Contents:

WHAT WE LEARNED IN 1998
- the combined lessons of David Jeffrey and some of his friends:
 

Yeah, I know I said My Point of View was done, but I think I may change my mind - keep this as the me-to-you channel, and have Heart of the Matter as the interactive channel.

This may be the longest email I ever send, so I apologize in advance and thank you for your patience. =)  Of course, you don't have to read it, all, or at all. =)  But there are some good ones in here.
 

In the calendar year, 1998, we learned a lot:

I learned that while 'David' means 'beloved of God', 'Andrew' means 'manly', and Jeffrey means 'Heavenly Peace'
I learned that a stroke is not the end of the world.
I learned that a book from a friend can change your life.
I learned that a lot of spiritual lessons can be learned from the game of tennis.
I learned that patience really is a virtue.

I learned that sharing blesses everyone - the sharer and the share.
I learned that God really has only one law: keep the circle of love going.
I learned that it's great to be a helper.
I learned that some parents will sacrifice for you even if you're an adult.
I learned that if you stand for what's right, you'll find you have company.

I learned that letting the airline check your hand baggage can turn out to be a bad move.
I learned that if you seek God, for the benefit of others, He will truly reward you.
I learned that the most important gift you can give a church is opportunities for the members to serve.
I learned that those who should be allies often become enemies for the most stupid reasons.
I learned that helping a drug addict can be a roller coaster experience.

I learned that God takes care of me even though I walk through Death's valley.
I learned that cheap vacuum cleaners don't last for too long.
I learned that it's fun to be a radio show host.
I learned that you can really learn a lot by watching the little children.
I learned that living what you profess is a joyous experience.

I learned that if you're open enough, you can find meaning and relevance in everything.
I learned that you can break up with someone and still be friends.
I learned that God knew what He was doing when he gave us two parents.
I learned that it's important to tell the truth, even when you're not under oath.
I learned that young people can be some of the most loyal, most loving friends.

I learned that order really does break down into chaos.
I learned that not truth alone, but love also, sets us free.
I learned that people get tired of forwarded messages, and sometimes even
original ones, if they're 'too long' =)
I learned that goodbye is never easy, and goodbyes shrouded in doubt are particularly tough.
I learned that I am in the ministry of education, small m, small e.
 

I learned that the highest calling to which a human can ascribe, is to serve.
I learned how to forgive the debts of others, as I have been forgiven.
I learned that it's a good idea to peel oranges before squeezing them for juice.
I learned that there's no real satisfaction in proving that someone else is a sinner just like me.
I learned that it can cost a lot to live out your beliefs.  In fact, it may be easier to die for someone than to live for someone.

I learned that it's great to have a guest editorial in My Point of View.  Thanks, Ryan.
I learned that it's healthy to be Homesick.
I learned what it feels like to have my trust betrayed again, and again.
I learned that true leadership requires the ability to follow, and serve.
I learned (again) that prayer works.

I learned that it's nice to hear from an old friend.
I learned how to play tennis again.
I learned that I can still play the trumpet
I learned that it really does matter whether you leave the seat up or down
I learned what it means to be a father to a wayward son

I learned that it's fun to volunteer for meaningful things
I learned that the Gideon principle still holds true; few committed are better than many uncommitted
I learned that some of my friends care enough about me to help clean my house.
I learned that Presence and presence are more important than presents.
I learned once again that no-one is indispensable.

I learned it is possible to overcome those things that so easily beset us.
I learned the importance of editing before clicking 'Send'.
I learned about the heart of the matter, and the power of well-crafted analogies.
I learned that you can't trust Hollywood.
I learned that casting stones is dangerous when your house is made of glass.

I learned that love, rather than confrontation, helps people change their minds.
I learned that a weekend camping in the hills is very relaxing and refreshing.
I learned that there are dogs who will eat out of your hand, and then turn around and growl at you.
I learned that people sometimes act like dogs. =)
I learned that I am an eclectic, analytical thinker.

I learned that other beds may be comfortable, but there's no place like home.
I learned the joy of finding that which was lost.
I learned that it's not a good idea to hold your breath when having an echocardiogram done.
I learned that it's possible to manipulate your vital signs.
I learned that sometimes it's not best to share all you have learned.

I learned the importance of being ready to leave at any time.
I learned what it's like to sweep carpet with a hand broom.
I learned that 'ask and it shall be given' really does work.
I learned how to travel light.
I learned that a lot can be learned by watching the little ones and letting them lead.

