The problem isn't always knowing what to do but doing what you know needs to be done. We don't always choose to do what we know we should and doing is always a choice. Then again... so is knowing. You can't deny or ignore what you know. If you know then you can't choose to unknow. But, you can choose to not act on what you know - doing is always a choice. And yes, I know I've said this countless times in countless ways... but sometimes we need reminding.
Why not act on what we know? Because of our perception on the ramifications. Perhaps we aren't all people-pleasers but we also don't always enjoy the results of our behavior. Again, you can't disown or ignore your own behavior - it is an is, regardless of how you act. This is also applicable to our words - once said, we can't deny them. We can try and mitigate what was said or attempt to further explain, but if spoken then they are 'out there'.
So, in the final analysis is it a question of our responsibility for our words and actions? Do you remember the scripture that tells us that we will give an accounting for our words - Matthew 12:36? However, this goes even deeper, begin at verse 34:
"...For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. ... I tell
you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless
word they speak, for by your words you will be justifies, and by your
words you will be condemned."
This is incredibly sobering! It begins with what's in our hearts which speaks of our motives. 'Careless' words? Are you aware of the implications of what you say? Do you bring love and hope in truth?
And, if our words are that significant, think of the tremendous impact our actions bring! Yes, you do live in a fishbowl in the world you live. I seriously doubt anyone is truly invisible (unless they are a hermit and have no interaction with others). Your level of influence may be 'small' but no one is without being seen. Thus all of our 'doing' is visible, even our non-doing. So you need to act according to how the Lord leads you: confident not arrogant, purposed not purposeless knowing that you can ... if you choose.
Friday, March 31, 2017
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
Making the most of bad decisions...
Wished I had coined this phrase and philosophy... didn't. But it really is part of all of our stories. We may flourish in good situations, decisions but how we handle the bad decisions we make tells a more poignant story and how we go about moving beyond our less thought-out decisions or downright 'wrong' ones. When we wake to the reality that we made a bad (ranging from realllllly bad to just 'bad') decision, how we handle it and move on does refine us.
There are so many behaviors and thoughts that are counter-productive to resolving our wrong decisions. It really begins with the first step of accepting the consequences and the responsibilities from our bad/wrong decisions. You can't grow, move on, making the most of what was done until we admit to ourselves and those effected. Why try and weasel out of what we did when everyone knows? It will never work to point fingers or avoid or deny - it's time to be an adult.
The second step, in my opinion, is to determine how/if to resolve the situation. If there are others involved then you should include them in the resolution process. If others are effected then they need to at least be consulted in what to do to move beyond where you are. And if you are the kind of person that includes others in the initial stages of decision-making, then I believe that their knowledge may prove helpful.
Analysis, assessment sometimes occurs in what seems like a split second, but method may be an effective tool. Sometimes there is salvage opportunities and can assist. Bad decisions may not include throwing the baby out with the bathwater. There are times when you do start from scratch again but if so, then take what you've learned and discovered from the 'bad' decision so that it isn't repeated.
The last step in this process is to move on. At this stage, if at no other, you really are visible, because others will know: what happened, how you reacted, what your method to resolve included, and when/how you did accept your responsibility and developed a strategy to move on. This can become a model that others can use when they find themselves in a similar situation. Living in a glass bowl? Of course. We all are - it is unavoidable. But who we are really shines through when we make the most of bad situations. How we model who we are will speak volumes.
There are so many behaviors and thoughts that are counter-productive to resolving our wrong decisions. It really begins with the first step of accepting the consequences and the responsibilities from our bad/wrong decisions. You can't grow, move on, making the most of what was done until we admit to ourselves and those effected. Why try and weasel out of what we did when everyone knows? It will never work to point fingers or avoid or deny - it's time to be an adult.
The second step, in my opinion, is to determine how/if to resolve the situation. If there are others involved then you should include them in the resolution process. If others are effected then they need to at least be consulted in what to do to move beyond where you are. And if you are the kind of person that includes others in the initial stages of decision-making, then I believe that their knowledge may prove helpful.
Analysis, assessment sometimes occurs in what seems like a split second, but method may be an effective tool. Sometimes there is salvage opportunities and can assist. Bad decisions may not include throwing the baby out with the bathwater. There are times when you do start from scratch again but if so, then take what you've learned and discovered from the 'bad' decision so that it isn't repeated.
The last step in this process is to move on. At this stage, if at no other, you really are visible, because others will know: what happened, how you reacted, what your method to resolve included, and when/how you did accept your responsibility and developed a strategy to move on. This can become a model that others can use when they find themselves in a similar situation. Living in a glass bowl? Of course. We all are - it is unavoidable. But who we are really shines through when we make the most of bad situations. How we model who we are will speak volumes.
