Public speaking is by far one of the greatest fears any man or woman will ever endure in their lifetime. I remember the first time I spoke in front of an audience, I was so utterly panicked I thought I was going to puke.....and I'm sure it showed all over my face. Fortunately, there are ways to build your confidence and temper your fears of public speaking. I came across this great blog recently that offers some helpful tips to quench those ghastly fears. Happy speaking!

http://www.greatpublicspeaking.blogspot.com/

One of the motivating factors behind my doing this blog was the impact that some of my most wonderful, endearing friendships have made in my life. Friendships with people that I like to call my Iron Friends.

Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.”

Iron Friends are people in your life that bring out the very best in you. The truth is, however, not everyone will have this effect on your life. And yet some will. These are the people that never accept your mediocrity. They pick you and prod you. They inspire you and challenge you. They weep with you and rejoice with you. They truly care about all the stupid, insignificant things going on in your life. They are the ones that still stand beside you when the world turns their back on you. They see the goodness in you, the potential within you. They forgive you. They laugh at your corny jokes. And, most of all, they show up when you need them most.

Value these relationships. Value these relationships. I wrote that twice on purpose, because they are truly one of the greatest treasures you will ever possess. These are David and Jonathon relationships, your dearest friends. They are the ones who make covenant with you. They positively affect you. They share your burdens. They make your countenance rise. They strengthen you. They sharpen you.

But the reward of an Iron Friend is not just for you. Remember, you are the iron in their life, too. Sharpen them like you would want to be sharpened. Be the friend that you want to have in them. Love them, listen to them, share life with them. For “two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9,10)

In light of the horrible travesty that occurred at Virginia Tech this week, I would like to share the following poem (author unknown):

Today is here. . .

I will begin with a smile and resolve to be agreeable. I will not criticize. I refuse to waste the valuable time that God has given me.

Today has one thing in which I know I am equal with all others - Time. All of us draw from the same salary of seconds, minutes, and hours.

Today I will not waste my time, because the minutes I wasted yesterday are lost as a vanished thought.

Today I refuse to spend my time worrying about what might happen. I am going to spend my time making things happen.

Today I am determined to study to improve myself, for tomorrow I may be needed, and I must not be found lacking.

Today I will begin by doing, and not wasting my time. In one week I will be miles beyond the person I am today.

Today I will not imagine what I would do if things were different. I will make a success with what materials I have.

Today I will stop saying, "If I find time" or "If I had time." For I will never find time for anything. If I want time, I must make it.

Today I will act toward other people as though this will be my last day on earth. I will not wait for tomorrow, for tomorrow may never come.

I am so saddened by the news of what happened yesterday at Virginia Tech. It's a shocking reminder of just how brief and unpredictable life can be.

Today I pray for all the victims' friends and families, as well as all those wounded and traumatized by this event. May God offer peace, comfort, and mercy to all those who seek Him during this time.

Last weekend was my family's traditional Easter dinner in Columbus, Ohio, hosted by the two biggest heroes of my life, Mom and Dad. Not only was the food de-lish, but the moments together were priceless.

Part of the day's festivities included an Easter egg hunt, which had Dalyn going wild. And once he realized that the eggs had chocolate candies inside them, there was no stopping him. Notice the picture of him and Mommy..... He can't even squeeze his binky in there.

In the evening we all sat down and shared in a little tradition we do in our family. Since we have some Jewish blood in our veins, we commerate the Passover by talking about the Seder plate and how it symbolizes in so many ways the redemptive work of Christ.







Older brother, Jason

Grandma Kiner

Younger sister, Krista

Older sister, Kara

Hey, y'all! I'm on vacation for the next week with the fam, so I may not have the chance to blog until I return. Have a blessed week everyone! And happy Easter! Jesus lives!!

P.S. If you have something you just gotta get off your chest, then leave a comment.

Do you want your life to be a success? Do you want to be prosperous in your endeavors? Then get in the Book.

Joshua 1:8
This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

"I’ve never met a person; I don’t care what his condition is, in whom I could not see possibilities. I don’t care how much a man may consider himself a failure, I believe in him, for he can change the thing that is wrong in his life any time he is ready and prepared to do it. Whenever he develops the desire, he can take away from his life the thing that is defeating it. The capacity for reformation and change lies within."

Preston Bradley
(1888-1983)