Tuesday, September 4, 2012

ARE YOU A PROBLEM SOLVER? Or a Problem Maker?

These One A Days are added to daily.  A thank you to all of you who have gone back and read all of the posts since the beginning.

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       There are over 1100 stories and commentaries on this blog that began Nov 24, 2009. It is added to daily.
Click on http://wyrickswritings.blogspot.com to read selected Sermons from over 50 years of Rev. Wyrick's ministry.

People who solve problems are happier than those who create them.

       I believe we can say that that is a given.

       So, find some areas where you can apply your particular talents to improve the life of an individual or group of individuals...and in the process make a lot of people happier including yourself.

       The last time you met a problem with patience was everyone the better off for it?  Spoke softly but carried a big enough stick to make your point.  Did not rave and rant...was not the memory bank of everyone concerned the better off with such a deposit?

       There’s an old Ozark story about a hound sitting in a country store and howling as hounds are prone to do.

       In comes a stranger who says to the storekeeper, “What’s the matter with the dog?”

       “He’s sitting on a cocklebur.”

       “Why doesn’t he get off?” “He’d rather holler.”

       And that's some people...they'd rather holler and complain...not problem solvers...rather problem ravers and ranters...and when they are around they create a crowd of discontented people.

 

       All problems can't be solved...admitted...so categorize.  For those problems that can't be solved learn to live with them...for those that can with some active prayer and follow through production...produce a solution and get on with it.

       By way of a couple of examples...You know that improving your life and your education will go hand in hand.  Then improve your life by improving your education.  Problem solving usually entails vigor finding and follow through.  It does not include excuse collecting.

       You need rehab for whatever medical reason but find it irritating, time consuming and basically you don't want to do it.

       Well, forget fun and think results. 

       Whatever needs to be done...do it...do not undo it by doing nothing.

       When you are seeking a solution...start out with a positive attitude...otherwise you will be your own worst enemy.

       The salesman was a professional pessimist.  He faced every problem as it worst than it was and not getting better at breakneck speed.

       Then one night, driving on a dark lonely country road in a driving rain storm with the closest street light ten miles away he heard the thump thump thump of a flat and now destroyed tire.

       Complaining at the top of his lungs and soggy to boot he opened the trunk of his car and reached for the lug wrench.

       You guessed it.  No lug wrench.

       But then he looked across a field and in the distance saw a dim light forcing its way through the darkness.

       He began his journey toward the farmhouse.

       "Surely the farmer will have a lug wrench" he thought to himself.  It would be a positive thought that would not long endure within the confines of his pessimistic spirit.

       His thoughts were already assuming their usual miserable way of being, "Maybe he is asleep in his warm dry bed and won't answer the door.  Maybe, if he does he'll be angry and shout at me for waking him in the middle of the night."

       As he stumbled forward his shoes were sucked at by mud and his clothes were hopelessly soaked.

       His assumptions about the farmer had become to him reality  "What right does he have to get so angry.  The selfish clod.  I'm just a poor man in need of help."

       When he reached the door, now thoroughly outraged, he pounded on the door.

       In a few minutes a sleepy eyed farmer opened the door and said, "You look like you need some help.  What can I do for you?"

       "You can keep your blasted lug wrench.  That's what you can do.  I wouldn't borrow it if it were the last wrench on earth."

       There is an art to making the bad worse and some have earned a PHD in making the art of rearranging problems to be harder to solve than they were in the first place.

       One old philosopher commenting on how important is how we look at problems, ours or other, suggested it is how we look at them.  What I like is the way he said it, "If the only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail." 

       Problem solving, for yourself, for others, the compassion to care enough about others that their problems become yours.

       It is a gift and some have more of the gift than others...and all have the gift if prayed enough about it.

              You have a friend who has a problem and the both of you have discussed it...and come to the conclusion it is not going to go away.  What then to do?

       Well, let me tell you a story.

       Early in the 18th century, when St. Petersburg, one of the most splendid and harmonious cities in Europe, was being laid out early in the eighteenth century, many large boulders formed by a glacier sweeping down from Finland had to be removed.
       One particularly huge rock was in the path of one of the principal avenues that had been planned, and bids were solicited for its removal.       But all the  bids submitted were very high. This was understandable, because at that time modern equipment did not exist and there were no high-powered explosives.

       As officials pondered what to do, a peasant presented himself and offered to get rid of the boulder for a much lower price than those submitted by other bidders.

       Since they had nothing to lose, officials gave the job to the peasant.
       The next morning he showed up with a crowd of other peasants carrying shovels. They began digging a huge hole next to the rock.

       The rock was propped up with timbers to prevent it from rolling into the hole. When the hole was deep enough, the timber props were removed and the rock dropped into the hole below the street level.

