It’s kind of weird saying it. I think this is one of the first years I’ve spent time actually listing out things I want to accomplish. I’ve done New Years Resolutions before… But for the start of this year I spent the past week praying, writing, and thinking about 2010.
What excites you the most about the New Year?
I like the idea of a new beginning. 2009 was a tough year in many ways. I’m praying and hoping this year will see a much brighter future.
How are you kicking off 2010?
I have begun reading through the Bible. The first plan I’m going to do this year is a 90 Day plan. You can find this plan at You Version
I’m praying for a great year and looking forward to talking about it here in 2010.
“My determined purpose is to be my utmost for His highest – my best for His glory.”
Do you recall the scene from Toy Story 2 when Andy’s mom put Woody on the shelf? After Andy leaves the room the toys come out and one of them says, “Woody’s been shelved.”
Woody’s arm had been ripped while Andy was playing with him. So to keep him from further damage Andy’s mom shelved him. The cool thing about Woody is that he didn’t let his damage keep him down.
There was another toy that had been shelved too. After that toy gets put in a yard sale Woody didn’t let his own wound keep him from helping another toy in need.
At some time in life we all experience deep wounds and hurts. We can let them take our joy and our purpose or we can turn them into nuggets of hope for someone else.
I don’t believe God shelves any of us forever. I know for me I have had to sit on the shelf in order to allow the healing take place. I’m recharged and ready to go! I know I carry many scares but I pray they can each serve has a resource of hope to others.
“You can’t give up what God gives you.” A random comment from an elderly man I met at the hospital a couple of years ago.
“It is clear to us, friends, that God not only loves you very much but also has put his hand on you for something special. (1 Thessalonians 1:4, The Message).
Do you ever watch the news and wonder what was really said? I do. I want to know the context of the sound bite the networks show us.
I recall attending the Inauguration for George W Bush’s first term. I was amazed at my experience! It is by far one of the greatest moments of my life. If you weren’t there then you didn’t really see and hear what all I got to see and hear. You saw what the networks wanted you to see.
To a degree lately I’ve been living my life feeding off of one sound bite after the other. I’m not talking news but rather small little quotes from books and Twitter. My journal is starting to gather quite the collection.
Most that make the journal are powerful bites that are more like an energy drink (I guess… Although I’ve never had an energy drink). They are great for the moment until the next one comes across my eyes and makes me stop and think for a minute.
We can’t live our lives and remain healthy if all I do is eat little snacks all day long. There comes a time when one has to sit down for a meal. It’s the same for our spiritual lives. We need to take time daily to dine with our Heavenly Father. Then take what He gives us to someone else.
So, in this world of sound bites and Twitter that we live in – remember – that when Jesus says, “Come be my disciples. I will show you how to fish for people.” He didn’t show his disciples how in 140 charcters or less. It was a painful process that took getting involved in the lives of others. It involved courage and risk that led to him giving his life for them and us.
Let me leave you with a “sound bite” from Bill Hybels book Holy Discontent,
“If something is worth giving your life to, it will inherently involve a high level of risk.”(86).
Last night was the last open house before school starts. All of my children have been excited to find out which teachers they have, to see schedules, and to reunite friendships that took a break with the summer. It was a big night for us all with lots of high hopes and great expectations for a great school year.
As I walked the hallways, I began to see something that troubled my heart and thoughts. In fact, what I saw made me very sad. It bothered me all last night and continues to haunt my thoughts today. As I turned each corner of the school, I was concerned about the amount of hurt and disappointment that was walking the halls with me. I saw numerous families that live in brokenness brought on by divorce. My life is not different – and it really bothered me last night. I came home and wrote in my journal about all of the hurts I was personally experiencing then moved on to ask the question, “I wonder how my kids were feeling?”
A friend of mine had a baby that died as a newborn about 20 years ago. I recall talking with him on the phone about it. At the time, I was living over 800 miles away. But in the moment I had a tremendous case of insensitivity. I told him that one day God would use this tragedy to help someone else. True… but oh how I wish I could take those words back – timing is everything!
I’ve been told that on numerous occassions that I will be able to help others going through divorce or dealing with the effects of divorce. I understand the encouragement that has been extended with those words… (Sometimes God’s people should be seen and not heard) The problem I see with this sort of counsel is that my kids are put on the altar as a sacrifice to help someone else. I don’t really believe that is God’s plan. Yet, I can see how God can use my life today to help others.
Within me is a well full of sorrow and pain brought on by divorce. I’m thankful God has filled it with His love, grace, and compassion for others who have or will walk my same road. How I wish I could counsel couple to work it out no matter what… I also know that in some cases working it out is not an option.
So, as we begin another school year filled with so much excitement – let’s not forget those children who are dealing with the disappointments in life brought on by selfish parents. The losers are the children. Those of us who can help need to stand in the gap for them.
