Take Control (3): Be a Friend

Continuation of Take Control (1): Be a Captain and Take Control (2): Be Good

Today I just want to summarize my thoughts with two connecting ideas. When followed, I think they will be a huge factor of our progress, helping us get real control in life.

Surround yourself with people that lift you up
You need friends in life, friends who can support your dreams, friends who will love you and stick by you, despite your faults. We have to choose these friends carefully. Sometimes we just hang out with the wrong crowd, with people who pull us down rather than inspire us. Sure, there may persons who are “fun” to be around, but two questions are important to ask ourselves: Do they share my values in life? And I am a better person because of them? If the answer is no - move on!

On the road of life we need friends we can depend on.

Be the one who lifts others
But on the road of life we also need to be the kind of person that others can depend on. What we give others can’t be any different than what we expect from them (the golden rule, you know). In other words, if I want good friends, I have to be a good friend.

Am I a person that others can lean on?

Unlike what society and media are telling us, giving is better than receiving. We need to get away from our self-centered way of thinking that I, me, and myself always come first. We are fooled to think that this is the best way to happiness. It’s actually the opposite; true happiness is gained by giving of ourselves to others.

Be happy (and stay in control) - be a good friend!

Your friend,
Louis

Note: The pictures are taken from the CES study convention mentioned in part 1

A Gift from the Heart

Our family has adopted a special Christmas tradition that I guess could be blended with New Years resolutions. After all the presents were opened, stomachs stuffed with goodies, and the general noise level subdued, the attention rate of our children was a lot better after than before Santa’s arrival. Since timing is everything with kids, that’s when we hit ‘em with the nativity story in Luke, chapter 2, after which we talked about the wonders of that first Christmas.

We always end this discussion with thoughts about gifts. Real gifts. Just as the wise men came to honor the newborn Saviour with precious gifts, there are gifts we also can give to Him. But these packages are not hard or soft, nor can they be purchased with dollars. They have to make a real difference. Although these are gifts written as simple words on a piece of paper, they are stuck in the chambers of the heart, hopefully forever.

I did search my heart carefully this time. What would be my greatest gift to Him this year? I didn’t need long to think; I’ve known it for some time: Patience. In the past I have always seen myself as one with much patience, but during the last few years it has started to slip from me. And I want it back! I’m not myself without it, and my family needs a father and a husband who will cherish that virtue better than he has lately.

I wrote the word down on a note, just like the others did, and we put them all in a wooden box which my two sons placed underneath the Christmas tree. Lord Jesus… here is our gift.

Happy New Year! (Make it a good one!)

A Real Christmas Card

I know I posted a different Christmas card earlier, but I (and the family) can’t help sending this second one (with a photo by courtesy of the Nativity Story, a motion picture from 2006). To me this photo is amazing. I am filled with so many thoughts and emotions when looking at it. I don’t even know where to start - so just feast your eyes on it and let yourself go.

In the past weeks I have met many people in different circumstances. Most of them are more or less stressed by the hustle and bustle of the upcoming Christmas celebration. Personally, I have always loved Christmas. But sadly, as the years have passed by so has also the spirit of Christmas started to pass us by. The reason is obvious, of course: We have removed Christ from Christmas. What we (or our children) want has become more important than what we can give. Hence, we’re missing the whole point.

So let’s bring Him back! Let us talk more about His life and deeds. I promise, this will inspire us to move forward in love toward all fellow men. If we, every one, would follow His word… well, do I even need to say what kind of world we could live in. It would be true Christmas every day! Jesus Christ is not just some mythical legend with a nice story. He is real! In one statement, this means He brings real meaning to our lives.

Take care of one another,

Louis

Giving is Better than Receiving

Giving is better than receiving.

That’s at least what my daughter thought when we tried to take her picture, luring her with some candy from the side lines. You see what her eyes are saying, don’t you? If you just GIVE me some of that candy YOU will feel a lot better… and I will scream a lot less!

And so it was.

Just think of all the wonderful things life teaches you.

Louis