You've probably heard the saying "Success is not a destination, but a journey". It is not something achieved quickly. Also, it is almost always begun in the mind first. In a word, it is hope. You have to first make a decision on what you want and what will motivate you to overcome any obstacles along the way. You can learn how if you know what and you have a big enough why.
A new friend of mine put it in perspective for me. She said, "I'm in the transportation business. I help people get from where they are to where they want to go." How eloquent! So where do you want to go? You must know the direction you're headed. A person headed nowhere does not need your help to get there.
How often does this happen - someone else says something to you and all of a sudden the answer just clicks in your brain. How did that happen?
There are two different sides of your brain, the left and right. The left side is where logic and very detailed processes are executed. The right side contains your creativity and imagination. Over time, people tend to develop one side of the brain more than the other. They typically rely on the one side they are most comfortable with. Sometimes it takes just a word to two from someone else to bridge that gap between the left and right side of your brain - a matter of inches.
So what if that bridge didn't exist or was inaccessible? How far can you go on your own? There are people that proclaim to be self-made millionaires. However, in what position were they when they were born? Who fed them when they were little? Who taught them in school? Who put a roof over them while growing up? No man or woman is an island. Everyone needs help to accomplish success.
So I will add this thought to my friend's statement - many times the distance is only an inch or two, but the destination is miles from where they were. Who will be your bridge?
You can learn how if you know the what and you have a big enough why. The journey first begins in your mind. Where are you going?
Thanks Cass!
As iron sharpens iron,
so one man sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17 (NIV)
If you have questions or comments, please feel free to contact me at the address below.
Email: DeltaInspire2@hushmail.com
Monday, May 31, 2010
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
What Is Your Currency?
Bailouts. Stimulus packages. Bank failures. Foreclosures. All of these things indicate that there is a sickness in our economy, a grave one. Is there really a shortage of money? No. The government proves this every day by printing more and more of it - now by the trillions.
The problem is that too many people don't have enough of it (money, currency) to continue in what they were doing. There is an imbalance. However, let us remember that our currency is only special green paper with numbers on it. Currency is only an accepted medium of exchange. It represents something. It represents faith or stability in our economy. Obviously, we do have a sickness, because things are not very stable.
Consider this - suppose you wake up tomorrow and the currency we are used to has no value at all. It is totally worthless. What would you do?
Obviously, you still need to eat and provide for your loved ones. How would you get those provisions? Would you barter (an exchange of goods and services without money)? What do you have that someone else wants or needs?
Now you really have to think to survive. You would have to use your thoughts, talents, abilities, etc. for real exchange without the convenience of money. Do you have enough?
I assure you that you do have enough if you really think about it. Physical strength, insight, attractiveness, friends, faith, family, health, problem solving capability, etc. are just some of the possessions you already have (in no particular order).
What would you use to survive? What things would you turn to first? What is most easily transferable?
Things are changing. It is likely to get worse, a lot worse. Our dollar is getting worth less and less each time they crank up the printing press. We have less to provide for our loved ones.
What can we do to prepare for more financial sickness when it comes? Now you will have to think on that. If you continue the way things have been, it is likely you will get financially sick also, like the many millions in this country that are under extreme financial pressure. Maybe you are already are. Can you get out from underneath that pressure?
What you do with these questions will likely impact the rest of your life.
As always, the choice is yours.
This bears repeating:
Train a child in the way he should go,
and when he is old he will not turn from it.
The rich rule over the poor,
and the borrower is servant to the lender.
He who sows wickedness reaps trouble,
and the rod of his fury will be destroyed.
A generous man will himself be blessed,
for he shares his food with the poor. Proverbs 22:6-9 (NIV)
If you have questions or comments, please feel free to contact me at the address below.
Email: DeltaInspire2@hushmail.com
The problem is that too many people don't have enough of it (money, currency) to continue in what they were doing. There is an imbalance. However, let us remember that our currency is only special green paper with numbers on it. Currency is only an accepted medium of exchange. It represents something. It represents faith or stability in our economy. Obviously, we do have a sickness, because things are not very stable.
