The Simple Truth
March 29, 2015
*
There’s a simple truth
Hidden behind all the noise
We are born Beloved
This truth will always get lost
Because of the failure of man
*
How to recover
That is my biggest question
I found the process
There are no easy answers
I now know where to begin
*
Wounded souls cry out
The sick know that they need help
They are the ones who can hear
The desperate door
The one I avoided the most
Is the one that I walked through
*
There are two commands
Love God, love one another
The secret is here
*
We say we love God
I think we really mean it
There are two problems with this
The first: “Who is God?”
Second: “Who is my neighbor?”
Love them like you love yourself
*
You cannot love God
If you do not love yourself
The place to begin
You must learn to love yourself
When all others forsake you
*
There’s greatness in you
You are made in God’s image
You are wonderfully made
Beloved and cherished
You are larger than your pain
I learned this from my Teacher
*
Others have forsaken me
My parents and friends left me
Talents, health, gifts failed me
That’s when love came
*
Over the years of listening to thousands of stories of people searching for meaningful relationships, I found this one thing to be true. Until a person decides to accept their own greatness in the midst of the massive failure they feel from their own life and from how significant others have failed them, they will stay trapped in the darkness of desperation. There is a fire in the human soul that at some point will rise up and fight. It is my job, once a person decides to fight, to give those I meet the life tools I have discovered to build a “life that loves to happen no matter what happens.” History is full of lives that made this decision to live by walking through the doorway of desperation. The Master Truth I know to be true regardless of circumstances is this. “You are Beloved.”
*
Proverbs 29:11; Psalms 59:17; 89:15; 89:26; 89:30-33
*
http://www.coachinglifematters.com
Five Decisions for Life
February 22, 2015
*
I need the tools
The ones that open the mind
To inexpressible joy
There’s a way to find peace
That passes understanding
*
Five decisions must be made
First a decision to live
Then don’t make friends with your pain
Are two essentials
*
Now you are ready
Take Responsibility
Stop blaming others and self
This is the big one
There’s no growth till this happens
Life begins with your beliefs
*
The past is a gift
You know what you don’t want
Or you know what you do want
Get a clear vision
Of who you are and what you want
Then you will know the questions
*
This is the big one
Decide you are worth fighting for
Yes, you are worth it
Your value is in being
You must learn to love yourself
*
So there are five gifts you must give yourself
1) Decide to Live
2) Decide to Not Make Friends with Your Pain
3) Decide to Take Responsibility
4) Decide to Get a Clear Vision
5) Decide You Are Worth Fighting For
*
All the best on your journey.
*
For more information go to http://www.coachinglifematters.com.
A Focused Love
February 13, 2015
*
Each day brings trouble
Tragedy is around us
Suffering overwhelms us
Where can we find peace
*
My soul languishes
Fear and anxiety rule
Where can I find rest
*
I stand amazed when love comes
Light springs up in the darkness
Hope born in desperation
Our God hears our cry
*
Looking back I see
When I trusted God He came
Lifted the burden
Opened my eyes to see love
My greatest work is “Believe”
*
I’ll hope against hope
I’ve been given a reason
I’ll focus and understand
God became a man
Human in every way
He chose to suffer the pain
*
A personal gift
An intimate love given
Each person is known
Beloved, seen, heard and treasured
This is the heart of God known
*
Death cannot destroy
Joy sits above circumstance
The presence of love
In the life of everyone
Can be seen by looking back
*
Open our eyes, Lord
To see things that matter
Let gentleness rule
The way that we treat ourselves
And the way we treat others
*
Your unfailing love
Was demonstrated so well
In the life of your Son
*
No matter what the trouble I may face each day, I get to choose who sits at the center of my soul. With all the noise of the human tragedy around me my heart is drawn to one voice. It is the voice of love I will focus on today. That love is bigger than my circumstance. It is bigger than death. That love is worth dying for. That love will enhance every person I meet today. This love guarantees permanent, constant and continual growth. It is testable! I could be right! These reflections come out of meditating on the Psalms. All the best!
