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A Goal For 2010!

Habakkuk 2:2  And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it   plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.

As the year begins I find myself taking on a new endeavor. This endeavor is one that I not yet done and in one years time hope to accomplish. This endeavor is a goal that several close friends and family members set out to do and grow from. We are going to study twelve subjects from the bible in twelve months. Each subject will receive one month of study, research and devotion. I am super excited to about the subjects that I picked to study. Here they are...

January - The life of Peter
February - Living in the overflow
March - The power of forgiveness
April - How to deal with offense
May - Where to find love
June - Seeing yourself through eyes of grace
July - The power of the Holy Spirit
August - How to motivate through love
September - The fruit of the spirit
October - Learning to love like Christ
November - Having a relationship with Christ
December - Loving your spouse

At the end of each month we are going to write a short essay on what we have learned. I believe that by writing the essay that we will be able to retain what we have learned and further solidify the meaning of each subject. This goal was not a New Year resolution that we set, it was a goal that we believed that was profitable and attainable at the same time.
 
Like many goals, this one has the opportunity to fail if I do not do what it takes to ensure that i succeed. I found a video by Zig Ziglar about goals. I really enjoyed this particular video because he talks about the essence of goals and gives practical steps on how to achieve your goals







I hope you enjoyed this video and realize that you can achieve your goals if you realize what you need to do and then, DO IT!
If you have set some goals for this year please feel free to leave a comment and share your goals with us!

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From The Manger To The Magnificent

"Go ahead; pour your heart out..."

That's what Rory (my hub) said after setting up this blog outlet for me. I've always wanted to write since childhood.  Maybe it was the encouragement of my closest aunt, Lola, who doubled as my kindergarten teacher.  She has been an amazing school teacher for more than 30 years, and has begun a book of funny things the kid shave said through the years.  One of my fondest memories of Aunt Lola was driving on a long trip in the car, and she would start the story game.  You know the one, the first person starts a fictional story, and the second person adds, while the third person brings it to a conclusion.  There's no telling what all my young mind concocted back then, but the part I remember most is after my extensive narration,Aunt Lola would exclaim, "You should be a writer!" Now you see why I loved her so.  Children are always drawn to fun, laughter, and encouragement. 

The second thing that intrigues me is books.  Reading a good book is like warm honey on a piece of freshly baked bread.  It enlightens the mind, refreshes the soul, and broadens our horizon.  I have been challenged, angered, and overjoyed by reading books over the years.  I hope that one day I will be expert enough in an important subject to inspire the world with a well written piece of literature. 

Beyond the elaborate dreams noted above, I thought I'd share something specific with you today from the heart on this little blog.  With the Christmas season in full swing, I found myself pondering the story that inspired it all: Mary & Joseph.  In case you're not familiar,Mary was a young virgin, speculated to be in her teens, when an angel appeared to her with an unimaginable proposal that would never be matched a second time.  Lest you pass this off as commonplace, keep in mind that no one had sighted an angel for 500 years.  They had just come out of the driest spiritual season on record, the "years of silence," between the conclusion of Malachi in the Old Testament and the beginning of Matthew in the New Testament.  You think that gave reason for Mary to question the reality of Jehovah God and give up on faithfulness?  Just a thought. 

Anyway, God as flesh was to be conceived in her womb, and He would save His people from their sin.  Astounded, she questioned how this could happen since she had remained pure and had not been with a man.  He gave explanation that elucidated her extreme virtue and excellence of character.  She was specifically chosen for a purpose unparalleled by any mother in history. 

Upon acceptance of his statements, she is forever marked and honored as the mother of God.  Religions revere her, women of all ages adore her, and she has been depicted with halo and granted utmost prominence in this classic memoir.  I am in awe of her integrity that caused her to be specifically selected out of all the women in the entire world anytime, any place, by God Himself.  That's what you might call a sign. She received the highest honor possible because of her faith and loyalty. (We only think no one knows what we do behind closed doors.)   

Then she carried out His will in spite of extenuating circumstances and high disapproval ratings.  Technically, Gallup wasn't around yet in those days, but I'm sure her ratings would have dropped several points at the news of pregnancy while still in her year of purity during espousal to Joseph.  In the era of Mosaic Law, this type of behavior was more than "scandalous."  It was punishable by death.

Enter Joseph.  He's my new hero in the story.  As of this year, my eyes were opened to how crucial his role truly was.  He was"chosen" as much as Mary.  After all, "the house and lineage of David" (Lk 2:4) came through the man, and was very specific to Messianic prophecy.  Though a resident of Nazareth, he was from a small city called Bethlehem, which was also fulfillment of specific predictions.  It couldn't be just any man - it had to be Joseph.

