Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Heart or Head
Recently I have been contemplating a concept presented by John Eldredge. He suggests that when one becomes a Christian the heart is renewed. As a result he proposes that, although we don't acknowlege or act like it, our heart is actually good. That's right, good! He suggests that this is the only possible way that God could dwell in our heart. So this leaves me with another question. If my heart is good, why do I struggle so much. Well, where I've landed for now is that the problem is not with my heart but with my head. Think about it. The Bible says that we are transformed by the renewing of our mind, that we must take our thoughts captive, and that we need to think about pure things. So, maybe John Eldredge is right and my heart is good, and believe me that is GREAT news. However, I need to focus my mind on Him and His purposes in order to live out God's dwelling in my heart. Hmmm....
Previous Posts Transfered From My Old Site
Suicide: 3rd Leading Cause of Death Among 10-24 Year Olds
This week (September 7-13) is National Suicide Prevention Week and although suicide rates have been decreasing, it remains the third leading cause of death among those between 10 and 24! Too often there has been a negative stigma attached to even talking about suicide. This week provides an open door to begin talking to youth about this topic. Adolescence is a difficult time in life. There are many changes taking place in mentally, physically, and emotionally. Youth are struggling between gaining independence but still needing attachment to adults for support and encouragement. It is also a critical time in developing one’s identity. While all of this is taking place, youth are bombarded with information in our current culture. On one hand this is an amazing time to live in but it can also be overwhelming and confusing. Our culture also creates confusion particularly in the area of value. For “things” value is typically viewed based on two particular criteria. First, it is based on who created something and second, it is based on what someone is willing to pay for it. Unfortunately many people view the value of people based on similar criteria. As a result, many youth feel devalued. So, how do we help youth believe that they have value? As a Christian I believe this value equation has been answered for us. First, the Bible says that we were created in His image. As a result we are, in essence, brand named. Second, He paid the ultimate price for each of us. So if we can educate our youth that regardless of what is going on around them – environmental, family, community – they have intrinsic value that no one and no thing can take away from them, then they will begin to develop a health self-value. Also, the Suicide Prevention Resource Center has made other recommendations for rural communities. They recommend help youth develop “help seeking behaviors” by eliminating barriers to this process (http://www.sprc.org/library/ruralyouth.pdf). An example of this would be to open the door to allowing this to be discussed without the negative connotations or judgments for discussing the issue. Other ways that you can help are to be aware of the warning signs and do not be afraid to take action. Remember that for most youth, suicide is seen as the only way out at the time and when they are given the opportunity to talk about it then it tears down the barriers to seeking help. When you talk to someone who has expressed these ideas listen and don’t be judgmental. Also know what resources are available in your area; such as, church counselors, community mental health centers, private practice counselors, and treatment centers. Be positive about seeking help. At Youth Town we say that “sometimes, despite our best efforts we need help from others”. Knowing that seeking help is “ok” and does not mean that one is weak can give youth renewed hope in their life.
Warning Signs (http://www.tspn.org/understanding.htm TN Suicide Prevention Network)
Talking about suicide, death, and/or no reason to live
Preoccupation with death and dying
Withdrawal from friends and/or social activities
Experience of a recent severe loss (especially a relationship) or the threat of a significant loss
Experience or fear of a situation of humiliation of failure
Drastic changes in behavior
Loss of interest in hobbies, work, school, etc.
Preparation for death by making out a will (unexpectedly) and final arrangements
Giving away prized possessions
Previous history of suicide attempts, as well as violence and/or hostility
Unnecessary risks; reckless and/or impulsive behavior
Loss of interest in personal appearance
Increased use of alcohol and/or drugs
General hopelessness
Be faced with a situation of humiliation or failure.
Unwillingness to connect with potential helpers.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) provides access to trained telephone counselors, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call Youth Town at 731-988-5251 to schedule outpatient counseling.
