I’m Sorry!!
By Jane | February 25, 2010
What’s The Big Deal?
Have you ever made a mistake, said or done things you wish you hadn’t, hurt anyone’s feelings? If you didn’t answer “yes” to the above then please read Revelation 21:8 and repent.
Do you know what I find really strange? We all know and will freely admit that we make mistakes, that we’re imperfect, and yet when it comes to saying that we are sorry to a specific individual for a specific incident, a good number of people find that one of the most difficult things to do. Why? What’s the big deal?
Let me help you, the next time you find yourself in a position when you need to apologize do it right!
When you mess up, first of all be sincere! When you do or say something that isn’t Christ like don’t flippantly say: “My bad” “Sorry” or “I guess I messed up.” None of those will be or seem sincere.
Secondly, you don’t need to give 1987 excuses/reasons why you made this mistake. By making a bunch of excuses or listing a set or reasons as to why you committed this error, all personal responsibility is erased and you have no room for growth or change.
Any sincere apology should have the following ingredients:
1. I’m sorry
2. What was it that you did that was wrong
3. Why it wrong
4. Please forgive me
So let’s put the pieces together and here is what a heartfelt, impacting, sincere apology would sound like:
“Fred, I am sorry for the way I spoke to you about your wife. I don’t know you well enough to joke around like that and what I was saying sounded like I was being disrespectful of you as a husband. I’m sorry, please forgive me.”
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The Bible On Television Part Two
By Jane | November 18, 2009
The Bible On Television
Part Two
Years ago a man by the name of Robert Fulghum wrote a short little book entitled: All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten. His observations were short and insightful. His work inspired others to compose concise essays along the lines of: All I Really Need to Know I Learned from My Dog, All I Really Need to Know I Learned From A Snowman etc.
Recently with the deaths of so many celebrities many of the basic truths of the Bible have been reinforced in my life. God’s Word is unadulterated wisdom and no matter what scientists uncover, no matter what circumstances the news may report it all just reinforces the truths our Heavenly Father has set forth in His Word.
So here goes part two of my rendition of:
All I Really Need to Know In God’s Word I’ve Seen Confirmed On The Nightly News…
6. Even though multitudes of people may esteem you always take your time and think through important decisions. Proverbs 14:16, “The wise are cautious and avoid danger; fools plunge ahead with great confidence.”NLT
7. No matter how famous or wealthy one may be living a life without restraint is dangerous. Proverbs 25:28, “A person without self-control is as defenseless as a city with broken-down walls.” NLT
8. It is important to tell those we love how much they mean to us, before the opportunity is
lost. Proverbs16:24 “Kind words are like honey — sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.”NLT.
9. Accepting advice from those we know and trust can bring much benefit. Proverbs 13:13-14, “ People who despise advice will find themselves in trouble; those who respect it will succeed. The advice of the wise is like a life-giving fountain; those who accept it avoid the snares of death. NLT
10. Riches, fame, popularity and an abundance of power or possessions cannot stop death from touching us. Hebrews 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” KJV
Someday you may write a little essay: All I Really Need To Know I Learned From Sister Jane’s Blogs
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The Bible On Television
By Jane | September 29, 2009
The Bible On Television
Part One
Years ago a man by the name of Robert Fulghum wrote a short little essay entitled: All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten. His observations were short and insightful. His work inspired others to compose concise essays along the lines of: All I Really Need to Know I Learned from My Dog, or All I Really Need to Know I Learned From A Snowman, etc.
Recently with the deaths of so many celebrities many of the basic truths of the Bible have been reinforced in my life. God’s Word is unadulterated wisdom and no matter what scientists uncover, no matter what circumstances the news may report it all just reinforces the truths our Heavenly Father has set forth in His Word.
So here goes my rendition of:
All I Really Need to Know I Learned From the Death of Celebrities
1. Rest is priceless and it is birthed from a sense of peace. No matter how rich or famous one might be, they can never buy real rest. There is only thing that insures rest: Psalm 119:165 “Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them. “
2. Change comes from the inside out. Multiple plastic surgeries and physical alterations on the outside can never change one’s self image. Romans 12:2 “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is.” NLT
3. A true friend loves you for who you are and not for what you have. No matter how popular you may or may not be they remain in your corner. Proverbs 17:17, “A friend loveth at all times…”KJV
4. There are always two sides to every story and rushing to quick judgment will result in error. Proverbs 18:17, “The first to present his case seems right, till another comes forward and questions him.”NIV
5. Only an idiot thinks he is always right and shuts out or keeps at arms lengths those with differing opinions. Proverbs 12:15, “ Fools think they need no advice, but the wise listen to others.”
