I don't know why, but lately I have been thinking about blessings and stuff. Recently I was called upon to assist with a certain situation. During the incident the person said "I just don't know what to do anymore." It wasn't the time or place to offer some pearls of wisdom, I merely did what I was called upon to do. But it got me thinking. I actually have strong feelings and opinions on the subject in question. But what they were saying at the time was more of a statement in frustration rather than a request for advice.
A year or so ago my wife and I had a friend and her mother stay with us for a few days. Me, being the one that expresses love through cooking, asked if the mom had any dietary restrictions. It turned out that she was vegetarian. I could have said "Well I'm not, she'll get what she's served" or made a boring cheese pizza and let her deal with it. But how is that love? How is that being a blessing? Instead I got plenty of yummy ingredients and made a heck of a good pizza (of course I did have one with bacon for the meat eaters present.) I hope that she was blessed, but I didn't do it to get recognized as awesome. I did it because that's how we should love. We may not all have the same likes and dislikes, but if I love, we can find commonality.
I also have been learning to recognize when to shut up. My wife may some times tells me about something that has happened in her day. Some times, all she wants is for me to listen. When I stop listening and start formulating an answer to all her problems, I have stopped being a blessing.
I do need to follow up on that friend now that the heat of the moment has cooled off. I won't offer unsolicited advice. Instead I will tell them that I have thoughts on what happened and that I am available if they want to chat.
I guess what I'm saying is that being a blessing is not about me.
It sounds so basic. But in the "me-centric" world in which we live it takes some practice.
Being a blessing is not about making us look good. It's about serving and love in an unselfish manner. When/if I bless someone my goal needs to be one that gives all glory to God.
That reminds me of the old song we used to sing in the Swedish Baptist church. The song was titled Make Me a Blessing and part says:
Make me a blessing, make me a blessing,
Out of my life may Jesus shine
So there ya have it.
I'd love to read your thoughts
Monday, October 21, 2013
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Hurting Whom?
Warning, this is kind of a graphic post but one that I hope helps someone...
Several years ago, when I was going through the beginning of the end in my first marriage I was in a dark place. I worked in a woodworking shop and would occasionally call my (now) x wife on my breaks. One day, after a particularly heated discussion on the phone I returned to work fuming. I was so filled with rage that I just wanted to hurt someone or something. And then I noticed something. The machine I worked on had several sets of drill bits. In retrospect, I know my anger induced thinking was clouded. I don't know what my thought process was at that time, I just did it... I shoved my forearm into the machine and dragged it across one of the drill bits for about 10 inches drawing blood. I looked around to make certain nobody noticed and wrapped my arm in toilet paper and pulled down the sleeve of my sweatshirt. And in some weird way, the pain made me set aside my anger until the next bout. Some time later we went at it on the phone again. This time I used my company issued razor knife. I did the other arm and again, I went on with my day. In time, I was finding the smallest things and using them as an excuse to control my emotional pain with physical. I got to the point where I wouldn't wear short sleeves for fear of having to explain myself.
When my marriage fell completely apart I kind of forgot and stopped cutting my arms.
Then, one day I met the most amazing woman. I heard her laugh and knew I had to spend the rest of my life with her! We started dating and I ended up proposing.
And then it hit me. I started to worry that I was opening myself up for the possibility of more pain. So one night, I decided to "take control" and hurt myself first (I'll spare you the gory details) and branded a cross in my left forearm. Some nights later, my fiance noticed my arm that was bandaged and asked me what had happened to it. I didn't want to lie, so I told her.
I saw tears well up in her eyes as she told me to that she never again wanted to see me hurt the man she loves. It was as if I was watching her very heart being cut. She swore she would never intentionally cause me physical or emotional pain. And I believed it. Her love for me reminded me so much of how unconditionally God loves us. I married that woman, and to this day she has kept her promise. And I kept mine to never intentionally cause myself physical pain.
Why do I share this story?