       It was then covered with dirt, and the excess dirt was carted away.

       Sometimes that is the best that can be done with a problem.  Bury it in the past.  If it was a war, personal or otherwise, and it has inflicted great pain...but now peace has come or will come...give it half a chance... bury the problem...or the hates that accompanied the problem.

       Some things are meant to be forgotten...they are not meant to be a permanent burden...there is not wisdom or any hope of help in harboring their memory for the rest of your life.

       Maybe you'll never the reputation of a problem solver.  Maybe you're just not good at thinking things through.

       But at the very least you can get the reputation of someone who cares...someone who will listen to a problem with an empathetic ear...and what do you...that solves some of the problem...it really does.

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Albert Einstein
It's not that I'm so smart, it's just that I stay with problems longer.

 SOME CHURCH BOOK CLUBS ARE USING REV. WYRICK'S 9TH BOOK "The Spiritual Abraham Lincoln."  It is available on amazon.com, Barnes & Noble and many other book sites.

A new quote  (posted Aug 20) below from Rev. Wyrick's 9th book THE SPIRITUAL ABRAHAM LINCOLN) (read the rave reviews below the quote)

Everything that happened in the war was not of blood and pain and hate.  The best in man sometimes rises out of the worst.  More than likely the story of what happened one cold day during the terrible battle of Fredericksburg reached Abe’s ears and pleased the heart of this forgiving President.  It was a dreadful battle that cried out for some miraculous act of empathy.

A Sergeant Richard Kirkland of Company E Carolina Regiment made a request of his commanding officer that was almost denied.  He had looked too long at the tortured, twisted dead and dying men and could finally stand it no more.  He sought startling permission to take water and aid to those dressed in both Blue and Gray. 

“You may get a bullet in the back of your head, son,” he was told.  The soldier replied that he wanted to go anyway.

 “May God protect you,” said Major General J. B. Kershaw.  A short time later, men on both sides of this field of agony and despair, watched in awe as the young man vaulted over a bloodstained stonewall and walked unarmed and seemingly unafraid among the dead and dying.  They saw him kneel down and cradle a fallen Union soldier in his arms, offer him a drink of water, rest his head on his knapsack and cover him with his own overcoat.  And then move to another soldier nearby.  This time it was a Confederate soldier.

Again and again throughout that long, pale December afternoon, just eleven days before Christmas, Sergeant Kirkland returned with water until every living soldier, from both the North and the South, had felt his compassion and concern.

General Kershaw later wrote that not one shot was fired during that time.  That never had he heard such silent respect.  “…no doubt,” his pen etched, “all the trumpets of heaven resounded on this monumental day.” 
 
RAVE REVIEWS

"Positive, powerful utterances...skillfully enhancing our understanding and appreciation of Lincoln while revealing the Divine source of his strength."
       Lt. Colonel C.A. Olsen (Ret.) Asbury College (Professor Ret.)
       "The Spiritual Abraham Lincoln is an extremely well written book that investigates what might be termed the spiritual side of President Lincoln. It's both scholarly and very readable. I came away impressed at Mr. Wyrick's portrayal of the President and with an altered and enlarged vision of the man:'
       William Hoffman, Award winning fiction writer; author of Blood and Guile, and Wild Thorn
       "Wyrick has authored a wonderful examination of the spirituality of one of American history's most devoutly religious leaders...a pleasant and readable book that has a rich depth of information."
              Maynard Pittendreigh Presbyterian minister
        "When it comes to invoking religion in support of any of their decisions, politicians need to sit at the feet of Abraham Lincoln. Reinhold Niebuhr once called him 'America's greatest theologian.' Why so great? Because he invariably distinguished between human works and the works of the Almighty. As Wyrick says, 'He wore the mantle of humility easily: because he was more impressed with what God was doing in the world than with what he, president of the United States in the midst of an awful crisis, was doing. That is why in his last major speech he distinguished between both human causes in the Civil War and the Almighty's 'own purposes.' Lincoln would have agreed that it is better to leave God-talk out of politics than to decorate human proposals with divinity. This is a book for our American time. Through his careful study of Lincoln's career, Wyrick compels us to remember that piety belongs in politics only when piety transcends politics."
       Dr. Donald W. Shriver
       Emeritus professor at Union Theological Seminary in New York. Author of An Ethic for Enemies: Forgiveness in Politics
        "V. Neil Wyrick's fine work allows the reader to appreciate Abraham Lincoln's Christian commitment and his prophetic role in American history. Should have a wide readership."
       James H. Smylie Professor of Church History (Ret.) Union Theological Seminary, Richmond, Virginia
       "Neil Wyrick's The Spiritual Abraham Lincoln should be read by anyone attempting to understand the man who was probably the most complex person to ever hold the office of president of the United States. Dr. Wyrick is intent on demonstrating that the spirituality so often expressed in Lincoln's writings and speeches was not merely lip service to a Deity, but rather expressions of a profound faith in a real God. It was this faith that provided the wisdom, compassion, insight and sometimes steel that Lincoln would need in full measure as he led the United States through the Civil War. Dr. Wyrick's clear and unpretentious style of presentation is very much in keeping with the character ofhis subject, and in so doing, Wyrick makes his point very well that Lincoln, his beliefs, and the faith that formed them, are as relevant to a troubled America in 2004 as they were in 1863."
       Daniel Allen Butler, author of "Unsinkable"; The Full Story of the RMS Titanic, The Lusitania and The Age o f Cunard
QUOTE  BELOW IS FROM WYRICK'S WRITINGSuOTE BELOW IS FROM WYRICK'S WRITINGS

