Food For Thought

Posted in Motivational, Relationships, Spiritual

I was driving today and noticed this sign on a car in front of me: “Don’t believe everything you think.” Wow. That was a very thought provoking bumper sticker. I have to admit I am curious as to why they put it on their car. Was he a preacher, a teacher, or someone running for office? I will never know.

What it did for me was give me pause and consider what I think. Thoughts are inevitable and yet sometimes we really don’t THINK for ourselves. We are bombarded with things to shape our thinking. The politicians tell us what to think, social media and the news are working towards that means 24/7, entertainment is certainly doing its part, and then we have the voices of friends, family, co-workers, and even the voice within our own head. Is it any wonder we sometimes really don’t know what to think? Add to that the spiritual dimension and warfare that is constantly warring against us, and you can see why this is a deeper issue than most even consider.

The Bible tells us to take EVERY thought captive (2 Corinthians 10:5). That is a tall order! Every thought? Really, God? God knew when He gave us the scriptures that we would be under attack in our thought life and we can’t fight this fight on our own. That is why the Holy Spirit and Bible were given to us: to guide, help, encourage, equip, and warn us.

Next time you are having some thoughts that are less than pure and maybe even evil, ask yourself where these thoughts are coming from. You may have to change what you are watching on TV, and you may have to even change your circle of influence. Who you listen to does matter. Boundaries are healthy and that coupled with putting on the whole armor of God will sustain you in the days to come. It is good to question what you are really thinking.

Ephesians 6: 11-18 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one, which is the Word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

What comes out of your mouth and the actions you take are birthed out of your thought life. Just some food for thought.

Shalom!

Daniel Skognes

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The Wrath of Man

Posted in Motivational, Relationships, Spiritual

Have you noticed how many people are mad about something these days? We seem to live in a world filled with angry people and the media does not help. Social media allows people to vent anonymously on folks to whom they would otherwise show at least a shred of respect and self-restraint…and don’t get me started on all the knuckleheads on the highway!

It seems that people are looking for a fight and anyone that causes them the least bit of annoyance is going to get it with both barrels. We are in the last week and a half of the school year and almost everyone seems on edge. The teachers are burned out. The kids are tired of all the testing and being forced to be silent for 5 or more hours.

Just my opinion, but I believe we are witnessing spiritual warfare at it’s finest. You may not believe in God or the Devil, and I am not trying to convince you of their existence. I am simply pointing out the evidence is there for those who will see. The powers of darkness are working overtime to steal, kill, and destroy our families, our nation, and our very lives.

The Bible says that we are to avoid associating ourselves with angry people lest we become like them. Evil company corrupts. We are bombarded on every side with things to make us angry. The question is, “When you are tempted to become angry over something, how do you handle it? Do you react or respond?” We are often undone by a quick retort instead of just letting it go or at least thinking before we respond.

We expect a lot from others, don’t we? The biggest problem we seem to have is in managing unmet expectations and controlling our own emotions. Next time you are offended by someone, think before you speak, don’t react…respond, and don’t send an email or leave a voicemail when you are angry. It is OK to vent to God. He can handle it, but don’t dwell on it. The more you stew….the more you brew and eventually you will erupt just like a volcano…spewing on anyone in close proximity. Remember that words have the power of life and death, and once they are expressed, they can never be retracted.

Speak life, love, and peace into those who are distraught. God’s Word is our instruction manual, Jesus is our peace, and the Holy Spirit is our guide and comforter. Let God fight your fights, and when you pray, ask God to change YOU, not the person who offended you. In truth, there are many times where we are our own worst enemy and unless we address our own anger issues and lack of self-control, we are destined to a life of Hell on Earth. That is not what God intended. Don’t let the Devil steal your joy. Resist him and he will flee.

P.S. There is such a thing as righteous anger. That is Biblical. Just make sure it does not turn in to self-righteous anger. That never ends well for anyone.

Shalom!

Dan Skognes

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The Wait

Posted in Business, Motivational, Relationships, Spiritual

I don’t think I am the only one who has a problem with waiting, am I? I hate waiting in traffic, waiting for an expected call, waiting for money that is owed me, waiting for someone to apologize, waiting on someone to meet me, waiting in a fast food line, etc. Patience is not one of my virtues. I guess that is why God continually puts me in situations where I HAVE to wait.