Because this afternoon on the way home from work God laid it on my heart. And I have learned that when He says to do something I do it.
As I type I am thinking, if seeing the results of self-inflicted wounds can cause another human being such heartbreak, how much more sadness does our Father and creator feel when He sees us cause pain to ourselves or others? And I imagine the tears in His eyes as we seek counterfeit solutions. Can we stop the world from hurting us? No. But we do have access to the source of healing. His love for us in unconditional and unending. We are able to have peace in the knowledge that this world is temporary. One day all physical, mental, and emotional wounds will be gone. We can live with the hope that is held in an eternity with God!
How cool is that?
But he was pierced for our rebellion,
crushed for our sins.
He was beaten so we could be whole.
He was whipped so we could be healed.
Isaiah 53:5 (NLT)
I pray that this story speaks to someone in a way that brings God's healing. If you would like to share please feel free to in the comment section or send me a personal message.
And If you are experiencing a similar emotional battle I would love to pray for/with you.
God bless y'all!
Several years ago, when I was going through the beginning of the end in my first marriage I was in a dark place. I worked in a woodworking shop and would occasionally call my (now) x wife on my breaks. One day, after a particularly heated discussion on the phone I returned to work fuming. I was so filled with rage that I just wanted to hurt someone or something. And then I noticed something. The machine I worked on had several sets of drill bits. In retrospect, I know my anger induced thinking was clouded. I don't know what my thought process was at that time, I just did it... I shoved my forearm into the machine and dragged it across one of the drill bits for about 10 inches drawing blood. I looked around to make certain nobody noticed and wrapped my arm in toilet paper and pulled down the sleeve of my sweatshirt. And in some weird way, the pain made me set aside my anger until the next bout. Some time later we went at it on the phone again. This time I used my company issued razor knife. I did the other arm and again, I went on with my day. In time, I was finding the smallest things and using them as an excuse to control my emotional pain with physical. I got to the point where I wouldn't wear short sleeves for fear of having to explain myself.
When my marriage fell completely apart I kind of forgot and stopped cutting my arms.
Then, one day I met the most amazing woman. I heard her laugh and knew I had to spend the rest of my life with her! We started dating and I ended up proposing.
And then it hit me. I started to worry that I was opening myself up for the possibility of more pain. So one night, I decided to "take control" and hurt myself first (I'll spare you the gory details) and branded a cross in my left forearm. Some nights later, my fiance noticed my arm that was bandaged and asked me what had happened to it. I didn't want to lie, so I told her.
I saw tears well up in her eyes as she told me to that she never again wanted to see me hurt the man she loves. It was as if I was watching her very heart being cut. She swore she would never intentionally cause me physical or emotional pain. And I believed it. Her love for me reminded me so much of how unconditionally God loves us. I married that woman, and to this day she has kept her promise. And I kept mine to never intentionally cause myself physical pain.
Why do I share this story?
Because this afternoon on the way home from work God laid it on my heart. And I have learned that when He says to do something I do it.
As I type I am thinking, if seeing the results of self-inflicted wounds can cause another human being such heartbreak, how much more sadness does our Father and creator feel when He sees us cause pain to ourselves or others? And I imagine the tears in His eyes as we seek counterfeit solutions. Can we stop the world from hurting us? No. But we do have access to the source of healing. His love for us in unconditional and unending. We are able to have peace in the knowledge that this world is temporary. One day all physical, mental, and emotional wounds will be gone. We can live with the hope that is held in an eternity with God!
How cool is that?
But he was pierced for our rebellion,
crushed for our sins.
He was beaten so we could be whole.
He was whipped so we could be healed.
Isaiah 53:5 (NLT)
I pray that this story speaks to someone in a way that brings God's healing. If you would like to share please feel free to in the comment section or send me a personal message.
And If you are experiencing a similar emotional battle I would love to pray for/with you.
God bless y'all!
Monday, September 23, 2013
RUN!!!
