The Small Rock
By Tommy
The other day, I picked up a beautiful, colorful rock with all kinds of natural markings, effervescent indentions, and perforations caused by over 2 million years of pressure and atmospheric weather conditions.
"Why the rock"? You ask.
Well, I thought of people, my children, my wife Karen, family members, and friends as I picked up the two million year old rock. Just as people have never given up on the more important issues of life, two million years from now, we (you & I) will still be encouraging one another in our new homes.
Rocks are classified by mineral and chemical composition, by their texture, constituent particles, and by the processes that formed them. The Bible says, “You also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1 Pet.2:5).
Rocks are separated into three main categories: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. The transformation of one rock type to another is described as the rock cycle. All of us go through cycles in our lives. We also go through seasons. The metamorphic rocks are formed by being subjected to different temperatures and pressures. Do you ever have pressure? Does your temperature rise at times?
Rocks and stones have an impact on our society. Rocks have always had a huge impact on the cultural and technological advancement of the human race. The mining of rocks for their metal ore content has been one of the most important factors of human advancement. Humanity's advancement has been decided by the kind of metals available from the rocks of a certain region. Our early civilization has been classified into three categories: The Stone Age, Iron Age, and Bronze Age. Rocks are still important today in the construction of buildings and infrastructures.
You as a Christian…have an impact on our society. You influence others every day of your life. You are valuable to the infrastructure of this nation. Jesus said, "For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones” (Mt. 3). If God can do a miracle with a simple rock or stone, just think about the miracle and incredible metamorphoses that He can do with us!
As sediments come to the surface of our lives and are filtered out and as we go through changes in our lives, success and fulfillment will come. What will we be doing two million years from now? And two million years is only the beginning. We will be in Heaven forever! Just like the small rock that has weathered the storm, pressures of life and stressful atmospheric conditions…You have also weathered the storms of life and succeeded. You have survived all the obstacles tossed in front of you!
Bottom-line: The beautiful little rock reminds us of the Christian’s solid character, values, and perseverance. I believe our love and care for one another will become steadfast just like the colorful little rock! Have a great day! Tommy
Friday, May 4, 2007
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
The Day After the Battle!
The Day After the Battle!
By Tommy
The day after the battle is more important than the day of the battle. A Great Victory is normally followed by great temptations. While the victory is of extreme importance, the after action is very significant.
Normally, after a crisis has been crushed and the noise has acquiesced, then great temptations come.
CASE IN POINT: Elijah being chased by Jezebel after he had killed 850 of the Baal prophets and the victory for David just prior to Bathsheba. If the enemy cannot get you to sin by temptation, he will use the IPA and DIM formulas: Intimidation, provocation, and accusation (IPA); Domination, intimidation, and manipulation (DIM).
Just remember the five main temptations during a crisis are: Rejection, oppression (depression), hopelessness, failure, and the feeling of inferiority.
Another element is this: Motion causes or brings about emotions. Emotions bring about actions. Actions bring about change. And change brings about reforms which bring about corrections or course adjustments.
Contrary to popular belief, we all have tempers, emotions, feelings, opinions, and passions. So what's the point? The point is...After an achieved victory, do not let down your guard. Be on the look out for the little foxes running around trying to nibble at your ankles.
Just after the greatest accomplishment of his life, Alexander the Great sat down at the Euphrates River and said, "Is this all there is to life? I have conquered the entire known world. What is there left to do?" Shortly after these words, he died as a broken and confused man at the age of 33.
After each victory, go on to your next goal or objective. My poverty stricken grandfather at the age of 90 still had goals and objectives. I admit they were quite simple; nevertheless, he had goals to accomplish, places to go, and things to do.
Today, heroic and courageous victories are inevitable in all of our lives. We will triumph. We will succeed. We will go over the top. We cannot go under for going over. The money will come in. Success will be sweet. Just remember...after the baptism of success and great victory may come 40 days of the wilderness experience. During these times in the hot desert of life, great character will be built in our lives! Good day!
By Tommy
The day after the battle is more important than the day of the battle. A Great Victory is normally followed by great temptations. While the victory is of extreme importance, the after action is very significant.
Normally, after a crisis has been crushed and the noise has acquiesced, then great temptations come.
CASE IN POINT: Elijah being chased by Jezebel after he had killed 850 of the Baal prophets and the victory for David just prior to Bathsheba. If the enemy cannot get you to sin by temptation, he will use the IPA and DIM formulas: Intimidation, provocation, and accusation (IPA); Domination, intimidation, and manipulation (DIM).
Just remember the five main temptations during a crisis are: Rejection, oppression (depression), hopelessness, failure, and the feeling of inferiority.
Another element is this: Motion causes or brings about emotions. Emotions bring about actions. Actions bring about change. And change brings about reforms which bring about corrections or course adjustments.
Contrary to popular belief, we all have tempers, emotions, feelings, opinions, and passions. So what's the point? The point is...After an achieved victory, do not let down your guard. Be on the look out for the little foxes running around trying to nibble at your ankles.
Just after the greatest accomplishment of his life, Alexander the Great sat down at the Euphrates River and said, "Is this all there is to life? I have conquered the entire known world. What is there left to do?" Shortly after these words, he died as a broken and confused man at the age of 33.
After each victory, go on to your next goal or objective. My poverty stricken grandfather at the age of 90 still had goals and objectives. I admit they were quite simple; nevertheless, he had goals to accomplish, places to go, and things to do.
Today, heroic and courageous victories are inevitable in all of our lives. We will triumph. We will succeed. We will go over the top. We cannot go under for going over. The money will come in. Success will be sweet. Just remember...after the baptism of success and great victory may come 40 days of the wilderness experience. During these times in the hot desert of life, great character will be built in our lives! Good day!
Our Identity Versus Our Destiny!
Our Identity Versus Our Destiny!
By Tommy Franks
Our past failures do not determine our identity or destiny. Current
feelings do not determine our identity. Our jobs and positions do not
determine our identity. However, our identity is somehow wrapped up in our destiny.
Dark times come and they go,
Even pain sometimes overflows.
We do have an escape...
And the Christ Child is never too late.
What do we do during difficult times?
We remember who we are and continue to be kind.
Since we did not make ourselves, we remember Whose we are....
He is never too far!
We must stand for justice, illumination, and the light
Because the darkness has no might or insight.
Our Creator will repay us for the years that the locusts have eaten,
Even though at times, we may feel warn out and weather-beaten.
The One Who made us has determined our value
To be neither average, casual, nor Lost Avenue.
We can continue to have peace even during the storm,
Because the sun will shine again tomorrow morn.
We are loved beyond compare.
We can take the mountain...if we dare!
Our identity is not based on our performance or man,
But our destiny is based on our lives transformed and enhanced.
Our identity is not based on our past failures or circumstance,
Nor is it based on our parents per chance.
Our jobs, skills, and talents do not identify
Who we are in this world so intensified.
Who then, determines our identity and destiny today?
Not only do we, but the Man of Galilee also persuades day by day.
He is bigger than any problem we face in these vessels of clay!
By Tommy Franks
Our past failures do not determine our identity or destiny. Current
feelings do not determine our identity. Our jobs and positions do not
determine our identity. However, our identity is somehow wrapped up in our destiny.
Dark times come and they go,
Even pain sometimes overflows.
We do have an escape...
And the Christ Child is never too late.
What do we do during difficult times?
We remember who we are and continue to be kind.
Since we did not make ourselves, we remember Whose we are....
He is never too far!
We must stand for justice, illumination, and the light
Because the darkness has no might or insight.
Our Creator will repay us for the years that the locusts have eaten,
Even though at times, we may feel warn out and weather-beaten.
The One Who made us has determined our value
To be neither average, casual, nor Lost Avenue.
We can continue to have peace even during the storm,
Because the sun will shine again tomorrow morn.
We are loved beyond compare.
We can take the mountain...if we dare!
Our identity is not based on our performance or man,
But our destiny is based on our lives transformed and enhanced.
Our identity is not based on our past failures or circumstance,
Nor is it based on our parents per chance.
Our jobs, skills, and talents do not identify
Who we are in this world so intensified.
Who then, determines our identity and destiny today?
Not only do we, but the Man of Galilee also persuades day by day.
He is bigger than any problem we face in these vessels of clay!
Believe In Yourself
Believe In Yourself
By Tommy Franks
In today's society, it's tough to stand up
For what we believe in at times,
Especially when the odds may be against us!
That is when we must believe in ourselves!
The pressure is on. Resistance is there.
Courage must prevail!
Sometimes, I keep smiling
Even though on the inside I am dying...
While attempting to support others
With all of my available strength.
I believe in you.
You are made of the right stuff!
Some will stop at nothing to put us down,
Even though they know in their hearts
That we are right! We must believe in our ideas!
When we feel with our hearts for others,
We are no longer ordinary, but extraordinary...
My determination is to serve others with dignity and fairness!
Sometimes, I fail in this objective and high aspiration.
I will keep trying until one day I get it right.
I am a vessel under construction. I wish that I were perfect,
But you know, I know, and the angels know that this is NOT true!
My prayer and compassion for you is
That (hopefully) I have made your life a little richer!
Helping people is one of the highest callings.
This takes time and effort,
But is so satisfying, gratifying, and fulfilling.
Your ability, loyalty, and selflessness are superb...
You have given your very best,
Without expecting anything in return!
Hopefully, you know by now that I care for you incredibly,
Continue to hold your head up high...
Continue to be the best...Continue to know who you are!
Believe in yourself always!
I have great confidence in you. Better tomorrows await you!
Never give up! There is nothing that you cannot do!
By Tommy Franks
In today's society, it's tough to stand up
For what we believe in at times,
Especially when the odds may be against us!
That is when we must believe in ourselves!
The pressure is on. Resistance is there.
Courage must prevail!
Sometimes, I keep smiling
Even though on the inside I am dying...
While attempting to support others
With all of my available strength.
I believe in you.
You are made of the right stuff!
Some will stop at nothing to put us down,
Even though they know in their hearts
That we are right! We must believe in our ideas!
When we feel with our hearts for others,
We are no longer ordinary, but extraordinary...
My determination is to serve others with dignity and fairness!
Sometimes, I fail in this objective and high aspiration.
I will keep trying until one day I get it right.
I am a vessel under construction. I wish that I were perfect,
But you know, I know, and the angels know that this is NOT true!
My prayer and compassion for you is
That (hopefully) I have made your life a little richer!
Helping people is one of the highest callings.
This takes time and effort,
But is so satisfying, gratifying, and fulfilling.
Your ability, loyalty, and selflessness are superb...
You have given your very best,
Without expecting anything in return!
Hopefully, you know by now that I care for you incredibly,
Continue to hold your head up high...
Continue to be the best...Continue to know who you are!
Believe in yourself always!
I have great confidence in you. Better tomorrows await you!
Never give up! There is nothing that you cannot do!
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Have Fun…Be Happy!
Have Fun…Be Happy!
By Tommy Franks
Prelude: Have you ever seen a Christian that was unhappy, miserable, nasty, and upset at the world? Or perhaps this same Christian was full of doom and gloom and acting like a sour lemon. His whole world was falling in on him. What did you do? What did you say? Did you help?
I have some additional questions for you? Are you looking for happiness? Do you have excitement in your life? Are you passionate about anything? Have you ever reflected on why you do the things you do? Tell me something…What makes you happy? Once you have taken care of your basic needs (food, shelter, and clothing), what makes you happy?
You are not reading this by accident. I truly believe that you want to be happy and have fun in life. Dare to believe that happiness is right for you. As a human being you have a right to be happy. Happiness, wealth, good health, success, peace, and joy are yours for the taking. Read on…
In my past 30 years, I have read and written many books on motivation and the psychology of happiness. Why are some people happy and some are not. Why are some people wealthy and some are not. Why are some couples happy while other couples are not? In the next few minutes, this article (which is free of charge) could change your life.
If you are looking for true and lasting happiness, you can achieve it and obtain it. It rightfully belongs to you.
Are you truly happy? What do you want to change in your life? Are you happy with what is going on in your world? Unless you live in a cave or under a rock, you are probably not happy with what’s going on around the globe. If you are like me, you probably want to improve and change some things in the world. Many positive things are happening in our world, but some things could be much better.
You can be happy and have fun changing the world (in your area) for the better.
Your body and spirit reflect your emotional state. When you are positive and confident, you stand erect with your chest out and a smile on your face. How you carry your body affects your feelings. You can tell a lot about people by the way they walk. Really, it’s true. If they walk with their shoulders slumped over, a frown on their face, and sort of dragging around, they normally are not happy. People who slouch around are sick more than those who stand erect with their heads held high.
Our posture has a lot to do with our health and how we feel.
Contrariwise, if you carry yourself like a winner, you will feel like a winner. Your thoughts, words, and physiology will have a positive impact on you and your brain. This will affect how well you perform and feel.
To be happier and more successful, part of the process is to consciously work on your “thought” process and the words that you speak. Your thoughts have the biggest impact on your brain’s chemistry. When you have positive or happy thoughts, your brain secretes positive chemicals that help your entire well being.
Remember, true and lasting happiness always comes from within. External happiness and temporary pleasures never last. Your thoughts from outside stimuli have two components: Facts and Emotions. You may not be able to control the facts you encounter from the outside, but you can choose how to respond to those facts. If you choose positive emotions, you will be happy. If you choose negative emotions, you will become unhappy. Your happiness depends on what emotions you choose to experience and how you respond. When you exhibit love, generosity, lavish praise, and kindness, your brain secretes positive chemicals and enhances your natural abilities. Positive emotions make us happy.
Hate, greed, jealousy, resentment, and fear do not bring us happiness. Instead, these negative impulses and thoughts lower our brain’s chemistry and our ability to reason and function at a high level. Our negative emotions are the cause of most of our bad decisions, wrong actions, ignorance, and unhappiness.
Our thoughts affect our nervous system which affects our life and happiness. We are spirit. We have a soul. We live in a body. Even though you may not fully understand or comprehend how each relates to the other, your spirit is the real you. Your body will wear out, but your spirit is eternal. What goes on with your spirit is what really makes you happy. “For as he (a man) thinks in his heart, so is he”
(Pr. 23).
“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us” (Eph. 3). God can and wants to do so much more with us and through us if we allow Him to do so. Many Christians are already doing so many things that are right in their lives, but we all have room for improvement. Why settle for less when you can have more? You can be happy and content and also have a life full of joy and bliss.
Do possessions, people, property, and things make you happy? Do you depend on escapisms (television, movies, sports, playing games, or taking external substances) to make you happy? External things outside of your spirit…do not bring long lasting happiness. From your inner spirit (where Christ lives) is where your true peace and happiness abide.
Most of us buy things and spend money at various times on escapisms because they make us feel good. There is nothing wrong with enjoying these things and having possessions for relaxation; however, please do not expect these outside toys and activities to produce lasting happiness. They will not. They are only temporary “fixes”. The more we get…the more we need to maintain our happiness. Some Christians end up being “quick fix” junkies dependent on outside things and activities to make them happy.
Some Christians are telling themselves that they will be happy when they get a new car…a new home…a new job…a new spouse…a new boat…whatever. Others are trying to “buy” happiness. The dilemma is simple: True and lasting happiness comes from within your heart and spirit. If your spirit is filled with the Godhead, happiness and joy will be there. The wonderful thing about internal happiness and joy is that it doesn’t cost you any money to acquire and once you receive it, no one can take it away from you unless you allow it.
How do we create internal happiness from within? One way is to stop thinking about ourselves and start helping others. Think about others. The less we think about ourselves and the more we help others…the happier we become. When we help others, we are being generous with our time and personal resources. This brings about a feeling and sense of “well being”. If we take time out of our lives to help others, something deep inside of us makes us feel alive, content, confident, and pleased with ourselves.
Another way to create internal happiness from within is…The more honest and positive we become, the less stress we will experience in our lives. No one likes a phony or someone who puts on a front. We like genuine people.
How do you feel when you know that you have done the right thing? How do you feel when you have helped others? You smile and your spirit glows inside. You are happy and people can see it in your eyes and expression.
If you love your work and make an honest living by helping others…you are a very rich person indeed! Choosing a job you love adds happiness and years to your life.
Do what you love. The money will come. Zig Ziglar once said, “You can get anything you want in life if you help enough other people get what they want.” Continue helping others while being truthful, positive, and genuine.
The Creator designed and created you as a God-house. You became a living soul with a free will. As your spirit recognized God, you began to function according to the laws of God. As you are truthful, positive, and helping others…you will get rewarded.
Sometimes, we may find ourselves unhappy, bored, and down in the dumps. Is it because we are depending too much on the outside world to make us happy? Is it because we are paying the price for being negative or selfish? God gave us a free will to make choices. We can look for elusive happiness outside of ourselves or choose to find real happiness within our spirit by doing the right thing. The choice is ours.
We have the power to choose what we want in life…even if the odds are a million to one against us. We must focus on thoughts of success. If we allow imagined fears and doubts into our thinking, our success will dramatically increase our probability of failure. “A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity. An optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty” (Winston Churchill).
We know that we will not be 100% successful all of the time; however, if we are diligent, accept the risk, learn from feedback, and keep trying until we succeed, we will live a much fuller and happier life.
“To know what is right and not to do it is the worst cowardice” (Confucius).
Positive thoughts and emotions elevate your chemistry. This allows your natural talents and abilities to increase. The more skilled you become at transforming your negative emotions into positive ones, the happier you will become.
Creating positive thoughts and emotions of love and courage allow us to push on in spite of our discomfort. Positive emotions cause our brains to secrete chemicals that give us additional energy. Happiness and success are the rewards for pushing ourselves beyond what others are willing to do.
It is so important to realize that our emotional state affects our entire life and everything that we do. It is a challenge to always remain positive. Someone said, “He who conquers himself is the mightiest warrior.”
“Little progress can be made by merely attempting to repress what is evil. Our great hope lies in developing what is good” (Calvin Coolidge). Some individuals are always running around trying to suppress and restrain certain societal ills. What we need to do is focus on the good and expand it, enlarge it, and make others aware of the good that is in this world.
We all know that there is a huge difference between knowing what to do and actually doing it. It’s not what you know. It’s what you do that counts. It’s what you do that makes a difference. Some college grads are saturated and fully baked with all kinds of head knowledge, but they are lax when it comes to the “doing”. Everybody wants to be in the “know”, but not everyone is enthusiastic when it comes to “making things happen”.
You can have fun and you can be happy anytime, any day, anywhere! The seed of happiness is in your mind, soul, heart, and spirit. Allow it to blossom forth.
By Tommy Franks
Prelude: Have you ever seen a Christian that was unhappy, miserable, nasty, and upset at the world? Or perhaps this same Christian was full of doom and gloom and acting like a sour lemon. His whole world was falling in on him. What did you do? What did you say? Did you help?
I have some additional questions for you? Are you looking for happiness? Do you have excitement in your life? Are you passionate about anything? Have you ever reflected on why you do the things you do? Tell me something…What makes you happy? Once you have taken care of your basic needs (food, shelter, and clothing), what makes you happy?
