No Bed of Roses

 

We have all heard the term "no bed of roses" and most of us understand what that means.  Basically when we say "no bed of roses", we are saying that it won't be easy.  The rose is considered one of the most beautiful flowers but along with the beauty comes the stem.  As pretty as the rose is, it has a stem that has many prickly stickers that can draw blood from someone who isn't careful.

This morning I was reading in Exodus when God had given a promise to Moses and the Hebrews when they were in Egypt.  They were slaves in Egypt but God had a plan.  Here is God's plan:  

Exodus 3:7 Then the LORD told him, "I have certainly seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their cries of distress because of their harsh slave drivers. Yes, I am aware of their suffering.8 So I have come down to rescue them from the power of the Egyptians and lead them out of Egypt into their own fertile and spacious land. It is a land flowing with milk and honey—the land where the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites now live.

What a great plan ~ God was telling Moses that he had seen the situation and had a plan to "lead them out of Egypt into their own fertile and spacious land.  It is flowing with milk and honey..."  This is a great plan.  The Hebrews were getting out of slavery and they were going to have their very own land that was fertile for crops to grow and spacious enough so it wouldn't be crowded.  This is AWESOME!  But now look at the rest of the sentence and what God also was saying...."the land where the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites now live."  Wait a minute!  Did I read this correctly?  Aren't these "ites" enemies?  It's interesting to me that God was delivering the Hebrews and giving them a wonderful promise of a land that was flowing with milk and honey, but it was already occupied by others.  Don't worry.  God knew what He was doing.  As you continue to read, God uses Joshua to go and conquer these "ites" that God is talking about.

As I read this, I began to think of all the promises that God gives to us.  We like the promises, but we don't like the enemy that we have to overcome in order to "occupy our promised land".  Just like we like the rose but we don't like the thorns that come with the rose.  God gives us promises, but He also wants us to step out and fight in His might and strength to make the promise a reality.  

What about you?  I hear people say, "God promised...." but they haven't done anything to take a step toward that promise.  God's promises are wonderful and they are great but some promises aren't "a bed of roses."  I love the rose, but I have to overcome the thorns to enjoy it.  I love God's promises but many times I have to overcome obstacles (with His help) to enjoy them.

Jesus never promised us a "happy life" but He did promise that we could have "life and life to the full".  This doesn't mean we won't have to deal with the "thorns" that come along with the "rose of life". 

Social Networks ~ Good or Bad?

A few years ago the term "social network" wasn't in our vocabulary.  Today, many people use the internet and "social networks" such as Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and many others to "stay connected".  I don't believe there is anything wrong with having some type of social networking, but I do believe it is like anything else.  You have to be careful in how you use it.  One of two things will take place ~ You will control it or it will control you.

For example:  I just read an article in Leadership Journal that shared about a pastor who has banned Facebook among his church staff.  They could delete their account or they could resign.  He has also called on married people in his 1,100 member congregation to delete their Facebook accounts as well.  The pastor said that 20 couples from his church have had marital problems in the last six months afer a spouse reconnected with an "old flame" on Facebook.  "What happens is someone from yesterday surfaces, it leads to conversations, and there have been physical meet-ups.  The temptation is just too great."   The article continues and says that according to the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, 81% of its members have either used or been faced with evidence from social networking sites in divorce cases in the last five years, including Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace.

Wow!  It's also important that we are careful not to use social networks to "blast" people or gossip or use it in any negative way.  My father-in-law says that it's just a place and another way for people to gossip.  We laughed, but there is some truth in his statement.  It's interesting that people will share things over their social network with their "friends" that they normally wouldn't share with anyone else.  The problem comes when their "friends" have "friends" and their "friends" have "friends".  Your "opinion" or what you are doing, feeling or sharing becomes a headline.  Be careful what you put on your "status" or what you "tweet". 

There are also studies that show that companies lose billions, yes BILLIONS, of dollars in productivity because of social networks.  Are we being good stewards of our employer when we spend time checking the status of friends on Facebook?  Probably not.  If you work for a company and you just have to update your status or check your friend's status, you may want to do it on your break or lunch hour.  What a great example this would be to others.

Don't get me wrong.  I AM NOT against social networking.  I do believe that we need to be careful in the way we use it.  I believe it is a great way to communicate but we must guard against being tempted in misusing it.  I would like to challenge every person that reads this and has some type of social network to use it in a positive way.  You can use positive quotes and even put daily scriptures to encourage others.  

So, is social networking good or bad?  It all depends on how you use it and control it.  Do you control it or does it control you? 

