stop preparing, we will stay exactly where we are at that time.
The Bible puts it another way. “We reap what we sow.” If we sow sparingly, we reap sparingly. If we sow generously, we reap generously. This is the law of sowing and reaping. To serve and understand God, we must learn and understand this law.
The law is always in effect. We cannot escape it. It’s God’s law not man’s. It’s the way God governs the universe. It affects nature, animals, man, etc. So, we can be blessed by obeying this law, or suffer because we ignore it. God gives us a choice.
During our limited days here on earth, we must make choices, and all choices have consequences. But, also, all choices have benefits. The old saying, “you just get out of life what you put in”, is true. I have watched people fight life and lose the battle. I have watched people constantly adjust to what comes their way in life and be happy and overcome great odds. Why? It’s because they understand the law of reaping and sowing. Those who overcome become strong and wise. Those who don’t overcome become bitter and resentful. Remember, we do have a choice. Everyday I choose to be happy or sad, productive or unproductive, serve God or not serve God, be a friend or not be a friend, help others or not help others, and I could go on. However, you get my point.
The key to all of this is to keep your eyes on Jesus. Let the Word of God dwell in you deeply. Look for ways to serve not be served, ways to witness and lift up your Lord Jesus Christ, ways to help your brothers and sisters in the Lord and in the world.
He who plants a seed everyday will have a continual harvest. The key is to keep planting and you will be successful. There are many kinds of seeds. Seeds of friendship, seeds of helps, seeds of investments, seeds of encouragements, seeds of faithfulness, seeds of love, and seeds of joy.
Everyday we have 24 hours filled with challenges and opportunities. This time will never return, so don’t waste it. Each 24 hours prepares us for the next 24 hours and on it goes. Be generous, kind, and considerate with all you come in contact with each day. It will pay off BIG.
Last of all, surround yourself with positive, optimistic, good people. For you become like those you associate with. Live life to the fullest and you will never want for joy. Remember, it’s your choice.
Chaplain Bud
Christian Church at Cogan Station
“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” Proverb 27:17
Everyone needs someone. Everyone can help someone else. Everyone has a purpose in life. Everyone brings the best or worst out in someone else, because everyone has influence.
Organizations rise and fall because of influence. Families build up or tear down depending on who has the most influence. When you visit a different town or state and see its condition, you know who has the most influence.
Recently, I had the opportunity to visit some countries in Asia. Thailand was a beautiful country. The roads were good, and the cities very clean. Beside the roads and in the parks were flowers everywhere. Every morning you would see trucks watering the flowers and also people weeding.
I asked the guide we were traveling with, why was Thailand so beautiful and why all the flowers? He said it’s because of our King. He wants our country to be beautiful and our people happy. You could see the influence of the King everywhere.
We also went to Burma to visit. What a difference. The roads are a disgrace. Everything and everywhere is hot and dusty. 60% of the people are unemployed. The people are discouraged and feel hopeless. Why? Because it’s a communist country, that leads by threats and fear. That is their leadership’s influence.
Which country would you want to live in, Burma or Thailand?
So what is the best way to use our influence? I believe we should always try to build the other person up, even if we must correct or rebuke them. Here is a thought:
“If you treat every person you meet as if he or she were the most important person in the world, you’ll communicate that he or she is somebody to you.”
It’s our attitude toward other people. The ticket is not to get people to like you, but get them to like themselves. Too many people are insecure and have low self-esteem. When you bring value to other people, you bring value to yourself.
Being in law enforcement is not an easy career. You constantly see the worst in people. Look for the good and, yes, deal with the bad, but don’t let it consume you. Use your influence to build your fellow officers up. Use your influence to make our department a great place to work. Use your influence to make our city a better place to live.
Iron sharpens iron. Who are you sharpening today? Who have you influenced and how have you brought value to their lives?
Think about these things today.
Chaplain Bud
The Christian Church at Cogan Station
“Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:38.
This may be the key verse in all the New Testament to fulfillment and contentment. This has the power to change your outlook on materialism. Yes, this is a great teaching by Jesus, and yet overlooked so much of the time.