You are not reading this by accident. I truly believe that you want to be happy and have fun in life. Dare to believe that happiness is right for you. As a human being you have a right to be happy. Happiness, wealth, good health, success, peace, and joy are yours for the taking. Read on…
In my past 30 years, I have read and written many books on motivation and the psychology of happiness. Why are some people happy and some are not. Why are some people wealthy and some are not. Why are some couples happy while other couples are not? In the next few minutes, this article (which is free of charge) could change your life.
If you are looking for true and lasting happiness, you can achieve it and obtain it. It rightfully belongs to you.
Are you truly happy? What do you want to change in your life? Are you happy with what is going on in your world? Unless you live in a cave or under a rock, you are probably not happy with what’s going on around the globe. If you are like me, you probably want to improve and change some things in the world. Many positive things are happening in our world, but some things could be much better.
You can be happy and have fun changing the world (in your area) for the better.
Your body and spirit reflect your emotional state. When you are positive and confident, you stand erect with your chest out and a smile on your face. How you carry your body affects your feelings. You can tell a lot about people by the way they walk. Really, it’s true. If they walk with their shoulders slumped over, a frown on their face, and sort of dragging around, they normally are not happy. People who slouch around are sick more than those who stand erect with their heads held high.
Our posture has a lot to do with our health and how we feel.
Contrariwise, if you carry yourself like a winner, you will feel like a winner. Your thoughts, words, and physiology will have a positive impact on you and your brain. This will affect how well you perform and feel.
To be happier and more successful, part of the process is to consciously work on your “thought” process and the words that you speak. Your thoughts have the biggest impact on your brain’s chemistry. When you have positive or happy thoughts, your brain secretes positive chemicals that help your entire well being.
Remember, true and lasting happiness always comes from within. External happiness and temporary pleasures never last. Your thoughts from outside stimuli have two components: Facts and Emotions. You may not be able to control the facts you encounter from the outside, but you can choose how to respond to those facts. If you choose positive emotions, you will be happy. If you choose negative emotions, you will become unhappy. Your happiness depends on what emotions you choose to experience and how you respond. When you exhibit love, generosity, lavish praise, and kindness, your brain secretes positive chemicals and enhances your natural abilities. Positive emotions make us happy.
Hate, greed, jealousy, resentment, and fear do not bring us happiness. Instead, these negative impulses and thoughts lower our brain’s chemistry and our ability to reason and function at a high level. Our negative emotions are the cause of most of our bad decisions, wrong actions, ignorance, and unhappiness.
Our thoughts affect our nervous system which affects our life and happiness. We are spirit. We have a soul. We live in a body. Even though you may not fully understand or comprehend how each relates to the other, your spirit is the real you. Your body will wear out, but your spirit is eternal. What goes on with your spirit is what really makes you happy. “For as he (a man) thinks in his heart, so is he”
(Pr. 23).
“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us” (Eph. 3). God can and wants to do so much more with us and through us if we allow Him to do so. Many Christians are already doing so many things that are right in their lives, but we all have room for improvement. Why settle for less when you can have more? You can be happy and content and also have a life full of joy and bliss.
Do possessions, people, property, and things make you happy? Do you depend on escapisms (television, movies, sports, playing games, or taking external substances) to make you happy? External things outside of your spirit…do not bring long lasting happiness. From your inner spirit (where Christ lives) is where your true peace and happiness abide.
Most of us buy things and spend money at various times on escapisms because they make us feel good. There is nothing wrong with enjoying these things and having possessions for relaxation; however, please do not expect these outside toys and activities to produce lasting happiness. They will not. They are only temporary “fixes”. The more we get…the more we need to maintain our happiness. Some Christians end up being “quick fix” junkies dependent on outside things and activities to make them happy.
Some Christians are telling themselves that they will be happy when they get a new car…a new home…a new job…a new spouse…a new boat…whatever. Others are trying to “buy” happiness. The dilemma is simple: True and lasting happiness comes from within your heart and spirit. If your spirit is filled with the Godhead, happiness and joy will be there. The wonderful thing about internal happiness and joy is that it doesn’t cost you any money to acquire and once you receive it, no one can take it away from you unless you allow it.
How do we create internal happiness from within? One way is to stop thinking about ourselves and start helping others. Think about others. The less we think about ourselves and the more we help others…the happier we become. When we help others, we are being generous with our time and personal resources. This brings about a feeling and sense of “well being”. If we take time out of our lives to help others, something deep inside of us makes us feel alive, content, confident, and pleased with ourselves.
Another way to create internal happiness from within is…The more honest and positive we become, the less stress we will experience in our lives. No one likes a phony or someone who puts on a front. We like genuine people.
How do you feel when you know that you have done the right thing? How do you feel when you have helped others? You smile and your spirit glows inside. You are happy and people can see it in your eyes and expression.
If you love your work and make an honest living by helping others…you are a very rich person indeed! Choosing a job you love adds happiness and years to your life.
Do what you love. The money will come. Zig Ziglar once said, “You can get anything you want in life if you help enough other people get what they want.” Continue helping others while being truthful, positive, and genuine.
The Creator designed and created you as a God-house. You became a living soul with a free will. As your spirit recognized God, you began to function according to the laws of God. As you are truthful, positive, and helping others…you will get rewarded.
Sometimes, we may find ourselves unhappy, bored, and down in the dumps. Is it because we are depending too much on the outside world to make us happy? Is it because we are paying the price for being negative or selfish? God gave us a free will to make choices. We can look for elusive happiness outside of ourselves or choose to find real happiness within our spirit by doing the right thing. The choice is ours.
We have the power to choose what we want in life…even if the odds are a million to one against us. We must focus on thoughts of success. If we allow imagined fears and doubts into our thinking, our success will dramatically increase our probability of failure. “A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity. An optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty” (Winston Churchill).
We know that we will not be 100% successful all of the time; however, if we are diligent, accept the risk, learn from feedback, and keep trying until we succeed, we will live a much fuller and happier life.
“To know what is right and not to do it is the worst cowardice” (Confucius).
Positive thoughts and emotions elevate your chemistry. This allows your natural talents and abilities to increase. The more skilled you become at transforming your negative emotions into positive ones, the happier you will become.
Creating positive thoughts and emotions of love and courage allow us to push on in spite of our discomfort. Positive emotions cause our brains to secrete chemicals that give us additional energy. Happiness and success are the rewards for pushing ourselves beyond what others are willing to do.
It is so important to realize that our emotional state affects our entire life and everything that we do. It is a challenge to always remain positive. Someone said, “He who conquers himself is the mightiest warrior.”
“Little progress can be made by merely attempting to repress what is evil. Our great hope lies in developing what is good” (Calvin Coolidge). Some individuals are always running around trying to suppress and restrain certain societal ills. What we need to do is focus on the good and expand it, enlarge it, and make others aware of the good that is in this world.
We all know that there is a huge difference between knowing what to do and actually doing it. It’s not what you know. It’s what you do that counts. It’s what you do that makes a difference. Some college grads are saturated and fully baked with all kinds of head knowledge, but they are lax when it comes to the “doing”. Everybody wants to be in the “know”, but not everyone is enthusiastic when it comes to “making things happen”.
You can have fun and you can be happy anytime, any day, anywhere! The seed of happiness is in your mind, soul, heart, and spirit. Allow it to blossom forth.
Monday, April 23, 2007
Global Warming is a Hoax
Global Warming is a Hoax
By Tommy Franks
Everybody is getting caught up in this “Global Warming” nonsense. This topic and subject matter is none other than a political frenzy and fury. It has absolutely no scientific merit or credence whatsoever. This type of idiocy only advocates fear and apprehension for most people.
Someone may ask, “Well why isn’t anyone coming out and opposing this topic if it is only nonsense?”
I have great news for you. Thousands of Bible scholars, theologians, and individuals of conservatism are opposing this ideology and poppycockology. The problem is…Opposition of “Global Warming” normally does not make the front page or any page in our newspapers or other media outlets. On the other hand, the theory of Global Warming makes a lot of top drawer news.
One of the best-informed Senators (James Inhofe, R-OK) recently said, "Global warming is 'the greatest hoax ever perpetrated on the American people.'"
Just a few years ago everyone was concerned about global COOLING. Some proponents of the “cooling” theory were saying that we were all going to die. Now, the theory of Global Warming is saying that we may all die because of the heat. Special interest groups who do not like the entrepreneurial or capitalist spirit will always fabricate some global crisis that “demands” more loss of our freedoms.
The same type of false theory came out in 1974 in regards to an oil shortage. Paul Harvey and his group did a lot of important research on the oil shortage crisis.
Conclusion: In 1975, Mr. Harvey found out through his research that there is enough oil to last the entire world through 2050…even with the emerging additional consumption rate. We have all learned that the “so-called oil shortage” was a hoax. We also know that any current oil crisis is “man-made” for additional profits.
The sky is not falling! Granted…the Earth's surface has warmed a bit over the past 300 years; however, is this warming caused mainly by human beings or by natural cycles? Can reduction in human activity…especially in carbon-dioxide emissions… have anything significant effect on the temperature of the earth? I think NOT. It is a dangerous thing to use “global warming” as the basis for extreme policy making that could plunge the world into a long-term recession.
Sen. Larry Craig (R-ID) said, "As more and more American scientists review the available data on global warming, it is becoming increasingly clear that the vast majority believe the commitments for reduction of greenhouse gas emissions made by the administration in the Kyoto Protocol are an unnecessary response to an exaggerated threat the vice president himself (Al Gore) is caught up in making."
Tom DeWeese of the American Policy Center says, "Anyone who tells you that scientific research shows warming trends…be they teachers, newscasters, Congressmen, Senators, Vice Presidents, or Presidents…is wrong. There is no global warming. Global Warming is the greatest hoax ever perpetrated on the people of the world, bar none. Those who have been fighting against the green agenda have been warning that modern-day environmentalism has nothing whatsoever to do with protecting the environment. Rather, it is a political movement led by those who seek to control the world economies, dictate development, and redistribute the world's wealth."
Currently, the United States is shelling out millions of dollars to the UN in helping to fund and advance the global warming nonsense.
Global warming is a hoax perpetrated by environmental extremists and liberals who want an excuse for more big government (and/or world government via the U.N.).
Global warming is the new religion of the far left. Most of the far left says, "Don't bother us with the facts…just do what we say. We know what’s good for you and the world.” The shameless posturing and distortions by the warming religious zealots should be offensive to everyone.
DeWeese warns, “The Climate Change Protocol is a legally binding international treaty through which signing nations agree to cut back their energy emissions to 15 percent below 1990 levels. Such a massive disruption in the American economy, particularly since it has nothing to do with protecting the environment, will devastate this nation. To meet such drastically reduced energy standards will, in the short run, cost the United States over one million jobs. Only the developed industrial nations will be bound by the treaty. Undeveloped Third World nations will be free to produce whatever they want. These will include China, India, Brazil, and Mexico. The problem is: Eighty-two percent of the projected emissions growth in coming years is from these countries. That fact alone proves that the Climate Change Treaty is not designed to protect the environment. The truth is…the treaty is really about redistribution of wealth from America to the rest of the world.”
Previously, I mentioned the theory about global cooling. It was engineered to make us frightened and fearful. When that fraud was exposed, we were then told to beware of global warming. More and more people are now recognizing that this too is utter nonsense. This con game will also be exposed. Question: When it is exposed as a lie, what will be the next dreadful and alarming theory that will be conjured up by the far left? Will they try to stampede us into global governance by warning that the earth is flat or that we are due for another global flood? Will they begin selling us boats or arks? Perhaps that's not terrifying enough.
If I was a “Left Winger”, I probably would try to convince people that the earth is getting colder and warmer, simultaneously…because some like it cooler…and some like it hot, but nobody likes it lukewarm!
Biblically speaking, there is coming a global warming that is real. It will entail a whole lot more than a few melted icecaps or the intrusion of the Earth’s atmosphere…consisting of the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, ionosphere, exosphere, and magnetosphere. The warming I am talking about will be an apocalyptic and eternal global warming.
This will be a global warming of the quantum physics type. It will be a warming that no amount of windmills or hybrid cars can help. This will be global warming…God’s style.
What is it? It will consist of the Second Coming of Christ. His coming will warm things up for those who do not know Him. For those that do know Him, He will give rest for their souls. His mighty angels…in flaming fire…will take vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Thes. 1:7-8, NKJV).
His return will be a global warming surprise. The Conquering King will return as the Victorious Ruler and Commander In Chief of the Universe. Think about this for a moment: The Lord and His Angelic Armies…in a flaming fire…will be pouring out God's wrath on an entire world that has turned their back on God and rejected His atoning sacrifice. This global warming will be unaffected by any "green" efforts.
Soon, a New Heaven and Earth Global Warming will take place: “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:10-13, NKJV).
The elements will get warm (hot) and melt away in fire. There will be no more sin, no disease, no death, or pain. This is global warming worth talking about.
I believe that the great eternal Global Warming is coming. "Then He will also say to those on the “LEFT” hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels” (Mt. 25:41, NKJV).
Countless multitudes…on a global scale…are destined for their own personal warming up for all eternity. This is not a humorous event. It is sad and tragic that
millions have chosen to reject God and embrace an eternity of fire, pain, darkness, and agony.
In light of today's so-called “global warming crisis”, even if it were true, it is meaningless compared to the masses of human souls bound for eternal torment.
A real Heavenly Global Warming is coming to the saints. “The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light. And the nations of those who are saved shall walk in its light, and the kings of the earth shall bring their glory and honor into it” (Rev. 21:23-24, NKJV).
For all eternity, we will be the recipients of a wondrous "global warming" where there will be no need for a sun or moon. The glory of God will light and warm the universe. Now, that’s what I’m talking about. That will be some global warming.
The Biblical Global Warming is more real than any mere words of a politician, entertainer, or news reporter. Where are our priorities? Isn’t it ridiculous to be worried about a one degree rise in global temperature while ignoring the truth about what the future holds for Planet Earth and every human being that has ever lived on it?
By Tommy Franks
Everybody is getting caught up in this “Global Warming” nonsense. This topic and subject matter is none other than a political frenzy and fury. It has absolutely no scientific merit or credence whatsoever. This type of idiocy only advocates fear and apprehension for most people.
Someone may ask, “Well why isn’t anyone coming out and opposing this topic if it is only nonsense?”
I have great news for you. Thousands of Bible scholars, theologians, and individuals of conservatism are opposing this ideology and poppycockology. The problem is…Opposition of “Global Warming” normally does not make the front page or any page in our newspapers or other media outlets. On the other hand, the theory of Global Warming makes a lot of top drawer news.
One of the best-informed Senators (James Inhofe, R-OK) recently said, "Global warming is 'the greatest hoax ever perpetrated on the American people.'"
Just a few years ago everyone was concerned about global COOLING. Some proponents of the “cooling” theory were saying that we were all going to die. Now, the theory of Global Warming is saying that we may all die because of the heat. Special interest groups who do not like the entrepreneurial or capitalist spirit will always fabricate some global crisis that “demands” more loss of our freedoms.
The same type of false theory came out in 1974 in regards to an oil shortage. Paul Harvey and his group did a lot of important research on the oil shortage crisis.
Conclusion: In 1975, Mr. Harvey found out through his research that there is enough oil to last the entire world through 2050…even with the emerging additional consumption rate. We have all learned that the “so-called oil shortage” was a hoax. We also know that any current oil crisis is “man-made” for additional profits.
The sky is not falling! Granted…the Earth's surface has warmed a bit over the past 300 years; however, is this warming caused mainly by human beings or by natural cycles? Can reduction in human activity…especially in carbon-dioxide emissions… have anything significant effect on the temperature of the earth? I think NOT. It is a dangerous thing to use “global warming” as the basis for extreme policy making that could plunge the world into a long-term recession.
Sen. Larry Craig (R-ID) said, "As more and more American scientists review the available data on global warming, it is becoming increasingly clear that the vast majority believe the commitments for reduction of greenhouse gas emissions made by the administration in the Kyoto Protocol are an unnecessary response to an exaggerated threat the vice president himself (Al Gore) is caught up in making."
Tom DeWeese of the American Policy Center says, "Anyone who tells you that scientific research shows warming trends…be they teachers, newscasters, Congressmen, Senators, Vice Presidents, or Presidents…is wrong. There is no global warming. Global Warming is the greatest hoax ever perpetrated on the people of the world, bar none. Those who have been fighting against the green agenda have been warning that modern-day environmentalism has nothing whatsoever to do with protecting the environment. Rather, it is a political movement led by those who seek to control the world economies, dictate development, and redistribute the world's wealth."
Currently, the United States is shelling out millions of dollars to the UN in helping to fund and advance the global warming nonsense.
Global warming is a hoax perpetrated by environmental extremists and liberals who want an excuse for more big government (and/or world government via the U.N.).
Global warming is the new religion of the far left. Most of the far left says, "Don't bother us with the facts…just do what we say. We know what’s good for you and the world.” The shameless posturing and distortions by the warming religious zealots should be offensive to everyone.
DeWeese warns, “The Climate Change Protocol is a legally binding international treaty through which signing nations agree to cut back their energy emissions to 15 percent below 1990 levels. Such a massive disruption in the American economy, particularly since it has nothing to do with protecting the environment, will devastate this nation. To meet such drastically reduced energy standards will, in the short run, cost the United States over one million jobs. Only the developed industrial nations will be bound by the treaty. Undeveloped Third World nations will be free to produce whatever they want. These will include China, India, Brazil, and Mexico. The problem is: Eighty-two percent of the projected emissions growth in coming years is from these countries. That fact alone proves that the Climate Change Treaty is not designed to protect the environment. The truth is…the treaty is really about redistribution of wealth from America to the rest of the world.”
Previously, I mentioned the theory about global cooling. It was engineered to make us frightened and fearful. When that fraud was exposed, we were then told to beware of global warming. More and more people are now recognizing that this too is utter nonsense. This con game will also be exposed. Question: When it is exposed as a lie, what will be the next dreadful and alarming theory that will be conjured up by the far left? Will they try to stampede us into global governance by warning that the earth is flat or that we are due for another global flood? Will they begin selling us boats or arks? Perhaps that's not terrifying enough.
If I was a “Left Winger”, I probably would try to convince people that the earth is getting colder and warmer, simultaneously…because some like it cooler…and some like it hot, but nobody likes it lukewarm!
Biblically speaking, there is coming a global warming that is real. It will entail a whole lot more than a few melted icecaps or the intrusion of the Earth’s atmosphere…consisting of the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, ionosphere, exosphere, and magnetosphere. The warming I am talking about will be an apocalyptic and eternal global warming.
This will be a global warming of the quantum physics type. It will be a warming that no amount of windmills or hybrid cars can help. This will be global warming…God’s style.
What is it? It will consist of the Second Coming of Christ. His coming will warm things up for those who do not know Him. For those that do know Him, He will give rest for their souls. His mighty angels…in flaming fire…will take vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Thes. 1:7-8, NKJV).
His return will be a global warming surprise. The Conquering King will return as the Victorious Ruler and Commander In Chief of the Universe. Think about this for a moment: The Lord and His Angelic Armies…in a flaming fire…will be pouring out God's wrath on an entire world that has turned their back on God and rejected His atoning sacrifice. This global warming will be unaffected by any "green" efforts.