What can you do? Become a mentor. Volunteer at your church with children or youth. Begin praying daily for specific children. Select a school and prayer walk each week for the children and for the teachers. There are many options to get involved. Seek God as to how you can join Him in healing hearts… Start today!
I’m watching the Tour de France and am amazed at the strength of the riders. I am blown away at the thought of how much training these guys have gone through in order to ride their bicycles the distance and at the pace that they will go over the next several weeks.
It’s remarkable that Lance Armstrong is making a comeback after being out for 4 years at age 37. Not to mention he has already won the Tour 7 times after his fight with cancer. He is in 3rd place now after the 3rd stage. Amazing!
I think about the training that I must go through as a Christian in order to live the life Christ has placed before me. As I see these well conditioned cyclists, I ask myself, “Is my spiritual life as well conditioned as these guys are physically?” Paul exhorts us, “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.” (1 Corinthians 9:24).
Are you running the course of your life to win? Are you conditioned in such a way you will finish strong? Do you have someone who is running with you to push the limits of your faith? Are you on a team (a part of a small group) that will help you get to the finish line? None of us can finish this life on our own. We need each other if we are going to live and finish strong.
Thank God that He does give us difficult things to do! His salvation is a joyous thing, but it is also something that requires bravery, courage, and holiness. It tests us for all we are worth. (Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest, July 7).
This weekend we saw our share of storms. Friday night we were at the ball fields for Walker’s game when the sirens went off. It was scary. We had no idea that this storm was coming or how far off the storm was. As quickly as the sirens sounded the winds were on us. As I drove toward home I could see this wall of clouds off to our right. I don’t think I’ve seen anything quite like that before. I kept my thoughts to myself as we hurried down the road. So the kids wouldn’t be alarmed.
Today we saw and heard the same thing… More storms and sirens. My son was excited about it all too. As we watched the news we could see the storm moving toward us. He kept asking, “How much longer until the sirens go off?” Once the sirens sounded we headed for cover at my in-laws home. For awhile we stood outside and watched the clouds as we listened to the sirens. (He was very disappointed to find out we missed church tonight becuase of this storm!!)
Kind of strange but I have always liked stormy weather. It seems to draw family together for those few moments. The reality of life seems to come into view. I find myself very focused during a storm. The storm also breaks up the monotony of the day and adds a bit of excitement.
I was driving home this evening thinking about storms and wondering why I like them so much. I thought about how stormy my life seems to stay. I don’t like how the storm within my life feels. I’m ready for the sirens within to quit sounding. I’m ready for the voice to come over my heart and say, “The storm is over.”
Yet as I look over my thoughts about natural storms I see somewhat a correlation between natural storms and this storm that fills my life:
It is an irritant to the family but ultimate draws us together as we seek shelter together.
The importance of life.
Brings focus and attention to the storm… the One who provides shelter from the storm.
Do I allow the storms into my life to intentionally bring these things into my life? If so – I’m an idiot! I’m so ready for this storm that seems to be disrupting my life to end. I’m ready for the rainbow… I’m ready for the sunshine… I’m ready to walk the white sandy beaches and listen to the peaceful sounds of the waves crashing on the beach. I’m ready for relief!!
Last night I went to Dave Ramsey’s Townhall for Hope. I realized how much influence fear has on my life last night. It was a rather bizarre moment to see how my future has limits as long as I live in fear. Why is it so easy to settle down in fear? Rather than live in the real hope of the world – Jesus Christ.
I worked in Dalton this afternoon (which I really enjoy). Maybe it is the ride home that is always so nice. Several conversations I had today were running through my mind. I prayed about several situations and circumstances as I drove.
I’m praying about several things very personal right now. Fear is what has been keeping me from taking a step in my life. But as I prayed this afternoon I left that fear behind for a moment and experienced the Holy Spirit’s peace and love. What wonderful peace! As I continued to drive, pray, and listen to Third Day I looked up and saw a billboard that spoke to me. It was a picture that let me know I am in His hands.
A few miles later another billboard looked much like this:
It’s decision time: Do I step up to the plate with faith? Or do allow my fears keep me from taking that step? What do you do to overcome your fears?
When I first posted this photo on Facebook, one of my friends from Aztec, NM asked if I was warping in the photo. With the help of Picnik.com it does appear that I am warping and that the lens captured the moment
Life has been running at “Mach Speed” for the past several weeks. My entire routine for life has been knocked around. I am blessed to have such a wonderful family… they have been my rock during a very tiring time. God is soooo good!
So, what do you do when you seem to be warping through life? What’s the first thing to go… sleep? Prayer? Bible Study? Family? Friendships? Alone time? It may be any combination listed here.
I’m thankful it’s Friday and my normal routine is starting to kick back in. Although much of my routines in life have been upset – I’m thankful my purpose for living has stayed in focus… That purpose is Jesus Christ.
Keeping (my) eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed- that exhilarating finish in and with God – he could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!”(Hebrews 12:2-3, The Message).
