The Lifter of Mine Head

"The Lifter of Mine Head"

There was a time in my life when all I could see around me were problems. The problems were real, the suffering of my heart was real, and my life was consumed with the torment of past decisions, mistakes and the scars that would remain. The troubles that besieged me caused a great divide between the LORD and me for a period of time because in my anguish my eyes were blinded to the very help that was present.

Psalms 27:1 (KJV) The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

The LORD spoke some incredibly simple words to me that brought deliverance to my heart. I began to glory in His magnificent present like never before in my life. The new love that I had in my heart for the LORD after this was beyond description. Now I was suddenly consumed with the mercy, grace and love of God, and I was blinded to any problems that life had bestowed upon me.

Suddenly, during early morning prayer one day, I had been worshipping the LORD, His Holy presence surrounding me, I picked up my Bible and opened it to a random scripture. It was Psalms Chapter 27 and I began to read, aloud, from verse one. It was a slow read, because every  word and every sentence the Psalmist wrote, was as though it was written for me, and as the words proceeded from my mouth,  tears flowed from my eyes, my voice shook, my lips quivered, my heart raced, and my head raised. Then the pinnacle as I reached verse six;

Psalms 27:6 (KJV) And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.

Immediately upon reading this, a vision was before me of a man who was too small in stature to see the beauty of the land beyond the enemy that surrounded him. The enemy was huge and surrounded him in a circle and he was bent over with his head facing the ground while the enemy beat him in order to keep him that way. The problem the enemy never seems to understand is when you’re prostrate to the ground broken and humble; you are in the best position to cry out to the only One who can truly deliver you. Because of his trust and faith in the power and a Word from the almighty God, the LORD lifted him up to where he could see what was beyond those that surrounded him. 

The vision described is not what’s illustrated in the Bible for the Psalmist, this vision was me. This is exactly what the LORD did for me, and I hadn’t truly seen it until this day. One by one as I glorified the LORD daily, my enemies began to fall. Yes, some try to follow, some shoot arrows from behind, but I press on to the beauty that I see in the LORD. Now, all I can see is His glory, all I can see is His deliverance, and all I can see is His beauty and resurrecting power. 

You might think about lifting up your head or you might miss your deliverer while he passes you by. What you may not realize is that you are already delivered by the blood of Jesus Christ. Don’t ever be blinded to that. The yoke of oppression is broken.

Daniel Criss

Founder / President

Life Achievement Services, Inc.

www.lifeachievementservices.org

November 6, 2012

THE TOP 10 METHODS TO SCARE OR STARTLE SOMEONE

The Top 10 Methods to Scare or Startle Someone

I’ve heard from my brother’s and sister’s that scaring people is something that I’ve inherited from my Dad.

Only six years old when Dad died, I don’t remember him having the penchant for scaring people. But I do remember my brothers’ relentless need to pick on some of us in the family particularly by the startling tactic. So I suppose my need to do so was indeed inherited from Dad, but through my brothers’, mostly Larry and John. Bryan and I always seemed to be the victims. And so with that bit of recounting, I bring to you what I’m really writing about. Here are the best and most amusing top 10 ways I have found to give those you love the fright of their life.

#10. IT’S ALIIIIIIVVVVE!!! The terror only lasts for a split second before realizing that food doesn’t move on its own. Your object for terror will immediately look down at their chest to make sure there’s not a hole in their shirt where their heart exited their body.

#9. The simple slow and quiet walk up behind someone, it works best on women, and with both hands, touch their waist, if appropriate, on both sides with a gentle jolt and a restrained yell ‘raahhhh’. Be ready to back up real quick or you’re likely to get a quick jolt with a right cross on the jaw!

#8. Hide behind the old door trick. Someone walks into the house or through a doorway, and just as they turn to close the door, jump out at them. You don’t have to scream loud, just a simple HEY, will have them coming out of their shoes.

#7. The 9-volt shock; this one usually works better with the younger generation who doesn’t know that touching the tip of your tongue on both of the battery’s connectors at the same time will give a light jolt. But the real fun comes when just as they touch their tongue with the 9 volt battery, you shriek with what sounds like an electrocution, BZZZZZZTTTTT. This is a great one; I got my son on this one 3 times within a minute.

