Tag Archives: France

Staying True to Your Passion

Posted on April 25, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Whether you prefer a pat on the back, verbal approval or  a hug, you have to prepare yourself for arid periods in life.  When signs of encouragement are absent, what will keep you going?  As for me, I am determined to stay true to my passion.

If I’ve learned anything from previous trials, writing brings joy to my soul.  Without spending time daily reading the Bible and reflecting upon it’s message, a part of me is missing.  Regardless of how disappointed I may be at times, I can’t message success based upon how many visitors read my posts.

Rather, I need to be faithful to Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:33.  Despite how famous, popular or successful one may become, your priorities is what is important in God’s eyes.  Therefore, whether you’re an athlete, gifted musician or an individual trying to get the most out of life, seek God first.  As you strive after eternal things, you will stay true to your passion and God willing discover your purpose in life, Romans 12:2.

by Jay Mankus

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Things That Make You Go Hum…

Posted on April 24, 2014 by expressyourself4him

I was looking at a few of my bills from my hospital stay back in February after I broke two ribs, lacerated my liver and partially collapsed by right lung.  The first two were sort of eye opening: $890 for a 3 mile ride to the hospital and $1000 for a 45 minute visit with a specialist.  Perhaps patients need to begin billing doctors when you wait 4 hours in a hallway of the ER or an hour in the waiting room because nurses are running behind.  Maybe this will teach clinics not to double and triple book patients.

Anyway, the last bill was shocking, $18000 for 4 days in the hospital.  It’s not like a had a bottle wine or caviar at each meal.  Although accidents do occur in life, it’s important to have good health insurance to prevent individuals from filing for bankruptcy.  Time will tell if Obama Care will perform as advertised or an entirely new system will be needed to ensure quality healthcare.  As for me, the price of medical emergencies are one of all many things in life that makes me want to go hum…

Please share your own experiences or nightmares that make you want to go hum…

By Jay Mankus

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Blotting Out Your Past

Posted on April 23, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Whether you’re young or old, everyone has scars, wounds from the past which mask pain and suffering.  Like  bringing home a brand new car, dings, scratches and wear quickly appear.  Perfection fades ushering in guilt, shame and uncomfortable feelings.  These emotions prompt individuals to yearn to blot out their past.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=toAxT9kpXak

As David comes to grips with his rebellious ways in Psalm 51:1, he leans on God’s mercy.  Images of his sin haunt David, brought to the forefront of his mind by the devil.  Snapping out of his mean streak, a humbled heart brings this servant of God to his knees.  Like resetting a video game to start over after making a careless error, we have all longed for God to blot out portions of our past.

Although memories will always return, God’s love can turn the ugliness of sin into snow, restoring a sense of purity to souls, Isaiah 1:18.  The message of resurrection isn’t limited to one day or merely for a season.  Rather, the triumph of Jesus over the cross, Colossians 2:15 is available daily, Lamentations 3:22-23.  Therefore, don’t let the devil steal your joy any longer, John 10:10; hit the reset button by asking God to blot out the sins of your past.

Please feel free to share testimonies of God’s power to forgive.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Deep Wounds

Posted on April 22, 2014 by expressyourself4him

As a child, you tend to place your favorite people up on a pedal stool, doing no wrong in your eyes.  However, when reality sets in as these people shatter your perfect image of them, heart break often follows.  Subsequently, deep wounds open, inflicting your soul with anguish unlike anything you’ve experienced before.

During the days of Israel’s exile, the prophet Jeremiah pours out his heart in a letter entitled Lamentations.  Weeping through his writing, Jeremiah refers to wounds as deep as the sea floor, Lamentations 2:13.  Perhaps Jeremiah is struggling with his expectations of God’s promises compared to the reality of his current condition.  Like being rejected by the man or woman of your dreams, deep wounds form which some never recover from or take years to heal.

If you stop for a moment to look around, you are probably surrounded by individuals hiding their pain.  Whether it’s the reckless driver on your way to work, the disgruntled employee or quiet neighbor, each is trying to cope with their pain.  Depending upon your response to their needs, you will either sooth or worsen their wounds.  Let your light shine today, Matthew 5:13, to help others begin to heal from the deep wounds of life.