Stress!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ok, so this may be more "therapuetic" for myself considering my current life situation - family, working through this weekend and all of next week due to an accreditation site visit that only ocurrs every four years, taking graduate statistics course, and graduate legal/ethics course. Ok, so I said that for perspective not sympathy - after all I chose all of this! Ok, so how does one deal with life's stressors. We there are the obvious answers of "self-care" such as exercise, rest, etc. However, I think this is only part of the solution. First, one must take responsibility for the choices we make (ie, stress inducing). Second, one must have their beliefs must be based on some absolutes. For example, we only control (different from influence) so much in this world. (Just to let you in on a BIG secret, we might have control on 1%). We really only control our own beliefs, thoughts, feeling, and behaviors. The Bible tells us to take our thoughts captive; ie, bring them in line with truth. Paul also said that "we can do all things through him who is able", which he states in reference to being content in all situations. So for my current stress I need to take responsibility, aline my beliefs with His, take stressful thoughts captive, and be content! Amen.
"Therfore we do not lose heart." (2 Cor 4:16)
John Eldredge, in his book Waking the Dead, refers to this passage and points me in a direction I have overlooked. He notes that this verse means that it is acutally possible, in this life, to NOT lose heart. Wow, how I have missed that one many times. I think my brain sort-of skipped that part. I'm not really sure how, except that this world can be absolutely brutal and as noted in my previous blog too often I just don't WANT to see. We live in a world at war. And I'm not referring to warring countries but rather warring culture and warring that we don't see. Satan either wants to destroy us before we become a Christian or render us useless to furthering God's Kingdom after we become a Christian. Either way Satan is coming after us with full force, for his time is limited. Daniel was certainly reminded of this when the angel comes to him in answer to his prayers only to find out that God had sent the angel earlier but he got caught up in a battle. As the final days grow closer don't you think this war is probably even more serious. I've begun to think so. Well, for now I hope that my rekindled proper perspective helps me to not lose heart.
Do you want to see?
Initially this seems to be a rather studid and obvious question but after further consideration it is a valid question for everyone. One of my favorite verses is John 16:33, because it states the reality that following Christ does not promise that there will not be problems in life. Instead it offers a different perspective - His. But even before we get to that point 1 Cor 13:12 (NLT) states "Now we see things imperfectly as in a poor mirror..." The question is do we really want to change that or are we comfortable with what we see. The problem is that once our eyes are opened, you can't choose what you want to see. However, you can choose to ignore what you see. Once He opens our eyes to His truth He expects us to begin to change our lives to match His perspective. To response to the truth that we now see. The problem: this requires us to change. Argh! So, unfortunately, many decide I don't want to see. What's your decision today?
A new definition...
I have been enlightened recently. I am reading (yes, for those of you who know me well, I am actually reading) a book by John Eldridge (Waking the Heart). I know that I am promised eternal life. As as underserving as I am, I am thankful for this promise, by the grace of God. To one day be able to walk the streets of gold with my Lord in peace and joy is amazing, unfathomable, and mind blowing to actually think about. I mean what more could you want after living this life here on earth than, eternal vacation. However, I think I may be missing something. Is that all I can hope for on this earth? To live in anticipation of eternal vacation? To endure for that hope of joy and peace? Am I missing something? Am I squashing God's plan for me? After reading part of this book (yes, I'm not done - it takes me awhile), I'm challenged to rethink my definition of "eternal". You see, "eternal" doesn't mean life with God after we die. It means "unending life". Unending includes now! Unending means today! Unending means when I wake up tomorrow! It means I can LIVE now! It means God wants more for me and from me than to just endure this life for the hope of joy and peace walking along unfathomable streets and riches with Him later; after I croak. It means that God wants, hopes, strives, destines for me to have abundant life. Abundance, not from my pitiful resources but from his unending resources (Eph 3:16)!
Lord, help me to begin living Your promise of eternal life, NOW. Amen.
Posted: 7/4/2008 at 4:42:57 AM
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For Father's Day
I got a hand painted, one-of-a-kind compass rose painted on canvas. This is an important gift to me for several reasons. First, it was created by my wife! (Thanks honey!). Second, I have been wanting one for a long time. Third, it is a reminder for me and those that come into my office that there is direction in this crazy world. One quick survey of the headlines in the news is a realization that our society is directionless. The compass rose is a reminder that we have direction that is external from ourselves, is constant, and is useful no matter where you start. Thanks God for giving us your directions.