To Be Continued….Stay Tuned
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By Jane | August 25, 2009
How To Convey Your Thanks With Impact
Some Practical Thoughts
Graduation time is over and it’s amazing how many people knew my address when inviting me to their graduation ceremony or party, but must have lost it when wanting to send me their thanks.
My mother was a big one when it came to training me about the importance of conveying my gratitude. At Christmas or birthday time it didn’t matter what ugly or useless item I received; I still had to say or write a thank you note. Looking back, what she taught me was a valuable lesson about appreciation. Today, finding thankful people can be like finding hen’s teeth!
If you really want to thank someone for something they have done, or for what they mean to you; I’m sure you want your words to have an impact and the time and effort you put forth to be meaningful. May I suggest you follow a couple of simple guidelines?
Be as specific as possible.
To tell someone you appreciate them makes for an “all right” thank you or compliment. However, to specifically mention to someone a particular act of thoughtfulness such as, always opening a door for you or having your morning coffee ready for you when you come to work makes for a “great” thank you. The more detail you include shows you truly notice and they really do make a difference.
Explain why what they did mattered or is important.
You could simply thank someone for attending your mother’s funeral, which is good. Or you could take the extra step and explained to them, that just having them there, during your time of loss made you feel so much less alone and empty. The difference between the first and the second is the difference between a note that will probably end up in the trash bin, and a note that might be kept to be re-read.
We all like to be appreciated and I’m sure we want it to be meaningful both when we give and receive those words of gratitude. Let me know what you think. You can e-mail me your thoughts via our VCF web page.
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What Type Are You?
By Jane | July 29, 2009
What Type of Gift Giver Are You?
Practical Thoughts
Be honest now – don’t you just love receiving a gift? Most of us would say we do. However, have you ever received a gift and thought to yourself (at least I hope you didn’t say this out loud), “What in the world were they thinking??? Yuck with a capital Y!” Immediately that thing went to the back of the closet, the trash bin, or the Goodwill store.
However, before you fault the gift giver, let me share something with you that I’ve learned in my life experiences. The way I see it, there are three types of gift givers. Let me describe each one to you.
(1) Some people like to give other people things that they themselves like.
(2) Some individuals like to give other people gifts that they think the recipient would most enjoy receiving.
(3) Some folks feel that as long as they are giving someone something that is all that matters.
If you really desire to impact someone’s life with your gift; then you need to discover (just ask) what mindset is the person you wish to bless with a gift. For example, if the person you’re giving to is thrilled to receive anything, because in their mind, a gift is a gift, then that’s great. For this person you have free reign to get them just about anything.
The bottom line is take the time, and make the effort, to find out what would mean the most to the person you wish to bless. After all, don’t you desire to be the biggest blessing you can be to those you love?
What type of gift recipient is our Heavenly Father? Next time you see me; let me know what you think!
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Last Dorc Installment
By Jane | July 21, 2009
Are You a Dorc?
Part 4
At this point, if you don’t know what a dorc is then please read the previous blogs about a disciple by the name of Dorcas. If you don’t know why you’d want to be a dorc then read on. There’s a verse in II Corinthians that perfectly describes God’s attitude toward giving, generous disciples such as Dorcas. 2 Corinthians 9:7, “Let each one [give] as he has made up his own mind and purposed in his heart, not reluctantly or sorrowfully or under compulsion, for God loves (He takes pleasure in, prizes above other things, and is unwilling to abandon or to do without) a cheerful (joyous, “prompt to do it”) giver [whose heart is in his giving]. AMP
Check that out! It says that God prizes above other things and is unwilling to abandon or to do without a cheerful, joyous, prompt to do it giver. Perhaps this is exactly why God had Peter positioned near the city of Joppa. God wanted someone near who would have the faith to pray for disciple Dorcas to be brought back to life. It was obvious the people felt they needed Dorcas in their midst and it seemed as if God felt the same way.
If God were to examine our lives today, would He say we were a vitally needed part of the church, our community and our society? While the Marines are always looking for a few good men; I think our God is always looking for a few good dorcs!
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Are You A Dorc?
By Jane | July 8, 2009
Are You A Dorc?