Soon, a New Heaven and Earth Global Warming will take place: “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:10-13, NKJV).
The elements will get warm (hot) and melt away in fire. There will be no more sin, no disease, no death, or pain. This is global warming worth talking about.
I believe that the great eternal Global Warming is coming. "Then He will also say to those on the “LEFT” hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels” (Mt. 25:41, NKJV).
Countless multitudes…on a global scale…are destined for their own personal warming up for all eternity. This is not a humorous event. It is sad and tragic that
millions have chosen to reject God and embrace an eternity of fire, pain, darkness, and agony.
In light of today's so-called “global warming crisis”, even if it were true, it is meaningless compared to the masses of human souls bound for eternal torment.
A real Heavenly Global Warming is coming to the saints. “The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light. And the nations of those who are saved shall walk in its light, and the kings of the earth shall bring their glory and honor into it” (Rev. 21:23-24, NKJV).
For all eternity, we will be the recipients of a wondrous "global warming" where there will be no need for a sun or moon. The glory of God will light and warm the universe. Now, that’s what I’m talking about. That will be some global warming.
The Biblical Global Warming is more real than any mere words of a politician, entertainer, or news reporter. Where are our priorities? Isn’t it ridiculous to be worried about a one degree rise in global temperature while ignoring the truth about what the future holds for Planet Earth and every human being that has ever lived on it?
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Something BIG!
Something BIG!
By Tommy Franks
Something BIG is about to happen in Nashville, TN, at the Titan Stadium on 07-07-07. Seven is a special number with God. Over 100,000 people will be invited to attend a mobilization (movement) of the army of God. Some believe that this will be a fresh move of God and a fresh recruitment for God’s army on 07-07-07.
Lots of money is already pouring in for this great Godly call. People are saying that this call is Divine and endorsed by God. I believe it is a calling of God. It’s time to blow the trumpet again. Hope is on the way. There is still hope for America. A solemn assembly is being called. I believe God is saying, "Blow the trumpet in Zion, pray, call a fast." Are we not in a crisis? Is the Church not in a crisis? Is our nation not in a crisis? Are we not living in perilous times? America is at the crossroads. People and multitudes of Christians are filled with disenchantment.
Let me tell you something…God is neither Republican nor Democrat. He is God. He wants what is best for this country. There is an awakening coming to the Church…no doubt about it. God’s grace and mercy are prevailing right now. He is giving America plenty of time to repent, but there will come a time when God will say, “Enough.” God is now searching through His Church to find men and women who will take a stand for righteousness.
God is saying, "And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations". For this to happen, the Church must be found faithful in morality and virtue.
The Church is about to enter a new dimension. Repentance will be the word of the day. Renewal and revival will bring a flood of confession and cleansing…by the blood of Jesus. Prescription: Prayer and Fasting.
Blow the trumpet in Zion…consecrate a fast…call a sacred assembly…Gather the people…sanctify the congregation…assemble the elders…gather the children…let the bridegroom go out from His chamber…and the bride from her dressing room.
Both the Church and our country are in crisis. Once again, God is blowing the trumpet…07-07-07 in Nashville.
Our love for God must be stronger than our passions for this world. Newspapers and websites across America are saying that on 07-07-07, more marriages will be occurring then ever in history. Wedding Chapels and churches are booked across America. Multitudes of Christians will be going to Nashville on 07-07-07.
Can anything good come out of Nashville? Yes. I believe this will be a start of Something BIG. Let God be true. Let a great movement of faith come forth from Nashville on 7-7-7. May Christian music come forth that will reap a tremendous harvest. The trumpet is about to sound again. Let this be a day of prayer and fasting…A day to take a stand and shape history. AMEN!
By Tommy Franks
Something BIG is about to happen in Nashville, TN, at the Titan Stadium on 07-07-07. Seven is a special number with God. Over 100,000 people will be invited to attend a mobilization (movement) of the army of God. Some believe that this will be a fresh move of God and a fresh recruitment for God’s army on 07-07-07.
Lots of money is already pouring in for this great Godly call. People are saying that this call is Divine and endorsed by God. I believe it is a calling of God. It’s time to blow the trumpet again. Hope is on the way. There is still hope for America. A solemn assembly is being called. I believe God is saying, "Blow the trumpet in Zion, pray, call a fast." Are we not in a crisis? Is the Church not in a crisis? Is our nation not in a crisis? Are we not living in perilous times? America is at the crossroads. People and multitudes of Christians are filled with disenchantment.
Let me tell you something…God is neither Republican nor Democrat. He is God. He wants what is best for this country. There is an awakening coming to the Church…no doubt about it. God’s grace and mercy are prevailing right now. He is giving America plenty of time to repent, but there will come a time when God will say, “Enough.” God is now searching through His Church to find men and women who will take a stand for righteousness.
God is saying, "And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations". For this to happen, the Church must be found faithful in morality and virtue.
The Church is about to enter a new dimension. Repentance will be the word of the day. Renewal and revival will bring a flood of confession and cleansing…by the blood of Jesus. Prescription: Prayer and Fasting.
Blow the trumpet in Zion…consecrate a fast…call a sacred assembly…Gather the people…sanctify the congregation…assemble the elders…gather the children…let the bridegroom go out from His chamber…and the bride from her dressing room.
Both the Church and our country are in crisis. Once again, God is blowing the trumpet…07-07-07 in Nashville.
Our love for God must be stronger than our passions for this world. Newspapers and websites across America are saying that on 07-07-07, more marriages will be occurring then ever in history. Wedding Chapels and churches are booked across America. Multitudes of Christians will be going to Nashville on 07-07-07.
Can anything good come out of Nashville? Yes. I believe this will be a start of Something BIG. Let God be true. Let a great movement of faith come forth from Nashville on 7-7-7. May Christian music come forth that will reap a tremendous harvest. The trumpet is about to sound again. Let this be a day of prayer and fasting…A day to take a stand and shape history. AMEN!
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Today in America
Today in America
By Tommy Franks
When a nation forgets God, they reap the consequences. If America forgets about Who God is…we reap the consequences. “There is no truth or mercy, or knowledge of God in the land” (Hos. 4, NKJV).
“By swearing and lying, killing and stealing and committing adultery, they break all restraint, with bloodshed upon bloodshed…Therefore the land will mourn” (Hos.4).
This week at Blacksburg, VA…a mentally unbalanced Virginia Tech student murdered 32 fellow students and faculty members. He had previously been judged a danger, but was not hospitalized or committed.
Now, the blame game begins. This was an awful tragedy and heartbreaking. As America is experiencing grief for the murder victims and their families, the politicians, media, and gun control proponents are coming out of the woodwork. They are saying things like, “If only the government would enact more gun laws and programs, this would never have happened. If only the administration and police had done their jobs…If only the mental health professionals would have done their job…If only Virginia Tech had done this or that…”
Some have overtly blamed the President. He is not to blame. President Bush is an honorable man who believes in Christ. Others have blamed the religious right wing. Yet, others have blamed the 2nd Amendment. None of this helps resolve the issues. There is a God (Jehovah) and there is a devil. The two are diametrically opposed to each other. God wants the very best for America and the enemy (satan) wants to devastate and destroy America.
Americans need to turn to God. He is the only answer to our dilemmas and problems in America. The politicians and celebrities pause for a "moment of silence in honor of the victims". This is supposed to show America that they actually care.
Some of these same politicians, bureaucrats and judges who have now invoked prayer…are the same ones who tell us that prayer is illegal in public places in America. They have preached to us about "the separation of church and state".
However, when they have an opportunity on TV or in the newspapers during a crisis, they somehow want to invoke hypocritically the name of God. God should be in our lives 24 hours a day and not just during a tragedy.
Hosea was sent to warn Israel at a time much like ours today. The nation was prosperous, economically sound, and moving forward. The situation described in Hosea is very similar to today’s America. “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…because (they) have rejected (My) knowledge… because (they) have ignored the law of God. The more you have increased, the more (you) have sinned against Me” (Hos.4).
When I was growing up in Florida, we had some absolutes. The Bible was “truth”. Where are the absolutes today? What is truth today? Some of our churches in America are teaching that everything is gray…nothing is black or white anymore. If it feels good, do it…and do it now. Some are even teaching that there is more than one Way to heaven. Some say that there are many ways to get to heaven.
Where is the real knowledge of the true and living God? Why do we have so much
profanity and lying? Why do we have so many killings, stealing, adultery, and unrestrained behavior? Is it because that we have no fear of God anymore? During Hosea’s time, the rulers were dishonorable. In America, some of our judges and rulers are dishonorable.
The more America discards God, the more problems and diabolical issues will surface. Many people believe Plato and Nostradamus more than they believe the Bible. If Nostradamus had prophesied and stated the same thing that Hosea had prophesied in Hosea, many would hail it as truly prophetic and would believe. However, since it's in the Bible, it goes widely ignored by our society.
Most people do not believe that there is any absolute truth anymore. Everything is relative and gray. If anyone is so bold to say that the Bible is Truth and we still have absolutes, that individual is labeled intolerant, bigoted, or a fanatical religious zealot. Even many Christians are quick to become legalistic when someone stands up for God's absolutes.
In America today, how many people actually have a real knowledge of the true and living God? God has mostly been systematically removed from our society. Sadly, God is also being removed from the minds of a lot of Christians as well.
Profanity and lying are normal. It used to be abnormal. I have even overheard Christians saying, "F---ing this or f---ing that or he is a f---ing a--h---". You get the picture…a fresh stream that has turned into a sewer.
Some people lie constantly. Some Christians lie frequently. Most people say, “Who cares.” Lying has become a means to an end. It is not even questioned as wrong anymore.
Some Christians will say, “The only lying that is really bad is…the lying that hurts another person. That type of lying is bad and considered wrong.” Poppycock!
Tonight on TV, you will see and hear of killings, stealing, fraud, deception, and schemes. These are now common in America. Adultery is now common in America. If it feels good, do it. NOT.
Now get this, some Christians have even said, “Adultery is simply pursuing your own personal happiness. What loving God does not want you to be happy? Yeah, this makes sense. Yeah, this passes the Old Testament test. Yeah, the Ten Commandments were written a long time ago and are no longer valid for our time or society today.” NOT!
Just about anything goes today as long as "It doesn't hurt anyone else". Lying, cheating, pornography, homosexuality, perversion, arrogance, pride, slothfulness, and gossip are your “God-given” rights as a human being. NOT!
In America, it seems that the more God blesses us with prosperity and abundance, the more we are forgetting God. Am I right or wrong?
Hollywood says, “We enjoy sin. We enjoy weird entertainment, immorality, violence, bloodshed, occultism, and perversion. If you doubt that we love to enjoy sin, just go to your local movie theater. We have an insatiable appetite for sinful things.”
America is bent on materialism. We never seem to be satisfied. We never seem to get enough stuff. Today, most of us have more stuff than we can use.
It seems that the Creator is ignored while the creature is elevated to god status.
During Hosea’s time, the rulers were dishonorable…filled with corruption, lying, power thirsty, weak character, and bent on destroying their opponent’s reputation.
Most believe that it is the survival of the fittest.
Is God going to judge America? How long will God have patience with us? Do people fear God anymore? Will God punish America for her sins? Are the lightning bolts of God beginning to rain down on America? Is God asleep? Has He forgotten? Is He paying any attention? Does God still hate sin?
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven” (Romans 1:18-19).
God has always been a God of mercy as well as judgment. God judged Adam and Eve in the garden (Gen. 3). God judged the entire world before the flood (Gen. 6).
God judged the Israelites (2 Kgs.17). God judged the Jews via the Romans (Mt. 24). God judged the local churches (Rev. 2-3). God is a God of judgment (Hebrews 9:27).
He will judge every person on how they have responded to His call of repentance. He will judge the works of His children. Our actions will be judged. Jesus will judge all things (Acts 17:31, Revelation 1:7). Every single person will be judged (Mt. 25)…
even the fallen angels will be judged (2 Peter 2:4; Jude 1:6).
God's judgment will be final (Eccl. 11.9) and eternal (Heb. 6.2). God is just. No one will be able to disagree with the justice and nature of God, especially His judgment.
The recent events across America remind us that God is serious about us. Does He still love us? Absolutely! Even though we are living in perilous times, as Christians, we can expect that our “Redemption” is drawing nigh. God is ultimately still in control of the universe and in control of His Master Plan…and we are part of it forever! God loves you eternally. AMEN!
By Tommy Franks
When a nation forgets God, they reap the consequences. If America forgets about Who God is…we reap the consequences. “There is no truth or mercy, or knowledge of God in the land” (Hos. 4, NKJV).
“By swearing and lying, killing and stealing and committing adultery, they break all restraint, with bloodshed upon bloodshed…Therefore the land will mourn” (Hos.4).
This week at Blacksburg, VA…a mentally unbalanced Virginia Tech student murdered 32 fellow students and faculty members. He had previously been judged a danger, but was not hospitalized or committed.
Now, the blame game begins. This was an awful tragedy and heartbreaking. As America is experiencing grief for the murder victims and their families, the politicians, media, and gun control proponents are coming out of the woodwork. They are saying things like, “If only the government would enact more gun laws and programs, this would never have happened. If only the administration and police had done their jobs…If only the mental health professionals would have done their job…If only Virginia Tech had done this or that…”
Some have overtly blamed the President. He is not to blame. President Bush is an honorable man who believes in Christ. Others have blamed the religious right wing. Yet, others have blamed the 2nd Amendment. None of this helps resolve the issues. There is a God (Jehovah) and there is a devil. The two are diametrically opposed to each other. God wants the very best for America and the enemy (satan) wants to devastate and destroy America.
Americans need to turn to God. He is the only answer to our dilemmas and problems in America. The politicians and celebrities pause for a "moment of silence in honor of the victims". This is supposed to show America that they actually care.
Some of these same politicians, bureaucrats and judges who have now invoked prayer…are the same ones who tell us that prayer is illegal in public places in America. They have preached to us about "the separation of church and state".
However, when they have an opportunity on TV or in the newspapers during a crisis, they somehow want to invoke hypocritically the name of God. God should be in our lives 24 hours a day and not just during a tragedy.
Hosea was sent to warn Israel at a time much like ours today. The nation was prosperous, economically sound, and moving forward. The situation described in Hosea is very similar to today’s America. “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…because (they) have rejected (My) knowledge… because (they) have ignored the law of God. The more you have increased, the more (you) have sinned against Me” (Hos.4).
When I was growing up in Florida, we had some absolutes. The Bible was “truth”. Where are the absolutes today? What is truth today? Some of our churches in America are teaching that everything is gray…nothing is black or white anymore. If it feels good, do it…and do it now. Some are even teaching that there is more than one Way to heaven. Some say that there are many ways to get to heaven.
Where is the real knowledge of the true and living God? Why do we have so much
profanity and lying? Why do we have so many killings, stealing, adultery, and unrestrained behavior? Is it because that we have no fear of God anymore? During Hosea’s time, the rulers were dishonorable. In America, some of our judges and rulers are dishonorable.
The more America discards God, the more problems and diabolical issues will surface. Many people believe Plato and Nostradamus more than they believe the Bible. If Nostradamus had prophesied and stated the same thing that Hosea had prophesied in Hosea, many would hail it as truly prophetic and would believe. However, since it's in the Bible, it goes widely ignored by our society.
Most people do not believe that there is any absolute truth anymore. Everything is relative and gray. If anyone is so bold to say that the Bible is Truth and we still have absolutes, that individual is labeled intolerant, bigoted, or a fanatical religious zealot. Even many Christians are quick to become legalistic when someone stands up for God's absolutes.
In America today, how many people actually have a real knowledge of the true and living God? God has mostly been systematically removed from our society. Sadly, God is also being removed from the minds of a lot of Christians as well.
Profanity and lying are normal. It used to be abnormal. I have even overheard Christians saying, "F---ing this or f---ing that or he is a f---ing a--h---". You get the picture…a fresh stream that has turned into a sewer.
Some people lie constantly. Some Christians lie frequently. Most people say, “Who cares.” Lying has become a means to an end. It is not even questioned as wrong anymore.
Some Christians will say, “The only lying that is really bad is…the lying that hurts another person. That type of lying is bad and considered wrong.” Poppycock!
Tonight on TV, you will see and hear of killings, stealing, fraud, deception, and schemes. These are now common in America. Adultery is now common in America. If it feels good, do it. NOT.
Now get this, some Christians have even said, “Adultery is simply pursuing your own personal happiness. What loving God does not want you to be happy? Yeah, this makes sense. Yeah, this passes the Old Testament test. Yeah, the Ten Commandments were written a long time ago and are no longer valid for our time or society today.” NOT!
Just about anything goes today as long as "It doesn't hurt anyone else". Lying, cheating, pornography, homosexuality, perversion, arrogance, pride, slothfulness, and gossip are your “God-given” rights as a human being. NOT!
In America, it seems that the more God blesses us with prosperity and abundance, the more we are forgetting God. Am I right or wrong?
Hollywood says, “We enjoy sin. We enjoy weird entertainment, immorality, violence, bloodshed, occultism, and perversion. If you doubt that we love to enjoy sin, just go to your local movie theater. We have an insatiable appetite for sinful things.”
America is bent on materialism. We never seem to be satisfied. We never seem to get enough stuff. Today, most of us have more stuff than we can use.
It seems that the Creator is ignored while the creature is elevated to god status.
During Hosea’s time, the rulers were dishonorable…filled with corruption, lying, power thirsty, weak character, and bent on destroying their opponent’s reputation.
Most believe that it is the survival of the fittest.
Is God going to judge America? How long will God have patience with us? Do people fear God anymore? Will God punish America for her sins? Are the lightning bolts of God beginning to rain down on America? Is God asleep? Has He forgotten? Is He paying any attention? Does God still hate sin?
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven” (Romans 1:18-19).
God has always been a God of mercy as well as judgment. God judged Adam and Eve in the garden (Gen. 3). God judged the entire world before the flood (Gen. 6).
God judged the Israelites (2 Kgs.17). God judged the Jews via the Romans (Mt. 24). God judged the local churches (Rev. 2-3). God is a God of judgment (Hebrews 9:27).
He will judge every person on how they have responded to His call of repentance. He will judge the works of His children. Our actions will be judged. Jesus will judge all things (Acts 17:31, Revelation 1:7). Every single person will be judged (Mt. 25)…
even the fallen angels will be judged (2 Peter 2:4; Jude 1:6).
God's judgment will be final (Eccl. 11.9) and eternal (Heb. 6.2). God is just. No one will be able to disagree with the justice and nature of God, especially His judgment.
The recent events across America remind us that God is serious about us. Does He still love us? Absolutely! Even though we are living in perilous times, as Christians, we can expect that our “Redemption” is drawing nigh. God is ultimately still in control of the universe and in control of His Master Plan…and we are part of it forever! God loves you eternally. AMEN!
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
ONE MAN
ONE MAN
By Tommy Franks
What can one man do? Let's look at the criticism America has been receiving. A number of Christians have been saying, "If God doesn't destroy America, He will have to repent to Sodom and Gomorrah."
If we are going to compare the United States to Sodom, then the church should be compared to Abraham. If we take this premise to its conclusion, we will have to add, "If the Lord does not rebuke judgmental Christians, He will have to repent to Abraham!"
