I Can't Help It..

I can't help it when I hear of another earthquake. I always think, "Wow, Jesus must be coming soon." I have this map that I check every now and then that has a list of all the earthquakes all over the world. http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/

I go to this map on a fairly regular basis remembering the scripture, "Luke 21:11 And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven." When you look at this map over any length of time, you will recognize what I have.

There have been thousands of small, medium and large earthquakes just since I have been monitoring this map. Some say there are more earthquakes today than 100 years ago, others say we just have better instrumentation and media today. However, in my lifetime I don't remember earthquakes like the Haiti or now the Chile earthquakes. The loss of life, devistation and billions of dollars that will be needed is overwhelming.

How many earthquakes will it take for Jesus to come back?

I know that the Apostles thought that the Lord Jesus would come back in their lifetime. Here it is 2000 years later, and we are still waiting for Jesus to come in the sky. I can't help it, but I think what a great day that will be, and I remember it every time I hear of an earthquake.

Offenses

When we hold the grudge against someone, the offense costs more to bear than the offense itself. It seems we hold on to the past regarding the most ridiculous things because we got hurt in some way. Just make sure that the hurt was deep enough to warrant the cost you are presently paying to carry the offense day after day, month after month, year after year. Doesn't it make sense to forgive the offense of the past and be free in your mind and heart today? It is easier to forgive than you might think. Just bow your head, and say, "Lord, I forgive this person for hurting me. I want to be free as you declared in Your Word. I give up this offense to You and ask you to heal me." Breathe and let the burden lift from you. Sometimes it takes me more than one time saying this, if I am really mad about the offense. But, I have learned to keep saying it until I feel the offense leave me. Try it and see if this process helps you!

Odar Kumaritashviliand Should Have Gold!!

In response to Odar Kumaritashviliand’s tragic crash, I think the Olympic Committee should award his family with a gold medal. Afterall, anyone who dies in the effort has given their all for this Olympic gold. I just heard on the television "it's the Olympic effort that matters most." Who would agree with that statement, when you compare it to a life cut short?

It's one thing to do the best time in luge, it's a completely different situation when you have given your life (and we will find out if it could have been avoided). I think it will go a very long way with the parents and family if they were treated with the tremendous respect that goes along with the horrible grief they will forever experience!

So, I say let's all start writing the International Olympic Committee screaming for Omar to have GOLD! Go www.olympic.org and contact them!

The Saints Go Marchin' In!!

Congratulations go out to the New Orleans Saints and the city that has inspired them to win the Super Bowl. It's an amazing story from the QB on "up" to the many who have lost their homes, loved ones and way of life. It just goes to show you that anything can be done when you have the right attitude. Those Saints, they went marching into the Super Bowl and came out with the Super Bowl trophy. God Bless Them!

Building or Breaking?

This year I am trying to notice everything that comes out of my mouth. The Bible says what comes out of the mouth is in the heart. Especially in life coaching or songwriting coaching, I must be careful how I challenge my clients to face those fears they do not want to face. Sometimes they don't even see they are walking in fear or that they are even struggling with a problem.

I can build my friends, family or clients or I can break them down by what I say to them. It's a fine line. I was thinking about this and realized we are always building or breaking in everything we do. When you talk to your friends and you want to challenge, do you break them down or do you build them in the process of challenging their behavior? It all comes from the carefully chosen words...or not.

Breathe

Breathing is such a simple thing to do. We don't even think about it most of the time. Occasionally, I will hear of someone with asthma or lung cancer, and quickly thank the Lord for my ability to breathe.

Again, that thought came to me as I was watching CNN's Anderson Cooper cover Haiti. Anderson was apologizing for having to cough on camera. Apparently, the rescue workers had to burn several bodies  they had found in the rubble. The cameras were set up near this area and the air was thick with the smell and flakes of burned flesh. He was struggling to breathe.

I have not been a big fan of CNN or Anderson Cooper, up to this point. They are usually too liberal for my taste. However, I must admit they have really stepped up their coverage of Haiti's earthquake and the aftermath. Anderson Cooper has gone beyond reporting in my opinion. He is very professional, yet tenderhearted. I am sure he will have quite a journey of recovery from the many gruesome sites he has witnessed.

So, today I am grateful for my comparative calm life. I am blessed not to draw the breath Anderson and the Haitian people are breathing in and smelling. I remember that smell from going to NYC the week after 9/11. It's distinct and you never forget it.

Keep praying for these people and especially for Heavenly protection for the little children who are alone.

John Travolta Sends an Airplane

John Travolta is sending an airplane to Haiti with supplies. It sounds like such a nice thing for a celebrity until you read a littler further. ( By the way, I love John Travolta. I have had the opportunity to talk with him for 30 minutes. He's a wonderful guy. He's had a really tough year. So, I don't begrudge him anything.)
 

The article goes on to say Travolta is sending "ministers" down to Haiti. These are ministers that recruit victims into his cult, Scientology. Haitians need medical personnel, supplies, and water. They need the very basics of life right now. Every person getting into that country right now is vital. The victims need skilled people to help get their families medical help or remove their loved ones from the rubble that still may be alive. CNN showed last night where they were still recovering people. The teams that are presently on the ground are struggling to do the very best they can with this catastrophe. The last thing they need are a non-skilled "ministers of Scientology."


It seems way up there on the ridiculous scale to waste this opportunity. Instead, because of celebrity, a "minister" of the gospel of Scientology is sent bumbling into a earthquake shattered country to do an "assist", which is equivalent to a bad massage.