Merry Christmas!

Christ, the Saviour is Born

I hope that you'll take the time to listen to today's podcast as I share the reading pf the REAL "Christmas Story". You can read along here if you'd like.

I would suggest that this is a great time to gather your family around, together, for this special reading of this world-changing and life-changing event.

Enjoy...

Luke 2...  And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.

  ² This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria.

  ³ So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.

  ⁴ Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David,
  ⁵ to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.
  ⁶ So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 
  ⁷ And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
  ⁸ Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.
  ⁹ And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 
  ¹⁰ Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 
  ¹¹ For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
  ¹² And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”
  ¹³ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

  ¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

 ¹⁵ So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” 

  ¹⁶ And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger.

  ¹⁷ Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child.

  ¹⁸ And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds.           ¹⁹ But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.

  ²⁰ Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.

May you and your family have a wonderful and Merry Christmas!

And, as always, be sure to...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike
Future You University   FYU on Facebook!   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

"Santa"

Hey, what would Christmas be without SANTA? 

Oh, I know there are some that try that. But, go with me on this - the pure JOY that comes from a child seeing Santa and thinking they may have even heard Santa as he came to deliver gifts during the night is simply magical!

I think back - with fond memories - of all of the different things that my wife and I used to do to give our boys that "special magical" feeling on Christmas Eve after they had gone to bed. 

There is even the report of one young child that had Santa as a part of one of his final wishes. You can read about it HERE.

Generally speaking, Santa is a symbol of joy, peace and love extended to all children - EVERYWHERE - regardless of race or location in the world.

I have always said that I believe in Santa. Yes, even as an adult. How? Why? Because I AM Santa! You know what I mean, right? I have always been Santa to my own children and I have also been Santa to others over the years. 

When I think and hear the word, "Santa", I can't help but think of the scene in "Elf" when Buddy declares that he KNOWS him! Yeah, here's an image from that moment...

Like some of the other words we have been discussing lately, the only "problem" is that Santa is "confined" to just a certain time of the year. Wow, wouldn't you agree that, often, we could use the magic of Santa all year long?

I'm sure you've figured it out by now. That's right, I'm going to encourage YOU to "be Santa" but to do it all year long!

I simply want to encourage you to be a person that spreads joy, peace and hope to those around you anywhere and everywhere you go. No, you don't have to dress up in a red and white suit. No, you don't have to grow out a white beard and, no, you don't even have to be a male....or an adult!

We ALL have that unique ability to bring some "special magic" to our world, the world around us. 

Here's the real kicker: We don't have to actually visit everyone in the whole world in order for our influence and "reach" to extend far greater (and into more of the world) than we could ever imagine. It's called "the ripple effect" or, you may want to look at it as the "pay it forward" mentality.

Don't allow the negativity around you to turn you into a Scrooge. Allow all of the positive information that you have added to your "mental library" to overcome that negativity and share what, indeed, the world needs now, more than ever - HOPE!

It can come in the form of encouragement to your children as well as your co-workers. A pat on the back, a positive word, a "vote of confidence" shown in your words and actions.

You, my friend, are a unique gift in and of itself. There is no other like you. Share "you" to those around you and make the world a better place.

Hey, the rewards will be far better than a plate of cookies and a glass of milk...you can count on that!

Until next time, Merry Christmas! And, be sure to...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike
Future You University   FYU on Facebook!   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

"Rudolph"

Believe it or not, of all of the Christmas shows that come on during this time of the year, the "claymation" television production of "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer" is one that, still, to this day, is one of my all-time favorites. That's right! If at all possible, I will still stop and try to watch the  whole thing.

Just in case you are someone that (because of where you live) may not be aware of the "story" of Rudolph, let me share the lyrics to the famous song:

You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen,
you know Comet and Cupid and Donner and Blitzen, But do you recall
The most famous reindeer of all

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Had a very shiny nose
And if you ever saw it
You would even say it glows All of the other reindeer Used to laugh and call him names

 They never let poor Rudolph
Join in any reindeer games

Then one foggy Christmas Eve,
Santa came to say,
Rudolph with your nose so bright,
Won't you guide my sleigh tonight

Then how all the reindeer loved him,
As they shouted out with glee,
Rudolph the red-nose Reindeer
You'll go down in history

Rudolph, with his bright, red nose was able to light the way for Santa's sleigh and save Christmas! Horray! for Rudolph!

