Mike Sansone

To Love, Live, Learn, and Lauch

Live in the Present

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We all have a past. If we try to forget it, we ignore potential lessons. If we hang on to it … well, we might miss on present and future opportunity. Acknowledge the past. Our past is important, though not as important as our present is to our future.

We have a present. An unquiet mind or an anxious spirit might cause us to miss it. We too busy worrying about what others are or might be thinking about us. We tend to become too cautious or too hurried to figure out what’s next. Live in the present. This time is a gift. For now.

We have a future. It’ll come soon enough. Having goals is good. Preparing for future times is wise. A “When Then, Then This” thought process can be helpful “So That” you’re prepared for potential surprises. Prepare for the future. 

Acknowledge the Past. Live in the Present. Prepare for the Future.

Be aware that if there is a battle — it’s the one right in front of you, not the one behind you, nor the one still a ways down the road.

Live in the Present
Past, Present, Future

Wisdom of Wooden

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I’ve read that John Wooden grew up with a mantra his father passed along to him, and then he passed along to his players:

Don’t Whine; Don’t Complain; Don’t Make Excuses

Such sage advice to be adopted at early ages will serve you well as you grow, and grow you well as you serve.

3 Wise Things Not to Do
Don’t Whine, Don’t Complain, Don’t Make Excuses

RINSE Away Your Anger

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RINSE Anger

RINSE: Anger is a real emotion. Yet, we should not let it control our behavior or control our time. We read in Eph 4:26 – “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:”

That second part used to be a tough one for me. I thought that I shouldn’t sleep until a situation was resolved. That thinking often led to more frustration, hotter emotions, tired tomorrows … I was giving the devil a foothold!

I’ve learned how to leave my emotions at the cross, and end my day calmly using at least one thing from what I call RINSE:

R – Write. Get the anger out of my head onto paper. Walk away.
I – Ingredients. The kitchen, for me, is a prayer closet. I’ll often prepare foods to use for our component-style cooking, praying or singing while I prepare.
N – Neaten. Cleaning or organizing burns off the edge of an anger, plus I’ve got something positive done!
S – Shower. An actual rinse, sometimes simply standing under the water and praying (or crying).
E – Exercise. Walking, dancing, stairs – whatever I can for as long as it takes for the anger to subside.

Don’t run with anger into a marathon for resolution (sin will eventually become a running mate). Neither let anger linger for the devil to build it into something bigger. If a thing cannot be solved quick, do a RINSE. Defer your anger (Prov 19:11). Sleep well. Sin not.