The Window of Opportunity

When you look out a window, what do you see? Obviously that depends on what is out there, right? Can you see beyond that? Not just what is out there but even more so, what could be out there? 

I would say I am a optimistic realist. I see the glass not as half full or half empty but for what it really is and the possibility of what it can become. At least that is what I want. That's not easy, especially if, like me, you have seen plenty of failures,  but...

To live like Jesus, you have to live with possibility.

This is the faith factor of living: You see the possibilities in life because you have faith. The scripture reads, “Everything is possible for one who believes” (NIV).

I believe that we should be the most innovative and creative people on the planet because all things are possible. When you have faith, it expands your horizon. You can be much more creative and innovative.

When you have unbelief, it limits your life and even the lives of others to some degree.

The more you trust God, build relationships and trust with people in your life, the more limitless your possibilities become for your family, your career and for your life!

Don't be afraid to dream big dreams and pursue those dreams with passion. Everyday there are new windows of opportunity. Can you see them?

Things to ponder,

In what area or areas of our lives are we limited by our unbelief?
What needs changing in our lives?   
 What are we waiting for?

Hope For The New Year?

When the clock strikes twelve on December 31st, people all over the world cheer and wish each other a very Happy New Year. For some, the New Year symbolizes the beginning of a better tomorrow. For me, it brings a reminder to cherish the people in my life today.

 No one knows what the New Year will bring, but I can bring some hope into the lives around me in 2013. So if you look forward to a good year ahead, practice some of these things below. It can change someone’s life and also your own in 2013.

Acceptance is when we willingly and unconditionally love someone. Can you look beyond a person’s faults and still care for them? There’s not a better way to give a person hope than by accepting them for who they are, not for what they do.

Love is expressing care through physical touch and tender words. Tell people you love them. Tell your spouse, your children, and your colleagues. Tell people in the hospital, at weddings, at funerals. Try calling someone today and say, “I wanted to give you a quick call to tell you thank you for being part of our church family and for being a good friend. I love you, and I’m proud to call you friend.”

Approval is by building up or affirming a person and acknowledging the importance of the relationship. An employer I know called out a young man in an employee meeting: “Josh, the way you organize the office has made everybody so pleased. We can find things now. You are making everybody’s work so much easier. Thank you so much.” The boss made a big deposit.

Connection is when we enter another person’s world. There is no substitute for spending time with someone. And it’s not just time—it’s time and really listening to people from your heart. If you will truly listen to someone, whether they are happy or sad, they will feel better. “Being heard is so close to being loved that for the average person, they are almost indistinguishable.” David Augsburger

Encouragement happens when urging people to hang in there, to persist toward the goal they so want to achieve. Send notes, phone someone, pray with someone, take someone to dinner or a movie. People are dying for someone to say, “I’m so proud of what you are doing. You make this world a better place to live in.”

Respect is by honoring and regarding people as important. Do you show deference to your spouse’s opinion? Do you listen to your children? Do you respect people’s time? Do you respect people from different backgrounds and religions?

No one is promised tomorrow, so let’s make sure we appreciate those around us today.

Happy New Year!