Now, really, does it take any guessing at all to already have figured out what the thought is going to be for today's blog article and podcast topic? (By the way, be sure to listen to the podcast by clicking one of the access links at the end of this article). 

Regardless of who you are or what your limitations may be - real or imagined - BE LIKE RUDOLPH! Step up, be the leader and LEAD those around you! Be the "beacon of light" and hope for those around you that may have given up hope.

No matter what others may say (or think) about you and/or your abilities - YOU step up and DO what you were made to do! The "snowman" that we talked about in the last article would likely melt under the pressure of such a situation but, not you! Not the "Rudolph" that is deep within!

Here's the real kicker: The last line of the song declares that Rudolph will "go down in history". The thing is, folks, YOU will go down in history one way or the other. You ARE "making" history every day that you live. It's the history of your life and it is being "recorded" each and every day that you live. What will YOUR history say about your life after you are gone?

You make your life count by making your days count, starting TODAY!

Your potential is unlimited. Your "circle of influence" is unlimited and goes way beyond your ability to comprehend it's reach. 

That's right. YOU.

Go get 'em, Rudolph!

And, until next time, always be sure to...

 

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike
Future You University   FYU on Facebook!   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

"Snowman"

A snowman is a great thing..as long as they stay cold, right?

They - the snowman - can't do anything about it and they have no control over it. They are prisoners of the weather and the temperature. And, on top of that, there has to be specific weather conditions before a snowman can even exist.

What about you? I'm talking about the "real" you. The "you" that is able to be a positive influence for yourself and those around you. The "you" that has a "don't quit" attitude and that refuses to give up or give in. Get the picture? Yeah, THAT "you".

Does that "you" only "come out" when all the conditions are just right? Does that "you" only stay strong and act as a person of positive influence only as long as things go your way? 

Another way to approach this is to ask the question in a way that you have likely heard before: "Are you a thermostat or a thermometer?" Are you like a thermostat in that YOU set the temperature/environment settings or are you more like a thermometer and simply reflect and react to the temperature/environment?

So, hey, DON'T BE A SNOWMAN! Sure, they're fun but they aren't around for long. And, have you also noticed that, after a while, they actually begin to start looking dirty and ugly?

Be the thermostat and stay strong, my friend. and, until next time...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike
Future You University   FYU on Facebook!   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

"Scrooge"

The word, "Scrooge", is in reference to Ebenezer Scrooge, the focal character in the story A Christmas Carol (1843) by Charles Dickens. In the story, he is a "penny-pincher" and a miserable old man that detests the joy that those around him enjoy around Christmas time. 

The word, "scrooge", is used to describe those who are negative, stingy and miserable. In case you can't figure it out, it's not a compliment to be called a "scrooge". 

Life can be tough at times and, if one allows the negativity to overcome them, even the happiest and most joyful person can become a "scrooge".

Hey listen, for many, this time of the year isn't very enjoyable for them because they are going through it alone and they  miss a loved one that used to be around them during this time in the past. Others may struggle with what they DON'T have - especially if they have children at home - and they worry about how they will actually even have a Christmas for their children.

We could go on and on, couldn't we? Sure we could! There is ALWAYS plenty of negativity in the world around us. Always. 

I simply want to encourage you to not allow yourself to allow your heart to become "cold" and closed off to the love and joy that surrounds us each and every day. In the midst of all the things that may be wrong, do not forget that love and joy also abounds. It may be hard to find at times and it may require you to search for it  - especially if you are undergoing a struggle at the time.

But it's there. Allow your heart to remain open and absorb that love and joy. BE that love and joy to and for those around you!

Why?

Because YOU need it and WE (those around you) need you to continue to share the love and joy that you have within.

And, while I"m at it, "Merry Christmas!"

Until next time, whatever you do, please be sure to...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike
Future You University   FYU on Facebook!   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

"Misteltoe"

I'm assuming that, as you read this, you are aware and familiar with the tradition that goes along with the mistletoe plant. If not, here's a very quick synopsis: The folklore is that if you stand under a piece of mistletoe with someone, then the two must kiss. There is mistletoe that is hung where two can either purposely stand underneath or even do so accidentally.  Some people may also carry a piece of mistletoe with them and hold it over the head of someone that they would like to kiss. 

