Fun. Enjoyment. Relaxing. Do you allow yourself to do this? What's your down time like? Or do you have 'projects' you feel you need to address, so... you have no 'down time'? Presumptuous but... what would happen if you took that time to refresh and renew instead? Bionic are you? OK, maybe that was a bit much but if it resulted in you reassessing what you are doing to yourself, then it was worth it.
Everyone needs down time, a time to catch one's breath and take a good look at what we are doing... and WHY. What may have been a critical 'thing'/act can evolve into a habit that we have lost the reason, purpose for why it is important. Routine has its value but when we do what we do because we have always done it and don't know why, other than tradition, then we need to stop and take an accounting. R 'n R can be the context to accomplish this. De-stressing occurs first and then you can begin to tackle the assessment.
However, don't get caught in using R 'n R. It has its own value too. Yes it can be used as a context for determining whether something needs continuing, changing, or eliminating and this is good but if the only purpose R 'n R has is to be a vehicle for other activities, then some of its value is lost. Maybe I should ask - what do you think the purpose of R 'n R is? Purposelessness? No... my bias is that it should mainly be a time of: de-stressing, engaging in those activities that you enjoy but rarely can participate in, (fill in the blank). For you it may be active or it may be totally inactive. But the one thing that is put on the back burner is your job/work and all its responsibilities.
Totally impossible? Totally unnecessary? I guess it all depends on one's perspective and what you allow you to be and do. You simply don't have the time, money, (fill in the blank) to take the time? Then you are not the final authority in your life... yes? But you really don't need to do this? Perhaps, but I doubt it. We all need time away from what we're doing in order to get a better understanding of what we're doing. The time that you allow yourself to do those things that are in the R 'n R category (self-defined), then the more opportunity you have to be creative and effective with those areas of your life that are more oriented toward goal accomplishment. Consider it.
Thursday, December 31, 2015
Monday, December 28, 2015
Legacy
Yours? I appreciate that I've talked about this question in any number of ways, but... have you thought about what 'mark' you are leaving, what and how you will be remembered? You will ALWAYS leave a 'tell' whether or not it is planned or deliberately thought out by you. As long as you breathe in and out, your 'tell' or 'mark' is visible. The only important question is - what legacy do you leave and do you know what this is? What do you want others to remember about you? What has your life represented?
This isn't an easy answer question. One of the problems is that we all don't always act or speak according to our own standards and thus present an image that we may not want or we give mixed messages. I don't think it's possible to constantly or consistently act as our best us regardless of our intentions. I do think that this standard can motive us though and I also believe that we can't simply quit at our first 'failure'. It's necessary to give ourself as well as others a grace to make mistakes and to learn and grow from this.
Perhaps one question is are you the type that gives grace to others? That too is an element in our legacy. How/If we display or extend grace to others to be but to also err defines how we react to grace and mercy. Quite honestly, we all need the Lord's grace and mercy so I think we have no option but to act this way toward others. But how do you define your actions toward others? What is your legacy - gentle or judging?
There are many components that make up our legacy in the world we live in and those who we have touched. However the critical question is what are your components and equally important - are you aware? Do you know what you value and what is critical in your world? Do you know How you want to be remembered? This is no idle question. If you don't realize who you are and how you effect and affect others, then... how do you know what legacy you are leaving?
This isn't an easy answer question. One of the problems is that we all don't always act or speak according to our own standards and thus present an image that we may not want or we give mixed messages. I don't think it's possible to constantly or consistently act as our best us regardless of our intentions. I do think that this standard can motive us though and I also believe that we can't simply quit at our first 'failure'. It's necessary to give ourself as well as others a grace to make mistakes and to learn and grow from this.
Perhaps one question is are you the type that gives grace to others? That too is an element in our legacy. How/If we display or extend grace to others to be but to also err defines how we react to grace and mercy. Quite honestly, we all need the Lord's grace and mercy so I think we have no option but to act this way toward others. But how do you define your actions toward others? What is your legacy - gentle or judging?
There are many components that make up our legacy in the world we live in and those who we have touched. However the critical question is what are your components and equally important - are you aware? Do you know what you value and what is critical in your world? Do you know How you want to be remembered? This is no idle question. If you don't realize who you are and how you effect and affect others, then... how do you know what legacy you are leaving?
Friday, December 25, 2015
Dear Father
I use the word 'Father' because that's how I think of You. 'God' sounds so austere, so ominous, so grand, so... out there, and my relationship with You has been more of a Father-child. If that sounds too familiar or too disrespectful or not sufficiently awestruck - not my intent. But I don't know if I've ever felt You were too omni to characterize our relationship as cowering or unapproachable. Simply, You are, You've always been, and You'll always be and with that said... You also chose me.
Not sure I'd be my choice but that doesn't dismiss the fact that in the midst of my non perfect, sinful self - You chose to choose me. I certainly don't dismiss nor consider this lightly - quite honestly, I was delighted. It was easy to see that it wasn't anything I did or would do, be or become that was the reason You chose me - You simply acted in love and then extended the invitation (as You do for everyone) and I had the intelligence (divine help) to accept Your invitation. To say that nothing's been the same since is an understatement.
Knowing that You are love gave me a measure, a standard to judge my own words and actions. Talk about failing miserably - I did, and still do. But, my mindset has changed and now I intentionally attempt to speak and act from love. Not the gushy type nor the equivocal nor the I'll-do-something-for-you-and-you-do-something-for-me kind that I've seen and experience. I really try and act and speak love in truth -unconditionally. The mindset is in place even when I don't succeed.
I've learned that Love isn't weak, it doesn't compromise. Yet it is gentle, kind, and understanding (even in the midst of nothing making sense). I've been able to see and understand some of what Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 13 and make it real in my life... at least to the extent that I do. It is a standard to judge what I do and how I go about doing it. And no, I don't always act in love, but I have a Father who will forgive (1 John 1:9, 2:1) when I come seeking forgiveness - and continues to act toward me lovingly. This also tells me that I can't hold anything against anyone either. To be in a position to accept love I have to walk in love.
Because You, my Father-God, put such an emphasis on Love I need to grow in how I demonstrate it. Words are lovely but only if there is action that accompanies the words. I think that this letter is simply my way of letting You know that I truly am trying to be Your hand of love in the world I inhabit. But that I'm also grateful that You will forgive me when I fail. I will stand again and try again. So on this day of your birth I wanted to tell You just how important You are to me. Just wanted to put my thoughts and feelings into words and pray that the words translate in to actions.
Your daughter
Not sure I'd be my choice but that doesn't dismiss the fact that in the midst of my non perfect, sinful self - You chose to choose me. I certainly don't dismiss nor consider this lightly - quite honestly, I was delighted. It was easy to see that it wasn't anything I did or would do, be or become that was the reason You chose me - You simply acted in love and then extended the invitation (as You do for everyone) and I had the intelligence (divine help) to accept Your invitation. To say that nothing's been the same since is an understatement.
Knowing that You are love gave me a measure, a standard to judge my own words and actions. Talk about failing miserably - I did, and still do. But, my mindset has changed and now I intentionally attempt to speak and act from love. Not the gushy type nor the equivocal nor the I'll-do-something-for-you-and-you-do-something-for-me kind that I've seen and experience. I really try and act and speak love in truth -unconditionally. The mindset is in place even when I don't succeed.
I've learned that Love isn't weak, it doesn't compromise. Yet it is gentle, kind, and understanding (even in the midst of nothing making sense). I've been able to see and understand some of what Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 13 and make it real in my life... at least to the extent that I do. It is a standard to judge what I do and how I go about doing it. And no, I don't always act in love, but I have a Father who will forgive (1 John 1:9, 2:1) when I come seeking forgiveness - and continues to act toward me lovingly. This also tells me that I can't hold anything against anyone either. To be in a position to accept love I have to walk in love.
Because You, my Father-God, put such an emphasis on Love I need to grow in how I demonstrate it. Words are lovely but only if there is action that accompanies the words. I think that this letter is simply my way of letting You know that I truly am trying to be Your hand of love in the world I inhabit. But that I'm also grateful that You will forgive me when I fail. I will stand again and try again. So on this day of your birth I wanted to tell You just how important You are to me. Just wanted to put my thoughts and feelings into words and pray that the words translate in to actions.
Your daughter
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
Absolutes
Do you have any 'Always' or 'Nevers' in your life? What, for you, constitutes an always or a never? Do you even believe in absolutes? Personally... I do. But I am quite limiting in what constitutes an absolute. Plus, I don't like a large number of them. My reason is that I don't like a complicated life - complex, yes - just not complicated. And if you have a number of absolutes you are juggling, one may be in conflict with a different one and then you have a mess. Yes? That last statement also points to why it's important to describe and, as completely as possible (operationally) define the words.
What may appear as confrontational or contradictory to one of your absolutes may actually not be when you properly define and describe it. Don't forget that absolutes do provide us with our lines in the sand, our pillars on which we stand. Do absolutes ever change over time? Not in my world of definitions - their breadth and depth may increase, but change... no. Once an absolute, always an absolute. That's why, when/if a quality/philosophy/belief/(fill in the blank), moves into the rarefied category of 'Absolute', it has to be tested and confirmed first. It's not that you never refine an absolute, but don't rush to establish one unless it truly meets the standards (yours).
I remember being engaged in a 'discussion' with some of my college chums on this very question. Finally, at one point, I asked if they believed there was never any absolute. They all responded with a resounding 'yes'. To whit I replied, then this is your absolute - that there are no absolutes! Silence. I, on the other hand, had been arguing that in the final analysis the only sure absolute was God. Many didn't want to acknowledge this. My arguments were numerous but ended with - what if I'm right and you're wrong? Again, silence.
And no, I'm not elevating myself, my argument, or that the 'possibility' could be the point. The truth that exists all around us is that God is. But this truth is one that each person needs to come to. While the evidence is verified even if all we do is look around us, the evidence ultimately has to be accepted by those who don't believe. Our 'job' is to prove the evidence through how we live our lives - what we say, how we act, and who we are. We are part of God's evidence to the world.
What may appear as confrontational or contradictory to one of your absolutes may actually not be when you properly define and describe it. Don't forget that absolutes do provide us with our lines in the sand, our pillars on which we stand. Do absolutes ever change over time? Not in my world of definitions - their breadth and depth may increase, but change... no. Once an absolute, always an absolute. That's why, when/if a quality/philosophy/belief/(fill in the blank), moves into the rarefied category of 'Absolute', it has to be tested and confirmed first. It's not that you never refine an absolute, but don't rush to establish one unless it truly meets the standards (yours).
I remember being engaged in a 'discussion' with some of my college chums on this very question. Finally, at one point, I asked if they believed there was never any absolute. They all responded with a resounding 'yes'. To whit I replied, then this is your absolute - that there are no absolutes! Silence. I, on the other hand, had been arguing that in the final analysis the only sure absolute was God. Many didn't want to acknowledge this. My arguments were numerous but ended with - what if I'm right and you're wrong? Again, silence.
And no, I'm not elevating myself, my argument, or that the 'possibility' could be the point. The truth that exists all around us is that God is. But this truth is one that each person needs to come to. While the evidence is verified even if all we do is look around us, the evidence ultimately has to be accepted by those who don't believe. Our 'job' is to prove the evidence through how we live our lives - what we say, how we act, and who we are. We are part of God's evidence to the world.
Saturday, December 19, 2015
Relationship and matter-ing
Do you believe you matter? In your heart, at the very core of your being... do you believe this about you? If so then you can't do less than your best every moment of the day. Stress-less and non-striving, but confidently your best you. I know I've written before about your importance, but do you believe the message is for you? Do you act on it? No, not at the expense of another's 'rights' or contrary to who and what you are - but do you express you?
The point is that while you matter, you also have One who never leaves you to support you as you live your life. I would suggest that this is one relationship that always needs to be in existence. It isn't enough to be as good as you can, but you have to be in relationship. What this accomplishes is that it helps defines you, who you are, and Whose you are. Your words and actions demonstrate and affirm the truth of your relationship.
