Points2Ponder By Alan P. Scaglione

“A little slack...could go a long way—to restoration!”

                                     Points2Ponder

                                                                              By Alan P. Scaglone

I hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine’s Day full of love, passion and sheer joy!

You deserve to be loved for who you are now! We are all evolving, every day we live—life is a journey of a thousand steps.

Each step brings a new view- Each step creates a new you!

But some people just won’t let you change. They get stuck in who you were and won’t accept…you are not THAT person anymore.

How is it that some people will love, admire and adore you for who you are, while others just want to remind you of who you were “to them”!

Even if you “weren’t” that person at all…their “perception” of you is what they hold you to—and judge you with a verdict of Not Worthy Of Change!

POINTS2PONDER  Why do we sometimes refuse to accept that people change and the changes they make are making them into better people? Why can’t we see the New and accept the change? When’s the last time we allowed people the opportunity to rewrite our opinion of them? Why do we feel the need to hold others to a standard that we don’t hold ourselves? We change, we grow, we mature—Why can’t we cut them the same slack we hope others will cut us?

I have a friend who just came out of rehab. She is 45 days clean. She finally admitted she had a problem, checked herself into rehab, lost everything in the process of finding herself, and is now back to take one day at a time, putting the pieces of her life back together, hoping that those who know her and say they love her will allow her to hit the reset button on her life and…start anew!

She is finding a lot of her “family and friends” who just want to remind her of their “perception of who she was and who she should be and how disappointed they are in her”.

It is NOT helping her at all!

But… she said that I never judged her; I never held her to what she used to be; I never demanded apologies for the mistakes she made; I have applauded her effort, supported her recovery!

Guess in the Season Of Love (Valentine’s Day) it’s important to remember…

God is still working on all of us, and change is HIS method of molding HIS clay into the shape HE wants!

The goal is: to please HIM as we change to be more like HIM!

And yes…Change is Good!!

So…IF you have people in your life who just want to be judge and jury and hand you a verdict of not worthy—at some point, you just gotta accept “they’re never gonna see you for the you you are today!”

And…you just have to quit expending effort on explaining, pleading, begging them…to see you for who you are now… not their “perception” of who you were then!

Funny thing is… they don’t want the same judgment on their life that they are placing on yours!

Funny how that is???

Maybe we just need to cut each other a little slack…love each other a little more, accept that change is good, and…cheer on the efforts we are all making--He’s Still Working On ME!

Love is…loving the moth while it’s in the cocoon…and loving that same moth when it steps out as a butterfly!

Change is good; changing can be painful, but the result…45 days clean…is always to be applauded!!

The litmus test is this: HE molded US into HIS likeness…

So??? Does your change reflect more of HIM?

 Then it’s a good change;

 Less of HIM? Better go back and change some more!

To Be Like Jesus, that’s all I ask…to be more like HIM!

And isn’t HE the true symbol of LOVE?

So how much do you look like HIM?

I'm Just Sayin by Alan P. Scaglione

“My Rabboni: my true friend, my prayer warrior!!”

                                          “I’m Just Sayin’”

                                                                 by Alan P. Scaglione

Friends are the Family…you get to pick!

I am blessed by the interesting “family of friends” that I have—I have often said that I collect people along the way.
Those who interest me, those that entertain me, those that touch my heart…
And sometimes, those God just sends my way to encourage, love and pour confidence into.
Friends! They sometimes make the difference….in whether you make it through the day!
And the best ones just know--when you need a call, an email, a text…or a prayer!

You ever have a “friend” call at exactly the right time?—they didn’t know how much you needed encouragement at that moment,
But they just said that you were on their mind, on their heart, felt like they should call or text…that they loved you!
And only you and ….the Big Guy upstairs knew…you needed to hear from a friend…someone to remind you…
Everything is going to be okay, God has it all in control and…they are praying for you!

