tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17408991107366636722024-03-12T20:39:57.409-07:00The Puzzle BreathesTeen Mysteries Are Our Clear Mission FieldGramps Curtishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08460487253055175359noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1740899110736663672.post-35721282954169168662011-09-30T10:00:00.000-07:002011-10-05T10:06:27.765-07:00#1 - The Big Fat Puzzle Lie<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">[The generations puzzle seems unsolvable]</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uFx4Cii6HW0/Too3rKGyWZI/AAAAAAAAASo/G55akwYcrSE/s1600/teenswhat2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uFx4Cii6HW0/Too3rKGyWZI/AAAAAAAAASo/G55akwYcrSE/s320/teenswhat2.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">"</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; font-size: small;">They can't
be fixed!" </span></b>
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">"</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; font-size: small;">What's going
on in their heads?!" </span></b>
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">"</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Yes, I
understand what 'teenage tornado' means!"</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">"</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; font-size: small;">I never
acted like that, when I was a teenager!"</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Scientists are
trying to cure cancer, send astronauts to other planets, learn what
makes gravity work, and many other tasks; too many to count. But as a
silver-haired parent with grandchildren, I know a task almost at the
top of the list... understanding and managing teenagers; any of them
– anywhere on the planet.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Doctors can't do
it. Mechanics can't do it. Mathematics professors can't do it. Mom's
can't do it. And my dad certainly couldn't do it. There isn't anyone, that I know
of, that can fix something without first knowing what's broke; what
it is, exactly, that needs fixed. It's probably a lot like trying to
put a jigsaw puzzle together and not knowing what the picture looks
like, and how many pieces are missing. Would the puzzle become next
to impossible if the puzzle pieces were in the wrong box? How
frustrated could you get, trying to assemble a puzzle, looking at the
WRONG picture?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; font-size: small;">The big lie comes
from the prince of liers, himself – Satan. The last thing he wants
us to hear and believe, is that God is not the author of confusion,
and requires us to follow 1 Corinthians 14:40:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>Let all things
be done, decently and in order.</i> He demonstrates this over and
over in </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; font-size: small;">nature and the creation around us. We carry the best evidence
inside of us; our incredibly complex but orderly body systems.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; font-size: small;">But Satan
continues his relentless neverending, often subtle, lying in our ears
and heart, that all teenagers are in a stampeding self-destruct mode.
Because we adults are so immersed in our own busy agendas, we blindly
believe and accept Satan's lies about our youth. </span>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; font-size: small;">All this would be
somewhat automatic, if it weren't for all the Heaven-sent directives
and promises that are certainly provided for our parenting and
mentoring efforts. Our course of action must first begin with prayer,
asking God how He wants us to reach out to these young souls for
which He shed His precious blood on Calvary, just as He has done for
you and I. </span>
</div>
Gramps Curtishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08460487253055175359noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1740899110736663672.post-12949663687142598152011-09-29T09:58:00.000-07:002011-10-05T10:28:10.912-07:00#2 - The Puzzle Picture<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">[Getting the puzzle big picture]</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; font-size: small;">You can fix it; at
least have a much better chance at it, if you can picture the problem
– in this case, a puzzle of two generations. With a picture of
either how it is, or how it is supposed to be, you have a great start
in adding others, to determine the right course of action. The
pinnacle of this, is having a picture in front of me when I go to the
Lord in prayer. My heart reaches out farther and deeper when I can
see a face, and especially a first name.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Our first task,
right now, is to understand some about the surroundings in this
picture of a puzzle of generations. The surroundings can be anywhere
on the planet, in a church basement, jungle clearing, basket ball
court, living room, or a pizza restaurant. We have to see the big
picture first. On one side of the picture I see teens, both genders,
racing at high speed with all the focus of a stampede of horses in a
thick cloud of dust.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; font-size: small;">If you were to
stop one of them for a second and ask just two questions, here is
probably what you'll get. "Hey, teen! I got two quick questions
for you. Number 1- Where you going in such an all-fired hurry? And
number 2 – What's this going to cost you?" The questions are
not rocket science and don't require a ten minute answer, but this is
likely some answers you'll get:</span></div>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; font-size: small;">The teen answers
will likely include: "I don't know where I'm going or how long
it will take. I don't know what it will cost, and I haven't asked.
