Growth

 My church celebrated its ninth year anniversary a couple of months ago.  In past years the founding pastor would bring his son, who was the same age as the church before the congregation as a visual aid to illustrate each year.  

For some reason I have had this on my mind as of late.  Maybe it's because this is the first year that young Conner was not present.  But here are my thoughts.

We must continually grow.  

The things Conner did at 1 are not cute for an 9 year old.  

If his vocabulary was limited to "Mama" and "Dada" now, we would think there were a problem.  

In that, I would hope that my vocabulary has changed over the years.  Are the words I speak blessing others?  Or as soon as things don't go according to my plan do I throw a verbal temper tantrum?

Conner outgrew diapers years ago.  

I'd like to think that I am not making the same mistakes I did 9 years ago.  And when I do have an accident, I hope I don't need someone to swoop in and clean up the mess I've made.  (Perfect spot for a dirty diaper reference but I'll spare you.  See?  I can grow!)

The main form of communication in babies is to cry.  And when that doesn't work, they cry.  

Now that he's older Conner is able to articulate his needs to his parents.  

As I mature spiritually, I have learned that if I'm in an emotionally difficult place I need to speak up!  And just as Conner has learned to trust in the love of his parents, I have learned to find those I can trust.  As I struggle, at times, carrying what seems to be the weight of the world, I have learned to find wise counsel who not only help carry the load, but point out when I'm holding unnecessary baggage.  I have learned that asking for help is not a sign of weakness.  But rather at times, it is one of the strongest things we can do.

So I challenge you, faithful reader, ask yourself these questions:

Am I growing?
Am I struggling with the same issues I was a year, two, or even nine years ago? 

If so, what is holding me back?  And is there someone I can go to for help.

Peace,

Jimmy

Twenty Some Days Of Thanks

Eight days ago Thomas, the Lead Pastor of my church, shared something in our time of prayer prior to the worship service.  He made the observation that he had been seeing a lot of social media posts relating to frustration over the seemingly never-ending winter.  While he too was not a fan of the weather, especially in this, his first Wisconsin winter, he encouraged us to spend a few minute focusing on the positive and giving thanks to God.  Those 15 minutes were not only the highlight of my day, but were also pivotal in bringing about a change in my attitude.
The next day I decided to carry Thomas' encouragement further.  I was reminded how in November, leading up to Thanksgiving, many people updated their status daily with things for which they gave thanks.  So I thought it would be kind of fun to do something similar for the remaining days of February.  I have dubbed it the #TwentySomeDaysOfThanks.
So far it's been pretty cool.  I've noticed that my attitude has been better.  Instead of complaining about things I've been trying to look for the positive in every situation.  It's so easy, at least for me, to get caught up in the negative.  I mean let's be honest; it's been a tough winter.  But here's one thing that I have discovered.  When I look for the good and give thanks to God my whole outlook changes.
Is every aspect of my day going to be perfect?  I doubt it.  But all in all I've got a pretty fantastic life.  I have so much for which to be thankful!  So why not give praise, honor, and glory to Him who has given it to me?
Since I've started this adventure of thanks I have become so much more aware of all the wonderful things God has done.  For example, yesterday morning I was taken aback by the beauty of the flowers that were in a vase on our kitchen counter.  So much so that I had to take a picture.  They were given to my wife and I the night before by some friends we had to our house for dinner.  As I snapped the shot I couldn't help but give thanks to God for creating such beauty.  And when I uploaded the picture and made it the cover photo on my Facebook page had to again give thanks to God.  This time for blessing my wife and I with wonderful friends like them, and many more, who have brought such love, joy, and laughter to our lives.
It's not rocket surgery, (I know; I'm mixing them up on purpose because I'm also thankful for dorky humor,) nobody needs a PhD in gratitude.  Most of the time I just give a silent "Thank you God for _____" and go about my day.  I encourage you to do the same.  I'd love to hear/read your stories of thanks as well.


The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease.  Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin fresh each morning.
   Lamentations 3:22-23 (NLT)

Hearing Voices

I hear voices.
There are voices everywhere.
Some are just whispers.
Others are like sonic booms.

Before you call the men in white coats, think about it; you hear them too.
Some times the words from our past come back to haunt us.  They remind us of our previous failures.
Some times they come from those around us.  The words of others can have either positive or negative impact.  Their words can be used to build us up or tear us down.  Some times the one speaking isn't even aware of their possible impact.  Sadly, there are also times when some are so full of hurt that the only way to feel better is to make others as miserable as themselves.

But I've learned something...
Words are just words.
Deep, I know, I'll give you a second to bask in the brilliance.
.
.
Okay, now allow me to explain.
As I said, we hear things from many sources.  But how we receive them is what determines whether they touch us.
I'm learning that we are insulated.  We can choose what we allow to touch us and how.  Someone tells you that you possess the qualities that makes you a good friend.  You can accept those words.  (Sadly, we often times find it difficult to receive/believe compliments.)  And if someone tells you that you will never amount to anything of any good in this life- You can recognize it as a lie and refuse to let it affect us.

I spent too many years believing that the negative words spoken to me were true.  But I have come to realize that there are negative influences everywhere.  Just take a minute reading comments on online articles and the like.  People seem to derive pleasure from attacking others.
I have chosen to take the power back.  We have the choice whether to allow crippling words to distort our view of ourselves.

So what do we do?
First of all, I believe we need to break the cycle.  The easiest thing to do would be to lash out at the ones that hurt us.  But that usually ends up snowballing into a giant mass of hurt and negativity.  Instead, we must recognize the lies that do not come from God.  God is truth.  God is love.  If words are not tempered by truth and love they are garbage.  Turn your back on them and seek that which is good and perfect.