Twenty Some Days Of Thanks

Eight days ago Thomas, the Lead Pastor of my church, shared something in our time of prayer prior to the worship service.  He made the observation that he had been seeing a lot of social media posts relating to frustration over the seemingly never-ending winter.  While he too was not a fan of the weather, especially in this, his first Wisconsin winter, he encouraged us to spend a few minute focusing on the positive and giving thanks to God.  Those 15 minutes were not only the highlight of my day, but were also pivotal in bringing about a change in my attitude.
The next day I decided to carry Thomas' encouragement further.  I was reminded how in November, leading up to Thanksgiving, many people updated their status daily with things for which they gave thanks.  So I thought it would be kind of fun to do something similar for the remaining days of February.  I have dubbed it the #TwentySomeDaysOfThanks.
So far it's been pretty cool.  I've noticed that my attitude has been better.  Instead of complaining about things I've been trying to look for the positive in every situation.  It's so easy, at least for me, to get caught up in the negative.  I mean let's be honest; it's been a tough winter.  But here's one thing that I have discovered.  When I look for the good and give thanks to God my whole outlook changes.
Is every aspect of my day going to be perfect?  I doubt it.  But all in all I've got a pretty fantastic life.  I have so much for which to be thankful!  So why not give praise, honor, and glory to Him who has given it to me?
Since I've started this adventure of thanks I have become so much more aware of all the wonderful things God has done.  For example, yesterday morning I was taken aback by the beauty of the flowers that were in a vase on our kitchen counter.  So much so that I had to take a picture.  They were given to my wife and I the night before by some friends we had to our house for dinner.  As I snapped the shot I couldn't help but give thanks to God for creating such beauty.  And when I uploaded the picture and made it the cover photo on my Facebook page had to again give thanks to God.  This time for blessing my wife and I with wonderful friends like them, and many more, who have brought such love, joy, and laughter to our lives.
It's not rocket surgery, (I know; I'm mixing them up on purpose because I'm also thankful for dorky humor,) nobody needs a PhD in gratitude.  Most of the time I just give a silent "Thank you God for _____" and go about my day.  I encourage you to do the same.  I'd love to hear/read your stories of thanks as well.


The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease.  Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin fresh each morning.
   Lamentations 3:22-23 (NLT)

Hearing Voices

I hear voices.
There are voices everywhere.
Some are just whispers.
Others are like sonic booms.

Before you call the men in white coats, think about it; you hear them too.
Some times the words from our past come back to haunt us.  They remind us of our previous failures.
Some times they come from those around us.  The words of others can have either positive or negative impact.  Their words can be used to build us up or tear us down.  Some times the one speaking isn't even aware of their possible impact.  Sadly, there are also times when some are so full of hurt that the only way to feel better is to make others as miserable as themselves.

But I've learned something...
Words are just words.
Deep, I know, I'll give you a second to bask in the brilliance.
.
.
Okay, now allow me to explain.
As I said, we hear things from many sources.  But how we receive them is what determines whether they touch us.
I'm learning that we are insulated.  We can choose what we allow to touch us and how.  Someone tells you that you possess the qualities that makes you a good friend.  You can accept those words.  (Sadly, we often times find it difficult to receive/believe compliments.)  And if someone tells you that you will never amount to anything of any good in this life- You can recognize it as a lie and refuse to let it affect us.

I spent too many years believing that the negative words spoken to me were true.  But I have come to realize that there are negative influences everywhere.  Just take a minute reading comments on online articles and the like.  People seem to derive pleasure from attacking others.
I have chosen to take the power back.  We have the choice whether to allow crippling words to distort our view of ourselves.

So what do we do?
First of all, I believe we need to break the cycle.  The easiest thing to do would be to lash out at the ones that hurt us.  But that usually ends up snowballing into a giant mass of hurt and negativity.  Instead, we must recognize the lies that do not come from God.  God is truth.  God is love.  If words are not tempered by truth and love they are garbage.  Turn your back on them and seek that which is good and perfect.

 

Tested On My Promise

Hi!

Last week I wrote about my resolution to love more.  I think I have been doing pretty well, even acknowledging out loud when I've spoken to someone in a manner that was less than loving.

