tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70725471332520276312012-01-26T09:15:57.178-06:00Encouragement & MotivationPutting a spring in your step through words of encouragement, motivation, and God's Word.Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.comBlogger6291100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-20876164001072994212012-01-26T09:14:00.000-06:002012-01-26T09:15:57.347-06:00Confidence and Understanding the Problem
I remember being dumb enough to think that since I had a little bit of experience in standing in front of a church and talking (aka giving a sermon) that it would help me in preaching school.
Again, my mind was not thinking very maturely at that time. For I soon found out that many of the guys had had experience in pulpit preaching.
Sometimes we tend to be a bit naive about things. When it Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-14857340278555446112012-01-23T09:47:00.000-06:002012-01-23T09:47:00.150-06:00The Extra Degree: Living With Grace
Being different for some people is easy. Easy may not equal positive. Maybe you are not in the "in crowd" and that causes you to be different. Maybe you would be considered a member of the "in crowd" and that is what makes you different. For whatever reason that you are different, you are exactly that, different.
Technically speaking, we are all different. Something about us makes us Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-57762345866992795862012-01-19T08:00:00.000-06:002012-01-19T08:00:18.395-06:00Don't Play Small
Strengths are found in all of us. We have strengths that are valuable. Some of these may be categorized as a talent, but some are simply just a strength. We also have weaknesses. Some weaknesses should stay as a weakness and focus on our strengths.
When you have a strength, it should be used. It should be exercised. When you use things that are beneficial or a strength of yours, you enjoy doingJarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-52754002653475212182012-01-16T10:56:00.000-06:002012-01-16T11:50:05.485-06:00The Extra Degree: Versus
Have you ever been to the eye doctor for an exam? As the doctor is trying to figure out what prescription of lenses are best he will use this contraption with lots of lens types in it. You will go through a series of combinations. During that part of the examination he will ask questions like "1 or 2? 2 or 3? A or B? B or C?" Some combinations will be noticeably different where others will notJarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-5179967823039763102012-01-12T10:30:00.000-06:002012-01-12T10:30:02.998-06:00Friends Call For Your Best
How many friends do you have? That may be hard to count or determine. However, if you are on Facebook, you can look at the number of friends that you have. If you look at mine, I am at 284, but even with that number, I don't know how deep the majority of our friendships go. There are also a number of other friends that I have which are not on Facebook, some of which do not even own a computer.Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-15139052604260836712012-01-09T08:30:00.000-06:002012-01-09T08:30:00.759-06:00The Extra Degree: Tearing Down the House to Get to Jesus
There is just something pretty cool about watching a big building be demolished. Whether it comes from implosion or a wrecking ball, I find it fascinating. Maybe it is somewhat of a guy thing, I cannot pinpoint it, but it is still fascinating.
When it comes to a wrecking ball, that big ball coming and knocking out entire areas of a building is cool. You may not think along the same lines as me,Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-12104995312423379162012-01-05T08:00:00.000-06:002012-01-05T08:00:15.517-06:00Suggested Resolve for the Year
2012 is upon us. Did you resolve to do anything this year? How is that going? Of course, we're only five days into the year, so hopefully you haven't lost any "battles" with your resolve thus far. I didn't make a resolution, just a goal to read through the Bible with a "One Year Bible." It has been going well.
I came across this quote at the end of last year and thought it may be a good "Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-67569564699778340282012-01-02T11:18:00.000-06:002012-01-02T11:38:00.183-06:00212 - The Extra Degree
What motivates you? Maybe it is certain types of music or movies you've seen. Maybe a regimen of particular activities. We're all motivated by something.
Sometimes I am motivated by the mood. Basically, when I get in the mood (or mode) to do something, I am geared up and ready. Something pushes me to the point when I am on a mission to get something done and not stop till it is finished. UntilJarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-70464998934260297052011-12-21T22:55:00.000-06:002011-12-21T22:55:00.090-06:00Obstacle vs. Opportunity
For many, during the holiday season, presents obstacles. Some would be categorized under financial. Buying or the desire to buy gifts for others becomes rough, due to limitations.
However, there are other obstacles that may come about. Relationships, job, weather, etc. may bring about issues that financial cannot even fix. But what do you do with obstacles, do you allow them to become Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-64987556401102241572011-12-19T06:23:00.000-06:002011-12-19T06:23:01.181-06:00Christmas Down and Dirty: Dirty Laundry
One of the many reasons I love to stay in a hotel is for the fresh, clean towels one can have each day. Part of the reason for that is that I really like a totally dry towel. Having any sort of moisture in a towel just takes away some of the feeling of cleanliness.
Does anyone share in my preference?
Each person starts off clean. There are some who feel that we start off sinful, but each Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-40413612093707469112011-12-15T09:05:00.000-06:002011-12-15T09:57:01.580-06:00Time Spent Worrying
I have wasted a lot of my life worrying. Another way of phrasing it is that I have lost a lot of my life worrying. There are a lot of minutes or days that could have been spent more wisely if worry would not have been present.
Some worries were brought on by myself (i.e. procrastination) where as other moments were not (weather, bad news). Either way it has caused me to lose time that will Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-39801577055365631442011-12-01T08:20:00.000-06:002011-12-01T08:20:01.274-06:00You Have Value
Criticizing oneself is a habit that most everyone is guilty of. "I don't look good in ____" or "I'm no good at ____" or "I stunk at ____" are something people have said of themselves at one one point or another, in one form or another.
