| Big Rocks |
| One day, an expert in time management was speaking to a group of business students. To drive home a point, the expert used an illustration those students will never forget. The instructor stood in front of the group of high-powered overachievers and said, “Okay, time for a quiz.” He then pulled out a one-gallon, wide-mouth Mason jar and set it on the table in front of him. Then he produced about a dozen fist-sized rocks and carefully placed them, one by one, into the jar. When the jar was filled to the top and no more rocks would fit inside, he asked, “Is this jar full?” Everyone in the class said, “Yes.” Then he said, “Really?” He reached under the table and pulled out a bucket of gravel. Then he dumped some gravel in and shook the jar, causing pieces of gravel to work themselves down into the space between the big rocks. Then he asked the group once more. “Is this jar full?” By this time the class was on to him. “Probably not,” one of them answered. “Good!” he replied. He reached under the table and brought out a bucket of sand. He started to dump the sand into the jar and it went into all of the spaces left between the rocks and the gravel. Once more he asked the question. “Is this jar full?” “No!” the class shouted. Once again, he said, “Good!” Then he grabbed a pitcher of water and began to pour it in until the jar was filled to the brim. Then the expert in time management looked at the class and asked, “What is the point of this illustration?” One eager beaver raised his hand and said, “The point is, no matter how full your schedule is, if you try really hard you can always fit some more things in it.” “No,” the speaker replied, “that’s not the point.” The truth this illustration teaches us is this: If you don’t put the big rocks in first, you’ll never get them in at all. What are the big rocks in your life? Your children, your loved ones, your education, your dreams, a worthy cause, teaching or mentoring others, doing things that you love, time for yourself, your health or your significant other? Remember to put these BIG ROCKS in first, or you’ll never get them in at all. If you sweat the little stuff (i.e. the gravel, the sand) then you’ll fill your life with little things you worry about that don’t really matter, and you’ll never have the real quality time you need to spend on the big, important stuff (The Big Rocks). So, tonight or in the morning, when you are reflecting on this short story, ask yourself this question: What are the “Big Rocks” in my life? Then, put those in your jar first. ~ Author Unknown ~ |
| Billboard Messages from God |
| Messages from God are showing up on billboards around the country. It has been estimated that 10,000 billboards will carry the non-denominational messages as part of a national campaign called “God Speaks.” The campaign is being donated by local billboard companies as a public service. It all started after an anonymous client of The Smith Agency, located in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida came in one day and told the owner: “I have one goal. I need to have people start thinking about God. Things are getting out of control. People are not obeying the rules any more. Everyday you read about murder, robbery, adultery -- everything that God said, ‘DON’T DO.’ If we can get to one person before he robs a bank to think about God first, maybe we can stop him. If so it will be worth it.” Most of the ads were written by Charles Robb, who describes himself as “being in the target audience of people who used to go to church, but who don’t any more.” He made the messages contemporary, and slightly irreverent, to remind people that they are dealing with the ultimate CEO. The billboards are black with the messages from God printed in white letters for a sharp contrast to grab your attention. |
| Don’t Make Me Come Down There. --- GOD What Part of “Thou Shalt Not…” Didn’t You Understand? --- GOD Will the Road You are on Get You to My Place? --- GOD You Think it’s Hot Here! --- GOD We Need To Talk. --- GOD Need A Marriage Counselor? I’m Available. --- GOD I Loved the Wedding. Invite Me to the Marriage. --- GOD Have You Read My #1 Bestseller? There will be A Test! --- GOD Tell The Kids I Love Them. --- GOD That “Love Thy Neighbor Thing” I Really Meant It. --- GOD I Love You…I Love You…I Love You. --- GOD Need Directions? --- GOD Do You Have Any Idea Where You’re Going? --- GOD Let’s Meet At My House Sunday Before the Game. --- GOD C’mon Over and Bring the Kids --- GOD Follow Me. --- GOD Keep Using My Name in Vain & I’ll make Rush Hour Longer.--GOD Big Bang Theory - You’ve Got to Be Kidding --- GOD |
| Children Learn What They Live |
| If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn. If a child lives with hostility, he learns to fight. If a child lives with fear, he learns to be apprehensive. If a child lives with ridicule, he learns to be shy. If a child lives with jealousy, he learns what envy is. If a child lives with shame, he learns to be guilty. If a child lives with tolerance, he learns to be patient. If a child lives with encouragement, he learns confidence. If a child lives with honesty and fairness, he learns what truth and justice are. If a child lives with serenity, he learns to have peace of mind. If a child lives with sharing, he learns to be generous. If a child lives with security, he learns to have faith. If a child lives with recognition, he learns to have goals. If a child lives with approval, he learns to like himself. If a child lives with acceptance, he learns to find love in the world. ~ Dorothy L. Nolte ~ |
| Christian One-liners |
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| ~ Author Unknown ~ |
| Daily Survival Kit |
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| Toothpick To remind you to pick out the good qualities in others. Matthew 7:1 Judge not, that you be not judged. |
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Rubber band To remind you to be flexible, things might not always go the way you want, but it will work out. Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. |
| Band Aid To remind you to heal hurt feelings, yours or someone else’s. Colossians 3:12-13 Since God chose you to be the holy people whom he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. You must make allowance for each other's faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. |
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| Pencil To remind you to list your blessings everyday. Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places in Christ. |
| Eraser To remind you that everyone makes mistakes, and it’s okay. Genesis 50:15-21 Joseph’s brothers sent messengers to Joseph after their father’s death saying, " I beg you, please forgive the trespass of your brothers and their sin; for they did evil to you.” Joseph said…“Now, therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them. |
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Chewing Gum To remind you to stick with it and you can accomplish anything with Jesus. Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. |
| Mint To remind you that you are a mint to your heavenly father. John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. Candy Kiss To remind you that everyone needs a kiss or a hug everyday. 1 John 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. |
| Tea Bag To remind you to relax daily and go over that list of God’s blessings. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. ~ Author Unknown ~ |
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