You see, a true friend knows…exactly what you need WHEN you need it!
Sometimes it’s a joke to break the seriousness of the ordeal you are dealing with.
Sometimes it’s a word of encouragement to remind you that YES, you can get through this.
Sometimes it’s a reminder—you are NOT alone, you are NOT forgotten, you are NOT going to fail.
All of them are so helpful at just the right moment…
But the one I love the most…
Sometimes it’s a prayer of faith—letting you know that God is in control, God knows what you need, God is your source of strength!

I have been “that” friend to a few people lately.
My friend who proved what a true friend she was by handling the arrangements for a co-worker who was her dear friend.
I was able to remind her that we were praying for her for strength and guidance to say and do everything that was needed.
My friend who found out that her 53 year old brother was not coming out of his coma—she had to decide to take him off life support.
I was able to remind her that God was in control and would help her—her brother passed away before she had to “make the decision!”

Sometimes…the faith of a few good friends makes all the difference in the world.
The Word tells us in Luke 5:17-20 Jesus marveled at the faith of a few friends who wanted their friend to get to Jesus so badly…
They lowered him on his sick bed down from the roof! Jesus told him that because of his friends’ faith, he was made whole!
Not because of his own faith, but…because of the faith of a few good friends!!

If you ask me…THAT’s a REAL friend!!

We all need encouragement; we need support; we even need confidence building!
Those are all good—and I am thankful for my encouragers, supports and boosters!!
But…in the end??
I need me some friends who will pray…when I can’t, when I am in need of being carried…to Jesus…
Now…that’s the kind of friend we all need…
But more importantly…that’s the kind of friend we all need…to BE!!

I was going through a rough moment this week—yes friends, I DO have a few of those…
And all of a sudden, I get a text from my friend Michele—whom I have never physically met..
And she just said “Have a Jesus filled day!”
I responded, “I need your prayers please!”
She came back with a prayer that she texted to me—prayer to the Lord for me via text! How cool is that?
I thanked her for being “available” when a friend needed her.
She responded “I am honored that you would ask for my prayers—you are the prayer warrior!”

I just chuckled to myself.

Sometimes….this friend…needs a friend…who can pray!!



Until Next Time

I’m Just Sayin’…

Brother “A”

Points2Ponder By Alan P. Scaglione

“City Boy Driving a Pontoon—Whoda thunk it?”

                                     Points2Ponder

                                                                                                       By Alan P. Scaglone

So, I saw this advertising in this magazine, and it stopped me in my tracks.

It said, “When’s the last time you did something for the first time?”

I went, “Wow! When IS the last time I did something new?”

It haunted me. I took a picture of the advertisement and even used it as a Facebook challenge.

Still…It wouldn’t let up on me.

I even used it as an icebreaker at a team meeting at work.

One fifty something woman responded, “I am at an age where I’ve done everything I want to do and… there’s nothing new I want to do!”

I responded in that meeting, “Really? You are fifty something and you have seen it all and done it all and nothing new you want to do?”

My next comment was in my inside voice, or so I thought.

“That’s just sad! I want to keep trying something new until I die and then…even that will be something new”

Everybody laughed. No one was sure…were they laughing With me or….laughing AT her?

POINTS2PONDER When’s the last time you tried something for the first time? Why do we just quit experiencing new things? Why do we get in a rut and settle for same ol’ same ol’? When does our sense of adventure and lust for learning give in to settling for yesterday with no hope for a new tomorrow? Why do we stop doing new things? Where’s the ”new” in you?

So 2012 rolled around. I kept thinking about this comment. When’s the last time I did something for the first time?

And I decided! 2012 will be my year for trying something new—and I will keep track of all the new I try!

And I have!

For example:

-          I decided to have a “birthday month”, including ten birthday celebrations, ranging from a homemade cooked dinner by a friend to a cousins birthday party to being slimed!

-          I tried something I always thought I would hate—“Flan” – kind of like custard… and I liked it!