Hi again!
I'm sorry about the recent hiatus from blogging. I've had a lot going on and needed to take care of things. But I'm back with some new thoughts.
As I mentioned, I have had a great deal happening in life. I'll spare you the details (although if you would like more info feel free to send a message to itisjimmy@gmail.com).
But we all have stuff going on in our lives don't we? In the past, when bad things happened, I ran. I mean for some reason I thought that it made perfect sense to get mad at God and run away from him. I would stop praying and hanging out with the church. My attitude was that He abandoned me so, in turn, I should abandon Him.
Let me make it clear; that type of approach NEVER worked out well for me.
But some time ago my wife and I learned a great lesson. We learned to run TO God. I don't remember the situation at that time; that part of the story is unimportant. But as we were lying on the bed discussing it, one of us said something like, "We don't know what to say or what to do... Maybe we should start by taking it to God." So we did. We prayed. We didn't know what to ask or say, but we prayed. As we were in prayer we started telling Him that we had no clue and asked for direction. But most importantly, we acknowledged that He is all knowing, loving, and has our best interests at heart. So we completely gave the situation to Him. Some time later we got the answers and direction and God provided for us in a way that we had not even imagined. And He not only met our needs, He exceeded them!
So now, when life has seemed to throw us several curve balls, we have turned to Him. So far things are not completely resolved, but we have hope. And we are trusting that even if things don't go according to our plan, His plan is perfect.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)
I am convinced that God will never abandon us. He continually proves His love for us. And His church has been an amazing blessing. Even when we didn't know how to pray, they have lifted us up in prayer.
So there are my thoughts for the week. I'd love to hear/read if you've had similar experiences. Or maybe you are in the midst of some "stuff." I'd be happy to pray for you!
God bless y'all!
I'm sorry about the recent hiatus from blogging. I've had a lot going on and needed to take care of things. But I'm back with some new thoughts.
As I mentioned, I have had a great deal happening in life. I'll spare you the details (although if you would like more info feel free to send a message to itisjimmy@gmail.com).
But we all have stuff going on in our lives don't we? In the past, when bad things happened, I ran. I mean for some reason I thought that it made perfect sense to get mad at God and run away from him. I would stop praying and hanging out with the church. My attitude was that He abandoned me so, in turn, I should abandon Him.
Let me make it clear; that type of approach NEVER worked out well for me.
But some time ago my wife and I learned a great lesson. We learned to run TO God. I don't remember the situation at that time; that part of the story is unimportant. But as we were lying on the bed discussing it, one of us said something like, "We don't know what to say or what to do... Maybe we should start by taking it to God." So we did. We prayed. We didn't know what to ask or say, but we prayed. As we were in prayer we started telling Him that we had no clue and asked for direction. But most importantly, we acknowledged that He is all knowing, loving, and has our best interests at heart. So we completely gave the situation to Him. Some time later we got the answers and direction and God provided for us in a way that we had not even imagined. And He not only met our needs, He exceeded them!
So now, when life has seemed to throw us several curve balls, we have turned to Him. So far things are not completely resolved, but we have hope. And we are trusting that even if things don't go according to our plan, His plan is perfect.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)
I am convinced that God will never abandon us. He continually proves His love for us. And His church has been an amazing blessing. Even when we didn't know how to pray, they have lifted us up in prayer.
So there are my thoughts for the week. I'd love to hear/read if you've had similar experiences. Or maybe you are in the midst of some "stuff." I'd be happy to pray for you!
God bless y'all!
Monday, September 2, 2013
People Watching
In the past week or so I've been going through some "stuff."
I shared a little bit through Facebook, phone calls, and some texts. My goal was not in search of sympathy, but rather a call for those willing to rally with me in prayer (especially over the financial burden attached with the situation.) And yes, I'll admit, I was hoping for a bit of encouragement in the midst of what my mind perceived to be a bleak outlook.
It's been an eye-opening experience. I have come to realize that there are 3 main categories of people in these situations.
