Stuff Happens!
Life is Full of “Surprises!”
Some Great. Some Not so Great.
In your pursuit of Success in any field, something may happen (or fail to happen) and you may think that you have been deluding yourself about a Happy ending.
But Listen: Every Successful person has experienced Failure. It’s just part of taking the risk of a brighter and better future.
If – and when – you fail to reach a goal, or you disappoint yourself or others, remember it’s not the getting knocked down that counts it’s the staying down that does you in.
In fact most successful people I know count occasional failure and disappoints as a requirement of success.
Success is how High you bounce when you’ve hit bottom. ~George Patton
Success is the ability to go from failure to failure without losing your enthusiasm. ~Winston Churchill
Only those who dare to fail greatly, can ever achieve greatly. ~Bobby Kennedy
Garrison Keillor, writer, comedian, and radio host said it this way:
We need to talk about the pursuit of failure. A person who does not know failure is a person with a poor sense of reality. A person who goes through his twenties and thirties racking up one prize after another, getting the great job and the beautiful size 4 wife and the starter mansion and the two beautiful, gifted children with the Celtic names, is a man headed for a gigantic midlife crisis in which he runs away with a waitress named Misty and perms his hair and becomes a 45-year old singer/songwriter….You don’t want that.
Stuff Happens! But it happens to everyone. And it may just be for a reason.
You are who you are Today because of “ALL” The Stuff that has Happened to you.
It’s not the “Stuff” It’s how you Respond that counts!
If You are going through some “Stuff” hang in there, and know this:
Deb & I are Praying for You….And We Believe You will Survive.
SEE YOU IN CHURCH
We really need you all to leave a “Comment” this week. I just need to Know that somebody is really reading all this “Stuff.”
Find a quote about Perseverance, Commitment, or Overcoming Failure.
Also for those with nothing else to do, great Bible Study attached. Just click on title:
If Life Caves In, What Then?
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
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30 comments:
My stuff has a name and it's called "Legion". I don't like him, I want him to go away, yet I praise God for him. I know at some point, hopefully soon, he will go away, just like the mist at dawn. Yet I also know at some point in time a new "Legion" will appear, that's life. "Legion" makes me strong, spiritually, mentally and physically because he brings me closer to my Lord and Savior. "No weapon formed against me shall prosper", "that which does not kill me makes me strong". Praise God for adversity.
this is the first time I've read your blog. its good! This particular one is very applicable to myself and my husband. we're both out of work and on to new ideas already. we've had several business ideas fail over the years but we're sure that something will eventually take off for us. you have to keep trying new things.
I wonder why "stuff" happens. I had a tough week last week, and wondered alot...why. I just have to believe that all of this will make sense someday. My daughter had a nice little bible verse posted on her myspace page in reference to her Aunt Pam's death..."He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive." Luke 20:38 ...I'm kinda proud of that kid! And yes I do read your blogs!
Your walk in life can either make you or break you it depends on your will. I have failed in spirit, I have failed in life, but by the grace of God I am here. I have taken every wrong and every tear and have worked so hard to make me right. Through my tears I have never taken my eyes off of my father, his grip was on me through light and through the darkest night. Because of him I am a success in the making. I am a better wife, I am a good mother, I am a good friend. I have a ticket and it says one way to my fathers house!!! Thank you Jesus I am nothing without your love and mercy. Amen!!!!!!
"I have missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I have lost almost 300 games. On 26 occassions I have been entrusted to take the game winning shot...and I missed. I have Failed over and over and over again in my life. And that's precisely why I succeed." Michael Jordan, THE Basketball player
Great Blog once again Pastor Mark, and a great Selah this morning too which was in perfect concert with the Spurgeon reading for this morning. I've been trying to be nice all day:)
I read your blog...a lot! I leave it open on my PC and read it several times throughout the day/week. I find it very useful, uplifting, and challenging.
I would like to repsond to my friend Bob from last week regarding the blog on prayer and answer him through this weeks post.......I think success has to start with a desire...a real "want". Not I wish, not I'll give it the old college try, but rather a real "I want to do this and I'm going to make it happen" type of desire. This is what I heard in Bob's comments last week. To me, Bob is 99% on his way to the prayer life and relationship with God he desires. The other 1% has to come from persevering. The single most common factor and the single most dominant factor between success and failure is perseverance.....period. Most people succeed simply becasue they are determined to. They persevere. So Bob....persevere. Print this weeks blog and when you feel you're not making any ground...refer to the blog!!!As Pastor Mark has wriiten here; "Stuff Happens", and "Life is full of surprises". However, we have to try and stay focused on the goal, on what we set out to accomplish. And "NEVER NEVER NEVER give up" (Churchill).