-          I was ambushed by my godsons and stood motionless while 14 people silly stringed me! Yep! They ran out of the house, chasing me with silly string! Priceless!

-          I made my first video for my book “One Unexpected Event”, set in McCall Park in Plant City, Fl. I had a camera person, a production assistant and real audience. Cool!

-          I applied for and was selected on kickstarter.com for my book to garner donations to get it published by Xulon Press—and I am in negotiations with the publisher!

-          I went on a pontoon boat for 4 hours—I’m a city boy—never been on a pontoon! I ended up driving the boat for about 45 minutes! So much fun!

-          I tried cut up bananas and…sugar free syrup! Would have never ever thought to put those two together, but..WOW! great breakfast item! Thanks Captain D!

-          I asked for money—THAT is the hardest thing for me- I am a giver, not someone who asks for help! But sometimes, you have to let people bless you so they can enjoy giving!

And it’s only the first week of February!

I decided—I never want to be old enough that I don’t want to learn something new, try something different or experience something for the first time!

I don’t how how old “old” is…but I never want to be that “old!”

So… I issue a challenge to you—Who is up for a good old fashion “I DARE YA!”

Well I DARE YA— Start your “own List of Firsts!” for 2012!

Come on! You can either waste another year not doing anything new or different, or….. You can LIVE A LITTLE!!

Or……Maybe you are TOO OLD!!

But I say…. Prove ‘em wrong! Show ‘em how it’s done! Whatcha got to lose?

Let’s LIVE until we DIE!

I'm Just Sayin by Alan P. Scaglione

“Sometimes, you just gotta work it out yourself!”

                                          “I’m Just Sayin’”

                                                                 by Alan P. Scaglione

I have this dear friend who is having to make some tough decisions about their life. Decisions that only they can make.
They have battled over the outcome, the consequence, the possible repercussions…
But, in the end, it is their decision to make.
And seriously, it really is no one else’s business.
Not even yours!

We often cast ourselves as judge and jury over other people’s lives.
Oh we say the right thing:
“I am worried that you are making a bad decision!”, “Have you thought about how this will affect your family?”
Comments like that, while best served in cases of abandoning the Christian values and going hog wild into sin,
just don’t apply when you are asking the question “Is this situation benefitting my future and… what decision is best for me?”

You see—sometimes, it is an answer that only you and God can come to terms with.
And when you both have, then it really doesn’t matter what others think.

I always tell my kids, “If I am not financially rescuing you from the ditch you are in, then I don’t have a say in how you are rescued!”
But….I tell them, “If you want me to assist financially, then…I have a say in the situation!”

We are not talking sin-centered activities. We are talking making some hard decisions, even when they are not popular.

Just brings to mind the scripture that I have always clung to:
“…Work out your own salvation, with fear and trembling” (Philippeans 2:12)

So many people try to use this as “Don’t point out my sin, I will do as I well please, and you just need to keep your opinion to yourself!”

But that’s not what this scripture is saying!

First of all, it says – WORK!
Work takes effort in application and attention to detail. Work takes concentration to achieve the best result. Work takes WORK!
Secondly, it says – Work OUT!
That implies come to a plan in place, a course be set, a goal identified.
Lastly, it says – Work out YOUR !
You can’t phone this in; you can’t ask someone to fix this for you or run the course instead of you—YOU have to do the work for yourself!

See?
It IS your salvation, your relationship with Christ, but…it is ALSO your responsibility to DO THE WORK!

I know, I know—you’re thinking “how does he get all of that out of the first three words of that scripture?”

It’s because…I also know the scripture that requires me to “Study to show myself approved, a WORKer who is not ashamed!”

So back to the busy bodies, umm, I mean, the “means well, heart’s in the right place, even if their foot winds up in their mouth” friends.