1) Those who do/say nothing
2) Those who show compassion
and
3) Those who feel obligated to inform me that I brought the consequences upon myself.
I'm pretty much okay with the first category. I can understand that, at times, the correct words can be difficult to find. I like to give those people the benefit of the doubt. I don't know what they might be dealing with in their own lives. It's a much more freeing attitude than assuming they don't care.
The second group of people are wonderful! I can't even begin to tell you how blessed I have been by those who have sent encouraging words. I even received some great words from Scripture as encouragement. And to know that there are those that will love me and stand with me no matter what the situation has been amazing. I even appreciated those who replied with humor to help me laugh and remember to be joyful in even this time.
Then there are the others whom I have mentioned.
What in the heck are they thinking?
I (almost) get it when the dentist told me "Well you did it to yourself!" But I would have thought that as he saw my tear-filled eyes that he would have attempted to soften the blow. But what about those I love and was looking for a shred of hope? Don't they realize that everything they have said I have already told myself countless times? I KNOW I messed up in not taking better care of myself. I can't help but wonder if they actually think they are helping.
Why do I tell you all of this?
It's because it has caused me to think... A lot.
The other day my wife and I were walking the dog and we had a conversation. Here are some of the things that were weighing on my mind (I'll try to share them in a more organized manner than they way they are in my head):
I think that those 3 categories apply to the way that some believers look at the world and those who do not know Jesus. And if I'm to be totally honest, I've spent seasons in all 3 of these.
Some choose to ignore their need for reconciliation. They may say things like "It's not my job" or "I just don't feel comfortable sharing or being 'confrontational.'"
To them I ask, "What if everyone in that person's life has that same attitude?"
I used to be one of those in this category. But after a friend/coworker's suicide I realized that had I spoken up and shared Christ, he might have known where to turn when things looked as if there were no reason to go on.
I'm going to skip ahead to category 3 here...
It's sad to say, but I have seen (and even been) people with the attitude of "Well you did it to yourself." I've made decisions based upon my own preconceived notions or feelings. It's difficult to put aside the hurt that someone may have caused us or others and come to the realization that perhaps their actions and attitudes were actually driven by the fact that they have never met the Truth.
In my conversation with my wife I said something similar to, "If a person smokes their whole life they may get cancer. Cancer is a consequence of their harmful behavior. That doesn't mean that they deserve the disease. There is a difference between the two." (Yeah, I was pretty impressed that such a deep thought came out of me too.)
The Bible says that "The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23)
That speaks to me! There are results, or consequences for our rebellion against God. But He loved us enough to make a way for us to be reconciled. If it's good enough for Him it sure the heck better be good enough for me!
I want to always be one who falls into the category of "compassionate."
I never want to be so far removed that I am not able to feel or see the need of others to be made right with the Lord.
The tattoo on my right shoulder is of two feet. Inside one it says "God" and "reigns" in the other. It is there to remind me of the Scripture which reads:
For, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
- Romans 10:13-15
It is my desire to live my life in such a manner. I encourage you to to the same. Let's have some "beautiful feet!"
God bless y'all!
I shared a little bit through Facebook, phone calls, and some texts. My goal was not in search of sympathy, but rather a call for those willing to rally with me in prayer (especially over the financial burden attached with the situation.) And yes, I'll admit, I was hoping for a bit of encouragement in the midst of what my mind perceived to be a bleak outlook.
It's been an eye-opening experience. I have come to realize that there are 3 main categories of people in these situations.
1) Those who do/say nothing
2) Those who show compassion
and
3) Those who feel obligated to inform me that I brought the consequences upon myself.
I'm pretty much okay with the first category. I can understand that, at times, the correct words can be difficult to find. I like to give those people the benefit of the doubt. I don't know what they might be dealing with in their own lives. It's a much more freeing attitude than assuming they don't care.
