GSOP Gazette (Winter Issue)

Click on the images below to read this quarter's issue of the GSOP Gazette. We'd love to have you join us at the Marietta Campus this quarter for classes. If you have any questions, call us at (770) 971-9933.

Facebook and . . . . Thanksgiving?

I think most folks are familiar with the networking tool on the internet called “Facebook.” It’s a place where people can go and reconnect with friends all over the world. It has been especially useful to us over the last few months updating people with the news of Emily and Rebekah. We were even able to update folks with pictures of Rebekah from birth to now. Rebekah’s grandparents are also on Facebook and they especially appreciate the updates ☺.

Anyway, somebody started a campaign several weeks ago that encouraged everyone to write down one thing on their “Facebook Status” for which they are thankful—and to do it everyday until Thanksgiving. I thought it was a neat idea. But here’s a better one…Let’s think of at least one thing everyday for which we can be thankful for, not just until Thanksgiving but everyday after Thanksgiving as well.

Here’s a verse that I think will help! “Blessed by the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation” (Psa. 68:19). In this verse, David says that God gives us blessings. He also says that God loads us down with blessings. Then, to add to it even more, David says that God daily loads us down with blessings.

So, let us be thankful today and everyday for the many blessings that come into our life from the “God of our salvation.”

"Getting Together on Problems"

Life is full of problems. Even homes are full of them. In fact, when families have problems, life can be a little less than shall we say “happy.” So, how do you deal with them? I recently ran across a six-step method to problem solving in a book by P.D. Wilmeth. The book is called Love, Courtship & Marriage. The book is more than 20 years old, but the points are timeless.

First, State Your Problem Clearly.
This will help you to separate the symptoms of the problem from the problem itself. Sometimes we think that the symptoms are the problem.

Second, List All the Obstacles Standing in the Way of Your Solving Your Problems.
Speak out-loud about those things you feel may be standing in the way of solving your particular problem. These might be money, misunderstandings, a bad habit, work, or any number of things.

Third, List the Assets in Your Favor That Will Help You in Solving This Problem.
Take a mental inventory of all your assets that will aid you in solving your particular problem.

Fourth, Decide On the Possible Solutions.
Once you have all the facts of the problem, jot down all of the possible solutions, even if they don’t seem possible at the moment.

Fifth, Consider What the Results of Each of These Solutions Would Be.
Be sure that you think each solution through to make sure that it brings the best long-term results (ie. “If you have recurring headaches, aspirin may be a solution. But you know it is only a temporary one.”).

Sixth, Choose the Solutions That Seem Best and Put Them Into Action.
You may need to modify your solution. Once you have chosen a solution, put it into practice. If it works, you have solved the problem. If it doesn’t, try this process again.

Thinking Out Loud--"Rejoicing and Weeping"

When somebody is blessed with a promotion at work, do you get excited for that person or are you depressed because it wasn't you? Let's see what the Bible says as I "Think Out Loud"

Thinking Out Loud--"Happy to Serve"

Join me for 60 seconds for a devotional thought as I "Think Out Loud"

Thinking Out Loud--"Great Quotes"

Join me for a short devotional thought as I "Think Out Loud"

Thinking Out Loud--"Paul's Advice Column"

Join me for a short devotional thought as I "Think Out Loud."

A Little P.R.--October

Click on the image below and join me for "A Little P.R."

"Double Your Failure Rate"

“The way to succeed is to double your failure rate”
—Thomas J. Watson, founder of IBM

I just finished reading the story of a man by the name of Victor Kiam. About 40 years ago Mr. Kiam had the opportunity to obtain exclusive rights to an unknown product but did not because some of his colleagues criticized it. That product is what we now know as Velcro. Instead of beating himself up over a missed opportunity or a seemingly failed venture, he said, “it’s just another blip in the road. Besides, if I hadn’t learned from that lapse of judgment by not having confidence in myself, I never would have bought Remington.” That’s right, Mr. Kiam is the Remington Shaver entrepreneur.

When it comes to personal work we can be tempted to feel like failures when we’re turned down for that one-on-one Bible study, or when a neighbor or family member rejects our efforts to teach them the Gospel. Fight this temptation. Look at it as a learning opportunity. You see, sometimes you have to fail (and fail often) in order for that one success story.

While attending a recent preacher’s workshop the guest speaker was discussing the subject of evangelism. I forget the title of the lesson, but I’ve not forgotten the point of the message. The point was, you have to be out there trying to make contact with souls and setting up studies. The preacher made this statement, “Try to get a hundred no’s.” That is, in your effort to set up Bible studies, see if you can’t fail a hundred times.

The point that the fellow was trying to make was if you’re out there trying to do something for the Lord you’re guaranteed to eventually succeed. This preacher said that he’s never failed a hundred times in a row.

Here’s what Paul the apostle said, “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase” (1 Corinthians 3:6-7).

"Say Hello to Rebekah"

Enjoy a short video in Rebekah's suite--NICU. Too, thanks to Les Sandifer for the background music.