Consider this - suppose you wake up tomorrow and the currency we are used to has no value at all. It is totally worthless. What would you do?
Obviously, you still need to eat and provide for your loved ones. How would you get those provisions? Would you barter (an exchange of goods and services without money)? What do you have that someone else wants or needs?
Now you really have to think to survive. You would have to use your thoughts, talents, abilities, etc. for real exchange without the convenience of money. Do you have enough?
I assure you that you do have enough if you really think about it. Physical strength, insight, attractiveness, friends, faith, family, health, problem solving capability, etc. are just some of the possessions you already have (in no particular order).
What would you use to survive? What things would you turn to first? What is most easily transferable?
Things are changing. It is likely to get worse, a lot worse. Our dollar is getting worth less and less each time they crank up the printing press. We have less to provide for our loved ones.
What can we do to prepare for more financial sickness when it comes? Now you will have to think on that. If you continue the way things have been, it is likely you will get financially sick also, like the many millions in this country that are under extreme financial pressure. Maybe you are already are. Can you get out from underneath that pressure?
What you do with these questions will likely impact the rest of your life.
As always, the choice is yours.
This bears repeating:
Train a child in the way he should go,
and when he is old he will not turn from it.
The rich rule over the poor,
and the borrower is servant to the lender.
He who sows wickedness reaps trouble,
and the rod of his fury will be destroyed.
A generous man will himself be blessed,
for he shares his food with the poor. Proverbs 22:6-9 (NIV)
If you have questions or comments, please feel free to contact me at the address below.
Email: DeltaInspire2@hushmail.com
Monday, March 15, 2010
Quick Tips
By the way, I'm still alive! I ran across a couple of quick tips that I had to pass along.
For those who would like to end the constant pre-qualified credit offers in the mail - check out www.optoutprescreen.com. It is simple and takes less than a minute to complete. This tip is courtesy of Patrick Kelly, author of Tax Free Retirement. I personally feel that this book is a must read for anyone who would like to achieve financial health, stability, and peace of mind. It is a very concise, effective, and easy read. The book value is priceless!
Also, from Patrick Kelly's endnotes - US National Debt Clock - www.brillig.com/debt_clock/.
Train a child in the way he should go,
and when he is old he will not turn from it.
The rich rule over the poor,
and the borrower is servant to the lender.
He who sows wickedness reaps trouble,
and the rod of his fury will be destroyed.
A generous man will himself be blessed,
for he shares his food with the poor. Proverbs 22:6-9 (NIV)
If you have questions or comments, please feel free to contact me at the address below.
Email: DeltaInspire2@hushmail.com
For those who would like to end the constant pre-qualified credit offers in the mail - check out www.optoutprescreen.com. It is simple and takes less than a minute to complete. This tip is courtesy of Patrick Kelly, author of Tax Free Retirement. I personally feel that this book is a must read for anyone who would like to achieve financial health, stability, and peace of mind. It is a very concise, effective, and easy read. The book value is priceless!
Also, from Patrick Kelly's endnotes - US National Debt Clock - www.brillig.com/debt_clock/.
Train a child in the way he should go,
and when he is old he will not turn from it.
The rich rule over the poor,
and the borrower is servant to the lender.
He who sows wickedness reaps trouble,
and the rod of his fury will be destroyed.
A generous man will himself be blessed,
for he shares his food with the poor. Proverbs 22:6-9 (NIV)
If you have questions or comments, please feel free to contact me at the address below.
Email: DeltaInspire2@hushmail.com
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
A New Dawn
In these troubling economic times, things can look pretty bleak. Well, I have received some news that some major changes are coming down the road over the coming months. So hang in there!
"Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. Luke 12:27-31 (NIV)
If you have questions or comments, please feel free to contact me at the address below.
Email: DeltaInspire2@hushmail.com
"Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. Luke 12:27-31 (NIV)
If you have questions or comments, please feel free to contact me at the address below.
