Tag Archives: acts of kindness

A Marriage Makeover

Posted on March 3, 2016 by expressyourself4him

In the beginning of this year, the Lord opened up my eyes to several areas in my life that I have neglected.  Unfortunately, my marriage of one of these, taking it for granted without putting the energy and time God desires for a Christian husband.  Thus, I’ve spent the last few weeks reflecting and praying about the best solution to revitalize my marriage.  The answer has come in the form of a marriage makeover.

Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, Ephesians 5:25.

After having three kids, one of our favorite television shows to watch as a family was Extreme Makeover: Home Edition with Ty Pennington.  ABC and corporate sponsors gave families who were down on their luck or recovering from a loss to have a fresh start.  Movies like The Ultimate Gift and Fire Proof have added practical ideas to apply daily which individuals can alter their perspective on life and enhance their ability to love.  These influences have inspired me to put a formula for a marriage makeover into my movie script.

House and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the Lord, Proverbs 19:14.

In the last two weeks, I’ve heard two sermons which have convinced me that I am on the right track.  Since a portion of my current script has a couple going through marriage counseling, I hope that I am able to communicate and portray a useful tool for struggling couples.  In a society that is trading in marriages like a used car, I pray that the final edit of Dragged Behind the Devil’s Door will be the next film to impact America in a positive manner.  Below are the themes I have woven into my script.

  1. Turn the television off and begin to create your own reality show.
  2. Invest time weekly in an activity of the others choice, talking about it over dinner or a walk so you don’t stop getting to know one another.
  3. Serve one another by stopping what you are doing to listen, love and pray together.
  4. Display unexpected acts of kindness to ignite passion and physical intimacy.

by Jay Mankus

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The Christmas Jar

Posted on December 20, 2015 by expressyourself4him

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XyN8DIcfEgc

A little over a decade ago, Jason Wright and his family wanted to do something for those less fortunate at Christmas.  After bouncing some ideas around, they came up with a jar to collect loose change.  As the holiday season approached, the contents inside this Christmas Jar would be given away to someone in need.  When the money was donated in person, this left an last impression, inspiring the book A Christmas Jar.

Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver, 2 Corinthians 9:7.

Ten years later, this simple tradition has spawned Christmas miracles.  As empty jars are placed on kitchen tables in January, the Christmas spirit is no longer limited to one month.  Rather, now families are emptying their pockets daily, thinking of others throughout the year.  These amazing testimonies can be read at christmasjars.blogspot.com.  Perhaps this book may inspire you to create your own Christmas tradition.

Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you, Luke 6:38.

Prior to blogs, emails and texting, I spent several hours each week writing letters.  As a poor college student, this was one of the few ways I could use my gift in an inexpensive way.  At the peak of letter writing, I corresponded with 50 friends across the country.  Beside replying to letters I received, I also reached out to those I hadn’t heard from, sometimes writing three times before receiving a letter in return.  My Christmas miracle occurred when a letter came to a friend after a series of tragedies in her life.  The Lord used my letter to touch her heart and comfort her soul.  This is why its essential to extend a helping hand at Christmas because you never know the impact that one act of kindness can do to transform a life.

by Jay Mankus

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Reveal Your Love To Me

Posted on October 23, 2015 by expressyourself4him

An old camp fire song suggests it only takes a spark to get a fire going.  Yet, what happens if your heart is like damp and wet fire wood?  Or how can you rekindle hope if you feel so cold and distant from God?  These are the moments in life where I pray for God to reveal His love to me.

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another,” John 13:34-35.

In their song Reveal Your Love, Esterlyn addresses this issue on their album entitled Lamps.  The lyrics of this soft rock ballad implies that you can’t be the person God wants you to be until this prayer is answered.  Subsequently, as you begin to sense and experience God’s love, the spiritual fire within you begins to rub off on others in the form of subtle acts of kindness.

Let all that you do be done in love, 1 Corinthians 16:14.

However, for those of you still on the outside looking in, the fire inside is growing dim.  This is where we find Elijah, petrified from the death threat he receives from King Ahab’s wife, Jezebel.  Depression caused this prophet to lose his will to live.  With suicidal thoughts entering his mind, God appeared to Elijah in a still small voice.  May this encouraging encounter with God motivate you to press on, waiting for God to reveal His love to you as well.

by Jay Mankus

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A Diamond Doesn’t Make Love Last

Posted on February 13, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Watching commercials leading up to Valentine’s Day is rivaling those ads prior to general elections.  I can’t go 15 minutes without someone on television telling me what the best gift is for my sweetheart.  Should I go to Jared, purchase a giant teddy bear or choose chocolate to win my wife’s heart?  Whatever you choose, a diamond doesn’t make love last.

If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. – 1 Corinthians 13:3

I’m not sure where the concept or tradition of buying a diamond ring as an engagement gift began?  Looking back, I’m not sure if going broke or into debt to purchase a wow moment is the wisest option.  As DC Talk proclaimed in their hit song, Love is a Verb, an act of service, considering others more important than yourself.  Whatever I decide to purchase for Valentine’s Day, if my actions don’t match my gift, my love is meaningless.

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. – Romans 12:9-10

My goal for this year, not just for February 14th, is to be a better father, a more supportive husband and begin to love as Christ loved me, Colossians 3:13.  Diamonds have a time and place when the money is available, but love endures forever.  Therefore, as Valentine’s Day approaches, don’t get carried away like Christmas buying gifts.  Rather, display your love through acts of kindness, thoughtful words of encouragement and a smile to light up the mood of those around you.

by Jay Mankus

 

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