We all tend to like to think we are 'independent' and 'self-sufficient' and this rarely changes over time. As young people we tend to think we are invincible and we definitely act this way. Over the years this does diminish, to a degree but we still have this sense that we CAN, unless we really don't want to. And I do believe that there is a great deal we CAN do, but rarely without help. In one of Jesus' teachings to His disciples prior to His death and resurrection was to assure those with Him that they wouldn't have to do everything on their own. That just as He had been with them, He would ask the Father to send a helper. And we read in Acts that as they waited, they were imbued with power. (John 15, Acts 2)
Realizing that these were people who had been with Jesus throughout His ministry, how much more do we need this assurance. (not a question) We are gifted, we have been made the righteous, unearned, (Ephesians 2, 2 Corinthians 5) We matter. So much so that Jesus made certain that we would be in relationship and understand that we matter... just not according to the world's standard. We are prepared when we become and act according to the standard given us (John 13:35), that we have the Holy Spirit with us, and are more than conquerors (Romans 8:31-39).
Nothing is missing or lacking in us being and doing.
The point is that while you matter, you also have One who never leaves you to support you as you live your life. I would suggest that this is one relationship that always needs to be in existence. It isn't enough to be as good as you can, but you have to be in relationship. What this accomplishes is that it helps defines you, who you are, and Whose you are. Your words and actions demonstrate and affirm the truth of your relationship.
We all tend to like to think we are 'independent' and 'self-sufficient' and this rarely changes over time. As young people we tend to think we are invincible and we definitely act this way. Over the years this does diminish, to a degree but we still have this sense that we CAN, unless we really don't want to. And I do believe that there is a great deal we CAN do, but rarely without help. In one of Jesus' teachings to His disciples prior to His death and resurrection was to assure those with Him that they wouldn't have to do everything on their own. That just as He had been with them, He would ask the Father to send a helper. And we read in Acts that as they waited, they were imbued with power. (John 15, Acts 2)
Realizing that these were people who had been with Jesus throughout His ministry, how much more do we need this assurance. (not a question) We are gifted, we have been made the righteous, unearned, (Ephesians 2, 2 Corinthians 5) We matter. So much so that Jesus made certain that we would be in relationship and understand that we matter... just not according to the world's standard. We are prepared when we become and act according to the standard given us (John 13:35), that we have the Holy Spirit with us, and are more than conquerors (Romans 8:31-39).
Nothing is missing or lacking in us being and doing.
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Committed to...
yourself? To an ideal? To another person? What!? Next question is, do you typically commit to a number of things/people/ideas? Or, are you more circumspect in your commitments? To the things/people/ideas you are committed to - how do you, or anyone else, know? Is it evident in both your words as well as your actions? If you were to ask someone you believe knows you, could they identify your commitments? Are they still relevant or has your actions in their pursuit waned?
All those questions are important and identify both who you are as well as what you do. Without the identifying behavior there is no way to really know if the focus is still relevant and the depth of your commitment. Recognizing that 'life' does impact on one's choices and decisions about what, if and our commitment levels, do you see (and understand) how yours has changed over the years? More important - how does this make you feel?
Have you let go of a dream that was significant to you? Do you wish you had (could?) pursue it/them? And what do you currently have as a commitment that would interfere with your dream pursuit? Commitments, as you can see, have varying levels of importance and intensity. Stop for just a moment and see which ones you are currently pursuing that you do want to continue doing. And... which ones you can let go or diminish their importance.
Life should never be an excuse for why you aren't pursuing your dreams. You need to see who you really are and who you can be. Then you can, honestly, determine which are relevant for you, that you need and want to commit to, and which no longer are what you want and need to do. You have to be brave to let go and hold onto. The only one that 'deserves' an apology is the Lord if He gave you a dream that you didn't follow. But if it really was His doing then it is still active and relevant (just not in the exact same form) and you can still become committed to you and who and what you are and do.
All those questions are important and identify both who you are as well as what you do. Without the identifying behavior there is no way to really know if the focus is still relevant and the depth of your commitment. Recognizing that 'life' does impact on one's choices and decisions about what, if and our commitment levels, do you see (and understand) how yours has changed over the years? More important - how does this make you feel?
Have you let go of a dream that was significant to you? Do you wish you had (could?) pursue it/them? And what do you currently have as a commitment that would interfere with your dream pursuit? Commitments, as you can see, have varying levels of importance and intensity. Stop for just a moment and see which ones you are currently pursuing that you do want to continue doing. And... which ones you can let go or diminish their importance.
Life should never be an excuse for why you aren't pursuing your dreams. You need to see who you really are and who you can be. Then you can, honestly, determine which are relevant for you, that you need and want to commit to, and which no longer are what you want and need to do. You have to be brave to let go and hold onto. The only one that 'deserves' an apology is the Lord if He gave you a dream that you didn't follow. But if it really was His doing then it is still active and relevant (just not in the exact same form) and you can still become committed to you and who and what you are and do.
Sunday, December 13, 2015
Me first!
Is that your attitude? That if you don't act on your best interests... who will? Even if there IS some truth to this assertion, the larger question is - how do you go about asserting 'your best interests'? And what do you do about the competing self-interests from others? Whoever wrote that no man is an island realized a truth that impacts on what we may want - that what we believe we want is rarely, if ever, in isolation to the world you live in.
How can you act to attain your goals without ignoring others' goals? And more important how do you resolve conflicts? Perhaps the question should be - are the goals irreconcilable? Can you attain yours as well as the other person attaining theirs? We seem to act in a competitive manner before we ever assess whether there is conflict. Silly waste of time and effort. Whether or not there really is conflict, is it irreconcilable or mutually exclusive? Not compromise, necessarily, but can we work together so that both our goals can be attained?
Not always does your goal come last, though there may be times of detour or putting (fill in the blank) on hold. Sometimes it's timing or that your goal is a 'step 2' and the first one needs attaining before yours can be. The 'trick' is to keep our emotions out of the equation. Never easy. We do seem to express our emotion of displeasure when (if) we feel our desires are being trampled upon. What's your expression? Anger? Irritation? A toe in the sand? Martyrdom? 'Self-sacrifice'?
Me first doesn't always 'work', even for ourselves. If we can eliminate the bulk of the emotion related to the situation and take a good assessment, perhaps we can discover the best way to attain our 'rights', or how we can all fulfill our wants. Then again... there are times when we have to put our dream on hold until a more effective time emerges to attain the goal. My point is - 1. Never give up a dream, if it is one you truly believe in. and 2. Never assume that a 'later' is defined as 'never'. The easiest and hardest act is to give it to the Lord and let Him provide the comfort for the moment and the answer.
How can you act to attain your goals without ignoring others' goals? And more important how do you resolve conflicts? Perhaps the question should be - are the goals irreconcilable? Can you attain yours as well as the other person attaining theirs? We seem to act in a competitive manner before we ever assess whether there is conflict. Silly waste of time and effort. Whether or not there really is conflict, is it irreconcilable or mutually exclusive? Not compromise, necessarily, but can we work together so that both our goals can be attained?
Not always does your goal come last, though there may be times of detour or putting (fill in the blank) on hold. Sometimes it's timing or that your goal is a 'step 2' and the first one needs attaining before yours can be. The 'trick' is to keep our emotions out of the equation. Never easy. We do seem to express our emotion of displeasure when (if) we feel our desires are being trampled upon. What's your expression? Anger? Irritation? A toe in the sand? Martyrdom? 'Self-sacrifice'?
Me first doesn't always 'work', even for ourselves. If we can eliminate the bulk of the emotion related to the situation and take a good assessment, perhaps we can discover the best way to attain our 'rights', or how we can all fulfill our wants. Then again... there are times when we have to put our dream on hold until a more effective time emerges to attain the goal. My point is - 1. Never give up a dream, if it is one you truly believe in. and 2. Never assume that a 'later' is defined as 'never'. The easiest and hardest act is to give it to the Lord and let Him provide the comfort for the moment and the answer.
Thursday, December 10, 2015
Love and Learn
It struck me that one of the more critical components in loving is learning about the other person - who they are, how they go about being who they are, what they like, their dreams and hopes, what they want from the relationship with you... and the list of things to learn and discover is inexhaustible. Yes? If you aren't willing to engage on this level then why would you embark on a relationship? Sadly, yes, there are people who really only want an arm's length superficial relationship.
So ask yourself - what kind of relationship do you want with the Lord? Do you pursue an intimate, growing in depth and breadth or do you keep Him at arm's length? If you say you love Him then I don't see any option but to learn about and from Him. Though this will sound old-fashioned and black/white, but I believe love is an 'is'. Either it is or it isn't. Perhaps love begins as an awakening but once it is seen and accepted, then it is an 'is'. You don't turn love on and off like as tap. You don't wake up and announce love no longer is... unless you are incredibly shallow and if so, was it love in the first place?
Remember how it is defined in scripture. Read again chapter 13 in 1 Corinthians, especially verses 4-8a. Now look at yourself and how you demonstrate love. Is/Does it: suffers long, kind, not envy, not parade or puffed up, not rude, not seek its own, not provoked, thinks no evil, not rejoice in iniquity BUT rejoices in truth, bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things - Love never fails. Do you see how you portray these traits of love in your relationships? Do you see who you are as you are these traits? Do you understand what you are doing when you demonstrate love?
Love is an ongoing learning. You learn about yourself, the other person, and the relationship. You remember that love never fails. You recall verse 2 that tells us that without love we are nothing. Remember what the Lord told His disciples (which includes us) that we would be known by our love. Love is tough, is strong. However, it isn't a mat to be trampled upon. Love is a standard - the mindset that forms our behavior. Love is always an action.
So ask yourself - what kind of relationship do you want with the Lord? Do you pursue an intimate, growing in depth and breadth or do you keep Him at arm's length? If you say you love Him then I don't see any option but to learn about and from Him. Though this will sound old-fashioned and black/white, but I believe love is an 'is'. Either it is or it isn't. Perhaps love begins as an awakening but once it is seen and accepted, then it is an 'is'. You don't turn love on and off like as tap. You don't wake up and announce love no longer is... unless you are incredibly shallow and if so, was it love in the first place?
Remember how it is defined in scripture. Read again chapter 13 in 1 Corinthians, especially verses 4-8a. Now look at yourself and how you demonstrate love. Is/Does it: suffers long, kind, not envy, not parade or puffed up, not rude, not seek its own, not provoked, thinks no evil, not rejoice in iniquity BUT rejoices in truth, bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things - Love never fails. Do you see how you portray these traits of love in your relationships? Do you see who you are as you are these traits? Do you understand what you are doing when you demonstrate love?
Love is an ongoing learning. You learn about yourself, the other person, and the relationship. You remember that love never fails. You recall verse 2 that tells us that without love we are nothing. Remember what the Lord told His disciples (which includes us) that we would be known by our love. Love is tough, is strong. However, it isn't a mat to be trampled upon. Love is a standard - the mindset that forms our behavior. Love is always an action.
Monday, December 7, 2015
Impression
What impresses you? What stays with you long after the person, event, or 'thing' has passed? And when you remember, what 'trigger' brought it to mind? I think this is a good operational definition of 'impressive' - remembering over time. But what's more important is the context and content of the memory, what impressed you? Why? Do your impressions reference a specific event or activity or the qualities of a person that 'impressed' you - perhaps how they related to a specific emotion? As a point of reference... do you see yourself as impressive? If so, in what respect - how would you identify this? If not - why not?
My belief is that there are always certain aspects that capture our attention that perhaps leave the impression. Yes, these can be either positive or negative impressions. Aspects can also be defined in multiple of ways but this focus is on characteristics or traits that emerge. Once you've found your standard for a particular characteristic/trait then all other demonstrations will be judged by that standard or replace what you do.
Next comes the methodology you employ to emulate the 'positive' into how you go about doing what you do so that it is ingrained and habitual in you. Knowing your own method always is in comparison to what you observe - I think this is a 'given' and not always helpful. But it does give a context to 'self-judge' why you do what you do. Other times this will give you a new and different way to respond and thus give you another tool in your arsenal.
Obviously I'm considering the word - impression - in a slightly different 'light'. Most people don't give much thought to what impresses them or why. Not certain why they aren't more intentional but those that tend toward a critical thinking method of reacting to their world will reap the benefits from this learning. We all don't begin with a critical thinking mindset - it is learned. It is a way of thinking about yourself, your relationships, your frame of reference that provides you with a never-ending supply of ways to observe and to interact in the world you live in. Actually... that's impressive!
