jeff noel.org

Just So I'd Remember The Conversatio

How big is your vision? No seriously, how big?

We are so tempted to go through our daily motions, and never stretch ourselves in ways we are capable of, but are too afraid to try.

The people who overcome their fear, or at least who attempt to overcome their fear, are the ones who make significant progress in the big issues.

At Chick-fil-A several days ago, I met a foursome of retired Iowans, here in Orlando for the Winter. They work for Wycliffe Associates.

Wycliffe Associates wants to translate the Bible into every language known to man.

What if no one dreamt this big?

What if you don’t dream this big?

My big dream?  To help raise enough money to find a cure for an incurable disease.

And yours?

Corner Stone

Perhaps, all our “good fortune” can be summed up by his quote I found, tucked away in a folder from 2004.

“Coincidence is a small miracle which God wishes to remain anonymous.” — unknown

Ya with me?

PS.  Assertiveness is a trait. Arrogance a burden.

Is Excellence Showing Off?

Sometimes, friends nearby will say to me, “Showoff.”

At Gold’s Gym one time, Joe said, “You intimidate people.”

“What are you talking about, Joe”, I asked, confused and astonished.

He said, “You intimidate people. Because you’re gifted.” Come to find out he was referring to my physical fitness appearance.

I told Joe “The only gift I have, is that Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior.” We both smiled big smiles.

Maybe six years ago, two colleagues and I were in the break area, the two of them discussing their latest diet (Atkins I think it was), and I asked them, “How come no one ever asks me what I do – to lose weight, I mean?”

“You don’t need to worry about it”, was the quick and serious reply.

Know what I said?  And I was pissed frustrated with their answer. I said, “I worry about it every single day, that’s why I don’t need to worry about it!!”

You know what?  Maybe working harder than others is showing off.

The “guilt” you’ve heard me talk about is really just a humble attempt to say I do not feel guilty.  I’ve busted my back trying to make extra-ordinary from ordinary.  And it’s been one success after another.

Now, I guess being the Internet’s only “Five-a-Day Blogger” is showing off too?

Peace, Everyday - Minnesota

“Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.”

After yesterday’s loooong post, just wanted to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas.

May the peace that surpasses all understanding, and the love that is never ending, bless you this day with unspeakable joy!

Advent begins today.  Click here if you’d like a refresher on Advent.

Advent, preparing for the coming of the Christ Child.

Is there anything more exciting, more joyful, than the anticipation of the coming of a savior?

Seriously.  Anything?

I think not.  At least not in my tiny brain.

This year, a promise was made to be more prepared than ever before. To:

• Be fully present
• Be fully alive
• Be fully joyful
• Be fully hopeful
• Be eternally grateful
• Be “bow-down-on-my knees” humble

But that’s just me.  What and or how are you preparing?

“Daddy, what do you want for Christmas?”, my son asked me yesterday morning.

“I’d like for all of us to enjoy the real reason for celebrating Christmas”, I replied without hesitating, and then paused, thinking, for a few moments.

“If we can do that, then any other gifts we might receive would just be a bonus”, I added as a followup.

“It would be great to simply enjoy the spirit of giving”, seemed to be my final answer.

And that about sums it up.  Have you thought what you’d like for Christmas this year?

Odds are stacked against anyone actually adding any comments, but please know that you are indeed welcome to comment.  You always have been.

PS.  Comments aren’t why I write, and yet there is something colorful about comments that has the same effect as photos or video clips.  A state change if you will.

And yet something a photo or video may never add – a sense of community.  And isn’t that what Christmas is really about?  Merry Christmas.