Side note:  Since the Jewish genealogical records were destroyed in 70A.D., along with the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple; it would not be possible for a Messiah impostor who was born later to prove his lineage back to David and thus fulfill this prophecy. -- Taken from http://www.christiananswers.net/

We now return to our feature presentation...
Respected in his community, he had intent to put Mary away and attempt to quietly move on with life.  But an angel spoke to him in a dream.  After shaking off the possibility of too much pizza,Joseph took the dream as God's spoken word, and selflessly restored ownership for his fiancée and unborn child,despite the opinions and speculations of others.  The child within her carried more purpose than the opposition they would face.  

Joseph and Mary did not choose Bethlehem as the desired birthplace for the little One.  It was forced upon them by Caesar Augustus' tax decree, which required Joseph to return to his place of origin. We only thought it was inconvenient to find time to go shopping during the busiest month of the year!  To make matters worse (and how much worse can it be than traveling by donkey/foot while 9 months pregnant?  Dr. Scholl’s foot gels had not yet been invented), they could not find one single room in which to lie down and get some rest.  Frantic,Joseph must have knocked on every door in the city, while Mary announced that contractions had started and they were less than 10 minutes apart. Where's a midwife when you need one?  

After what must have seemed like an eternity, an inn keeper offered his best accommodations: a livery stable.  I picture him to be nonchalant, though we have no proof of such an allegation.  With heightened sense of smell, Mary had the displeasure of taking in all the aromas that are common to farm animals throughout her labor and delivery.  Forget the epidural- she had "mooing" to drown out screams of agony.        
 
But the King of Glory was born nonetheless, in the most undesirable of circumstances.  We think it was beautiful because we have manager scenes that look really nice, but I'd wager that Mary and Joseph were feeling anything but chipper after that run of events.  Before they had a chance to think about posting a no visitors sign on the door, they were greeted by members of the lowest paid profession of their day. Shepherds.  They had no special skill and no special trade.  Because the sheep had to be tended seven days a week, many of them lived in violation of Mosaic Law, and could not properly recognize the Sabbath.  They were despised by the religious and political leaders alike.  They were not even allowed to testify in court as the belief was that they were not smart enough to make logical conclusions.  Were I the PR marketing rep for Israel, I would not likely choose a group with such lack of influence to announce my new plan for saving the world. I would choose the movers and shakers of high end society.  I would choose those with connections.  But that's why I'm not God.       

'Tis true - God hand selected them, just as He hand selected Joseph.  He loves to contrast His radiant glory against a crude background.  A specific message was delivered:  the child will bring great joy to
all people, even those of no status or rank.  That's the best news they had received all night.  In fact, that's the best news they had received in their entire lifetime.  The Apostle Paul reached the same conclusion in I Tim 1:15: "Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners of whom I am chief."   

The Savior of the world was born in obscurity that night, unknown to anyone residing in the nicer hotel rooms.  His cry probably sounded exactly like any other birth.  Those neighboring may have even gripped a pillow around their ears to drown out the noise.  Yet his voice would shake the nations for all time.  Millenniums later, we celebrate with"O Holy Night" and "Silent Night," but when it actually happened, everyone was going about business as usual. The greatest miracle took place in the most unlikely of circumstances.  I wonder if God planned this very purposefully and very strategically so that we would realize "not many wise...not many mighty, not many noble, are called" (I Cor1:26)       

So what about you?  Do you carry a purpose within you that is greater than the opposition you face?  For those that may have not yet discovered the X on the treasure map, the answer is yes. 

In pondering the Christmas story, I am reminded that circumstances are often so much less than ideal in life.  We don't receive the kind of accommodations we are hoping for, and lack the desired approval from friends and relatives when we explain the call that we carry.  We have jobs and responsibilities for which we never planned.  We have          frustrations that ail us along the way, just like Mary and Joseph.  On top of that, there are many pain points along the way, and sometimes we just want to give up the fight.  Yet, through the trials comes the glory.  Similar to the star that shone brightly upon the location of Jesus, as we submit to His plan, we begin to see light shining bright on our lives.  It's the glory of God.  

The next time you're tempted to feel your purpose and life is meaningless, remember the humble beginning of Joseph and Mary.  You are just the kind of candidate God will choose to change the world and share the message that began on that night so long ago.
 
