In our activity-addicted world, many proudly wear busyness as a badge. While feeling good we’re being productive, it can also become all too easy to go through the day so busy that we’re oblivious to those around us with needs. Jesus warned us of this in a parable in Luke 10:25-37. After quoting the great commandment from the law, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself,” a lawyer, wanting to justify himself, asked Jesus, “And who is my…
People around the globe are taking to social media, flaunting their latest badge of distinction—membership in The 5 a.m. Club. It’s inspired by a challenge from best-selling author and motivational speaker Robin Sharma to wake up at 5 a.m. for 66 days to develop habits for greater productivity. “Join The 5 a.m Club. Your most valuable hours are 5 a.m. – 8 a.m. They have the least interruptions,” he says. Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Apple’s CEO Tim Cook, and dozens of other successful leaders past and present are known for using this special time of day to exercise, plan, meditate,…
In a Reader’s Digest article recapping interviews of couples married 40, 50, or even 60 years, all said similarly that despite their shared history together, they were still changing, growing, and learning new things about each other. A big factor to their marriages’ longevity was developing good communication skills. Most happily married couples will tell you that they have learned to listen to their spouse—(not “agree” but “listen.”) Relationship is not a one-way monologue, but an ongoing shared dialogue. What about our relationship with the Creator of the universe? Learning to know Him and listening to hear His voice…
Prepare with prayer . . . Though not a scriptural directive, this is one of my favorite expressions. Simple yet powerful. While many people turn to God only after all else fails, committing things in our lives to Him through prayer before they occur is powerful. Why? Because prayer turns our hearts to God, putting us in close communion with Him. It acknowledges His power, His ability to work in situations that are beyond our control. Doing so also affirms our humility toward God, which He rewards richly with His grace. “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the…
In 2014, Burger King ditched its 40-year-old slogan, “Have It Your Way” for the more personal “Be Your Way.” A BK management official noted in an interview that the former slogan focused only on the food purchase, while the new one is about connecting with a person’s greater lifestyle. In a world where we’ve been conditioned to have everything instantly—our way, right away—little room is left for what’s often the hardest part . . . waiting. Waiting in line, waiting for test results, waiting in traffic, waiting for an appointment, or a spouse . . . can make us restless,…