Two Dogs ~ Two Attitudes

We have two dogs in our home.  Both are Yorkies and both have two totally different personalities and attitudes.  Molly is our oldest.  She is actually a birthday gift for Ashlyn.  She is a little older and is very mild and "rolls with the punches".  She is pretty much set in her ways and just goes about her business.  She will sit by you and be relaxed as long as you have to pet her.    She is a little hyper when guests come over but settles down pretty quickly. 

Max is our other Yorkie.  He is younger (just turned 1) and has a totally different personality and attitude.  He is hyper except when he is sleeping.  He is full of energy but has a mind of his own.  He is as cute as Molly, but doesn't like to be bothered when he has found a comfortable place to rest.  It's not the fact that he doesn't like to be bothered, but it's how he shows it.  He will give a little "growl"; not a "I'm going to bite you" growl.  It's more of a "leave me alone" growl.  It's pretty funny. 

In fact, Max is sitting by me as I write and I disturbed him when I moved him over a little.  He just looked at me and gave me that little growl of "leave me a lone."  Molly is laying in the middle of the floor and would never think of growling at me if I went over to move her.  It's just funny how even dogs have different personalities and attitudes.

People have different attitudes and personalities and it is wise to treat them accordingly.  There is a book called "Personality Plus" by Florence Littauer that helped me and Krystal learn that people have different personalities and why they act or do what they do.  It was a great help.  I would highly recommend it.


We love our dogs.  They are always happy to see us when we get home and love us back.  But we also understand that each one has its own personality and attitudes.  What type of attitude/personality do you have?  Do you try to "roll with the punches" or do you "growl" to let others know they are bothering you? 

Power of Purpose

I get a daily devotional from John Maxwell called "Leadership Promises for Everyday".  This one was sent to me on January 9.  I believe that it is more than a leadership Promise/Principle, but a Life Principle.  Read this devotional and ponder on the bullet points of how a "Purpose" will affect you.


The Power of Purpose 
But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
Philippians 1:12-14

Paul might have been forgiven had he chosen to take a little sabbatical as he sat in prison, awaiting his trial. Yet he used even this opportunity to advance the gospel. Paul was a leader who never drifted from his mission. He determined to leave his mark wherever he went.

How did Paul's sense of purpose keep him in the battle as he sat in prison? What did he learn behind bars? Consider the following:

• A purpose will motivate you.
• A purpose will keep your priorities straight.
• A purpose will develop your potential.
• A purpose will give you power to live in the present.
• A purpose will help you evaluate your progress.

(used from John Maxwell's daily devotional ~ "Leadership Promises for Everyday")


We all have a purpose but we must identify that purpose and live our life to fulfill it.  I want to encourage you to spend some time at the beginning of this year and evaluate how you are fulfilling your purpose in life.  Many people do this at the beginning of each year and it really does help us to stay focused.  
If you would like to subscribe to the "Leadership Promises for Everyday" daily devotional, Click Here

It is a great devotional that will inspire you and also challenge you.  Be blessed and be a blessing!

Merry Christmas!

Wow, it's Christmas Eve and tomorrow is Christmas 2010.  It doesn't seem possible.  My dad has told me several times "The older you get, the faster time goes by."  Well, I don't really consider myself old, but this year has flown by. 

Thinking back I have memories of great times at Christmas.  I remember that I couldn't hardly go to sleep on Christmas Eve because my mind was racing with what "Santa" would bring.   Just like all kids, the three of the children in the Wheat's home always like the presents.  We weren't poor, but we were just broke.  We never knew it.  Mom and dad always seemed to make sure all three kids had plenty for Christmas.  I know now that mom and dad made every penny stretch and probably did without some things for themselves to make sure there were smiles on our faces on Christmas morning.  Thanks mom & dad.


Now the roles have changed.  It seems like yesterday that Krystal and I celebrated our first Christmas together.  Then Ashlyn came along and gave a whole new meaning to giving.  It's amazing how things change with time.  Being the parents, Krystal and I are more happy watching the expression on Ashlyn & Mitchell's face on Christmas morning than anything else.  Ashlyn may be 14, but she still knows that Christmas is a special time.  Christmas is a time for giving and also receiving.  Mitchell, being 5, still is more interested in the "getting", but that will change as he gets a little older. 


Being pastors, sometimes our "Christmas Season" is a little hectic.  We enjoy the gatherings, parties and fun of friends around Christmas time.  Sometimes it's not until Christmas Eve or Christmas that we have some down time and let out a big "sigh".  Last night our family loaded up and headed to eat out and to see the light in Fayetteville.  The town square is lit up with billions of lights it seems.  Our first stop was Red Robin.  Their burgers are great.  Afterwards, we enjoyed seeing the lights, laughing and making memories.  Today, Krystal and the kids are going to bake cookies for Santa and we are hanging out at the house.  There are some gifts that will be wrapped and placed under the tree and then the fun will begin tonight as the kids go to bed with the same excitement that I had when I was there age.  We'll do our best to video and take photos to capture the laughs, smiles and excitement.  Wow, can't wait.