The second group of people are wonderful! I can't even begin to tell you how blessed I have been by those who have sent encouraging words. I even received some great words from Scripture as encouragement. And to know that there are those that will love me and stand with me no matter what the situation has been amazing. I even appreciated those who replied with humor to help me laugh and remember to be joyful in even this time.
Then there are the others whom I have mentioned.
What in the heck are they thinking?
I (almost) get it when the dentist told me "Well you did it to yourself!" But I would have thought that as he saw my tear-filled eyes that he would have attempted to soften the blow. But what about those I love and was looking for a shred of hope? Don't they realize that everything they have said I have already told myself countless times? I KNOW I messed up in not taking better care of myself. I can't help but wonder if they actually think they are helping.
Why do I tell you all of this?
It's because it has caused me to think... A lot.
The other day my wife and I were walking the dog and we had a conversation. Here are some of the things that were weighing on my mind (I'll try to share them in a more organized manner than they way they are in my head):
I think that those 3 categories apply to the way that some believers look at the world and those who do not know Jesus. And if I'm to be totally honest, I've spent seasons in all 3 of these.
Some choose to ignore their need for reconciliation. They may say things like "It's not my job" or "I just don't feel comfortable sharing or being 'confrontational.'"
To them I ask, "What if everyone in that person's life has that same attitude?"
I used to be one of those in this category. But after a friend/coworker's suicide I realized that had I spoken up and shared Christ, he might have known where to turn when things looked as if there were no reason to go on.
I'm going to skip ahead to category 3 here...
It's sad to say, but I have seen (and even been) people with the attitude of "Well you did it to yourself." I've made decisions based upon my own preconceived notions or feelings. It's difficult to put aside the hurt that someone may have caused us or others and come to the realization that perhaps their actions and attitudes were actually driven by the fact that they have never met the Truth.
In my conversation with my wife I said something similar to, "If a person smokes their whole life they may get cancer. Cancer is a consequence of their harmful behavior. That doesn't mean that they deserve the disease. There is a difference between the two." (Yeah, I was pretty impressed that such a deep thought came out of me too.)
The Bible says that "The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23)
That speaks to me! There are results, or consequences for our rebellion against God. But He loved us enough to make a way for us to be reconciled. If it's good enough for Him it sure the heck better be good enough for me!
I want to always be one who falls into the category of "compassionate."
I never want to be so far removed that I am not able to feel or see the need of others to be made right with the Lord.
The tattoo on my right shoulder is of two feet. Inside one it says "God" and "reigns" in the other. It is there to remind me of the Scripture which reads:
For, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
- Romans 10:13-15
It is my desire to live my life in such a manner. I encourage you to to the same. Let's have some "beautiful feet!"
God bless y'all!
Monday, August 26, 2013
Reinvention
I've read a lot of Facebook posts about how the school year has either begun or is about to begin in the near future. It reminds me of the times, about a million years ago, when I was of school age.
While I hated the idea of summer ending, part of me looked forward to the prospect of new beginnings.
You see, usually by the time the previous school year wound down I had pretty much driven everyone crazy. I made dumb mistakes or said the wrong thing to the wrong people (especially teachers) and was as anxious to get away as they were to be rid of me. This was not just true in school, but in my home church as well. Summering in Michigan was, to me, like when Superman would get away to his Fortress of Solitude. I could recharge or, in my case, reinvent myself.
A few years back I began my journey of my most recent incarnation of reinvention. I had been on a path that I thought was true. But my wife saw that I was following a person (whom I thought was following God) rather than following God Himself. She didn't nag or tell me that what I needed to do. She prayed. God eventually opened my eyes. I saw that I was in actuality being led away from God rather than closer. And upon further examination I realized that if I wasn't pleased with the man I had become it was safe to say that neither was God. So I took the necessary steps to right my path. Often there is pain involved in the process. It was as if I was being pruned. I don't know if trees have a sense of feeling, but as a human, it sometimes hurts to have that which we held close cut from our lives.