Please comment on how you have been healed or helped someone else start this process.

by Jay Mankus

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Message in a Bottle

Posted on April 20, 2014 by expressyourself4him

This 1979 song details a lonely castaway, searching for love, thereby sending a message in a bottle to see if anyone shares a similar sentiment.  Message in a Bottle appeared on the Police’s second album, Reggatta de Blanc and ranks as one of the top 100 greatest guitar songs of all time by Rolling Stones Magazine.  Before the advent of cell phones, the internet and computers, individuals looking for companionship wrote letters, pouring out their souls on a piece of paper.  For some unknown reason, this song popped into my head this morning and inspired this Easter Blog.

If I could write a short message in a bottle to summary what Easter Sunday means, it would begin with the lyrics to Keith Green’s song Asleep in the Night.  His words from the 1970’s are profound, as people either don’t care anymore, are too numb to feel anything or apathy has caused many to fall asleep spiritually.  Despite where you are, what you’ve done or who you’ve hurt, Easter is a the season of new beginnings, Psalm 103:11-12.  Therefore, get out of bed and make your way to the nearest house of worship.

While some may wear their Sunday best, God wants you to come as you are, Matthew 11:28-30.  Don’t deceive yourself or try to put on a show like the Pharisees of the first century.  Rather, be yourself, come to the door and open up, for Jesus is knocking, Revelation 3:20.  Faith is not about a list of do’s and don’ts.  Instead, walking with Jesus is a journey, where you yield areas of your life over to God, one at a time.  From here its not easy, yet as Steven Curtis Chapman once sang, this is the Great Adventure.

As I experience another Sunrise Service on the beach, I’m sending out an SOS, to save our souls this Easter Sunday.

What does Easter mean to you? I would love to hear your response.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Life is Just a Blip on the Radar Screen

Posted on April 19, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Modern television is filled with episodes or series devoted to UFO’s, unidentified flying objects.  Several shows claim unidentified “bogeys” entering foreign air space. They are not from this world, far more technologically advanced than our planet.  These blips on radar screens don’t belong, creating tension for pilots who encounter the unexplainable.  As theories continue to fester about the existence of aliens, one thing is certain: life is just a blip on the radar screen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cD0bG0SFJlU

Depending upon the career you choose, hand you’ve been dealt or how you were raised, life seems to go faster the older you become.  While talking to former students at a going away party over the weekend, my teaching career seems eons ago.  Before you know it, 7th graders are graduating from high school, accelerating this blip, like the USS Enterprise at warp speed.  On this journey through life, unless you take time to slow down, Psalm 46:10, your life will be void of permanent meaningful lasting relationships.

King David eludes to this blip in Psalm 49:10, where no one is exempt as the foolish and wise perish together.  Perhaps this may explain Solomon’s comments in Proverbs about using wealth to earn and entertain friends, taking his father’s words to heart.  The younger brother of Jesus learned a similar lesson, comparing life to a mist that vanishes into thin air, James 4:14.  In view of this truth, seize the moments you have today, Ephesians 5:15-18, making the most of the opportunities God provides.  Make your blip count before it disappears on life’s radar screen.

What legacy are you leaving behind for friends, family or neighbors? Who has been the greatest blip on your radar screen?

by Jay Mankus

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A Team Without Players

Posted on April 16, 2014 by expressyourself4him

The competitor inside of me yearns to win, doing what it takes to bring a team into the winners circle.  Yet, what do you do when you find yourself a part of a team without any players?  Sure, you might have some individuals who can make a play or two, but you can’t expect each teammate to be perfect when they don’t possess essential skills to succeed.  This is where I find myself this baseball season.

Like a high school student who can’t add, read or write, some where along the way young people get neglected, promoted and pushed ahead without meeting appropriate standards.  Currently, the NBA is seeing a similar dilemma as phenoms are great one on one players, but most don’t know how to move, set picks or space the floor when they don’t have the ball.  Whether this is rooted in a lack of discipline, poor coaching or selfishness, every sport is in jeopardy of becoming a team without players.

