Peace and Grace

How does one handle sensitive situations? Just recently I have had two friends who have lost people near to them. One man died from a heart attack and the young woman had a tragic accident wake boarding and is now in a coma. When comforting a friend what are the right words to say? I just wanted to be there for them. I just wanted to let them know that I care for them and what they are going through. I think the best thing to pray for is just peace. Peace in the midst of the storm. One of the ways the devil will try to take a hold of us is through fear and calamity. He will do everything he can to stop the peace. When Paul, Silas, and Timothy wrote to the church in Thessalonica, they prayed that God would grant them grace and peace. (1 Thess.)

Why did they pray this? Because GRACE and PEACE are characteristics of a Christian life. I just counted NINE times that Paul wrote to the churches and prayed that God would give them GRACE and PEACE. If Paul thought it was important to pray this over God's people and church back then, we need to be following in his footsteps. We should be praying this over OUR lives, our families, and our friends! We NEED the PEACE and Grace of the Lord!

Love, Love, Love

As I sit here in the corner of an old, creaky farm house, I am thinking of my life. I am thinking of the people who love me, the people who like me, and the people who hate me. I guess it is only natural to have all three, but that's not God's way. Sure you may not get along with everyone you meet or even want to hang out with them. So then what should a God type of relationship with that person look like?

1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 says it like this:

⁴ I endure long and is patient and kind; I am never envious nor boil over with jealousy, I am not boastful or vainglorious, I do not display myself haughtily.

⁵ I am not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); I am not rude (unmannerly) and do not act unbecomingly. I do not insist on my own rights or my own way, for I am not self-seeking; I am not touchy or fretful or resentful; I take no account of the evil done to me [I pay no attention to a suffered wrong].

⁶I do not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoice when right and truth prevail.

⁷ I bear up under anything and everything that comes, I am ever ready to believe the best of every person, my hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and I endure everything [without weakening].

⁸ God's Love in me never fails [never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end].

The God of New Beginnings

Don't you love how God wants us to know how much he loves us? I am a witness to that unfailing love this week...

When we mess up and stumble we can feel so distant from God, so alone and abandoned. It's always this..."What was I thinking? Why did I allow satan to talk me into something I know is not good for me? How many times is God going to forgive me?"

The good news is this..."His mercies are new every MORNING!"

Praise God that when we fall, as believers, we cannot be put out of the game! We just keep on running the race! Finishing is winning to God!

I don't have to beat myself in the ground when I fail. I don't have to give up. I HAVE to keep on fighting the good fight of FAITH! Jesus is praying and interceding for us that our FAITH fail not! Why is that? Because through the PROCESS of living a life of faith, we can make it through the storm. It's the process that is sifting out the things in our lives that are undesirable to God.

God is all about the PROCESS of LIFE.

The Art of Communication and Socializing #1

Let's start with the basics.

When first meeting someone, it is polite to firmly shake their hand, look them in the eyes, and introduce yourself.

1. This initial greeting is very important! A person's handshake says a lot about that person. For instance, someone who loosely grips your fingers to shake is really saying that they have no confidence in themselves and feel awkward and uncomfortable. This feeling is conveyed to people and leaves a terrible impression.

2. The second part to a good introduction is to look that person in the eyes. Not a creepy stare down to show one's dominance, but just long enough, approximately 3 seconds, to show you respect that person and are meeting them on the same level.

3. Thirdly, if you have failed with the previous 2 there is still hope. Don't give up! The introduction of your name is imperative for someone to remember you. Simply say, "Hi, my name is Blank. Very nice to meet you." This is all done simultaneously.

4. The final thing you can do is to make conversation. This does not need to be something long or in depth. Just something to get to know the new person better. Ask them where they are from, what their job is, ect...just something to make the person feel comfortable. NOTHING too personal! Then when finishing the conversation, tell them how wonderful it was to meet them and speak with them. Even if you could not wait to get away.

I hope this helps you. Go on and give it a try. I believe in you!

Communication

One of the most important characteristics or qualities to have as an individual is communication skills. I hate contacting someone via phone, text, or email and never receiving a response. Not only is communication key in the business world but it is essential for any healthy relationship. For instance, if one invites another to lunch and the other person cannot make it, then the rejector should say, "I'm so sorry but I have already made plans. I would love to have lunch some other time. Thank you for the offer." Yet I have invited people to eat and then never hear a response. I will something like,"you don't have to come if you don't want to." Then finally I hear they have plans. I DO NOT have a problem with people having previous plans. I just think it is courteous for that person to address the situation in the proper manner.

Maybe I should do a series for my blogs on how to behave in a proper social fashion. Maybe the art of communication and socializing.

My First Blog

Ok so now I have a blog. What else is there to say? Maybe I should help explain the Mueller Mind. The Mueller Mind is simply the way my family and myself think. Right now I need to be doing so many other things but I became enraptured with the idea that maybe I would enjoy blogging. Eventually I will have something more profound up. However, for now this is good.