Giving myself a new name, Jimmy, was part of the reinvention. I use it as a reminder that I am no longer the person I once was nor will I ever go back.
Reinvention is not in and of it self a bad thing. In retrospect some of my attempts at reinvention went over like a fart in church- (I'm talking to you 17 year old Jimmy with the bad mullet!) I think it's a good thing to reflect on the past and address that which needs to change. But now, as I continue on this spiritual journey, I have come to realize that it's futile to attempt reinvention on my own. While I'm pretty awesome, I am only human. My wisdom is limited.
I need to seek God's wisdom and direction.
Earlier this month I had the pleasure of being the main speaker at a camp for the Middle School students of the Iowa Division of Foursquare Churches. I honestly believe that God as much of a work in me as He did through me. He has reignited my passion and reminded me of my calling. I don't know exactly what that means. I want to be cautious not to push so hard that I follow my own desires more than God's direction. But I do know that I have to seek direction from Him.
I ask that you join me in prayer not only for God to direct me, but that He also make His plan and call on YOUR life clear.
Proverbs 3:5-6:
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight
Monday, August 19, 2013
Post Camp Thoughts
Last week I had the pleasure of speaking at the Middle School camp for the Iowa district of Foursquare churches. There were about 28 kids and combined with teen leaders and adults the number of people totaled somewhere in the 50's.
I've been the speaker at camp in the past but the fact that it had been a few years and that the directors of the camp were the parents of one of my spiritual mentors, I was a bit nervous.
On the drive down I kept a close eye on the G.P.S. and surfed the radio dial. But when I got about an hour or so from my destination the nerves were really taking over my thoughts. Although I had been praying and asking others for prayer, I decided it was time for some heavy prayer. I realized that I'm just a flawed vessel that God chose to use for His purposes. I'm nothing more then an extroverted A.D.H.D. goofball who has a story for everything. But when I allow God's Spirit to work in me and through me great things can happen. So I committed every aspect of the week to Him- my actions, my words, my thoughts, everything. .
Then I pulled up the "Cool Christian Stuff" folder on my MP 3 player. How Great Thou Art, the Carrie Underwood/Vince Gill version came on. The song has always been one of my favorites and Carrie's version brings me to tears every time.
Later, after getting slightly lost (the camp doesn't appear on the G.P.S. I borrowed) I arrived at camp.
Walking in to a situation of being the stranger walking in to a group that all knows each other can be a bit intimidating. But God said "Just be yourself, I got this." At the first leader meeting the director, Cheri introduced me and told them that I would be sharing a little of my story at evening chapel. I made some comment like "It's going to be awesome, you'll probably cry; don't forget to bring Kleenex." It's funny how getting my first laugh relaxes me. From that point on I was fine.
The kids were amazing! Very well behaved and good listeners.
A couple highlights:
One night I gave an illustration of how hard it can be to hear God when we've got so many distractions.
I had one of the kids come sit on a chair and told him that I was going to give "the phrase that pays" and he had to repeat it. But before I gave him the phrase I brought up a couple other people. I had one speak continuous Facebook status', I had another give baseball play-by-play, one acted as the nagging girlfriend asking to be taken places. I had one of the moms come up too (because it's not always bad things) and tell him to clean his room and do other chores. And 2 more came up and just had a conversation.
And I said "Oh yeah, gotta have music!" And played a Metallica song as performed by a cello group Apocalyptica.
I then said "Be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10.) I asked him what I said. He replied "I don't know, it's too hard with all the distractions!" I told him, and the audience, that I couldn't have put it better myself.
Here's the super cool part... The next day his cabin leader told me that later that night he asked "So what's this 'asking Jesus into your heart' all about?" And after talking for a bit, Karl, the leader led the kid into a relationship with Christ.