My belief is that there are always certain aspects that capture our attention that perhaps leave the impression. Yes, these can be either positive or negative impressions. Aspects can also be defined in multiple of ways but this focus is on characteristics or traits that emerge. Once you've found your standard for a particular characteristic/trait then all other demonstrations will be judged by that standard or replace what you do.
Next comes the methodology you employ to emulate the 'positive' into how you go about doing what you do so that it is ingrained and habitual in you. Knowing your own method always is in comparison to what you observe - I think this is a 'given' and not always helpful. But it does give a context to 'self-judge' why you do what you do. Other times this will give you a new and different way to respond and thus give you another tool in your arsenal.
Obviously I'm considering the word - impression - in a slightly different 'light'. Most people don't give much thought to what impresses them or why. Not certain why they aren't more intentional but those that tend toward a critical thinking method of reacting to their world will reap the benefits from this learning. We all don't begin with a critical thinking mindset - it is learned. It is a way of thinking about yourself, your relationships, your frame of reference that provides you with a never-ending supply of ways to observe and to interact in the world you live in. Actually... that's impressive!
Friday, December 4, 2015
It is well.
Is it? Can you say that regardless of your situation... it is well with your soul? For me, this is a 'sometimes, yes' and 'sometimes, no' response. Not always strong... but I do know that when I'm not, if I want me to be 'well' there's a simple way to get there. And no, I don't always do this. Why? Why? Because eventually the only way to be well is to do that which I knew from the start. Turn to the Lord - remember His words:
"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give
you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle
and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke
is easy and My burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)
Simply knowing this truth does not necessarily result in acting on it - though why we don't I can't answer. Guilt? Possibly. Frustration? Maybe. Anger (that you did nothing to create the negative situation and you shouldn't have to do anything about it)? Sometimes, yes. We all feel we are old or big or strong or intelligent or (fill in the blank) enough to handle the situation on our own. We all act like pouty children at times because we are out to prove ourselves. Definite waste of time if we need help extricating ourselves. But, I think we all face this.
As I've 'matured' I think I waste less time on this posturing when I see I'm in a situation requiring assistance, I've sought the Lord's help. He always is there though He doesn't always answer my plight in the way I expected or when. I think that what we need to do is to discover what yoke is on us, who placed it, and if it is burdensome - how to lighten it.
It is clear that the Lord's yoke is both easy and light. If what you are feeling or experiencing is not this, then the source is not the Lord. What is the 'nature' of the burden? What we need to realize as well is what is this yoke and burden. Is it spiritual or of this world? One answer I read was:
"The good news is that Jesus promises to all who come to Him that He
will give them rest from the heavy burden of trying to earn our way
into heaven and rest from the oppressive yoke of self-righteousness
and legalism." (gotquestions.org)
We sometimes get ourselves out of being well by not addressing what we can and turning to the Lord with what we can't. He promised a way through (1 Corinthians 10:13). It really is not healthy nor necessary to not 'be well' when we have the remedy. We have been made conquerors but we need to turn to our source in order to stay... well.
"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give
you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle
and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke
is easy and My burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)
Simply knowing this truth does not necessarily result in acting on it - though why we don't I can't answer. Guilt? Possibly. Frustration? Maybe. Anger (that you did nothing to create the negative situation and you shouldn't have to do anything about it)? Sometimes, yes. We all feel we are old or big or strong or intelligent or (fill in the blank) enough to handle the situation on our own. We all act like pouty children at times because we are out to prove ourselves. Definite waste of time if we need help extricating ourselves. But, I think we all face this.
As I've 'matured' I think I waste less time on this posturing when I see I'm in a situation requiring assistance, I've sought the Lord's help. He always is there though He doesn't always answer my plight in the way I expected or when. I think that what we need to do is to discover what yoke is on us, who placed it, and if it is burdensome - how to lighten it.
It is clear that the Lord's yoke is both easy and light. If what you are feeling or experiencing is not this, then the source is not the Lord. What is the 'nature' of the burden? What we need to realize as well is what is this yoke and burden. Is it spiritual or of this world? One answer I read was:
"The good news is that Jesus promises to all who come to Him that He
will give them rest from the heavy burden of trying to earn our way
into heaven and rest from the oppressive yoke of self-righteousness
and legalism." (gotquestions.org)
We sometimes get ourselves out of being well by not addressing what we can and turning to the Lord with what we can't. He promised a way through (1 Corinthians 10:13). It really is not healthy nor necessary to not 'be well' when we have the remedy. We have been made conquerors but we need to turn to our source in order to stay... well.
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
Getting to know you
Do you remember the song from "The King and I" that Anna sings to the children? "Getting to know you. Getting to know all about you. Getting to like you. Hoping that you like me too." Is this a focus, concern, interest for you? Have you taking the time to get to know... You! Silly? Not at all. We all assume we know ourselves, at least on some level, but just how deep does this knowledge go? Or are you avoiding you? If you met you would you want to get to know you? Do you know why and why not?
I know I've asked this before in a variety of ways but I do think it's important. How can you possibly 'improve' you if you don't know you? Do you take the time to appreciate you? And yes, that is a different subject but a critical one. My bias is that you/anyone can't accept a compliment or a valuing of them by others until they first value themselves. Perhaps you won't even hear the compliment or words of valuing if you don't believe you are: worthy of them, apply to you, (fill in the blank).
Certainly you have warts. Everyone does. We all compensate (over?) for what we feel are our failings and faults. But... that doesn't mean we should ignore those qualities that are positives. If we do then we aren't maximizing our strengths nor are we letting those qualities provide a foundation from which we can grow, mature, become our best selves. What do you like about you? What are your strengths that you can use as your foundation?
Take the time to get to know you and I mean on a level of depth that you've not considered as yet. There are some wonderful qualities that identify who you are... besides, God don't make junk. You can look at you with clearer eyes when you dare to see all of you - to paraphrase, 'the good, the not so good, the bad, the not so bad' that defines and describes you. Then, don't throw the baby out with the bathwater and don't try and make massive changes all at once. Look at your qualities that will help you redefine the warts and take one at a time. Getting to know you is really worth the time.
I know I've asked this before in a variety of ways but I do think it's important. How can you possibly 'improve' you if you don't know you? Do you take the time to appreciate you? And yes, that is a different subject but a critical one. My bias is that you/anyone can't accept a compliment or a valuing of them by others until they first value themselves. Perhaps you won't even hear the compliment or words of valuing if you don't believe you are: worthy of them, apply to you, (fill in the blank).
Certainly you have warts. Everyone does. We all compensate (over?) for what we feel are our failings and faults. But... that doesn't mean we should ignore those qualities that are positives. If we do then we aren't maximizing our strengths nor are we letting those qualities provide a foundation from which we can grow, mature, become our best selves. What do you like about you? What are your strengths that you can use as your foundation?
Take the time to get to know you and I mean on a level of depth that you've not considered as yet. There are some wonderful qualities that identify who you are... besides, God don't make junk. You can look at you with clearer eyes when you dare to see all of you - to paraphrase, 'the good, the not so good, the bad, the not so bad' that defines and describes you. Then, don't throw the baby out with the bathwater and don't try and make massive changes all at once. Look at your qualities that will help you redefine the warts and take one at a time. Getting to know you is really worth the time.
Saturday, November 28, 2015
Being and Doing
I remember a time early in my college 'career' when I came to the conclusion that these were two incredibly important concepts, at least for me. In many ways I think they have directed me throughout my life, at least I hope so. I also remember a banner I made for my college room - it was on a yellow canvas cloth background with the words: Be your who, Do your what. Not necessarily an easy standard to live by but it was often(?) the basis on which I did make decisions... probably subconsciously.
I still believe that whether it is consciously determined or not, we all direct our lives according to some internal standard that makes sense to us. Hopefully, the words are a positive influence and ones that are embolden us to act on what we say we believe. In my world of definitions, those two words can't be separated because they define one another. You really can't Be who you are and not Do what you do. And you can't Do what you do without a basis of your Be, who you are. Circular - yes.
I do not believe that we have been created to be mindless, to act only on instinct. Why would we be given a brain if not to use it? Why would we spend as much time as we do trying to learn and understand if it wasn't to 'utilize' this to form our mindset, our frame of reference? Scripture tells us that we have been wonderfully and fearfully made (Psalm 139:14). I interpret this to me that we shouldn't throw ourselves away... nor anyone else. If we are known by Who created us, God (Genesis 1:28), then we have a fantastic beginning with an incredible future.
Too often we tend to give in to a negative view of ourselves or others - but that does not come from our Creator. Why believe the lie? Why act on the lie? It may take all the courage we can muster to Be and Do, but it is within our DNA to do this. The Father was telling us in every word of scripture Who we are, What we are capable of accomplishing, Why we are here, and that He would be with us in the process. All we need Do is Be.
I still believe that whether it is consciously determined or not, we all direct our lives according to some internal standard that makes sense to us. Hopefully, the words are a positive influence and ones that are embolden us to act on what we say we believe. In my world of definitions, those two words can't be separated because they define one another. You really can't Be who you are and not Do what you do. And you can't Do what you do without a basis of your Be, who you are. Circular - yes.
I do not believe that we have been created to be mindless, to act only on instinct. Why would we be given a brain if not to use it? Why would we spend as much time as we do trying to learn and understand if it wasn't to 'utilize' this to form our mindset, our frame of reference? Scripture tells us that we have been wonderfully and fearfully made (Psalm 139:14). I interpret this to me that we shouldn't throw ourselves away... nor anyone else. If we are known by Who created us, God (Genesis 1:28), then we have a fantastic beginning with an incredible future.
Too often we tend to give in to a negative view of ourselves or others - but that does not come from our Creator. Why believe the lie? Why act on the lie? It may take all the courage we can muster to Be and Do, but it is within our DNA to do this. The Father was telling us in every word of scripture Who we are, What we are capable of accomplishing, Why we are here, and that He would be with us in the process. All we need Do is Be.
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
It's Relative???
Right - Wrong? Yes - No? Good - Bad? A blend of diametrically opposed opposites? Is everything relative? Is there NO standard? Is the whole world 'wrong' in this view or is it only me? I find the shifting sands of definitions extremely taxing. And I don't even want to think about 'political correctness'. Lately, I've come to believe that the important consideration is what I'll do in this world of changing descriptions, definitions, and 'standards'. Not only 'what do I believe', but am I willing to act on this - realizing that my actions may not be acceptable in our world?
This isn't so much an issue of not knowing or not understanding, but a stand for what is believed. It is also a willingness to accept the ramifications that occur because of acting on one's beliefs. If my tune is from a different drummer, will I stand with this or point fingers that it really isn't my fault? Will I 'own' what I believe and stand on, or will I accept the cop out that everything is relative? Is 'relative' only another word for it doesn't matter? In the final analysis, it is my decision and it is my standard.
The scripture that directs me is: "But let your 'Yes' be 'Yes' and your 'No', 'No'. For whatever is more than these is from the evil one." Those words were spoken by Jesus in Matthew 5:37 and should end any argument. It doesn't though because we all tend to complicate things and get into the circular argument that it could depend on the situation... or people... or... My argument would be that there would be less miscommunication and mixed messages if we all did follow the direction that Jesus gave. I suspect that the underlying reason really is one that we don't want to appear to be 'wrong' or we're people pleasers or worse - both.
One question I need to ask me is am I willing, however and whoever defines 'right' and 'wrong', to act on what I believe (not just think it)? Another question is, would there ever be a reason for me to change my tenet? My answers to these questions also defines my character. And I also believe that ultimately, when or if every 'thing' is stripped away, the only thing you own is your character. Character is important and defines relativity (if only to you and how you respond to it).
This isn't so much an issue of not knowing or not understanding, but a stand for what is believed. It is also a willingness to accept the ramifications that occur because of acting on one's beliefs. If my tune is from a different drummer, will I stand with this or point fingers that it really isn't my fault? Will I 'own' what I believe and stand on, or will I accept the cop out that everything is relative? Is 'relative' only another word for it doesn't matter? In the final analysis, it is my decision and it is my standard.