But see, everyone else is doing it. This is about the only way I'll
have friends – is if I join the crowd. If you really want to know
the truth, no one else wants to be my friend or even care a little
about me; my parents are afraid of me and the church not far from my
house doesn't want me around, 'cuz I like computers and they're
afraid of them. They say 'God is Love.' Well he sure doesn't care
about my generation, even if I don't have orange hair, cut myself,
and smoke dope."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; font-size: small;">The teen
continues, "See, what grownups don't understand, is that most
every one of us teens is terrified on the inside. We don't know where
we're supposed be, what we're supposed to be doing, and who we are
supposed to suck up to. Sir, it's like we're hurting deeply and no one
cares enough to at least listen. That's the first big step. Just
listen to our needs without cramming a monster Bible down our throat
before we finish our first sentence."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; font-size: small;">The Other Side of
the Picture</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; font-size: small;">The adults,
especially the silver-haired ones, have bad memory. No, it's not the
memory that fails to tell you where you parked the car when you come
back out of the store, or even to take your glasses off, before
putting eye drops in. There is a memory failing that is far more
serious and becomes the basis of lots of lies that come from lips
like ours. The lie is simply stated as: "Well, I never did that
kind of stupid stuff, when I was a teen!" You've likely voiced
it or at least thought it, when you've noticed teens that certainly
wouldn't fit into your teen class at church. No, technology wasn't as
advanced as it is now, but the self-willed youth that called his
parents stupid and other such pitfalls was just as prevalent then.
Satan was still at work, big time. </span>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; font-size: small;">If you could peer
into the hearts of the silver-haired couple on that side of the
puzzle picture, you could see two hearts pounding with a passion for
someone that needed them; someone they could share their many unused
hugs. They continually ask themselves, most every day, "God what
am I supposed to be doing before your soon return? Are you going to
come back and find me only checking the newspaper to see if my name
is in the Obituary? God, I want a mission project that can change a
heart. No, I can't travel to Africa or Australia to be a missionary.
Is there someone I could try to help nearby? I'm no preacher or
trained missionary, but I know how to hug, teach someone how to fish,
or bake cookies. Oh. And I know how to tell someone else how much
love you poured into me and my spouse."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Now this picture
is easy to understand as you and I get the big picture, standing
back. But put yourself in place of one of the teens or silver-haired
couple. Tape your first name on the chest of one of them. Now, you're
a part of the puzzle. There is no escaping, others are watching the
puzzle picture as you now are in it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif; font-size: small;">What will they
see? Can you imagine yourself looking up from the puzzle surface at
those watching and ask, "Please pray deeply for me. I want to
help fill in the puzzle gaps with my life, and only God knows how.
