Click

I’ve noticed this week that I feel better. I seem to have more zip, more interest, I’m more “alert.” I think it is a combination of several things. My work life is great—I have found a job I really like (I’m a broadcaster), my employer seems to like me (they compliment my work on a regular basis), and from the moment I took the job, I felt at home. I am getting a really deep feeling of understanding what my faith is and how it is working for and in me. My home life is perfect. Things seem to be lining up after over a year of “What next?” Boy, could I tell you some stories.

It is important to be around positive people, people who do you some good. Your spouse, your boss, your friends, everyone and everything needs to be a positive experience. If your daily environment is a challenge, find a “spot” in your day, it can be just a few minutes, where you think about the good things in your life. Your spouse, your children, where you are in your faith habits, even your hobbies that you enjoy can give you the “lift” to get through your day. You might try listening to some books on CD or your favorite music on your way to work. Be certain to take some time to study your Bible, get some good rest and have some quiet time.

My wife gets up early, 4am most days, and I will follow at 5. It allows us to have a few minutes together before she gets ready for work. We visit and sip coffee and look at the paper. When I go get the paper, I will take a moment, stand in the silence of my driveway, and look at the dark sky filled with stars. It amazes me. The beauty and wonder of its creation. And, I give the following promise to God: “Today, I will do my best to serve you better.” A quick little prayer, to “say hello” to the day, and to God. I think in a small way, it launches my day and gets me ready. I enjoy the peace of early morning. It takes less than 30 seconds to do it. I suggest you give it a try.

After my wife leaves, I go into my office and start reading. I have a few books that I call “Thumbers,” which aren’t really “reading” books. They are books you “thumb” through. I just received The Letters of C.S. Lewis. For years I never understood why anyone would want to read someone else’s mail, but now I understand that writing letters – the old fashioned way, with pen and paper – can be a window opening into someone’s deepest thoughts. It is highly personal. No one but the receiver is expected to read the letter, so the writer is more casual, more open, more thoughtful. I was interested in reading, through Lewis’ letters, about his transition to a man of faith. (Shameless Plug: I have purchased many books from Edward R. Hamilton Booksellers. They are a closeout store and I have found some great books and great buys over the years from Hamilton. Website: edwardrhamilton.com, but have them send you their catalog).

Now a couple of ideas for you. There is a company called the Teaching Company. They produce lectures by the leading professors in universities across America. The lectures are truly outstanding, and far from dull. The DVD’s come with graphics, photos, charts, etc., but if you buy the audio CD’s or tapes, you still get the full effect of learning from the lectures. They have everything from history to literature to science to art and religion. All of them are worth considering. I am currently watching the DVD of The Old Testament. An outstanding lecture presented by Professor Amy-Jill Levine of Vanderbilt University Divinity School. There are 24 lectures, 30 minutes each. Many times they place the lectures on sale and that is the time to buy (they can be a little expensive). Here is the website: thegreatcourses.com (or teach12.com).

Another idea is I have been listening to Gregory Dickow. He is the pastor of Life Changes International Church near Chicago. I found his program while channel-surfing one Sunday morning. He has what he calls his “40 Day Fast From Wrong Thinking.” It is an interesting concept and Pastor Dickow has interesting ideas about how we should make a conscious decision to remove wrong-thinking from our thoughts. I have always heard that if you do something for a month, you will be able to make a habit of it (or break the habit). Pastor Dickow’s idea of the “40 Day Fast From Wrong Thinking” is something to consider to build your faith. There are videos on his website which you can watch to get a better idea of Gregory Dickow’s ideas. Here is the website: gregorydickow.org or changinglives.org. From the Home page, go to Media, then Video On Demand. Recommended starting point: Filling Your Mind With The Word of God (the fifth video down from the top). He discusses the soul – It is excellent.