Let’s look at this verse and discover it’s great value. First, you are to give. You take the first step. By giving first you open yourself up to the giver, who is God. All good things come from Him. He gives to us and then we give to others.
The promise is that it will be given to you. This is God’s promise to you. We are blessed to be a blessing. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap. Now how this comes about will be determined by God. It’s His promise. This may be material blessings and it may not. The blessings may come in many forms, but we are to give first. We activate the promise of God by giving. It’s what you give that will be blessed. Time, talent, or treasure.
This teaching goes on to say, “with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” We are blessed to be a blessing. To take your talents or material wealth out of circulation is to block the blessing. God is going to give to those who obey Him and use what He gives them to share with others.
As Christians, we all know our privilege of tithing. Yes, it’s a privilege to give a tithe every Lord’s Day. When professing Christians don’t tithe, they rob God and rob themselves. God wants to give you more but if you refuse His teaching He can’t violate His Word.
Give and it will be given to you, has so much potential for every Christian. God’s abundance can become your abundance. Generosity is the door-opener to God’s heart. I am not discounting obedience. It goes without saying that we must obey God if we love Him. However, giving is not just tithing, but so much much more. It is lending a helping hand, it is visiting the sick, it is inviting someone to church, it is giving someone some money who is in need, it is sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, it is getting involved in a small group, it is teaching children or being a helper, it is all of the above and much much more.
The bottom line is that if you want God to bless you, you give first like the scripture teaches. Life is too short to waste. The Christian life is the only life worth living. God is the only true God, and He is worth serving. When you activate God’s principles, you are now in line for God’s blessings.
Read this verse over and over again. Then continue to pray for an answer from God as to how to give and really live. This verse can change your attitude, your Christian walk, and your life. The key word is Give.
Chaplain Bud,
The Christian Church at Cogan Station
A quick look at American society today reveals that something is desperately wrong. The question is how did America end up the way it is today? I believe the answer is that the condition of America is due largely to the condition of the American churches.
Henry Blackaby says; “If society as a whole seems to be getting darker and darker, it is not the problem of darkness; the darkness is just acting like its nature. But it is that the light no longer dispels the darkness, and the salt no longer preserves. It is time for the light to say, “if things are darker, the problem is us.” (Foundation of Revival page 72 .)
We need revival in our churches today. Some people are saying the day of revival is over. People are too busy, people don’t need six nights of preaching, or revival is too old fashioned. We are modern now. We have new ways of doing church, the old ways are over forever.
True revival is never out dated. True revival is God calling His people to service and repentance. True revival is not just singing a couple of songs, special music and a twenty minute sermon. No, true revival is the Holy Spirit convicting the saints of sin and luke-warmness. True revival is the church coming to life as God wants her to be.
True revival is the experience of the church and evangelism is the expression of the church. We evangelize because we have been revived. We go out because we have been sent out because we have cleaned out the things in our lives that prevent us from doing God’s will. The church must reach out or she will die out.
True revival will shake up the church. So we must pray up, pay up, speak up, sing up, witness up, and over all get up and get going for Jesus. Revival brings a new spirit of victory and excitement.
Do we need revival? Yes, we need revival. Do we want revival? That will be revealed April 9th-14th. The attendance will tell the true story on whether we want revival or not.
If you want to see true revival in this church, here are some suggestions:
1. Keep praying daily for revival.
2. Make arrangements now so you can be in revival every night. Don’t miss one night.
3. Invite everyone you see or know to revival.
4. Volunteer to help one night in the nursery, children’s ministry, usher, park cars, etc.
5. Use your vehicle as a bus to haul people to church.
6. Be open to what God will teach and show you in His Word.
We have some big things going to happen here at Cogan Station in April. On April 2nd it’s Friend Day. We have a goal of 1000 people. It will only happen if you invite and bring guests. April 9th, Revival starts and will go on all week. Then April 16th is our Easter Service. Again, our goal is 1000 people for Jesus.
