The Open Sofa

Encouragement, a positive impact we can have on others.  Ever have one of those really horrible days and someone says something uplifting or encouraging and you start to feel a little better.  Its amazing the impact a persons positive words can have on another.  We have the ability to literally change someones day for the better when we choose to be encouraging. Receiving encouragement feels good.  It can put us in a better mood and just make our day a little brighter.  Even the smallest bit of encouragement can bring a smile to our face. Giving encouragement feels just as good.  When we think something positive or nice about someone else we should tell them.  When we are paying attention, we notice other people and what they are doing.  We may never realize the impact we could have on a person by sharing something as simple as, "you did a great job on that project."  Keeping nice thoughts to ourselves does nothing for the person, saying ...

Oh the smart phone!  How did we ever live without these things?  Its hard to remember 10 years ago before the smart phone was around.  I remember actually having to print out maps before going somewhere or having to wait till I got home and on the internet to answer that burning question, "whats that name of that actor in that movie." If you note sarcasm in my tone, you weren't off base.  I have to admit I love my smart phone but there comes a point when its just to much.  Sometimes its seems that I can even survive without it.  How many of us cant go anywhere without our phone?  I know that's the way I feel.  There are so many benefits to having information right at our fingertips and being able to access information so quickly.  The problem with having any information we want at any moment is that our phone becomes almost an obsession and has lead to a different dynamic in our relationships. Some of you may have heard this idea befo...

Last night I was watching a movie about Spartan warriors.  The story unfolded with a young Spartan boy and his training in the way of the Spartan warrior life.  This indoctrination was a daily, minute by minute experience for the child.  He lived, breathed and would die the Spartan way.  When the child had grown to the fullness of becoming a Spartan, he would later pass these traits onto his own children. What struck me was the passion and conviction in which these families passed on their beliefs and the response their children gave in return.  The children grew to be warriors and had the same passion and conviction of beliefs.  They counted it an honor and even longed for a death on the battle field protecting their way of life. If you have seen any movies that pertain to this type of culture you may be thinking that's abusive and extreme.  I am not endorsing the way these children were treated, I merely think there are things we can glean from t...

"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed...In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps." Proverb 16:3, 9 Commit to the Lord your plans, making sure its in accordance with God's will and you will succeed.  We can make plans and say we commit everything to God but if we are leaning on ourselves and what we think is right, it may not turn out like this verse is saying.  Context is key.  Its the Lord's plan we need to follow and committing to that bring success and I believe happiness.