³⁶One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee’s house and took his place at the table. ³⁷And a woman in the city, who was a sinner, having learned that he was eating in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster jar of ointment. ³⁸She stood behind him at his feet, weeping, and began to bathe his feet with her tears and to dry them with her hair. Then she continued kissing his feet and anointing them with the ointment. Luke 7:36-38

We know the rest of this story, it is another “righteous vs. sinner” story in the gospel.  Jesus shows how the woman is doing good, while the judgmental righteous one is actually farther from God.

But what about another point to bring up?  This woman, upon hearing that Jesus was in the city, went to Him, bringing Him a lavish gift.  What do you bring Jesus this morning?  What is your sacrifice to show Him your gratitude and love?

As you journey through this week, be open to the opportunities to show your thanksgiving.  They do not have to be grandiose, only sincere.

Peace,

Pastor Bill

Once upon a time…there, I have your attention, don’t I?  These are the most powerful words ever, for they announce a story and everyone loves a good story.  They are powerful words, indeed. 

Today, however, there are other words that have power, words that are labeled “rage bait” because they specifically anger people in an effort to drive up clicks and, of course, money.  Rage Bait is part of today’s societal “norm” of anger and division.  Responding in kind is the desired effect – so that the rage continues.  But this is not good for our peace of mind and our interactions with others. 

Instead, let us turn to some Buddhist wisdom:  Ask yourself these questions before responding:  Is it spoken at the right time, is it spoken in truth, is it spoken affectionately, is it spoken beneficially and is it spoken with a mind of good-will?

You might be surprised how much better you feel when you follow this path.

Bill

Many of us want a better life.  We want to break out of our shells, of whatever it is that holds us back, and excel, achieving our hopes and dreams.  Or at least that is what we think we want.

Often, we get stuck not only unable to break out into our desired life, but we are stuck hiding in the shadows.

It is quiet in the shadows, we can go about our lives without anyone seeing us, watching us, judging us.  But living in a shadow, following life at a distance cannot get us where we want to go.

Can you step out of the shadows today?  Even for a moment.  What are you great at doing?  Are you helpful?  Are you caring?  Are you good at solving problems?  Take your gifts and skills and find one simple way to step out of the shadows and into the light, not with anything earth shattering, but just one simple thing. 

It can be a game changer.

Coach Bill

We live in dark days.  There are wars and rumors of wars, there are battles and violence.  Our country is in political turmoil, people are constantly afraid, angry, upset and on edge.  This does not even take into account the actual issues that need to be addressed and the injustice and evil that is present in our lives.  We live in dark days.

When you walk into a dark room, what is the first thing you do?  Turn on a light.  The old saying “why curse the darkness when you can light a candle” is very appropriate for our times.  Yes, things are bad and I am very worried about the course of the world events, but I can do things around me.  I can light a candle of hope for people near me.  I can bring my light into every situation I enter.  Will my candle change the issues in the Middle East?  No, but the funny thing about light is this – the more light you have, the less darkness. 

If we all do our part and light our candles, if we all go about and spread our hope with each other and with those in greatest need of hope we can make a change.

It only takes a spark.  In your journeys this week, be the light.

Coach Bill

It is a Monday morning and guess what?  It is raining here in Southeast Pennsylvania.  Seems like we’ve had a lot of rain lately (and that is putting it mildly).  While the rain is needed it does put a lot of things in question.

I have not finished cutting the grass from the weekend and it is growing.  Add to that the weeding and other yard work that need to be done.  We also bought a fire pit and have not been able to use it much lately. On top of this, my church has a mission week this week with a lot of outdoor projects that might need to be canceled.  The rain is certainly causing a lot of problems for us.

Yet the rain does not have to bring us down totally.  It is a gift – the rain enables the crops to grow, the rain provides water for us to drink, the rain is a gift.  Even though it disrupts our plans, we do receive many benefits from the rain.

The same goes for other things that often challenge our work load.  There are distractions, there are emergencies, there are many things that prevent us from getting the “to-do” list completed.  But instead of just looking at our day filled with lists and distractions, jobs and projects, etc., what else is there?

This morning, I had breakfast with my wife.  We had a moment to share, to dine together, and (as our custom) to pray with each other.  We then showered, dressed and went our own ways, but I know that soon I will receive a nice text from her to brighten my day (and I already sent her one).

There will be dozens of other small blessings throughout my day as well, provided I take the time to notice them.

Your challenge for this week is to look at the small gifts you receive, the little blessings you may not notice.  Write them down, begin a gratitude journal, or at least thank the universe for sending them your way.

May you have a week filled with unexpected joys.

Coach Bill

We live in volatile times.  The political rhetoric is getting worse as we approach the election, many are worried about more potential violence at the outcome of the election and people are tense. 

Add to that the normally stressful lives most of us live and we have a powder keg about to blow.

But you can do something about it.  Anger is real and needs to be dealt with, especially anger with loved ones. 

One saying “do not go to be angry” has been morphed into “let it go and live with it”, which is not a correct interpretation.  Another ancient wisdom says “You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not murder’; and ‘whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment”.  Anger can cause us great distress and disruption to our relationships.

Anger can be a sign of issues, misunderstandings and even depression.  Instead of giving in to the anger, consider its source.  Did you misunderstand your spouse?  Were you stressed when you responded shortly?  Is it more? Coaching can help you discern, and if it is something further, coaches can refer you to a therapist.  Either way, is it time to deal with anger issues?

Bill

School has started for most of our children, some have gone off to college for the first time, and many adults are in some form of continuing education.

Learning is important for us, whether it is formal education, learning new skills and information, or studying a language.  We can always learn more. 

Never be afraid of learning new things, or of others learning.  Education is so important that in Solomon’s Proverbs we read “fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

As your kids starts the new school year, find an area you can investigate and study for it is good for you.

Bill

If you really think about it, there is a lot of chaos going on all around us all the time.  There is always something happening that needs our attention (or at least we think so), there is always something that is a crisis for someone (but it does not mean it has to be a crisis for you).  There is always something to get worked up about, or something that must be done this very minute or the galaxy will implode.  Except it won’t. 

There are true crises and there are times when we can just rest in the storm. How often do we make a situation far more crisis-like and chaotic instead of just handling it? 

As you journey through this week, handle what needs handling and rest in the storm.

Peace,

Bill

PS:  I begin a vacation on Monday August 12 so Monday Motivation will be taking a brief hiatus – because I’m following the above words!

As a pastor, I am called upon to do many things.  Most of the time they are very serious, especially when visiting the sick and dying.  Pastors need to be composed and dignified.  Would you really want your grandmother’s funeral to be led by someone in a silly costume and giving top ten lists?  While some humor in a funeral is appropriate, being a clown isn’t.

But sometimes in many professions, we need to let our hair down and have some fun.  Recently our building was filled with children for our Vacation Bible School.  They learn through story and action, through arts and science, through teambuilding and the guidance of adults and older youth.

During this week I am far less “Reverend Wisneski”.  I want the children to be able to approach me and ask questions, to have fun while learning and to just be welcomed.  Our week culminated with the pastor (me) getting two buckets of water dumped on my head. 

Sometimes it is a good thing to just act a little silly and have some fun.  Sometimes we need to put the seriousness of life on the shelf. Afterall, laughter is important.

Have a great week!

Bill