The scripture that directs me is: "But let your 'Yes' be 'Yes' and your 'No', 'No'. For whatever is more than these is from the evil one." Those words were spoken by Jesus in Matthew 5:37 and should end any argument. It doesn't though because we all tend to complicate things and get into the circular argument that it could depend on the situation... or people... or... My argument would be that there would be less miscommunication and mixed messages if we all did follow the direction that Jesus gave. I suspect that the underlying reason really is one that we don't want to appear to be 'wrong' or we're people pleasers or worse - both.
One question I need to ask me is am I willing, however and whoever defines 'right' and 'wrong', to act on what I believe (not just think it)? Another question is, would there ever be a reason for me to change my tenet? My answers to these questions also defines my character. And I also believe that ultimately, when or if every 'thing' is stripped away, the only thing you own is your character. Character is important and defines relativity (if only to you and how you respond to it).
Sunday, November 22, 2015
Caretaker or Owner
How do you view your role and responsibility in life - one who is a caretaker of those 'things', relationships, people, etc. in your life or as the owner of them? Your interpretation of who you are determines absolutely everything because it forms the foundation of your mindset, your frame of reference. Webster defines caretaker: "one who gives physical or emotional care and support; one that takes care of the house or the land of the owner..." Synonyms are: custodian, guardian, janitor, keeper, watchman. The definition of owner is: "...belonging to oneself or itself; to have power or mastery over." The synonyms are: command, enjoy, hold, have, possess.
As you can see - these two words are entirely different and give two differing perspectives. How do you tend to operate in your world - as a caretaker over which you've been given responsibility or the owner? With an owner perspective you can do with whatever you have with impunity. However, if your perspective is that of a caretaker then there's greater responsibility because (fill in the blank) doesn't belong to you. It's been given into your hands for care - to protect... to support.
If you mishandle as an owner - it's your loss, yes, but your attitude probably won't be affected much, other than irritation. On the other hand, as a caretaker the mishandling is far graver. If unthinking or unplanned for then your caretaking abilities are called into question, and with it comes a reflection on your character. Why does any of this matter? It matters because it reflects on who you are and your character. So why not take an owner perspective? Basically because we aren't always in an owner position - many times we are caretakers whether or not we act accordingly.
"The earth is the Lord's and all its fullness, The world and those
who dwell therein."
This scripture is from Psalm 24:10 and is repeated in 1 Corinthians 10:26 (plus Exodus 19 and 1 Timothy 4). This is not an idle statement. Ownership is declared! Thus we become caretakers of this world, of relationships, of how we live our lives, of how we go about being us in this world, etc. But never think that being a caretaker is just a little thing. Looks at what we are responsible for and to do. It should also tell us that we can't do it on our own, that we need to act in accordance with the owner's wishes and work with one another to fulfill our role, responsibility, and opportunity because being a Caretaker is very important.
As you can see - these two words are entirely different and give two differing perspectives. How do you tend to operate in your world - as a caretaker over which you've been given responsibility or the owner? With an owner perspective you can do with whatever you have with impunity. However, if your perspective is that of a caretaker then there's greater responsibility because (fill in the blank) doesn't belong to you. It's been given into your hands for care - to protect... to support.
If you mishandle as an owner - it's your loss, yes, but your attitude probably won't be affected much, other than irritation. On the other hand, as a caretaker the mishandling is far graver. If unthinking or unplanned for then your caretaking abilities are called into question, and with it comes a reflection on your character. Why does any of this matter? It matters because it reflects on who you are and your character. So why not take an owner perspective? Basically because we aren't always in an owner position - many times we are caretakers whether or not we act accordingly.
"The earth is the Lord's and all its fullness, The world and those
who dwell therein."
This scripture is from Psalm 24:10 and is repeated in 1 Corinthians 10:26 (plus Exodus 19 and 1 Timothy 4). This is not an idle statement. Ownership is declared! Thus we become caretakers of this world, of relationships, of how we live our lives, of how we go about being us in this world, etc. But never think that being a caretaker is just a little thing. Looks at what we are responsible for and to do. It should also tell us that we can't do it on our own, that we need to act in accordance with the owner's wishes and work with one another to fulfill our role, responsibility, and opportunity because being a Caretaker is very important.
Thursday, November 19, 2015
How did I get here???
From where you are, looking back, do you see how you got to where you are? I suspect the most important question is - is where you are where you want to be? If not, then knowing how you got to where you are is critical because you certainly don't want to repeat (fill in the blank) that got you there. However, if it is where you want to be, you have a whole grist of other issues with which to contend.
Considering what issues occur when you are where you want to be; one would be the seduction of complacency. When you are in an, 'all's right with the world' time, it's tempting to rest on your laurels. These moments of 'rest' actually should lead us into times of analysis and possible refinement rather than doing nothing. OK, take a couple of extra breaths but then begin to look at why where you are happened and the positive forces that aided you in getting there. Complacency will never be a good mate to success. And blindness to how you are in your 'good place' won't give you the information about how to repeat the necessary actions in your future.
Though there are others, one of the other issues I feel is critical is our attitude. We may be good, but invincible and always correct we aren't. Regardless of the amount of time and information we have, our decisions have to be intentional, thought out, and form a step-by-step progression - even our out-of-the-box 'experiments'. If we feel we are really good at making decisions, especially split-decision ones, we may discover we will get our knees scraped or nose bumped at the least opportune time. 'Cocky' is not a good attitude to pursue.
Did you get to where you are through your efforts, or through the good offices of other(s)? Probably a combination of both. Point here is that egoism is not a good trait either. When we don't acknowledge the input and assistance others contribute to how you got to where you are, you probably won't secure their contribution in the future. Most people don't succeed on their own merits alone - recognize those who help you get to where you are.
This is a somewhat superficial consideration of those questions and issues to how you got to where you are. They can point you to your questions/issues so that you are prepared to respond to your good times and places. Never take where you are for granted, or your due. If you want to repeat finding your 'good place', remember the lessons, people, and answers. This may also aid you when you aren't where you want to be and assist you to get outta there.
Considering what issues occur when you are where you want to be; one would be the seduction of complacency. When you are in an, 'all's right with the world' time, it's tempting to rest on your laurels. These moments of 'rest' actually should lead us into times of analysis and possible refinement rather than doing nothing. OK, take a couple of extra breaths but then begin to look at why where you are happened and the positive forces that aided you in getting there. Complacency will never be a good mate to success. And blindness to how you are in your 'good place' won't give you the information about how to repeat the necessary actions in your future.
Though there are others, one of the other issues I feel is critical is our attitude. We may be good, but invincible and always correct we aren't. Regardless of the amount of time and information we have, our decisions have to be intentional, thought out, and form a step-by-step progression - even our out-of-the-box 'experiments'. If we feel we are really good at making decisions, especially split-decision ones, we may discover we will get our knees scraped or nose bumped at the least opportune time. 'Cocky' is not a good attitude to pursue.
Did you get to where you are through your efforts, or through the good offices of other(s)? Probably a combination of both. Point here is that egoism is not a good trait either. When we don't acknowledge the input and assistance others contribute to how you got to where you are, you probably won't secure their contribution in the future. Most people don't succeed on their own merits alone - recognize those who help you get to where you are.
This is a somewhat superficial consideration of those questions and issues to how you got to where you are. They can point you to your questions/issues so that you are prepared to respond to your good times and places. Never take where you are for granted, or your due. If you want to repeat finding your 'good place', remember the lessons, people, and answers. This may also aid you when you aren't where you want to be and assist you to get outta there.
Monday, November 16, 2015
Integrated
Are you? I'm not talking about racism or prejudice, I'm talking about you - how and who you are, all your bits and bobs. Are you a series of 'parts' or are you complete? Do you do what you do, when you do it, with the same standard? Perhaps a definition will give us a context. Webster: "having different parts working together as a unit." There's part of the definition when discussing racism that also applies - "allowing all types... to participate, to make something a part of another larger thing." Does this help?
My contention is that we tend to compartmentalize us - my: work life, leisure, family, 'activities', etc. What we need to look at is our core - who we are and then incorporate the various 'pieces' into a whole without each losing their structure. Impossible? Why necessary? There are a number of reasons that should apply when looking at a complete v. component parts approach to who we are and how we express this.
One reason to focus on the complete basis would be: how do we remember how the part fits within the whole and in tune with each other - is it 'relative'? If this sounds confusing it's because we do tend to complicate us. What standards guide you, are any diametrically opposed to an other of your core standards? You could be surprised. Or maybe it's the positioning of the standard. Quick example/question: is truth, regardless of the potential cost, a high prioritized standard? Do you apply this across all your various 'parts'?
If truth is truth then do you ever try and 'soften the blow' and equivocate the message - still speaking the truth but obfuscating the message? Perhaps speaking the truth but how you speak it to a friend or an underling, is it with a different tone or expression.? If either (or any other diminishing affect) is your methodology, then what message does this provide? This requires you to look at how you do what you do. Are you the integrated or the many-aspect type?
My contention is that we tend to compartmentalize us - my: work life, leisure, family, 'activities', etc. What we need to look at is our core - who we are and then incorporate the various 'pieces' into a whole without each losing their structure. Impossible? Why necessary? There are a number of reasons that should apply when looking at a complete v. component parts approach to who we are and how we express this.
One reason to focus on the complete basis would be: how do we remember how the part fits within the whole and in tune with each other - is it 'relative'? If this sounds confusing it's because we do tend to complicate us. What standards guide you, are any diametrically opposed to an other of your core standards? You could be surprised. Or maybe it's the positioning of the standard. Quick example/question: is truth, regardless of the potential cost, a high prioritized standard? Do you apply this across all your various 'parts'?
If truth is truth then do you ever try and 'soften the blow' and equivocate the message - still speaking the truth but obfuscating the message? Perhaps speaking the truth but how you speak it to a friend or an underling, is it with a different tone or expression.? If either (or any other diminishing affect) is your methodology, then what message does this provide? This requires you to look at how you do what you do. Are you the integrated or the many-aspect type?
Friday, November 13, 2015
The Best is yet to come!
Heard that one before? I suspect we all have. It can come across like a placebo during times of stress or disaster or whatever negative event occurred that you are facing or that you've just come through. I think it's meant to be an encouragement, to help us look to the future rather than dwelling on what has just happened. It's a form of 'hope' but without any details. Does this work for you?
If you are still mired in your situation then 'better' is what you seek first. Strangely enough, you have to want to change your position. You have to want to emerge from the stress or seeming disaster that you are experiencing. You have to want. And to actualize want, you have to act. You have to be intimately involved with resolving the situation you are in, rarely can it be done for you. In this case, want is an action word - something you do, whether that is a physical act or a mindset change.
But, you know, if you are emerging from a stressful situation then Better has arrived! We don't always realize this but we are considerably better now then what we just were. So? Is that what you think - so? So... now you can move on, begin anew or start something new; the past has been and the future can beckon you. But... this requires you to stand again. You have to seize your new for it to be real. Improvement rarely is simply plopped in our laps. Better, leading to Best is something for which we 'contend'.
One of the motivations for us in these times is our belief in that the Best is yet to come. If we don't believe it's possible then we won't recognize it when it does come. We can move from 'disaster' to good to better to best. It's all in our attitude and our mindset. Do you see silver lining, not rose colored glasses? Do you believe that you are a candidate for best? Have you turned to the Lord for assistance, for advice, for help? (Romans 8:28)
"And we KNOW that all things work together for good to those who
love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."
Remember though that first we must love God and love is an action word. And we need to act according to His purpose. Have you remembered His purpose? What you have been created to be and do? If so, then the Best is yet to come. If not, then simply go to His Word to discover His plans and purposes for you.
If you are still mired in your situation then 'better' is what you seek first. Strangely enough, you have to want to change your position. You have to want to emerge from the stress or seeming disaster that you are experiencing. You have to want. And to actualize want, you have to act. You have to be intimately involved with resolving the situation you are in, rarely can it be done for you. In this case, want is an action word - something you do, whether that is a physical act or a mindset change.