One night, I went to my cabin to prep the message for the next morning. I finished my PowerPoint slides and typing and I felt God say "That's not what I want you to say." So I started to retool another message I had. When I finished God said, "That's cute, now are you ready to listen to what I want you to say?" So I prayed for a bit and He gave me about 5 sentences and a couple of verses and then said "Now pray!"
I didn't get a whole lot of sleep that night. But when it came time for chapel God gave the me the words. I don't remember much, I was just repeating what He told me to say. But I was told by several that it was exactly what they needed to hear.
Another cool thing...
During 2 of the evening sessions, the director had invited married couples from her church to share testimonies. When I asked what they were going to share it ended up fitting perfectly with the subject God had given me for each evening. One even had the exact same verses written down in her notes!
If that isn't proof of God's hand in the week I don't know what is!
I also got to pray with/for some of the kids. That was really cool!
The last thing that was really neat...
On the last day, every time I looked at one of the teen leaders, I got teary-eyed. After lunch I realized that God wanted me to give her a word from Him. So I pulled her aside (but still in plain view of everyone as to not be inappropriate) and said the words God had given me. I was overwhelmed and crying like a baby. It was the first time I've received a word for an individual in that way. And more confirmation that God was at work in the week!
I pray that God will continue the great work He began last week.
And I have been reminded of the call and purpose God has given me. I am reminded that I need to take every step as God directs to achieve the goals He has placed on my heart.
There is nothing as satisfying as doing the things you love and doing them for God.
I encourage all who have read this to figure out what you love, and then figure out how to do that for Jesus!
Here's the video I was telling you about... Enjoy!
God bless y'all!
I've been the speaker at camp in the past but the fact that it had been a few years and that the directors of the camp were the parents of one of my spiritual mentors, I was a bit nervous.
On the drive down I kept a close eye on the G.P.S. and surfed the radio dial. But when I got about an hour or so from my destination the nerves were really taking over my thoughts. Although I had been praying and asking others for prayer, I decided it was time for some heavy prayer. I realized that I'm just a flawed vessel that God chose to use for His purposes. I'm nothing more then an extroverted A.D.H.D. goofball who has a story for everything. But when I allow God's Spirit to work in me and through me great things can happen. So I committed every aspect of the week to Him- my actions, my words, my thoughts, everything. .
Then I pulled up the "Cool Christian Stuff" folder on my MP 3 player. How Great Thou Art, the Carrie Underwood/Vince Gill version came on. The song has always been one of my favorites and Carrie's version brings me to tears every time.
Later, after getting slightly lost (the camp doesn't appear on the G.P.S. I borrowed) I arrived at camp.
Walking in to a situation of being the stranger walking in to a group that all knows each other can be a bit intimidating. But God said "Just be yourself, I got this." At the first leader meeting the director, Cheri introduced me and told them that I would be sharing a little of my story at evening chapel. I made some comment like "It's going to be awesome, you'll probably cry; don't forget to bring Kleenex." It's funny how getting my first laugh relaxes me. From that point on I was fine.
The kids were amazing! Very well behaved and good listeners.
A couple highlights:
One night I gave an illustration of how hard it can be to hear God when we've got so many distractions.
I had one of the kids come sit on a chair and told him that I was going to give "the phrase that pays" and he had to repeat it. But before I gave him the phrase I brought up a couple other people. I had one speak continuous Facebook status', I had another give baseball play-by-play, one acted as the nagging girlfriend asking to be taken places. I had one of the moms come up too (because it's not always bad things) and tell him to clean his room and do other chores. And 2 more came up and just had a conversation.
And I said "Oh yeah, gotta have music!" And played a Metallica song as performed by a cello group Apocalyptica.
I then said "Be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10.) I asked him what I said. He replied "I don't know, it's too hard with all the distractions!" I told him, and the audience, that I couldn't have put it better myself.
Here's the super cool part... The next day his cabin leader told me that later that night he asked "So what's this 'asking Jesus into your heart' all about?" And after talking for a bit, Karl, the leader led the kid into a relationship with Christ.