Posted: 6/17/2008 at 12:53:42 AM
The Wonder of a Child...
My children never cease to amaze me with their creative minds. I hope that they never lose the wonder about the world around them. All to often as adults we lose the amazement of the world God created. I think about the intricacies of his creation and realize how foolish we are as adults. Yesterday in the hustle of running three kids to, what seems the ends of creation and back, my wife informed me that our 6 year old son has figured out how I (his father) came into this world. He told his mother while riding in our "cool" minivan (I have to attempt to keep my machoism alive so I added, the "cool") that grandma made dad. While this does not seem too creative or "out-there", my son decided to continue his explanation further. So, he elaborated by saying that I (his father) was "an egg on a leaf inside grandma's belly and she made me". WOW! May we continue to mature in our walk with God but keep the wonder of a child.
Posted: 5/15/2008 at 12:18:34 AM
Have you ever found yourself questioning God
I certainly have and it tends to be a relatively fruitless activity. I think that people can question God and that kind of openness with our Lord is found throughout scr i pture. I'm not sure that we necessary have the capacity to understand the breadth and depth of God's vision of the world or even our own lives. I know that as I've looked at recent events I've asked "What are you doing, God?" and "Do you really think that's the best thing for me?" Well, recently as I was reading in Jeremiah the answer was obvious. God's humor as He responds to similar questions from Jeremiah is humbling. Jeremiah was getting frustrated with watching unrighteous people seeming gain prosperity, and so he has a little chat with God, "Righteous are You, O Lord, when I plead with You; Yet let me talk with You about Your judgments." (Je 12:1 NKJV). As I look back at my own talks with God I can certainly related to this line of questioning in many areas of my life. Well as I read on this was God's response, “If you have run with the footmen, and they have wearied you, Then how can you contend with horses? (Je 12:5 NKJV). Wow. I can remember going camping recently with my son and a group of boys from RA's at church and I was exhausted after our leisurely 3 mile hike (much less running with anyone). Yet somehow I think I might question God about his plans. I found God's response to me hysterically humbling. Oh how I hope that I can learn to trust my Lord more fully. For know I will treasure God's responses to my questions.
Posted: 5/11/2008 at 4:04:57 AM
What's for Lunch?
I have this insatiable desire to eat. A co-worker and I often joke and ask each day, "Are you eating lunch today". The obvious answer is YES! I tend to get cranky when I forget to eat. I also realized that I lose motivation, energy, and many other things when I forget this important task. Well, today as I was talking with a few colleagues we were reminding each other the importance of "eating" from God's Word. No wonder I have been tired and irritable lately! How easy it is to remember to physically eat but how much more important it is to eat spiritually. As we discussed today, Jesus is the Word and He is the "bread of life" (read John 1 and John 6). We also know that "out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks" (Matt 12:24). So, the pressing question for today is: "What's for lunch?"
Posted: 4/30/2008 at 5:30:46 PM
That's a lot of food...
Having read the feeding of the 5 thousand (although we know it was actually many more than that), I was surprised to know that I could still learn something new from a familiar passage (Luke 9:12-16). I have shared this with my employees as well. I have always remembered the story something like this... The disciples recognize that this crowd of people needs to eat and asks Jesus to let the people go get something to eat. Jesus then tells them to do it but they don't know what to do so they go back to Jesus. Then Jesus has them get what they can (5 fish and 5 loaves) and begin to pass it out. They do and the miracle ocurrs where everyone has more than enough. BUT I've always missed at least one detail. What actually happend was that when the disciples gather the meager resources they could find, THEY GAVE IT TO JESUS. Then Jesus blessed it and gave it back to the disciples to do the work and bless the people. See, I forget that my resources need His blessing. Too often I gather what limited resources I can find and think that I then need to hurry up and get to work. I forget that by giving the resource back to Jesus I acknowledge that they are His and that without His blessing they won't go far. Humility is what God wants. So, as I have challenged myself and my staff, I challenge you to see what needs are unmet, gather your resources, GIVE THEM TO HIM, and WHEN he gives them back to you blessed, then go to work.
