Sunny Hilton Head, South Carolina

Brothers and Sisters, let us lift up those who are in harms way this morning: Pray for families, military, fire fighters and let's pray for God's mercy--that He will intervene. Let's pray for the continued safety of all; that families who have been displaced will find shelter and that God will bring peace to those who suffer loss of homes or loved ones.

The Problem:

There are currently 260 or so active listings in Sun City. The Builder--Pulte is giving some  wonderful incentives that makes it difficult for resales.

The New Home Prices are equal to or better than resales, these are offered with upgrades that used to be "extras"; they are offering 50% off on some lots and more.

This is tough competition.

Any Suggestions?

"If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself,"you are doing right. (James Chapter 2 Verse 8)

What does it mean to be a "Christian, Christian?" Our walk  demonstrates loving others. It is not easy to do. We are human.  Some of us don't love ourselves. We have a view of ourselves as not worthy of God's love. So, it's impossible to love as God loves.

--it's when I think I should be better than I am (pride) that gets me into this funk--I get depressed because I fail--
This is  "thinking too highly of myself".

Loving others starts with God coming to US. It's easy to forget that God rains Grace on us and there is nothing we can do to earn His love. It's there. All we need to do is receive it.  Once I begin to understand that I am in the "receiving from God business" and not the "doing for God business", loving others becomes a distinct possibility.

How great is His love and mercy toward us! 

God knows us. He knows we are sinners--who can only be saved by His saving grace. The enemy wants us down on the ground, wallowing in self deprecation; feeling unworthy and worthless to the Kingdom. (It's helpful to remember the apostle Peter's betrayal).

So, today I want to remember to have a SHOW MERCY attitude. Cut people a lot of slack, no matter what.

That's what God, in His Mercy, has done for me.

What does this have to do with Real Estate? Everything. Who has harmed me? Who has treated me poorly? Who has taken advantage of me? Who has made me angry? These I must  forgive. These I must love. This is doing right. 

"If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself,"you are doing right. (James Chapter 2 Verse 8)

What does it mean to be a "Christian, Christian?" Our walk  demonstrates loving others. It is not easy to do. We are human.  Some of us don't love ourselves. We have a view of ourselves as not worthy of God's love. So, it's impossible to love as God loves.

--it's when I think I should be better than I am (pride) that gets me into this funk--I get depressed because I fail--
This is  "thinking too highly of ourselves".

Loving others starts with God coming to US. It's easy to forget that God rains Grace on us and there is nothing we can do to earn His love. It's there. All we need to do is receive it.  Once I begin to understand that I am in the "receiving from God business" and not the "doing for God business", loving others becomes a distinct possibility.

How great is His love and mercy toward us. 

God knows us. He knows we are sinners--who can only be saved by His saving grace. The enemy wants us down on the ground, wallowing in self deprecation; feeling unworthy and worthless to the Kingdom. (It's helpful to remember the apostle Peter's betrayal).

 So, today I want to remember to SHOW MERCY. Cut people a lot of slack.

That's what God, in His Mercy, has done for me.

This has often been on my heart--those that are perishing daily, without Christ. There are so many opportunities we have while we're out and about to witness in so many ways. I really want to hear from you about ideas on how we can touch people's lives with Christ's life.

I have been going to a new church and what they are looking for are people to volunteer for different civic groups. Nothing wrong with that--don't invent another ministry--be a Christian light in the world. But, my thought is that we don't have to volunteer to join another group. We can meet needs where we are every single day.

For example: Stop for coffee in the morning? See the man or woman serving you? Ask yourself--what's going on in their lives? How can we open a relationship with that person. A smile. A kind word. Get to know them a little bit. What will they notice about us, that will separate us from everyone else--maybe they'll be encouraged to ASK us.

And if they ASK, what do we say? 

Who are the people we come in contact with every day? Where are they spiritually? Do they know the Lord? What would cause them to what to know more? How can we open a dialoque without seeming to proselytize and "street preach?"

What about handing out tracts? Or making up tracts to hand to someone--I once was given a simple card--in a variety of colors it said, in big letters: "Jesus Loves You."

How about an open bible study for the unchuched-dechurched-people who wouldn't set foot in a church?  Where would you do it? How would you invite people. Then, how do we invite people to church?

Then, would some of the folks that you meet "fit" in your church--would they feel welcomed or would they be turned off by "stand-offish, got-it-all together Christians?"

There was a couple I noticed in my church five weeks ago--they were there for one Sunday--they didn't look like everyone else. Never saw them again. 

What if you took a half hour to go visit someone you didn't even know who was in a hospital? or a Jail Cell? What do you do when you see a homeless person. What should you do? 

 This post is a bit disjointed but these are some of the questions that run through my mind on this subject. Can you help me? Got suggestions, ideas,  resources?

Quite frankly, sometimes I get really sick of the church games. Sometimes I think, I'd rather have a church of street folks--not in a building--but just where they are, as they are...come one, come all--I am just ranting now--forgive me--but I really want to know what you think, what you do and what you might suggest. 

How do you all find it? Do you see Realtors cutting back on marketing? The negative stuff gets me pumped to do even more of what works for me. I hope you feel the same.

I think it's pointless to keep asking "when is it going to turn around?" There are buyers. There are sellers.  Work with what's there. Do more marketing that is effective. What works for you? Find out. Do more of that.

Stop listening to the negative. Do what you believe is right for you. Don't listen to the guru who has the latest saving tools, tactics and techniques that will bring you all the business you could ever want. Been there, done that--it's empty promises.

Capture leads. Build relationships. Cherish them. Do things for people that have value to them. Cast your bread upon the waters...your return will be a 100 fold, pressed down shaken together.

Marketing succeeds when you like to do it--because you do what fits you...and you know it's good because you see results. Stop doing what doesn't fit you and what is not working.

Marketing succeeds when it is seen as the means to forming more and more relationships that can last a lifetime.

Be yourself. Be Blessed.