It is easy to look at yourself and see all the flaws. You know yourself better than just about anyone. You know what you're not good at, as well as, what you areJarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-74818757317880293822011-11-28T01:14:00.001-06:002011-11-28T15:39:02.988-06:00Christmas Down and Dirty: "The Time Has Come"
Deadlines can be very stressful. It could be a deadline for work or school or life. Projects or budget proposals can become stressful for an employee. Papers or tests can become stressful for students. Bill paying or taking time for appointments can become stressful in life.
I do not like tests, in school. For that, I am thankful that I am not in school. It really centers on those tests I Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-57702341196663955272011-11-21T10:03:00.001-06:002011-11-21T16:33:05.388-06:00Fall: Fall With Thanksgiving
What are some things you are thankful for this year? Some would say family, faith, job, friends, health and home. What else are you thankful that you have? What about eyesight, sanity, knowledge, any material blessings, experience, life-lessons, etc.
It is easy to get wrapped up in the things we have and this time of year seems to bring about the thankfulness in all of us.
I just sold Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-64701850651866791952011-11-17T11:30:00.000-06:002011-11-17T11:30:01.938-06:00Change Happens
I am young enough that my first computer wasn't purchased until the late 1990s. The internet was in full swing by then. I remember a commercial that was being played around then that showed a screen on the computer "You've reached the end of the internet." I think it is amazing the good that is out there on the internet, even back then.
That first computer was a 4.3 GB hard drive. My second wasJarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-89334526949797949602011-11-14T12:00:00.001-06:002011-11-14T17:46:07.325-06:00FALL: Love Mercifully
How deep does your love go? You may say that it depends on the person. I think we are all at that point. However, isn't it great that God didn't have that same philosophy? To love mankind didn't "depend on the person." In a world full of "who you know" then it is nice to have a God that loves us all evenly and sent His son for everyone.
Imagine if our love from God was based on a point system Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-76553824018724072262011-11-09T17:06:00.001-06:002011-11-11T15:42:34.504-06:00Are You Small? By this measurement...
I grew up being one of the smallest in my class. There were about 3 or 4 of us that were usually around the same height, prior to our growth spurts. I finally grew a bit. I wasn't shorter than most of the girls anymore, but I was still one of shorter males. So being small has been in my history...can you relate?
Small is not always associated with height or body shape. It also describes a Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-43947219354955296122011-11-07T15:54:00.001-06:002011-11-07T15:59:14.923-06:00Stand Up Conversion
Conversion - a word that is often associated with religion. Some may convert to a new team to root for or a new food product to start using. However, I would say that most of the time it is associated with the religious scene.
What was your conversion like? Mine wasn't too exciting. I was too young to have done anything "bad" but knew what I needed to and was persistent about being baptized. Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-63702677488679984112011-11-03T16:58:00.002-05:002011-11-03T16:58:30.924-05:00Does Being Late Make You Jolly?
How do you respond when you are late? Or what does your posture reveal?
I work in an environment in which people are late all the time. They aren't late to a "job" but for an appointment - Bible class or the church assembly/worship. We are slated to start at 9:30 AM on a Sunday morning, but I know it is unlikely to start at that time. I usually start my class about five minutes after.
As muchJarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-35669834712989341242011-10-29T08:00:00.000-05:002011-10-29T08:00:08.405-05:00Emergency, Emergency!
"What are you going to be when you grow up?” If you ask my son this question, his answer will be “a fireman.” Over his short forty-five month life, he has told us that he is going to be a Chinese-food worker, a Pizza Hut worker, and a few other occupations, when he grows up. The latest, a fireman, has come after being introduced to the movie “Fireproof.” Though it is a movie that involves the Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-65007668875594460902011-10-27T11:00:00.000-05:002011-10-27T11:00:03.980-05:00Shortness of a Season: Autumn
Fall colors are practically indescribable. The deep reds, bright oranges, and golden yellows and so marvelous to look at. Last year, there was a gorgeous tree that was full of colored leaves. Then, one day, as it happens in Western Kansas, the wind blew. This was such a windy time that the beautiful tree was now just left to a few leaves and branches.
My wife and I were disappointed as we loveJarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-80606286864670040762011-10-24T16:32:00.001-05:002011-10-24T16:32:22.532-05:00Fall: The Fall
What do you suppose the average is in which a person falls in a lifetime? 1000, 10,000, 25,000, 50,000, 100,000 or more? Then you'd have to define what is a fall? Simply losing one's balance or tripping? Basically, anytime they come down off their feet?
THE Fall, which it is commonly called, took place soon after mankind was created. It didn't take long for mortal man to make an eternal Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-26977916981583487032011-10-20T01:18:00.000-05:002011-10-20T10:38:53.429-05:00Appreciative
"I'm bored!" was a phrase that I can remember saying as a kid. It happened more than once in my life. This comment would draw a comment from my parents to say "You have too many toys to be bored." Though there was truth found in that statement, to me it was not what I wanted to hear. I wanted to hear something that showed they were going to do something about my boredom.
I have a cousin that Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-64360873362305751372011-10-17T12:30:00.000-05:002011-10-17T15:44:05.540-05:00You Will Build It, the Question is Where?
Natural changes occur to people as they grow. Babies start to fill out. Then comes sitting up, walking, and talking. Growth spurts will take place at various times. Puberty will take place. Maturation of mind and body will happen over time. As the body ages, wrinkles, lack of eye flexibility, and gray hair comes into a person's life. We cannot forget the skeletal system begins to lose some rangeJarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-56626635759145075532011-10-13T06:58:00.000-05:002011-10-13T06:58:00.719-05:00Visit the Grave; Look to the Future
I am fortunate to still have my parents in my life. I, also, have all my siblings around. I have not lost anyone in my immediate family. Some are not so fortunate. This writing is not about losing someone, though it is about losing something.