Merry Christmas!
Rachel Gallagher

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Learning to be "Married"

I have been married for at almost three years now. I would say that learning to married has been a challenge, to say the least. I believe that for most men and women who have been single for quite some time have a harder time adapting to someone elses way of life, especially if their "way of life" vastly differs from your "way of life." I am not saying that marrying someone is going to be an impossible commitment, I am saying that with the wrong attitude that marriage can "feel" next to impossible!

 I believe that with the right mind set and a willingness to accept your spouses idiosyncrasies and short comings, then both of you can have a meaningful relationship. I know there are certain behaviors that should not be tolerated within a marriage such as abuse and infidelity, but I think that for the most part we can learn to adapt to each others style. There are many facets to this subject that will and can change the dynamic of any marriage for "Better or Worse." The way we relate to each other and how we speak to each other will greatly enhance or devalue our spouse. If one is willing to look at themselves first when it comes to fault-finding instead of their spouse, I believe God will be able to work through that individual in a greater degree than if that person decides to ALWAYS point out their spouse's faults.

I know it is way more simpler to see someone elses "problems" rather than your own, but if you truly want a successful marriage, then I would suggest that you ask God to help you with yourself rather than your spouse. Once you start  focusing on God and you rather than your spouse and their short-comings, then you will see a change in your relation with your spouse. I know that what I am saying is easier said than done, but if one practices patience and understanding during the process then the by-product of your relationship with God will spill over into your relationship with your spouse.

So in conclusion, take YOUR problems to God rather than your spouse even if you feel that your spouse is the problem. Also remember that nobody is perfect and neither are you, so remember to practice the fruits of the spirit. If the problem still persists then I would advise getting Godly counsel from someone who is mature in the Lord and has had a successful marriage for at leas t 20-30 years minimum, because you that is someone that has "Learned How To Be Married & Stay Married!" I am not a marriage expert by any means nor am I a marriage counselor either. I am only speaking from what I have observed and what I have learned from my own marriage and the marriages around me.

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What you focus on will enlarge! 

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My San Antonio Vacation

I have seriously enjoyed myself on my vacation in San Antonio. I came here with my n-laws to have a good time and a good time is exactly what we had. We stayed right off the riverwalk which was amazing to say the least. My first day we went to the went an IMAX theatre and watched a movie about the Alamo (which was cheesy but informative.) From there we debated to go to the Alamo or the riverwalk and walk around but by the time we left the theatre it only gave us an hour to tour the Alamo so we went to the riverwalk instead and walked around for a couple of hours. We went to a few shops that evening and then found our way back to our hotel.


The next morning I was greeted by the sweet aroma of bacon, eggs and pancakes being made by my mother-n-law  which reminded me of our vacation in Branson, MO but that is another story for another time. I went from groggy to instantly awake and amzingly hungry in 2.4 seconds. I must say that kicked off all restraints and had myself a delicious breakfast twice over. After over indulging, we got ready and went ot the actual Alamo and got a real history lesson. I must say that after wactching the movie about the Alamo, going to the actual Alamo had a deeper meaning to me, so I would recommend the movie first then the actual Alamo.
 
A couple more highlights would be when we went to Gruene Texas and ate at the Grist Mill Restuarant and then walked to the oldest dance hall in Texas which I did not dance but rather went in for historical puposes. My time here in san Antonio has been an exciting and memorable time that I will never forget! All I can I say is that you have to come check out San Antonio for yourself to see what all the excitement is about.

 

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My Fathers Day

My Fathers Day,

Today was a very special day for me. As I woke up I smelt the results of preparation from last night cooking for todays meal and it was heavenly. My wife and daughter stayed up til around 1 a.m. or so in preparation for a very special meal that they wanted to honor us (Her dad, brother and me; all dads)  with. Rachel' family came over to join us for lunch today which made it very special for me as well, I am truly blessed to have n-laws that really love me and me love them.

 Rachel my wife and Alexis my daughter made a delicious chicken casserole with asparagus, salad and French bread. MAN! was it ever delicious and at this point I am ready for left overs. Then for dessert they made strawberry short cake (mmmmmm - so delicious!) I am very blessed to have such a loving wife and daughter that go out of their way to make me feel loved, I guess I must be doing something right?

I know most men well just go on & on about food but I really just wanted to let others know about the labor of love that was given to me by two of the most important women in my life. Rachel and Alexis have put up with a lot of my short comings and have seen me act like an inpatient jerk, hahaha. They must really love me to do all of this for me in spite of all of that. I love you Rachel and Alexis, ya'll mean the world to me!