Those teens across the puzzle are going to self-destruct, and I WAS
ONCE ONE OF THEM!!"</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7xz7yw3uOGs/TofAOPFLY1I/AAAAAAAAASY/VC760DWNTn4/s1600/puzzle2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7xz7yw3uOGs/TofAOPFLY1I/AAAAAAAAASY/VC760DWNTn4/s400/puzzle2.png" width="400" /></a></div>
Gramps Curtishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08460487253055175359noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1740899110736663672.post-67361479869304242162011-09-28T09:03:00.001-07:002011-10-12T13:39:56.426-07:00#3 – 'Puzzle to Peace' Path<br />
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[<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">A preliminary picture and plan.]</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The picture God wants each of us to be, might first be described as 'happy'. But His love goes so much deeper, so that 'joyful' might be a better description. To me, joy is a more pure kind of happiness that the world can't provide, and to a large degree, doesn't even understand.Joy reaches down into me – 'where I really live'. That deep joy reassures me that I'm on the right path to greater blessings and favor in God. As we'll see shortly, it's an enduring joy, that survives through the toughest of teenager storms.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">To get a better picture of our path from 'puzzled' to 'peace', we should get the right start by learning what the 'pinnacle HOW-TO manual' teaches;that's our Bible – God's precious inspired word. One small verse in the Gospel of John has some simple yet intriguing truths that apply to our search for the life God wants for each of us; for each day of our lives, and eternity too.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The 15th chapter of John, Jesus is teaching us the relationship of the branch and the vine. Jesus is the vine, and we are the little branches. Nestled in verse 11 is our path for what our heartaches for.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The simple path we are to follow is listed in this verse. Let's take it in pieces.</span></span></div>
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"<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>These things have I spoken unto you</i>", tells me this is where the roots of joy are. Our joy-roots are in the teachings of Jesus Christ.But more than that, these truths have a delivery address written on each and every one – it's the 'unto you'. Jesus Christ came to this Earth via a smelly stable to deliver joy-roots truths to me and to you, and to that teen that God has placed in your mission field. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">That joy that we long for, comes in a package. A package of truths just the right size and shape for each and every one. As we DAILY investigate those joy-roots truths, trusting in them, we DAILY take on the joy of Christ. The 'remain in you' says that this joy will REMAIN in me. It doesn't go away tomorrow, or when I'm faced with a challenge. Oh how I rejoice in the two words – 'YOUR JOY'. His joy now becomes my joy; and it doesn't go away as we DAILY feed on those joy-roots truths. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">His joy becoming my joy; that doesn't go away, is more than I deserve or could hope for. But that's just a taste of God's provisions for us replacing the 'puzzle' in our lives with His peace that doesn't go away. But God's word has saved the best for last. It's the 'our joy might be full'. This is so rich, it's almost beyond our description. We'll have to look at this later.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Let's stay focused on our task in all this joy-roots plan. We must DAILY feed on the things He has spoken to each of us. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">God has given each of us "braggin' bones." He's given us the desire and ability to brag. Brag to others about Him – you'll never be able to exaggerate!</span></span></div>Gramps Curtishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08460487253055175359noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1740899110736663672.post-73399842790573842332011-09-27T10:52:00.000-07:002011-10-05T10:27:06.057-07:00#4 – I'm Solo 'n Surrounded<br />
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[<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">A puzzle inside makes a puzzle outside]</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wcF8SkCxFok/Ton1xDaw-nI/AAAAAAAAASg/nZKZMGEmjg0/s1600/teenswhat2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wcF8SkCxFok/Ton1xDaw-nI/AAAAAAAAASg/nZKZMGEmjg0/s320/teenswhat2.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Teens are a puzzle to their families, to the church, and to the whole of society. To say that's natural is true in more ways than one. Yes, teens across the ages have had the appearance of being a puzzle. The adults of every generation are also on a fast track that doesn't allow them the time to take a close loving look at teens and their challenges. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Youth in those teen and pre-teen (sometimes called Tweens) years appear puzzling because they, in themselves, are puzzled, about life. Their clothes often don't fit, their attitudes can't find a fit with adults or with the kids, they not long ago played with. They want to try their wings and become more independent. They seek self-esteem by applying some of their own ideas for life. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">On the outside, they are surrounded, but sadly so, on the inside, they are despondent, distressed, often disillusioned by dead ends – especially with technology. On the outside, they are surrounded, but on the inside they are solo – singular – separated. They feel separated from a life with substance and truth. They are drowning in a sea of despair, and all the lighthouses are shining in another direction.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">They try to drown out the nagging questions that never stop:</span></span></div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Am I a kid or an adult?</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">What do I do with all these new urges, my body sends me?</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Will others cease to love me?</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">What standards am I now judged by?</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Life as a kid was a game... but what now?</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">What about those strange questions from the opposite sex?</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Am I ready for a job?</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">How do I learn a car is not a toy?</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">How do I shake the shame if I make a mistake?</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">How can I dump all this inside stress – and where?</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Is the Bible just a pile of stories for kids and old people?</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">What should I definitely Not say to white-haired people?</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">How do I pick out a good role model?</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Will my stupid choices in the past destroy me?</span></span></li>
</ul>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I'm superconfused. Someone on the radio said God is not the author of confusion. Well, does that mean He's mad at me and dumped me? </span></span></div>
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Gramps Curtishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08460487253055175359noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1740899110736663672.post-44505913340308362642011-09-26T20:23:00.000-07:002011-10-06T03:18:34.179-07:00#5 - The Puzzle Surprise!<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">I
like surprises... most of the time. With these words, I'm about to
spring one on my silver-haired generation, about the teens in our
radar. Our list, <b>“Things adults don't know or understand about
teens”</b>, is a long and colorful one. We'll touch on just a few
of the important ones toward the top.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">Teens
most often are visual feeders. Because their reading, writing, and
typing skills are not always up to par, they go for the video/audio
resources. Besides... video and audio is faster, louder, and
flashier. They like to create things, put their own imagination to
work. It's like they want their creation to have their stamp on it,
that somehow says, “Hey. I'm no dummy!”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">They
love challenges. Boys on games, girls on multitasking conversations
and being the fastest 'news' reporters of their on-line network.
