Life! ...And all this means.

  Sooo... what does this mean for you? If you haven't defined it ... how will you recognize 'it'? Is the real question - looking at your life, right now precisely where you are, are you who you thought you'd be and doing what you thought you'd be doing? If not... are you surprised? Disappointed? Rather pleased? Completely shocked? Whatever your reaction... what do you do with your reality you and your idealized you? I suspect the major question is: if there is a gigantic gap between the idealized and real - is it important, critical, what? But regardless, what do you want to do?

  I read, on a plaque somewhere, "Dreams only work if you do." The corollary to this is that accomplishing one's hopes, desires, dreams is one more thing that isn't dropped into our laps, we need to work to accomplish them. Are you willing to bridge your gap? Do you need to reassess your ideal and real? Who do you want to be and is it something you'll take the time to become? Bottom line typically is: what are you willing to 'pay' to stay the same or to change? Are you important to/for you?

  I also believe that Life is very, very serious. But it is also very, very funny. It is and should be both. When we don't take the time to see the humor in our lives then it is more difficult to see the importance and seriousness that life is. Sometimes, when we take a moment and look at where we've come, where we are now as a comparison to where we were a year ago, 5 years ago, yesterday; do we see and understand the forces that we accepted, the adjustments we made to be where we are? Are you pleased with your journey? Do you need to make further refinements/adjustments? I believe that introspection and retrospection have an enormous opportunity for us to discover why we are where we are as well as what we want to do next.

  As I said, Life is serious and we shouldn't throw it away. It is also a responsibility... and an opportunity. It is growing and being and doing and deciding if this is who we are and want to be. It is scrapped knees and exhilarating accomplishments. It is the day-to-day and it is the discovery that unlocks what you need. But... you have to admit that Life! can be highly amusing. I sometimes find my answers in the strangest places and with the oddest assistants. 

  Life is so many things and I believe that we are here to enjoy them, to grow from them, to embrace life, to make mistakes, etc. etc. etc. We are always the one determining if we will live life or merely exist to survive. Apart from a relationship with the Lord, I don't see that there is meaning and purpose in anything we do. For me, Life! ...And all this means is based in who I am becoming and how I express me to others. Meaning in found in that relationship with the Lord to be His witness in my world.

YOU can ... overcome!

  Let me say that again - YOU can Overcome! Thinking about overcoming whatever obstacle, problem, etc. is in your life in which you want to be an overcomer... do you believe you can? Because I am completely convinced that the greatest obstacle to being victorious is ... us! We may mouth the words, "Greater is He who is in me and than He who is in the world." (1 John 4:4) Or, "We are more than conquerors through Christ who strengthens me." (Romans 8:37) Or... the phrase that the devil is only 'like' a roaring lion - not one (1 Peter 5:8). BUT do we really believe this?

  Too often we want whatever needs doing to be done ... but we also try and distance ourselves from the task, act of overcoming, of being a conqueror. Not gonna work. In order to overcome, you have to do the doing. If someone else does it for you, then you are still caught because you haven't taken the action steps necessary to overcome. Overcoming is always personal - sometimes painful but always a choice.

  Why would one not choose to overcome? Effort. Pain. Unsure of the eventual outcome. Those three (and others) tend to always emerge when we are in a position to choose to be an overcomer. Sometimes the obstacle is a small one, more like an irritant and other times it may involve a major change in one's attitude which always results in a change in one's mindset and behavior. Overcoming is rarely for the faint of heart. Overcoming is deliberate, conscious, determined and this may take time and repeated behavior for there to be change.

  The results of overcoming, in my world of definitions, is always positive and enriching. It always leads to a new growth and maturity. It should also make this particular 'obstacle' impotent to cause problem in your future. 'Should' because your adversary will always use what has previously worked in hopes that it will again. Creative... he is not. But having gained a victory should embolden us to be on guard against any repeat. We can sustain the overcoming but we also need to be proactive in this. Again, 1 Peter 5:8

     "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks 
      about LIKE A  roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour."

He always attempts to delude us into believing he has strength. He doesn't. Never give him an inch. You really are an overcomer.

 

Taking a chance... on You!

  Why not? Aren't you worth the risk? Have you ever taken a chance on something, someone? How did this make you feel? Scared? Excited? Anxious? Worried? Curious? You do realize, don't you, that 'risk' describes life? I'm not talking about risk as an 'in harms way' or behavior that is unthinking. Risk, in my world of definitions, is calculated but also embraced. And when it comes to you - who you are, what you do, and how you go about being you is always worth the risk. Taking a chance on you is always worth it.

  Taking a chance in this context means supporting yourself in your what and who, it's believing in yourself - not cockily or bravado but knowing your strengths and weaknesses and minimizing the latter as you accent the former. This state recognizes dreams, hopes, 'ambitions' but it also recognizes limits, abilities, talents, desires. Taking a chance is not witless nor is it throwing away 'the baby with the bathwater' - it is determining that what you are considering is worth trying.

