"Either we both win or we both lose... nothing in between".

The shooting guard says to the center: " The team really appreciates the position that you play out on the floor, but we feel that lately you have been taking shots in excess. The center responds: " You and I are now in competition because there are scouts on the floor looking for the best talent. The shooting guard explains " I can definitely understand your rationale, but that mindset is serving as an hindrance to success of this team. This unit can not function properly if one person is only thinking of themselves. Furthermore, there can be no competition between us, for you and I are on the same team... Either we both win or we both lose... nothing in between ." This same mindset should be shared among those who make the effort to nurture a relationship. Often times we figure that we draw strength from creating a strong defense within a relationship. True strength is found in a person who steps out of their comfort zone, and allows themselves to be exposed to possible disappointment, hurt feelings, fear, nervousness and even betrayal. Apprehensiveness can definitely be understood if you have felt these emotions before. But personally, if I claim to love and care for you, then I deserve to allow you to explore the many layers below my surface. If you and I are partners; what need do I have for a last word? Why should I feel like I should hide from you? And why would I want you to feel like you are incapable of breaking my heart? Just as I have chosen to allow an union between us... I should also choose to trust to you. I don't have to serve myself because now you serve me just I serve you. This partnership will function better if we think less of ourselves or more of each other. Furthermore, there can be no division between us, for you and I are partners... Either we both win or we both lose... nothing in between.

"Psalms 34"

I woke up this morning with Psalms 34 in my spirit. Scripture says "I will bless the Lord at all times, his praise shall continually be in my mouth". I had to reflect on this Scripture for a minute, because it is one that is so commonly used among churches, that it has become cliche'. But this Scripture is in fact instruction that we should allow our lifestyle to welcome with open arms. I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. I read this Scripture and realized that my praises have been running in short supply. My dialogue with God should be constant throughout my day. To the average individual or even the average christian, this may seem like a great expectation. Paul says in Romans 12:1, that we our to present our bodies a living sacrifice. That means even our mouths! Of course this will take some adjusting and practice. But if you read on; Paul follows up and says it is our reasonable service. Meaning... it is the least that we could do. I would think that the Lord would deserve more than our least. So, I challenge those with busy schedules and hectic lives... Let us not allow this Scripture to be disguised as a suggestion or something trivial. But, let us unmask it, and expose its true value as an essential part of our fellowship with Christ.

"And I Love You"

Ok ... So I'm at work, and I'm doing my normal routine. I got my tea, baked apples, cup of fresh fruit , my 57oz bottled water and my devotional book for men .Oh yes.. your boy is high maintenance in the mornings, but these are the things that I consider to be essential when starting my mornings. Anyway, I'm at my desk and I am running through the dialer; trying to quickly generate a contact on the phone. First contact of the day is an elderly woman. I ask for the cardmember by name hoping it isn't her, because a very small percentage of our elderly customers are actually concerned with bringing their account out of arrears. (Me) "Hey!.. is Ms. Voss there?" (Ms Voss) "This is she". I'm thinking; Oh Lord.. here we go ..either she's going to be really nasty to me once I tell her who I am, or she is going to be really nice and try to hold me on the phone forever. (Me) "Hey Ms. Voss...how are you doing today?! This is Peter calling from Chase Bank"! (Ms Voss.) Ohhh! It's so good to hear your voice! Where are you calling from? (Me) "Awww Ms. Voss, it's good to hear your voice too! I'm calling from Maryland". She begins to go into a tangent about the weather and immediately I'm thinking ok ..I need to somehow gently gain control of this conversation. This lady has $32,000 of debt I need to try to collect on. But Ms.Voss is persistent with her random and aimless gab.This creates a challenge for me to switch from a casual conversation to a collection call. All my attempts fail, so I let Ms. Voss continue. Her joyous yet soft and warm ambience is so infectious; I can do nothing but sit there with a big grin on my face as I listen to her. After talking for a while, she says her last thoughts and begins to try to formulate a departure phrase to end the call. (Ms.Voss) Well ok Peter ..It really was a blessing to sit here and talk with you today. .."and I love you!!". She catches me by surprise! My eyes get big and I cover my mouth because I want to say it back. Ahhhhh! ..I love you too!! I'm thinking to myself. (Me) Well thank you so much Ms. Voss...you take care ..ok"? She pauses for a minute; as if she is a little disappointed by the way I responded to her "I love you". I believe she wanted me to say it back. Calls were being recorded and monitored, so I risked getting reprimanded had I returned the kind words. Apart of me feels like I should have ignored the risk... But, I learned that among the things that I find to be essential in starting off my day right ... all it took was her "I love you" to completely satisfy my morning. Peace and blessings to Ms. Voss. :-)

Friendship

I was just sitting here thinking about how none of my friendships from my childhood have been sustained and carried over to my adulthood. This is mainly due the fact that my father was in the military, and we moved around quite a bit. I didn't realize then, how important and significant relationships would be to me in my late 20's. I knew I missed those who I connected with and left behind, but I didn't know better to make an effort to stay connected with them. I have gently labored in my exploits to reconnect with old friends, but I have been relentless in my conquest to nurture the relationships that I have presently. My dynamic personality is magnetic, so I do draw many, but I don't indulge in empty and purposeless interactions with people. So ironically, the gift of friendships have been given to me in small portions. I COR 11:13 says "When I was a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a MAN, I put away childish things". As a child my thoughts might have been juvenile, but as an adult I have attained enough wisdom and understanding to know that you should make every effort to maintain GOOD investments as long as you can. Especially when it comes to relationships. If you seek my friendship... this is where it is. Not everyone can reach it....but to those who can, I am looking forward to the journey with you. Peace and blessings