Today it's a gigantic phenomenon called, “Social Networking.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">More
specifically, boys like loud, messy, high energy, construction, and
competition.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">The
girls like feelings, fashion, communication, and companions.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">One
bit of a surprise, you'll learn with a bit of investigation, is that
the older youth like to have things organized, but don't know how,
much of the time. With that, they crave a bit of control in their
lives. One teen corrected my understanding of why youth (called
'emos') repeatedly cut themselves. He said cutting themselves
produces the only pain in their lives they can control. Otherwise,
their view of the world is like much of the news portrays.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">Those
of my silver-haired generation feel mankind is so out of control,
that only God can bring peace and order to the world. The phrase
'peace and order' has such a calming force to our thinking. It so
often draws me to the serene scenes described in Psalm 23.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">The
Surprise</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">With
visions of teens in their loud high energy competition and
communication, I spent a couple hours with some close relatives just
about to step into their teenage years. I thought somehow I had been
teleported onto another planet. Those youth were working jigsaw
puzzles! Yes, you heard me right – jigsaw puzzles! I thought their
parents had given them some kind of 'downers' pills, but that wasn't
the case, at all.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">I
identified with them right away, as they turned all the pieces face
up and separated out the edge pieces. Then, referring to the picture,
the four corners were put in their approximate position. I watched
their eyes and looked for any phoneyness or 'staged' actions for our
benefit. There was none.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">How
I loved watching them involved in one of my favorite hobbies -
working jigsaw puzzles. Long ago I thanked the hobby for reminding me
the importance of order and especially paying close attention to the
subtle differences of the pieces; when I so often thought two pieces
were identical. I now use that same technique in observing youth and
looking for the personality differences God has given each of them. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">I'm
just amazed how God has given us so many tools; so many ways, to
interconnect with those souls around us, that are crying out for
someone to listen, and deeply about their needs and interests. Sure
we can connect with youth in the on-line social networking computer
programs, but for those not so computer inclined, He's given us
jagged pieces of cardboard to teach youth the peace and calm of
putting things in order. We place things in the order of His will for
our lives as we reach out to teens close by us. </span>
</div>
Gramps Curtishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08460487253055175359noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1740899110736663672.post-64920838910028340042011-09-25T12:35:00.000-07:002011-10-07T05:04:48.367-07:00#6 - Orbit of Order - Intro<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">READY!......SET!.....<span style="font-size: large;"><b>LAUNCH!!!</b></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">Our
space program has given us multitudes of examples of circular motion;
of rotation, of paths of processes that follow a circle. We can call
them orbits or race courses, or cycles. Like the ride on a Ferris
wheel, the journey is usually more than 'one time around', and maybe
rather continuous. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">We
notice the orderly cycles of blood flow within us, and the countless
cycles of the seasons where we live. I like to think of a circle as a
reminder of 'timely repetition with a purpose'. Genesis tells us God
provided the solar system to provide times and seasons.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">We
can remember well, the rotation of classes and subjects when we were
teenagers in school. First Biology, then Algebra, History, Health,
etc. Each day was a cycle; a rotation of those subjects and others.