Waiting on God is very hard to do. Obviously it requires faith, so I guess that is another area that I have to work on. It is easier for me to accept Yes or No from God than it is to have to WAIT. It is the waiting that drives me crazy if I let it.

I have become better about waiting on God as I have grown older for several reasons:

1. I have made some terrible decisions in my life when I second-guessed God and tried to “help” Him do what I wanted. He didn’t need my help, just my obedience, faith, and patience.

2. I have realized that waiting on God is for our good. God has a plan for each of us. We just have to trust Him.

3. I have found that many times when I thought something was what I wanted, I realized that it was not good for me at that time or perhaps not good for me at all.

We have a choice to make when we are waiting. We can stress out or we can chill out. If we look at the delay as a positive thing and praise God that He is in control despite what we see, what we feel, or what we think, then and only then are we are able to live a life of peace. Instead of stressing, try blessing.

Psalm 103:1 says, “Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name.”

Psalm 27:14 says, “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”

Romans 12:12 says, “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”

2 Peter 3:9 says, “The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

When you are waiting on God to open the door, praise Him in the hallway! All His promises are YES and AMEN.

Shalom!

Daniel Skognes

Things I Learned From Mom And Dad

Posted in Motivational, Relationships, Spiritual

(They were married for 60 years)
Mom and Dad taught me many things as I was growing up. Here are a few of the gems they imparted:
1. Love the Lord with all your heart.
2. Don’t be afraid to tell others about Jesus.
3. Love your family.
4. Value your friendships.
5. Be a person others can trust.
6. Be on time, and that means early.
7. Play for fun, but play to win.
8. Respect authority.
9. Be kind to those less fortunate.
10. Go to church regularly.
11. Read your Bible every day.
12. Memorize Scripture.
13. Take time to travel.
14. Faith your fears.
15. Be a servant leader.
16. Tithe your income.
17. Laugh!
18. Take care of what you have.
19. Live within your means.
20. Save regularly.
21. Learn to cook from scratch.
22. Be careful who you call friend.
23. Pray, trust, and obey.
24. Be grateful.
25. Respect others, even those you don’t like.
26. Love your country.
27. Thank those that serve you.
I really miss my parents. Love you Mom and Dad!
Shalom!
Daniel Skognes

Unpack Your Bags

Posted in Motivational, Relationships, Spiritual

Have you every seen someone who is going on an overnight trip and they pack like they will be there a year? I have. It is funny in one sense, but it is disturbing on another level. The more you carry, the harder the trip is and the more people it will affect in a negative way.

Emotional bags are the heaviest things you will ever carry. I know adults that are still carrying emotional baggage from when they were just kids. They have never learned how to unpack, so sadly, their luggage gets heavier and heavier as they travel on the road of life. It sucks the joy out of their lives and destroys or disrupts relationships they could have had.

You can’t ignore emotional scars. The deepest wounds are often created by those we love and trust the most which makes it even harder to deal with. The wounds from someone you love can be healed, but it takes time, patience, love, and forgiveness. Whether you’ve been abandoned, cheated on, lied to, or abused, there is hope. There is light at the end of the tunnel.

It is painful to confront our past, but I do know a therapist that is open 24/7 and he has the answers to any problem you might be facing. He is the Lord God Almighty. The Bible tells us that we are to cast our burdens upon Him. We were never intended to deal with all of our problems ourselves. God even gave us an instruction book to help us any time we are needing it. The weird thing is that so many people have never even opened up the Bible and read it, and then they wonder why their lives are a living hell.

Allow God to help you with any hurt that you are dealing with. He never promised us a life free of pain, but He did promise His blessing, His help, His love, His guidance, and His strength to help you through any storm you are facing. He can help you unpack your bags, lighten your load, and get you back on track and living a life that is meaningful, joyful, and hopeful.

I realize that many situations require a therapist with skin on them. Just make sure their advice lines up with God’s Word. Anything short of that will leave you with even more baggage to deal with.

It is never too late to unpack your bags. The sooner the better…for you and all those that will cross your path.

Shalom!

Daniel Skognes

 

 

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Fingerprints

Posted in Business, Motivational, Relationships, Spiritual

Fingerprints are unique, and everyday we leave our fingerprints on the minds and hearts of people we encounter. I regret that two people who profoundly changed my life both passed away before I could tell them how much they meant to me. Both were teachers. One was in high school, and one was in college. The first one encouraged me to be a creative writer, and the second one taught me the power of humor and story telling when engaging an audience.

