Everand Logo

Welcome to Everand!

  • Discover millions of ebooks, audiobooks, and so much more with a free trial

    From $11.99/month after trial. Cancel anytime.

    Goose Sense
    Goose Sense
    Goose Sense
    Ebook177 pages1 hour

    Goose Sense

    By Rev. Joseph Jones

    ()

    Read preview

    About this ebook

    This book provides an analysis of life from a Christian perspective that the writers refer to as “Goose Sense.” This “Goose Sense” is information that you instinctively know is good, practical advice to follow. Examples include teaching children solid values that will serve as a stable foundation for living out their lives, resolving conflicts amiably, and accepting people for who they are and celebrating diversity. This leads to human growth and enlargement of our worldview. Goose Sense also emphasizes the development of coping strategies for dealing with life challenges, the need to be thankful for blessings, and how to deal with grief and difficult situations.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherR.H. Boyd Publishing Corporation
    Release dateMay 1, 2015
    ISBN9781681670058
    Goose Sense

    Related to Goose Sense

    Related ebooks

    Christianity For You

    View More
    View More

    Related podcast episodes

    Related categories

    Reviews for Goose Sense

    0 ratings

    0 ratings0 reviews

    What did you think?

    Tap to rate

    Review must be at least 10 words

      Book preview

      Goose Sense - Rev. Joseph Jones

      Goose

      SENSE

      REV. JOSEPH JONES, D.MIN.

      AND

      ALTHEA TAYLOR-JONES, PH.D.

      Printed by R.H. Boyd Publishing Corporation

      Nashville, Tennessee

      Goose Senseby Althea Taylor-Jones, Ph.D. and Rev. Joseph Jones, D.Min.

      Copyright © 2014 by R.H. Boyd Publishing Corporation, Nashville, TN

      6717 Centennial Blvd.

      Nashville, TN, 37209

      ISBN 1-68167-002-X

      ISBN 978-1-68167-002-7

      All rights reserved. This book may not be reproduced in part or in whole in any form or by any means without prior, written permission from the publisher.

      Printed in the United States of America

      Althea Taylor-Jones, Ph.D. and Rev. Joseph Jones, D.Min.

      Goose Sense

      © 2014 All copyrights are hereby reserved, Nashville, Tennessee. The contents of this book may not be copied in any form without the expressed written permission of the publisher.

      DEDICATION

      We dedicate this book to those who have shared with us and inspired us to share life’s experiences and richest blessings with others. Those significant souls include: parents, children, grandchildren, friends, parishioners, students, colleagues, and acquaintances.

      TABLE OF CONTENTS

      Introduction

      Selected Resources

      Appendix A

      About the Authors

      INTRODUCTION

      Life can be very difficult at times, particularly in the absence of proven lessons in life for information and inspiration. We have been blessed throughout life to have significant individuals in our inner circle to buffer many of our difficulties. For those difficulties that could not be buffered, we developed many coping strategies.

      We learned to use the lemons that life presented to make lemonade. We also gained much information and inspiration by trial and error as well as observing others in action. We are indebted to so many wonderful people. Therefore, we feel the responsibility to share with others the lessons that we have learned.

      Knowledge, skills, and talents are gifts from God. It is human nature to express prideful behavior when we achieve goals and our dreams become realities. The lessons on life included in this book are based on lived experiences spanning more than six decades. The twelve lessons contained in this book address every life stage from birth to death. The lessons also serve as a very useful guide for many practical tips and techniques for negotiating and navigating the paths of life.

      The title Goose Sense was chosen for this book for several reasons:

      1) During childhood, it was a very intriguing experience to notice geese flying from north to south during the winter season of the year.

      2) The formation was always that of the letter V. One goose, the leader, seemed to have everything under control. However, on a few rare occasions, we would find two geese within our cotton field, on the gravel road near our home, or in some other seemingly odd or isolated location.

      3) Another seemingly strange occurrence was the silence of the geese in the front portion of the flock, followed by noise from those in the rear.

      Listed below are some common facts about geese:

      A. Geese fly south in the fall to seek warmth for the winter. They fly back north in the spring.

      B. Geese fly in a V formation to assist each other and lift the flock during the journey.

      C. The noise, sound, or honking from the rear of the flock offers encouragement to those ahead to keep exerting the necessary energy to reach the desired destination.

      D. An injured goose is not left alone to fight by itself; rather, another goose accompanies the injured goose to provide assistance, protection, and whatever is needed to restore the injured goose to the flock or until it dies.