          There is no other organization in the world like the church.  It is a breed unto itself.  It is a congregation of sinners, not a country club for saints.  To become a member you have to profess your unworthiness. 

CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING TO TAKE YOU THERE


      (These are selected sermons from over 50 years of ministry and as a worldwide evangelist Rev. Wyrick preached them all the United States and all over the world)

                        +++++++++++++++++++  

       

                   ++++++++++++++++++++++

            CLICK ON  www.go60.us   IT WILL TAKE YOU A NEW WEBSITE FOR SENIORS....click on "Voice" on the home page and then on the list of authors click on Neil Wyrick

Recent articles Rev. Wyrick has written for this web site are:  REFLECTIONS


·         Here Comes Summer (July 2012)

·         Spring (May 2012)

·         Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow (April 2012)

·         Wayward and Windy (April 2012)

 

Just remember that “the pain of discipline will cost you pennies, whereas the pain of regret will cost you millions.”

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How can we keep our faith from being a weak and fruitless thing?  How can we not be foolish little men and women groveling in the dark shadows of overeager egos. 


          Well, first we must do more than just pray.  We must believe in our own prayers.

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Anxiety out of proportion makes us become like a centipede trying to put his best foot forward.

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        It's an old joke, I went to the doctor and I said, “Doc, when I do this, it hurts.” And the doctor said, “Then don't do that.”

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        How many things have you been anxious about that were things which you knew before you got into them were probably going to create some problems for you?  And if you asked your doctor, or your minister, or common sense and your God, all of them would have said, “Don’t do that.”

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        To buy into the community of accountability we have to realize that like bikers we are divided into two categories.  Those who have fallen and those who will fall for anything. None of us are perfect.

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          Think on it this way, some philosopher of old wrote it and it endures because there is so much truth in it… every right implies a responsibility; every opportunity, an obligation; every possession, a duty

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      Some of the sermon titles posted recently


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Before you decide to purchase or not purchase his book THE SPIRITUAL ABRAHAM LINCOLN.... view his Award Winning One Man Dramatization of Lincoln (since he wrote the script for this drama it will give you an insight into what you will find in the book itself)

Available on Amazon.com in printed form and on Amazon Kindle Books. and at many other sites

TO VIEW THE LINCOLN One Man DRAMA and 3 other dramas; Ben Franklin, Martin Luther & Charles Wesley

click on the following URL

http://www.speakerneil.com/

      ++++++++++++++++++++++

 

BELOW ARE MORE QUOTES FROM NEIL'S RECENTLY POSTED SERMONS

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A QUOTE FROM THOUGHTS POSTED ON MY OTHER BLOG WYRICK'S WRITINGS ON SUNDAY APRIL 15. ENTITILED

 

       Two stores faced each other across a very busy street.  Their owners were in constant competition with each other.  One day, the owner of one store put out a sign that read – If you want it, we have it!

Almost immediately the other owner put out a sign –If we don’t have it, you don’t need it!

 

A QUOTE FROM THOUGHTS POSTED ON MY OTHER BLOG WYRICK'S WRITINGS ON THURSDAY APRIL 13TH. ENTITILED

WHO ARE YOU?

NO…WHOSE ARE YOU?

       Who are you?  Whose are you?

You influence and are influenced according to the answer you give.     

Are you are the flavor of the month because you are determined to be like everyone else no matter what?  If so, consider being more independent in our thinking and actions...because God wants you to grow up.

It may be easier being someone's shadow but wouldn't you really rather be a sun. 

 

       QUOTE FROM THOUGHTS  POSTED ON WYRICK'S WRITINGS THURSDAY  APRIL 5 FROM THOUGHT ENTITLED "Who Are You?  Whose Are You?"

       This is an old quote, and a romantic one as well but, nevertheless, can anyone say of you, “I love you not because of who you are, but because of who I am when I am with you.

