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.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
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!
Friday, September 26, 2008
texting you can count on
I had a friend introduce me to a new FREE text service, that offers you the ability to text information, news and encouragement to your students, leaders, etc...
It is very simple. For example:
Text DBSM to 41411 and you subscribe to the service.
The requested textees have to apply or subscribe to the service and the standard text fees apply
the admin then sends out a text message for the group and they all receive it.
I am getting use to the system but totally feel this is an awesome tool to use to get the word out and encourage students or remind them to show up with their money on time LOL..
It is very simple. For example:
Text DBSM to 41411 and you subscribe to the service.
The requested textees have to apply or subscribe to the service and the standard text fees apply
the admin then sends out a text message for the group and they all receive it.
I am getting use to the system but totally feel this is an awesome tool to use to get the word out and encourage students or remind them to show up with their money on time LOL..
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Run the race and win. Why settle for a silver?
I have been continually focused on the amazing athletes of the Olympic games.. Yes I support the US women's Beach Volleyball team, the Bolt who has single handedly broke two major records, the platform divers and countless other champions... But I am more focused on the other athletes.
Paul speaks of running the race to win the prize. I see all the athletes training their entire life and about 40 hours a week to fine tune and perfect their certain activity all to make it to the Olympics and possibly lose.
I have watched people win a silver medal, or a bronze and feel upset that they didn't win. One of the sprinters running in the 200 m for the US, last night after his agent said good job you got a silver and he said... but I LOST! I am sitting there thinking you won a silver dude... but then realize he wasn't training or running the race to win a silver. He was running the race to win the prize.. a GOLD.
How often do we train ourselves as children to run the race to win the gold, only to get to the race of our lives and settle for a bronze or silver? Why do we work so hard and settle for second best in our relationships with the opposite sex, with our careers, with our activities, with our academics?
I think we all can learn from the athletes who run the race to win but fall short.. Most of them will continue to practice and learn from the short falls to become more focused and determined to reach their goals.. Never quit the training and remember you do not have to settle for a silver.
Paul speaks of running the race to win the prize. I see all the athletes training their entire life and about 40 hours a week to fine tune and perfect their certain activity all to make it to the Olympics and possibly lose.
I have watched people win a silver medal, or a bronze and feel upset that they didn't win. One of the sprinters running in the 200 m for the US, last night after his agent said good job you got a silver and he said... but I LOST! I am sitting there thinking you won a silver dude... but then realize he wasn't training or running the race to win a silver. He was running the race to win the prize.. a GOLD.
How often do we train ourselves as children to run the race to win the gold, only to get to the race of our lives and settle for a bronze or silver? Why do we work so hard and settle for second best in our relationships with the opposite sex, with our careers, with our activities, with our academics?
I think we all can learn from the athletes who run the race to win but fall short.. Most of them will continue to practice and learn from the short falls to become more focused and determined to reach their goals.. Never quit the training and remember you do not have to settle for a silver.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Run the race to win the prize
We are in the beginning week of the 2008 Olympic games, and personally one of the favorite seasons of the year for me. I enjoy the Olympics, not just watching the athletes compete to win but also the stories behind the athletes.
I am watching as much of the games as I can and even caught most of the opening ceremony, which was insane but a true display of the quality Chinese culture and fire works display.
I then begin to think of Paul encouraging the believers to run the race to win the prize, but the games only offer one gold and national anthem per event. So, how do the compare?
I feel God has given each of us the ability to train for and win the race set before us, much like the athletes who represent their country to work and work and go for gold.
I would be willing to settle for a bronze or even a silver but Paul is pushing us to raise the bar and go for the GOLD...
I encourage you to train for the gold and seek God in your daily training.
I am watching as much of the games as I can and even caught most of the opening ceremony, which was insane but a true display of the quality Chinese culture and fire works display.
I then begin to think of Paul encouraging the believers to run the race to win the prize, but the games only offer one gold and national anthem per event. So, how do the compare?
I feel God has given each of us the ability to train for and win the race set before us, much like the athletes who represent their country to work and work and go for gold.
I would be willing to settle for a bronze or even a silver but Paul is pushing us to raise the bar and go for the GOLD...
I encourage you to train for the gold and seek God in your daily training.
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