But, you know, if you are emerging from a stressful situation then Better has arrived! We don't always realize this but we are considerably better now then what we just were. So? Is that what you think - so? So... now you can move on, begin anew or start something new; the past has been and the future can beckon you. But... this requires you to stand again. You have to seize your new for it to be real. Improvement rarely is simply plopped in our laps. Better, leading to Best is something for which we 'contend'.
One of the motivations for us in these times is our belief in that the Best is yet to come. If we don't believe it's possible then we won't recognize it when it does come. We can move from 'disaster' to good to better to best. It's all in our attitude and our mindset. Do you see silver lining, not rose colored glasses? Do you believe that you are a candidate for best? Have you turned to the Lord for assistance, for advice, for help? (Romans 8:28)
"And we KNOW that all things work together for good to those who
love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."
Remember though that first we must love God and love is an action word. And we need to act according to His purpose. Have you remembered His purpose? What you have been created to be and do? If so, then the Best is yet to come. If not, then simply go to His Word to discover His plans and purposes for you.
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
... it begins and ends with You
The encouragement, almost urgent, that I tend to express in my writing is that we all need to be actively engaged in living our life - a theme which I often return. Recently I was reading one of my favorite authors and she wrote, "...the responsibility for living a life." (Jacqueline Winspear) I probably would have said, living is our responsibility. But there was an additional perception that emerged. Too often, I believe, we get weary of living our lives and want to just stop, if only for a moment, and not pick up the responsibility... just a moment of rest. (Not gonna happen.)
However, why is living a responsibility? And, why would we not want to be involved and engaged in our own lives? Let me ask this slightly different... do you ever wish that you could turn to your parents and let them tell you what to do? And if you followed what they said, it would be their responsibility for any failure... but also the success. Regardless, it wouldn't be yours. Ever feel like that? Even wistfully? It's OK - while your life is your responsibility, this is not an easy place to live in and sometimes we just need a little help.
Ultimately, regardless of the source of suggestion of what to do, it is you and only you that makes the decision about what you do... do. Even when you don't make a decision, this IS a decision. To repeat, it begins and ends with You. What do you want to do? Is this the best approach to have a positive end? How can you effect the decision for the desired result? The moments of rest are few and far between but you can still act with confidence.
The beginning and ending does end with You but you aren't in this by yourself. In the rush of the moment and the 'heat of battle', trying to do everything by yourself is quite self-defeating when you have 'one who sticks closer than a brother' with you. Why do we not immediately turn to the Lord rather than waiting till the last moment with a kind of 'oh, that's right, I can ask the Lord for (fill in the blank)'. The one unalterable fact is that He does want the best for us. He will help us find a way through in times of difficulties. So involve Him at the start and then your beginnings and endings with produce the perfect end.
However, why is living a responsibility? And, why would we not want to be involved and engaged in our own lives? Let me ask this slightly different... do you ever wish that you could turn to your parents and let them tell you what to do? And if you followed what they said, it would be their responsibility for any failure... but also the success. Regardless, it wouldn't be yours. Ever feel like that? Even wistfully? It's OK - while your life is your responsibility, this is not an easy place to live in and sometimes we just need a little help.
Ultimately, regardless of the source of suggestion of what to do, it is you and only you that makes the decision about what you do... do. Even when you don't make a decision, this IS a decision. To repeat, it begins and ends with You. What do you want to do? Is this the best approach to have a positive end? How can you effect the decision for the desired result? The moments of rest are few and far between but you can still act with confidence.
The beginning and ending does end with You but you aren't in this by yourself. In the rush of the moment and the 'heat of battle', trying to do everything by yourself is quite self-defeating when you have 'one who sticks closer than a brother' with you. Why do we not immediately turn to the Lord rather than waiting till the last moment with a kind of 'oh, that's right, I can ask the Lord for (fill in the blank)'. The one unalterable fact is that He does want the best for us. He will help us find a way through in times of difficulties. So involve Him at the start and then your beginnings and endings with produce the perfect end.
Saturday, November 7, 2015
The Fly in the Ointment
Do you know what this phrase means? According to phrases.org.uk, it means: "A small but irritating flaw that spoils the whole." Small. Irritating. Flaw. But... it spoils the whole! Taking this statement a step further we can apply it to 'life' situations. Unquestionably, far too many times the fly is US! We are the ones who create the chaos and mess. And a mess never cares if the one causing it had good intentions or not.
Often good intentions (you know where that leads) are not fully thought out. Because God had and has decided to work through us - which requires our agreement, we can be the cause of misunderstandings. Too often we rest on our own understanding and the mess only gets muddier. You would think that previous experience would dictate what not to do, even when we don't know what the next step should be. Not always the case. We repeat, sometimes because that's all we know. Rather than turning to an 'expert', we aggravate the situation.
It is the outcome that is painful - knowing we caused the reaction(s) by others. It does nothing for one's self-esteem to know that small, irritating, and flaw can be applied to what we did or said - that we caused the 'spoiled' (fill in the blank). However, we don't need to stay in that condition - we may have been the fly but because of Who we represent we can rely on Him to help us redeem the situation.
Not every situation is grave and not every situation is insignificant - it's the process that we need to learn. We can, with the Father's help, change the outcome so that understanding occurs. As we learn from our 'fly experiences' and apply this learning, we find ourselves less and less in those situations that cause us to cry - HELP! We have the mind of Christ (1Corinthians 2:16), we can put on the new man (Colossians 3:10), we can transform our thinking (Romans 12:2) and speak and act as the Ambassadors (2Corinthians 5:20) we are created to become. In Him - nothing is ever hopeless.
Often good intentions (you know where that leads) are not fully thought out. Because God had and has decided to work through us - which requires our agreement, we can be the cause of misunderstandings. Too often we rest on our own understanding and the mess only gets muddier. You would think that previous experience would dictate what not to do, even when we don't know what the next step should be. Not always the case. We repeat, sometimes because that's all we know. Rather than turning to an 'expert', we aggravate the situation.
It is the outcome that is painful - knowing we caused the reaction(s) by others. It does nothing for one's self-esteem to know that small, irritating, and flaw can be applied to what we did or said - that we caused the 'spoiled' (fill in the blank). However, we don't need to stay in that condition - we may have been the fly but because of Who we represent we can rely on Him to help us redeem the situation.
Not every situation is grave and not every situation is insignificant - it's the process that we need to learn. We can, with the Father's help, change the outcome so that understanding occurs. As we learn from our 'fly experiences' and apply this learning, we find ourselves less and less in those situations that cause us to cry - HELP! We have the mind of Christ (1Corinthians 2:16), we can put on the new man (Colossians 3:10), we can transform our thinking (Romans 12:2) and speak and act as the Ambassadors (2Corinthians 5:20) we are created to become. In Him - nothing is ever hopeless.
Wednesday, November 4, 2015
Focus
Every once in awhile I stop myself and ask ... 'who am I talking to?' Am I preaching to the choir? Am I talking to people who never would read this? Maybe I do have an 'audience' in mind... but what do I want to tell them? Or ask them? Encourage them? Teach? Perhaps this isn't the point? But speaking into a 'void' can be difficult. As a result, I've decided to talk to... me. I definitely invite you into the conversation and invite any comments you may wish to share.
It may sound easy to 'focus' but it can also be incredibly difficult. There are so many voices attempting to attract our attention that losing the thread is far easier than expected. So what can we do to focus? Are there coping mechanisms or mindsets we can adapt/adopt to assist us? Actually... why are we concerned about focus in the first place?
When I was a child, my Mom would often say - "Whatever is worth doing, is worth doing well." And not being focused can definitely cause us to end up not doing well. I also think that I am the type that hates being corrected, especially if I really know better - so this axiom does tend to direct me. And yes, I do ignore it at times - but it's not because of not knowing, it's a willfulness. (Burnt fingees is not a positive outcome.)
From a different perspective, think about what you say and do... there are moments when we feel that what we are about to do/say is critically important. If we aren't focused then those who we need to be attentive may not realize the importance. Let's face it - we live in a noisy world and if we are affected by it so will others. My ultimate check is from scripture which tells us that we will beheld accountable for every idle word we speak (Matthew 12:36). Ergo, it's up to me to concentrate, to intentionally be alert in order to effective and efficiently respond and proactively act - to speak and act focused. Quite honestly... having to repeat something because I didn't pay attention is not a happy occurrence.
It may sound easy to 'focus' but it can also be incredibly difficult. There are so many voices attempting to attract our attention that losing the thread is far easier than expected. So what can we do to focus? Are there coping mechanisms or mindsets we can adapt/adopt to assist us? Actually... why are we concerned about focus in the first place?
When I was a child, my Mom would often say - "Whatever is worth doing, is worth doing well." And not being focused can definitely cause us to end up not doing well. I also think that I am the type that hates being corrected, especially if I really know better - so this axiom does tend to direct me. And yes, I do ignore it at times - but it's not because of not knowing, it's a willfulness. (Burnt fingees is not a positive outcome.)
From a different perspective, think about what you say and do... there are moments when we feel that what we are about to do/say is critically important. If we aren't focused then those who we need to be attentive may not realize the importance. Let's face it - we live in a noisy world and if we are affected by it so will others. My ultimate check is from scripture which tells us that we will beheld accountable for every idle word we speak (Matthew 12:36). Ergo, it's up to me to concentrate, to intentionally be alert in order to effective and efficiently respond and proactively act - to speak and act focused. Quite honestly... having to repeat something because I didn't pay attention is not a happy occurrence.
Sunday, November 1, 2015
Seed
Seed time and harvest. The world is even aware of this when you consider some of the phrases used such as; what goes around, comes around. Yes? This always can be a check in our spirit as to what we NEXT say or do. Too often we seem to ignore the voice of our spirit because we want our opinion noted, or our plan followed, or... The point is that what we do and say is our seed in the moment.
I realize you may have considered this, but have you also considered what 'fruit' or weed you sow when you act/say? Are you ever surprised when you remember your own actions/words and what they produce? Scripture is replete with warnings and examples of seed time and harvest: Hosea 8:7 talks about sowing the wind and reaping the whirlwind. 2Corinthians 9:6 tells us that if we sow sparingly, we will reap sparingly.
"For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption,
but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting
life." (Galatians 6:8)
Those were only 3 of the many examples, but if you recall Jesus' parables they often used the farming analogy and seed time and harvest were prominently displayed. I think part of the reason for this is that it is an easy example to understand. It's the application that doesn't seem to attain the same level of appreciation and application. Look at your own life - is this the reason you've experienced the results? Again, no criticism - just questions.
You will never get an apple from a fig tree nor a edible crop from weeds and thistles. So consider your life - what is being produced? What do you experience? Is this what you want or expect? If you aren't pleased with your results then you need to reassess what it is you are planting and how. Because plants do need water and sun and tilling. You can't merely broadcast the seeds and expect a bumper crop.
Remember too - you don't have to do this alone. If you are intent upon being a good seed planter you also have one who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24, John 14:16); there to help you. And you can. You can become that good seed planter and reap a good crop. It is your decision. What seed do you choose to plant and what will you do to help the seed mature?
I realize you may have considered this, but have you also considered what 'fruit' or weed you sow when you act/say? Are you ever surprised when you remember your own actions/words and what they produce? Scripture is replete with warnings and examples of seed time and harvest: Hosea 8:7 talks about sowing the wind and reaping the whirlwind. 2Corinthians 9:6 tells us that if we sow sparingly, we will reap sparingly.
"For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption,
but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting
life." (Galatians 6:8)
Those were only 3 of the many examples, but if you recall Jesus' parables they often used the farming analogy and seed time and harvest were prominently displayed. I think part of the reason for this is that it is an easy example to understand. It's the application that doesn't seem to attain the same level of appreciation and application. Look at your own life - is this the reason you've experienced the results? Again, no criticism - just questions.
You will never get an apple from a fig tree nor a edible crop from weeds and thistles. So consider your life - what is being produced? What do you experience? Is this what you want or expect? If you aren't pleased with your results then you need to reassess what it is you are planting and how. Because plants do need water and sun and tilling. You can't merely broadcast the seeds and expect a bumper crop.