I Will Set My Mind
February 4, 2015
*
I will set my mind
The freedom I have each day
A love without end
No one can fathom this love
You are beloved beyond words
*
The Master Truth Speaks
You are His Beloved Child
A truth I am certain of
A free gift from God
This gift is for all people
The condition is “Believe”
*
Yes, you have a part
To decide to receive it
To believe with all your heart
Engage your being
Heart, soul, mind and strength
I have been surprised by joy
*
No one’s excluded
This treasure that is hidden
Waiting to be found
I decided to seek truth
Found unconditional love
*
It will take your best thinking
Knowledge is at the center
Honesty to discern truth
Trust to follow Him
*
Religion can deceive
Pride can hide the path to love
Lust keeps me at the center
And power can kill
My mind wants to know what’s real
I have the freedom to choose
*
Lael Caldwell leads a round table of business people who are committed to helping each other be the best they can be. She asked me to speak about setting the mind each day to live life that is joyful, free and productive in this world. There are five things I do each day to live a life that’s life giving. The Name of this group she calls “Define, Align and Achieve.” Reflection on the meaning of Love is the first one. Reading of Hebrew poetry and getting advice from Solomon in Proverbs sets my mind for the day. I would love to hear ways that you set your day that brings life to you and those around you. By the way the fruit of setting my mind each day is I laugh more, cry when appropriate, don’t take myself too seriously and see the beauty in each person I meet. Psalm 4 and Proverbs 4 has some real secrets I have found. All the best!
Best Friend Conversations
January 2, 2015
*
Good conversation
Is a gift I want to have
With those I love most
I will include the stranger
And, also, my enemy
*
Who will be my friend
I will be looking today
Ready to respond
Open to this adventure
Love with no expectations
*
This I know is the hardest
For we wrong one another
Get offended easily
I know where to start
*
I will start with me
The one I sleep with each night
This is the hardest
The one I offend a lot
I’m the one I hurt the most
*
I found the secret
A way to forgive myself
To have a conversation
That’s gentle and kind
A way to love even me
In the darkness of my soul
*
Ready for the ride
Mutual conversation
Is what I’m committed to
It’s the missing part
So I will not medicate
Keep doing the counterfeit
*
I will like sleeping with myself
I have no choice about that
I will befriend my own soul
I’ll live in that joy
*
I’ll take away the judgment
With real authenticity
I’ll train to forgive myself
And the one near me
*
It is possible to live this. It is possible to overcome the darkness of the wounded soul and discover the joy. The impossible is possible when the deep soul decision is made to live and not die. Deciding to fight for my life is the most important decision I have made. I had to begin by caring about me. At that point I began to pay attention to my questions. Taking that responsibility has led me to discovering how to live in joy over the past fifty-three years. The pain, the reality of my own failure toward others and their failure to me is the most difficult road to navigate.
The best book I recommend to kick start this conversation was written by Jim Woodroof “Sayings that Saved My Sanity.” Write me and I will tell you how to get it. May all the best conversations take place for you in 2015. Your Story Matters http://www.yourstorymatters2him.com
Living In The Light
January 1, 2015
*
Two important things
Knowledge and understanding
Will equal wisdom
Knowledge applied at right times
Will give power and freedom
*
Waking up each day
Knowing a certain future
Anticipating real joy
Is a way to live
That is possible for all
Can be a daily practice
*
Circumstances cannot rob
Take away this joy in me
It’s based on knowledge and wisdom
I”ll live in the light
*
The world can hurt you
Sometimes it certainly will
I have found I have a choice
How I will respond
The power is in knowing this
Love is larger than all things
*
Pride is within me
Along with lust and the greed
Basic things to all of us
There is an answer
To keep these from destroying
My soul, body and my mind
*
The light in my soul
Will heal the wounded places
Received with great joy
*
Happy New Year to those who choose to share this joy. I have chosen the word “light” to be my focus word this year. No resolutions just one word. This word brings clarity and understanding as I look into the heart of God through the light of His Son. May this be the best year of your life. One day at a time, walking after love, as revealed in the daily practice of interacting with the passion and compassionate heart of God, that is light to me. If you have chosen a word for the New Year, would you share that word with me in your reply? Thank you!