What am I talking about? I am referring to the fact that when Abraham was confronted with the imminent possibility of Sodom's destruction, he did not jump on the "Destroy Sodom" bandwagon; instead, he went before the Lord and prayed for mercy to be upon the city.
Abraham's prayer is an amazing study on the affect a mercy-motivated intercessor has on the heart of God. It tells us that the Lord is actually looking for a spark of hope, a mercy reason, to justify delaying His wrath.
Let's examine how the Lord responded to the sin of Sodom. First, He showed Abraham, His servant, what He was about to do. Why? Because God desired Abraham to intercede.
When the Lord informed His servant of what was wrong in the world, it was not so he could judge it, but so that he would intercede for mercy. Remember, God delights in mercy and takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked (Micah 7:18, Ezek 33:11). The Lord always seeks for opportunities of mercy.
Therefore, let's take note of how Abraham approached the Almighty: Then the men turned away from there and went toward Sodom, while Abraham was still standing before the Lord.
And Abraham came near and said, "Wilt Thou indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked? Suppose there are fifty righteous within the city; wilt Thou indeed sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous who are in it? Far be it from Thee to do such a thing, to slay the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous and the wicked are treated alike. Far be it from Thee! Shall not the Judge of all the earth deal justly” (Gen 18:22-25)?
Notice, Abraham did not pray from a place of anger. He never said, "God, it's about time You killed those perverts."
Somehow, we have come to believe that non-compromising Christians must also be angry. Abraham never compromised with Sodom's depraved culture, yet he was above fleshly reaction. In fact, throughout his prayer, Abraham did not even remind the Lord of what was wrong in Sodom. He appealed, instead, to the mercy and integrity of the Lord.
This is vitally important for us, because Jesus said, "If you are Abraham's children, do the deeds of Abraham" (John 8:39). One of Abraham's most noteworthy deeds involved his intercessory prayer for Sodom, the most perverse city in the world at that time.
Abraham first acknowledged the Lord's integrity, then he spoke to the Lord's mercy. "Suppose there are fifty righteous within the city; wilt Thou indeed sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty . . ."
The Lord knew that it would be unjust to slay the righteous with the wicked; Abraham's prayer did not enlighten the Lord of some unknown fact. But the nature of life on earth is this: God works with man to establish the future and, in the process of determining reality…He always prepares a merciful alternative.
In other words, urgent, redemptive prayer shoots straight through the mercy door to God's heart. This door is never shut, especially since we have a High Priest, Jesus Christ, ministering at the mercy seat in the heavenlies. It is open any time and every time we pray. Listen to how the Lord answered Abraham's prayer for mercy:
If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare the whole place on their account" (Gen 18:26).
How the truth of God's mercy flies in the face of those so eager to judge America! Incredibly, the Lord said He would spare the whole city of Sodom if He found fifty righteous people there. Now, keep this in mind, the Hebrew word for spare means more than "not destroy," it also means "to forgive or pardon."
This is a tremendous revelation about the Living God: He will minimize, delay, or even cancel a day of reckoning as long as Christ-inspired prayer is being offered for sinners!
Time and again throughout the Scriptures the Lord proclaims an ever-present truth about His nature: He is "slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness" (Ex 34:6). Do we believe this? Here it is, demonstrated right in the sacred Scriptures. He tells us plainly that a few righteous people scattered in a city can preserve that city from divine wrath.
Abraham knew the love of God. They were intimate friends. Abraham, in truth, had a clear view into the heart of God based on his own experience. This interceding prophet had seen the Almighty bless, prosper, and forgive him; he pressed God's mercy toward its limits:
"What if there are forty?"
The Lord would spare it for forty.
Abraham bargained, "thirty?"
He would spare it for thirty.
"Twenty?"
He finally secured the Lord's promise not to destroy the city if he could find just ten righteous people there. Think about this, for herein we discover the heart of God: The Lord would spare sinful Sodom for the sake of ten godly people who dwelt within it!
HOW ABOUT YOUR COMMUNITY? Think about your city. Are there ten good folk among you? Consider your state: Do you think there might be one thousand praying people living within its borders, people who are pleading with God for mercy? What about nationwide? Do you suppose there might be fifty thousand people interceding for America? God said He would spare Sodom for ten righteous people. Do you think God would spare the nation for the fifty thousand righteous?
What if there were one and a half million men in Washington, D.C., interceding for America? Do you think God would spare this nation?
Currently, Karen and I live in the Washington DC metropolitan area that has over 5 million people. There are scores of individuals: priests, pastors, intercessors, youth workers, black, white, Latino folk, Native Americans, Asian Americans, Christian business people, moms, dads, godly teenagers, praying grandmothers, secretaries, and righteous policemen…far more than the ten righteous needed to save a place like Sodom. There are thousands here who care and pray for this city.
Think about your church and the greater church in your city. Are there at least ten honorable people who sincerely care about your community? The Lord said He would spare Sodom for the sake of the ten.
Abraham stopped praying at ten. But I will tell you something that is most profound: Abraham stopped too soon. The Lord reveals that His mercy will extend even further. Listen to what He told Jeremiah:
“Roam to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem and look now, and take note. And seek in her open squares, if you can find a man, if there is one who does justice, who seeks truth, then I will pardon her” (Jer.5:1).
God says, "If you can find a man…then I will pardon her."
One holy person in an evil city can actually turn away God's wrath. One godly individual who cares for a city (or a family or a school or a neighborhood or a church) swings open the door for mercy.
If just one soul refuses to give in to the intimidation of increasing wickedness, if that one refuses to submit to hopelessness, fear or unbelief, it is enough to exact from heaven a delay on wrath. You, my friend, can be that “one” who obtains forgiveness for your city until revival comes!
Mercy far outweighs wrath. You see, whenever a person operates in intercessory mercy, the tender passions of Christ are unveiled in the world. Do you want to truly know who Jesus is? Consider: He ever lives to make intercession; He is seated at the right hand of God the Father praying on our behalf (Heb 7:25; Rom 8:34). He is not eagerly waiting in heaven desiring an opportunity to destroy the world. He is praying for mercy. This is His nature.
Christ, the second person of the Trinity, is God in His mercy form. He is God loving the world, dying for its sins, paying the price of redemption. Christ is the mercy of God satisfying the justice of God.
When God declared that man was to be made in the divine image, it is this image of Christ the Redeemer that reveals our pattern. We are to follow the mercy path set by Christ. The Bible says, "As He is, so also are we in this world" (1 John 4:17).
Thus, the nature of Christ is manifest in our world every time redemptive intercession is offered to God on behalf of sinners. Jesus came to earth to fulfill the mercy of God. His title is Redeemer. His role is Savior. He is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep. God calls us to be like Jesus, who says to us, "As the Father has sent Me, I also send you" (John 20:21). We are sent by Jesus with the purpose of Jesus: redemption.
The manifestation on earth of one Christlike intercessor perfectly restrains God's need for judgment on a society. Let me say it again: "Mercy triumphs over judgment" (James 2:13). Mercy plays exactly into God's heart. And one man or woman who reveals Christ's heart on earth will defer God's judgment from heaven.
Lord Jesus, forgive us for devaluing the power of prayer. Forgive us for underestimating how passionately You desire to reveal Your mercy. Lord, give us grace to be “one” who never ceases to cry out to You for mercy. Lord, let us not base our obedience on what our eyes see or our ears hear but, upon the revelation of Your mercy, let us build our lives to Thee. AMEN!
One man or one woman can make the difference on Planet Earth.
By Tommy Franks
What can one man do? Let's look at the criticism America has been receiving. A number of Christians have been saying, "If God doesn't destroy America, He will have to repent to Sodom and Gomorrah."
If we are going to compare the United States to Sodom, then the church should be compared to Abraham. If we take this premise to its conclusion, we will have to add, "If the Lord does not rebuke judgmental Christians, He will have to repent to Abraham!"
What am I talking about? I am referring to the fact that when Abraham was confronted with the imminent possibility of Sodom's destruction, he did not jump on the "Destroy Sodom" bandwagon; instead, he went before the Lord and prayed for mercy to be upon the city.
Abraham's prayer is an amazing study on the affect a mercy-motivated intercessor has on the heart of God. It tells us that the Lord is actually looking for a spark of hope, a mercy reason, to justify delaying His wrath.
Let's examine how the Lord responded to the sin of Sodom. First, He showed Abraham, His servant, what He was about to do. Why? Because God desired Abraham to intercede.
When the Lord informed His servant of what was wrong in the world, it was not so he could judge it, but so that he would intercede for mercy. Remember, God delights in mercy and takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked (Micah 7:18, Ezek 33:11). The Lord always seeks for opportunities of mercy.
Therefore, let's take note of how Abraham approached the Almighty: Then the men turned away from there and went toward Sodom, while Abraham was still standing before the Lord.
And Abraham came near and said, "Wilt Thou indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked? Suppose there are fifty righteous within the city; wilt Thou indeed sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous who are in it? Far be it from Thee to do such a thing, to slay the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous and the wicked are treated alike. Far be it from Thee! Shall not the Judge of all the earth deal justly” (Gen 18:22-25)?
Notice, Abraham did not pray from a place of anger. He never said, "God, it's about time You killed those perverts."
Somehow, we have come to believe that non-compromising Christians must also be angry. Abraham never compromised with Sodom's depraved culture, yet he was above fleshly reaction. In fact, throughout his prayer, Abraham did not even remind the Lord of what was wrong in Sodom. He appealed, instead, to the mercy and integrity of the Lord.
This is vitally important for us, because Jesus said, "If you are Abraham's children, do the deeds of Abraham" (John 8:39). One of Abraham's most noteworthy deeds involved his intercessory prayer for Sodom, the most perverse city in the world at that time.
Abraham first acknowledged the Lord's integrity, then he spoke to the Lord's mercy. "Suppose there are fifty righteous within the city; wilt Thou indeed sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty . . ."
The Lord knew that it would be unjust to slay the righteous with the wicked; Abraham's prayer did not enlighten the Lord of some unknown fact. But the nature of life on earth is this: God works with man to establish the future and, in the process of determining reality…He always prepares a merciful alternative.
In other words, urgent, redemptive prayer shoots straight through the mercy door to God's heart. This door is never shut, especially since we have a High Priest, Jesus Christ, ministering at the mercy seat in the heavenlies. It is open any time and every time we pray. Listen to how the Lord answered Abraham's prayer for mercy:
If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare the whole place on their account" (Gen 18:26).
How the truth of God's mercy flies in the face of those so eager to judge America! Incredibly, the Lord said He would spare the whole city of Sodom if He found fifty righteous people there. Now, keep this in mind, the Hebrew word for spare means more than "not destroy," it also means "to forgive or pardon."
This is a tremendous revelation about the Living God: He will minimize, delay, or even cancel a day of reckoning as long as Christ-inspired prayer is being offered for sinners!
Time and again throughout the Scriptures the Lord proclaims an ever-present truth about His nature: He is "slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness" (Ex 34:6). Do we believe this? Here it is, demonstrated right in the sacred Scriptures. He tells us plainly that a few righteous people scattered in a city can preserve that city from divine wrath.
Abraham knew the love of God. They were intimate friends. Abraham, in truth, had a clear view into the heart of God based on his own experience. This interceding prophet had seen the Almighty bless, prosper, and forgive him; he pressed God's mercy toward its limits:
"What if there are forty?"
The Lord would spare it for forty.
Abraham bargained, "thirty?"
He would spare it for thirty.
"Twenty?"
He finally secured the Lord's promise not to destroy the city if he could find just ten righteous people there. Think about this, for herein we discover the heart of God: The Lord would spare sinful Sodom for the sake of ten godly people who dwelt within it!
HOW ABOUT YOUR COMMUNITY? Think about your city. Are there ten good folk among you? Consider your state: Do you think there might be one thousand praying people living within its borders, people who are pleading with God for mercy? What about nationwide? Do you suppose there might be fifty thousand people interceding for America? God said He would spare Sodom for ten righteous people. Do you think God would spare the nation for the fifty thousand righteous?
What if there were one and a half million men in Washington, D.C., interceding for America? Do you think God would spare this nation?
Currently, Karen and I live in the Washington DC metropolitan area that has over 5 million people. There are scores of individuals: priests, pastors, intercessors, youth workers, black, white, Latino folk, Native Americans, Asian Americans, Christian business people, moms, dads, godly teenagers, praying grandmothers, secretaries, and righteous policemen…far more than the ten righteous needed to save a place like Sodom. There are thousands here who care and pray for this city.
Think about your church and the greater church in your city. Are there at least ten honorable people who sincerely care about your community? The Lord said He would spare Sodom for the sake of the ten.
Abraham stopped praying at ten. But I will tell you something that is most profound: Abraham stopped too soon. The Lord reveals that His mercy will extend even further. Listen to what He told Jeremiah:
“Roam to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem and look now, and take note. And seek in her open squares, if you can find a man, if there is one who does justice, who seeks truth, then I will pardon her” (Jer.5:1).
God says, "If you can find a man…then I will pardon her."
One holy person in an evil city can actually turn away God's wrath. One godly individual who cares for a city (or a family or a school or a neighborhood or a church) swings open the door for mercy.
If just one soul refuses to give in to the intimidation of increasing wickedness, if that one refuses to submit to hopelessness, fear or unbelief, it is enough to exact from heaven a delay on wrath. You, my friend, can be that “one” who obtains forgiveness for your city until revival comes!
Mercy far outweighs wrath. You see, whenever a person operates in intercessory mercy, the tender passions of Christ are unveiled in the world. Do you want to truly know who Jesus is? Consider: He ever lives to make intercession; He is seated at the right hand of God the Father praying on our behalf (Heb 7:25; Rom 8:34). He is not eagerly waiting in heaven desiring an opportunity to destroy the world. He is praying for mercy. This is His nature.
Christ, the second person of the Trinity, is God in His mercy form. He is God loving the world, dying for its sins, paying the price of redemption. Christ is the mercy of God satisfying the justice of God.
When God declared that man was to be made in the divine image, it is this image of Christ the Redeemer that reveals our pattern. We are to follow the mercy path set by Christ. The Bible says, "As He is, so also are we in this world" (1 John 4:17).
Thus, the nature of Christ is manifest in our world every time redemptive intercession is offered to God on behalf of sinners. Jesus came to earth to fulfill the mercy of God. His title is Redeemer. His role is Savior. He is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep. God calls us to be like Jesus, who says to us, "As the Father has sent Me, I also send you" (John 20:21). We are sent by Jesus with the purpose of Jesus: redemption.
The manifestation on earth of one Christlike intercessor perfectly restrains God's need for judgment on a society. Let me say it again: "Mercy triumphs over judgment" (James 2:13). Mercy plays exactly into God's heart. And one man or woman who reveals Christ's heart on earth will defer God's judgment from heaven.
Lord Jesus, forgive us for devaluing the power of prayer. Forgive us for underestimating how passionately You desire to reveal Your mercy. Lord, give us grace to be “one” who never ceases to cry out to You for mercy. Lord, let us not base our obedience on what our eyes see or our ears hear but, upon the revelation of Your mercy, let us build our lives to Thee. AMEN!
One man or one woman can make the difference on Planet Earth.
A LETTER TO MAMA
A LETTER TO MAMA
By Your Son, Tommy
Dear Mama,
I wish that we would have had more time to spend together while you were here. But with all of us children (eight in all…one of my brothers died at birth), you had to work a lot to keep food on the table and shoes on our little feet. There were a lot of things that I should have said while you were here, but I didn’t...so, I’ll say them now.
Mama, I want to say “Thank-you” for nursing me back to health and praying for me when both of my small arms and hands were burned to a dull black...the time I fell into the open fireplace. You called on your God to help me and He heard you. And remember the time that you prayed for me while I was still in your womb. You asked for God’s protection over me. Then, when I was eight years old, you stayed up all night with me, prayed, and cared for me because I had appendicitis. You prayed to your God. He intervened. Now, many years later, I am still well. Thank you.
Mama, I can remember you getting upset with us at times, but we always knew you loved us. I now have four children of my own. I do understand. Mama, I love you and I want you to forgive me for causing you pain and heartaches at times.
Another time you saved my life. I was driving too fast. You told me to slow down. I reluctantly did. Immediately afterwards, the right front tire exploded. Your request and warning saved our lives that day. Mama, thanks...I was too young to die!
The tears, sweat, blood, and agony that was given for us seven children was a great sacrifice on your part. I remember in 1953 while you were giving birth to our little sister (Lavonda), you almost died, but somehow God let you live a few more years on this planet.
Yes, you shed many a tear drop for us, especially me. And I’ll always be grateful to you for giving me life and sound moral principles. Mama, there were times that I was away from home a long time. You prayed for me. You bragged on me. Even when I was wrong, you encouraged me.
“Mama, I want to say one more thing...I miss you with all my heart. I look forward to seeing you again. Mama, soon I’ll be another year older.
“What’s that Mama? Yes, I do have tears in my eyes...and it feels good to cry because these tears are not tears of sorrow, but joy...the joy of having you for as a mother.”
With all my love,
Your son...Tommy
NOTE: My mother died in 1969. She was 49...too young to die. I wrote her this letter on 28 Sep 81. Yes, I know that we cannot communicate with our loved ones who are now in heaven; however, for my own health and welfare, I wanted to write down some things that perhaps had never been said before...or had gone unsaid while Mom was still living. And, no, I did not mail the letter…because I did not know how much postage it would take to mail it to Planet Heaven! Hello!
By Your Son, Tommy
Dear Mama,
I wish that we would have had more time to spend together while you were here. But with all of us children (eight in all…one of my brothers died at birth), you had to work a lot to keep food on the table and shoes on our little feet. There were a lot of things that I should have said while you were here, but I didn’t...so, I’ll say them now.
Mama, I want to say “Thank-you” for nursing me back to health and praying for me when both of my small arms and hands were burned to a dull black...the time I fell into the open fireplace. You called on your God to help me and He heard you. And remember the time that you prayed for me while I was still in your womb. You asked for God’s protection over me. Then, when I was eight years old, you stayed up all night with me, prayed, and cared for me because I had appendicitis. You prayed to your God. He intervened. Now, many years later, I am still well. Thank you.
Mama, I can remember you getting upset with us at times, but we always knew you loved us. I now have four children of my own. I do understand. Mama, I love you and I want you to forgive me for causing you pain and heartaches at times.
Another time you saved my life. I was driving too fast. You told me to slow down. I reluctantly did. Immediately afterwards, the right front tire exploded. Your request and warning saved our lives that day. Mama, thanks...I was too young to die!
The tears, sweat, blood, and agony that was given for us seven children was a great sacrifice on your part. I remember in 1953 while you were giving birth to our little sister (Lavonda), you almost died, but somehow God let you live a few more years on this planet.
Yes, you shed many a tear drop for us, especially me. And I’ll always be grateful to you for giving me life and sound moral principles. Mama, there were times that I was away from home a long time. You prayed for me. You bragged on me. Even when I was wrong, you encouraged me.
“Mama, I want to say one more thing...I miss you with all my heart. I look forward to seeing you again. Mama, soon I’ll be another year older.