Let's think of our Orbit of Order as different subjects that we get
some exposure to each week. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS,sans-serif;">Just like in school we rotate through the
subjects and then repeat the cycle. Our orbit cycle can use all or
just a few of the ones we touch on here. Depending on the needs and
interests of those teens you mentor, you can even add other ones
also.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lowQezJ6T9c/To4BzGI9OFI/AAAAAAAAAUY/J6ZgNbKf3KA/s1600/OrderOrbit.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lowQezJ6T9c/To4BzGI9OFI/AAAAAAAAAUY/J6ZgNbKf3KA/s400/OrderOrbit.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Gramps Curtishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08460487253055175359noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1740899110736663672.post-21572501740708671462011-09-24T05:39:00.000-07:002011-10-07T14:56:32.610-07:00#7 - Orbit of Order - Scriptural<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>"Let all things be done decently and in order."</i></b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Scripture reminds us in the 1Corinthinas 14:40 reference above, that God wants us to be organized use compassion and good sense in all that we do.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nCYy-KyZjXU/To7ssPZWOiI/AAAAAAAAAUc/TJ5YDHsNox0/s1600/Luke2-52.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nCYy-KyZjXU/To7ssPZWOiI/AAAAAAAAAUc/TJ5YDHsNox0/s320/Luke2-52.png" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">We see God setting things in order in Genesis 1, when He made the heavenly bodies to give us light and as time-keepers to organize our days. God's Word is filled with principles to guide our efforts to 'set our house in order.' One important principle comes with a guarantee to nurture peace in our hearts. Matthew 6:33 promises, </span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>"But seek ye </i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>FIRST</b> the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."</i> (Emphasis mine).</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Luke 2:52 caps off this chapter that is rich with the order and priorities Jesus grew into His teen years with, and beyond.<br /> </span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Mark's gospel presents the life of Christ to the Romans, who were a military-minded organized people. Under the inspiration of God, Mark includes a detail of Christ feeding the five thousand miracle, that reminds us that order must be found in all the things we do. Chapter 6 verses 39 and 40 hints at the orderly positions all were to be seated on the green grass, so that no one was missed. Their positions were grouped in 'companies', 'ranks', 'hundreds', and 'by fifties'.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As we adults mentor youth, we must first and foremost show scripture as the pinnacle 'how-to' manual for bringing peace, meaning, and order to their lives... and ours. </span></span>Gramps Curtishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08460487253055175359noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1740899110736663672.post-24255674428310546122011-09-23T06:42:00.000-07:002011-10-07T14:56:53.365-07:00#8 - Orbit of Order - Jigsaw Puzzles<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Jigsaw puzzles have a great calming affect on those that work them, whether they're preteens, teens, or silver-haired folks. They force us to slow down, like the sloth (pictured). </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cogq9fUBjFs/To8BgzgTlcI/AAAAAAAAAUg/88NbLVEpTQc/s1600/Jigsawpuz1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cogq9fUBjFs/To8BgzgTlcI/AAAAAAAAAUg/88NbLVEpTQc/s400/Jigsawpuz1.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">At first glance, some puzzle pieces appear to be identical. We learn to take a closer look for differences that aid us in finding where they go, to help build the beautiful finished picture. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">There are many computer programs that allow you to create your own jigsaw puzzle that is assembled on-screen.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Caution: Before downloading 'so-called' free programs, read their privacy terms. In every case, I've seen the 'free' programs require you to register the program with your name, contact information and other data that is sold or traded to marketing companies. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I enjoy an easy to use jigsaw creation program that protects my privacy. You may take a look at:</span><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">brainsbreaker.com</span></span><span style="color: #293b30; font-weight: 600;"></span><span style="color: #293b30;"></span>Gramps Curtishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08460487253055175359noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1740899110736663672.post-2662838277964447832011-09-22T16:18:00.000-07:002011-10-07T16:29:11.004-07:00#9 - Orbit of Order - Computer Tools<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Computers make it super easy to create things, update them as necessary, and share them with others. Here are just a few of them:</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IZ7d_fsq_bs/To8xq_BRkVI/AAAAAAAAAUk/18KMRp5h9Ns/s1600/orgmsg.