Remember too - you don't have to do this alone. If you are intent upon being a good seed planter you also have one who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24, John 14:16); there to help you. And you can. You can become that good seed planter and reap a good crop. It is your decision. What seed do you choose to plant and what will you do to help the seed mature?
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
Practice...
I read this on a friend's Facebook post:
"Practice the Pause. When in doubt - pause. When angry - pause.
When tired - pause. When stressed - pause. And when you pause -
Pray."
It was attributed to Roma Downey, but whoever first spoke this - absolutely terrific! It does give us a basis to respond proactively and not re-actively. Quite honestly, we do need to practice in order to properly and effectively respond to doubt, anger, tired, and stressed. However, one can never take a 'time out' in life to experiment with various reactions to a situation. What we can do is to be aware of how we responded and what the ramifications and repercussions were.
The world in which we live is fraught (always wanted to use this word) with so many distractions and obstacles to our goals that we need to have not just coping mechanism we can rely on, but a proactive method to face them. The last word in this post is the answer - Pray. Because praying causes us to slow down, to center on Who provides our answers, and discover that what we are pursuing is what we should be focusing on.
Have you ever found yourself in the middle of a 'project' and suddenly wondered if it was 'worth it'? Or maybe you were in the midst of a very frustrating conversation that no one seemed to understand what the other was saying nor did they seem to want to focus on understanding and resolution. We've all been in these situations and have wanted to 'just get it over with' except we knew we'd have that to deal with as well.
Doubt, anger, tired, and stress can attack at any moment. Sometimes they double up and two or three occur simultaneously. Reality often seems to indicate that we respond in kind or we respond unthinkingly because of our own 'condition'. This is an even greater encouragement that we need to practice the answer of prayer in less stressful situations so that we 'automatically' go into a pray mode when the greater stress occurs.
Practice. We really need to practice the pause. Pausing really may turn a disaster into a triumph. However, without practice it probably won't. I would recommend that we start with the easier times so that when the difficult times come, we are more proficient. Practice. This leads to a habit that promotes and protects and resolves the seeming unresolve-ables... because we started with the pause of prayer.
"Practice the Pause. When in doubt - pause. When angry - pause.
When tired - pause. When stressed - pause. And when you pause -
Pray."
It was attributed to Roma Downey, but whoever first spoke this - absolutely terrific! It does give us a basis to respond proactively and not re-actively. Quite honestly, we do need to practice in order to properly and effectively respond to doubt, anger, tired, and stressed. However, one can never take a 'time out' in life to experiment with various reactions to a situation. What we can do is to be aware of how we responded and what the ramifications and repercussions were.
The world in which we live is fraught (always wanted to use this word) with so many distractions and obstacles to our goals that we need to have not just coping mechanism we can rely on, but a proactive method to face them. The last word in this post is the answer - Pray. Because praying causes us to slow down, to center on Who provides our answers, and discover that what we are pursuing is what we should be focusing on.
Have you ever found yourself in the middle of a 'project' and suddenly wondered if it was 'worth it'? Or maybe you were in the midst of a very frustrating conversation that no one seemed to understand what the other was saying nor did they seem to want to focus on understanding and resolution. We've all been in these situations and have wanted to 'just get it over with' except we knew we'd have that to deal with as well.
Doubt, anger, tired, and stress can attack at any moment. Sometimes they double up and two or three occur simultaneously. Reality often seems to indicate that we respond in kind or we respond unthinkingly because of our own 'condition'. This is an even greater encouragement that we need to practice the answer of prayer in less stressful situations so that we 'automatically' go into a pray mode when the greater stress occurs.
Practice. We really need to practice the pause. Pausing really may turn a disaster into a triumph. However, without practice it probably won't. I would recommend that we start with the easier times so that when the difficult times come, we are more proficient. Practice. This leads to a habit that promotes and protects and resolves the seeming unresolve-ables... because we started with the pause of prayer.
Saturday, October 24, 2015
Seasons
Recently I told a friend, "Life is a series of interesting seasons." When you think about it and/or look at your own life - true that? It is impossible (I think) to stand still and take up residence in a place or time for long. This is why I keep preaching that we need to be intentional about what we do. If we aren't then we miss our now in the midst of moaning about what isn't. Harsh? Probably, but it does seem to be accurate.
Seasons hold all sorts of surprises, opportunities, issues, learnings, obstacles, etc. and this gives us an understanding of how we react and respond to them. This gives rise to another preaching - that we do need to know ourselves and allow (yes, allow) ourselves to grow, mature, make mistakes, not be our best self, etc. Never forget that you are the most important, most critical component in the decisions you make. And, some of those decisions will strike you as absolutely brilliant, and others will give rise to a... 'did I really intend to do (fill in the blank)'?
I must admit that we all tend to be in the midst of the next season when we realize we have emerged from the last one. Seasons are not always painless, sometimes we learn difficult lessons about life, ourselves, and how we adapt and adopt to these lessons. This should never be cause for alarm or fear because we are living in 'difficult' times. For those of us who have chosen Jesus as our Lord, He told us these times would come but that He would be with us. What a comfort.
Personally, I've always enjoyed the various seasons and what they bring with their emergent. Seasons are never our enemy - they are designed to help us discover our new adventures. I believe seasons bring us to a summation of the previous season to allow us to rediscover all those 'things' that are important and define us. This always allows us to refine what needs to be and eliminate those pieces that aren't helpful. Are you in tune with your seasons? You really can grow because of them.
Seasons hold all sorts of surprises, opportunities, issues, learnings, obstacles, etc. and this gives us an understanding of how we react and respond to them. This gives rise to another preaching - that we do need to know ourselves and allow (yes, allow) ourselves to grow, mature, make mistakes, not be our best self, etc. Never forget that you are the most important, most critical component in the decisions you make. And, some of those decisions will strike you as absolutely brilliant, and others will give rise to a... 'did I really intend to do (fill in the blank)'?
I must admit that we all tend to be in the midst of the next season when we realize we have emerged from the last one. Seasons are not always painless, sometimes we learn difficult lessons about life, ourselves, and how we adapt and adopt to these lessons. This should never be cause for alarm or fear because we are living in 'difficult' times. For those of us who have chosen Jesus as our Lord, He told us these times would come but that He would be with us. What a comfort.
Personally, I've always enjoyed the various seasons and what they bring with their emergent. Seasons are never our enemy - they are designed to help us discover our new adventures. I believe seasons bring us to a summation of the previous season to allow us to rediscover all those 'things' that are important and define us. This always allows us to refine what needs to be and eliminate those pieces that aren't helpful. Are you in tune with your seasons? You really can grow because of them.
Sunday, October 18, 2015
Finding the 'sweet spot'
At times it seems that life is a juggling act - trying to keep 'everything' in balance, trying to keep 'everyone' in balance, and trying 'to do the right thing'. Is there really ever a point of equilibrium? Do we ever find our sweet spot in our own life? Not certain I know - I'm still trying to find mine! That was said somewhat facetiously. I'm beginning to believe that 'equilibrium' is a moment in time that we see, sometimes in hindsight. But as a place of residence - not, at least in my experience.
However, even though it may not be a residence, when one does experience this, what a high it is. There's such a sense of peace and of calm... so it's worth pursuing. I suspect that a definition wouldn't go amiss. Webster defines equilibrium as: "...a state in which opposing forces or actions are balanced so that one is not stronger or greater than the other..." Not a particularly exciting definition and one that doesn't draw you into pursuing this status. However, another part of the definition is: "... a state of intellectual or emotional balance..." Now that is considerably better.
We all find ourselves, at times, at 'war' with ... us. On the one hand... and on the other hand... These, mostly diametrically opposing views, thoughts, possible actions, etc. do exist within all of us. The point is that we need to find our foundation, what is immovable in our lives in order to make sense and come to a consensus within ourselves. Without a foundation we can far too easily be swayed by whoever speaks into our lives last. This can mean we appear to others and ourselves as 'wishy washy' because our commitment to a particular stand is on shifting sand.
One lesson I've learned is that if I try, consciously, to pursue equilibrium, I find it continually just out of my grasp. However, when I consciously attempt to be true to who I am and what I am about, then I come closer. Perhaps it isn't equilibrium that needs pursuing, perhaps it's a daily commitment to act with integrity, apply critical thinking, act on all of my standards, and try to be the best person you can be in the day. Perhaps keeping my eyes on the Lord's plans for me will provide the peace I seek. Perhaps this mindset trumps everything else...?
However, even though it may not be a residence, when one does experience this, what a high it is. There's such a sense of peace and of calm... so it's worth pursuing. I suspect that a definition wouldn't go amiss. Webster defines equilibrium as: "...a state in which opposing forces or actions are balanced so that one is not stronger or greater than the other..." Not a particularly exciting definition and one that doesn't draw you into pursuing this status. However, another part of the definition is: "... a state of intellectual or emotional balance..." Now that is considerably better.
We all find ourselves, at times, at 'war' with ... us. On the one hand... and on the other hand... These, mostly diametrically opposing views, thoughts, possible actions, etc. do exist within all of us. The point is that we need to find our foundation, what is immovable in our lives in order to make sense and come to a consensus within ourselves. Without a foundation we can far too easily be swayed by whoever speaks into our lives last. This can mean we appear to others and ourselves as 'wishy washy' because our commitment to a particular stand is on shifting sand.
One lesson I've learned is that if I try, consciously, to pursue equilibrium, I find it continually just out of my grasp. However, when I consciously attempt to be true to who I am and what I am about, then I come closer. Perhaps it isn't equilibrium that needs pursuing, perhaps it's a daily commitment to act with integrity, apply critical thinking, act on all of my standards, and try to be the best person you can be in the day. Perhaps keeping my eyes on the Lord's plans for me will provide the peace I seek. Perhaps this mindset trumps everything else...?
Thursday, October 15, 2015
Teachable
Do you consider yourself as teachable? Yes? Then what have you learned lately? Smack? Perhaps a kinder way would have been to ask you to define what you mean as 'teachable'. Or I could ask what kinds of learnings have influences you the most? Perhaps the question should be, who and what do you regard as your teachers? My point is focus not blame.
Part of my philosophy has always been, regardless of positive/negative, what have I learned as a result of what I have just experienced. It's always the question I ask others. Focus. Learning. So..., have you done an assessment recently (within the last 6 months) of what you've learned recently - it should lead you in the directions of what you still need/want to learn. But it is also the basis of what you can share, what you can testify concerning how the Lord has been 'growing you'.
Growing up, education was always a high priority. I enjoyed learning, still do, so it has been a familiar path for me. Perhaps you haven't considered that your learning becomes a teachable lesson both for you to share and for others to review for themselves. Teachable is always at least a two pronged quality. What we've experienced can always become a basis to share with others - both the scrapes as well as the trophies.
My typical approach when there is any new learning, skill, ability in which I find myself involved is best accomplished in a mentored relationship. At the point I begin demonstrating my understanding of (fill in the blank) I want to know what I don't know. I need the person that is assisting me to appropriate the new skill to help me know what I need to learn. This point helps me to not develop counterproductive behaviors before they become new habits. The end result is effectiveness and efficiency. Any new little refinements or tweaks can come after there is a thorough understanding of what it is I need to know.
Teachable is always a choice, a decision to allow ourselves to learn, to not be the one that knows everything there is to know. I've also observed that others who do know the particular skill do appreciate being able to teach their methods. The counterpoint to this is that after they've seen you perform according to how they do things, they will be more open to your suggestions. But it starts first with a willingness to be taught...
Part of my philosophy has always been, regardless of positive/negative, what have I learned as a result of what I have just experienced. It's always the question I ask others. Focus. Learning. So..., have you done an assessment recently (within the last 6 months) of what you've learned recently - it should lead you in the directions of what you still need/want to learn. But it is also the basis of what you can share, what you can testify concerning how the Lord has been 'growing you'.
Growing up, education was always a high priority. I enjoyed learning, still do, so it has been a familiar path for me. Perhaps you haven't considered that your learning becomes a teachable lesson both for you to share and for others to review for themselves. Teachable is always at least a two pronged quality. What we've experienced can always become a basis to share with others - both the scrapes as well as the trophies.