Awake with Hunger
January 27, 2014
~
I recognize Him
His presence in other ones
His presence in me
His power works in weakness
That is why I qualify
~
I awake with a hunger
To be near the one who loves
Who will give me a fresh look
And teach me new things
~
Remember where you came from
Touched by His loving kindness
No one can fathom this love
Another worldview
~
Taught me how to look at you
Taught me how to look at me
Teaches me how to live in joy
Controlled by His love
~
How you view yourself
With your head, heart and your gut
Is a transforming process
A life time journey
Living one day at a time
A disciplined focus
~
The beauty of this
Found in the relationship
You are taught by God
God himself is your teacher
Question: “Do you believe this?”
~
It’s been my experience
When I come with a hunger
To know what is reallly true
God surprises me
~
I meditate on His thoughts
I decide what I believe
His story captures my soul
New energy comes
~
Faith comes in my weaknesses
This love surpasses knowledge
His thoughts rekindle the fire
In my inner soul
~
I’m introduced to friendship
I’m being chosen and loved
A friend who will never leave
Says, “Don’t be afraid!”
~
I’m introduced to friends
I never knew I needed
Friends who share the same deep love
My community
~
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you or forsake you.” Moses – Deutoronomy 31:6
~
“Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfailing beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” Peter – I Peter 3:4
~
“For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all surpassing power is from God and not from us.” Paul – 2 Corinthians 4: 6-7
~
“But he said to me, My grace(My favor and loving kindness and mercy) is enough for you (sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully), for my strength and power are made perfect in (your) weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weakness and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me!” Paul – 2 Corinthians 12:9 (Amp)
Dedicated to our family friend, Michelle
Leaning
January 22, 2014
~
I’m leaning on you
In a world of unbelief
May we be like stars
That shine in the deep darkness
Beauty of your handiwork
~
I choose where I look
A secret discovery
Comes when I focus
I’ve learned just one thing matters
I have been surprised by joy
~
Be clear on one thing
Think it through with all you are
Your head, heart and gut
~
Purge your imagination
Truth is what I must pursue
Relationships are dying
Therefore, I will seek real love
And I found it in one man
~
He has ignited my soul
Refreshed me in solitude
Rekindled the fire in me
And guided my steps
~
His Spirit awakens me
His loving kindness comforts
His presence surprises me
Radiant love comes
~
Trouble will always be there
It’s the landscape of this world
It’s the reason God showed up
Became one of us
~
He gave a way to follow
Those who practice discover
The way of love is narrow
And few will find it
~
If you will practice these things
Recorded on that high hill
You’ll discover a new way
That’s certain and true
~
Sermon on the Mount
These famous sayings practiced
Matthew five, six and seven
Will show you the way
They tell about the one thing
They will bring light to your path
~
The book ,Famous Sayings of Jesus , by James Woodroof is the clearest writings of how practicing these teachings work out in real life. A.A. (Alcohol Anonymous) practices these all over the world and millions of lives and families have been saved because these teachings are being practiced.
~
“Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make at right and plain your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (Amp)
Joy Discovered
January 15, 2014
~
Beauty in the brokenness
Out of the darkness the dawn breaks
Through death we see life reborn
Joy is discovered
~
What is it that needs to die
How can light come in the darkness
Why must I start with chaos
Is there a secret
~
You’re not a human doer
You are a human being
Question: How do I be me
Freedom is calling
~
Question your worldview
Who defines reality
Whose voice do you trust the most
That’s your decision
~
The question is not “What works?”
