Think for Yourself

Think for Yourself

-I read a lot of books, web content, and magazines in the course of a month. 

-I read two or three newspapers several days each week.

-I listen to ABC news as often as I can.

But I’m not letting those sources do my thinking for me.

I’ve gone to church all my life.  I’ve heard a few thousand sermons, and sang even more songs.  But I’m not letting all of that totally form my theological foundations. 

I have some brilliant friends with amazing minds.  There is nothing more stimulating than a great conversation with these friends.  But I’m not letting them do my thinking for me.

We’re facing an election year this fall.  Millions of dollars will be spent promoting or deflating each candidate.  Will you drink what you’re offered?

You see, I want to do my own thinking.

Sometimes I drink; I just don't swallow everything I drink.  

Do you?

Best advice – Think for Yourself.

P Michael Biggs

Offering Up-Moments

One Moment at a Time

Trust Yourself

The seeds for Trust Yourself lie in the concept of “know thyself”.  How can one “trust” oneself if you don’t “know” yourself?”

I have been journaling since 1980.  Occasionally I go back and re-read my journals.  What an amazing trip this is.  I see so many instances when I wish for a “do-over”.  There are times when I did not show a great deal of trust in myself.  I allowed others to dictate my actions, my thoughts, and my direction.  Apparently I had no will of my own. 

What a travesty.

And now … now I have a well-defined sense of values and boundaries in place that are proving trustworthy. 

Values and boundaries - two key starting points for this journey of trust in oneself. 

So, what do you value?

Where are your boundaries? 

No answers … just something to ponder.

Coming next time – Think for yourself.

P Michael Biggs

Offering Up-Moments

One Moment at a Time

What Is Love?

What Is Love

Love is a like a warm blanket on a cold night.

Love is my security when I am afraid.

Love calms my fears when I face uncertainty.

Love restores my confidence when I am in doubt.

Love brings peace in the middle of messy.

Love is an oasis in the middle of the dry times.

Love proves rich when funds are low.

Love shines in her eyes in the beauty of a sunset.

Love is found in an empty ice cream sundae cup we just shared.

Love is in the ring tone that is uniquely hers.

Love is everything I need, everything I’ve hoped for,

everything I dreamed of, everything I’ve longed for.

To love and experience love is the pinnacle in human experiences.

I am a blessed man.

I am loved by Carolyn.

P Michael Biggs

Offering Up-Moments

One Moment at a Time

Learning after a Fall

Learning after a Fall

-Abraham Lincoln ran for numerous political offices and lost.  His fiancé died.  He started two businesses and they both failed.  Yet he became our sixteenth president.

-Babe Ruth was the strikeout king, and he was also the homerun king.

-The post-it note was a mistake that sold millions.

-A waffle vendor ran out of plates at the 1904 World’s Fair and ended up creating the ice cream cone. 

The key is this:  Don’t let your mistakes define who you are.

Mistakes

               Misjudgments

                                      Misunderstanding

They happen.

Just because we made a mistake 

doesn't mean we are a failure.

We learn and we recover. 

Michelangelo once said, “I’m still learning.”

Ah, that is the secret. 

The ‘learning” that happens after a fall.

P Michael Biggs

Offering Up-Moments

One Moment at a Time

The Blessing

The Blessing

We celebrated the 16^th birthday of our grandson recently.  During the party we took a few moments for each person to say words of blessing and esteem to TJ. 

I couldn’t help thinking what an incredibly rich experience this was for all of us.  We adults and his siblings expressed observations, reminiscences, hopes and dreams that we each held for TJ. 

TJ, on the other hand, simply sat and received these words.  They were images of what his life has looked like and a glimpse of the possibilities that awaited him.

Oh to have a small part in esteeming him in this way.

I wish for you a similar experience.  Next time you have a family gathering time why not add something like this into your plans?

It will prove to be a rich experience for everyone involved.

Bless someone today.

Offer up-words of healing.

P Michael Biggs

Offering Up-Moments

One Moment at a Time