I don't know where to begin. I've neglected the blog for so long, and so much has transpired in the past six months. The big stuff has been the deaths of four family/extended family members and all the attendant turmoil that those experiences bring. I have no profound thoughts except to say" "Death stinks, but God is good." I could elaborate, but those of you who have experience in this realm know exactly what I mean.
There is not a day that goes by that I don't have some blog-worthy thought, opinion, or word of encouragement. At least I think it's blog-worthy. Ah, but there's the rub...is it really? And, as I argue with myself over the wisdom and usefulness of my blog (especially in light of the stellar blogs already available - say at http://blog.christianitytoday.com/giftedforleadership/ ) the day slips away (and then the month).
I've read that the ideal blogger blogs several times a day. Not going to happen. The conventional wisdom says the blogger should blog at least once per week. Used to do that. Could happen again. Barring more calamities on the immediate horizon.
So, today I'm just checking in to say "Howdy" and to declare that: "I'm sure glad God is in charge of the world" and that "I'm grateful for the great big gobs of help and comfort He has provided."
That's it for now...
Monday, August 10, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Keep Growing!
Had dinner with a former student yesterday. What fun to re-connect, to hear how she is growing, and to listen to her dreams. Always full of curiosity, this woman reminded me why I love to teach. There is no greater joy than to watch the Lord pour himself into another person through me. I view myself as a vessel into which God may pour himself, and then I allow him to use me to impact the lives of others.
Watching the light bulb go on in one student's head or seeing a heart change through interaction in the classroom makes all the study and preparation worthwhile. And when a student continues the journey after she leaves the classroom, WOW! What God can do with a willing believer is awesome!
Where are you on your journey with the Lord? Are you curious about him and his work in the world? Do you continue to learn about him through his Word? Are you growing or stagnating? Do you talk to him? Ask him questions? Listen to his response?
My wish for you is that you would be like this dear student - a willing, seeking, sponge! Someone who is looking for the Lord, listening to his voice, growing in grace. Don't delay, God is waiting for you!
"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen" (2 Peter 3:18 NIV).
Watching the light bulb go on in one student's head or seeing a heart change through interaction in the classroom makes all the study and preparation worthwhile. And when a student continues the journey after she leaves the classroom, WOW! What God can do with a willing believer is awesome!
Where are you on your journey with the Lord? Are you curious about him and his work in the world? Do you continue to learn about him through his Word? Are you growing or stagnating? Do you talk to him? Ask him questions? Listen to his response?
My wish for you is that you would be like this dear student - a willing, seeking, sponge! Someone who is looking for the Lord, listening to his voice, growing in grace. Don't delay, God is waiting for you!
"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen" (2 Peter 3:18 NIV).
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Growing in the Knowledge of Christ
I spent the afternoon teaching a delightful group of students in the Ministry Leadership program at Cornerstone University. There’s nothing more invigorating than hanging around with people who want to learn. Busy with work, family, ministry, and homework for their classes, these students evidenced a deep desire to know and honor God. Full of life experiences (some of which they shared), great questions, and insightful comments, the students were a blessing to my heart. I pray God’s blessing on them as they seek to “…grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen" (2 Peter 3:18 NIV).
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Peace
“For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)
The “Prince of Peace.” What a beautiful idea. True in heaven to be sure. Not so true on earth, as long as humans continue to fight with each another. Why do we fight? James says we fight because we cannot have what we want. Just like two-year-olds (my opinion).
Jesus said:
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 (NIV)
Do not be afraid because Jesus is preparing a place for us in his Kingdom. And he will return to take us to be with himself in that place where peace will reign through and through.
The writer of Hebrews said:
“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12:14 (NIV)
In the coming year, I wish you peace. The kind Jesus gives, which comes from the inside out. May you be content with what you have. May you peacefully work toward what you want. May you strive to live at peace with all other humans. May your thoughts and actions glorify God. May you give the forgiveness, grace, and peace to others you wish for yourself. May all this be true of me as well.
Perhaps 2009 will be the year Jesus returns and ushers in the fullness of the Kingdom. Come quickly Lord Jesus.
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)
The “Prince of Peace.” What a beautiful idea. True in heaven to be sure. Not so true on earth, as long as humans continue to fight with each another. Why do we fight? James says we fight because we cannot have what we want. Just like two-year-olds (my opinion).
Jesus said:
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 (NIV)
Do not be afraid because Jesus is preparing a place for us in his Kingdom. And he will return to take us to be with himself in that place where peace will reign through and through.