Posted: 4/26/2008 at 3:11:30 AM
Roofing woes
I have a leak in my roof. I decided to get a professional opinion about the leak. Actually I wanted to know if it was storm related. The roofer explained that the problem is below the surface, under the shingles, and may be due to the way the roof was built. Great news:( Since the roofer could make no guarantees I decided to complete the task myself. Now that the task is done, I'm wondering if it actually worked. Well, I won't know until the rain comes and that may be sooner than I'd hoped. So what's the point? I realize that I have a good life but my problems are usually due to issues below the surface. The sin and other stuff that hinders me is usually under the surface and often due to some foundational problem. This is usually a problem with the way I think and perceive the world around me. So, as I did with the roof, I set out to fix the problem with my own feeble skills. It may seem to be "all good" but when the rain comes... will it hold up? Only when I am willing to count the cost and let the professional tear off everything and build it back correctly will the problems be truly solved.
Posted: 4/9/2008 at 2:22:59 AM
Life Lessons from a Procastinator
I took the opportunity to use my procrastination to teach my kids a life lesson. (Although it was not about procrastinating). Many weeks ago thousands upon thousands of flower "bulbs" were donated to my work. Approximately 40,000 were planted around the campus and then every staff member was given some as well. With all the good intention in the world I valiantly took a box home to plant around our yard. Many many weeks later they were still in the box. I have asked many different people about their viability since there has been such a long delay. What I have been told (repeatedly) was to go ahead and plant them but realize that they may not bloom until next year. TODAY was the day! With gusto, me and the three kids (Ronda went to her Monday night Bible Study) set out to plant approximately 30 bulbs. Repeatedly the kids would ask, "when will these flowers come up?" I told them many times that they might come up this year but probably not until a year from now. At bed time we discussed what it means to see the "fruit of our labor". I was proud as the kids said that it was still worth it even if we won't see them until next year. Too often our fast-food-mindset robs us of the joy of experiencing delayed gratification. Remember to enjoy the process and patiently wait for the results. Persevere.
Posted: 4/8/2008 at 2:13:41 AM
US Census
Does anyone else think that "American" should be a choice for race/ethnicity on the U.S. Census Bureau information? We received this survey and I'm currently in a Multicultural Counseling class and as we've been discussing it appears that the U.S. is so interested in acknowledging every other culture except our own. What do you think?
Posted: 2/8/2008 at 5:24:39 AM
..and the pursuit of happiness.
I was in class tonight doing a (somewhat superficial) review of personal values. We were given a list of "values" where we then had to identify those that we agreed with and those that we reject. Then we had to rank the top three of each. Several students identified the "pursuit of happiness" as an important personal value. I volunteered to share mainly to address this "value". I received some strange looks as I stated that the pursuit of happiness was a value that I rejected. I explained. When one pursues those things that they value then happiness will often follow (although only if one chooses to be happy). However, the pursuit of happiness in and of it's own end often leads to destructive behavior patterns. After all happiness as an emotion is fleeting when not grounded in real values.
Posted: 1/17/2008 at 3:39:43 AM
"Living Sent"
Let me quickly clarify that this idea and wording is not my own but I thought it was worth sharing. Simply stated we are challenged to be the church or the living sent. Churches too often put up a sign that says "Come worship with us!" rather than us going out to people and living a life of worship daily as we go. (Jason Dukes from West Point Fellowship).
Posted: 1/15/2008 at 3:46:16 AM
Value
I have been thinking for awhile about how one's value is determined. This is how I've been conceptualizing it lately. Value is determined by two primary factors. The first is based on who created the item. Consider that name brand items are often conisdered to be of higher value. Second is that the value is determined by what people are willing to pay for it. For example, name brand shoes (Nike for example) only have the value of which people are willing to pay (say $100). If people are not willing to pay that then the value would decrease.