“What’s that Mama? Yes, I do have tears in my eyes...and it feels good to cry because these tears are not tears of sorrow, but joy...the joy of having you for as a mother.”
With all my love,
Your son...Tommy
NOTE: My mother died in 1969. She was 49...too young to die. I wrote her this letter on 28 Sep 81. Yes, I know that we cannot communicate with our loved ones who are now in heaven; however, for my own health and welfare, I wanted to write down some things that perhaps had never been said before...or had gone unsaid while Mom was still living. And, no, I did not mail the letter…because I did not know how much postage it would take to mail it to Planet Heaven! Hello!
Miraculous Mothers
Miraculous Mothers
By Tommy Franks
When the word “mother” is mentioned
The awesome truth prevails.
Some call it magic.
I call it the miraculous!
No other human being affords such comfort to children.
No heart will ever fully understand the connecting bond
Between mother and child.
The Miraculous Mother has such intuition and “a sixth sense” about her children.
She totally understands
And provides hope, faith, and love for her little ones.
Her love abides. Her hope prevails. Her faith continues.
She provides fertile ground for the child to dream and laugh and play.
Before long...Chitter Chatter, tiny finger prints, and laughter fill the home. AWESOME!
Tenderness and keen sensitivity are characteristic of the Miraculous Mom.
Her love for her children is filled with compassion and great strength.
She is the calm in the storm...The wind in the sails...The fuel for success!
Mothers bring sweet content and an atmosphere of peace.
It’s their nature.
They can also give a “distinct unpleasant look” at the child when the child has “acted up”.
Or use their hand on the child’s seat if necessary.
This too...is love!
Children learn so much from their Moms...
How to play, read, develop goals, smile, and laugh (giggle).
The “bulwark of our nation” is not bullets, beans, or bombs.
It is certainly NOT our government or National Defense.
The “bulwark (tower of strength) of our nation” is the Miraculous Mothers.
Period!
The hand that rocks the cradle still rules the world. Hello!
By Tommy Franks
When the word “mother” is mentioned
The awesome truth prevails.
Some call it magic.
I call it the miraculous!
No other human being affords such comfort to children.
No heart will ever fully understand the connecting bond
Between mother and child.
The Miraculous Mother has such intuition and “a sixth sense” about her children.
She totally understands
And provides hope, faith, and love for her little ones.
Her love abides. Her hope prevails. Her faith continues.
She provides fertile ground for the child to dream and laugh and play.
Before long...Chitter Chatter, tiny finger prints, and laughter fill the home. AWESOME!
Tenderness and keen sensitivity are characteristic of the Miraculous Mom.
Her love for her children is filled with compassion and great strength.
She is the calm in the storm...The wind in the sails...The fuel for success!
Mothers bring sweet content and an atmosphere of peace.
It’s their nature.
They can also give a “distinct unpleasant look” at the child when the child has “acted up”.
Or use their hand on the child’s seat if necessary.
This too...is love!
Children learn so much from their Moms...
How to play, read, develop goals, smile, and laugh (giggle).
The “bulwark of our nation” is not bullets, beans, or bombs.
It is certainly NOT our government or National Defense.
The “bulwark (tower of strength) of our nation” is the Miraculous Mothers.
Period!
The hand that rocks the cradle still rules the world. Hello!
Enthusiasm is Contagious!
Enthusiasm is Contagious!
By Tommy Franks
Not long ago, we talked about “Optimism Being Contagious”. Now, let’s look at “Enthusiasm”.
Emerson once said, “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm”.
Enthusiasm brings the personality ALIVE...releasing a multitude of human atomic energy. Enthusiastic people are NOT dead! Someone said, “Enthusiasm is faith that has been set on fire!”
Everyone likes to see a lively individual of zest, enthusiasm, passion, and gusto. Did you know that enthusiasm keeps us living longer? That’s right. Look around. Some of the old timers now live to be over 100 years of age! That’s exciting! On the other hand, you may see some “dead men” walking around who have not lived for a long time.
Have you seen any lately? They are the ones who have lost their zest and zeal…and look dead. Thoreau once said, “None are as old as those who have outlived their enthusiasm!”
Enthusiasm powers our self-motivating potential. Take a look at a little child whom we will call Joanna. She is enthusiastic. She thinks the world is terrific and fantastic. She just loves everybody and everything. The whole world fascinates her. Little Joanna is excited about life...about people...about dogs and cats...about cars, trucks, and airplanes...and about little lady bugs, too. She wants to learn everything she can. You see, the secret of genius in today’s society...is carrying the enthusiastic spirit of this little girl (Joanna) into adulthood. By the way, Joanna is my daughter!
People are always bugging me for a “Success Formula”. Well, here it is:
“Make up your mind that that the world is one BIG “thrill” after another...with beauty, love, excitement, and people who really care about others. Be sensitive to it. Love people. Love the beautiful green earth and all its glory that was created by God Almighty for us to enjoy. Think success. Anticipate success! Talk success! Success will come!”
William James said, “If you really want something, act as if you already have it.” And it will be. Hello!
Question? “Tommy, what if I just don’t have it in me to act enthusiastically?
What can I do to generate this thing you call “enthusiasm”?
Response: Act enthusiastically anyhow! Notify your brain that you are going to start acting with passion and enthusiasm. What happens at a football game? Do people sit there like deadheads or sit lifeless in their hard uncomfortable seats? Are you kidding me, man? They have already programmed their brain cells (before ever arriving at the stadium) that they are going to have a good time...a tremendous time...a great time...a fantastic time!
Most will have a good time regardless of which team wins. Well, why shouldn’t they? They have paid a lot of money to see two teams go out and beat on each other and almost kill one another.
We need to also program our brains daily prior to ever leaving our homes. We should expect exciting things to happen to us. We should act with enthusiasm; i.e., think about super things happening to us...like getting a $20,000 a year raise...getting that lucrative promotion...losing 20 pounds... winning a free trip to Ten Buc Two...or our mother-in-law coming to live with us. (Just kidding about that last statement...).
Get vitalized. Get invigorated. Get zesty. Get recharged. Enthusiasm is knocking at your door! Answer the door. You will never be the same again! You will fly to heights unknown!
By Tommy Franks
Not long ago, we talked about “Optimism Being Contagious”. Now, let’s look at “Enthusiasm”.
Emerson once said, “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm”.
Enthusiasm brings the personality ALIVE...releasing a multitude of human atomic energy. Enthusiastic people are NOT dead! Someone said, “Enthusiasm is faith that has been set on fire!”
Everyone likes to see a lively individual of zest, enthusiasm, passion, and gusto. Did you know that enthusiasm keeps us living longer? That’s right. Look around. Some of the old timers now live to be over 100 years of age! That’s exciting! On the other hand, you may see some “dead men” walking around who have not lived for a long time.
Have you seen any lately? They are the ones who have lost their zest and zeal…and look dead. Thoreau once said, “None are as old as those who have outlived their enthusiasm!”
Enthusiasm powers our self-motivating potential. Take a look at a little child whom we will call Joanna. She is enthusiastic. She thinks the world is terrific and fantastic. She just loves everybody and everything. The whole world fascinates her. Little Joanna is excited about life...about people...about dogs and cats...about cars, trucks, and airplanes...and about little lady bugs, too. She wants to learn everything she can. You see, the secret of genius in today’s society...is carrying the enthusiastic spirit of this little girl (Joanna) into adulthood. By the way, Joanna is my daughter!
People are always bugging me for a “Success Formula”. Well, here it is:
“Make up your mind that that the world is one BIG “thrill” after another...with beauty, love, excitement, and people who really care about others. Be sensitive to it. Love people. Love the beautiful green earth and all its glory that was created by God Almighty for us to enjoy. Think success. Anticipate success! Talk success! Success will come!”
William James said, “If you really want something, act as if you already have it.” And it will be. Hello!
Question? “Tommy, what if I just don’t have it in me to act enthusiastically?
What can I do to generate this thing you call “enthusiasm”?
Response: Act enthusiastically anyhow! Notify your brain that you are going to start acting with passion and enthusiasm. What happens at a football game? Do people sit there like deadheads or sit lifeless in their hard uncomfortable seats? Are you kidding me, man? They have already programmed their brain cells (before ever arriving at the stadium) that they are going to have a good time...a tremendous time...a great time...a fantastic time!
Most will have a good time regardless of which team wins. Well, why shouldn’t they? They have paid a lot of money to see two teams go out and beat on each other and almost kill one another.
We need to also program our brains daily prior to ever leaving our homes. We should expect exciting things to happen to us. We should act with enthusiasm; i.e., think about super things happening to us...like getting a $20,000 a year raise...getting that lucrative promotion...losing 20 pounds... winning a free trip to Ten Buc Two...or our mother-in-law coming to live with us. (Just kidding about that last statement...).
Get vitalized. Get invigorated. Get zesty. Get recharged. Enthusiasm is knocking at your door! Answer the door. You will never be the same again! You will fly to heights unknown!
ANOTHER LETTER TO MAMA
ANOTHER LETTER TO MAMA
By Tommy Franks
Hello Mama,
I love you, Mama. Man can do a lot of things on this planet. He can invent. He can educate. He can visualize. But when it comes to making a MOM, only God can do that. Time (sometimes) is our enemy. That’s why I want to say these things now to you, Mama...even though you are now in heaven. Yes, I know we have no contact with those of you who have gone on to heaven, but somehow, I believe that God allows you to look in on us occasionally. Perhaps!
Mom, so many words are left unsaid...until it’s too late. Does anyone really know why? We as children seem to hold them in our little hearts...and let the years go slipping by. While you were here, I probably never mentioned it very much...how thankful I was for you...being my Mom and all. There was so much I wanted to tell you, but life went by so fast...so very fast...and then you were gone!
I know even before my birth that you prayed for me. I did not know then how much you would be worth. By the very nature of your motherly attributes, all my basic needs were met. You cared for me; you loved me...even before I knew how valuable a “Mom” could be! Is it too late now to thank you for so many precious things?
Where do I begin? At night, you would read me stories, poems, and the Good Book. You tucked me in so many times. And remember the time I was so sick and how you stood vigil at my bedside? When I was scared and afraid, you always made me feel secure, safe, and loved. You really cared! Mom, many times I was a pain in your backside...like the time I threw a long spiked spear attached to a broom handle at a passing truck…or the time I acted ugly and you almost destroyed the bathroom door to discipline me. I looked into your caring brown eyes and saw that I had caused you much pain.
You were right about so many things, but sometimes I wouldn’t listen. After all, I was almost grown…16 years old going on 25. I thought I knew better than you... only to find out later that my immaturity was evident. Tell me something, Mom. How is it that when I tried to sneak in a little white lie or half truth that you knew? Was it something in my eyes or the way I said it? I’m so sorry. I just did not understand at the time that your rules...were for my own protection. At times, I know you worried about me, especially when I was in the Air Force in France, Germany, and England. You probably thought that I would be sent to Viet Nam one day. You prayed. I traveled. The Lord preserved.
I love you,
Your son...Tommy
By Tommy Franks
Hello Mama,
I love you, Mama. Man can do a lot of things on this planet. He can invent. He can educate. He can visualize. But when it comes to making a MOM, only God can do that. Time (sometimes) is our enemy. That’s why I want to say these things now to you, Mama...even though you are now in heaven. Yes, I know we have no contact with those of you who have gone on to heaven, but somehow, I believe that God allows you to look in on us occasionally. Perhaps!
Mom, so many words are left unsaid...until it’s too late. Does anyone really know why? We as children seem to hold them in our little hearts...and let the years go slipping by. While you were here, I probably never mentioned it very much...how thankful I was for you...being my Mom and all. There was so much I wanted to tell you, but life went by so fast...so very fast...and then you were gone!
I know even before my birth that you prayed for me. I did not know then how much you would be worth. By the very nature of your motherly attributes, all my basic needs were met. You cared for me; you loved me...even before I knew how valuable a “Mom” could be! Is it too late now to thank you for so many precious things?
Where do I begin? At night, you would read me stories, poems, and the Good Book. You tucked me in so many times. And remember the time I was so sick and how you stood vigil at my bedside? When I was scared and afraid, you always made me feel secure, safe, and loved. You really cared! Mom, many times I was a pain in your backside...like the time I threw a long spiked spear attached to a broom handle at a passing truck…or the time I acted ugly and you almost destroyed the bathroom door to discipline me. I looked into your caring brown eyes and saw that I had caused you much pain.
You were right about so many things, but sometimes I wouldn’t listen. After all, I was almost grown…16 years old going on 25. I thought I knew better than you... only to find out later that my immaturity was evident. Tell me something, Mom. How is it that when I tried to sneak in a little white lie or half truth that you knew? Was it something in my eyes or the way I said it? I’m so sorry. I just did not understand at the time that your rules...were for my own protection. At times, I know you worried about me, especially when I was in the Air Force in France, Germany, and England. You probably thought that I would be sent to Viet Nam one day. You prayed. I traveled. The Lord preserved.
I love you,
Your son...Tommy
3RD LETTER TO MAMA
3RD LETTER TO MAMA
By Tommy Franks
Dear Mama,
Mom, today, I have four children of my own. I believe you would be
proud of them. No, they are not perfect...but they have a lot of you in them. You know, you always did enjoy the special holidays throughout the year. You made them so special for us. At Christmas, Dad would get the Christmas tree. You would get out the decorations. All of us would attempt to decorate the tree...and then Christmas Day would finally dawn...with such excitement. I remember one year, I received a BB gun. You were a little hesitant at first, but then you decided that I was responsible enough to use care and caution.
Did I ever mention the time I shot holes in Tommy Thomas’ bicycle tires? I guess not. Forgive me, Mom.
I’ve always loved you, Mama. When I get to heaven, we will sit down and talk about your grandkids. Well, just the other day, I really wanted to get a hold of your grandson, Tony. It was not enough for him to dilly-dally with my expensive computer, but when he came home, he ran his Toyota truck right into the old oak tree in the front yard. The tree was fine. No comment on his truck...not a happy scene.
As you know, I inherited part of your temper. I had to apologize later to Tony. He’s only an overgrown teddy bear with a heart as big as the Grand Canyon. You would love him as he would you.
With that being said, if I could have one special wish in my whole life that would come true, this would be my wish: “That my children would love me as much as I have always loved you. Thanks Mom!”
I remember…you always wanted us to brush our teeth and wash our faces every single day. You wanted me to always wear clean underwear...just in case I was in an accident or something. You didn’t want them to see me in dirty underwear. Thanks for all the times you bandaged me up when I would skin my knee or elbow or arm. You would always encourage me to keep going. And Mom, I want to thank you for all the times that you continued to help, even though you were so very tired and sick...and didn’t want anyone to know. Thanks for checking my pockets before you washed my jeans. Crayons, ink pens, candy, and bubba gum never helped our washing machine.
Thanks for all the hugs you gave me...even the times that I didn’t hug you back when I was a teenager. Thanks for not telling Daddy about all the times I acted up and was a pin in your backside. Thanks for being there for me and loving me with your special love as only a Mom could do! And Mama, don’t forget to pray for me. I need it! I miss you and love you so much...
Your son...Tommy
By Tommy Franks
Dear Mama,
Mom, today, I have four children of my own. I believe you would be
proud of them. No, they are not perfect...but they have a lot of you in them. You know, you always did enjoy the special holidays throughout the year. You made them so special for us. At Christmas, Dad would get the Christmas tree. You would get out the decorations. All of us would attempt to decorate the tree...and then Christmas Day would finally dawn...with such excitement. I remember one year, I received a BB gun. You were a little hesitant at first, but then you decided that I was responsible enough to use care and caution.
Did I ever mention the time I shot holes in Tommy Thomas’ bicycle tires? I guess not. Forgive me, Mom.
I’ve always loved you, Mama. When I get to heaven, we will sit down and talk about your grandkids. Well, just the other day, I really wanted to get a hold of your grandson, Tony. It was not enough for him to dilly-dally with my expensive computer, but when he came home, he ran his Toyota truck right into the old oak tree in the front yard. The tree was fine. No comment on his truck...not a happy scene.
As you know, I inherited part of your temper. I had to apologize later to Tony. He’s only an overgrown teddy bear with a heart as big as the Grand Canyon. You would love him as he would you.
With that being said, if I could have one special wish in my whole life that would come true, this would be my wish: “That my children would love me as much as I have always loved you. Thanks Mom!”
I remember…you always wanted us to brush our teeth and wash our faces every single day. You wanted me to always wear clean underwear...just in case I was in an accident or something. You didn’t want them to see me in dirty underwear. Thanks for all the times you bandaged me up when I would skin my knee or elbow or arm. You would always encourage me to keep going. And Mom, I want to thank you for all the times that you continued to help, even though you were so very tired and sick...and didn’t want anyone to know. Thanks for checking my pockets before you washed my jeans. Crayons, ink pens, candy, and bubba gum never helped our washing machine.
Thanks for all the hugs you gave me...even the times that I didn’t hug you back when I was a teenager. Thanks for not telling Daddy about all the times I acted up and was a pin in your backside. Thanks for being there for me and loving me with your special love as only a Mom could do! And Mama, don’t forget to pray for me. I need it! I miss you and love you so much...
Your son...Tommy
Becoming “All We Can Be”
Becoming “All We Can Be”
By Tommy Franks
As federal civilians, military personnel, and private citizens within the workplace, we are becoming “all we can be”. We are NOT there yet, but we are well on our way! We are focused. We have common goals. We have a unified Team Spirit. We are well disciplined. Our entire organization is moving forward on the cutting edge of technology. Many will look in awe at what we are doing with our abilities and talents. Many will be amazed at the achievements and discipline that we have achieved.
Discipline, loyalty, patience, camaraderie, esprit de corps, integrity, and high values are being displayed by Americans daily. What we do today will affect our tomorrow. That is why our products and services affect the lives of multitudes of people throughout the world. Your business acumen, good judgment, and professional performance affect thousands. Clearly, you are making history!
Fortunately for us, we are a well oiled, dynamic, and well disciplined workforce that is reaching achievements and results that many people only dream about, but never achieve. We are multicultural in our diversity, people of dignity in our enhanced morale, and individuals of the highest performance in our productivity. We promote a positive attitude in our behaviors and we know that we are becoming “All We Can Be”! YES!
We advocate well defined policies, processes, and procedures that are NOT difficult to use or understand. We believe in true “reward systems” that actually promote desired behaviors and desired results. We believe that “positive feedback” about job performance is a requirement to positive professional relationships. If feedback is NOT given, how in the world does the employee know how he/she stands in the performance arena? Current leaders should consistently demonstrate positive, professional principles that demonstrate consistent interpersonal communication and impeccable behavioral conduct.
Leaders are examples...good or bad! The way that any organization is changed in a positive sense is through the leadership and key personnel. The means and vehicle is through personable communication and interpersonal behaviors that say, “I care. I believe in you. You are important. I want to help you get to your next plateau. You are a person of dignity and extreme worth. I want to help you become ‘all you can be’”.
Once our leaders implement this type of leadership, we will see a “Metamorphosis” take place immediately within our organizational areas. Improvements in personnel relationships will soar! Change will occur. It always does. Unfortunately, change is slow. Once interpersonal and communication behaviors begin to improve, communication systems will be enhanced as well. Hence, we become people of organizational vision, customer sensitivity, and product achievement.
