What would you do if you only had 30 days to live?

I keep a journal.

I started journaling a couple of years ago. I find it helpful, it makes me slow down and think through my thoughts. So often our minds race from one thing to another that you can start to feel like you have ADD. The process of writing down your thoughts forces you to follow thoughts all the way through and often times brings clarity to whatever problems have been dogging you.

One of the things that I have tried to do, is write my journals with the intent on them being read by my posterity.

I wrote a letter to my boys and I try to give them little tips that I have learned about life.

I am honest about my struggles and about my pain, I don't hold back or try to cover up how I am feeling. I think it will be important for them when they get older to be able to read my story and understand that I struggle just like they do.

There is a video at the bottom that I watched today, now... I am not indorsing Oprah, she has her own issues, but the guy doing the talk has some great points. I want to encourage you to watch it and glean anything that is helpful to you.

One of the points that he makes in his talk is that most people are good if you give them a chance to show you. I know all of the theological principals that none are good and that mankind is depraved. We are all sinners... I get that. The area where I agree with what he has to say is in the way we should not jump to conclusions about people, but give them lots of space to be who they are. The scriptures put it this way: Love believes the best.

If we would believe the best in others I think we would be amazed at how often they would rise to meet our expectations.

If you have not done something to chronicle your journey through this life, I want to remind you that today is the best day to start. Do something, keep a journal, organize your photos, something. This life is a gift and we should treasure each day that God gives us.

Pastor Willy

Update From Matthew G. in Ensenada

Hi there.

I am in Ensenada and feeling great!

Check it out: I love this place. Just pulling over the hill and looking down
into Ensenada made my heart feel so full. I feel at peace and I feel my soul
at rest. I'm sure the stretching is just around the corner though.

The ranch that I live at is georgeous. It's down in the pit of a valley and there are trees and things to look at and smell all around. I have a big room that I share with another guy, Tim. He is a little funny, partly akward, and mostly smelly. ...We're working on it.

The other two girls that will be working with me this summer are really nice. One is quiet and I get along with the other one really well. All of the staff are extremely nice, and super funny.

God has been so present and so good and it's only been a few days. I don't know why I would expect anything else from him though. I assume you've been thinking about me, so thanks for that. I cant wait to see what God has in store for this time. I hope I can be a blessing to this camp, and to Ensenada

There is much to say, but I've got to go so that's all you get for now.

Blessings

Matthew

45 life lessons and 5 to grow on!

I read this article on The Plain Dealer and thought you might enjoy it too. There are a lot of wonderful truths found in these 50 lessons. You may not agree with them all, but we sure can learn a lot from them!

Regina Brett's 45 life lessons and 5 to grow on
by Regina Brett
Sunday May 28, 2006, 10:13 AM
To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me.

It is the most-requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolls over to 50 this week, so here's an update:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.

16. Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living, or get busy dying.

17. You can get through anything if you stay put in today.

18. A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Overprepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: "In five years, will this matter?"

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

36. Growing old beats the alternative - dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.

38. Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

41. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

42. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

43. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

44. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

45. The best is yet to come.

46. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

47. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

48. If you don't ask, you don't get.

49. Yield.

50. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

Good things to ponder! Some of these sound cheesy but really if we would apply some of the wisdom found in here our lives would be better for it.

Blessings,

Pastor Willy