While searching through my sermon illustrations, I ran across these words from William Arthur Ward. These particular words were sent to me by AsAManThinketh.net. Go sign-up for their email newsletter, you will enjoy it and it will spur you to greater growth and thought.

Believe while others ..
By William Arthur Ward

Believe while others are doubting.

Plan while others are playing.

Study while others are sleeping.

Decide while others are delaying.

Prepare while others are daydreaming.

Begin while others are procrastinating.

Work while others are wishing.

Save while others are wasting.

Listen while others are talking.

Smile while others are frowning.

Commend while others are criticizing.

Persist while others are quitting.

Just a thought to pass along…

Counselors, therapists and psychologists will tell you that the first few minutes of the morning can make or break your day. Your waking thoughts will determine your attitude and your course of action through the rest of the work day and even blend into to your family life once you get home.

Consider this:

• Why do parents expect their children to be excited about school when they  are always griping at them to get ready because parents woke up late themselves? Griping and screaming at a child early in the morning will definitely effect their views of school.

Below are some tips to start the morning right:

Plan the Night Before

• Use a notepad or planner to collect your thoughts about tomorrow: to-do lists, people to call, people to see, cards to write, books to read, etc. Use this time as a mind clearing session to relieve all your thoughts for the coming day.
• If you do not journal, give it a try for a month and see how your day changes. Write in your journal about what happened on that day and clear your mind of the days activities.

Wake Up Smarter

• Stop the annoying alarm clock "buzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz" and choose a more soothing sound. This does not mean turn the station to hard rock or talk radio, those will have the same effect as the good ole "buzzzzzzzzzzzzzz."
• Zig Ziglar says to stop calling it an alarm clock and begin calling it an opportunity clock.

Stop Watching the News

• I am not really sure about your area, but I bet it is like mine. The morning news is filled with the awful events of the evening, and the horrible events of yesterday. Give the news a rest and spend time with good motivation:  Daily Bible Reading, a devotional book, Rudder of the Day by Dan Miller, just to name a few.
• Doctors inform us breakfast is the most important meal of the day, because it is the food which kick-starts our bodies into action. If that is true, what do you think that says about the "food" we put into our minds in the morning? Make it positive.

The 10 Minute Rule

• Get up 10 minutes early! Stop waking up late, rushing around the house and scrambling out the door to figure out what to do each day.
• After you have planned your day, getting up 10 minutes earlier with a clear mind will make a HUGE difference in the day.

Expect the Best

• Our expectations can make our reality. What we perceive will happen will determine our reactions to any given situation. Begin expecting the best out of your co-workers.
• Expect positive changes and encourage people in a positive way. make the difference in yourself you want to see in others!

These are just a few quick thoughts to begin waking up every morning on the right foot!
What would you add to the list?

Have a great day!

As the new year is closing in very fast, many are beginning to set goals for 2012. Some will continue to work through their goals throughout the year and others will struggle within a few weeks after 2012 has begun. With these thoughts in mine I want to share with you a few tips on “Four Ways to Keep Goals.”

Anyone can make a goal, but to continue traveling the road of success we have to keep those goals. Constantly having those goals in front of use and working towards them will create a powerful year and long-lasting success!

“People with goals succeed because they know where they are going… It’s as simple as that.” – Zig Ziglar

Four Ways to Keep Goals

1. Write them down!

• Make your goals visual goals. Stop placing your goals in a desk drawer and frame them on your desk. Your goals need to be seen and realized each day.  The often quoted “Author Unknown” once said, “Write it down. Written goals have a way of transforming wishes into wants; cant’s into cans; dreams into plans; and plans into reality. Don’t just think it – ink it!”
• If you have not written any goals for the upcoming year, take time this evening and begin writing your goals for the upcoming year.. Remember the foundation of long term goals is short term goals.

2. Share your goals!

• Sharing your goals with others holds you accountable to your goals. Simply writing down your goals and hiding them in a desk drawer holds no one accountable. When you share your dreams and goals with others, they will remind of your goals. Many times they will find your goals interesting enough to ask you about them when they see you.
• If someone has shared their goals with you, why not ask them about them and assist them whenever possible?