Saturday, March 25, 2017
It's all about...
everything and everyone else BUT you! Is that how you feel? When you look at your life and the people, activities, and 'things' that populate your life... is it never about you and always about 'them/it'? First - it doesn't matter if this is true or not if this is how you feel. Second - who said it was all about you in the first place!? OK - you want to share the 'all about' so some of it meets your needs or wants? Sometimes, sadly, it never works out that way.
Point. Is the reality that your life is unchangeable? Can you do something to make some changes. Also remember that there are those, for whatever reason, choose to focus sufficient attention on themselves through all sorts of words and behaviors rather than look beyond their own immediate wants. Do remember, you don't really change others, they choose, which means that if the situation doesn't change, the only one you can change is you and your attitude and reactions.
So... you are living in this never about you world of yours. What can, will you do? You really have a number of options. Some people resort to passive aggressive behaviors to 'get their way'. It does seem to work... for awhile. But the toll it takes on the person and relationships is exhausting and destructive. It really isn't worth the effort. You can deny your own needs and wants which will only lead to further suppressed anger or sadness. Heavy price. Leave the situation? Possible? Best response? Probably no to all those questions.
Somewhat ironic, to resolve this situation you have to start with you. What do you truly want... and why? What are you looking for from others that would satisfy whatever it is you need? You do have to have answers to these questions before you go further because without your answers you can never really understand what you really believe and need - nor will you recognize your answer when it presents itself.
A somewhat corollary example: you can never make someone else love you. But that doesn't mean you should stop loving them. Perhaps you'll never see a reciprocation but don't deny your own feelings, though you may need to find a different expression. Also, don't live in this situation alone. The Lord is with you always and His love is wide and deep and consistent a reality. Remember, He chose to love you first (Ephesians 2:1-5) without any expectation that you would choose to love Him. 1John 4:19 tells us that He loved us first and with this gave us a model of how we can love.
I would suggest that it is all about you, and how you respond - an outstretched hand willfully offered or a hand with a different agenda. How you respond will make a difference... for you.
Point. Is the reality that your life is unchangeable? Can you do something to make some changes. Also remember that there are those, for whatever reason, choose to focus sufficient attention on themselves through all sorts of words and behaviors rather than look beyond their own immediate wants. Do remember, you don't really change others, they choose, which means that if the situation doesn't change, the only one you can change is you and your attitude and reactions.
So... you are living in this never about you world of yours. What can, will you do? You really have a number of options. Some people resort to passive aggressive behaviors to 'get their way'. It does seem to work... for awhile. But the toll it takes on the person and relationships is exhausting and destructive. It really isn't worth the effort. You can deny your own needs and wants which will only lead to further suppressed anger or sadness. Heavy price. Leave the situation? Possible? Best response? Probably no to all those questions.
Somewhat ironic, to resolve this situation you have to start with you. What do you truly want... and why? What are you looking for from others that would satisfy whatever it is you need? You do have to have answers to these questions before you go further because without your answers you can never really understand what you really believe and need - nor will you recognize your answer when it presents itself.
A somewhat corollary example: you can never make someone else love you. But that doesn't mean you should stop loving them. Perhaps you'll never see a reciprocation but don't deny your own feelings, though you may need to find a different expression. Also, don't live in this situation alone. The Lord is with you always and His love is wide and deep and consistent a reality. Remember, He chose to love you first (Ephesians 2:1-5) without any expectation that you would choose to love Him. 1John 4:19 tells us that He loved us first and with this gave us a model of how we can love.
I would suggest that it is all about you, and how you respond - an outstretched hand willfully offered or a hand with a different agenda. How you respond will make a difference... for you.
Wednesday, March 22, 2017
Darkest hour
This is different for each of us. And it rarely is a one and done. Many of us also rarely learn and apply those learnings from how we handled the last dark time to the one we are experiencing. Though each dark time has its own dynamics, extricating does have some similarities. Fault-finding is never a method to move out of darkness. Sometimes 'events conspire' to cause darkness so 'fault' is draining and rarely provides us with answers. What do you do?
Recently, a message by the Pastor in my church got me to thinking and analyzing 'dark hour'. This is different from a desert time, but carries some of the same anguish and pain. The message made me look at what I do when I face dark hours, because there's never only one (my bias), though the degree of 'dark' varies. However, dark is dark. Point being, if this is a time of darkness, what do you do?
As unproductive as this may initially seem, the first step is to turn to the Lord. Logically, this is not only the best step for healing to occur, I believe it has to be the first step. Why? Look at how the Lord has demonstrated in your life Who He is and What He does. Example: He has told us He would never leave us (Deuteronomy 31:6, Hebrews 13:5), so you are not alone. You don't have to solve your what, why of dark by yourself because you have One who has all your answers. For me, knowing that I have the Lord with me lessens the additional dilemma of feeling that you are completely alone.
