Controlling Your Attitude

   I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: “attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.” So you may be wondering why I keep saying that. I keep saying it because nothing has changed. I still have a bad attitude; and sometimes I see people who have bad attitudes at times.

   As much as I try not to have one, it is difficult for me to not have a bad attitude. And, I’ve found it difficult for others too. Why is it so difficult to keep a good attitude? I have found that, for me at least, I typically have a bad attitude because of people or events in my life. Someone may cut me off while I’m driving, I may mess up on an answer I should’ve known, someone may break a promise to me, and so many other things. It’s in those times I typically begin to have a bad attitude, especially when a bunch of bad things happen at once.

   I have realized that when I let peoples’ actions and events control how I feel and act I am giving someone or something else control over myself. Now, if that person is God it isn’t so bad. But, if one person gossiping about me makes me cranky will my attitude change the situation? No, if anything it only makes the situation worse, or makes me more miserable. My bad attitude doesn’t change the situation. Me talking about it with others doesn’t change the situation. Me talking to the person who caused the situation in a calmly manner may help the situation.

   Why should we have a good attitude? We need to have a good attitude because God calls us to be joyful in everything. Sure we aren’t going to like some things that happen to us; but if you look back on your life right now I’m sure you can see God working even in the hard times. Also, by having a good attitude others will look at us and think “why are they so happy even when bad things are happening?” Sure, some people will probably think we are crazy but that’s okay because it shows we have crazy faith in our God. 

   What attitude should we have? We should have an attitude of thankfulness no matter what is going on. We should have an attitude of optimism. Because, in having that attitude, we are able to witness to others more. And we are able to say that we trust God and his plan no matter what the storms life brings.

   So what kind of attitude have you had lately? Are you letting others and events dictate your attitude? What steps can you take to have a better attitude?

   Phillippians 2:14-15, Colossians 3:23, Proverbs 17:22

The Stereotypical Dad

   Dad. The word Dad brings out many different thoughts. Typically when people hear the word dad what do they think of? They may think of the typical dad who has a shot gun to kill the boy who breaks his little girl’s heart. They may think of the macho man. Another thought they may have is a man who does a lot of work around the house; and is a handy man. Or, they may think of fond memories they have with their dad.

   These are all the typical stereotypes people have when they hear the word dad. But, that is exactly what those things are: stereotypes. In real life dads do so much more. A few days ago I was watching the show Chopped on food network. They were doing a special show where fathers came onto the show. These men looked like buildings. They were very macho men and looked like a typical stereotype of a dad; I mean, the one was a football coach and another was a fire fighter.

   But, as the show went on, the dads shared more of their stories. One dad lost his wife and got very emotional. The other dads were all very understanding and did not mock him for his loss. Dads are so much more than stereotypes. They have to roll with the punches, be compassionate, love their family, work hard every day, and so much more.

   It just goes to show that you cannot judge a book by its cover. Fathers have so much more to do in this day and age; and sometimes they do not get the respect they deserve. So, thank your father for all he has done for you. And, thank your heavenly father for creating you, loving you, and all he does for you.

   Psalm 103:13 & Proverbs 20:7

The Job of a Shepherd

   When looking at jobs people had in the Bible most Christians know that the least appreciated job was a shepherd. Why is this? I mean a shepherd had to watch sheep, which were used for sacrifices that are kind of important. They had to spend their day outside in the heat or cold. And if any sheep ran away they had to go find it. My question for the shepherd would be: why do you search for just one sheep if it runs away?

   I don’t know the answer the shepherd would give but I know the answer Jesus would give. Over and over again in the Bible Jesus is called a shepherd. Why is this? It is because we are the sheep. No, I’m not saying we say “baa” and eat grass. But we do get led astray every once in a while. It would just be easier for Jesus to just let us wander off on our own, but he doesn’t. He wants all his sheep to be safe. He doesn’t want to leave any of us behind. Interesting to think about, isn’t it? Jesus cares enough about you that he leaves all the others just to bring you back.

   So what is the application for us? The answer is simple: follow Jesus’ example. He will not leave any of us behind because he loves us. We are called to love him and others. We need to tell others about his love for them. And we need to be a shepherd to others; dare I go even as far to say we need to teach others?

   Come on, you had to see this coming considering I’m studying to be a teacher. For those of you saying “I can’t be a teacher.” I hate to break it to you but we are all leaders, shepherds, role models, and teachers. I have a whole rant about this but I won’t go into that now. Even if you don’t think you can teach I want you to think about the job of a teacher. Who was one of your favorite teachers? What did your favorite teacher do that made her your favorite? Did she make learning fun? Did she help every student learn? Now, who was one of your least favorite? Why was she your least favorite?

   The job of a teacher is far from easy. I know other jobs are not easy but you tell me who has a profession that impacts the future of our world more than a teacher. Even though many know a teacher’s job isn’t easy, teachers are sometimes treated like a shepherd was treated.

