We live in a high tech world. A world where messages, pictures and communications can be sent over the net, phone or facebook within 2 seconds. A world where we see more time on the technology and less in face to face conversations. We live in the ever changing world and still seem to have the same amount, if not more interpersonal conflict, especially in junior and senior high school.
I wanted to share some tools we can use to minimize the effects of our technology and face to face conversation-less society.
1. You will experience conflict with others in communication. We see in Genesis where Adam and Eve had conversation conflict along with Cane and Able. So, let's just expect it.
2. You have a part to play in the conflict. You might not think so but you do.
3. You can overcome the conflict cycle many people get caught up in.
Steps to minimize the effects on you and the opportunities to create conflict.
I would encourage you to begin by asking God to see things through His eyes...
1. Do you know what causes you or others to create the conflict?
2. What is happening in the lives of people?
3. If you were them, would you respond or react the same way?
I would encourage you to work through the emotions of conflict.
1. God teaches us not to let the sun go down on you before you deal with it. Simply said... it is important to deal with it as soon as you are emotionally able... more time often creates more conflict to build.
2. Maybe you need to take the high road... someone is hurting and maybe it is your turn to take the first step in (reconciliation) making it right.
3. Waving a magic wand will not remove the conflict.
I would encourage you to do the following things:
1. Ask God to forgive you, for allowing Satan to temp you and acting upon it.
2. Seek to meet with the other party ASAP, to understand their comments, and to help them see your hurt or side.
3. Agree to disagree at best. We deal with situations in different settings some we will never overcome or should but the day to day issues (conflict) we can simply agree that we disagree and move one.
4. Seek to restore the friendship if appropriate
5. Seek to grow from the conflict... so this has happened How is God working in it to make you more complete in Christ.
6. PRAY
I feel the more technological we become the more important it will be to increase our work in dealing with conflict, and preventing its damage. God is still calling us to Christ-likeness regardless of the surroundings, and media we face or experience.
Good Luck
Ultimately it is up to us to make the change.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
A Year with God By R.P. Nettelhorst
I first must say, it is so very important to be spending time in God's Word, the bible and a devotional is a great tool to help us focus on His word and potential actions we can take to draw closer to God and to help others do the same.
A Year with God
By R.P. Nettelhorst
I honestly had hoped this book would not turn out to be like all other devotional books but I was wrong. I did enjoy various parts of the book but for the majority it was just another devotional book to put on the shelf or give as a gift.
The Plus Side:
1. I really liked the various scriptures used through out the book.
2. I enjoyed the lay out of the book itself.
3. I enjoyed the ability to go deeper with the content.
The Minus Side:
1. I do not thing the book cover lends any draw to the book. If this is in the book stand with other devotionals, I would not be drawn instantly to pick it up and buy it.
2. I felt the format was good but it was so much like most devotionals. Again, maybe I had to high of expectations for the book.
3. I really struggled to get into the book, it was a force to pick it up and read it. I did enjoy some points as I read but my demands and needs were so much greater than the desire to pick up this devotional. I have several devotionals that make me want to keep reading and studying it further. This one didn't.
If you are looking for a nice devotional to work through some powerful scripture, to draw you to think about life and various applications, this book might do the trick. But if you come from a long line of devotional use, I think you will be let down and feeling blah.
Good luck reading.
A Year with God
By R.P. Nettelhorst
I honestly had hoped this book would not turn out to be like all other devotional books but I was wrong. I did enjoy various parts of the book but for the majority it was just another devotional book to put on the shelf or give as a gift.
The Plus Side:
1. I really liked the various scriptures used through out the book.
2. I enjoyed the lay out of the book itself.
3. I enjoyed the ability to go deeper with the content.
The Minus Side:
1. I do not thing the book cover lends any draw to the book. If this is in the book stand with other devotionals, I would not be drawn instantly to pick it up and buy it.
2. I felt the format was good but it was so much like most devotionals. Again, maybe I had to high of expectations for the book.
3. I really struggled to get into the book, it was a force to pick it up and read it. I did enjoy some points as I read but my demands and needs were so much greater than the desire to pick up this devotional. I have several devotionals that make me want to keep reading and studying it further. This one didn't.
If you are looking for a nice devotional to work through some powerful scripture, to draw you to think about life and various applications, this book might do the trick. But if you come from a long line of devotional use, I think you will be let down and feeling blah.
