Just Continue That Thought...

A thought by Michael Todd, from his book,  Relationship Goals  (p. 17). The Crown Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.  (Click on the book title to go to Amazon to buy the book.) It really does. Michael says, "Let’s say you’re single and ready to mingle and you’ve made a list of things you want in a significant other. One could be 'He’s got to be at least this tall and make this much money' or 'She’s got to have the cute face and a tiny waist.' This shows that most of our lists tend to be a little (or a lot) superficial and might reflect not what we actually need in a partner but more of just what we want at the time. I assure you, life has a way of changing, modifying, and redefining what success in relationship looks like for all of us." He continues, "When I’m going on a road trip, I usually tell my phone where I want to go, and it gives me directions on how to get there. But success for the journey happens only if I’ve given my phone the right destinatio...

A thought by Michael Todd, from his book, Relationship Goals  (p. 15). The Crown Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.  (Click on the book title to go to Amazon to buy the book.) The whole thought says, "The truth is, having a goal without aim is senseless, but having a goal without God is pointless." Michael continues that thought, "Many of us don’t have our aim directed when it comes to relationships. We take whatever comes. We do whatever’s comfortable. But we don’t really know where we’re going or why." He says, "Many of us don’t have our aim directed when it comes to relationships. We take whatever comes. We do whatever’s comfortable. But we don’t really know where we’re going or why. "Don’t believe me? Have you ever known a girl who dated pretty much any guy who happened to show an interest in her, without ever stopping to think about the kind of guy who would really be right for her? Or a couple who have dated for a long time and have gotten so comforta...

A thought by Michael Todd, from his book,  Crazy Faith.  (p. 38). The Crown Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.  (Click on the book title to go to Amazon to buy the book.) Prayer can and will make all the difference in whatever we are facing. Michael continues, "Too often, however, people turn to God only when they’re at the end of their ropes or when something earth-shattering happens. This was my routine for years, praying only when I was in trouble or on trial. Can you identify? In the weeks following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, church attendance in the US surged as much as 24 percent. Online attendance at church services and Google searches for faith-based subjects skyrocketed after the whole world shut down in 2020 due to a global pandemic. Don’t get me wrong: in those times, it was necessary to pray. But I would much rather we intercede when something is in infancy than wait until it becomes enormous." He says, "Practically speaking, there’s nothing wrong with NyQuil...

A thought by Michael Todd, from his book,  Crazy Faith.  (p. 31). The Crown Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.  (Click on the book title to go to Amazon to buy the book.)  It really is! Michael says, "Each and every step you take in baby faith is a momentous occasion that’s bringing momentum for your miracle. People may not understand how valuable your pint-sized progression toward purpose really is, but don’t let anybody make you feel bad for working your muscle of faith. Every step out of your comfort zone is momentous . Each step past fear makes you a walking miracle. Every time you share your testimony is monumental. The words you speak in faith bring momentum. Even your attempt to grow your faith by reading this book is movement forward." Zechariah 4:10, "Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin. " He continues, "For some of you, taking steps of baby faith means going back to the basics. Maybe it’s not your first ti...

A thought by Michael Todd, from his book,  Crazy Faith.  (p. 31). The Crown Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.  (Click on the book title to go to Amazon to buy the book.) And that for sure is the truth. Michael says, "If you had an absent father or a parent who fell significantly short of giving you the love, care, provision, and attention that you craved as a child, it may be hard to have childlike faith in a Father you cannot physically see. Psychological studies tell us that we human beings tend to associate the attributes of our primary father figure (or lack thereof) with God. If you couldn’t count on your earthly father, it’s harder, statistically speaking, for you to put your trust in God. You may have a tendency to correlate the earthly dad who never showed up for your birthday parties and soccer games with a heavenly Father who won’t come through when you need Him." He continues, " Yet this couldn’t be further from the truth. God is actually omnipresent, which m...

  A thought by Michael Todd, from his book,  Crazy Faith.  (p. 29). The Crown Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.  (Click on the book title to go to Amazon to buy the book.) Now that is what we need to do, isn't it? Michael says, "At the beginning of Matthew 18, the disciples come to Jesus and ask, 'Who is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?' (verse 1). If I were Jesus, I would have replied, 'Are you serious? Why do you even need to know that?' Aren’t you glad Jesus is always so patient with us when we’re insecure and trying to compete with each other instead of simply having faith that God has a great plan for each one of us?" He continues, "Jesus begins His response to His disciples’ question by pointing to a little child—not an astute, wise, experienced, or prolific adult but a baby. 'I tell you the truth,' He says, 'unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven' (verse 3)...

A thought by Michael Todd, from his book,  Crazy Faith.  (p. 27). The Crown Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.  (Click on the book title to go to Amazon to buy the book.) An immovable mountain He continues the thought, "... because from our perspective everything looks like an immovable mountain. Perhaps our culture is so built around microwavable, instant, two-day-shipping convenience that we have trouble grasping the worth and value of a baby step. After all, if I set a huge goal and take only tiny steps toward it every so often, I might eventually get there but it will take an exhausting amount of time, endurance, and patience. "The difference for believers is that our faith is not in ourselves and our own abilities but in the omnipotent God in whom we trust." He then says, "My friend works for a company that offers her great benefits, including a 401(k) retirement plan with dollar-for-dollar matching. So, for every dollar she puts into the account, her employer c...