My typical approach when there is any new learning, skill, ability in which I find myself involved is best accomplished in a mentored relationship. At the point I begin demonstrating my understanding of (fill in the blank) I want to know what I don't know. I need the person that is assisting me to appropriate the new skill to help me know what I need to learn. This point helps me to not develop counterproductive behaviors before they become new habits. The end result is effectiveness and efficiency. Any new little refinements or tweaks can come after there is a thorough understanding of what it is I need to know.
Teachable is always a choice, a decision to allow ourselves to learn, to not be the one that knows everything there is to know. I've also observed that others who do know the particular skill do appreciate being able to teach their methods. The counterpoint to this is that after they've seen you perform according to how they do things, they will be more open to your suggestions. But it starts first with a willingness to be taught...
Monday, October 12, 2015
Start...Stop
I sometimes think that one of the most difficult acts we attempt is when we decide and then begin a new habit. Stopping one isn't any easier - theoretically, you just stop doing whatever it was you were doing. Granted, if it's something you enjoy doing or it gives you any satisfaction when you are doing (fill in the blank), it isn't always simple to go cold turkey, but it can be done. Other than the difficulty level, starting is completely different.
Starting requires thought, commitment, appreciation of where you are and where you want to end up... but maybe all that's needed is a willingness to do whatever needs doing in order to - here, perhaps, is the problem? Why are we wanting to start this new habit? I can guarantee you that if you are stopping an old or starting a new, that if you aren't doing this for yourself, then success is dramatically limited. Now that I think on start... stop, maybe they both are equally difficult to start and stop, especially if your heart isn't in it.
Habit(s) is the point regardless of beginning a new one or attempting to stop one that isn't 'good'. Do you know your methodology to accomplish your start and stop? Regardless of focus, if you don't have a plan to meet your obstacles on the way to success, you will have problems. If ever there is a hindrance or initial deterrent to success it's our lack of planning to meet any problems we face on our way.
At various times in our lives we all determine to make a new beginning or end a behavior that is counterproductive. Do you remember your times of successes and times of interference with success? Now, do you remember how you responded to these? It really is important if for no other reason than as a guide for your next start... stop adventure. And perhaps that's the most important key - our attitude, how we go about doing and resolving the issues to a new habit. Because even stopping an old, ingrained habit will require developing a new habit...
Starting requires thought, commitment, appreciation of where you are and where you want to end up... but maybe all that's needed is a willingness to do whatever needs doing in order to - here, perhaps, is the problem? Why are we wanting to start this new habit? I can guarantee you that if you are stopping an old or starting a new, that if you aren't doing this for yourself, then success is dramatically limited. Now that I think on start... stop, maybe they both are equally difficult to start and stop, especially if your heart isn't in it.
Habit(s) is the point regardless of beginning a new one or attempting to stop one that isn't 'good'. Do you know your methodology to accomplish your start and stop? Regardless of focus, if you don't have a plan to meet your obstacles on the way to success, you will have problems. If ever there is a hindrance or initial deterrent to success it's our lack of planning to meet any problems we face on our way.
At various times in our lives we all determine to make a new beginning or end a behavior that is counterproductive. Do you remember your times of successes and times of interference with success? Now, do you remember how you responded to these? It really is important if for no other reason than as a guide for your next start... stop adventure. And perhaps that's the most important key - our attitude, how we go about doing and resolving the issues to a new habit. Because even stopping an old, ingrained habit will require developing a new habit...
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
Pressing onward?
Battle scared? Feeling the weariness down in the depths of your being? Ready to give up? Give in? I can't speak for you but I know that for me there are moments I do feel so bone weary that it's painful. And whatever 'it' is, I don't want to do anything. The more you think about it... exactly what is 'IT' that you're expending that much effort on/for? Why are you doing whatever you are doing? Have you lost sight of the goal?
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept
the faith." (2 Timothy 4:7)
You? Can you say this about your life - who you are and what you have done? Any unfinished work? Age is not a factor, it's all about the 'work' and this includes the 'fight'.
I would argue that we need to keep sight on what our fight is all about. If we don't, then we lose our impetus, our dedication, our commitment.
"I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God
in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:14)
The prize, the goal is 2 Timothy - fought the good fight, finished the course. We sometimes put the action ahead of the reason for what we do and then we lose sight of the reason. The point in this is - keeping the faith. Many times, keeping the faith is the fight because a life of faith isn't always the easiest path. For me, this fulfills the Philippians verse. This is my vision - to fulfill my call by being and doing all I know how.
How can one press onward without a clear vision, understanding about what we are fighting for and what weapons we need to complete the task. The focus is people's lives. The scripture that talks about 'perishing for lack of a vision' (Proverbs 29:18) is critical. We need to have a vision of: who we are, Who we serve, what the vision is that we are following. Without a clear understanding there's little chance that we will press onward. Vision gives us our goal as well as those we are fighting for (even when they don't want us to).
Is it worth it to you to press on? Will you fight the good fight? Jesus asked if when He returned would He find faith? Even if it is only you - will you continue to stand in faith? We are more than conquerors only when we do stand uncompromisingly and firmly in faith. We can press onward knowing that our actions will stand as a witness.
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept
the faith." (2 Timothy 4:7)
You? Can you say this about your life - who you are and what you have done? Any unfinished work? Age is not a factor, it's all about the 'work' and this includes the 'fight'.
I would argue that we need to keep sight on what our fight is all about. If we don't, then we lose our impetus, our dedication, our commitment.
"I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God
in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:14)
The prize, the goal is 2 Timothy - fought the good fight, finished the course. We sometimes put the action ahead of the reason for what we do and then we lose sight of the reason. The point in this is - keeping the faith. Many times, keeping the faith is the fight because a life of faith isn't always the easiest path. For me, this fulfills the Philippians verse. This is my vision - to fulfill my call by being and doing all I know how.
How can one press onward without a clear vision, understanding about what we are fighting for and what weapons we need to complete the task. The focus is people's lives. The scripture that talks about 'perishing for lack of a vision' (Proverbs 29:18) is critical. We need to have a vision of: who we are, Who we serve, what the vision is that we are following. Without a clear understanding there's little chance that we will press onward. Vision gives us our goal as well as those we are fighting for (even when they don't want us to).
Is it worth it to you to press on? Will you fight the good fight? Jesus asked if when He returned would He find faith? Even if it is only you - will you continue to stand in faith? We are more than conquerors only when we do stand uncompromisingly and firmly in faith. We can press onward knowing that our actions will stand as a witness.
Sunday, October 4, 2015
There's so much more
Congratulations! You recognized your need for a Savior and have made Jesus the Lord of your life, now... what have you done since? Have you made your decision known? Have you been baptized? Have you started attending a bible-believing church and most important... have you begun building a relationship with Jesus to learn who you are, Whose you are, and what is the call on your life? If you haven't done any of the three mentioned - what difference has the Lord made in your life? What, exactly, are you doing? You didn't just stop, did you?
Back in August, 2010 I wrote a blog post that said:
Almost by definition, 'first step' implies that there are more steps to
be taken. Even if the only act you make is to take a second step
parallel (to be in balance) to the initial step. The first step is the most
important decision you'll ever make, but once made, everything opens
up to you - it's like you were seeing in black and white, now you see
in vibrant color.
This first step is to (publicly) acknowledge Jesus as the ONLY way to restored relationship with the Father and to accept Him as your personal Lord and Savior. But that's only the beginning. My analogy is that if you were attending a sumptuous feast, you'd not only savor the appetizer, would you? However, that's what many people do. They realize their need for a savior and accept Jesus as Lord and then stop.
(A simple explanation for those of you who don't understand/believe in the only way: The Father didn't destroy the relationship - we did. Therefore, it isn't up to us to determine the basis of returning - He does. And God makes it extremely clear that the way to reconciliation, made simple, is to believe on His Son and the act of restoration Jesus did to effect that reconciliation.)
What the Father has ordained that must happen first - we must believe on His Son - ushers in so much more for us. Obviously our first question(s) tends to be either: 'what's in it for me' or 'what do I have to give up'. We typically start from the thinking that we are going to lose in this transaction. This undoubtedly stems from what we experience in the secular world. That's not how God works. It's comparable to looking through the window of a gigantic store and seeing all the wonderful (fill in the blank of what this looks like for you) available 'things' - peace, freedom, acceptance, healing, fulfillment, etc. Yes, we do give up fear, lack, loneliness, discord, disarray, etc. And this only begins our journey.
Why would anyone NOT accept? Yet, many don't. But for those who do, there is a vast array of blessings waiting to be bestowed on those who believe on Jesus. Reread the parable of the Prodigal Son - it is the perfect example of who we were. But once we accept the salvation offered we shouldn't just stop. Obviously we don't return to the what we have been saved out of and we don't pick up where we were before we were in darkness. It's time for us to begin our journey. I believe that once we are saved then we begin an entirely new adventure, but one that includes the Lord being with us. In the Prodigal Son parable, a great feast was prepared and all were invited to partake. It's up to us to realize that, as wonderful as salvation is, the Father has prepared so much more for us.
Back in August, 2010 I wrote a blog post that said:
Almost by definition, 'first step' implies that there are more steps to
be taken. Even if the only act you make is to take a second step
parallel (to be in balance) to the initial step. The first step is the most
important decision you'll ever make, but once made, everything opens
up to you - it's like you were seeing in black and white, now you see
in vibrant color.
This first step is to (publicly) acknowledge Jesus as the ONLY way to restored relationship with the Father and to accept Him as your personal Lord and Savior. But that's only the beginning. My analogy is that if you were attending a sumptuous feast, you'd not only savor the appetizer, would you? However, that's what many people do. They realize their need for a savior and accept Jesus as Lord and then stop.
(A simple explanation for those of you who don't understand/believe in the only way: The Father didn't destroy the relationship - we did. Therefore, it isn't up to us to determine the basis of returning - He does. And God makes it extremely clear that the way to reconciliation, made simple, is to believe on His Son and the act of restoration Jesus did to effect that reconciliation.)
What the Father has ordained that must happen first - we must believe on His Son - ushers in so much more for us. Obviously our first question(s) tends to be either: 'what's in it for me' or 'what do I have to give up'. We typically start from the thinking that we are going to lose in this transaction. This undoubtedly stems from what we experience in the secular world. That's not how God works. It's comparable to looking through the window of a gigantic store and seeing all the wonderful (fill in the blank of what this looks like for you) available 'things' - peace, freedom, acceptance, healing, fulfillment, etc. Yes, we do give up fear, lack, loneliness, discord, disarray, etc. And this only begins our journey.
Why would anyone NOT accept? Yet, many don't. But for those who do, there is a vast array of blessings waiting to be bestowed on those who believe on Jesus. Reread the parable of the Prodigal Son - it is the perfect example of who we were. But once we accept the salvation offered we shouldn't just stop. Obviously we don't return to the what we have been saved out of and we don't pick up where we were before we were in darkness. It's time for us to begin our journey. I believe that once we are saved then we begin an entirely new adventure, but one that includes the Lord being with us. In the Prodigal Son parable, a great feast was prepared and all were invited to partake. It's up to us to realize that, as wonderful as salvation is, the Father has prepared so much more for us.
Thursday, October 1, 2015
What does God want
of/from/for Me (substitute your name)! I'm talking specifically not intellectually or even spiritually. We all, at some time, ask this question - and I believe every serious Christian asks this... often. We all want to be pleasing to God. I know one can quote Micah (6:8)
"He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord
require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to
walk humbly with your God?"
In fact I've written about justice, kindness and humility previously because these ideas, behaviors are always important. But what does this mean, specifically, for you and me? What does it look like? What's required? We all need the confidence that we are doing what God wants for/from us. We all need to be able to identify, operationally, what this is - personally - and how we do 'it'.
It's not an easy question to answer, and to complicate it further, how this looks for one person may not look exactly the same for another - conceptually, yes, but operationally, not necessarily because we all need to personalize this. Another point is - given this, do we all have the same definitions of those 3 words and behaviors? Because this is the beginning of understanding and specificity. Again, conceptually these words have the same definitions but operationally, it depends on us: who we are, what we understand, our world, how we are growing in this, and our particular gifting to the world. My discoveries and journey has led me to the following as a foundation for what I believe God wants and how I operationalize (new word?) it.