The question is “What is true?”
Whose voice can I truly trust?
Challenge core beliefs
~
The beliefs you adopted
To survive and be secure
To gain some significance
To have some control
~
Security/Survival
Searched for by the unconscious
Are developed by a child
By the time they’re twelve
~
Affection/Esttem
A real unconscious longing
In the heart of all
Will determine your actions
In the world you live
~
Power and Control
How others will perceive you
The image you will present
To hide the true self
A powerful protection
Is toxic as an adult
~
These beliefs were gifts
As a child when growing up
Now they are toxic
That leave the mind in chaos
Hidden idols that must die
~
Children: the best recorders
Are the worst interpreters
Unless stopped will define you
Keep you in darkness
~
You have been given a mind
You must train to think clearly
Face the struggle with courage
Who can set you free
~
These beliefs destroy
No one can measure up to
Be perfect and perform the best
Always be happy
~
Where do you begin
Choose to go against the lies
That have worked so long
Die to these and replace them
With the higher love of God
~
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Paul – Philippians 4:7
~
“Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me.” Matthew 14:30
~
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2
You can find more information on this subject in my book:
Delta Blues: From Darkness to Light www.coachinglifematters.org
~
The Greatest Thing Is Love
July 7, 2013
–
Finding what matters
I’ve discovered a secret
Being still and quiet
Listening in the morning
To the dawn chorus singing
=
I think about the reason
What is my purpose today
Recognizing reality
This may be my last
–
I will focus on one thing
Do the will of my Father
Be intentional and act
On the greatest truth
–
Love as you’ve been loved
Give as you’ve been given to
Little things mean alot
Give no strings attached
–
The Greatest Thing in the World by Henry Drummond
I John; Psalm 20; Luke 1:79
Jesus Calling by Sarah Young
The Big Question
July 3, 2013
~
Two things offend God for sure
When we judge one another
And indulge in self hatred
Who gave us this charge
~
The higher love comes
Magnificent promises
For those who listen
~
Getting past yourself
Arising to behold God’s love
He knows your story
Decision each one can make
A painful but joyful choice
~
Thinking clearly brings power
It cuts through the distractions
Awakens a whole new world
From the inside out
~
Transformation can take place
Energy is ignited
When I decide to give thought
And take the action
~
Distractions follow feelings
Feelings are ruled by the mind
Winds of desire can destroy
Or they can give life
~
So the big question
Is what do I really want
The answer shapes the vision
Then the questions form
I follow seeking knowledge
Being shaped by the answers
~
Respect for myself
And for all those around me
Even enemies
Leads me to reconsider
And think about what matters
~
I will decide that
Not a generational
Relational lie
That will revolve around me
But revolves around life
~
Thank you, Sarah Young, author of Jesus Calling, for your thoughtful comments on the following passages.Luke 6:37; 2 Timothy4:8; Titus 3:4,5; Romans 8:1
http://www.coachinglifematters.org
The Invisible Factor
December 7, 2012
~
Looking back I see
The invisible factor
In solitude I found it
A love without end
The people I hold sacred
Are the treasures of my life
~
Two things are invisible
Hidden wanting to be found
There are evil intentions
Then there are the good
~
What takes place in me
My emotions and feelings
My invisible thinking
Will direct my life
~
You will not see it
You’ll know it by my actions
There are no secrets
~
So I’ll guard my heart
I’ll decide where I focus
The gift that I have
Is I get to make the choice
I choose invisible joy
~
I am free to go
Follow the internal lead
Choose who I will trust
Looking back I am aware
Of a love who seeks me out
Reflections written after meditating on the words of Jesus in Matthew 10:29-31; and Paul in 2 Corinthians 4:18; Colossians 2:2-3. and in Hebrews 11:27. The invisible factor will always rule the choices. No exceptions!