Times have changed.  I do get more pleasure in giving gifts than receiving them.  One day Ashlyn and Mitchell will have families and they will have that same feeling.  It really is more blessed to give than receive.  Isn't that what Christmas is all about?  Leaning the true meaning of giving.   God gave to us because He loved us.  He gets so much enjoyment in blessing His children. Thank you Heavenly Father for giving us the example of giving and also the great feeling we experience as we become more generous....Just like You! 

Merry Christmas from the Wheats!  We are truly blessed.

"SLOW ME DOWN"

Many times people will come up and hand me a note or a cartoon that they know that I will enjoy.  Some are articles pertaining to current events and others are just funny cartoons that will make me laugh.  Not to long ago, a gentleman in my church by the name of Neal Reed gave me a business card that I really need to read more often.  In fact, we were at the 50th Wedding Anniversary of his and his wife.  That day was one of those days where we felt like we needed to be at several different places and the day was "packed".  Neal handed me this business card and said, "Hey pastor, I think this may help you out."  He chuckled because he knew we were heading out to catch Ashlyn's basketball game and had a busy schedule ahead of us.

One side of the business card has Neal & Irmalee's mailing address, phone numbers and a phrase that says: "Smile! God loves you and We love you!"  It's always encouraging to hear those words, but it was the words on the opposite side that Neal wanted me to read, too.  The other side reads with the following "prayer".

"Slow me down, Lord, I am going too fast. 

I can't see my brother as he goes past; 

I miss a lot of good things day by day.  

I don't know blessings when they come my way.  

Slow me down, Lord, so I can see

More of the things that are good for me;

A littel less of me, a mite more of you,

Let Heavenly atomospherre trickle thru,

Let me help a brother when the going's rough

When folks work together, things aren't so tough;

Slow me down, Lord, so that I can talk

with more of your angels...slow me down to a walk."

In the last phrase the writer says, "Slow me down, Lord, so that I can talk with more of your angels..."  As I read this, I took it that "angels" were the wonderful people that God has placed in our lives and not of the "angels" we think of with wings.

We all are busy and especially this time of year.  Actually I have noticed that it's not just Christmas time that we are busy.  I am usually filling up my calendar 12 months out of the year.  I'm not saying that we need to not work hard.  I believe in working hard and giving it my best.  But sometimes we equate "business" with being productive and that simply isn't true.  God has placed wonderful people in my life and He also brings people across my path.  My desire is that I don't become so busy that I am not making a difference in their lives.  My prayer is that my calendar doesn't get so busy that I don't have time to slow down and enjoy the "angels" God has placed in my life.  "Slow me down, Lord.  Slow me down" so that I can make a difference in someone's life.

It's Christmas Time!

Ahhhh...Christmas Time.  I can't believe it is Christmas 2010.  My dad has told me many times that time goes by faster the older you get.  Well, I know I am getting older but this "time thing" is getting bit ridiculous. 

It is Christmas time again and it really is the "most wonderful time of the year".  For the most part, people's attitudes change.  I know there are the "scrooges" out there with their "bah humbug" attitudes, but for the most part I have found Christmas brings out the best in people.  I have already witnessed the attitude and spirit of generosity this season in great amounts.  There have been several people who have shared how they are going to bless others during this Christmas time.  There are many ways to show this caring attitude.  We can give money, gifts, time or sit down and write a note to someone who has been an inspiration in our lives.  If you haven't done this yet, I would encourage you to stop right now and think of a way that you and your family can show the Spirit of CHRISTmas to someone.  After all, look at what Christ has done for you.

It is Christmas time and you can tell it at the Wheat's house.  Last week the lights went up on the house.  I love putting lights up.  We really don't have that much traffic where we live.  In fact, Krystal asked me why I do it for the few cars that come by our house and I said that I do it for those few to enjoy.  She just laughed and went on doing what she was doing.  It's not just the outside but also the inside of our house that yells "It's Christmas Time".  All the decorations are out for this holiday season.  Everyone is asking "What do you want for Christmas?"  Our answers are pretty much the same (except for Mitchell), "Well, I really don't need a thing."  We are truly blessed. 

I know we all want things, but do we really "need" anything?  Be a blessing this CHRISTmas season and bless someone else.  There is nothing wrong with exchanging gifts but let's remember the best gift given to us all....JESUS.