This made me realize that we need to tell people how they have impacted us before it is too late. Think about folks that have changed your life for the better. It might be a teacher, a preacher, a friend, a neighbor, your spouse, a child, or even a stranger. Someone along the way said or did something for you that touched your life in a profound way. Perhaps they are still doing it. Take time to write that person a handwritten letter and let them know how much they mean to you and how grateful you are for them. Trust me, it will make their day. It will also remind you to do two things: 1. Leave positive fingerprints on all those who cross your path. 2. Have an attitude of gratitude.

Shalom!

Daniel Skognes

Faith Over Feelings

Posted in Business, Motivational, Relationships, Spiritual

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Hard to Focus

Posted in Business, Motivational, Relationships, Spiritual

Let’s face it: it is easy to lose focus in a world full of distractions. Cell phones, laptops, people, school, jobs, animals, and worries are all vying for our attention. Personally, I love the sound of silence. Early mornings are my time to focus on the day. I get so much more done when everyone else is asleep. LOL.

Is it any wonder that lack of focus is a problem for most people these days? It stresses people out when they can’t focus. It is like someone switching the light on and off rapidly as they are trying to think! Just my opinion here, but it seems self-evident that if you cannot focus, you will never be at peace.

First of all, we need to get our priorities straight:

1. We need to focus on God. He is our rock, our refuge in time of need, our provider, our hope, and our salvation. Know God, know peace. No God, no peace.

2. We need to focus on our family. Next to God, family is the most important thing. Family comes before jobs, hobbies, me time, etc. If you lose focus of your family, there are lifelong consequences that you will regret. Blessed be the ties that bind.

3. Focus on your friends. If you are fortunate enough to have 3 or 4 really close friends, you are indeed wealthy! There is a friend that sticks closer than a brother. Be that friend!

4. Focus on yourself. Be the best person that you can possibly be. We are all works in progress. There is nobody that can claim they have arrived. We always need to be learning, improving, self correcting, and striving for excellence.

5. Focus on your work. Whatever you choose to do in life, do it with all your heart. Work is a blessing….not a curse. Learn to enjoy what you do. Bloom where you are planted.

6. Find balance in your life. It is hard to walk if you lose your balance, right? Same thing if events in your life are in constant chaos. Make better choices and take time to unwind. That is why God said, “Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.” We all need time to recharge our batteries and refocus on what really matters in life.

Shalom!

Daniel Skognes

14 Life Lessons

Posted in Business, Motivational, Relationships, Spiritual

1. Life is not fair. Get over it and quit whining.

2. Not everyone is trustworthy. Choose your friends wisely, and learn from your mistakes. Don’t give repeat offenders access to your inner circle.

3. Quit blaming someone else for your choices. You are responsible for the decisions you have made. This is part of growing up…so grow up. Own your mistakes.

4. You have to play the hand you were dealt. Play wisely. Consider the consequences.

5. You have two choices when you look at the glass of life. It is either half full or half empty. You have to choose which one you will drink from. Stay positive!

6. You don’t have to like everyone you work or live with, just learn to respect them and give them their space. If you want respect, give it. Remember that you can’t change anyone. Work on yourself and you will have your hands full.

7. Not everyone is going to like you, so quit trying to please everyone. Just be you…but make it the best you that you want to be.

8. Learn the power of forgiveness. If you forgive someone, they no longer have control over you. That is peace, power, and gives you freedom to move on.

9. Love conquers all. Let love rule your life. If you don’t know where to start, remember that God is love. Love God and love people.

10. Give thanks. Have an attitude of gratitude. A grateful heart will open the door for blessings.

11. Quit worrying about tomorrow. It does no good. Live today to the fullest. Trust God.

12. Learn the power of kindness. A simple act of kindness can help someone make it one more day. Be the person that extends a hand to help those who cannot help themselves.

13. Remember that everyone has issues. Cut them some slack and give them the grace that you need when you are having a rough day.

14. You find your purpose when you find your passion. Find what you are wired to do and you will love the life that you live. Everyone has a gift and a purpose, but we each have to find it on our own. Don’t give up on your dreams and don’t let anyone tell you who you are supposed to be. Let God direct your steps.

Shalom!

Daniel Skognes

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Strive To Thrive

Posted in Business, Motivational, Relationships, Spiritual

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