I celebrate this morning I get to choose who it is that will be the most influential thinker in my life today. The book “Jesus Calling” is a good place to start. I have learned that I am powerless under my feelings. They will dictate the choices unless I recognized and understand where those feelings are taking me. The invisible lies must be exposed. Also, it helps to know where they come from. If you will train to think through your choices, to look down stream at where those choices are taking you, to seek help from those you see are living in joy, and to call on the One who brings this mysterious love, you will find your way to joy.
~
Miracle Presence
November 14, 2012
~
I will listen to one voice
The one that can be trusted
He has been tested and tried
He heals all my wounds
~
This daily practice
Of choosing not to worry
Just because he said
“Don’t worry about your life”
“What does worry add to you?”
I have found a key
For healing and freeing men
Helping people move forward
Through obstacles
Understanding your own story
The richness of your own life
~
If you look within
The wounded places stand out
You survived the pain
Do you know the reason why
And where to find the healing
~
He knows your story
Understands right where you are
And offers healing
Who is this one who is present
Who makes a promise of life
~
Know his story well
Listen only to his voice
What he says is relevant
Connected and true
I know how much he loves me
~
I’ll be strong and courageous
I will not give in to lies
I’ll be kind and merciful
And love without end
~
Because Jesus loves
I’ll love you with the same love
Forgiveness at the center
Miracle Presence
I believe with all my heart
His resurrection power
~
Energy given
When I decide to believe
And act in obedience
Against my feelings
Then his healing touch will come
I drink the living water
~
“Faith needs to meet people where they live otherwise it is irrelevant.” Glenn Hinson
For fifty-one years, I have asked the real hard questions about human relationships. No one has made more sense to me about life than Jesus of Nazareth. His teachings and the way he treated a person were contrary to the religion of his day. They killed him for it. They are contrary to the religion of my day. What mattered to him was the person. It will take your best mind to look carefully at your own story, and his story to make the connection. The distractions of your own pain, and the distractions of others vying for your time and energy are formidable obstacles. When Jesus said, “I came to give life and give it abundantly” I said he is either a liar, crazy or telling the truth. I was in such a desperate state I was compelled to search out the facts of his story. I wanted to know how he put his pants on, who he ran around with, what was important to him, because he gave a promise that was outlandish, but one I so desperately wanted to be true.
Reflections this morning are from Jesus Calling , by Sarah Young as well as Luke 12:22-26, II Corinthians 10:5, Deuteronomy 31:6, John 4.
With Great Joy I Move
October 13, 2012
~
With great joy I move
Not because where I go
But who is with me
On level ground I will stand
To the mountains I will go
To the valley I am sent
But never alone
I’ll not live in fear
Though evil is all around
I am confident
One thing I will seek
With my eyes fixed on beauty
A relationship of love
When the trouble comes
He keeps me safe with his peace
A song in my heart
I have seen the face of God
In the servant lives
Of those who have surrendered
Moses, David, and Peter
My confidence is in this
Each of these lives were broken
The light came through their failure
A love beyond words
God has been faithful
For generations it’s love
And, also, today
Looking back I can see it
Looking forward I claim it
Based on reflections from my own life,
Psalms 26-30; Proverbs 6; and
Jesus Calling by Sarah Young
~
Desire of Your Heart
October 9, 2012
A way is revealed
With gentleness and kindness
Love will come in a whisper
When you long to know
You seek God’s wisdom above all
Make knowledge of truth your aim
There is one constant
A surprise to discover
It’s unfailing love
In seeking the truth
Being disciplined to think
I found in desperation
A hunger for life
Simple answers do not work
Honest questions saved me
It is too good to be true
Wisdom and understanding
Is available to all
Who delight in God
Yes, it is the truth
One must practice believing Him
Take Him at His word
What’s the desire of your heart
There are promises for you
If you delight in the Lord
Light comes to your soul
Proverbs 8; Psalms 36-40; Jesus Calling by Sarah Young
Your Story Matters 