   Teachers have sheep, I mean children, who come from many different backgrounds. Every child has their own story, different interests, abilities, home life, friends, culture, and so on. And, it is the job of a teacher to reach every single one of these students. On top of that teachers need to develop themselves professionally, take care of themselves, take care of their families, and many other things.

   The point of all of this is to say that we are all sheep that Jesus takes care of. He is our shepherd and teacher. We are to follow his example. Teachers are shepherds to students. They are required to reach all students and help them learn to the best of their ability. I want to encourage all of you to realize that teaching isn’t easy. But, we are all required to teach others; because that is what Jesus calls us to do. Teaching can be difficult but it can be one of the most rewarding things you will ever do.

   So are you following the good shepherd? Are you following Jesus’ example and teaching others? Are you thankful for the teachers you have had in your life?

   John 10:11, Proverbs 22:6, Luke 6:40

Forgiving Others When They Give You Scars

   There’s an old saying that goes “forgive and forget.” People may hurt you but we are called to forgive them. People may “cut” you but wounds heal. People may scratch you but if you think of them as sandpaper you will end up polished and they’ll end up useless.

That’s what we are told to believe. But, in my experience, after wounds heal scars come in their place. And, after you polish something it may seem like new; but new nicks and scratches can show up.

   Why do we get scars and scratches when we are hurt? Some people may say it’s because of our body healing us; but I personally have found that people like to show off their scars (I’m talking mostly about athletes here). They like to tell others what they’ve been through. That’s all well and good if it happened in a game, but what about the metaphorical scars people leave on you?

   Do you like to complain to others about what you are going through? And, I’m not talking about venting here. I’m talking about complaining; and there is a difference. In complaining to others it’s not helping the situation; and it’s not helping you forgive. That’s why I say we need to forgive and remember.

   The principle behind this is that so many people say they forgive someone but they keep bringing up what that person did to them. Some people do this to make the other person feel guilty, while others just want to hurt the person back. But, in bringing up what you say you have already forgiven means you haven’t actually forgiven the person.

   That’s why we need to remember when we forgive others. We cannot continue to hold issues over peoples’ heads because that’s not forgiveness. I believe that’s the reason why we have metaphorical scars. Not so we can hold them over peoples’ heads. But so that we can remember what we’ve been through, show others our weaknesses, and remember what God has done for us. Because, no matter what we go through he’s been through a lot more. He’s always with us and he will forgive us even when we give him scars.

   So are you holding any scars over someone’s’ head? Do you need to forgive anyone? Do you remember who first forgave you and are you leaning on him?

   Matthew 6:14-15, Philippians 2:14, James 5:9

Graduation Growth

   So, it is that time of year again: graduation. It is a time filled with questions. The graduates wonder what the future holds for them. But they also look back at what they have done in their life; and what they have learned. Some may choose not to go to college so they believe their learning is over. But, that is incorrect.

   I believe that if we stop learning then we cease to be of use to our fellow man (and, whether you like it or not, we do need each other. But, that's a blog for another time). It is my belief that at all times everyone is growing. Not physically but mentally, emotionally, cognitively, and spiritually. And we either grow the right way or the wrong way.

   When I think of this, I think about trees. Some people picture a growing tree bearing fruit if the person is doing the right thing. And, if the person is doing the wrong thing the tree wilts. My belief is that a tree only wilts if a person stops learning and growing in one way or another. But if a person is growing they can either grow towards the light, or towards the darkness.

   That is why I believe that it is important for people to continue learning and growing after graduation. And I’m not talking about growing the wrong way. We need to grow in our knowledge of God and follow His ways.

So Happy Graduation to all of you graduates out there. I pray that you grow toward the light and not the darkness.

   Colossians 1:9-10 “And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.”

Living in Darkness

   Darkness: it is a word that either comforts people or freaks them out. For example I enjoy darkness when I am sleeping; but I dislike it when I am trying to find my way around the house in the dark. See we need light in order to see. If we didn’t then God wouldn’t have created light.

   I remember this one time when I was younger I was walking downstairs because I could not sleep. I didn’t want to disturb anyone but I kept hitting walls and things because I couldn’t see. I got downstairs and I turned on the tv, which made a buzzing noise. By the time I got it turned off my mom was up, she turned on the light, and asked me if I was okay. I told her I was, but I was a little freaked out because of the loud noise the tv made.

   In that situation things were not made right until the light was turned on. It is the same way with our Christian walk. At first, we like darkness because that is what the world lives in. The world is filled with sinners living in darkness. We don’t know which path to take because we cannot see the paths we are walking. Then, once we have the light, we know which path is the right one.

   The light/paths can be different for everyone. It can be a friend, experience, or anything really that directs you or helps you see the right path. Once we see the light and right path we need to keep following it. As we go we will see more and more light; because, so long as you are on the right path, you will grow in God more and more. If you stray from the path or turn back to the darkness your growth will not continue and problems will arise. We need to keep following the guiding light even when it is difficult.

   So, are you living in darkness or following the light? Are you leading others to the light?

   1 John 1:5-7, John 11:10, Matthew 5:16