In regards to the grieving process, it is generally advised for people to be involved in their normal lives within a reasonable time following the tragedyJarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-64146014480772352492011-10-10T23:30:00.000-05:002011-10-11T10:14:47.158-05:00False Peeps
Friends are there to encourage and support you as you go through life. Occasionally, you will experience the tragedy of a person of whom you thought was your friend, turn their back on you. It is full of heartbreak. One might argue you were a bit delusional in your trust, depending on how deep or solid the friendship was at the time.
Maybe you've been the friend who has "pulled the wool over Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-17410414217661595562011-10-06T08:30:00.000-05:002011-10-06T08:46:22.541-05:00Dream Reaching
"Reach!" A "game" a taller person plays with a shorter person when the taller person is trying to keep something away from the other. You've played it I'm sure. You've probably played it on both sides. It is just "not fun" enough, when you are young, that you want to play it with someone else when you grow up.
I remember in Preaching School where our whole class wasn't allowed to make a 100% onJarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-7185351572071324562011-10-03T16:40:00.000-05:002011-10-03T16:44:06.219-05:00Fruit Recognition
When I was in high school art, one of the assignments dealt with caricatures. Our assignment was to take something significant about the person and overemphasize that feature. A couple of examples: Jay Leno - chin and Tina Turner - hair. Some are more difficult to pinpoint one feature, but the point is to see something people recognize about that person and "play it up."
You can recognize Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-41534118956362518772011-09-29T09:30:00.000-05:002011-09-29T10:05:55.087-05:00Turning the Negative to the Positve
Have you ever noticed in yourself or others that when a rough day comes and something positive comes in to it, it radically changes the outlook on your day? If you haven't experienced it you are missing out. I have had such an experience and it really enhanced my day. I would presume if you do or did, it would enhance your day, too.
When your day is filled with bad news, bad luck, stress or Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-39664522212793581492011-09-26T15:37:00.000-05:002011-09-26T15:37:15.359-05:00The Road Less Traveled
Robert Frost is an interesting American poet. The poem, The Road Not Taken, reminds me of much of my life. I am sure we all have instances similar to this in our lives, and I am not unique to having to decide on things based on a choice I make. Choices are always in front of us and the one(s) we didn't choose is always behind us. The one(s) behind us are less traveled by us. We may go back Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-33074104967162330262011-09-22T11:23:00.000-05:002011-09-22T11:24:03.107-05:00Maturity: How Does One Measure It?
In my lifetime I have been around a lot of people, as I have moved around quite a bit. I have seen lots of different personalities both young and old. They all have their own level of maturity. Some that are old have their times of acting like a teenager and those that are young act like an older person. Depending on the context this can be good or bad. For the older person to have the vitality Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-23915765447645814952011-09-19T15:14:00.000-05:002011-09-19T15:16:12.356-05:00"Drive By" Preaching - How'd you react?
What do you think of this form of "evangelism?"
To be honest, I could not watch much more than about 4 minutes, so I don't know what happens in the latter part.
After you watch - no matter how many minutes you watch - I invite you to leave your comments...
Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-35237768137005268912011-09-15T11:56:00.000-05:002011-09-19T15:14:44.627-05:00How the World Treats You
One of my areas where I lack mercy is when people feel they "deserve" a certain type of treatment or they are "owed" sort of treatment. I think that people are going to be treated the way they "advertise" themselves. Whether it is conduct, attitude, the way they dress, the friends they choose, etc. With all those in mind, the outsider should not judge a book by its cover. However, the cover Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-31435425357715711272011-09-14T10:16:00.001-05:002011-09-14T10:18:51.699-05:009/11: Where Would We Be...If...
It hardly seems possible that it has been ten years ago since the attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City. That day was filled with so much emotion that I think every teen to adult remembers that day. This was probably the most horrific situation that has happened in my lifetime. However, what would America look like if we had not experienced “9/11”?
Think about the opinion of Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-30273554597432790812011-09-12T10:44:00.000-05:002011-09-12T15:52:14.746-05:009/11: One Nation Under God
"What in the world is happening?" May not have been what I was exactly thinking, but it was going through my mind on Tuesday, September 11, 2001. As President George W. Bush had not been in office too long, I had not been in full-time ministry too long when this major catastrophe happened. For me, it had just been a few months since I started ministry and this event rocked me personally and Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-21264789947938616782011-09-09T09:30:00.000-05:002011-09-09T09:30:03.121-05:00Dropping the "F-Bomb"
Now that I have your attention, I bet you’re wondering what this article could be about?
You may be saying to yourself, “Surely it is not what I think it is.” And, you’re correct. The point of the phrase in the title is to communicate about a word without having to repeat it. For some, words are repeatable in some places where they are not permitted in others. That is a bit of where we are Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-79668501214906358892011-09-08T07:00:00.000-05:002011-09-08T15:14:15.996-05:00Progressive Minded
When I was a young child to teen and I would go visit my extended family (most lived in the same town at the time) I didn't want to spend much time with my mom's side of the family. This was basically because there were no cousins near my age and the only thing that seemed to happen at my maternal grandmother's house (or later on, my maternal aunt's house) would be visiting. It was boring to me.Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-11835839983774980912011-09-05T19:48:00.000-05:002011-09-05T19:48:41.935-05:00The Universal, Portable RuleDo to others as you were the others - Unknown
The "golden rule" as Matthew 7:12 has become better known as is a lot more challenging than we often think of it as being. It is probably one of the verses that every child learns when they go to Sunday School or even Vacation/Holiday Bible School. Kids are instructed and encouraged to play fair with one another, including sharing and treating each Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-63434514036667615962011-09-01T11:14:00.000-05:002011-09-01T11:14:35.693-05:00What Do You See in the World?
