One of the greatest challenges as a parent is finding just the right Bible to use in teaching our children about God’s love. Many of the books out there tend to make the Bible sound like a mythical fairytale, while others are nothing but a rule book to follow so God will love you. Sitting down together as a family to study the Bible, discuss the lesson, and then pray together is one of the most important things we can do as… Continue reading
A few weeks ago my blog post was entitled, “Unconditional Love.” It was about Robertson McQuilkin caring for his dear wife Muriel who was stricken with Alzheimer’s. It is a beautiful story of unconditional love. A love that is not dependant on what you receive but on what you can give.
For Valentine’s Day I wanted to share another short story by Dr. McQuilkin about a very special Valentine’s Day he and Muriel shared. I hope this story reminds you of your love for that special someone God has placed in your life. I hope it moves you to make Valentine’s Day extra special this year. I hope it reminds you to cherish every healthy minute you have together. And I hope it reminds you of God’s unconditional love for you.
“I’m No Victim” by Robertson McQuilkin:
Valentine’s Day was always special at our house because that was the day in 1948 Muriel accepted my marriage proposal. On the eve of Valentine’s Day in 1995 I read a statement by some specialist that Alzheimer’s is the most cruel disease of all, but that the victim is actually the caregiver. I wondered why I never felt like a victim. That night I entered in my journal: “The reason I don’t feel like a victim is—I’m not!” When others urged me to call it quits, I responded, “Do you realize how lonely I would be without her?”
After I bathed Muriel on her bed that Valentine’s eve and kissed her good night (she still enjoys two things: good food and kissing!), I whispered a prayer over her: “Dear Jesus, you love sweet Muriel more than I, so please keep my beloved through the night; may she hear the angel choirs.”
The next morning I was peddling on my Exercycle at the foot of her bed and reminiscing about some of our happy lovers’ days long gone while Muriel slowly emerged from sleep. Finally, she popped awake and, as she often does, smiled at me. Then, for the first time in months she spoke, calling out to me in a voice clear as a crystal chime, “Love … love … love.” I jumped from my cycle and ran to embrace her. “Honey, you really do love me, don’t you?” Holding me with her eyes and patting my back, she responded with the only words she could find to say yes: “I’m nice,” she said.
Those may prove to be the last words she ever spoke.
Love is something we give away, and you will never know how much your spouse needs to hear you say those three little words, “I LOVE YOU!”
You can find the complete article on Christianity Today’s website.
For years I have enjoyed reading books written by Thom Rainer, President of LifeWay Christian Resources. He has been an encouragement to me as a pastor, leader, Christian, husband, and father. In his article, “10 Ways to Lead Under Pressure,” he challenges us to stay focused on what is important. I hope you enjoy Dr. Rainer’s article from Churchleaders.com.
Dr. Rainer writes:
Leadership can be difficult.
Okay, I’ve just stated the obvious. Anyone who has led a group or organization knows that tough times and tough decisions are inevitable. The issue is not whether leaders will find themselves under pressure; the issue is how leaders will handle pressure. Allow me to offer ten suggestions.
Many effective leaders are incredibly focused on their work, so much so that they neglect their spiritual disciplines. Leaders under pressure must depend more on prayer, they must spend more time in the Word, and they must realize their wisdom and their strength come from God.
Busy leaders sometimes neglect their families. Such leaders under pressure often disregard the most important people in their lives. Great leaders must first be the right kind of leader in their homes.
I recently had my annual physical, and my physician once again reminded me that I needed to remain diligent in my exercising and eating habits. He noted there is no way I can sustain the energy necessary to cope with the pressures of my job unless I am taking care of my body.
Sometimes, the pressure in leadership is great because we don’t first love those we lead. Indeed, we aren’t really leaders at all unless we demonstrate Christ’s love to those who are under our leadership.
It takes so much more unnecessary energy to be someone we’re not. Transparency means we are authentic and lead with integrity.
As I write this article, I am dealing with a tough issue where I made a leadership mistake. I have admitted my mistake and now feel the freedom to move forward. If we postpone tough decisions or if we do not own up to our mistakes, the pressure will only get worse.
Every leader needs accountability to someone or to some group. Those persons should always be checking our actions and our motives. And when we face either internal or external pressures, these persons are among the first who can help us.
Many leaders take themselves too seriously. We need to lighten up and laugh more. A truly joyous person can withstand almost any pressure.
The crisis of the moment often makes us feel as if our world is about to end. But leaders who understand that most issues will take care of themselves in time are better equipped to deal with the seemingly heavy burdens of the present.
I have three major outside interests: my grandchildren, reading, and Alabama football. When I am playing with one of my grandchildren, for example, I feel as if all the pressures I was feeling are really not that bad after all. Those grandchildren give me a healthy perspective.
Leadership is indeed difficult. And good leaders will always feel pressures and have problems they must address. But the most effective leaders will deal in healthy ways with those pressures and, as a result, be healthier leaders themselves.
With only a few days left before Valentine’s Day, I thought you might like a few of the date ideas from this article.
“33 Great Date Ideas” by LifeWay Staff:
Dinner and a movie again? Boring! This Valentine’s Day (or anytime), get out of your dating rut with your spouse or significant other. Be creative, playful, simple, or romantic. It doesn’t matter as long as you’re talking, laughing, and celebrating life – together. And you don’t have to spend a lot of cash.
If you’re stuck for great date ideas, here are thirty-three fun ideas to get you out of the rut:
It is hard for me to believe that this simple video upset so many people when it was televised during the Denver Broncos and New England Patriots’ football game. Personally, I think it is a great video, and I would suggest you copy the address, post it on your Facebook page, and email it to friends and family. It is, after all, the only message that truly brings hope for all the world!
Bob Pittenger 