  Trying is never a short shrift approach. If you are not willing to give (fill in the blank) all that you understand and know about you/about preparation/about what you are attempting, then a half-hearted act will never result in success. Problem is that you never really know if the success would have been attainable, it was simply that you weren't willing or able to risk your now. Do recognize your own lifestyle, mindset and then decide what to do. Some people are never willing to risk everything on an unknown. No criticsm - self knowledge is the cornerstone. However, don't criticize or point fingers or say, 'I told you so' to those who are willing, who do attempt what seems impossible or improbable.

  Remember the context - taking a chance on you. Believing in your abilities and who you are becoming. 'Failure' is always a possibility. But trying is not part of the definition. My definition for 'failure' is not trying, refusing to think out of box, fear of being all you can be and do, and not allowing a set back to define the attempt. Besides... just how terrible is not succeeding (different from failing)? Doesn't this merely give you more information and refinement? If your Plan A isn't the best for you... what's your Plan B? You are on an adventure to discover you and all you can be. 
  

Your many voices

  I sometimes wonder if we realize just how many voices we have. Voices, in this context, refers to the myriad of expressions we use to 'voice' who we are and what we think and believe. There is the audible one, but even this isn't a singular expression because it includes, among others, facial expression, body - especially hand language, intonation, nuances, eye contact, and the list continues. Then there is the written voice, and that too has many manifestations including the words you choose, whether or not you provide your definitions, the punctuation you use and where, how you write what you say, the care you take to help the reader understand what you are saying... and why.

  Then there is the behavior, the actions you make that enhances, refutes, supports, etc. the other voices. I could go on, but I think my point is made. We all have many voices and multiple ways of expressing and presenting our voice. I think this is why the app 'Audible' is as popular as it is because it not only gives the words that we would see in written form, but it expresses all the other attributes that the author is conveying. We all need to be mindful that it is what we say and how we say whatever we are attempting to communicate.

  That last word, communicate, is really the point. In our writing and speaking, do we check to see if what we said is what was heard? And if what was heard was heard according to our definitions? We've all seen evidences that people can be saying the same thing but using different words, implying different definitions because the behavior is not demonstrating a common ground. The opposite can also occur - assuming based on the presumptive common definitions and understanding of the same words. This can cause great confusion until clarity is attained. Use questions to discover commonality.

  Communication is always two-way: the speaker's intent and the listener's understanding. As we carry on our conversations with others, it is important (presupposing we want understanding and a common definitions) that we check to make certain we really are on the same page. If your goal isn't communication... then what is it? Do you just like to hear the sound of your own voice? OK, harsh but what is your goal? This is an intentional mindset not a stressful one. And all of this is predicated on the many voices you use to create understanding. Being on the same page insures understanding, even if it doesn't insure agreement.

Goodbyes...

  “Goodbyes” - pertinent, I think. How do you respond to the 'condition' of goodbye? Goodbye is not always an easy or simple act. But sometimes, maybe, just maybe, when we put it in context it is or can become a moment of ... not necessarily joy or happiness, but understanding and even acceptance... and closure.

  The context is - seasons. A new (different) season is upon all of us, which often occasions a change and a goodbye. No one is exempt. I suspect that we all sense a certain restlessness in our spirit as if a significant change is about to burst forth. We may not always know the what and when of the change, but we know something is about to 'spring forth'. And it is our choice as to how we respond. We can be petulant and not welcome the upcoming unknown and stick our foot on the line and refuse to move. Or we can become excited and expectant and rush forward without checking. Actually, though the attitude of the latter is preferred, neither approach is effective. Surely there is something we can, should do and be? Our safety net is prayer: about moving forward and following the Lord's plans for the future.

  Goodbye is not a final act for those who call themselves, Christian, but it does close the chapter AND leads us into the next chapter/season. Sometimes a new season is thrust upon us without our choice but definitely ours to steward. Not the point. The Lord never calls us to something that we cannot accomplish... as long as we do this with Him. Nor will He lead us into danger, temptation, or a condition of unpreparedness. Pulse check is - are you ignoring, walking, or running into the new season. Don’t - you may be missing what's around you that you will need/want in this next great adventure. So – stop, look, pray, and move onward. 

  Goodbyes are a fact of life because life is continually changing and we end up being extremely mobile. The new, the different, the unexpected (?) can be a time for us to grow, learn new aspects of who we are and what we are called to be and do. I would suggest that we don't 'fight' the change but that we embrace it in order to continue our life's journey. Others continue to be important and now you have new opportunities. Don't dig your heels in - sand really doesn't taste good.

[Note: Though edited, this was the article I submitted for the church's monthly newsletter. It was occasioned by the resignation of the current pastor. However, the theme has broader implications so I thought I'd also share it as a post.]