I am probably typical when it comes to wanting to look at myself in the mirror. Those flaws will be seen more so than the good areas. We all probably would like to lose something here or there, have something changed, etc.
Though we look at the mirrors in our bathrooms and bedrooms with certain judgments about ourselves. How does the world look at you? That brings us to this week's quote...
Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-82951369685800562882011-08-29T16:16:00.000-05:002011-08-29T16:16:45.900-05:00When There is Nowhere Else to Go
You've probably seen the scene. Someone is running away from something and they come to a dead end. What will they do now? Sometimes the outcome is good, other times, not so good.
In life, you've probably felt that way. You feel like you've come to the end of your path and there is nowhere else to go. Up, down, left, right...nowhere! What are you to do?
This past weekend, I was given theJarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-42921700987626892242011-08-25T11:47:00.000-05:002011-08-25T11:47:26.277-05:00"Serves" Up!
"Cowabunga, Dude!" "Gnarly!" "Hang ten." "Surf's up!" These among hundreds others (see here) are terms from the surfing community. I am totally out of my element when it comes to the surfer scene! This 'community' of people have an understanding that those on the outside would probably just think they are crazy. One thing is for sure, they are adamant about their lifestyle and becoming good at Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-51297082343759162332011-08-25T10:47:00.000-05:002011-08-25T10:47:53.128-05:00You Cannot Win If You Don't Enter
"Winner, winner, chicken dinner" is a line from the movie "21" that came out a few years ago. I don't think it is original with that movie, but it was the first time I heard the line. It is a catchy line and stays in your head as you repeat the line over a few times. It was said when a person won at roulette; such a risky game, but usually a big payoff.
You will not experience the great Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-90308756235249669552011-08-18T07:56:00.004-05:002011-08-18T10:01:15.365-05:00A Reason I Love Coming Home
"Daddy!" exclaimed by my 3-year old son as I drive up in the driveway or after walking in the door. It has been a short time since I started hearing that when I arrive, but it never, and I mean never, gets old. Just the other day my one-year old daughter showed her excitement when I came in the door and it was awesome! She cannot talk yet, but I look forward to the time when she can make that Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-81159065778823038482011-08-15T16:45:00.000-05:002011-08-15T16:45:25.436-05:00Appreciate the Gift
Judgment...can be a difficult thing to do correctly. Maybe it is an official trying to determine the correct call on a play, a judge determining whose correct in a courtroom, or deciding which item will be the best for your needs on a particular job. It can have its difficulties.
Usually the times in which judgment is easy are when we do not gain the necessary information to make the correct "Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-23877810663010029972011-08-10T11:50:00.002-05:002011-08-12T14:02:51.754-05:00Climbing LaddersSchool is about to begin. Sports practices have already begun in some places. Retail stores are busy with school shopping. Teachers have already started to begin planning and organizing their classrooms. the summer is winding down!
When the school year winds down we think about graduation, that brings us to this week's quote...
All that stands between the graduate and the top of the ladder is Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-29876841670522382762011-08-08T11:45:00.002-05:002011-08-08T11:45:54.045-05:00Take a Hard Look In the MirrorPointing fingers...figuratively or in reality, we all have a tendency to do it in our lives. There may be times it is innocent in nature; other times it is to direct attention to a person.
I have had my fair share of times that I have looked (down) at someone and formed a judgment about them (not simply an opinion). It is sad to say, but I have. Though it is getting less and less frequent the Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-82465387568401250952011-08-03T10:06:00.000-05:002011-08-04T01:28:07.456-05:00Producing the PearlWhen I was dating my wife, pearl rings were given as a traditional "promise ring." My wife was three states away from where I was living at the time. I had no clue on the "tradition" where she was living. Thinking diamonds were more "valuable" than a pearl, I went with a diamond ring that had two interlocked hearts. It basically was diamond "pieces" in one heart and gold making up the other heartJarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-69707600931737546772011-08-01T07:09:00.001-05:002011-08-01T07:09:00.453-05:00God FirstWhat is the most important thing in your life?
You might say your family (a particular member, depending on your situation), your faith, your job, your house, or other material item. Regardless of what your answer is, you have a "most important thing in your life." It will come out sooner or later, and could possibly be evident to others. It may also change, due to life's circumstances.
The Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-52998644423266238802011-07-28T07:48:00.000-05:002011-07-28T08:34:00.107-05:00Persistent or Stubborn?Failure. Such a non-desired word to be labeled. It is what the "F" on a school assignment represents. I hardly ever received them in school, and because of that, they were so gut-wrenching to see. Who wants to be a failure, in school or in life? Some are not failures but a few mistakes and they are now stricken with that label.