Email: DeltaInspire2@hushmail.com
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Starting Over
On this New Year's Eve for 2009, let us all remember reflecting on the past can serve multiple purposes. First, we can look back on all the good things that we can be thankful for, especially family and friends. If we have our health, we certainly must be thankful for that. Without our health, everything becomes dire.
Second, if we have had challenges, we can be thankful that we survived them or at least we are continuing on. Hope is strictly reserved for those that persevere.
Third, we can forget about our mistakes and grievances. Fretting about personal failures of one form or another does no good. The only good from these are the lessons applied to our lives.
Fourth, we have the opportunity to change our lives for the better in the New Year. Starting over is such a good thing, especially if things have gone badly. We don't have to wait for New Year's Day to do this, we can do this every day. New Year's resolutions don't do anyone any good unless a new good habit is formed. Activities must be done everyday for 21 days to become a habit. 3 short weeks! Who will stick to it? Once the habit is formed, it becomes more difficult to break it. 3 short weeks to a better life - isn't that worth it?
Remember my IKC principle:
Information is not knowledge without action.
Knowledge creates choices.
Choices allow us to change our lives.
As always, the choice is yours!
"The time is coming," declares the LORD,
"when I will make a new covenant
with the house of Israel
and with the house of Judah.
It will not be like the covenant
I made with their forefathers
when I took them by the hand
to lead them out of Egypt,
because they broke my covenant,
though I was a husband to them."
declares the LORD.
"This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel
after that time," declares the LORD.
"I will put my law in their minds
and write it on their hearts.
I will be their God,
and they will be my people.
No longer will a man teach his neighbor,
or a man his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,'
because they will all know me,
from the least of them to the greatest,"
declares the LORD.
"For I will forgive their wickedness
and will remember their sins no more." Jeremiah 31:31-34 (NIV)
If you have questions or comments, please feel free to contact me at the address below.
Email: DeltaInspire2@hushmail.com
Second, if we have had challenges, we can be thankful that we survived them or at least we are continuing on. Hope is strictly reserved for those that persevere.
Third, we can forget about our mistakes and grievances. Fretting about personal failures of one form or another does no good. The only good from these are the lessons applied to our lives.
Fourth, we have the opportunity to change our lives for the better in the New Year. Starting over is such a good thing, especially if things have gone badly. We don't have to wait for New Year's Day to do this, we can do this every day. New Year's resolutions don't do anyone any good unless a new good habit is formed. Activities must be done everyday for 21 days to become a habit. 3 short weeks! Who will stick to it? Once the habit is formed, it becomes more difficult to break it. 3 short weeks to a better life - isn't that worth it?
Remember my IKC principle:
Information is not knowledge without action.
Knowledge creates choices.
Choices allow us to change our lives.
As always, the choice is yours!
"The time is coming," declares the LORD,
"when I will make a new covenant
with the house of Israel
and with the house of Judah.
It will not be like the covenant
I made with their forefathers
when I took them by the hand
to lead them out of Egypt,
because they broke my covenant,
though I was a husband to them."
declares the LORD.
"This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel
after that time," declares the LORD.
"I will put my law in their minds
and write it on their hearts.
I will be their God,
and they will be my people.
No longer will a man teach his neighbor,
or a man his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,'
because they will all know me,
from the least of them to the greatest,"
declares the LORD.
"For I will forgive their wickedness
and will remember their sins no more." Jeremiah 31:31-34 (NIV)
If you have questions or comments, please feel free to contact me at the address below.
Email: DeltaInspire2@hushmail.com
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Are You Ready?
For what? This is the obvious question to this question (unless he replies "for some football!!!).
This depends on you. What are you ready to change in your life? Do you really want to lose weight but have tried nearly everything with no success? Are you tired of the crushing debt with no relief? Are you tired of being alone and want a partner? Maybe you want to reconnect with someone you love but have no idea how to?
The answer lies within you. Motivation to change must come from within, not from someone else. Sure, a friend might make suggestions. A professional might steer you through the maze of legalese. A minister might get you in touch with what is really driving you.