These things will only be successful if you help and get involved. Let’s have a truly GREAT REVIVAL !
See ya in church,
Bud
Someone has said ”the problem with life, is that it keeps coming at you.” Meaning that every day is filled with challenges. How true that is. Morning till night decisions, decisions, decisions. But, that is what makes life exciting. It's called freedom of the will. We have the freedom to make choices. But, we can't choose the consequences.
We can choose what to think. Even a person in handcuffs has this freedom. I like the verse in Proverbs that records “as a man thinks in his heart so is he.” We can think good thoughts or bad thoughts. We have a choice.
We can choose to say anything. Now words carry a bigger impact than thoughts. Words can build a person up, or tear a person down. Words can be truth or lies. But it's still a choice, what to say or say nothing. Once words are spoken, they effect something or someone. Then there are consequences both good or bad. Knowing this, we should choose our words wisely and when to say them. The Bible teaches “words can kill and destroy.” It is better to build up, than to tear down.
We can choose to work or not work. Again it's a choice. We trade time and skills for money. Why? So we can buy food and have a place to live. We work so we can support our families. We work so we can have conveniences to enjoy life. We don't have to work, but if not there are consequences.
We can choose a career and where to work. This is the great thing about America. These choices determine so much about our life and our future. If the choice of career is not to our liking, we can change.
One career makes one man happy and fulfilled, but another is for someone else. But the choice will determine income, lifestyle, where we live, etc.
Have you ever stopped to think of the people who went before us and how our lives today are affected by their choices. For example, our ancestors fought a very bloody war with the English to have America a land of freedom. They paid a very high price by that choice. Today we benefit from their choices.
Our country fought a very bloody war over slavery in the 1800's to keep our union from being forever divided. These were hard choices. Today we benefit from their decisions.
Our country's fight in World War I & II was for our freedom. The Korean War, the Viet Nam War, Desert Storm, and now Afghanistan, Iraq. These choices affect everyone. These choices have had a high cost in lives and money. But freedom is not cheap. Freedom is everyone's business.
The choices you make today will affect those who follow us. Whether it is in your community, your job, your church, or your home. There are consequences with our choices. Will our decisions make it better or worse for those who follow us? Will we be selfish and only think of ourselves or prepare for those who replace us?
Life is about Words and Actions. Life is short but can have such a good or bad effect on those around us. Let's do the best we can for the next generation. Make your choices count for something good, and life will be good to you.
Chaplain Bud
“Then I realized that it is good and proper for a man to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in his toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given him, for this is his lot. More over, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work, this is a gift from God. He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart.” Ecc. 5:18-20.
These scriptures are rich with wisdom and should give us a better understanding of who God is and His desire for His people. We must live a few years and experience life before we begin to realized the value of our lot in life.
These scriptures point out that man must find satisfaction first in his labor. Our lot in life is that we must work. Regardless of how gifted or talented we are to find satisfaction, work is the key.
It is God who blesses us with possessions and wealth to enjoy. These are not to be idols or a curse but a blessing to be shared. It is a gift from God to be used in God's Kingdom. We are kingdom people who use the few days we have here on earth to enjoy life.
The gladness of heart is because we are occupied with our work. The satisfaction of the privileged to live and enjoy food and fellowship with God. Our lot in life is to be productive and have a truly glad heart. We are blessed to be a blessing.
So, why are we not content with our lot in life? There are probably many more reasons that I can think about, but here's a few.
Maybe it's because we think and worry about what we don't have and over look what we do have. Materialism is not our purpose. To obey and serve God is our purpose. To share and care is our purpose and to love and be love. To realize that to waste our lives is the greatest waste of all. We only have a few days.
Another reason may be we choose careers that don't bring satisfaction. We made this choice just based on how much we will get paid not on the value it can bring to me and my God. Then pride keeps us in bondage because we don't want to admit this choice was a mistake.