But then came Sunday.
I was in church and someone next to me had a terrible cough.  I remember thinking "I should get up and move to another seat."  I tried to justify my thought with the excuse that I didn't want to get sick.  But I God reminded me of my resolution.  He didn't do it in a way that made me feel guilty.  I don't believe that God makes us feel like jerks but rather gives us encouragement to do think more like Him.
So as I sat there he started coughing again.  I remembered the candy cane I had in the beautiful plaid sport coat I was wearing.  When I put it on in the morning I found it in the pocket from the last time it had been worn.  I didn't take it out thinking I would have it with "just in case."  As my the friend next me was coughing violently I said to myself "Here's your 'just in case.'"  I handed it to him and said "Maybe this will help?"  He thanked me for it and put part in his mouth.  As he did, I put my hand on his shoulder and prayed for him.  Because I was reminded that I had resolved to love more I was able to pray from a place of love.  In the past I have probably asked God to make him stop coughing (A.K.A. "annoying me.")  But praying with love means that I asked God to bring total healing to this man.  I believe God is capable of doing far more than we ask or even imagine!
This is how I want to live my life, acting and treating people with love.  I'm talking real, godly love!

Thanks for reading and don't forget to share the Seriously Jimmy? blog with your friends!
Peace and love!
Jimmy

New Year, New Jimmy, Seriously!

Yesterday our lead pastor asked if any of us had made any New Year's resolutions.  It was weird, not very many people had (or if they did they didn't share.)  I have heard/read a lot of people putting down the concept of making resolutions.  They usually say something like "If you want to make a positive change you should implement it immediately instead of waiting for a certain date."  Heck, I've probably even said stuff like that in the past.  I know I once said that I resolved to not make any more resolutions (just another thing for which I would love to travel back in time and punch the younger me in the head.)
But I believe there is something to be said for setting a specific day.  I've given some thought to what I might resolve.  That alone is a great start.  If it were not for the new year I might not have considered the necessity for analysis.  And while Alcoholic Anonymous, rightly so, encourages the alcoholic to begin recovery immediately they also have found keeping track and the celebration of sobriety milestones beneficial.

So here is my resolution...
I resolve to love more.
Sounds pretty basic yet it scares the stuffing out of me.  Here's why:

To love more means, at times, sacrificing comfort.
I am selfish!  I don't mind doing things for people when I feel like it.  When I think of someone who sacrifices comfort my friend Erik comes to mind.  The guy is the best example I know of someone who shares the love of Christ through serving God's children.  I want to have a heart of service like his.

To love more means, at times, sacrificing feelings.
I have a history of speaking out because "I deserve better."  But some times I need to follow the example of Jesus and be silent.  This doesn't mean making myself a doormat, but rather continuing a practice I've been attempting to implement recently; to pray and think before I speak.  And some times that means putting the feelings of others before my own.

To love more means, sometimes, speaking up.
If I were to see someone walking in to the street and a car headed toward them I would yell "Watch out!"  Yet we have been programmed as Christians to remain silent for fear of offending others.  Watering down God's word to the point where we make it unrecognizable does no one favors.  We are talking about people's lives here.  Let's love them enough to take a stand!

To love more means changing the way I speak.
I've always been one that went for the easy laugh, even if it was at the expense of others.  My friend Kimberly's mom called me out on this one once last year.  I had made a snarky comment to a friend at Bible study and she let me have it!  The next time I saw the friend I pulled her aside to make sure she knew it was a joke because it what I said about her was so opposite of how I really felt.  She assured me that she knew it was a joke and had laughed too.  But the one who called me out resonated.

There are a lot more things associated with loving more I think this is a pretty good start.

I'd love to hear/read if you've made any resolutions.

I Believe in Santa Claus

This time of year I remember watching Garfield Goose on TV in Chicago.  Somewhere around this time of year there was a special mini movie that the host, Fraiser Thomas played to officially kick off the Christmas season.

I've always loved Christmas time, the lights, the decorations, the tamales.
Around 3rd or 4th grade many of my friend's parents told them that Santa Claus wasn't real.  Of course each one seemed to think that it was their job to make certain their peers learned this (supposed) truth.
Personally, I've held on to my belief in Santa.

I know what you're thinking, "This is a Christian blog.  You're a dang pastor for crying out loud!"  To that, my response is (respectfully) "Get over it."

I understand that we celebrate Christmas to mark the birth of our savior Jesus.  His life and sacrifice of that life are the foundations of our faith!

But believe there is always room for Santa.
When my kids were at the previously mentioned age where all of their friends tried to ruin their Christmas, they asked me "Dad, is Santa Claus real?"
My answer was always the same, "I believe in Santa Claus."
Here's why:
-Santa encourages kids to be good.  I know I never wanted to be on his "naughty list."
-Santa promotes generosity- I loved the stories my dad used to tell of how he would get some toy or gift made from materials his parents re-purposed in to something special just for him.  Often the original item was something of value that his mother or father had given up to make the day special for the family.
-Santa brings joy- or at the very least temporarily allows us to forget our differences and unite.  Who can hear that loud "Ho, Ho, Ho" without at least cracking a smile?
And
-Santa takes us back.  When I see Santa I feel like a kid all over again.  How can that be a bad thing?