And, for whatever reason it seems to be  a part of Christmas traditions, at least in the United States. 

Now, like I state in the podcast, I'm not suggesting that you become a "kissing bandit" with what I'm about to say. Got it? 😏

Here is what I AM saying. Being reminded by the thought of mistletoe and the tradition that surrounds it, DO NOT wait until "special occasions" to tell those that you love, that you do. Don't wait for some "special occasion" to let someone know that you care.

Friend, time goes by quickly and, every day, there are those that regret the fact that they waited...and waited...and waited and then they waited too late. Many stand by the graves of those that they had planned to tell them how much they were loved. But, for whatever reason, they waited too long. 

So, that's it in a nutshell. Short and to the point.

Open up your heart - and your mouth - and share your love with those around you.

You'll be glad you did. (And so will they). 

Join me next time and, until then, whatever you do...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

Future You University   FYU on Facebook!   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

Mon_12th_"Evergreen"

evergreen - a plant having foliage that persists and remains green throughout the year

The picture above is actually from my back yard. It's kind of interesting in that, it's not a holly "bush" but, more of a tree! I've never seen that before I moved to where I live now. I see a lot of these "holly TREES". Regardless, the main thing is that it is a picture of an "evergreen" plant.

Why am I talking about the word, "evergreen", for my blog and podcast topic? Good question.

I thought for the next few days leading up to Christmas I'd share thoughts based on a word that is often "connected" to this time of year. So, NOW when you see the word that is the topic for the day, you'll already have an idea of WHY that word is an actual TOPIC for discussion! 😁

So, why "evergreen"? Look again at the definition that I have right under the picture. An evergreen plant "remains green throughout the year". Even like now, when it's too cold for other "foliage" to remain green. All of the other plants and bushes have "lost" their foliage. It died. It fell off and is blowing around in someones yard. Sure, it will come back in the Spring but, for now, it's dead and gone. 

The evergreen plant "stands out" among all of the other dead trees and bushes that are around them. 

So, do you know where I'm "going with this" yet?

As corny as it sounds, I want to encourage YOU to be "evergreen". 

Yep. 

When everyone else has "withered and died" and the world around you looks dead, cold and stagnant, I want to encourage YOU to be the one that "stands out" and offers hope to  your life as well as to those around you. 

You see, when it comes to plants, it doesn't matter how much you water them or "take care of them". If they are outside in the elements, unless they are of the evergreen variety, they WILL lose their foliage and look dead. Even though a plant may not be evergreen, it CAN be kept "alive" by bringing it in and taking care of it indoors. Even then, it's hard work to help that plant survive.

So, here you go. I'm not going to discuss this a lot in this article. I want YOU to explore and discover for yourself what this means for you. But, you may be one of those people that, by your nature, you are "evergreen". You constantly offer hope and "life" in a cold, bleak and "dead" world. That just may be who you are. 

But, even if that doesn't describe you, I want to encourage you to PROTECT YOURSELF from the "elements" (the negativity that surrounds us everyday) and to WORK at "staying alive" (why did I just thin of the Bee Gees when I typed that?) even though most of the others around you have not. 

Now, run with that and have some fun with it!

Until next time, whatever you do, be sure to...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike
Future You University   FYU on Facebook!   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

The Gift of PEACE

I'm not sure that there is any greater gift that a person can give - either to themselves or others - than the gift of PEACE.

What does that mean for you and how do you go about accomplishing this in your life and in the lives of those around you?

I am convinced that one of the best ways (if not THE best way) to give yourself the gift of peace is to IMPROVE YOUR POSITIVE MINDSET. That's right...get rid of the negativity and the worry (as much as possible) and replace it with positivity and confidence. 

No, I'm not suggesting that you will be able to rid your life of EVERY single worry but I AM saying that increasing the positive influence in your life will help greatly diminish worry and it's "power" over your life. 

When you increase this level of positive influence in your life then, by it's very nature, you also spread that to those around you. Instead of worrying about jobs, being out of work or the politics that go on at the workplace, you are able to develop a sense of calm - and peace - by understanding that YOU actually have a lot more power over these things than you may have first thought. These things don't mean that it's "the end of the world". You begin to understand and apply the idea that "As long as there is breath, there is hope!". 

When YOU are calm and peaceful it becomes contagious. Those around you (family, friends) begin to "absorb" the "calm energy" that you exude and it helps bring a sense of peace to these other people around you. 

