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!
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