Does a Green-eyed Monster Dominate Your Thinking?

                                                                         Green-eyed Monster

It wasn't long before the notorious green-eyed monster overpowered Saul.  God anointed him as Israel's first king, but after awhile, doing things God's way no longer interested Saul. 

Ultimately Saul's dynasty - Saul's purpose - Saul's role completely diminished, superseded by a newly appointed king, David.  That's when the green-eyed monster showed up and Saul became obsessed with destroying David, regardless of God's plans. 

Instead, Saul was the one destroyed - by his own jealousy.

Ever allow the green-eyed monster - jealousy - to dominate your thinking?  Let's take a look at the SIX GREEN "Ps" that trigger jealousy red flags:

1)    POSSESSIONS - Someone has what you want - and you resent them for it. "Her house is so big."  His car is way too expensive."  "She owns too many shoes."

2)    POSITION - "Why does he get to be the coach?"  "I'm a better boss."  "He always gets the accolades."  That stinks.

3)    PRIVILEGE - So you weren't born into a family of privilege?  "They always go on nice vacations."  "She doesn't even have to work."  Not fair.

4)    PROMOTION - "Why did so-and-so get promoted instead of me? I've been there longer.  I do a better job and I wanted that job more!"

5)    PERFECT APPEARANCE - "Beautiful face, thick hair, perfect body.  I hate her." "I'm too tall, too short, wish I had better teeth." Worms, anyone? 

6)    POPULARITY - "She's invited to everything."  "Everybody loves to hang around his office.  I'm just not outgoing like that." "His jokes aren't funny anyway."

Sound familiar?  Or have you got the "green gimmies?"  I want this.  I want that.  I want, want, want what I can't or don't have. 

Seriously, is the grass really greener on the other side? If so, then consider that it was probably a lot of work! 

Saul's son, Jonathan, would have been in line to become the next king.  God said "change of plans." Jonathan's response?  He supported David becoming king in every way - because it was God's way. Jonathan even encouraged David, helped him, and saved his life.  His focus was God's focus - and not through any "green eye." 

Saul destroyed his life because of his lack of controlling the green-eyed monster - jealousy - in his life.  Jealousy kills and destroys.  James 3:16 "Where jealousy and selfishness are there will be confusion and every kind of evil." Jealousy is the root of many problems in our lives.

What we’re dealing with today is not some petty nuisance or minor weakness in our lives. The Bible says it will rot the bones! It’s from the pit of hell - the devil himself.

Norman Vincent Peale said, "Change your thoughts and change your world." 

So what's the "Remedy for Jealousy."  Stay tuned! Later this week we'll find out.  Don't miss it!

What Are Your Expectations Today?

Saul's highest expectation that particular day was to simply locate his father's lost donkeys (1 Samuel 9). God's plan for the day was to anoint Saul KING over all Israel! What are your expectations for your day today? Are they limited to your perspective - small dreams, little hope, feelings of inadequacy or mediocre achievements? Aim for what God has in store for you today. Settle for nothing less than to expect His best!

Skin Cancer Warning

Most people today are aware that a "glowing tan" is life-threatening! Yet, I overheard a teenage girl recently say one of the things on this summer's "bucket list" was to get a dark tan. I was shocked. 

Awareness is key, follow-through can be life-saving. A few standard tips:

• Avoid the sun between 10-4 pm 
• Wear a high SPF sunblock
• REPEAT the sunblock throughout the day
• Seek shade when possible
• Do NOT get a tan by the sun or tanning bed (try self-tanning lotion instead)

I've had skin cancer removed from my nose, chest, and melanoma on my back. (One person dies of melanoma every hour.) Thank goodness it was caught early, otherwise I wouldn't be writing this. 

Enjoy the summer - using common sense. It's serious business. I'm certain you have loved ones who would appreciate having you around for a long time, rather than a summer tan (that eventually FADES anyway!).

Spread the word - and spread the sunblock! 

This could be YOUR story. Let's pray for this lady: Skin cancer patient shares hard-learned lessons | Local News - KMBC Home

Stay-cation In My Backyard

Grabbing my iced tea, a good book, and my favorite music.  Yes, a stay-cation! Maybe we can't all take an extravagant vacation this summer, but why not enjoy our own backyards?  God's beauty is everywhere.  Let's find a spot and begin by counting our blessings this week. 

What blessings? 1) Air-to-breathe; 2) It's summertime; 3) God loves us more than we can imagine; and 4) we're more beautiful to Him than these flowers.  His love for us FLOWS like the creek in my backyard.  Enjoy this specific day, weekend, month - never to be repeated again!

Do-over Day!

I’ve often said, “Enjoy today - make it your best day ever because we don’t get a do-over!” But today’s different – it's a do-over day! Here’s why - I’ll begin the day in Sydney, Australia, then fly to Hawaii tonight - actually arriving in Honolulu – this morning! Because of crossing over the international dateline, it’s a do-over day!

Wouldn’t it be great if we had do-over days? Think of the possibilities. Impatient with your child before school? Do-over! Snapped at your spouse for working late? Do-over! Missed an opportunity to show kindness to a stranger? Didn’t take time to share that cup of coffee with a friend? Tasks not completed? Passed on the exercise class? Do-over!

Granted, it’s an unusual circumstance to actually do-over a day, but it’s not too late to place at least one or two priorities on our list each day, every day – love others, choose joy, show kindness, and yes, the biggie – patience. Regardless if your day’s just beginning in Australia - or ending in the States, we can begin now.

If only I could do-over yesterday’s television appearance on the Morning Show in Sydney! I can think of a thousand things I “could-a/would-a” said on their “Happy Families” personality segment! Urgh! Oh well, as we know, not every day’s a do-over. Sometimes we just have to accept that we did our best and tomorrow – thank goodness - we’ll get another shot.

Until then, may this be your best day – or two – ever!