This year I wore my Grandpa Woody's Santa costume.
It was one of the most fun experiences!  Walking the streets of downtown Madison in full costume was a blast!  I had people honk and wave, and almost everyone answered back when I shouted out "Ho, Ho, Ho!  Merry Christmas!"
The church kids at the party I attended lit up when they saw Santa.  Even the adults had a great time being kids again.
I can't wait to be one of Santa's helpers again next year!
-- Interesting true fact, my Mom's maiden name?  Claus!

That's the Santa Claus in which I believe!

Merry Christ-mas!

Jimmy's Fat?

Hi again,
This entry is almost a year in the making.
Last year, when we got home from our Christmas vacation, I put a note to blog about this subject now (actually I was supposed to on Monday but I got distracted.)  So here it is.

Last Christmas (don't worry, I won't launch into the Wham song,) we made the trek to Indiana and Michigan to visit various family members.  While visiting one home I hugged one person who, as they were hugging me said loud enough for all to here, "Oh, you've gained weight."  I pushed them away and said "Gee thanks for pointing it out."  They backpedaled and said "Oh, no, it looks good on you!"  I informed them that there was nothing they could say after that that would make me feel any better.  We made the best of the time together but I couldn't stop thinking about it and passed on the Christmas cookies.  Here's the thing:

Chances are that if people have gained weight since the last time you've seen them they are most likely aware!  Pointing it out will have nothing but negative results.  I'm a pretty quick thinker and there were a ton of things I wanted to say to hurt that persons feelings as they had mine.  But I chose not to participate in the pattern of negativity.
Christmas and other holidays seem to be a catalyst for drama.  Emotions run high.  I don't know maybe it's because prior to gathering we've run ourselves ragged to the point that the filter that is usually between our brain and our mouth gets switched off.  I encourage us all to remember those filters and engage them properly.  Perhaps we would be wise to error on the side of over filtering.
Picture it, Aunt Kathy brings her famous turkey dressing.  What she doesn't know is that it's famous for being as dry as the Sahara Desert.  When she says to you "Oh have some of my dressing, I know how much you love it!"  Instead of saying "Heck no, last time I ate that I almost choked!"  Why not say "Sure Aunt Kathy, It really brings out the flavor of this gravy."  And pour on enough gravy help you get it (and hopefully keep it) down.  You'll make her day!

Granted not everyone reads this blog, although they should, so there will most likely be folks who forget to tend to their filter.  I have learned that my responsibility is not to remind them to filter.  It is my job not to react but to always act in love.  Will it be difficult, probably.
But if things get uncomfortable, take a deep breath and remember that it's one day out of 365.

If that doesn't work, just remember, "Jimmy's gained weight!" That should at least bring a smile to your face.

Choose love!

Merry Christmas!

Identity

In 2003, at the age of twenty-eight, I went back to college.  While there preparing for ministry I had a crisis of identity.  

If I had grades that were any less than perfection I freaked out and I ran myself ragged trying to please everyone I knew.  

I eventually found myself taking advantage of the free counseling program offered by the school.  

The counselor asked me why I felt the need to get perfect grades.  She told me that, "Ten years from now do you really think anyone is going to ask what your GPA was?  She also asked my why I felt that I needed to do so many things for others. 

I thought long and hard on those questions, especially the second one.  Being a verbal processor I had long arguments with myself in her office.  

But after a long time and many tears, I came to a conclusion in the form of a question.  "If I don't do these things, what reason would anyone have for loving me or even wanting to be my friend?"  I mean seriously, I was 20 years older than the majority of the students and my prior college experience ended after a year with a .5 GPA.  

The counselor gave me an assignment.  "Go home and make 2 lists" she told me.  "On one write out how you see yourself.  And on the other, list how God sees you."

I don't remember everything that was on the lists, but I do remember that after reading them to the counselor she asked, "Now, which list is true."
Knowing that God is love and that He doesn't lie I had to answer that it was the "God list."  "So why not accept the way He sees you and live as such?"
I may be a bit slow on the uptake, but I'm not dumb.  I decided to give it a shot.
I stopped killing myself with stressing over being "good enough" so that people would love me.  This doesn't mean that I stopped doing things for others or working to get the best grades possible. 

I just had a different reason.  I began doing things as a response to God's love.  

I no longer put my identity in being a perfect student, my identity in God motivated me to work hard.
No longer was my identity in doing things to be worthy of love, my identity in God's love caused me to love and serve others as I was able.  

I learned that the old saying is true, "You can't truly love others until you learn to love yourself."  

For me, the first step in loving myself came from accepting God's perfect love.  

His love is there for you too.  All you need to do is receive it.

Then you too can find your identity in Him.
And you will begin to live the life for which you were created.  

I would love to hear from you and if you would like, I'd be honored to pray for you.  

God bless y'all,

Jimmy (Seriously!)