Take time in the next few days to think of your lot in life. Examine your motives and purpose. Only we can change what needs to be changed. Remember, it's God's desire that we have “gladness of heart.” What do you need to eliminate that prevents the happiness God has for you? What do you need to begin to do or put into your life that will bring satisfaction?
As I reflect on my “lot in life” it has been great. I do have satisfaction. Would I do some things different? Of course, but I can't change the past. However, I can learn from the past and seek the future with enthusiasm and joy. Think on these things and then pray and act as God directs.
Chaplain Bud,
The Christian Church at Cogan Station
Over the years I have written a great deal about attitude. The reason is that attitude plays such a big role in our behavior. It is simply how and what you think. Have you ever noticed how a day goes when you have a good attitude verses a day when you have a bad attitude? Or, maybe it's not you, but others around you with bad or good attitude. It affects everything.
Someone has said, “1 man with a good attitude is worth 10 who have bad attitudes.” And, I agree. It's impossible to work with people with a bad attitude or get any production for the day.
To me, attitude is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearances, giftedness, or skills. Attitude will make or break a business, church, or family.
We can not change our past or prevent the inevitable from happening. But, we can change our attitude. We are in charge and responsible for our attitude.
The Carnegie Institute, not long ago, analyzed the records of ten thousand people and concluded that 15% of success is due to technical training. The other 85% is due to personality, and attitudes. You see, what you are is how you react and how you feel. Think about it.
Not everything in life is easy or pleasant, but life is important. Life is being alive. Life is being able to work and build relationships. Life is to enjoy food. Life is to worship God and belong to a good church. Life is educational, no matter how you receive it. Life is to enjoy the seasons. Life is making plans and see the plans come together. Life is living each day to its fullest. Yes, life is what each of us make it. No, everything in life is not easy or pleasant, but life must go on.
You can see life as anything but good or you can see life as an opportunity. We have a choice. However, it still comes back to attitude and how I think. How I see things and how I react. Life will pay you back just what you give out. Life is not fair or equal, no one said it would be.
The real secret to life and a good attitude is to be content in who you are. Does that mean we don't continue to improve or further our education? No, but you are who you are going to be. Materialism or a better job is not the answer. When we are content we enjoy what we have, not what we don't have. Who we are, not who we are not. Where we live not, where we don't live and etc.
Everyday gives each person 24 hours to use as he sees fit. You can waste these hours or be productive. You can be happy or sad. You can fight with others or you can be nice. It's all up to you. This life is about relationships, not things. We are human beings, not machines. Our creator created us for each other so don't waste your life because of a bad attitude.
Today I am going to enjoy, how about you?
Chaplain Bud,
The Christian Church at Cogan Station
What a wonderful time of year, Christmas time. People are excited about giving and receiving, excited about food and family, excited about time off and maybe travel. Yes, it is a wonderful time of year.
So take time to enjoy the blessings that come your way. Say Merry Christmas often and mean it. This greeting is the true Christmas greeting and means so much to people everywhere. Even negative people smile when you say Merry Christmas.
But now another new year is upon us. People will celebrate and party. People will ring out the old and ring in the new. Then you have people who make new years resolutions. They promise themselves some changes but seldom carry the changes through. But some do and it's a great time to begin the new year with positive good wholesome changes. So good luck.
Let's think about the new year together. 365 days just waiting for you to use them wisely. Each day has 24 hours to work, sleep, and spend time with your family. Each week has 168 hours of opportunities for you to make decisions and enjoy life. The truth is, only you can decide how to use these hours, and how to enjoy them or waste them.
Here are some suggestions you might want to think about.
1.Make your family your number one priority in
2006.
Take time with the kids. Take your wife out for a nice meal, just the two of you. Maybe take a weekend away, just you and your wife. Take time to listen to your children tell you
about their day at school or at play.
Plan with your family some special events in the coming year. Have a family meeting and ask the children where they would like to go on vacation. Make this family meeting a monthly event where everyone is important and everyone has input.
Make your work special this year.