            QUOTE FROM THOUGHT PIECE POSTED ON WYRICK'S WRITINGS TUESDAY APRIL 3 FROM THOUGHT ENTITLED

" WHEN A NATION STRAYS TOO FAR FROM BEING MORAL IT IS WELL ON IT'S WAY TO BECOMING A MESS

        James 4:17

To him therefore who knows to do good, and doesn’t do it, to him it is sin.

        Someone once said: “A belief is what you hold, a conviction is what holds you!”

        So what holds you, constructs you, leads you with a push when needed?

       Quotes POSTED ON WYRICK'S WRITING THURSDAY MARCH 29th THOUGHTS ENTITLED WHO ARE YOU?

NO…WHOSE ARE YOU?

        In a Peanuts cartoon strip Peppermint Patty is shown talking to Charlie Brown.

“Guess what, Chuck? It’s the first day of school and I got sent to the principal’s office.

And it’s your fault!”

Charlie Brown responds, “My fault? How could it be my fault? Why do you say everything is my fault?”

To which she declares, “You’re my friend, aren’t you, Chuck? You should have been a better influence on me.”

In the comics, it’s funny… but in real life it’s much more complicated.

       Would you like to read the entire thought piece?  Then... TO TAKE YOU TO THE WYRICK'S WRITING'S SITE

                                        click on the following


          Yes, God loves you the way you are but he loves you too much to let you stay that way.

+++++++++++++++++++++++

      Click on the URL below to WATCH NEIL IN HIS WORLD FAMOUS ONE MAN DRAMATIZATIONS OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN, BEN FRANKLIN, CHARLES WESLEY AND MARTIN LUTHER


       To Order and Read Neil's 9th book THE SPIRITUAL ABRAHAM LINCOLN

       GO TO amazon.com

       QUOTES ABOUT THIS WONDERFUL INSPIRING INFORMATIVE book

       STILL RECEIVING RAVE REVIEWS 8 YEARS AFTER IT'S PUBLICATION.

       "Positive, powerful utterances...skillfully enhancing our understanding and appreciation of Lincoln while revealing the Divine source of his strength."

       Lt. Colonel C.A. Olsen (Ret.) Asbury College (Professor Ret.)

       "The Spiritual Abraham Lincoln is an extremely well written book that investigates what might be termed the spiritual side of President Lincoln. It's both scholarly and very readable. I came away impressed at Mr. Wyrick's portrayal of the President and with an altered and enlarged vision of the man:'

       William Hoffman, Award winning fiction writer; author of Blood and Guile, and Wild Thorn

       "Wyrick has authored a wonderful examination of the spirituality of one of American history's most devoutly religious leaders...a pleasant and readable book that has a rich depth of information."

              Maynard Pittendreigh Presbyterian minister

        "When it comes to invoking religion in support of any of their decisions, politicians need to sit at the feet of Abraham Lincoln. Reinhold Niebuhr once called him 'America's greatest theologian.' Why so great? Because he invariably distinguished between human works and the works of the Almighty. As Wyrick says, 'He wore the mantle of humility easily: because he was more impressed with what God was doing in the world than with what he, president of the United States in the midst of an awful crisis, was doing. That is why in his last major speech he distinguished between both human causes in the Civil War and the Almighty's 'own purposes.' Lincoln would have agreed that it is better to leave God-talk out of politics than to decorate human proposals with divinity. This is a book for our American time. Through his careful study of Lincoln's career, Wyrick compels us to remember that piety belongs in politics only when piety transcends politics."

       Dr. Donald W. Shriver

       Emeritus professor at Union Theological Seminary in New York. Author of An Ethic for Enemies: Forgiveness in Politics

        "V. Neil Wyrick's fine work allows the reader to appreciate Abraham Lincoln's Christian commitment and his prophetic role in American history. Should have a wide readership."

       James H. Smylie Professor of Church History (Ret.) Union Theological Seminary, Richmond, Virginia

       "Neil Wyrick's The Spiritual Abraham Lincoln should be read by anyone attempting to understand the man who was probably the most complex person to ever hold the office of president of the United States. Dr. Wyrick is intent on demonstrating that the spirituality so often expressed in Lincoln's writings and speeches was not merely lip service to a Deity, but rather expressions of a profound faith in a real God. It was this faith that provided the wisdom, compassion, insight and sometimes steel that Lincoln would need in full measure as he led the United States through the Civil War. Dr. Wyrick's clear and unpretentious style of presentation is very much in keeping with the character ofhis subject, and in so doing, Wyrick makes his point very well that Lincoln, his beliefs, and the faith that formed them, are as relevant to a troubled America in 2004 as they were in 1863."

       Daniel Allen Butler, author of "Unsinkable"; The Full Story of the RMS Titanic, The Lusitania and The Age o f Cunard

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