make 2008 great

Two weeks ago, our pastor gave a sermon on making 2008 great. I took notes and thought I would share them. His message covered some basic concepts, but ones that are so good to remember on a day to day basis. Here is what he said:

1. HUMILITY is the ability to be comfortable in your own skin. To allow others to be who they are and acknowledge that I’m not the center of the universe. I don’t have to be #1.
2. LISTEN TO OTHERS. Listen to the counsel of others and seek out advice. Getting advice is important, there is nothing wrong with asking others for their opinion. Who or what do you learn from? Books, CD’s, the TV, or personal relationships? Make sure you’re getting advice from a credible, God-centered source. Make sure you’re plugged in and regularly fellowshipping with others.
3. SELF-DISCIPLINE. Anything worth doing is worth overdoing?! NO! On the contrary, anything worth doing is worth doing little bits at a time. Don’t overwhelm yourself with tasks that are too large – break them down into “bite size” pieces.
4. DO THE "NORMAL STUFF". Do your part around the house. Do the dishes, take out the garbage, vacuum, balance your checkbook, wash your car. Keep it basic, but get it done.
5. WORDS. Watch what you say. Well spoken words bring satisfaction. I loved this quote: “You create your world by the words you say to those around you.” Tell everyone you meet something you like about them. We all hunger for affirmation. For every critique you give, verbalize 20 compliments.
6. BE INDUSTRIOUS. Think! use your brain (both sides!). Don’t be lazy.
7. ACCEPT CORRECTION. Accept those who correct you and truly consider what they say. Allow yourself to be critiqued. Accept correction with a good attitude. Don't get bitter.
8. OVERLOOK OFFENSES. Don’t harbor bitterness towards others.
9. KEEP YOUR TEMPER. People often quickly forget acts of kindness, but they will rarely (if ever) forget someone who loses their temper.
10. THINK AHEAD. An upright man gives thought to his ways.
11. DON’T BLAME your parents. If you didn’t have the best parenting growing up (and who did, honestly?!), and if your childhood bothers you or frustrates you, then (as an adult), take the initiative to “parent yourself” (no matter what your age). By the age of 24, we should be able to recognize areas we are lacking in, weren’t parented in, get help if necessary, and improve upon and take control of our lives and stop blaming our parents. It’s such a basic truth to remember that nobody is perfect – esp. not parents.
12. PARENTS: teach your children 1) how to work hard (live by example!) and 2) that life has consequences. Don’t shelter your children from consequences.
13. EARN all you can (keep 80% max).
14. GIVE all you can (minimum 10%).
15. SAVE all you can (minimum 10%).