Another example is that in every situation He provides a way through (1Corinthians 10:13). Granted this verse is talking about providing a way through when we are tempted. My thinking is that if God will do this in these types of situations, He certainly won't leave us in darkness but will also help us through. How? Again paraphrasing the message - the Lord sustains us by/through:
1. His body (the church). Especially in hard times we need the other members where we fellowship to help (Galatians 6:2). Referring to scripture's teaching (1Corinthians 12), each of us has a gift to uplift the body. And as you give of your gifting you help the body grow. We each help one another through the bad or difficult times and join in the celebration during the good times.
2. His Presence (to sustain us) - the Holy Spirit. I suspect many don't know how to relate to the Holy Spirit. Again scripture helps us in that Jesus told us that if He went that the Father would send the Holy Spirit to aid us. But what does this mean? When you look at the work the Holy Spirit performs in our lives, we see that He has 7 primary roles: Advocate, Comforter, Standby, Intercessor, Counselor, Helper, Strengthener (John 14:26 Amplified Bible). For me, this often is expressed in teaching. The Holy Spirit has been sent to bring us into all truth.
These two examples only scratch the surface of what is prepared for us as we go through dark times. We were never meant to go it alone. There is nothing that the Lord isn't aware of so our 'task' is to turn to Him, especially in times of frustration or confusion or any other negative in our lives and let Him bring us through and set our feet firmly on the path we are meant to walk. Hold on to Psalm 30:5 - "Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes in the morning." Your morning will come regardless of your darkest hour... as you turn to your source - the Lord and walk in the strength of joy - knowing that in His Presence is fullness of joy.
Recently, a message by the Pastor in my church got me to thinking and analyzing 'dark hour'. This is different from a desert time, but carries some of the same anguish and pain. The message made me look at what I do when I face dark hours, because there's never only one (my bias), though the degree of 'dark' varies. However, dark is dark. Point being, if this is a time of darkness, what do you do?
As unproductive as this may initially seem, the first step is to turn to the Lord. Logically, this is not only the best step for healing to occur, I believe it has to be the first step. Why? Look at how the Lord has demonstrated in your life Who He is and What He does. Example: He has told us He would never leave us (Deuteronomy 31:6, Hebrews 13:5), so you are not alone. You don't have to solve your what, why of dark by yourself because you have One who has all your answers. For me, knowing that I have the Lord with me lessens the additional dilemma of feeling that you are completely alone.
Another example is that in every situation He provides a way through (1Corinthians 10:13). Granted this verse is talking about providing a way through when we are tempted. My thinking is that if God will do this in these types of situations, He certainly won't leave us in darkness but will also help us through. How? Again paraphrasing the message - the Lord sustains us by/through:
1. His body (the church). Especially in hard times we need the other members where we fellowship to help (Galatians 6:2). Referring to scripture's teaching (1Corinthians 12), each of us has a gift to uplift the body. And as you give of your gifting you help the body grow. We each help one another through the bad or difficult times and join in the celebration during the good times.
2. His Presence (to sustain us) - the Holy Spirit. I suspect many don't know how to relate to the Holy Spirit. Again scripture helps us in that Jesus told us that if He went that the Father would send the Holy Spirit to aid us. But what does this mean? When you look at the work the Holy Spirit performs in our lives, we see that He has 7 primary roles: Advocate, Comforter, Standby, Intercessor, Counselor, Helper, Strengthener (John 14:26 Amplified Bible). For me, this often is expressed in teaching. The Holy Spirit has been sent to bring us into all truth.
These two examples only scratch the surface of what is prepared for us as we go through dark times. We were never meant to go it alone. There is nothing that the Lord isn't aware of so our 'task' is to turn to Him, especially in times of frustration or confusion or any other negative in our lives and let Him bring us through and set our feet firmly on the path we are meant to walk. Hold on to Psalm 30:5 - "Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes in the morning." Your morning will come regardless of your darkest hour... as you turn to your source - the Lord and walk in the strength of joy - knowing that in His Presence is fullness of joy.
Sunday, March 19, 2017
Chosen
You - are a chosen person. Did you realize you are?
"You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation,
His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him
who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." (1Peter 2:9)
Do know, though, that you have to accept being chosen - choose to be chosen. Not logical? Of course it is. The Father has chosen to give mankind free will, therefore, with our choosing we have to accept the responsibility of whatever our decision is. And that is the rub. Plus, choosing requires that we act on this status. What are you chosen for and how do you respond - what's your responsibility?
Sometimes we don't really 'like' our choice - now what? Is it a changeable choice or ... Yes, it depends on the 'object' of our choice. But never carry relativism to places it really isn't designed to go. Also, one must deal with the reality that if we make whatever the choice we do, then we have to 'sleep' in/with it. No one is free from their choices, you really can't call a 'mulligan'. You, must accept your responsibilities for your decisions. Simultaneously, you don't have to wallow in wrong decisions/choices. You can change, it's just not that you are free from the ramifications of the initial choice. The change simply stops the direction of your choice and allows you to move on in a new direction.