I learned that living with passion gives your life meaning.
I learned that it's great to hear from old friends.
I learned that talking to answering machines loses its appeal after a while.
I learned that political instability seems to be epidemic.
I learned that hands in wet gloves soon get very cold.

I learned that the spirit of volunteering is alive in Guelph, Canada
I learned that if you follow the wind, you eventually end up at the river
I learned the power of the paradigm of agreement.
I learned that true team leaders lead so the team says "We did it ourselves!"
I learned that Moms make great nurses.

I learned that it hurts to be careless.
I learned that humidity isn't always a good thing.
I learned the true friends ask you for your advice.
I learned that shoulder checks are essential when driving
I learned that laptop computers are built to handle a beating

I learned that without a deep, perpetually growing relationship with God, life is meaningless no matter how many other things I may have.
I learned that vengeance belongs to the LORD, not to me.
I learned that anything worth worrying about for even a second is worth praying about.
I learned that a lot of people prefer to whine and complain rather than to open their minds to solve their problems.
I learned that if you want to be successful you must duplicate the work habits of successful people.

I learned that mortuaries are not evil, haunted buildings.
I learned that there is no place for paralyzing fear in the life of a Christian.
I learned that the best way to overcome fear is by doing that which you fear the most.
I learned that the guilty man runs when no one accuses
I learned that love is not a feeling or a noun. It is a commitment and a verb.

I learned that delayed gratification reaps great rewards
I learned that if anything worth doing was easy, everyone would do it.
I learned that God does have a plan for my life even when it doesn't seem like it.
I learned that quitting is the only way to truly fail.
I learned that success is not about how much money you have but about how many lives you impact for Eternity.

I learned that money is neutral; our motives and means for acquiring it are what can be classified as good or evil.
I learned that people will talk about you whether you fail or succeed.
I learned that it's better to have a handful of genuine friends than two or more handfuls of people who aren't.
I learned that you become who you associate with and the kind of books you read.
I learned that some people refuse to change or grow up.

I learned that integrity and accountability are the building blocks of success.
I learned that Rottweilers and cats can get along.
I learned to be very, VERY careful when backing out of carports.
I learned that side view mirrors are very expensive.
I learned that death is a part of life.

I learned that memorizing facts does not always equal learning.
I learned that it is better to do something mentally stimulating and challenging than to do something which simply requires me to show up.
I learned that most women's magazines are nothing but shallow, mindless trash.
I learned that Wal-Mart is not a fun place to be on Sunday night during the Holidays.
I learned that no matter what I do there will always be someone who doesn't like it.

I learned that it's better to have my dreams ridiculed than to not have them at all.
I learned that opposition is very empowering.
I learned that nephews can make you bleed when they scratch
I learned that if everyone would do their part, we'd actually accomplish something.
I learned that success begins with being well prepared.

I learned that procrastination is an ugly, fatal disease whose only cure is action
I learned that excuses don't hold a drop of water
I learned that personal and spiritual growth are excellent ways to find out who your real friends are.
I learned that people without goals and dreams spend much of their time gossiping and whining.
I learned that it's best not to bleach items of clothing which specifically say "DO NOT BLEACH".

I learned that most of the stuff on TV is worthless
I learned that it's a good idea to hold a diaper over baby boys as you're changing them.
I learned that that the best way to learn something is by doing it.
I learned that there is a big difference between spending time and investing it.
I learned that God provides opportunities but it's my responsibility to make the most of them.

I learned that there is a difference between price and worth
I learned that something is only as valuable as I the value I give it.
I learned to see the big picture instead of focusing on the details.
I learned that when you want something bad enough the facts don't count
I learned that the bigger the challenges and obstacles I have to overcome, the sweeter the victory

I learned that God will fill every emptiness, every void in our hearts.
I learned that when God has a plan, time, distance and circumstances won't keep it from happening.
I learned that God will not do for me what I must do for myself.
I learned that God's methods and plans are infinitely better than my own.
I learned that nothing beats grandma's cooking

I learned that no matter how much someone hurts us, we must never stop loving them or praying for them.
I learned that people who hurt others were probably hurt as bad or worse in the past.
I learned that blaming others for my failures is simply not valid.
I learned that I have a responsibility to use my God given talents and gifts to bless and uplift others.
I learned that the size of my dreams will determine my willingness to change and grow.