Part 3
If you are unsure whether you’re a Dorc, then please check out the account of a disciple by the name of Dorcas found in Acts 9:36-42. This woman was such a giver that when, in the midst of her ministry, she died, the early church took action and she was raised from the dead. One of the major aspects of this lady’s life that set her apart from a lot of folks today is found in Acts 9:39(b) “…the room was filled with weeping widows who were showing one another the coats and other garments Dorcas had made for them”. TLB
The room was filled with people who had been on the receiving end of this woman’s generous heart. I obviously do not know the dimensions of this room, but it is evident that this woman didn’t just minister to her immediate family; her kindness was extended to a large number of folks. Too many Christians today typify the saying Brother Hagin used to share about the selfish mindset of certain folks: “My four and no more”. For these individuals their charity didn’t extend any farther than their immediate family. However, Dorcas’ generosity reached far beyond the walls of her own home.
Secondly, Dorcas was a disciple who had more than just good intentions. In other words, Dorcas did more than just talk, think, and plan to do good. Dorcas did good. Dorcas gave. The people who were touched by this disciple had something they could hold in their hands to show that this disciple did more than just talk the talk.
In God’s Kingdom, are you a Dorc? Have you blessed or done anything for someone beyond your own four walls or family? Has any aspect of the God’s kingdom been tangibly enriched, because of you? If so – you’re a true blue Dorc.
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Are You A Dorc? Part Two
By Jane | June 30, 2009
Are You a Dorc?
Part 2
Are you a Dorc? (See my previous blog for the Biblical definition of dorc.) As Christians, if we really want and intend to impact our world we should be more like a disciple in the early church named Dorcas. Her story is outlined in Acts chapter 9:36-42
Check this out: because this disciple fervently served and blessed others (sowed) when she died there were those whose fervent prayer life brought her back to life (talk about a rich harvest time). If we were to die, in the midst of our ministry, I wonder if anyone would fervently pray for us to be brought back to life. Is that really possible Sister Jane? Well I guess that depends on whether you believe James 5:16b which states, “The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working].”AMP Has your life impacted someone else’s to the point where they and God would think, “You know, the planet earth still needs them and their ministry.”?
Take a moment to think about your sowing record.
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Hey Dorc
By Jane | June 11, 2009
Are You A Dorc?
Come on, be honest, are you a dorc? I think the body of Christ should be filled to overflowing with Dorcs! I love the story of a disciple (hmmm, notice how the early church had women disciples…that issue for another time) named Dorcas. Her life, tragic death and dramatic restoration are detailed in Acts 9: 36-42. Take a moment and go read her story, it’s pretty amazing. I was just wondering, if you were to die today, how many ( if any) individuals would be so impacted by your giving life that they’d pray fervently for you to come back to life or send for those who believed in miracles to pray for your resurrection. I’m not talking about co-dependent behavior (“Oh I can’t live without them…). I am referring to individuals, who would say about you; “You know they really impacted my life; they honestly made a difference, the world truly is a better place because of them”. Or would most people upon learning of your death just shed a few tears, say some nice words then go on their way because in reality your life never truly touched theirs.
Just wondering, if you are a Dorc. I hope I am!
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What Do YOU Think – Part 2
By Jane | June 3, 2009
What Do YOU Think?
Part Two
I mentioned in my last blog that recently I’ve become aware of a trend (or push) in the media that could create a negative spillover effect for today’s believer. A great many news and entertainment programs now promote a feedback feature. These programs encourage people to express their viewpoint by “calling in”, “texting” “e-mailing”, or responding on their “twitter” or “face book” page. Modern media has made this feedback feature a major thrust of their industry. So what’s the danger in this? After all, you’re definitely entitled to your own opinion and viewpoint by virtue of the fact that you live in a democracy. You may express your opinions in the political arena by working for the candidate of your choice and voting for them. You may freely articulate your opinions in print regarding your favorite social cause. However, I see individuals who too often embrace the Christian faith while thinking that it is designed as a democracy and it is not.
Those who claim Christianity need to remember that God is sovereign. When He makes a decision, sets forth a course of action, or a command, He seeks no man’s counsel. He decrees a thing and that is it. He never takes a popular vote, sets up a committee, or runs a poll to see what popular opinion would dictate He do. He is God, the final and ultimate authority.
God has designed His kingdom and His church to operate as a theocracy not a democracy. His Word tells us that He intended the local church to function and operate decently and orderly through the key elements of authority and submission. These concepts are greatly misunderstood and not well tolerated in a capitalistic democracy that advocates you have a say in every governmental decision. The American free enterprise system puts a high premium on the preferences of individuals since meeting a variety of individual tastes and demands causes it to prosper. In the political, social and economic realms our opinion are influential and carry weight. However, this is not how God has planned the church to function. Let us not confuse the two arenas.
Romans 12:2
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is. NLT
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