The Spiritual ramifications are enormous, at least in my thinking, when the decision, the choice is - who we follow. Example: If you choose to follow the Lord then simultaneously you choose not to follow the devil - it really is one or the other choice. No one is on the fence when it comes to this choice and you can't choose to not choose. Yes - those are my definitions, but I believe they are both logical and scriptural.
Assuming you choose the Lord - then look at what you've chosen to be/become. A royal priesthood, holy nation, the Lord's special people. What a destiny. It is worth all that I have/would have to become the result of choosing to be chosen by the Lord. The remarkable truth is that this is available to all who choose the Lord - no one is ever denied or cast away (John 6:37). You can't earn this, you can't buy it and yet it is the treasure given to us.
Our response? To give Him all the praise and share Him with all because you never know the impact your words and behaviors say to others. Some of us plant, some water, and some reap - but as His special people we all work toward the same goal: sharing His light, so that others can learn of Him and come to a saving knowledge.
"You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation,
His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him
who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." (1Peter 2:9)
Do know, though, that you have to accept being chosen - choose to be chosen. Not logical? Of course it is. The Father has chosen to give mankind free will, therefore, with our choosing we have to accept the responsibility of whatever our decision is. And that is the rub. Plus, choosing requires that we act on this status. What are you chosen for and how do you respond - what's your responsibility?
Sometimes we don't really 'like' our choice - now what? Is it a changeable choice or ... Yes, it depends on the 'object' of our choice. But never carry relativism to places it really isn't designed to go. Also, one must deal with the reality that if we make whatever the choice we do, then we have to 'sleep' in/with it. No one is free from their choices, you really can't call a 'mulligan'. You, must accept your responsibilities for your decisions. Simultaneously, you don't have to wallow in wrong decisions/choices. You can change, it's just not that you are free from the ramifications of the initial choice. The change simply stops the direction of your choice and allows you to move on in a new direction.
The Spiritual ramifications are enormous, at least in my thinking, when the decision, the choice is - who we follow. Example: If you choose to follow the Lord then simultaneously you choose not to follow the devil - it really is one or the other choice. No one is on the fence when it comes to this choice and you can't choose to not choose. Yes - those are my definitions, but I believe they are both logical and scriptural.
Assuming you choose the Lord - then look at what you've chosen to be/become. A royal priesthood, holy nation, the Lord's special people. What a destiny. It is worth all that I have/would have to become the result of choosing to be chosen by the Lord. The remarkable truth is that this is available to all who choose the Lord - no one is ever denied or cast away (John 6:37). You can't earn this, you can't buy it and yet it is the treasure given to us.
Our response? To give Him all the praise and share Him with all because you never know the impact your words and behaviors say to others. Some of us plant, some water, and some reap - but as His special people we all work toward the same goal: sharing His light, so that others can learn of Him and come to a saving knowledge.
Thursday, March 16, 2017
Decision- making 'other' choice
With every decision we make there's always - the other choice (the path not taken). And with the 'other' decision are people and things that we'll miss. Sometimes our 'what if' seem to become, on retrospect, ' if only'. And let's face it, sometimes the other decision may have been a better option. But... we really can't afford to dwell on this, because, for whatever reason, we made the decision we did. Besides, the decision put us into situations that provided other kinds of discoveries, adventures, explorations...people.
Personally, I quite like 'what if' but only in the pre-decision phase. If what is can't be redeemed, then idle speculations are just that - a waste of time and energy, we should be focused on what is. The other point to remember is that had we not made the decision we did, then we would have missed the people and things we are with now - both the positive and negative in both situations.
I realize the old saying that since you've made your bed, you have to sleep in it. Maybe... I know that focusing on the 'other' can be an interesting speculation you can indulge in during your spare time, but it truly accomplishes very little in dealing with your current reality. Find the redeemable components in your 'current' and if some of the 'other' options can be applied - why not? Improve the situation, don't always function in the cement mindset. This may, may, prove to be your only option, if so, then work with it. If you can incorporate some freshness then try. Cement is only for those who are using it for unchangeables, never for the 'what ifs' in life.
In my world I tend to always be aware of what might happen with a different approach, even if I don't pursue it. I neatly tuck them into my 'what if and if only' files because you just never know when a new or different decision might lead to even more important results. Einstein said, or at least it is attributed to him, that if you keep doing what you've always done, then you'll always get what you've always gotten... or something like that. This is true. And, in some cases, that isn't all bad. But we were created to think and to see and to watch. We should always be aware of our 'other' choices.