With that in mind, I think that it is pretty cool that God took care of both of these citeria. First, He created us in His likeness. Second, He paid the ultimate price for us. The cool thing about this is that once you accept this then your self-worth is set and will never change regardless of circumstances, persecution, works, or any other worldly criteria. Amen.
Posted: 1/6/2008 at 8:02:19 PM
This week (September 7-13) is National Suicide Prevention Week and although suicide rates have been decreasing, it remains the third leading cause of death among those between 10 and 24! Too often there has been a negative stigma attached to even talking about suicide. This week provides an open door to begin talking to youth about this topic. Adolescence is a difficult time in life. There are many changes taking place in mentally, physically, and emotionally. Youth are struggling between gaining independence but still needing attachment to adults for support and encouragement. It is also a critical time in developing one’s identity. While all of this is taking place, youth are bombarded with information in our current culture. On one hand this is an amazing time to live in but it can also be overwhelming and confusing. Our culture also creates confusion particularly in the area of value. For “things” value is typically viewed based on two particular criteria. First, it is based on who created something and second, it is based on what someone is willing to pay for it. Unfortunately many people view the value of people based on similar criteria. As a result, many youth feel devalued. So, how do we help youth believe that they have value? As a Christian I believe this value equation has been answered for us. First, the Bible says that we were created in His image. As a result we are, in essence, brand named. Second, He paid the ultimate price for each of us. So if we can educate our youth that regardless of what is going on around them – environmental, family, community – they have intrinsic value that no one and no thing can take away from them, then they will begin to develop a health self-value. Also, the Suicide Prevention Resource Center has made other recommendations for rural communities. They recommend help youth develop “help seeking behaviors” by eliminating barriers to this process (http://www.sprc.org/library/ruralyouth.pdf). An example of this would be to open the door to allowing this to be discussed without the negative connotations or judgments for discussing the issue. Other ways that you can help are to be aware of the warning signs and do not be afraid to take action. Remember that for most youth, suicide is seen as the only way out at the time and when they are given the opportunity to talk about it then it tears down the barriers to seeking help. When you talk to someone who has expressed these ideas listen and don’t be judgmental. Also know what resources are available in your area; such as, church counselors, community mental health centers, private practice counselors, and treatment centers. Be positive about seeking help. At Youth Town we say that “sometimes, despite our best efforts we need help from others”. Knowing that seeking help is “ok” and does not mean that one is weak can give youth renewed hope in their life.
Warning Signs (http://www.tspn.org/understanding.htm TN Suicide Prevention Network)
Talking about suicide, death, and/or no reason to live
Preoccupation with death and dying
Withdrawal from friends and/or social activities
Experience of a recent severe loss (especially a relationship) or the threat of a significant loss
Experience or fear of a situation of humiliation of failure
Drastic changes in behavior
Loss of interest in hobbies, work, school, etc.
Preparation for death by making out a will (unexpectedly) and final arrangements
Giving away prized possessions
Previous history of suicide attempts, as well as violence and/or hostility
Unnecessary risks; reckless and/or impulsive behavior
Loss of interest in personal appearance
Increased use of alcohol and/or drugs
General hopelessness
Be faced with a situation of humiliation or failure.
Unwillingness to connect with potential helpers.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) provides access to trained telephone counselors, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call Youth Town at 731-988-5251 to schedule outpatient counseling.
Stress!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ok, so this may be more "therapuetic" for myself considering my current life situation - family, working through this weekend and all of next week due to an accreditation site visit that only ocurrs every four years, taking graduate statistics course, and graduate legal/ethics course. Ok, so I said that for perspective not sympathy - after all I chose all of this! Ok, so how does one deal with life's stressors. We there are the obvious answers of "self-care" such as exercise, rest, etc. However, I think this is only part of the solution. First, one must take responsibility for the choices we make (ie, stress inducing). Second, one must have their beliefs must be based on some absolutes. For example, we only control (different from influence) so much in this world. (Just to let you in on a BIG secret, we might have control on 1%). We really only control our own beliefs, thoughts, feeling, and behaviors. The Bible tells us to take our thoughts captive; ie, bring them in line with truth. Paul also said that "we can do all things through him who is able", which he states in reference to being content in all situations. So for my current stress I need to take responsibility, aline my beliefs with His, take stressful thoughts captive, and be content! Amen.