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IZ7d_fsq_bs/To8xq_BRkVI/AAAAAAAAAUk/18KMRp5h9Ns/s320/orgmsg.png" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Organizing one's thoughts in a graphical way is generally called "mind mapping". When I write a book, I begin with a tagline. Second, I add a title, then comes the theme. Next I just start throwing topics up there, as I think of them. Lastly, I keep one eye on my stated theme as I begin a repeating process of rearranging the topics - some get added and some get deleted. My favorite program is called, "FreeMind.com". Like this one, most credible programs have on-line video tutorials.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: red;">=== Please note the caution at the end of this post. ===</span></b> </span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">====</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">If you have a project of almost any kind, it's likely there is a to-do list that have items that must be finished before the next is started. Some of the items can be done at the same time. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_4FHYtcmqWk/To8zhxd2t4I/AAAAAAAAAUo/Z948gqISfoI/s1600/orgprojsched.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_4FHYtcmqWk/To8zhxd2t4I/AAAAAAAAAUo/Z948gqISfoI/s320/orgprojsched.png" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Project software help put your tasks in an order that can be visualized easily. The resulting chart (the blue blocks above) become a Gantt Chart.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">====</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Likely the most popular and powerful computer programs are for databases and spreadsheets. They like lists - the database programs like monster lists that can be easily sorted through and reports made. We use a database every time we look at a telephone directory or a parts catalog.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-voZrpCbEAHQ/To85YfUKOgI/AAAAAAAAAUs/eJ1pPv50Wpw/s1600/orglistsformulas.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-voZrpCbEAHQ/To85YfUKOgI/AAAAAAAAAUs/eJ1pPv50Wpw/s320/orglistsformulas.png" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Spreadsheets don't like monster long lists, but they can make the lists as many columns wide as you'd need. More importantly, is that each "cell" in a spreadsheet can contain most anything, especially, formulas. The spreadsheet program was what actually made the beginning computer so popular to the public.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">====</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The first program that is learned and the most heavily used, is the word processor. While it can do a little bit of what many of the other programs can do, its biggest job is writing letters, curriculum, reports etc. Word processors really do some organizing better than the other programs... and that is creating outlines. We are all familiar with outlines. They are the logical way to put groups within groups. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kqPtHdzRaOA/To-E-DvuleI/AAAAAAAAAUw/6fjZx9_5Fqk/s1600/orggroups.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kqPtHdzRaOA/To-E-DvuleI/AAAAAAAAAUw/6fjZx9_5Fqk/s1600/orggroups.png" /></a></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">No computer can get along without grouping files and putting groups within groups within groups within... Well you see what we mean. Windows computers come with a program called something like "file explorer".</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">God's Word gives a powerful and deadly example of the 'groups within groups' organizing principle. Joshua 7:16 - 18 describes how Joshua located the evil person in the camp by choosing groups within groups to narrow down finding the offender. Tribes, then families, then households, then man by man. Because of the disobedience of only Achan, many of soldiers died and God destroyed every one of Achan's family.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">God wants us to be orderly, and He wants us to lovingly obey and trust Him. </span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="color: #990000; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Caution: Before downloading 'so-called' free programs,
read their privacy terms. </span></i></span></div>
<div style="color: #990000; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In almost every case, I've seen the 'free' programs
require you to register the program<br />with your name and contact information is sold or traded to marketing companies. </span></i></span></div>
Gramps Curtishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08460487253055175359noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1740899110736663672.post-41941947750383831422011-09-21T17:05:00.000-07:002011-10-08T19:58:51.695-07:00#10 - Orbit of Order - My Talents<br />
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">God has already given us many valuable gifts to us
personally. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">We need seek them out, organize them and praise Him for His </span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">provisions to us. Secondly, we need to be good stewards of them.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<u><span style="font-size: small;"><b>I call this the 6 W’s of “Resumes
with an Attitude.”</b></span></u></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Why – Organized, find Gappy resumes,
</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">When -
way before you start job searches.