So in short, my Fathers Day was simply amazing and quite fabulous, I could not of asked for a better Fathers Day than what was given to me today. Oh by the way I got a great card from Alexis that made me laugh and feel great inside and a manly smelling candle from my wife, she knows what I like! Thank you Rachel and Alexis for giving me a great Fathers Day today!!!

- A Grateful Father On Fathers Day! 
 

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The Fire

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Houston

Well I will be going on 4 days in Houston on the 28th. I think I could get used to living out here. The weather has been great, so far; the humidity on the other hand, well..... I guess there area always trade off in life. I have met some great people here.

The Allards have been really hospitable and very giving of themselves. They have let me use their Ford King Ranch truck while I an here and I must say that even though I am not a Ford enth
usiast, but I have really liked driving this one. The hotel I am staying in has really made it hard to wanna leave in the mornings because the bed is ridiculously comfortable and every night when I get back the place is always clean (hahaha: Thank you room services!)

I have set the temp very low in the room, almost to the point of hanging meat, I seem to sleep better when its this way. I have not really got out to far, my commute is usually around 40 miles round trip per day and when I get back in the evening I usually do not wanna go out.; hey maybe next time? My trip was supposed to last until Saturday but I believe I will be getting back Wednesday or Thursday (I'm going to miss you room service.) The mtg's have proven to be productive but not as productive as I was wanting to see them go? Well I'm going to get some shut eye for now. Ill fill in the details later.

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Financial Freedom Seminar

Alright everyone, the Financial Freedom Seminar is about to start in about 30 minutes. We are expecting a great turn-out. Let me tell you a little about the seminar. These seminars are to educate the public about finances, NOT SELL to the public. 

The seminar starts off with teaching people how to get out of debt with a concept called "debt accelerator" or "debt snow ball" as some of you may have come the learn the term. The concept is very simple. First you find your accelerator margin (an extra $25-$200 dollars) per month, which is taught in the seminar where to find that money with out getting a second job. Then you figure your debts up from smallest to largest. After that is figured then with the debt accelerator you begin to apply it to the smallest debt and when that debt is paid off you take the payment you were making plus the debt accelerator and begin applying it to the next smallest debt and so on and so forth. Pretty cool idea, huh?

The next thing that is taught is how to invest for your retirement. This is a pretty complicated subject to discuss in a blog so I will refer you the presenters web site. The website is danheil.com, I would love to tell you more about the investments but you should go to the website and check the meetings tab to see when and where he will be meeting next. The contact info is also there if you want to talk to someone in person

LDebt Consolidation Care
Well, we are about to get started so, talk to you later

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My Web Site

I finally did it. Aft er  "x" amount of  h ours and trial and error, I finally did it, I finally got my website up! I am so excited about this, I feel accomplished. Have you ever worked on something for so long and felt that it would never end, well, this was that for me. But I did it, I got it finished and now its time to tell the world!

I'm so excited about my site because it will provide opportunities for others to change their situation. I have always wanted to help others, but did not know how I was going to do it, so I built a website. It still needs more content, but I am pleased with it. I know it will grow and I will add more content as it grows. This is so exciting for me, so please feel free
to visit my site and leave a comment about what you think in the guest book.

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Welcome To My Blog

Thank you for coming by. I will be blogging about a variety of subjects such as news, books, companies, people, myself and many more interesting subjects. There will be days when I will have a lot to say and maybe not so much, either way it will always be interesting. I have already made a lot of friends on twitter you ca nfollow me at RoryGallagher80 on twitter. I will also be sitting up a facebook as well. Haha this almost feels like a 2nd job with all the time that I have already put in getting my site -  christianhelpservices.com, my blog -  blog.christianhelpservices.com, and several other endeavors. So, again, thanks for coming by be sure to add this blog to your list of others blogs because you do not wanna miss any of my updates. 

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Monthly Archives

Recent Entries

  1. A Goal For 2010!
    Thursday, January 07, 2010
  2. From The Manger To The Magnificent
    Tuesday, December 15, 2009
  3. Learning to be "Married"
    Monday, December 14, 2009
  4. My San Antonio Vacation
    Thursday, November 19, 2009
  5. My Fathers Day
    Sunday, June 21, 2009
  6. The Fire
    Thursday, June 11, 2009
  7. Houston
    Monday, April 27, 2009
  8. Financial Freedom Seminar
    Monday, April 13, 2009
  9. My Web Site
    Saturday, April 11, 2009
  10. Welcome To My Blog
    Saturday, April 11, 2009

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