"Therfore we do not lose heart." (2 Cor 4:16)
John Eldredge, in his book Waking the Dead, refers to this passage and points me in a direction I have overlooked. He notes that this verse means that it is acutally possible, in this life, to NOT lose heart. Wow, how I have missed that one many times. I think my brain sort-of skipped that part. I'm not really sure how, except that this world can be absolutely brutal and as noted in my previous blog too often I just don't WANT to see. We live in a world at war. And I'm not referring to warring countries but rather warring culture and warring that we don't see. Satan either wants to destroy us before we become a Christian or render us useless to furthering God's Kingdom after we become a Christian. Either way Satan is coming after us with full force, for his time is limited. Daniel was certainly reminded of this when the angel comes to him in answer to his prayers only to find out that God had sent the angel earlier but he got caught up in a battle. As the final days grow closer don't you think this war is probably even more serious. I've begun to think so. Well, for now I hope that my rekindled proper perspective helps me to not lose heart.
Do you want to see?
Initially this seems to be a rather studid and obvious question but after further consideration it is a valid question for everyone. One of my favorite verses is John 16:33, because it states the reality that following Christ does not promise that there will not be problems in life. Instead it offers a different perspective - His. But even before we get to that point 1 Cor 13:12 (NLT) states "Now we see things imperfectly as in a poor mirror..." The question is do we really want to change that or are we comfortable with what we see. The problem is that once our eyes are opened, you can't choose what you want to see. However, you can choose to ignore what you see. Once He opens our eyes to His truth He expects us to begin to change our lives to match His perspective. To response to the truth that we now see. The problem: this requires us to change. Argh! So, unfortunately, many decide I don't want to see. What's your decision today?
A new definition...
I have been enlightened recently. I am reading (yes, for those of you who know me well, I am actually reading) a book by John Eldridge (Waking the Heart). I know that I am promised eternal life. As as underserving as I am, I am thankful for this promise, by the grace of God. To one day be able to walk the streets of gold with my Lord in peace and joy is amazing, unfathomable, and mind blowing to actually think about. I mean what more could you want after living this life here on earth than, eternal vacation. However, I think I may be missing something. Is that all I can hope for on this earth? To live in anticipation of eternal vacation? To endure for that hope of joy and peace? Am I missing something? Am I squashing God's plan for me? After reading part of this book (yes, I'm not done - it takes me awhile), I'm challenged to rethink my definition of "eternal". You see, "eternal" doesn't mean life with God after we die. It means "unending life". Unending includes now! Unending means today! Unending means when I wake up tomorrow! It means I can LIVE now! It means God wants more for me and from me than to just endure this life for the hope of joy and peace walking along unfathomable streets and riches with Him later; after I croak. It means that God wants, hopes, strives, destines for me to have abundant life. Abundance, not from my pitiful resources but from his unending resources (Eph 3:16)!
Lord, help me to begin living Your promise of eternal life, NOW. Amen.
Posted: 7/4/2008 at 4:42:57 AM
Read 11 times 0 comments Leave Comment
For Father's Day
I got a hand painted, one-of-a-kind compass rose painted on canvas. This is an important gift to me for several reasons. First, it was created by my wife! (Thanks honey!). Second, I have been wanting one for a long time. Third, it is a reminder for me and those that come into my office that there is direction in this crazy world. One quick survey of the headlines in the news is a realization that our society is directionless. The compass rose is a reminder that we have direction that is external from ourselves, is constant, and is useful no matter where you start. Thanks God for giving us your directions.
Posted: 6/17/2008 at 12:53:42 AM
The Wonder of a Child...