Be a team player and a happy cheerful person to work with. Be positive about your job and others. I am aware that police work has many negative aspects when dealing with some people, but don't allow the negative to become a part of your thinking. Take pride in your job and the very important work you do for the department and the community. Always be safe and protect those around you but also remember you are the best police department in Lycoming County.
Make your life count for something.
We only have one life to live. Make it count for your family, your job, and your God. Be a mentor to others. Be an example to others. Be an encourager to others. The greatest building is building relationships.
The years will soon pass us all by and at the end we must all ask the question: “Did it count for something?” I pray we can all say at the end, ”yes it did!”
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Chaplain Bud
This morning I was thinking “why am I a Christian?” Not in a negative or bad way but in a positive way. There are many reasons to be a Christian or not to be a Christian. So, I decided to make a list of reasons I am a Christian.
#1. I choose to be a Christian. We all have choices and this is mine. It's a choice I made over 40 years ago and have never regretted it. At times it has been a test or a stretch, but never regretted accepting Jesus as Savior.
#2. I am a Christian because of truth. The truth of God's Word. The truth of life. The truth of who Jesus is. The truth of heaven and hell. The truth of who can be saved and how we are saved. The truth of our calling. The truth of stewardship and the Lordship of Christ. The truth has set me free and called me out of the world of darkness. Yes, I am a Christian because of truth.
#3. I am a Christian so I can serve. We must be under God's authority before we can truly serve. I want to be on the winning side and I want to be a soldier for Jesus. We are saved to serve and I want to share in the battle between good and evil. My commitment is for a life time. My orders are clear, my mission is to obey and my Lord Jesus is in charge. The highest purpose and calling on this earth is to serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To serve in the army of our King is the highest privilege we can have on this earth. Yes, I am a soldier for the cause of Christ.
#4. I am a Christian so that I can be in Christ's church. Jesus said, “I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.” The church is my safe haven. By being a member of His church, I receive the benefits Jesus provides His church. He provides and protects us from the evil one. We have fellowship and sharing. We, the church, are God's family and I want to be a part of God's family.
#5. I am a Christian because as a husband and father I have an obligation to my family as a role model. An obligation to provide spiritual teaching and guidance, to be an example and provider leaving a legacy for my children and the generation to come.
#6. I am a Christian because of joy. The joy of the Lord is our strength. The world of darkness is a drainer, but the world of God is a filler. Joy builds us up, joy brings truth, joy brings freedom, and joy is the fuel of our faith.
#7. I am a Christian because I want to spend eternity in heaven, not in punishment. I can only imagine the joy of being with Jesus in paradise.
There are many more reasons I am a Christian. These are just a few. Think today, “why are you a Christian?” Take time to dwell on these things. Write out your reasons. You should have many.
Chaplain Bud
How many people do you know who are reaching their full potential? By this question I mean, are they using every opportunity they have to use their gifts and talents. Is their life productive or are they just taking what life hands them?
So many people I have observed over the years were not living up to their potential. Maybe they had a degree in teaching, but not using that degree.
Maybe they were excellent athletes but refused to discipline themselves to reach their potential. I could go on and on but you get the idea.
The people I have met over the years who have reached great potential are people who have goals and visions. They know where they are going and how to get there. It takes years of planning and discipline. It takes sacrifice and learning to prioritize. Success is never cheap and for it to last there must be a plan. It's a matter of finding the right focus and sticking with it.
Someone told me years ago “that the world will pay you only what you think you are worth.” The Bible has a verse “As a man thinks, so is he.” To reach your full potential you must understand your personal value as a human being. Then you must market your skills to their greatest potential. You must be able to discern, discover and personally develop for the future. Never stop learning because you are always preparing for the future.
Another thing I have learned about people who reach their full potential is that they are never negative or pessimistic. Show me a negative, pessimistic person and I'll show you a true failure.
Negative people contaminate anyone around them. They destroy potential rather than look for it. Negative people are insecure, back biters who gather a following by tearing down others. They have already reached their potential as a negative person.