Personally, I quite like 'what if' but only in the pre-decision phase. If what is can't be redeemed, then idle speculations are just that - a waste of time and energy, we should be focused on what is. The other point to remember is that had we not made the decision we did, then we would have missed the people and things we are with now - both the positive and negative in both situations.
I realize the old saying that since you've made your bed, you have to sleep in it. Maybe... I know that focusing on the 'other' can be an interesting speculation you can indulge in during your spare time, but it truly accomplishes very little in dealing with your current reality. Find the redeemable components in your 'current' and if some of the 'other' options can be applied - why not? Improve the situation, don't always function in the cement mindset. This may, may, prove to be your only option, if so, then work with it. If you can incorporate some freshness then try. Cement is only for those who are using it for unchangeables, never for the 'what ifs' in life.
In my world I tend to always be aware of what might happen with a different approach, even if I don't pursue it. I neatly tuck them into my 'what if and if only' files because you just never know when a new or different decision might lead to even more important results. Einstein said, or at least it is attributed to him, that if you keep doing what you've always done, then you'll always get what you've always gotten... or something like that. This is true. And, in some cases, that isn't all bad. But we were created to think and to see and to watch. We should always be aware of our 'other' choices.
Monday, March 13, 2017
SUCCESS is always
a mindset. But it must be supported by commitment/dedication, faith, hope, and endurance. Obviously, there are other behaviors and attitudes, but without those 4 particular operationalized attitudes, I am not sure success ever occurs.
Firstly, you must realize that 'success' is a personalized definition. What you may deem as successful for you, may be an objective to be achieved on the way for someone else on their journey to success. This is irrelevant - never judge yourself on someone else's definition or standards. Theirs may become a new goal for you... a new refinement... or have absolutely no influence. I'm beginning to think that it is always wise to know others' definitions so you don't apply your standards to them. Plus you need to know yours so that you don't accept, without considerable thought, theirs to define yours.
Secondly, 'success' HAS to be realistic for you. Simple example, if you are tone deaf then seeking to become an opera or pop singer probably is not a good choice for you. Never give up on your dream... you just may need to find a different way than initially thought. It doesn't mean you can't appreciate music, just that if music is your goal then you need to choose a different path such as becoming a musician to attain success.
Third, you must activate commitment/dedication, faith, hope, and endurance - the four behaviors and attitudes. There will be other challenges to you and without these as foundations, I think success will be more difficult. You will discover that sometimes it is one of the foundations that takes the lead to help you overcome whatever is attempting to defeat you and other times it will be a different one. But - all are important for you to be successful at gaining success in accomplishing your goal.
Success, I believe, is always available to us if we begin this journey by assessing the ultimate goal - is it what we truly want and believe is possible, our resources and talents, what potential threats there may be, how to identify aids and hindrances and when to utilize an aid to defeat the hindrance. Blindly going for what you think is who you are, what you want is so time and energy wasting.
Success is always possible? Apart from the Lord - no. When we are in His plan and will for us, I think we have taken the most significant step toward goal attainment. Trust will be your greatest asset. Trust that if you aren't walking on your path, that you can find your way back because He who is in you (1John 4:4) wants the best for you (Romans 8:28).
Firstly, you must realize that 'success' is a personalized definition. What you may deem as successful for you, may be an objective to be achieved on the way for someone else on their journey to success. This is irrelevant - never judge yourself on someone else's definition or standards. Theirs may become a new goal for you... a new refinement... or have absolutely no influence. I'm beginning to think that it is always wise to know others' definitions so you don't apply your standards to them. Plus you need to know yours so that you don't accept, without considerable thought, theirs to define yours.
Secondly, 'success' HAS to be realistic for you. Simple example, if you are tone deaf then seeking to become an opera or pop singer probably is not a good choice for you. Never give up on your dream... you just may need to find a different way than initially thought. It doesn't mean you can't appreciate music, just that if music is your goal then you need to choose a different path such as becoming a musician to attain success.
Third, you must activate commitment/dedication, faith, hope, and endurance - the four behaviors and attitudes. There will be other challenges to you and without these as foundations, I think success will be more difficult. You will discover that sometimes it is one of the foundations that takes the lead to help you overcome whatever is attempting to defeat you and other times it will be a different one. But - all are important for you to be successful at gaining success in accomplishing your goal.
Success, I believe, is always available to us if we begin this journey by assessing the ultimate goal - is it what we truly want and believe is possible, our resources and talents, what potential threats there may be, how to identify aids and hindrances and when to utilize an aid to defeat the hindrance. Blindly going for what you think is who you are, what you want is so time and energy wasting.
Success is always possible? Apart from the Lord - no. When we are in His plan and will for us, I think we have taken the most significant step toward goal attainment. Trust will be your greatest asset. Trust that if you aren't walking on your path, that you can find your way back because He who is in you (1John 4:4) wants the best for you (Romans 8:28).
Friday, March 10, 2017
New...
