Thought For Today - 12/3/09

I often tell individuals that we are defined by the decisions we make each day. It does not matter whether we are selecting a restaurant, a new career, a move to another state, these decisions will shape our lives one way or another.

When we make or chose these decisions it allows us to enjoy the benefits of self-determination. However, it can also cause anxiety because decisions force us to face the possibility of dissatisfaction and inner conflict if we don't have peace with the decisions.

As a result, many of us opt to avoid making decisions by allowing others to make them for us (I have been here too many times). We consequently turn our power over to others, such as a spouse, relative, or friend, which gives them power to and over our lives which is not there's.

From personal experience, the decisions I have to make can be challenging, but with each decision I grow more self-sufficient and secure each time I trust myself and the leading of God in choosing.

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 12/2/09

The other day I was at the grocery store and I gave place for a complete stranger to step ahead of me in the checkout line. To me it was such a little thing, and yet it filled my heart with happiness.

What I experienced, was more than just allowing someone to step before me to checkout first. It was an affirmation of being connected to people - a stranger and, therefore, to all beings.

On the surface, being kind to others appears to arise from a sense that this is something we are suppose to do. But, on a deeper level, we all are connected, whether we want to accept it or not.

Once we break away from our self-centered point of view, it's expectations and demands, we will then be able to accept people in the simplest way, no matter what their circumstances, situations, etc., because we have been given the miracle of life to live this day.

Live today as if it is your last day. Live and love people on purpose!

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 12/1/09

As we begin the month of December 2009, let me begin by saying God so loved the world that He gave Jesus to us. This is the reason we celebrate Christmas with giving, because Jesus was the greatest gift that has ever been given!

God send Jesus to bless us. That is good news! The gift of The Blessing has been given so we can give it to the world.

You don't have to be in full-time church ministry to give the blessing to the world. Regardless of your vocation, you have the same ability to bless others. It does not matter whether you are a pastor, an attorney, or housewife, if you are doing what you are called to do, you can carry blessing to people wherever you go!

You can go about doing good and releasing God's compassion to the world just like Jesus did. Because the God who so love the world that He sent His only begotten Son, has put that same love in you!

Much love,
Joseph