People who are on their way to reach their full potential are teachable people. They are leaders in the rough. They are good followers who are always learning and appreciate it. They are thankful, grateful people with a good attitude. They quickly go to the top because they have the right stuff and are of up-right character.
We don't all have the same opportunities but we all have opportunities. We don't all have the same gifts and talents, but we all have gifts and talents. Some have to work harder and longer to realize their potential, but that is just life. Remember, we see things as we are, not as they are. Meaning your attitude and passion make the difference.
It is such a waste for people to waste their potential. Fulfillment comes only after the price is paid for your dreams and visions to come true. This is not about age, or where you live, or who you are. It's about each of us using the opportunities that come our way. It's about making a life, not just surviving. If you feel you are not reaching your full potential, ask yourself why not?
Then take action! Take a risk! Step out of your comfort zone and do what you always knew you could. Thousands have and you may be next!
Chaplain Bud,
The Christian Church At Cogan Station
The mass population of ours country is our great wealth. Wealth in talent, wealth in creativity. Wealth in producing food and manufacturing. Wealth in education and recreation. Wealth in opportunities for different life styles and careers.
Our wealth is in the people. God created people to be stewards of the earth. We are social beings with a purpose in life. To live, love, reproduce, work, and find true meaning in life. Those who find it are fulfilled and enjoy their time on earth. Those who don't find true purpose, live and die in frustration and a life is wasted.
When we Americans have a major disaster in this country it brings out the best or the worst in us. Disasters are a fact of life. We control a great deal in ours lives, but we don't control wind and water. We don't control the weather or seasons. These are beyond our control. However, realize the strength in people to adapt and over come. Sometimes we do very well and other times the decisions made by leaders are not the right decisions. Even with the best planning and preparations things may not develop as expected. In fact sometimes just the opposite happens.
All through history the people of this earth have lived through wars, hurricanes, floods, forest fires, tornadoes and anything that could challenge life. And still life goes on. People overcome, rebuild and go on. We always have and always will, know the truth that God is in control not man.
Our latest crisis in American has revealed that we have become co-dependent upon fuel, electricity, and our highways. We are over-populated and under prepared for the future. Our future generations must do a better job of preparing and equipping communities for disasters. We have created a monster not only in America but around the world.
Does anyone really have the answer for the real questions about the future? Has education and intelligence really given us the answers?
No, I believe the answer is in the will of the people. To survive and enjoy the wealth listed in the beginning of this article, we Americans must stop being selfish and self-centered. Each person must assume the role God created us to fulfill. This means being good stewards of the earth. Being our brother's keeper. Each person using common sense regardless of the rules. The answer is not government but the will of the people.
Unless each individual is responsible for his actions, the monster will continue to destroy us. We need to use common sense when it comes to buildings. Don't build in flood plains or on ocean fronts where storms continue to destroy. Don't eliminate our best farm lands for housing developments. We need food and it must be grown on the land God gave us. The list could go and on.
We have found the enemy. And the enemy is us. Unless the will of the people changes, we in America are on a slippery slope. Our future is predictable. Let's return to God as a nation. Let's reestablish the values that made us a great nation. It begins with you and me.
Chaplain Bud,
The Christian Church at Cogan Station
“When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” I don't know who made that statement, but it is true. The tough get going and the weak will perish.
Who would have guessed five years ago that America would be tested like it is today? We are in a war with terrorists, and now, with this destructive hurricane in the South that has crippled our nation.
We are a nation that has built our everyday lives on oil. Gas for our cars, gas for our trucks that move America's goods, oil for our plants that make electricity, gas to mow our yards and run all kinds of small engines, gas for our ships and pleasure boats. Let us not forget all the products that use oil in manufacturing. Also, all the planes that move our people around the world everyday.
Every budget in every home, business, city, state, and as a nation will be affected. Hard decisions will have to be made as to the future. Some people will lose their jobs, while others will prioritize to survive.
What has really happened to the American dream? Since World War II, America has become crazed with materialism. Spend, spend, spend. Buy, buy, buy. Now all of this has caught up to us.