3.  Talk about your goals – to yourself!

• Ask yourself each day, “Is what I am doing today making progress towards my goal?” or “What am I able to do today to make progress towards my goal?” Be sure you do at least one thing a day in progress towards your goal.

4. Let go of the peanuts!

• I am sure there are things we do which each of us needs to let go. Allow me to share a paragraph from Dan Miller’s book, “Rudder of the Day”,
  • “Now let me tell you how to catch monkeys in Africa. The natives take a coconut and cut one end off to make a small hole just large enough for a monkey’s hand to enter. The other end of the coconut is attached to a long rope. They then carve out the inside of the coconut and put a few peanuts inside. They place the coconut in a clearing and hide in the trees with the end of the rope. The monkeys come around, smell the peanuts and reach inside to grab a fistful. But now, with a fistful, their hand is too large to retract through the small hole. Then the natives yank on the cord and haul that silly monkey to captivity because the monkey will not let go of those few lousy peanuts he though he wanted.” (Rudder of the Day by Dan Miller, page 70)
• What are the peanuts holding you back?

Just some thoughts,

As a result of the entitlement belief, people are becoming more negative and less accomplished. The age of social media has contributed to this practice because people can post whatever they want online and people can jump on the bandwagon of complaint, instead of getting out and doing something about it. I believe it is time for us to rid the negativity and begin doing something about those things we complain about. It is time to move.

I have proclaimed June 1st as “Rid the Negativity Day.” This is your opportunity to make a commitment to change the people and things around you for the better instead of weighing them down with negativity. If you see something that needs changed, change it. If you are going to criticize someone, be ready to assist them. If you are going to be negative, be ready to be responsible for making the necessary changes.

How to Rid the Negativity:

• Stop complaining! – Even the apostle Paul in his imprisonment told the Philippian church to stop their complaining. “Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent,children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.” (Philippians 2.14-16; ESV)
• Stop watching the news – Watching the news will bring your spirits down because 75% of the news is full of murders, a dreadful economy and most negative aspects of the world. While those negative aspects may be true, the constant bombardment of them wear down our focus and our minds.
• Remove the Negativity from Facebook! – Social media, not just Facebook, has allowed another avenue of communication in our lives. While social media can be a great thing to share information and improvements, some use this avenue to share negative comments and tear others down. Remove the negative aspects from social media, Facebook included, and lets begin working together not against one another.
• Stop talking about people and talk to them! – Talk to people! Simply communicating with them can make a large difference in the lives we live. Today’s age of technology allows us to avoid people because of email, text messages and social media. Let’s use face to face communication now more than ever.
• Take a break from TV! – Take the next 30 days and cut your television time in half.  Spend your new found free time with your family.

There is more coming in a few days, but what would you add to the list?

Just my thoughts,

There is an instant connection because of who we are in Christ. What an absolutely beautiful gift!

It is like no other organism I have ever seen on earth, and the amazing thing is that it is not just physical-it is eternal! We can experience the gift on earth, and yet the Church will continue forever and ever because of what Christ promises.

We all look different, but we were all created in God’s image. We have the same Spirit residing in us as a seal that we belong. I love that we come in different shapes, sizes & colors. We have many different backgrounds and each have our own testimony. We have been given different gifts & abilities. Yet…the differences unite us. He has given each of us talents to serve in His Kingdom and commissioned us to use them as we serve God and each other. Then, He tells us that we each have an important place in the Body.

"The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body." ~1 Corinthians 12:12

We have a common bond in Christ and He offers us a special community which cannot be broken. We each have a place in His Kingdom! That is such awesome news!!

"Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it." ~1 Corinthians 12:28

Because of Him, we all belong.