However, it still relies on you to initiate the change. Until then nothing will happen. You have to take the first step. Next, there will always be obstacles. Change is never easy. If it was, you would have already done it long again. You must have the persistence and the willpower to push through or go around those obstacles.
This is the main reason why people do not change. It is too much work to push through the obstacles. They get too used to the idea of the way things are, whether good or bad. It is called their "comfort zone" or "status quo". "Why fix what isn't broken" is a common response of the uninspired.
Here is another way to put it. "Unless you try to do something beyond what you have already mastered, you will never grow." Some are so very comfortable where they are at, they never want to grow.
Some may never start for fear of failing again. Let me address this statement in two parts. Fear is really False Expectations Appearing Real. False expectations are just limits the we place on ourselves. It's our own internal walls or boundaries that we do not want to cross.
The second part of that statement is dealing with failure. Failure is always part of success. I will repeat that. Failure is always part of success. We always learn more from our mistakes than we learn from our successes.
So what is really stopping you. The simple answer - you. Only you can stop you.
"Do or do not, there is no try" is the great quote from Yoda in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back.
The simple truth is that if you really want to change, if it's really important to you, you will find a way. There are many words to describe this - persistence, determination, sheer willpower, drive, ambition, etc. All of these ideas come from within you.
As always, the choice is yours.
To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. Romans 2:7 (NIV)
If you have questions or comments, please feel free to contact me at the address below.
Email: DeltaInspire@hushmail.com
This depends on you. What are you ready to change in your life? Do you really want to lose weight but have tried nearly everything with no success? Are you tired of the crushing debt with no relief? Are you tired of being alone and want a partner? Maybe you want to reconnect with someone you love but have no idea how to?
The answer lies within you. Motivation to change must come from within, not from someone else. Sure, a friend might make suggestions. A professional might steer you through the maze of legalese. A minister might get you in touch with what is really driving you.
However, it still relies on you to initiate the change. Until then nothing will happen. You have to take the first step. Next, there will always be obstacles. Change is never easy. If it was, you would have already done it long again. You must have the persistence and the willpower to push through or go around those obstacles.
This is the main reason why people do not change. It is too much work to push through the obstacles. They get too used to the idea of the way things are, whether good or bad. It is called their "comfort zone" or "status quo". "Why fix what isn't broken" is a common response of the uninspired.
Here is another way to put it. "Unless you try to do something beyond what you have already mastered, you will never grow." Some are so very comfortable where they are at, they never want to grow.
Some may never start for fear of failing again. Let me address this statement in two parts. Fear is really False Expectations Appearing Real. False expectations are just limits the we place on ourselves. It's our own internal walls or boundaries that we do not want to cross.
The second part of that statement is dealing with failure. Failure is always part of success. I will repeat that. Failure is always part of success. We always learn more from our mistakes than we learn from our successes.
So what is really stopping you. The simple answer - you. Only you can stop you.
"Do or do not, there is no try" is the great quote from Yoda in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back.
The simple truth is that if you really want to change, if it's really important to you, you will find a way. There are many words to describe this - persistence, determination, sheer willpower, drive, ambition, etc. All of these ideas come from within you.
As always, the choice is yours.
To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. Romans 2:7 (NIV)
If you have questions or comments, please feel free to contact me at the address below.
Email: DeltaInspire@hushmail.com
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Pay It Forward
What have we done to make the world a better place? Think on that a moment. Is humanity better off because of our existence? This is a big responsibility that few have lived up to. Before we start to complain about this or that, ask yourself what you have done to change things, not only for yourself but for others also.
This concept is truly an eye opening experience. It is one that not only could change your life, but change the whole world as well.
In the 2000 movie "Pay It Forward", Social Studies teacher Eugene Simonet played by Kevin Spacey, gives his class an extra credit assignment. He challenges his class to come up with an idea that could change the world, and put it into action.