Someone asked me where is God in all of this? Right where He has always been. In Heaven. As America became more and more materialistic we moved farther and farther away from God. We did not need God. We have become a pagan nation putting God out of school prayer and out of all public offices.
Money and oil has replaced God and become king.
Oh this country as a whole believes there is a God, but they refuse to obey Him or live under his authority. The churches have not changed America, America has changed the churches. Liberal thinking and teaching continues to come out of our colleges and seminaries. Liberal people control our governments and our schools.
Now we are reaping a harvest of rebellion against God. Did God cause all this to happen? I don't think so, but He didn't stop it either. He has no obligation to America if we are rebellious and not obligated to Him. History has revealed in the Old Testament how God will allow a nation to destroy herself if they refuse to honor Him.
What about the true Christians in America? And, there are many. God has always provided for His children. Does this mean we will suffer right along with other Americans? Yes, we too will suffer and sacrifice to feed our families, but our hope is not in this world. True Christians understand this and accept our lot in life.
These are the last days and the real war is between good and evil. Between God and satan. To the world without God, survival is more important than character. We Christians know this is not our home, we are just passing through.
Can America be saved? Yes, but only if we as a nation repent and turn to God. It has happened in the past and it can happen again. (But, Christian, don't grow weary of doing good.) Read Gal 6: 7-9
Chaplain Bud,
The Christian Church at Cogan Station
It has always been interesting to me to watch people. They come in all shapes and sizes; all ages and races; male and female. There are too many different careers to count and every job you can think of.
We have schools, schools of higher learning called colleges and universities. We have trade schools and still others learn by apprenticeship. Yes, we are people who populate the earth and we work.
Not everyone works though. Some are too young, others too old and others weak or sick, and still others just too lazy.
The question today is not whether you work or not but does your life matter?
We are all given so many years on this earth. Some live to be old or very old and others die young. But, we all live and we all die. That is for sure. Knowing this, does your life matter?
Think of it this way. In the years you have had here have you found your purpose? Does that purpose produce so others can benefit? Or is your purpose just to survive and you live just for yourself? Is your purpose fulfilling and does it give your life joy?
Now take time and think of your past. Were the years good or bad? Were they hard or easy? How many things can you think of, if given the chance, would you do things differently? Then ask yourself why? Think of your successes as well as your failures. Think of other people in your life who made a difference.
Now think of the possible years you have left. With the experience you have gained from the past, did your life matter?
The good news is that you can still change what you believe needs changed. Now is the time to say, my life does matter. I can make a difference.
The difference between people who succeed and fail is very simple. Some people just work and make a living, others work and make a life. A life that matters. This life is built around family, community, friends, hobbies and church. Happiness and purpose are a bi-product of these relationships. Without these relationships life is empty and meaningless. We become bored and selfish.
Yes, today would be a good day to take inventory. Set some goals and develop a good plan for the rest of your days here on earth. Only you and God know your needs and future. How you spend those days is up to you.
To me a miserable, wasted life is the greatest disaster I could ever think of. You can make your life matter. You can make your job a joy. You can make your family proud. You can become a loyal friend. You can be a good servant to God and a good citizen for your country.
In fact, your life does matter. The question is does it matter for the right purpose and motive.
Be safe and stay well.
Chaplain Bud
Truth is such a powerful word. Truth can make you happy or make you mad. Truth can set you free or make your bondage even more painful.
The ego-centered self, fearing defeat at the hands of truth, fights back with every weapon it can get hold of. The human mind, when faced with the very power to give light and liberty, has invented a multitude of evasions, resistances, counterfeits, and rationalizations. The human mind instead of welcoming advancement, resists it fiercely.
Truth can only work for those who see truth as facts. But, each individual must have a plan of action and make it work. No one can do it for us. Teachers teach truth, but the students must put it into practice.
The human body that God has created is a wonderful, complex creation. It can repair itself, replenish itself and govern itself. We have a mind and the mind is the control center of the body. What you feed into the mind determines the thoughts and actions of the body. This is why the Bible teaches, “as a man thinks in his heart so is he.”