We become noted and recognized as talented individuals of great accomplishments. Let’s face it. When you are the “lead dog”, the scenery is always better out front and you are certainly NOT looking at someone’s backside. Hello! Continue to seize the moment!
By Tommy Franks
As federal civilians, military personnel, and private citizens within the workplace, we are becoming “all we can be”. We are NOT there yet, but we are well on our way! We are focused. We have common goals. We have a unified Team Spirit. We are well disciplined. Our entire organization is moving forward on the cutting edge of technology. Many will look in awe at what we are doing with our abilities and talents. Many will be amazed at the achievements and discipline that we have achieved.
Discipline, loyalty, patience, camaraderie, esprit de corps, integrity, and high values are being displayed by Americans daily. What we do today will affect our tomorrow. That is why our products and services affect the lives of multitudes of people throughout the world. Your business acumen, good judgment, and professional performance affect thousands. Clearly, you are making history!
Fortunately for us, we are a well oiled, dynamic, and well disciplined workforce that is reaching achievements and results that many people only dream about, but never achieve. We are multicultural in our diversity, people of dignity in our enhanced morale, and individuals of the highest performance in our productivity. We promote a positive attitude in our behaviors and we know that we are becoming “All We Can Be”! YES!
We advocate well defined policies, processes, and procedures that are NOT difficult to use or understand. We believe in true “reward systems” that actually promote desired behaviors and desired results. We believe that “positive feedback” about job performance is a requirement to positive professional relationships. If feedback is NOT given, how in the world does the employee know how he/she stands in the performance arena? Current leaders should consistently demonstrate positive, professional principles that demonstrate consistent interpersonal communication and impeccable behavioral conduct.
Leaders are examples...good or bad! The way that any organization is changed in a positive sense is through the leadership and key personnel. The means and vehicle is through personable communication and interpersonal behaviors that say, “I care. I believe in you. You are important. I want to help you get to your next plateau. You are a person of dignity and extreme worth. I want to help you become ‘all you can be’”.
Once our leaders implement this type of leadership, we will see a “Metamorphosis” take place immediately within our organizational areas. Improvements in personnel relationships will soar! Change will occur. It always does. Unfortunately, change is slow. Once interpersonal and communication behaviors begin to improve, communication systems will be enhanced as well. Hence, we become people of organizational vision, customer sensitivity, and product achievement.
We become noted and recognized as talented individuals of great accomplishments. Let’s face it. When you are the “lead dog”, the scenery is always better out front and you are certainly NOT looking at someone’s backside. Hello! Continue to seize the moment!
Success is within YOU!
Success is within YOU!
By Tommy Franks
Some people are looking for success everywhere, but in the right places. Success is within you! That’s right. The beautiful TREASURE is on the inside of you. Believe it! It only needs to be uncovered and discovered... released and set free. Marvelous! Let’s celebrate.
Look inside today. See what you were meant to see...wisdom, purpose, faith, goodness, goals, your destiny, your finest hour that is about to begin...The start of a brand new you.
How you view yourself is “where it’s happening”. That’s real. How others see you may not be true or factual…and normally is not accurate. The good treasure is down inside you. It wants to surface. It wants to be free to blossom and bring forth a rich aroma of fragrance and savory bouquet. It has been there since conception. Some people take it to the grave with them without ever releasing it. This...my friend...is tragic. You were born to win and keep on winning by using the treasure that was given to you as talent, ability, warmth, and personality.
Let me tell you a story. This is no crock!
The time was 1920. The young lad sold papers and played the piano to support his family. Finally, he went to work for the Lily Tulip Cup Co. He became the top salesman...selling paper cups. He had it made, but knew in his heart that there was treasure within himself. He quit. He attempted to make “milk shake machines”. He was not doing too well in the business; however, he persevered.
One day, he met two brothers that shared his dream. Eventually, they were turning out 40 milk shakes at a time. This was the epitome. He attempted to persuade the brothers to branch out and franchise. They said, “Absolutely not. We are satisfied where we are with this one restaurant.” They thought his idea was just a bunch of crock!
Eventually, he discussed this crock idea again and again with the two brothers. Finally, the two brothers asked, “If we did go out and franchise, who would we get to implement this hair-brain scheme?” The young lad (now 52 years young) said, “Me. I’m your man.” Thus began a long time friendship made on earth with three business men who bought into the idea of a dream that was locked up on the inside of this dreamer named...Ray Kroc. He and the two McDonalds brothers built a “store front hamburger joint” business into a multi-billion dollar business in just 22 Years. Comparison: It took Xerox 63 years to do the same thing. The paper cup salesman saw the treasure that was inside and cashed it in. You and I can do the same thing. Believe it!
By Tommy Franks
Some people are looking for success everywhere, but in the right places. Success is within you! That’s right. The beautiful TREASURE is on the inside of you. Believe it! It only needs to be uncovered and discovered... released and set free. Marvelous! Let’s celebrate.
Look inside today. See what you were meant to see...wisdom, purpose, faith, goodness, goals, your destiny, your finest hour that is about to begin...The start of a brand new you.
How you view yourself is “where it’s happening”. That’s real. How others see you may not be true or factual…and normally is not accurate. The good treasure is down inside you. It wants to surface. It wants to be free to blossom and bring forth a rich aroma of fragrance and savory bouquet. It has been there since conception. Some people take it to the grave with them without ever releasing it. This...my friend...is tragic. You were born to win and keep on winning by using the treasure that was given to you as talent, ability, warmth, and personality.
Let me tell you a story. This is no crock!
The time was 1920. The young lad sold papers and played the piano to support his family. Finally, he went to work for the Lily Tulip Cup Co. He became the top salesman...selling paper cups. He had it made, but knew in his heart that there was treasure within himself. He quit. He attempted to make “milk shake machines”. He was not doing too well in the business; however, he persevered.
One day, he met two brothers that shared his dream. Eventually, they were turning out 40 milk shakes at a time. This was the epitome. He attempted to persuade the brothers to branch out and franchise. They said, “Absolutely not. We are satisfied where we are with this one restaurant.” They thought his idea was just a bunch of crock!
Eventually, he discussed this crock idea again and again with the two brothers. Finally, the two brothers asked, “If we did go out and franchise, who would we get to implement this hair-brain scheme?” The young lad (now 52 years young) said, “Me. I’m your man.” Thus began a long time friendship made on earth with three business men who bought into the idea of a dream that was locked up on the inside of this dreamer named...Ray Kroc. He and the two McDonalds brothers built a “store front hamburger joint” business into a multi-billion dollar business in just 22 Years. Comparison: It took Xerox 63 years to do the same thing. The paper cup salesman saw the treasure that was inside and cashed it in. You and I can do the same thing. Believe it!
Monday, April 16, 2007
How To Keep Your Romance Alive!
How To Keep Your Romance Alive!
By Tommy Franks
Special Note: This Presentation is geared toward married couples or those who will someday be married.
Take your spouse’s/valentine’s hand right now and look her/him directly in the eyes and say, “You are my best friend. You are my Valentine. I love you. I highly respect you. You belong to me. I belong to you. I love you so very much! You are valuable to me. I need you. I am yours. You are mine. I love you!”
(Eph.5:25-33) HUSBANDS, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it; That He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That He might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loves his wife loves himself.
For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourishes and cherishes it, even as the Lord the church: For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife reverence her husband.
(Eph.5:22-26) Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the savior of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
1. Your Valentine (lover) should be Your Best Friend (You are a Team!)
Friendship:
As love partners, you must have clearly developed channels of open communication such as modern communications/computers/laptops/cell phones/faxes, etc. Men, we are not doing a very good job of communicating, especially in our bedrooms.
Self-disclosure and transparency is also an invitation to be vulnerable, but it helps you to see things, feel things, and hope for things that you never thought possible.
Think thoughts of love. Speak words of love. Demonstrate unconditional love thru the things that you do! Openness means being willing to communicate your deepest feelings. There can be no intimacy without conversation. Truthful communication moves your love spouse and creates a condition of unity, love, and satisfaction.
2. LISTENING to your spouse is so important. We must listen (learn to listen) to one another.
3. GIVE ONE ANOTHER SPACE. Do not suffocate each other. Love is letting go when your partner needs a break…some space…and holding her close when she needs care.
Don’t smother each other. No one can grow in the shade.
The Simple Secret: The lover lets the other lover be free. Everyone is different. Different spouses require different mixes of independence and mutuality. But with careful listening and communication, and discussion, you can reach a happy medium. Whatever you do, do NOT become overly possessive. “Love is not possessiveness” (I Cor.13:4).
This is quite ironic, but true: The more possessive we are, the more love we demand; however, the less we receive. While the more freedom we give, the less we demand, and the more love we receive. Let each other be free…and alive!
You are two separate individuals, yet you are one…and if you are like most couples, you are still becoming one. You did not get married to become a whole person. You were a whole person before you married your Valentine. Two whole people come together to complement the other and to make one. I call this a team effort…a partnership…a union…a family entity. Even though we contribute to our partner’s happiness or sometimes unhappiness, no one can make you truly happy but you and God. You need to be secure before you get married. But many of us were not! It takes “time” to become secure within a husband/wife relationship.
DO NOT think for one moment that you are the only person who matters to your lover or partner; i.e., we all have in-laws/out-laws, friends, children, etc. Be real. No one person can meet all of your needs. Your spouse/love partner is, and will always be #1 in your life, but not the only person in whom you interact.
I fully expect my wife Karen to have other interests other than me. I must extend freedom to her in which to develop those interests in other people, hobbies, volunteer work, etc. This has only empowered our relationship. Freedom can never confine. It can never be detrimental to the relationship. It can only open up many exciting and undiscovered opportunities to enjoy life. When Karen is pursuing these areas in which she excels, she is happy. I enjoy her most when she is happy. People are easier to love when they are happy. “If Mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy!”
The stronger and more secure we become, the more we are willing to be ourselves while encouraging our spouse/love partner to do the same. Genuine unconditional love not only respects the individuality of the other but actually seeks to cultivate it. The ultimate goal: Spiritual growth, individual growth, social growth, and family growth.
4. WEIGH YOUR WORDS: Someone once said, “You cannot un-ring a bell!”
Words are Powerful. They can bring forth a wound or a healing. A wise spouse/marriage partner is aware of the potential damage loose words can cause, especially words spoken in anger
Sometimes, we speak what we feel without considering the consequences of the pain/conflict that the words might bring to our wives.
Speaking out words will put in motion a law…the law of cause and effect. We (as husbands) need to speak words of encouragement, understanding, love, caring words, positive words, and productive words.
Marriage relationships DO NOT die by themselves. We can kill a marriage relationship by inappropriate words…words spoken from the head and not from the heart, especially in a fit or moment of anger! Words once spoken cannot be recalled. Don’t insist on giving the last word!
Let the past be the past. The past is gone forever. Do not keep bringing up the past. Rehearsing past failures is non-productive and very un-romantic! It simply doesn't work. And if something doesn’t work, we need to stop doing it! Focus on what you want in your relationship! Focus on the present and future…your goals, aspirations, and destiny. Never underestimate the power of words. They can wound or they can heal!
5. FORGIVENESS: Forgiveness is often misunderstood. We must forgive one another. If we don’t, anger, resentment, and hostility will build up! "If we really want to love, we must learn how to forgive." (Mother Theresa) Forgiveness works! But it is difficult at times, but it works! Sometimes, we have to go to the person who wronged us…and say, “OK, we need to talk. To not forgive someone is the same as taking poison.
Forgiveness is a gift that you give yourself. It is not something you do FOR someone else. It is not complicated. It is simple. Sometimes, it may be saying to yourself, “I forgive you. All is forgiven”. Forgiveness is an act of love. It challenges you to give up destructive thoughts. It builds confidence that you can survive the pain and grow from it. Telling someone is a bonus!
Forgiveness is a Choice! You do not have to forgive, but there are dire consequences. Refusing to forgive by holding on to the anger, resentment and a sense of betrayal can make your own life miserable. A vindictive mind-set creates bitterness and lets the betrayer claim one more victim. There is nothing so bad that cannot be forgiven. Nothing!
When you forgive, you do it for you, not necessarily for the other person. If you do not forgive the person, that person owns you! Remember: The choice to forgive is always yours. Do it for you.
Healing begins with forgiveness! Focus your energy on the healing, not the hurt! HEALTHY love relationships are not possible without forgiveness! You cannot have a loving and rewarding relationship with anyone else, much less yourself, if you continue to hold on to things that happened in the past.
Regardless of the situation, making peace with people, i.e., your parents, CHILDREN, your boss, or anyone is the only way to have a “healthy” relationship with yourself and others! Forgiving someone else is to agree within yourself to overlook the wrong they have committed against you and to move on with your life.
Unforgiveness brings the by-products of…inner conflict, struggle, unrest, anxiety, and depression. Unforgiveness will also affect your self-esteem and self-confidence!
“FORGIVE and FORGET is a MYTH”. You may never forget. The Bible tells us to forgive. It does not say that we will forget the wrong. Some will say that we must not only forgive, but we must also forget. This is a myth and is not supported by Scripture. Nowhere does the Bible say that we must forgive and forget. It simply says for us to forgive! Only God has the capacity to forgive and forget at the same time. We do not. Read on...
However, we do have a choice to forgive...Forgiveness is a choice. As life goes on and you remember the matter again, just remember that you have already forgiven. Mentally forgive again if necessary, then move forward. Over time, the vividness of the memory and hurt will fade. As Romantics (in love with each other), together we remember. And if we plan to stay together, we will forgive.
Forgiveness is a creative act that changes us from prisoners of the past to free people of the present. It is not forgetfulness, but it involves accepting the promise that the future can be more than dwelling on memories of past injury. There is no future in the past. You can never live in the present and create a new and exciting future for yourself and your love partner if you always stay stuck in the past. You CAN let go…and forgive! It takes no strength to let go. . . only courage. It takes a lot of energy to hold on to unforgiveness. It takes less energy to create a new and exciting relationship TOGETHER…a relationship anchored in unconditional love.
Forgiveness is another key to our own happiness. Forgiving someone takes moral courage. Forgiveness means choosing to let go, move on, and favor the positive. "Love is an act of endless forgiveness" (Peter Ustinov).
To forgive is the highest and most beautiful form of love. In return, you will receive untold peace and happiness" (Robert Muller).
By Tommy Franks
Special Note: This Presentation is geared toward married couples or those who will someday be married.
Take your spouse’s/valentine’s hand right now and look her/him directly in the eyes and say, “You are my best friend. You are my Valentine. I love you. I highly respect you. You belong to me. I belong to you. I love you so very much! You are valuable to me. I need you. I am yours. You are mine. I love you!”
(Eph.5:25-33) HUSBANDS, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it; That He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That He might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loves his wife loves himself.
For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourishes and cherishes it, even as the Lord the church: For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife reverence her husband.
(Eph.5:22-26) Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the savior of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
1. Your Valentine (lover) should be Your Best Friend (You are a Team!)
Friendship:
As love partners, you must have clearly developed channels of open communication such as modern communications/computers/laptops/cell phones/faxes, etc. Men, we are not doing a very good job of communicating, especially in our bedrooms.
Self-disclosure and transparency is also an invitation to be vulnerable, but it helps you to see things, feel things, and hope for things that you never thought possible.
Think thoughts of love. Speak words of love. Demonstrate unconditional love thru the things that you do! Openness means being willing to communicate your deepest feelings. There can be no intimacy without conversation. Truthful communication moves your love spouse and creates a condition of unity, love, and satisfaction.
2. LISTENING to your spouse is so important. We must listen (learn to listen) to one another.
3. GIVE ONE ANOTHER SPACE. Do not suffocate each other. Love is letting go when your partner needs a break…some space…and holding her close when she needs care.
Don’t smother each other. No one can grow in the shade.
The Simple Secret: The lover lets the other lover be free. Everyone is different. Different spouses require different mixes of independence and mutuality. But with careful listening and communication, and discussion, you can reach a happy medium. Whatever you do, do NOT become overly possessive. “Love is not possessiveness” (I Cor.13:4).
This is quite ironic, but true: The more possessive we are, the more love we demand; however, the less we receive. While the more freedom we give, the less we demand, and the more love we receive. Let each other be free…and alive!
You are two separate individuals, yet you are one…and if you are like most couples, you are still becoming one. You did not get married to become a whole person. You were a whole person before you married your Valentine. Two whole people come together to complement the other and to make one. I call this a team effort…a partnership…a union…a family entity. Even though we contribute to our partner’s happiness or sometimes unhappiness, no one can make you truly happy but you and God. You need to be secure before you get married. But many of us were not! It takes “time” to become secure within a husband/wife relationship.
DO NOT think for one moment that you are the only person who matters to your lover or partner; i.e., we all have in-laws/out-laws, friends, children, etc. Be real. No one person can meet all of your needs. Your spouse/love partner is, and will always be #1 in your life, but not the only person in whom you interact.
I fully expect my wife Karen to have other interests other than me. I must extend freedom to her in which to develop those interests in other people, hobbies, volunteer work, etc. This has only empowered our relationship. Freedom can never confine. It can never be detrimental to the relationship. It can only open up many exciting and undiscovered opportunities to enjoy life. When Karen is pursuing these areas in which she excels, she is happy. I enjoy her most when she is happy. People are easier to love when they are happy. “If Mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy!”
The stronger and more secure we become, the more we are willing to be ourselves while encouraging our spouse/love partner to do the same. Genuine unconditional love not only respects the individuality of the other but actually seeks to cultivate it. The ultimate goal: Spiritual growth, individual growth, social growth, and family growth.
4. WEIGH YOUR WORDS: Someone once said, “You cannot un-ring a bell!”
Words are Powerful. They can bring forth a wound or a healing. A wise spouse/marriage partner is aware of the potential damage loose words can cause, especially words spoken in anger
Sometimes, we speak what we feel without considering the consequences of the pain/conflict that the words might bring to our wives.
Speaking out words will put in motion a law…the law of cause and effect. We (as husbands) need to speak words of encouragement, understanding, love, caring words, positive words, and productive words.
Marriage relationships DO NOT die by themselves. We can kill a marriage relationship by inappropriate words…words spoken from the head and not from the heart, especially in a fit or moment of anger! Words once spoken cannot be recalled. Don’t insist on giving the last word!
Let the past be the past. The past is gone forever. Do not keep bringing up the past. Rehearsing past failures is non-productive and very un-romantic! It simply doesn't work. And if something doesn’t work, we need to stop doing it! Focus on what you want in your relationship! Focus on the present and future…your goals, aspirations, and destiny. Never underestimate the power of words. They can wound or they can heal!
5. FORGIVENESS: Forgiveness is often misunderstood. We must forgive one another. If we don’t, anger, resentment, and hostility will build up! "If we really want to love, we must learn how to forgive." (Mother Theresa) Forgiveness works! But it is difficult at times, but it works! Sometimes, we have to go to the person who wronged us…and say, “OK, we need to talk. To not forgive someone is the same as taking poison.