My favorite quote has to be one from Pastor..."Go one more round". If you haven't heard the story behind that quote, ask him to tell you. He has an uncanny way of saying it to me just at the right time!
Thanx again Pastor Mark....great blog. I really enjoy it every week and I really enjoy reading everyone's comments too.
Shane
You're not kidding about that mid life crisis Pastor Mark....TRUE STORY....I grew up in a very bizzare less than perfect family. One of my best friends had the perfect mom, a great dad, a gorgeous brother, and a fun little sister...the perfect family!!!! (This family by the way lead me to the Lord) As life went on...parents divorced...kids struggled...I had dinner with my friend's mom a few years when I was visiting California. I met her new boy friend and they had MATCHING PERMS...they invited me to go roller blading with them on the beach after dinner!!!! Seriously they were like in their 50's....thankfully in spite of my struggles and rough start in life I love the Lord with all my heart (hair still in tact) and WILL NOT give up on him and I won't let my family either. God is sooooo good!
.....Laura Urzua.....
"when you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on...."
Franklin D. Roosevelt
"I may not be there yet, but I am closer than yesturday."
unknown
God has been faithful to me! Just like everyone, stuff has happened in my life, and honestly there have been times when I have stayed "down" too long...thankfully I have a BIG, BIG God, who sees all, knows all, and is there through all!
I liked how you put Romans 8:28 in the attached Bible Study...
"the effect that God will be at work in everything that happens to those who love Him in order to rescue and to restore and to bring every possible good out of that which appears to be a complete disaster."
I LOVE THE LORD... and for this, I can be sure that He is at work in my life, He has been my "rescue" and He is "Restoring"... "Good things" are happening!!!
God's Word is Truth!
Thanks PM for the blog this week, it was a great reminder that no matter what comes our way,
WE CAN DO IT WITH GOD'S HELP!
"THE LEMONADE IS GOOD!"
haahhaah
Nichole T
you will not find new oceans until you are willing to lose sight of the shore.
I read your stuff, Pastor Mark. Both Selah and the blog are a great encouragement.
Well Mark know That I am one who is reading this "stuff"... I am 43 years old and as of late I have had quit a bit of stuff happening in my life.. Career and personal challenges, some of my own doing...Whatever the issues, self induced or not it brings us closer to GOD...The minute we think we have this " Stuff " figured out on our own we are in big trouble...Praise GOD, I need you ! Mark you are making a difference in lives, I dont start my days without reading my Selahs.. Thank-You and God Bless
Hey PM and Deb....thank you for prayers.
Whatever you do, don't ever think for a moment that what you are doing here is not making a difference. The Selahs and Blog are fantastic; it's encouraging; nourishing; and enriching our lives. YOU HAVE A GIFT FROM GOD MY FRIEND. Don't stop....don't even think about it ;o(
Here's a big WHEWWW!!! I thank God every single day for the way He has brought me through self inflicted disaster. We never like to think about it coming, but We can only hold on to the master's hand.
A shout out Thanks to my friend Shane....thank you for your encouragement and thoughts Bro. You are right my friend...never give up. You know it's toughest when you KNOW you are the cause of your own calamity....bad decisions....idol worship....turning away from the One who holds us in His hands
2 Corinthians 4:17-18
17For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal......Whew!!! Amen
But thank God He drew me back to Him....a familiar place where I had been before and welcomed me home....home sweet home.
Now go on guys take this address...come on do it...Willie where are you Bro when I need you...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qVkzdK6N20
cut it and paste it in a new window on your internet....
listen to this song as you read this blog....come on try it....now BLAST the volumn....come on just raise your hands in praise \o/ \o/ to the God of all heaven and earth who loves you and me and who has promised to always be there for us during all our trials, failures, hard times, and lifts us up to keep on keepin on. How Deep, How Wide is His love for me....
Psalm 18:45-47
45 They all lose heart; they come trembling from their strongholds.
46 The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God my Savior!
47 He is the God who avenges me....
Psalm 26:6-8
6 I wash my hands in innocence,
and go about your altar, O LORD,
7 proclaiming aloud your praise
and telling of all your wonderful deeds.
8 I love the house where you live, O LORD, the place where your glory dwells.
Psalm 33
1 Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him.
2 Praise the LORD with the harp;
make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre.
3 Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.
\0/ \0/ \0/ \0/ \0/ \0/ \0/ \0/
Lord I'm AMAZED by You ...How you Love me....in Jesus name, Amen
Hey P Jason....not that I need to make suggestions for ya, but what if you tossed out a new worship song on the blog via youtube that you want us to preview that you're going to use during worship?