To corrupt the body you must first corrupt the mind. To clean up the body you must first clean up the mind. This is why pornography, drugs and bad TV shows are so corrupting to the mind. These things feed lust and selfish ambition that destroy families, churches, and individuals. Those caught up in such corruption are in denial of truth. Murder, stealing, crime of all kinds, and terrorism are minds corrupted and out of control. Either evil or truth must be in control but not both.
Truth brings value and character to one's life. It is the moral fiber of any society. Biblical truth is the salt of the earth. The light on a hill. Lust and selfishness will always deny truth and avoid facing the facts at all cost.
Truth is not always popular or easy to believe. But, that does not change what is truth. People are lost and will spend eternity in punishment because they ignore truth. People suffer their whole life time because they refuse to see the truth of what their habits or life styles do to their bodies, families, or even their careers.
Truth is what God stands for and the devil stands for lies and corruption. Truth is about and deals with strength. Lies and corruption of the mind prey on weaknesses; the weakness of the flesh, the weakness of the mind and the weakness of character. But truth builds character up, and strengthens the mind to control the weakness of the flesh. Character and integrity come from God and His teachings. A godless person or nation is controlled by lies and corruption is inevitable.
We, in America, have only one hope. That God is able to bring this nation to truth through our churches. If the churches continue to weaken and die, there is no hope. No voices crying in the wilderness of lies and corruption. No salt only substitutes that are not truth.
America has sold out to lies and corruption with the promise of the good life. A life of pleasure and plenty. But each day it becomes more and more pagan and anti-God. It's time for Christians to stand up and be counted. Only the truth will bring true freedom.
Chaplain Bud,
The Christian Church at Cogan Station
Why do people act differently on Friday than they do on Monday? The answer is really simple! Saturday is a day off. A day away to do what you please or a day to sleep in for some, others to fish or hunt, go shopping, or just do nothing.
For some it takes all day Monday to get in the routine of work, but others can't wait to get to the job. What is the difference? It's because some people hate their jobs, others love what they do. It's that simple. Those that love it are more productive, easier to work with, and seem to get promoted faster. Why? It all comes down to attitude, not gifts and talents. Negative people are very seldom good producers, except for talking about who and what is wrong or what is not fair.
How do we overcome being negative? Is there a formula to learn or course we can take? Not really. But, we can be encouraged and inspired by looking at other people who are positive and happy most of the time.
There are some things we can do personally to hurry the process of change.
First, there must be a desire to change. Satisfied people don't need to or want to change. So dissatisfaction is the best motivator for change. This will produce a desire bigger than the problem, and we will pay the price of change. Yes, change always has a price tag. It means we do whatever it takes. Habits may have to change. Friends may have to change. You may even have to change where you live or worship. The extreme would be to change jobs. This all depends on how great your desire is for change.
But, again all this depends on the person not the circumstances. What is your desire?
Second, it takes great determination. “If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.” That's it! Pick a plan and then stick to it until you get it right. You may fail at first, but keep trying. If your plan doesn't work, try another way. But, keep the vision of the finished product always before you. See yourself as that changed person. See yourself as a positive, productive person. See yourself as one who welcomes Monday because you love what you do. Soon you will become excited about the future and forget the past.
Third, you must be a devoted person. A devoted person is one who is a 100% person, devoted to your responsibility. Be devoted to your family, that is your number one responsibility. Be devoted to your faith, if you are a Christian and to your career and fellow workers. Devoted, because you have accepted the responsibility for your life and how you treat others around you. This is your life. It's made up of your choices and decisions.
Each day our lives are passing away. Don't waste one day. Everyday you spend in a negative attitude, you drive others away. The day seems to be wasted and never ends.
Be a determined, devoted person and let your desire drive you on, to a positive and productive life. You only have so many days to spend on this earth, so spend them wisely.
As policemen, you are in a great position to help and influence a great many people. Let your positive light shine and life will be fine. Have a good day and be safe.
Chaplain Bud