Good luck reading.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Comparing isnt ministry success
I was leading a round table for our denominational area youth worker gathering just recently and I discovered something very interesting. So interesting I had to blog about it. The plan was to have several youth workers, and those interested in youth ministry at the local church level have a general discussion over lunch.
I asked each person where they were as a youth group and where they wished they could be. It is a very good open ended question, but as the discussion progressed more and more floated to the surface. The real challenge was how do we compete with the church down the road as we save our whole community for Jesus.
So, why do so many churches fall into the compare game with those around them, or even those churches some where in the US that appear to have it all figured out?
I encouraged them, and encourage you to stop and ask yourself two questions.
1.) What do you do really well?
2.) What makes that thing special?
If we are honest we all fear not having something for every student who walks our halls and sit on our churches. It seems funny but true. We want to be all, for all, doing all so everyone gets all... I can't seem to find scripture that encourages us to do that. In fact, as Paul teaches on spiritual gifts, we are all gifted differently. Why doesn't this roll over to the ministries we oversee and love?
What would our world, community and churches be like if we began to focus on doing the things we do and doing them with excellence?
If you do worship well, Praise God. If you do small groups well, Praise God. If you do outreach well, Praise God. Then maybe we (the church) can get together with other churches and stop competing and begin working together to reach and minister to those in need of a Savior!
I know many churches out there are doing all the right things but for the average church, there are not enough resources, finances, volunteers and time to compete. So, stop competing and start doing what you can to reach people with excellence at what you do well at.
God will bless your efforts if you use the gifts and talents He has given you to reach His people.
Praise God for churches who do the work of Christ, without comparing and coveting the other churches in their communities.
I asked each person where they were as a youth group and where they wished they could be. It is a very good open ended question, but as the discussion progressed more and more floated to the surface. The real challenge was how do we compete with the church down the road as we save our whole community for Jesus.
So, why do so many churches fall into the compare game with those around them, or even those churches some where in the US that appear to have it all figured out?
I encouraged them, and encourage you to stop and ask yourself two questions.
1.) What do you do really well?
2.) What makes that thing special?
If we are honest we all fear not having something for every student who walks our halls and sit on our churches. It seems funny but true. We want to be all, for all, doing all so everyone gets all... I can't seem to find scripture that encourages us to do that. In fact, as Paul teaches on spiritual gifts, we are all gifted differently. Why doesn't this roll over to the ministries we oversee and love?
What would our world, community and churches be like if we began to focus on doing the things we do and doing them with excellence?
If you do worship well, Praise God. If you do small groups well, Praise God. If you do outreach well, Praise God. Then maybe we (the church) can get together with other churches and stop competing and begin working together to reach and minister to those in need of a Savior!
I know many churches out there are doing all the right things but for the average church, there are not enough resources, finances, volunteers and time to compete. So, stop competing and start doing what you can to reach people with excellence at what you do well at.
God will bless your efforts if you use the gifts and talents He has given you to reach His people.
Praise God for churches who do the work of Christ, without comparing and coveting the other churches in their communities.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Transforming church in Rural America
Transforming Church in Rural America by Shannon O'Dell
I think this book was extremely well written.
The Author was called into a new world of leadership, as he transitioned from big church youth worker to a senior pastor in rural America. This would be a difficult adjustment since they are totally different worlds. Shannon had several interesting points for all leaders to consider and implement in their particular area of leadership. Notice, I did not say anything about churches or rural America.
Each chapter and step into the book unveils several interesting leadership tools and steps one could use to grow their organization.
Shannon does a great job of taking the reader outside of his or her thinking box and offers some awesome leadership tools that will stretch their thinking and team.
I would recommend every church leader, secular business leader or striving leader to read this book, and gain some valuable tools to achieve exponential growth.
The reader will be drawn into the story of a youth worker reaching his purpose in ministry and walk a way with a ton of quality tools for personal success.
I am not sure the title really serves the book well since it is truly a complete leadership book no matter where the leader lives.
I think this book was extremely well written.
The Author was called into a new world of leadership, as he transitioned from big church youth worker to a senior pastor in rural America. This would be a difficult adjustment since they are totally different worlds. Shannon had several interesting points for all leaders to consider and implement in their particular area of leadership. Notice, I did not say anything about churches or rural America.