Failure ultimately means when you quit trying. You may fail a test/Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-91191522145839139342011-07-26T12:24:00.000-05:002011-07-26T12:43:15.894-05:00Bank of HeavenWhere do you do your banking? Bank of America, Western State Bank, People's National Bank, Farmer's and Merchant's Bank, First National Bank are just a few of hundreds of banks that are out there, especially when it comes to a "local" bank. How secure are these banks? They may have the latest lines of defense to cause them to be secure, but for every security plan out there a thief is trying to Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-44160844602934348332011-07-21T11:36:00.001-05:002011-07-21T11:36:13.144-05:00Are You Rusty?Kids tend to like to play with dad's tools or older siblings toys, but they have a tendency to forget to put them up. I can remember getting into trouble by leaving either my father's or my brother's things outside. If a metal item, like a tool or BB gun, is left long enough, it can start to rust. Rusting is an oxidation of the metal, but it also gives a bad appearance to the item.
My son, a Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-59597727403577373812011-07-18T08:41:00.000-05:002011-07-18T08:41:03.362-05:00Fasting: A Warning - Matthew 6:16-18Fasting to attract attention is what Jesus was talking against in Matthew 6:16-18. How many of us have moments when we may do something to attract attention. It could be someone dressing or acting a certain way.
Those that are on the dating scene are always trying to draw attention to themselves to try to attract the opposite gender. Some that have been married a while may title their spouses "Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-38667279660975879052011-07-07T09:00:00.007-05:002011-07-07T09:00:00.881-05:00Champions Are Not Made In the RingWho will be the winner of the 2015 Cy Young award(major league baseball pitching award)? What about 2018 NCAA Wrestling National Champion in the 150 weight range? 2022 Women's Wimbledon Champion?
All those are hardly even predictable because they are so far off. I will guarantee that those people are working hard in their field to try to achieve that goal. It is probably not just one person thatJarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-17649647395617920252011-07-06T14:07:00.000-05:002011-07-06T14:07:47.633-05:00Two hundred thirty-five years ago a group of people were “up to here” with the way the government was conducting themselves. Logic tells me that this unrest had been brewing for several years. Some probably thought “this was the way it will always be,” where others were thinking “we have to do something about the way things are.” Nevertheless, the people who had come over to this land from Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-84029368893364732792011-07-04T15:34:00.000-05:002011-07-04T15:34:28.347-05:00Prayer: Why Must I Be Persistent?I was a poster child for persistence when it came to trying to get something from my parents. Just this Father's Day (2011) I sent my father a card which I found in the store that modeled this past behavior. The card had a lot of questions in it, as if it were coming from a kid, asking over and over. It gave my father a good laugh (in fact, he comments often about "Where do you find these cards?"Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-35817455186722957782011-07-01T09:43:00.002-05:002011-07-01T09:43:00.664-05:00Super Funny Clip from "The Break Up"Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-47800578561223782362011-06-30T07:00:00.001-05:002011-06-30T07:00:09.877-05:00What Will You Do With Tomorrow?"Tomorrow, tomorrow, I love ya, tomorrow. You're only a day away."
Most of you probably know that line comes from one of the main songs on the movie "Annie." Tomorrow allows freedom. Freedom to start over. Freedom to have a new set of 24 hours. A new set of 1440 minutes. A new set of 86,400 seconds.
How we use each "tomorrow" is up to us. Most days "tomorrow" is something I look forward to Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-20111772508748074872011-06-27T15:06:00.000-05:002011-06-27T15:06:06.954-05:00Prayer: Where's the Power?Why pray? That is a question many wrestle with...are you one of them? We feel that sometimes our prayers are just going out into existence and no further. Often we presume that a person who holds those views is a non-Christian. However, even Christians will go through this struggle sometimes.
Maybe that feeling is because we really don't believe that God exists - He might "kind of" exist, but Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-76970196199802937342011-06-23T08:33:00.001-05:002011-06-23T08:33:00.413-05:00Blossom FirstEach of us has reasons we pursue the things we pursue. There is some sort of a gain that we are all trying to reach. It could be personal fulfillment to job promotion or a host of other reasons. All in all, we still have a reason.
Some reasons may be with a hopefulness that will never turn out like we would hope for. For example, the job promotion doesn't come after achieving the goals we were Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-19928695540077883612011-06-20T11:50:00.001-05:002011-06-20T17:24:43.951-05:00How Do You Paint Your Dad?What are some of your positive memories of your father?
Father's play such an important role in the development of a child. I can see that first hand in the development of my children. Father's naturally tend to be the "rough" parent. They tend to wrestle more and do some of the more risky things. They like to say "rub some dirt on it." Whereas the mom will tend to shy away from some of those Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-87686738121116615892011-06-16T04:51:00.000-05:002011-06-16T09:46:31.370-05:00Avoiding the BullDemolition derbies are enjoyable to watch. There is something enjoyable about watching a car try to destroy other cars. In the meantime, the spectator is able to see all the damage that is done to the cars. It may sound a bit odd, but many people, including myself, enjoy watching these derbies.
However, many things in life are not won by trying to beat up the other person. Or another way to Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-25362947888574884772011-06-09T10:46:00.007-05:002011-06-09T10:46:00.312-05:00You Decide (Where You Will Go)Choices are all around us and practically every second of your life, if you want to break it down that small. You can decide what to click on when you are on the computer. You can decide when and how often to close your eyes. You decide what path to take - driving or walking. So many choices!
What about the choice of where to go in life? Graduations have pretty much ceased for the year. From Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-23829603236481796122011-06-07T16:14:00.000-05:002011-06-07T16:14:17.446-05:00How Can I Help You?This blog is not just a way for me to write, but a way for me to help others.
How can I help you? Answer questions you have? Encourage you? Motivate you to accomplish what you want in life? ANYTHING!
