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- #1
As I have said in the past, I'm not a bible thumper and certainly have my faults and shortcomings, BUT I am a believer and have committed to making 2012 a year of growth and service to the man upstairs. I must confess, this is a challenge for me since my nature is competitive and to look out for me and my family first and foremost. I think a lot of that mindset comes from the kinds of challenges that I, and many of you, have experienced over the last couple of years. There have been financial, and physical challenges for me and many of you as well and its awfully easy to get discouraged due to the demands of running a business or working a job and supporting a family and or staff, especially when you're not well. In my case its been supporting a family and business and providing college tuition and all the related expenses for three kids simultaneously, while surviving the worst downturn since the great depression. For some of you its been much harder than that, as some are dealing with chronic, life threatening illnesses.
Despite the challenges, I am writing this to encourage each of you to make a difference in 2012. Reaching out to encourage another in need, whether though prayer, a helping hand with a project, finding a solution to a problem for them or just being someone to listen, is a very important blessing for them and for YOU. Trust me on this. Recently my pastor has been teaching on selflessness and its been an eye opener for me. I surprised myself and got involved with a couple of small groups at my church. They go to the nursing homes and hospitals as well as visiting shut-ins and hospice care patients and I'll tell you, it really makes a difference in the lives of these people, a BIG difference! They are so thankful that someone cares enough to visit, encourage and help them. There are a lot of tears shed on both sides. Its been a life changing experience and for whatever reason I cant get enough of it. I go every opportunity I get, and with any group I can and it blesses me as much as it does them. Please don't take this as me preaching at anyone, because I'm the last guy qualified to do that. I am just sharing with you how cool it is to see God work in the lives of those on the receiving AND the giving end.
Despite the challenges, I am writing this to encourage each of you to make a difference in 2012. Reaching out to encourage another in need, whether though prayer, a helping hand with a project, finding a solution to a problem for them or just being someone to listen, is a very important blessing for them and for YOU. Trust me on this. Recently my pastor has been teaching on selflessness and its been an eye opener for me. I surprised myself and got involved with a couple of small groups at my church. They go to the nursing homes and hospitals as well as visiting shut-ins and hospice care patients and I'll tell you, it really makes a difference in the lives of these people, a BIG difference! They are so thankful that someone cares enough to visit, encourage and help them. There are a lot of tears shed on both sides. Its been a life changing experience and for whatever reason I cant get enough of it. I go every opportunity I get, and with any group I can and it blesses me as much as it does them. Please don't take this as me preaching at anyone, because I'm the last guy qualified to do that. I am just sharing with you how cool it is to see God work in the lives of those on the receiving AND the giving end.