Each chapter and step into the book unveils several interesting leadership tools and steps one could use to grow their organization.
Shannon does a great job of taking the reader outside of his or her thinking box and offers some awesome leadership tools that will stretch their thinking and team.
I would recommend every church leader, secular business leader or striving leader to read this book, and gain some valuable tools to achieve exponential growth.
The reader will be drawn into the story of a youth worker reaching his purpose in ministry and walk a way with a ton of quality tools for personal success.
I am not sure the title really serves the book well since it is truly a complete leadership book no matter where the leader lives.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Living Life in the Zone intro
I finally got the book in the mail today. Living Life in the Zone: A 40-day Spiritual Game Plan for Men by Kyle Rote jr. & Dr. Joe Pettigrew
It begins with a brief intro to the main ideas and topics: Faith, Fatherhood, Marriage, Work, and Friendship
and a key point to me: "When God speaks; he doesn't stutter."
This is going to be a neat book because it gives thought for the day, the coaches corner, the game plan, playmakers, time outs, today's assignment and home field advantage.
I am encouraged that the book is so easy to pick up and read but has great substance for us to consider and apply to our lives.
Stay tuned for more challenges and thoughts from this 40-day experience
Mobile Blogging from here.
It begins with a brief intro to the main ideas and topics: Faith, Fatherhood, Marriage, Work, and Friendship
and a key point to me: "When God speaks; he doesn't stutter."
This is going to be a neat book because it gives thought for the day, the coaches corner, the game plan, playmakers, time outs, today's assignment and home field advantage.
I am encouraged that the book is so easy to pick up and read but has great substance for us to consider and apply to our lives.
Stay tuned for more challenges and thoughts from this 40-day experience
Mobile Blogging from here.
Monday, September 20, 2010
The Test
This weekend I experienced a few tests, some were personal tests and others were tests I watched. I watched several football games: East Central High School played Batesville, Michigan played Umass and the Indianapolis Colts played the NY Giants ( the Manning bowl). I watched a few episodes of Wipe out which tests the participants ability to do the course ad fast as they can to win money, also watched some Minute to Win it.
the greatest test came in Sunday morning in church. we have been discussing the book Christian Athleist and this week we talked about giving something up that might have a hold of our heart in front of God. it is a hard test to pass since we live in a world consumed with self and wants. I am challenged to think through my day and determine what has a greater hd on my heart than God and then work towards releasing it.
I hope to continually pass the test of time and grow to be more Christ like. What about you?
the greatest test came in Sunday morning in church. we have been discussing the book Christian Athleist and this week we talked about giving something up that might have a hold of our heart in front of God. it is a hard test to pass since we live in a world consumed with self and wants. I am challenged to think through my day and determine what has a greater hd on my heart than God and then work towards releasing it.
I hope to continually pass the test of time and grow to be more Christ like. What about you?
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
V - ABC Tuesday Night Showing
I have been enjoying the parallels between the hit show and a personal walk with Christ.
A brief History.. V is a show about these aliens coming to the US. They are presenting themselves as a helpful people but have different intentions. One group of people (aliens and humans) called the 5th Element are trying to stop them.
One of the main character's Erica's (played by Elizabeth Mitchell) son Tyler is being drawn into the V by another Alien.
As this unfolds over the past few weeks, I have been thinking about the Christian walk. We are often drawn into the lives of the world by the unknown, or seeing things are more fun, exciting or even new.
I will continue to blog about the V's in the upcoming weeks and would challenge you to think about what draws your attention and how does it effect your journey
A brief History.. V is a show about these aliens coming to the US. They are presenting themselves as a helpful people but have different intentions. One group of people (aliens and humans) called the 5th Element are trying to stop them.
One of the main character's Erica's (played by Elizabeth Mitchell) son Tyler is being drawn into the V by another Alien.
As this unfolds over the past few weeks, I have been thinking about the Christian walk. We are often drawn into the lives of the world by the unknown, or seeing things are more fun, exciting or even new.
I will continue to blog about the V's in the upcoming weeks and would challenge you to think about what draws your attention and how does it effect your journey
Friday, January 22, 2010
Who will you serve?
I read in Joshua 24 this week. Joshua was speaking to his people about their history. He mentioned all the major life situations that impacted their lives, and often shaped who they were as a people. It was interesting as he mentioned all the big hitters as a set up for the big question: Who will you serve?
