The Mystery of God’s Will (part 2) -Charles Swindoll

 

 

Several years ago (perhaps decades!), I read a book entitled THE MYSTERY OF GOD’S WILL by Charles Swindoll. The book made an incredible impression on me and I took a ton of notes. I’ve carried the notes with me ever since then to remind me of where I can always improve my walk with God. I’ve copied them here and divided into six sections: God’s Way, God’s Leading, God’s Sovereignty, God’s Plans, God’s Faithfulness, and God’s Surprises. I hope and pray that these brief notes will help your walk with God, will drive you to further study of God’s will, and prompt all of us to continually deepen our relationship with God.

Swindoll

God’s Leading

How does God lead?

  • Through His written word. You can never go wrong consulting scripture but every decision does not require a specific verse. The Word of God does not come to people today; we must go to God’s Word. The bible is God’s final revelation – until He sends His Son to take us home. God does not provide specifics for every situation; just principles to guide us.
  • By prompting of the Holy Spirit (do all things without grumbling or disputing – watch to see where God is at work and just go there!)
  • Through counsel of the wise, qualified, trustworthy people (such people will stay objective, listen carefully, and answer slowly –usually not family)
  • Through inner assurance of peace

Faith requires action on our part: Sometimes we need a major change of direction, not necessarily because we’re going in an evil direction but it’s just not the direction God wants for us. God doesn’t want us to substitute good for the very best. Always ask yourself, “Am I willing to do it, once He makes it clear?”

Faith is obeying The Lord when I’m unsure of the outcome. God wants us to walk by faith, not by sight. We talk about the will of God for hours (which results in us not doing it!) Doing God’s will may upset others (Abel). You are not on this earth, as a child of God, to please your family members or friends. God’s will may lead to a surprise ending (Enoch). Doing God’s will may mean persecution (Noah) – don’t expect approval of others. Walking by faith may feel lonely, or futile, but God will use you in His special plan. Doing God’s will means leaving the familiar for the unknown (Abraham). Ministry that costs nothing accomplishes nothing. God alone knows our future (and there is nothing better than His will.) Only God is sovereign; let Him reign in your life. God, and God alone, is in full control. His leading is always right.

The Mystery of God’s Will (part 1)- Charles Swindoll

Several years ago (perhaps decades!), I read a book entitled THE MYSTERY OF GOD’S WILL by Charles Swindoll. The book made an incredible impression on me and I took a ton of notes. I’ve carried the notes with me ever since then to remind me of where I can always improve my walk with God. I’ve copied them here and divided into six sections: God’s Way, God’s Leading, God’s Sovereignty, God’s Plans, God’s Faithfulness, and God’s Surprises. I hope and pray that these brief notes will help your walk with God, will drive you to further study of God’s will, and prompt all of us to continually deepen our relationship with God.

SwindollGod’s Way

We can never fully comprehend God’s ways with our finite minds. He’s the potter and we are the clay. We need to have an attitude of letting it be; just let it be. True faith is obedience without any fear or hesitation.

God’s decreed will is running its course precisely. We cannot know this decreed will ahead of time; only after it occurs. God’s decreed will is absolute, unchangeable, unconditional, and always in His plan (and it’s always best). God is not surprised by anything, especially our trials. God’s permissive will is allowing things to occur; and it is definitely the will of God.

Some things God says not to do (i.e., ten commandments). Some things God says all Christians must do: Obey parents, Marry a Christian, Work an occupation, Support your family, Give to The Lord’s work and to the poor, Rear your children by God’s standards, Meditate on scriptures, Pray, Have a joyful attitude, Assemble for worship, Proclaim Christ, Set proper values, Have a spirit of gratitude, Display love, Accept all people, and Follow God’s Word.

There are five prerequisites for following the will of God:

  • Must be a Christian (only believers have the Spirit’s presence)
  • Must be wise making the most of our time – clear thinking – no foolishness
  • Must really want to do the will of God – you really will do whatever He wants you to do (more than pleasing people)
  • Must be able to give up comfort (Paul said, “Even my life doesn’t matter”)
  • Must be willing to pray and wait (not every answer comes as soon as we expect it).

Happy Birthday Walt Disney

Walt n MickeyOn December 5th, 1901 Walter Elias Disney was born. Though I never knew him, he has impacted my life dramatically.

Growing up I learned a lot about Walt Disney World with annual trips to the big park in Florida but it wasn’t until March of 1990 when I started learning about the legend behind the Disney experience.

That’s when I took off from Muncie Indiana, and headed to Orlando, Florida in search of a job at Disney. Upon completing the WDW Casting interview, I was hired and started a three-day training course called Traditions.

In Traditions, we learned about the company’s heritage, how to “show” ourselves to guests, how to be completely safe in all situations, and of course, the legend behind everything we do here, Walt Disney. He was a great, great man and his legacy will live on forever!

 Check my Disney Page for more about my time with Walt Disney World.

New Disney Corporate Alliance: Nikon

Capturing magical moments

11/19/2013

nikonNikon Inc. and Disney Worldwide Services Inc. announced today a multiyear strategic alliance that names Nikon the official camera of the Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort.

Additionally, Disney photographers at Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings and Honeymoons, as well as adventure guides with Adventures by Disney, will be outfitted with Nikon cameras.

Bringing together a global leader in imaging and the world’s most iconic family vacation destinations, Nikon and Disney are committed to helping Guests tell amazing stories by capturing each and every magical moment.

Happy Birthday Mickey Mouse!

