FaceBox Meme

I try hard to resist sharing memes from the FaceBox, but this one seemed like a great reminder.

Dogs (and many animals) are only thinking of the here and now, not worrying about the past or the future.

Humans have the unique ability to think through options for our future and weigh lessons from our past.

It’s a distinct advantage in the long run, but if you get stuck in either mode, you’ll end up wasting the most precious resource you have – your time.

Being present in the moment is the best way to spend most of your time.

How can you be more thoughtful today about being present?

What’s good about what you’re doing right now?

Make it a great day.

Jake

If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money can’t buy. – Zig Ziglar ​

This just a friendly reminder to count your blessings today.

Spend a few minutes counting them, writing them down or just focusing on them.

It’s easy to forget how lucky we are.

Make it a great day.

Jake

Problems are not the problem; coping is the problem. – Virginia Satir

How many of life’s problems are a result of a coping mechanism?

I’m sure we all do this more than we even know, going about our days managing pain and trauma with unhealthy cover ups and coping mechanisms.

Be on the lookout for the root of the problems.

Be on the lookout for replacing bad habits with good.

Be ready to ask for help.

Make it a great day.

Jake

Courage, dear heart. – CS Lewis, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

I have recently been re-reading the Chronicles of Narnia series by CS Lewis.

The line above really struck me.

To set the scene a little, this line comes in when they are on the island of nightmares and everyone is facing their worst fears. One of the main characters hears this as a whisper in her ear.

It made me think just how powerful three words could be.

Imagine this the next time you are troubled, worried or things just aren’t going your way: a whisper in your ear that simply says "courage, dear heart."

Make it a great day.

Jake

https://youtu.be/dXcFFNx0_g8

Not sure what it is about this kind of music, but it always makes me smile.

I imagine a couple of guys sitting around, just making up silly stuff with a great melody that made them smile.

The whole goal being to make others smile and want to dance.

It just looks and sounds like fun.

There’s a lot wrong in the world.

Evil is real.

But so is joy.

I believe that joy will win out in the end.

That in the end those who choose it will be flooded and overwhelmed with joy and the darkness won’t have a chance.

I’m sure that’s a bit idealistic for this average Friday morning….but I’m sure you can find a song that would put a smile on your face and a little joy in your heart – find it and play it – loud!

Make it a great day.

Jake

God is not ashamed of the lowliness of human beings. God marches right in. He chooses people as his instruments and performs his wonders where one would least expect them. God is near to lowliness; he loves the lost, the neglected, the unseemly, the excluded, the weak and broken. – Dietrich Bonhoeffer

And thank God that he does, otherwise he might not have much to work with.

I’m thankful for and often surprised that someone (or multiple someones) would read these daily emails from me.

I’m far from perfect.

In fact, I have quite a lot to work on.

Each day is a reminder that without God’s help, I would not be able to get very far.

Each day is also a reminder that with God’s help I can’t lose.

I don’t have to be perfect or brilliant or handsome or whatever.

My job is to be the best version of me, doing whatever God asks of me.

My job is to lean in to the small whispers that say “try this” or “say that” or “go here”.

My hope is that when I do, I lighten the load of another – even the tiniest bit counts.

My hope is that you can do the same.

Make it a great day.

Jake

Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. – George Halas

Simple reminder for the day – give it your best.

When given a choice today, be your best self.

Give your best in love to those around you.

You won’t regret it.

Make it a great day.

Jake

Rough diamonds may sometimes be mistaken for worthless pebbles. – Thomas Browne

I sure felt a little better after reading this one.

It’s easy to get caught up in all of our imperfections and get a little discouraged.

But every single person is a rough diamond.

We all have some areas for improvement, but underneath it all is greatness.

Our own, unique greatness.

Don’t mistake yourself for a worthless pebble.

Don’t buy into the ideas that if you could only lose some weight or buy that thing or take that trip that you would then become worthy or “as much as” someone else or some idealized version of yourself.

Don’t fall into the social media trap of viewing everyone’s highlight reel thinking you are “less than”.

It’s not true! You are a diamond.

Make it a great day.

Jake

Invite people into your life who don’t look or act like you. You might find they challenge your assumptions and make you grow. – Mellody Hobson

This reminds me of the advice given by Zig Ziglar – spend time with someone under 5 and over 70.

Whether it is someone’s age or background or simply their likes and dislikes; we can all grow and learn by being around someone different than us.

Who are you currently spending time with that is different than you?

Do you need to seek and find a relationship to challenge yourself in this area?

Some quick ideas on how we might do this:

Travel

Volunteer

Attend an event you wouldn’t normally attend

Visit a nursing home

Volunteer in the nursery at church

Make it a great day.

Jake

https://youtu.be/gOsM-DYAEhY

“Whatever it takes.”

This attitude can be a double edged sword.

Reading some of the books describing the experiences of Navy SEALs gave great illustrations of what we are capable of when take this attitude.

They really do rise above what most think is possible and achieve a sense of brotherhood and teamwork that is extraordinary.

But it can cost them their health, proper perspective and important relationships along the way.

We should all have a little of the “whatever it takes” in our lives.

And if we choose wisely in its application, we can achieve an extraordinary life.

Make it a great day.

Jake