I feel Joshua was giving the people a reality check, much like life situations we experience or even little things like getting a warning instead of a ticket for speeding.
I ask you to spend some quiet time this weekend and reflect over the past days, weeks, months or even years and think about how those experiences shaped you. As you begin to reflect and process you will be challenged to choose in the future who will you serve?
I hope you will be able to then serve something bigger than yourself, that you will be able to help someone less fortunate than you, that you will realize there is a world outside of you and they need you to invest in them. In the end I pray you are able to serve the God who created you and all things.
Have a great time of reflection, challenge and action.
I feel Joshua was giving the people a reality check, much like life situations we experience or even little things like getting a warning instead of a ticket for speeding.
I ask you to spend some quiet time this weekend and reflect over the past days, weeks, months or even years and think about how those experiences shaped you. As you begin to reflect and process you will be challenged to choose in the future who will you serve?
I hope you will be able to then serve something bigger than yourself, that you will be able to help someone less fortunate than you, that you will realize there is a world outside of you and they need you to invest in them. In the end I pray you are able to serve the God who created you and all things.
Have a great time of reflection, challenge and action.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Have you ever wrestled to sleep at night?
Have you ever wrestled in your sleep during the night? You know, your sleeping sound and all of a sudden BAM! You wake up and can't fall back to sleep.
Well, Jacob in Genesis 32 had the very same experience. He was sleeping away and BAM he woke up, couldn't fall back to sleep so he went to a different space in the room. Jacob then began to wrestle with a man (Gen. 32 24-25) and it continued until the daybreak. I don't want you to focus on the guy (angel, Jesus or whomever) but focus on the reason Jacob was up.
I strongly feel God wakes us in the night to speak to us only to have us wrestle to get back to sleep tossing and turning. The next time you are woke up in the night maybe you need to follow Jacob's lead and get up! Go into another room, or sit on the floor in your bedroom and ask God what He wants to teach you.
We learn through Jacob's sleepless night that His name was being changed (new identity in God) and an entire nation would be changed as a result of the encounter.
I end with this question: What will you do the next time you are woke up in the middle of the night?
Well, Jacob in Genesis 32 had the very same experience. He was sleeping away and BAM he woke up, couldn't fall back to sleep so he went to a different space in the room. Jacob then began to wrestle with a man (Gen. 32 24-25) and it continued until the daybreak. I don't want you to focus on the guy (angel, Jesus or whomever) but focus on the reason Jacob was up.
I strongly feel God wakes us in the night to speak to us only to have us wrestle to get back to sleep tossing and turning. The next time you are woke up in the night maybe you need to follow Jacob's lead and get up! Go into another room, or sit on the floor in your bedroom and ask God what He wants to teach you.
We learn through Jacob's sleepless night that His name was being changed (new identity in God) and an entire nation would be changed as a result of the encounter.
I end with this question: What will you do the next time you are woke up in the middle of the night?
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Playing your Game!
I am challenged by the devotion from One Year Mini for Leaders today.
The author brings to light the passage in scripture where Nehemiah is building or better stated rebuilding the wall.
He challenges the reader to think about what goals you have laid out ahead of you. What is your game plan?
We all have the opportunity to develop and execute a game plan for our life, family, ministry and/or work place. We all have circumstances in life that can and will distract us from that Game plan.
The challenge is simply this: Are you allowing outside sources or internal forces to distract you and get you off your game plan? If so, call a time out, throw the challenge flag and take a break. Refocus on the game plan and take action.
Get about your Game Plan and Execute it.
Nehemiah 6:8-9
The author brings to light the passage in scripture where Nehemiah is building or better stated rebuilding the wall.
He challenges the reader to think about what goals you have laid out ahead of you. What is your game plan?
We all have the opportunity to develop and execute a game plan for our life, family, ministry and/or work place. We all have circumstances in life that can and will distract us from that Game plan.
The challenge is simply this: Are you allowing outside sources or internal forces to distract you and get you off your game plan? If so, call a time out, throw the challenge flag and take a break. Refocus on the game plan and take action.
Get about your Game Plan and Execute it.