#6. Someone has been in the bathroom WAY too long; quietly sneak up, sliding across the floor with socks on your feet, and pound the door with the bottom of your fists as though you were beating a bass drum. They WON’T be in the bathroom much longer after that!

#5. The decliner recliner works best while someone is napping in it. Just shake that old chair like there’s an earthquake until the sleeper is struggling and fighting to get out of the chair. Or you could crawl up behind one’s office chair and pull that lever below the seat and watch the chair sink as they think they’re falling into the basement. Better run quick, ‘cause their struggle to get out of the chair is for the purpose of shaking you up a bit. For those parents’ and teachers’ annoyed at the youngsters leaning on the back legs of the chair, just a quick pull back making the child think they’re falling backwards will put a quick end to the chair leaning, don't let go!

#4. Dinner table too quiet? It’s certain to be a messy way to liven up the family at the dinner table; in that enduring and painfully quiet moment during supper, give the most boisterous and earsplitting BOOM you can give with just that one word. You might not want to be wearing your Sunday’s best for this one, you will be soon wearing part of the dinner and whatever drinks that doesn’t get knocked over.

#3. The “god” complex is just so cruel, irreverent, and incredibly fun. It takes impeccable timing and planning. Location matters not, but is most effective in a Church and in particular at a location with vast acoustical echoes. You have to plan out all the details, but when your target is all alone and the lights suddenly go dark, and a deep and loud booming voice calls their name as though it was the Lord, the old cliché “shaking in their boots” takes on a whole new meaning. This one is not for weak hearts, and mercy may come at a price, if ever.

#2. Unexpected expectations occurs during those quiet moments when everyone in a room knows something is about to happen. It could be anything, waiting on a phone call, a knock at the door, even in the waiting area of the emergency room. You just abruptly rise to your feet while at the same time shout, “WHY IS THIS TAKING SO LONG”. And then just slowly walk out of the room while you’re chuckling under your breath shaking your head as though you were serious, and as everyone in the room thinks you were as their heartbeat has tripled. It won’t be long before someone comes after you to make sure you’re ok, it’s a marvelous way to break the monotony of the painful and melancholic mood and wait. And years later, some of your family will even find it humorous.

#1. There’s something crawling on my feet! A real but harmless snake will cause a table of grown men to jump higher than a kangaroo on a pogo stick. You won’t have a better chance to pull this one off than while they’re all sitting poolside and barefoot at the picnic table. Never admit to being the culprit, you might not survive their wrath.

Disclaimer: The tactics listed above are incredibly immature and should only be attempted by professionals. This blogger has no safety claims or records of safety, and does not recommend these to be attempted by anyone, as physical or mental harm may be permanent. Please consult a licensed physician prior to frightening a person.

Now while a small percentage of my friends and family are laughing, most of you are thinking, “Why did he write this”? It was just my little opportunity to have a little fun and express my not so serious side. In other words, most of my writing has been too somber.

Have a marvelous day! :-)

Daniel Criss

Please help me achieve our fundraising goal of $4,400, by visiting Kickstarter at the following link and pledging today! 



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Your Second Chance to Make a First Impression

Enthusiasm on the job

Someone was once said, "You never get a second chance to make a first impression". While it sounds right, I wholeheartedly disagree. Many first impressions are made because of the expectations of others; your 'job' isn't to meet other people's expectations. If you will go ABCD, Above and Beyond the Call of Duty, in your work or whatever you put your hand to do, you will make an indelible impression that your first impression will pale in comparison.

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

Many of us already have a passion towards God, it's easy for us to praise and worship the Lord. It's not always so easy to have passion and joy on your job. So when you learn how to turn your attitude 'from' pleasing men 'to' pleasing God, and put your passion and love in your work because you do it for the Lord; the quality of your work, simply because of the spirit of God that surrounds you, will be the greatest work that you have ever done or ever could do. (ABCD

Pure praise and worship from the heart and serving and pleasing God, brings a pure joy and abundant life that the world just cannot understand, and yet it's like a magnet to them. Your joy makes others curious, they WANT what you have, and they WANT to be what you are. You WILL make a difference in your job, but it has to start with you.

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

Scripture references; (Colossians 3:23 KJV), (Mat 5:14 KJV)

March 29, 2012

Daniel L. Criss
President / Founder
Life Achievement Services, Inc.

TIME TO SHUT UP

I NOTICED YOU’RE NOT LISTENING

Some people have a great deal to say. Some just seem to enjoy hearing themselves speak, and others who feel the need to be in the limelight. Many speak for their livelihood, it may be their voice but the words are from textbooks. Power is the motive of a few who raise their voice above others in intimidation, but their roar eventually just becomes a noise in the background blending in with the crowd of nature.

The words of wise men are heard in quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools.

So the babbling continues from many characters of voices, their often dialogue swiftly wasting time of the listener who has become apathetic to any oration which may interrupt their priority. And so one learns to tune out any or every voice, even missing messages from those who also have a great deal to say and who’s words come from inspiration because of a burden, love and passion for souls.

He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.

And as time passes and words continually fade away and are forgotten, that voice may become silent to them who have chosen not to hear. That voice of passion and sincerity lives and breathes to produce fruit as God has spoken, and their words are spoken in sincerity and hope with great expectation and faith because of the anointing and giver of inspiration. And that insatiable desire to win souls and touch lives moves them to push forward.

And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.

I love to be with people, individuals or crowds, it doesn’t really matter. I love to preach, teach, give technical advice, sell, and I enjoy occasionally typing my thoughts to share with others. But the limelight isn’t my purpose, and popularity isn’t important to me. But yes there is a motive, which is seen on the faces of individuals that I have the pleasure of speaking to on a weekly basis. When I see a smile here and there, a life changed, a sudden burst of laughter, a thank you, the look of understanding at a new lesson learned, and a teary eye of joy because they realize how important they are to you. And the feeling inside when the anointing begins speaking the words of the LORD through you, although the words aren’t in your notes and they weren’t planned, is a joy that I just can’t describe. My joy is helping and making others happy, being a positive influence and difference in their life. But it just doesn’t seem to work with everyone.

Unfortunately after 47 years, I have also learned when to shut up. Some won’t listen from the beginning, and while that’s difficult for me to understand why they don’t want help, a relationship is never developed and little time is invested in them as they quickly walk away. The most difficult and painful for me, are those whom I’ve devoted a great deal of time and prayer. Their disinterest is easily

identified and usually just starts with the occasional lack of interest. They’ll change the subject before the topic is completed; they interrupt you in the middle of a sentence with a remark that has nothing to do with your comment, they’re preoccupied with something they possess or is in the room. I’ve also seen their apathy start with droopy or tired eyes, and other times they don’t look at you at all. Sadly, I’ve seen all of these examples take place even after developing a strong bond.

However, I’m not so fast to give up. I’m one that tries to find a way to bring them back and to peak their interest. More often than not, once these symptoms are openly revealed it’s too late, they no longer hear you. Recently, I witnessed the shock in one’s face as I stopped abruptly and walked away, but that individual hadn’t been listening and wasn’t interested enough to ask me to continue. It was indeed time to; shut up.

My voice has become familiar, my words you find wearisome, and you say you want me near, but for such a long time I have noticed you’re not listening and my time for silence has arrived.

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

Scripture references (all KJV); Eccl 9:17, Mat 13:22, Mat 10:14, Eccl 3:1,7.

Daniel Criss
February 11, 2012
President / Founder
Life Achievement Services, Inc.

When Heartache Becomes a Blessing

Sometimes the things that bring us the greatest pain in our lives turn into blessings because of the grace of God.

On Sunday, January 12, 2003 my Mother died. Although it was nine years ago today, I remember it as though it happened yesterday, in vivid detail. Geneva (Criss) Sparks had lived a long, joyous and triumphant life in the Lord. However, in the last few years she lived with a great amount of physical pain. My only solace in losing her was the knowledge she was no longer in pain, and she was in the “everlasting arms” of our LORD.

THE ETERNAL GOD IS THY REFUGE, AND UNDERNEATH ARE THE EVERLASTING ARMS:

My Dad the Rev. Edgar Calvin Criss, died in 1971, I was just six years old. In

losing Mom it felt to me like I was losing my Dad all over again. Mom held so strongly to the truth and faith that Dad preached so strongly as Pastor of the Apostolic Pentecostal Church in Massillon, Ohio. And being the closest connection to Dad, she was the one who could best describe and let me know what my Daddy was like, and who he was. I have always bottled up my strongest emotions only releasing them when I’m alone and when with my God. I remember in vivid detail several years after my Dad died, waking up in the middle of the night shaking and crying and repeatedly saying, “I miss my Daddy, I want my Daddy back”. I was always sure to be quiet enough not to disturb anyone sleeping, my emotions were bottled up and I didn’t want anyone to know.

Those same emotions were about to reappear. Just a couple of weeks after Mom died I was on a business trip in Michigan. Being several hundred miles away from any family, there was no one I could be strong for. It was late in the evening when I arrived, and too late to call anyone. I felt so alone and isolated. Two weeks of bottled up emotions while trying to be strong for others had suddenly been released unrestrained. But I had been given a gift, something to lean on, and something to trust in during my darkest hour.

TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL THINE HEART; AND LEAN NOT UNTO THINE OWN UNDERSTANDING.

My Parents’ passed on a tremendous legacy to my siblings and me, of which I am extremely thankful for. One of the most crucial lessons I learned while growing up, was that I could not rely only on my parents’ faith and prayers for my salvation. The older I became I realized I was going to have to find this thing for myself. But what I have come to know as the truth, is not in my heart just because of them, they simply started me on my journey. I learned from them how to reach God for myself, and not trust in the riches or gods of this world to lead and guide me.

LABOUR NOT FOR THE MEAT WHICH PERISHETH, BUT FOR THAT MEAT WHICH ENDURETH UNTO EVERLASTING LIFE, WHICH THE SON OF MAN SHALL GIVE UNTO YOU: FOR HIM HATH GOD THE FATHER SEALED.

I found a hiding place, entering into the Holiest of Holies by the blood of Jesus.

THOU ART MY HIDING PLACE AND MY SHIELD: I HOPE IN THY WORD.

It is there where I met God for myself; it is there where He continually reveals His word to me. I have found that the greatest time to read the Bible for me is after an encounter with God in prayer. Starting in my parents’ lives’, continuing in mine, my prayers and hope is for that same faith to be established in my children’s lives.

STUDY TO SHOW THYSELF APPROVED UNTO GOD, A WORKMAN THAT NEEDETH NOT TO BE ASHAMED, RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE WORD OF TRUTH.

While with my oldest daughter Erica (who was 12 at the time), not long after Mom died, I asked her the question, “What will you remember the most about your Grandma Geneva?” She said, “I will never forget every time we stayed with her overnight, when I woke up in the morning I would always go in the family room to see her, and she was ‘always’ praying and reading her Bible.” Mom had left an indelible impression on my children. She was in the Church service praying with my youngest daughter, when Erin received the baptism of the Holy Ghost speaking in tongues as the spirit gave the utterance.

The reflection on these things so soon after her death brought me to realize the blessing that had been bestowed upon me, my children, my siblings and many others through the faith of my parents’. Although they are no longer with us, the memories of their faith, their devotion to God and family, and their instruction remain. And their prayers will never be forgotten in heaven.

…AND GOLDEN VIALS FULL OF ODOURS, WHICH ARE THE PRAYERS OF SAINTS.

Though the heartache of the loss of my parents’ will never be mended, it is a constant reminder to me, of the blessing that God gave to my children and me. It is my prayer today that the passion Dad and Mom had for God that blessed so many people, will also become embedded in the hearts of my children and all of our family, until the day we shall all be with the Lord.

Scripture references (All KJV); Deuteronomy 33:27, Proverbs 3:5, John 6:27, Psalms 119:114, 2 Tim 2:15, Rev. 5:8.

Daniel Criss
President/Founder
Life Achievement Services, Inc.

Why Would You Go Through This When You Don’t Have To?

“Why Would You Go Through This When You Don’t Have To?”

This is a quotation from Matt Yeater at Life Tabernacle Church in Elkhart, Indiana on October 6, 2010. Matt is a 30 year old student at Indiana Bible College in Indianapolis. He is blind because of an explosion that occurred while working with the illegal drug Meth.

On this particular Wednesday, Life Achievement Services was holding “Life Skills” classes for about 26 students from Bashor Childrens Home in Goshen, Indiana. There were to be two classes divided among young men and ladies. The ladies were originally scheduled to be in the “Career Planning” class, and the young men were scheduled for “Personal Development” Mr. Tom Hartnett who is the Pharmacy Manager of CVS Pharmacy in Elkhart was scheduled to facilitate this class which was his second session on the subject of “Substance Abuse”. Because Tom had planned two great videos on drunk driving, it was decided that we would combine the two classes for the 20 minutes of video in the Church sanctuary. After the videos we decided to split the classes as normal. Apparently, God had a different idea.

While watching these videos, Matt walked into the back of the sanctuary. We did not

anticipate him being there. My wife Rebecca pointed Matt out to me suggesting that we should ask Matt to join the substance abuse class with Mr. Hartnett. I first spoke with Laura Marmolejos, who directs the Independent Living program at Bashor Childrens Home, and she not only supported the idea of inviting Matt to participate in the class, but she also requested that we allow the young ladies to join the class. A brief conversation with Mr. Hartnett ensued, and he agreed it would be a great opportunity to have someone with the experience that Matt had to help him teach. He and I then spoke with Matt and invited him to participate in the class and Matt seemed eager to do so.

At the end of the videos we announced to the group of young people that we would all be joining in the same class inside of the Adult Education Room of Life Tabernacle. This room at best comfortably seats between 12-15 people. On this night we had 26 teenagers, 5 staff members from Bashor Childrens Home including Laura, 4 staff from Life Achievement Services, Matt and Mr. Hartnett. After cramming everyone into this room, I gave a brief introduction and turned the floor over to Matt. Matt gave a heart wrenching testimony, of which my only regret is to not have any video of the evening.

During the 20 minutes account of his life from age 3 to 30 he spoke of abuse, drugs and alcohol that brought many tears to the eyes of his listeners. His first drink of alcohol was given to him by his family at age 3, and was drunk independently for the first time at the age of 6. Matt gave an account that is unfortunately all too much familiar by the young people this room was full of. At the age of 23 after being left to die (from the meth lab explosion) by his friends, he found himself in a hospital where the realization of not knowing if he would live or die, and if live, would he ever see again. Charged, convicted and incarcerated, Matt spent many lonely nights in jail seeking a God that he couldn’t even be sure existed. In and out of jail and on drugs for a number of years, he began to draw closer to God. He had 3 children by now and the struggle continued until by his own testimony, “I’ve been delivered by the blood of the Lamb of God, baptized in His name, and filled with His spirit”. He continued to say, “Why would you go through this when you don’t have to?”

After Matt’s testimony, the young people and staff members had many questions for him, and the session continued with his answers for the next 20 minutes or so. One teen asked, “What do you miss the most being blind”? Matt’s answer was, “I want to see the face of my children”. The questions were direct and simple; his answers were poignant and riveting. At the end of answering these questions, Matt spoke a word to a very specific young teenage man, whom he’d never met, and had never seen. He told him, “I will pray for you, that God gives you a respect for leadership”. What Matt didn’t know, is the very words he spoke to this young man is exactly what was needed. This young man who just turned 18 did indeed have a problem with authority. This young man and several others have been attending Church services every Sunday, and one of my greatest joys is; when he sees me I get a great big smile, handshake and a hug.

Mr. Hartnett closed out the class by sharing two more videos that provided blunt pictures of the results of methamphetamine use and straight-talking from Doctors who treat meth addicts. Several of the teens informed me they didn’t really enjoy the class tonight because it brought up too many painful memories. But there are no regrets on my part for having changed our plans. And it’s all because these 26 teenagers witnessed the ability of our Lord Jesus Christ and His word to change, to deliver and to give hope for a bright and prosperous future. It was a night to remember. It wasn’t an evening about Matt Yeater, whom I am appreciative of. It was an evening about a marvelous and wonderful God, and 26 teenagers who are loved, who have hope, and who are being helped out of living a life that they just don’t have to live.


This article was previously written and published in google documents on November 2, 2010.

Matt Yeater is available for speaking engagements. Call Pastor Mark Johnson at (574) 293-9332 for arrangements.

Daniel Criss,
President / Founder
Life Achievement Services, Inc.
http://www.lifeachievementservices.org