My children never cease to amaze me with their creative minds. I hope that they never lose the wonder about the world around them. All to often as adults we lose the amazement of the world God created. I think about the intricacies of his creation and realize how foolish we are as adults. Yesterday in the hustle of running three kids to, what seems the ends of creation and back, my wife informed me that our 6 year old son has figured out how I (his father) came into this world. He told his mother while riding in our "cool" minivan (I have to attempt to keep my machoism alive so I added, the "cool") that grandma made dad. While this does not seem too creative or "out-there", my son decided to continue his explanation further. So, he elaborated by saying that I (his father) was "an egg on a leaf inside grandma's belly and she made me". WOW! May we continue to mature in our walk with God but keep the wonder of a child.
Posted: 5/15/2008 at 12:18:34 AM
Have you ever found yourself questioning God
I certainly have and it tends to be a relatively fruitless activity. I think that people can question God and that kind of openness with our Lord is found throughout scr i pture. I'm not sure that we necessary have the capacity to understand the breadth and depth of God's vision of the world or even our own lives. I know that as I've looked at recent events I've asked "What are you doing, God?" and "Do you really think that's the best thing for me?" Well, recently as I was reading in Jeremiah the answer was obvious. God's humor as He responds to similar questions from Jeremiah is humbling. Jeremiah was getting frustrated with watching unrighteous people seeming gain prosperity, and so he has a little chat with God, "Righteous are You, O Lord, when I plead with You; Yet let me talk with You about Your judgments." (Je 12:1 NKJV). As I look back at my own talks with God I can certainly related to this line of questioning in many areas of my life. Well as I read on this was God's response, “If you have run with the footmen, and they have wearied you, Then how can you contend with horses? (Je 12:5 NKJV). Wow. I can remember going camping recently with my son and a group of boys from RA's at church and I was exhausted after our leisurely 3 mile hike (much less running with anyone). Yet somehow I think I might question God about his plans. I found God's response to me hysterically humbling. Oh how I hope that I can learn to trust my Lord more fully. For know I will treasure God's responses to my questions.
Posted: 5/11/2008 at 4:04:57 AM
What's for Lunch?
I have this insatiable desire to eat. A co-worker and I often joke and ask each day, "Are you eating lunch today". The obvious answer is YES! I tend to get cranky when I forget to eat. I also realized that I lose motivation, energy, and many other things when I forget this important task. Well, today as I was talking with a few colleagues we were reminding each other the importance of "eating" from God's Word. No wonder I have been tired and irritable lately! How easy it is to remember to physically eat but how much more important it is to eat spiritually. As we discussed today, Jesus is the Word and He is the "bread of life" (read John 1 and John 6). We also know that "out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks" (Matt 12:24). So, the pressing question for today is: "What's for lunch?"
Posted: 4/30/2008 at 5:30:46 PM
That's a lot of food...
Having read the feeding of the 5 thousand (although we know it was actually many more than that), I was surprised to know that I could still learn something new from a familiar passage (Luke 9:12-16). I have shared this with my employees as well. I have always remembered the story something like this... The disciples recognize that this crowd of people needs to eat and asks Jesus to let the people go get something to eat. Jesus then tells them to do it but they don't know what to do so they go back to Jesus. Then Jesus has them get what they can (5 fish and 5 loaves) and begin to pass it out. They do and the miracle ocurrs where everyone has more than enough. BUT I've always missed at least one detail. What actually happend was that when the disciples gather the meager resources they could find, THEY GAVE IT TO JESUS. Then Jesus blessed it and gave it back to the disciples to do the work and bless the people. See, I forget that my resources need His blessing. Too often I gather what limited resources I can find and think that I then need to hurry up and get to work. I forget that by giving the resource back to Jesus I acknowledge that they are His and that without His blessing they won't go far. Humility is what God wants. So, as I have challenged myself and my staff, I challenge you to see what needs are unmet, gather your resources, GIVE THEM TO HIM, and WHEN he gives them back to you blessed, then go to work.