One night, I went to my cabin to prep the message for the next morning. I finished my PowerPoint slides and typing and I felt God say "That's not what I want you to say." So I started to retool another message I had. When I finished God said, "That's cute, now are you ready to listen to what I want you to say?" So I prayed for a bit and He gave me about 5 sentences and a couple of verses and then said "Now pray!"
I didn't get a whole lot of sleep that night. But when it came time for chapel God gave the me the words. I don't remember much, I was just repeating what He told me to say. But I was told by several that it was exactly what they needed to hear.
Another cool thing...
During 2 of the evening sessions, the director had invited married couples from her church to share testimonies. When I asked what they were going to share it ended up fitting perfectly with the subject God had given me for each evening. One even had the exact same verses written down in her notes!
If that isn't proof of God's hand in the week I don't know what is!
I also got to pray with/for some of the kids. That was really cool!
The last thing that was really neat...
On the last day, every time I looked at one of the teen leaders, I got teary-eyed. After lunch I realized that God wanted me to give her a word from Him. So I pulled her aside (but still in plain view of everyone as to not be inappropriate) and said the words God had given me. I was overwhelmed and crying like a baby. It was the first time I've received a word for an individual in that way. And more confirmation that God was at work in the week!
I pray that God will continue the great work He began last week.
And I have been reminded of the call and purpose God has given me. I am reminded that I need to take every step as God directs to achieve the goals He has placed on my heart.
There is nothing as satisfying as doing the things you love and doing them for God.
I encourage all who have read this to figure out what you love, and then figure out how to do that for Jesus!
Here's the video I was telling you about... Enjoy!
God bless y'all!
Monday, August 5, 2013
Still Learning, Still Growing
Today is the day I celebrate the anniversary of my birth.
I thought it a perfect time to reflect upon that which I've learned, especially over the latest year of my life.
Delete the drama
My fellow pastors at http://www.thejourneycommunity.com/ have taught me a lot. One of the greatest lessons I have learned from them is to avoid the avoidable drama (of course they probably would have worded it a lot better than I.) I have seen a lot of disagreements on social network sites such as Facebook. And for a while I thought it was somehow my responsibility to set straight those that I was certain needed my words of wisdom. But in watching these wise men and women with whom I have partnered, I have learned that some times the best thing I can say is nothing. It's not that they don't have an opinion, but they know that it is extremely rare that an argument on someone's status on Facebook is going to end in a way other than with hurt feelings and those arguing portraying themselves in a negative manner.
Recently, someone I'm friends with posted like a 5 word status update. The comments immediately began coming in. As I read some of them I started to type my thoughts. But then I read what some people were saying. Many used some pretty vulgar language to argue their points. I decided it would not be the best idea to comment and canceled the post. A couple of days later I checked back on the post. There were over 80 comments. As I read them my heart broke. There were some really ugly things being said. While I can (to some extent) understand the things said by those who don't know Jesus, it was comments by some of the Christians that upset me the most. Some of the things were the most horrible, loveless things I've ever read. They did not display an accurate image of the God that I serve.
It's not that I don't believe that there is right and wrong. I take a stand for that which I believe every day. But I have learned that social networking sites are not the proper forum for such discussions.
I'm not very close to the person who made the original post nor do I even live in close proximity. But if I was closer to them I would send a private message or text and tell them that I'd love to discuss the topic further. Notice I didn't say that I would send the message and have all of the answers. While I agree that there are times that we should take a stand, I believe that it's not always our job to offer unsolicited advice. I have learned that often slams doors shut and causes breaks in relationships. I've leaned to ask if someone was interested in my thoughts on the topic at hand.
I didn't plan on having this much to say on one topic, so I guess maybe this will be a continuing series for a couple of weeks. Tune in next time for more as I share what God has taught me in the past year.
I'll leave you with this for the week:
Proverbs 27:19- As water reflects the face, so one's life reflects the heart.
God bless y'all!
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