Let me know your thoughts...Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-32753631955476560332011-06-06T15:32:00.000-05:002011-06-06T15:32:17.970-05:00Prayer Life WarningPrayer is such an amazing thing. I've seen "miracles" happen as a result of prayer. It is amazing to see such things take place!
Have you ever felt a great feeling after you pray? I love that feeling. To see your requests leaving you and going to God. He knows how to answer and deal with them in the most perfect way. However, His "perfect way" may not be our perfect way, so we must learn to Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-6541098096269976842011-06-02T11:29:00.000-05:002011-06-02T11:29:36.447-05:00Step UpHow many of you have ever done something embarrassing and then looked around to see if anyone saw you?
I would bet that nearly 100% of you fit into this category. How many of those embarrassing situations had something to do with tripping or losing your balance?
Those situations are usually silly and what was tripped over or stepped in, etc. are usually little things that you could have simply Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-21967920018415786582011-05-30T12:00:00.000-05:002011-05-30T12:00:56.650-05:00Be Careful Little Hands What You Do...
"Look at me! Do you notice how much time I spend volunteering and how much I give to charities?"
Giving for the sake of attention is what Jesus was addressing in Matthew 6:1 when He warned about one's acts of righteousness (or alms giving) being done in the wrong manner. Nothing wrong with giving or not, but giving for the sake of attention is always wrong.
Why does it seem that people Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-80379615788610112552011-05-26T09:25:00.000-05:002011-05-26T09:25:00.843-05:00How Much Can You See?How far can you see? If you were to look out into an open field, how far could you see? If you were to look at the same field with binoculars, how far could you see? If you could look out with a telescope, how far could you see? These instruments do allow us to see farther, and in some ways more. However, our sight is really dependent on us allowing ourselves to see what we see. When I want myJarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-8595135332217892992011-05-23T13:59:00.000-05:002011-05-23T13:59:30.573-05:00Purpose: Even as a BrickA few years ago a book came out called "Purpose Driven Life" that swept the nation. It may still be very popular among people. I have read the book and taught the material a couple of times. It is a good book.
Part of the point of the book lies in the title - purpose. Trying to find a purpose in your life. Being a person without purpose is like a ship without a rudder. You really have no Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-3695984562607553612011-05-19T01:07:00.002-05:002011-05-19T11:16:34.494-05:00Tell 'Em "Good Job!"
Teachers are usually one of the best at making kids feel important. That child-aimed praise is needed for kids in their development. For some unfortunate kids, they will not receive the needed praise at home - maybe even none.
In addition, peers can be very mean so an acknowledgment of praise is needed to counter the negative messages from the schoolyard. We have all been there to one extent Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-58390069662790799242011-05-16T16:11:00.000-05:002011-05-16T16:11:40.966-05:00Continue On
Graduation - such an exciting time of year! One has completed the necessary amount of requirements to receive the desired diploma!
As my family attended the ceremonies yesterday, I couldn't help but think about the time when my children will graduate. Bittersweet will be what I will pre-label it. Even when I was giving my graduation sermon yesterday, I couldn't help but think how hard it willJarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-64196013294183965832011-05-12T11:06:00.008-05:002011-05-16T16:14:23.203-05:00Don't Be Another Member of Society
People are all around us. Most go about their daily lives simply “going.” They go to work, go home, go to activities, go to school, go to eat – just going.
We are a people that is on the go a lot. Even in my rural community, people seem to be on the go much of the time – kids events, meetings, etc.
Is any of that really getting you where you want to be for yourself? Sure, parents love to Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-39355602560281132132011-05-11T12:04:00.000-05:002011-05-11T12:04:33.532-05:00Need Encouragment...weekly?
Everyone needs encouragement...This presentation takes less than one minute of your time...
Please press play, or copy the link below
into your browser to view my message.
http://play.goldmail.com/i4k0c0zmlynl
Powered by GoldMailJarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-8721244141192842422011-05-11T11:06:00.000-05:002011-05-13T15:41:45.160-05:00Don't Be Another Member of Society
People are all around us. Most go about their daily lives simply “going.” They go to work, go home, go to activities, go to school, go to eat – just going.
We are a people that is on the go a lot. Even in my rural community, people seem to be on the go much of the time – kids events, meetings, etc.
Is any of that really getting you where you want to be for yourself? Sure, parents love to Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-54430537719406451942011-05-10T00:24:00.002-05:002011-05-10T00:24:00.088-05:00A Mom's WorthWhat is your mom worth to you? Depending on your age and gender will determine your thoughts. I speak from a personal view that I have gone through stages in life and being a male, where I viewed my mom as a worth that was less than deserved.
In my lesson I put together some figures that a mom was worth over $155,000 per year, for a stay-at-home mom. For a working mom, the figures were an Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-70034563020118849512011-05-05T10:32:00.002-05:002011-05-05T11:07:14.978-05:00Turn Your HeadIt is easy to focus on issues that are negative. They sometimes seem like they loom, when they may really be a brief part of our lives.