Nehemiah 6:8-9
Thursday, November 5, 2009
DHStudent - Official Mobile Club - Powered by Broadtexter
DHStudent - Official Mobile Club - Powered by Broadtexter
Please join the DHStudent text service.. we will be switching to this service from textsmark. follow link to add yourself
Please join the DHStudent text service.. we will be switching to this service from textsmark. follow link to add yourself
Monday, November 2, 2009
Life story is your tool
I am continually faced with the realization that my life is a story. God has enabled me to make choices, some good and some bad buy none the less it is my story. What about you? What experiences have you experienced that has shaped your entire life to what it is today?
You see, I am challenged to reflect on my history, my experiences and use them to help others navigate to the creator of all. I know it will cause me to relive hurts and pains but also joys and victories.
Please consider your life story and how God is prompting you to share it. Maybe just maybe you can be blessed as you bless someone else. We are all an example of something what is yours saying?
You see, I am challenged to reflect on my history, my experiences and use them to help others navigate to the creator of all. I know it will cause me to relive hurts and pains but also joys and victories.
Please consider your life story and how God is prompting you to share it. Maybe just maybe you can be blessed as you bless someone else. We are all an example of something what is yours saying?
Thursday, October 8, 2009
can't find my keys
Have you ever listed your keys? You put them down in your favorite spot only to search for them all over the place because you can't find them. That was my deal this morning, I went to find my keys this morning in the usual spot, but they weren't there, so I had to look all over the house. Guess where they were?? Yes in my pocket with me all the time.
After calmig down and thinking through the experience I began to realize it is reflective of our walk with God at times. We have a relationship with him and then put him in the usual place till the weekend comes or if we have a life struggle or test at school or maybe an illness. Then we search for Him all over the place looking in the usual place unable to locate him. Then we begin to search all over our lives, we try to find him through friends, drugs, school grades, our jobs and so on. Then we realize he is right there with us all along the journey
My challenge today is: take time to seek God to grow in His ways and to help others find Him in a new way
Keep searching
After calmig down and thinking through the experience I began to realize it is reflective of our walk with God at times. We have a relationship with him and then put him in the usual place till the weekend comes or if we have a life struggle or test at school or maybe an illness. Then we search for Him all over the place looking in the usual place unable to locate him. Then we begin to search all over our lives, we try to find him through friends, drugs, school grades, our jobs and so on. Then we realize he is right there with us all along the journey
My challenge today is: take time to seek God to grow in His ways and to help others find Him in a new way
Keep searching
Sunday, May 24, 2009
The wedding helper
Christ attended a wedding prior to his major ministry was to occur. It was the beginning to His work of caring for others. We (my family and I) had the privilege of helping our cousin and her now husband at their wedding.
I can only imagine what it was like to be in Christ's shoes during the wedding party but we can relate to the need of others. Please seek out someone to help today. You will bless them and feel good.
I can only imagine what it was like to be in Christ's shoes during the wedding party but we can relate to the need of others. Please seek out someone to help today. You will bless them and feel good.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Are You fit?
Just recently I had the privilege of joining 125 other people for a senior high retreat. The retreat ran Friday to Sunday. It was something special since 6 churhes went together and learned about being broken by sin, bought by Christ then living out bold where ever you are.
I often people watch and noticed some of the students and leaders arriving trying to figure out where the fit in, who will accept them, if they need to put up a wall or protective shield. Others arrived excited to be with friends, to see some new people and to escape the world they live in.
This blog isn't about them though. It is about me.
I went through the weekend doing my responsibilities, encouraging the students, helping with set up and the event and making sure our students where doing well.
On Sunday morning, I began to realize the whole time God was allowing me to see things that I was currently going through too. I was trying to figure out where I fit in, how or if I was valued on our leadership team, what impact tools was God was able to use through me.
It was weird to realize we all have a deep desire to be liked, to know we fit in and to make an impact for God.
I want to encourage everyone to know even the youth guy goes through seasons of doubt in life and God will help us navigate the journey towards completeness in Him.
I often people watch and noticed some of the students and leaders arriving trying to figure out where the fit in, who will accept them, if they need to put up a wall or protective shield. Others arrived excited to be with friends, to see some new people and to escape the world they live in.
This blog isn't about them though. It is about me.
I went through the weekend doing my responsibilities, encouraging the students, helping with set up and the event and making sure our students where doing well.
