Mike Sansone

To Love, Live, Learn, and Lauch

Arrivederci, Mama

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I Love You, MomBecause of the machines hooked into her, she couldn’t talk.

When I was growing up, there were no cell phones, no email, not even a pager.

If my mom or dad need to get in touch with me, they stood on the porch and hollered. My mom would use my middle name along with my first (Michael Gordon!).

Unable to visit my mom in these last days, I was able to send a video message to her via email to my brother. He played it for her on his iPhone.

My brother said she smiled. Too bad she couldn’t laugh.

She had an out-loud laugh that filled a room and created smiles. I’ve missed her laugh. Will always remember her laughing.

She really loved music. I inherited eclectic musical ears from my mom. She listened to everything:

  • Elvis Presley
  • Three Dog Night
  • Dean Martin
  • The Beach Boys
  • Kingston Trio
  • Sam the Sham & the Pharaohs
  • Bobby Goldsboro

She once armed my brother John and I with tennis rackets as “guitars” and we rocked out to Crocodile Rock – karaoke before it was invented.

Maybe there’s a Rock and Roll Heaven. If so, they’ve now got one heck of a fan. She passed away this afternoon with peace on her face.

Arrivederci, Linda Jean. I love you, Mom!

How Do You Know it’s from God?

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Mike and Angela Bible Reading

When God says “Go” …

There have been times God has told me to go, and times He’s told me to stay put. Times I’ve been instructed to speak up, and others to shut up. To accept an offer, or turn one down.

There have been times when God guides me to take an aside to get involved or stay on the path I’m on and pray as I go by. And yes, I believe with all I can believe that it’s God.

But how do I know? How do I know this thing (e.g., action, thought, word, movement, involvement, etc) is from God?

By reading my Bible daily – and often throughout the day (Rom 13:14) –  I recognize His voice more clearly. I also am aware of my own voice and society’s voice. It’s not just in the initial hearing, but also a list of clearing, if you will:

  • Prayer precedes and is constant throughout (1 Th 5:17)
  • The thing won’t contradict Scripture, in fact …
  • It aligns with Scripture in multiple ways and verses (2 Ti 3:16)
  • No matter the outcome in my eyes, I can and will give glory to God (1 Cr 10:31, Pro 3:6)
  • It furthers the gospel, for the sake of Christ and His Kingdom (2 Cr 4:5)
  • There will be confidence of walking in the Spirit (Gal 5:25) and not quenching the Spirit (1 Th 5:19)
  • There is peace in my heart (not necessarily my head) (1 Cr 14:15)

If that which I hear passes this quick list, then I follow through full of faith and courage.  I don’t want to delay or let it become what Steven Furtick calls a 13:13 moment.

 

Practicing Spontaneous Prayer

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Ready to Pray

I believe in spontaneous prayer, are you ready…?

An ambulance drives by you with lights and sirens clearing its way. Pray.

You see two cops have a car pulled over. Young driver inside, wondering what to say. Pray.

A friend tells you of a problem at home and asks if you’d pray for him and his family. Why wait? Pray.

Good news on the job front from another friend. She’s excited to get her promotion (and raise). Pray & Praise.

I believe in spontaneous prayer, are you ready…?

“Lord, thank you for the opportunity to share this practice of spontaneous prayer with others. Let these conversations draw us closer to you in both praise and requests. Thank you for always hearing and knowing our hearts. We seek your counsel and your favor in these instant moments – that our testimony of your Love and Power will be shared by us always. We do so not for our own sake, nor for those we are with, but for the sake of Christ, His Kingdom – and in His name. Amen.” – an example

Spontaneous prayer is empowering. Maybe it’s not always comfortable, but praying in an instant doesn’t need to be long-worded – and maybe it shouldn’t be if you’re leading someone else in prayer.

How many times do we tell someone we’ll pray for them or with them – and then don’t? And how is their prayer life? Practice a short, sincere prayer with them. Or silently as you stand there.

As you’re driving, walking, making a decision or choice.  Pray.

My wife, Angela Sansone, will sometimes interrupt our conversation so she can go to God in prayer. That’s spontaneous! And it’s right.

I believe in spontaneous pray, are you ready…?

photo credit: caddy_corner via photopin cc

No More Stumbling Blocks!

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No More Stumbling Blocks

Oh, the hurdles the befall us. Whether it’s society throwing a curve, or a roadblock making the journey tougher, or some people throwing down a stumbling block in front of us – when life trips us up, it hurts.

No more stumbling blocks!

A few stumbling blocks to avoid:

  • A friend gossiping about another person
  • You didn’t get that job (or raise)
  • Someone criticized you
  • That tiny, but habitual, sinning thing that seems to interrupt your spiritual growth
  • Getting frustrated at yellow lights (or brake lights)
  • Dirty looks from passersby

You know what trips you up. Here’s a verse (and two versions) to recall when hurdles come your way. It’s Psalm 119:165 and I’d ask you place both the KJV and NIV into memory.

Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them – KJV

Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble – NIV

Catch some of the key phrases for those who love God’s Word?  Great Peace. Nothing Shall Offend Them. Nothing Can Make Them Stumble. 

Audience of One, remember? If someone looks at you sideways or starts to show their fangs, you can love them as you walk away (and pray they calm down until you can gather again).

Side step the tripping points. Have faith and patience with life’s curves. And make sure you’re not throwing down blocks in front of others. (Rom 14:13)

Remember the Dick Van Dyke Show? In one season’s opening titles, Dick’s character, Rob Petrie, trips over the ottoman as he walks in. But he learns, and in another season he side steps it.  If Rob can learn, so can you.

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