Another of the great ways to bring peace into your life and FOR your life is to do so financially. 

Money - or the lack of it - is one of the greatest stress generators in our lives today. It is responsible for more relationship problems than anything else. (Let me just throw in here before I move on...increasing your positive influence like we've been discussing can also help greatly in THIS area!). 

I mentioned in the podcast that goes along with today's article two sources to help guide you in this area. I suggested that you check out Dani Johnson and what she offers in this area by going to DaniJohnson.com . I also suggest that you check out Dave Ramsey at DaveRamsey.com . 

And, finally, by improving your positive mindset you have the ability to bring peace to yourself and your family (as well as friends and co-workers) by just becoming a better - more positive - person overall. Think about that. When ANYONE becomes less negative and more positive, THINGS ALWAYS IMPROVE!

Yeah, you know that's true!

Examine this for yourself. Get out a piece of paper and brainstorm this in the different areas of your life where you feel that peace is absent. What can YOU do to change that? 

And, friend, may you enjoy the "Gift of Peace" during this special time of the year.

Until next year, whatever you do, be sure to...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike
Future You University   FYU on Facebook!   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

The Joy of GIVING

I remember well the time that my Mom tried to convince me that it was "more blessed to give than to receive". I don't remember my age but, based on where we were living it was sometime from 2nd grade or earlier and, at that stage in my life, I wasn't buying that idea. Not even close!

Now, obviously, as I have gotten older and have had children of my own, I absolutely DO understand and agree with that sentiment. I DO understand and believe that there is JOY in giving!

I'm not trying to brag when I say this (and, likely, many of you are the same way) but, I'd much rather GIVE someone a gift that really puts a smile on their face than RECEIVE a gift. Anytime. 

Here's the thing, friend. You don't have to go out and BUY someone a gift in order to GIVE and to receive JOY by doing so! Don't let the idea of "but I don't have any money" hold you back. Giving is not about money or what you can buy in a store. GIVING, at it's best and purest form, is about you sharing what you have the ability to share because you know it will help someone and/or make that person happy. 

It could be something as simple as time. Spending time with someone and just visiting and sharing the gift of YOU listening and enjoying the relationship that you have with that person. By the way, you don't even have to know the person for this to take place. I can promise you this - there are a LOT of people in your local nursing home that would love for someone - ANYONE - to just spend some time with them to brighten up their day. And, friend, that "someone" can be you. 

It could be a short, handwritten note that simply expresses appreciation or encouragement to someone. 

If you are continuously adding to your "positive mindset" then you have a LOT that can be shared. No, I'm not suggesting that you "preach" these thoughts and ideas to those around you and try to tell them that this is what THEY should be doing. But, rather, simply sharing your positive mindset as a way to uplift and encourage would be a gift worth sharing. 

What is it for you? What opportunity comes your way (maybe on a daily basis) to share and GIVE to those around you?

Think about it. And, try to get in the habit of doing so at other times besides this "special" time of the year. Make it a daily habit and see what happens to and for your life!

I am thankful that I have the opportunity to share this blog and podcast with you. I hope that it is a source of encouragement for you and to you and that it helps you in your daily activities. 

And, finally, never forget that YOU are a gift worth sharing. Think about it and share your talents and abilities with those around you and discover, as well, that there IS joy in giving!

Until next time friend, whatever you do, be sure to...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

Future You University   FYU on Facebook!   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

Win OR Lose?

 

Right up front let me acknowledge that the idea for today's article and podcast do not come from me. I was listening to a video from John C. Maxwell and his "Minute with Maxwell" video series, and I REALLY liked what he shared on this topic. You can watch it here . You can also sign up for "Minute with Maxwell" to be delivered to your own e-mail address on that same page.  

For most of us - if not all of us - we normally think of this type of thing where there is a winner and there is a loser. One person (or team) wins and the other loses. I love the example that Mr. Maxwell gives about what happens when, over a period of time, the same person wins while competing with the same person that, of course, always loses. 

In case you didn't watch that video clip, I'll tell you what happens. (Actually, if you think about it for a moment, you likely already know the answer). The person that always loses will no longer be interested in "playing" or "competing". 

Why? Because no one likes to continually lose. Most people do NOT want to participate if it has been proven that they will likely lose. Every. Single. Time. 

