Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.--Philippians 2:4
I really think God is working in my life to get me to be more other focused. In the last two weeks, I've read two books that address this issue: Season of Life--A Football Star, A Boy, A Journey to Manhood by Jeffrey Marx and One Simple Act by Debbie Macomber.
I just wanted to share here some of the things that really popped out at me from both these books.
From Season of Life, Joe became a minister and a high school football coach whose program included “building men for others.”
He came to the realization that masculinity is all about relationships, being focused on others, and a code of conduct that includes accepting responsibility, leading courageously, enacting justice on behalf of others and empathy. These are lessons I want to teach my 5th grade boys Sunday School class as well.
I really need to teach my Sunday School class of 5 grade boys to be more other focused.
Here are just some quotes I especially liked from One Simple Act:
Nothing says "you matter to me" more than the act of investing time with the people we care about.
God is the master of time. When we ask his wisdom on where to invest our time, we are certain to invest well.
Practicing an attitude of gratitude spills over to acts of generosity.
Use money, love people--not the other way around.--Rick Warren
If we hold our resources with an open hand, there's no telling what God can do.
Cultivating the habit of good deeds will not only affect those around us, it will improve our own emotional well-being.
Encouragement focuses on the action and heart behind it. Praise focuses on the product or performance.
8 Things One Simple Act has inspired me to do
:Believe the best about people
Be a little kinder.
Do a good deed every day.
Be extravagantly generous because of all God has done for me.
Forgive generously.
Empathize and teach empathy.
Pray God works generosity and kindness into my life.
Listen generously. When someone asks a question, answer it and ask it back because that's what they want to talk about.
What kind of generosity will you show to others today? Please see my complete reviews of these books by clicking on the links which will take you to our book blog, Grab A Book From Our Stack. These books have both made an impact on me. Have you read anything lately that has changed your life?
Stop by Saturday Samplings for highlighted posts from last week.
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8 comments:
Hey Karen, thanks for your comment on my post "Getting over Myself" :)
That book "One simple Act" sounds very interesting... I just wrote a post about kindness yesterday. Trying to be more conscious about looking for chances to BE KIND.
Have a lovely day :)
xx
Those books sound like just what I need to read these days! I haven't read that Debbie Macomber book but I'm going to look for it today at the library. I enjoyed this post!
Such excellent lessons to take away from a book. We could all use more kindness in our lives. I should check that out!
Hey, we'd like to feature you next Monday on BlogTrotting! Can you have a tour post ready?
Oh, I love this...some good words here!!! I'll make sure to check out the links later this week!!! I think that's great that you're trying to teach those boys early!!! It'll serve them well as they grow up into young men!! Have a great week!!! Hugs from Oregon, Heather :)
Generously. Generosity use to be a familiar perspective for me and then I forgot. Thanks for adding this post to Saturday Sampling. I think I'll add this word to my Focus Wall. "Intentional" has been my focus since I lost my job. I think I'll add your word to that and create "Intentional Generosity". It seems a wise place to live life from. A wise place indeed.
I try to live my life by these principals that's why I'm always astonished when people are cruel and mean especially when commenting on blogs. Mother Teresa's words echo throughout my head all the time and I truly believe you cannot be close to God when you inflict unkind acts on others. Thank you Karen. You are a fabulous example of Christian charity and living.
What a lovely post. Others focused...that's tough to do in this me centered world, but it is doable, it sure is.
The most recent book that has made an impact on me is 29 Gifts. Good stuff, others focused :) Just what you were talking about.
Kristin - The Goat
These are wonderful goals. I love how thoughtful you are, Karen.
The more I give, the more I get; it's that simple :)
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