At the Cross and Amazed are awesome songs and there's the latest song you recently introduced...can you post the title for us?
thanks!! \0/
22 years young and I already feel like I've had my fair share of serious stuff. But its the stuff put in front of me that's shaped my faith and love for god. What is a fair share anyway? Somewhere I read about a guy running a marathon.at 13.1 miles he decided he didn't want to finish. So he turned around and ran back to start. Nothing like trying to give up only to actually finish what you started.
Hey Boss...love the Blogs! I have to say that of all the "stuff" that happens in our lives, the ones we inflict on ourselves are probably the toughest. But thank God He's faithful to help us through all our stuff.
"Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ" Phil 1:6
A great verse to memorize to help you get through the "stuff" of life!
Keep up the great word for us sheep... we need it!
PattyP
If you weren't at bible study last night.....get the CD. Pastor Mark talked about our life experiences. How the rough stuff can help someone else at some point along the journey. Going through the hard times and the valleys of life can knock the 'stuffing' right out of you, but as Pastor Mark said last night...."it will be someone elses turn tomorrow". I love that! So take the hard times on the chin and remember that God knows all about it and can use it for His glory to help you minister to someone else in the future who may be going though the same thing but your personal experience may be able to encourage someone else right when they need it. I thank God for putting people in my path along life's journey who have encouraged me right when I needed it. I go to a great church...Amen. It's a really really great church.
Charles Spurgeon said;
"Faith's way of walking is to cast all care upon the Lord, and then to anticipate good results from the worst calamities. Like Gideon's men, she does not fret over the broken pitcher, but rejoices that the lamp blazes forth the more. Out of the rough oyster-shell of difficulty she extracts the rare pearl of honor, and from the deep ocean-caves of distress she uplifts the priceless coral of experience. When her flood of prosperity ebbs, she finds treasure hid in the sands; and when her sun of delight goes down, she turns her telescope of hope to the starry promises of heaven".
Shane
I HAVE TO AGREE SHANE,... Last nights Bible study was awesome!!! I was having coffee with a friend yesturday and we were sharing stories, and struggles that we both deal with. She wasn't in the service last night but listened to the CD this morning, when I got home from running errands, there was a message from her saying,
" God is so good, and she wanted me to know that she looks forward to "motivating" each other through some of the same issues we both deal with!" It was so nice to receive this call, It took some of my fear & hesitation away, and was really really encouraging. Pastor Mark, what you are teaching us is making an impact. Thank you for your realness...(if this isn't a word, I just made it one, LOL) people are listening, and taking heed to God's Word!
Thanks so much.
Nichole
I have no deep thoughts no famous quotes, I only have the experience of living a life serving Christ for over 25 years and the one example that the Holy Spirit brings to mind over and over is Job. That sentiment, that faith, that feeling, that belief that he expressed when he said, though you slay me yet will I trust Him; although my "stuff" cannot compare with "Job's stuff" it sometimes feels like "Job's stuff" if you know what I mean??? And then those heartfelt, faith-stirring words come to my mind, my heart, my soul... yet will I trust You... God is amazing!!
Have a great weekend!
Di
Hey my friend Shane, wadaya mean "it's someone elses turn next..I love that!" Holy cow, like I need you pushin calamity my way and lovin it....kidding just kidding..take it easy lad.
My work has gotten crazy again and I cant break away for Thursday...i hate it, but .....I'll get the CD.
hey Mo n Di, you are so right....none's stuff seems as bad as our stuff....you know sometimes if I've had a tough day at work (and I work in Brooklyn and travel the subways a lot) I come across so many people who are homeless, hungry and broken....I saw a man in a suite with a billboard around his neck, front and back that told his story about how he lost his job and his resume was on the bill board. He has a wife and 4 children....my heart broke...it was smashed....I realized that could be me...any one of us....I think I emptied my pockets on that one block in front of Grand Central that night there were so many people...it was tough.
I thank God every day for all the blessings He's lavished upon me even though sometimes I think my stuff just stinks.....I know He's with me.
\0/ Psalm 22:25-27
25 I will praise you in the great assembly. I will fulfill my vows in the presence of those who worship you.
26 The poor will eat and be satisfied. All who seek the Lord will praise him. Their hearts will rejoice with everlasting joy.