Ahhh Spring. Even the word brings a smile. We can shake off the boots and heavy coats and feel the warmth of the sun instead. Such bliss... until winter does its thing and hammers us at least one more time. But we know now that spring hasn't left us and will return. This is akin to the feeling we experience when we come through a desert time. Question - do we take the time to understand the what's, why's, and how's of going into the desert, the time there, and emerging from it? Remember, those who don't (won't?) learn are doomed to repeat.
Whenever one thinks about spring, the thought of new life beginning has to be part of the definition. I have always thought it fascinating that we have various points in the year that seem to give us the opportunity to ... begin anew? throw out the old and bring in the new? restart? You can phrase this in many ways but it always comes down to a 'clean sheet' approach to what's happening in your life and what you can do with and about the current and the desired.
The 'new' beginnings start at the first day of each new year. Then spring heralds another new start. Also accompanied with 'spring cleaning' in order to eliminate the real and figurative cobwebs. When fall comes, the falling leaves give us the opportunity to divest ourselves of those 'things' that are no longer relevant for our lives and either give them away and/or have a garage sale to eliminate those unnecessary items. (This also includes dropping the attitudes that stop our progress, and replacing them with proactive attitudes and behaviors.)
So now what? Do we take advantage of the opportunity for our new start? Or do we simply fill it up with new things that will inevitably be cast into the pile to deal with later? How many of us use the space and time to make some significant decisions about our lives and how we live them? Will we go that sometimes difficult path to something that is new? 'New' implies fresh start, a beginning of new rather than only a reshuffle of what was just different in form. Replacement of the old in new guises is not the best use of 'new'. New is a gift that only the brave dare to embrace.
Whenever one thinks about spring, the thought of new life beginning has to be part of the definition. I have always thought it fascinating that we have various points in the year that seem to give us the opportunity to ... begin anew? throw out the old and bring in the new? restart? You can phrase this in many ways but it always comes down to a 'clean sheet' approach to what's happening in your life and what you can do with and about the current and the desired.
The 'new' beginnings start at the first day of each new year. Then spring heralds another new start. Also accompanied with 'spring cleaning' in order to eliminate the real and figurative cobwebs. When fall comes, the falling leaves give us the opportunity to divest ourselves of those 'things' that are no longer relevant for our lives and either give them away and/or have a garage sale to eliminate those unnecessary items. (This also includes dropping the attitudes that stop our progress, and replacing them with proactive attitudes and behaviors.)
So now what? Do we take advantage of the opportunity for our new start? Or do we simply fill it up with new things that will inevitably be cast into the pile to deal with later? How many of us use the space and time to make some significant decisions about our lives and how we live them? Will we go that sometimes difficult path to something that is new? 'New' implies fresh start, a beginning of new rather than only a reshuffle of what was just different in form. Replacement of the old in new guises is not the best use of 'new'. New is a gift that only the brave dare to embrace.
Tuesday, March 7, 2017
You can only do... what you can do.
This is not a 'duh' statement because we sometimes forget and attempt to do more than what is within our sphere of influence, ability. Typically the only thing we experience is frustration. We tend to forget that we can't 'fix' everything - and we aren't asked to. Sometimes we get derailed because we are trying 'to do the right thing' in a situation we were never suppose to become involved. Yes? Or am I the only one?
Quite honestly, most of us have enough on our plates that adding more only causes a kind of chaos - which to do first, when, how, etc. For most of us it is an inbred desire to 'help', to ease, comfort. However good the intentions, it may not be what we should be doing. How can a 'good' not be good? When we attempt to 'fix' (fill in the blank) but someone else should be assuming the decision-making and actions. Never take responsibility away from those who should be assuming it - it stunts their growth and I tend to think that it only burns us out.
Sometimes we come 'late to the party' and as such, seeing no one stepping up, we do. But, do we have all the available information to move forward? Probably not. Sometimes we seem to come on a scene of chaos and no one accepted as the leader... This situation is always fraught with discord and lack of commitment - but are we the one who should correct what is and is not occurring? Our suggestions, leadership is not always met with acceptance. So, do we continue pushing in? or quickly try to extricate ourselves? or...
When you are asked to 'go above and beyond' - who is doing the asking? Is it necessary? And... should you do it? Many times someone else may be trying to slough off their responsibility onto you. Other times your reputation for diligence and effectiveness may be the rationale. Still, the question is - is this something you should do? The point is to know with a certainty that 'yes' is your response or 'no'. If you can and should do what's asked - by all means, follow through. But if not... don't accept because you always do or you feel you should, or all these familiar emotions. Accept/Reject based on what you are able and should do and be. Never forget... you can only do... what you can do.
