If you think this winter is cold, you’re right.

But, be glad you’re not in Antarctica.

NationalGeographic.com reported that on August 10, 2010 scientists “measured the most frigid temperature ever recorded … about -136°F (-93°C) — colder than dry ice.”

Chilly Relationships

Spend any time in a mall and you’ll see freezing temperatures, indoors.

You’ll see frustrated and impatient men. You’ll see angry and frustrated women. People who’d say they love one another, but kindle coldness. The heat of their romance has formed a chill.

Thanks to Lance and Rachel, this weekend I had the privilege of officiating my 28th wedding. It’s not something I pursue – and I often turn down opportunities to officiate weddings – but getting to know couples on a deeper level and investing in their marriage is an incredible privilege.

As mysilentscream.com closes out 2013 and we head into 2014 I am excited to share helpful help that I have learned from incredible couples.

Whether you’re single or dating, married or harried, divorced or dilemma-filled, widowed or winsome in your disdain for commitment, I believe that you’ll find something of value.

I’m not very good at relaxing.

Like many of you I had some time off of work for the Thanksgiving weekend. Unfortunately, even while I was “relaxing” I was not particularly restful.
– I read for work.
– I studied health and nutrition.
– Felt frustrated with the Chicago Bears.
– I followed my fantasy football players.
I was not particularly “rest-full.”

Is Rest Possible?

I know I’m not “good” at resting, but I know that it’s possible.

“A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness.” Those words attract me, but also make me ask, “Really?”

In his Introduction Dave Ramsey explains, “Over all these years, The Total Money Makeover has given HOPE to millions of families. This book has given them hope to win, and that hope has caused them to take action and claim ultimate victory over their financial struggles and worries—and to actually win!”

It’s nearly Finals Week for many students. As Finals week approaches Seniors in high school typically have one of four responses. They might be Soakers, Succumbers, those who are Saddened and those who are Survivors.

Soakers – They soak it all in knowing that it can be a year of highlights they will enjoy for life

Succumbers – They succumb to “senioritis” and bide their time until graduation when they can take their next steps.

Saddened – They feel regret knowing that most of their classmates will graduate, but they will not– whether because circumstances within their control, or circumstances that they could not.

Clear shot at an eight-point buck, missed.
Perfect moment for a first kiss, interrupted.
Business plan, rejected.
Cleaned the house, not good enough.
Sincere proposal, denied.
Studied hard, failed.
Doctor’s report, bad news.
Ran your best race, lost.

Life is filled with disappointments.
Life is filled with happiness-crushing hassles.

But that’s not the end of the story.

Despite our circumstances and doubts Happiness IS possible … for all of us.

Sometimes, the pursuit of happiness involves a change of mind, a new perspective, a reversal of direction. Sometimes it’s a mind-altering mysteries like, “great pain can become great possibilities and you can “pray your pain out.”

One of my favorite wedding dances is the Cha-Cha Slide. It’s an easy to follow song with an accompanying dance. The song includes the instructions: Reverse-Reverse.

Last night I had written “The Reverse Game” for this morning – I’m smiling even as I type this – but (pun-intended) God reversed my course. Spending time with God can be like that, a dance. God has the lead and we’re trying to follow along.

In my dance with God one of my daily routines includes reading my Bible. I often include one of several daily devotionals I own. This morning I read Sarah Young’s Jesus Calling entry and it seemed a perfect followup to yesterday’s Happiness IS Possible.

A while back I wrote the very popular 9 Consequences Of Not Listening.

This week I’d like to highlight five listening moments.

Monday was Listening to Understand
Tuesday was Listen Deeply

Listen In

One of the treasures in my life is how much other people trust me. The joys, the sorrows, the missteps and the secrets that people share with me are among my most precious treasures.

Sometimes we wander onto a treasure like a random twenty dollar bill on the ground. Sometimes we find a treasure by randomly watching a movie on Netflix. Sometimes we have to dig deep for a treasure like hard gardening work in the Spring months before a Fall harvest.

My wife and millions of other people read Sarah Young’s Jesus Calling or Jesus Calling Devotional Bible every day. While doing so their faiths have been strengthened and their lives transformed.

Jesus Calling was written as if Jesus Christ was calling you for a chat. Today’s essay contains wise and thoughtful advice for each of us to consider this Father’s Day.

STAY ON THE HIGH ROAD WITH ME. 1

“Many voices clamor for your attention, trying to divert you to another path. But I have called you to walk ever so closely with Me, soaking in My Presence, living in My Peace. This is My unique design for you, planned before the world began.

Last year I read Grace by Max Lucado in which I found some profoundly good news.

Jesus does not say, “Come to me, all you who are perfect and sinless.” Just the opposite. “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28 NASB).

There is no fine print.

A second shoe is not going to drop.

God’s promise has no hidden language. Let grace happen, for heaven’s sake. No more performing for God, no more clamoring after God. Of all the things you must earn in life, God’s unending affection is not one of them. You have it. Stretch yourself out in the hammock of grace.