</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Where – keep optimizing your resume
on the computer.
</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">What -
Contact info, Objective, Experience, and Training
</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Which -
Which comes first, getting experience or getting a job.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Who -
Who do I do a resume for? – Myself, Others – to understand them
better, and especially Jesus Christ.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><<Introduction>></b> -
When should I start a resume? How do I get experience if I can’t
get a job? What is a “gappy” resume? Is it goofy to have more
than one resume?</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><<Why>></b> -
Resumes are valuable for a great deal more than job searches. They
teach us to organize in simple ways. They help build our
self-esteem. They push us to focus our talents etc. They help us to
understand the actions and needs of others.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><<When>></b> -
The why of resumes lead us to see job searches are just a small part
of resume purposes. Even pre-teens will learn great lessons from
creating resumes.
</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><<Where>></b> - On the computer.
You’ll need to change your resume often. Computers like that.
List changes on paper first. Before you touch the keyboard, ask God
to help. He’s very good with computer projects. Computers are
dumber than hoe handles. You have to be patient with them.
Concentrate on what you do know about them and not on what you don’t
know about computers. Ask a friend to help. Libraries have
computers, printers, training videos, and helpful people that will
guide you along.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><<What>></b> - What should go in
a resume? Libraries and the Internet have a great deal of detailed
resume instructions. They simply are these:
</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Start with just one sentence that
simply states what your goal, your objective, for employment is.
You’ll want to reword it differently for the different companies
you go to.
</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Second, list all your Qualities. See
yourself as having value that an employer would want. Be generous.
God has blessed you in some ways that you need to search for. Add to
the list over the weeks to come.
</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Next should come a list of your
experience. Put it in chronological order. Look for gaps or missing
information. <b>Gappy resumes</b> might suggest to the reader that you are
not good at keeping busy, between jobs and between tasks.
</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Lastly, list all your training.
Include not only the training you have RECEIVED, but also what you
have GIVEN. Add to the list any awards, certifications, and
newspaper articles that credit you. This is not bragging, so long as
you give God the credit and praise as you talk to others.
</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Periodically compare your lists of
talents and experience with your objective. You will want to look
for gaps or training you are missing out on to get to your objective.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><<Which>></b> -
Which comes first, getting a job or getting experience to get a job?
The answer is clear and simple. Remember that it is important that
you not have a gappy resume. You must show the reader you are
“always” busy either working or training.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Volunteer at church, civic
organizations, schools, parks, libraries, clubs, and businesses.
Tell them your purpose is to gain experience and show on your resume
you can make good use of all your time. If your volunteer help
really was beneficial to them, they will happily respond with a small
note of your actions for your records.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
</b></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><<Who>></b> -
Who should I make a resume about? Obviously ourselves, But Resumes
with an Attitude are powerfully used as we create resumes of those we
want to understand or impress. Though they won’t be entirely
accurate, we will be able to better interact with someone when we
have considered their goals, experience, training etc. Create a
simple resume of your boss, your teacher, your parent, or even your
pastor. What do you suppose the resume of Jesus Christ would say?</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Gramps Curtishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08460487253055175359noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1740899110736663672.post-52281910855480502812011-09-07T21:20:00.000-07:002011-10-08T21:37:03.363-07:00#11 - Orbit of Order - My Agenda<br />
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>I'm
human. I'm not a machine</b>. There are those folks that would make Henry
Ford proud – 'drive myself till I drop'. But God made us in His
image and with flesh, blood, bone, and brain that man can't come
close to duplicating, with technology, or even explanation. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Further,
David, the Psalm writer, in 139 verse 14, adds to many scriptures
that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made”. But our amazing
bodies are still only temporary; they aren't designed to last for
eternity, or even be abused, by self-mutilation or subjected to
stampede-mode daily agendas.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Our
bodies require adequate deep rest overnight and 'time-outs' throughout
each day. In case you haven't figured it out, God is fully capable of
maintaining the planet, and even your own little world, so long as
you let Him do what He's best at. You'll likely be embarrassed to see
the things you worry about getting done, day after day, that won't
destroy the earth if you don't get them done. Those time-outs even
accomplish great things (in your agenda) as you pause often, at the
keyboard and take a trip or two around your chair, and finish with
shaking loose those stiff muscles.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Focusing
on the beginning of our daily agenda, we most often 'starve the
horse'. We jump into our task list without eating any breakfast, let
alone a nourishing breakfast. It's no wonder our body starts running
down well before lunch. Our energy and creativity take a kamikaze
nose dive. Make that breakfast time a crucial fuel-up for launch.