On Sunday morning, I began to realize the whole time God was allowing me to see things that I was currently going through too. I was trying to figure out where I fit in, how or if I was valued on our leadership team, what impact tools was God was able to use through me.
It was weird to realize we all have a deep desire to be liked, to know we fit in and to make an impact for God.
I want to encourage everyone to know even the youth guy goes through seasons of doubt in life and God will help us navigate the journey towards completeness in Him.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
compared communications
I have had a facebook and twitter account for quite sometime and just moved from a broken Black Berry to the iPhone. I confess all this, as a prelude to the point.
With the iPhone or Black Berry phone and it's friendly 3G (high speed Internet access) capability you can access your Myspace, Facebook, Instant Messenger and Twitter accounts from your phone which isn't all bad but definately gives time to stay in touch with others.
I wonder how well we use the technology of today to connnect with God. You can add bible, prayer and daily scripture txts all for a cheap fee or for free.
I just see so many people using devices to let others know what they are doing and don't use the same technology to connect with God.
I encourage you to dig a little deeper and ask a techy friend to help you with adding some spiritual influences on your phone. It can add depth to your time with God.
With the iPhone or Black Berry phone and it's friendly 3G (high speed Internet access) capability you can access your Myspace, Facebook, Instant Messenger and Twitter accounts from your phone which isn't all bad but definately gives time to stay in touch with others.
I wonder how well we use the technology of today to connnect with God. You can add bible, prayer and daily scripture txts all for a cheap fee or for free.
I just see so many people using devices to let others know what they are doing and don't use the same technology to connect with God.
I encourage you to dig a little deeper and ask a techy friend to help you with adding some spiritual influences on your phone. It can add depth to your time with God.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Ash Wednesday and giving up
I have been reflecting on my spiritual journey and how God has shaped me over the past few years. I have had some struggles that were learning experiences for sure.
As many of you may know, this Wednesday is Ash Wednesday, a day the christian church celebrates with a church service that usually ends with ashes from palm branches being placed on your forehead in a blessing.
God has been challenging my depth in commitment lately with what I give up and how I use the time during the next 40days between ash Wednesday and Easter. You see I have given up diet coke, donuts, sweets and other things but it has been for me a shallow attempt to sacrfice in comfort. I am beginning to realize God wants all of our hearts everyday and the fast (sacrfice for lent) should be spent spreading His love or news to others as we sacrifice something This is an easy thing if we do this at church but what if we do it at school with teachers we don't like or in traffic when we are in a hurry to get home but let someone in front of us in traffic? What about sharing love to the people serving your drive-thru meal or giving up your lunch spot for a person you aren't friends with?
I don't need to know what you are doing but pray you can do it for God with your whole heart.
Beware of random acts of friendship and grace.
Mobile Blogging from here.
As many of you may know, this Wednesday is Ash Wednesday, a day the christian church celebrates with a church service that usually ends with ashes from palm branches being placed on your forehead in a blessing.
God has been challenging my depth in commitment lately with what I give up and how I use the time during the next 40days between ash Wednesday and Easter. You see I have given up diet coke, donuts, sweets and other things but it has been for me a shallow attempt to sacrfice in comfort. I am beginning to realize God wants all of our hearts everyday and the fast (sacrfice for lent) should be spent spreading His love or news to others as we sacrifice something This is an easy thing if we do this at church but what if we do it at school with teachers we don't like or in traffic when we are in a hurry to get home but let someone in front of us in traffic? What about sharing love to the people serving your drive-thru meal or giving up your lunch spot for a person you aren't friends with?
I don't need to know what you are doing but pray you can do it for God with your whole heart.
Beware of random acts of friendship and grace.
Mobile Blogging from here.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
The Biggest race in Nascar
I am sitting here in my house watching the Bud Shoot Out. It is the first race of the 2009 NASCAR season. I think it is a cool race but weird since it is a race that determines the number one starting position (the pole) for the Daytona 500.
Two Octobers ago (2007) I had the opportunity to drive by a portion of the Daytona track. Well, we drove near one of the corners and I was excited.
The Daytona is the biggest race for the cup drivers of the year. I haven't figured out why they chose to run the first race of the year as the most important one.
But we can learn alot about our Christian lives from the race.