Quite honestly, most of us have enough on our plates that adding more only causes a kind of chaos - which to do first, when, how, etc. For most of us it is an inbred desire to 'help', to ease, comfort. However good the intentions, it may not be what we should be doing. How can a 'good' not be good? When we attempt to 'fix' (fill in the blank) but someone else should be assuming the decision-making and actions. Never take responsibility away from those who should be assuming it - it stunts their growth and I tend to think that it only burns us out.
Sometimes we come 'late to the party' and as such, seeing no one stepping up, we do. But, do we have all the available information to move forward? Probably not. Sometimes we seem to come on a scene of chaos and no one accepted as the leader... This situation is always fraught with discord and lack of commitment - but are we the one who should correct what is and is not occurring? Our suggestions, leadership is not always met with acceptance. So, do we continue pushing in? or quickly try to extricate ourselves? or...
When you are asked to 'go above and beyond' - who is doing the asking? Is it necessary? And... should you do it? Many times someone else may be trying to slough off their responsibility onto you. Other times your reputation for diligence and effectiveness may be the rationale. Still, the question is - is this something you should do? The point is to know with a certainty that 'yes' is your response or 'no'. If you can and should do what's asked - by all means, follow through. But if not... don't accept because you always do or you feel you should, or all these familiar emotions. Accept/Reject based on what you are able and should do and be. Never forget... you can only do... what you can do.
Saturday, March 4, 2017
Our lives of...
The answer should be - ministry. Of course that needs defining. But when you look at you, is your outstretched hand open to give, open to receive, closed but empty, closed guarding what you have? How do you define 'ministry' for yourself in your life? Or is that you relegate this only to the 'professional'?
Ministry: One of the fascinating discoveries I made was when I saw that this word is used both in a 'religious' as well as a governmental context/office definition. The simplest definition I've read/heard is that 'minister' means servant. The acts, behaviors is as a servant to (fill in the blank). However, this word should be specifically operationalized. It can never be simply words. And how this is actualized in/for one person may not be for the next. Never forget the scripture in 1Corinthians (12:12-27) which tells us that God places each of us in the body which means that each of us has our own specific and special call. Another related issue is that those who are being 'ministered to' need to know how the person acting as the minister defines the position. Lastly, 'minister' is not merely those who have the Lord's call on their lives in the professional ministry. We all are called as ministers in the world we inhabit.
You do appreciate that you are in ministry now? Yes? You are. "But... I'm just (fill in the blank)!" First - you are never a 'just' - never, never diminish who you are as you - the Lord gave His life for you. That is no small thing. When you say you are just a 'just' you tell Him that He wasted His time. Ever think about you being a 'just' in this fashion? Probably not. You may not be called to what I have designated as the professional ministry (pastor, missionary), but you are called to the world in which you live. And that is never a little thing. You are the Lord's representative, His Ambassador, and what you say and do reflects how you honor this call.
Repeating: You are the Lord's Ambassador to the world you live in. That is a terrific opportunity, challenge, responsibility. (Do remember that you aren't in this alone. You always have the guidance, support, from the Holy Spirit on which to lean - and that is no small thing!) And second - though it may not be the 'professional' ministry, I've never read that 'minister' is designated to only those who have a specific call as a pastor, missionary, etc. Those are specific offices. We ALL are called as ministers.
Evidence? i Peter 3: 15 says: "... always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you to give a reason for the hope that is in you..." If we weren't told to prepare so that we can witness/share... what are we preparing for? Simple example: if you are talking with someone and it is known that you consider yourself a Christian - do you demonstrate this? How? (and never forget that you are sharing your personal journey and experiences) This is important! If this isn't ministry in action, what is your definition?
John 4:35 and Luke 10:2 puts this in context when they talk about the fields being white for harvest... but the workers are few. To me that says that it isn't only the professional minister that is called to this work - it would be far beyond only their work - we too are called in our worlds. Another question might be - if you aren't spreading the word, what are you doing?
So we come back to the initial question... how have you defined YOUR life of ministry? Never underestimate or diminish who you are. What is at your hand, who populates your world - this is your mission field, your ministry. And it all matters.
Ministry: One of the fascinating discoveries I made was when I saw that this word is used both in a 'religious' as well as a governmental context/office definition. The simplest definition I've read/heard is that 'minister' means servant. The acts, behaviors is as a servant to (fill in the blank). However, this word should be specifically operationalized. It can never be simply words. And how this is actualized in/for one person may not be for the next. Never forget the scripture in 1Corinthians (12:12-27) which tells us that God places each of us in the body which means that each of us has our own specific and special call. Another related issue is that those who are being 'ministered to' need to know how the person acting as the minister defines the position. Lastly, 'minister' is not merely those who have the Lord's call on their lives in the professional ministry. We all are called as ministers in the world we inhabit.
