Focused

Are we focused on what is happening around us?

I believe there is so much information flowing from social media, broadcast networks, podcast, radio, and email that it is keeping us distracted from the happenings around us.   

I can not count the number of times while driving in downtown Nashville and seeing people staring down at their phones while crossing the street, never looking up to see if it was safe to cross.

I'm all in for being informed, but this is dangerous. Being distracted in public makes you a target for the criminal elements looking for their next target. 

Keep your head on a swivel. Be aware of your surroundings at all times.        

  

Christmas

 Merry Christmas

In past blog entries at this time of the year I will go on my rants about those who spend large amounts their money on gifts for Christmas. Well, this year it seems the supply line has at least sent a wave of panic to those in the Christmas rush. The supply chain crisis has hit most business with shortages and there doesn't seem to be an end anytime soon.

Now is the time for the world to re-focus and get their priorities in order.  Christmas is about the birth of Jesus Christ.  The focus on the material gathering of the latest new gifts is not what Jesus wants us to aim for in the month of his birth. He came into this world to give us the greatest gift - the love of the Son of God, who came to saves us from the evil of everyday life.  If we would just listen to his words and apply it to our life - this is the best gift anyone could receive.

Take time this month to pray, read the Bible and give thanks.

The One Constant

This year has not been a usual year, the world has clearly been affected by the virus.  The influence has varied from person to person, but overall everyone has been impacted. And depending on how each person perceives the virus will determine how they communicate, move about work and in general everyday life.  The politics of the the virus, and how each city determines which businesses are open or closed are also factors in a person life. The vaccine is questionable to some people where others will be standing inline to get it. 

All of these changes are drastic and out of the norm.

But, there is the one constant that never changes or at least should not - and that is prayer.

Our prayer life should always be constant.

Sure there will be days when things are a little crazy especially now.  We are not in control, God is and we should always remember He is our creator and we should recognize that everyday and no matter how our daily life is turned upside down we can only deal with it the best way we can and to pray to God for assistance everyday.   

Before and After

Just a few thoughts about about this point in time, our history.

I believe that the COVID-19 will mark a point in our lives when we will talk about time in terms of was that before or after the pandemic. Because it has effected every particle of the day-to day activities, from what happens at home, workplaces, restaurants, sporting events and the list could go on and on.  History will record how well we survived, the good and bad decisions, medical history in case this happens again.  All the lessons will be our history to go the books for future generations to read. 

I wonder how history will describe this event?  

United

United We Stand 

As the country re-starts the economy. Now everybody has an opinion about the pandemic whether it's who to blame or this or that could have been accomplished differently, it does not matter. We need to unite just as we did in the first few weeks when everybody was at home and the streets were empty. We seemed to be united during that time because we in someway suffered together. 

The unemployment rate is the highest in years. We can all unite putting all political differences aside. Everyone needs to safely go out and buy goods and services in their local economy. This will jumpstart our cities bring the unemployment down and pumping dollars back for the rebuilding of America.

Rebuilding

In the upcoming months what will it take to rebuild?

Once the businesses start to fully open, we will have to go out and support the businesses in our local economy. The support we give by spending our dollars in these businesses will open the opportunity for employees to come back to work, for vendors to start selling and delivering supplies. This action will have a ripple effect. Our time out spending will greatly affect our nation's economy. 

Next, I believe it is important to buy American, buy the products made in the USA and again the effect - employment opportunities and the economy grows in our own country. We should be able to support ourselves as a nation and not depend on another county for products that could easily be produced here.

Connected

Are we so connected to technology and or devices that we have become dependent upon them?

Is it hard to put your phone down?

Our connection to technology almost at times seems to be a necessary part of our daily lives. But do we really need to check our phones every few minutes? 

I ask these questions because we have become slaves to our phones, computers and favorite apps. Don't get me wrong it is not all bad, but we need to set limits to how we interact with our devices and take time to interact with those people around us. And I'm guilty of all of the above myself. 

Just try a simple observation - take moments during the day to look at the people around you. What are they doing?

Technology is part of our world, it is not going away and we will always be connected at anytime, but there has to be balance. Take time to talk to those people in your life.   

Spring - the second renewal

Spring is the second renewal

We usually think of January as the time of the year for us to start a new with our resolutions which is true, we usually do. But Spring can also do the same as we transition from the harsh winter months to the renewal of spring. We can renew ourselves. 

We are coming to the end of Lent, a time of reflection and preparation for the Resurrection of the Lord on Easter Sunday. 

Take this time of the year to re-commit ourselves to God in prayer and to continue throughout the year.   

Priorities in Life

We should all have them, and every individual will be different.

Here are some of mine - just a short list

- Keep God first in your life never lose the connection with your creator.

- Pray everyday

- Love and help people in your life

- Seek good and avoid evil

-  Always learn - your are never to old to learn something new