Trevor McKinney, a bright but troubled 7th grader played by Haley Joel Osment, comes up with the idea that you have to do 3 acts of kindness to others. They are not allowed to repay this act of kindness to the person who did it for them, but to in turn do 3 acts of kindness to others. Thus, they pay the debt forward to the next 3 people challenging them to continue the movement. The rules of multiplication take over, exponentially soon affecting countless numbers.
The rules of the concept are simple. It must be something that they cannot do for themselves.
The characters in this movie have plenty of flaws and problems, just as this world does. From drunkenness, to child abuse, to molestation, to car accidents, to the homeless, to desertion, and on and on.
Trevor tries this concept himself and discovers it is difficult. His attempts do not seem to change anything at first. He helps a homeless man get back on his feet by giving him food and shelter, but angers his mother played by Helen Hunt. His matchmaking attempt with his mother and his teacher does not go very well. Even once he discovers his own boundaries that he cannot cross when he sees another kid from school getting beat up by bullies. He wants to help, but freezes and cannot.
Just like in life, things do not go our way at first and too often we think we failed. But we do not always realize the impact that those actions have on others and the subsequent actions they take. Parents can certainly relate to this, both positively and negatively.
Trevor later is interviewed by a journalist, played by Jay Mohr. The journalist was impacted by the "Pay it forward" movement. He was given a brand new Jaguar after a car accident, and was dumbfounded by the explanation the stranger gave that he is "paying it forward". He begins to investigate the trail of persons affected by the chain reaction of the movement back to its original source of Trevor.
As Trevor is being interviewed, he expresses hope for the concept, but voices concern that people may be too afraid to change their own lives to make the world a better place.
Well, I won't spoil the rest of the movie for those who haven't seen it. It is not one to miss.
This movie was based on a book by the same title written by Catherine Ryan Hyde. Catherine Ryan Hyde's book has also inspired a foundation by the same name.
However, the concept has been around for ages. The term "pay it forward" was popularized by Robert A. Heinlein in his book "Between Planets" in 1951.
"The banker reached into the folds of his gown, pulled out a single credit note. "But eat first — a full belly steadies the judgment. Do me the honor of accepting this as our welcome to the newcomer."
His pride said no; his stomach said YES! Don took it and said, "Uh, thanks! That's awfully kind of you. I'll pay it back, first chance."
"Instead, pay it forward to some other brother who needs it."
The Heinlein society still carries on the philosophy.
Another hero of mine, Theodore P. Kalogris, lived by a motto that was passed to him from his grandfather. "Be ashamed to die until you have scored a victory for mankind". The Kalogris foundation still carries on this philosophy. www.relivkalogrisfoundation.org/US/EN/home.html
Benjamin Franklin wrote about it in a letter to Benjamin Webb dated April 22, 1784.
"I do not pretend to give such a Sum; I only lend it to you. When you [...] meet with another honest Man in similar Distress, you must pay me by lending this Sum to him; enjoining him to discharge the Debt by a like operation, when he shall be able, and shall meet with another opportunity. I hope it may thus go thro' many hands, before it meets with a Knave that will stop its Progress. This is a trick of mine for doing a deal of good with a little money."
Even before that, Jesus shares the parable of the Good Samaritan found below.
So, are we too afraid to embrace this concept? Can we not find 3 instances that we can positively affect the lives of others and instruct them to pay it forward to 3 others? You can only change lives one at a time, but it must start with changing your own to work.
Together, we can all make a difference. Choose to pay it forward.
Where there's life, there's hope.
As always, the choice is yours.
The Parable of the Good Samaritan
On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
"What is written in the Law?" he replied. "How do you read it?"
He answered: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"
"You have answered correctly," Jesus replied. "Do this and you will live."
But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"
In reply Jesus said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.'
"Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?"
The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him."
Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise." Luke 10:25-37 NIV
If you have comments or questions, please feel free to contact me at the address below.
Email: DeltaInspire@hushmail.com
This concept is truly an eye opening experience. It is one that not only could change your life, but change the whole world as well.