I believe that one component in this quest of discovery and understanding is praise and worship. This can be expressed in whatever way and however you express your worship - writing, speaking, singing, dancing, etc. The point is the expression and, my bias, that we do this daily, not only when we gather as a body for fellowship. I don't believe that the particular expression is at issue, it's the frequency of the act. How does praise and worship relate to... do justice, love kindness, and walking humbly with the Lord? It's in the development of our character, the prevailing attitudes that demonstrate our relating. It also gives a context to praise and worship.
Another discovery led me to prayer as part of the foundation for the operationalization (another new word?). You may think this an obvious component but again, the expression is the point. Prayer is communication in my world of definitions. However you define prayer... do you engage in it? Is this a daily 'activity'? Why? What's your context? How do you go about the process of praying?
I suspect we all realize the importance of prayer intellectually and we've read about 'it' in scripture, but have you personalized prayer? The light bulb went off for me when I started to see how often Jesus went off to pray, to communicate with the Father, to be with Him. My understanding broaden with the realization that if the Lord did this as often as He did, how much more important it was that I do this. This is an offensive 'weapon' in our spiritual warfare battles. If it isn't then we go into battle with one arm tied behind our backs.
Prayer places us in direct communication with the Lord at/in the moment. But I don't believe we should only go to Him in times of peril, crisis, or desperate need. He gave us the opportunity to 'come boldly to the throne' (Hebrews 4:16) and he provided us with the key to this when he put us in relationship. We never did or could earn righteousness - He made us to be righteous (Romans 3:22, Ephesians 2:4-10, 2 Corinthians 5:17-(21) so we could be in relationship. Jesus knew how difficult it would be for us so He provided the way (Hebrews 4:14-15, 9:15, 10:14, etc.) which is faith, the person - who is Jesus, and the method - which is relationship. Relationship is both vertical and horizontal. Our relationships with others is vitally important. How we treat them, especially our brothers and sisters in the Lord (John 13:35), speaks volumes to those watching.
Underscoring praise and worship, prayer, and relationship is growing in knowledge and understanding. None of this is a one and done. We continually grow in understanding of all of the who, what, whys as we live out our lives. As we act on all of this we demonstrate to ourselves and others what and who it is that we believe - and why. Without applying we never know what we have learned. And if we don't know what we have learned and how it relates to life, we are without knowledge.
I believe this is what God wants. In all of this it's our intentionality about discovery, understanding, and application that speaks and demonstrates whether we've learned what God wants from/for us. And... you will also add those other important components which add and strengthen your foundation. Wherever we are on our journey of discovery and understanding, we are in a position of adding line upon line, precept upon precept. We are always becoming and this is a fruitful journey when we apply our discovery and fulfilling when we understand.
"He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord
require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to
walk humbly with your God?"
In fact I've written about justice, kindness and humility previously because these ideas, behaviors are always important. But what does this mean, specifically, for you and me? What does it look like? What's required? We all need the confidence that we are doing what God wants for/from us. We all need to be able to identify, operationally, what this is - personally - and how we do 'it'.
It's not an easy question to answer, and to complicate it further, how this looks for one person may not look exactly the same for another - conceptually, yes, but operationally, not necessarily because we all need to personalize this. Another point is - given this, do we all have the same definitions of those 3 words and behaviors? Because this is the beginning of understanding and specificity. Again, conceptually these words have the same definitions but operationally, it depends on us: who we are, what we understand, our world, how we are growing in this, and our particular gifting to the world. My discoveries and journey has led me to the following as a foundation for what I believe God wants and how I operationalize (new word?) it.
I believe that one component in this quest of discovery and understanding is praise and worship. This can be expressed in whatever way and however you express your worship - writing, speaking, singing, dancing, etc. The point is the expression and, my bias, that we do this daily, not only when we gather as a body for fellowship. I don't believe that the particular expression is at issue, it's the frequency of the act. How does praise and worship relate to... do justice, love kindness, and walking humbly with the Lord? It's in the development of our character, the prevailing attitudes that demonstrate our relating. It also gives a context to praise and worship.
Another discovery led me to prayer as part of the foundation for the operationalization (another new word?). You may think this an obvious component but again, the expression is the point. Prayer is communication in my world of definitions. However you define prayer... do you engage in it? Is this a daily 'activity'? Why? What's your context? How do you go about the process of praying?
I suspect we all realize the importance of prayer intellectually and we've read about 'it' in scripture, but have you personalized prayer? The light bulb went off for me when I started to see how often Jesus went off to pray, to communicate with the Father, to be with Him. My understanding broaden with the realization that if the Lord did this as often as He did, how much more important it was that I do this. This is an offensive 'weapon' in our spiritual warfare battles. If it isn't then we go into battle with one arm tied behind our backs.
Prayer places us in direct communication with the Lord at/in the moment. But I don't believe we should only go to Him in times of peril, crisis, or desperate need. He gave us the opportunity to 'come boldly to the throne' (Hebrews 4:16) and he provided us with the key to this when he put us in relationship. We never did or could earn righteousness - He made us to be righteous (Romans 3:22, Ephesians 2:4-10, 2 Corinthians 5:17-(21) so we could be in relationship. Jesus knew how difficult it would be for us so He provided the way (Hebrews 4:14-15, 9:15, 10:14, etc.) which is faith, the person - who is Jesus, and the method - which is relationship. Relationship is both vertical and horizontal. Our relationships with others is vitally important. How we treat them, especially our brothers and sisters in the Lord (John 13:35), speaks volumes to those watching.
Underscoring praise and worship, prayer, and relationship is growing in knowledge and understanding. None of this is a one and done. We continually grow in understanding of all of the who, what, whys as we live out our lives. As we act on all of this we demonstrate to ourselves and others what and who it is that we believe - and why. Without applying we never know what we have learned. And if we don't know what we have learned and how it relates to life, we are without knowledge.
I believe this is what God wants. In all of this it's our intentionality about discovery, understanding, and application that speaks and demonstrates whether we've learned what God wants from/for us. And... you will also add those other important components which add and strengthen your foundation. Wherever we are on our journey of discovery and understanding, we are in a position of adding line upon line, precept upon precept. We are always becoming and this is a fruitful journey when we apply our discovery and fulfilling when we understand.
Monday, September 28, 2015
Spiritually fed and fulfilled?
According to a recent article I read, the number one reason people church hop or leave their church, whether or not they can articulate this, is that they no longer feel spiritually fed and fulfilled. The real reason is that they no longer feel the church they are attending is encountering God anymore. How tragic! My belief is that encountering God is not only a Sunday morning at church mindset and action, and should be what happens daily and be personal.
But, I would also argue that spiritually fed and fulfilled cuts both ways. Are 'they' (we) bringing God to church with them? Where is their responsibility? If you think the last questions are insensitive or not the point, I think they are. Since the body is the church then isn't it up to the body to make certain that God is invited into being involved in the life of the church? Is the responsibility only that of the church 'leadership' and pastor(s)? What are YOU doing about your church? And it does need to be more than merely greeting people at the service.
I would also suggest that part of the problem is in the identifying and defining what 'spiritually fed and fulfilled' is. This tends to be a very personal definition, regardless of whether the definer even does this and probably isn't a universally held definition/description. Too often this is couched in affective words such as 'feeling', which has multiple definitions. But it is a sense that 'there's something missing'. This last point that 'something's missing' is a valid component in the assessing. Again - are you doing anything about being spiritually fed or are you sitting back expecting 'it' to happen?
If we accept that the church isn't spiritually feeding and fulfilling people, what IS it doing? You can't simply say what isn't happening without identifying what is. If it is to provide the... atmosphere(?) so that the goal of a spiritually fed and fulfilled congregation occurs, this seems to miss the point. Everyone needs to feel and experience fed and fulfilled but we have to come with the attitude and conviction we are involved in the process - not the focus. Remember that God is the focus.
I would suggest we look at what our services should emphasize - praise and worshiping our God, learn who we are as Christians and how we can go about being His hand in our world, and consider how Paul defined services - when we come together (1Corinthians 14:26). Again we get into the issue of defining and determining responsibility - and discovering our individual roles that need to occur for all to be and feel fed and fulfilled.
But, I would also argue that spiritually fed and fulfilled cuts both ways. Are 'they' (we) bringing God to church with them? Where is their responsibility? If you think the last questions are insensitive or not the point, I think they are. Since the body is the church then isn't it up to the body to make certain that God is invited into being involved in the life of the church? Is the responsibility only that of the church 'leadership' and pastor(s)? What are YOU doing about your church? And it does need to be more than merely greeting people at the service.
I would also suggest that part of the problem is in the identifying and defining what 'spiritually fed and fulfilled' is. This tends to be a very personal definition, regardless of whether the definer even does this and probably isn't a universally held definition/description. Too often this is couched in affective words such as 'feeling', which has multiple definitions. But it is a sense that 'there's something missing'. This last point that 'something's missing' is a valid component in the assessing. Again - are you doing anything about being spiritually fed or are you sitting back expecting 'it' to happen?
If we accept that the church isn't spiritually feeding and fulfilling people, what IS it doing? You can't simply say what isn't happening without identifying what is. If it is to provide the... atmosphere(?) so that the goal of a spiritually fed and fulfilled congregation occurs, this seems to miss the point. Everyone needs to feel and experience fed and fulfilled but we have to come with the attitude and conviction we are involved in the process - not the focus. Remember that God is the focus.
I would suggest we look at what our services should emphasize - praise and worshiping our God, learn who we are as Christians and how we can go about being His hand in our world, and consider how Paul defined services - when we come together (1Corinthians 14:26). Again we get into the issue of defining and determining responsibility - and discovering our individual roles that need to occur for all to be and feel fed and fulfilled.
Friday, September 25, 2015
To the least
Perhaps it's time to stop looking only at what you aren't doing, especially compared to what others are doing and start considering what you are doing. What are YOU doing to fulfill the The Great Commission? Are you doing more? less? different from? what you were doing yesterday? last month? last year? If you aren't doing all you can, will you? Remember, the only person you should compare yourself to is... you.
I would also argue that the 'do' has to have a context. The Great Commission is the purpose and goal, but what you do may not be what someone else does. Never forget the scripture that talks about some plant, some water, and some reap (John 4:35-38, 1 Corinthians 3:6-7). What you do is needed, necessary, and never - just a little thing. You just need to do what you do!!!
I would also argue that the 'do' has to have a context. The Great Commission is the purpose and goal, but what you do may not be what someone else does. Never forget the scripture that talks about some plant, some water, and some reap (John 4:35-38, 1 Corinthians 3:6-7). What you do is needed, necessary, and never - just a little thing. You just need to do what you do!!!
“... inasmuch as you did it to one of the
least of these My brethren,
you did it to Me.” (Matthew 25:40)
you did it to Me.” (Matthew 25:40)
You do realize that Jesus is talking to us,
Christians, and referring to what we do/say to others, both encouragingly and
hurtfully? This entire chapter is talking about when we stand before Him in the
last day and what and who we were and what He will be considering as important (2 Corinthians 5:10). Before you assume that
you are woefully lacking remember how you touch lives.
Each day the people in our world: spouse, children, other customers or employees at the store we are shopping in, etc. – we, by what we say or do have an opportunity to be a blessing to them. As we encounter others, we can encourage them or discourage them. Bottom line... do you believe, in your heart of hearts, that you are doing all that you can? Granted, you could do more, but are you are doing what you can? If so... then take heart! When/If you can do ‘more’ then do so, but until then... do what’s at your hand that you can do!
[Note: I wrote most of this for my church's monthly newsletter, but I thought I would expand it and share here too.]
Each day the people in our world: spouse, children, other customers or employees at the store we are shopping in, etc. – we, by what we say or do have an opportunity to be a blessing to them. As we encounter others, we can encourage them or discourage them. Bottom line... do you believe, in your heart of hearts, that you are doing all that you can? Granted, you could do more, but are you are doing what you can? If so... then take heart! When/If you can do ‘more’ then do so, but until then... do what’s at your hand that you can do!
[Note: I wrote most of this for my church's monthly newsletter, but I thought I would expand it and share here too.]
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)