Posted: 4/26/2008 at 3:11:30 AM
Roofing woes
I have a leak in my roof. I decided to get a professional opinion about the leak. Actually I wanted to know if it was storm related. The roofer explained that the problem is below the surface, under the shingles, and may be due to the way the roof was built. Great news:( Since the roofer could make no guarantees I decided to complete the task myself. Now that the task is done, I'm wondering if it actually worked. Well, I won't know until the rain comes and that may be sooner than I'd hoped. So what's the point? I realize that I have a good life but my problems are usually due to issues below the surface. The sin and other stuff that hinders me is usually under the surface and often due to some foundational problem. This is usually a problem with the way I think and perceive the world around me. So, as I did with the roof, I set out to fix the problem with my own feeble skills. It may seem to be "all good" but when the rain comes... will it hold up? Only when I am willing to count the cost and let the professional tear off everything and build it back correctly will the problems be truly solved.
Posted: 4/9/2008 at 2:22:59 AM
Life Lessons from a Procastinator
I took the opportunity to use my procrastination to teach my kids a life lesson. (Although it was not about procrastinating). Many weeks ago thousands upon thousands of flower "bulbs" were donated to my work. Approximately 40,000 were planted around the campus and then every staff member was given some as well. With all the good intention in the world I valiantly took a box home to plant around our yard. Many many weeks later they were still in the box. I have asked many different people about their viability since there has been such a long delay. What I have been told (repeatedly) was to go ahead and plant them but realize that they may not bloom until next year. TODAY was the day! With gusto, me and the three kids (Ronda went to her Monday night Bible Study) set out to plant approximately 30 bulbs. Repeatedly the kids would ask, "when will these flowers come up?" I told them many times that they might come up this year but probably not until a year from now. At bed time we discussed what it means to see the "fruit of our labor". I was proud as the kids said that it was still worth it even if we won't see them until next year. Too often our fast-food-mindset robs us of the joy of experiencing delayed gratification. Remember to enjoy the process and patiently wait for the results. Persevere.
Posted: 4/8/2008 at 2:13:41 AM
US Census
Does anyone else think that "American" should be a choice for race/ethnicity on the U.S. Census Bureau information? We received this survey and I'm currently in a Multicultural Counseling class and as we've been discussing it appears that the U.S. is so interested in acknowledging every other culture except our own. What do you think?
Posted: 2/8/2008 at 5:24:39 AM
..and the pursuit of happiness.
I was in class tonight doing a (somewhat superficial) review of personal values. We were given a list of "values" where we then had to identify those that we agreed with and those that we reject. Then we had to rank the top three of each. Several students identified the "pursuit of happiness" as an important personal value. I volunteered to share mainly to address this "value". I received some strange looks as I stated that the pursuit of happiness was a value that I rejected. I explained. When one pursues those things that they value then happiness will often follow (although only if one chooses to be happy). However, the pursuit of happiness in and of it's own end often leads to destructive behavior patterns. After all happiness as an emotion is fleeting when not grounded in real values.
Posted: 1/17/2008 at 3:39:43 AM
"Living Sent"
Let me quickly clarify that this idea and wording is not my own but I thought it was worth sharing. Simply stated we are challenged to be the church or the living sent. Churches too often put up a sign that says "Come worship with us!" rather than us going out to people and living a life of worship daily as we go. (Jason Dukes from West Point Fellowship).
Posted: 1/15/2008 at 3:46:16 AM
Value
I have been thinking for awhile about how one's value is determined. This is how I've been conceptualizing it lately. Value is determined by two primary factors. The first is based on who created the item. Consider that name brand items are often conisdered to be of higher value. Second is that the value is determined by what people are willing to pay for it. For example, name brand shoes (Nike for example) only have the value of which people are willing to pay (say $100). If people are not willing to pay that then the value would decrease.
With that in mind, I think that it is pretty cool that God took care of both of these citeria. First, He created us in His likeness. Second, He paid the ultimate price for us. The cool thing about this is that once you accept this then your self-worth is set and will never change regardless of circumstances, persecution, works, or any other worldly criteria. Amen.
Posted: 1/6/2008 at 8:02:19 PM
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