The writer of Hebrews said:
“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12:14 (NIV)
In the coming year, I wish you peace. The kind Jesus gives, which comes from the inside out. May you be content with what you have. May you peacefully work toward what you want. May you strive to live at peace with all other humans. May your thoughts and actions glorify God. May you give the forgiveness, grace, and peace to others you wish for yourself. May all this be true of me as well.
Perhaps 2009 will be the year Jesus returns and ushers in the fullness of the Kingdom. Come quickly Lord Jesus.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
People versus Stuff
Speaking, once again, about passion...
What are the people of the USA passionate about? Apparently, some New Yorkers are so passionate about stuff, they were willing to trample a man to death in a Wal-Mart store, while rushing through the doors to get to the sale merchandise.
Having spent over fourteen years working in retail, I understand the Christmas feeding frenzy. Once, while supervising a Blue Light Special promotion, I had to physically climb up on a Blue Light machine to avoid being trampled by a crowd of shoppers. It's a frightening thing to face a wild eyed tsunami of flesh surging toward a bargain.
Rather than condemn those complicit in this truly "Black Friday" event, I instead feel drawn to examine my own heart. Is there anything I want so badly that I am willing to knock down, or walk over, others to get it? If I am not up for a physical confrontation, am I willing to knock others over with my words? And what about my heart? Do I trample others with my thoughts?
God, please help me to be content with what I have, to pursue peace, and to always value people over stuff. Amen.
What are the people of the USA passionate about? Apparently, some New Yorkers are so passionate about stuff, they were willing to trample a man to death in a Wal-Mart store, while rushing through the doors to get to the sale merchandise.
Having spent over fourteen years working in retail, I understand the Christmas feeding frenzy. Once, while supervising a Blue Light Special promotion, I had to physically climb up on a Blue Light machine to avoid being trampled by a crowd of shoppers. It's a frightening thing to face a wild eyed tsunami of flesh surging toward a bargain.
Rather than condemn those complicit in this truly "Black Friday" event, I instead feel drawn to examine my own heart. Is there anything I want so badly that I am willing to knock down, or walk over, others to get it? If I am not up for a physical confrontation, am I willing to knock others over with my words? And what about my heart? Do I trample others with my thoughts?
God, please help me to be content with what I have, to pursue peace, and to always value people over stuff. Amen.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Writing About Jesus
Speaking of passion...
I just spent the weekend with a group of people who are passionate about writing about Jesus. The conference, sponsored by Write About Jesus, was incredible. We received wonderful instruction about the craft of song writing, got to hear song writers perform their own songs (some of them have received Dove awards for their work), and fellowshipped and worshipped with a great group of other song writers.
Three days immersed in this creative boot-camp has energized me. My head is spinning from all I learned and I'm busy scribbling down ideas as they appear.
If you are interested in Christian song writing, please check out the Write About Jesus web site and make plans to attend the next workshop!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
What is your passion?
What activity is so important to you that you would do it even if no one else noticed? The answer, according to a recent speaker I heard, is your passion.
What is so important to me that I do it even if no one else notices? I'm not sure if these are the types of things the speaker meant, but several things come to mind:
Praying
Reading my Bible (and other books)
Looking for God in all things
Studying
Learning
Eating chocolate
Writing
Laughing
Things that involve other people include:
Hanging out with my husband and friends
Encouraging others in various ways
Making chocolates and giving them away
Teaching anyone who will listen
The items listed are not necessarily in the order of importance and, if I spent more time thinking about it, I could probably add to each list. Some items are frivolous, some necessary. Each activity adds a measure of fullness to my life and is a reflection of who I am. I thank God for this list which is unique to me. It demonstrates his gifts of grace in my life.
What do you love to do so much that you would do it even if no one noticed? I encourage you today to think about what it is you love to do and to celebrate your uniqueness with the God who made you!
What is so important to me that I do it even if no one else notices? I'm not sure if these are the types of things the speaker meant, but several things come to mind:
Praying
Reading my Bible (and other books)
Looking for God in all things
Studying
Learning
Eating chocolate
Writing
Laughing
Things that involve other people include:
Hanging out with my husband and friends
Encouraging others in various ways
Making chocolates and giving them away
Teaching anyone who will listen
The items listed are not necessarily in the order of importance and, if I spent more time thinking about it, I could probably add to each list. Some items are frivolous, some necessary. Each activity adds a measure of fullness to my life and is a reflection of who I am. I thank God for this list which is unique to me. It demonstrates his gifts of grace in my life.
What do you love to do so much that you would do it even if no one noticed? I encourage you today to think about what it is you love to do and to celebrate your uniqueness with the God who made you!
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