Fall “Treats”

Working in a garden or spending time outdoors regularly, you get a real appreciation for the seasons – especially fall.

Living in Atlanta, summer seems to brutally hang on.  Then, like the flip of a switch, temperatures pleasantly drop and a cool breeze wafts in and pushes the humidity out.

Fall Colors
Yes, I linger and take in the intoxicating landscapes of color – warm earthy hues of mums bursting in wine-colored blooms while the leaves of the hardwood trees quickly change to yellow, orange and deep red.  All that bright beauty is punctuated by crisp air, plush green grass, evergreens, and an azure blue sky.

Ah, fall. How can you not appreciate the season? And, how can you not be tempted to take a break and visit a fall festival?  Tantalizing scents of apples hugged by caramel coating, hand-spun cotton candy and other seasonal fare.

Pondering the decadence of such treats, I had a fleeting thought about personal character. Uh . . . yes, really.  Possibly it was an urge to address “fall cleaning” on the inside – the kind that requires a little extra time with God to regain personal clarity and to forgive those who have disappointed me.

In a quirky way, I realize someone’s character can resemble either one of those ‘treats.’

Cotton Candy
Larger than life, so sweet it almost makes your teeth hurt, all puffed-up and putting on a good show, yet in reality, it’s quite hollow in substance. It tends to stain the flesh it touches, even a huge bite disappointedly melts in a split second, and it’s greatly lacking in nutritional value. (No surprise here – 100% man-made.)

Candied Apple
Sweet, pliable and flavorful outer coating, yet still sweet and aromatic, juicy on the inside and so much more substance underneath and real substance remains even when a big bite is taken out of it.  And of course, apples are much more satiating and nutritious. (No surprise – this treat is a gift from God, yes the humble and versatile apple.)

Now take a minute to consider the state of your own character.  If you are a believer, then tell God and thank Him as you receive His discernment, grace, comfort and peace as you take responsibility to walk out your faith.

Remain thankful for the many blessings in your life and how He uniquely created you and has invited you to participate in all the seasons of life.  Be encouraged and restored.

For the almost devoured candied apple:
“Therefore do not lose heart. Though outwardly you are wasting away, yet inwardly you are being renewed day by day.”  2 Corinthians 4:16

For the temporary case of cotton candy-itis:
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourself. Look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”  Philippians 2:3-4

Leadership & Integrity- Election 2008

By Boyd Bailey, Wisdom Hunters

Leaders of Integrity… “But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens.” Exodus 18:21

Leaders of integrity are a rare breed within a group of citizens whose utmost concern is, “What is in it for me?” A selfish society does not always select a leader for their integrity, but for their ability to manipulate a quick fix for chronic problems. It is this short sightedness that can set back a generation, because of their leaders’ greed and corruption. However, men and women of integrity understand the big picture of principled leadership, and they value a fear of God, trustworthiness and honest economics.

A leader of integrity looks out over the long term, and discovers what is best for the culture, its citizens, churches and families. There is a resolve to do the right things, with the right people, for the right reasons. Leaders of integrity integrate integrity by their influence.

Therefore, select capable men and women who hold Christ and His commands in high esteem, who you can trust to do and say the right things, implemented in the right way. Leaders of integrity surround themselves with other leaders of integrity.

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This was too powerful not to post.  Something to think about as we lead and as we select (and vote) for leaders both on the local and national level.

Read more on Wisdom Hunters http://wisdomhunters.com/and sign up for daily devotions by Boyd.