I do pray and long for the day that everyone truly feels that they DO belong…that we will value and appreciate the individual gifts God has given each member of the Body, as we continue to love and encourage each other through this journey of life and faith. We are not only called to seek and love the lost, but to take care of the needs of our spiritual family, too. We are asked to love as Christ loves us, serve, forgive, and bear each others burdens. We cannot say we do not need another member of the Body, because He has placed each of us here for a special purpose.

We are rooted in Christ, who IS love…therefore we are to love each other. That is who the Church is…an extension of Christ. We are the Church wherever we go! Each family member plays a vital role in the functioning of Christ’s Church, and should have every opportunity to fulfill God’s mission for His Kingdom.

Speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. ~Ephesians 4:15-16

We were made to live in community. To love, to share, to cry, laugh, mourn, rejoice…to celebrate the mountaintops and trek through the valleys…together. The same passage in 1 Corinthians 12 tells us that "when one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it." That’s what families do.

When we gather together, I honestly don’t see the differences in our color or language…neither does God, because our Father transcends all of that and calls us His children. I only see my brothers and sisters in Christ…the sons and daughters of a King…my family.

The Church is something I have known and been a part of my entire life. It has always been a safe place I can call home & I cannot imagine my life without the Church.  It is something I have been connected to since birth, and those connections continue to be found all around the world.

I love that people I have never met in person have lifted me up in prayer while supporting & encouraging me, because we are part of the same Body and share that special bond in Christ. I love how "strangers" can become instant brothers and sisters who are very dear to my heart.

I love worshiping with my brothers & sisters here in China while knowing that the rest of my family will soon be gathering all over the world to also praise our Father. I love my family. I love the Church!!

Christ loves the Church, has redeemed His Church, calls us His own, gives us a new name & a place to belong. He offers us an eternal family and I look forward to the day when we will all gather together at our eternal home in heaven! Don’t you?!

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About Katherine Gould:

Katherine Gould feels blessed to have been involved in some type of youth ministry, campus ministry and/or mission work over the past 13 years.  Our Father has led her on quite an adventure of faith, and currently that adventure has taken her to Beijing, China where she has been called to share the Good News with the beautiful people of China.

She is originally from Texas and cannot consume enough guacamole and Tex-Mex food, but has also gotten really good at using chopsticks to eat the amazing, authentic Chinese food! She also loves music, watching football, baseball & NASCAR; and being outdoors.

She is an alumni of both Lubbock Christian University (B.A., Family Studies, 2002) and Abilene Christian University (M.A., Christian Ministry, 2009). You can read more about her China musings at http://chinakat.theobloggers.com and you can find her twittering at http://www.twitter.com/ChinaKat79

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Personal Note:

Katherine’s desire to see people obey the gospel is clearly seen in her writings and her words. Her desire is authentic and a glowing example. I appreciate her taking time and writing the article above for the Preacher’s Pen. Thanks!

Just some thoughts,

Chris

Carrie and I have talked about the possibility of such a venture several times throughout the past couple years. Each time we felt the time was not right and we set a goal for the next ten years. I believe that goal is reachable and we are praying for an opportunity to achieve it. Beginning this year, I am starting on the journey to become a motivational/professional speaker. I am not leaving my ministry at the Mount Pleasant Church of Christ. I am still the full-time minister located and working with the congregation to save souls, I am just seeking to expand the role of speaking to a greater crowd of businesses and organizations. I will fulfill my roles as the minister of the congregation first and then as a motivational/professional speaker.

In the future, I pray this venture leads me to finding a full-time income as a motivational/professional speaker so I can relieve the church of the financial burden of supporting  me. I am not against paying a preacher, in fact, I am all for it. I am all for paying a preacher because he preaches instead of paying him to preach. I am for paying a preacher enough to support his family and not make him a pauper at the end of his life. This possible career move is not as a result of income, it is as a result of a hope that many more will be influenced and challenge to live better.

I have begun to put together a website, The Gallagher Institute (http://www.gallagherinstitute.com) in hopes of creating a base to direct others too. I encourage you to take a look and see what I seek to do in improving others lives and challenging them to live better each day.