In the 2000 movie "Pay It Forward", Social Studies teacher Eugene Simonet played by Kevin Spacey, gives his class an extra credit assignment. He challenges his class to come up with an idea that could change the world, and put it into action.
Trevor McKinney, a bright but troubled 7th grader played by Haley Joel Osment, comes up with the idea that you have to do 3 acts of kindness to others. They are not allowed to repay this act of kindness to the person who did it for them, but to in turn do 3 acts of kindness to others. Thus, they pay the debt forward to the next 3 people challenging them to continue the movement. The rules of multiplication take over, exponentially soon affecting countless numbers.
The rules of the concept are simple. It must be something that they cannot do for themselves.
The characters in this movie have plenty of flaws and problems, just as this world does. From drunkenness, to child abuse, to molestation, to car accidents, to the homeless, to desertion, and on and on.
Trevor tries this concept himself and discovers it is difficult. His attempts do not seem to change anything at first. He helps a homeless man get back on his feet by giving him food and shelter, but angers his mother played by Helen Hunt. His matchmaking attempt with his mother and his teacher does not go very well. Even once he discovers his own boundaries that he cannot cross when he sees another kid from school getting beat up by bullies. He wants to help, but freezes and cannot.
Just like in life, things do not go our way at first and too often we think we failed. But we do not always realize the impact that those actions have on others and the subsequent actions they take. Parents can certainly relate to this, both positively and negatively.
Trevor later is interviewed by a journalist, played by Jay Mohr. The journalist was impacted by the "Pay it forward" movement. He was given a brand new Jaguar after a car accident, and was dumbfounded by the explanation the stranger gave that he is "paying it forward". He begins to investigate the trail of persons affected by the chain reaction of the movement back to its original source of Trevor.
As Trevor is being interviewed, he expresses hope for the concept, but voices concern that people may be too afraid to change their own lives to make the world a better place.
Well, I won't spoil the rest of the movie for those who haven't seen it. It is not one to miss.
This movie was based on a book by the same title written by Catherine Ryan Hyde. Catherine Ryan Hyde's book has also inspired a foundation by the same name.
However, the concept has been around for ages. The term "pay it forward" was popularized by Robert A. Heinlein in his book "Between Planets" in 1951.
"The banker reached into the folds of his gown, pulled out a single credit note. "But eat first — a full belly steadies the judgment. Do me the honor of accepting this as our welcome to the newcomer."
His pride said no; his stomach said YES! Don took it and said, "Uh, thanks! That's awfully kind of you. I'll pay it back, first chance."
"Instead, pay it forward to some other brother who needs it."
The Heinlein society still carries on the philosophy.
Another hero of mine, Theodore P. Kalogris, lived by a motto that was passed to him from his grandfather. "Be ashamed to die until you have scored a victory for mankind". The Kalogris foundation still carries on this philosophy. www.relivkalogrisfoundation.org/US/EN/home.html
Benjamin Franklin wrote about it in a letter to Benjamin Webb dated April 22, 1784.
"I do not pretend to give such a Sum; I only lend it to you. When you [...] meet with another honest Man in similar Distress, you must pay me by lending this Sum to him; enjoining him to discharge the Debt by a like operation, when he shall be able, and shall meet with another opportunity. I hope it may thus go thro' many hands, before it meets with a Knave that will stop its Progress. This is a trick of mine for doing a deal of good with a little money."
Even before that, Jesus shares the parable of the Good Samaritan found below.
So, are we too afraid to embrace this concept? Can we not find 3 instances that we can positively affect the lives of others and instruct them to pay it forward to 3 others? You can only change lives one at a time, but it must start with changing your own to work.
Together, we can all make a difference. Choose to pay it forward.
Where there's life, there's hope.
As always, the choice is yours.
The Parable of the Good Samaritan
On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
"What is written in the Law?" he replied. "How do you read it?"
He answered: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"
"You have answered correctly," Jesus replied. "Do this and you will live."
But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"
In reply Jesus said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.'
"Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?"
The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him."
Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise." Luke 10:25-37 NIV
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Email: DeltaInspire@hushmail.com
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