Take for instance, losing sleep when you have a newborn. A mom (and sometimes a father) can become exhausted when there are several nights that a child doesn’t sleep well or maybe the child has a condition in which the parents “cannot sleep” due to anxiousness.Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-50167279922869712422011-05-02T15:06:00.001-05:002011-05-02T15:08:17.640-05:00Mayday, Mayday!It has been nearly ten years since the 9/11 attacks. The attacks used airplanes loaded with innocent people as “living missiles.” People were probably doing a lot of screaming as planes were headed downward or into one of the buildings, or as they were impacted by the planes hitting different buildings. “Mayday” comes from a French word m’aider, which means “come help me.” Whether it was 9/11, Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-45906390935931763622011-04-28T10:43:00.001-05:002011-04-28T10:44:36.032-05:00Making RoomInventions are coming out all the time. Just when you thought about everything that could be invented had been…a few months later, something else is out on the market. Sometimes when I see a new and clever product, that seems very logical, I think, “Why didn’t I think of that?” As I observe a newly released product I will either be attracted to it, repelled by it, or want to investigate it. Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-23256482521696923512011-04-25T03:48:00.000-05:002011-04-25T12:03:49.772-05:00The Other Prodigal SonThere are times which a story has a “main character” and any “supporting characters” are not given as much attention in lessons. To notice the supporting character in a frequently overlooked Bible text is one of the most thrilling parts of being a student of the Bible. In the story of the Lost Son (aka Prodigal Son), the younger son, who squanders his property is often the one who is looked at Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-78063823597890990622011-04-23T10:33:00.000-05:002011-04-23T10:33:00.284-05:00Looking Through the Lens of a FatherMy parents would probably tell you that I was a handful to raise. I did not do things that would have landed me in handcuffs or sent to the principal’s office. No, I was a smart aleck. My mouth caused me to be a “handful.” I remember being upset with my father and hollering down the hall “You’re the worst father in the world!” Needless to say, my father came back and let me know he didn’t approveJarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-66638418225252085192011-04-21T05:03:00.001-05:002011-04-21T05:03:00.676-05:00Being Nice to Your N—uh—MeYou have to be phonetical with the last word…it is “enemy.” I just needed it to start with “n.”
A few days ago I had a friend who was having a difficult time due to some “negative nellys” where he works. It isn’t the most fun to be in a leadership position. It seems that some times people are only in your life to torment you. They may not even realize that they are doing that. It may just be in Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-38224205535840230532011-04-18T00:56:00.000-05:002011-04-18T10:23:31.495-05:00The Father’s GraceParenthood, it can start at about any age from the teenage years and beyond. I had the unexpected surprise to be connected with a dad that came into that position at fifteen. This was way beyond when I was blessed to become a father. For me I was thirty-three before parenthood began.
The unique thing about each of us is that we had our own “turning point” of what I call the “curse of parenthood.Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-21934407826556169622011-04-14T04:50:00.000-05:002011-04-14T08:20:20.700-05:00Winning Doesn’t Just HappenWe all know that kids go through stages of wanting to be something or someone when they grow up. My three-year old has gone through a few already. Of late, he is saying he wants to be a “fire fighter-man.” Other times he’s wanted to be a “Chinese food worker” and a “Pizza worker.”
I know as life moves forward, he’ll see other things he wants to become and eventually will find passion in a careerJarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-61391337992047301812011-04-11T12:53:00.000-05:002011-04-11T15:52:36.681-05:00Not Worthy of GodDo we desire to grow up sooner than we should for the sake of feeling more worth out of life? Is that why young kids like to hang out with older kids and teens like to hang out with young adults? Are we rushing our life all for a tiny feeling of more worth?
In most situations, worth starts to diminish as something ages. Usually that comes to a monetary value. This can pour over into humans when Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-26724542704928633472011-04-07T07:38:00.000-05:002011-04-07T07:38:00.708-05:00Take the Opportunities“What if?” That question could be applied to so many different situations. As I look at that question it means that I am probably looking back on something with a sense of regret or wonder about a decision I made.
The decision could have been one where I didn’t make any choice, not just a “good versus bad” choice. Either way I am looking back to that point and wondering.
There are things that IJarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-58459390657551247592011-04-04T15:57:00.001-05:002011-04-04T15:57:53.235-05:00Squandering SonOne if the lessons that we try to get across to our son is about eating. Overall, he’s a great eater of various foods. For example, though he just turned 3, he started liking “hot and sour soup” from a local Chinese place when he was 2-years old. The lesson is to choose entrée over dessert. For most of us the sweets are more palatable, so the temptation is a bit natural. However, if you Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-60768549329625234202011-04-02T09:58:00.000-05:002011-04-02T09:58:00.626-05:00March Madness
It is that time of year when there are several NCAA basketball games on throughout the month. The first part of the month involves conference tournaments. Conferences like Big XII, Big 10, PAC-10, ACC, SEC, WAC, along with several others compete to see who wins. The winners of each conference have an automatic bid into the top sixty-eight, with a chance to make it to number one.