Sometimes, the best thing we can do as a true friend is…say nothing negative!
Come on…
Do you really think it is an easy decision for them?
Do you really think they just woke up and said, “I’m going to make a hard decision that people will scratch their heads about!”
Seriously?
You know you wouldn’t just arbitrarily make a hard decision, so… give them the same respect that you would ask for.

And just encourage them!
Let them know…you know it’s a hard decision, but you also know-- IT IS THEIRS TO MAKE!!
And then…you, as their true friend -- just support them through it!

See?
 It’s our job to WORK OUT OUR OWN… decisions and salvation.
But…We have to DO THE WORK!

And in the end, we will stand alone, in front of our Maker and..
He will ask “What did you do with what I gave you!”

I want to say…”Lord, I did my best—to please you!”
And hear HIM say…”Well done!”

Until Next Time

I’m Just Sayin’…

Brother “A”

Points2Ponder By Alan P. Scaglione

“Give Notice—You may just save a life!”

                                     Points2Ponder

                                                                          By Alan P. Scaglone

Went to a funeral for a friend.

Her name was Beth Davey, and she was a colleague of mine.

I only knew her through work, but I did speak to her on occasion.

She died suddenly—in the middle of the night—recovering from cosmetic surgery.

She was 39!

Yep, I said—39!

I had just seen her at work the day before. She was having one day surgery. She was released to go home. Friends were staying the night, around the clock.

Beth had no family—her friends were her family.

Somewhere around the 3 am hour, her friend drifted off to sleep—3 hours later, the friend wakes up to find…Beth Dead!

You just never know—so much for those who think they will always have time…to make things right!

Beth told her few friends several times that no one ever noticed her and wouldn’t even know if she were not there.

She said she felt invisible—like no one cared, except for her close circle of friends, and…her beloved dog “Charlie!”

Boy, was she ever wrong—yet she didn’t know people cared. They assumed she did. She didn’t think anyone “noticed” her.

POINTS2PONDER Why do we assume someone knows they are liked and appreciated and are needed. Why can’t we “notice” people more? It could save a life!

We gathered on a Saturday morning, 10am, when working people normally have chores, housework, soccer games, boating, family time—all crammed into a Saturday.

But, there we were…about 60 of her “closest” colleagues—to pay tribute, to give honor, to show Beth - we noticed she was not there anymore!

They gave the opportunity to say a few words.

I am THAT guy— I will speak up about the person. It’s the last time you will gather – if they mattered enough to get you there, why can’t you just say something???

Well, I do.

I said that Beth didn’t have any family and thought no one noticed her, but…I look around and see a lot of sisters and brothers who gathered because they noticed—Beth was gone!

I mentioned that she would have been surprised that we all cared so much—enough to miss the soccer game, the family time or the time at the beach.

She would never think that we cared enough to sacrifice a Saturday morning—for her!

And I wondered why? Why she wouldn’t know this? Why she would be surprised that we are here?

Then I asked “What does it take for us to notice each other just a little more? A new haircut, a new blouse, a new car, a new hair color? Just to say, “Hey I noticed that about you today!””

And then I asked, “In Beth’s memory, Let’s take the time to look at each other-- in the eyes, ask how we are doing, and…actually listen for the response BEFORE you go…that’s good!”

I reminded them of that movie called “What Women Want” with Mel Gibson—before he went crazy!

There was a secretary who was going to commit suicide because no one ever noticed her—he heard her thoughts, noticed her new dress, saved her life!

I wondered how many of us could save a life just by noticing someone we worked with.

I walked into the office today, and I had several people tell me how much they appreciated what I said and we need to notice one another more.

A colleague came in with a new hair-do! After the fifth person commented on her new “do” – she said, “What’s the deal? No one ever notices that much!”

Another girl spoke up and said, “Ask Alan—he’s asked us to “Give Notice—Let someone know—I noticed the change in you!”

Guess they really were listening!

So…I challenge you—Give Notice—you just may save a life!

In memory of Beth Davey- I noticed you!