27 The whole earth will knowledge the Lord and return to him. All the families of the nations will bow down before him.
Praise Him, in Jesus name,Amen \0/
Hey guys I don't know much about contemporary christian music but I started cruising youtube.com for it....I don't know if Hillsong is the Barry Manilow of Christian music or not, but I guess it doesn't matter as long as He is praised and lifted up !! \0/
Check this out....He Is Lord
(Willie where are you when I need you bud...I'm on a limb here)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQaolD8FCwQ&feature=related
Nehemiah 9:6
6 You alone are the LORD. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you.
Praise Him ...Love Him \0/
great blog this week I can relate I've seen lots of stuff, some good and some bad, the good seems a lot better after the bad I don't think I would be who I am without both. I thank God for all the stuff good and bad.
I was struck by this passage this morning that we have all read so many times, but it just hit me (PM I am feeling His Spirit and am growing in understanding...thank you.)
John 16:33 (Amplified)
33 I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]
We all have our stuff right....but we are "Undaunted" ....and He has "Deprived it of the power to harm you AND HAVE CONQUERED IT FOR YOU" ....Dear Father!!!! Oh man !!!
Lord I'm amazed by You, How You love me....\0/
Dear God we thank You for all your Love, Mercy and ever overwhelming Grace....\0/ Praise Him, Love Him ...in Jesus name, Amen
Go Charles Spurgeon! I've been hearing of Charles Spurgeon for years now but was I floored w/ Shane's quote of this amazing author. Jay will finally be able to cross it off his Christmas list this year. (shhh):-)
"Stuff Happens! But it happens to everyone. And it may just be for a reason." This was all too true this morning...I was trying to find my work ID badge and was going to be late for work...Finally I found it...with no time to spare! I was driving to work and about 10 cars ahead of me a major accident JUST happened ! smoke everywhere, smell of rubber and 2 cars and a big construction truck mangled! Had I found my badge even 10 seconds earlier, it could have been me waiting for the ambulance or police. God watches out for us even we are not! Just a small thing that could have been quite big. It makes me realize when I wonder why the day wasn't all that exciting...it's because God knew I couldn't take that kind of excitement today! :) Great to see all the blogs this week...BT
WHEWWWWWWWW!!! Good Selah PM
This one cut me to the heart PM. I am reminded of the times that I have missed an opportunity or stymied one I wanted to cultivate for Christ when I do or say something I shouldn't....I get very down on myself when it happens....especially with those I am close to.
Another Einstein quotable...he was a very surprising and thought provoking genius...
"The life of the individual has meaning only insofar as it aids in making the life of every living thing nobler and more beautiful. Life is sacred, that is to say, it is the supreme value, to which all other values are subordinate." Albert Einstein
1 Timothy 4:11-12 (New International Version)
11Command and teach these things. 12Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.
BUT !! As my friend Shane has admonished me, don't give up....perservere.....
I just ask God's forgiveness and pray for the power of His Spirit to be what I need to be to make that difference in someone elses life....hopefully to lead them to Christ by something they see.
Father forgive me for falling short, or missing out on opportunities to be a light in an otherwise dark place....please fill me with Your Spirit to do so...I beg you Father, in Jesus name.
Praise Him, Love Him \0/
I haven't gone anywhere. :) I'm definitely reading, just taking a step back from posting. I don't want to be guilty of overdoing it.
God bless! \o/
Hi Pastor Mark,
Great message, once again!
As a Mom of rapidly growing kids I'm learning to be thankful for the "Stuff" that happens in THEIR lives. I hate for them to hurt or suffer in any way, but I also pray that they taste just enough bitterness so they'll learn to appreciate the good. I have a little chalkboard in my kitchen where I try to write a new quote each week. This week's says, "Hard work beats talent if talent won't work hard". I will accept failure from them but NEVER defeat!! I can say that with confidence because of the "STUFF" I have experienced in my own life and learned from. Even the bad "STUFF" can be good in time. Thank you for your constant words of wisdom and encouragement...and all the wonderful quotes I now have for my board!! :)
For Grinder it's called Legion, but for me it's called disappointment.I give thanks to God Almighty for one particular diasappointment. Prior to the market slump, I had my home on the market. I had taken it off while pursuing full custody of my three sons, by the time it was granted to me I had to abandon my intention to sell and relocate. Fellow brethrens and sistrens God knows our yesterdays and today but thank Jesus he knows our tomorrows. My son has a tumor and I could not travel this road alone so I thank Jesus that the one who feeds the sparrow is the one who takes care of me.
Pastor Mark,
Your message this Sunday was eye opening. I wish there were clones of you, so people across the world with struggling marriages and broken homes can see beyond the foolishness.
Willie, what do you mean over doing it....it's a way to kind of talk with one another especially when you dont get to fellowship except for Sundays.....you can't over do it...it's all great stuff!!
Bring it on Willie \0/
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