Ask yourself how close to orbit your body rocket would get, with
cool-aid in the booster tanks. The big secret is that you'll get MUCH
MORE quality work done before lunch WITH a good breakfast than
blasting right past it.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><u><b>So
feeding the BODY</b></u>, first thing is very necessary, every day.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><u><b>Feeding
the MIND</b></u> in the morning is just as important and fruitful as
breakfast. Take time to read some scripture. Make God's word your
launch pad for the day. Write a verse on a small piece of paper and
make it your link to 'mission control'. Tape the verse to your rear
view mirror for those stressful gridlock moments in traffic. Put the
verse in your toolbox or include it on your screen saver. See how the
verse enhances quality and order to all your daily tasks. Share the
verse at the supper table. Careful though. You may find yourself
memorizing that verse to keep in your spiritual toolbox.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CximON0nDTg/TpEkxDuUwMI/AAAAAAAAAVA/sKgZNqs-3Vg/s1600/CompProcGraphics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CximON0nDTg/TpEkxDuUwMI/AAAAAAAAAVA/sKgZNqs-3Vg/s1600/CompProcGraphics.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><u><b>Feed
your HEART</b></u> at breakfast time, for feeling God working through you and
your day's agenda. Prayer is that heart-feeding that can continue all
through the day, and night too. Prayer and praise are the most
powerful of communication tools, yet aren't limited by battery life,
buttons, or range. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Prayer
has its own order that produces real lasting joy in that person
praying. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The
ACTS of Prayer have been a blessing to me, over and over. Each letter
of ACTS gives us the sequence; the order of our prayer, as follows:</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;">A
= Adoration</span></b></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">God
wants us to begin our time with Him, praising Him for who and what He
is, in all that we know about Him. He cherishes hearing our, “I
love you”, to Him, just like we want to hear it from others.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;">C
= Confession</span></b></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Because
God is omniscient (all knowing) we don't need to 'let Him in on
anything'; especially those things we've done, we know He doesn't
like. The Bible calls those things, SINS. The purpose of this part of
prayer, is that WE hear ourselves speak the same opinions about those
things that God does. We align our thinking and principles to His, as
stated in scripture.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;">T
= Thankfulness</span></b></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Before
we rush to tell God what we need or want, we must keep our priorities
in prayer straight by thanking Him for all His goodness to us
already. The Bible often groups God's goodness to us in two major
categories; Mercy and Grace. People often think of them as being the
same, but they are quite different. MERCY is God's goodness to us in
not laying upon us all the punishment WE DESERVE, because of our
self-centeredness and not following His plan for each day of our
lives. GRACE is quite different as the other category of God's
goodness to us. Grace are those things God gives us that WE DON'T
DESERVE. They are gifts that couldn't possibly be put in a package
with a bow on it. MERCY = Not getting what WE DO deserve and GRACE =
That which God gives us WE DON'T deserve. </span>
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;">S
= Supplication</span></b></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">This
is the act of ASKING God for those things we need. With the same
attitude we ask our parents for things we can use to bring honor to
them, not just 'toys' to please ourselves. Our prayerful spirit must
recognize that God has His schedule and order of things, that may not
match up to our schedule. His answers can be “OK”, “NO”, or
“NOT NOW”.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">As
we move through each day's agenda of our lives, we must be
continually aware that our relationship with God must be maintained
by HIS STANDARDS. We can't possibly expect to come to Him with our
petitions when we cast Him aside all the rest of the day.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">All
the above precludes any recommendations of the many on-line programs and
procedures in the genre of Time Management for the individual.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Gramps Curtishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08460487253055175359noreply@blogger.com