You see, every team works all winter to get ready to race. They work on everything, the car's design, engine, paint scheme, tires and tire changing. They practice pits, fueling the car, and many more things and it all comes down to a race. We, church attendees sit in our pews or comfy chairs every weekend, worshipping, listening and given the opportunity to grow as a Christ-follower, all to equip us for the big race. Some people race takes place at school, college, work or at home but we all are ready to win.
Then life happens. We have a situation that upsets our team, that distracts us from the race God has in store for us on Monday. Then we have to progress to Tuesday and so on.
I am learning that we need to get fueled on Sunday and look for opportunities from God to witness (WIN the race) to those around us. We so often think we have to reach those people or some far reaching people group who has not heard of Christ, which we do but I am feeling convicted that we should be witnessing, loving and sharing with those who attend school, college, work or live with. Yes, I am confident that God is just asking us to witness to those who we live life with each and everyday.
Much like those teams competing in the Bud shoot out tonight, we are on a mission to win, maybe not win a pole position but to win lives who are lost and God has placed them directly in our paths everyday to witness to.
I am challenged to influence those I see everyday. What about you?
Two Octobers ago (2007) I had the opportunity to drive by a portion of the Daytona track. Well, we drove near one of the corners and I was excited.
The Daytona is the biggest race for the cup drivers of the year. I haven't figured out why they chose to run the first race of the year as the most important one.
But we can learn alot about our Christian lives from the race.
You see, every team works all winter to get ready to race. They work on everything, the car's design, engine, paint scheme, tires and tire changing. They practice pits, fueling the car, and many more things and it all comes down to a race. We, church attendees sit in our pews or comfy chairs every weekend, worshipping, listening and given the opportunity to grow as a Christ-follower, all to equip us for the big race. Some people race takes place at school, college, work or at home but we all are ready to win.
Then life happens. We have a situation that upsets our team, that distracts us from the race God has in store for us on Monday. Then we have to progress to Tuesday and so on.
I am learning that we need to get fueled on Sunday and look for opportunities from God to witness (WIN the race) to those around us. We so often think we have to reach those people or some far reaching people group who has not heard of Christ, which we do but I am feeling convicted that we should be witnessing, loving and sharing with those who attend school, college, work or live with. Yes, I am confident that God is just asking us to witness to those who we live life with each and everyday.
Much like those teams competing in the Bud shoot out tonight, we are on a mission to win, maybe not win a pole position but to win lives who are lost and God has placed them directly in our paths everyday to witness to.
I am challenged to influence those I see everyday. What about you?
Friday, February 6, 2009
The Lenten Challenge
I have struggled for years on the concept of Lent. I remember being a young child wondering why all the adults were talking about giving up something for Lent. Of course I was thinking just pick the lent out of your belly and throw it a way.
The concept of Lent has been around for centuries. The idea of giving up something for a period of time, sort of a fast if you will.
I have experienced people giving up donuts and chocolate so they might fit into the bathing suit for spring break and others have given up something special like TV, which would be a true sacrifice in my opinion.
I have been since challenged to meditate on what Lent is ment to be for me.
I have come to the conclusion that this season is to be focussed on Christ. If I would give up something that I desire and consume alot of, then take that time to focus energies and attention to my relationship with Christ.
I have asked several friends across the country of their ideas of Lent.
Some unique and possibly successful things are:
1. Say and or do something nice for someone each day.
2. Secretly, do some random acts of kindness to strangers.
3. Keep a jounral of your experiences.
4. Give up the internet... ouch
5. Give your allowance or spending money to your church.
6. Try to spend the time you would be watching TV to read a good book or listen to worship music.
I am sure other ideas could be added to this list. The challenge I throw out is to focus attention this season doing something that would be a new sacrifice to you that would bless someone too.
Whatever you do in the Lent season, do it in reverence to Christ.
The concept of Lent has been around for centuries. The idea of giving up something for a period of time, sort of a fast if you will.
I have experienced people giving up donuts and chocolate so they might fit into the bathing suit for spring break and others have given up something special like TV, which would be a true sacrifice in my opinion.
I have been since challenged to meditate on what Lent is ment to be for me.
I have come to the conclusion that this season is to be focussed on Christ. If I would give up something that I desire and consume alot of, then take that time to focus energies and attention to my relationship with Christ.
I have asked several friends across the country of their ideas of Lent.