And, by the way, this is NOT promoting the "everyone gets a trophy" and "we don't keep score so that no one experiences losing" type of mentality. C'mon, now. That's not real life and, by following this type of mentality, we (adults) are not doing our job of preparing our young people for a realistic future. 

But, is it possible to create an environment that is a "Win-Win" situation for all involved? Well, it's not likely that it will be that way for ALL involved (there are many reasons why this is so and many of them have to do with the attitude of some individuals), BUT, perhaps, there is a way to create more of  this than we may think. 

Think about it... business is an easy example of this concept. Specifically as it deals to companies making a profit while, at the same time, those that distribute that companies product also makes money. And, this usually takes place along several levels. As long as everyone along that "chain" is happy with the amount of money that they make ("profit"), then it is a "win-win-win-win", etc. situation. 

See what I mean? 

The problem comes when someone along that chain becomes dissatisfied because someone else (up the "chain") is making more than them. They get greedy and, instead of being happy with their profit (and their level of responsibility that accompanies that level of profit) they begin to, as I said, get greedy and begin the process towards a miserable existence. 

I don't always have to make ALL of the profit available in order to be successful or happy. Right? I can share the profit with others and, often, by doing so, I can actually expand my ability to the point that I can actually make MORE overall profit as a result. As a matter of fact, those that try to "do it all" and "make it all" themselves usually end up failing in the process. 

Get the point yet? 

In the same way, just as I don't have to make ALL of the profit, I don't have to "win" in ALL areas in order to share that "winning" with others along the way. I can "win" and you can "win" as well. The only one that loses is the one that chooses to sulk, pout and try to figure out how to completely keep all of the "winning" to and for themselves. 

Oh yeah, and when you help others "win", guess what happens? They become even more productive and you "win" even more . Too, don't sell short the fact that you WIN even just from the knowledge and feeling that comes from helping others do more and be more along the way. 

BE SURE TO WATCH THAT VIDEO THAT I GAVE YOU THE LINK TO ON THIS! It's very short (it's called "MINUTE with Maxwell" for a reason) and worth the watch. I also encourage you to sign up to have it sent to your e-mail. It's another great "tool" to ad to your routine to help keep positive thoughts coming to your mindset.

So, as you go about your day today (or tomorrow), start looking at how you can create more "win - win"  and less "win - lose" scenarios. I wish you much success in this endeavor. Truth is, if you find ways to do this successfully, you WILL experience much success!

Be sure to come back for the next article and be sure to listen to the podcast that goes along with this article. And, whatever you do, always be sure to...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

Future You University   FYU on Facebook!   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

Rejoice!

I'm done with my series that was inspired by a poster full of really good phrases. If you didn't catch that, just go back for several articles (it starts HERE) and read through the last one.You will also find the website where you can even order that poster, if you'd like. No, I get nothing from that - just sharing something good with you. 

I really don't have a new "series" in mind at this point but, perhaps due to this being the "Holiday Season", I wanted to share THIS word with you for today's article...REJOICE!

Even if you find this and read it during the summer, it doesn't matter - the word applies each and every day.

I actually went ahead and looked up the definition of the word and thought I'd share it with you here:

verb (used without object), rejoiced, rejoicing.

   1. to be glad; take delight (often followed by in): to rejoice in another's happiness.

verb (used with object), rejoiced, rejoicing.

   2. to make joyful; gladden: a song to rejoice the heart.

So, to put it in other terms, the word "rejoice" means to be HAPPY and to MAKE HAPPY!

I don't know about you but, I like that. 

It's kind of like everything that I talk about here through Future You University. Apply these things to your life but don't keep them to yourself - SHARE THEM! 

Go back and read the last article on "Be AWESOME" and you'll see what I mean. I encourage you to not forget to BE awesome but to also share that encouragement with those around you. Let THEM know that they are, indeed, AWESOME,  just because of who they are. 

So it is with the idea of rejoicing or "being happy". YES, rejoice! YES, be happy! But, at the same time, be sure to share that with those around you so that they, too, can find what is needed to rejoice and be happy. 

Again, don't focus on what you don't have or on what is not "right" in your world. Instead, put your focus on what you DO have and on what is RIGHT in your world.

And then, REJOICE! 

As you think about that and incorporate that into your own life, also be sure to...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

Future You University   FYU on Facebook!   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed