Sigh...Some people are amazing writers. I admire the way they so clearly communicate what they want to say. Alas, I am not a writer. Not a "real" one.
Reminds me of singing. I love to sing. Can even hold a tune. Harmony comes fairly easily to me. But I'm not a "Singer". I don't have amazing vocals, hence...a soloist I am not.
I'm an "okay" singer. I'm an "okay" writer. Everything I do seems to be "okay" at best. Hence, the sigh at the beginning of this "okay" blog post.
Do you ever feel like that? You don't want to whine or complain...but everything seems to fall into the mediocre category?
The problem with dwelling on those thoughts is that I am focusing on what I can't do and allowing the lie that Satan wants me to believe, to enter my thinking. The lie that says that because I can't do certain things as well as other people means I am nothing but an "okay" person.
As much as I hate to admit it... I choose to think that of my own accord. Nobody twisted my arm in torture as they forced that statement from my lips. No. I do it all by my little self!
You know what good things I do have in abundance?
I have a big heart.
I try hard.
I am persistent.
None of those things will gain me any accolades. It is unlikely that I will derive a six figure income with a big heart. But it is what God gave me. He gives all His children something special. It may not be what your neighbor has, or what seems to abound in your friends.
Yes, I admit that many times I wish I were more than mediocre at certain things. But I have a question for you. Do you ever wish that you were really good at something, but instead you are...
Just okay?
Friday, February 11, 2011
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Faith Conversations...
Did you know that 80% of kids who are church goers, will leave church by the time they are in their 20's?
Now I don't know how accurate that statistic is, but I do know that it is high enough to reveal that there is a serious problem that needs to be addressed.
It's pretty simple, really. Bottom line is: Kids are not stupid. They have eyes and ears. Frankly, for the most part...if they have parents who are applying God's promises and principals to their lives, their children will be much more apt to take God seriously. He or she will see the power of God in your lives and will want to incorporate it into their own lives as they grow.
Great News!
When you do this, there is actually a 300% better chance that your kids will continue to walk with the Lord, even when they get older!
I'm not saying you have to be perfect. But it would be great if you were honest. For example, if you are upset about something and you don't deal with it well - then admit that little fact to your kids...or even grandkids. Tell them you know that is not how God would want you to react.
Goes against the grain for you to admit that you actually have faults? Well, that is something you are going to have to deal with. It's nothing short of pride...and we know that pride goes before a fall.
So now what?
A couple of things come to mind:
1) Depending on the maturity of the child you could ask them to pray with you.
That lets them know that you know you aren't perfect and need God's help. It also opens up
the door for...
2) An opportunity to pray with them about any problems they are having. (But do that
later - when the problem actually comes up).
There are so many creative things you can do.
One creative something I can share with you has to do with "Faith Conversations".
Faith Conversations are just that. Conversations about faith. Throughout the day, in a matter of fact sort of way, simply bring up principals of God's word and use it in a practical way so that both you, your kids or your grandchildren, can be reminded that God is very real in every circumstance.
Still uncertain as to what I'm talking about? If so, get a piece of paper or go on the computer and write down various traits that God speaks of in His Word.
Patience, Peace, Love, Kindness, Self-Control...the list goes on. Then see what God has to say about it.
Talk about those things, individually as they apply, throughout the day. As you do that you will teach your kids - or grandkids - how to naturally apply God's word to their lives. Oh. And don't be "preachy" sounding. Very annoying.
Your child or grandchild isn't a Christian? Afraid of "pushing your beliefs" on them? Hey, telling them how God is working in your life can be an awesome tool and a great...
Faith Conversation...
Now I don't know how accurate that statistic is, but I do know that it is high enough to reveal that there is a serious problem that needs to be addressed.
It's pretty simple, really. Bottom line is: Kids are not stupid. They have eyes and ears. Frankly, for the most part...if they have parents who are applying God's promises and principals to their lives, their children will be much more apt to take God seriously. He or she will see the power of God in your lives and will want to incorporate it into their own lives as they grow.
Great News!
When you do this, there is actually a 300% better chance that your kids will continue to walk with the Lord, even when they get older!
I'm not saying you have to be perfect. But it would be great if you were honest. For example, if you are upset about something and you don't deal with it well - then admit that little fact to your kids...or even grandkids. Tell them you know that is not how God would want you to react.
Goes against the grain for you to admit that you actually have faults? Well, that is something you are going to have to deal with. It's nothing short of pride...and we know that pride goes before a fall.
So now what?
A couple of things come to mind:
1) Depending on the maturity of the child you could ask them to pray with you.
That lets them know that you know you aren't perfect and need God's help. It also opens up
the door for...
2) An opportunity to pray with them about any problems they are having. (But do that
later - when the problem actually comes up).
There are so many creative things you can do.
One creative something I can share with you has to do with "Faith Conversations".
Faith Conversations are just that. Conversations about faith. Throughout the day, in a matter of fact sort of way, simply bring up principals of God's word and use it in a practical way so that both you, your kids or your grandchildren, can be reminded that God is very real in every circumstance.
Still uncertain as to what I'm talking about? If so, get a piece of paper or go on the computer and write down various traits that God speaks of in His Word.
Patience, Peace, Love, Kindness, Self-Control...the list goes on. Then see what God has to say about it.
Talk about those things, individually as they apply, throughout the day. As you do that you will teach your kids - or grandkids - how to naturally apply God's word to their lives. Oh. And don't be "preachy" sounding. Very annoying.
Your child or grandchild isn't a Christian? Afraid of "pushing your beliefs" on them? Hey, telling them how God is working in your life can be an awesome tool and a great...
Faith Conversation...
Monday, February 7, 2011
Monday Review !
I'll be a bit on the brief side today. Alas...I don't feel too well, but I did want to give you a
quick update at least.
Last Monday I told you I would be going to a Crisis Pregnancy Center to ask them if there was anything I could do to help.
I have to say, I was really surprised. "Shelly" - the director I spoke to - was really very open. Much more than I would have expected. Turns out she has been giving and giving for so many years, that she had been experiencing a type of "disconnect" from people. What I mean by that, is that she was so accustomed to people needing things from her that she was almost afraid to form any type of relationship with anybody for fear they would be another needy person.
Don't misunderstand me. She was and continues to be extremely willing to give. Her love of all people is from God and it is very strong. She was simply acknowledging her human-ness.
I felt very honored that she would open up like that. Yes, there center always needs contributions and yes, she told me the hours they could use volunteers and that she would train them - but it seemed to me that my biggest "contribution" was to simply ask her what I could do for her.
She wasn't accustomed to that.
I wonder how many more "giving" people there are out there that are feeling alone?
quick update at least.
Last Monday I told you I would be going to a Crisis Pregnancy Center to ask them if there was anything I could do to help.
I have to say, I was really surprised. "Shelly" - the director I spoke to - was really very open. Much more than I would have expected. Turns out she has been giving and giving for so many years, that she had been experiencing a type of "disconnect" from people. What I mean by that, is that she was so accustomed to people needing things from her that she was almost afraid to form any type of relationship with anybody for fear they would be another needy person.
Don't misunderstand me. She was and continues to be extremely willing to give. Her love of all people is from God and it is very strong. She was simply acknowledging her human-ness.
I felt very honored that she would open up like that. Yes, there center always needs contributions and yes, she told me the hours they could use volunteers and that she would train them - but it seemed to me that my biggest "contribution" was to simply ask her what I could do for her.
She wasn't accustomed to that.
I wonder how many more "giving" people there are out there that are feeling alone?
Thursday, February 3, 2011
An Ingrown Church.
If you will recall, in the last post "Your I.T. Expert" made two points about the all important Ingrown Toenail.
I will devote this blog to the second point. The gist?
Don't trim your toenails too short, as you may set the stage for ingrown toenails.
Are you shaking in your boots? You know...the ones that aren't too tight? Of course not. What you are doing is wondering how I am going to weave biblical insight into a toenail!
Oh, now. I'm not going to do that!
But, remember when we learned that if our toenails are trimmed too short...it could set the stage for an ingrown toenail?
Honestly, when I read about that, I thought of the church as the toenail...and when we "trim" the toenail - or church - too much...the church can become ingrown. The danger of a church that becomes ingrown is that their focus is placed on ministering to themselves before reaching out to the world.
So how do we "trim" a church?
First thing we need to do is get on the same page. What is the church? That may seem like a silly question, but it is viewed very differently by many people
Some people think church is simply a building where religious people meet. A location.
Wrong.
There is a difference between the church and a church building.
All throughout the New Testament are references to the church.
The church that is being persecuted.
Buildings aren't persecuted.
The church that speaks.
Buildings can't talk.
Great fear came upon the church.
Buildings don't get scared.
Prayer was offered to God by the church.
Buildings don't pray.
Need I continue?
I love the church. (And yes, I enjoy meeting in church buildings). The true church, however, is an incredible movement of God that spans the entire world. It consists of people who have chosen to ask Jesus into their lives and subsequently follow Him... It goes beyond buildings, beyond denominations, beyond theological differences that have nothing to do with salvation.
When we insist that the church is nothing but a building or when we limit church to a specific denomination...even when we over-emphasize theological issues that are not salvation related,
we are, in a sense, "cutting our toenails too short", and setting the stage for...
An Ingrown Church.
I will devote this blog to the second point. The gist?
Don't trim your toenails too short, as you may set the stage for ingrown toenails.
Are you shaking in your boots? You know...the ones that aren't too tight? Of course not. What you are doing is wondering how I am going to weave biblical insight into a toenail!
Oh, now. I'm not going to do that!
But, remember when we learned that if our toenails are trimmed too short...it could set the stage for an ingrown toenail?
Honestly, when I read about that, I thought of the church as the toenail...and when we "trim" the toenail - or church - too much...the church can become ingrown. The danger of a church that becomes ingrown is that their focus is placed on ministering to themselves before reaching out to the world.
So how do we "trim" a church?
First thing we need to do is get on the same page. What is the church? That may seem like a silly question, but it is viewed very differently by many people
Some people think church is simply a building where religious people meet. A location.
Wrong.
There is a difference between the church and a church building.
All throughout the New Testament are references to the church.
The church that is being persecuted.
Buildings aren't persecuted.
The church that speaks.
Buildings can't talk.
Great fear came upon the church.
Buildings don't get scared.
Prayer was offered to God by the church.
Buildings don't pray.
Need I continue?
I love the church. (And yes, I enjoy meeting in church buildings). The true church, however, is an incredible movement of God that spans the entire world. It consists of people who have chosen to ask Jesus into their lives and subsequently follow Him... It goes beyond buildings, beyond denominations, beyond theological differences that have nothing to do with salvation.
When we insist that the church is nothing but a building or when we limit church to a specific denomination...even when we over-emphasize theological issues that are not salvation related,
we are, in a sense, "cutting our toenails too short", and setting the stage for...
An Ingrown Church.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Your I.T. Expert ...
Aha! You thought I was referring to I.T. - as in "Information Technology". (Oh, so that's what I.T. stands for)!
No. I'm actually referring to something much closer to you. Ingrown Toenails!
Now why in the world would I want to talk about Ingrown Toenails? I'll tell you. But first:
Did you know that if you trim your toenails too short, particularly on the sides of your big toes, you may set the stage for an ingrown toenail? That's right!
And did you know that the most common cause for "I.T." is tight shoe wear or improper grooming or trimming of the nail?
Yep. I'll bet you're really glad I enlightened you on that most fascinating subject!
So. "Now", you ask, "what is she getting at"? Ahhh...you know me well!
How do I say this so that it doesn't come out wrong? I am, after all, quite adept at putting my foot in my mouth!
Well, I guess all I want to say is that too many times, the only people we really interact with are our fellow Christians.
Don't get me wrong. I love fellowshipping with my brothers and sisters in Christ!
But I know it is easy to get an "Ingrown Toenail" -spiritually and emotionally speaking - when we are so tight in our relationships with each other, that we don't leave room for the rest of the world!
Tight shoes, if you remember, was one of the precursors to Ingrown Toenails.
Tomorrow, I will attempt to further enlighten you as to the second reason for I.T. After all, I am...
Your I.T. Expert...
No. I'm actually referring to something much closer to you. Ingrown Toenails!
Now why in the world would I want to talk about Ingrown Toenails? I'll tell you. But first:
Did you know that if you trim your toenails too short, particularly on the sides of your big toes, you may set the stage for an ingrown toenail? That's right!
And did you know that the most common cause for "I.T." is tight shoe wear or improper grooming or trimming of the nail?
Yep. I'll bet you're really glad I enlightened you on that most fascinating subject!
So. "Now", you ask, "what is she getting at"? Ahhh...you know me well!
How do I say this so that it doesn't come out wrong? I am, after all, quite adept at putting my foot in my mouth!
Well, I guess all I want to say is that too many times, the only people we really interact with are our fellow Christians.
Don't get me wrong. I love fellowshipping with my brothers and sisters in Christ!
But I know it is easy to get an "Ingrown Toenail" -spiritually and emotionally speaking - when we are so tight in our relationships with each other, that we don't leave room for the rest of the world!
Tight shoes, if you remember, was one of the precursors to Ingrown Toenails.
Tomorrow, I will attempt to further enlighten you as to the second reason for I.T. After all, I am...
Your I.T. Expert...
Monday, January 31, 2011
Monday Review !
Drum roll, please! Okay, if you're new to this blog you will more than likely be wondering why it is that a drum roll is required! Well, let me enlighten you. I told people that I want to be part of the "Do It" Church. Bottom line, I want to be a "Doer".
We discussed,in an earlier blog, the importance of taking note of and counting the places around you that have an exceptionally high amount of hurting people. It is described in the post entitled: "Count" and Then Prepare for "WAR" ( Walking, Asking and Responding).
A couple of weeks ago, I counted and wrote down all the places within a ten mile radius of my home that would fall into that category. I mean, I realize there are hurting people everywhere...but some places attract more hurting people than others.
Last week I told you I would tell you how I did in the "WALK" part of "WAR".
Well. I would have to give myself a "2" on the Richter scale. Am I being hard on myself? Nah.
It's just that I didn't exactly WALK anywhere. I just thought about it. Okay, and I prayed...a little.
Sounds like a potential prescription for getting nowhere fast. Alas, my name..."Shay"...is my nickname. Comes from my middle name, "Alacia"...pronounced "Alaysha". A roomate, a long time ago, asked me if she could call me "Shay" because she could never pronounce my real name and kept forgetting it.
What does that have to do with procrastination? All I was going to say is that one of my husbands favorite names for me was... "Procrastalaysha".
I wasn't thrilled with that name. Especially since it was a glaring verbal indictment on my character! Even worse...it was an accurate assessment!
There is good news, however! My husband hasn't called me "Procrastalaysha" for years now.
Granted, I still drag my feet more than I would like...but I have definitely improved.
So, what location did I think about going to? Well, it's a Crisis Pregnancy Center that is about one mile away from where I live.
My next step is to actually go there (as opposed to just thinking about it) and Ask them how I can help them.
I'll tell you what happens on the next...
Monday Review !
We discussed,in an earlier blog, the importance of taking note of and counting the places around you that have an exceptionally high amount of hurting people. It is described in the post entitled: "Count" and Then Prepare for "WAR" ( Walking, Asking and Responding).
A couple of weeks ago, I counted and wrote down all the places within a ten mile radius of my home that would fall into that category. I mean, I realize there are hurting people everywhere...but some places attract more hurting people than others.
Last week I told you I would tell you how I did in the "WALK" part of "WAR".
Well. I would have to give myself a "2" on the Richter scale. Am I being hard on myself? Nah.
It's just that I didn't exactly WALK anywhere. I just thought about it. Okay, and I prayed...a little.
Sounds like a potential prescription for getting nowhere fast. Alas, my name..."Shay"...is my nickname. Comes from my middle name, "Alacia"...pronounced "Alaysha". A roomate, a long time ago, asked me if she could call me "Shay" because she could never pronounce my real name and kept forgetting it.
What does that have to do with procrastination? All I was going to say is that one of my husbands favorite names for me was... "Procrastalaysha".
I wasn't thrilled with that name. Especially since it was a glaring verbal indictment on my character! Even worse...it was an accurate assessment!
There is good news, however! My husband hasn't called me "Procrastalaysha" for years now.
Granted, I still drag my feet more than I would like...but I have definitely improved.
So, what location did I think about going to? Well, it's a Crisis Pregnancy Center that is about one mile away from where I live.
My next step is to actually go there (as opposed to just thinking about it) and Ask them how I can help them.
I'll tell you what happens on the next...
Monday Review !
Friday, January 28, 2011
Walk Talk !
You know how there are people that talk the talk but don't walk the walk? We've all visited that place from time to time.
But doesn't it feel great when we put feet to our words?! I call it:
Walk Talk!
Okay, this is pretty exciting!
Remember a few posts ago, we talked about being a Do It Church?
Count...Then Prepare for WAR, is a post that might refresh your memory.
Count stands for ... Count. How's that for clever? WAR stands for Walk, Ask, Respond.
I told you I would give a little description or example, of each category.
"W" WALK. Actually walk to one of those places...one of the places that you prayed about. A location that resonates in your heart. Contact them. Go there. You can do it!
"A" ASK. Ask yourself, then ask them... "How can I help?" For example, if you used to frequent bars and people know you...assuming alcohol won't be a stumbling block for you...you can actually talk to the person in charge of the bar and ASK them if they would like to take your name and number as a person who would be willing to be a "designated driver" for someone who can't get home by themselves. How is that ministry? Let me tell you something. You never know how you are going to affect someone. You could have had a very positive influence on the bar tender. You just got to know a hurting person that needs your prayer. Don't worry about it. Just put yourself out there. Let God do the inner work.
"R" RESPOND. When you do respond...remember to respond in love. Also keep in mind that when you respond to someone, the Holy Spirit is the one who will actually work through you, and oftentimes it will be you who gets ministered to.
So what's my next step? Boy, I like you guys. You really help me. I have to be accountable when I tell you I'm going to do something. I've already shared with you the different places I counted. I will report to you Monday about the results of my next experience. The Big "W". Aarrgghh!!!
It's time to let my walking do the talking and initialize:
Walk Talk!
But doesn't it feel great when we put feet to our words?! I call it:
Walk Talk!
Okay, this is pretty exciting!
Remember a few posts ago, we talked about being a Do It Church?
Count...Then Prepare for WAR, is a post that might refresh your memory.
Count stands for ... Count. How's that for clever? WAR stands for Walk, Ask, Respond.
I told you I would give a little description or example, of each category.
"W" WALK. Actually walk to one of those places...one of the places that you prayed about. A location that resonates in your heart. Contact them. Go there. You can do it!
"A" ASK. Ask yourself, then ask them... "How can I help?" For example, if you used to frequent bars and people know you...assuming alcohol won't be a stumbling block for you...you can actually talk to the person in charge of the bar and ASK them if they would like to take your name and number as a person who would be willing to be a "designated driver" for someone who can't get home by themselves. How is that ministry? Let me tell you something. You never know how you are going to affect someone. You could have had a very positive influence on the bar tender. You just got to know a hurting person that needs your prayer. Don't worry about it. Just put yourself out there. Let God do the inner work.
"R" RESPOND. When you do respond...remember to respond in love. Also keep in mind that when you respond to someone, the Holy Spirit is the one who will actually work through you, and oftentimes it will be you who gets ministered to.
So what's my next step? Boy, I like you guys. You really help me. I have to be accountable when I tell you I'm going to do something. I've already shared with you the different places I counted. I will report to you Monday about the results of my next experience. The Big "W". Aarrgghh!!!
It's time to let my walking do the talking and initialize:
Walk Talk!
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Love Switch...
I have something to say that is really, really difficult for me. I'm so afraid of people misunderstanding...so please hear me out. And please don't judge me. Some people may think I'm ridiculous for saying anything at all. But. Oh well.
I have a lot of love for people...but it isn't emotional. I want it to be...but I can't make myself feel the emotion of love. It's as if my "love switch" was broken a long time ago and never got repaired. For the life of me, I can't feel anything except sadness or pain of some kind.
I do experience times of happiness...just not the emotion of love that I have heard people say they feel deep in their hearts.
It's not all bad. I mean, if you were in a room with a gunman, you would eventually be glad I was with you because even though I can't feel the emotion of love...I would allow myself to take a bullet meant for you. So, I recognize that even though I can't feel anything - there is, nevertheless, a strong love that God put inside of me that I will, by faith, act on. But the emotion isn't there.
I feel very alone, but I suspect I'm not. If you feel like a part of you is "broken" please let me share with you two scriptures that continue to help me to this day.
Psa 34:18 says, The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those who are crushed in spirit.
Psa 147:3 says, He heals the brokenhearted, binding up their wounds.
God loves us. He loves you. If you are broken in any way, He will heal you. He's actually closer to you than you would have ever imagined. And He is working. He will bind up the broken part of you. He is the best physician any one could possibly hope for.
He began the healing process with me when I asked Him into my life. The wounds were deep and He understood them like nobody else could. He started out by loving me. Then He gave me an incredibly loving husband as well as loving kids...that aren't kids anymore! He knew that I needed to be loved in a demonstrative way, before my heart could feel love.
It's not really that unusual. What is the scripture? We love Him because He first loved us. 1Jo 4:19
Maybe it won't be long before He has completed the healing of my...
Love Switch...
I have a lot of love for people...but it isn't emotional. I want it to be...but I can't make myself feel the emotion of love. It's as if my "love switch" was broken a long time ago and never got repaired. For the life of me, I can't feel anything except sadness or pain of some kind.
I do experience times of happiness...just not the emotion of love that I have heard people say they feel deep in their hearts.
It's not all bad. I mean, if you were in a room with a gunman, you would eventually be glad I was with you because even though I can't feel the emotion of love...I would allow myself to take a bullet meant for you. So, I recognize that even though I can't feel anything - there is, nevertheless, a strong love that God put inside of me that I will, by faith, act on. But the emotion isn't there.
I feel very alone, but I suspect I'm not. If you feel like a part of you is "broken" please let me share with you two scriptures that continue to help me to this day.
Psa 34:18 says, The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those who are crushed in spirit.
Psa 147:3 says, He heals the brokenhearted, binding up their wounds.
God loves us. He loves you. If you are broken in any way, He will heal you. He's actually closer to you than you would have ever imagined. And He is working. He will bind up the broken part of you. He is the best physician any one could possibly hope for.
He began the healing process with me when I asked Him into my life. The wounds were deep and He understood them like nobody else could. He started out by loving me. Then He gave me an incredibly loving husband as well as loving kids...that aren't kids anymore! He knew that I needed to be loved in a demonstrative way, before my heart could feel love.
It's not really that unusual. What is the scripture? We love Him because He first loved us. 1Jo 4:19
Maybe it won't be long before He has completed the healing of my...
Love Switch...
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Status or Purpose?
You know how when you read a book, it will sometimes have an asterik next to a word so that you will know to go to the bottom of the page and read an excerpt of sorts?
Well, I know that I said I would go into detail a bit RE: The "Do It" Church. And I will. But I wanted to share something with you first.
I heard somebody say something today that really stuck with me. He said:
"Some people are more concerned with changing their status than discovering their purpose."
That is so true. We are so self focussed. Everything is about us. Me, me, me. It is certainly understandable. I mean, we grew up with ourselves. The entire view of the world is seen through our eyes. Of course it is natural that we are self centered. Sounds awful though, doesn't it?
Fortunately, God already understands all that about us. He did, after all, create us. He gets it. But He doesn't want us to continue in that state. His desire for us, as His adopted children, is to become God-Centered. When we do that, we are taking the first step to a willingness to discover the purpose He has for us.
Problem. Did I say problem? No. More like problems...plural.
In my impatience to be significant and fulfilled in life, I preempt God's purpose for me with a status or station of my own making. Obviously, different things will be important to different people. For example, some peoples status are significantly strengthened in their estimation, by:
* Relationships
* Careers
* Titles
* Money
* Power
* And more...
God wants to do something in us, for us and for others by using us. The question is...will we let Him? What is more important? Our...
Status or Purpose?
Well, I know that I said I would go into detail a bit RE: The "Do It" Church. And I will. But I wanted to share something with you first.
I heard somebody say something today that really stuck with me. He said:
"Some people are more concerned with changing their status than discovering their purpose."
That is so true. We are so self focussed. Everything is about us. Me, me, me. It is certainly understandable. I mean, we grew up with ourselves. The entire view of the world is seen through our eyes. Of course it is natural that we are self centered. Sounds awful though, doesn't it?
Fortunately, God already understands all that about us. He did, after all, create us. He gets it. But He doesn't want us to continue in that state. His desire for us, as His adopted children, is to become God-Centered. When we do that, we are taking the first step to a willingness to discover the purpose He has for us.
Problem. Did I say problem? No. More like problems...plural.
In my impatience to be significant and fulfilled in life, I preempt God's purpose for me with a status or station of my own making. Obviously, different things will be important to different people. For example, some peoples status are significantly strengthened in their estimation, by:
* Relationships
* Careers
* Titles
* Money
* Power
* And more...
God wants to do something in us, for us and for others by using us. The question is...will we let Him? What is more important? Our...
Status or Purpose?
Monday, January 24, 2011
Step Into Action...
Uh...if you think going into the community and reaching out to people in need, is easy for me...think again! If it is not difficult to you, I commend you. Alas, I do not fall into that category. Yes...I love people. But loving people and having the courage to turn your love into action can be two different things.
I'm really good at some things. I think I'm best at finding reasons why I can't do something. That's why I told you that I would reach out to people - so that I would have to. I mean, if I tell somebody that I'm going to do something...I will do it.
Here is a list of words that came to my mind - from the time I said I would go out into the community, until I did:
Gargantuan, Herculean, ambitious, arduous, burdensome (Hey, I work 40 hours a week), challenging, crucial, demanding, easier said than done, exacting, formidable, laborious, no picnic, not easy, problematic, emotionally strenuous, of titanic proportion, very trying. Oh, and did I mention how much I dreaded it?
But I did it! At least... I started the process, which is... a start! It wasn't too painful. Remember when I said the first thing to do was to count the places within about a 10 mile radius of where you live? I counted them and wrote them down. It was relatively painless since I used my computer! Good ole Google search engine. Figured I could start there and add more as I see them. So what did I find?
1) One Hospital
2) Three Convalescent Homes
3) Two Tutoring Centers
4) Six Bars
5) Three Elementary Schools
6) One High School
7) One Crisis Pregnancy Center
(No Abortion Clinics within ten miles...but check that out where you live).
Oh, BTW, if you do this...remember to write down the address and phone number. If you're doing it on the computer, just copy and paste...and save the information in a file.
But don't just "file it away". Remember the rest of the acronym?
WAR ... Walk, Ask, Respond.
Tomorrow I will throw some thoughts your way, Re: Walking, Asking and Responding.
But for right now...just count and take note of the addresses and phone numbers.
I would love it if you would join me on my journey by either praying for me - or starting your own journey and sharing it with me and others. I challenge you! Just start out by taking a ...
Step Into Action...
I'm really good at some things. I think I'm best at finding reasons why I can't do something. That's why I told you that I would reach out to people - so that I would have to. I mean, if I tell somebody that I'm going to do something...I will do it.
Here is a list of words that came to my mind - from the time I said I would go out into the community, until I did:
Gargantuan, Herculean, ambitious, arduous, burdensome (Hey, I work 40 hours a week), challenging, crucial, demanding, easier said than done, exacting, formidable, laborious, no picnic, not easy, problematic, emotionally strenuous, of titanic proportion, very trying. Oh, and did I mention how much I dreaded it?
But I did it! At least... I started the process, which is... a start! It wasn't too painful. Remember when I said the first thing to do was to count the places within about a 10 mile radius of where you live? I counted them and wrote them down. It was relatively painless since I used my computer! Good ole Google search engine. Figured I could start there and add more as I see them. So what did I find?
1) One Hospital
2) Three Convalescent Homes
3) Two Tutoring Centers
4) Six Bars
5) Three Elementary Schools
6) One High School
7) One Crisis Pregnancy Center
(No Abortion Clinics within ten miles...but check that out where you live).
Oh, BTW, if you do this...remember to write down the address and phone number. If you're doing it on the computer, just copy and paste...and save the information in a file.
But don't just "file it away". Remember the rest of the acronym?
WAR ... Walk, Ask, Respond.
Tomorrow I will throw some thoughts your way, Re: Walking, Asking and Responding.
But for right now...just count and take note of the addresses and phone numbers.
I would love it if you would join me on my journey by either praying for me - or starting your own journey and sharing it with me and others. I challenge you! Just start out by taking a ...
Step Into Action...
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