Patience is a vital attribute while you wait to experience victory for the first time all season.  Teachable pupils is also important to keep morale from slipping toward doubt, constantly correcting errors, mistakes and poor habits as they occur.  The best thing you can do is live out Colossians 3:17, maintaining a positive attitude like a beacon of hope for sad faces.  Until you taste the joy of victory, keep your head up as you make strides to develop players for the future.

What advice do you have for coaches who have inherited a team without players?

by Jay Mankus

 

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Fan or Follower?

Posted on April 14, 2014 by expressyourself4him

As a person who enjoys watching sports, I’ve met several fare weather fans in life.  When the local team is winning, there isn’t enough room on the bandwagon.  However, as the years pass without a Superbowl win, Stanley Cup, NBA championship or World Series title, a mass exodus occurs.  This trend causes individuals to adopt other teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Miami Heat or New York Yankees to raise their self esteem.  Time will distinguish the casual fan from the avid follower, living and dying with their team despite the anguish or pain.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyW8u8qj-x8

Jesus used another method to disclose fans from genuine followers.  One day, a first century doctor, watched in awe as Jesus began to ask a few people some questions, Luke 9:57-63.  Like a coach pushing his players to see who will rise to the top or quit, Jesus’ words pierce the hearts of these lukewarm fans.  Despite their good intentions, one by one, each fell by the wayside, unable to meet the conditions Jesus was searching for in a follower.

Whether I’m shaking my head at another Phillies loss, Eagles meltdown, Flyers defensive breakdown or 76er’s losing streak, being a fan in the greater Philadelphia area isn’t easy.  On the other hand, being a followers of Jesus is even harder, Matthew 10:32-39.  Sometimes I find myself in the shoes of the ruler in Matthew 19:16-25, wondering if I have the moxie to endure life’s trials.  Unfortunately, my actions don’t always express what I believe.  In the end, I’m at the mercy of God, relying on Him to make the impossible a possibility, Matthew 19:26.

Where do you find yourself on the spectrum of fan or follower?

by Jay Mankus

         

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Who Will Be Your Eternal Guide?

Posted on April 13, 2014 by expressyourself4him

One of the most intriguing jobs to me is being a tour guide.  Whether you’re on a college campus, in a historical area or museum, you are an ambassador for this institution, pointing out key attractions like a walking encyclopedia.  The overall impression of visitors lies in your hands, based upon the knowledge you communicate and entertainment you provide, engaging your group.

Outside of vocations, life is filled with individuals who lead you in the right direction.  Coaches introduce important skills to help young people master a sport.  Mentors demonstrate character, integrity and wisdom, blazing a path for others to follow.  Meanwhile, teachers often mold future leaders, inspiring curious souls to chase after their dreams.

The Psalmist takes this one step further, suggesting one guide will be with you to the end, Psalm 48:14.  The apostle Paul encourages his audience to look toward an altar in Athens, dedicated to an unknown God, Acts 17:22-23.  Jesus discloses the identity of this eternal guide in John 16:7-13 as the Holy Spirit.  As Moses once said in his farewell address, the choice is yours, Deuteronomy 30:15.  Who will be your eternal guide through life?  May Jesus lead you to life everlasting, 1 Timothy 2:5.

by Jay Mankus

 

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The Anointing of Joy

Posted on April 11, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Children tend to wear their emotions on their sleeves.  Subsequently, youth experience mountain top moments of jubilance and valleys of depression.  This topsy turvy twist exhausts one’s confidence, going from sky high to as low as you can go.  Thus, the presence of joy is like the temperature, rising and falling daily.

Recognizing this in adulthood, King David sought a permanent state.  Troubled by his own problems in life, God introduced the king to a special anointing.  Whether performed by Samuel or Nathan, his predecessor, Psalm 45:7 discloses an anointing of joy.  While the information is limited, perhaps this Old Testament practice is similar to Jesus’ words in John 10:10.

In an age of economic instability, parents like me struggle to find joy.  Lost in a sea of debts, the devil has become successful in stealing my joy weekly.  Thus, I find myself desperately seeking an anointing of joy.  Perhaps, we find ourselves in similar states, brought to our knees by the burdens of life, Matthew 11:28-30.  May the Holy Spirit counsel you until your worries are replaced by joy, John 16:12-15.

Please share how God has helped you find joy to help overcome their own trials in life.

by Jay Mankus

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