Some unique and possibly successful things are:
1. Say and or do something nice for someone each day.
2. Secretly, do some random acts of kindness to strangers.
3. Keep a jounral of your experiences.
4. Give up the internet... ouch
5. Give your allowance or spending money to your church.
6. Try to spend the time you would be watching TV to read a good book or listen to worship music.
I am sure other ideas could be added to this list. The challenge I throw out is to focus attention this season doing something that would be a new sacrifice to you that would bless someone too.
Whatever you do in the Lent season, do it in reverence to Christ.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Love Kristen..... the book
Love Kristen... Have you heard of it? Do you know who she was/is?
I am sure most people do not know who Krsiten was but I am sure we all know a person like Kristen. Allow me to explain.
Kristen Forbes, to me was a fine young lady, who struggled at times with life, guilt, love, hate, relationships, friendships, those lost to sin, those lost to self, those who really had no drive or clue to life.
Kristen had a twinkle in her bright blue eyes everytime we talked on the couch at her parents house, never losing our place in conversation (no matter how long the gap between conversations lasted). She had a raw desire to love others, and God. She was a special person in my life and I will always cherish my special princess time.
She was called a Princess by her parents, friends and even herself. She loved the beach, palm trees, being on the sailboat and listening to Jimmy Buffett or Dave Mathews Band. She was a hard worker no matter if she was dipping Custard, making pizzas or playing the Wii.
Kristen had life by the tail and had graduated from IUPUI, with a degree in business management while working at Walgreens as she wore one of those fancy smock things.. Then one day she wasn't feeling to well. She went to the doctor and after a series of tests, was diagnosed with Cervical Cancer! Yes, the very cervical cancer that eventually took her life.
The book gives the reader a snap shot into her heart and love for people, God and the fighter she was. I do beleive she could have been a UFC super star based on her battle.
Kristen's story is a book that her dad wrote, to help him process the emotions of losing his princess and to help others hear about cervical cancer prevention. Cancer is no fun! I would encourage you to pick up a copy of the book, read it and share in the life of Krsiten.
You may know someone who is battling cancer. This book will help you in the journey.
You may be a person looking for answers to life. This book will help you discover some.
Kristen's story will be published within the next few weeks. Amazon will be selling her book.
I miss Kristen alot and know she is with Christ, and that she is still working through those she touched and through her story.
I spoke to her dad, the author but he would say facilitator of the book and it is getting closer to release. He is a loving dad who would do anything to help other dads not experience the pain and grief he has experienced.
Go get the book and share it!
I am sure most people do not know who Krsiten was but I am sure we all know a person like Kristen. Allow me to explain.
Kristen Forbes, to me was a fine young lady, who struggled at times with life, guilt, love, hate, relationships, friendships, those lost to sin, those lost to self, those who really had no drive or clue to life.
Kristen had a twinkle in her bright blue eyes everytime we talked on the couch at her parents house, never losing our place in conversation (no matter how long the gap between conversations lasted). She had a raw desire to love others, and God. She was a special person in my life and I will always cherish my special princess time.
She was called a Princess by her parents, friends and even herself. She loved the beach, palm trees, being on the sailboat and listening to Jimmy Buffett or Dave Mathews Band. She was a hard worker no matter if she was dipping Custard, making pizzas or playing the Wii.
Kristen had life by the tail and had graduated from IUPUI, with a degree in business management while working at Walgreens as she wore one of those fancy smock things.. Then one day she wasn't feeling to well. She went to the doctor and after a series of tests, was diagnosed with Cervical Cancer! Yes, the very cervical cancer that eventually took her life.
The book gives the reader a snap shot into her heart and love for people, God and the fighter she was. I do beleive she could have been a UFC super star based on her battle.
Kristen's story is a book that her dad wrote, to help him process the emotions of losing his princess and to help others hear about cervical cancer prevention. Cancer is no fun! I would encourage you to pick up a copy of the book, read it and share in the life of Krsiten.
You may know someone who is battling cancer. This book will help you in the journey.
You may be a person looking for answers to life. This book will help you discover some.
Kristen's story will be published within the next few weeks. Amazon will be selling her book.
I miss Kristen alot and know she is with Christ, and that she is still working through those she touched and through her story.
I spoke to her dad, the author but he would say facilitator of the book and it is getting closer to release. He is a loving dad who would do anything to help other dads not experience the pain and grief he has experienced.
Go get the book and share it!
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