I don’t watchJarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-38261655480506904352011-03-31T16:26:00.000-05:002011-03-31T16:26:00.591-05:00How Do You Carry?Recently, I was talking to my wife, after seeing our niece carry our 7 month old around, about the way girls carry small children “on their hip.” You have probably seen this be performed, if you haven’t carried a child that way yourself. The carry is to the side, on top of the hip bone. My comment leaned toward not understanding how girls typically carry children like that. I cannot do that, Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-35683844311724968642011-03-24T07:26:00.000-05:002011-03-24T07:26:00.276-05:00Get Out Your Dust ClothsIs it time for a little “spring cleaning”? Time to get the rubber gloves out, the work clothes on and get to work. It might be time to do a little spring cleaning on ourselves, which brings us to this week’s quote… The final step in our spring cleaning is to dust off your dreams. Take them for a spin. Is there something you really want to do? Go out and do it now. There's no point in Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-70126246625365827032011-03-21T15:37:00.001-05:002011-03-21T15:37:44.072-05:00Demanding From the Father“GIVE ME! GIVE ME, IT’S MINE!” Ever heard something like that? I have. In fact, I’ve probably said something like that years ago. Possessiveness seems to parallel selfishness when it comes to being demanding. We also are demanding when we use the place where we stand on a situation as the standard. With religion and politics we label conservative or liberal. With time it is too fast or too slowJarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-78950018332602623242011-03-17T09:32:00.001-05:002011-03-17T09:32:23.106-05:00Make Up Your MindIt is no secret that one of my pet peeves is to be in a group that has a difficult time making decisions. Whether it is “what to do” or “where to eat,” they all are involved in that category. Just this week I was involved in a situation like this. I was the “newbie” of the group, so I did not feel comfortable putting much input into the decision. For one, I was fine with anywhere to eat, but it Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-19598920725428823292011-03-15T09:01:00.000-05:002011-03-15T09:01:00.770-05:00Leaving Behind FootprintsI was reading an article this week that was discussing Charlie Sheen. He is getting a lot of media coverage. Reports say that he is more “popular,” based on attention he is receiving, right now than President Obama and Lady Gaga. Within the article, it mentioned something to the effect that it was sad how Sheen was going about presenting himself to the public. Some of it is on national Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-5292605898003073012011-03-14T02:40:00.001-05:002011-03-14T02:40:46.364-05:00A Man Who Had Two SonsHow many people are in your family/household? In my household we have the “ideal” family of four. One gender of each child. We are blessed, not because of our family’s make-up, just because we are a family. Family consists of a group of individuals with a common tie. Maybe it is ancestry or common beliefs. We all come into a biological family but are you a part of a family group outside your Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-60488544994047911042011-03-10T07:00:00.000-06:002011-03-10T07:00:16.974-06:00Experience…What would you say to your 18-year old self if you could go back in time (or in the future)? Most are probably over 18 that are reading this, so I will write with the aspect of going back in time.
Most of us wish we had the knowledge we have now when we were eighteen. That time of life is when things start happening. You jump off the edge of the nest to spread your wings and fly. Your first Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-5472442507225201102011-03-07T11:54:00.001-06:002011-03-07T11:54:55.781-06:00Why Do I Need to Be Saved, I’m a Good PersonWhy would God allow good people to not go to heaven? Good people are esteemed in society. They are sometimes given awards. Sometimes they just fly under the radar and continue to do good things. Good people may be your friends, neighbors, and relatives. Good people are everywhere. However, good is subjective. Salvation is not. Sunday, we looked at a lesson that dealt with salvation. Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-61435437265963037702011-03-03T00:19:00.001-06:002011-03-04T10:57:53.379-06:00Don’t Pass Up OpportunitiesI enjoy going to auctions. I have learned to like auctions and garage sales from my father. He enjoyed going to garage sales and looking through the miscellaneous to try to find the hidden treasure. He would go to consignment auctions when I was a teen and sit there and watch the crates of miscellaneous pass by. Bidding on some…letting others pass.
He disappointed me many times in the sense thatJarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-79139049583457261192011-03-01T01:30:00.001-06:002011-03-01T01:30:43.373-06:00Your Big BreakGo to a place like Nashville, Tennessee and you are bound to find people that have come there looking for their “big break.” This is an opportunity to make it big in a field that is constantly flooded with talent. There is talent for the younger and the older, the up tempo and the slow tempo. Did you ever imagine a time which you would be one of those who’d receive your “big break”? Maybe it Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-81084601231268983372011-02-28T14:11:00.001-06:002011-02-28T14:11:07.586-06:00“IF”–You Give Everything But Do Not Have LoveEver heard the phrase, “attitude is everything”? It is generally used in situations where you are being inspired to do better – sporting event, scholastically, etc. Regardless, there is a lot of truth and depth to the phrase. There are tasks that I enjoy doing, but I have to be in the right frame of mind to do it because it is all about attitude. When it comes to giving – money or yourself – Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-63817303350056925032011-02-26T16:11:00.000-06:002011-02-26T16:11:00.446-06:00Meeting Every Day the Social Media WayWe tend to be a busy culture. Even in our rural area of western Kansas the pace is busy. Families are busy many days of the week with various activities. During the school year the activities may center on school, but even in the summer the activities don’t seem to lessen. Busyness has eroded the opportunities for families to sit down and eat a meal together. Anymore, one or more of the family Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-2607733394181784112011-02-26T10:54:00.000-06:002011-02-26T10:54:00.143-06:00Meet “The Rookie,” Jim Morris on March 24-26The Rookie... Remember the movie made about the Texas baseball coach who went on to pitch in the Major Leagues? The movie was made of Jim Morris’ true story. Connected with the Arms of Hope Ministries, this Christian man uses his fame and influence to care for hurting children. Colleagues Terry Drake, Troy Robertson, and Kevin McDonald join Jim in presenting three classes at the workshop.Jarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072547133252027631.post-37754343642366209782011-02-24T01:48:00.000-06:002011-02-24T08:23:58.529-06:00Character DevelopmentIt is said that Michelangelo’s David wasn’t created in a short time. He didn’t do it during a semester of art school. The time it took was around three years. Can you imagine working on the same project for that long? I am sure a few of you can, as you have projects that have been ongoing and still not complete. However, this was something different. This was probably his main concentration
WouldJarrod Spencerhttps://profiles.google.com/111470004118314065131noreply@blogger.com0