      We as humans could learn a lot of valuable lessons from geese. We need to stand by one another to offer protection during an injury, in the midst of a challenge, or just to show that we care. In many instances, this will only require encouragement from behind the scenes (from the rear), not the forefront.

      We also need to remember the significance of exhibiting collaboration, cohesiveness, working as a member of the team, sharing a common direction, and exhibiting trustworthiness, rather than seeking the spotlight for ourselves. We asked ourselves if we have as much sense as a goose. The answer to the question was and still is a resounding yes! Thus, we titled this book Goose Sense to share with others the many life lessons we have learned.

      This book contains twelve lessons on life and unfolds in the following sequence:

      Lesson one addresses the value of life.

      Lesson two focuses on teaching children.

      Lesson three gives some insight regarding accepting differences.

      Lesson four provides some guidelines for resolving conflicts.

      Lesson five compares and contrasts failing and trying.

      Lesson six examines the tools needed for a measure of success.

      Lesson seven is a guide for financial planning.

      Lesson eight suggests a remedy for dumping grief.

      Lesson nine highlights some strategies for life after retirement.

      Lesson ten provides some coping strategies for dealing with stress.

      Lesson eleven teaches one to express thankfulness.

      Lesson twelve concentrates on teamwork.

      Lesson one addresses the value of life: Although we place our own personal value on life, we do not have the power or authority to determine if any life is more valuable than another. Therefore, we must be mindful of the fact that each human life is very valuable, regardless of the circumstances surrounding it. Furthermore, we must take care to be civil and treat each other with dignity and respect.

      Lesson two focuses on teaching children: Whether we admit it or not, we are all role models for someone else. Additionally, our lives are an open book for others to read as they watch our every move and all of our actions on a daily basis. In other words, someone is always watching us, particularly children.

      Lesson three gives some insight regarding accepting of differences: As humans, we are all different in some way. Indeed, it would be a boring world if we all had the same characteristics. Conversely, differences add excitement and intrigue to our relationships. Each individual’s various interests, abilities and/or disabilities, skills, and needs contribute to our world of differences. How we celebrate or neglect to celebrate differences paints a clear portrait of who we are, how we relate to humankind, and, more importantly, the changes we need to make to improve our accepting of differences.

      Lesson four provides some guidelines for resolving conflicts: The most significant guideline for resolving conflicts is perhaps the appraisal of our contribution to the conflict. It is easy to blame others for the difficulties that we experience in life. However, when we turn our thoughts inward and review ourselves, the emotions and outcomes can be quite surprising.

      Lesson five compares and contrasts failing and trying: As a child, the old adage Nothing beats a failure but a try was quite prevalent in many conversations. The adage was very encouraging, especially in regards to educational achievement. Many of our elders were not formally educated. However, there was an abundance of basic beliefs and tons of tenacity. People did not give up easily, quite unlike the microwave generation of today. Many individuals, particularly members of the younger generation, are the microwave generation and seek instant gratification. When results are of not immediate, the end products are confusion and frustration, to say the least.

      Lesson six examines the tools needed for a measure of success: In this materialistic world, we so easily become concerned with what we can accumulate. We have noticed signs in various places that read: The one who dies with the most fabric wins and The one who dies with the most pairs of shoes wins. Other signs with similar meanings have been observed. Yet we would be hard pressed to locate signs that address what is required of us to strengthen relationships with humankind. This is why tools are needed to aid human relationships. For example, one of the major tools that we tend to leave out of the toolbox of life is the screwdriver. This is the tool that tightens our connection to God.

      Lesson seven is a guide for financial planning: Financial planning begins with the first money earned, whether from an allowance in appreciation for chores performed, or from a paid job. A child who receives a weekly allowance can engage in financial planning. Meager allowances can be used to learn the principle of tithing, to purchase school lunches, and to serve as the foundation for savings accounts and other investments as the child matures. Basic savings accounts can grow into educational accounts, mortgage accounts, and even retirement accounts.

      Lesson eight suggests a remedy for dumping grief: Many losses are experienced in life. The losses include relationships, jobs, homes, and other material possessions, just to name a few. Experiencing losses can be devastating, particularly with the absence of effective coping strategies. Dumping grief appropriately enhances emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual health. Moreover, dumping grief does not diminish positive connections and memories.

      Lesson nine highlights some strategies

      Enjoying the preview?
      Page 1 of 1