I learned that you can learn a lot about a person by what they do with their time.
I learned that the woman in the mirror can be either be my biggest critic, enemy or friend. I decide.
I learned that if I don't hold myself accountable I won't allow anyone else to do it.
In the words of a very good friend, I learned that "some people are stubborn in their desire to be lost."
I learned that there are thousands of ways to say I'm not going to do something and verbal is only one of them.

I learned spiritual warfare is very real.
I learned that Sabbath rest is priceless.
I learned that needless worry and stress will do a number on your looks.
I learned that I don't have to apologize for who I am, what I do or what
I believe. Real friends won't ask me to and everyone else isn't worth it.
I learned that brothers enjoy tormenting and annoying no matter how old they are.

I learned that life can take some very strange, very unexpected turns.
I learned that trust must be earned, not demanded and that time is the acid test of trust.
I learned that consistency is a virtue
I learned that hacking can happen to anyone
I learned that cats have bad attitudes

I learned that dogs really do understand what you say and how you say it.
I learned that accountable people with integrity are willing to have their motives examined.
I learned that unaccountable people become very defensive when asked to prove themselves.
I learned that inner peace comes from being in a right relationship with God.
I learned that temporary insanity can happen to the best of us.

I learned that I should do the right thing simply because it's the right thing to do.
I learned that watching Titanic while working on short term projects is fun.
I learned that one person can impact many, many lives
I learned that Laguna Beach is the best place on earth.
I learned that status doesn't pay the bills.

I learned that if I can't afford it, I shouldn't have it.
I learned that there's a difference between shopping and buying
I learned that while money doesn't buy happiness, neither do debt and poverty.
I learned that the only time it's too late is when you're dead.
I learned that I will never stop learning.

I learned that if I write down everything I learned in 1998 I'd be writing forever.
I learned that it's better to go to bed early than late which is why I'll wrap this up =)
 

* Don't believe it unless its from God or in black and white with a coloured or original heading and an authorized signature on the bottom.
* Don't buy it unless you've got a warranty that is actually worthy or rebate.
* Don't sell it unless it's so good that you yourself wouldn't want to get two.
* Don't criticize it unless you've been in someone else's shoes and looked through their eyes.
* Don't doubt it until you're sure that it's not true.

* Don't trust it, until it's proven, and if it barks and has teeth, then there is a strong possibility that it will bite, so stay away from it.
* Don't test it if you don't have to
* Don't be afraid to express yourself, cause fear means that you don't believe in your product and what you have to offer.
* And if you say something stupid so what, no one is perfect: say sorry, repair whatever and enjoy life.
* If perfection was attainable,  then we all would be in Heaven.
 

1) I learned that playing in the calm and praying in the storm is an unwise and unworkable strategy.
2) I learned that it is best to read the bottle BEFORE drinking.
3) I learned that people cannot be correctly measured at face value.
4) I learned that sometimes what you want is not what God wants.
5) I learned that the boss's son can give you a different price.

6) I learned that Peter Elias is a nice man.
7) I learned that no one but God, can judge a man's destiny after death.
8) I learned that suicide, and attempted suicide cases are really heart-breaking.
9) I learned that we shouldn't write anyone off as a lost case, God has many miraculous ways of bringing his sheep back into the fold.
10) I learned that some sins are addictive, very hard to break.

11) I learned that it's easier to be lost than it is to be saved.
12) I learned that goodbyes are never easy.
13) I learned that Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus.
14) I learned that getting to know people that you couldn't stand at first, could be a challenging, but very rewarding experience.
15) I learned that having a prayer journal (as recommended by Pastor Dwight Nelson) is a great way of keeping track of one's spiritual growth and developments in the forever friendship with God.

1. If you wait long enough, (on God's timing),  God gives the desires of your heart.
2. People who are growing closer to God will automatically grow closer to each other, if God is the centre of their relationships.
3. The law is a total package of 10 commandments all linked together. Cannot focus on one, two, four or even nine and expect law to prevail. The entire TEN need to be obeyed or lawlessness will reign!
4. God cares about how people relate to one another.
5. The entire universe and its interactions are interdependent on each other. All nature takes to give.

6. Jesus is the true Sabbath, that's why HE is Lord of the Sabbath Day. The Sabbath day is given as a reminder of the fact that we need to rest continually in HIM.
7. Laughter is indeed the best medicine. It has a therapeutic effect on the body.
8. Free radicals are very important for the health of the body. They are not just insignificant symbols that you had to learn in Chemistry class.
9. If your attitude and aptitude are in the right place, you can reach an infinite altitude.
10. There is so much that God wants to teach us, yet too many of us are too willing to stay at kindergarten level.
 
 

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