You do appreciate that you are in ministry now? Yes? You are. "But... I'm just (fill in the blank)!" First - you are never a 'just' - never, never diminish who you are as you - the Lord gave His life for you. That is no small thing. When you say you are just a 'just' you tell Him that He wasted His time. Ever think about you being a 'just' in this fashion? Probably not. You may not be called to what I have designated as the professional ministry (pastor, missionary), but you are called to the world in which you live. And that is never a little thing. You are the Lord's representative, His Ambassador, and what you say and do reflects how you honor this call.
Repeating: You are the Lord's Ambassador to the world you live in. That is a terrific opportunity, challenge, responsibility. (Do remember that you aren't in this alone. You always have the guidance, support, from the Holy Spirit on which to lean - and that is no small thing!) And second - though it may not be the 'professional' ministry, I've never read that 'minister' is designated to only those who have a specific call as a pastor, missionary, etc. Those are specific offices. We ALL are called as ministers.
Evidence? i Peter 3: 15 says: "... always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you to give a reason for the hope that is in you..." If we weren't told to prepare so that we can witness/share... what are we preparing for? Simple example: if you are talking with someone and it is known that you consider yourself a Christian - do you demonstrate this? How? (and never forget that you are sharing your personal journey and experiences) This is important! If this isn't ministry in action, what is your definition?
John 4:35 and Luke 10:2 puts this in context when they talk about the fields being white for harvest... but the workers are few. To me that says that it isn't only the professional minister that is called to this work - it would be far beyond only their work - we too are called in our worlds. Another question might be - if you aren't spreading the word, what are you doing?
So we come back to the initial question... how have you defined YOUR life of ministry? Never underestimate or diminish who you are. What is at your hand, who populates your world - this is your mission field, your ministry. And it all matters.
Wednesday, March 1, 2017
Is it, could it be... God's fault?
Blasphemy!? Of course. But does the thought lurk at the back of one's mind? ...especially in those times, cases when it really isn't something that we can 'fix'. Or, in the big issues in the world that seem to be beyond our ability to have any direct influence. It would be my contention that we humans like (need?) to fix what appears to be broken. So, when we can't then it must be God's - yes? This is the major argument by those who really don't have a relationship with the living God and end up blaming Him for wars, diseases, acts of violence, misunderstandings...
In the Christian world - do we do this as well and with the same mindset? I think we do. Simply because you believe what you are praying for is a 'good' or good for the other person, they don't always concur. Never forget that if you are praying for someone, that sometimes the issue is the other person's free will. I suspect that this is one of the reasons that when I am praying for another brother/sister in the Lord, I prefer the other person to begin the prayer so that I can understand what I am adding my voice to. Otherwise you may be praying at odds from what the other person wants. We should never simply 'assume' we are all on the same page or what we pray for the other person is in line with their needs or wants.
The other reason I prefer the other person begin the prayer is so we can be in agreement in fact and not in supposed commonality. Splitting hairs? No. I don't believe so. We all apply our understandings, definitions, and experiences to everything we do - including the spiritual as well as the 'natural'. However, we rarely define but operate on presupposed agreement. Especially in prayer I think it is critical that we do follow a known model for agreement:
"Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything
they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For
where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among
them." (Matthew 18:19-20 - Jesus speaking)
In my thinking, this is a simple pattern to follow in order for everyone to 'know' and not assume agreement. Are we defining the words in the same way - ask. Have we invited the Lord into the prayer - ask. Praying should never be based on assumptions. Finally, if whatever we agree with in prayer - never assume that if it doesn't manifest immediately that we have prayed amiss. Timing is also a condition in results - and timing is not of our choosing.
In the Christian world - do we do this as well and with the same mindset? I think we do. Simply because you believe what you are praying for is a 'good' or good for the other person, they don't always concur. Never forget that if you are praying for someone, that sometimes the issue is the other person's free will. I suspect that this is one of the reasons that when I am praying for another brother/sister in the Lord, I prefer the other person to begin the prayer so that I can understand what I am adding my voice to. Otherwise you may be praying at odds from what the other person wants. We should never simply 'assume' we are all on the same page or what we pray for the other person is in line with their needs or wants.
The other reason I prefer the other person begin the prayer is so we can be in agreement in fact and not in supposed commonality. Splitting hairs? No. I don't believe so. We all apply our understandings, definitions, and experiences to everything we do - including the spiritual as well as the 'natural'. However, we rarely define but operate on presupposed agreement. Especially in prayer I think it is critical that we do follow a known model for agreement:
"Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything
they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For
where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among
them." (Matthew 18:19-20 - Jesus speaking)
In my thinking, this is a simple pattern to follow in order for everyone to 'know' and not assume agreement. Are we defining the words in the same way - ask. Have we invited the Lord into the prayer - ask. Praying should never be based on assumptions. Finally, if whatever we agree with in prayer - never assume that if it doesn't manifest immediately that we have prayed amiss. Timing is also a condition in results - and timing is not of our choosing.
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