Walt Mickey

Today marks the birthday of one of the most beloved characters in entertainment history. On November 18, 1928, Mickey Mouse made his debut in the short “Steamboat Willie.” It was the third short Walt Disney had made – the first two, “Plane Crazy” and “The Gallopin’ Gaucho,” failed to land a distributor, though they did see release after the success of “Steamboat Willie.”

The company is celebrating Mickey’s birthday all day long on Disney Channel:

Disney Channel is celebrating by showing this year’s Mickey Mouse cartoons every half-hour beginning at 1:25 p.m., culminating in the 8 p.m. airing of “Potatoland,” the first-ever extended episode of “Mickey Mouse” cartoon shorts. “Potatoland” is a brand-new short that is longer than the usual 3-1/2 minutes.“Potatoland” is a seven-minute cartoon that follows Mickey, Donald and Goofy on a road trip to Idaho to fulfill Goofy’s dream of visiting the Potatoland theme park.Throughout the day, Disney will also be airing birthday messages to Mickey from the stars of “Austin & Ally,” “Dog with a Blog,” “Jessie” and “Shake It Up.” The network will also air back-to-back episodes of “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse” between 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

New Disney event: Veterans Institute

Spotlight_111413_VeteransInstitute_Iris

Today’s (11/14/2014) Veterans Institute, a first-of-its-kind event for Disney, marks a new milestone in the Company’s ongoing commitment to supporting U.S. veterans as they transition from active duty to civilian life.

Companies of all sizes are currently participating in the daylong workshop to learn how to build effective veteran-hiring programs of their own based on Disney’s successful Heroes Work Here initiative.

The First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama, and Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger participated in the event, lending their time to talk about the value and importance of this vital initiative.

Chris Daughtry visits Disney’s Hollywood Studios -11/13/13

 

Singer Chris Daughtry Visits Minnie Mouse at Disney’s Hollywood StudiosSinger/songwriter Chris Daughtry, lead singer of the band “Daughtry,” visited Disney’s Hollywood Studios on Wednesday, 11/13/13, and stopped by the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith attraction. While there, he posed for this photo with Minnie Mouse. Ever fashionable, Minnie was decked out in her best rock and roll attire. Daughtry and the band are busy these days and are currently preparing for the November 19th release of the newest album.

Updated flavors for Club Cool at Epcot

Beginning Oct. 30, Guests can savor new Coca-Cola flavors from around the world at Club Cool at Epcot.

  • Fanta Pineapple. With more than 90 distinct flavors available in more than 180 countries, Fanta made its European debut in the 1940s and was introduced to the USA in 1960. Fanta Pineapple is caffeine-free and features a sweet pineapple taste.
  • Originally launched in Japan in 1992, VegitaBeta is a non-carbonated beverage with apricot and passion fruit flavors and is rich in beta-carotene that contributes to its unique yellowish-orange color.   
  • Fanta (Melon Frosty) is the number one soft drink of Thailand. With a fun melon flavor, this carbonated beverage is beloved in Thailand’s sunny, tropical climate.
  • Originally created in 1998, Bibo is a fruit flavored line of juice drinks popular in South Africa. The brand features fun characters such as Johnny Orange, Taka Strawberry and Paolo Peach.
  • A raspberry flavored cream soda, Sparberry launched in Africa in 1955. It is exclusively available in several countries in southeast Africa.
  • Guarana Kuat is a guarana berry flavored soft drink first launched in Brazil in 1997. The word guarana comes from the Guaraní word guara-ná, which translates to “fruit like the eyes of the people.”
  • Known as “The Taste of Peru,” Inca Kola has an unusually sweet fruity flavor that many compare to the taste of liquid bubblegum. The name refers to the Quechua words for king and queen.
  • Beverly, with its bitter flavor, is a popular non-alcoholic apéritif that is a traditional part of Italian refreshment culture.

 

Fun Fact:  These flavors are only available in the United States at Epcot and World of Coca-Cola attractions in Atlanta and Las Vegas.

I am grateful

 

Over my years with The Walt Disney Company, I’ve seen many wonderful recognition projects, including Service Anniversaries, Legacy Awards, Hometown identification, favorite characters, and of course birthdays. Recognition is a powerful tool, which Disney embraces at many levels. 

Well in an upcoming edition of the internal newsletter Eyes & Ears, Cast Members will be recognized for what they are grateful for during this holiday season. This will no doubt be a positive influence on both the submitter and the reader. After all, who doesn’t like being grateful?!

Here is my submission to the newsletter:

 

I am grateful for my job when so many very-talented people are out of work. I am grateful for my seven wonderful, healthy children. I am grateful for the protection I receive from things unknown. I am grateful for my wife, who showers me with blessings beyond comprehension. I am grateful that my place of employment chooses to trade its cash for my services on a weekly basis. I am eternally grateful for receiving blessings I don’t deserve, and I’m equally grateful for protection from the punishment that I do deserve. I’m so grateful to be blessed in so many ways!

MyMagic+

 

Magic Bands

My family and I recently tested this experience and I have been blown away! I was able to make all selections pre-arrival, including our room, admission (linking the tickets to our reservation), and even Fast Pass selections and times! When the package arrived (see pic), the kids were amazed. It was a joy for them to just wear the wristbands on vacation day.

 

Each single wristband (Magic Band!) can do everything now; it let us into our resort room, it let us into the Parks, it let us onto fastpass lines (for attractions we pre-selected), and it even let us charge our food and souvenirs. This is the next generation of Disney and it is going to be fantastic!