Forgiveness is a gift that you give yourself. It is not something you do FOR someone else. It is not complicated. It is simple. Sometimes, it may be saying to yourself, “I forgive you. All is forgiven”. Forgiveness is an act of love. It challenges you to give up destructive thoughts. It builds confidence that you can survive the pain and grow from it. Telling someone is a bonus!
Forgiveness is a Choice! You do not have to forgive, but there are dire consequences. Refusing to forgive by holding on to the anger, resentment and a sense of betrayal can make your own life miserable. A vindictive mind-set creates bitterness and lets the betrayer claim one more victim. There is nothing so bad that cannot be forgiven. Nothing!
When you forgive, you do it for you, not necessarily for the other person. If you do not forgive the person, that person owns you! Remember: The choice to forgive is always yours. Do it for you.
Healing begins with forgiveness! Focus your energy on the healing, not the hurt! HEALTHY love relationships are not possible without forgiveness! You cannot have a loving and rewarding relationship with anyone else, much less yourself, if you continue to hold on to things that happened in the past.
Regardless of the situation, making peace with people, i.e., your parents, CHILDREN, your boss, or anyone is the only way to have a “healthy” relationship with yourself and others! Forgiving someone else is to agree within yourself to overlook the wrong they have committed against you and to move on with your life.
Unforgiveness brings the by-products of…inner conflict, struggle, unrest, anxiety, and depression. Unforgiveness will also affect your self-esteem and self-confidence!
“FORGIVE and FORGET is a MYTH”. You may never forget. The Bible tells us to forgive. It does not say that we will forget the wrong. Some will say that we must not only forgive, but we must also forget. This is a myth and is not supported by Scripture. Nowhere does the Bible say that we must forgive and forget. It simply says for us to forgive! Only God has the capacity to forgive and forget at the same time. We do not. Read on...
However, we do have a choice to forgive...Forgiveness is a choice. As life goes on and you remember the matter again, just remember that you have already forgiven. Mentally forgive again if necessary, then move forward. Over time, the vividness of the memory and hurt will fade. As Romantics (in love with each other), together we remember. And if we plan to stay together, we will forgive.
Forgiveness is a creative act that changes us from prisoners of the past to free people of the present. It is not forgetfulness, but it involves accepting the promise that the future can be more than dwelling on memories of past injury. There is no future in the past. You can never live in the present and create a new and exciting future for yourself and your love partner if you always stay stuck in the past. You CAN let go…and forgive! It takes no strength to let go. . . only courage. It takes a lot of energy to hold on to unforgiveness. It takes less energy to create a new and exciting relationship TOGETHER…a relationship anchored in unconditional love.
Forgiveness is another key to our own happiness. Forgiving someone takes moral courage. Forgiveness means choosing to let go, move on, and favor the positive. "Love is an act of endless forgiveness" (Peter Ustinov).
To forgive is the highest and most beautiful form of love. In return, you will receive untold peace and happiness" (Robert Muller).
The Unique Love Story!
The Unique Love Story!
By Tommy Franks
My given name is “Lucky Mike”. At the young age of 16, I had the world by the tail. I was going places. I was on my way up! I was “the man”. In July 1955, I met someone very special…very fine…in a little café called “Bad Habits Café”…in a little Southern rural town.
We fell in love and became intimate right away and later…after the “honeymoon”, we became the best of friends for several decades. My new friend made me feel ever so “special”.
In the presence of this slender creature, I felt ten feet taller, more handsome than ever, fulfilled as a man, energetic, confident, and perhaps, even a little arrogant. After all, with this wonderful, special, “hot burning” comrade, I could do anything!
Furthermore, many of my friends warned me about this relationship. They said it wouldn’t last…that you were no good for me. However, I paid no attention to them. I became hooked on this trusted companionship. Over the years, we became so close. I indeed became dependent on my loyal friend.
Over the years, we went through a lot together. This traveling associate was with me when I passed my first driver’s test…when I went to Europe…when I became a “father” for the first time…when I had the flu…and later pneumonia. You see, after all, we were in this thing together for the long haul…for life!
Suddenly, one day, I realized that this relationship was killing me. Could I deny my feelings? Could I break off this love affair? Did I have the strength, the courage,
the boldness to end it? As I was pondering these questions in my mind, I decided to go back to where it all began…“Bad Habits Café”…
I knew the manager, the cook, the servers, and many of the customers. We talked, laughed, and reminisced of old times gone by. I wasn’t feeling very well. I coughed a lot. My lungs ached. My body was weak. In fact, I was now dying.
This unique love affair had cost me my health…and now my life! If only I had listened to my friends, my priest, and my body! Consequently, the doctors have said, “Mike, you may depart Planet Earth anytime now!”
Today, I broke it off. The love relationship is over. My “hot burning” comrade is longer any fun to be around. The affair has cost me thousands of dollars. My health is ruined. My life is almost over!
What a tragedy and sad commentary! Today, I had my last cigarette! However, the damage is done! The doctor has given me only a few months to live. Take it from “Lucky Mike”…Whatever you do…think…before you get hooked on this type of “smoking love affair”!
Cigarettes will kill you. Take it from me. My love affair has now gone up in smoke…and I have been given a death sentence.
Years ago, someone sang a song that went something like this: “Baby, Baby…Don’t get hooked on me…because I'll just use you and then set you free…Baby, baby don't get hooked on me. I can tell you now that you're seeing way too much in me…Baby, Baby don't get hooked on me…”
Lucky Mike died from lung cancer six months later. RIP my dear friend Lucky Mike.
By Tommy Franks
My given name is “Lucky Mike”. At the young age of 16, I had the world by the tail. I was going places. I was on my way up! I was “the man”. In July 1955, I met someone very special…very fine…in a little café called “Bad Habits Café”…in a little Southern rural town.
We fell in love and became intimate right away and later…after the “honeymoon”, we became the best of friends for several decades. My new friend made me feel ever so “special”.
In the presence of this slender creature, I felt ten feet taller, more handsome than ever, fulfilled as a man, energetic, confident, and perhaps, even a little arrogant. After all, with this wonderful, special, “hot burning” comrade, I could do anything!
Furthermore, many of my friends warned me about this relationship. They said it wouldn’t last…that you were no good for me. However, I paid no attention to them. I became hooked on this trusted companionship. Over the years, we became so close. I indeed became dependent on my loyal friend.
Over the years, we went through a lot together. This traveling associate was with me when I passed my first driver’s test…when I went to Europe…when I became a “father” for the first time…when I had the flu…and later pneumonia. You see, after all, we were in this thing together for the long haul…for life!
Suddenly, one day, I realized that this relationship was killing me. Could I deny my feelings? Could I break off this love affair? Did I have the strength, the courage,
the boldness to end it? As I was pondering these questions in my mind, I decided to go back to where it all began…“Bad Habits Café”…
I knew the manager, the cook, the servers, and many of the customers. We talked, laughed, and reminisced of old times gone by. I wasn’t feeling very well. I coughed a lot. My lungs ached. My body was weak. In fact, I was now dying.
This unique love affair had cost me my health…and now my life! If only I had listened to my friends, my priest, and my body! Consequently, the doctors have said, “Mike, you may depart Planet Earth anytime now!”
Today, I broke it off. The love relationship is over. My “hot burning” comrade is longer any fun to be around. The affair has cost me thousands of dollars. My health is ruined. My life is almost over!
What a tragedy and sad commentary! Today, I had my last cigarette! However, the damage is done! The doctor has given me only a few months to live. Take it from “Lucky Mike”…Whatever you do…think…before you get hooked on this type of “smoking love affair”!
Cigarettes will kill you. Take it from me. My love affair has now gone up in smoke…and I have been given a death sentence.
Years ago, someone sang a song that went something like this: “Baby, Baby…Don’t get hooked on me…because I'll just use you and then set you free…Baby, baby don't get hooked on me. I can tell you now that you're seeing way too much in me…Baby, Baby don't get hooked on me…”
Lucky Mike died from lung cancer six months later. RIP my dear friend Lucky Mike.
Dearest Princess Karen
(Written in Feb 2002)
Dearest Princess Karen,
When we met in February of this year, I saw the sunlight in your face. I could not believe the beauty in which you were graced! It was as if the sky opened up for the very first time and the bright light of the sun did shine...bringing in so much warmth!
Everything about you was illuminated. Your gentleness, your kindness, your joy, your sensitivity, your passion, your warmth, and your compassion. It was all there for the world to see. Every part of your face was elegant and exquisite. Your eyes were pools filled with tender love. Your lips were sensuous and just begged to be touched and kissed. It was at that very moment and for the very first time that I realized that I had fallen for you...and later very deeply in love with you. It was as if every part of my body had been given a new lease on life. No longer did I feel alone. I now felt joy and hope.
I was so surprised by your warmth and affection. You seemed so interested in everything that I had to say. You were never full of yourself. You did not wear a T-Shirt that said, “It’s all about Me”. You were content to hear all about me and my life. You were encouraging... As I spoke you were always so interested. I was very cautious about your feelings. I did not want to move too quickly! Hello! I really did. But, you were gentle and accepting and learned to trust me.
We have shared so many wonderful and precious moments together. I find that when I am alone and you have returned to Auburndale, I miss you so much. I find myself counting the hours and minutes...when we will be together again! Even our walks are wonderful...listening to the birds...seeing all the picturesque views... mountains...valleys. Marvelous!
I remember our first kiss. How can I ever forget that moment in time? I felt like I had found my very soul. Now, I feel so renewed with awesome joy and love. Thank you for that precious moment! I now know that you feel the same way about me as I you.
We will spend more time together in just a few short days! You have a huge and very special place in the recesses of my tender heart...Forever! As we move forward with our hot passionate feelings for each other, we will see even greater wonders and incredible things yet to come in our lives! I love you, Baby,
Tommy
Dearest Princess Karen,
When we met in February of this year, I saw the sunlight in your face. I could not believe the beauty in which you were graced! It was as if the sky opened up for the very first time and the bright light of the sun did shine...bringing in so much warmth!
Everything about you was illuminated. Your gentleness, your kindness, your joy, your sensitivity, your passion, your warmth, and your compassion. It was all there for the world to see. Every part of your face was elegant and exquisite. Your eyes were pools filled with tender love. Your lips were sensuous and just begged to be touched and kissed. It was at that very moment and for the very first time that I realized that I had fallen for you...and later very deeply in love with you. It was as if every part of my body had been given a new lease on life. No longer did I feel alone. I now felt joy and hope.
I was so surprised by your warmth and affection. You seemed so interested in everything that I had to say. You were never full of yourself. You did not wear a T-Shirt that said, “It’s all about Me”. You were content to hear all about me and my life. You were encouraging... As I spoke you were always so interested. I was very cautious about your feelings. I did not want to move too quickly! Hello! I really did. But, you were gentle and accepting and learned to trust me.
We have shared so many wonderful and precious moments together. I find that when I am alone and you have returned to Auburndale, I miss you so much. I find myself counting the hours and minutes...when we will be together again! Even our walks are wonderful...listening to the birds...seeing all the picturesque views... mountains...valleys. Marvelous!
I remember our first kiss. How can I ever forget that moment in time? I felt like I had found my very soul. Now, I feel so renewed with awesome joy and love. Thank you for that precious moment! I now know that you feel the same way about me as I you.
We will spend more time together in just a few short days! You have a huge and very special place in the recesses of my tender heart...Forever! As we move forward with our hot passionate feelings for each other, we will see even greater wonders and incredible things yet to come in our lives! I love you, Baby,
Tommy
WHAT IS A SPIRITUAL LEADER?
WHAT IS A SPIRITUAL LEADER?
By Tommy Franks
What is a spiritual leader? I believe it is someone who has the mission of bringing the Good News (God’s promises) to an imperfect people. The true leader remains committed to this purpose…Until things begin to happen in a positive way to bring a little bit of heaven
to earth. The leader will continue to say what God says. The promises of God will come to pass. The true leader hates the sin, inconsistencies, imperfections, and rebellion in his followers; however, he loves the
real person (the ones he leads). He does NOT despise the individual for their sins. He implements mercy and grace upon them.
Yes, the spiritual leader will be criticized…unjustly most of the time. That is part of being a true leader. He will position himself between the judgments of God and the mercy of God. God likes this because He, Himself, is a merciful God who will abundantly pardon. Forgiveness is part of His character! Mercy and Grace will follow.
The leader will find a way to change the mind of God; ie., Moses. The leader will intervene when judgment is at the door. God will change His mind again and again through a true spiritual leader. Will the leader
make mistakes? Absolutely! That is why he is a leader because he learns from others as well as his own mistakes. This is part of leadership! Remember, the leader (sent from God) has a mission to bring imperfect individuals to the precious promises of God. The leader will see it through to fulfillment. Yes, there will be setbacks and obstacles; ie., Moses. But the promises of God will prevail!
Sometimes, the wonderful God Whom we serve wants to
deliver judgment to certain rebellious individuals; ie., the golden calf people. But God’s nature is such that He would really rather have mercy and
grace upon them…If He could only find a leader to intervene for them. Sometimes, a leader will be despitefully used by the very ones that he is trying to help. Many times, he will be misunderstood by
fellow soldiers of the Cross. Sometimes, a true leader will even get angry; however, he will find a way to allow God’s love to shine through even during these moments. The leader will persevere to the fulfillment
of God’s promises. The leader knows his purpose, mission, assignment, goals, and destiny. He will change the mind of God (Ex.32:14) several times throughout his journey on Planet Earth.
The spiritual leader not only knows the Word, but he lives it. It has become a part of him. It feeds him and gives him fresh life and anointing. God speaks to the leader as He did to Jeremiah (Jer.5:1) and says, “My son, I am seeking you to do justice, to seek truth. Now,
that I have found you, I will pardon your whole city. All I need is one man or one woman who will stand in the gap…and I will abundantly pardon your whole neighborhood, city, state, and country.” This is a powerful paradigm (pattern) of God! But this is His
standard and model of love and forgiveness. The true spiritual leader sent by God…understands this and lives it.
By Tommy Franks
What is a spiritual leader? I believe it is someone who has the mission of bringing the Good News (God’s promises) to an imperfect people. The true leader remains committed to this purpose…Until things begin to happen in a positive way to bring a little bit of heaven
to earth. The leader will continue to say what God says. The promises of God will come to pass. The true leader hates the sin, inconsistencies, imperfections, and rebellion in his followers; however, he loves the
real person (the ones he leads). He does NOT despise the individual for their sins. He implements mercy and grace upon them.
Yes, the spiritual leader will be criticized…unjustly most of the time. That is part of being a true leader. He will position himself between the judgments of God and the mercy of God. God likes this because He, Himself, is a merciful God who will abundantly pardon. Forgiveness is part of His character! Mercy and Grace will follow.
The leader will find a way to change the mind of God; ie., Moses. The leader will intervene when judgment is at the door. God will change His mind again and again through a true spiritual leader. Will the leader
make mistakes? Absolutely! That is why he is a leader because he learns from others as well as his own mistakes. This is part of leadership! Remember, the leader (sent from God) has a mission to bring imperfect individuals to the precious promises of God. The leader will see it through to fulfillment. Yes, there will be setbacks and obstacles; ie., Moses. But the promises of God will prevail!
Sometimes, the wonderful God Whom we serve wants to
deliver judgment to certain rebellious individuals; ie., the golden calf people. But God’s nature is such that He would really rather have mercy and
grace upon them…If He could only find a leader to intervene for them. Sometimes, a leader will be despitefully used by the very ones that he is trying to help. Many times, he will be misunderstood by
fellow soldiers of the Cross. Sometimes, a true leader will even get angry; however, he will find a way to allow God’s love to shine through even during these moments. The leader will persevere to the fulfillment
of God’s promises. The leader knows his purpose, mission, assignment, goals, and destiny. He will change the mind of God (Ex.32:14) several times throughout his journey on Planet Earth.
The spiritual leader not only knows the Word, but he lives it. It has become a part of him. It feeds him and gives him fresh life and anointing. God speaks to the leader as He did to Jeremiah (Jer.5:1) and says, “My son, I am seeking you to do justice, to seek truth. Now,
that I have found you, I will pardon your whole city. All I need is one man or one woman who will stand in the gap…and I will abundantly pardon your whole neighborhood, city, state, and country.” This is a powerful paradigm (pattern) of God! But this is His
standard and model of love and forgiveness. The true spiritual leader sent by God…understands this and lives it.
HABITS OF A LOVING COUPLE
HABITS OF A LOVING COUPLE
By Tommy
1: Say "I Love You" at least once a day: When was the last time you told your partner, "I love you!"? And, how do you normally say it? Do you mutter it as you run out the door on the way to work or do you stop everything you're doing and look your partner in the eyes to say the words? Or, is it somewhere in-between? Don't get in a rut and take these 3 words for granted. Surprise your partner the next time and vary the time and place that you sat it.
Example: Say it while delivering breakfast in bed.
Say it when you hand her a towel in the morning, one that you had warmed up in the dryer. Call in the middle of the day just to remind her how much you care.
Say it during a commercial on TV. When you get home, place both of your hands on either side of your partner's face, cupping it, and look her in the eyes and say it.
Say it in a whisper after turning out the lights.
If it is hard for you to vocalize the words, try these ideas: Send flowers "just because". Write it in a note and stick it in her lunch or wallet. Send it in an e-mail that she can pick up first thing in the morning. Go a step further and send a postcard daily. Spell it out using Magnetic Poetry letters on your fridge door! The possibilities are endless!
Remember...the more you put into your relationship, the happier both you and your partner will be!
2: Kiss daily. Throw in a hug while you're at it! A kiss is a kiss is a kiss, right? Wrong! People have written books on just kissing. The next time you kiss your partner, try one of these ideas:
1. Kiss your partner good-bye as if this were the last time you will see her. One day, it will be.
2. Kiss her hello as if you had been away on a long trip.
3. Kiss your partner for a full minute.
4. Don’t even say hello when you arrive home, go straight for the kiss!
5. Suck on an ice cube before your partner arrives home...especially on a warm day.
6. Eat a different flavored candy on the way home, so your partner never knows what flavor you will taste like!
7. Go back for a second kiss...
8. Spend a whole weekend doing nothing sensual except for kissing. (HELLO!)
9. To you wives: Use lipstick. Kiss your bathroom mirror for your partner to find in the morning.
10. Sitting at a red light can be fun... lean over and kiss your partner.
11. Look, no hands! Lean over and kiss without touching your partner anywhere else. Let your lips do the communicating.
12. When watching a comedy or Jay Leno in bed at night, and kiss during all the commercials.
13. To you wives: Buy your husband a pair of boxers or underwear printed with kisses all over to wear during the day.
14. To you husbands: When was the last time you kissed your partner's hand?
15. Slip a few chocolate kisses into your partner's lunch bag or briefcase.
16. Watch your favorite sports event and any time your team scores, kiss!
17. Sit in a photo booth, and take a picture kissing!
18. Write a poem about kissing her and slip it into a bouquet of flowers!
3: "Date" your partner for the rest of your life. If you're in a long-term relationship, when was the last time you "dated" your partner? Nope, running out for a quick burger and fries doesn't count. When was the last time you both dressed up and actually went out on a date together? Hmmm...Can’t remember? Maybe it's time you took a refresher course.