Good Intentions... no actions

  So tell me... how effective is that!? Remember the old saying, 'no pain, no gain'? Uncomfortably, this is true. Whatever the focus is - without any commensurate action, 'good' intentions are as effective as trying to hold a cloud in your hands - totally impossible and irrelevant. But why would anyone profess something and do nothing about it? How can you possibly only 'think' a (fill in the blank) but never take a stand? Sadly, too often what I have just indicated is the outcome of our behavior. We have 'good intentions' but never act on them. The reality is that this is undoubtedly an attempt to escape responsibility. Not gonna happen.

  I sometimes wonder if 'good intentions' get a bad rap? It's true that there needs substance supporting the intentions or they are only a whim. But why waste your time, effort, and resources on only a 'good intention' mindset? Eventually one does need to act on what one indicates as a belief. Why would you ever do this without a foundation and a framework? Never will understand this approach to being who you are. You: who and what and when and how you do you is always important.

  Perhaps the initial questions should be: do you like you? Do you trust you (why and why not)? Do you understand and know yourself - your dreams, hopes, aspirations, goals...? Do you want to? Because I would argue that good intentions are never enough. Unplanned for ramifications do occur but exactly how much thought have you put into the support for your good intentions? Do you realize that 'no actions' is not a good response for your good intentions?

  Perhaps I am speaking harshly. I think that what I'm trying to say is that spontaneity has absolutely nothing to do with good intentions' actions. Most people want to flavor what they do in a serendipitous manner. Notta a problem. Again, it's not the forethought - it's the lack of thought. Good intentions should never be will-of-the-wisp - they need to be intentional. Plus good intentions should never hide behind - no action. Whatever you do - it will be expressed. That expression is called... action. 

  

Believing's 'what'...

  What, in my estimation, is always linked to Who - but in considering 'just' the 'what' - this is important (as it will reflect on the who, or at least my definition of who). Example: when I was a young person, I may have been about the age of confirmation, I asked the minister what it was, precisely, that our church (denomination) believed. Though I believe he was merely trying to ignore, his response was that other than believing in the trinity, we could pretty much believe whatever we wanted. I don't think so. That's equivalent to .... if you don't stand for something you will fall for everything. Or, my interpretation: you will never know what you think without a willingness to be a public witness. Or am I missing something.

  I suspect that the minister's dismissive comment was a 'good' response for me in that it made me more aware of what it is I do and don't believe. It also gave me a more 'discerning' mindset to make certain I always knew 'why' I believed as I do. Too often our 'opinions' are based in the statements from others that seem to make sense or are spoken by those we trust. My point though is that WE need to know the why foundation to what and who we believe. But this takes works which is why so many people decide on following others' thinking because it's easier.

  One point is that whatever and whoever we believe, our understanding needs testing because what we think we know, based on simple acceptance of others' thoughts, may not be what they think or how they define the concepts. We need to know and understand all the 'particulars' to a belief. The why's refine and expand understanding, accepting, and acting on the belief. Perhaps 'acting on' is the primary test of the what since we are making a stand by our actions.

  Too often we dismiss as unimportant or 'too much work' the testing and discovering believing's 'what'. But how can we act unless we understand? And how can we understand unless we test? And how can we test unless we discover all that the 'what' is? Life is too important to be casual about it. Not stressing, but acting on understanding promotes our living from strength and assurance. And when you have to provide an accounting of yourself - you know.

      

Know: Persuaded and Confident

  Do you know what you know? Are you fully persuaded about what you think you know? Soooo, what is it you know? What is the basis of your knowing? Knowing should lead us to a deeper understanding and appreciation. Do you walk in what and Who you know? Is your confidence in this knowing? 

  In 1 Corinthians 8:1 Paul warns us that "...knowledge puffs up, but love edifies." Not certain that I fully understand this but simplistically, this means to me that love trumps knowledge. Knowledge, Wisdom, Understanding... Proverbs offers us some other clues, instruction:

     "Wisdom is the principle thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your
      getting, get understanding. (Proverbs 4:7)     ...
      He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; He who keeps understanding
      will find good." (Proverbs 19:8)

  For me, wisdom has always meant the application of knowledge. Without testing it, applying it to life - knowledge is only good for trivial pursuit. And application is grounded in understanding. But knowledge is not to be diminished or despised for it is the platform on which wisdom rests. Without the initial step of knowledge, wisdom can't stand but without wisdom, knowledge has no expression. They really are complementary mates, and understanding is the glue. 

  I've said all that about knowledge and wisdom and understanding to focus on the following scripture:

     "I am persuaded (confident) that neither death nor life, nor angels nor
      principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor 
      height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate
      us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." 

This scripture in Romans (8:38-39) list all of the things that potentially could separate us from God and then Paul says they don't have the power to do this. Nothing shall separate us from God's love, nothing! Do you believe you are inseparable from the love of God? That His love is stronger than any and every obstacle? 

 Begin with verse 31 in Romans 8 because it tells us, yet again, that "If God is for us, who can be against us?" Then Paul says - "...we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." (v 37) If you can believe this for yourself, if you will apply this principle, this standard then... if you do, then you are more than a conqueror.