If you would like to assist me in this venture I would appreciate it. Here is where you can help:

• Pray for my family and I. This is not a path I would like to take on my own, but with my wife and my three children. We need prayers for God’s guidance during this time.
• Send me your input: I appreciate the thoughts of my friends regarding such a matter. I have consulted with some close, personal friends and their encouragement has been great.
• I am putting together some packets of information to send to potential organizations regarding the benefit of a motivational lesson and work.
• Remember, this is not just for businesses and organizations, I am still looking to hold gospel meetings, youth rallies, teacher workshops, seminars, etc.

What if it does not work?

• If the motivational/professional speaking venture does not work, then I can say I gave it a shot. I would rather go through life and try, than sit in a rocking chair years from now and wish I would have.
• If is does not work, I am still (and always will be) a servant of the most high God. He is truly in control and I am just here to serve Him; whether in a pulpit each Sunday or a pedestal somewhere else.
• Romans 8.28 allows me to deal with much the worlds has to offer.

Like I said previously, this has been on my heart and I wanted to share it with you.

Just my thoughts,

Chris

His name is Nick Vujicic.

Now that you have watched, how will it make a difference in your life?

Just a thought,

Chris

While we waited the young people began to get anxious; after all, we were just standing in a field. They grew more anxious every second they had to stand and wait for the other staff to arrive and play their activity. As I watched a large number of anxious and hyper youth, my thoughts began running through my head of what to do to keep them from a riot. Then the idea hit me! The directors had been after everyone to pick up all the candy bar wrappers, water bottles and other trash throughout the camp. I told myself, “I bet I can get these kids to clean.”

As loud as I could, I announced to the group I had a game to play. At that moment, I had everyone’s attention. I quickly as I could, I ran across the field, picked up a candy car wrapper, ran back across the field and did a somersaulting dive toward the trash can and slam-dunked the wrapper. I stood up and with all the excitement I had I yelled, “OK! Who will help!?” Most of the campers looked confused, but all the youngest campers quickly ran, grabbed a piece of trash and slam-dunked it in the trash can. It took some of the older group to catch on, but pretty soon the camp was clean and everyone wondered how a group of 7 to 11 years olds could find excitement in picking up trash. The answer – EXCITEMENT!

Without excitement, as well as a desire, to get the job done, the job will not get done! Oh the job might get done without excitement and desire, but will it truly be the best job it could have been….I believe the answer is “no.” I have seen many Christians who are not excited about Heaven and as a result 99.9% of them do not work and labor in the Lord. Most are content to sit in a pew each week and listen to singing, preaching, praying, etc. and then go home to watch some football before their work week starts again. It is these people who look like they have been, as a county fellow once told me, “weaning on vinegar and baptized in pickle juice.”

What can you do to excite the people around you?

1. Believe it Yourself! – If you are not committed to the beliefs which you live, then excitement will not follow for long. True excitement comes from a desire to instill your beliefs in the minds and lives of others. Believe and have faith in what you believe.
2. Keep Working! – You have to keep working and growing in your beliefs. For Bible study, you have to keep studying. Some of the greatest discussions I have ever had with people is when they read something in the Bible they never knew was there. For instance, find the story of two bears eating 42 children because they made fun of a bald man. It is in there!
3. Keep Motivating! – A great motivational speech stirs the emotions for a little while. We must keep motivating those around us daily! When Zig Ziglar was asked about giving motivational speeches and their lasting influence he said, “Motivation is like bathing, you need to do it daily.”
4. Find One Today! – Find someone today to excite. First, look at your family. Excite your children about something they are interested in. Excite them about school work (yes, it is hard, but it does work) Excite your spouse (wait, did I just say that outloud?)
5. Feed Yourself! – Everyone eats physical food to strengthen our bodies, what food have you eaten for you mental, emotional and spiritual success? Read articles and books that will motivate and challenge you to become greater. Listen to material in your car instead of the radio. Fill your life with people who will inspire and challenge you!

Enjoy

Chris