First, be sure to treat your partner even better than when you were dating... Remember that you are sweethearts, soul mates, lovers, best friends.
- open her door
- straighten his tie
- hold out her chair
- hold hands when you're walking together
Go beyond good, loving manners, and don't stop dating your partner. An older woman once said, “We keep our romance alive in our marriage. My husband and I never fail to go out on a date every Friday night. We prioritized our relationship and nothing except an emergency can change our regular Friday night date. After several years of marriage, our family and friends are used to the idea that Friday is our night to reconnect each week. Neither of us takes the other for granted…which is a mistake many couples make when they get too comfortable around each other.”
What about "married with children"? Do you feel guilty for leaving your kids with a sitter on a weekend after working all week? Do you sometimes feel that it's too much trouble to get a sitter…plan a date? Don't! One of the best things you can give your children is a good example of a loving relationship. Sometimes children may feel left out, but parents should keep their identity as a couple alive. Don't forget that one day the kids leave the nest and you don't want to be left as strangers. What you put into your relationship is what you will get out of it!
4: Don't sweat the small stuff: So you've been dating for awhile, and now the little things start to bug you. Unless you're just looking for an excuse to break up, you need to resolve these pet peeves before they become big issues. You can let her bad habits bother you to distraction or you can compromise and find a way around them. It's a matter of changing your mindset. Look for a solution, don't just gripe about it. To illustrate what I mean, here are some classic pet peeves and ways to compromise:
Toothpaste tube: Does she leave the cap off the toothpaste? Does he squeeze it
in the middle instead of from the bottom? If it bugs you, buy separate tubes. It's that simple!
Leaving clothes laying around: Do you nag your partner and then resent sounding like his mother? You can ignore the clothes or pick them up, remembering just how much he does for you in other ways. Make it easier for your partner by having several clothes hampers in various rooms of your house. Also, don't wash
the clothes that don't make it to the hamper.
Running late: If your partner is habitually late and nothing seems to help, just
plan for it. If you have a girlfriend who is always late to everything, plan for it and either gave her an earlier time or be late yourself. Another option is to leave if
she doesn't show up in time. She will eventually get the message.
Leaving the toilet seat up: This is mostly for guys. If this aggravates your wife, negotiate and find our how you both can agree to resolve it. At least talk about it.
All of these petty things may sound silly and small, but these issues can be annoying to your partner. Make a list of your pet peeves and possible solutions. Trade your lists with your partner so that she can actually see what really bugs you. Compromising is not a bad thing!
5: Concentrate on the positive. Do you contribute positive energy to your relationship or negative? Is your glass half-full or half-empty?
Many partners (spouses) are negative instead of positive. I firmly believe that if you feel bad and depressed, you will expect negative things to happen to you…and they will. But, if you feel blessed and expect good things to happen to you…they will. Your positive mindset will give you better opportunities.
The same is true with your relationship. If you are looking for the bad stuff in your relationship, the bad will happen. If you work on enriching your relationship, you will be happier. Who wants to be around someone who is negative? Build your partner up!
Once upon a time in college, a couple was dating. She would always gripe and nag at her boyfriend. It really became uncomfortable to be around them. He could never do anything right as far as she was concerned. He put up with it and ignored it for a while. However, their relationship did not last. He ended up becoming close friends with another girl. Their friendship grew from mutual respect and friendship to love. Today, they are married with children. The atmosphere made all the difference in the world.
Develop a good self-esteem. Take the time to invest in yourself. You are worth it and your partner will notice the difference!
Never say anything about your partner to others that you wouldn't say in front of her. If you do, you are creating a negative impression about your partner
and relationship. You are making it hard for your family and friends to emotionally support this relationship. If she finds out what you've said, she will feel betrayed.
Never take your partner for granted. You should treat your spouse even better than you do your family and friends. And she should treat you the same way. Accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative.
6: Take a breather when you're mad or upset. Let's face it…being a couple means knowing which buttons to push to make our partner happy, ecstatic, crazy,
and even mad. When your heated discussion becomes heated, do not push buttons. Call a time-out. A short break allows you to cool down so you can return to discuss what's bothering you instead of saying something you may regret later.
Don't just walk out and slam the door. Let your partner know that you just need some time to cool down. If it's your partner who needs a break, respect her wish for some time alone. Take time to de-stress.
DON'T GO TO BED ANGRY. This sounds great, but is it always possible to work through a disagreement before bedtime? Some individuals need time to let their emotions cool off. So what should you do if you're still mad at bedtime?
An older couple had a ritual of holding hands each night as they fell asleep. Even if they had not resolved a disagreement by bedtime, they still held hands. This was their way of communicating that…regardless of their present emotions, they loved each other. They have been happily married for over 30 years!
Kiss and hug each other before bed. Do not continue to be angry and sleep in separate beds…even for one night. That will put an emotional wall between you.
Sometimes, the right thing to do is: Simply say, "I'm sorry!" These are the three hardest words to say in the human language. Flowers also work wonders.
7: Don't use your partner's secrets or weaknesses against her...ever! Never tear your partner down to make yourself look good. If your partner cringes when you take center stage at parties or if she is the only one NOT laughing at your stories, then stop and think about what you're saying. It's all about respect and trust. Always keep your sexual activities private between you and your partner. What goes on in your private bedroom should stay there. This area should be totally private.
Never tell your friends everything, especially about your spouse. Sharing everything with your friends may have been acceptable when you were single, but once you are in a committed relationship, you should only share what you would say in front of your partner.
A loving relationship is one of the most intimate and trusting that anyone can have. Protect and cherish it.
8: Think about your partner first. When married, commit to your spouse 100% to make your relationship work. Say "yes" to your partner as often as possible. Do your best to try to meet her needs. Make her wishes and dreams come true! Make her life easier. Keep the car gassed up. Pick up the dry-cleaning once in a while. Or do the laundry once in a while. Wash the dishes once in awhile. The ideas are endless. Be there for your partner. Be her support system. Never forget her birthday. Hug and kiss her every day. Whatever you do, try to keep that loving, giving side of you alive.
9: Respect your partner…verbally, emotionally, and physically.
Never tell jokes that make fun of your partner. Never!
Never discuss your relationship with friends behind your partner's back?
Never discuss your sex life with other people.
Never treat your partner like a child.
Always appreciate your partner's abilities.
Never make light of issues that your spouse considers important.
Never blame your partner for your own silly mistakes.
Never search through your partner's things or email. Respect her privacy.
Never embarrasses your partner.
Never expect your partner to tell you everything about her past. The past is gone forever. Let it be.
Never expect to know what your partner is up to every minute of the day. Trust her!
YOUR PARTNER IS AN INDIVIDUAL. As a couple, neither of you should lose your individual identity. Your partner made a choice to be in this relationship and you must not take her for granted. Never show disrespect to your spouse. If you do, your relationship will not survive. TREAT your PARTNER as you want to be TREATED!
Sometimes, familiarity breeds contempt. It doesn't have to be that way. Ask yourself, "Do I treat my partner as well as I did while we were dating? Do I build her
up or do I tear her down? Do I respect her?"
10: Find a way to regroup together every day. It's amazing how many people will make time everyday for their favorite talk show or soap opera, but won't make time for their spouses. No matter how busy your life is…take time for each other daily.
Set aside at least 20 minutes every day to be together ALONE…even if you need to do this by telephone or email. Daily contact is especially important in long-distance relationships when you don't have physical closeness.
Discover what works well for both of you. Are you a morning person or a night owl? Do you prefer a routine or to be surprised? Take turns planning your time together. Are you always running late? Get organized. Waking up 30 minutes earlier will give you time to enjoy a bagel and coffee together.
Remove distractions. Newspaper, TV, telephone calls, and computers are all important; however, never let these become distractions. Never let other people or things run your life. You may need to skip TV programs at times. Perhaps, you can meet for lunch occasionally.
Think outside the box. Don't get stuck in the traditional Monday thru Friday 9-5 routine…where you live for the weekends. Enjoy a night out during the week. See a movie. Go out to dinner. Mix things up a bit. The point is: Spend time together daily…talking or breathing the same air…staying connected.
Simplify your life. Are you filling your days with too many activities? Simplify your life by providing more time to be with your spouse and family. Make time.
When all else fails…send flowers. Did you know that sending flowers change the entire atmosphere of your home? Try it sometime!
By Tommy
1: Say "I Love You" at least once a day: When was the last time you told your partner, "I love you!"? And, how do you normally say it? Do you mutter it as you run out the door on the way to work or do you stop everything you're doing and look your partner in the eyes to say the words? Or, is it somewhere in-between? Don't get in a rut and take these 3 words for granted. Surprise your partner the next time and vary the time and place that you sat it.
Example: Say it while delivering breakfast in bed.
Say it when you hand her a towel in the morning, one that you had warmed up in the dryer. Call in the middle of the day just to remind her how much you care.
Say it during a commercial on TV. When you get home, place both of your hands on either side of your partner's face, cupping it, and look her in the eyes and say it.
Say it in a whisper after turning out the lights.
If it is hard for you to vocalize the words, try these ideas: Send flowers "just because". Write it in a note and stick it in her lunch or wallet. Send it in an e-mail that she can pick up first thing in the morning. Go a step further and send a postcard daily. Spell it out using Magnetic Poetry letters on your fridge door! The possibilities are endless!
Remember...the more you put into your relationship, the happier both you and your partner will be!
2: Kiss daily. Throw in a hug while you're at it! A kiss is a kiss is a kiss, right? Wrong! People have written books on just kissing. The next time you kiss your partner, try one of these ideas:
1. Kiss your partner good-bye as if this were the last time you will see her. One day, it will be.
2. Kiss her hello as if you had been away on a long trip.
3. Kiss your partner for a full minute.
4. Don’t even say hello when you arrive home, go straight for the kiss!
5. Suck on an ice cube before your partner arrives home...especially on a warm day.
6. Eat a different flavored candy on the way home, so your partner never knows what flavor you will taste like!
7. Go back for a second kiss...
8. Spend a whole weekend doing nothing sensual except for kissing. (HELLO!)
9. To you wives: Use lipstick. Kiss your bathroom mirror for your partner to find in the morning.
10. Sitting at a red light can be fun... lean over and kiss your partner.
11. Look, no hands! Lean over and kiss without touching your partner anywhere else. Let your lips do the communicating.
12. When watching a comedy or Jay Leno in bed at night, and kiss during all the commercials.
13. To you wives: Buy your husband a pair of boxers or underwear printed with kisses all over to wear during the day.
14. To you husbands: When was the last time you kissed your partner's hand?
15. Slip a few chocolate kisses into your partner's lunch bag or briefcase.
16. Watch your favorite sports event and any time your team scores, kiss!
17. Sit in a photo booth, and take a picture kissing!
18. Write a poem about kissing her and slip it into a bouquet of flowers!
3: "Date" your partner for the rest of your life. If you're in a long-term relationship, when was the last time you "dated" your partner? Nope, running out for a quick burger and fries doesn't count. When was the last time you both dressed up and actually went out on a date together? Hmmm...Can’t remember? Maybe it's time you took a refresher course.
First, be sure to treat your partner even better than when you were dating... Remember that you are sweethearts, soul mates, lovers, best friends.
- open her door
- straighten his tie
- hold out her chair
- hold hands when you're walking together
Go beyond good, loving manners, and don't stop dating your partner. An older woman once said, “We keep our romance alive in our marriage. My husband and I never fail to go out on a date every Friday night. We prioritized our relationship and nothing except an emergency can change our regular Friday night date. After several years of marriage, our family and friends are used to the idea that Friday is our night to reconnect each week. Neither of us takes the other for granted…which is a mistake many couples make when they get too comfortable around each other.”
What about "married with children"? Do you feel guilty for leaving your kids with a sitter on a weekend after working all week? Do you sometimes feel that it's too much trouble to get a sitter…plan a date? Don't! One of the best things you can give your children is a good example of a loving relationship. Sometimes children may feel left out, but parents should keep their identity as a couple alive. Don't forget that one day the kids leave the nest and you don't want to be left as strangers. What you put into your relationship is what you will get out of it!
4: Don't sweat the small stuff: So you've been dating for awhile, and now the little things start to bug you. Unless you're just looking for an excuse to break up, you need to resolve these pet peeves before they become big issues. You can let her bad habits bother you to distraction or you can compromise and find a way around them. It's a matter of changing your mindset. Look for a solution, don't just gripe about it. To illustrate what I mean, here are some classic pet peeves and ways to compromise:
Toothpaste tube: Does she leave the cap off the toothpaste? Does he squeeze it
in the middle instead of from the bottom? If it bugs you, buy separate tubes. It's that simple!
Leaving clothes laying around: Do you nag your partner and then resent sounding like his mother? You can ignore the clothes or pick them up, remembering just how much he does for you in other ways. Make it easier for your partner by having several clothes hampers in various rooms of your house. Also, don't wash
the clothes that don't make it to the hamper.
Running late: If your partner is habitually late and nothing seems to help, just
plan for it. If you have a girlfriend who is always late to everything, plan for it and either gave her an earlier time or be late yourself. Another option is to leave if
she doesn't show up in time. She will eventually get the message.
Leaving the toilet seat up: This is mostly for guys. If this aggravates your wife, negotiate and find our how you both can agree to resolve it. At least talk about it.
All of these petty things may sound silly and small, but these issues can be annoying to your partner. Make a list of your pet peeves and possible solutions. Trade your lists with your partner so that she can actually see what really bugs you. Compromising is not a bad thing!
5: Concentrate on the positive. Do you contribute positive energy to your relationship or negative? Is your glass half-full or half-empty?
Many partners (spouses) are negative instead of positive. I firmly believe that if you feel bad and depressed, you will expect negative things to happen to you…and they will. But, if you feel blessed and expect good things to happen to you…they will. Your positive mindset will give you better opportunities.
The same is true with your relationship. If you are looking for the bad stuff in your relationship, the bad will happen. If you work on enriching your relationship, you will be happier. Who wants to be around someone who is negative? Build your partner up!
Once upon a time in college, a couple was dating. She would always gripe and nag at her boyfriend. It really became uncomfortable to be around them. He could never do anything right as far as she was concerned. He put up with it and ignored it for a while. However, their relationship did not last. He ended up becoming close friends with another girl. Their friendship grew from mutual respect and friendship to love. Today, they are married with children. The atmosphere made all the difference in the world.
Develop a good self-esteem. Take the time to invest in yourself. You are worth it and your partner will notice the difference!
Never say anything about your partner to others that you wouldn't say in front of her. If you do, you are creating a negative impression about your partner
and relationship. You are making it hard for your family and friends to emotionally support this relationship. If she finds out what you've said, she will feel betrayed.
Never take your partner for granted. You should treat your spouse even better than you do your family and friends. And she should treat you the same way. Accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative.
6: Take a breather when you're mad or upset. Let's face it…being a couple means knowing which buttons to push to make our partner happy, ecstatic, crazy,
and even mad. When your heated discussion becomes heated, do not push buttons. Call a time-out. A short break allows you to cool down so you can return to discuss what's bothering you instead of saying something you may regret later.
Don't just walk out and slam the door. Let your partner know that you just need some time to cool down. If it's your partner who needs a break, respect her wish for some time alone. Take time to de-stress.
DON'T GO TO BED ANGRY. This sounds great, but is it always possible to work through a disagreement before bedtime? Some individuals need time to let their emotions cool off. So what should you do if you're still mad at bedtime?
An older couple had a ritual of holding hands each night as they fell asleep. Even if they had not resolved a disagreement by bedtime, they still held hands. This was their way of communicating that…regardless of their present emotions, they loved each other. They have been happily married for over 30 years!
Kiss and hug each other before bed. Do not continue to be angry and sleep in separate beds…even for one night. That will put an emotional wall between you.
Sometimes, the right thing to do is: Simply say, "I'm sorry!" These are the three hardest words to say in the human language. Flowers also work wonders.
7: Don't use your partner's secrets or weaknesses against her...ever! Never tear your partner down to make yourself look good. If your partner cringes when you take center stage at parties or if she is the only one NOT laughing at your stories, then stop and think about what you're saying. It's all about respect and trust. Always keep your sexual activities private between you and your partner. What goes on in your private bedroom should stay there. This area should be totally private.
Never tell your friends everything, especially about your spouse. Sharing everything with your friends may have been acceptable when you were single, but once you are in a committed relationship, you should only share what you would say in front of your partner.
A loving relationship is one of the most intimate and trusting that anyone can have. Protect and cherish it.
8: Think about your partner first. When married, commit to your spouse 100% to make your relationship work. Say "yes" to your partner as often as possible. Do your best to try to meet her needs. Make her wishes and dreams come true! Make her life easier. Keep the car gassed up. Pick up the dry-cleaning once in a while. Or do the laundry once in a while. Wash the dishes once in awhile. The ideas are endless. Be there for your partner. Be her support system. Never forget her birthday. Hug and kiss her every day. Whatever you do, try to keep that loving, giving side of you alive.
9: Respect your partner…verbally, emotionally, and physically.
Never tell jokes that make fun of your partner. Never!
Never discuss your relationship with friends behind your partner's back?
Never discuss your sex life with other people.
Never treat your partner like a child.
Always appreciate your partner's abilities.
Never make light of issues that your spouse considers important.
Never blame your partner for your own silly mistakes.
Never search through your partner's things or email. Respect her privacy.
Never embarrasses your partner.
Never expect your partner to tell you everything about her past. The past is gone forever. Let it be.
Never expect to know what your partner is up to every minute of the day. Trust her!
YOUR PARTNER IS AN INDIVIDUAL. As a couple, neither of you should lose your individual identity. Your partner made a choice to be in this relationship and you must not take her for granted. Never show disrespect to your spouse. If you do, your relationship will not survive. TREAT your PARTNER as you want to be TREATED!
Sometimes, familiarity breeds contempt. It doesn't have to be that way. Ask yourself, "Do I treat my partner as well as I did while we were dating? Do I build her
up or do I tear her down? Do I respect her?"
10: Find a way to regroup together every day. It's amazing how many people will make time everyday for their favorite talk show or soap opera, but won't make time for their spouses. No matter how busy your life is…take time for each other daily.
Set aside at least 20 minutes every day to be together ALONE…even if you need to do this by telephone or email. Daily contact is especially important in long-distance relationships when you don't have physical closeness.
Discover what works well for both of you. Are you a morning person or a night owl? Do you prefer a routine or to be surprised? Take turns planning your time together. Are you always running late? Get organized. Waking up 30 minutes earlier will give you time to enjoy a bagel and coffee together.
Remove distractions. Newspaper, TV, telephone calls, and computers are all important; however, never let these become distractions. Never let other people or things run your life. You may need to skip TV programs at times. Perhaps, you can meet for lunch occasionally.
Think outside the box. Don't get stuck in the traditional Monday thru Friday 9-5 routine…where you live for the weekends. Enjoy a night out during the week. See a movie. Go out to dinner. Mix things up a bit. The point is: Spend time together daily…talking or breathing the same air…staying connected.
Simplify your life. Are you filling your days with too many activities? Simplify your life by providing more time to be with your spouse and family. Make time.
When all else fails…send flowers. Did you know that sending flowers change the entire atmosphere of your home? Try it sometime!
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